Chinese FM calls for China-Africa cooperation on global governance reform

Xinhua) 09:01, January 11, 2025

ABUJA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with African countries to advance the reform of the global governance system, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an interview with Chinese media following his visits to Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria.

Highlighting the collective rise of the Global South amid a changing international landscape, Wang said that China and Africa are the main driving forces for the development and revitalization of the Global South, and share the commitment to building a fair and equitable global governance system.

Looking back at the past, China and Africa should take the lead in correcting historical injustices, he said.

The suffering experienced by African nations throughout history stems not only from colonialism but also from hegemonism and power politics, which are the greatest historical injustices Africa has encountered, Wang noted.

As a good friend and partner of Africa, China will unwaveringly support African countries in redressing the historical injustices done to them, firmly oppose any external interference in Africa's internal affairs, and advocate for special arrangements to address Africa's concerns in the reform of the United Nations Security Council, Wang said.

Looking at the present, China and Africa should facilitate the rise of the Global South in a pragmatic manner, Wang said.

As the largest developing country in the world, China has always been committed to promoting the unity and revitalization of the Global South, he added.

During the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed that China and Africa should jointly advance modernization characterized by six features, which align with the fundamental needs of developing countries, Wang said.

Africa, too, has the right to realize modernization, and without Africa's modernization, global modernization cannot be achieved, he noted.

China is willing to take the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes as an opportunity alongside African partners to support each other's modernization drives, thereby leading the direction of global modernization, he said.

Looking to the future, China is willing to work with Africa to jointly practice the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits in global governance, steadily promote the high-quality development of Belt and Road cooperation, and implement three major global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, Wang said.

China is ready to join hands with African countries to continually enhance the representation and voice of African nations in global trade and financial governance systems, and to achieve new progress in China-Africa cooperation in global digital and ecological governance, in order to contribute to advancing the reform of the global governance system, Wang said.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
China sees 25.7-pct drop in criminal cases in 2024

Xinhua) 10:48, January 11, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China witnessed a 25.7-percent decline in criminal cases in 2024 compared to the previous year, the Ministry of Public Security said on Friday.

Cases of public security remained largely unchanged, and the overall public safety situation remained stable, the ministry told a press conference.

"China is one of the countries with the lowest homicide rate, the fewest gun and explosive-related cases and the lowest rate of criminal crimes," said spokesperson Li Guozhong.

Li said that national public security organs had made consistent efforts in maintaining social stability and safeguarding people's safety and wellbeing.

As Friday marks China's fifth national police day, another spokesperson Zhang Ming sent specific greetings to police officers in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, who are supporting disaster relief efforts after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the plateau region on Tuesday.

Following the earthquake, more than 460 police officers from the city of Xigaze, the epicenter of Dingri County and surrounding areas rushed to the scene to carry out rescue operations, emergency response and security patrols and control.

Padma Wangdu, a police officer at Xigaze public security bureau, is working on the frontline. He told Xinhua that the communications and traffic in Dingri are currently smooth, and the insufficiency of some relief goods has been settled.

DEFEND PUBLIC SECURITY

Li told a press conference that new progress has been made in addressing various crimes. In 2024, a total of 11,700 criminal cases of various types were solved. Additionally, 22,000 cases related to firearms and explosives were cracked, resulting in a 37.5 percent year-on-year decline.

Public security authorities solved over 17,000 cases related to food and drug safety crimes across the country, according to the ministry, adding that police solved more than 78,000 economic crimes, recovering 30.67 billion yuan (about 4.27 billion U.S. dollars) in financial losses.

Additionally, 38,000 drug-related cases were cracked by Chinese police, with 24.4 tonnes of various drugs seized, the ministry added.

Road traffic safety across the country was stable, with no major traffic accidents reported for 63 consecutive months, the ministry added.

On the frontlines of fighting crime and safeguarding public safety, 208 police officers lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024, according to the ministry.

It noted that 174 auxiliary police officers died at their posts during the year.

In addition, 4,743 police officers and 3,710 auxiliary police officers suffered injuries while performing their duties.

COMBAT TELECOM, INTERNET FRAUD

Telecommunication and internet fraud crimes posed a significant threat to people's property and safety in recent years. Facing challenges such as the emergence of new forms of crime, Chinese police have intensified counter-fraud efforts.

Over the past five years, nearly 1.95 million telecom and network fraud cases were uncovered. Notably, since a special campaign was launched in July 2023 to combat telecom and internet fraud originating from northern Myanmar, more than 49,000 suspects had been handed over to China.

"The upturn in the number of telecom and network fraud crimes has been effectively curbed," said Li.

In this process, modern technologies have been leveraged to strengthen warning systems. Since 2021, public security organs have worked with related departments and successfully intercepted nearly 7 billion fraud calls and 6.84 billion messages, with the delivery of 1.1 trillion yuan of funds blocked.

Chinese police have also enhanced international law enforcement cooperation in this field, dispatching multiple work teams to Southeast Asian countries, leading to the dismantling of 37 fraud syndicates abroad.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
Caracas, Jan. 11 (UNI) Nicolas Maduro on Friday was sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term.

Taking the oath before National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and on the Constitution, Maduro pledged to ensure "peace, prosperity, equality and the new democracy" in Venezuela.

"I swear it on history, I swear it on my life, and I will fulfill it," said Maduro, who then received the presidential sash and the Order of the Liberators, symbols of presidential authority in Venezuela.

In his post-oath speech, Maduro called for a broad dialogue process in the country "to advance together toward a major constitutional reform that will further democratize Venezuela."

The reform, he said, aims to update "the principles of the Constitution based on the new economy and society," and "to defend the country from new technological threats."

"Today, I will sign the decree to create a broad national commission for drafting the constitutional reform project, aiming for a process of democratization and defining Venezuela's new society and economy," Maduro said.

On July 28, 2024, Maduro won the presidential election with 51.95 percent of vote, according to figures from the National Electoral Council.

UNI XINHUA GNK
A driver who copped a $556 fine for allegedly holding his phone while he was driving says a traffic camera proves he wasn't breaking the law.

Ben Digance was driving along the Southern Expressway, in Adelaide's south, on December 9 when a phone detection camera noticed his left hand resting on his lap.

The image snapped by the camera, which was attached with the $556 fine issued by SA Police, showed what what police claimed was his hand gripping his phone.

But Mr Digance said he remembers the day well and he wasn't using his phone - and the image proves it.

'One hand is on the wheel, the other's on the leg. There's no visible phone at all ... either on me, or in-hand,' he told 7 News.

Mr Digance said he keeps his phone in the storage compartment between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat.

He has now been forced to contest the fine in court and will need to take time off work to fight the infringement notice.

'It's a lot of money and I could understand if it was feasible, but when there is no phone visible, how can you fine someone?' Mr Digance said.

The image from the camera, which was attached with the $556 fine issued by SA Police, showed what police claimed was his hand gripping a phone

'There needs to be more scrutiny, and checking to be more certain ... (police need) to be more thorough on the checking of the photos and the fines.'

Mr Digance said he asked authorities to review the footage, but they told him there was nothing they could do.

It comes as dozens of drivers have complained of similar issues.

Barrister at Adelaide law firm Stanley Hill Elkins, Karen Hill, said she has reviewed cases from several clients, who claim they were issued fines when they weren't using their phones.

'One example is of a gentleman who ... was wearing a hi-vis shirt with a very visible fluorescent strip down the front near where the seatbelt crosses over him,' Ms Hill said.

'Someone like him would clearly have a case.'

Motorists in South Australia who are caught using their phones while driving face a $556 fine, a separate $102 victims of crime levy penalty, and three demerit points.

More than 28,000 drivers were caught out by the state's new phone detection cameras between October and December last year.

Mr Digance said he remembers the day well and he wasn't using his phone - and the image captured by the traffic camera proves it

The new cameras were installed at five locations including the Southern Expressway in Darlington, South Road in Torrensville, North South Motorway in Regency Park, Port Road in Hindmarsh and Port Wakefield Road in Gepps Cross.

Hundreds of drivers have been fined for the offence more than once, including one man who was handed a staggering $27,000 worth of fines.

Figures by SA Police have revealed distraction claimed the lives of 30 people and caused 75 serious injuries across the state's roads in 2024.

South Australia Police said the five locations where the mobile phone detection cameras have been set up have have warning sign installed.

'Two additional camera locations are currently being considered and expected to be installed in early 2025,' they said.
King Charles is set to meet Pope Francis for the first time as monarch when he travels to Italy with Queen Camilla for the Royal's first major tour of the year.

The historic meeting will see Charles hold a private audience with the Pope during the Rome leg of their Spring trip.

With Italy marking its jubilee year, the visit of King Charles will signify a major sign of intent on the monarch's behalf.

Millions of visitors are set to descend on the Italian capital's ancient streets to celebrate the jubilee events which only take place every quarter of a century.

Charles will be the first monarch in a decade to meet with the leader of the Catholic Church.

It is thought that the King has been keen to meet Pope Francis in recent times, with the Pontiff now 88-years-old and having suffered from ill health and mobility problems over the last number of years.

According to the Mirror, Charles is also set to visit various Vatican landmarks such as the Sistine Chapel.

The small 15th century church is known the world over for its frescoe-covered ceilings, the work of famed Renaissance painter Michelangelo.

King Charles is set to meet Pope Francis for the first time as monarch when he travels to Italy with Queen Camilla for the Royal's first major tour of the year

Charles and Pope Francis have met on two other other occasions, most recently in 2019 when the then Prince of Wales visited the Vatican and on another trip to Rome in 2017

Charles and Pope Francis have met on two other other occasions, most recently in 2019 when the then Prince of Wales visited the Vatican.

That trip was to attend the canonisation of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the first English person to be named a saint in decades.

Their other previous encounter came back in 2017 when Charles and Camilla visited Rome.

The King has of course also met with previous Popes such as John Paul II in 1985 and Benedict XVI in 2009.

In a remarkable twist, Charles and Camilla also postponed their wedding in 2005 so they could travel to the funeral of John Paul II.

The gesture and effort made by the Royal family was not lost on those within the Vatican, with the papacy remarking on the closeness between faiths that it demonstrated.

Queen Elizabeth II was the last monarch to meet with Pope Francis back in 2014 when she had a personal audience with him in Rome.

However, due to his own poor health, the Pontiff was unable to travel to London for the Queen's funeral in 2022.

Charles met Pope John Paul II in 1985 with Princess Diana at the Vatican

Charles and Camilla met with Pope Benedict XVI during a 2009 trip to Rome

Charles, who is continuing treatment for cancer, remains set on returning to a full Royal schedule, both domestically and internationally.

Having been diagnosed in February last year, Charles has so far managed to fulfil his duties despite requiring weekly treatment in London.

In one of his first official acts of the New Year, the King will host three organisations dedicated to educating future generations on the horrors of the Holocaust on Monday.

He is also set to travel to Poland for the 80th commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp later this month.
The Monster of Avignon's daughter has spoken out for the first time since the conviction of her father in France's biggest-ever rape trial, issuing a damning verdict.

Caroline Darian remained a pillar by her mother's side during the grotesque trial of Dominique Pelicot, 71, where he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping and organising the mass rape of his wife, Gisele.

While his 50 co-defendants also receiving guilty verdicts, with sentences ranging from three to 15 years some suspended, for their part in France's most notorious sex crimes trial.

However, although never admitted in court, the 46-year-old communication manager from Paris believes she too was subjected to sordid abuse by her father.

The majority of the horrific photos and videos found meticulously catalogued on Pelicot's hard drives depicted various strangers abusing an unconscious Gisele.

But some showed Caroline, also sleeping, in various states of undress.

Speaking about the trial for the first time to the Guardian she described her horrors, saying: 'I felt anger. They're cowards [the men convicted of rape].'

Shockingly adding that: 'I was looked at like a sex object during this trial by many of them.'

Gisele Pelicot (C), and her daughter Caroline Darian (L) speak with the media after leaving the criminal court in Avignon

Gisele Pelicot (2-R), her daughter Caroline Darian (R) and her lawyers Stephane Babonneau (2-L) and Antoine Camus (L) walk towards the criminal court today

The Pelicots remarried in 2007. They had initially split to prevent Gisele being liable for debts her husband had run up

On Dominque's computer equipment which was confiscated after his arrest, French authorities found a folder labelled 'my naked daughter'.

Within this secret file there were two images of Caroline, then aged in her 30s, sleeping in beige underwear.

When showed this by the police, Darian claimed that she did not sleep in this position, that she has never seen that specific pair of underwear before and that she would never have gone to bed dressed like that.

Following on from this revelation she told the court that she was convinced that she too had probably been raped and abused by Dominique.

Though there was no direct evidence that married mother-of-one was sexually abused, she strongly believes she was drugged by her father and says she will never know for sure if she was also raped leaving her locked in 'doubt and silence' unable to ever know the truth.

'I consider myself to be the forgotten victim of this trial,' Caroline told the court.

'Gisele was certainly raped. She was chemically subdued, of course. The only difference between Gisele and me is that for her, there is proof. For me, it's an absolute tragedy.'

During the trial, Dominque continued to deny ever drugging or abusing his daughter and when in his final statement the 71-year-old said: 'I would like to look my daughter straight in the eye and tell her that I did nothing [to her].'

She jumped up and shouted in an angry outburst: 'I'll never see you again! You'll die alone like a dog!'

Caroline briefly checked into a psychiatric facility as her mental health spiralled amid the fallout of her father's arrest.

She has also since launched a pressure group called 'Don't Send Me To Sleep,' to raise awareness about 'chemical submission.'

The son of Gisele Pelicot, Florian (L) and her daughter Caroline Peyronnet (R) leave the criminal court in Avignon, France, 05 September 2024

Dominique Pelicot pictured on holiday to the Isle of Re in 2018 with his wife Gisele - two years before he was arrested for drugging her and arranging for men to rape her

Caroline, 45, told the Avignon court on Friday how she believed her father had drugged her too, after police showed her photos of her lying unconscious on a bed in her mother's underwear

'You can't imagine the sadness and the loneliness,' she recounted.

'I've got a part of his DNA. And it's difficult to be the daughter of the biggest sexual criminal for the past 10, 20, even 30 years, and at the same time be the daughter of an icon like my mum  I don't know if it's better to be the daughter of Gisele or worse to be the daughter of Dominique Pelicot. I'll have to live with that.'

Despite this she told the Guardian: 'I'm really proud of my mum. She has opened the door. She has led the way for other victims of sexual violence.

She's told them they're not alone any more. That is strength. So to me she's a hero  And she did it brilliantly.'

In a powerful 90-minute-long testimony before the court in Avignon, Gisele also opened up on how the discovery drove her to the brink of suicide and left her daughter in a psychiatric ward.

'We had everything, we had a great life. I don't understand how this could have happened.

'I only wanted one thing and that was to disappear. I told myself: 'I am going to get in my car with my dog and end it all'.

'I had to tell my children that their father was in custody. I called my son-in-law and told my daughter and told them: 'He raped me'. Then I heard my daughter screaming a deep cry that I cannot get out of my head.

'When I told my sons about this, I don't think they really understood. They withdrew.

'[That] evening, the children rang all the time saying 'don't disappear'... they were worried I might die.'

Caroline Darian and David, the children of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, arrive to attend the verdict

In a powerful 90-minute-long testimony before the court in Avignon, Gisele also opened up on how the discovery drove her to the brink of suicide and left her daughter in a psychiatric ward

Caroline herself recounted to the judge the moment she heard, from her own mother, exactly what kind of monster her father was.

'Then my mother called me to say that there was a problem with my father. I imagine that he is in intensive care, that he is dying,' she said.

'But she tells me that my father has been drugging her for years so that strangers can rape her in her own bed.

'She says she has seen photos of what happened to her and that the police want to show her videos of what happened.

'I totally lost my foundations. Fortunately my husband [Pierre] was there and my six year old son too. We took him away so that he did not hear his mother's screams.'

Detectives listed a total of 92 rapes committed by 72 men, 51 of whom have been identified.

Of the 83 men involved in the campaign of abuse, 51 aged between 26 and 73 were identified and arrested by the police.

Many denied raping Gisele Pelicot, saying they were manipulated by her then-husband or claiming they believed she was consenting.
Carrie Johnson has revealed that she spent a week in hospital after suffering from flu and pneumonia, as England's emergency services battle with their 'busiest winter ever'.

Sharing a snap of her in a hospital bed, the wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that she spent the first few days of 2025 at John Radcliffe hospital in Oxfordshire after enduring a 'nasty' chest infection for nearly 18 days.

'It just got out and I was struggling to breathe properly', she wrote in an Instagram caption.

'Hospital confirmed I had flu and pneumonia. I was there nearly a week and Im still not recovered. It could take another few weeks until I feel like myself again.'

Carrie went on to praise the team of staff who helped her through her recovery, calling NHS doctors and nurses 'the best people on earth'.

'I say it a lot but they have looked after me and my family when weve needed it most and I will never not be enormously grateful. They are the absolute best of us.'

'I was at the John Radcliffe and I cannot thank them enough. When I was particularly low, one nurse even serenaded me by my bed', she shared.

Carrie also urged people to get the flu jab, saying: 'I really, really wish I had. It totally slipped my mind this year.'

Carrie Johnson has revealed that she spent a week in hospital after suffering from flu and pneumonia

Carrie also shared that her children gave her their toys to keep her company while at hospital

Carrie Johnson pictured with husband Boris. She went on to praise the NHS for treating her

'No guarantee, but I very possibly wouldnt have spent the last 3 weeks horribly, horribly ill had I got it', she added.

The former PM's wife also shared a second snap of a green dinosaur and a heart-shaped princess key ring, which she said belonged to her young children Wilfred and Romy.

'The second picture is Wilfs favourite dinosaur toy Greenie and Romys princess key ring which they gave me to take to hospital with me and lived by my bedside. Health and family are everything'.

It comes amid warnings that England's emergency services are battling their 'busiest winter ever' as flu cases continue to soar.

More than 2.3million patients visited A&E in December while ambulance teams tackled over 800,000 incidents  the highest number ever recorded in a single month.

Separate surveillance data that monitors England's flu outbreak also suggests hospital admissions are up a fifth in a week and nearly five times the level recorded in early December.

The crisis has already led to a dozen hospitals declaring critical incidents meaning they are struggling to provide safe care to patients.

Experts also fear the UK's 'dangerous' cold spell will continue to pile pressure on already stretched hospitals.

Back in 2022, Carrie shared this adorable picture of Wilfred and Romi putting out a mince pie and a carrot for santa on Christmas Eve

Wilfred pictured in 2022 wearing a jumper with his name on it as he peers through a window

Romy pictured surrounded by a pile of presents as she celebrated her first birthday on December 9, 2022

Just this week the UK Health Security Agency extended its 'amber' cold-health alert, until 12pm Sunday January 12.

England's top doctor has also warned that NHS staff were under 'intense pressure' and faced a situation 'similar to the days at the height of the pandemic'.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, said: 'It is clear that hospitals are under exceptional pressure at the start of this new year, with mammoth demand stemming from this ongoing cold weather snap and respiratory viruses like flu.

'All on the back of 2024 being the busiest year on record for A&E and ambulance teams.

'I never fail to be impressed by the remarkable job that NHS staff across a range of services in the face of current challenges, remaining compassionate, professional and doing everything they can to see patients as quickly as possible while often working in hospitals that are full to bursting.

'It is hard to quantify just through the data how tough it is for frontline staff at the moment  with some staff working in A&E saying that their days at work feel like some of the days we had during the height of the pandemic.

'As the incredibly busy winter continues and hospitals clearly experience intense pressure, please do continue to only use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies.'

NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, warned that NHS staff were under 'intense pressure' and faced with a situation 'similar to the days at the height of the pandemic'

Your browser does not support iframes.

According to the latest NHS weekly figures there were an average of 5,408 flu patients in hospital in England every day last week.

By comparison, the figure stood at 1,548 over the same period last year. It is slightly lower, however, than this point two years ago.

More than 620 hospital beds in England were also filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms.

This is up almost a fifth on the 528 in the previous week and almost 50 per cent on the same point last year (424).

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.

At least a dozen have also now declared 'critical incidents'.

Multiple NHS hospitals have now declared 'critical incidents'. Pictured, ambulances wait outside the emergency department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital on January 4

Your browser does not support iframes.

Critical incident is an NHS term that's used by hospitals when they can no longer guarantee that patient care can be delivered safely.

Such incidents are typically declared in response to overwhelming demand or infrastructure failure.

The NHS data also showed more than 4 in 10 patients arriving by ambulance to hospitals in England last week waited at least half an hour to be handed over to A&E teams  the highest figure so far this winter.

More than a fifth of handovers  19,554 patients  were delayed by more than an hour, again the highest figure so far this winter and almost double the same point last year.
An Ohio GOP congressman has been widely criticized after saying Californians shouldn't get disaster relief until state policies are changed.

Representative Warren Davidson told Fox Business that the fire-torn state shouldn't receive disaster funds until state policies are changed to prevent wildfires from devastating the Golden State.

'No doubt, we need to address fires, but the problem with California is forestry management,' Davidson, 54, said.

'All these things that they're doing are making it far easier for fires to grow and spread and be huge... If they want the money then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies,' the lawmaker added, despite more than 180,000 residents being displaced and homes razed to the ground.

'California wants the money without changing the policies that are making the problem badder [sic] or worse. And I don't see how Republicans can possibly support that.'

Davidson, who has been a representative for the Buckeye State since 2016, said GOP leaders 'support the people that are plagued by disaster' but cannot support California leadership not working to protect from preventative devastation.

The congressman doubled down on his opinion on X, saying policy changes in the Democrat state was a 'reasonable' request.

He suggested leaders 'manage water, so you have water for people and firefighters,' 'manage forest, so dead fuel is removed rather than retrained for future fires,' and to 'let insurance markets function, so homeowners aren't left without fire coverage.'

Representative Warren Davidson told Fox Business that the fire-torn state shouldn't receive disaster funds until state policies are changed to prevent wildfires from devastating the Golden State

'All these things that they're doing are making it far easier for fires to grow and spread and be huge... If they want the money then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies,' Davidson, 54, said

In response, several X users called out the Midwestern politician - who lives in an area that is not prone to disasters - for wanting to deny people in need for political purposes.

'I swear to god next time Ohio has a disaster I will fight tooth and nail to make sure our politicians don't vote to give you a dime. Anti-American POS,' one X user wrote.

Another wrote: 'Republicans are really trying to blame everything except addressing the giant-sized elephant in the room called climate change.'

A third tweeter agreed, writing: 'Reasonable actions would be following the recommendations of climate scientists, not politicians. You know, competent [people] vs power hungry syncophants.'

'How Christian of you. Piece of garbage,' a fourth wrote.

'And the next tornado that hits Ohio? Warren Davidson says: F**k them people!' one user wrote on X.

'It wasnt a forest. How can you be so f**king stupid? Warren Davidson tells the people of California to f**k themselves!!'

Another simply wrote: 'Reasonable is telling you to go f**k yourself.'

Davidson was not met with open arms for his argument, with many calling out the Midwestern politician - who lives in an area that is not prone to natural disasters - for wanting to deny people in need to get back at politicians

'It is complete insanity that people believe we can regulate our way into a perfect utopia. Every action has a reaction,' another wrote.

More than 180,000 people have been displaced from their homes since the fire started in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, according to NBC Los Angeles.

It has scorched more than 21,500 acres in less than a week, according to Cal Fire data.

The disaster has already claimed the lives of at least 11 people and destroyed more than 10,000 structures, including many celebrity mansions.

As of Saturday morning, only eight percent of the Palisades Fire has been contained.

On Thursday night, Los Angeles County was still battling at least six major fires with most barely contained.

The Archer Fire is zero percent contained, Eaton fire is only three percent contained, Kenneth is 50 percent, Hurst is 70 percent , Lidia is 98 percent, according to Cal Fire.

The scale of the devastation has prompted locals to demand answers from officials, amid reports that fire hydrants in some of the worst-hit areas ran dry.

He suggested leaders 'managed water, so you have water for people and firefighters,' 'manage forest, so dead fuel is removed rather than retrained for future futures,' and to 'let insurance markets function, so homeowners aren't left without fire coverage' (pictured: Pacific Palisades)

More than 180,000 people have been displaced from their homes since the fire started in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday. It has scorched more than 21,500 acres in less than a week (pictured: Pacific Palisades)

Los Angeles County has also declared a state of emergency, and the City of Angels was also hit by a fire tornado.

Recently released footage showed the fire tornado forming near the city's San Fernando Valley.

A fire tornado is a rare phenomenon that occurs when a fire and turbulent winds create a spinning column of fire, ash and smoke.

It is likely to occur during a wildfire due to intense heat rising quickly.

Early on into the devastation, firefighters battling the blaze warned they were running out of water and supplies, as evacuation warnings spread to Malibu and Calabasas.

Governor Gavin Newsom has since come under fire for slashing California's funding for wildfire and forest resilience by $101 million less than a year before devastating fires tore through Los Angeles.

The Democrat California governor signed the budget cuts into law in June 2024, severing funding from seven programs focused on preventing and battling potential wildfires in the state, reports Newsweek.

On Thursday night, Los Angeles County was still battling at least six major fires with most barely contained (pictured: Palisades Fire)

The disaster has already claimed the lives of at least 11 people and destroyed more than 10,000 structures, including many celebrity mansions (pictured: Palisades Fire)

Cuts included a $5 million decrease to the CAL FIRE fuel reduction teams, which included funding to pay for vegetation management work by the California National Guard, an analysis by the outlet found.

The total for the program was stripped to $129 million, amid claims that the state failed to clear brush and forestry that may have accelerated the flames.

Newsom's budget cuts also slashed $4 million from a forest legacy program intended to promote management practices for landowners, and $28million from funding for state conservancies aimed at increasing wildfire resistance.

A further $8 million was cut from monitoring and research programs that reportedly largely went to CAL FIRE, and $3million from an interagency forest data hub.

A pilot program intended to make homes more resilient to wildfires through a hardening scheme also had its funding cut by $12 million.

In response to Newsome's leadership amid the disaster, Donald Trump called on the Governor and expected 2028 presidential contender to resign while furious residents screamed at him as he surveyed the damage.
A senior CNN employee referred to a Navy veteran as being 'a s***' in messages uncovered in an ongoing lawsuit.

Fuzz Hogan, the senior director of the network's standards and practices department, had made the remark about Zachary Young, who is now suing them for defamation.

The trial, which started this week, came about after Young appeared in a Jake Tapper segment in November 2021, that he says 'destroyed his reputation'.

Young claims CNN smeared him by implying that he was illegally profiting from helping people flee Afghanistan on the 'black market' during the 2021 military withdrawal from the country.

His lawsuit alleged that the broadcast singled out his work and instead branded him as someone who exploited 'desperate Afghans' with 'exorbitant' fees who were trying to flee their home country as the Taliban took over.

On the fourth day of the trial, his attorneys uncovered internal messages between CNN employees, including Hogan.

In a conversation with Hogan and Elizabeth Wolfe, a reporter at the network, the two criticized the veteran.

Wolfe appeared to complain about Young's business pitch for helping possible Afghan evacuees with legal issues - leading Hogan to join in on the criticism.

Wolfe wrote: 'Wow this dude is promising them legal status or refugee status', to which he replied: 'Yeah, he's a s***'.

US Navy veteran Zachary Young, seen here, is suing CNN in a $1 billion defamation suit after he alleged that the network 'destroyed his reputation'

Fuzz Hogan, who is currently employed as a senior director with CNN's standards and practices department, found himself in the hot seat on the fourth day of trial

Hogan worked as a fact-checker at the time when the story aired, making him the person responsible for clearing the facts within the story itself.

Messages uncovered between Hogan and Tom Lumley, an editor, showed how the pair discussed the digital version of the story penned by correspondent Alex Marquardt.

Lumley seemed to not agree with its authenticity writing: 'That story is not poetry in anyway. I just want to publish something to defuse the drama.'

'I also think it's half a good story. We should have carried on and reported it out more.'

In response to Lumley, Hogan wrote: 'Feels like a good character but he only got 3/4 of the way toward the larger. Every story can be longer.'

After admitting to calling Young a 's***', he was then asked: 'And then you went on to approve a 3/4 true story, didn't you?' To which he agreed.

He went on to add that he had no concern that report by Tapper had aired too soon or that it was too incomplete.

Evidence in the case also included text messages from the network's journalists who described Young as a 's***-bag' and an a**hole' along with a text that said 'we gonna nail this Young mf-', according to the Los Angeles Times.

The lawsuit stems from a broadcast from November of 2021 on The Lead with Jake Tapper where the network warned viewers that 'desperate Afghans still trying to escape the country being preyed on by folks demanding that they pay up big time to get out'

In a magnified conversation between Hogan and Elizabeth Wolfe, a reporter at the network, Hogan appeared to call Young 'a sh**'

Another text exchange between Hogan and Tom Lumley, an editor at the network, showed the pair discussing the digital version of the story penned by CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt where they admitted it was a 'half-good story'

During the 2021 broadcast, Marquardt plastered a photo of Young's face on the air and said that his company was asking for $75,000 to transport a vehicle of passengers to Pakistan and a fee of $14,500 per person to end up in the United Arab Emirates

Young said that Tapper using the word 'black market' to describe the work he does has had an 'immediate and devastating impact on my life'

Tapper first teased the 2021 segment at the center of the suit by warning the network's viewers of 'desperate Afghans still trying to escape the country being preyed on by folks demanding that they pay up big time to get out'.

When the broadcast began, Tapper said how Marquardt 'found Afghans trying to get out of the country face a black market full of promises, demands of exorbitant fees and no guarantee of safety or success'.

The segment then switched over to Marquardt himself, who reiterated that Afghans are being exploited and needed to pay an 'often impossible amount' to flee the country.

He proceeded to single out Young by plastering a photo of his face on the screen - saying that his company was asking for $75,000 to transport a vehicle of passengers to Pakistan and a fee of $14,500 per person to end up in the United Arab Emirates.

Marquardt added that Young told CNN in a text message that Afghans attempting to flee are expected to have sponsors pay for them due to evacuation costs being 'highly volatile and based on environmental realities'.

The 2021 story said that Afghans trying to flee are having to negotiate with private operators who are charging an impossible amount of money for help

To Young, the 'black market' label implied some sort of criminality, and he did nothing illegal.

'It's devastating if you're labeled a criminal all over the world,' Young testified on Tuesday.

During his testimony, he went into detail on his extensive training, adding that he was interested in national security of the US and wanted to pursue a career after his time.

He explained that the world is a 'big place' and the government can't do everything to keep America safe, so he believes private contractors are vital.

Young also testified that he couldn't violate 'black market' laws and showed a contract of his employment with DynCorp in 2018.

The contract showed his pay of about $361,000 per year that featured several ethical and legal clauses that if broken, would end in termination without severance.

Young explained the difficulties of evacuating people from Afghanistan - comparing it to a frog jumping carefully from lily pad to lily pad until reaching a taxing border.

'It's a very stressful environment,' he said.

Judge William S. Henry, the 14th Judicial Circuit Court Judge presiding over the trial in Bay County, Florida, has already ruled that Young 'did not act illegally or criminally' and 'did not take money from Afghans'

The 2021 story came after the Biden Administration finalized the decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan

CNN said in court papers that Young's case amounts to 'defamation by implication,' and that he hadn't actually been accused of nefarious acts.

The initial story he complained about didn't even mention Young until three minutes in, CNN lawyer David Axelrod argued on Tuesday.

Five months after the story aired, Young complained about it, and CNN issued an on-air statement that its use of the phrase 'black market' was wrong.

'We did not intend to suggest that Mr. Young participated in a black market. We regret the error. And to Mr. Young, we apologize', the network said.

That didn't prevent a defamation lawsuit, and the presiding judge, William S. Henry, denied CNN's request that it be dismissed.

CNN, in a statement, said that 'when all the facts come to light, we are confident we will have a verdict in our favor.'

Axelrod argued on Tuesday that CNN's reporting was tough, fair and accurate.

He told the jury that they will hear no witnesses who will say they thought less of Young or wouldn't hire him because of the story  in other words, no one to back up his contention that it was so damaging to his business and life.

Judge William S. Henry, the 14th Judicial Circuit Court Judge presiding over the trial in Bay County, Florida, has already ruled that Young 'did not act illegally or criminally' despite what the network initially reported on air.

Judge Henry also declared the court found that Young 'did not take money from Afghans.'
A gang of thieves broke into a California military base and made off with three Humvees and a bundle of equipment which included machine gun mounts.

The Tustin Police Department said that the unknown suspects broke into the Army Reserve Center in the Orange County city on Wednesday.

Officials say that the brazen robbers made off with three Humvees, one of which was armored, 8 machine gun mounts, tripods, medical equipment, 40 pairs of binoculars and 18 bayonets.

The unidentified thieves entered the base's storage warehouse between 8 pm and 11:30 pm.

Detectives later discovered multiple storage lockers with locks removed and missing gear.

'An attempt was made to cut a lock to uniform storage, however was unsuccessful,' a police report said.

Authorities also discovered a fence that appeared to have been cut in order for the defiant thieves to 'gain access' to the military parking lot

Officials say that the brazen robbers made off with three Humvees, one of which was armored Pictured: Images provided by police showing examples of Humvees

The Army has since confirmed to Tustin Police that there is no known additional loss of weapons or ammunition other than what was confirmed missing

The unidentified thieves entered the US Army Reserve Center in Tustin's storage warehouse between 8 pm and 11:30 pm on Wednesday. Pictured: Aerial view of the Army Reserve Center in Tustin, California

'A fence was cut to gain access to a military vehicle parking lot where three Humvees were stole. The suspects left the area at an unknown time,' the report added.

All three of the missing vehicles are adorned with Army admin numbers painted on the hood.

The Army has since confirmed to Tustin Police that there is no known additional loss of weapons or ammunition other than what was confirmed missing.

Fear-riddled onlookers have since taken to social media to share their worries and concerns over the stolen military-grade assets.

'This is quite disturbing,' one reacted to the Tustin Police report on Facebook.

'This is not going to end well,' another chimed in.

Another commented: 'So what's the likely motive? Looting in LA? Another terror attack on the horizon? Is this perhaps the cartel? What's going on?'

'Frightening! The drones, the cyberattacks, the fires? Now this  why does it feel like a slow attack is brewing?!? Chaos,' another wrote.

The criminals stole a treasure trove of machine gun mounts, among other items. Pictured: An Army Sgt. adjusts his machine gun as he stands in the turret of a Humvee vehicle

One of the three pilfered military vehicles was armored, the other two were not. All three of the missing vehicles are adorned with Army admin numbers painted on the hood (pictured)

Authorities also discovered a maimed fence that appeared to have been cut in order for the defiant thieves to 'gain access' to the military parking lot

In recent days parts of The Golden State have been decimated by wildfires that have wrecked havoc across over 37,000 acres.

The disaster has already claimed the lives of at least 11 people and destroyed more than 10,000 structures.

The scale of the devastation has prompted locals to demand answers from officials, amid reports that fire hydrants in some of the worst hit areas ran dry.

LA Mayor Karen Bass has been repeatedly blast for her to stand down over the fires, after she was out of the country when they started.

Since the fire broke out in Pacific Palisades, new fires have started further east in Altadena, which forced major evacuations in nearby Pasadena on Tuesday night.

More fires broke out in the Hollywood hills on Wednesday, threatening heavily populated parts of Hollywood.
A Ukrainian mother taking refuge in Montana is being forced to send her toddler daughter back to the war-ridden country.

Zhanna Kulahina, 26, and her three-year-old, Maria evacuated to Bozeman through the United for Ukraine program in August 2023.

'We lived a happy life, and unfortunately, the war changed everything. Every night when we heard bomb and yes, we tried to be in a bomb shelter or basement, wherever I can find a safe place for Maria,' she told KBZK.

'Maybe we can be a victim of this war.'

Since then, the single mother has been working as a dental technician, volunteering at Bozeman Health and studying to become accredited to practice dentistry in the US while Maria attends preschool.

However, Zhanna's ex-husband who lives in their home country filed a lawsuit against her, claiming that she had kidnapped Maria.

After months of a legal battle, the United States District Court Judge Donald Molloy ruled Maria should return to her father in Ukraine two days before Christmas.

'If she returned to Ukraine, she could die there. It's a really terrible situation because it's my child, it's my baby.

Zhanna Kulahina, 26, and her three-year-old, Maria evacuated to Bozeman through the United for Ukraine program in August 2023

However, Zhanna's ex-husband who lives in their home country filed a lawsuit against her - claiming that she had kidnapped Maria

'If she returned to Ukraine, she could die there. It's a really terrible situation because it's my child, it's my baby,' Zhanna said

'We are in a safe place now; how do we return to Ukraine where so many children and babies die? I can't imagine how it's possible,' Zhanna told KTVH.

According to the court order, Maria will need to return to Ukraine by February 3.

Neighbors have quickly banded together to help the mother and daughter with legal costs and provide emotional support.

A GoFundMe was launched soon after the lawsuit began to provide aid for the pair.

'Zhanna was peacefully rebuilding a life for herself and her daughter until this past August, when she was unexpectedly served with a lawsuit brought by her ex-husband (who continues to reside in Ukraine) which claims that Zhanna abducted their child,' the description reads.

'The ex-husband's case, which was filed in federal district court, suggests that Zhanna illegally removed their daughter from her country of habitual residence and required that she return to Ukraine  regardless of the grave risk of such a move.

'The federal judge in this case was aware that the ex-husband willingly escorted Zhanna and her daughter to the train station in their hometown of Odesa two years ago so that they could flee to neighboring Moldova.

'The judge also knows that, on average, Odesa gets hit with a missile, drone strike, or bomb every sixth day, and he knows that air raid sirens go off no less than once every three days in the other cities.

After months of a legal battle, the United States District Court Judge Donald Molloy ruled Maria should return to her father in Ukraine two days before Christmas

Neighbors have quickly banded together to help the mother and daughter with legal costs and provide emotional support

'A return to an existence that is defined by fear of air raid sirens and explosions would be deeply damaging for both Zhanna and her child. It's unfathomable.

'It is our understanding that the ex-husband has hired an attorney pro bono to represent him. Because the case involves a complicated international human rights dispute in federal court, dozens of expert witnesses, multiple translators and two local lawyers, it will be a financially costly one, to say nothing of the emotional toll it will surely take on Zhanna and her daughter.'

As of now, the crowdfunding page has raised $645 toward its $14,000 goal. About $34,000 has already been raised by friends for the duo.

It remains unclear if Zhanna will try to have the decision appealed.

On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump announced he has pushed back his deadline for ending the Russia-Ukraine war despite having vowed to end the conflict within '24 hours' of becoming president.

The US president-elect now aims to end the war against Ukraine within 100 days of his inauguration, Keith Kellogg, Trump's choice for special Ukraine peace envoy, told Fox News on Wednesday.

'This is a war that needs to end, and I think he can do it in the near term,' Kellogg, 80, added, defining 'near term' as just over 14 weeks out from inauguration.

The comments come after Trump revealed in a press conference that he would not launch peace talks until after he takes office on January 20.

According to the court order, Maria will need to return to Ukraine by February 3

This is despite having repeatedly pledged during his campaign to end the war as soon as he was elected.

'People need to understand, he's not trying to give something to Putin or to the Russians, he's actually trying to save Ukraine and save their sovereignty,' Kellogg said.

'And he's going to make sure that it's equitable and it's fair'.

The US diplomat praised the president-elect for his willingness to meet with Vladimir Putin and said the outgoing president Joe Biden's 'biggest mistake' was his refusal to work with the Russian President.
To lose one anti-tank mine may be regarded as a grave misfortune, but to lose 240 - and then have them turn up near an Ikea warehouse - has been deemed a serious dereliction of duty by a district prosecutor in western Poland.

An army general has reportedly been sacked and four soldiers face prison sentences of up to five years following the blunder, which occurred last summer when a cargo of mines bound for an ammunition depot in the northern village of Mosty was not fully offloaded on arrival.

The mines were transported by rail from Hajnowka, on Poland's eastern border between July 4-7 last year.

According to reports in the Polish media, the dismissal of Major General Artur Kepczynski, head of the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate, was related to the incident.

While the defence ministry did not offer an explanation for Maj Gen Kepczynski's dismissal, it is understood his duties included oversight of the logistics support system.

'I believe that more could have been done, which is why the final decision concerned the head of the inspectorate,' said Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Polish defence minister.

Lukasz Wawrzyniak, a spokesman for the District Prosecutor's Office in Poznan, told Reuters that the soldiers also faced potentially serious consequences after the dangerous cargo was discovered in a rail siding near a furniture store warehouse on July 16.

'The suspects are four soldiers, the case concerns neglect of duty regarding the unloading of a transport of munitions,' said Mr Wawrzyniak. '[They face] up to 5 years of imprisonment.

'None of the suspects have pleaded guilty.'

Major General Artur Kepczynski, head of the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate, was dismissed by the defence ministry on Thursday. The reasons were not given

Reports in the Polish media suggest Maj Gen Kepczynski was deemed responsible for the temporary loss of 240 anti-tank mines which eventually turned up near an Ikea store

The anti-tank mines, similar to the one shown here, were discovered in a secure state, said a spokesman for the District Prosecutor's Office in Poznan

Malgorzata Dobies-Turulska, the chief executive of Ikea Industry Poland, said the army picked up the explosives from one of the wagons that arrived at a warehouse belonging to Ikea Industry Orla.

'The box was collected by the military police on the same day,' she said. 'Cooperation with the military police went very smoothly.'

Mr Wawrzyniak confirmed that the army found the mines in a secure state.

'All the elements were sealed and they were immediately secured by the army,' he said.

Mr Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed in a radio interview that the incident was handled in accordance with the necessary security protocols.

'Civilian supervision played a key role in this matter,' he told the commercial radio station RMF. 'Security procedures, explanatory procedures, corrective actions related to preparation, training, sending appropriate inspections and drawing personnel conclusions.'

Polish media reported that Maj Gen Kepczynski's was prompted by an initial failure to report the incident.

Those responsible for the lost equipment allegedly falsified documents, with the number of mines in the warehouse reported as correct and the truth only coming to light when the lost equipment was found.

The Polish army press office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Actor Mel Gibson has offered a wild conspiracy theory over the 'convenient' circumstances surrounding the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

Gibson questioned in a bizarre moment with Fox News' Laura Ingraham if the ruinous fires were 'commissioned' in order to move people off valuable property.

'I can make all kinds of horrible theories up in my head, conspiracy theories and everything else, but it just seemed a little convenient that there was no water,' Gibson said.

'And that the wind conditions were right and that there are people ready and willing and able to start fires.'

The Mad Max star then questioned if the theorized fire starters were 'commissioned' or 'just acting on their own volition.'

'But they seem pretty well equipped. Some of these people that they're catching,' he added.

'I know they were missing with the water, letting reserves go for one reason or another. They've been doing that a while. California has a lot of problems that sort of baffle the mind as far as why they do things.'

'And then in events like this, you sort of look, well, it is on purpose? Which, it's an insane thing to think. But one begins to ponder whether or not there is a purpose in mind. What could it be? You know, what do they want? The state empty? I don't know.'

Actor Mel Gibson questioned in a bizarre moment with Fox News if the ruinous fires were 'commissioned' in order to move people off valuable property

'I can make all kinds of horrible theories up in my head, conspiracy theories and everything else, but it just seemed a little convenient that there was no water,' Gibson said. 'And that the wind conditions were right and that there are people ready and willing and able to start fires'

Newsom has come under fire for slashing California's funding for wildfire and forest resilience by $101 million less than a year before devastating fires tore through Los Angeles

Ingraham said: 'Well, now there's already talk. And we played a couple of soundbites. Of re-imagining the way rebuilding occurs.

'And obviously there's a great need for high density housing in California and across the country. That's a big push by the climate folks.

'And you're already hearing rumblings of that. In this case, like goodbye single-family homes. Hello high density housing!'

The actor remarked at the 'pretty scary' idea and added that it reminded him of 'old cattle barons clearing people off the land.'

Gibson is not alone in his theories, and many heated disagreements over the handling of the wildfires have cropped up.

President-elect Donald Trump began attacking Govenor Gavin Newsom, referring to him as 'Gavin Newscum', and blaming him for LA's lack of preparedness for the blazes.

'He is the blame for this,' Trump wrote on a Truth Social post. 'Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way.'

CNN fact-checker, Daniel Dale, however, regarded Trump's statements as 'just not true.'

'We heard this from Trump after Hurricane Helene in the fall. It wasn't true then and it's not true now.'

President-elect Donald Trump began attacking Govenor Gavin Newsom, referring to him as 'Gavin Newscum', and blaming him for LA's lack of preparedness for the blazes

The actor said he is 'devastated' that his home has been torn down by the devastating fires

Ingraham said: '...Obviously there's a great need for high density housing in California and across the country. That's a big push by the climate folks. And you're already hearing rumblings of that. In this case, like goodbye single-family homes. Hello high density housing'

Gibson also joined in on Trump's attack on Newsom while appearing on Fox News saying the Governor should 'spend less on hair gel' and remarked he's not a 'big fan of either.'

The actor, who also lost his home to the fires, told Ingraham: 'One always suspect that this might happen.

'One thinks that the resources and the capabilities of the men and women will be on standby, that they'll be able to cope with any situation that comes up, but apparently some people were asleep on the job, mainly our leaders there.'

'But, you know, that's something they have to live with  but that's something that the community has to live with, and it's really sad.'

Gibson recalled returning to 'nothing' after his $14.5 million Malibu mansion burned down while he was filming a podcast with Joe Rogan in Texas.

During filming, Gibson said he knew his neighborhood was on fire and wondered if his home was still standing.

Mel began: 'Obviously, its kind of devastating. Its emotional.'

He added: 'I was doing the Rogan podcast And [I was] kind of ill at ease while we were talking, because I knew my neighborhood was on fire, so I thought, I wonder if my place is still there.

'But when I got home, sure enough, it wasnt there. I went home and I said to myself, well, at least I havent got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore.

Gibson joined in on Trump's attack on Newsom while appearing on Fox News Channel's The Ingraham Angle, who bluntly said the Govenor should 'spend less on hair gel' and remarked he's not a 'big fan of either'

Gibson added: 'I was doing the Rogan podcast And [I was] kind of ill at ease while we were talking, because I knew my neighborhood was on fire, so I thought, I wonder if my place is still there. 'But when I got home, sure enough, it wasnt there'

'I had a lot of personal things there that, you know, I cant get back.'

Gibson's interview with Fox News comes as the fires continue to blaze over Los Angeles.

More than 180,000 people have been displaced from their homes since the fire started in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, according to NBC Los Angeles.

It has scorched more than 38,185 acres in less than a week, according to Cal Fire data.

The disaster has already claimed the lives of at least 11 people and destroyed more than 10,000 structures, including many celebrity mansions.

As of Saturday morning, only eight percent of the Palisades Fire has been contained.

On Thursday night, Los Angeles County was still battling at least six major fires with most barely contained.

The Archer Fire is zero percent contained, Eaton fire is only three percent contained, Kenneth is 50 percent, Hurst is 70 percent, Lidia is 98 percent, according to Cal Fire.

Flames rise from the Sunset Fire in the hills overlooking the Hollywood area of Los Angeles

Homes damaged by the Palisades Fire are seen along the Malibu beach

The scale of the devastation has prompted locals to demand answers from officials, amid reports that fire hydrants in some of the worst-hit areas ran dry.

Newsom has come under fire for slashing California's funding for wildfire and forest resilience by $101 million less than a year before devastating fires tore through Los Angeles.

The Democrat California governor signed the budget cuts into law in June 2024, severing funding from seven programs focused on preventing and battling potential wildfires in the state, reports Newsweek.

Cuts included a $5 million decrease to the CAL FIRE fuel reduction teams, which included funding to pay for vegetation management work by the California National Guard, an analysis by the outlet found.

The total for the program was stripped to $129 million, amid claims that the state failed to clear brush and forestry that may have accelerated the flames.

Newsom's budget cuts also slashed $4 million from a forest legacy program intended to promote management practices for landowners, and $28million from funding for state conservancies aimed at increasing wildfire resistance.

A further $8 million was cut from monitoring and research programs that reportedly largely went to CAL FIRE, and $3million from an interagency forest data hub.

A pilot program intended to make homes more resilient to wildfires through a hardening scheme also had its funding cut by $12 million.

In response to Newsome's leadership amid the disaster, Trump called on the Governor to resign while furious residents screamed at him as he surveyed the damage.
Lara Trump has insisted her father-in-law, President-Elect Donald Trump, is a 'champion of women' and said she wouldn't be where she is today without him.

Lara, 42, is gearing up to stand alongside Trump at his second inauguration later this month, but she's not done working in her role of championing Trump to all Americans, including female voters.

'This is a man who cares about women,' Lara, who is married to Trump's son Eric, reassured the New York Post.

'And I tell you that as a woman who came into this family  from a background where I had no ability to relate to the Trump family  meaning a business family whose name people knew around the world.

'Donald Trump helped me get to where I am today. And hes a constant champion for women with whom he surrounds himself.'

To further her point, she praised on how Trump has plenty of 'great examples of strong women' around him, including his incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, cabinet picks Kristi Noem and Linda McMahon, and Attorney Alina Habba.

'I think thats what people who get to know Donald Trump appreciates [how] he doesnt care what you look like, he doesnt care about your religion, he doesnt care about your gender, he doesnt care who you love,' she told The Post.

'He cares about whether or not you are going to be able to perform a job to your best ability. Its something I appreciate as a woman because I never want someone to give me a job because of my gender.'

Lara Trump insisted her father-in-law and President-Elect Donald Trump is a 'champion of women' and said she wouldn't be where she is today without him

'This is a man who cares about women,' she said. 'Donald Trump helped me get to where I am today. And hes a constant champion for women with whom he surrounds himself'

To further her point, she honed in on how Trump has plenty of 'great examples of strong women' around him, including his incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, cabinet picks Kristi Noem and Linda McMahon, and Attorney Alina Habba

During early voting, plenty of women pulled up to the polls and voted against the then-Republican nominee, causing tensions in the Trump camp.

Since 2016, Trump has widened his lead with men, but has failed to equally gain women voters.

Days before the November election, he had a 22-point lead among male voters over Vice President Kamala Harris.

However, Harris, who lost the popular vote by 2.2 million, had a 14-point lead with women voters ahead of the 2024 race, a DailyMail.com/JL Partners poll showed.

Harris had even attacked Trump on his views on women during a stop in Phoenix, Arizona, on her campaign trail, telling the crowd: 'He simply does not respect the freedom of women or the intelligence of women to know what's in their own best interests and make decisions accordingly. But we [at Harris-Walz] trust women.'

Trump had leaned into the divide, focusing his attention on podcasts with overwhelmingly male audiences, including ones his son Barron suggested.

Despite Harris' lost, Lara believes she will see a woman president in her lifetime, but doesn't want her to be elected simply based on her gender - a problem she believes derailed Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign.

'Hillary Clinton tried to tell everyone that they should vote for her because she was a woman: "Dont you want to see a woman as president?"' she said.

Lara (pictured on New Year's Eve) also believes the first female president will happen in her lifetime and that she'll be a Republican

Elon Musk with X (left) stand alongside President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump (right) during Trump's New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago

'There are a lot of women I can think of right now who I would consider voting for for president. But the second you break it down and use that as the reason people should vote for you, I think you lose a lot of people.'

'I actually believe our first female president will be a Republican,' Lara, who recently rejected going for a seat in the Senate, said.

Lara also spoke about the moment she had to tell her two small children that their grandfather had survived an assassination attempt before they headed off to summer camp.

'So [on a] Sunday night, I had to sit them down and tell them something happened to Grandpa. "Hes OK, but hes got a bandage on his ear,"' the North Carolina native recalled telling them.

'I knew they would see him the next week, at the [Republican National] Convention. But it was really tough to tell a four- and a six-year-old that someone had tried to hurt their grandpa.'

She also revealed the family calls Elon Musk - who Trump appointed co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency - 'First Buddy.'

'Every time I go to Mar-a-Lago, hes there,' Lara, who also lives in Florida, said. 'And its a bit of a joke, but hes in on the joke.

'Hes great. Who wouldnt want one of the brightest minds of our time in the circle of people doing the right thing for this country? It really seems to be that he wants his legacy to be that he was able to achieve the unachievable. And the great news is we get to reap the benefits of that.

Lara (pictured with Eric Trump) also spoke about the moment she had to tell her two small children that their grandfather had survived an assassination attempt before they headed off to summer camp

'So, I love him being First Buddy.'

On a recent trip to Mar-a-Lago, Lara stunned her in-laws and Musk by belting out a hit song on stage at Trump's New Year's Eve bash.

The former RNC co-chair publicly released her version of the popular song 'I Won't Back Down' earlier this year.

Footage from inside the extravagant event shows Musk holding his son X on his shoulders as he intently watches and listens to Lara.
Chilling footage broadcast by Iranian media on Friday showed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander General Hossein Salami inspecting an underground missile facility.

In one clip, General Salami can be seen addressing troops in a speech.

'Every day, the number of systems and missiles is added in the far corners of this land', he says.

'Maybe the enemy thought that our production power has stagnated, but the growth rate of our missile power is up to date'.

In other videos, he can be seen examining what appear to be missiles.

It was not immediately clear when and where the footage was filmed.

General Salami has risen through the ranks of the IRGC since its inception following the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran.

He is known for his menacing speeches and his devotion to Iranian leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei.

Footage broadcast by Iranian media on Friday showed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander General Hossein Salami inspecting an underground missile facility

It was not immediately clear when and where the footage was filmed

General Salami has risen through the ranks of the IRGC since its inception following the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran

The release of the footage comes as Israeli military said scores of Israeli jets completed waves of strikes against missile factories and other sites near Tehran and in western Iran last October.

Iran played down the air attack against its military targets, saying it caused only limited damage.

Also, Israel's military said it had carried out new airstrikes in Yemen against what it said were Houthi rebel targets.

Its statement Friday said fighter jets struck 'on the western coast and inland Yemen,' a day after the Houthis launched three drones at Israel.

The US military bombed Yemen earlier this week.

Houthi-controlled media reported one worker dead and six people wounded at the Ras Isa port.

The Houthis said the strikes occurred while Yemenis were rallying in the capital Sanaa in support of the Palestinians in Gaza.

Tensions in the region have grown rapidly since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Iran-backed Hamas, raising fears of a wider conflict that could drag in global powers and imperil world energy supplies.

The footage comes as Israeli military said scores of Israeli jets completed waves of strikes against missile factories and other sites near Tehran and in western Iran last October

One of the clips broadcast by Iran shows General Salami examining what appear to be missiles

Commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Hossein Salami and commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, visit an underground of the new "missile city" at an undisclosed location in Iran

In recent weeks, Israel and Hamas have appeared to inch closer to an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages.

Gaza's Health Ministry said Thursday that 46,006 Palestinians have been killed and 109,378 wounded in the Israel-Hamas war with no end in sight.

The ministry says women and children were more than half the fatalities but does not say how many of the dead were fighters or civilians.

The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

It blames Hamas for civilian deaths because it says militants operate in residential areas.

Israel's military said it had carried out new airstrikes in Yemen against what it said were Houthi rebel targets

Its statement Friday said fighter jets struck 'on the western coast and inland Yemen,' a day after the Houthis launched three drones at Israel

Israel's air and ground operations have driven hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into sprawling tent camps along the coast with limited access to food and other essentials.

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and abducting around 250.

A third of the 100 hostages still held in Gaza are believed to be dead.
Britain has enough gas, or at least that's what National Gas bosses are saying in the wake of Centrica's alarming supply evaluation earlier this week.

Centrica chief Chris O'Shea had sounded the alarm about gas stocks dipping to 'concerningly low' levels as the UK endured a freezing start to 2025, but National Gas moved yesterday to allay such fears.

The gas provider stated that stocks remain 'healthy', a stark contrast to British Gas owners Centrica who had claimed there was less than a week's worth left in national storage sites.

The picture around the nation's energy supply remains unclear though, and should Centrica's claims reflect reality, then the Government may be left with no alternative other than to turn to the EU.

Whilst the EU offers the Government a safety net in terms of gas supply, turning to Britain's continental neighbours could trigger a sharp rise in energy bills for consumers, a top expert has warned.

Natasha Fielding, head of the European gas pricing agency Argus Media, agreed with the assessment that there is no risk of the UK's gas supply running dry with plenty of alternative providers available, but she did flag the downsides of reaching such a predicament.

Centrica chief Chris O'Shea had sounded the alarm earlier this week about gas stocks dipping to 'concerningly low' levels as the UK endured a freezing start to 2025

EU gas supply offers the UK a safety net but it does not come without its downsides

Speaking to the Financial Times, Ms Fielding said that all of the import options available to the Government would 'require the UK gas price premium to grow even more' and thus see higher prices for wholesalers and consumers.

The EU itself is enduring a period of uncertainty surrounding its own gas supply, after prices rose to their highest point in 15 months last week as Russian gas lines flowing into Europe via Ukraine were turned off.

A five-year transit agreement, signed off on by Kyiv and Moscow prior to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, expired on New Year's Day, ending a decades-old supply route for Europe.

Whilst European dependency on Russian gas has waned slightly in recent years, it still remains somewhat reliant.

Moreover, with just one of four pipelines from Russia into Europe still open, the EU will struggle to meet the massive fall-off in supply from its Eastern neighbour.

And again, whilst reliance on Russian fuel has fallen, the impact of its decreased supply is expected to be sizeable, with further fuel rationing expected on the continent.

So, in short, should the UK be forced to into dipping into teetering EU gas supplies, it will have to pay a pretty premium to do so.

This added cost will then likely be passed on to the nation's energy consumers, who have already tolerated increased energy prices this winter owing to the national grid's rising reliance on renewable energy sources.

Last week, Ukraine turned off the one of the two remaining pipelines running from Russia into Europe

Under Labour Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, the government has been powering ahead with meeting its net-zero targets

Whilst new records of clean power generation were reached in 2024 under Labour's drive to meet net-zero targets, led by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, the nation saw issues such as low wind speed arise over the winter months and increase reliance once more on gas powered plants.

These issues and prices increases have drawn fresh criticism of Labour's clean power plans and heightened concerns that the UK's rising reliance on renewables could expose consumers when wind and solar generation experiences dips in productivity.

Under Labour and Ed Miliband's plans, the UK grid will run on 95 per cent low-carbon power sources by 2030, with a number of gas plants remaining online as backup if and when required.

However, other issues aside from renewable generation productivity, such as the economic viability of maintaining seldom used plants, have sparked much debate amongst experts as to whether or not Labour's plans will benefit Britain, or just make energy consumption all the more expensive.
The search for two missing sisters has been extended to the coast as their worried family claim the pair were both happy days before the disappearance.

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32 from Hungary, were last seen on Market Street at Victoria Bridge at around 2am on Tuesday.

However, neither has been seen since - and a major land, air and water search by emergency teams has yet to locate them.

Today officers were searching in the Boat House area, near Duthie Park, with divers have already searched part of the River Dee.

Concerned relatives have also asked the public not to spread malicious rumours on social media about the pair - who actually part of a set of triplets.

The girls' brother Jozsef posted a statement on social media that read: 'Yes, unfortunately the news is true. Therefore I would ask everyone to respect each other and not to spread any false news.

'What has been published in the press is what we can provide. The Scottish authorities are doing their job.

'Please everyone, the family is not in a position to give you all separate information at this time. Thank you all for being with us at this difficult time.

'Thank you. Huszti Family'

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32 from Hungary , were last seen on Market Street at Victoria Bridge at around 2am on Tuesday

Eliza and Henrietta's sister Edit Huszti - the other triplet - also reportedly spoke to them during a video call on New Year's Eve and they appeared happy and cheerful. The two missing girls pictured above with their mother

The sisters' brother, Jozsef, told BBC News that their mother spoke to the girls on Saturday during a 40-minute chat, in which the pair seemed 'fine'.

Eliza and Henrietta's sister Edit Huszti - the other triplet - also reportedly spoke to them during a video call on New Year's Eve and they appeared happy and cheerful.

The girls, were described as sociable - however, their loved ones said that they did not tend to go out often, preferring to stay at home to watch movies.

Adding that it was very out of character of them to be out in the early hours of the morning.

They were seen crossing the Victoria Bridge to the Torry district of the city, and turning right onto a footpath next to the River Dee - heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club.

Officers are currently carrying out 'extensive inquiries' in and around the area and have urged local businesses to check their CCTV in a bid to help trace the pair.

Today officers were searching in the Boat House area, near Duthie Park, with divers have already searched part of the River Dee

The girls, were described as sociable - however, their loved ones said that they did not tend to go out often, preferring to stay at home to watch movies

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti - described by police as white, of slim build, with long, brown hair - left their home in Aberdeen city centre in the early hours of Tuesday morning

Chief inspector Darren Bruce, of Police Scotland, said: 'Extensive inquiries are ongoing to trace Eliza and Henrietta and searches are being carried out in and around the area where they were last seen.

'Local officers, led by specialist search advisers are being assisted by resources including police dogs and our marine unit.

'The Torry side of Victoria Bridge where they were last seen has many commercial and industrial units.

'Searches are ongoing here and we would urge businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to please review their CCTV footage for early morning on January 7 and contact us if it holds anything that may be relevant to our investigation.

'We also ask anyone with dashcam footage from that time to contact us.'

They moved to Aberdeen together seven years ago and it is understood that Henrietta works at a local Costa shop there.
Few people can honestly say they would give up a kidney for a work colleague.

But when Tas Javaid was left desperately ill last year and needed a new organ to survive, her colleague Lisa OBrien didnt hesitate  giving her the best Christmas present she could have hoped for.

Mother-of-two Mrs Javaid, 55, was in kidney failure after decades spent battling polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which causes multiple cysts to develop within the vital organs.

Her kidneys were only functioning at four per cent and  without a transplant  her chances of survival were extremely poor.

Because the average waiting time for a kidney transplant in the UK is three years, with 6,300 people currently on the waiting list, some people turn to family members who can donate an organ if they are a match, based on their blood and tissue types.

But in Mrs Javaids case, no family members were compatible  so Miss OBrien, a colleague at further education centre The Manchester College, where Mrs Javaid works as head of pastoral care, selflessly stepped forward to help.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Mrs Javaid said: Lisa has been amazing  its a massive commitment from someone who isnt related to me. I cant describe how thankful I am to her for what she has done.

We knew of each other before, but this has strengthened the bond between us. We will be friends for life.

Tas Javaid (right) received a kidney from Lisa O'Brien (left) - her colleague at The Manchester College

Was Javiad in her hospital bed prior to the transplant operation in which she received Miss O'Brien's kidney

Mrs Javiad at the Manchester Royal Infirmary shortly after her successful operation, being tended to by medical staff

Mrs Javaid, 55, who lives with husband Khurram, 50, and their two grown-up sons in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, was diagnosed with PKD in her 30s.

Despite being stable for years on medication, her kidney function plummeted two years ago.

When Miss OBrien realised that her blood type, O+, meant she could donate an organ to anyone  including Mrs Javaid, who is type B+ - she emailed the hospital to see if she could undergo further tests to see if she could be a match.

Of the 3,130 kidney transplants which took place on the NHS last year, around one quarter  830  were live donations which come from donors like Miss OBrien.

It took seven months of tests, but in December 2023, just in time for Christmas, doctors at Manchester Royal Infirmary confirmed the transplant could go ahead.

Miss OBrien, 38, who lives in Manchester with partner Matthew Snowball and their eight-year-old daughter Mabel, sent Mrs Javaid the happy news in a Teams message at work.

Mrs Javaid said: Neither of us expected she would be a perfect match, so we were so shocked. It was amazing.

Miss OBrien added: I didnt hesitate to save Tas. I went into our weekly work meeting every Friday, knowing what she was going through and I wanted to do something to help her.

Mrs Javaid gives the thumbs-up after a grueling seven-hour op which helped to significantly restore her kidney function

The surgery took place in February. Lisa was in theatre for three hours to remove the organ, which was then transplanted into Mrs Javaid in a seven-hour op.

Afterwards, they were so emotional and had a big hug, Mrs Javaid says. My family all visited Lisa in hospital to thank her  they were all so grateful for what she did.

While the transplant cannot cure PKD, it does significantly restore kidney function.

The only unusual consequence of surgery is that Mrs Javaid, who doesnt drink, had a bizarre craving for gin  Lisas tipple of choice.

A spokeswoman for Kidneys for Life described such cases as a wonderful gift and added: We are delighted for Lisa and Tas that the transplant has turned out so well.

For more information visit www.kidneysforlife.org
New Hampshire's Supreme Court ruled in favor of a neo-Nazi group on Friday after a civil prosecution against the group was ruled 'unconstitutional.'

Prosecutors from the state's attorney general's office claimed the group, known as Nationalist Social Club-131, had trespassed when it displayed a 'Keep New England White' banner without a permit from an overpass in 2022.

It was said the state's interpretation of the law imposes government sanctions on those who unintentionally trespass on public property, including those who do so motivated by characteristics stated in the law.

Those characteristics include race, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or disability.

The state's Supreme Court, however, ruled in agreement with a lower court judge who said in 2023 that the state prosecutors' interpretation of the law was unconstitutionally overboard.

'Content-based restrictions must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling government interest,' the justices wrote, dismissing the charges on the grounds of free speech.

'Such a broad sweep discourages the expression of certain messages for fear of government sanctions under the Act based on the content of the messages expressed,' the court wrote.

The court also said it was 'not persuaded' that the complaints' 'sufficiently allege' the group members knowingly trespassed.

NSC-131's founder, Christopher R. Hood Jr and another group member who has since died, Leo Anthony Cullinan, were accused of racially motivated illegal trespassing when about ten members hung the banner over the bypass.

New Hampshire's Supreme Court ruled in favor of a neo-Nazi group, known as Nationalist Social Club-131, on Friday after a civil prosecution against the group was ruled 'unconstitutional'

NSC-131's founder, Christopher R. Hood Jr and another group member who has since died, Leo Anthony Cullinan, were accused of racially motivated illegal trespassing when about ten members hung the banner over the bypass

Prosecutors from New Hampshire's Attorney General's office claimed the group, known as Nationalist Social Club-131, had trespassed when it displayed a 'Keep New England White' banner without a permit from an overpass in 2022

The complaint against them asked for the judge to enter an order prohibiting the group and its members from engaging in threatening force or violence and discriminatory behavior for three years.

Rockingham County Superior Court Judge David W. Ruoff, however, warned that the same prosecutorial tactics could be used against others who would wish to talk about race in public without engaging in violence, the Boston Globe reported.

'For example, a person protesting on behalf of the Black Lives Matter movement would face the very real threat of prosecution for demonstrating on public property,' Ruoff wrote in 2023.

'On that basis, many such protestors would suppress those views and refrain from expressing them on public property based on their reasonable perception that the government or its actors do not share those views.'

The groups' defense attorney William E. Gens said the banner contained 'certainly an edgy message,' but argued it was comparable to a slogan like 'Keep Harlem Black.'

Gens then argued the government should not be prosecuting people for the expression of such ideas.

'Short of things that are inciting riots or creating a public hazard... it's better to have these statements out there,' Gens argued.

Gens said he was 'very pleased with the decision, and it was based on grounds that we raised all along.'

The attorney general's office said it was disappointed by the court's decision, but respects it, spokesperson Michael Garrity said in a statement.

Rockingham County Superior Court Judge David W. Ruoff, seen here, warned that the same prosecutorial tactics could be used against others who would wish to talk about race in public without engaging in violence

The groups' defense attorney William E. Gens said the banner contained 'certainly an edgy message,' but argued it was comparable to a slogan like 'Keep Harlem Black'

NSC-131 are identified as a neo-Nazi group based in New England which was founded in 2019. The '131' part of its name refers to the alphanumeric code for ACA, Anti-Communist Action and Anti-Capitalist Action

Just last year, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire said NSC-131's message was 'hateful and repugnant,' but such a case would 'chip away at the free speech rights of all of us' should the court rule against the group.

The court ruling, however, has not put an end to the legal battles facing the group.

In 2023, the attorney general's office filed a second case against NSC-131, Hood and 19 other unnamed defendants for engaging in intimidation tactics outside of a cafe, where a drag queen story-hour event was being hosted, in Concord.

Drag queen Juicy Garland posted a video on X in June 2023 of the incident, which showed a masked group stood outside performing Nazi salutes, knocking on the glass windows and shouting, with families and children gathered inside.

The attorney general's office alleges that the group were trying to get the venue to cancel the event by intimidating and harassing those attending, based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

That complaint is still being pursued by the attorney general's office.

NSC-131 are identified as a neo-Nazi group based in New England which was founded in 2019. The '131' part of its name refers to the alphanumeric code for ACA, Anti-Communist Action and Anti-Capitalist Action.

According to the Anti-Defamation Leage, the group self-identify as a 'pro-white, street-orientated fraternity dedicated to raising AUTHENTIC resistance to the enemies of our people in the New England area.'

According to the Anti-Defamation Leage, the group self-identify as a 'pro-white, street-orientated fraternity dedicated to raising AUTHENTIC resistance to the enemies of our people in the New England area'

The group said in 2022, according to the ADL, that its 'enemies work tirelessly' to prevent white men from 'attaining the greatest sense of purpose and belonging a man could ever achieve'

The group typically distribute propaganda, engage in public demonstrations, organize private gatherings for networking, firearms or fitness training as well as efforts to 'troll' or harass its 'enemies'

The group said in 2022, according to the ADL, that its 'enemies work tirelessly' to prevent white men from 'attaining the greatest sense of purpose and belonging a man could ever achieve.'

'What you see here are brothers united in struggle, engaging in a metapolitical war against those who wish to see our people dead, and the stakes have never been so high,' they said.

'We cannot offer you an easy life, but we can promise you an eternity of brotherhood, fulfillment, and legacy that comes from engaging in this war for survival at the highest degree that is sustainably possible.'

The group said that action against its 'enemies' takes place in the form of networking, training, activism, outreach, and 'above all, ACTION.'

According to the ADL, the group typically distribute propaganda, engage in public demonstrations, organize private gatherings for networking, firearms or fitness training as well as efforts to 'troll' or harass its 'enemies.'
NYPD officials have arrested a suspect in connection to a series of stabbings that left a 14-year-old boy dead and another injured on a subway station.

Caleb Rijos was standing outside the Mitchell Houses in Mott Haven on East 138th Street in Manhattan when he was stabbed twice in the chest at around 9:25 am on January 10.

Responding officials found the teenager unconscious and unresponsive at the scene and rushed him to the Lincoln Medical Center.

Before he could reach the hospital, Rijos was pronounced dead in the ambulance, cops later confirmed.

As of now, investigators believe the attack was unprovoked and random.

A spot of blood on the sidewalk could be seen just outside an entrance for the Third Avenue-138th Street station for the 6 train along with a single Ugg shoe.

In a press conference, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said: 'Video shows that the victim is standing alone on the sidewalk, by himself, when he is approached by this perpetrator who immediately stabs him two times in the chest and flees the scene.'

Father Jacob Rijos described him as a 'wonderful boy' who was caring and loving.

NYPD officials have arrested a suspect in connection to a series of stabbings that left a 14-year-old boy dead and another injured on a subway station

Caleb Rijos was standing outside the Mitchell Houses in Mott Haven on East 138th Street in Manhattan when he was stabbed twice in the chest at around 9.25 am on January 10

'It's hard right now. We're sad. We are trying to discuss the next steps. We don't really know what happened,' he told the New York Times.

Soon after the incident, a person was identified as a potential suspect and was taken into custody.

Officials believe that the unidentified tall Hispanic man is also connected another stabbing that occurred on January 5.

The NYPD noted that in the earlier incident, a 38-year-old man was stabbed in the arm as he was walking into a subway station at the corner of East 138th Street and Third Avenue.

He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he received seven stitches.

'At this time, we believe the two incidents are connected and were committed by the same perpetrator,' Chief Kenny said during the conference.

Officials have yet to release the name and more information about the alleged suspect.

This comes a week after a suspect stabbed a man on the New York City subway on New Year's Day - as the Big Apple sees a spike in transit crimes.

A spot of blood on the sidewalk just outside an entrance for the Third Avenue-138th Street station for the 6 train and a single Ugg shoe could be seen at the scene

Responding officials found the teenager unconscious and unresponsive at the scene and rushed him to the Lincoln Medical Center

An unidentified suspect fled the 14th Street Station in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday morning after allegedly stabbing the 31-year-old man on a northbound 2 train. He fled to the streets around 9:45 am, police confirmed to DailyMail.com.

The suspect has been described as a black man who was seen wearing a black puffer jacket, dark sweatpants, and carrying a red suitcase.

The MTA confirmed police were responding to a 'disruptive' person at the station and told riders to expect delays on the red line.

The suspect allegedly fled the station through the 12th Street and 7th Avenue exit.

'The investigation remains ongoing,' an NYPD spokesperson told DailyMail.com.

The victim sustained back injuries and was taken to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition, the spokesperson said.

Leading up to the New Year, New Yorkers have faced a series of brutal subway crimes, including the death of a woman who was set on fire by a migrant.

Debrina Kawam, 57, of New Jersey, was allegedly set on fire by illegal immigrant Sebastian Zepeta, who cops say used a lighter before fanning the flames with his shirt.

Officials believe that the unidentified tall Hispanic man is also connected another stabbing that occurred on January 5

The NYPD noted that in the earlier incident, a 38-year-old man was stabbed in the arm as he was walking into a subway station at the corner of East 138th Street and Third Avenue

Officials have yet to release the name and more information about the alleged suspect

Zepeta, 33, is facing murder and arson charges following the horror incident.

Officials used fingerprint data, dental records and DNA evidence to identify Kawam, and said she was believed to have been homeless. She was originally from Tom's River, New Jersey.

Kawam was reportedly sleeping on the subway car around 7:30am at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn when she was set ablaze.

The footage of the moments after Kawam was set on fire went viral as it showed an NYPD officer walking past the fire while a man, allegedly Zepeta, watched on.

NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told a press conference that officers who responded were not aware the suspect was on the scene at the time.
Police chiefs are shelling out 1.7million to replenish their Taser stocks amid soaring rates of attacks on officers.

Latest figures show that in the first half of 2024 there were 3,815 assaults against Police Scotland officers and staff  an average of 20 per day.

That is 36 assaults more than the five-year average of 3,779 for the same six month time period.

It comes as last year, Chief Constable Jo Farell said that more police officers should carry the high voltage weapons to deter violent attacks, which includes officers being slashed, bitten and spat at.

The widow of Lewis Fulton, a police officer killed in the line of duty in 1994, has previously called for more officers to carry the controversial stun guns.

Christine Fulton, who was awarded an MBE for a lifetime of helping families of wounded or killed officers, believes every one of Police Scotlands around 16,300 officers should be Taser-trained.

Currently, police have 2,000 Specially Trained Officers who can discharge the guns, up from 500 in 2021.

Now, new public contract documents show that Scotlands single force is planning to spend 1,693,936 to update its Taser stocks to ensure police can continue to protect themselves.

About 2,000 Police Scotland officers carry the 'incapacitating' 50,000-volt stun guns.

Last night, Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr MSP said the number of attacks on police was disgraceful.

He added: They are already facing huge pressures due to sustained SNP cuts being imposed on police budgets, so thinking they might be attacked will only be pushing many beyond breaking point.

It should not have reached a point where the police feel they have little option but to extend the use of tasers just to try and keep themselves safe.

SNP ministers need to finally show some common sense and back our calls to double the maximum sentence for those who think it is acceptable to assault emergency service workers.

Police Scotland has confirmed that in the year 2023/24, the stun guns were deployed to incidents on 3,017 occasions and discharged on 88 - a record high.

The widow of Lewis Fulton, killed in the line of duty, has said more officers should carry Tasers.

Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said police use Tasers to keep themselves safe.

According to Police Scotlands National Taser Unit, around 79 per cent of discharges of incapacitating 50,000-volt stun guns have been to protect police.

A spokesman said: Keeping the public, our officers and staff safe is a priority.

Taser gives officers an additional tactical option to keep people safe.

'Following a rise in officer assaults, we made a commitment in 2021 to increase the number of Specially Trained Officers from 500 to 2,000 by 2024. This was completed as of the end of March 2024.

The decision to use Taser is based on the particular circumstances of the incident following an assessment of the threat and risk being faced by the officer or public.

'It is vital that the threat and risk posed is the primary consideration.

They added: Taser will only be used when its proportionate, necessary and justified and we have a robust training programme to ensure those specially trained officers provided with Taser know how to use it safely and in the correct circumstances.

As is part of standard procedure in Scotland, the circumstances of all Taser discharges are referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.
A dog ran through a five-foot metal pole, but after an amazing rescue operation involving a friend's angle grinder he managed to survive.

The adorable pooch Murphy was taken out for a quick walk by his owner Richard on a normal Saturday afternoon.

However, 20 minutes later Richard reported that 'Murphy has hurt himself on a pole' and help was needed.

Pamela, a close friend and recently retired vet school teacher, and Nicola, another vet school staff member, was contacted by Murphy's family to help.

When they arrived to see the furry black dog, the situation made his owners 'knees go weak' as 'our poor Murphy had a five-foot metal pole straight through his body. He had been running about in the long grass and run straight into it'.

Pamela was said to have immediately taken charge and called ahead to her colleagues at the vet school and sent a photograph in too.

They were advised to keep Murphy still and calm, which was not easy to do, before the family contacted their friend called Ian who brought his angle grinder to cut the pole in as close as he could.

They were then able to get the dog into the boot of Nicola's car, which was padded up with horse blankets and towel.

Adorable pooch Murphy ran through a five-foot metal pole while out on a walk

The dog was rushed to vets to undergo surgery to remove the massive pole from her body

As they wheeled Murphy into the vet team waiting for them, they 'prepared for the worst and did not expect Murphy to survive'.

The surgeon looking after their dog advised that he would initially check the organs for damage, and we would take it from there.

To their amazement, the surgeon told how 'his organs miraculously were not damaged ,only his liver, which was fixable'.

The family quickly agreed to the next stage of surgery to remove the pole from him.

Just after midnight, the surgery was deemed a success and the pole had been removed, however there was still a risk as his liver was oozing blood.

From then until the following week, Murphy was kept in hospital until he was able to come home.

Now, after going through 'an emotional rollercoaster', the family have confirmed six weeks after the incident that 'you honestly would think nothing had ever happened'.

The family added: 'It is a miracle Murphy is alive, and we will be forever grateful to the team for saving Our Miracle Murphy!'

This comes after the world's luckiest Yorkshire terrier survived a brutal shark attack after being bitten on the bottom because the predator simply didn't 'like the taste'.

A look at the X-Ray of the metal pole which entered into the dog's body

Nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier Maddie (pictured) survived after a brutal shark attack

Maddie, a nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier, was on her owner's boat when she fell into the water off the northeast coast of Florida.

Bill and Terri Hoge watched in horror as their prized pup disappeared beneath the waves near the dock in St Augustine.

Ms Hoge told local outlet News 4 Jax: 'It seemed like an eternity, but it was like ten seconds that she was under, and, of course, I'm freaking out. I was like 'Oh my gosh, I'll never see her again'.'

When Maddie suddenly reemerged, Mr Hoge dived into the water to save his pooch - only to find she had multiple bite wounds, a broken pelvis and severe bruising.

It is believed that the shark dragged Maddie beneath the waves in its jaws and shook her vigorously, breaking her pelvis in three places. Maddie is still in severe pain but recovering at home.
Democrats are scrambling to find a new chair to take the reins of the ailing party as a second Trump administration approaches.

With just three weeks to go before the February 1 election that will determine the new leader of the party, two men have emerged as front-runners in the eight-candidate race.

The leading candidates are Wisconsin's state chair, Ben Wikler and the Minnesota state party chair, Ken Martin.

If elected, either man would be the first white male in the job since Virginia Senator Tim Kaine left the position in 2011.

Two of the remaining six candidates in the running are women. Marianne Williamson, a former presidential contender and Quintessa Hathaway, a former congressional candidate, educator and civil rights activist.

The other candidates in the running include former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, New York state Senator James Skoufis, former Department of Homeland Security official Nate Snyder and attorney Jason Paul.

The vote for the newest DNC chair will offer the first clue as to the direction the party will take during the second presidential administration under President-elect Donald Trump.

The outgoing DNC chair, Jaime Harrison, said that the committee will be well-positioned to compete in future elections and push back against Trump's policies.

Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. President Joe Biden speak to the media on the federal response to the Los Angeles wildfires at the White House on January 09, 2025 in Washington, DC

Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, has emerged as one of the front-runners set to take the helm of the coveted Democratic National Committee

If elected, Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic Party of Minnesota, would be the first white male in the job since Virginia Senator Tim Kaine left the position in 2011

'Democrats stand ready to hold him accountable,' Harrison said. 'We will continue to invest in all 50 states to build power from the local level on up and elect Democrats across the country.'

Wikler and Martin are both state party chairs from America's upper Midwest and are calling for year-round organizing and a 50-state strategy.

In a memo released on Saturday, Wikler called for an 'after-action' review after every campaign, including of 2024, Politico reported.

'I think that the key question is [who has the] track record for figuring out how to break out of the box that Republicans put Democrats into,' Wikler said.

'The work that we've been able to do in Wisconsin is to have unrigged a state that the GOP had rigged and broken out of the communication bubble Democrats can find themselves strapped in.'

The Wisconsin state chair earned a slight boost in his bid earlier this week after the Association of State Democratic Chairs - a body that focuses on the needs of state parties - declined to endorse any candidate.

The shock decision was perceived by some as a snub to his close competitor, Martin, who has shepherded the organization for years.

However, a joint endorsement of both men, Martin and Winkler, also failed, Politico reported.

The vote for the newest DNC chair will offer the first clue as to the direction the party will take during the second Presidential administration under President-elect Donald Trump. Pictured: The Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on Sunday, August 18, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris, Ken Martin, Chairman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota

Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, discusses the 2024 Democratic National Convention during a news conference, April 18, 2024, in Chicago

'It's difficult for us to rally behind one candidate because all of the candidates are saying they're going to support state parties and put state parties at center stage,' Jane Kleeb, a chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said.

'Over the next three weeks, as the forums get under way, this race will be coming into focus,' Donna Brazile, a two-time former interim DNC chair, said.

'I can't wait to watch it on Saturday. I don't know if I'll have the popcorn or just go straight for the hard stuff, but I have enormous faith in the future of the Democratic Party. It's down, but it's not out.'

The DNC is made up of a mix of state party leaders and committee people, members of allied Democratic groups, union leaders and at-large members appointed by the current chair.

The selection process for the newest DNC chair will officially kick-off on Saturday, when all eight candidates will meet virtually in the first of four party-run forums.
Her role on Strictly Come Dancing has made her a fashion icon as she dons one glittering dress or outfit after another.

Now, Claudia Winkleman is garnering attention for Scots clothing firms as she uses her role on smash hit show The Traitors to showcase their work.

Take, for instance, her choice of an oversized jumper from fashion firm Barrie - one of the oldest cashmere knitting manufacturers in Scotland.

The star was pictured wearing the 1,410 jumper, which is adorned with abstract roses, in a promo shot for the show as she sat on a dark green leather chair.

The company describes the piece saying: These roses, symbol of the United Kingdom, are knitted with contrasting 3D stitches and floating stitches for an embroidered effect in bold colours that stand out against the cashmere.

Founded in Hawick, in the Borders in 1903, the manufacturer was acquired by French fashion house Chanel in 2012.

Two years later, its own label was launched to showcase its heritage and craftsmanship.

Winkleman, 52, has also worn another roundneck cashmere jumper by Barrie.

Claudia Winkleman in a 1,410 jumper from Barrie

Show host's fashion aesthetic 'befits castle setting'

Currently priced at 450, this second long-sleeved item featured a ladder day detail on its sleeves, and is described by the company as a wardrobe essential, offering endless styling possibilities.

For anyone looking to avoid the chill, Winkleman donned another product - cashmere Donegal wristwarmers from Scots firm Brora.

Priced at 79, they feature colourful flecks and are said to  add a dash of unique charm to any look.

The Traitors host has also been pictured wearing another Brora product - a 369 cashmere luxe knit polo neck jumper.

Another item that could benefit from Winklemans exposure of it is a grey cashmere jumpere made by English brand Connolly.

Although made south of the border, the material for the 1,500 piece was milled and knitted in Scotland.

And, following in the footsteps of fellow celebrities such as Ewan McGreggor and Natalie Portman, Winkleman has also sported clothes from Scots firm Johnstons of Elgin.

The particular piece she opted for was a 995 cashmere and wool gun club shacket, which is a shirt/jacket.

Winklemans wardrobe has been masterminded by her long-time stylist Sinead McKeefry, with fashion columnists saying the aesthetic befits the shows Scottish castle setting.

The psychological reality show, filmed at Ardross Castle in Rossshire, is back on TV screens at the moment.

The back-stabbing game of wits will see the Traitors attempt to secretly eliminate one of the Faithfuls every night, while the players try to deduce who is being duplicitous.
Those who run on Dunkin may have been unable to purchase one of the brand's iconic donuts this week after a mysterious 'manufacturing error' left shelves empty.

Dunkin' stores in Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island, Nebraska, and areas near Albuquerque, New Mexico, were fresh out of donuts on Thursday and Friday.

Signs on store doors and drive-thru kiosks informed customers that the pastries were unavailable 'due to a manufacturing error.'

At least one store in Albuquerque credited the mysterious disappearance of the breakfast staple to a 'nationwide recall on all donuts,' according to The Albuquerque Journal.

However, several locations in other regions, including St. Joseph, Missouri, and Boston - where Dunkin has a near cult-like following - still had the sweet treats available, according to AP.

Some affected locations did offer 'Munchkins,' or donut holes, in lieu of donuts on Friday.

The DailyMail.com has reached out to Dunkin' for comment.

In response to the absence of the pastry, several Dunkin' enthusiasts were upset and curious why the shelves were bare.

Dunkin' stores in Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island in Nebraska and areas near Albuquerque, New Mexico , didn't have donuts in their cases Thursday and Friday

Signs on store doors and drive-thru kiosks informed customers that the pastries were unavailable 'due to a manufacturing error.' At least one store in Albuquerque credited the mysterious disappearance of the breakfast staple to a 'nationwide recall on all donuts'

'What? No doughnuts!' Tyler Raikar, of Ohama, exclaimed when she arrived at her Dunkin store early on Friday after an overnight shift as a phlebotomist.

Raikar was seeking a coffee and a chocolate cake donut, only to be left disappointed she didn't get her little morning treat.

'That's tragic,' she told AP. 'Hopefully, they have them soon.'

The Albuquerque Police Department jokingly told The Journal that they nearly canceled the chief's monthly meeting due to the shortage.

'Fortunately, we averted tragedy when Roma Bakery came through with breakfast burritos,' APD spokesman Gilbert Gallegos told The Journal.

Some Albuquerque-area employees chalked it up to a supply chain issue and others said simply that delivery trucks had been arriving without the delicious cargo.

Employees said they hoped stocks would be replenished by next week.

Jack D'Amato, a spokesperson for Inspire Brands - Dunkin's parent company - said there was an issue with donuts from a single supplier that impacted stores in Nebraska and some other states.

About four percent of Dunkins US stores were impacted by the issue.

Bryce Bares, who owns several Dunkin franchises in Nebraska, said that some Dunkin stores received products from suppliers that were not up to standard and that he would not serve them to customers. Employees said they hoped stocks would be replenished by next week

DAmato said the company was still looking into what the issue was and exactly how many stores were affected. But he said the company has already begun restocking some affected stores.

Bryce Bares, who owns several Dunkin franchises in Nebraska, told The Omaha World-Herald that some Dunkin stores received products from suppliers that were not up to standard and that he would not serve them to customers.

He told the newspaper that the supply partners had corrected the problem and that his Nebraska locations should be offering donuts again soon.
Greenland's leader, Mute Egede, has expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations with President-elect Trump - although it won't be over American potentially gaining control of the country.

Instead, the discussions would focus on the future of the mineral-rich Arctic territory, with a clear emphasis that Greenland's people have no interest in becoming Americans.

Speaking at a press conference in Denmark on Friday, which holds nominal sovereignty over Greenland, Egede acknowledged the strategic importance of Greenland to the U.S. and said he was open to discussing areas of mutual interest.

While he has not yet spoken with Trump, Egede stated, 'We are ready to talk. Cooperation is built on dialogue and finding solutions together.'

Egede was joined by Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, at the press conference.

The event comes amid an Axios report that Denmark officials have also communicated privately with Trump's team ahead of his inauguration.

The secret communiques reportedly indicate the country's willingness to explore how U.S. security interests could be addressed without transferring formal sovereignty over Greenland.

Greenland, a former colony of Denmark since the 18th century, became a self-governing Danish territory in 1953.

Greenland's leader, Mute Egede, expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations with President-elect Trump

In August 2019, reports of Trump considering purchasing Greenland sparked swift rejections from political leaders in Greenland and Denmark, some labeling the idea 'completely ridiculous' or a 'joke'

Egede acknowledged Greenland's strategic importance to the U.S. and expressed a willingness to explore areas of mutual interest

The island gained the right to declare independence through a public vote in 2009  a move Egede strongly supports.

'We have a desire for independence, a desire to be the master of our own house  This is something everyone should respect,' he said. 'Greenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.'

Greenland's importance has increased in recent years as melting Arctic ice opens new shipping routes, sparking competition among global powers for influence in the strategically located region between the U.S. and Russia. The territory and its surrounding waters are also abundant in valuable natural resources.

Currently, Denmark retains responsibility for Greenland's defense.

The president-elect originally floated the idea of acquiring Greenland in his first term in office when discussing the prospect with his senior advisers back in 2019. But he left office without making any movement toward acquiring the territory.

Now, with less than two weeks before he begins a second term, Trump is revisiting the idea  and his son Donald Trump Jr. traveled to Nuuk, Greenland, on Tuesday with other 'representatives' of the incoming U.S. president.

At the time, former President Trump shared on Truth Social: 'Don Jr. and my Reps landing in Greenland. The reception has been great. They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen. MAGA. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!'

During the visit, Don Jr. stopped at a local eatery in Nuuk, Greenland, meeting with community members and putting his father on speakerphone to address the residents directly.

At 836,000 square miles, Greenland is a scarcly populated, arctic autonomous territory of Denmark. When comparing it to the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, it can be estimated that Greenland's total price would come out to approximately $230.25 million  though it's not likely the same metrics would be use to determine worth

Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland on Tuesday with three close Trump allies for what was initially being sold as a 'personal' trip. It soon became clear that his intentions are to further his father's intention to buy the arctic territory

On the call, Trump remarked, 'I just want to say, it's a very special place. It needs security for itself, but also needs security, very much, for the world,' Trump said through the phone.

Multiple politicians, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, sent a clear message to Trump: 'Greenland is not for sale.'

Her remarks prompted Trump to cancel a planned state visit to Denmark on August 20, 2019.

But if it were, how much would it cost the U.S.?

Some have said the best comparison is looking at the U.S. purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.

Both Alaska and Greenland have cold, arctic climates, similarly scarce population density, strategic geographic placement and a richness of oil reserves.

The U.S. purchased Alaska, which is 586,412 square miles, for $7.2 million. In today's dollars, that equates to around $153.5 million.

Greenland is about 150 percent the size of Alaska at 836,000 square miles. So by boosting that price by 50 percent, the total would come to approximately $230.25 million.

In examining past considerations for purchasing Greenland, history offers some intriguing comparisons. In 1946, the U.S. proposed buying the Arctic island for $100 million in gold, a sum that would equate to over $1.6 billion today.

Despite this valuation, both figures fall short of Greenland's gross domestic product, which stood at $3.24 billion USD in 2021.

For further context, the U.S. bought the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million in gold, equivalent to approximately $616.2 million today.

The Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803 cost $15 million, roughly $418.8 million in today's terms. These historical transactions highlight the uncertainty around how much a Greenland purchase might cost, should such a deal ever be pursued.

The logistics of such a transaction remain complex. Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress must approve any allocation of funds for land acquisition.

Even with a supportive Congress, whether they would back such a proposal is unclear.

When reports surfaced in August 2019 of then-President Trump considering the purchase of Greenland, political leaders in both Greenland and Denmark swiftly rejected the notion. Some dismissed it as 'completely ridiculous' or a 'joke.'
A major search operation being carried out for two sisters missing for five days has been extended to the freezing coastline off Aberdeen.

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, and two of a set of triplets, were last seen on CCTV on the citys Market Street, at Victoria Bridge, just after 2am last Tuesday morning.

The sisters crossed the bridge and turned right onto a footpath next to the River Dee, heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club, but no trace of them has been found since then.

Police said yesterday that a significant search operation was being conducted in the area, stretching west to the citys Duthie Park, and east to the area where the river meets the North Sea.

Specialist resources, including Police Scotlands helicopter, dog branch and marine units, along with other branches of the emergency service, have been assisting in the hunt for the missing women.

Police said yesterday they were serioulsy concerned for the sisters, and officers remained at the scene where they were last seen, while further searches along the course of the river were being carried out.

It was confirmed yesterday that a land search was being conducted in the Boat House area, near Duthie Park, with the eastern extent of the search focusing on the Port of Aberdeens South Harbour area.

Police divers have already searched part of the Dee near to where Eliza and Henrietta were last seen on CCTV.

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti haven't been seen for five days

The sisters were captured walking together on CCTV in the early hours of January 7

Officers confirmed they also liaising with authorities in Hungary, where the missing women are from, to support relatives as searches continue.

Its understood that extensive CCTV footage from the area where Eliza and Henrietta were last seen is also being examined, along with door-to-door enquiries being conducted in the area.

Officers said yesterday that the River Dee remains the focus, as there is no evidence of the missing women leaving the immediate area.

Meanwhile, relatives in Hungary urged people not to spread unfounded rumours about the sisters disappearance. On Friday, detectives said there was nothing to suggest anything suspicious had happened to the women.

Their brother said the sisters, both of whom live in Aberdeen city centre, seemed fine in the days before they went missing.

Jozsef Huszti, who lives in Budapest, added on social media yesterday: I ask everyone to respect each other. No one should spread any fake news.

The Scottish authorities are doing their job and the family is not in a position to give further information to everyone at the moment. Thank you all for being with us at this difficult time.

He said that their mother spoke to the girls last Saturday, and had a 40-minute conversation during which nothing appeared out of the ordinary.

Their sister Edit Huszti - the other triplet  added that she spoke to her sisters on a video call on New Years Eve and they appeared happy and cheerful. She said the sisters were very close and did most things together.

They were described as sociable but as far as the family knows preferred staying at home to going out and often opted to watching films.

Police have focussed the search on the area around the River Dee

Police marine units have been scouring the cold waters

Graphic shows the areas which are being searched

She added that she believed it was quite out of character for them to be out on the streets in the early hours of the morning, and voiced her familys wishes that the sisters were found safe.

Its understood that they moved to Scotland about seven years ago, and that Henrietta works in a branch of Costa Coffee in the city. Eliza and Henrietta are both described as white and of slim build with long, brown hair.

Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said yesterday: Eliza and Henriettas family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.

We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.

'We are again urging the public to come forward with any information relating to Eliza and Henriettas whereabouts.

The focus of our search remains the River Dee and I would ask anyone who was in the area at the time if they may have seen anyone matching their description.

I would also urge businesses in the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to please review CCTV footage for early on January 7, and contact us if it holds anything that may be relevant to our investigation.

We are also keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
A crippling five-month-long series of railway strikes set to begin today are expected to cost the hospitality sector 1billion.

Train managers at Avanti West Coast who are part of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) will walk out every Sunday until May 25 in a row over rest-day shifts.

It comes after Mick Lynch announced his decision to retire from the RMT aged 63 after four years as its 130,000-a-year general secretary.

The latest wave of disruption will be another blow to venues which have already lost 6 billion in sales from rail strikes in less than three years.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), which represents restaurants, clubs, bars and casinos, warned of an estimated 1 billion revenue hit to the sector from the latest industrial action.

Chief executive Michael Kill said Labour's 'inability to resolve this crisis continues to paralyse the UK economy', adding: 'If the Government cannot bring unions and operators to the table for a meaningful resolution, the UK risks deeper economic losses. The time for inaction has passed  leadership is urgently needed.'

UKHospitality chief Kate Nicholls said: 'There is no doubt this action will come as a blow to businesses at what is always a more difficult time of year for the sector.'

Avanti, owned by Scottish-based FirstGroup and Italian company Trenitalia, is facing nationalisation under Labour due to its poor performance on the West Coast Mainline.

Passengers get off a train as they travel through Euston station during a strike action by Avanti West Coast train service managers

Train managers at Avanti West Coast who are part of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers ( RMT ) will walk out every Sunday until May 25

On strike days, Avanti will run only one train an hour between London Euston (pictured) and Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Preston, with limited service from Carlisle to Glasgow

It comes after Mick Lynch announced his decision to retire from the RMT at the age of 63

Rail barons want an extra 300 for Avanti managers willing to work on their days off. But the RMT, advocating for 400 staff in this dispute, claims that replacement managers can be paid 500 per shift  around double what Avanti members earn.

On strike days, Avanti will run only one train an hour between London Euston and Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Preston, with a limited service from Carlisle to Glasgow.

Stoke-on-Trent, North Wales, Lancaster, Blackpool and Edinburgh will have no Avanti trains. The firm urged passengers to avoid travelling on Sundays.

The RMT said strike action was 'the only way to focus management's minds'.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: 'No one wants to see strikes, and it is disappointing to see this strike action go ahead after a second offer from Avanti was rejected.

'We expect the operator and RMT to do everything they can to avoid the need for further action, and minimise disruption to passengers in the meantime.

'This is a local dispute between Avanti and RMT. The Government has acted swiftly to end national rail strikes, which had cost the taxpayer around 850 million since 2022.

'As part of our plans to reform the railways, we're determined to move towards a seven-day working week and end the overreliance on rest day working, giving passengers the certainty and reliability they deserve.'
The New York City subway rider who was shoved into the path of an oncoming train on New Year's Eve has spoken publicly about the horrifying incident for the first time.

Joseph Lynskey, a 45-year-old music programmer, miraculously survived after being abruptly pushed into the path of a speeding southbound train at the 18th Street 1 Train station in Manhattan.

Days after the traumatizing attack, he expressed his gratitude through a GoFundMe page, where he passed on his gratitude to his supporters.

'I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, well wishes, and generosity over the past week,' Lynskey wrote. 'While I can't thank each of you individually, please know I will never forget the kindness and goodness you've shown me.'

'A massive thank you to the first responders who saved my life on New Year's Eve, the bystanders  especially the Good Samaritan outside the train who provided comfortand to the medical teams at Bellevue for their remarkable care.

'I am full of gratitude for every single one of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.'

Meanwhile, his alleged attacker, 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins, showed no remorse as he was arraigned on attempted murder and second-degree assault charges at Manhattan Criminal Court on New Year's Day.

Despite suffering serious injuries, including a cracked skull, four broken ribs, and a ruptured spleen, Lynskey is expected to make a full recovery.

Joseph Lynskey, a 45-year-old music programmer, miraculously survived after being abruptly shoved into the path of a speeding southbound train at the 18th Street 1 Train station in Manhattan

His alleged attacker, 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins, showed no remorse as he was arraigned on attempted murder and second-degree assault charges at Manhattan Criminal Court on New Year's Day

Surveillance footage captured the chilling moment Lynskey was shoved onto the tracks allegedly by a masked Hawkins, who fled the scene after the attack.

The video showed Lynskey standing near the platform's edge as the train approached when Hawkins approached him from behind.

Noticing the oncoming train, Hawkins allegedly turned and violently pushed Lynskey onto the tracks.

Moments before the attack, two young men had jumped the turnstile to evade paying their fare. After witnessing the assault, they fled the scene.

Firefighters and bystanders rushed to Lynskey's aid, pulling him from beneath the train.

A witness filming the rescue expressed relief when Lynskey was saved, exclaiming, 'He's alive!'

Law enforcement described Lynskey's survival as miraculous, noting he fell perfectly into the trench between the tracks.

Hawkins, who has a history of violent offenses, including assaulting an NYPD officer in 2019 and another assault charge in October 2022, was apprehended hours after the incident following an urgent manhunt.

Authorities said the attack appeared random, as Hawkins did not know the victim.

Shocking footage captured the moment a man was shoved underneath a New York City subway by a masked assailant who fled the scene

Lynskey shared his gratitude toward his supports through his GoFundMe

The subway platform was evacuated as police conducted their investigation, which revealed this attack as part of a troubling rise in violent incidents on New York City's transit system.

The latest incident will put more pressure on officials to bring an end to horror subway attacks.

On Christmas Eve, two people were injured in Manhattan's Grand Central Station after a maniac went on a stabbing rampage.

Sources told the DailyMail.com at the time that a 28-year-old man slashed two strangers with a knife in the seemingly random attack just after 10pm at the busy tourist hotspot.

And just days before, the Big Apple was stunned when a homeless woman was set on fire and burned to death while she slept on a subway car.

The victim was identified Tuesday by the NYPD as Debrina Kawam, a 61-year-old homeless woman from New Jersey.
One of the two Strasbourg trams that collided leaving dozens injured and five people 'fighting for their lives' is said to have reversed at full speed during the horror crash.

Around 50 people are believed to have been injured at the scene at Gare Centrale station in the French city, as emergency crews are in attendance.

Johan, a witness who declined to give his last name, said that one of the trams reversed at full speed.

'There was a problem with the brakes,' he told AFP. 'We heard a big impact, a big bang.'

The two drivers were not injured, 'but are very shocked', said CTS director Emmanuel Auneau.

The crash is thought to have occurred after one of the trams switched tracks and collided with a stationary tram in a tunnel at Strasbourg's Gare Centrale station, local media reported.

However Mayor Jeanne Barseghian said the accident may have been caused by a reversing tram, and described the incident as a 'brutal collision'.

'What we know at this stage is that there was a brutal collision between two trams, on the platform, under the station,' said Barseghian.

At least five people are said to be fighting for their lives and dozens more were injured when two trams collided in Strasbourg on Saturday

Around 20 people are believed to have been injured

A firefighter is assisted by police officers to transport an injured person on a strechter outside the Strasbourg railway station following a collision of two trams, in Strasbourg, eastern France, on January 11, 2025

'There were a number of people on the trams,' she said, adding that there were no fatalities or people in 'absolute urgency'.

Some of the injured were in a state of shock as a result of the 'head-on' impact which was 'relatively violent', the mayor added, expressing her support.

Patrick Maciejewski, chairman of the board of directors of the Strasbourg transport company (CTS), said that there had been demonstrations in central Strasbourg, which had disrupted tram traffic.

'A number of trams had to be reorganised and put on standby. There was a traffic jam,' he said.

'We don't know why the train was stopped, but it started to move backwards.'

Rene Cellier, director of the Bas-Rhin fire and rescue service, said around 50 people had suffered non-fatal injuries such as scalp wounds, clavicle fractures, and knee sprains. 'Mostly trauma,' said Cellier.

'There are also around 100 people who have no particular injuries but are being seen by the doctors,' he added.

Cellier said around 50 vehicles and 130 firefighters were on site, adding that the situation 'could have been much more serious'.

A clip shows the two trams with their front and rear sides smashed up

A large security perimeter has been set up in front of the station, where numerous ambulances have taken up position

A firefighter carries an injured person on a stretcher outside the Strasbourg railway station following a collision of two trams

Footage shared on social media shows chaotic scenes inside the train station as emergency services rush to help those injured

Clip shows the inside of a tram following the major collision today

A spokesman for the station said that the exact cause of the accident had not yet been established, but is currently being investigated.

A video posted by a witness on social media showed a chaotic scene with the two trams significantly damaged in a tunnel near the station.

'The public prosecutor's office opened an investigation,' the prefecture said.

A large security perimeter was set up in front of the station, where ambulances have taken up position, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.

Paramedics and firefighters were loading injured people secured on stretchers into ambulances. Other victims were receiving first aid under the station's glass roof.

A large security perimeter has been set up in front of the station, where numerous ambulances have taken up position.

Footage shared on social media shows the aftermath of the terrifying crash.

Amid the chaotic scenes, injured people can be seen lying on the ground, while others rush to help those inside the trains.

In another clip, smoke can be seen billowing from the tunnel, as alarms can be hear blaring in the background of the busy station.

A separate video shows the two trams on the platform with both their front and rear ends smashed in.

Other images posted on social media show a derailed tram.

Strasbourg was the first major French city to put a tram network back into service, starting in 1994.

The city saw something similar in 1998 when one tramway collided with another in the same tunnel, wounding 17 people.

Located in the historic region of Alsace, the city is the official seat of the European Parliament.

This is a breaking story. More to follow.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been accused of 'zombie fundraising' after donors for her failed campaign are still seeing withdrawals from their accounts - over two months after the election.

The former presidential hopeful's fundraising committee has been reportedly caught charging monthly recurring donors this month, according to Politico.

'These people didn't sign up to be paying bills in January,' a senior digital staffer on Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign told the outlet.

The former staffer called Harris 'super shady' claiming that the decision to continue tapping small-dollar donors was 'grifting.'

Even some of the Democratic party's most loyal donors are turning their backs on the Vice President and continued fundraising.

'It's silly, out of touch, and needlessly takes advantage of our most loyal supporters,' a Democratic operative who shared screenshots of their donations with Politico's Playbook, said.

However, the unnamed Democratic operative didn't think twice after seeing a December charge, as there are usually hefty 'wrap-up expenses' associated with any campaign.

A month later, over two months since Harris' election loss, the Dem donor said the committee solicited no explicit approval to continue the donations after the election.

The former Presidential hopeful's fundraising committee has been reportedly caught charging monthly recurring donors this month

Trump walks out on stage with his wife Melania after being declared the winner during an election night watch party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach

Yet, her fundraising committee sent automated emails that read: 'Thank you for your generous monthly commitment,' and that the donations will continue 'until you contact us.'

A similar dissension revealed itself in 2020 during President-elect Donald Trump's campaign when fundraising efforts seemingly 'trapped' donors into signing up for monthly contributions.

The President-elect's campaign made their money in part by making it challenging for donors to see that they were signing up for monthly automatic donations, including hiding it in pre-checked boxes buried in fine print.

Such 'grifting' tactics resulted in more than $112 million in refunds being issued to donors in 2020.

The case doesn't appear to be the same for the likes of the Dem donors as no one appears to be disputing that they signed up for monthly withdrawals, Politico reported.

A Harris Victory Fund donation page remains active on ActBlue - an American Democratic Party fundraising platform - however the fund is now defunct and its recurring charges have been redirected to go directly to the DNC.

'Those HVF donations are going to help Democrats across the country as we rebuild the party,' a DNC official told Playbook, adding that donors can cancel anytime.

A similar dissension revealed itself in 2020 during President-elect Donald Trump's campaign when fundraising efforts seemingly 'trapped' donors into signing up for monthly contributions

Now, political pros argue that the redirection of funds is 'unethical' as the soon-to-be-ex-VP won't have any access to the money as she evaluates her political future.

Some have even argued that it should be a best practice to cease drawing on donor bank accounts after Election Day.

'There's an expectation that they're going to shut down the recurring donations because there's no need,' Mike Nellis, head of the Democratic online fundraising firm Authentic, said.

'If you're rolling the committee into something that's gonna continue to have an impact such as the DNC or another political campaign, I'm more than comfortable continuing the recurring donations so long as it's transparent to the donor and compliant with ActBlue and the FEC,' Nellis added.

Harris has since joined a small and rather miserable club consistent of Vice Presidents who have had to oversee the formal confirmation of their own defeat, as the results of the 2024 election were certified on January 6.

Under the Constitution, the vice president is the head of the Senate, entrusted with the process of declaring the result of a White House election.

Harris, who lost all seven key battleground states to a candidate she called a fascist, has now overcome her final humiliation as she declared Donald Trump the victor.

She follows in the footsteps of Al Gore, vice president to Bill Clinton, who had to certify his defeat to Republican George W. Bush in 2001 after weeks of legal wrangling about hanging chads and small margins in Florida.

Ahead of her 'final humiliation' Trump supporters expressed glee at the idea of Harris having to formally declare her Republican opponent as the winner

Before him, Richard Nixon, then vice president to Dwight D. Eisenhower, had to sign off on the results of his loss to John F. Kennedy after the 1960 election.

Ahead of her 'final humiliation' Trump supporters expressed glee at the idea of Harris having to formally declare her Republican opponent as the winner.

'Kamala has to certify the results of the election Monday.' conservative comedian Tim Young posted on X. 'Its going to be must-see TV.'

Someone going by the handle of MAGA Michelle wrote: 'The best part about this is that Kamala has to certify her own election ass kicking, bringing back all the embarrassment she must have felt.'

Marc Short, who was chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, said: 'Nobody gets excited about certifying their own loss, but I think it's integral to all democracies that there is a peaceful transfer of power.'

He said Harris was not alone in having to perform the role: 'It has happened to lots of vice presidents,' he said.
Scotland Yard was last night under pressure to investigate the source of funding for London properties used by Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq, amid claims her family had embezzled infrastructure funding in Bangladesh.

Susan Hall, a former Tory mayoral candidate who scrutinises Scotland Yard, has written to the head of the National Crime Agency (NCA) calling for Ms Siddiq to be issued with an Unexplained Wealth Order.

It relates to homes paid for by people with links to her aunt Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as Bangladeshi Prime Minister in August.

Ms Siddiq, 42, the Anti-Corruption Minister, has referred herself to the Prime Minister's standards adviser after she was named last month in an investigation into allegations that she aided the embezzlement of 3.9billion as part of a deal for a Russian-funded nuclear power plant in Bangladesh.

Ms Hall, who chairs the Police and Crime Committee on the Greater London Assembly, made her formal request to Graeme Biggar, the NCA'S Director General, citing the investigation by Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commissioner into infrastructure projects initiated under Hasina's leadership.

She wrote: 'It has come to light that Siddiq has benefited from properties paid for by people with links to her aunt's party, the Awami League, [including] a flat in King's Cross given for free, a flat in Hampstead that Siddiq has used and was then gifted to her sister for free, and a 2.1million house in North London, owned by a developer with political links to her aunt, where Siddiq resides and pays rent.'

She added: 'An Unexplained Wealth Order is necessary to uncover the truth of where Siddiq's wealth has derived from, especially as this matter has been escalated by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit who demanded access to her bank account details this week.

'I urge the NCA to investigate this as a matter of urgency... [as she was] appointed as Labour's Anti-Corruption Minister, it is deeply concerning that Siddiq is now embroiled in a corruption case.

Ms Siddiq, 42, the Anti-Corruption Minister, has referred herself to the Prime Minister's standards adviser after she was named last month in an investigation into allegations that she aided the embezzlement of 3.9billion

Scotland Yard was last night under pressure to investigate the source of funding for London properties used by Ms Siddiq (stock image)

A view of the flat near Kings Cross owned by Tulip Siddiq

'This scandal raises yet more serious questions about the Prime Minister's judgement, highlighting how he and his most trusted allies are simply not fit for Government.' Unexplained Wealth Orders are court orders issued to compel individuals to reveal the sources of opaque funding.

In her letter to Sir Laurie Magnus, who polices standards among ministers, Ms Siddiq said: 'I am clear that I have done nothing wrong.'

Downing Street said Sir Laurie will conduct a 'fact-finding' exercise to determine if 'further action' is needed.

Sir Keir Starmer said that he has confidence in Ms Siddiq who as Economic Secretary to the Treasury is responsible for tackling economic crime, money laundering and illicit finance.

He added that she had 'acted entirely properly' by referring herself for investigation.
A family friend of Tulip Siddiq who is a chairman in a charity founded by the King has had his bank accounts frozen in Bangladesh, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Ahmed Shayan Rahman's relationship with the Siddiq family stretches back decades, and the minister's mother lives rent-free in his 1.3million house in London.

The millionaire is a chairman in the advisory council of the British Asian Trust founded by Charles in 2007 to alleviate poverty.

Mr Rahman, CEO of Bangladeshi conglomerate Beximco, has been praised by the King.

At a dinner at Buckingham Palace, Charles said: 'We are only as good as the people who work with us. So I am delighted that our new programme in Bangladesh will be overseen and supported by Shayan Rahman, the chair of our Bangladesh advisory council.'

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) said it had frozen the accounts of Mr Rahman, 42, and his wife over corruption claims.

It also froze the account of Mr Rahman's father, Salman, who founded Beximco and was a minister in the government of Sheikh Hasina Wazed, Ms Siddiq's aunt who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years until being toppled in August.

Ahmed Shayan Rahman's relationship with the family of Tulip Siddiq (pictured) stretches back decades, and the minister's mother lives rent-free in his 1.3million house in London

Mr Rahman, CEO of Bangladeshi conglomerate Beximco, has been praised by the King (pictured)

Mr Rahman still has his role at the trust, which said in a statement: 'We are aware of the allegations against Shayan F. Rahman and continue to monitor developments in Bangladesh.'

Last night, a spokesman for Mr Rahman said: 'Shayan Rahman is a British born, British citizen and a successful international businessman. Neither he nor his wife have been charged with any offence whatsoever.

'Only their Bangladeshi bank accounts have been frozen, along with over 300 individuals with connections to the former prime minister.

'This is an entirely politically motivated move.'
Dominic Cummings is helping orchestrate Elon Musks vitriolic attacks on British politicians including Sir Keir Starmer, senior Government sources have claimed.

Boris Johnsons former No 10 adviser  who is planning a new StartUp Party which he hopes will smash the traditional Westminster system  is understood to be communicating with Mr Musk on WhatsApp.

The sources say that Mr Cummings, who has called for huge cuts to the size of the British state, is advising Mr Musk on his mission to slash trillions of dollars from US government spending on behalf of incoming President Donald Trump.

But they also believe Mr Cummings has encouraged Mr Musks incendiary social media posts calling for Sir Keir to be removed from office and even imprisoned amid criticism of the Prime Ministers record on the grooming gangs scandal.

Mr Musk has also called for Nigel Farage to be toppled, although the Reform UK leader yesterday said he was back on good terms with the owner of X.

Sources close to Mr Farage said the Tesla billionaire regretted his broadside and that the pair have since reconciled. Musk felt a bit contrite. Its all fine now, an insider told The Mail on Sunday.

Labours suspicions Mr Musk and Mr Cummings were in cahoots were aroused by the tech tycoons use of British terminology such as two-tier Keir and the timings of his posts.

Many were put out in the middle of the night in America  coinciding with daytime in the UK  leading the sources to conclude Mr Musk must have a UK-based co-conspirator writing the posts for him. However, tweets can be scheduled to go out at any time.

An ally of Mr Musk said it was '100 per cent true' that he was in dialogue with former Number 10 adviser Dominic Cummings

Cummings is planning a new StartUp Party which he hopes will smash the traditional Westminster system  is understood to be communicating with Mr Musk via WhatsApp

There had previously been rumours that Mr Musk was planning to donate $100 million to Nigel Farage's Reform Party

An ally of Mr Musk said: It is 100 per cent true that they [Musk and Cummings] are talking about smaller government and the end of the traditional party system.

It is not just Elon  Dom is in constant contact with major Silicon Valley figures, who are becoming increasingly anti-woke.

Sources said Mr Cummings and Mr Musk were exchanging ideas via a WhatsApp group shared with an unidentified American businessman.

Last week, it was claimed that Mr Musk, who also owns SpaceX and is worth an estimated 339 billion, had spoken in private to associates about ways to destabilise the British Government, motivated by concerns that Western civilisation itself was threatened by Labour policies.

It was reported that he had sought information about whether it might be possible to build support for alternative British political movements.

On X, Mr Musk has described the Prime Minister as evil, and said he should be in prison as he was complicit in the rape of Britain during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions, when police were investigating grooming gangs.

He also asked his 210 million online followers whether America should liberate Britain from its tyrannical government. Sir Keir accused Mr Musk of spreading lies and misinformation.

It was revealed last week that the Home Offices Homeland Security group, which is responsible for reducing national security risks, was monitoring Mr Musks posts.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Party Treasurer Nick Candy recently traveled to meet with Elon Musk at Mar-A-Lago

Musk later posted on X that Mr Farage should be removed as party leader because he does not 'have what it takes' -although sources now claim he has since softened his stance

Now Mr Cummings is proposing to create a new political party known as the StartUp Party which he hopes will smash the traditional Westminster system

On whether Mr Musks alleged plans to unseat Keir Starmer could work, a source said: You can change things with money, lets face it.

Mr Cummings, who helped to mastermind Mr Johnsons 2019 election win, resigned the following year after the collapse of his relationship with the PM and his infamous trip to Barnard Castle that broke the Covid curfew.

It was during his brief time in No 10 that Mr Cummings struck up his relationship with Mr Musk.

While Mr Cummings notoriously advertised for weirdos and misfits to join Whitehall, Mr Musk is now looking to hire super high-IQ small-government revolutionaries at his new Department for Government Efficiency.

Mr Cummings has mentioned Mr Musk seven times on X in the last month, echoing his criticism of UK policy.

The Startup Party will, he says, challenge the status quo of Westminster in time for the next election. He said it would be staffed by physicists, entrepreneurs and ex-intelligence officers, and its policies would include taking Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights, closing tax loopholes for the richest 1 per cent, embracing technology such as artificial intelligence and shaking up Whitehall.

Cummings wrote online: The Startup Party isnt an actual name, its a placeholder, plenty of time for horrific arguments about names if we make this real!

Mr Farages relationship with Mr Musk, which led to speculation the billionaire could make an 80 million donation to Reform, soured after Mr Farage disagreed with Mr Musks call for far-right activist Tommy Robinson to be freed from jail, where he is serving an 18-month sentence for contempt of court for repeating a false claim about a Syrian refugee.

Dominic Cummings is a controversial figure who was the source of public hostility after he broke COVID-19 protocols to drive hundreds of miles to his parents' house to self-isolate

Elon Musk's proximity to the incoming president Donald Trump - who he spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars to help elect - makes him a much sought financial backer for those seeking to disrupt the British political establishment

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has come in for harsh criticism from Mr Musk, who described him as evil, and calling him complicit in the rape of Britain

However, Mr Farage has since said he has been in touch with Mr Musk and that they remain friends, insisting: I dont think there is any long-term rift. We absolutely agree that we dont want to be at war with each other.

A government source argued that Mr Musk had become personally fixated by the grooming gangs scandal and Labours best strategy was not to engage.

Mr Musk has also used X to attack other European governments, including backing Germanys far-right party AfD.

Neither Mr Cummings nor Mr Musk responded to a request for comment last night
One hundred and eighty thousand! Reform UK leader Nigel Farage channelled his inner Luke Littler yesterday to celebrate his party reaching 180,000 members.

In a pointed jibe at the Tory leadership Mr Farage held up a dartboard registering the maximum 180 score.

The news led to wild cheers at Reform UKs North West England Conference in Chester  and a visibly delighted leader.

It follows an angry war of words over Christmas between Mr Farage and Kemi Badenoch, who claimed Reform was faking the figures when it said its membership had gone past 131,680  the number of eligible Tory members in the partys autumn leadership election.

Nigel Farage holds up a dartboard showing a score of 180, as his party Reform UK surpassed 180,000 members

The party leader was delighted at having reached the target, the news of which led to wild cheers at Reform UKs North West England Conference

Mr Farage with Robin James Hunter-Clarke, Harrison Allman-Varty and Kieran Mishchuk (left to right)

Faced with the accusation, Mr Farage initially threatened legal action against the Conservative leader but has since withdrawn the threat, saying he will instead descend on her North West Essex constituency with 1,200 supporters later this month.

The Reform leader said: Im going to hold a big event for all the Reform members living in her constituency. And Im going to do a big joint photo, Kemi, and say, These are our fake members and we are coming for you at the next election.

Mr Farages supporters in Chester claimed yesterday that the Tory attack had backfired badly because Reform UKs membership figures are thought to have surged following the spat.
A Syrian today became the first UK-bound migrant of the new year to die in the English Channel after being 'crushed to death' in an overcrowded small boat.

The unnamed man, who was in his 20s, was in a flimsy dinghy that was launched in the early hours of Saturday from a beach near Calais.

It was full of asylum seekers heading from France to England, but began to collapse in freezing cold seas and so turned back.

'The boat set off from Sangatte beach,' said a spokesman for France's Maritime Prefecture.

'But a few minutes later, it returned and the group disembarked from the soaking wet boat.

'Among those rescued was a man in his twenties of Syrian nationality, but he suffered a cardiac arrest, probably after being crushed by the other migrants.'

Such horrific deaths have become common on a route that claimed 77 lives in 2024.

'It is the first death as sea in such circumsances in 2025,' said the prefecture spokesman.

A Syrian today became the first UK-bound migrant of the new year to die in the English Channel. Pictured: A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, in August 2023

Pictured: Migrants sit onboard an inflatable boat before attempting to illegally cross the English Channel on July 18, 2024

The unnamed man, who was in his 20s, was in a flimsy dinghy. Pictured: A group of Migrants seen leaving Calais in 2023

He said around 30 people were taken off the boat in all, despite it being designed for a maximum of 12.

Four others, including a 15-year-boy, were rushed to hospital, while the rest were treated at the scene for a variety of conditions, including hypothermia.

Two suspected people smugglers have already been arrested as part of an investigation opened by the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor's office.

On December 29th, four people died after 100 people tried to get on board a dinghy in exactly the same area.

Charity workers reported one group getting on board the boat at Sangatte, and then another appearing a few minutes later.

One said: 'A boat was supposed to set off with sixty people on board, but a group of fifty additional people tried to get on the boat.

'This created extreme panic, causing many to end up in the water. Following some people getting off the boat, it continued to England.'

People smugglers were seen before the boat set off, and it was likely that rival gangs tried to claim use of the same boat, said another witness.

In October, a two-year-old child was among four people who died after being trampled at the bottom of a boat.

Such horrific deaths have become common on a route that claimed 77 lives in 2024. Pictured: Dover, Kent, in 2023

Two suspected people smugglers have already been arrested as part of an investigation opened by the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor's office. Pictured: A border force vessel carrying migrants in 2023

Pictured: French police officers look at a body discovered near Calais on November 4, 2022

In April, a criminal enquiry was also launched following the deaths of five migrants including a little girl around nearby Wimereux.

The worst tradgedy of this kind came in November 2021, when 27 migrants died after a dinghy sank while heading to the UK  the highest recorded number of deaths from a single incident.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said of the tragedies: 'Our government will intensify the fight against these mafias who are getting rich by organising these crossings of death.'

Because of adverse weather conditions, only 61 migrants arrived in the UK on small boats between January 1st and 10th this year, according to UK Home Office figures.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have pledged to 'strengthen cooperation' to fight the people smugglers.

According to Downing Street, the small boat crossings were discussed during their meeting at Chequers, the PM's country residence, on Thursday.
Rachel Reeves yesterday defended her controversial trip to China as critics accused her of going with a 'begging bowl'.

The Chancellor said agreements reached in meetings in Beijing would be worth 600 million to the UK over the next five years.

She said she wants a long-term relationship with China that is 'squarely in our national interest'.

She had been accused of being 'missing in action' over refusing to cancel her China trip amid government borrowing costs hitting a 16-year high and a fall in the value of the pound.

Speaking during a tour of UK bike maker Brompton's store in Beijing yesterday, Ms Reeves insisted she would not change her economic plans. She said: 'I have been really clear that our fiscal rules are non-negotiable, that we will pay for day-to-day spending through tax receipts and we will get debt down as a share of Gross Domestic Product.'

'That's why I'm in China to unlock tangible benefits for British businesses exporting and trading around the world to ensure we have greater access to the second-largest economy in the world.'

Ms Reeves is the first Chancellor to visit China since 2019. She met Vice-Premier He Lifeng in Beijing, discussing trade and investment opportunities as part of efforts to grow the British economy and raise living standards.

Following the talks, the Treasury said both countries had agreed to deeper co-operation in trade, financial services, investment and on climate issues.

Ms Reeves met Vice-Premier He Lifeng in Beijing, discussing trade and investment opportunities as part of efforts to grow the British economy and raise living standards

The Chancellor said agreements reached in meetings in Beijing would be worth 600 million to the UK over the next five years

Ms Reeves is the first Chancellor to visit China since 2019 (pictured speaking during the 11th China - UK Economy and Finance Dialogue)

Ms Reeves said: 'More widely, today is a platform for respectful and consistent future relations with China.'

But Tory MP and former security minister Tom Tugendhat said: 'She's going at a time when her Budget has sacked the economy, we have got debt rates going up and she looks as if she's going with a begging bowl, not with a trading deal.

'That's a real problem because it makes the UK look more vulnerable, and others around the world will see it too.'

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme, he added: 'We don't use the second most important person in government to do anything other than to fundamentally change a relationship.

'Well, she hasn't told us what that change is.'

Yesterday's meeting with He Lifeng also included discussions over Hong Kong and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Treasury added Ms Reeves raised issues of human rights, forced labour and 'made clear that China's sanctions against parliamentarians are completely unwarranted and unacceptable'.
Royal Mail is to slash postal services across major UK towns and cities next month in the biggest shake up to services in generations, the Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Second-class deliveries on Saturdays are to be axed from homes in London, Bristol, Darlington, Nottingham, Coventry, Salisbury, Winchester, Cardiff and Hull.

Affected towns also include Antrim in Northern Ireland, Stockton on Tees in County Durham, Hexham in Northumberland and Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire.

It means around 1m UK households will only get second-class post on every other working day as part of the six-month trial.

It comes ahead of a huge shake up of the business and sparked fears that some areas will never receive current service levels again.

Royal Mail bosses were accused of jumping the gun before regulatory permission to axe second class post on Saturdays has been granted by Ofcom.

And it comes as the 508-year-old postal service is in the process of being bought by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

In total, 37 of Royal Mails 1,200 delivery offices will be included in the pilot. Households that receive post from those delivery offices will be affected.

Royal Mail is set to slash postal services across several UK towns and cities next month (file photo)

One of the sites is the postal services flagship mail centre Mount Pleasant, which was once one of the biggest sorting offices in the world, the Mail on Sunday can reveal.

It serves addresses in north and central London.

Dennis Reed, director of the Silver Voices charity for older people, said: The Royal Mail bosses are so keen to cut the standard of our postal service that they are jumping the gun with this so-called trial, before Ofcom approval,

This trial will be seen as the thin end of the wedge, The Government seems content for our former world class postal service to be run down.

Posties working at the affected delivery offices could be in line for voluntary redundancy as the postal service is expecting a surplus of workers during the trial.

Any job cuts would be part of the 1,000 redundancies already expected if changes to the Universal Service Agreement (USO) get the green light from regulator Ofcom this summer.

Currently. Royal Mail must deliver letters six days a week to all 32 million addresses in the UK for the price of a stamp.

Second-class deliveries are set to be axed on Saturdays for homes in London , Bristol, Darlington, Nottingham , Coventry, Salisbury, Winchester, Cardiff and Hull (file photo)

But the postal service has been lobbying for change for four years, saying the commitment costs the business up to 2 million a day.

It says letter volumes have fallen from a peak of 20 billion a year in 2004/5 to just 6.7 billion annually today.

Watchdog Ofcom will consult on the proposal to deliver second class letters every other working day early this year.

A final decision is expected to be made in the summer and the changes could then be rolled out nationally in 2026.
King Constantine of Greece shared multiple links with British royals and the two families formed a close relationship that continues as they mark the second anniversary of his death.

Tied by both blood and long-standing friendships, Constantine's connection with the Royal Family was strengthened by his 40 years spent in London after being forced into exile when the Greek monarchy was abolished in 1973.

The former king's funeral in January 2023 was attended by Princess Anne as well as other European royalty.

His godson, Prince William, was due to pay his respects at a memorial service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle last February but pulled out because of a 'personal matter', while King Charles missed the occasion while his cancer treatment continued.

Constantine passed away aged 82 on January 10, 2023, in a hospital in Athens after being placed in intensive care following a stroke.

The king - born in 1940 and the only son of Crown Prince Paul and Crown Princess Frederica of Greece - was firstly linked to the British monarchy through family connections. Indeed, the late Prince Philip was his father's first cousin.

Philip was born on the island of Corfu to Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg in 1921.

Shortly afterwards, the Greek royal family was exiled following the abdication of King Constantine I. With Philip just a toddler, his family fled to Paris on a British warship.

The late King Constantine II walking with Prince Charles to St Mary's Church on the Sandringham Estate in 2002

Constantine greets Queen Elizabeth - a 'confidant' during his family's exile in Britain - at St Sophia's Cathedral in London ahead of the wedding of his son, Crown Prince Pavlos, in 1995

During their lifetimes, the late Duke of Edinburgh and the younger Constantine were close friends and sailing partners.

The two royals maintained their relationship over the years and when Constantine married his beloved wife Queen Anne-Marie on September 18, 1964, Philip was on the guest list.

He attended the ceremony at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens with 15-year-old Prince Charles, while 14-year-old Princess Anne was a bridesmaid.

Constantine and Anne-Marie were married for 58 years before his death and had five children - Princess Alexia, Crown Prince Pavlos, Prince Nikolaos, Princess Theodora and Prince Philippos.

Queen Elizabeth went on to become Theodora's godmother in 1983 and attended her baptism at St Sophia's Cathedral in London.

Constantine shared a close relationship with Charles and the two holidayed together in 1990 alongside Princess Diana and Princes William and Harry.

Other European royal families - including former King Juan Carlos of Spain and Queen Sofia - joined them in Majorca.

Their friendship was underlined when Constantine was asked to be William's godfather.

William was christened in the music room of Buckingham Palace in 1982 and the Daily Mail reported at the time how his six godparents were announced.

Constantine, who was described as having 'long been a friend of Prince Charles', attended the ceremony and was accompanied by his 'whole family', according to the report.

The former monarch's godfatherly duties continued in 1997, when he saw William's confirmation into the Church of England.

Prince William - wearing a sling and becoming a godfather for the first time at the age of just 16 - shares a joke with Constantine at the christening of Prince Constantine-Alexios in 1999

Prince Charles and Princess Diana holidaying with William and Harry in Majorca in 1990, when they were joined by other European royals including King Constantine (third left)

Constantine - seated front left - attending William's christening in 1982 with Diana, Charles and the infant prince's other godparents

Constantine featured behind Harry and Diana in the official photograph commemorating the day alongside William's other godparents.

The favour was then returned in 1999 when William - then just 16 - was asked to be godfather to Constantine's grandson, Prince Constantine-Alexios.

William attended the royal infant's christening that April at the Greek Cathedral of St Sophia in London.

Wearing a sling after having an operation on a broken finger the weekend before, the prince 'was a natural as he cradled his first grandson', the Mail reported at the time.

The Greek Orthodox ceremony meant William participated in traditions such as carrying Constantine-Alexios, who is now 26 years old, in a circle.

Constantine returned to Athens with his wife in 2013 and lived out his final years there until his death ten years later.

After Queen Elizabeth passed away in 2022, the close relationship of the families was demonstrated again when Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece described the late monarch, who was his third cousin, as 'one of the most wonderful people ever'.

He attended the Queen's state funeral on behalf of his father, who was too ill to travel to London, and told the BBC how Elizabeth always supported his family.

Constantine with his daughter Princess Theodora, while Charles and Diana stand nearby at Prince Philippos's christening in 1986

The former monarch stood behind Harry and Diana in William's official confirmation photograph in 1997

Prince Philip and the Queen with Constantine after his 70th birthday party in 2010

The Crown Prince said: 'The Queen has always been a very kind person to my family. Always received with a smile.

'My parents were very well taken care of by her when we left Greece and lived in England for years after.'

He explained that his father was a 'confidant' for the Queen throughout their years in the UK.

He added: 'The Queen was always receiving us with great smiles and family friendship.

'Always inquiring how things were going back home or elsewhere. One of the most wonderful people ever.'
To the world  for a time, at least  they appeared to be the perfect happy family. At its head, Doris Markle, hardworking former shop girl from New Hampshire.

Then came her three sons  Mike, Fred, and Tom  with their children. And, as a final addition to her brood, the young, beautiful and promising Meghan, offspring of her son Tom's second marriage to Doria Ragland.

But even as Meghan was starting to make her way into the spotlight, there was a secret shame that Doris desperately wanted the world never know about.

It's remained a secret to this day.

But now Mail Online can reveal for the first time the sad tale of Meghan's granny Doris.

Her eldest son Michael  known to the world as Mike Markle, the diplomat who launched Meghan on her way to stardom - was not a Markle at all, but the product of a teenage slip-up which culminated in Doris giving birth to him, as a single mum.

Doris was born and brought up in Alton, a small town in New Hampshire  so small that tongues would wag ferociously if a girl got pregnant out of wedlock. Doris' mother had died when she was 17, and she took solace in the company of chauffeur's son Bob Cassier, three years older, who lived nearby.

Soon Doris found she was expecting, so in the summer of 1939 she fled to Laconia, 25 miles away, to have her baby in secret.

Meghan with her uncle, Mike Markle (centre) and with her grandmother Doris and father Thomas behind

The US Embassy in Buenos Aires where Meghan's uncle Mike organised an internship in the Press Office for her, writing personally to the Ambassador himself

Her big break came when Meghan played para-legal, Rachel Zane in Suits

The father, a labourer and odd-job man, stayed living with his parents  and whatever romance there'd been between the couple, was over.

With no mother to help out and with her father, Fred Sanders, working full-time as a carpenter, Doris had no choice but to farm her baby out. Having found a suitable home for him, she escaped her small-town existence and took a bus to York, Pennsylvania  500 miles away.

There, Doris met railway worker Gordon Markle and they settled into a relationship. Somewhere along the line she confessed she was a single mom and, along with his proposal of marriage in 1941, Gordon agreed to take in the baby Mike  now aged two.

Mike was not to become a Markle just yet, however. In her newly-married state Doris gave birth, first to Frederick in 1942, then to Tom  Meghan's father  in 1945. All during this period Mike continued to be known as Michael Cassier  even though he had no contact with his biological father.

At the age of ten in 1949 he changed his surname to Sanders  his mother's maiden name  but not until late in his teens did he finally adopt the name Markle.

To the outside world, however, this was just another happy family where everyone was known by first names only. Fred grew up to become, oddly, the creator of his own Florida church  the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church in America - in which he pronounced himself bishop, though his congregations rarely rose above 40.

Tom, three years younger, started out working as a television technician before heading for Hollywood and ending up as an award-winning lighting director, marrying as his second wife makeup girl Doria Ragland. Together they produced Meghan in 1981.

Meanwhile Mike had opted for a career in the US foreign service  and when Meghan reached university age he says he got her an intern's job working in the press office of the US Embassy in Buenos Aires, writing personally to the Ambassador to secure the post.

Magnificent in its own right, the maroon-coloured Phantom IV transporting Meghan and her mother Doria Ragland from the Cliveden House Hotel to St George's Chapel had a rather unique history. Forty six years earlier, it had been used to convey another American divorcee, the Duchess of Windsor, to the funeral of her husband, the Duke, in 1972

Meghan walked the first part of the aisle by herself as her father was too sick to travel and then the King met her halfway and walked her to the altar

Prince Harry's father was incredibly kind and attentive towards the only member of Meghan's family to attend the royal wedding and made sure she was never on her own

From what she saw and heard during these early beginnings in diplomacy, Meghan developed a driving ambition to find a role in politics  something which some believe is still her ultimate goal.

Doris was spared the inevitable searching questions about the birth of her three sons  and especially Mike  because she died in 2011, following husband Gordon who'd died in 1979.

But it's known she remained forever painfully shy on the topic of her out-of-wedlock son and would have been mortified if the facts came out while she lived.

To begin with he felt sympathy for his niece.

She was, he said, from an 'underclass' and she needed time to readjust to life among royalty.

Meghan's family were largely absent from the royal wedding at Windsor Castle in May 2018

Mike became critical of Meghan's behaviour in an interview in in 2019 and branded her a 'prima donna'. He claimed she had a 'chip on her shoulder' which he said could be the reason for her problem with Kate, then Duchess of Cambridge

Meghan's Uncle Mike would have liked to have spoken to her but he never made contact with his niece again as he died in Florida in 2021

But later, as he reflected on the damage the breach had wreaked on the Markle family, he became more critical.

In a 2019 interview he branded her a 'prima donna' and claimed she had a 'chip on her shoulder', which he said could be the reason for her problem with Kate, then Duchess of Cambridge.

Ive probably done more for her than most, he said. I personally talked to the ambassador in Argentina for her. I helped her out and I didnt ask for anything in return.

'She is the one that has thrown up the boundaries, not me - I don't understand her, the way she's treated her family. I'm not very fond of it.'

He went on, 'I doubt I'll hear from her again even though I would like to.'

Alas, he was right. Mike died in Florida in 2021, a victim of Parkinson's disease, without his royal niece ever making contact again.
A Detroit woman has flipped eight homes in the Michigan City and has shared how she has made a huge profit.

Chase C. Hunter bought her first properties in Detroit in 2021 after simply searching 'best places to buy cheap properties' on Google.

That curiosity led Hunter, who was living in her hometown of Houston at the time, to buy two properties on the same day in June 2021.

Hunter's first property cost her $2,000 and the second $1,800.

'The day I closed was my very first time in Detroit,' she told Realtor.com.

In the years since Hunter has bought and flipped eight properties and moved to the Motor City full-time.

'The market can be a challenge to navigate if you aren't here every single day,' she explained. 'Buyers have to know the culture of Detroit to understand how to invest here.

Detroit doesn't just have bargain property prices. Detroit has America's lowest living costs where a $68,000 salary is enough to live comfortably

Chase C. Hunter bought her first properties in Detroit in 2021

'Investors come to Detroit from all corners of the country because the market is like no other,' she told the publication.

Despite the cheap initial price tag Hunter had to invest $85,000 in her first property to make it habitable for renters.

Renovations on the second home cost $130,000 before she could turn it into her office.

'I used to buy major rehabs that I'd have to repair from roof to basement; but at this point, I focus on things I can turn over pretty quickly such as cosmetic rehabs,' she told Realtor.com.

'I look for homes in the $80,000 range, because you spend less on repairs.'

These properties now need somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000 invested on their renovations.

Hunter has since qualified as a real estate agent and has established an investment group to help others invest in the city's property market.

Detroit was named a 'surprise boomtown' by the Wall Street Journal last year, with rapidly appreciating property prices following the city's infamous bankruptcy filing a decade earlier.

Hunter pictured outside her first Detroit property, which she bought for just $2,000

Hunter stands in front of her seventh investment property in Detroit

Detroit was named a 'surprise boomtown' by the Wall Street Journal last year

Hunter said it is important to choose the right areas of the city to invest in

Real estate prices hit a median sale price of $58,900 but have steadily risen to an average of $217,100 in 2023.

This leapt a further 10.5 percent, hitting a median sale price of $250,000 last year.

'Buyers, including investors, took advantage of low home prices in the area over the last decade, bringing energy and funds into the city,' Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com said.

However, 'even after substantial price growth, the median sales price in Detroit was still [much] lower than the national sale price' of $439,950 Jones explained.

Detroit - the birthplace of Motown - is seeing vast improvements in its social environment too and hit its lowest crime rate in 57 years in 2023.

However, Hunter said it is still important to choose the right areas of the city to invest in.

'Crime is definitely still a major challenge, it can deter you from buying here for sure.

'I avoid really bad areas that would be unsafe for single mothers and children,' she explained.

'If a property doesn't function well for a family, I move on.'

The so-called 'Motor City' was once an industrial powerhouse, and home to the largest carmakers in the US.

But the demise of the big automakers, coupled with the mortgage crisis, drove millions from their homes in the 2000s as their properties were left worthless.

An ordinary annual income of $64,849 pays for a comfortable life in Detroit, says new study

A street view in Detroit's Eastern Market area, a sign of the city's recent urban regeneration

Less than two decades ago, one in five houses stood empty there, with foreclosures mounting and properties on deserted streets changing hands for $1.

But as the car industry - this time with a focus on electric vehicles - begins to pick up again, the value of homes in the city has risen rapidly.

Despite the short-term price surge, Detroit still remains affordable, as much of its growth was catch-up after years of lagging behind.

The city, known as the birthplace of Motown music, has started to recover after decades of urban decline.

The restoration of Michigan Central train station, completed this year, was just the latest in a series of urban renewal projects that have turned Detroit into a tourist destination.

.
Fresh housing market data has revealed the top 10 hottest markets for the new year, and the number one city may come as a bit of a shock.

Buffalo, New York, scored the number one spot on Zillow's predictions for the hottest markets in 2025, marking the city's second year in a row at number one.

The remote Upstate New York city known for its frigid temperatures made history as the first market to hit the top spot two years in a row.

'This is the second year in a row that Zillow has forecast Buffalo to be the hottest major housing market in the nation, and last years prediction was spot-on,' Anushna Prakash, the primary researcher on the study, told the DailyMail.com.

'Our market heat index shows Buffalo was one of only a handful of major markets that were tilted heavily in sellers favor throughout the entirety of 2024,' she added.

The analysis is based on home value growth, recent housing marketing velocity, projected changes in the labor market, home construction, and homeowner households.

Zillow's market heat index, which measures supply and demand, ranked Buffalo fourth as a strong selling market with a score of 82.2. Zillow defines a score above 70 as a 'strong sellers market,' while 44-55 is considered to be a 'neutral market.'

In comparison to other Northeastern cities, Buffalo also is one of the more affordable options.

Buffalo had the most new jobs per home in 2024 and was named as Zillow's hottest real estate market

Housing in Buffalo is cheaper than the national average, making the city a hot spot for 2025

Even though prices have increased within the last five years, the city is still relatively accessible in comparison to national averages, which is fueling demand and competition, Prakash argued.

Ranking second on the list was Indianapolis, Indiana. The capital city was the only one in the top 10 that had a rising outlook for home value appreciation.

Home value appreciation refers to a property's increase in value over time. Factors that can impact home value appreciation are location, size, condition, the economy, nearby developments, and supply and demand.

Although Buffalo ranked as the 'hottest real estate market' overall, the city's home value appreciation is expected to drop in 2025.

Rounding out the top five included Providence, Rhode Island, Hartford, Connecticut, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These cities earned their spots on the list due to the relative affordability in comparison to other major metropolitan spots in the Northeast and Midwest.

Ranking sixth on the list was St. Louis, Missouri, while Charlotte, North Carolina followed in seventh. Kansas City, Michigan ranked eighth, while Richmond, Virginia placed ninth, and Salt Lake City, Utah rounded out the top 10.

Although Virginia Beach didn't crack the top 10, it was named as the fastest growing city, with the largest gains from 2024. Virginia Beach rose over 23 markets in one year to place 13th on Zillow's list.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Birmingham, Alabama also saw tremendous gains from 2024.

Despite the growing trends in the hottest market cities, there are downsides to living in hot spot area.

Zillow broke down the housing market for every city in the US

Construction hasn't kept up with the increased demand in Buffalo

Buffalo is located in Western New York and borders Lake Erie

The thriving job market in Buffalo has caught the attention of young professionals, however, the city's construction has struggled to keep up.

Prakash explained that the market is tipped in favor of the sellers, with a lack of available homes in Buffalo's fast-growing metro.

'Existing inventory is still nearly half what it was before the pandemic. Beyond that, among all the metros we studied, Buffalo has the most new jobs per new home permitted,' Prakash said.

'Job growth often means new residents, which raises competition and drives up prices, unless builders can match the additional demand.'

On the flip side, the cities expected to cool in 2025 are New Orleans, Louisiana, San Francisco, California, San Jose, California, Portland, Oregon, and Austin, Texas.

These cities placed low on the list due to job market pressures in comparison to the available housing environment. Zillow anticipates New Orleans in particular to see a home value decline by 3.8 percent in 2025.
Could a tiny, hobbit-like 'ape man' have survived for a million years on a tiny Indonesian island... and still be alive today?

The idea sounds like the stuff of Hollywood fantasy, but anthropologist Professor Gregory Forth has spoken to dozens of local people who believe they have seen the tiny 'ape-man' in the flesh on the remote island of Flores.

A recent sighting by tourists could add more fuel to the idea that a possible human ancestor has survived for millennia.

What makes the sightings even more remarkable is that Flores is where, in 2003, researchers discovered remnants of an ancient species of tiny humans 3ft 7in tall who were believed to have gone extinct 50,000 years ago.

Forth told DailyMail.com that he had heard stories about tiny 'ape men' from the local 'Lio' people on the island long before the remains of 'Homo floresiensis' were found, suggesting locals had not made up their stories after being inspired by that find.

The remote island of Flores is the 10th largest island in Indonesia, and is home to Komodo dragons as well as the Flores giant rat, the world's largest: with mountain forests sloping steeply down to the sea, the inland areas of Flores are lightly populated.

Professor Forth talked for decades to the Lio people, most of whom work as subsistence farmers and live near the coast.

Dozens of them had stories of a similar-sounding creature, half-way between an ape and a man - but smaller than a human.

Could a tiny, hobbit-like 'ape man' have survived for a million years on Flores?

The island of Flores is where the remnants of an ancient species of tiny humans just three foot seven tall and believed to have gone extinct 50,000 years ago

Another local tribe had similar stories of a tiny ape man, but they believed they had been wiped out years ago, Forth explained.

The Lio people said that the creature was hairier than humans, walked upright, but had an ape-like face.

The Lio people call the creature the 'lai ho'a', and Forth has personally talked to around 30 people who believe they have seen at least one of the man-like mammals.

Forth's book, 'Between Ape and Human: An Anthropologist on the Trail of a Hidden Hominoid,' aimed to answer the question of what the Lio people were talking about when they described tiny, ape-like creatures in the mountains of Flores.

Forth told DailyMail.com, 'I first came across talk about things that sounded physically primitive humans when I first began research on Flores 40 years ago in 1984 '

A local villager explores the caves where the remains of homo floriensis were found

On Flores, the secluded island's inhabitants tend to live near the coast

'What could explain their conviction? What they describe is uncannily similar to the reconstructions of Homo floresiensis. It's a very small bodied, physically primitive member of the homo group.'

Forth says that, contrary to other folk tales on the island about spirits, the descriptions of the tiny ape-man were naturalistic, and the Lio people spoke about them quite differently to their tales of spirits, which were invisible and had supernatural powers.

Forth said: 'The descriptions all had a fixed form: it varied, as you would expect from different observers, but at the same time, all the different accounts lent plausibility to this idea there might be some kind of natural species.

Forth says that while a couple of individuals he spoke to seemed less trustworthy, several of the sightings not only did the narrator seem trustworthy, the description also seemed to be relatively realistic, if there were a species of tiny human living in uninhabited parts of the island.

Homofloriensis was vegetarian, meaning it's more likely that the island could support another 'ape man'.

A sculpted model of what homo floresiensis might have looked like in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

Forth conducted eight visits to the Lio region between 2005 and 2018, and 'began to question whether we were not the only member of the genus homo living on the planet today.'

Professor Forth, an anthropologist, talked for decades to the Lio people

Forth acknowledges that it's possible that the 'ape man' might be a new and unknown species of monkey, or an uncontacted population of modern humans.

But due to lack of other evidence for either of these ideas, says that the best hypothesis is that a creature similar to an 'ape man' might exist.

Flores concluded his research in 2018, and suffered a stroke in a plane over the mid-Pacific, which has meant that he has not continued his research, but says that he has had 'interesting reports' from other people in the area since.

He said, 'Two young men from the UK, as a matter of fact, had been to Flores, mostly on a snorkeling holiday. And they, they climbed a mountain which I'm familiar with, and they claim they saw something that sounded very much like, very much like the ape men.'

Forth said that the two young men had not read his book before visiting the island, and initially thought they had come across a new species of monkey or ape - but found his book and contacted him.

On Flores, the Lio people still largely live by subsistence farming

In 2016, further research found teeth and bits of bones from 700,000 years ago, from a smaller humanoid which could be ancestral to Homo floresiensis.

Forth says that the new find suggests that if there is an 'ape man' on Flores, it and its ancestors may have been there for up to a million years.

Forth says that he still communicates with people around the story, although he has not researched the idea further since retiring after his stroke - and that he now feels that he himself is part of the story, an anthropologist who in his old age has been bold enough to 'go rogue'.
One woman's 'incredible' find in an Aussie charity store shows great bargains are still to be found despite rising prices.

Heidi Eiser is still in shock after making this 'incredible' discovery in a Sydney op shop. Source: Supplied

As Aussies continue to decry the rising cost of living, one bargain hunter has proven there are still treasures to be found in op shops across the country.

Brisbane woman Heidi Eiser was thrilled after popping into North Ryde Vinnies while visiting Sydney on holidays to find a brand-new-looking handbag for just $12. But it wasn't until she got it home and Googled the brand that she realised it was worth much more.

"I saw the bag hanging up in the bag section and was instantly drawn to the colour and quality," she told Yahoo News Australia. "I looked inside the bag and saw it had a made in Italy tag but didnt notice the brand. I didnt think much of it until I got back to our room. I noticed the small label embossed on the bag and on the pouch inside."

Heidi Googled the brand Mansur Gavriel and was stunned to discover the bag she picked up was worth nearly $1,000. "They dont sell this pouch bag in this colour combination any more, but the black version was $995. I couldnt believe it," she exclaimed.

Woman's 'best' op shop find

Heidi, who collects cans and bottles around her Brisbane neighbourhood to make purchases, knows her way around hunting for hidden treasure but admits the handbag is the "best" and most valuable find she's ever made.

ADVERTISEMENT

"But I do shop secondhand markets, op shops, Depop and Facebook marketplace regularly and I am pretty proud of my finds," she said. "My partner and I moved into our place together a year ago and the majority of our furniture were secondhand finds."

She also buys clothes, crockery and vases from op shops. "A lot of old casserole dishes are such good quality, I find its much better to buy them secondhand than to buy new," she said.

Vinnies op shop is regularly requesting quality donations. Source: Supplied

Charity shop hunter's secret to success

Despite finding success, Heidi believes op shops are "getting more and more expensive."

"Its disappointing to see because I feel like op shops are there to be accessible for many people," she said. "But occasionally you can still find a really good bargain.

"My tips for finding a bargain are to go to op shops regularly, and search Marketplace and Depop regularly. Good finds go quickly. So if youre there first, youre in.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I also ask myself regularly if Im purchasing something because I need it, or just because its cheap," she adds.

Most importantly, she added, is to "have fun".

"You can find some incredible things. And Ive had such genuine experiences purchasing from people and hearing the backstory to their pieces."

Sustainable consumption front of mind for Aussies in 2025

Consumer specialist Professor Gary Mortimer from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) told Yahoo that with the cost of living continuing to be an ongoing concern, there is a growing appetite among Aussie consumers to buy sustainably this year.

ADVERTISEMENT

"What were seeing is the growth of demand for secondhand clothing, charity shops, and secondhand luxury goods," he said. "I think sustainability is still top of mind for consumers this year."

It's something Heidi agrees with, explaining she loves the "circular effect" of secondhand shopping.

"I still try to shop mindfully. I keep in mind (and on a note in my phone) the gaps in my wardrobe and in my house that I would like to fill. And if the item is outside of that, I try to ask myself if I really need it."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Today, only one kind of human exists  the homo sapiens.

But about 60,000 years ago we went head-to-head  and even had sex with  another species, called the Neanderthals.

This ancient relative had large noses, strong double-arched brow ridge and relatively short and stocky bodies, skeletal evidence shows.

And although the details of Neanderthal sexual organs are not preserved in the fossil record, anatomically weren't that different from us, it's believed.

Researchers say that Neanderthals had penises of the same size and general shape as modern men.

Dr Andrew Merriwether, anthropologist at Binghamton University in New York, said Neanderthals and homo sapiens were 'incredibly similar'.

'They are pretty much identical to us in most respects, so I would assume the unpreserved soft parts would likely be the same as other humans,' he told MailOnline.

Professor Guido Barbujani, an evolutionary anthropologist at the University of Ferrera in Italy, told MailOnline: 'Genitalia are not preserved in fossils, and there is no way to figure out what they looked like in Neanderthals.

About 60,000 years ago we went head-to-head  and even had sex with  another species, called the Neanderthals. Pictured, reconstruction of a Neanderthal man at the Natural History Museum in London

Neanderthals had large noses, strong double-arched brow ridge and relatively short and stocky bodies. The species ranged widely in Eurasia (Europe and Asia), from Portugal and Wales in the west across to the Altai Mountains of Siberia in the east

'Evolution can be quite fast at times, but I doubt it may have deeply modified reproductive organs.'

Largely, the history of Neanderthals  and details about their encounters with homo sapiens  remain much of a mystery.

But we do know that homo sapiens migrated out of Africa 60,000 to 70,000 years ago to Eurasia (Europe and Asia)  where they found Neanderthals.

When the two species first encountered each other, they likely used basic verbal communication or even languages  possibly enough to understand each other.

'Neanderthals were probably able to speak as we can infer from the morphology of some bones and from inferences we can do of their brain,' Alessia Nava, anthropologist at the University of Rome, told MailOnline.

However, Professor Barbujani pointed out that all species of apes today 'mate happily without verbal communication'  apart from humans.

Marks on ancient skulls and evidence of weapons suggest Neanderthals and homo sapiens engaged in brutal fights, but there was also widespread love-making.

'We of course assume that mating was consensual,' Paul Pettitt, professor of archaeology at the University of Durham, told MailOnline.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Pictured, a recreated head and pieced-together skull skull of Shanidar Z, a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal skeleton

Neanderthals had a long, low skull (compared to the more globular skull of modern humans) with a prominent brow ridge above their eyes. Pictured, a skull at a Neanderthal exhibition at the Musee de l'Homme in Paris

Did Neanderthals and homo sapiens look that different? Neanderthals had a long, low skull (compared to the more globular skull of modern humans) with a prominent brow ridge above their eyes. The central part of the Neanderthal face protruded forward and was dominated by a very big, wide nose. Their front teeth were large, and scratch-marks show they were regularly used like a third hand when preparing food and other materials. Neanderthals had strong, muscular bodies, wide hips and shoulders, and hardly any chin. Source: Natural History Museum Advertisement

'But a sad fact of the ancient world may suggest that this was far from the truth and perhaps one "partner" had little choice in the matter.

'Thus, in the rough and tumble of the prehistoric world perhaps mating just occurred  impromptu, with little thought or intention.

'If it was consensual then we can certainly assume there was foreplay  even sensual kissing and cuddling.'

Chimpanzees  extant relatives of both homo sapiens and Neanderthals  often indulge in this type of intimate social bonding behaviour and even hold hands, he added.

Whatever the circumstances of the two species copulating, we know they birthed successful offspring, which is why humans today have some Neanderthal DNA.

A 2020 study found the two species could produce 'fertile and healthy' babies with ease because they were genetically alike.

The two species started to breed with each other about 50,500 years ago and continued to do so for about 7,000 years, until Neanderthals began to die out.

Reasons for their demise vary, but experts have suggested they were vulnerable to climate change or lost violent battles with homo sapiens for resources, like food and shelter.

Neanderthals were skilled big game hunters, using spears to take down animals like deer, ibex and even rhinos and mammoths. It's likely they would have hesitated to use these weapons if their families and lands were threatened - potentially by arriving homo sapiens. Pictured, ancient Neanderthal javelins

Professor Pettitt is one expert who contests the assumption that homo sapiens and Neanderthals were even two different species.

'Just because the bones and brains of Neanderthals had different shapes to those of homo sapiens, doesn't necessarily mean that the two were actually distinct biological species,' he told MailOnline.

'In the wider animal word there is plenty of evidence of successful interbreeding between different 'species'.

'We should perhaps view the human picture between 50,000 and 40,000 years ago as a mosaic of regional 'mestizo' populations  largely identical biologically but with distinct genetic adaptations to their differing environments.'
Tom Hiddleston impressed The Graham Norton Show audience on Friday evening as he gave them a demo of his signature dance move.

The actor, 43, joined host Graham Norton, 61, to discuss his role as Benedick in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing on Friday.

They were also joined on the red sofa by Brie Larson, 35, Billy Porter, 55, and Claudia Winkleman, 52, who all spoke about their recent endeavours.

At the beginning of the show, Tom discusses the plot of the play with Graham and revealed he and the cast spend most of their rehearsal time dancing.

He said: 'It's the most beautiful play, it's so full of warmth and light and wit and it's got a big heart. And in our production, it's full of dancing.'

Graham asked: 'Yes I've heard that rehearsals are fifty percent dance,' to which Tom joked back: 'We turn up in the morning and the first hour is dance hour, very useful for working off the mince pies.'

Tom Hiddleston impressed The Graham Norton Show audience on Friday evening as he gave them a demo of his signature dance move

The actor, 43, joined host Graham Norton, 61, to discuss his role as Benedick in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing (L-R Tom, Brie Larson, Billy Porter, Claudia Winkleman, and Myles Smith)

He added: 'It's just such a lovely thing to do in early January, is dance first thing in the morning.'

Graham jokingly asked the star: 'Is it like freestyle or people teaching you choreography? Is it like everybody dance now.'

Tom confessed he hit the nail on the head: 'Well you've hit on something there which is interesting.'

Brie chimed in by asking Tom: 'Wait what did you hit on? What did he hit on?' as she pointed towards Graham.

Graham then asked: 'Is it just improv dance?'

Tom admitted: 'The party It's not like Swan Lake you know, but the party is the sort of party that you recognise.'

'It's like a wedding or a birthday party, big celebrations. So everybody's still getting up and doing their sort of signature move.'

Brie asked him: 'What's your signature move?' to which Tom said: 'My signature move is just keep swimming.'

They were also joined on the red sofa by Brie Larson, 35, Billy Porter, 55, and Claudia Winkleman, 52, who also spoke about their recent endeavours

At the beginning of the show, Tom discusses the plot of the play with Graham and reveals to him that he and the cast spend most of their rehearsal time dancing

He admitted: 'It's the most beautiful play, it's so full of warmth and light and wit and it's got a big heart. And in our production, it's full of dancing'

The celebrity guests and Graham coaxed the star to show off his signature dance move that he does during rehearsals

Tom then got up from the iconic red sofa and proceeded to crouch down and move his arms from left to right as he wiggled his hips leaving the rest of the guests stunned

The star then got up from the iconic red sofa and proceeded to crouch down and move his arms from left to right as he wiggled his hips leaving the rest of the guests stunned.

After completing his signature move, the celebrity guests and audience loudly applauded the star.

Last month Tom attended the opening night of Shakespeare's The Tempest at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London.

Tom looked incredibly dapper in a blue suit as he posed up a storm on the carpet alongside his co-star Hayley Atwell, 42, and British director Jamie Lloyd, 44.

As he smiled for the cameras, Tom completed his look with a pair of brown leather Chelsea boots.

Sigourney Weaver joined the afterparty in a black jumpsuit teamed with a bejewelled cropped jacket.

The 75-year-old actress made her West End debut as Prospero in a new production of William Shakespeare's play The Tempest while Tom and Hayley star in Much Ado About Nothing.

The two plays are part of a season of Shakespeare by The Jamie Lloyd Company at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Last month Tom attended the opening night of Shakespeare's The Tempest at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London

Tom looked incredibly dapper in a blue suit as he posed up a storm on the carpet alongside his co-star Hayley Atwell, 42, and British director Jamie Lloyd, 44

They are the first plays by the Bard to be staged at the theatre since Peter Brook's production of The Tempest starring John Gielgud in 1957.

Each play is directed by Jamie, who previously staged Romeo And Juliet, which starred Marvel actor Tom Holland and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers in the title roles, in the capital.

Alien actress Sigourney plays the storm-creating magician Prospero in the new staging of the Shakespeare classic The Tempest, in a role typically played by a man.

The production opened on December 19 and will run until February 1 2025.

Meanwhile, Tom and Hayley play sparring enemies-to-lovers Benedick and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, which will run up until April 5 2025.

Loki star Tom said earlier this year: 'Working with Jamie Lloyd on Harold Pinter's Betrayal was one of the most fulfilling and meaningful experiences of my performing life.'

'I could not be more thrilled to have been given the opportunity to collaborate with him again, this time on one of Shakespeare's most warm-hearted and joyful plays: Much Ado About Nothing.'

Sigourney Weaver joined the afterparty in a black jumpsuit teamed with a bejewelled cropped jacket

'It's an honour to have been invited by Andrew Lloyd Webber to bring Shakespeare back to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, in a season alongside Sigourney Weaver in The Tempest, and to be working with the great Hayley Atwell for the first time.'

Captain America actress Hayley added: 'I am thrilled to be joining Jamie Lloyd's company for the third time in my career.'

'His bold and electric direction, combined with the warmth and wit of one of Shakespeare's most celebrated comedic duos is a truly exciting opportunity and one that I hope will delight our audiences.'

'I look forward to working with my talented friend Tom Hiddleston and bringing The Bard back to Theatre Royal Drury Lane.'
The war drums have been rumbling in Nine's St Georges Terrace bunker in Perth this week amid a flurry of speculation newly appointed news boss Michael Genovese has fallen in love with one of the station's summer news anchors...

Himself.

Some sections of the city's newsroom have been somewhat miffed the jack-of-all-trades has been presenting the channel's flagship 6pm bulletin over the festive break - despite moving into a purely managerial role last month.

'These summer fill-in spots are the first rung on the ladder for us to show our bosses what we can do and try to stake a claim on a full-time gig somewhere down the track - but instead it's the boss who's taken the role!' one newsroom staffer said.

'We've got a lot of great reporters who would really shine if given the opportunity - people like Erin Harwood, Brooke Comerford and Michael Stamp - but instead, Genovese is doing it all himself - it's really frustrating.'

Nine's new Perth news boss Michael Genovese and Seven crime reporter wife Jerrie Demasi

Rising Nine News Perth stars Brooke Comerford, Erin Harwood and Michael Stamp

What's more, network insiders reckon Genovese should be more conscious of the disquiet wearing two hats like this can cause after his wife and one-time Nine News reporter Jerrie Demasi defected to rival Seven little more than a year ago.

'He really should know better given what happened with Jerrie,' one said.

'She is absolutely amazing but got tired of waiting in the wings so went somewhere where they appreciate her skills and she's given the right opportunities.'

They need not worry though.

Nine assures us Genovese hasn't been trying to steal the show: he'd been locked in to read the bulletins over the hectic holiday period long before he was elevated to the newsroom's top job. So standby for more opportunities in the future.

Meanwhile, according to our spies at Denison St in Sydney, a different network star was on everyone's lips, with Nine's recently returned U.S. correspondent Alison Piotrowski impressing while co-hosting Today on the last weekend of the year.

Nine's recently returned U.S. correspondent Alison Piotrowski (left) is one to watch at the network this year

'It was obvious how good Ali was in the States - we all saw that in the lead-up to and the day of the presidential election; her reporting and analysis were probably the best on the network,' one Nine insider gushed.

'But watching Ali on Today showed a whole new side of her. She was really dynamic.

'The best part is, she has zero pretensions - she's incredibly well-liked because she's down-to-earth, a terrific person, a hard-worker, and good at her job.'

Away from her fill-in duties, Piotrowski looks to have slipped into a senior reporter role since her return to Sydney last month and we hear she's shaping up as one to watch in 2025.

You heard it here first.

Click here to read the full edition of Inside Mail, exclusive to Mail+ readers.
Haley Joel Osment is renowned for starring in the The Sixth Sense alongside Bruce Willis and Forrest Gump with Tom Hanks.

But despite his successful career as a child actor, Haley disappeared from Hollywood for 15 years shortly after he was charged with drink driving and drug possession.

Haley, 36, is also the older brother of Hannah Montana alum Emily Osment, 32, who has had a glittering career in showbiz.

Instead of perusing a career in acting like his famous sister, Haley decided to step back from Hollywood after often finding it 'aggressive, predatory and relentless'.

Reflecting on his career in 2023, Haley told E! News that his parents always said to him as a child "If it's ever not fun, you can quit tomorrow".

'And when I got to be college age, I got to go off and study theater and really think hard about whether I wanted to do this as my career in life', he said.

Haley Joel Osment is renowned for starring in the The Sixth Sense alongside Bruce Willis and Forrest Gump with Tom Hanks (pictured in August 2024)

But despite his successful career as a child actor, Haley disappeared from Hollywood for 15 years shortly after he was charged with drink driving and drug possession (pictured in The Sixth Sense)

After garnering an Oscar nomination in 2000 at just 11-years-old, Haley was on the path to become a superstar.

In 2006, a then 18-year-old Haley caused shockwaves when he was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and possession of marijuana following a car crash.

The star broke a rib and hurt his shoulder in the smash in Los Angeles - which left his vehicle flipped over on its roof.

He pleaded no contest to one count each of misdemeanour DUI and misdemeanour drug possession and was sentenced to three years probation, 60 hours in an alcohol rehabilitation and education programme and fined $1500.

Around the same time, while his younger sister Emily also landed her big role on Hannah Montana, he was leaving Hollywood to go to school in New York City.

After a troublesome few years, Haley returned to the spotlight and starred in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, Entourage, Tusk and Blink Twice.

Haley previously said he noticed a change in Hollywood after he returned to the spotlight.

He noted that his hometown of Los Angeles has 'mellowed out a bit' as far as the paparazzi culture he previously witnessed as a teenager.

Haley is also the older brother of Hannah Montana alum Emily Osment, 32, who has had a glittering career in showbiz (pictured together last week)

Instead of perusing a career in acting like his famous sister, Haley decided to step back from Hollywood after often finding it 'aggressive, predatory and relentless' (pictured in 2000)

After garnering an Oscar nomination in 2000 at just 11-years-old, Haley was on the path to become a superstar (pictured with Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump)

In 2006, a then 18-year-old Haley caused shockwaves when he was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and possession of marijuana following a car crash (pictured in 2011)

Around the same time, while his younger sister Emily also landed her big role on Hannah Montana, he was leaving Hollywood to go to school in New York City

After a troublesome few years, Haley returned to the spotlight and starred in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, Entourage, Tusk and Blink Twice (pictured with Emily in 2021)

'We're in a different era than we were. It's an interesting shift in dynamics,' he said about navigating social media as a public figure who also prioritized his privacy.

After finally making an Instagram to counter the fake accounts claiming to be him, he admitted it took him 'a long time to figure out how to navigate social media' and credited content that is 'willingly posted online.'

'At this point, I'm comfortable with it,' Haley said. 'In this very large media environment, it's the way to promote your projects and help people keep up to date on what you're doing within the balance of reasonable privacy. I resisted it for so long and now it's like, "Hey, it's fun to do some posts."

Haley's latest role is in Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut film, Blink Twice in which he starred alongside Channing Tatum.

In the 2024 thriller, he portrays Tom, a morally pliable struggling actor  characters he said he hasn't had 'too many interactions' with in real life  a guy who's 'sort of pathetic' but trying to 'be a better man and optimize his life.'

Blink Twice follows cocktail actress Frida (Ackie), who meets tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) at his fundraising gala.

During their encounter, he invites her to join him and his friends for a hedonistic getaway on his private island.

According to the logline, wild nights soon blend into sun-soaked days. However, when strange things start to happen, Frida must uncover the truth if she hopes to make it out alive.
Fans of the '60s sitcom Petticoat Junction were abuzz after one of the show's stars made a rare appearance in Los Angeles on Thursdaynearly six decades after the show's debut.

At 80 years old, the actress appeared spry and full of energy as she was spotted running errands in the city, seemingly unfazed by the wildfires ravaging much of the coastal area.

Dressed in a corduroy jacket and baggy jeans, her casual look was a far cry from the glamorous outfits that made her a star in the '60s and '70s, including her roles in musicals like Bye Bye Birdie and Brigadoon.

But her signature red hair was still going strong, a throwback to her days as one of the three beautiful daughters helping their mom run the Shady Rest Hotel on Petticoat Junction.

And lets not forget, she also provided the voice of Jethrine Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies, where actor Max Baer Jr. played his character Jethro's twin sister, with Jethrine's voice dubbed in.

Can you guess who this iconic actress is?

Fans of the '60s sitcom Petticoat Junction were abuzz after one of the show's stars made a rare appearance in Los Angeles on Thursdaynearly six decades after the show's debut

At 80 years old, the actress appeared spry and full of energy as she was spotted running errands in the city, seemingly unfazed by the wildfires ravaging much of the coastal area

If you guessed Linda Kaye Henning, you're right!

Henning began her acting career in the early 1950s, with early roles in Rebel Without a Cause, Bus Stop, and Gidget.

She was cast as a dancer in the 1963 film Bye Bye Birdie and appeared in several musicals, including High Button Shoes, Brigadoon, and The Sound of Music.

She made numerous TV appearances in the '60s through '80s, including on The Ed Sullivan Show, Happy Days, Mork & Mindy, and The Facts of Life.

Henning also appeared on game shows like Family Feud and Match Game.

Her most iconic role was Betty Jo Bradley on Petticoat Junction, which aired from 1963 to 1970.

Henning was one of only three cast members to stay throughout the entire run, appearing in 219 of the 222 episodes.

Initially billed as Linda Kaye, she used her full name from Season 6 until the shows end.

Her signature red hair was still going strong, a throwback to her days as one of the three beautiful daughters helping their mom run the Shady Rest Hotel on Petticoat Junction

Dressed in a corduroy jacket and baggy jeans, her casual look was a far cry from the glamorous outfits that made her a star in the '60s and '70s, including her roles in musicals like Bye Bye Birdie and Brigadoon

Linda Kaye Henning's (far left) most iconic role was Betty Jo Bradley on Petticoat Junction, which aired from 1963 to 1970; (pictured Petticoat Junction cast: Henning (seated), Edgar Buchanan, Bea Benaderet, Lori Saunders (seated). Back row left to right: Rufus Davis, Jeannine Riley, Smiley Burnette)

Henning was one of only three cast members to stay throughout the entire run, appearing in 219 of the 222 episodes; (Standing are Lori Saunders and Meredith McRae, while seated are Kate Bradley and Linda Henning)

Henning also provided the voice of Jethrine Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies, where actor Max Baer Jr. played his character Jethro's twin sister, with Jethrine's voice dubbed in

Lori Saunders, Linda Henning and Gunilla Hutton at The Hollywood Show held at The Westin Hotel LAX on January 24, 2015

Henning was born in Los Angeles to Paul Henning, a television producer, and his wife, Ruth.

In 1968, she wed Mike Minor, who portrayed Steve Elliott on Petticoat Junction, just one year after their characters' on-screen marriage.

However, the couple divorced in 1973.

Later, in 1994, Henning married Leon Ashby Adams.
Jake Quickenden almost moved fans to tears as he revealed bringing his newborn Kit home from the hospital felt 'different to first time around' in a very emotional post.

The X-Factor star, 36, welcomed his second baby boy with wife Sophie Church on Wednesday and took to Instagram on Friday to share the joyful news.

The couple, who wed in 2022, are already parents to three-year-old son Leo, while they also raise Sophie's son Freddie from a previous relationship.

Later on in the day, the I'm A Celebrity icon gave his followers an update - briefly unfolding the family's return to their nest in the lengthy caption.

The doting dad added this time around they tried to 'a lot' with Leo as he felt 'a little overwhelmed' and they 'wouldn't want for him to be left out' as he welcomes his little sibling.

The TV star accompanied the moving message with a slew of heart-melting shots of the tiny newborn, as well as two snaps of himself shirtless cradling little Kit.

Jake Quickenden, 36, almost moved fans to tears as he revealed bringing his newborn Kit home from the hospital felt 'different to first time around' in a very emotional post

The X-Factor star welcomed his second baby boy with wife Sophie Church on Wednesday and took to Instagram on Friday to share the joyful news.

He also shared a sweet mother-son moment of Sophie breastfeeding the tot in the hospital, while thanking people for the 'kind messages' in the caption.

Jake, who admitted the family was 'enjoying the baby bubble', penned his latest post: 'Baby boy is home safe and comfortable. We were home the same day like four hours after.

'Soph amazes me. Sophie is doing well she won't put Kit down but I think she's enjoying her cuddles, I'm finding it a little different to first time around, as I don't want Leo to think we are leaving him out and he's a little overwhelmed so we are doing a lot doing together!!

'Today we went swimming and smyths and he bought a toy for Kit then we had some chicken nuggets and went home and watched wicked for the 3rd time in two days.

'All very tired but enjoying the baby bubble. Thanks for all the kind messages and wishes of congratulations, always appreciated. '

The star took to Instagram on Friday morning to share an adorable video of the tot's arrival into the world and also revealed his name.

Captioning his post, Jake penned: 'Welcome to world little one. Kit Quickenden 6lb 13oz.

'Born 08/01/25 - As a dad I just want to say Sophie was incredible, thank you for delivering Kit and being so amazing. '.

Later on in the day, the I'm A Celebrity icon gave his followers an update - briefly unfolding the family's return to their nest in the lengthy caption

The TV favourite accompanied the moving message with a slew of heart-melting shots of the tiny newborn, as well as two snaps of himself shirtless cradling little Kit

He also shared a sweet mother-son moment of Sophie breastfeeding the tot in the hospital, while thanking people for the 'kind messages' in the caption

The star took to Instagram on Friday morning to share an adorable video of the tot's arrival into the world and also revealed his name

Captioning his post, proud dad Jake penned: 'Welcome to world little one. Kit Quickenden 6lb 13oz. 'Born 08/01/25 - As a dad I just want to say Sophie was incredible, thank you for delivering Kit and being so amazing. '

The sweet video sees baby Kit bundled up in a white towel and blue knitted hat while mum Sophie, 31, cradles him in her arms.

She is then seen breastfeeding her newborn while enjoying a well-earned piece of toast.

The thrilled parents are then seen doting on their little one as they clutched onto his hands before Jake proceeded to dress Kit.

The video later shows TV personality Jake shirtless as he rocked his son in his arms, with Jake no doubt preparing or having done some skin-to-skin time with his boy.

The special post was met with a plethora of congratulatory messages from his fans and showbiz pals.

Sophie and Jake previously revealed they were pregnant after a 'long time of trying' and took to Instagram with an emotional montage of the family learning the happy news.

Overcome with emotion he wiped tears from his eyes when he was told while pregnant Sophie presented their shocked sons with an Ultrasound scan.

The ex I'm A Caleb campmate captioned the post: 'WE HAVE NEWS. soon to be five. We can finally let you know after a long time trying we are gonna bring another bundle of joy into the world'.

'We are super excited. Can't wait to live off 2 hours sleep again. Have a lovely Sunday'.
Channel Seven newsreader Mike Amor broke down in tears live on-air on Friday as he emotionally discussed the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

The veteran journalist, 57, became overwhelmed with emotion as he discussed the scale of the devastation caused by the deadly fires in the Pacific Palisades area.

Amor, 58, lived in the ritzy LA region for 18 years while serving as Seven's Bureau Chief, and shared his upset over his former neighbourhood being destroyed.

'I'm not ashamed to say there have been lots of tears in the Amor household,' he confessed.

'My wife is from LA and for 10 of the 18 years we lived there we called Pacific Palisades and Malibu home.

'It's hard not to get emotional thinking about the pain they're going through right now.'

Channel Seven newsreader Mike Amor (pictured) broke down live on-air on Friday evening as he reported on the sheer devastation of the Los Angeles wildfires

The journalist, 57, who lived in LA's Pacific Palisades area for 18 years as the network's Bureau Chief, became emotional as he reported on the scale of devastation in his old neighbourhood

Amor said he has been in contact with his friends from LA and was finding it difficult to stay positive after hearing what they were going through.

'We're hearing more stories from our friends who have lost homes and those who are lucky enough to find them still there,' he continued.

'It's tough stuff. We've seen those heartbreaking pictures but they meant so much to us. It's a beautiful place to live and they're going through so much.'

Amor said he is particularly concerned one of his close friends who is currently battling cancer and has now lost his home in the blazes, which started on Tuesday.

'I'm thinking of a mate of mine who's in his late 70s, he's got cancer, he's battling to live. Now he's got nothing to return to,' he emotionally added.

At least 10 people have been killed as catastrophic fires rage through Los Angeles for a fourth straight day, with police carrying out a series of looting and arson arrests.

Over 10,000 structures have been burned down, with a total of 29,053 acres of land scorched in one of Los Angeles' most horrific disasters to date.

Many celebrities have seen their multi-million dollar mansions razed to the ground as the fire spread to Hollywood Hills and Calabasas, prompting criticism of city officials who have been blamed for failing to adequately prepare for the disaster.

At least 10 people have been killed as catastrophic fires rage through LA for a fourth straight day, with police carrying out a series of arson arrests (the fires are pictured on Wednesday)

The homes of Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, Anna Faris and James Woods, and Miles and Keleigh Teller are among those confirmed to have been destroyed.

The property where Friends star Matthew Perry tragically died has also burned down, according to Realtor.com.

Australian actor Benjamin Rigsby shared his devastation over losing his home in the wildfires.

The Neighbours star shared an image of the remains of his home to Instagram on Friday after it burned down, leaving nothing but a charred staircase.

'My heart is absolutely and completely broken. Our home is gone,' he wrote alongside the confronting image.

The Queensland-born star also posted a link to a fundraising site where he is requesting donations.

'Hi it's Belinda, dear friend of Ben, from Australia, and I'm trying to help Ben and Daren with any emergency relief funds possible as their home was destroyed in the fires happening this week,' the charity page read.

Australian actor Benjamin Rigsby shared his devastation over losing his home in the wildfires as he called for donations amid the tragedy

The Neighbours star shared an image of the remains of his home to Instagram on Friday after it burned down, leaving nothing but a charred staircase

'The staircase in this image led to their home. There's not much more I can say. Thankfully they were both away at the time and are physically safe.

'As this is emergency relief the funds will be used for anything they need after this loss - food, accommodation, clothing, vehicles, anything they need.'

As of Friday evening, the performer had managed to pull in around $31,000 as part of his appeal.

Benjamin has starred in major motion pictures such as Alien: Covenant and Ford v. Ferrari.
New photos of Dr. Dre's $40 million mega mansion have been released amid the nearby and ongoing Palisades fire that has burned more than 10,000 structures.

Dre purchased the 18,298-square-foot home in 2014 from previous owners Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen.

The chateau-inspired mansion sits on four acres with a moat filled with coy fish surrounding the house.

Entrance to the five bedroom, nine bathroom home is accessed by a bridge over the moat.

The home also features a subterranean sound studio as big as the footprint of the house where Dre can continue to produce music.

The property boasts ocean views from its location in the hills of the tony Los Angeles neighborhood.

New photos of Dr. Dre's $40 million mega mansion have been released amid the nearby and ongoing Palisades fire that has burned more than 10,000 structures

Dr.Dre seen here on March 19, 2024

The home has a chef's kitchen, home gym and sauna, movie theater, library and seven fireplaces to get cozy.

The yard features an infinity pool, cabana, grassy area and a pond with a waterfall.

Brentwood borders on Pacific Palisades and Dre's home isn't far from homes and businesses that have been both evacuated and burned down.

Other celebs that live near Dre include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jennifer Garner, Cindy Crawford and Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart.

The Palisades fire started on Tuesday morning and the Eaton fire in Pasadena began not long after.

More than 180,000 people in Los Angeles have been evacuated, a modest estimate of 10,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed and at least 10 people have lost their lives.

There are five additional fires burning in Topanga/Calabasas, Acton, Simi Valley, the Hollywood Hills and Northridge/Grenada Hills.

The fires were sparked by the Santa Ana winds, which saw gusts of up to 80 to 100mph on Tuesday and Wednesday as fire fighters tried to get a handle on the blazes.

Dre purchased the 18,298-square-foot home in 2014 from previous owners Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen

The chateau-inspired mansion sits on four acres with a moat that surrounds the house filled with coy fish. Seen here February 13, 2022

Entire neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades and Altadena have been wiped off the map due to the blazes.

The Calabasas blaze, named the Kenneth Fire, was allegedly caused by an arsonist, who has been apprehended by police.

A total of 29,053 acres of land has been scorched as of Friday morning in Los Angeles' worst fire to date.

Many celebrities have seen their multi-million dollar mansions razed to the ground as the fire spread to Hollywood Hills and Calabasas.

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry Teller, Miley Cyrus, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Eugene Levy have seen their homes leveled by the fires.

So did Anna Faris, Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson, John Goodman, Melissa Rivers, Paris Hilton and Mandy Moore, Jeff Bridges, Jhene Aiko, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag and Cary Elwes.

Billy Crystal issued a statement about the loss of his home, saying, 'Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here.

'Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that cant be taken away.

The intense wildfire tears through a residence in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday

A firefighter hoses down a burning home from the Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles on Tuesday

'We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.'

Spencer Pratt was seen Tuesday watching the flames move towards his home in the Palisades and admitted he was in a state of shock and conceded his Instagram video was quite 'unhinged.'

'When your house burns down and you have nothing and your parents house burns down and they have nothing. There's only one thing that can maybe make you feel better - a bag of bagels!' he said gleefully.

'Obviously I'm in shock and my brain's not functioning, so think is the most unhinged post you've seen.'

Sources told TMZ that Pratt and Montag's home was completely destroyed after catching fire on Tuesday.

Luckily, the couple and their two sons were able to safely evacuate earlier in the day before the flames got too close.
Richard Hammond reportedly 'tried everything' to save his marriage for almost 18 months before he eventually accepted that it was over for good with his wife Mindy.

The former Top Gear star, 55, had been desperately trying to save his 28-year marriage until very recently, but the couple publicly announced they were splitting on Thursday.

'He tried everything,' a source told The Sun. 'He hoped they could live separately at the same address under different roofs, but Mindy pushed for a full divorce.

'He even whisked her away to the South of France to patch things up, but it just didn't work.'

And while he did everything he could to save it, Richard was made to move into a converted barn in his family home, Bollitree Castle in Herefordshire in August 2023.

During this time, Mindy confessed that she's 'had enough' and now Richard is living in rented accommodation short commute away which is close to his motor business, The Smallest Cog.

Richard Hammond had reportedly 'tried everything' to save his marriage for almost 18 months before he eventually accepted that it was over for good with his wife Mindy

The former Top Gear star, 55, had been desperately trying to save his 28-year marriage until very recently, but the couple publicly announced they were splitting on Thursday (pictured in 2006)

On Thursday, Richard took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to confirm the split after 23 years of marriage.

He penned: 'A little update from us. This Christmas, we were together as a family and this year we will still be a family, but just structured a bit differently.

'Our marriage is coming to an end, but we've had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters.

'We will always be in each other's lives and are proud of the family we created.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives of Richard Hammond for comment.

According to The Sun, Mindy is eager to secure Bollitree Castle, the 7million abode in Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire the couple purchased in 2008.

The Grade II-listed property, built in the 18th century, has six bedrooms, a swimming pool and 20 acres of land.

The couple's eldest daughter Isabella, 24, still lives on the estate, working with her father, while younger daughter Willow, 22, lives in Gloucestershire.

'He tried everything,' one told The Sun. 'He hoped they could live separately at the same address under different roofs, but Mindy pushed for a full divorce

And while he did everything he could to save it, the petrol head was made to move into a converted barn in his family home, Bollitree Castle in Herefordshire in August 2023

Mindy is eager to secure Bollitree Castle, the 7million castle in Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire the couple purchased in 2008

It comes after Richard was seen without his wife on New Year's Eve nursing a pint of Guinness at a Hereford pub.

The Grand Tour host was happy to take selfies with fans at the Wye Inn, Holme Lacy Road, but onlookers couldn't help noticing he was there without his family.

A source told the Mail: 'Richard popped in for a quiet drink with a few mates and work pals from his Smallest Cog workshop.

'His garage in Rotherwas is well known for restoring classic cars and he is clearly sticking close to home at his stunning pad in Weston under Penyard, near Ross-on-Wye.'

Mindy had previously warned that Richard was on his 'last chance', eight years before the couple announced their marriage was over, but is understood to have since filed divorce papers.

According to the publication, she demanded the divorce after a source claimed she 'wanted him gone'.

A source told The Sun: 'Richard is very upset about all this. It seems he has tried hard to rekindle the relationship but to no avail. There is no speculation that any third party is involved.'

The Grade II-listed property, built in the 18th century, has six bedrooms, a swimming pool and 20 acres of land

Richard is reportedly staying at a rented property in a nearby village where he runs his 'Smallest Cog' car restoration garage (pictured at the castle)

Mindy 'kicked the Top Gear star out to sleep in the castle's barn' before he confirmed the end of their 23-year marriage on Thursday

On Thursday, the Top Gear star shared that he and his spouse have split after 28 years together, writing in a statement they will 'always be in each other's lives'

On Thursday, the Top Gear star shared that he and his spouse have split after 23 years of marriage, writing in a statement they will 'always be in each other's lives.'

In 2017, Mindy made an appearance with Richard on This Morning after he was involved in a second high speed crash.

Richard was filming for The Grand Tour in Switzerland when the car he was driving crashed and repeatedly flipped over before catching fire, moments after he managed to escape it.

In 2006 Richard suffered life-threatening head injuries and was in a coma following a high-speed crash as he filmed for BBC's Top Gear.

Following his second crash 11 years later, Mindy flew to be at her husband's bedside after he careered off the Swiss hillside and told ITV's This Morning: 'I did say three strikes and you're out. You've had two goes'.

His daughter Isabella who was behind the camera with younger sister Willow who told her dad: 'Don't crash again will you'.

She added: 'He has one of these every ten years so I've marked the next one in my diary'.

Mindy said she had predicted the crash after having a 'funny' feeling on the day before the crash.

She said: 'I actually called Richard on the day before which I don't usually do, ever.

Richard was filming for The Grand Tour in Switzerland when the car he was driving crashed and repeatedly flipped over before catching fire, moments after he managed to escape it

'Then the day of the accident I call him and he said he was fine but had a couple more runs to do.

'Then there was a phone call and he said: 'I'd had a bit of a shunt'. I did go quite a bit funny which I've never done before'.

The star required reconstructive surgery on his fractured left knee having escaped the wreckage just seconds before it went up in flames.

Richard has repeatedly apologised to his wife and two daughters for putting them through more trauma.

He said that he believed he might die when his car flew off the mountain.

He said he knew it was 'bad', adding: When the car touched down it smashed the bottom bit of my knee'.

When he was in hospital he revealed: 'They told me I've lost 7mm of height. I can't be losing that'.

Former This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby asked: 'So are you uneven?' and he said: 'Yes. No, no, I can't be running in circles for the rest of my life.'

The smash came more than a decade after Richard's previous horror crash in 2006 when he flipped a car travelling at 318mph while filming for Top Gear, leaving him in a two-week coma with life-threatening head injuries.

Following his second crash, Mindy flew to be at her husband's bedside and told ITV's This Morning: 'I did say three strikes and you're out. You've had two goes'

The couple married in 2002, and they share daughters Isabella, 24, and Willow, 22

Richard, who was driving up a hill in the Rimac Concept One electric car when he crashed last month, said previously: 'It was the very last run of the day, at the top just over the finish line it got away from me and I went over the edge.'

Hammond's electric supercar burned at 1,500 degrees and needed hosing down for 8 hours The inventor of Richard Hammond's super car was forced to reveal the secrets of the 2 million prototype to salvage experts before the charred remains could be removed from the crash site. The salvage operation was 'complicated and dangerous', according to Swiss engineers. Before safe removal, the Croatian manufacturer of the Rimac Concept One car had to explain the secret mechanics. Markus Erni, of Autostrassenhilfe Schweiz, who was involved in the salvage operation, said: 'Since it was a prototype, we had to speak to the manufacturers and gain their confidence so that they could give us the details of where the various units are installed. 'The co-operation was very good and decisive which enabled a safe removal.' He added: 'The danger of a crash involving an electric car is that the rescuers cannot perceive the dangers with their senses. Electricity cannot be heard or smelt like fuel. The danger is therefore much higher for the rescuers. It's complicated and dangerous.' The car burned at temperatures of 1200 to 1500 degrees. It was hosed with cold water for eight hours before a tow truck could safely remove it. The former Top Gear presenter crashed in Hemberg, Switzerland, on Saturday afternoon. He managed to escape from the burning car before it erupted into a fireball. Emil Schmid, from the salvage firm which removed the vehicle, said: 'For the bystander it may have looked as if a few clowns were standing around the wreck for hours without doing anything. But the built-in energy packages in an electric car continue to work after a crash and keep the temperatures very high.' He said: 'I had never had such an expensive wreck on my truck.' Advertisement

He then hurtled 100 metres down a hill, narrowly avoiding crashing into a house and leaving craters in the cliffside.

He told DriveTribe: 'I was very much aware at that point that it being a hillclimb and me being at the end of it, I would be at the top of the hill.

'So what followed was getting down the hill very very quickly.

'I was aware that I was up, that I was high, that inevitably the car was going to come down, and of course there was a moment of dread 'Oh god, I'm going to die'.

'Also I was aware that the car was taking just such a beating.'

He added: 'What was probably going through my mind was 'well this is it'. I thought 'I've had it'.'

Richard said he was conscious all the way through the crash, saying: 'You're aware of sky, ground, sky, ground, sky, ground' and comparing it to 'being in a tumble dryer full of bricks going down a hill'.

He was left with a knee injury from the crash, and said: 'I do remember saying to drag me by my arms not my legs because I think I've broken that leg.'

However, the injury did not alarm his daughter Isabella, who told him: 'Daddy it looks like you've fallen over in the playground,' he said.

Mindy had also previously shared in a newspaper column that she and Richard only enjoyed two minibreaks together throughout their marriage.

Writing for The Daily Express in 2017, she said: 'In our 28 years together we have managed precisely two 'romantic mini-breaks'  one in the first year of our relationship when we camped in Buttermere and woke to soggy bottoms and four inches of water and the other a quick trip to Rome a couple of years ago when we were both so exhausted we found ourselves nodding off after lunch and missing most of our sightseeing time.'

Richard shared the news of his marital split on X, writing: 'A little update from us; this Christmas we were together as a family and this year we will still be a family but just structured a bit differently.

'Our marriage is coming to end, but we've had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters.

'We will always be in each other's lives and are proud of the family we created.

'We won't be commenting further and sincerely hope that our privacy and that of our children will be respected at this time. With Love, Richard and Mindy.'

Richard's 2017 crash, which left his co-stars Jeremy Clarkson and James May fearing he had been killed, came 11 years after he suffered life-threatening head injuries following a high-speed crash as he filmed Top Gear in 2006.

The presenter was in a coma for two weeks following the 288mph accident, but made a full recovery.

Richard also recently raised fears that his injuries might have caused onset dementia.

Talking on The Diary of a CEO podcast, he said: 'I worry about my memory because it's not brilliant. I can still read a script and deliver it but my long-term memory is not brilliant.

'I have to write things down and work hard to remember them sometimes. It might be the age, it might be the onset of something else, I worry about that. I do, I do. I should probably have a look and find out, because I do.'

Host Steven Bartlett asked him: 'Are you scared of finding out?'

He said: 'I am because it was a bleed on the front. It could mean there is an increased risk. I need to find out. I've been too scared to do it. I need to do it.

'Weirdly on the way here, I had to stop off for a medical for a production. They ask 'Have you been involved in any accidents?' I'm like 'Woooah! Can I have another piece of paper please?'

'I need to book myself in for one of those mid-life MOTs and check everything. I wanted to ask them to check there is nothing going awry up here [pointing to his head]. But I chickened out. Didn't.

'That means I probably need an MRI scan but at 53, your memory does start to get a bit... they call it lost key syndrome.

'I am quite forgetful, generally thinking about something else, the next thing and therefore I do drop the ball, I forget stuff a lot. That's just me. That's who I am.'

Mindy previously warned Richard that he was on his 'last chance' in 2017 after he was involved in the second high-speed crash

Mindy had also previously shared in a newspaper column that she and Richard only enjoyed two minibreaks together throughout their marriage (pictured in 2006)

After the crash, which saw his Vampire jet car lose control and flip upside down after a tyre burst, he admitted to suffering from depression.

He said: 'I have no recollection because there was the frontal lobe bleed. I was just decelerating upside down, using my head as a brake, which isn't good for you.'

He added: 'Mindy [his wife], was told by the doctors that a frontal brain lobe injury would possibly lead to me having a greater propensity for obsessive compulsion and depression and paranoia.

'Mindy was like, 'You didn't meet him before the crash, did you?' which is quite funny to be fair. I think I did suffer a bit, I suffered all of those things to a degree.

'Some of them were really weird moments and I still get an echo of it.

'I remember having been institutionalized for a really long time in hospitals and in recovery... I would be coming into London to do something.

'I would open the wardrobe door and just look at all the shirts and just trying to work out.. it was too much. I found choice really difficult for quite a long time.'

He continued: 'Feeling your emotions derailed or interfered with because of a neurochemical imbalance, it's just chemicals and electricity.

'I was walking across the drive of my house and I felt this sudden welling, this surge of love in my chest and I thought, 'What's that?'

'Eventually I identified it, I had walked past my old Land Rover, which I do love but only because I quite like it, but it had just triggered this absolutely... I thought 'Blimey'. It made me think.

'If emotions can be that profoundly affected by what was just a mix-up up of chemicals and electricity in my head, then I am more aware of things.

'Now, I don't listen to my emotions too closely if I am very, very tired or if I have had a big night out with the boys the night before.

'If I drink red wine I do not tune in to see what I think about anything. It's irrelevant for a day. Those are the rules.

'I was angry for a while, Anger is a problem when recovering from a brain injury. I wanted a T-shirt that said on the front, 'I am OK, stop asking' and on the back, 'I am still poorly, you know'.'
Scarlett Johansson was dressed for business as she attended a screening of the comedy-action movie Thelma in New York City on Thursday.

The 40-year-old longtime actress  who has a Today show hosting gig lined up later this month  wore a black pantsuit for the occasion.

The Iron Man star, who is married to comedian Colin Jost, layered her suit jacket over a crew neck white T-shirt.

Her blonde-highlighted locks were neatly pulled back into an updo secured with a claw clip and complete with a center part.

Following the screening, Scarlett sat with 95-year-old actress June Squibb to discuss the film, which was released on Hulu last summer.

Johansson looked typically beautiful with her visage covered in meticulously applied natural-looking makeup.

Scarlett Johansson was dressed for business as she attended a screening of the comedy-action movie Thelma in New York City on Thursday; pictured with actress June Squibb

The 40-year-old longtime actress wore a black pantsuit for the occasion. The Iron Man star, who is married to comedian Colin Jost , layered her suit jacket over a crew neck white T-shirt

She rounded out her classic look with a pair of understated black footwear and she flaunted a glossy red manicure.

For her part, Squibb dazzled in a sparkly silver co-ord and her pout was coated in a rouge lipstick.

Squibb made her motion picture debut in the Josh Margolin-directed project.

She's been acting since 1948, bringing her to nearly 77 years in show business.

Squibb, who plays Thelma Post in the breakout film of her career, had grown used to playing supporting characters.

'I always loved what I was doing,' she told Vulture last June.

'I just wanted to work. And I think it's true that as you work, the more you work  not always but most of the time  the roles do get bigger.'

In the movie, the Illinois native plays a grandmother out for revenge after she gets bamboozled out of $10,000 by a scammer posing as her grandson.

Following the screening, Scarlett sat with 95-year-old actress June Squibb to discuss the film, which was released on Hulu last summer

Johansson's blonde-highlighted locks were neatly pulled back into an updo secured with a claw clip and complete with a center part

Squibb dazzled in a sparkly silver co-ord and her pout was coated in a rouge lipstick

It was announced on Tuesday that Scarlett join Jenna Hager as a co-anchor on the NBC morning show Jenna & Friends from January 21 until January 24.

While some social media users questioned her upcoming job, speculating that she might be 'short on pocket money,' an insider revealed that's not the case.

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the person close to the situation said Scarlett 'jumped at the chance' to work with Jenna, 43, and that she is eager to be an interviewer given that she is usually the subject of interviews.

'Scarlett is looking forward to co-hosting the Today show in a few weeks because she thinks it will be a lot of fun.

'She usually goes through the news with her husband Colin Jost so he can be ready for Weekend Update, and she thought that it would be fun to live on the other side of it all as she is usually the one in the news or being interviewed.'

It was added: 'She wanted a new perspective, she wants to have fun, and when she was asked to do it, she jumped at the chance.'

The source noted: 'For those that are trolling her for feeling that this is beneath her or that she is broke, she finds it ridiculous.'
Carbon monoxide poisoning prevents oxygen from being carried in the bloodstream, leading to symptoms like dizziness and confusion, and can quickly result in unconsciousness, brain damage, or death.

In 2022, six people were hospitalised after suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning at a western Sydney home. Emergency services attended the Merrylands property at 5am, after a whole family fell ill from using a BBQ as a heater. Source: 9News

Australians are being warned over what experts are dubbing a "silent killer" this summer, that can end a life in as little as three minutes.

Industry specialists say many households might be unaware that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen during the warmer months too, despite it being more associated with heaters during winter.

In the country, accidental CO poisoning causes around 50 hospital admissions and up to 10 deaths annually  though the true number may be underreported. Speaking to Yahoo News, Cathy Brand, CEO of Brooks Australia warned the public to look for the signs.

"Any household appliance that burns natural gas, coal, oil, bottled gas, paraffin, wood, petrol, diesel or charcoal will produce some levels of CO," Brand told Yahoo.

ADVERTISEMENT

"This is especially concerning in summer, when CO produced by barbecues, cars, and boat engines can become a hidden danger, when Aussies are focused on enjoying time with loved ones  potentially overlooking this hazard."

Four people were rushed to hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning last year after they used a charcoal BBQ to heat their home in Sydney. Source: NCA

What is CO and how can you stay safe?

CO is an odourless and colourless gas that can cause severe poisoning or death when inhaled. It's produced by burning fuels like gas, wood, or charcoal in poorly ventilated spaces.

Brand said there's a "knowledge gap" that's "leaving households across the country vulnerable to the dangers".

"85 per cent of Australians either lack a CO alarm or are unsure if they have one," she said. "More worryingly, over a quarter (28 per cent) of Aussies dont know the difference between a CO alarm and a smoke alarm."

Common sources of CO poisoning include faulty gas heaters, indoor use of outdoor appliances like barbecues, and vehicle exhaust in enclosed spaces.

ADVERTISEMENT

CO poisoning prevents oxygen from binding to red blood cells, leading to symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. High levels can cause unconsciousness, brain damage, or death within minutes. "The symptomssuch as headaches, drowsiness, nausea, and fatiguecan often go unnoticed as they mimic the flu," Brand said.

In 2022, six people were hospitalised after suffering from CO poisoning at a western Sydney home as a result of using a BBQ as a heater.

Last year, four people, including a child, were rushed also to hospital with CO poisoning after they similarly used charcoal BBQ to heat their home in Wentworthville.

Experts are urging Australians to install carbon monoxide detectors. Source: Getty

"At Brooks Australia, we are encouraging Australians to stay safe this summer by educating family members about these symptoms, and by installing CO alarms in the home to help enhance early detection of CO and ensure the alarm sound levels are increased throughout the house so theres no chance of sleeping through," Brand said.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
TV star William McNamara has been doing his part to make sure four-legged victims of the Pacific Palisades fire are safe.

The 59-year-old actor has been going on site with folks from the Animal Advocacy Network and Viva Global Rescue, sharing videos of their efforts on social media as they search for animal survivors of the deadly flames.

In a recent interview with TMZ, the journeyman actor, who has been seen in shows such as NYPD Blue and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, explained why he and the others went on rescue missions themselves rather than calling 911 for help.

'You don't want to be a burden,' he said about taking resources away from those who might need it.

The Out Of Hand actor is an old hand at taking care of animals, revealing that during the 2018 Woolsey fire in Malibu, he helped save numerous animals, including Grammy winner Diane Warren's pigs.

'The guys and gals who are real heroes here is a guy name AC, Aaron Christiansen, and he's with the Animal Advocacy Network,' said McNamara, who shared a video of a cat rescue mission on Instagram Friday.

TV star William McNamara has been doing his part to make sure four-legged victims of the Pacific Palisades fire are safe

'He alone, with the two girls Maya and Kalli of Viva Global Rescue,... they've got the horse trailers...rescued 313 animals' since Wednesday,' he said.

The Amber Road actor explained that ranches out of the fire zone way have been coming forward to offer shelter to the large animals.

'People immediately came to the rescue.'

Those included the equestrian officers from the Santa Monica Police Department, who, after rescuing their horses from where they were being housed in Agoura Hills, 'sent their trailers back to help.'

'Everybody pitches in,' McNamara said. 'You'd be amazed.'

'The animal community... they are the best people on planet Earth and they will do it.'

It has been a tiring time for the rescuers who have been on-call, essentially, since the fire started.

'Nobody's slept. I haven't gone to bed yet,' the American Desert star explained, adding that his face had been burned from the flames and that his eyes and throat were irritated due to exposure to the flames and smoke.

McNamara told TMZ he has been working with Kalli and Maya of Viva Global Rescue, a horse rescue operation, and Aaron 'AC' Christiansen from the Animal Advocacy Network to get animals out of harms way, crediting their group with rescuing more than 300 animals

It has been a tiring time for the rescuers who have been on-call, essentially, since the fire started. 'Nobody's slept. I haven't gone to bed yet,' the American Desert star explained

Since Tuesday, the deadly Palisades Fire has burned through over 20,000 acres of land and destroyed thousands of homes and structures

As of Friday, the raging blaze is 8% contained

'We're always looking out for each other and it's a great community.' he said.

'We really come together in times of need and emergencies.'

McNamara has faced a number of challenged on behalf of animals, including being arrested in Japan while working with Sea Shepherd.

The Vegas Movie Awards winner said he had never seen anything like the most recent fires, referring to them as 'apocalyptic'.
Abbie Chatfield has issued a stern warning to her rock star boyfriend Adam Hyde's 'weird' fans, urging them to keep their hands off him.

The reality TV star, 29, took to Instagram on Friday to detail the bizarre behaviour Adam is forced to deal with while performing live at gigs.

She posted glamorous pictures of herself dressed to the nines in a busty pink outfit and joked that any fans who want to hit on Adam would have to 'compete' with her.

'For anyone thinking of hitting on Adam tonight at his gig, remember this is who you're competing with xxxxx (kidding but also kinda not, stop being weird at gigs xx),' she quipped in a caption.

Though she clarified that she was joking, she took the opportunity to call out fans' 'weird' behaviour towards Adam, revealing he has been 'groped' at his shows.

'Just kidding. But honestly, some of you are fkn weird with him. Please don't grope him, thank you so much,' she added.

Abbie Chatfield has issued a stern warning to her rock star boyfriend Adam Hyde's 'weird' fans, urging them to keep their hands off him

The TV star, 29, took to Instagram on Friday to share glamorous pictures of herself (above) and detail the bizarre behaviour Adam is forced to deal with while performing live at gigs

In a follow-up video, Abbie detailed the extent of the shocking behaviour as she claimed Adam has been licked and even followed back to his hotel by some fans.

'I've seen him be groped at almost every gig he has done. People lick him, people are weird, and he has called me saying he had the weirdest interaction,' she shared.

'He's had weird DMs, the things people sometimes say to him, like "I love Abbie but if you want to f**k!" It's weird as f**k. I'm asking people to not sexually assault my boyfriend.'

Adam is the frontman of the popular Australian house music band Peking Duk, who are renowned for their electrifying live performances, while he also performs solo as Keli Holiday.

In recent weeks, Abbie has been joining Adam on stage as he tours Australia, sending fans completely wild.

She joined Adam and his bandmate Reuben Styles on stage for their New Year's Eve set at the Hindley St Music Hall in Adelaide.

The couple were not afraid to pack on the PDA for thousands of fans who had gathered to ring in 2025 as they showed off their affections for one another.

Abbie had also joined Adam on stage when he performed solo as Keli Holiday at the Rhythm and Vines Festival in Gisborne on December 30.

In a follow-up video, Abbie detailed the extent of the shocking behaviour as she claimed Adam has been licked and even followed back to his hotel by some fans

In recent weeks, Abbie has been joining Adam on stage as he tours Australia, sending fans completely wild

Abbie confirmed her romance with Adam in June 2024 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.

The FBOY Island Australia host recently told Stellar Magazine 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 after concerns from fans that Adam was '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,' she said.

'But also, us hanging out isn't a big, new thing. We've been hanging out publicly for years.'
Bill Hader surprised a news crew in Los Angeles this week as he offered to join the team in covering the wildfires sweeping across Southern California.

The 46-year-old Saturday Night Live alum's photo appeared in an X post shared by ABC reporter Josh Haskell on Friday.

Haskell wrote on the social media platform, 'Palisades fire resident trying to gain access came up to news van as if he [were] part of our team, wanted to help cover, ride with us. Then, he pulled down his mask, smiled and it was Bill Hader!'

Bill was clad in dark gray joggers, a hooded black shirt, white and gray sneakers, and a protective white KN95 face mask.

The journalist described the occurrence as 'an only in LA moment.'

Per Josh's account, Hader, who flashed a peace sign in the photo, 'couldn't have been nicer.'

Bill Hader surprised a news crew in Los Angeles this week as he offered to join the team in covering the wildfires sweeping across Southern California

Bill's home remarkably survived the devastating Los Angeles fires while his neighbors were not as fortunate

Bill's home remarkably survived the devastating Los Angeles fires while his neighbors were not as fortunate.

The longtime comedian's home in the Pacific Palisades was left standing amid the wreckage surrounding it.

The star is one of dozens of A-listers who have been forced to evacuate their luxury properties as fast-moving flames threaten to scorch the city.

Nearly every other residence on the actor's block street was burned to the ground in the blaze.

He purchased the home for $4.2 million in 2019, and it appeared intact with a silver SUV still parked in the driveway.

With the assistance of brave firefighters and by mere coincidence, some other stars have been able to keep their properties safe from going up in flames.

Tom Hanks, Rebel Wilson, Tom Brady, Chris Pratt, Dan Aykroyd, Steven Spielberg and Jennifer Love Hewitt have all seen their homes spared.

Meanwhile, homes belonging to Anthony Hopkins, Anna Faris, Paris Hilton, Candy Spelling, Heidi Montag, John Goodman and Miles Teller have been decimated.

The longtime comedian's home in the Pacific Palisades was left standing amid the wreckage surrounding it

He purchased the home for $4.2 million in 2019, and it appeared intact with a silver SUV still parked in the driveway

Bill pictured with girlfriend Ali Wong at the 2024 Golden Globes in Beverly Hills

The devastation in Southern California unfolded on Tuesday morning when the combination of heavy wind and a lack of rain created the perfect condition for a brush fire.

The flames quickly spread throughout the Pacific Palisades, which was home to celebrities including Reese Witherspoon, Anna Farris, Tyra Banks, and many more.

As of Friday evening, 21,317 acres of land have been scorched in the Palisades fire alone, with firefighters still working around the clock to contain the flames.

Paris Hilton, Hailey Bieber, Chris Pratt and his mother-in-law Maria Shriver are just a few public figures who have asked for prayers amid the unprecedented wreckage.
Paris Hilton launched an emergency fund and donated $100,000 to aid victims of the Los Angeles wildfires after losing her own Malibu home.

On Friday, the 43-year-old socialite took to her Instagram page to announce she had founded an emergency fund through her nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact to support families and their pets who have been displaced because of the devastating blazes.

Along with her major donation, Hilton revealed that she will match 'additional dollars raised up to $100,000 more' and plans to volunteer in person this weekend.

The mother-of-two wrote: 'My heart is with everyone impacted by the devastating fires here in LA. While I've lost my Malibu home, my thoughts are with the countless families who have lost so much more  their homes, cherished keepsakes, the communities they loved, and their sense of stability.

'As a mom, I can't imagine the pain and fear of not having a safe place for your babies so I'm launching an emergency fund through my nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact to support displaced families with young children.

'I'm starting with a personal contribution of $100,000, and will be matching additional dollars raised up to $100,000 more. I am looking for others to donate and match alongside me to do our part!'

Paris Hilton launched an emergency fund and donated $100,000 to aid victims of the Los Angeles wildfires after losing her own Malibu home; seen November 2024

She also shared that the fund would provide cash assistance to families, temporary housing, deliver essential supplies and work closely with animal shelters to care for displaced pets.

The caption continued, 'Together, our donations will support our young families and pets to: provide cash assistance to families via emergency relief organization @coreresponse, provide short-term housing and hotel stays for families with little ones, delivering essentials and supplies to evacuation centers (I will be volunteering this weekend) [and] supporting local animal shelters working tirelessly to protect displaced pets.

'This effort could not be possible without collaboration and a sense of urgency: I'm immensely grateful to partner with @agmarks13 for mobilizing private female funders to support this effort so that we can launch today starting with $200,000, @coreresponse for distributing cash assistance to our families while they navigate their needs, @Baby2Baby for distribution of much needed supplies for babies and young children and more.

'Let's come together for LA. Every dollar makes a difference, and we'll make sure the support reaches those who need it most. Visit the link in my bio to help #SlivingTogether #1111Family.'

More than 100,000 residents of the City of Angels were forced to flee their homes and 27 have died as scattered blazes have continue to pop up in Southern California.

And some A-lister's have already devastatingly lost their million dollar mansions.

Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Miles Teller, Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore and Jen Atkin are among those whose homes have been destroyed by the untamable inferno.

Paris' emergency fund for wildfire victims comes after she reacted to her waterfront Malibu home burning to the ground on live television.

The socialite took to her Instagram page to announce she had founded an emergency fund to support families and their pets who have been displaced because of the blazes

The star revealed that aside her major donation she would match 'additional dollars raised up to $100,000 more' and volunteer in person this weekend

She wrote: 'My heart is with everyone impacted by the devastating fires here in LA. While I've lost my Malibu home, my thoughts are with the countless families who have lost so much more'

'I'm launching an emergency fund through my nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact to support displaced families with young children,' she wrote in the caption

'I'm starting with a personal contribution of $100,000, and will be matching additional dollars raised up to $100,000 more,' the star added

Her and her husband, Carter Reum, 43, owned the home for nearly four years years before it was destroyed by the Palisades fire on Wednesday.

The couple purchased the 3,000 sq. ft. three-bedroom beachfront home for $8.4 million back in June 2021, according to Realtor.com.

Hilton  who shares two one-year-old children with her husband  said she was 'heartbroken beyond words' amid the damaging wildfires.

'This home was where we built so many precious memories,' Paris said via Instagram. 'It's where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.'

She continued, 'While the loss is overwhelming, I'm holding onto gratitude that my family is safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires.

'To all the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and their beloved pets. My heartaches for those still in harm's way or mourning greater losses.'

The vixen  who recently made headlines for her political efforts  said that 'the devastation is unimaginable' and 'to know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking.'

She said members of her 11:11 Media Impact Team were 'reaching out to nonprofit organizations today to figure out how we can best support the communities impacted by these fires' and remain 'committed to offering help as soon as possible and making a meaningful difference for those who need it most.'

Paris' emergency fund for wildfire victims comes after she reacted to her waterfront Malibu home burning to the ground on live television; Paris and Carter seen

She owned the home for nearly four years years before it was destroyed by the Palisades fire on Wednesday

Paris shared photos of the remnants of her $8.4 million home on Thursday

The hotel heiress encouraged her followers to 'stay safe and follow evacuation orders' amid the trying time, as 'you never know when everything could change'

She added, 'To the brave firefighters and first responders risking their lives to protect us  you are true heroes. I am so grateful for your courage, dedication, and the incredible sacrifices you're making to save lives and fight this unimaginable battle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.'

The hotel heiress encouraged her followers to 'stay safe and follow evacuation orders' amid the trying time, as 'you never know when everything could change.

'Let's protect one another and hold onto hope that these fires will soon be contained. Sending so much love and strength to all of you. We're in this together, LA. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight.'

Sources told TMZ that the home burned in the blaze was not the 'main residence' the hotel heiress lives in, as she owns 'multiple properties,' including a mansion in Beverly Hills.
Dr. Paul Nassifs of Botched fame is now a father-of-five after welcoming a son with wife Brittany Pattakos this week.

On Sunday the 62-year-old surgeon and his 34-year-old spouse took to Instagram to announce the birth of their second child.

In a joint post, the doctor wrote, 'Im so happy to announce Paul Michael Nassif Jr. was born 9 lbs. 10 oz. on January 9th, 2025 at 12:59 AM.'

He added in the caption to his 1.3 million followers, 'Mother and son are safe and sound; our hearts have never been fuller. Our family is complete and were so excited to begin this new chapter together.'

Expressing gratitude, he finished the note, 'Thank you for all of the love, prayers and well wishes. Well keep you all posted!'

Dr. Nassif and Pattakos are also dad and mom to four-year-old daughter Paulina. And the E! reality star shares Gavin, 22, and twins Christian and Colin, 19, with ex-wife Adrienne Maloof.

Dr. Paul Nassifs of Botched fame is now a father-of-five after welcoming a son with wife Brittany Pattakos this week

In a joint post with his spouse, the doctor wrote, 'Im so happy to announce Paul Michael Nassif Jr. was born 9 lbs. 10 oz. on January 9th, 2025 at 12:59 AM.' A single photo of the newborn showed him cozily wrapped in a white blanket with a pattern of tiny blue and pink footprints throughout

The new mom posted a close-up of her little boy's tiny hand wrapped in hers and wrote, 'My sweet baby boy. Happy Birthday. Mommy loves you!'

A single photo of the newborn showed him cozily wrapped in a white blanket with a pattern of tiny blue and pink footprints throughout.

Brittany also used her Instagram Stories to interact with her 144,000 fans on the app.

The new mom posted a close-up of her little boy's tiny hand wrapped in hers and wrote, 'My sweet baby boy. Happy Birthday. Mommy loves you!'

The couple announced online in July 2024 that they were expecting a little boy in the coming months.

'SURPRISE! Were having a BOY!!!!' Nassif gushed to his followers at the time. 'We cant wait to meet you & we love you so much already, Baby Nassif!'

At the same time, Brittany posted a sonogram to social media and revealed her January due date.

Two months ago the now-mother-of-two enjoyed the company of loved ones at a baby shower celebration on a waterfront.

For the milestone she occasion wore a clinging blue gown with long, pleated sleeves that hugged her baby bump.

'My beautiful winter wonderland baby shower in California! Thank you for all my wonderful friends and family who took the time to come celebrate me today! It meant so much to me! Love you all!' she wrote in a November 2 Instagram post.

Dr. Nassif and Pattakos are also dad and mom to four-year-old daughter Paulina

The couple began dating in late 2017 and married in 2019

Dr. Nassif and Pattakos began dating in late 2017 and married in 2019.

This past November they celebrated the seven-year anniversary of their first date.

Brittany gushed in an Instagram caption, 'Today marks 7 years since my baby and I started dating! Wow how time flies!

'I am so thankful for you every day and my soon to be two beautiful babies and my three amazing step boys!'

Sharing a selection of loved-up photos, she finished the message: 'I love you so much!'
Alessandra Ambrosio showcased her body in a bikini while enjoying another beach day in her home country of Brazil - amid the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

The 43-year-old supermodel showcased her flat midriff and her pert derriere in her colorful 1960s inspired two-piece.

The beautiful Brazilian cover girl wowed in the swimsuit, which consisted of a one-shoulder yellow, purple and white sixties inspired pattern, and matching bottoms.

Alessandra held hands with her Australian jewelry designer boyfriend Buck Palmer during their beach day at the famous Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

The model wore vintage inspired sunglasses and several bracelets, opting to go makeup free and leaving her brunette locks loose in waves.

Alessandra, who currently lives in the Los Angeles-neighborhood of Santa Monica, was seen arriving at the beach sporting a matching sheer cover up for a fashionable arrival.

Alessandra Ambrosio showcased her body in a bikini while enjoying another beach day in her home country of Brazil - amid the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles

The 43-year-old supermodel showcased her flat midriff and her pert derriere in her colorful 1960s inspired two-piece

Alessandra has been in Brazil for weeks - and even celebrated the New Year's there with her boyfriend.

Their sighting in Brazil comes a month after they confirmed their romance by holding hands in Miami, Florida during Art Basel.

Two weeks ago, Alessandra let Buck borrow her phone to film her swimming across the ocean from a small island.

He provided commentary as she made her way across the water to him.

She shared another snap that showed that she 'made it' across to the other side.

Alessandra also bravely jumped off the rocks into the water - after Buck gave her support and encouragement that she could in fact do it.

The stunner also took a snap of Buck washing his face in the ocean, captioned it: 'My love in his natural habitat.'

Last month, the lovebirds shared kisses at the beach in cute snaps, which she posted to her Instagram page.

The beautiful Brazilian cover girl wowed in the swimsuit, which consisted of a one-shoulder yellow, purple and white sixties inspired pattern, and matching bottoms

The model wore vintage inspired sunglasses and several bracelets, opting to go makeup free and leaving her brunette locks loose

Alessandra held hands with her boyfriend Buck Palmer during their beach day at the famous Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro

The lovebirds enjoyed a dip in the ocean

Alessandra couldn't keep her eyes off her man

She was seen arriving at the beach sporting a matching sheer cover up for a fashionable arrival

The couple posed for a cute photo op on the beach

They enjoyed a stroll along the world famous beach

They looked to be having a blast

Alessandra pictured sitting with friends

Just two weeks prior, Alessandra let Buck borrow her phone to film her swimming across the ocean from a small island

She shared another snap that showed that she 'made it' across to the other side

The stunner also took a snap of Buck washing his face in the ocean, captioned it: 'My love in his natural habitat'

Alessandra shares two children with ex-partner Jamie Mazur: daughter Anja, 16, and son Noah, 12.

She lives in Santa Monica - a Los Angeles neighborhood; she resides in a home build in 1920, according to an Architectural Digest cover story she did in 2018.

The LA wildfires have been ongoing in Los Angeles County since Tuesday.

Ten people have since died, with over 100,000 people evacuated in the affected areas, CNN reported.

According to the outlet, 10,000 properties have been destroyed - as four wildfires are still ongoing in the county.

Neighborhoods have been flattened due to the Palisades Fire - in the Pacific Palisades - as well as the Eaton Fire - in Altadena.
Spencer Pratt reveals plans to sue the State of California after his home was tragically burnt down in the Pacific Palisades wildfires.

On Friday, the former reality star, who is married to Heidi Montag, announced that he intends on filing a lawsuit against California due to their alleged negligence that resulted in the loss of his residence.

While speaking to blogger, Perez Hilton, the father-of-two recalled desperately trying to get help from Los Angeles Fire Department as he watched his property go up in flames.

'They never came. The gate was still locked,' he claimed. 'They never came. I watched from my security cameras until our house burned down. There were no fire trucks.'

As his home burned down, Pratt insisted that he called 911 and informed them that if they sent 'one fire truck' to his street that they 'could stop [the fire from] coming down the whole freaking area.'

In response to his suggestion to bring in a truck, he said he was told that the fire department didn't 'have the assets.'

Spencer Pratt reveals plans to sue the State of California after his home, which was reportedly worth $3 million, was tragically burnt down in the Pacific Palisades wildfires

The couple's home, reportedly worth $3 million, was flattened to the ground after the raging fire took over the LA landscape and wreaked fiery havoc on Tuesday evening, and photos obtained by DailyMail.com on Wednesday showed the severity of the devastation.

The only parts of the home still standing were the charred entry gate and the front portion of the home's stucco perimeter wall. Large piles of debris were seen throughout the property as well as burnt foliage that once decorated the home's front yard.

Not only was the couple's residence destroyed, but Pratt's parents also lost their home to the fire.

His decision to sue comes amid widespread backlash against Los Angeles Mayor karen bass' lack of preparation and rapid response to the wildfires.

Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has blamed Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, for the killer wildfires that have ravaged the state.

Earlier this week, Trump tore into Newsom for being unprepared for the devastating wildfires that have cropped up all around Los Angeles causing immeasurable damage.

The wildfires, numbering up to four separate blazes, have already scorched thousands of acres, burnt scores of structures and caused what appears to be billions of dollars in damage.

The Palisades Fire, which began in Pacific Palisades, California, and currently is the most ferocious of all the blazes, has already torched beach-side homes from Malibu to Santa Monica, and as of Friday evening is just eight percent contained.

On Friday, the former reality star, who is married to Heidi Montag, announced that he intends on filing a lawsuit against California due to their alleged negligence that resulted in the loss of his residence

'They never came. The gate was still locked,' he claimed. 'They never came. I watched from my security cameras until our house burned down. There were no fire trucks'

As his home burned down, Pratt insisted that he called 911 and informed them that if they sent 'one fire truck' to his street that they 'could stop it coming down the whole freaking area'

Pratt and Montag, who rose to fame on The Hills, previously stated that they were in state of disbelief and devastation as they opened up about the loss in a recent TikTok post.

In various TikToks, Montag grew emotional about the blaze as she processed the stunning loss.

While sitting on the couch with one of her children, Montag sobbed: 'Sad our house is gone' she cried, later saying, 'Everything you worked so hard for...'

Her child served as a comforting distraction as he periodically touched her face, making her smile. 'Thank you,' she ended the video with a giggle.

In another video, Montag assured everyone she and her family were safe while confirming the loss of their home.

'While we ended up losing our house in the fire and thank God we are safe, so thank you to everyone who's checking, thank you for all your prayers, thank you for your thoughts. It's,' she said, emotion growing on her face. 'No words.'

Pratt attempted to cheer himself up on Wednesday with some bagels.

The reality alum, who was seen Tuesday watching the flames move towards his home, admitted he was in a state of shock and conceded his video was quite 'unhinged.'

'When your house burns down and you have nothing and your parents house burns down and they have nothing. There's only one thing that can maybe make you feel better - a bag of bagels!' he said gleefully.

'Obviously I'm in shock and my brain's not functioning, so think is the most unhinged post you've seen.'

The couple's home, reportedly worth $3 million, was flattened to the ground after the raging fire took over the LA landscape and wreaked fiery havoc on Tuesday evening, and photos obtained by DailyMail.com on Wednesday showed the severity of the devastation

The only parts of the home still standing were the charred entry gate and the front portion of the home's stucco perimeter wall. Large piles of debris were seen throughout the property as well as burnt foliage that once decorated the home's front yard

Pratt and Montag, who rose to fame on The Hills, previously stated that they were in state of disbelief and devastation as they opened up about the loss in a recent TikTok post

Sources told TMZ that Pratt and Montag's home was completely destroyed after catching fire on Tuesday.

Luckily, the couple and their two sons were able to safely evacuate earlier in the day before the flames got too close.

However, they are said to be distraught by the staggering loss.

More than 30,000 residents evacuated their homes as a massive wildfire ripped through the celeb enclave of Pacific Palisades, burning nearly 3,000 acres and reducing dozens of homes to rubble.
Elsa Pataky was every inch the doting mother as she was joined by her daughter India while walking their dogs on the beach in Bryon Bay.

The Spanish actress, 48, put on a leggy display in distressed beige denim shorts and a black patterned vest top as she soaked up the rays during the balmy walk.

Elsa, who is married to Chris Hemsworth, channelled traditional Aussie style as she went barefoot for the walk and shielded her eyes with oversized black shades.

She tucked her golden tresses beneath a wide-brimmed straw bucket hat and appeared to be in jovial spirits as she avidly chatted to her daughter India, 12.

The youngster looked every inch her mother's mini-me as she wore a white T-shirt and pink shorts for the dog walk.

The mother-daughter duo took their hoard of animals for a walk on a dog-friendly beach in Byron Bay before heading to the shops to pick up some essentials.

Elsa Pataky was every inch the doting mother as she was joined by her daughter India while walking their dogs on the beach in Bryon Bay

The Spanish actress, 48, put on a leggy display in distressed beige denim shorts and a black patterned vest top as she soaked up the rays during the balmy walk

Elsa, who is married to Chris Hemsworth , channelled traditional Aussie style as she went barefoot for the walk and shielded her eyes with oversized black shades

The Hemsworth family have multiple dogs including a German Shepherd, a golden-doodle called Sunny, a cocker spaniel called Rocket and a poodle.

Their most recent addition to their brood is their German Shepherd, who they welcomed into their family just weeks before Christmas.

They also have many other pets including a horse called Chester, two chickens called Moto Moto and Pizza, a bearded dragon called Monty and a pig called Tina.

In fact, Elsa recently admitted that her one condition to Chris for moving to Australia from her native Spain was buying a farm where they could have animals.

'That was my deal with Chris,' she told the Courier Mail.

'I said I would move to Australia but I wanted to live on a property, a farm, and have horses and he knew that.'

Chris and Elsa now live in Byron Bay in a sprawling $30million eight-bedroom mansion that sits on a massive 4.2 hectares of land in Broken Head.

Elsa and Chris tied the knot in a surprise Australian ceremony just ten months after they first met in early 2010 and celebrated 14 years of marriage on December 22.

Elsa took her hoard of family pets for a walk on a dog-friendly beach in Byron Bay before heading to the shops

She tucked her golden tresses beneath a wide-brimmed straw bucket hat and appeared to be in jovial spirits as she avidly chatted to her daughter India, 12

Her daughter India looked every inch her mother's mini-me as she wore a white T-shirt and pink shorts for the dog walk

The duo enjoyed spending some quality time together in the sunshine during their outing over the holidays

Elsa showed off her natural beauty during the low-key outing and was seen loading their dogs into the back of her car

Elsa was every inch the doting mother during the outing as she helped India round up their beloved dogs

At one moment, Elsa was sweetly seen carrying one of their beloved dogs as she helped them climb into the car

Elsa and India appeared closer than ever as they enjoyed some mother-daughter bonding time during the day out

The Hemsworth family have multiple dogs including a German Shepherd, a golden-doodle called Sunny, a cocker spaniel called Rocket and a poodle

Their most recent addition to their brood was their German Shepherd, who they welcomed into their family just weeks before Christmas

Elsa recently admitted that her one condition to Chris for moving to Australia from her native Spain was buying a farm where they could house many animals

Elsa was seen giving her dogs treated as she rounded up their German Shepherd - who is the latest addition to their clan

Elsa showed off her fresh-faced beauty as she also headed into the supermarket to pick up the essentials

She flashed a smile as she carried out a cardboard box filled with food items as she stocked up after the walk

Elsa and Chris live in Byron Bay in a sprawling $30million eight-bedroom mansion that sits on a massive 4.2 hectares of land in Broken Head

As well as their eldest daughter India, Elsa and Chris also share twin boys Sasha and Tristan, 10

They moved to Byron Bay five years later after getting married, buying their forever home in the coastal paradise for $7.6million.

Elsa recently gave a rare insight into her relationship with Chris and shared their secret to a happy marriage despite facing many challenges over the years.

'I think we all have the idea of this beautiful dream of a marriage and loving each other and it all being perfect but it's much more work than you think,' she said.

'It comes with so many challenges but it's beautiful to grow into those challenges and learn about each other and how we change with the years and how we adapt to each other.

'You can think from the outside that a marriage is perfect but they all have their things and they all need a lot of work.'

As well as their eldest daughter India, the couple also share twin boys Sasha and Tristan, 10.
Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson have surprised fans with a very unlikely change to their popular radio show.

The Kyle and Jackie O Show is known for its trademark crude and explicit humour but the co-hosts have now promised to tone down their antics.

Shock jock Kyle, 53, and Jackie, 49, have failed to win over Melbourne viewers since expanding into the city in April 2024, dipping down in the radio ratings.

However, seemingly in a bid to win over fans in the city, the top-rating Sydney KIIS FM show have now promised to 'behave' and down tone their cheeky antics.

A new slogan advertising the show reads: 'Listen now. We're behaving,' in an apparent bid to appeal to a larger audience in Melbourne.

The advertisement has been plastered all over Melbourne's buses as the breakfast show have poked fun at their naughty reputation.

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson have surprised fans with a very unlikely change to their popular radio show - toning down their crude and explicit humour

A new slogan advertising the show reads: 'Listen now. We're behaving,' in an apparent bid to appeal to a larger audience in Melbourne

Kyle and Jackie have famously interviewed people about their sex lives and revealed how to identify an erotic massage parlour in some racy segments on their program.

But after the show was introduced to Melbourne last year, KIIS FM management have been transforming the show to make it more accessible to the new market.

In November, it was announced that Kyle would be reducing his trademark graphic sexual content in a bid to appeal to the Melbourne market.

'The sexual content was really a small part of the show,' ARN's chief content officer Duncan Campbell told Mumbrella.

'Because it was graphic, it grabbed everyone's attention  but [Kyle's] taken that off, really.

'It's still sexual content. But not the graphic sexual content that it once was.'

Campbell told the outlet that Kyle was the one who 'came to the table' with toning down on the graphic content and is passionate about winning over Melbourne.

'[Kyle] wants to win in Melbourne. There's no doubt about that,' he added.

Shock jock Kyle, 53, and Jackie, 49, have failed to win over Melbourne viewers since expanding into the city in April 2024, dipping down in the radio ratings

The Kyle & Jackie O Show has had a slow start in Melbourne since the expansion and suffered another small dip in the seventh GFK radio ratings in the Victorian capital.

Sitting at eighth position in the Breakfast slot with a 5.1 per cent share, the duo slipped well behind Nova's Jase and Lauren, as well as Triple M and ABC Melbourne.

However in Sydney, Kyle and Jackie have still managed to claim the top position for their breakfast time slot.

This was despite a drop to 13.1 per cent of the audience.

Kyle previously blamed the show's struggling Melbourne ratings on the city's 'pearl clutching' residents in an explosive rant.

'It is your fault, you are late to the party, you are pearl clutchers, you all love the s*** show that used to be on here,' he fumed.

'They got one month of number one and now they are starting to go back down the gurgler again, but everyone keeps (a long censoring beep)  over it.

'If you want to listen to s***, listen to s***, that is fine by me.

'At the end of the day he [Jase Hawkins] is a ranga from Brisbane, he is not even a Melbourne guy, so who is the joke on? Pests.'
James Woods has revealed that his Pacific Palisades home is 'still standing' after believing that it had been destroyed in the catastrophic L.A. fires that began earlier this week on Tuesday.

It comes just two days after the actor, 77, broke down during a CNN interview after being evacuated. He had also shared videos of the fast-moving inferno moving towards his house on a hill in the community.

However, on Friday, Woods gave an update by uploading a clip to X to share that a 'miracle has happened' and that the property had survived the flames.

While standing on the deck, he panned the camera to the views below, showing that most structures and neighboring homes had been burnt to the ground in the Palisades Fire - which has spanned 20,000 acres as of Friday, per NBC News.

James also pointed out landmarks, such as a school, that had once stood - but was now destroyed.

He then panned the camera to show another portion of the backyard as others were also helping to put out small flames with buckets of water.

James Woods, 77, has revealed that his Pacific Palisades home is 'still standing' after believing that it had been destroyed in the catastrophic L.A. fires that began earlier this week on Tuesday

It comes just two days after the actor broke down during a CNN interview after being evacuated; taken on Friday

The star could be heard explaining, 'Francis, who's father we saved, is now putting out fires now on our hillside.'

Smoke still arose in the distance from other properties that had been ravished in the fires - which began on Tuesday amid strong Santa Ana winds.

The multiple devastating infernos throughout Southern California - including the Eaton Fire - have claimed the lives of 11 victims, NBC reported on Friday.

Around 200,000 residents have been evacuated while over 10,000 structures have been destroyed in the blazes.

Anthony Hopkins, Miles Teller, Paris Hilton, Tina Knowles, Eugene Levy, Billy Crystal Jeff Bridges, Adam Brody and wife Leighton Meester are just some who also lost their homes in the fires.

In the caption of his video, the Casino actor penned, 'A miracle has happened. We managed to get to our property and our home, that we were told is gone forever, is still standing.'

'In this hellish landscape "standing" is relative, but smoke and other damage is not like the utter destruction around us. The view from our deck area.'

James was also seen visiting his property in the Pacific Palisades which sits on top of a hill - which was burnt below.

However, on Friday, Woods gave an update by uploading a clip to X to share that a 'miracle has happened' and that the property had survived the flames

While standing on the deck, he panned the camera to the views below, showing that most structures and neighboring homes had been burnt to the ground in the Palisades Fire

James also pointed out landmarks, such as a school, that had once stood - but was now destroyed

Smoke still arose in the distance from other properties that had been ravished in the fires - which began on Tuesday amid strong Santa Ana winds

The multiple devastating infernos throughout Southern California - including the Eaton Fire - have claimed the lives of 11 victims, NBC reported on Friday

James was also seen visiting his property in the Pacific Palisades which sits on top of a hill - which had been burned below

At one point, Woods was joined by other individuals - including a police officer - in the street and they held a conversation while standing next to a burnt vehicle.

He took to X once again to give additional updates about his neighborhood, and shared a short reel of how one side of a street was untouched, but the other fully destroyed.

James wrote, 'One side untouched, the other utter destruction. While we rejoice to find our house intact, in the midst of a hellscape like this, you can only think of your neighbors.'

'I was so certain our house was gone a day ago, but the fickle finger of fate decided otherwise.'

The actor also shared a photo of the remnants of a home, and typed, 'So many beautiful messages from all of you.'

'I'm so happy and grateful, but honestly the entire area looks like the dark side of the moon. It's so fundamentally gut-wrenching and upsetting, it's almost hard to celebrate the joyous news that our home survived.'

Woods' recent update on Friday comes two days after he broke down during a CNN interview as he described evacuating his Pacific Palisades home amid the Los Angeles wildfires.

At one point, Woods was joined by other individuals - including a police officer - in the street and they held a conversation while standing next to a burnt vehicle

He took to X once again to give additional updates about his neighborhood, and shared a short reel of how one side of a street was untouched, but the other fully destroyed

James wrote, 'One side untouched, the other utter destruction. While we rejoice to find our house intact, in the midst of a hellscape like this, you can only think of your neighbors'

The actor also shared a photo of the remnants of a home, and typed, 'So many beautiful messages from all of you'

He became emotional as he shared how his wife's niece offered to help after he thought their home was destroyed by the fires.

Woods said his wife's eight-year-old niece 'came out with her little piggy bank for us to rebuild our house.'

'I'm sorry, it's just one day you're in the pool and the next its all gone,' Woods added as he teared up.

The Oscar winner continued: 'I'm sorry, I thought I was stronger than this...'

Woods had previously shared a video of the view from his destroyed home and wrote on X: 'I took this last night from our beautiful little home in the Palisades.'

Woods' recent update on Friday comes two days after he broke down during a CNN interview as he described evacuating his Pacific Palisades home amid the Los Angeles wildfires

On Tuesday, not long after being evacuated, James shared a picture on X of flames near his Palisades home

'Now all the fire alarms are going off at once remotely. It tests your soul, losing everything at once, I must say.'

On Tuesday, not long after being evacuated, James shared a picture on X of flames near his Palisades home.

'To all the wonderful people who've reached out to us, thank you for being so concerned.'

'Just letting you know that we were able to evacuate successfully. I do not know at this moment if our home is still standing, but sadly houses on our little street are not,' he wrote at the time.
Starting a family beside a busy railway might not seem like the best idea at first  until you look a little deeper, a wildlife documenter argues.

A wildlife photographer says we should be more accommodating of nature, after he came across a bush-stone curlew's nest right next to a train line in Cairns. Source: Facebook/Wil & Mel's Wild-Life

A wildlife documentarian shared his surprise at finding a nesting native bird had laid its eggs merely 30 centimetres from a "regularly used railway"  saying he "can't decide" whether it's "one of the worst spots ever or one of the best".

Queenslander Wil Kemp found a bush-stone curlew and it's nest near a set of train tracks in Cairns earlier this week. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Kemp said because "trains never swerve", coupled with the fact that predators don't inhabit the area, he thought the eggs are actually in a pretty safe spot.

Kemp said the peculiar find highlights the fact that "we can live with wildlife to the best of our ability", all we need to do "is slightly tweak our behaviour".

"We just need to change our attitudes a little bit," he told Yahoo News. "In this particular instance, it wasn't much. We just had to locate where the nest was, we put the witches out there, and we'll just keep an eye on them now."

It might seem like a terrible spot to nest, but one wildlife enthusiast argued it's actually pretty safe, if we leave the birds alone. Source: Facebook/Wil & Mel's Wild-Life

Humans should work with nature, not against it

The Cairns man said wildlife is often "portrayed as a nuisance" when animals "decide to present themselves" in situations like this "and all too often they are caught, removed, relocated or even sometimes, euthanised".

ADVERTISEMENT

He said people are normally all too quick to call their local council when they think nature is in our way.

"When an animal presents itself in our lives, like those curlews, a lot of us, unfortunately, just don't have any tolerance for that, and we just want them gone," he said. But actually, sometimes with a slight tweak to our way of thinking, we can coexist in harmony, Kemp argued.

Mum and dad weren't far behind from the eggs. Source: Facebook/Wil & Mel's Wild-Life

"There's no wild pigs, there's no dingoes, and no pythons or goannas or anything like that," he said. "Its probably a fantastic place to lay eggs, when you think about it."

Expert's advice on bush-stone curlews

ANU's Shoshana Rapley, who is doing her PhD on bush-stone curlews, said the birds are not yet endangered in Queensland like they are in NSW and Victoria  which is exactly why we should work to keep it that way.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Keeping common species common is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to prevent extinctions," she told Yahoo News Australia.

"Larger, more diverse and complex populations are more resilient and less likely to be wiped out by catastrophic events such as fires. Furthermore, abundance and diversity of wildlife provides ecosystem services  bush stone-curlews predate species that occur in plague numbers such as mice."

Rapley urged people to learn more about native birds, highlighting that wildlife carers are being "inundated with curlew chicks" that should have been left in their natural habitat.

"People with good intentions are taking healthy chicks out of home territory because they assume them to be unwell as their natural response to danger is to lie very still," she said.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
The wife of celebrity DJ Paul Fisher is rallying around the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

Chloe Fisher took to Instagram on Saturday to reveal that she had created a GoFundMe to raise money for people, animals, and wildlife affected by the catastrophe.

At least 11 people have been killed as catastrophic fires rage through Los Angeles for a fourth straight day.

More than 10,000 structures have been burned down, with a total of 29,053 acres of land scorched in one of Los Angeles' most horrific disasters to date.

Chloe, who splits her time between Australia and the US with her DJ husband, shared an expansive post revealing her fundraising efforts.

'I have been working with the team at GoFundMe to try and work out how I can assist people who have been affected by the wildfires in LA,' Chloe began the clip.

The wife of celebrity DJ Paul Fisher, Chloe, is rallying around the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Both pictured

Chloe Fisher took to Instagram on Saturday to reveal that she had created a GoFundMe to raise money for people, animals, and wildlife affected by the catastrophe

Chloe added that she wanted to start the fundraising campaign to help alleviate confusion as so how people can help.

'I know that it is extremely overwhelming, there are so many charities, theres so many GoFundMes...and I really wanted to create one place in which you can trust to donate funds and know that they are going to go to the right people,' she said.

Continuing her post, Chloe said money collected through her campaign would be distributed directly to those in need.

'I'll be collecting funds and I will be distributing them personally to two different areas - one will be to GoFundMe.org and these guys will be distributing cash grants to those in need.'

Chloe added that her second focus would be assisting animals and wildlife but added that she was still researching the best channel to distribute the money through.

'Given that this is extremely current, I wanted to get this fundraiser up immediately so i can start collecting money,' she said.

'But in the coming days, I'm going to be researching exactly where I'll be sending the money for the animals and wildlife.'

Chloe was adamant that she would be completely transparent ent about her fundraising drive.

'I know that it is extremely overwhelming, there are so many charities, theres so many GoFundMes...and I really wanted to create one place in which you can trust to donate funds and know that they are going to go to the right people,' she said

Chloe added that her second focus would be assisting animals and wildlife but added that she was still researching the best channel to distribute the money through

'Anyone who would like to support, you can put your trust in me,' she said.

'I'll be sending the money out personally, and I can hope I can make it a little bit easier for people to work out where to put their funds.'

She added that people who were not in a financial position to donate could still help.'

Even if you don't have the money to donate, yo can help immensely by sharing this post ...because we can create a bigger impact the more that it is shared.,' she said.

Chloe rounded out her call to action by offering her thoughts to those affected.

'Again I'm sending my love and my thoughts and my prayers to every single person who is affected over there,' she said.

'It's extremely heartbreaking and it's extremely hard to watch, but my thoughts are with you and I hope I can help you guys in some way shape or form over the coming days and weeks.'

It was a sentiment that Chloe shared on the GoFundMe page itself.

'Los Angeles has become our second home, and its heartbreaking to watch from afar as wildfires devastate Southern California,' she wrote

'So many of our friends and loved ones have been directly impacted, and the destruction is unimaginable.'

At the time of publishing, despite only being active for a few hours, Chloe's campaign had raised $14,555, with a goal of $100,000.

Chloe and DJ Fisher welcomed their first child together in June.

The former model and podcaster gave birth to a baby girl they named Bobbi Maree.

The happy news came after Fisher cancelled his scheduled concerts in New York after his pregnant wife was taken to the hospital with possible pre-term labour.
Matthew Perry's former home in the Pacific Palisades, where he tragically passed away in 2023, was saved by his former neighbors amid the Los Angeles wildfires.

The new owner of the property, Anita Verma-Lallian, who purchased the property in an off-market deal in October 2024, confirmed that the late Friends star's residence was still standing due to the heroic actions of their community.

'We want to express our deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters, our amazing neighbors, and the entire Palisades community for their help, strength, and support during this heartbreaking time,' Verma-Lallian wrote in an Instagram post on Friday.

Verma-Lallian also confirmed to People that her realtor, Brooke Elliott Laurinkus, 'helped to monitor the home and protect it from any fires amid the natural disaster.'

In her caption, she thanked Laurinkus for 'keeping us updated on everything happening' and also 'assisting anyone in need of a temporary home during this time.'

'Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragedy, and we hope we can come together to heal, protect, and rebuild what's been lost,' she concluded. 'The Palisades will always hold a special place in our hearts.'

Matthew Perry's former home in the Pacific Palisades, where he tragically passed away in 2023, was saved by his former neighbors amid the Los Angeles wildfires; seen in 2016

Verma-Lallian, who works as a movie producer and real estate developer, purchased Perry's old home one year after he his sudden death.

The four-bedroom, five-bathroom abode was sold for a whopping $8.55 million, just three months ago.

According to Realtor.com, the property was surrounded by fire on Wednesday, with neighbors on Blue Sail Drive sharing horrifying footage of the rapidly approaching blaze to social media.

The Palisades fire  one of three unprecedented wildfires terrorizing Southern California  has scorched over 15,000 acres of land and destroyed approximately 1,000 structures. Tens of thousands of LA residents are currently under evacuation orders.

Thankfully, it did not burn down, despite Cal Fire's live map showing its neighborhood within the 'incident perimeter' earlier this week.

At the time, Verma-Lallian confirmed via Instagram Story that her and her family are 'safe' but did not provide any information about the state of the property.

'Thank you to all who reached out. Our family is safe and we are awaiting updates. Praying for all those affected by the wildfires,' the movie producer wrote.

She also re-posted horrifying BBC News footage of Pacific Palisades homes engulfed in flames as extreme winds swept through the devastated area.

The new owner of the property, Anita Verma-Lallian, who purchased the property in an off-market deal in October 2024, confirmed that the late Friends star's residence was still standing due to the heroic actions of their community

Verma-Lallian also confirmed to People that her realtor, Brooke Elliott Laurinkus, 'helped to monitor the home and protect it from any fires amid the natural disaster' (Perry's home seen above)

Verma-Lallian  who is based in Scottsdale, Arizona  purchased Perry's 3,500-square-foot mansion in off-market deal in October 2024.

She previously told The Los Angeles Times that she planned to use the Pacific Palisades property as a 'vacation home.'

Home's sale came almost exactly one year after the Friends star was found dead in the hot tub of the residence on October 28, 2023 at age 54.

Perry originally bought the house, which is perched upon a hillside overlooking the ocean, back in 2020 for $6 million. Prior to his death, Perry completely revamped the property, trading in a light oak floor for a darker wood and boho furniture for much brighter colors.

He would frequently share photos of his house, pool and yard, revealing that he was a big fan of Batman as artwork of the caped crusader was featured prominently in his home.

In fact, his very last Instagram post was a shot of him enjoying the hot tub that he died in with the lights of the city twinkling behind him.

His death was ruled accidental due to the acute effects of Ketamine. Buprenorphine, which is often used to treat opioid addiction, was also found in his system.

Less than three months ago, the four-bedroom, five-bathroom abode was sold for a whopping $8.55 million to its current owner, real estate developer Anita Verma-Lallian (pictured in 2023)

Earlier this week, Verma-Lallian confirmed via Instagram Story that her and her family are 'safe' but did not provide any information about the state of the property

Contributing factors in his death were given as drowning and coronary artery disease.

Though it's unknown if Perry's former home has perished, many of Hollywood's elite could not escape the wrath of the Los Angeles wildfires.

The ritzy neighborhood of Pacific Palisades has been reduced to ash and rubble, with multiple celebrities among those who have lost their homes.

Actors Adam Brody and Leighton Meester's $7 million mansion is among the 1,000 structures which have been destroyed due to the wildfires.

The couple purchased the five bedroom home in 2019, but pictures show the property now engulfed in flames.

Similarly, actress Anna Faris' $5 million eco-friendly abode was totally decimated by the blaze.

Aerial photos show how the Scary Movie star has been left with nothing but a pile of rubble

Former talk show host Ricki Lake shared an emotional post mourning the 'immeasurable' loss of her 'dream home'.

The Friends star was found dead in the hot tub of the residence on October 28, 2023 at age 54; Perry seen in 2022

In his last post to his Instagram, posted earlier this week, the star shared images of him in his pool

Lake, 56, bought the property back in 2014. She and husband Ross Sussman tied the knot there in their backyard just three years ago.

'I cant believe I am typing these words [...] Ross and I lost our dream home,' Lake wrote on Instagram.

Oscar-nominated actor James Woods shared footage of a home two blocks from his property that was completely set alight.

Reality stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag confirmed their home has also been lost.

Pratt, 41, was captured in photos as he watched the rapidly advancing fire move toward his home.

Luckily, the couple and their two sons were able to safely evacuate earlier in the day before the flames got too close.

Meanwhile, the likes of Mandy Moore, Ben Affleck and Mark Hamill are among the 30,000 residents currently under evacuation orders as the blazes continue to rage through Los Angeles.

The Palisades Fire  one of three unprecedented wildfires terrorizing Southern California  has scorched over 15,000 acres of land and destroyed approximately 1,000 structures. Tens of thousands of LA residents are currently under evacuation orders; a home is the Pacific Palisades pictured Wednesday

Despite working through the night, firefighters have failed to contain any of the fires that have scorched nearly 25,000 acres of Southern California land; Firefighters pictured putting out the blaze on Wednesday

Fueled by extreme Santa Ana winds, the Palisades fire cropped up on Tuesday morning in the Santa Monica mountains and is now the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles' history.

Separate blazes erupted miles away in Eaton Canyon and the San Fernando Valley on Tuesday night and continue to terrorize residents residing in the cities of Altadena, Pasadena and Sylmar.

Despite working through the night, firefighters have failed to contain any of the fires that have scorched over 25,000 acres of Southern California land.

Over 1,000 structures have been destroyed and, as of Wednesday, five people have died as a result of the catastrophic blazes, as per the LA Times.
Kate Beckinsale has shared an emotional tribute to her late stepfather Roy Battersby on the one year anniversary of his death.

Her stepfather Roy was hospitalised in Los Angeles in December 2023 after suffering 'a massive stroke' while battling two forms of cancer, which he was diagnosed with in the summer.

He then sadly passed away a month later aged 87.

In the candid Instagram post, Kate revealed she'll forever be 'haunted' after seeing Roy die.

Alongside a beaming snap of Roy, Kate penned: 'Finding my father's dead body alone in the middle of the night at the age of five shaped my entire life. Seeing my beloved stepfather die a year ago today will haunt me forever.

'It does seem terribly careless to have managed to be present for both deaths and unable to prevent either, the second time trying with every single thing I had. It was not enough.

Kate Beckinsale has shared an emotional tribute to her late stepfather Roy Battersby on the one year anniversary of his death

Her stepfather Roy was hospitalised in LA in December 2023 after suffering 'a massive stroke' while battling two forms of cancer , which he was diagnosed with in the summer

'In the process of losing my beloved Roy I lost family, friendships, at some points my own health, and all the money I had due to how disgusting the American healthcare system is for those who are not insured. I would do it again. No question.

'I cannot help feeling that I dreadfully failed -but I am trying to console myself today with all the preparation that he did in the last years of his life, how deeply he studied and practised as a Jungian and how thin the veil is between the energy of this life and whatever is next, that some part of him was at peace with it.

'It does feel like a lie I am telling myself to try and feel better, however. Perhaps I am just unfortunately not enlightened enough to sell that to myself over my sense of loss, guilt and failure.

She added that although it is a 'tough day' to talk about the tragedy, she wants to 'honour him'.

'He taught me how to be brave. He taught me that it doesn't matter if people don't like you as long as you're doing the right thing, he lost everything fighting for justice for the trade unions, for the Palestinians in the '70s, living with them in refugee camps in Lebanon for several years making his 1977 documentary 'The Palestinian', fighting for the miners losing everything in the strikes.

'It was Roy who lovingly helped my Jewish adopted grandmother who fled Germany at 14,to painfully uncover what had become of her brother and parents who did not make it.

'He was blacklisted by the BBC and elsewhere. He would have had a completely different career if he had toed the line and not cared so much about what was right.'

She signed off by saying: 'I am so lucky that I was raised by someone who uncompromisingly knew what was right and lived it. And loved me .Thank you for being my father. I miss you so much.'

He then sadly passed away a month later aged 87

In the candid Instagram post, Kate said although it is a 'tough day' to talk about the tragedy, she wants to 'honour him'

In the candid Instagram post, Kate revealed she'll forever be 'haunted' after seeing Roy die

The tribute post comes after her stepfather Roy was hospitalised in Los Angeles in December after suffering 'a massive stroke' while battling two forms of cancer , which he was diagnosed with in the summer of 2023 (pictured L-R in 1996, Kate, Roy, and her mother Judy Loe)

At the time of Roy's death, the actress shared a black square without a caption on her Instagram account and her friends and fans offered their condolences in the comments.

The British actress had been quietly caring for both her beloved mother and stepfather as they battled a slew of serious health issues, DailyMail.com previously revealed.

Kate's actress mother Judy Loe married Roy in 1997 - 18 years after Kate's father, Porridge star Richard Beckinsale, died.

Roy enjoyed his successful career as a director, working on major British on-screen hits including Inspector Morse and Cracker. His most recent directorial credit was for a 2006 episode of A Touch Of Frost.

'I have no words yet,' Kate captioned an Instagram video, before thanking a fan account for editing it. 'Oh Roy I am so sorry I lost.'

The clip opened with a moving recording of Roy recalling how he was forced to hide in a shelter during the Blitz early in World War II as Nazi bombs rained down.

He called the eventual announcement of Victory in Europe Day a 'wonderful thing,' because it meant no more hiding in shelters, and young men no longer had to leave their families to go off to fight across the continent.

The video also featured several sweet photos of Kate with her stepfather and her mother, including a hilarious photo showing her and Roy beaming at each other while holding playfully insulting tea cups.

It comes after Kate admitted she was preparing for her first year 'without a father figure' on the anniversary of her dad Richard's death last month (Pictured L-R in 1978 Richard, Kate, Judy)

Kate rushed from the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday, January 7 to the hospital, sharing photos of herself on the red carpet and by Roy's bedside with the caption: 'Golden Globes 2024 start to end.'

She was still clad in her glamorous Atelier Zuhra gown for the hospital visit, as she ate a burger and chatted to her friends and family in Roy's room.

Her friends and followers were quick to check in on the star, with one commenting: 'I don't know how you made it through last night with all that is going on. You are strong and a consummate pro.

'Having to leave the side of your beautiful Roy to honour this commitment at the Globes was above and beyond. Sending love and prayers to you and your family. I'm so happy you were able to make it back to the hospital. '

Kate responded: 'Thank you and thank you for your supportive texts all the way through. That was so kind xx'
Matthew Perry's old $8.55million mansion has survived the Pacific Palisades fire as the devastation in LA continues.

The Friends star tragically died at the property in October 2023 aged 54, and new images reveal the fire has surrounded the property leaving the pool full of ash and dirt.

The new owner of the property, Anita Verma-Lallian, who purchased it in an off-market deal in October 2024, confirmed the late Friends star's residence was still standing due to the heroic actions of their community.

'We want to express our deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters, our amazing neighbours, and the entire Palisades community for their help, strength, and support during this heartbreaking time,' Verma-Lallian wrote in an Instagram post on Friday.

Verma-Lallian also confirmed to People that her realtor, Brooke Elliott Laurinkus, 'helped to monitor the home and protect it from any fires amid the natural disaster.'

In her caption, she thanked Laurinkus for 'keeping us updated on everything happening' and also 'assisting anyone in need of a temporary home during this time.'

Matthew Perry 's old $8.55million mansion has survived the Pacific Palisades fire as the devastation in LA continues. The Friends star tragically died at the property in October 2023

The new owner of the property confirmed the late Friends star's residence was still standing (Matthew pictured in 2022 almost a year prior to his death)

'Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragedy, and we hope we can come together to heal, protect, and rebuild what's been lost,' she concluded. 'The Palisades will always hold a special place in our hearts.'

Verma-Lallian, who works as a movie producer and real estate developer, purchased Perry's old home one year after he his sudden death.

The four-bedroom, five-bathroom abode was sold for a whopping $8.55 million, just three months ago.

According to Realtor.com, the property was surrounded by fire on Wednesday, with neighbors on Blue Sail Drive sharing horrifying footage of the rapidly approaching blaze to social media.

The Palisades fire  one of three unprecedented wildfires terrorizing Southern California  has scorched over 15,000 acres of land and destroyed approximately 1,000 structures. Tens of thousands of LA residents are currently under evacuation orders.

Thankfully, it did not burn down, despite Cal Fire's live map showing its neighborhood within the 'incident perimeter' earlier this week.

At the time, Verma-Lallian confirmed via Instagram Story that her and her family are 'safe' but did not provide any information about the state of the property.

'Thank you to all who reached out. Our family is safe and we are awaiting updates. Praying for all those affected by the wildfires,' the movie producer wrote.

She also re-posted horrifying BBC News footage of Pacific Palisades homes engulfed in flames as extreme winds swept through the devastated area.

Matthew originally bought the house, which is perched upon a hillside overlooking the ocean, back in 2020 for $6 million

Verma-Lallian also confirmed her realtor, Brooke Elliott Laurinkus, 'helped to monitor the home and protect it from any fires amid the natural disaster' (Perry's home seen above)

Verma-Lallian  who is based in Scottsdale, Arizona  purchased Perry's 3,500-square-foot mansion in off-market deal in October 2024.

She previously told The Los Angeles Times that she planned to use the Pacific Palisades property as a 'vacation home.'

Home's sale came almost exactly one year after the Friends star was found dead in the hot tub of the residence on October 28, 2023.

Matthew originally bought the house, which is perched upon a hillside overlooking the ocean, back in 2020 for $6 million. Prior to his death, the actor completely revamped the property, trading in a light oak floor for a darker wood and boho furniture for much brighter colors.

He would frequently share photos of his house, pool and yard, revealing that he was a big fan of Batman as artwork of the caped crusader was featured prominently in his home.

In fact, his very last Instagram post was a shot of him enjoying the hot tub that he died in with the lights of the city twinkling behind him.

His death was ruled accidental due to the acute effects of Ketamine. Buprenorphine, which is often used to treat opioid addiction, was also found in his system.

Less than three months ago, the four-bedroom, five-bathroom abode was sold for a whopping $8.55 million to its current owner, real estate developer Anita Verma-Lallian (pictured in 2023)

Earlier this week, Verma-Lallian confirmed via Instagram Story that her and her family are 'safe' but did not provide any information about the state of the property

Contributing factors in his death were given as drowning and coronary artery disease.

Though it's unknown if Perry's former home has perished, many of Hollywood's elite could not escape the wrath of the Los Angeles wildfires.

The ritzy neighborhood of Pacific Palisades has been reduced to ash and rubble, with multiple celebrities among those who have lost their homes.

Actors Adam Brody and Leighton Meester's $7 million mansion is among the 1,000 structures which have been destroyed due to the wildfires.

The couple purchased the five bedroom home in 2019, but pictures show the property now engulfed in flames.

Similarly, actress Anna Faris' $5 million eco-friendly abode was totally decimated by the blaze.

Aerial photos show how the Scary Movie star has been left with nothing but a pile of rubble

Former talk show host Ricki Lake shared an emotional post mourning the 'immeasurable' loss of her 'dream home'.

In his last post to his Instagram, posted earlier this week, the star shared images of him in his pool

Lake, 56, bought the property back in 2014. She and husband Ross Sussman tied the knot there in their backyard just three years ago.

'I cant believe I am typing these words [...] Ross and I lost our dream home,' Lake wrote on Instagram.

Oscar-nominated actor James Woods shared footage of a home two blocks from his property that was completely set alight.

Reality stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag confirmed their home has also been lost.

Pratt, 41, was captured in photos as he watched the rapidly advancing fire move toward his home.

Luckily, the couple and their two sons were able to safely evacuate earlier in the day before the flames got too close.

Meanwhile, the likes of Mandy Moore, Ben Affleck and Mark Hamill are among the 30,000 residents currently under evacuation orders as the blazes continue to rage through Los Angeles.

The Palisades Fire  one of three unprecedented wildfires terrorizing Southern California  has scorched over 15,000 acres of land and destroyed approximately 1,000 structures

Despite working through the night, firefighters have failed to contain any of the fires that have scorched nearly 25,000 acres of Southern California land; Firefighters pictured putting out the blaze on Wednesday

Fuelled by extreme Santa Ana winds, the Palisades fire cropped up on Tuesday morning in the Santa Monica mountains and is now the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles' history.

Separate blazes erupted miles away in Eaton Canyon and the San Fernando Valley on Tuesday night and continue to terrorize residents residing in the cities of Altadena, Pasadena and Sylmar.

Despite working through the night, firefighters have failed to contain any of the fires that have scorched over 25,000 acres of Southern California land.

Over 1,000 structures have been destroyed and, as of Wednesday, five people have died as a result of the catastrophic blazes, as per the LA Times.
Lottie Moss looked glamorous as she celebrated her 27th birthday with a night out in London on Friday.

The influencer, 27, and her pals started the night at Mexican restaurant Ixchel in Chelsea, before heading to celebrity hotspot Chiltern Firehouse.

Lottie showed off her incredible figure in a pale pink satin dress and elevated her height in platform heels.

The sister of Kate Moss bundled up in a brown faux fur coat as she arrived at the venue amid the freezing weather.

Lottie accessorised with a dazzling diamond necklace and wore a pink 'birthday girl' headband and sash.

In fun social media snaps, Lottie cheekily licked her 3-tier birthday cake after blowing out the candles.

Lottie Moss looked glamorous as she celebrated her 27th birthday with a night out in London on Friday

Lottie showed off her incredible figure in a pale pink satin dress and elevated her height in platform heels

Lottie's birthday celebration comes just days after she returned from a lavish getaway in Tulum, Mexico.

She made sure all eyes were on her as she posed for a slew of racy snaps on Instagram on Wednesday.

Lottie put on an eye-popping display in a tiny sequin bikini from Oseree that flaunted her incredible figure.

The sizzling ensemble featured a tangerine orange and aqua green bikini top with a dark purple thong bottom.

Lottie kept accessories to a minimal with a chunky silver bracelet and pulled her golden locks into a messy up do.

The beauty posed up a storm by a palm tree on the beach as she showed off her curves in the stunning two piece.

She captioned the sizzling snaps: 'In my mind Im always here.'

The trip comes after Lottie opened up about her love life, comparing her rollercoaster relationships to Britney Spears' struggles.

The OnlyFans star said she is only 'one more situationship away from a Britney moment' as she reveals she struggles to 'keep a man'.

The influencer, 27, and her pals started the night at Mexican restaurant Ixchel in Chelsea, before heading to celebrity hotspot Chiltern Firehouse

Lottie accessorised with a dazzling diamond necklace and wore a pink 'birthday girl' headband and sash

In fun social media snaps, Lottie cheekily licked her 3-tier birthday cake after blowing out the candles

Lottie swept her blonde locks back into a neat ponytail, with a black bow keeping it in place

Lottie's pals wrapped up in faux fur coats as they braved the freezing weather

Britney famously shaved her head during her 2007 downward spiral which eventually led to her being placed under conservatorship for 13 years.

Opening up about being on celebrity dating app RAYA, Lottie said on her own podcast Dream On: 'I'm one more situationship away from a Britney (Spears) moment.

'I don't struggle with getting men. It's keeping them for me, once you meet someone it's all like 'I love you, you're so nice, you're so funny,' Because you just see the surface value.

'But then once you date someone for long enough you realise what they are as a person.'

A situationship is a romantic relationship that lacks commitment or clear boundaries. It can involve physical intimacy, affection, and spending time together, but without the intention of a committed relationship.

Lottie also revealed that she finds going to luxury restaurants 'awkward' on a date and would much rather something low-key.

She continued: 'I don't understand why people have to take me to a really fancy restaurant. I'm like why are we here, I feel awkward.'

Lottie made sure all eyes were on her as she posed for a slew of racy snaps on Instagram

The sister of Kate put on an eye-popping display in a tiny sequin bikini from Oseree that flaunted her incredible figure

It came after Lottie admitted that her OnlyFans fame puts potential boyfriends off her.

The model, who has spoken of her plans to 'give up' her online career, said that while she was 'having the time of my life,' it wasn't always easy.

Speaking to Daily Mail, Lottie said: 'I'm single and mingling, having the time of my life, but it's not always easy to find someone because of what I do and who I am.

'Not everyone can Google who they're dating and find out everything that's gone on in their life, but that's unfortunately me.'

Lottie recently revealed her plans 'to give up OnlyFans' after previously claiming she can earn 30,000 a month on the X-rated subscription site .

The model, who has recently reconciled with her half-sister Kate Moss, said she is now 'becoming a woman' and has 'grown out' of posting the racy content.

Speaking at the rejuvenation of Karaoke Box in Smithfield, London, Lottie exclusively told MailOnline she would like to focus on other projects instead.

The racy photo dump comes after Lottie opened up about love life, comparing her rollercoaster relationships to Britney Spears' struggles

She said: 'I think I will eventually quit OnlyFans, not because of anyone but I'm growing out of it. I'm becoming a woman, when I'm done, I'm done.

'I'll probably focus on my Podcast and TV.'

Last year, Lottie confirmed claims that she can rake in up to 30,000 on the X-rated subscription site , but didn't confirm her exact earnings.

When asked if she can earn 30,000, she told New! Magazine: 'Yes, yes yes! I'm not going to say how much I earn.

'I think it's a little bit crude to talk about money, but I make a great living and I'm lucky that I really enjoy doing something like this.'
Chloe Madeley has been seen for the first time since it was revealed that her ex James Haskell is dating Big Brother star Sara McLean. The fitness guru, 37, cut a casual figure as she headed out to run errands in north London after James was joined by his partner at the Cheltenham Festival. Despite the chilly weather, Chloe was dressed in a pair of tight black cycling shorts and a grey sweatshirt as she headed out for the day.
Nacho Figueras made quite the impression as he attended the Magic Millions Race Day on Australia's Gold Coast on Saturday.

The Argentine polo player had his stunning wife, Delfina Blaquier, on his arm, with the couple also bringing their daughter, Aurora, to the prestigious event.

The 47-year-old looked sharp in a well tailored grey suit with light grey striping paired with brown leather dress shoes.

He added to the look with a white shirt and unusual matching tie as well as an aqua pocket square.

His gorgeous socialite wife looked stunning in a flowing floral gown in muted shades of red, green, and yellow.

The Argentine beauty added a mesh veil and dangling earrings in a complimentary sunny tone.

Nacho Figueras made quite the impression as he attended the Magic Millions Race Day on Australia's Gold Coast on Saturday. The Argentine polo player had his stunning wife, Delfina Blaquier, on his arm. Both pictured

The 44-year-old accessoried with a pair of cream heels with a heart motif and a dainty designer purse.

For makeup, Delfina chose a clean palette with a flush of blush and a soft pink, matte lipstick.

Aurora was also commanding attention at the event, showing off her statuesque figure in a two-piece white ensemble.

It consisted of a crop top and fitted midi skirt with a thigh-high split and floral lace details.

She added a designer slouch purse in cream leather with a bamboo handle and a pair of flip flop heels.

For makeup, Aurora opted for a rosy palette with a nude pink lip and wore her ombre hair down in waves.

The family posed up a storm on the red carpet at the event, with Delfina embracing her lookalike daughter.

It comes a week after Delfina appeared in the trailer for the new documentary from the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, called With Love, Meghan.

The couple also brought their daughter, Aurora (right), to the prestigious event

Nacho's gorgeous socialite wife looked stunning in a flowing floral gown in muted shades of red, green, and yellow

Aurora was also commanding attention at the event, showing off her statuesque figure in a two-piece white ensemble

Nacho has 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.

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'.

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.
Patsy Palmer gave an emotional update on her home as she confirmed it is 'miraculously ok' but admitted she feels 'helpless' as devastating fires continue to sweep her 'hometown' of LA.

The EastEnders actress, 52, moved to Malibu in 2014 along with husband Richard and her children, however she is currently in London for work.

Observing the horrors over in America from afar she took to Instagram to confirm her house is still standing as she offered her support to victims and urged them to 'meditate' and 'breath deeply'.

She began: 'I have just woken up after having the first night sleep I have had in quite a few nights obviously because of the fires in California where I live.

'I am here in London working feeling pretty helpless and all I can really do from here is share the resources of everyone is working tirelessly to help and give whatever people need.'

Offering her advice she continued: 'All I can say is, I hope it doesn't sound like something unattainable for people at the moment, but honestly meditation.

Patsy Palmer gave an emotional update on her LA home as she admitted she feels 'helpless' over in London in latest Instagram update on Saturday

She confirmed while her house was miraculously saved she feels an 'overwhelming sadness' at what could have been lost as she shared clips of her rescued possessions

'If you can find a few seconds to breath as deeply as possible. Understand that what is gone is gone, the future is just a dream its not real.

'What we all have no matter what circumstances we are going through, all we have right now is this time, right now, this present moment.'

The star also shared another post of some of the sentimental possessions she had cleared out from her garage over Christmas after the fires first began, prior to the recent devastation.

Revealing her husband called her to say they had been evacuated following a fire in her neighbourhood, she confirmed while her house was miraculously saved she feels an 'overwhelming sadness' at what could have been lost.

Clearing out the garage she wrote: 'Precious memories, photos , keepsakes etc. I felt an overwhelming sadness that we nearly lost these things .

'We had the most grateful Christmas to date enjoying being together mostly , still in our home. I left back to London to work with a full heart NEVER EXPECTING THIS TO HAPPEN a week later!

'I experienced a small part of what it feels like to have lost everything we own and it was painful enough so to experience this again is beyond words.

'Our house is miraculously ok again. Its traumatic for everyone to lose everything they own and the precious memories that we often dont know that we have in our garages. We laugh and say get rid of it but when it is taken it hits different.'

Observing the horrors over in America from afar she took to Instagram to confirm her house is now ok as she offered her support to victims and urged them to 'meditate' and 'breath deeply'

The star shared a look at the scorched land around her property

Clearing out the garage she wrote: ' Precious memories, photos , keepsakes etc. I felt an overwhelming sadness that we nearly lost these things'

She penned: 'I experienced a small part of what it feels like to have lost everything we own and it was painful enough so to experience this again is beyond words'

The lengthy caption ended: 'Sending all of my energy to everyone today . May you be blessed with healing love and so much understanding at this crazy time Ill be sharing resources'

Patsy explained that in 2018 a part of Malibu burned and her and her family lost a rental so were without a home for three months.

She continued: 'I come from Bethnal Green and its a world away from these types of disasters.

'Having been through that though I also know how amazing community can be . It was so beautiful to see how everyone pulled together and helped everybody with things and trauma and just everything really.

'My family and pets are safe and I know will be doing what they can to help . Its surreal as you drive 20 minutes up the road and its like nothing is happening. The sun is shining and life is going on ( Thankgod ) but yes its surreal for sure .

'Sending all of my energy to everyone today . May you be blessed with healing love and so much understanding at this crazy time Ill be sharing resources as I am helpless again here in London . I love you all so much.'

She told in a post on Thursday alongside a picture of the fires that her 'brain was fried' and lots of her friends in the area she lives in had lost their homes.

Patsy had returned to the UK last Saturday before the fires broke out and said it was hard being so far away as the fires rage.

Patsy wrote: 'My heart is broken. My brain is fried today looking at the devastating scenes of the fires AGAIN in my hometown. I just returned home to my home in case after the fires a couple of weeks ago and left on Saturday back to work in the UK and now this.

'My family are safe but lots of my friends have lost their homes again which is extremely traumatic.

Patsy had returned to the UK last Saturday before the fires broke out and said it was hard being so far away as the fires rage (Patsy seen at her Malibu home)

She told in a post on Thursday alongside a picture of the fires that her 'brain was fried' and lots of her friends in the area she lives in had lost their homes (pictured at her Malibu home in 2023)

Patsy wrote: 'My heart is broken. My brain is fried today looking at the devastating scenes of the fires AGAIN in my hometown'

'Being here so far away is really really hard. I'm praying and crying as I write this. I'm helpless here but praying hard Please reach out if you need anything. Richard and kids are there safe and evacuated.

'This is huge. Really wasn't expecting this. Heartbroken. Stay safe.'

Patsy often shares an insight into her life on Instagram, posting stunning photos of her breathtaking house, complete with uninterrupted ocean views and a pool.

The interior of her stunning family home features boho neutrals whilst the exterior boasts a terrace, where she practices yoga.

She shares three children, Fenton, 22, Emilia, 21, and Bertie, 12, with husband Richard and Charley Palmer Rothwell, 30 - her UK-based son with former partner Alfie Rothwell - whom she frequently shares beach side photos with.

Just last year Patsy admitted she would 'never live in the UK again' as she lives out her 'dream life' in Malibu.

The star - who has now rejoined EastEnders and flies back to the UK to film said that 'pinches herself every morning.'

Speaking to DJ Lorcan and DJ YUKI on their podcast Shuffle Skip Repeat on the actress opened up about her life by the ocean.

She said: 'It's beautiful we live in our own little bubble, Malibu is it's own little place, we very much keep ourselves to ourselves and we have a lot of English friends.

'I pinch myself every morning when I wake up and see the ocean it's like a dream. But I've created that.'

She continued: 'I don't think I would live in England again. I would like to experience something else in life but I'm not too sure if I will.

'I'm very happy and grateful for where I am so I'm not going anywhere fast. I don't know what that might look like. It just depends on life and where it goes. I just think do what makes you happy.'

Hollywood Boulevard has been evacuated with 100,000 people told to flee with six wildfires raging as the apocalyptic skies of Los Angeles continue to fill with smoke.

Hollywood Boulevard has been evacuated with 100,000 people told to flee with six wildfires raging as the apocalyptic skies of Los Angeles continue to fill with smoke

Two new blazes broke out overnight in the Hollywood Hills and Studio City - forcing first responders to redeploy their already-scarce resources to the burnt landscape

Two new blazes broke out overnight in the Hollywood Hills and Studio City - forcing first responders to redeploy their already-scarce resources to the burnt landscape.

The National Guard has been deployed and could send in military personnel to assist, amid revelations that heroic firefighters are 'triaging' homes and neighborhoods.

The LA Fire Department issued an evacuation order for people in an area within Hollywood Boulevard to the south, Mulholland Drive to the north, the 101 Freeway to the east and Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the west - all iconic addresses in showbiz.

The latest fires mean huge swathes of iconic southern California real estate from Malibu to Santa Monica, and from Pacific Palisades to Runyon Canyon, are ablaze - impacting millions caught off guard by the unprecedented spread and carnage.

At least five people have lost their lives in the disaster so far - with 2,000 structures obliterated and thousands of people left with nothing but ash across the city.

More than 130,000 people are under evacuation orders while Mandy Moore, Cary Elwes and Paris Hilton are among the stars who said they had lost homes. Billy Crystal and his wife Janice lost their home of 45 years in the Palisades Fire.
Love Island All Stars is back again on Monday night with a new line-up of swimwear-clad hopefuls searching for a partner.

The likes of Olivia Hawkins, India Reynolds, Scott Thomas and Curtis Pritchard have jetted to South Africa for the show hosted by Maya Jama.

And now it has been reported that the contestants only cash in 2,000 per week for their appearance on the ITV2 dating show.

A source told The Sun: 'The All Stars cast all earn 2,000 a week to appear on the series, so if they stay in for the whole run, they'll bank just over 8K.

'Obviously it's more than they'd earn doing a regular job, but as far as reality TV salaries go, it's not that huge.

'They could earn a lot more on other shows like Strictly or Celebrity Masterchef, and it's certainly not as lucrative as the club PAs or the money they rake in from instagram ads.

Love Island All Stars salaries have been revealed ahead of the launch series

The likes of Olivia Hawkins , India Reynolds , Scott Thomas and Curtis Pritchard have jetted to South Africa for the show hosted by Maya Jama

'The reason they sign up, however, is nothing to do with the money - it's great exposure which allows them to cash in when they leave the villa.'

MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.

The cast of Love Island: All Stars will be coupled up by a public vote in the series launch on Monday.

Fans can vote until 9pm on Friday to seal the returning singletons' fate on who they are paired up with.

In past shows, the islanders had been allowed to chose who they would like to be coupled up with, but bosses are shaking things up for the All Stars series.

Set to air on ITV2 and ITVX, the decision could prove an interesting on as exes Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville are set to come face to face.

The fitness influencer, 32, claims she hasn't seen the Blazin' Squad star, 39, for six years after their relationship ended shortly after their stint in the 2017 series when Marcel cheated on her.

Curtis, Ronnie Vint, Olivia, Scott, Catherine Agbaje, Nas Majeed, Kaz Crossley, Luca Bish, India and Elma Pazar are the initial 12 returning Islanders who will head into the South African villa and be greeted by host Maja Jama.

The cast of Love Island: All Stars will be coupled up by a public vote in the series launch on Monday (pictured exes Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville who starred in the show in 2017)

Set to air on ITV2 and ITVX, the decision could prove an interesting on as exes Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville are set to come face to face

It comes as Gabby admitted she's 'open' to the prospect of a shock reconciliation with ex-boyfriend Marcel, despite their bitter break-up after discovering he had cheated on her on holiday.

But after the boyband favourite fell victim to infidelity himself, when his wife Rebecca Vieira strayed and subsequently ended their marriage, Gabby believes he may now have learned from his mistakes and could be mature enough to give their romance another go.

Speaking ahead of her return to the ITV2 series, Gabby told MailOnline: 'I am a big Love Island fan and everyone is hot.

'I am open in general, not even just on the show but I would like to think that it's not just looks, I want more from a relationship, I am a bit older, there are certain things I want out of a guy. I am going to be open to everyone and anyone that goes in really.'

On Marcel, she added: 'Obviously, there's the elephant in the room that my ex could possibly go in, but we haven't seen each other for six years.

'It's been such a long time, there are no hard feelings, it is what it is. I don't know if he's going in, I don't know how I can actually prepare for that... I am basically preparing myself that he does come in and then if he does, I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

The boyband favourite fell victim to infidelity himself, when his wife Rebecca Vieira strayed and subsequently ended their marriage

'I would actually just like to have a conversation with him and hopefully put it all behind us and have some sort of friendship.

'We know each other very well... we had such an experience with each other last time. There's no reason why we shouldn't take the positives from it and hopefully be mates of some sort.'

And she won't let the fact Marcel, who cheated on Gabby when they were on holiday together in Mexico, being technically married still, as he's currently going through a divorce, stop a possible romance blossoming.

Gabby explained: 'I am really happy for him... it's been such a long time, and he is a bit older as well so that was bound to happen.

'It's really hard to read what happened and this is why I also want to talk to him because if he was going in, I hope he's alright and maybe we can relate to each other in some sort of way.'

Love Island: All Stars returns Monday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Jennifer Lopez has reportedly canceled all her upcoming media appearances amid the catastrophic wildfires ravaging Los Angeles.

Beginning this Tuesday, the area was struck by its worst windstorms in over a decade, fueling fires that have destroyed thousands of structures and claimed at least 11 lives over the course of the week.

About 130,000 people were put under evacuation orders or warnings, as the authorities sent out K-9 units trained to detect human remains in the wreckage.

One blaze in the Pacific Palisades has consumed a number of celebrity homes, including residences owned by Paris Hilton, Jeff Bridges, Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, James Woods, Miles Teller, Tina Knowles and Anna Faris.

Now it has emerged that the crisis prompted Lopez, 55, to scrap her publicity rounds for her movie Unstoppable, which arrives on Amazon Prime next Friday.

'It's important to her to focus on supporting the community of Los Angeles during this very difficult time,' a source close to her told People.

Jennifer Lopez has reportedly canceled all her upcoming media appearances amid the catastrophic wildfires ravaging Los Angele; pictured in Palm Springs last weekend

Unstoppable is a biopic starring Jharrel Jerome as one-legged wrestling champion Anthony Robles, with Lopez playing his mother Judy.

The movie was scheduled to have a premiere at Hollywood's iconic TCL Chinese Theatre on Tuesday, but the event was called off in light of the wildfires.

Next week, Lopez was due to fly to New York to promote the film on shows like Live With Kelly And Mark, Today, The View and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

However she is said to have canceled her trip entirely in order to devote her attention to assisting the fire relief efforts in Los Angeles.

Earlier this week, she posted Insta Stories detailing 'resources to help those impacted,' including information about shelter locations and animal care.

She has reportedly been 'checking in' with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, and his children Violet, 19, Fin, 16, and Samuel, 12, amid the deadly wildfires.

The actress is said to have felt 'worried and concerned' after learning that her former spouse and his family were among the 130,000 people under evacuation orders, which have extended from the Pacific Coast to inland Pasadena.

A source told Page Six that she 'reached out as soon as she heard about Bens home possibly being in danger and that he was evacuated' and to see how he was coping during the 'whole ordeal.'

'It's important to her to focus on supporting the community of Los Angeles during this very difficult time,' a source close to her told People; pictured last October in Los Angeles

Lopez has reportedly been 'checking in' with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck , and his children Violet, 19, Fin, 16, and Samuel, 12, amid the deadly Los Angeles wildfires; seen in 2024

Additionally, she 'let him know shes there for him and the kids,' who he shares with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner.

'She offered her support for whatever they need,' the insider noted.

To Affleck and his loved ones' relief, his property has survived the massive wildfires ripping through Los Angeles.

After fleeing his residence, he was seen heading for safety at Garner's home.

Although Affleck was lucky that his home survived when so many other Westside stars and Pacific Palisades residents lost their homes, he isn't out of the woods.

Blustery winds continue to whip across Los Angeles and could still ignite new fires, though they appear to have mellowed somewhat from their highs on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Since the fire broke out in Pacific Palisades, new fires have started further east in Altadena, which forced major evacuations in nearby Pasadena on Tuesday night.

More fires broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday, threatening heavily populated parts of Hollywood.

The Armageddon star has only been living in Pacific Palisades for a short time after he bought a home in the area for $20.5 million following his separation from Lopez.

Although it's far from the opulent retreat that he and his ex had lived in together in Beverly Hills, it's not exactly tiny with 6,247 square feet and five bedrooms and six bathrooms.

Prior to living in his current home he had lived at the massive, 38,000 square foot Georgian mansion that he and Lopez purchased for $60 million.

The 55-year-old actress is said to have felt 'worried and concerned' after learning that her former spouse and his family were among the 130,000 people under evacuation orders, which have extended from the Pacific Coast to inland Pasadena

A source told Page Six that she 'reached out as soon as she heard about Bens home possibly being in danger and that he was evacuated' and to see how he was coping during the 'whole ordeal.' (seen together in February 2024)

After fleeing his residence, he was seen heading for safety at Jennifer Garner's home; seen in 2014 with his ex-wife

It boasts 12 bedrooms and 24 bathroom and features numerous amenities, including a 12-car garage and an elevator, but so far the couple haven't found a buyer after putting it on the market for $68 million.

After separating from Jennifer  but prior to her going public with her divorce filing  Ben had been seen living in a Brentwood rental, which isn't too far from his current home and kept him in the same neighborhood that his ex-wife Jennifer Garner and his children live in.

Although Ben has so far been lucky, other celebrities experienced heartbreak due to the fierce flames.

Stars including Adam Brody and Leighton Meester whose home was destroyed, along with Anna Faris' mansion.

John Goodman and Anthony Hopkins were left with nothing but rubble after their homes burned, and Billy Crystal and Eugene Levy also lost their houses.

Actor James Woods shared video of the approaching flames shortly before he evacuated ahead of the destruction of his house.

The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag saw their home destroyed in the wildfire, and Spencer was pictured looking somberly at the approaching flames before his family was forced to flee.
La Nina is a climate phenomenon characterised by cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, leading to increased rainfall and storms in parts of Australia.

La Nina is a weather phenomenon that brings cooler ocean temperatures in the Pacific and typically results in increased rainfall and more frequent storms across much of Australia. Source: Getty

Amid conflicting speculation, a leading meteorologist has set the record straight on whether Australians should expect to see a La Nina weather event this summer, based on the latest modelling.

La Nina is a weather phenomenon that brings cooler ocean temperatures in the Pacific and typically results in increased rainfall and more frequent storms across much of Australia. It is the counterpart to El Nino, which causes drier conditions.

Australians will have no trouble remembering the three consecutive La Nina events from 2020 to 2022,  an unusual occurrence known as a "triple-dip"  which led to record-breaking rainfall in many areas, causing widespread flooding, particularly in eastern states like Queensland and New South Wales.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, the University of Melbourne's Andrew King said based on the most recent modelling from the Bureau of Meteorology, it's "unlikely" we'll see another La Nina in the coming months  but that doesn't mean it'll be totally dry.

ADVERTISEMENT

"It's unlikely we'll see a proper La Nina declaration this summer, as the Bureau acknowledges, the Pacific Ocean is in a neutral state. It's kind of closer to La Nina than it is El Nino, but not really meeting the thresholds for La Nina," King told Yahoo.

It's unlikely we'll see a proper La Nina declaration this summer. Source: Getty.

Why is it unlikely La Nina will form now?

He said "because we're in January now, we don't really see La Nina events" forming at this time of year. "It's generally when we see El Nino events. They form in late winter and peak during spring and early summer," King said.

"The Pacific resets in mid-autumn as well. Usually when this change happens, the variability dies down, and then something new appears in the Pacific in winter and spring. That's when we usually transition from one type of event to another.

ADVERTISEMENT

"To declare a La Nina really requires persistent colder conditions in the Central Pacific, we're just not likely to get those the system for more than a few weeks."

While La Nina can benefit drought-stricken areas, the excess water can also lead to water logging of crops, damage to infrastructure, and heightened risks of landslides.

Experts warn that the impacts of La Nina are becoming more pronounced due to climate change, making it crucial to prepare for more intense weather cycles in the future.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Michael Sheen has been praised for 'putting money where his mouth is' as he is funding a new national theatre company in Wales.

The actor, 55, is reportedly set to become the artistic director of the Walsh National Theatre.

With its first production set to start in 2026, Michael told the Mirror that he likes 'the idea of starting small and building up'.

The move comes after National Theatre Wales said last month it had 'ceased to exist' after 1.6m in cuts to its core funding from Arts Council Wales.

Michael also revealed that the new company didn't have funding yet but he will work with what he has.

He told the publication: 'I like the idea of starting small, simple, lean and building it up, working with what you've got.

Michael Sheen has been praised for 'putting money where his mouth is' as he is said to fund a new national theatre company in Wales

The actor, 55, is reportedly set to become the artistic director of the Walsh National Theatre

'Don't pay for swanky offices if you don't need them, build it slowly with care and with passion and with vision and with ambition.

'We aim to represent the Welsh people so I would hope that public bodies would be prepared to work with us.

'I think probably history tells us that relying too much on any one source of funding makes you a bit vulnerable so I first and foremost would hope that this company can stand on its own two feet but we are open to working with whoever wants to get involved.'

After the announcement, Michael's fans rushed to social media to praise the actor's next career move.

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one user penned: 'A famous actor not just talking about a lack of funding in the arts but actually DOING something about it. Putting his money where his mouth is. Michael Sheen is one of the good ones.'

'Can we all agree that @michaelsheen is a Welsh national treasure?'

'What a wonderful thing to do.'

'Michael Sheen is an amazing person. Massive credit to Wales.'

With its first production set to start in 2026, Michael told the Mirror that he likes 'the idea of starting small and building up'

The move comes after National Theatre Wales said last month it had 'ceased to exist' after 1.6m in cuts to its core funding from Arts Council Wales

The news comes after he was praised for 'embracing wholeheartedly' what is the 'interview of a lifetime' for a group of neurodivergent people in the new BBC show, The Assembly, earlier last year.

The special followed the actor as he was quizzed by a group of autistic and neurodivergent people in conjunction with Autism Awareness Week.

Viewers said they 'wept' throughout the programme as they watched the powerful interactions, with Michael being moved to tears by a performance of Here Comes The Sun.

The Welsh actor held his own throughout the special and managed to answer a whole host of questions, ranging from his love life to the Royal Family.

Viewers did not waste any time to share their enthusiasm and demand more episodes of the programme onto social media.

One fan posted on X, previously known as Twitter, 'The Assembly was wonderful. I really hope the BBC makes more!'

Others said: '#TheAssembly wept my way through this lovely half-hour program showing ground roots diversity with all its surprises. Michael Sheen leapt in despite some visible fleeting trepidation, then embraced it all wholeheartedly.

The news comes after he was praised for 'embracing wholeheartedly' what is the 'interview of a lifetime' for a group of neurodivergent people in the new BBC show, The Assembly, earlier last year

The special showed actor be quizzed by a group of autistic and neurodivergent people in conjunction with Autism Awareness Week - and they didn't hold back

'#TheAssembly with #Autistic & #LearningDisabled people asking Michael Sheen questions is the most beautiful programme Ive seen in ages. My tribe are so incredibly funny, talented & blisteringly honest, & @michaelsheen was just absolutely lovely. Wish everybody would watch it.'

'The Assembly on BBC One is one of the best programmes I've seen in a long time. All of humanity on show. Fantastic.'

A couple were overjoyed by Michael Sheen being so calm and collected throughout the episode, with his charismatic charm.

'I have little knowledge on the interviewers disabilities but wow, and how nice is Michael Sheen.'
Despite the edge-of-the-seat tension, viewers of James Nortons latest ITV drama Playing Nice were glued to one thing only - the iconic seafront house which plays home to the shows villains Miles and Lucy.

And the Mail on Sunday can reveal the five-bedroom luxury dwelling, Sand Dunes, is located in a stunning Cornish bay nicknamed Hollywood on Sea by locals and is set to be rented out by its new owners for 5,000-plus a week.

Celebrities including actors Cate Blanchett and Jason Statham and Coldplay star Chris Martin all have homes in trendy Mawgan Porth on Cornwalls north coast between Padstow and Newquay.

ITV rented out Sand Dunes - the fabulous glass and stone property which has won a clutch of architectural awards from previous owner Lebanese businessman Marzouk al-Bader - to film the chilling baby swap drama in late 2023.

Rumoured to have fetched over 4 million when Mr Bader sold it a month ago, the house, with its floor to ceiling windows looking out over the cliffs, provided the perfect sinister backdrop for Playing Nices super-rich couple played by Downton Abbey star, Jessica Brown-Findlay, and the Mare of Easttowns James McCardle.

It plays host to some key scenes in the atmospheric drama as Miles and Lucy try to claim custody of both babies - their biological child who was mistakenly sent home with less affluent couple Pete and Maddie, played by Norton and screen wife Niamh Algar, and the baby they went home with, Pete and Maddies natural child. The babies were mixed up in a fictional hospital blunder.

Mr Bader, 58, developed Sand Dunes from an average Seventies bungalow in 2013 for his young family after falling in love with the community and Cornwall.

Spread over three buildings, it was designed and built to complement its surroundings using locally sourced natural materials and took two years to complete.

The iconic seafront property Sand Dunes is the home of Miles and Lucy, the villains in actor James Nortons new ITV drama Playing Nice

TV rented out Sand Dunes - the fabulous glass and stone property which has won a clutch of architectural awards from previous owner Lebanese businessman Marzouk al-Bader

The property has panoramic views of the stunning Cornish bay nicknamed Hollywood on Sea by locals

The retired financier, who now runs architecture firm Watershedd (correct spelling) said: I wanted not just to build a house, but I wanted everything to be from Cornwall: the tradesman, the architect, the materials.

The home also includes a pool house with a whirlpool bath, a gym, a 14 person eating area with an indoor wood-fired pizza oven and a sunken lounge facing a log fire.

Sand Dunes has won architectural accolades for its modern design including one from RIBA  the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Mr Bader also previously rented out the home for 5,000 a week through an exclusive travel company when his twin daughters with former wife Countess Christine dOrnano, global vice-president of the cosmetics brand Sisley, left home.

A source confirmed the propertys new owners plan to rent out the luxury home to holidaymakers.

James Norton as Pete Riley and Amy Morgan as Jen in ITV's new hit baby swap drama Playing Nice

The home's previous owner Mr Bader, 58, developed Sand Dunes from an average 1970's bungalow in 2013 for his young family after falling in love with the community and Cornwall

The retired financier said: I wanted not just to build a house, but I wanted everything to be from Cornwall: the tradesman, the architect, the materials'

An nighttime exterior of the property, which is set to be rented out by its new owners for 5,000-plus a week.

The luxury property has five bedrooms, including this one with a balcony and beautiful sea view

Sand Dunes has won architectural accolades for its modern design including one from RIBA  the Royal Institute of British Architects
Bette Midler has shared a heartbreaking clip of a family singing a hymn in the ruins of their home of 37 years, which was destroyed by the Los Angeles fires.

Beginning this Tuesday, the area was struck by its worst windstorms in over a decade, fueling fires that have destroyed thousands of structures and claimed at least 11 lives over the course of the week.

About 130,000 people were put under evacuation orders or warnings, as the authorities sent out K-9 units trained to detect human remains in the wreckage.

The Halpin family lived at their house in Altadena, California for nearly four decades before it was consumed by the ongoing Eaton Fire.

In a haunting clip that has gone viral online, they returned to the site of the burned building and gathered in a semicircle to sing Regina Caeli (Queen Of Heaven), a medieval Latin song dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

When the Halpin family returned to the remains of their house, the only thing they found intact was a statue of Mary, they told KTLA5.

Clarified: Bette Midler has hit back at users who accused her of being transphobic, after she claimed women were 'being erased' while blasting terms 'menstruators' and 'birthing people'

In a haunting clip that has gone viral online, the Halpin family returned to the site of the burned building and gathered in a semicircle to sing Regina Caeli (Queen Of Heaven)

The lyric of the hymn, which the Halpins sang in the original Latin, translates to: 'Queen of Heaven, rejoice, hallelujah. For He whom you were worthy to bear, hallelujah, is risen, as He said, hallelujah. Pray to God for us, hallelujah.'

As the video of the Halpins singing circulated online, Midler, 79, shared it to her Instagram page, writing simply: 'A family in the Eaton Fire. #eaton #losangeles.'

'We gave our pain to Christ and his mother. We prayed a consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and then sang,' said Andrew Halpin, one member of the family.

His sister Marie Clare Metcalfe added that 'faith has always been the foundation of our family, and it will continue to be as we navigate forward.'

She explained that her parents' house - the ruins of which are seen in the viral video - was 'home base' for the family, which now has 14 grandchildren.

Andrew and Marie Claire's sister Gianna also 'lost everything' in the fire, as she lived at her parents' backhouse with her two-year-old daughter.

The family launched a GoFundMe page after their home burned, and as of noon Saturday have raised over $97,000, surpassing their goal of $90,000.

In the video of the Halpins singing the hymn, their statue of the Virgin Mary can be seen sitting inside the semicircle have formed.

As the video of the Halpins singing circulated online, Midler, 79, shared it to her Instagram page, writing simply: 'A family in the Eaton Fire. #eaton #losangeles'

The Halpin family are pictured in a photo shared to their GoFundMe, which as of noon Saturday has raised over $97,000, surpassing its goal of $90,000

One blaze in the Pacific Palisades has consumed a number of celebrity homes, including residences owned by Paris Hilton, Jeff Bridges, Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Miles Teller, Tina Knowles and Anna Faris.

Midler shared her own emotional message to those affected by the fires on her Instagram page this Friday, amid the continuing disaster.

'To everyone living through the apocalyptic and unbelievable fires of the last few days, who have lost everything and now have the enormous task of getting back on their feet; I am devastated and heartbroken for all of us,' she wrote.

'I wish only the best for our beloved city, now and always' added the Beaches star, who is known to her fans as The Divine Miss M.

Midler, who sold her Manhattan penthouse in 2021 for $50 million in 2021, did not share whether she also has a home in danger from the fires.
Sophie Kasaei and Jordan Brook were hit with a sex ban during the recording of the new series of Geordie Shore.

During the filming of series 24, reality TV bosses demanded that the men and women slept in separate bedrooms during their filming days in Thailand.

This meant that the couple, who have been dating since November 2022, could not shared a bed or a room.

Jordan told the Daily Star: 'We were there for a stag do, so the producers wanted the stags all staying together and the hens all staying together.'

Sophie added: 'There was a girls room and a boys room. We weren't allowed to stay in the same room, so we couldn't sleep next to each other and have sex.'

The couple were said to be so frustrated by the set up that they begged producers to make an exception for them to stay together during the lavish getaway.

Sophie Kasaei and Jordan Brook have been hit with a sex ban during the recording of the new series of Geordie Shore

During the filming of series 24 the reality TV bosses demanded that the men and women slept in separate bedrooms during their filming days in Thailand

Sophie said: 'When we were off camera, we went to the producers and said, 'Please just let us have a room together'. But they still wouldn't do it.'

But they said this did not stop them from having some intimate moments together as they found some time to have some alone time.

The report of the ban comes after Jordon broke down in tears on The Only Way Is Essex as he revealed he thought his girlfriend was pregnant but it turned out to be a false positive.

The couple have been open about the difficulties of trying for a baby for some time.

But while having a heart-to-heart with fellow star Elma Pazar, 30, Jordan admitted he has done everything he wanted to do in life, and all that is left for him is to become a father.

He confided: 'Two weeks before we came out here, we thought she was pregnant again which was f*****g hard.

'It's my next step in life to be a dad. Everyone here knows how hard I find it being away from Soph as it is. Me and that girl are so close.

'Everyone knows we are trying for children, it is really hard to talk about. When it is all you want as a man to be able to give that to someone.

This meant that the couple, who have been dating since November 2022, could not shared a bed or a room

Jordan told the Daily Star: 'We were there for a stag do, so the producers wanted the stags all staying together and the hens all staying together'

The report of the ban comes after Jordon broke down in tears on The Only Way Is Essex as he revealed he thought his girlfriend was pregnant but it turned out to be a false positive

The couple have been open about the difficulties of trying for a baby for some time

'Early in the journey we had a false positive test. The whole thing takes over your life like I can't explain.

Sophie has previously candidly spoken about her fertility struggles. The Geordie Shore star admitted her fertility journey 'hasn't been the easiest' as she thought 'she would be able to fall pregnant straight away'.

Speaking to Heat magazine, the TV personality said: 'We've been trying for a few months now. I thought I'd get pregnant straight away, but it's a lot harder than people think.'

Sophie, who started dating the TOWIE star, in November 2022, added: 'It's not the easiest - there are definitely hard months but we'll get there one day. At the moment, though, Jordan is loving the trying.

'He's having a field day because I'm fulfilling all of his needs and wants!'

The new series continues on Tuesday at 10pm on MTV and Paramount+.
Kate Garraway has admitted she's trying to 'shift a bit of gloom', just days after the one year anniversary of her husband Derek Draper's death.

Political lobbyist Derek died in January 2024 at the age of 56 from COVID-19 complications, almost four years after he was taken ill with the respiratory virus.

And in a new Instagram post, the Good Morning Britain star, 57, shared a snap of her frost covered window as she shared a motivational message following what has no doubt been a difficult period following her loss.

She penned: 'Boy its cold out there - very beautiful though. Trying to shift a bit of gloom by cracking on today with lots of jobs have been putting off and soaking up the beauty of nature while I do it!'

Kate's followers were quick to share comments of support and best wishes, they penned: 'Beautiful pic and great advice Kate..one foot in front of the other and being kind to yourself too at this time of year is key.'

'Good to air your gloom. Hopefully a better day will dawn tomorrow'

'I just want to say youre so blooming strong and a beacon of light to others. Such an amazing lady. Sending love and light. Have an amazing day'.

Kate Garraway has admitted she's trying to 'shift a bit of gloom', just days after the one year anniversary of her husband Derek Draper's death

Political lobbyist Derek died in January 2024 at the age of 56 from COVID-19 complications, almost four years after he was taken ill with the respiratory virus

It comes just days after Kate opened up about the 'excessive, unpayable debt' from her late husband's care on the anniversary of his death.

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.

'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.

And in a new Instagram post, the Good Morning Britain star, 57, shared a snap of her frost covered window as she shared a motivational message following what has no doubt been a difficult period following her loss

She penned: ' Boy its cold out there - very beautiful though. Trying to shift a bit of gloom by cracking on today with lots of jobs have been putting off and soaking up the beauty of nature while I do it!'

Kate's followers were quick to share comments of support and best wishes, they penned: 'Beautiful pic and great advice Kate..one foot in front of the other and being kind to yourself too at this time of year is key'

'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!'

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.'

It comes just days after Kate opened up about the 'excessive, unpayable debt' from her late husband's care on the anniversary of his death (pictured together 2019)

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

Kate has previously revealed her debts of between 500,000 to 800,000 after caring for Derek

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.

'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.'
Hollywood actress Naomi Watts was warned her career would be over if she revealed she was menopausal.

The British-born star, who started experiencing symptoms at just 36, was told that even drawing attention to her age would be career suicide.

But now, aged 56, Ms Watts has spoken of her experiences of menopause in a new book aimed at challenging the stigma older women face in Hollywood.

The King Kong actress writes in Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish Id Known About Menopause: I was told I would never work again if I admitted to being menopausal, or even perimenopausal.

'Hollywoods lovely term for such women was unf***able. Id been warned ever since I started acting that calling attention to your age  when that age was not 23 or younger  would be career suicide.

Ms Watts discovered the hot flushes and night sweats shed been experiencing for years were signs of early menopause only after a visit to her doctor to find out why she couldnt conceive.

Looks like youre close to menopause, my doctor told me when I was 36 and wondering why I was having so much trouble getting pregnant. I almost fell off the examination table, she says in the book, an extract of which was published in The Times.

What do you mean? I said, gasping for air. Close to menopause? Thats for grandmothers. Im not even a mother yet. And, by the way, thats what Im here for, to become a mother. Take it back!

The British-born star, who started experiencing symptoms at just 36, was told that even drawing attention to her age would be career suicide. Pictured: In 2005

But now, aged 56, Ms Watts has spoken of her experiences of menopause in a new book aimed at challenging the stigma older women face in Hollywood. Pictured: Ms Watts last week at the Golden Globe Awards

Watts says I was told I would never work again if I admitted to being menopausal, or even perimenopausal'. Pictured: With her actor husband Billy Crudup

Ms Watts decided to write the book after coming to the realisation that there is nothing sexier than a woman who knows what she wants.

Ms Watts adds: One of the funniest things thats happened as a result  random celebrities now text me regularly to tell me theyre in menopause.

Its like Im behind the confessional window or Im Hollywoods agony aunt. I was craving information on menopause, and certainly no one in Hollywood was breathing a word about it.

We were all behaving as if between the seductress years and the grandmother roles, women just I dont know, vanished?
A billionaire investor has claimed Americans are in for a 'rude awakening' if they follow one of Warren Buffett's most popular pieces of advice.

Buffett, one of the world's most successful and well-respected investors, has long recommended that retail investors buy a low-fee S&P 500 tracker fund.

This is an investment fund that tracks the performance of the S&P 500, delivering investors its exact gains or losses.

The index has a storied history of gains, and rose over 20 percent in 2024, after gaining 24 percent in 2023.

The back-to-back rallies gave the benchmark its best performance since the dot-com bubble in 1997 and 1998, according to data from FactSet.

However, celebrity investor Chamath Palihapitiya has cautioned against Buffett's advice, claiming that the main US market is now dominated by a handful of tech companies such as Amazon, Nvidia and Microsoft.

The venture capitalist warned investors that when they buy the S&P 500 they are now essentially taking a bet on those risky tech businesses continuing to succeed.

'This needs to be fixed or it will end in disaster,' Palihapitiya wrote in an X post last week.

Celebrity investor Chamath Palihapitiya has cautioned against Warren Buffett's advice

If the tech companies stock drops then investors could suffer huge losses that won't be offset by other holdings he argued.

Amateur investors will face a 'rude awakening if this isn't addressed,' he said.

The comments came in response to a graph revealing that the ten most valuable S&P 500 companies, including Apple, Meta and Alphabet, accounted for 39.9 percent of the benchmark index's total market cap on December 20.

'Average Americans buy S&P 500 index ETFs, in part, because Buffett told them to,' Palihapitiya wrote.

'They were told they would pay very little and get diversification in the 500 best companies on Earth to ride out storms.

'When you buy an index of 500 companies, you're really buying 10 companies with 490 others thrown in,' he added.

Buffett believes in value investing, finding sound and sometimes undervalued businesses, and holding their stock for the long-term.

The Berkshire Hathaway CEO tends to avoid holding tech stocks as they are expensive and outside his realm of expertise.

Warren Buffett has long recommended that retail investors buy a low-fee S&P 500 tracker fund

The notable outlier however is Apple, which has been Berkshire's largest holding for almost a decade.

However, Berkshire is also very diversified, holding large stakes in the likes of Coca-Cola and Bank of America.

Professional and retail investors have dubbed Buffett the 'Oracle of Omaha' for his foresight and closely watch his shrewd moves.

The billionaire amassed an enormous cash pile of $325 billion last year before buying stakes in Occidental Petroleum, Sirius XM and VeriSign.

Berkshire had to disclose these purchases, worth a combined $563 million, as it already holds more than a 10 percent stake in each company.

It comes after Wall Street watchers had questioned whether Buffett thought the market was overvalued, as he sold billions in Apple and Bank of America stock and his cash reserve swelled to the highest percentage since 1990.

Some thought he may be wary of a stock market crash, while others thought he could be waiting to make a major acquisition at the right time and with the right value.
Rajasthans Growth Engine: Hindustan Zinc Driving Sustainable Development

Indias largest and only integrated zinc, lead and silver producer, Hindustan Zinc (NSE: HINDZINC) completes 59 years of operations. Incorporated in 1966 as a public sector undertaking, Hindustan Zinc Limited has grown leaps and bounds since then providing zinc sufficiency to the country and the world at large. As a fully integrated producer, Hindustan Zinc operates underground zinc-lead mines, smelters, and captive power plants in Rajasthan.

Pofessor Vandana Bhalla of GNDU honoured by Indian Academy of Sciences

Amritsar: Prof. Vandana Bhalla from the Department of Chemistry of the Guru Nanak Dev University, has been honoured with the prestigious fellowship of the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS), Bangalore. This recognition places her among the leading scientists in the country and marks a historic achievement for GNDU, as she becomes only the third individual from the university to receive this distinction in the past 55 years.

Prof Karamjeet Singh Celebrates Lohri with Guru Nanak Dev University Employees

Amritsar: The joyous festival of Lohri was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor at Guru Nanak Dev University campus in front Administration Block. Vice Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh joined the non-teaching employees of the university to mark this auspicious occasion.
In a development that came close on the heels of its decision to support Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Delhi Assembly polls and which reflected the widened rift within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena on Saturday announced that it would contest the forthcoming local body in the state independently.

A day after he questioned the very relevance of the Opposition INDIA bloc at the national level, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut dropped a bombshell by saying that his party would go it alone in the local body polls.

Talking to media persons, Raut said: As already indicated by our party president Uddhav Thackeray, from Nagpur to Mumbai we will contest all the municipal corporation polls independently. Lets see what happens. We will get to know our partys strength across the state.

If we are to contest the polls as an alliance, when will our party workers get an opportunity to contest the polls? If our workers dont get a chance to fight polls, it will affect the partys growth. If we are to contest the municipal corporation, Zilla Parishad and Nagar Panchayat polls, our party will be strengthened, Raut said.

However, the Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar) have not yet come out with a formal statement on the decision of their alliance partner -- the Shiv Sena (UBT) -to contest the forthcoming local body polls independently. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, reacting to the Sena (UBT)s decision to support the AAP in the Delhi Assembly polls, had expressed serious concerns that the Uddahv Thackeray-led partys decision might have a negative impact on the prospects of the prospects of all three MVA partners in the polls.

Rauts statement appeared to be in line with the stand taken by the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday, when he had indirectly slammed the Congress for its failure to keep the INDIA bloc together, and also questioned the very relevance of the all Opposition front at the national level.

We fought the Lok Sabha elections together, we got good results. After that it was the responsibility of all of us, especially Congress, to keep the INDIA alliance alive, sit together and guide the way forward. But till now not a single such meeting has taken place after the Lok Sabha elections. This is not right, Raut had said.

Leaders like Omar Abdullah, Mamta Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav and Arvind Kejriwal have said that the INDIA bloc is no longer in existence. If people have begun to nurse such doubts, I would say the biggest party in the alliance -Congress  is responsible for this. There is no coordination, there is no discussion. This means that there are serious doubts in the minds of the people whether everything is fine in the INDIA alliance or not... If this alliance breaks once, then the INDIA alliance will not be formed again, Raut had said.

The Shiv Sena (UBT)s decision to go it alone in the local body polls should be seen in the context of the fact that the Opposition MVA is in total disarray after its miserable performance in the recent Maharashtra Assembly polls, when the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP won 20, 16, and 10 seats, respectively, as against the 230 seats out of the total 288 seats collectively bagged by the ruling MahaYuti partners - comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and NCP (Ajit Pawar).

Informed sources in the Congress said that the central party leadership might reach out to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray in the coming days, while NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar - who incidentally is the architect of the MVA - might initiate talks with Thackeray in his effort to salvage the situation that threatens to go out of hand.
With the opening up of the 6.4 km long Z-Morh tunnel, scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13, India is inching closer to fulfilling its dream of constructing the strategic corridor between Srinagar-Leh to provide all-weather connectivity and maintain defence and civil supply lines in adverse weather conditions.

After dedicating the first leg of the corridor to the Nation on Monday the focus will be shifted to the timely completion of the 13.15 km long Zojila Tunnel.

The Z-Morh tunnel will link Kangan with Sonamarg, a famous tourist destination on the Srinagar-Leh highway.

The Zojila tunnel will provide year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, which will be extremely important for the development of Ladakh, the promotion of tourism, the free movement of local goods, and the movement of Indian armed forces in case of emergency.

Currently the average travel time to cross the Zojila Pass is three hours. After the completion of this tunnel, the travel time will come down to 20 minutes, resulting in fuel savings.

The total Project cost of the Zojila tunnel is Rs. 6,809.69 crore. The tentative deadline for the completion of the project at an altitude of over 11,000 feet is September-December 2026.

To welcome the dignitaries visiting the venue of the Z-Morh tunnel project the Union Territory administration is making elaborate arrangements. The security personnel have been deployed in large numbers to secure the venue.

A team of SPG, looking after the security details of the Prime Minister, are already camping in the area and conducting mock drills to secure the venue.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday visited Sonmarg to review preparations for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

In a post on XOmar said, The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel will open up the region to Winter tourism. I believe Sonmarg will be developed as one of the best Ski resorts in the region. The tunnel will also reduce travel time between Srinagar/ Kargil-Leh.

According to official sources, a sum of Rs 2700 crores has been spent on the construction of the Z-Morh tunnel.

The 6.4 km long tunnel got its name from the Z-shaped road stretch near the construction site.

In October 2024, a group of heavily armed terrorists targeted construction workers near Gagangir, the Z-Morh tunnel project site, killing a total number of seven employees including a local doctor.

Later, the Union Territory administration ordered an immediate security audit of the major infrastructure projects in the region and also beefed up the security to prevent selective targeting of the construction workers to stall the projects and delay their construction.
A tiny community on the Western Australian coast has been left shattered after the 'senseless' death of a beloved local dingo.

Researcher and wildlife activist Brinkley Davies (right), beside an image of Warrigal the dingo prior to her untimely death. Source: Instagram/Brinkley Davies/balubluefoundation

A tight-knit community has been left utterly "devastated" and "heartbroken" after discovering a beloved local dingo was shot and killed on public land. The sad act was apparently conducted without any legitimate reason and despite the fact it's unlawful to do so in the state without proper approval.

Warrigal the dingo, believed to be about two years old, was found killed at a local tip near Coral Bay, a small coastal town about 1,200 kilometres north of Perth in Western Australia, earlier this week.

Researcher Brinkley Davies, from the not-for-profit charity Balu Blue Foundation, had documented Warrigal's movements as one of the only healthy female dingoes in the area. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Davies explained how Warrigal became a local icon over the years  extremely popular among both residents and tourists alike.

Davies said Warrigal not only played a critical part in her natural ecosystembeing an apex predator, dingoes are significant for maintaining ecological balance  but she was important to science too.

A community is mourning the loss of a 'beloved local icon' - Warrigal the dingo. Source: Brinkley Davies

Heartbreak as beloved community dingo 'shot on public land'

The animal provided key insight into "just how beneficial dingoes are to our landscape", particularly when it comes to controlling feral cat populations, which cost the Australian economy billions per year to manage. After another healthy female in the region was killed by a car last year, Davies said the future of dingoes in the area is now uncertain due to the fact they produce a litter just once per year.

ADVERTISEMENT

"She was an absolutely vital part of the Coral Bay community, but also our research project," Davies told Yahoo. "She was a really, really healthy, perfect example of a desert dingo, and she also was a perfect example of a community being respectful and coexisting.

"As far as we all were aware, there was never a single complaint made about her or any conflict situations  she was timid and lived on the outskirts of town. She would just sit there perfectly and pose for the photos  there was never, ever a report of her being aggressive or a nuisance."

Dingoes are considered native fauna under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, and they are protected in Western Australia. Lethal control on public or Crown land requires approvals and it cannot be done freely without coordination with government authorities, or compliance with specific guidelines.

It is also unlawful to kill a dingo without proper justification or incentive.

The two-year-old dingo, known by locals as Warrigal, was beloved by her community at Coral Bay in WA. Source: Brinkley Davies

Researcher vows to fight for justice after 'devastating' tragedy

Davies said Warrigal was killed by a licensed dogger  someone who specialises in controlling wild dogs, including dingoes, as part of pest management efforts  but it's not known who the individual was contracted by, nor why Warrigal was targeted. Davies claims an employee at the local tip heard a gunshot and saw Warrigal's body prior to it being removed by the dogger.

ADVERTISEMENT

She said she corresponded with both the Shire of Carnarvon council and the state's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to try and ascertain why the dog met her untimely death, but ultimately, received no explanation.

"We want to know why she was shot. We want to know why a firearm was allowed to be discharged in a public place, that's 800 metres from town," Davies said.

"[The dogger] has a licence, but you can't shoot something on a public land unless you have approval from the people that own that land, and because it was Shire land, we're trying to figure out what's happened here.

"Why, if there was an issue with Warrigal, were other options not explored first?

"We've been working really, really hard to work with our government bodies to let them know we are equipped and able to help with relocation, or if a dingo needs to go into a foster program. There's all these other options."

Angry community wants explanation for dingo's death

Now the community  made up of just a few hundred people  is reeling from the dingo's shock death. But Davies has vowed to continue her fight for justice. "People are absolutely so angry and so sad at the same time. I've had some really heartfelt messages over the last couple of days," she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

"She was a huge highlight in a lot of people's days. And Coral Bay is such a small place, and so a connection like that with an animal that's wild and not doing anyone any harm, is a really special part of living somewhere like this.

"People are obviously really angry and frustrated, but they're also not going to let this slide. They want answers. And they want answers like, now."

Authorities weigh in, claim to have no knowledge of cull

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson for the DBCA said it hadn't authorised any killing of dingoes at Coral Bay.

"Dingoes are considered native fauna under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) and they are protected in Western Australia," the spokesperson told Yahoo.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Wild dogs including dingoes and their hybrids are declared pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (which is administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), and wild dog management is the responsibility of the landowner or manager.

"An exemption under the BC Act allows dingoes to be taken without a licence for pest management purposes only."

The Shire of Carnarvon said it was investigating the circumstances and asked the public for patience.

"We would like to clarify that the Shire of Carnarvon was not involved in this incident and does not engage contractors to undertake activities of this nature," it said.

"The Shire is currently investigating the matter and is actively cooperating with other relevant government agencies to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident. We are committed to ensuring that the matter is thoroughly examined and will continue to assist with the investigation.

"We ask the public to refrain from speculation and respect the process as authorities work to determine what has occurred."

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
On the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the grand Ram temple, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stark warning about the dangers of societal divisions.

If we remain divided by caste or other ideologies, our religious places will bear the consequences, and our sisters and daughters will suffer, he said, urging unity to preserve the sanctity of Indias spiritual heritage.

The historic event saw thousands of devotees gathering in Ayodhya, which has been transformed into a vibrant spiritual epicenter for the three-day celebrations.

Pratishtha Dwadashi calls us to unify as a nation, CM Yogi said, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modis message: If there is Ram, there is a nation; if there is a nation, there is Ram. He urged citizens to uphold this principle, linking faith with national identity.

The anniversary commenced with CM Yogi performing an abhishek of the idol, followed by the chanting of Vedic hymns. He emphasized the need to strengthen Sanatan values as the foundation for unity and national integrity.

The Ramjanmabhoomi movement reflects the unwavering resolve of our ancestors, whose sacrifices have brought us to this historic moment, CM Yogi said, highlighting the 500-year struggle to reclaim Lord Rams birthplace. Today, Ayodhya feels like Treta Yuga, and in the coming years, the Ram Janmabhoomi complex will emerge as one of the worlds most magnificent spiritual centers. Devotees from across the country echoed the Chief Ministers sentiments. Priya Sharma, a visitor from Delhi, said, Being here feels like stepping into history. The energy and devotion in Ayodhya are unparalleled. Its an emotional experience to see Ram Lalla in his full glory.

Ramesh Tiwari, a retired teacher from Varanasi, added, This temple is not just a place of worship but a symbol of unity and resilience for Hindus everywhere.

The celebrations witnessed an average daily footfall of over 1.5 lakh devotees, with numbers expected to surge further. Head priest Satyendra Das described the scene as a testament to the deep connection between Lord Ram and his devotees. The overwhelming turnout shows the joy and devotion of people from all walks of life, he remarked.

A highlight of the anniversary was the ceremonial Panchamrit Abhishek, where the idol was anointed with milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar, followed by a ritual bath with Ganga water. Lord Ram was adorned in yellow garments woven with gold threads, and a diamond-studded crown graced his head. CM Yogi participated in the prayers, offering his reverence and emphasizing the events spiritual and national significance.

The celebrations culminated in a collective prayer for harmony and prosperity, with devotees reaffirming their commitment to the values embodied by Lord Ram. The temple and its festivities bring a sense of pride and connection with our roots, said Meena Gupta, a homemaker from Kanpur, who attended the event with her family. Ayodhyas transformation into a hub of devotion and spirituality continues to inspire millions, making the Ram temple a beacon of faith and unity for generations to come.
A delegation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on the issue of the central government appointing a Chief Secretary in Chandigarh instead of an Advisor.

The AAP leaders appealed to the Governor to intervene in the matter, stating that the central government is treating Punjab unfairly. They asserted that this issue highlights the discriminatory attitude of the Centre towards Punjab.



The AAP delegation included the party's state president Aman Arora, Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Hardeep Singh Mundian, and Barinder Goyal, along with AAP leaders Sunny Ahluwalia, Deepak Bali, Neel Garg, Govinder Mittal, Parminder Goldy, and Ferry Sofat.



Addressing the media after meeting the Governor, Aman Arora said that the appointment of a Chief Secretary instead of an Advisor exposes the Centre's anti-Punjab mindset. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party strongly opposes this decision, as it is an attempt to weaken Punjab's rightful claim over Chandigarh. He asserted that the party will not accept this decision under any circumstances.



Arora said that historically, politically, and socially, Chandigarh rightfully belongs to Punjab and pointed out that Chandigarh was built by displacing 27 villages of Punjab. At the time of the states partition, it was said that the Union Territory status of Chandigarh was temporary. Even the Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord stated that Chandigarh would be handed over to Punjab within five years, but this has not happened yet.



The AAP leader questioned the BJP-led central governments discriminatory treatment of Punjab, asking why Punjab is being subjected to such unfairness. He also criticized both the BJP and Congress, stating that both parties have been in power at the Centre but did nothing to address the matter. Instead, they have tried to snatch Punjab's rightful claims.



Arora further stated that the Governor assured the delegation that he would raise their concerns and the voice of three crore Punjabis with the central government and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, issued a stern warning to the mafia operating in Prayagraj. He emphasised that hundreds of acres of land illegally occupied by land mafias would be reclaimed, adding that sooner or later, the land will have to be vacated.

Chief Minister Yogi unveiled the statue of former freedom fighter and social worker Kamala Bahuguna in Prayagraj. Reflecting on the moment, he remarked, It is a fortunate coincidence that I had the privilege of unveiling the statue of former chief minister Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna in the state capital Lucknow, and today, I have the honour of unveiling the statue of freedom fighter Kamala Bahuguna in Prayagraj.

Chief Minister Yogi paid heartfelt tributes to Kamala Bahuguna, recalling her contribution to Indias freedom struggle. Recalling her courageous struggle against British rule, he shared how Kamala Bahuguna actively participated in the freedom movement from a young age.

At the age of just eight, she raised slogans against British rule, for which she was subjected to torture by the British police. When she returned home and shared her ordeal with her mother, instead of discouragement, her mother strengthened her resolve further. She told Kamala that such hardships were part of the struggle for the nations independence and that enduring these sacrifices was necessary to free the country from British rule, he recounted.

The chief minister further highlighted Kamala Bahugunas continued service, mentioning that during the 1954 Kumbh Mela, she had initiated a service camp that remains operational to this day. The camp not only assists in locating lost individuals but also helps devotees in various other ways, he added.

Chief Minister Yogi praised the Bahuguna familys legacy of selflessness, specifically mentioning Hemvati Nandan Bahugunas integrity during his tenure as chief minister and Union minister. He noted how Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna, despite holding significant positions, chose to live in a rented house in Prayagraj, even when he could have easily acquired the surrounding properties.

The chief minister highlighted the profound significance of organising the Maha Kumbh, emphasising that the deep sentiment people felt for Ayodhya now resonates with the Maha Kumbh. He described Prayag as a sacred place where not only humans but also divine souls gather.

This is why efforts are being made on a war footing to fulfill the vision of a clean and divine Prayag, he remarked.

He extended his congratulations to all devotees for the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh.

Former chief minister of Uttarakhand, Vijay Bahuguna, also present at the event, acknowledged the transformative development in Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogis leadership. He shared that while being abroad, he frequently received updates about the transformed image of UP through the preparations for the Maha Kumbh. He remarked that Uttar Pradeshs progress under Chief Minister Yogis leadership was being recognised not just across the nation but globally.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh. Former MP Rita Bahuguna Joshi conducted the stage proceedings.
The 81st birthday of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren was celebrated with great pomp under the leadership of District Secretary Anil Oraon at the JMM district office on Monday. On the occasion, ZIP member Radha Tirkey, Women District President Sarita Bhagat, City President Akash Kumar, Youth President Ajay Oraon, District Secretary of Minority Morcha Mansoor Ansari, Senior member Balmukund Lohra, Bhandra Block President Parvez Ansari, Kudu Block President Shankar Oraon, Kairo Block Secretary Dhanpat Oraon and many other party leaders and workers were present.

During this, everyone celebrated the birthday by cutting the cake and applying tilak on Guruji's picture and blankets and sweets were distributed among the poor and helpless people. On the occasion, District Secretary Anil Oraon, while congratulating Guru ji on his birthday, said that Dishom Guru Shibu Soren ji spent his entire life in the upliftment of the tribal people of Jharkhand. He campaigned for the abolition of money lending and usury along with the movement for a separate state. During this period he also had to endure torture. A separate state of Jharkhand was established under the leadership of Guruji Shibu Soren. His son Chief Minister Hemant Soren is playing an important role in the progress of Jharkhand.

On the occasion, JIP member Radha Tirkey said that we need to learn from Guru ji to work in every way for the welfare of the common people. Said that the indigenous people and tribals of Jharkhand have been exploited for centuries, but now there is a government of Jharkandis in Jharkhand, which is taking care of everyone. Said that Jharkhand of Guru ji's dreams is being built. I pray that Baba lives long and his blessings continue to be with all of us. JMM women president Sarita Tana Bhagat said in her address that Dishom Guru became the Chief Minister of Jharkhand thrice. He contested elections for the first time in 1977, when he lost. After that he turned his attention towards Santhal. In 1980, he won from Dumka for the first time. He won from here 8 times. Shibu Soren also became Rajya Sabha MP twice. He has also handled the charge of the Coal Ministry at the Centre.
Kohefiza police have arrested four women involved in a gold chain theft that occurred during a Jain community procession in the city. The police also seized the vehicle used in the crime and recovered the stolen gold chains from their possession.

The women, who had stolen nine gold chains, were identified as Anjali (30), Nagma Naidu (30), Jyoti Gola (35), and Madhu Naidu (30), all from Ambedkar Nagar, New Delhi.

The stolen gold chains, valued at Rs 1.25 lakh, and the Maruti car worth Rs 12 lakh, were recovered from the accused. The FIR for the incident was filed on January 8.

According to the police, Premlata Yadav, a resident of Kohefiza, reported that while she was on her way to Lalghati around 6:30 pm on January 8, a woman approached her near the haunted bungalow, asking for directions to Panchvati. At that moment, the other women in the group attacked Premlata and snatched the gold chain from her neck. The police registered a case and began their investigation.

Using CCTV footage from the area, technical evidence, and information from an informer, the police arrested the accused from Gandhi Nagar. One of the suspects managed to flee. Upon interrogation, the women confessed to the theft.

The accused are known to target religious events such as Bhagwat Kathas, processions, and temple programs, committing thefts at such gatherings across the country. They also admitted to committing similar crimes in other districts and states, including Odisha, Delhi, and Dhar. The suspects have criminal records and are being questioned about other thefts in the city and beyond.
Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi are two towering figures who have profoundly influenced and inspired generations both during and after their lifetimes. Swami Vivekananda, born on 12th January 1863, and Mahatma Gandhi, born on 2nd October 1869, were somewhat contemporaneous. However, since Swami Vivekananda passed away at a young age of just 39 years and 5 months in 1902, he revolutionized the Indian freedom movement, spreading the message of Vedanta and Indian wisdom to a global audience. During this period, Mahatma Gandhi was in South Africa, making occasional visits to India.

The relationship between Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi is seldom discussed or written about. The connection they shared, the influence the Swami had on the Mahatma, and how Gandhi perceived Vivekanandas teachings and work remain largely unexplored.

The collected works of Mahatma Gandhi, spanning 98 volumes and available online, reveal several facts and insights that demonstrate the close connection between Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda. Although they never met in person, Gandhi had a deep desire to meet the Swami.

Gandhi wanted to meet the Swami

There were two instances when Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi could have met. The first occurred in 1898, when Gandhiji expressed his desire for Swami Vivekananda to visit South Africa and preach his spiritual message there. This is revealed in a letter that Gandhiji wrote to his friend Mr. B. N. Bhajekar in February 1898, in which he stated:

"A religious preacher is very badly wanted here but he must tower above all the priests here. He must be absolutely pure minded and unselfish & must not require money to support himCould not Swami himself be induced to pay us a visit? I shall do everything I can to make his mission a success. He can work both among Indians & Europeans. I take it he moves freely among the Indians the highest as well as the lowest. He is sure to do one thing if he comes. He will electrify the Europeans by his eloquence & possibly hypnotize [sic] them into liking the Coolies in spite of themselves."

However, it is not clear whether Mahatma Gandhi's letter ever reached Swami Vivekananda, but it is certain that the Swami never visited South Africa.

The second instance occurred a couple of years later, when Gandhiji was in India for a few months and visited Calcutta in 1901. Gandhiji was eager to meet the Swami, and to do so, he went to Belur Math. However, since the Swami was unwell, they could not meet.

Gandhi reading Swami Vivekananda writings

Through the Swamis literature, Gandhiji came closer to India's cultural traditions and wisdom. Rajyoga, the only book that Swami Vivekananda wrote during his first visit to the West, was a work that Gandhiji kept with him throughout his life. In a letter to Tiruppur Subrahmanya Avinashilingam (19031991) on July 22, 1941, Gandhiji expressed his thoughts on the Swamis writings, where he wrote: "Surely Swami Vivekananda's writings need no introduction from anybody. They make their own irresistible appeal."

The significance and impact of Swami Vivekanandas work on Gandhiji can be seen in the speech Gandhiji delivered at Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, in 1921. Gandhiji said,"I have gone through his works very thoroughly, and after having gone through them, the love that I had for my country became a thousand fold. I ask you, young men, not to go away empty-handed, without imbibing something of the spirit of the place where Swami Vivekananda lived and died"

Mahatma Gandhi Visits to Ramakrishna Mission

To express his admiration for Swami Vivekananda and his Guru Sri Ramakrishna, Gandhiji visited the Ramakrishna Mission, an organization founded by the Swami on May 1, 1897. In addition to Belur Math in Calcutta, Gandhiji visited several other centres of the mission, including Vrindavan and Rangoon, among others. While delivering a speech at the Ramakrishna Mission in Rangoon (1929) on the special occasion of the birth anniversary celebration of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Gandhiji said:

My Sisters and Brothers, I thank the Ramakrishna Mission for the address they have so kindly presented to me. I want to tell you something about Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and his mission. He has left for us a great work. I have faith in his mission and I would ask you to follow him. Wherever I go the followers of Ramakrishna invite me and I know their blessings are on my work. Ramakrishna Sevashrams (people's service centres) and Hospitals are spread throughout India. There is no such place where their work is not being carried on a small or large scale.

Gandhiji's words about Swami Vivekananda, his Guru Sri Ramakrishna, and the Ramakrishna Mission reflect his deep admiration and respect for them. There is much more revealed in the 98 collected works of Mahatma Gandhi. These works include Gandhiji recommending literature based on Swami Vivekananda to his foreign friends, advocating Swami Vivekananda's teachings in public lectures, and visiting societies and organizations named after the great saint. This has been documented in my book titled Influence of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Movement on Gandhi.

The writer is the Deputy Head of Vivekananda Kendra, North Zone, holds a Ph.D. from JNU, New Delhi and is the writer of the book Influence of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Movement on Gandhi (2024).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched another attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leader Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday, calling their 10-year rule in Delhi has proved to be an AapDa ( "disaster.") Addressing the 'Jhuggi Basti Pradhan Sammelan' at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, Shah alleged that the toilet in Kejriwal's so-called "Sheesh Mahal" (glass palace) was more expensive than the slums in the city. Shah charged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has proved to be an "Aapda" (disaster) in its 10 years of rule in Delhi. He slammed AAP supremo and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly betraying the slum dwellers and forcing them to live in pathetic conditions in slums.

Reiterating that no ongoing welfare schemes for poor will be stopped if the BJP comes to power in Delhi, the Union Minister said Slum dwellers will become "liberators" of Delhi by uprooting the "Aapda" (AAP) government in the upcoming Assembly polls and promised that every slum dweller will be provided a house if the BJP wins the polls. "The BJP will ensure pucca houses for every slum dweller," he said.

Shah said, "People living in slums of Delhi are getting dirty water. What did Arvind Kejriwal do in Delhi in the last 10 years? If you are not able to do anything, Arvind Kejriwal, then you should leave the government. The BJP will give all the benefits. Arvind Kejriwal is the only CM who did not resign even after going to jail."

The Union Minister accused AAP of betraying slum dwellers and forcing them to live in deplorable conditions. "The slum dwellers will become the liberators of Delhi and do the work of uprooting the AAP-da (disaster) government," Shah asserted.

Promising housing and improved living conditions, he emphasised that the BJPs manifesto is a "guarantee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." He stated, "Every person living in a slum will be given a permanent house. The BJP manifesto is not like the manifesto of AAP-da. We do what we say."

In a sharp critique of Kejriwal's governance, Shah added, "Open a tap, and dirty water comes out; open a window, and there's a foul smell; step outside, and you're greeted by broken roads. Even during Chhath Puja, people couldnt bathe properly because of the polluted Yamuna. Garbage heaps on the streets and filth everywherethis AAP-da has turned Delhi into a living hell."

The elections for 70-member Delhi Assembly polls will be held on February 5 and the votes will be counted on February 8. Shah greeted the gathering on the first anniversary of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla's idol at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya with a loud chant of "Jai Shri Ram".

" When our manifesto comes, it will address every pain you face. The BJPs manifesto is not like that of the AAP, where they take votes and return after five years with new false promises. The BJPs manifesto is Modis guarantee, and it will be fulfilled on the ground. When we talked of Ram Temple, Kejriwal said toilets need to be constructed, when Article 370 was scraped, he said people need houses. Modi ji gave toilets as well as houses to the poor people, not Kejriwal," Shah said. He said the BJP's Delhi election manifesto will provide "relief from all your problems".

The senior BJP leader lashed out at Kejriwal over his claim, earlier in the day, that the BJP had finalised its leader Ramesh Bidhuri as the chief ministerial face of the party for the Delhi polls. "Can Kejriwal decide the BJP's chief ministerial face?" he said, adding that the AAP supremo's "manipulations" were understood by Delhi people. "Lies, betrayal and going back on promises," are the qualities of Kejriwal, Shah said, accusing the AAP leader of building a "Sheesh Mahal" instead of toilets in Delhi's slum clusters. Referring to Kejriwal's political journey, Shah said, "Those who once led an anti-corruption movement have now committed such massive corruption that they've broken all records. Kejriwal himself has become a disaster for his own party."

"Congress and 'AAP-da' cannot benefit the people of Delhi. Only the BJP can benefit them... They are making promises every day just for the sake of the vote bank. Can Arvind Kejriwal declare the CM face of BJP?... After the formation of the BJP government in Delhi, not a single welfare scheme for the poor will be stopped," he said

"I want to reiterate what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said earlier that no welfare schemes for the poor will be stopped," he said, accusing Kejriwal of spreading "lies" that the BJP will demolish the city's slums of it came to power. While the prime minister gave the poor houses, ration, cheap medicines, loans, and cooking gas, Kejriwal did nothing for them in Delhi, he said.

Around 1000 slum cluster leaders attended the event, which was welcomed by Delhi BJPs Election Incharge, MP Baijayant Panda; Co-Incharge, National Secretary Dr. Alka Gurjar, MP Atul Garg, State President Virendra Sachdeva, along with MPs Manoj Tiwari, Ramveer Singh Bidhuri, Yogendra Chandla, Kamaljeet Sahrawat, Praveen Khandelwal, and Sushri Bansuri Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta, National Media Co-Incharge Sanjay Mayukh, and Organizing Secretary Vishnu Mittal.

Hoping to make a comeback in the national capital where it where it was out of power for over 25 years, Delhi BJP launched the "Jhuggi Sampark Abhiyan" (slum outreach campaign) in the city on June 21 last year. Over 250 "vistaraks" (outreach workers), including 53 women, were deployed for approximately 1,000 booths in Delhi's slum clusters. Each outreach worker was assigned the responsibility of two to three booths. The party tasked with maintaining daily contact with the people at the booths strengthening the BJP's connection with them.
To control illegal immigration, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said that the State Government will introduce a law in the Budget session of the state Assembly. In addition, the state government will soon unveil an ORP policy to reward police personnel for their exceptional service. This policy will not only recognize and encourage good work but will also the provision of strict action against any lapses in crime prevention, he added.

Talking to media persons after chairing a state-level review meeting in Panchkula with the senior police officers to assess crime and law and order in the State, Saini said that a detailed review of crime trends was conducted during the meeting. Haryana has witnessed a significant reduction in crime rates. In particular, incidents of crime against women have decreased in 2024 compared to the previous year, and the state has made commendable progress in addressing cybercrime, he added.

The Chief Minister also said that police officers have been instructed to take stringent action against crime and criminals. He assured that officers and personnel demonstrating excellence will be recognized, while those showing negligence will face strict disciplinary measures. He directed the police officers to be sensitive towards the public and work quickly to resolve their concerns.

He said that Haryana Police has been given a free hand to take strong action against crime and criminals. A target has also been given to further the de-addiction campaign, with the goal of making 70 percent of the villages drug-free by the end of 2025. Besides, instructions have been given to take strict action against those involved in the illegal drug trade.

He further said that instructions have been given to the police to launch a campaign targeting criminals involved in activities such as extortion calls made from abroad, as well as those aiding them within the country. The Chief Minister assured that the state government will provide the necessary resources to the police to support these efforts.

Saini said that a battalion of Haryana Police will be established to strengthen law and order in Nuh district. For this, the concerned officer has also been instructed to identify land. He said that steps will also be taken to make Haryana 112 service more efficient and reduce the response time further. At present, the response time of 112 is about 6:30 minutes, it will be reduced further so that the criminals cannot escape.

He said that the state government had committed to implementing schemes worth Rs 300 crore for the modernization of the police force, as outlined in its election manifesto. Police department has been directed to prepare a detailed proposal and submit it to the state government at the earliest. He said that the police are continuously enhancing their infrastructure to effectively combat cybercrime, with the aim of completely curbing cyber fraud and apprehending cybercriminals.

In response to a question about individuals operating crime networks from abroad, the Chief Minister said that since this is an international issue, Haryana police regularly coordinates with the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He said that progress has been made in some cases, and police will take strict action against criminals running illegal operations from outside the country, as well as their associates operating locally.

Regarding a question about the Interstate Crime Coordination Committee meeting, the Chief Minister shared that several meetings of the committee have been held. He added that it is asked in todays meeting that a larger meeting should be organized periodically in which Chief Ministers of States be invited to discuss and find ways to completely eradicate the drug trade. He said that the police should identify key locations in the drug supply chainwhere drugs are sourced, where they are distributed, and where they are stoppedand take strict action against the perpetrators in order to protect the youth from falling victim to drug abuse.

Earlier, the Chief Minister reviewed the crime and law and order situation in the state with senior police officials and provided them with essential guidelines. He urged all Superintendents of Police (SPs) to focus on eradicating drug abuse in their respective districts to protect the youth. He said that no individual, regardless of their stature, should be spared if involved in the illegal drug trade. Strict punitive action should be taken against such offenders, he added. The Chief Minister expressed his goal for Haryana to become number one in dismantling drug smuggling operations and stressed that the police should foster a reputation of friendliness and approachability among the public.

He also directed the police to take stringent measures to curb cow smuggling cases. The Chief Minister discussed various issues, including the overall crime and law and order situation, the introduction of new criminal laws, cybercrime, complaint resolution, CCTV surveillance, and road and traffic safety. He provided necessary instructions to the officials to address these concerns effectively.
In a major action taken by the District Civil Court on Friday in the district, the court of Judge First cum Special Judge POCSO Act Akhilesh Kumar Tiwari has sentenced a young man to death along with life imprisonment and fine in the case of murder after raping a girl. Has also been imposed. The matter is on 24 December 2022. Where in Areya village of Bagdu police station area of the district, a 5-year-old minor girl was raped and murdered by the accused Indra Oraon of the same village, against whom the girl's mother Soni Oraon, aged about 30 years, husband Anil Oraon, village Areya. By giving a written application to Police Station Bagdu, District Lohardaga, an FIR was lodged in Bagdu Police Station regarding rape of a minor girl. A case was registered regarding this matter under Bagdu police station case number 33/2022, dated 24.12.2022, section 302/376 (2) (F) IPC and 06 POCSO Act. Thereafter, after completing the investigation, Bagdu police station charge sheet number- 07/2023, dated 22.02.2023 was submitted against the accused under Section 302/376 (2) (F) IPC and 06 POCSO Act. After which Section 302 IPC and POCSO 06 /42 The accused was hanged after being found guilty under the POCSO Act.

And has been sentenced to life imprisonment along with a financial fine of Rs 25,000. This is the second case in the district in the last 14 years in which the District Civil Court has sentenced the accused to death. According to the information, the accused Inder Oraon, aged 25 years, and father Laxman Oraon, is a permanent resident of Areya village of Bagdu police station area and is unmarried. On Friday, the District Civil Court sentenced him to death along with life imprisonment. In this case, PP Mini Lakra has played a very important role in helping the accused Inder Oraon reach the noose. People are watching this with sympathetic eyes and people are also praising this historic decision of the court.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that true officers are those who work in the interest of the public, as entering government service comes with the responsibility of serving society. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi considers himself the Pradhan Sevak, and similarly, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet functions as public servants through mutual cooperation. Dr. Yadav stressed that holding a position of power requires shedding ego and dedicating oneself to the welfare of society and the development of the state. The Chief Minister was addressing a program at Ravindra Bhawan on Friday, where appointment letters were distributed to 362 newly selected government officers and employees in the Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Revenue departments. He congratulated the officers and their families, recognizing their success as a result of collective hope, effort, and family support. Dr. Yadav wished the young officers a bright future, urging them to harness their potential and abilities to fulfill their responsibilities with excellence. He encouraged them to make both themselves and the administration proud by contributing meaningfully to the state's progress and public welfare.

At a programme attended by Revenue Minister Karan Singh Verma, Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development Minister Aidal Singh Kansana, and Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Lakhan Patel, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav distributed appointment letters to newly selected government officers. The appointments included 256 Agriculture Extension Officers in the Agriculture Department, 70 Assistant Veterinarians in the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, and 36 Naib Tehsildars in the Revenue Department.

Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh is the first state in the country, to have taken the initiative to establish cyber tehsils in all the districts of the state. This is a major achievement towards making citizen services accessible by using technology. Madhya Pradesh ranks third in milk production in the country. Our target is to increase the milk production capacity from 9 percent to 20 percent. This will strengthen the farmers and rural economy of the country. Gaushalas are being expanded for better care of cows in the state. In this sequence, the state government is committed to operate cow-sheds of 10 thousand capacity in all major cities including Bhopal. Milk production plays the most important role in increasing the income of farmers. In the efforts to increase the income of farmers, encouraging milk production is the priority of the state government as farmers get direct and immediate benefit from this. He said that grants will be provided to those who rear more than ten cows. Due to the availability of facilities like roads in villages, and tap water in every house, cow rearing has also become easier.

Yadav said that the newly selected officer is expected to continuously improve his talent and ability. Officers should enter service with a commitment for new possibilities of development. We have resolved to take the agricultural area in the state from 48 lakh hectares to one crore hectares in the next 5 years. With this objective, we have to ensure appointments of revenue officers besides expansion in the staff of the agriculture and animal husbandry department. The new education policy will ensure that the state government expands education facilities in agriculture and veterinary medicine.

Chief Minister Yadav provided appointment letters to Agriculture Extension Officer Priyamvada Dwivedi, Kamlesh Wati, Rajesh Meena, Babli Bagri, Archana Gaur, Assistant Veterinary Doctor Pooja Solanki, Nitesh Suryavanshi, Rahul Yadav and Naib Tehsildar Bharti Solanki, Ravi Patel, Kapil Gurjar etc. In the programme, Revenue Minister Verma, Farmer and Agriculture Development Minister Kansana, and Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Lakhan Patel gave information about departmental activities.
Chandigarh MP and former Union Minister Manish Tewari on Friday said that the Chandigarh Airport has turned into Point of Call (POC) for international airlines to facilitate international flights to and from here. He stressed the need for improving the passenger amenities at the airport besides increasing the ingress points for easy entry and exit of the passengers.



Tewari said this while chairing a meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee of the Shaheed E Azam Chandigarh International Airport. The meeting was co-chaired by Malwinder Singh Kang, MP Shri Anandpur Sahib.

The meeting was also attended by members, DC and SSP Mohali and other officials of the Chandigarh International Airport Limited and Indian Airforce.

In the meeting, it also demanded that free parking time for the vehicles should be increased from 10 to 12 minutes. The meeting also flagged the concern over the solid waste piling up on the approach the runway and demanded that it must be sensitized so that the bird hits are minimized.



It called upon the rural development department Chandigarh and the Municipal Corporation Mohali to ensure that the access to the runway is sensitized.



The Advisory Committee underlined the need for maintaining cleanliness at the airport at all costs. Besides, it called for sensitizing the airlines staff to be sensitive towards friendly behaviour with passengers.



Tewari laid special emphasis on operating the old terminal building of the airport. He said that Rs 45 crores were spent on its renovation between 2011 and 2014 and it has been lying in disuse. He suggested that this building should be turned into a full-fledged Terminal Number One of the airport as it can immensely benefit the passengers from Panchkula and Chandigarh.
The City police on Friday inaugurated two new police posts in the Old City areas of the state capital. The police posts at the Idgah EWS multi-storey complex and Hamidia Hospital will strengthen law and order enforcement in the city.

Parliamentarian Alok Sharma inaugurated the police post at Hamidia Hospital in the presence of Commissioner of Police Harinarayan Chari Mishra and a host of senior law enforcement officials.

The post at Hamidia Hospital primarily deals with medico-legal cases reported at the hospital, while the post at the EWS multi-storey complex will strengthen policing in the locality, which came in for stringent criticism after the gruesome rape and killing of a minor last year.

A string of public representatives, including MLA Atif Aqeel, had called for enhanced picketing and combing in the area, which they had described as a hotbed of criminal activities.
Governor Mangubhai Patel said that one must put ones wisdom into practice. He urged students of the university established in the memory of a great poet, writer and patriot Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to be sensitive to the needs of the country, society, community, family, and the underprivileged.

Speaking at the fifth convocation of Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, held at the Kushabhau Thackeray International Convention Center, he highlighted the responsibility of students to honor the legacy of Vajpayee.

Governor Mangubhai Patel urged students to acknowledge the contributions of parents, teachers, and societys underprivileged in their success. He emphasized remembering parents struggles and the support of marginalized individuals in their education. Advising students to keep their convocation oath safe, he encouraged them to recite and follow it daily, identify the needs of the deprived around them, and strive to fulfill them. Citing Swami Vivekananda, he highlighted the immense potential within every individual, urging students to awaken their inner strength. He wished them success in enhancing the universitys prestige and contributing to society and the nation.

Director of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bhopal, Ashutosh Singh, drawing inspiration from the Mahabharatas episode of the fishs eye, emphasized that intense competition for success has always existed and will persist. He highlighted the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and persevering despite challenges. Using the metaphor of lighting a lamp in darkness, he conveyed that determination overcomes obstacles. He encouraged students to dream with purpose, noting that having wings is insufficient without the courage to soar.

Director of MP Hindi Granth Academy, Ashok Kadail, highlighted that the National Education Policy integrates Indian cultural roots with modern technology and an employment-oriented education system. Praising Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi Vishwavidyalayas efforts in this direction, he emphasized the role of Indian languages as powerful tools for communication with the masses. He urged students of the non-traditional Hindi Vishwavidyalaya to enhance the prestige of Hindi and contribute to its prosperity. Kadail also encouraged students to draw inspiration from the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.

Vice Chancellor, Khem Singh Daheria, presented the universitys progress report, announcing the introduction of a diploma course in Dairy Management and postgraduate degrees in Commerce, MBA, and Education from the next session. He also shared plans to launch Agriculture and Engineering courses. Publications by the university were also released during the programme by the guests. The vote of thanks was delivered by the Registrar, Shailendra Kumar Jain.

The programme commenced with floral tributes to Maa Sharda and the Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, followed by ceremonial lamp lighting. The Governor and other dignitaries were welcomed with shawls, Shriphal, mementos, and plants. During the convocation ceremony, the Governor awarded medals to top achievers from various faculties. Degrees were conferred upon 71 postgraduate and 113 undergraduate students of the 2023-24 academic year. Additionally, all graduating students took the convocation oath as part of the ceremony.
Avoid calling any disputed structure a mosque

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that reclaiming heritage was not a bad thing. He also slammed claims that the area where Maha Kumbh was being held was Waqf property.

Reclaiming heritage is not a bad thing. Sanatan proof is now visible in Sambhal. Disputed structures should not be called mosques. India wont be run on the Muslim League mentality, Chief Minister Yogi said in Prayagraj on Friday, referring to the Shahi Jama Masjid dispute in Sambhal that sparked violence last year.

Yogi Adityanaths remarks come days after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed concern over the raft of temple-mosque disputes and advised people against raking up such issues.

Speaking on the violence in Sambhal over a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, Chief Minister Yogi highlighted that the Puranas mention Sambhal as the birthplace of Kalki, the tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The violence in Sambhal claimed five lives and left over 20 injured.

A Harihar temple was demolished in Sambhal in 1596 and a structure was built. It is even mentioned in Ain-i-Akbari, the chief minister said.

The petitioners have claimed that it was mentioned in Baburnama and the Ain-i-Akbari that a Harihar temple was at the site where the Jama Masjid now stands. The Ain-i-Akbari is a document on the administration of the Mughal Empire under Akbar. It was written by his court historian Abul Fazl.

The chief minister also took a swipe at the Samajwadi Party over the cleanliness of the Ganga, claiming that the prime minister of Mauritius avoided taking a dip in the holy river after seeing the filth in the area when he visited the Kumbh in 2013.

In 2013, when the prime minister of Mauritius came to India to take a holy dip in the Ganga, he went back after seeing pollution, filth and mismanagement during the Kumbh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said. In 2013, the Samajwadi Party was in power in Uttar Pradesh with Akhilesh Yadav as the chief minister.

He asserted that the Ganga has become clean now due to the work of the double-engine government.

When the Mauritian prime minister visited Varanasi in 2019, they visited Prayagraj where Kumbh was going on. He, along with his family, took a holy dip at the Sangam after seeing the change that had happened in six years, Yogi said.

The chief minister also blasted the Waqf Board after a cleric claimed that the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj was being held on Waqf land. The chief minister emphasised that the state government would reclaim every inch of land that has been taken under the pretext of Waqf.

The Kumbh has been a symbol of Indias heritage for thousands of years and has always taken place here. It is not the Waqf Board but a board of land mafias, he said.

Chief Minister Yogi also said that the government was investigating all such occupied land, and amendments had been made to the law. Wherever the word Waqf appears, it will be investigated to see in whose name the land was originally registered, and efforts will be made to return it to its rightful owners, he said.
The city mourns the loss of its esteemed educator, Chitra Bhatt, who passed away at the age of 72. She breathed her last while undergoing treatment at Jagruti Mental Hospital, Taloja, Mumbai. Her final rites were conducted at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Dadar, Mumbai. Close relatives, including her dear friend Frederick DSouza and other family members, attended the ceremony.

Chitra Bhatt was closely associated with Jamshedpur Womens College and Loyola College of Education. Many of her students have gone on to serve as principals and teachers in various schools across the city.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. M.N. Bhatt, a former TMH employee, her daughter Priya, son Rahul, and an extended family.

Interestingly, Chitra Bhatt began her career in the film industry and acted in the Dev Anand-directed movie Prem Pujari. After her marriage, she relocated to Jamshedpur and dedicated her life to the field of education.

Her demise has left a void in the education sector. Notable figures, including Father Pius Fernandez, Father Sunil Lakra, former Kerala Samajam Principal Vijayam Kartha, De Nobili School Principal Father Miskith, Loyola School Vice Principal Vinita Ekka, and many others, expressed their heartfelt condolences.

Prominent personalities like literary figure Dr. Vijaya Sharma, Police Inspector Anand Mishra, Advocate Kulwinder Singh of the Kaumi Sikh Morcha, and educationists from Loyola College Alumni Association, including Suman Sarkar and Indrani Sarkhel, also paid their tributes.

They unanimously acknowledged her unparalleled contribution to education, describing her as a guiding light whose absence has left an irreplaceable void.


On a visit to the Bhopal Central Jail, the Secretary In Charge of the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, Pradeep Mittal, on Saturday interacted with inmates and provided vital legal guidance.

During the visit to the prison complex, Mittal saw the kitchen, industries operated within the jail, the octagonal office, and the jail legal clinic.

The visiting official met all the male prisoners, discussed their issues, and listened to their concerns. He also inspected the women's ward, spoke with the women and children, and provided guidance on legal assistance.

Mittal gathered information regarding legal assistance provided to the prisoners and informed them about appeals, Undertrial Review Committees (UTRC) schemes, premature release, parole furlough, and financial assistance for bail under National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) schemes for underprivileged prisoners.

During the inspection, the jail administration was instructed to display pamphlets and banners regarding all legal provisions in the jail.

Following the inspection, a Legal Awareness Camp was organised at the prison complex. During the camp, Mittal encouraged prisoners to take part in various training programs run within the jail to help them integrate into mainstream society after their release.
The three biggies, BJP, Congress and AAP, might be occupying ad space and mind space as campaigning for Delhi's Lok Sabha elections gathers pace but a host of smaller parties have also put their hats in the poll ring -- not to win maybe but just to make people aware that alternatives can exist. These parties are aware they might not give the bigger political outfits any competition but their representatives said their mission is to ignite a spark and inform people there are other alternatives too.

The BSP is planning to contest all 70 seats while the AIMIM is fielding candidates on about a dozen of Muslim-dominated seats. The two parties have planned rallies by their chiefs Mayawati (BSP) and Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM).

The smaller political players in the national capital are gearing up to mount a strong challenge in the upcoming polls -- promising to address issues "neglected" in the Muslim-majority localities, combating corruption and pledging good governance, among others.

One of them is the Bharatiya Liberal Party (BLP), founded recently by US-based doctor Munish Kumar Raizada and others associated with the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement.

Raizada, who returned to India 15 months ago, will contest against the AAP chief from the New Delhi constituency. Former BJP MP Parvesh Verma is also contesting from the seat, while the Congress has fielded Sandeep Dikshit.

The Bahujan Samaj Party, which is focusing on strengthening its base among Dalit and marginalised communities, has decided to contest all the 70 seats and feels it can make life difficult for its rivals. In the coming day, the party plans to hold rallies featuring its supremo Mayawati.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi, will contest 10-12 seats. The party has so far announced two candidates -- Tahir Hussain from Mustafabad and Shafa ur Rehman from Okhla -- both of whom are accused in the 2020 Delhi riot cases.Delhi will vote in single phase on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8.

The ruling AAP and BJP are locked in an intense electoral battle, while the Congress, which governed the city for 15 years under Sheila Dikshit's leadership, is making a strong effort to stage a comeback.The Aam Aadmi Party has been in office for the past 10 years, while the BJP, which has been out of power since 1998, is making a concerted effort to dethrone the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP.

AIMIM Delhi President Shoaib Jamai said the party has already fielded two strong candidates who were prominent faces of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Jamai emphasised that the party's primary focus is a direct fight with the BJP on Muslim-majority constituencies.

"On all the seats we are contesting, we are directly challenging the BJP. The Aam Aadmi Party and Congress should recognise that their presence is not needed on these seats. We will confront the BJP head-on," he said.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi is likely to hold a few rallies in the constituencies where the party has fielded candidates.

Jamai said if the AIMIM manages to secure some seats and needs to form an alliance, the party may align with others to stop the BJP. The party has also pledged to address issue in Muslim-majority areas such as lack of infrastructure, housing and traffic woes, which have been "neglected".

He assured voters that under Owaisi's leadership, development would be carried out the way it has been in Hyderabad. Other smaller players in Delhi like the BSP and BLP will compete on all 70 seats.

The Bharat Liberal Party's agenda is centered around three pillars of good governance, anti-corruption and social justice.

BLP chief Raizada said, "We are here for long-term development in Delhi. If the BLP comes to power in Delhi, the first step we will take is to create an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)."Through this, we will bring accountability and responsibility in the system. We will strengthen the framework of responsibility, accountability, and culpability to ensure effective governance."

Raizada said the AAP government has failed on all fronts, including civic issues and community welfare. Delhi needs a good governance model as people have suffered the misgovernance of the past 10 years, he said."We are contesting all 70 seats and have already announced candidates for eight seats till now. I am contesting from the New Delhi constituency against Arvind Kejriwal, whom I consider a thoroughly corrupt and unprincipled politician who betrayed the anti-corruption movement.

The Bahujan Samaj Party is also in the fray, aiming to strengthen its base among Dalit and marginalised communities.While the party has kept its strategies relatively under wraps, it plans to contest all 70 seats.

Nitin Singh, the Central Coordinator of the BSP, said the party's focus remains on providing better opportunities.
A youth climbed a tower located at Polytechnic Square in Bhopal, causing panic among onlookers.

The youth, later identified as Vinod Kumar Teji, was seen at a height of about 80 feet. Alarmed by the situation, people immediately contacted the police, who, in turn, called the Municipal Corporation team for assistance.

Police Station In-charge Ghumendra Singh engaged with the young man via a microphone.

The man revealed that he had climbed the tower with the intent of committing suicide due to financial distress caused by harassment from his employer.

He explained that the owner of the company where he worked as a private guard had not paid him his salary of Rs 16,000 for the past two months, leaving him in a dire financial situation. After receiving counseling and assurance from the authorities, the young man agreed to descend from the tower in about 15 minutes.

The Municipal Corporation team then used a lift to safely bring him down.

ACP Anita Prabha Sharma mentioned that the police would investigate the situation further by contacting the employer. If it was found that the salary had indeed been withheld, steps would be taken to ensure the man received the payment.

As the incident unfolded, a large crowd gathered at the scene, with many people filming the event on their phones. Fortunately, the young man came down safely after the intervention of the police and Municipal Corporation team, averting a tragic outcome.
Bokaro, January 10, 2025: Vedanta ESLs Excel-30 Centre, an education initiative under its CSR project Prerna, has achieved another significant milestone in empowering underprivileged youth in rural Jharkhand. Established in 2021 at Bijulia (Chas), the center provides focused mentorship and structured learning support to help students excel in competitive government examinations.

In 2024, three students from the center successfully cleared the SSC GD (Staff Selection Commission General Duty) exam and will begin their government service on January 20, 2025. Somanath Mahata, from Chas Block, has secured a position in the Border Security Force (BSF). Shubham Tiwari, from Usardih Village, and Punam Kumari, from Dumardah Village, have both been selected for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). These achievers come from humble backgrounds, with parents working as welders, daily wage laborers, and homemakers, reflecting their perseverance and determination to succeed.

Since its inception, the Excel-30 Centre has benefited 70 students, with 65 appearing for government exams.

Kunal Daripa, Head CSR at ESL Steel Limited, expressed his pride in the students achievements, stating, These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work of the students, the support of their families, and the commitment of Vedanta ESL. We are dedicated to empowering rural communities by creating opportunities that transform lives and uplift society as a whole.

The remarkable success of the Excel-30 Centre is largely attributed to the efforts of its teachers, including Ravi Kumar (Mathematics), Mukesh Kumar (General Knowledge and Reasoning), and Ajay Kumar Choudhary (English), whose dedicated mentorship has played a pivotal role in guiding the students to achieve their goals.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj is a unique gathering where spirituality, culture and commerce come together, attracting millions from all walks of life to witness this incredible event, writes BISWAJEET BANERJEE

The countdown to the Maha Kumbh 2025 has begun, with Prayagraj transforming into a bustling hub of spirituality, culture, and economic activity. From 13 January to 26 February, the city will host the largest human congregation on earth, drawing an estimated 40 to 45 crore pilgrims. This iconic event, steeped in Hindu tradition and faith, is more than a ritual, it is a celebration of Indias cultural and spiritual essence.

The Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati converge, is at the heart of this grand spectacle. Pilgrims believe that a dip in these holy waters during the auspicious period cleanses them of sins and paves the way to salvation. The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a religious gathering but a transformative experience, said Acharya Ramkishore Tiwari, a spiritual leader. It is where faith meets divinity.

At the heart of this grand celebration lies the belief in spiritual purification. According to Hindu tradition, a dip in the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati during this auspicious period is believed to absolve sins and pave the path to salvation. The origins of the Kumbh are steeped in the Puranic tale of the Samudra Manthan, where drops of divine nectar (amrita) spilled at four locations, Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain, sanctifying these sites forever.

A City Reborn

The banks of the Ganga and Yamuna have transformed into a temporary city, sprawling across the Sangam area. Colourful tents of all sizes and hues have sprung up, creating an awe-inspiring sight. These tents house spiritual discourses, yoga sessions, cultural programmes, and temporary dwellings for millions of devotees. The air is filled with the aroma of traditional Indian delicacies, as numerous eateries and food stalls cater to the surging crowds. Stalls selling Rudraksha beads, saffron garments, holy books, and souvenirs stretch along the pathways, adding vibrancy to the bustling atmosphere.

The iconic Naga Sadhus, covered in ash and wearing Rudraksha beads, take centre stage, drawing devotees and curious onlookers alike. Aghories, known for their intense spiritual practices, are seen meditating near the riverbanks, adding a mystical charm to the gathering.

We are not just preparing for an event; we are crafting an experience that celebrates Indias cultural heritage, said Divya Prakash Singh, a senior official overseeing the arrangements. From smart surveillance through 10,000 CCTV cameras to a dedicated mobile app for route and ritual updates, technology is playing a crucial role in ensuring safety and convenience.

The energy here is contagious, said Abhilash Narain, a resident of Prayagraj. You do not have to be Hindu to feel the magic of this gathering.

Among the pilgrims is Rajni Devi, a 62-year-old widow from Rajasthan making her third trip to the Kumbh. The Kumbh is my escape, she said. Its where I find peace and the courage to face lifes challenges. Similarly, Sunil Mishra, a young IT professional from Bengaluru, sees the Kumbh as a chance to reconnect with his roots. In the hustle of corporate life, you lose touch with who you are. The Kumbh gives me clarity and a sense of purpose, he shared.

Economic Dimensions

Beyond its spiritual significance, the Maha Kumbh Mela is a colossal economic engine. The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated a staggering `5,600 crore to infrastructure and event management, with the total budget projected at `6,382 crore. The local economy thrives on this influx, benefiting small vendors, hoteliers, and service providers alike.

During the Kumbh, my daily earnings triple, said Shyam Lal, a shopkeeper selling puja items near the ghats. Hotels across Prayagraj are reporting record bookings, with many fully reserved months in advance. The demand is unprecedented, said Priya Mehta, the manager of a mid-range hotel in the city.

The ripple effect extends beyond Prayagraj. Nearby religious hubs like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Mathura also see a surge in tourism, creating thousands of new jobs. The Maha Kumbh 2025 could generate economic activity worth over `3 lakh crore, estimated Awanish Awasthi, advisor to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Challenges and Innovations

Hosting an event of this magnitude comes with its share of challenges. Ensuring the availability of clean drinking water, medical aid, and sanitation facilities for millions of pilgrims requires meticulous planning.

The key is vigilance, said Ramesh Chandra, a senior police officer stationed at the Mela. Were deploying over 50,000 security personnel and using AI-enabled systems to manage crowds and prevent untoward incidents.

The Maha Kumbh is a test of our organisational capabilities, said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. We aim to set a global benchmark in event management while preserving the spiritual essence of the gathering.

A Global Celebration

The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a religious event; it is a global celebration of Indias living traditions. Documentary filmmaker Lisa Reynolds, covering the event for an international audience, described it as a story of humanity in its purest form.

For first-time visitors, the scale of the event is overwhelming. Ive never seen anything like this, said Hiroshi Tanaka, a journalist from Japan. The blend of chaos and harmony is fascinating. Its a reflection of India itself.

As the countdown begins, the anticipation surrounding Maha Kumbh 2025 is palpable. For millions, it is a journey of faith and a reaffirmation of humanitys enduring spirit. For Prayagraj, it is an opportunity to shine as a beacon of tradition, resilience, and progress.

Acharya Ramkishore Tiwari sums it up: Kumbh is about coming together as one family, transcending divisions and reaffirming our shared humanity.
Tech innovations boost China's commercial space industry

Xinhua) 11:31, January 11, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's commercial space industry entered a fast development track in 2024, as its market volume is expected to exceed 2.3 trillion yuan (about 314 billion U.S. dollars).

Innovations in the commercial space industry chain, such as reusable rockets in different technical routes, construction of launch sites, and the latest satellite transmission technologies, have boosted the industry's vigorous development in the years to come.

REUSABLE ROCKETS

Reusable rockets are a key technology for the commercial space industry. Several Chinese rocket companies are conducting intensive test flights to iterate and improve reusable technologies. Among them, new rockets developed by companies like Space Pioneer, CAS Space, Galactic Energy and LandSpace are scheduled for their maiden flights in 2025, with subsequent plans to achieve first-stage recovery and reuse.

Among these rockets, LandSpace's Zhuque-3 rocket could become the country's first rocket with a stainless steel body that can enter the orbit around Earth. Zhuque-3 completed a 10-kilometer vertical takeoff and landing recovery test in September 2024 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

This mission used a single-stage rocket with liquid oxygen and methane engines, marking the first time a Chinese rocket finished vertical takeoff and landing.

The mission also tested technologies such as in-flight relight after re-entry, joint guidance and control under transonic and high dynamic pressure conditions, and the engineering application of real-time wind correction technology at high altitudes, marking a breakthrough for China's commercial reusable launch vehicle technology.

Another reusable rocket prototype, Tianlong-3, developed by Space Pioneer, uses a 110-tonne thrust liquid oxygen and kerosene engine to achieve a performance similar to that of SpaceX's Falcon 9. It is designed to launch more than 30 satellites in a single mission.

SMART LAUNCH SITES

China has opened several commercial launch facilities in the past year, all of which have adopted innovative designs for launching rockets made by different companies.

For example, the Hainan Commercial Aerospace Launch Site completed its first launch mission on Nov. 30, 2024. Its intelligent launch site system integrates multiple subsystems through digital information and intelligent applications, achieving centralized resource management and unified scheduling to accommodate different launch missions.

The No.2 launch pad, which carried out the first launch mission, features a universal interface design. Its equipment modules can be replaced according to different launch missions and provide launch services to rockets of different propellant types, takeoff weights, diameters and lengths.

Another example is the Dongfeng commercial space pilot zone, which was built near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. It can meet the launch requirements for large, medium and small rockets using different propellants, such as liquid oxygen-kerosene, liquid oxygen-methane, and solid propellants.

NEW SATELLITE TECHS

Chinese commercial space companies are also accelerating innovations in satellite applications and exploring new market scenarios.

In mid-2024, GalaxySpace tested a broadband communication network in Thailand based on a low-Earth-orbit satellite internet constellation named "Little Spider Web," which consists of eight low-Earth-orbit communication satellites. It plans to deploy more such satellites to promote a low-Earth-orbit broadband satellite internet in the global market.

The company is currently developing a type of satellite featuring integrated solar wings and antennas. This design allows a large antenna surface combined with solar wings to enhance the satellite's signal transmission. It is expected to realize direct broadband communication between consumer-grade mobile phones and satellite communication networks.

Another satellite application company, Chang Guang Satellite Technology, has achieved a breakthrough in satellite data transmission. In December 2024, it experimented with high-resolution remote-sensing image transmission using 100-Gbps (gigabits per second) ground-satellite laser transmission technology.

The company has mastered 100-Gbps laser communication technology for ground-satellite and inter-satellite communications. It has established a high-speed laser data transmission network, which will enhance the capabilities of remote-sensing satellites in disaster monitoring, environmental protection, and emergency response.

Moreover, this technology can be applied to the integrated ground-satellite mobile communication systems for satellite internet by offering a broader spectrum and higher data transmission rates to facilitate the development of 5G non-terrestrial networks and 6G satellite internet.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
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
The NDPS cases have risen by 340 per cent in the past decade from 500 cases in 2012 to 2200 cases in 2023 and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act was invoked for the first time in Himachal Pradesh, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Virtually participating in the regional conference on 'Drug Trafficking and National Security' chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Saturday, he emphasised on Himachal Pradesh's commitment to combat the escalating drug crisis, a statement issued here said.

Asserting that the percentage of cases involving heroin has doubled, rising from 29 per cent in 2020 to 50 per cent in 2024, he said the state legislature has amended Section 37 of the NDPS Act, 1985, to close legal loopholes that allowed habitual offenders to secure bail.

The PIT-NDPS Act was invoked for the first time, he said. This act enables the detention of repeat offenders involved in drug trafficking.

In June 2024, three months preventive police detention of an accused Puneet Mahajan in the Kangra district was ordered under Section 3(1) of (PIT NDPS) Act. Puneet was accused in multiple cases under the NDPS Act and was earlier arrested five times in different cases.

The challenges before us are immense, but with the unwavering support of the people, dedication of our law enforcement agencies, and a compassionate approach to rehabilitation, we can create a drug-free state, he said.

He stressed that individuals struggling with addiction are victims of illness and should not be criminalised. "Our approach must transcend punitive measures to include robust rehabilitation frameworks," he said.

Expressing concern over the trend towards more addictive and harder synthetic drugs, he stressed the need of a comprehensive approach to tackle drug trafficking, particularly in inter-state border areas, which have become hotspots for illicit activities.

He said drug trafficking often overlaps with organised crime and terror funding, posing a direct threat to the nation's sovereignty and security. He also outlined Himachal Pradesh's multi-faceted strategy to address the narcotics issue, blending law enforcement, public health, rehabilitation, and judicial reforms.

The CM said that Himachal Pradesh has confiscated illegally acquired property worth Rs 16 crore over the last three years, including Rs 9 crore in the past year alone. "The state is also setting up a Special Task Force (STF) dedicated to narcotics and drug-related crimes, which will have specialised resources, autonomy, and dedicated police stations to intensify operations against drug networks," he added.

The conference focused on addressing the nexus between drug trafficking and national security, with particular attention to eight northern states and Union Territories.
Celebrating 11 years, the museum hosts exhibitions blending art, history and imaginationy, says GYANESHWAR DAYAL

The Heritage Transport Museum (HTM) marked its 11th anniversary with two captivating exhibitions blending futuristic imagination and historical heritage. Running until 31 March 2025, the exhibitions, Light Years Ahead and Prints of the Divine, offer visitors a journey through artistic innovation and cultural history.

A Legacy of Art and Vision

The event featured Rama Varma Thampuran, Prince of Kilimanoor Palace and a descendant of the iconic artist Raja Ravi Varma, and Rajiv Lochan, former Director of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). Rama Varma Thampuran, a renowned musician and cultural advocate, celebrates the legacy of Raja Ravi Varma, while Rajiv Lochans commitment to art underscores the exhibitions significance in Indias cultural landscape.

A Vision of the Future

Curated by artist Vishal K. Dar, Light Years Ahead transforms the museums experience room into a futuristic realm. Featuring luminous sculptural totems and tri-coloured coded messages, this installation invites visitors to ponder alternate realities and embrace boundless imagination.

A Glimpse into Indias Art History

Prints of the Divine celebrates Indias artistic legacy through oleographs, lithographic plates, and postcards by Raja Ravi Varma and M.V. Dhurandhar. Curated by Prem Kandwal, this collection features rare works that highlight the evolution of early Indian print art, blending mythological themes with artistic innovation.

Reflecting on the exhibitions, Rama Varma Thampuran remarked: Art and music have the power to heal and inspire. Sharing this passion with the world is truly an honour.

Rajiv Lochan echoed these sentiments: Art is a universal language that bridges cultures and fosters compassion. Creativity has the potential to unite us all.

Honouring Raja Ravi Varmas Legacy

Raja Ravi Varma (18481906), a pioneer of lithographic printing in India, is celebrated for combining Indian aesthetics with European techniques. His iconic mythological depictions brought art to the masses and continue to inspire generations.

HTM: A Journey Through Time

Reflecting on HTMs milestone, Founder and Managing Trustee Tarun Thakral said:

We are delighted to present these exhibitions to commemorate our 11th anniversary. They offer visitors a unique journey through time, one into the future, the other into the past.

Since its inception in 2013, HTM has become Indias first comprehensive transport museum, showcasing over 3,500 curated objects. Located in Taoru-Gurgaon, an hour from New Delhi, the museum combines historical exhibits with contemporary themes, offering visitors a unique blend of education and cultural engagement.

Through Light Years Ahead and Prints of the Divine, HTM not only celebrates its anniversary but also reinforces its mission to merge history with innovation, creating a space where past, present and future converge.

Photos: Pankaj kumar
Phew! Its okay folks, the horrible Anti-Diversity Equity and Inclusion fires that threaten the productive careers of LA Mayor Karen Bass and LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley are mostly under control now.

DEI advocates blamed the fire for being too binary and racist: Its the fires fault, it should have been more gender fluid and black. Maybe the hydrants would have worked then.

Theres nothing to see here, please go back to your homes, oops, some of you dont have homes any more. Hey, look on the bright side, at least the Smelt are safe swimming around in some far away river, and the $17 million cuts worked out fine in the end, huh! Mayor Bass said at yet another press conference before announcing she will go on another holiday.

The LA Fire Department were filmed a week before the fire during a gruelling training session.

What went wrong with men? pic.twitter.com/tf7c9FFfjf  Clown World   (@ClownWorld_) January 10, 2025

Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom was defiant about his job performance when he recalled, Yeah, some firemen came up to me and like were asking me why the fire hydrants dont work. The fire department does not function without water, they said. I told them that the Smelt fish are more important than such trivial matters like water coming out of fire hydrants. I also told them to do their job, or they would be fired!

Welcome to the Third World pretending to be the First World.
GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in shares of Flowserve Co. (NYSE:FLS  Free Report) by 19.1% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,807 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 290 shares during the quarter. GAMMA Investing LLCs holdings in Flowserve were worth $104,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Get Flowserve alerts:

Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new position in shares of Flowserve in the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. V Square Quantitative Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Flowserve in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC purchased a new position in Flowserve during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB purchased a new position in Flowserve during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in Flowserve by 159.9% during the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 655 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 403 shares during the last quarter. 93.93% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms recently issued reports on FLS. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on Flowserve in a research note on Friday, October 18th. They set a buy rating and a $65.00 price target on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Flowserve from a sell rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $55.00 to $69.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. StockNews.com cut Flowserve from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 27th. Citigroup raised their price target on Flowserve from $65.00 to $73.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 9th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised Flowserve from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their price target for the company from $57.00 to $69.00 in a report on Friday, November 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $64.40.

Flowserve Stock Performance

Shares of FLS stock opened at $58.33 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 1.39 and a current ratio of 1.99. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $59.38 and a 200 day moving average price of $52.93. The stock has a market cap of $7.66 billion, a PE ratio of 28.88, a P/E/G ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 1.42. Flowserve Co. has a 1 year low of $39.37 and a 1 year high of $62.32.

Flowserve (NYSE:FLS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.67 by ($0.05). The company had revenue of $1.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.12 billion. Flowserve had a return on equity of 17.10% and a net margin of 5.90%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.50 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Flowserve Co. will post 2.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Flowserve Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 27th were given a $0.21 dividend. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.44%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 27th. Flowserves dividend payout ratio is currently 41.58%.

Flowserve Profile

(Free Report)

Flowserve Corporation designs, manufactures, distributes, and services industrial flow management equipment in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through Flowserve Pump Division (FPD) and Flow Control Division (FCD) segments. The FPD segment offers custom and pre-configured pumps and pump systems, mechanical seals, auxiliary systems, replacement parts, upgrades, and related aftermarket services; and equipment services, including installation and commissioning services, seal systems spare parts, repairs, advanced diagnostics, re-rate and upgrade solutions, retrofit programs, and machining and asset management solutions, as well as manufactures a gas-lubricated mechanical seal for use in high-speed compressors for gas pipelines and in the oil and gas production and process markets.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Flowserve Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flowserve and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Foyle Food Group, who have sites in Omagh, Derry, Donegal and GB, recently held their annual nutrition event at the Foyle Farm of Excellence outside Cookstown, which saw over 200 farmers and members of the agri sector from across the isle of Ireland in attendance.

Gyles Dawson, Director of Programmes at Rural Support spoke to the participants on the importance of good health and wellbeing for not only the farm business, but for the famer also.

His wise words struck a chord with the audience as they raised 1,105.42 for the local farm support charity.

These vital funds will help famers and farm families across Northern Ireland who are struggling with financial pressures, mental health issues and bereavement.

We are very grateful for Foyle Food Groups support and this vital donation which will make a positive impact to the work that we do across the province in support for the farming communities business and personal wellbeing, said Gyles.

If you would like to discuss a fundraising opportunity for the charity or would like to make a donation, please contact Pamela on 028 8676 0040 or email pamela@ruralsupport.org.uk
Thousands of children and young people across the UK continue to turn to Childline to discuss and seek help for feelings of loneliness.

In 2023/24 the NSPCC service delivered almost 5,000 counselling sessions related to the issue, both online and over the phone from one of their 13 bases around the country, including Belfast and Foyle in Northern Ireland.

Concerningly, loneliness was given as one of the main reasons for young people calling Childline about problems with their mental health.

Reasons children and young people have cited for feeling lonely in the last year include: moving house or school and having to make new friends, their parents working long hours, being bullied by peers, and seeing their friends having fun on social media and feeling as though they are missing out.

A 17-year-old girl from Northern Ireland told Childline: Trying to keep up with everything - school, my job, family, friends - has really taken a toll on my mental health. Its all overwhelming and giving me anxiety. I can feel myself cutting people off to cope but then Im left feeling so alone.

Another young person said: I feel so lonely all the time, I end up crying and trying to sleep until the feeling goes away. Ive tried to help myself, but nothing worked. I feel like Ive been this way forever, I need this to change.

The NSPCC is revealing these figures to remind children and young people that they are not alone this January, or any other time of the year, with Childline ready to provide help and support 24/7.

To support young people who may be dealing with loneliness, the charity also offers an online text befriending service called Building Connections.

This service, available to anyone up to the age of 19, matches young people with a trained befriender for 11 weeks who will help them to build their confidence and better manage their loneliness.

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: Its heart-breaking to see so many young people turning to Childline because they feel lonely and isolated. We know how much of an impact loneliness can have on childrens mental health, often leaving them feeling hopeless and unseen.

In these darker winter months, these feelings can become even more intense. Thats why its vital that children know they dont have to face these emotions alone.

READ NEXT: Why Childline called Christmas Day 'A day of trauma and despair'

Childline is here for every young person, no matter what their situation. Whether theyre missing a friend, struggling with school holidays, or finding it difficult to talk to those around them, our counsellors are ready to listen and provide support.

To refer a child to the online Building Connections service visit: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/building-connections?modularPage=make-a-referral Or email: buildingconnections@nspcc.org.uk

Advice for children who are struggling with their mental health and/or loneliness includes:

Do things that feel positive : Try your best to take part in activities you enjoy, whether thats playing a sport, listening to music, reading a book, or drawing. Small positive actions really can have a big impact on your mood. Take care of yourself: When you are struggling with difficult feelings, it is important to continue to prioritise your basic needs such as eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of your body can have a positive impact on your mental health. Try to find ways to socialise: Whether its joining a club, connecting with peers at school, or reaching out to a trusted friend, prioritising socialising can help to reduce feelings of loneliness Remember it is always okay to ask for help: Speak to a trusted adult, a teacher, a friend, or contact Childline. No matter what youre feeling, you dont have to go through it alone. Consider signing up to Building Connections: If youre 19 or under and struggling with feelings of loneliness, consider signing up to the NSPCCs online Building Connections service. This service will pair you with a trained befriender who will work with you to give you the tools to tackle loneliness.

Tips for adults to help children and young people who may be experiencing loneliness include:

Communicate openly: Encourage children to talk about their feelings and listen without judgement. Discover whats causing the problem: Gently explore why they might be feeling this way and validate their emotions. Encourage socialising: Help children find opportunities to connect with peers through hobbies, clubs, or activities. Help them build their confidence: Celebrate their strengths and achievements and remind them of the positive relationships in their lives. Build a supportive environment: Loneliness isnt something that can be resolved with one conversation. It is important to create an environment of openness where a child can talk to you about their feelings and any struggles they may be facing.

Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.
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
Two lucky Irish EuroMillions players scooped up big wins in Friday night's draw.

A player in Dublin matched 5 numbers and one lucky star to bag a huge prize of 179,667, while a Cork player matched 5 numbers to win an impressive 55,988.

However, the winners have yet to come forward with their winning tickets.

It has been confirmed that the Dublin player purchased their winning quick pick ticket on the day of the draw at Spar in Carpenterstown, Castleknock.

READ NEXT: 'Legally I'm married to your Dad's dead sister' - Viewers react to hilarious Late Late Show

The lucky Cork player nabbed their ticket also on the day of the draw from Supervalu on Strand Street in Kanturk.

The National Lottery is urging all players in the Castleknock and Kanturk areas to check their tickets carefully and be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team if they have the winning tickets in order to collect their prize.



The winning numbers in Friday night's EuroMillions draw were:12, 27, 36, 37, 42 and the Lucky Stars were 6 and 7.



The National Lottery spokesperson, Emma Monaghan, said: "What an incredible night for our Irish players with not one, but two big wins in last nights EuroMillions draw! Over 43,000 players in Ireland celebrated prizes in the EuroMillions and Plus games.

"Were urging all our players in Castleknock and Kanturk to check their tickets carefully and get ready to claim these fantastic prizes!"



While there was no winner of last night's EuroMillions jackpot, next Tuesday's draw rolls over to a whopping estimated 60 million.
Theres a new broom at Oriel Park, and all with an interest in Dundalk FC are hoping it sweeps clean. Well, in fact, it has already done most of that.

Theres a new regime in the boardroom, Ciaran Kilduff is about to embark on his first season in charge, and the probability is the new manager will have a team bearing very little resemblance to the one that finished at the bottom of last seasons Premier League.

All want to see last season, the worst in over two decades, replaced by one in which the team succeeds in the second tier at the first time of asking.

Nothing would boost the clubs fortunes like a quick return to the Premier Division. Before it can happen, Oriel will be opening its gates to first-time visitors.

Therell be ten teams vying for honours. Three of them, Kerry FC, Wexford and Limericks Treaty, have never been up this way before, but over the years Bray, Longford, Athlone, Cobh Ramblers, UCD and Finn Harps were visitors, some of them with regularity.

Theres been, however, a meeting with Wexford. A visit to Ferrycarrig Park a few years ago for an FAI Cup tie ended in an embarrassing defeat.

Dundalk will have a lot of travelling to do, not exactly what the new board would welcome given the parlous state of the clubs finances.

Contrast that with the situation of a few seasons ago, when, after Corks relegation, there was no team from south of Dublin operating in the Premier Division.

While Dundalk will be hoping for an instant return to the top, a repeat of what happened following a first-ever visit to the Second Division would do just fine.

The 199899 season produced just nine wins from 43 appearances over all competitions, leading to relegation, which was always the likely outcome from a long way out.

Nothing much happened in the first season in the lower division, and there were fears there could be an extended stay in the doldrums.

In circumstances similar to today, with the club in serious debt, a co-op was set up. Chaired by Des Denning, the new guardians couldnt have hoped for much better luck on the field.

Under the captaincy of David Crawley, one of several home-grown players in the squad, the league was claimed with some ease, the final table showing the team four points clear of Monaghan.

Better was to come. Celebrating a return to the Premier League, Martin Murray-managed Dundalk kept their best for the FAI Cup.

Having reached the final, with a couple of replays wins along the way, they were rank outsiders to beat Bohemians.

But recent signing, Gary Haylock, was sharp around goals and having netted twice in the semi-final defeat of Shamrock Rovers, the much-travelled Englishman repeated the feat in a splendid 2-1 win.

There were some lean years after that. Promotion, yes, but that was minuscule when compared with what came following Stephen Kennys appointment.

It will be a while before the period overseen by Kenny and later, Vinny Perth, fades from followers memory. The battle to get anywhere near those halcyon days has a start-line at the very bottom.
News that pharmaceutical company MSD Ireland has acquired the WuXi Vaccines manufacturing facility in Dundalk has been welcomed by Louth TDs Paula Butterly and Erin McGreehan.

Fine Gael TD, Paula Butterly told the Dundalk Democrat that this significant development represents an investment of over 500 million and the creation of 150 additional jobs at the Dundalk site. The state-of-the-art Dundalk facility, spanning over 15,000 square meters, currently employs approximately 200 professionals. It is equipped to deliver global vaccine manufacturing, including drug substance and product manufacturing, as well as quality control labs.

Deputy Butterly believes that with this acquisition, MSD is reinforcing its commitment to Ireland, where it already employs over 3,000 people across eight locations nationwide. This is very welcomed news for Dundalk and County Louth, said Deputy Butterly.

MSDs decision to invest in Dundalk demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in our talented workforce and the potential of our region. This acquisition not only secures current employment but ensures future growth and stability in our local economy.

The news comes as part of MSDs broader expansion in Ireland, which includes plans to create 1,000 jobs across counties Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Louth, Meath, and Tipperary over the next year. This follows previous investments totalling 1 billion in Carlow and Dunboyne last year, bringing MSDs total investment in Ireland to 3 billion over the past three years.

The Fine Gael TD continued: The announcement highlights the immense opportunities available to us in Louth, placing our county at the centre of a thriving pharmaceutical and biopharma sector. Its a clear signal of continued growth and investment in the region, and I look forward to working closely with MSD to ensure its success, Deputy Butterly added.

The official handover process for the Dundalk facility is set to be completed in the first half of 2025, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for the region, Deputy Butterly further added.

Fianna Fail TD, Erin McGreehan, also welcomed the acquisition of WuXi's Dundalk manufacturing facility by MSD Ireland, saying that it is a vote of confidence in Louth and will bring jobs and investment to the Dundalk region. Deputy McGreehan told the Dundalk Democrat that, this announcement is hugely welcome and will provide a real boost to the economy in Dundalk and indeed across County Louth.

Deputy McGreehan continued: MSD Ireland's acquisition will include the creation of 150 additional jobs as part of an overall increase of 1,000 positions across its Irish operations in the coming years, which means further positive growth for industry in Louth.

This acquisition and investment is a huge vote of confidence that is testament to our county and its potential. The Fianna Fail TD added, I look forward to working with MSD Ireland on their expansion in Louth, where their newly acquired Dundalk site focuses on drug substance manufacturing, drug product manufacturing and quality control labs for the supply of vaccine products for the global market."
Louth County Council has said that it is continuing to review the 1,657 submissions it received as part of the Public Consultation Day 2, in the Route Corridor Options consultation stage for the proposed Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway.

The local authority, with the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is developing proposals for the Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway project. The study area for the proposed greenway project encompasses the Regional Centre of Dundalk and the coastal town of Carlingford, along with the interconnecting road network.

In its most recent update on the project, Louth County Council says that the submissions are being reviewed by the project consultants and will inform the process in determining an emerged preferred route corridor, which will be subject to the next public consultation phase. TII approval has been received to move the project into options phase.

As part of the development of route corridor options for the project, the consultants, RODA, will be carrying out several ecological walkover surveys within the identified study area from public roads and public lands, to undertake wintering bird

surveys. Louth County Council says that the procurement exercise is ongoing for preliminary topographical survey services and an appointment is due early in the first quarter of this year.

An Independent Agronomist, Declan Phelan, Philip Farrelly & Co, has been engaged by the Council during the route corridor option selection stage to assist landowners through the project considering any relevant agronomy issues. Louth County Council says that the Independent Agronomist will be made available to landowners to fully and fairly assess the impact of the proposed Greenway on their property types.

The Independent Agronomist / Property Advisor will assist in identifying a route which minimises the impact of the scheme on affected properties. The Project Agronomist / Property Advisor will also assist in agreeing upon appropriate accommodation works and access arrangements in consultation with the farmer / landowner. Louth County Council adds that an initial meeting with IFA and the project team in relation to the project took place on Tuesday 19 November.

Further details on the project can be found on the dedicated website www.dundalkcarlingfordgreenway.ie, including contact details for the Project Liaison Officer and the independent appointed agronomist.
The National Talent Academy for Film & Television Drama (NTAFT) and National Talent Academy for Animation (NTAA) together with Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland have announced that applications are now open for two short film funding initiatives for both live-action and animation projects, which will run from Mid 2025 to January 2026, with Louth applicants urged to apply.

The schemes, The First Credit Short Film Scheme and the NTA Short Film Fund first launched in 2024, aim to address a skills gap in the industry, and welcome all those with an interest in Film, TV, or Animation to apply.

The First Credit Short Film Scheme targets new entrants to the industry. It aims to support them in gaining their first professional credits as Writers, Directors, or Producers in Film and Animation. The NTA Short Film Fund is targeted at those already working within the industry, supporting creatives in expanding their skillsets and moving into new writing and directing roles.

The NTAFT and NTAA will host online and in-person registration and information days for those interested in applying. The dates are:





For Live Action:

Short Film Fund Info Sessions

Day One: February 13th, Online (evening)

Day Two: February 23rd, Dublin (morning)

First Credit Short Film Scheme Registration Days

Day One: January 23rd, Dublin (afternoon)

Day Two: February 15th, Limerick (afternoon)

Day Three: March 6th, Online (evening)

For Animation:

Day One: January 18th, Dublin, 12- 3 pm.

Day Two: January, 21st Athlone, 6 pm.

Day Three: January 23rd, Online, 6 pm.

Commenting on the scheme, Deirdre Barry, Programme Director for NTA Animation said: The National Talent Academies is thrilled to invite all budding creatives to apply for these initiatives. This is an unparalleled opportunity for those interested in film, TV, or animation from all walks of life and backgrounds to enter the industry and gain invaluable guidance to forge a new path and successful career.

"By focusing on skills development, the successful filmmaking teams will have the opportunity to take part in a programme of carefully tailored mentoring, training, and workshops, which experienced industry professionals will deliver over several months."

Read Next: Louth County Council continue to monitor severe weather ahead of Orange Alert warning

Dave Moran, Director of the live-action NTA Short Film Romance is Dad added: The NTAs Short Film Fund is designed to create opportunities for career progression among experienced crew. The scheme is more than a bursary to make a short film, there are shadowing and mentoring opportunities coupled with a toolbox of practical workshops to guide through the process and for what comes next. Ive worked in this industry for over fifteen years, and Ive been blown away by the insightful and nurturing curation of this scheme from the NTA Film & TV and it has reminded me of why I wanted to work in this industry.

With a budget of 8,000 each, the First Credit Short Film Scheme will fund up to three live-action drama and three animation projects in 2025 This is a fantastic opportunity for new entrants to the industry to gain their first funded credit.

With a budget of 15,000 each, the NTA Short Film Fund will fund up to three live-action drama and up to three animation projects in 2025. Last year, a Director of Photography, a Script Supervisor, and a Documentary Filmmaker received a live-action credit following selection for the fund.

The closing date for the First Credit Short Film Sc heme applications is March 14th at 10 a.m. The closing date for NTA Short Film Fund applications is March 14th at 10 a.m.
Parents and caregivers in Louth are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as the highest numbers of infections are usually reported in December and January every year. RSV is a common virus that causes coughs and colds and may cause infection in the lower part of the respiratory system. These are known as lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).

A recent online survey was funded and conducted by Sanofi among 500 adults who are either currently pregnant or who have children under the age of four in Ireland to understand their level of awareness and knowledge of RSV. The survey results revealed that just over half (51%) of Irish parents had heard of RSV and understand the risk it poses to infants and babies, but almost 1 in 5 (19%) have not heard of RSV.

Approximately 90% of children are infected with RSV by two years of age, with RSV being the leading cause of LRTIs in babies. RSV is a seasonal virus and is spread by coughs and sneezes or close physical contact. In Ireland, the RSV season is generally from early October, with peak outbreaks typically occurring in the winter months.

Dr Maire Finn GP at Ennis Centric Health, said:

Most RSV infections in babies are mild and will clear up within a few weeks. However, some cases can be more serious and may require hospitalisation. RSV can initially present with symptoms that might easily be mistaken for a common cold, such as fever, sniffles, wheezing, reduced appetite, or even ear infections.

Read Next: Louth County Council continue to monitor severe weather ahead of Orange Alert warning

If symptoms progress to include changes in feeding habits, prolonged periods without wet nappies, rapid breathing, persistent high fever despite medication, or uncharacteristic fussiness, it's best to consult your GP. And if your child shows noticeable breathing difficulties or significant pauses in breathing, it's imperative to seek urgent medical attention, including dialling 999.

According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), symptoms of RSV can often resemble a cold at the beginning, including:

cough

wheezing

runny nose

difficulty feeding or decreased appetite

fever (temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher)

sore throat

Precautionary steps can be taken to help protect infants. These include:

keep your child home from school, childcare and other activities if they are not well enough to attend

wash their hands properly and regularly

always carry tissues and cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze

cough or sneeze into your bent elbow if you do not have a tissue and wash your hands after

put used tissues in the bin and wash your hands after

The HSE also recommends that parents or caregivers contact a GP if they are worried about their babys symptoms or if:

you're worried about your child

your baby has had less than 3 to 4 wet nappies in a 24 hour period

your baby has gone 12 hours without having a wet nappy

your baby has no energy to breastfeed, or if they are refusing to feed. Or if your baby is too breathless to attach to your breast

you are bottle feeding and you notice your baby is taking less than half of what they would normally take

your child has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher that does not settle or improve

your child seems short of breath

your child has no energy or is irritable

Furthermore, the HSE recommends immediately calling 999 or 112 for an ambulance or go to your nearest emergency department if you or a caregiver notices that.3

is having visible difficulty breathing - their nostrils are getting wider as they breathe, or their ribs are sucking in

has gone blue on their lips or tongue

will not stay awake or wake up

has long gaps in breathing (more than 10 seconds at a time or regular short gaps in breathing of 5 to 10 seconds)

is breathing a lot faster than usual (more than 60 breaths per minute)

is pale and sweaty

has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more

Where to go for more information

Sanofi has an informative website www.togetheragainstrsv.ie, that provides information about RSV to complement HSE advice.
I am Earth Rullan founder of Philippines top women's Life + Style blog Earthlingorgeous (EG) Earthlingorgeous.com is an established, well-trusted name in the blogging world, rocking the lifestyle scene for 17 years strongyes, seventeen! Its not just a blog; its one of the top lifestyle blogs worldwide. If you want your brand or service to stand out and be seen by a loyal, engaged audience, this is the only place you need to be.

If you want refreshingly honest and entertaining opinion to help your brand reach your audience through this blog please send an email:

LET'S WORK TOGETHER:

earthlingorgeous@gmail.com

Click here to subscribe and watch the Earthlingorgeous Youtube Channel

Stay gorgeous everyone!

Earthlingorgeous
The funeral is set to take place today of murdered mother of two Paula Canty who was found dead in her flat in Mallow earlier this month.

Her requiem Mass will take place at 11am in St John the Baptist Church, Kinsale. It will be livestreamed.

Burial will follow at St Patricks Cemetery, Nohoval.

The body of Ms Canty was found in an upper storey flat in Bridewell Lane in Mallow on January 3.

Joseph Butler, aged 42, of the Belfry, Bridewell Lane, Mallow, Co Cork, appeared before Midleton District Court on Thursday charged with the murder contrary to common law of Ms Canty.

Ms Canty is survived by her mother Sinead, her children Alyisha and Aoibhe, and her siblings Darragh, Donna, Latoya, David, and Rianna.

A postmortem examination was carried out on January 4 at Cork University Hospital by assistant state pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster.

The investigation was upgraded to murder following the post mortem.

Paulas mother Sinead has set up a memorial fund in honour of her beautiful daughter Paula.

The organisation I have chosen to be the beneficiary of the funds is Street Angels in Cork who provide a brilliant service to all those in need, she said.

The fundraiser can be found here.
Met Eireann has this morning issued a countrywide fog warning, advising that conditions during the period of the warning will lead to impaired visibility.

The status yellow warning comes into effect at 6pm this evening and is set to remain in place until 9am tomorrow.

In an update this morning, Cork County Council said it is continuing to deploy additional resources to clear snow and facilitate access for communities, schools and local services in North-West and North Cork this weekend.

Status Yellow - Fog warning for Ireland 



Foggy conditions will lead to impaired visibility. 



Valid: 18:00 Saturday 11/01/2025 to 09:00 Sunday 12/01/2025https://t.co/lvQFgW8DsS pic.twitter.com/ABlZnlOytP  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 11, 2025

The councils severe weather assessment team convened again this morning to assess the situation.

"The thaw will be slow in the worst affected areas and motorists should expect treacherous driving conditions on higher elevations.

"The depth of snow means that there will be snow heaps on roads and in villages for days to come," the local authority said.

The council said the fog warning will lead to poor visibility "and more hazardous driving conditions especially where there is lying snow and snow accumulations".

"Drivers are asked to slow down even in places that have thawed as there may be significant damage to road surfaces across the county, making driving conditions unpredictable.

"Cork County Council crews, supported by the Defence Forces, Cork City Council and contractors, were in operation in more than 60 priority sites in North-West, North and mid Cork yesterday.

"Conditions remain challenging in Rockchapel, Freemount, Meelin, Tullylease and Liscarroll, and there will be a sustained focus on these areas throughout the weekend. Work also continues in the Mushera area near Millstreet.

"The council is also working to ensure access to schools, churches and other local services across the county," the local authority added.

Cork County Councils emergency line will remain open on 021 4800048 to report issues or request assistance.
The Ireland Funds network has announced that grants of 50,000 will be distributed between two Cork organisations.

Barnardos and Nasc will each receive 25,000.

This grant round reflects The Ireland Funds commitment to helping those facing extraordinary challenges, Caitriona Fottrell, president and CEO of The Ireland Funds, said.

Through philanthropy, we bridge resource gaps, partnering with exceptional organisations to address the critical needs of people living in difficult situations.

We are deeply appreciative of our donors, whose generosity makes this response possible.

The funding will support Barnardos service in Knocknaheeny, which helps vulnerable children under the age of five to build self-esteem, meet developmental milestones, and become school-ready through educational programmes, trauma-informed emotional-regulation, and tailored support for parents.

Barnardos also provides meals, food hampers, and vouchers, and connections to essential services like healthcare and speech therapy.

Nasc, the Irish immigrant support centre, is a Cork city-based organisation that advocates for the rights and welfare of migrants and refugees. The 25,000 will support 30 refugee families in Ireland with their immediate needs and help facilitate their integration.

Part of its Heart of the Community Fund, the grants highlight the desire of The Ireland Funds to address urgent needs in the community.

The grants are strategically allocated as a quick response at a time of year when the challenges faced by those experiencing hardship are amplified.
Ive reached a stage in life where I am prone to loudly and proudly regale young people about stories of the olden days, and how different things used to be.

Of course, my own kids couldnt give a toss about my meanderings, but captive audiences have no choice but to listen and nod along politely.

One such captive audience was a group of Transition Year students who were having a day in our office recently, and were plonked down next to me.

After I had given them a quick run-through of our working day, I told them how much change I had seen in journalism in my 38 years.

Offices today are so quiet, I began, they used to be so noisy, with the clatter of typewriters and even the printing press next door. People would be shouting, sometimes even arguing, about deadlines or such-like. The odd journalist would return from lunch decidedly tipsy... All this (only slightly exaggerated) reminiscing provoked mild interest from my audience, but my next comments left them stunned and shaking their heads in disbelief.

...and nearly everyone smoked in the office. I think we felt it came with the job on a newspaper. There would be clouds above desks, the smokers would be coughing, and the non-smokers would soon be too. Before I had a chance to tell them about my novelty ashtray - a decommissioned World War I shell (no exaggeration!) - and about the health correspondent (no exaggeration!) who never bought his own cigarettes and cadged from his colleagues all day - the students had exploded in shock and indignation.

Thats just terrible! they raged.

Of course, they were dead right, and it is remarkable how few people recognised that in the 80s and 90s, and how disgusting it seems now.

Even then, the health effects of smoking had been well-documented for decades, and packets contained warnings about the perils the habit caused.

I do recall a few lone voices who began to call for a ban on smoking in the offices, and the pushback they received from some of the 40-a-day addicts. They were labelled whatever the word for snowflake was back then.

Slowly, but surely, reason won out and change came, and soon after smoking was banned in my office, I kicked the weed myself - I wouldnt have managed it until then.

A few years later, then Health Minister Micheal Martin boldly took the next step and banned smoking in all enclosed workplaces, including pubs and restaurants.

That was 21 years ago, and many European countries followed our lead. It may well remain the Cork TDs greatest legacy when he eventually retires from politics.

I was reminded of the long, hard battle to stub out cigarettes in society this week when two stories caught my eye.

First, I was delighted to see a survey which showed that children are less likely to smoke in Ireland than in any other European country.

Fewer than 2% of children aged 11-15 said they smoked every week, compared with 18% in the Netherlands, who topped the table.

Believe me, I reckon that figure was about 50% when I was that age.

Of course, there is no room for complacency, but we do appear to have cigarettes on the run, and there is good reason to hope the figure will keep on falling towards zero in the years ahead.

The bigger concern now is the use of vapes by young people, and I have written here before about the need for legislation to prevent companies from marketing these products at them.

Micheal Martin has called it the revenge of the tobacco industry so lets hope he remains vigilant about the threat of vaping to the health of Irish people, young and old, while he is in a position of power.

Even so, there are grounds for optimism that we have banished the even more serious threat of cigarette smoking to the sidelines of Irish life.

As the reactions of those TY students demonstrated, its hard to believe now how prevalent smoking used to be - in cinemas, on buses, on planes, and of course in pubs.

Non-smokers used to complain about the smell of stale tobacco on their clothes after a night out, but the damage done to their lungs was the hidden cost far too many paid.

The cost to the smokers can no doubt be seen at graveyards up and down the land.

Its amazing how long it took to turn around the popularity of smoking, testament to the power of the tobacco industry. In 1957, the first warning was given about its effects, in the U.S, and a connection with lung cancer and other cancers was firmly established. A year later - a full 60 years ago next month - the UK government declared a ban on cigarette advertising on TV.

It took decades of warnings and laws to get to a situation where the smoking rate in Ireland is now just 16%.

One of the biggest weapons in that fight has been the constant tax rises on cigarettes. I was shocked to see that the 1 increase in the recent budget for a packet of 20 had sent the price up to a ruinous 18.05.

Now that is an expensive habit.

The war on smoking continues unabated. In the UK, a bill has been drawn up aimed at creating a smoke-free generation, banning the sale of tobacco products to anyone aged 15 or younger - a ban which will remain in price as they get older.

They are also hoping to bring the smoking ban to some outdoor areas, in childrens playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals.

All of this seems to be common sense. However, I wonder can we be too Draconian as we seek to banish cigarettes forever?

This week, a new law in Milan, Italy, prohibited smoking in all outdoor public spaces, including streets, with the exception only of isolated areas where smokers are at least 10m away from others.

Anyone flouting the ban faces a fine of between 40 and 240.

Cork City North West Councillor John Sheehan, of Fianna Fail, a GP by profession, told The Echo this is something Ireland should also consider.

I think this is the natural next step to try and reduce down the rate of smoking because it can really make a difference, he said.

I would firmly support it. If you look at other countries like Sweden, they are the first country to get their smoking rate down to below 5%, which is fantastic.

If we can reduce down the rate of smoking, it is the single biggest thing we can do for the health of the nation. Cllr Sheehans stance will have many supporters, but I sense this is a step too far.

The Milan ban, bizarrely, does not include the far more common use of vapes and electronic cigarettes, and there are also concerns about how it will be enforced by the authorities.

Weve got smokers on the run, but these last-gasp efforts to stub them out are simply a tad Big Brother.
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.

According to a new analysis by the nonprofit organization Oxfam Great Britain (Oxfam GB), the wealthiest 1% of people in the world have already exhausted their annual share of the global carbon budget.

Ones annual share of the carbon budget is the amount of carbon emissions per person that can be added into the atmosphere while remaining within the target for no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming compared to pre-industrial times.

The richest 1%, which includes 77 million people such as billionaires and millionaires, surpassed their share of the carbon budget in just the first 10 days of 2025. By comparison, someone in the poorest 50% of the global population would use up just their share of the annual global carbon budget in 1,022 days.

The future of our planet is hanging by a thread, yet the super-rich are being allowed to continue to squander humanitys chances with their lavish lifestyles and polluting investments, Chiara Liguori, senior climate justice policy advisor for Oxfam GB, said in a statement. Governments need to stop pandering to the richest polluters and instead make them pay their fair share for the havoc theyre wreaking on our planet. Leaders who fail to act are culpable in a crisis that threatens the lives of billions.

The carbon budget that Oxfam GB used in the analysis is based on the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), which noted that maintaining under 1.5 degrees Celsius warming would allow for a median of about 24 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) by 2030, at which time population is estimated to be around 8.5 billion. As Oxfam GB reported, this total divided by the 8.5 billion people gave the estimated carbon budget per person per year to be around 2.1 metric tons.

Not only are the ultra-wealthy using well beyond their share of the carbon budget, but the ways that they are emitting are not providing economic benefits to society. According to a separate report by Oxfam GB titled Carbon Inequality Kills, just 50 billionaires took 184 flights on private jets in one year, emitting the same amount of carbon an average person outside of the 1% would in 300 years. One year of private yacht use by this group of the worlds wealthiest individuals emitted the same amount of carbon an average person would in 860 years, the report found.

In total, the use of luxury private jets and super-yachts, alongside polluting investments, led the 50 richest billionaires to emit more carbon in 2.78 hours than it takes for an average person in Britain to emit in their entire lifetime.

Previous research from Oxfam GB found that in 2019, the wealthiest 1% were responsible for 15.9% of all carbon emissions, while the lower 50%, totalling 3.9 billion people, accounted for a total of 7.7% of global emissions that year. A separate study similarly found that the bottom 50% of earners has been responsible for only 16% of all global emissions since 1990, while the top 1% are responsible for 23% of all emissions in that timeframe.

Another study published in 2023 found that the wealthiest 10% of people in the U.S. made up 40% of the countrys total emissions.

In order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the wealthiest 1% of people globally need to reduce their emissions per capita by 97% by 2030. However, Oxfam GB found that the 1% is currently on track to reduce emissions by only 5%.

As The Guardian reported, the wealthiest 1% are surpassing their share of the global carbon budget, yet they have the resources to escape the worst impacts of climate change through amenities like air conditioning and climate-resilient housing. Meanwhile, people earning the lowest incomes globally hardly contribute to emissions while facing the worst of extreme heat, flooding, poor air quality, and other harmful and deadly effects of climate change.

As global temperatures continue to climb, the UK must show how it will generate its own share of new, fair funding to meet the escalating climate finance needs and fight inequality  significantly higher taxes on polluting luxuries like private jets and superyachts is an obvious place for the Government to start, Liguori said.

According to Oxfam GB, if the UK taxed luxury vehicles such as private jets and yachts fairly, the country could have generated up to 2 billion ($2.44 billion) to put toward climate action.

At the latest COP29 United Nations Climate Conference, the wealthiest countries in the world further refused to pay a more equitable share toward climate resiliency, offering $250 billion to lower-income countries to split among themselves for climate action. Experts have noted that developing countries would require at least $1.3 trillion per year, if not $5 trillion or more, by 2030 for adequate climate adaptation and resiliency.
(Photo: Moscow Patriarchate - foto.patriarchia.ru)Russian President Vladimir PUtin (right) and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church at a Christmas service in Moscow on Jan. 7, 2025.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again sought the "blessing" and support of the Moscow Patriarchate for the ongoing war against Ukraine while attending the Divine Liturgy on Eastern Orthodox Christmas Day, celebrated by Patriarch Kirill in Moscow.

The meeting took place at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior on Jan. 7 to celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar, the website of the Moscow Patriarchate reported.

Kirill who heads the Russian Orthodox said that the Western world harbors hatred toward Russia and the "alternative path of civilized development" it has chosen, according to the Orthodox Times.

A vocal supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Kirill blessed religious icons and crosses that will bear President Putin's initials, intended for soldiers fighting in Ukraine for the past 34 months, according to Russian news agencies citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

"Russia is a provocation for powerful countries, not because of its nuclear capabilities or its strength," Kirill said, according to news agencies.

"They hate us because we offer a different, alternative path of civilized development," Kirill remarked in the cathedral, rebuilt in the 1990s on the site of a swimming pool, following its destruction by then Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in the 1930s.

"The West is in moral meltdown," said the Patriarch, noting that Russia has shown the world how to combine science and culture with literacy and faith.

"They cannot defeat us, no matter how hard they try through defamation or by forming coalitions aimed at weakening Russia. None of this will succeed because God is with us," he concluded.

Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar.

Meanwhile, the archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, prominent lay people, have called on the Russian Orthodox Church to cease support for Moscow's Ukraine war, the Greek website ekathimerini.com reported on Jan. 10.

They released a statement on Jan. 8 urging the Russian Orthodox Church and its leader, Kirill, to end their support for Russia's war in Ukraine and cease interference in other regions, particularly Africa.
Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products .

The S25 series  and perhaps some other goodies  are on the way.

Get ready for new Samsung Galaxy phones. That's the safe bet for the headliner today at the company's Galaxy Unpacked event which kicks off today at 1PM ET in San Jose, CA. Engadget will offer you two ways to follow the launch in real-time: our Galaxy S25 livestream (live video of the event) and our Galaxy Unpacked liveblog (commentary from our resident phone experts). While the event is imminent, this story collects the full list of leaks, rumors and assumptions as to what we can reasonably expect from the presumed Galaxy S25 phones.

Before we detail everything we know, take note: If you're enough of a Samsung fan to preorder sight unseen, it's your last chance to do so. Reserving "the next evolution of Galaxy AI" at Samsung.com will get you a $50 credit and up to $1,250 in additional savings (both of which must be applied to other Samsung products, alas). The reservation window ends exactly as the event begins.

Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra

Galaxy S24 Ultra (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)

Much like Apple reveals its latest iPhones at its first fall event, Samsung typically launches its mainline Galaxy S flagships at its first Unpacked shindig of the year. You can bet the farm that there will be Galaxy S25 phones at this event. And given Samsungs recent trend of launching three tiers of flagships  standard, Plus and Ultra  you can bet well see that again. (Samsung could technically change the brand names, but the three-layered lineup is practically guaranteed.) Theres even an FCC certification (first spotted by 91Mobiles) to dispel any doubts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The degree of certainty falls sharply once we dig into the phones features. A subtle redesign with rounded corners, flatter edges and thinner bezels appears likely based on a leaked video posted to Reddit and images from reputable tipster Ice Universe. But this isnt expected to be the generation where Samsungs hiring of a former Mercedes-Benz designer will lead to drastic aesthetic changes.

Android Headlines also posted plenty of pictures of the purported Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra that confirm the relatively minor redesign. The site also claims the screen size for the Galaxy S25 and S25+ are unchanged from last year at 6.2 and 6.7 inches, respectively. The Ultra gets an ever-so-slightly bigger display at 6.9 inches.

Qualcomm

At least in the US, the phone is practically guaranteed to use Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which the chip-maker revealed in October. (Qualcomm even listed Samsung among the companies launching devices with that processor in the coming weeks.) Like just about every flagship processor these days, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is built for on-device generative AI, which aligns with Samsungs Galaxy AI blitz in recent models.

We dont know whether the company will split its S25 processors between Snapdragon (US and other markets) and Exynos (everywhere else), but Ice Universe has claimed it will be all Snapdragon this generation. That would be a good thing, given whats often a glaring performance and battery life disparity favoring Qualcomm. There would be precedence, too: although the vast majority of Galaxy S generations have had different processors regionally, the S23 had the same "Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy" chip globally.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Samsung is rumored to stick with last-generation OLED displays (made with M13 organic materials) instead of the brighter and more efficient M14 OLED panels used in the iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9. Logic suggests Samsung would want its best homemade screen in its best phones  especially when its competitors are already using it. But it could stick with the cheaper panels to keep the bill of materials down. Perhaps it calculated that better displays dont make for better generative AI (the obsession of nearly every tech company right now), while the latest Qualcomm chip does.

Speaking of AI, expect Samsung to devote a perhaps agonizingly long portion of the event to generative AI features. The hit-or-miss DigiTimes reported last month that the Galaxy S25 series will include an AI Agent that provides personalized clothing suggestions and transport information. What that would look like in practice is anyones guess, but Im not sure I want to know.

Samsung

The phones will run Samsungs One UI 7 on top of Android 15. We know this because Samsung said in October that its user experience (based on Android 15) will launch on the next Galaxy S flagships. Its already available in beta for Galaxy S24 phones. Samsung has said that One UI 7 will be its "first integrated AI platform." It added that Galaxy phones "will become true AI companions" that are able to understand natural language derived from speech, images and text. And to drive things home, Samsung reaffirmed that the "One UI 7 will be officially released with the upcoming Galaxy S series devices."

On the camera front, Ice Universe claims (via Android Headlines) its confirmed that only the ultra-wide sensor will see an upgrade in the Galaxy S25 Ultra  to 50MP from 12MP in last years model. The leaker says the S25 Ultra will stick with a 200MP main sensor, 10MP 3x zoom and 50MP 5x zoom.

Galaxy S24 Ultra (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)

Samsung will add the Qi2 wireless charging standard to its new flagships  and that comes straight from the horses (aka, the Wireless Power Consortiums) mouth. However, leaker chunvn8888 (aka yawn) says Samsungs phones wont have built-in magnets for Qi2s native MagSafe in everything but name charging. Given that's the main benefit of Qi2, this would be disappointing news. Instead, the leaker says Samsung will sell a first-party case with a Qi2 magnetic ring to enable that. (Gotta move those accessories, baby!) Is it really Qi2 if you need a case?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Rumors have buzzed about an alleged Galaxy S25 Slim with a  you guessed it  slimmer design joining the trio at some point this year. Thats something Apple is also rumored to be working on. Leakers have posted numerous renders this past week comparing how the different size options may compare to each other. A post from Ice Universe puts the S25 Slim at 6.4mm. However, given the FCC certifications only appear to cover the familiar trio of flagships, that phone (if its in the pipeline at all) may not arrive until later in the year.

Galaxy Ring 2, Samsung XR and AR glasses

Galaxy Ring (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)

DigiTimes reported in December that Samsung would show off (or maybe just tease) the Galaxy Ring 2 and augmented reality (AR) glasses during its January Unpacked event.

The Taiwanese publication says the Galaxy Ring 2 will add two more sizes to the nine from the original model, which only launched in July. The second-gen wearable health tracker is said to add new AI features (surprise!) and updated sensors for more accurate measurements. The Galaxy Ring 2 is also rumored to last longer than the current models maximum of seven days.

Google

DigiTimes also claims Samsungs AR glasses  which the company has confirmed its working on  will look like regular prescription glasses and weigh around 50g. It says the futuristic glasses would use Googles Gemini AI, which aligns with what we already know about Samsungs partnership with Google and Qualcomm on Android XR. But given the lack of supply chain rumors surrounding the glasses, its likely that any mention at the event would amount to little more than a teaser, a la its grand reveal of... a stinkin render for the first Galaxy Ring at Unpacked 2024.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We also know Samsung is co-developing an Android XR (extended reality) headset  codenamed Project Moohan  alongside Google and Qualcomm. The lightweight and ergonomically designed headset will have a state-of-the-art display, passthrough video and natural multi-modal input. Googles renderings show a wearable reminiscent of Apples $3,500 Vision Pro.

Project Moohan (Google / Samsung)

Since Google only recently began offering a developer kit and API for the platform, any glimpse of it at Unpacked wouldnt likely include an imminent release or deep dive into its hardware.

Engadget will have full coverage of Samsungs first Unpacked event of 2025. More to come on January 22!

Update, January 13 2025, 12:58PM ET: This story has been updated with purported images and more details on the Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra from Android Headlines.

Update, January 14 2025, 3:20PM ET: This story has been updated with some more information about One UI 7.

Update, January 17 2025, 12:45PM ET: This story has been updated with more details on the Galaxy S25's processor and the history of processors in the Galaxy S series.

Update, January 19, 2025, 12:15PM ET: This story has been updated with more information about the rumored Galaxy S25 Slim.

Update, January 20, 2025, 3:35PM ET: This story has been updated to include Samsung's recent affirmation that the One UI 7 interface will be present on new Galaxy devices.

Update, January 21, 2025, 2:29PM ET: This story has been updated to include reservation details for the new (as yet unannounced) Samsung products.

Update, January 22, 2025, 9:45AM ET: This story has been updated to add the link to our liveblog.

The Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra have been officially unveiled. Preorders for the Samsung Galaxy S25 models are already open, and they will ship on February 7. Want to relive the event as it unfolded? Watch the livestream of the Galaxy S25 launch and look back at the Samsung Unpacked liveblog. Alternately, check out Everything Samsung announced at the Galaxy S25 Unpacked event for a complete recap.
Tom Holland's father, Dominic Holland, has shed light on his son's engagement to Zendaya following the actress' eye-catching appearance at the 2025 Golden Globes.

Zendaya sparked engagement rumors after debuting a stunning 5-carat diamond ring, and Dominic confirmed the news in a recent Patreon post. That's not to mention Tom and Zendaya's matching tattoos to signify their love, of course.

Anyway, according to Dominic, Tom, 28, approached his proposal to Zendaya with the meticulous preparation of a true pro.

"He had spoken with her father and gained permission to propose," the proud papa explained, as E! News reported, adding that his son had planned every detail.

From the ring to the setting, Tom ensured the moment was just right.

"Tom had everything planned out," his father underscored. "When, where, how, what to say, what to wear..."

What Does Zendaya's Father Have to Say?

However, Zendaya's father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, had a different take. He recently told the Daily Mail that reports of Tom asking for his blessing were "a bunch of crap."

Coleman declined to elaborate further but cast doubt on Dominic's narrative.

The couple has yet to confirm specifics publicly, but their engagement has been a hot topic since Zendaya's red-carpet appearance.

The custom engagement ring, designed by Jessica McCormack, features a mix of white and yellow gold and is valued at over $200,000.

Tom Hollands dad confirming the engagement was not on my bingo card for this week  Anu (@anulovesbils) January 10, 2025

Zendaya, 28, subtly acknowledged the rumors at the Golden Globes by flashing her ring with a smile but offered no direct comment. Fans noted her playful shrug when a reporter gestured to her left hand.

Both stars have remained private about their relationship, which began after they met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017.

Their bond grew stronger through the years, with Zendaya recently praising Tom's dedication and talent in a Vanity Fair interview.

"I love working with him," Zendaya gushed to the magazine. "He's so talented, and so passionate about what he does. He always gives things one thousand percent, even if he's absolutely worn down. I really appreciate that about him."

why does tom hollands dad have a patreon like is the whole family helping pay off the ring or does that spiderman money not get passed around https://t.co/0wFfdlqgv2  jay (@kendallhosseini) January 10, 2025

Read more: Britney Spears Joins Celeb Evacuations as LA Fires Spread Rapidly In Bizarre IG Update

And about those tattoos  fans first noticed Zendaya's small "T" tattoo at the Globes, sparking speculation about its meaning.

But it was subsequently confirmed that the couple got matching ink as a symbol of their love.

Indeed, the celebrity pair visited Boston Tattoo Company in Massachusetts the day before Thanksgiving, according to reports, where they each got their discreet tattoos.

Zendaya's "T" is paired with a matching "Z" on Tom's ribcage. The tattoos, of course, represent their initials, making their bond even more special.
Jennifer Garner was spotted volunteering with World Central Kitchen (WCK) to assist communities affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

The 52-year-old actress helped deliver meals from restaurants and food truck partners to first responders and displaced families.

In a conversation with Katie Couric, Garner deflected attention from her efforts, stating, "Zero percent of it is about me because I have my home and I am safe."

She emphasized the shocking nature of the disaster and described reaching out to WCK founder Jose Andres through her connections with Save the Children, another organization she works with.

Drawing from her previous disaster relief experience, Garner shared that while people often approach such situations with trepidation, they typically come away with renewed faith in humanity. She highlighted the fundamental importance of providing food as the first step in disaster response.

The wildfires have forced more than 130,000 people to evacuate their homes, with the blazes consuming approximately 29,000 acres (45 square miles) of land. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has confirmed at least 10 fire-related deaths.

Several celebrities have been impacted, including Adam Brody, Leighton Meester, Anna Faris, John Goodman, and others who have either lost their homes or been forced to evacuate.

Read more: Mark Zuckerberg Slams Biden Administration Over COVID Content Demands on Joe Rogan Podcast

World Central Kitchen, founded by chef Jose Andres in 2010, continues its mission of providing immediate food relief during crises, having mobilized across Southern California since the fires began on January 7.
Returning from a brief hiatus on social media, Blake Lively has reemerged to bring attention to the devastating wildfires that have struck Los Angeles.

In a recent Instagram post on Jan. 9, the "Gossip Girl" star shared valuable mutual aid resources for those impacted by the fire.

Her post included a message of support and a tag for @mutualaidla to encourage assistance for those in need.

But despite her recent call to action, Lively is facing criticism for reaching what some are calling an "unforgivable low" when she allegedly sent another round of legal complaints to Baldoni's team as they were preparing to evacuate their homes amidst the Los Angeles inferno.

She is suing her co-star for sexual misconduct and claimed that he was involved in a smear campaign against her. Baldoni has denied Lively's allegations.

An insider revealed to the Daily Mail, "It is beyond despicable that Blake Lively's team sent court servers to the noticeably damaged homes of Justin Baldoni's team while they were preparing to evacuate with a young child inside on the same day as one of the largest tragedies that Los Angeles has ever witnessed."

The recent filing was reportedly deemed to have no new information compared to the previous week.

The insider went on, "This desperate act of ego and privilege is even more horrendous set against the recent events in LA."

The insider added that, despite facing the loss of their homes and being required to evacuate, the defendants in her lawsuit, along with their legal representatives, are persisting in their battle to defend their livelihoods and integrity against these "egotistical people."

"Certainly a new, unforgivable low for Ms. Lively," the insider added.

Lively's spokesperson, however, stressed that all efforts to serve legal documents have been temporarily halted due to the crisis.

They said in a statement to the Daily Mail, "We have been attempting to serve all of the defendants since the end of last year."

"This is a standard part of all lawsuits  and is legally required," the statement added. "We have paused all attempts at service until the emergency conditions in LA have passed."

In the ongoing wildfires across various neighborhoods such as Pacific Palisades, Eaton, Sunset, and Hurst, the devastation continues, with more than 2,000 structures already lost. This unprecedented fire outbreak in Los Angeles has left a trail of destruction, impacting the lives of residents and celebrities alike.

Lively's "Gossip Girl" co-star Leighton Meester and her husband Adam Brody have already lost their homes, alongside Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, Anthony Hopkins, Mandy Moore, Miles Teller and many more.
Support Us

Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability.

The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media.

Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride.

We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society.

Every contribution is valuable for our future.
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Cloudy skies. Windy this evening. Low 27F. WSW winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. Windy this evening. Low 27F. WSW winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
Chelsea Handler would only do another talk show if it was a "perfect set of circumstances".

Chelsea Handler loves the freedom of not being tied to a talk show

The 49-year-old stand-up fronted late-night talk show 'Chelsea Lately' on E! from 2007 to 2014 and talk show 'Chelsea' on Netflix between 2016 and 2017.

But she loves the "freedom" her life offers her since she quit the format and no longer wishes to be "tethered to a studio five nights a week".

Asked if she would do another talk show, she told The Hollywood Reporter magazine: "I'm not interested in being tethered to a studio five nights a week.

"I have too much freedom in my life to go back to that.

"But I love interviewing people.

"I am a good listener, and that's all you really need to be a good interviewer.

"So many talk show hosts have been terrible listeners.

"They ask, 'How is your summer, Chelsea?' while looking over your shoulder and reading a blue card.

"'What? Hello? I'm right here!'"

However, she would be open to a talk show that airs just "once a week".

She added: "I'll never not be curious though, so It would have to be a perfect set of circumstances where it was once a week or specials like Oprah."

Chelsea is returning to the E! network to host the Critics Choice Awards this month for the third time, and quipped that it's like seeing an "ex-lover" after it moved from The CW.

Asked if she feels she can get away with more on E!, she replied: "Not necessarily.

"I'm pretty good with getting away with I need to get away with - wherever I am.

"This one is just especially fun because I'm returning to an ex-lover I broke up with so many years ago."
Nick Frost believes he owes his parents "nothing".

Nick Frost has reflected on his relationship with his parents

The 52-year-old actor has admitted to feeling "fairly abandoned from a young age" and Nick doesn't think he has anything to thank his parents for.

The 'Shaun of the Dead' star told the Guardian newspaper: "I feel as if I did it all myself as I felt fairly abandoned from a young age. So in terms of thanking them - no, not really. Id probably tell them off, if Im honest."

Nick described his late mother as a "terrible alcoholic" - but he's still wiling to forgive her for her mistakes.

The actor shared: "She was a terrible alcoholic and I spent a lot of my time kind of hating her but, in the past five years, I realised why she did what she did and I could forgive."

Nick lost his dad to lung cancer, and that's had a profound impact on how he approaches life.

The movie star explained: "Five years ago, I started looking after myself a bit more, emotionally and spiritually, and its paid dividends."

Meanwhile, Nick recently admitted that he's struggled to cope with tragedies in his life.

The actor told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "My mum was an alcoholic so my dad had spent a lot of his life looking after her.

"When my mum died my dad became free and it was like I had my best mate back and was happy again but five years later he got lung cancer. And nine months after that he was gone.

"I was angry with my mum for taking up so much of his life. And in between them, I lost my brother and sister and then my other brother died just after my dad died. It became just lots of admin. I didnt deal with the grief at all. I never thought about how it was affecting me."
Tom Holland was "incredibly well prepared" to propose to Zendaya.

Tom Holland recently popped the question to Zendaya

The 28-year-old actor recently got engaged to his 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' co-star, and Tom's dad, Dominic Holland, has now revealed how his son approached the proposal.

The 57-year-old author wrote in a post on Patreon: "He had purchased a ring. He had spoken with her father and gained permission to propose to his daughter."

Dominic observed that his son planned out the proposal in meticulous detail before he popped the question to Zendaya, 28.

Dominic shared: "Tom had everything planned out When, where, how, what to say, what to wear (sic)"

Tom and Zendaya have so far remained tight-lipped about their engagement.

But in November, Zendaya admitted that she feels "extra safe" whenever she works with Tom.

The actress told Vanity Fair's 2025 Hollywood Issue: "Its actually strangely comfortable. Its like second nature, if anything. You feel extra safe with the person youre acting beside. I love working with him.

"Hes so talented, and so passionate about what he does. He always gives things 1,000 percent, even if hes absolutely worn down. I really appreciate that about him. It feels pretty normal. Thats how we met. Literally, at a chemistry read."

Prior to that, Tom confessed to Googling Zendaya's name.

The loved-up duo went public with their romance back in 2021, and Tom revealed that he searches Zendaya's name to "check" that she's okay.

Appearing on Samah Dada's 'On The Menu' podcast, Tom shared: "The last thing I Googled was actually Zendaya.

"Im not on [social media], and I delete it when Im not using it. So, sometimes, like, its more of a bit of an anxiety thing, but Ill check to see if everythings good and to make sure were all cool.

"So I just give her a little Google and look [through] the news, and Im like, Shes good.'"
Cambodia exported footwear worth $2,285.597 million in January-November 2024, which was 6.72 per cent higher than the exports during the corresponding period of 2023. The country had exported footwear worth $2,141.955 million in January-November 2023. The United States ranked as the largest market for the shipment.

Cambodias footwear exports to the US were valued at $745.813 million in the first 11 months of 2024, accounting for 32.63 per cent of the total shipments during the same period. After the US, Japan was the second-largest market for Cambodias footwear exports. Exports to Japan were valued at $221.537 million in the same period, representing 9.69 per cent of the total, according to Fibre2Fashion's market insight tool, TexPro.

Cambodia's footwear exports totalled $2,285.597 million in January-November 2024, marking a 6.72 per cent increase from 2023. The US was the largest market, with shipments worth $745.813 million (32.63 per cent). Exports to Japan were $221.537 million (9.69 per cent). The country's 2023 exports reached $2,315.606 million, following a recovery after COVID-related disruptions.

Among the other top 10 markets, the countrys shipments were recorded as: Germany $164.929 million (7.22 per cent), Canada $122.301 million (5.35 per cent), Netherlands $120.265 million (5.26 per cent), China $107.604 million (4.71 per cent), France $75.749 million (3.31 per cent), South Korea $75.439 million (3.30 per cent), Belgium $64.713 million (2.83 per cent), and Spain $55.264 million (2.42 per cent).

Cambodias footwear exports totalled $2,315.606 million in 2023. Its shipments reached $2,944.407 million in 2022, the year after COVID-related disruptions.

The country exported footwear worth $2,164.154 million in 2019, which decreased to $1,879.010 million in the following year, 2020. However, it recovered the very next year, 2021, when the shipment was valued at $2,081.321 million. It further increased in 2022, according to TexPro.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
A free trade agreement (FTA) between China and Maldives has come into effect from January 1, 2025. The two countries share strong bilateral ties, with China not only being one of the Maldives largest exporters but also its primary creditor. However, the implementation of the FTA may disrupt trade dynamics, potentially impacting key import partners, including India.

India remains one of the Maldives largest exporters, even surpassing China in terms of export volume, as per CY 2023 data. Indian textiles and apparel, particularly finished garments, hold a significant share of the Maldivian market and rank among the top three export categories to the island nation. However, this stronghold faces challenges as Chinas cost-competitive products, driven by economies of scale, are poised to flood the market under the new FTA.

The China-Maldives FTA, effective January 2025, strengthens China's market position, challenging Indian apparel exports. While India leads in specialised categories like professional garments, China's cost-effective offerings, geopolitical ties, and investments threaten India's dominance. Indian exporters must focus on value-added products and pricing to stay competitive.

With increased trade activity between China and the Maldives, Indian textile and apparel exports risk losing ground to cheaper Chinese alternatives. To maintain its competitive edge, Indian exporters must focus on value-added offerings, quality differentiation, and strategic pricing. Fibre2Fashion examines Indias current standing in the Maldivian textile market and highlights key product categories Indian exporters should prioritise to retain their leadership in this vital export destination.

Indias export trends over the years

Exhibit 1: Indias Textiles and Apparel exports to Maldives over the years (in $ million)

Source: ITC Trade map

Indias textile and apparel exports to the Maldives, measured in $ million, highlight notable shifts over the years. Apparel, as a percentage of total textile exports, has seen significant fluctuations. In 2019, apparel accounted for 43.9 per cent of total exports. This share dropped sharply to 33.3 per cent in 2020, reflecting the pandemics impact, before recovering to 49.2 per cent in 2021. However, the proportion declined again to 45.8 per cent in 2022 and further to 39.1 per cent in 2023. The declining apparel share in the total textile exports is concerning, given Maldives is one of the few countries where India reigns supreme even ahead of its apparel giant competitors such ss China, Bangladesh and Vietnam.

While apparel exports grew in absolute terms, their share in the total has decreased due to the rapid rise in overall textile exports. Total textile exports grew from $ 11.35 million in 2021 to $ 19.47 million in 2023, representing a remarkable 71.5 per cent growth. On the other hand, apparel exports peaked at $ 8.41 million in 2022 but declined slightly to $ 7.61 million in 2023.

Exhibit 2: China and Indias Apparel Exports to Maldives in CY 2024 (Jan-June) (in $ Mn)

Source: ITC Trade map

In the first half of 2023, Indias apparel exports to the Maldives reached $2.70 million, slightly higher than Chinas exports of $2.56 million. However, by the first half of 2024, Chinas apparel exports surged to $5.61 million, reflecting a remarkable 119 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023. In contrast, Indias apparel exports grew more modestly, reaching $3.16 million in 2024, a year-on-year increase of just 17 per cent.

This trend highlights a significant shift in the Maldivian market, where China has rapidly closed the gap and overtaken India as a leading supplier. The surge in Chinas exports is indicative of the growing Sino-Maldivian economic ties, further bolstered by Chinas increasing investments in the region. The strengthening of China-Maldives relations in 2024, including political and military cooperation, has increasingly tilted the balance in favour of China. This shift is particularly evident in the apparel imports, where Maldives appears to be gravitating towards China as its primary supplier, posing a potential challenge to Indias dominance in this sector.

Key focus products for Indias apparel exports

Table 1: Indias Revealed Comparative Advantage for apparel in the Maldivian market

Source: F2F Analysis

According to UNCTADstat definition, Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) of 1 or more than 1 refers to the export strength of the particular country.

Indias leading export categories: Indias largest export category to the Maldives is HS 611490, special garments for professional or sporting purposes, with an export value of 92.44. India also leads in HS 610422, womens or girls ensembles, with an export value of 80.89. Indias strong market presence is notable in tracksuits (HS 611212) and special garments made of cotton or man-made fibres (HS 611420, HS 611430).

These categories reflect Indias advantage in supplying specialised and functional apparel, often used for sports or professional purposes. However, Indias market share could be threatened in these areas if China strengthens its own offerings in these categories.

Chinas dominant export categories: On the other hand, China leads in HS 611780, which involves ties, bow ties, and other made-up clothing accessories, with an export value of 497.19, significantly higher than Indias top category. China also has strong exports in HS 620453, womens skirts made from synthetic fibres, with an export value of 386.21, a stark contrast to Indias 28.89 in the same category. Chinas presence is also substantial in HS 610422, womens ensembles, where it holds an export value of 292.99, much higher than Indias 80.89.

This suggests that China has already captured a large share of the apparel market in the Maldives, particularly in categories like accessories, skirts, and womens fashion.

Areas where China could compete with India: Chinas advantage in the accessories market (HS 611780) is significant, with a much higher export value than India. As apparel accessories are a lucrative segment, China could further challenge Indias position in this area, especially if it continues to offer more variety or competitive pricing. Additionally, Chinas dominance in the synthetic fibre garment market, including womens skirts (HS 620453) and jackets (HS 620433), poses a potential threat to India. Indias lower export value in womens skirts suggests that China has already taken a significant portion of this market, and India may struggle to regain ground in this segment. Furthermore, Chinas strong exports in womens ensembles and jackets indicate that India could lose market share in these categories as well, particularly as China expands its offerings.

Way Forward: What external factor might impact India-Maldives relations

Maldives public debt: China holds more say in Maldivian affairs due to the hold it has on the current Maldivian economy. Maldives is currently under debt with China leading the roster with $1.3 billion being owed by the Maldivian government. Other key creditors include India, to which Maldives owes $124 million in debt. China needs access to the Indian Ocean for its trade activities.

Maldives increased reliance on China for infrastructure: Maldives joined Chinas Belt and Road Initiative in 2014, which has led to significant investment by the Chinese in infrastructure such as bridges, airport and even housing developments.

Political tensions: Mohammed Muizzu, the current president of Maldives was elected due to his India-out policy which focused on reducing Indias influence in key sectors of security and military. Given Indias sustained interest in all aspects of trade, the absence of a free trade agreement between the two countries will continue to affect Indias trade ties across all products.

The China-Maldives FTA may not significantly affect Indias apparel industry. However, Chinas growing geopolitical influence, coupled with the Maldivian governments increasing closeness to China, could potentially threaten Indian products, including Maldivian preferences for Indian apparel. Meanwhile, Indian apparel exporters could explore emerging apparel subcategories that are gaining traction in the Maldivian market.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NS)
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 10, 2025) - Indico Resources Ltd. (TSXV: IDI.H) (the "Company") announces that it intends to consolidate the common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares") on the basis of ten (10) pre-consolidation Common Shares for every one (1) post-consolidation Common Share (the "Consolidation").

The Company currently has 11,314,907 Common Shares issued and outstanding, and following the Consolidation, the Company will have approximately 1,131,490 Common Shares issued and outstanding, prior to rounding for fractional shares.

The Consolidation was approved by the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") on October 24, 2024 in accordance with the Articles of the Company, but remains subject to the approval of the NEX Board of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Company will issue a further news release announcing the effective date of the Consolidation upon receiving Exchange approval. The Company will not be changing its name in conjunction with the Consolidation.

Management and the Board is requesting the Consolidation as the current share structure does not allow the Company to raise sufficient funds to keep it operating as a going concern. The proposed Consolidation will allow the Company to attract new capital and enable the Company to fully meet its ongoing business objectives.

About Indico Resources Ltd.

Indico is a mineral resource exploration company focused on the discovery and exploration of porphyry copper gold deposits.

On behalf of Indico Resources Ltd.,

Brian Kerzner

Chief Executive Officer

"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."

Forward-looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" which reflect the Company's current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that it believes might affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "might", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "indicate", "seek", "believe", "estimates", "predicts" or "likely", or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to the Company's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including without limitation, the completion of the Consolidation, the receipt of approval for the Consolidation by the Exchange, and those risks and uncertainties discussed elsewhere in the Company's filings on SEDAR+. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date hereof and is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236878

SOURCE: Indico Resources Ltd.
The fashion e-commerce giant Zalando has experienced a significant market setback, with its shares dropping nearly 5% to 28.77 in XETRA trading, marking a concerning trend for investors. This decline represents a substantial 20% decrease from December's peak of 35.87, positioning the stock approximately 25% below its 52-week high. The current price movement has become particularly critical as it challenges the recovery trajectory established since the beginning of the year, putting additional pressure on the company's market performance.

Operational Performance Shows Promise

Despite the bearish stock movement, Zalando's fundamental business indicators demonstrate resilience. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue increase of almost 5% to 2.39 billion in the latest quarter, accompanied by a significant improvement in earnings per share, which rose from -0.03 to +0.17 compared to the previous year. While market analysts anticipate solid performance for the final quarter, these positive expectations appear to be already factored into the current share price, suggesting limited immediate upside potential.

Ad

Fresh Zalando information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.

Read our updated Zalando analysis...
// NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES //

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FRA: 5LB) ("BioVaxys" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the third tranche (the "Third Tranche") of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") with the issuance of 10,750,000 units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of $0.05 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $537,500.

Each Unit consists of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") and one (1) whole Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), whereby each Warrant is convertible into one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.15 until January 10, 2027, being the date that is 24 months from the date of issue.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Third Tranche for working capital. No finder's fees were paid in connection with the Third Tranche. All securities issued pursuant to the Third Tranche are subject to a statutory hold period expiring May 11, 2025, being the date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

The Company anticipates closing the fourth and final tranche of the Private Placement on or about, but no later, than January 24, 2025.

In addition, further to its news release of December 13, 2024, the Company reports that it has issued 5,000,000 unrestricted Shares at a deemed price of $0.10 per Share in settlement of an aggregate of $500,000 in debt that was owed to an arm's-length consultant of the Company (the "Debt Settlement").

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any securities in the United States. 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 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 laws or pursuant to available exemptions therefrom.

About BioVaxys Technology Corp.

BioVaxys Technology Corp. (www.biovaxys.com), a company registered in British Columbia, Canada, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patient lives with novel immunotherapies based on the DPX immune-educating technology platform and it's HapTenix 'neoantigen' tumor cell construct platform, for treating cancers, infectious disease, antigen desensitization, and other immunological fields. DPX is a patented antigen delivery platform that can incorporate a range of bioactive molecules to produce targeted, long-lasting immune responses enabled by various formulated components. The DPX platform facilitates antigen delivery to regional lymph nodes and has been demonstrated to induce robust and durable T cell and B cell responses in pre-clinical and clinical studies for both cancer and infectious disease. BioVaxys' common shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the stock symbol "BIOV", on the Frankfurt Bourse (FRA: 5LB), and quoted in the US on the OTC Markets. For more information, visit www.biovaxys.com and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "James Passin"

James Passin, Chief Executive Officer

Phone: +1 740 358 0555

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the Private Placement, including the expected use of proceeds from the Private Placement and the fourth and final tranche thereof, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys will be successful in developing and testing vaccines, that, while considered reasonable by BioVaxys, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the impact of any changes that may affect the anticipated use of proceeds from the Private Placement. BioVaxys does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2415135/5111126/BioVaxys_Technology_Corp_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/biovaxys-announces-closing-of-third-tranche-of-private-placement-302348480.html
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2025 / Torq Resources Inc. (TSXV:TORQ)(OTCQB:TRBMF) ("Torq" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the voting results for the Annual General and Special Meeting (the "Meeting" ) of Shareholders held on January 10, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Shareholder participation at the Meeting was a record 55.8% compared with a 5-year average of 29.5%.

A total of 77,643,691 common shares were voted in connection with the Meeting, representing approximately 55.83% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares. The voting results are as follows:

Approval of Gold Fields Option and Joint Venture

In addition to routine annual matters, Torq shareholders were asked to consider and if thought fit, approve by a disinterested majority, a proposed earn-in option into and joint venture for the Company's Santa Cecilia project in Chile. The option and joint venture is to be entered into pursuant to the implementation agreement dated November 29, 2024 (the "Implementation Agreement") between the Company, Minera Santa SpA and Gold Fields Pedernales Limitada (the "Gold Fields Affiliate"), an affiliate of Gold Fields Limited ("Gold Fields"). Under the earn-in option, the Gold Fields Affiliate will acquire the right to earn into up a 75% interest in the project by spending up to USD$48 million over a period of up to 6 years. Disinterested shareholders approved the transactions contemplated by the Implementation Agreement by over a 99% plurality. Gold Fields is presently the indirect owners of 20,678,260 common shares of the Company held by another Gold Fields affiliate. The common shares held by Gold Fields were excluded from voting on the resolution approving the transactions contemplated by the Implementation Agreement in accordance with the disinterested vote requirements under Canadian securities laws. Completion of the transactions contemplated by the Implementation Agreement remain subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and satisfaction of the other conditions to closing under the Implementation Agreement.

NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE OF VOTES CAST FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/

ABSTAIN RESTRICTED (Not Voted) NON VOTE FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/

ABSTAIN Option and Joint Venture 53,114,294 49,865 0 20,678,260 3,801,272 99.91% 0.09% 0.00%

Election of Directors:

In annual business, the director nominees as listed in the Company's Information Circular dated December 5, 2024, and SEDAR+ filed December 9, 2024, were all elected as directors of the Company by large majorities. They will serve until the next Meeting except for one planned retirement described in the Circular.

PERCENTAGE OF VOTES CAST FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/

ABSTAIN NOT VOTED FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/

ABSTAIN Shawn Wallace 73,518,611 0 323,808 3,801,272 99.56% 0.00% 0.44% Steve Cook 73,443,611 0 398,808 3,801,272 99.46% 0.00% 0.54% Waldo Cuadra 73,362,970 0 479,449 3,801,272 99.35% 0.00% 0.65% Michael Kosowan 71,641,226 0 2,201,193 3,801,272 97.02% 0.00% 2.98% Marie-Helene Turgeon 73,433,117 0 409,302 3,801,272 99.45% 0.00% 0.55% Ana Carolina Vargas 73,433,117 0 409,302 3,801,272 99.45% 0.00% 0.55%

There were 3,801,272 non-votes included in the quorum (but not voted). Non-votes are discretionary votes given to a broker by a US beneficial holder, but such votes are not allowed under Canadian Securities Regulations.

Reappointment of Auditor:

Deloitte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants were reappointed as Auditors of the Company for the ensuing year by a large majority.

NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE OF VOTES CAST FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/

ABSTAIN RESTRICTED NON VOTE FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/

ABSTAIN Appointment of Auditors 77,327,791 0 315,900 0 99.59% 0.00% 0.41%

Continuation of Option Plan:

The Company's equity incentive plan was approved for continuation for the ensuing year by a large majority.

NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE OF VOTES CAST FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/

ABSTAIN RESTRICTED NON VOTE FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/

ABSTAIN Continuation of Option Plan 73,441,934 400,485 nil 3,801,272 99.46% 0.54% nil

Shawn Wallace, CEO commented "We are gratified by the support shown by our shareholders and for the dedication shown by our directors and staff. We look forward to seeking our final regulatory approvals and moving to close this sancta Cecila earn transaction in the next few days."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

Shawn Wallace

CEO & Chair

Voting results have been filed on www.sedarplus.ca.

For further information on Torq Resources, please visit www.torqresources.com or contact the company at (778) 729-0500 or info@torqresources.com.

About Torq Resources

Torq is a Vancouver-based copper and gold exploration company with a portfolio of premium holdings in Chile. The Company is establishing itself as a leader of new exploration in prominent mining belts, guided by responsible, respectful and sustainable practices. The Company was built by a management team with prior success in monetizing exploration assets and its specialized technical team is recognized for their extensive experience working with major mining companies, supported by robust safety standards and technical proficiency. The technical team includes Chile-based geologists with invaluable local expertise and a noteworthy track record for major discovery in the country. Torq is committed to operating at the highest standards of applicable environmental, social and governance practices in the pursuit of a landmark discovery. For more information, visit www.torqresources.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Torq Resources Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 85 governments from key mineral-producing and consumer nations, including 16 countries from the leading G20 economies, and 50 ministers and 13 vice ministers - have confirmed they will join the 2025 FMF Ministerial Roundtable on January 14, 2025.

The Ministerial Roundtable, a multi-stakeholder, government-led initiative, is the traditional opener of FMF, spurring international action to increase investment in mineral supply and build capacity in the Super Region of Africa, Western and Central Asia, and other supply regions. It is set to be the largest and most senior gathering of mineral resources officials in the world

Discussion will cover progress made over the past year on the three Ministerial Roundtable initiatives:

Development of an International Critical Minerals Framework

Establishment of Centers of Excellence to build capacity in sustainability (Morocco), talent development (South Africa), and technology innovation (Saudi Arabia).

to build capacity in sustainability (Morocco), talent development (South Africa), and technology innovation (Saudi Arabia). Advancements in Certification Systems to ensure responsible mineral sourcing.

His Excellency Khalid Al-Mudaifer, the Vice-Minister for Mining Affairs of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, emphasizes that, "The meeting is an important step towards achieving sustainable development in the minerals sector globally. It is an ideal platform for delivering solutions, developing legislation on best practices in the field of sustainable mining, and exploring ways to invest in mining projects to achieve economic and social development in producing countries."

Joining him are high-profile leaders, including ministers from supplier and financing like Brazil, South Africa, DRC, India, Egypt, Italy, Nigeria, Qatar, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Morocco, Indonesia, France, USA and the United Kingdom, discussing opportunities for global cooperation.

"This year, discussions will seek to enhance collaboration between governments, industry, and communities to drive more investment in minerals, and development through value addition in supplier countries. We want to support the pressing need for sustainable mining practices, resilient supply chains, and value-driven partnerships in the minerals industry."

Importantly, the outcomes of the Ministerial Roundtable are not confined to the event itself but form an ongoing, year-round program. Regional Coordination Groups will continue to drive the implementation of key initiatives.

"FMF is emerging as the largest global hub for minerals collaboration and action - no other platform brings together government ministers and senior industry leaders at this scale." Al-Mudaifer concluded.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2314209/5111209/Future_Minerals_Forum_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/more-than-85-governments-to-gather-in-riyadh-to-lead-global-action-on-minerals-at-fourth-future-minerals-forum-302348540.html
CUPERTINO (dpa-AFX) - Apple Inc. (AAPL), in a filing with the U.S. Securities And Exchange Commission, on Friday announced that Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook's 2024 compensation grew 18 percent to $74.6 million from $63.2 million in the prior year.The total pay for 2024 includes $3 million base salary, $58.09 million stock awards, $12 million non-equity incentive plan compensation and other compendation of $1.52 million.Cook pay package for fiscal 2023 includes $3 million base salary, stock awards of $46.97 million, $10.7 million non-equity incentive plan compensation and other compendation of $2.53 million.His base salary of $3 million has remained unchanged in past three years, according to the filing.Further, Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri received an overall pay package edging up to $27.1 million for fiscal 2024, compared to a year-earlier $26.9 million.Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams got pay package of $27.1 million in 2024, slightly up from prior year's $26.9 million.In addition to executive compensation, investors will vote on four outside proposal at the meeting on Feb. 25. The company opposed opposed shareholder proposal to end its diversity program. The company said the proposal was an inappropriate attempt to restrict Apple's business operations and that it already assesses legal and regulatory risks.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.
Donald Trump has displayed interest in purchasing Greenland. With the islands untapped mineral wealth and strategic Arctic location, options range from direct purchase to military agreements. However, legal, diplomatic, and independence-related hurdles make this complicated read more

Donald Trump Jr visits Nuuk, Greenland, on January 7, 2025. Donald Trump Jr was on a private visit to Greenland. File Image/Reuters

The prospect of Donald Trump purchasing Greenland may seem far-fetched, but the idea is not entirely without precedent.

The worlds largest island, an autonomous territory under Denmark, holds untapped economic potential and strategic military significance.

Trumps interest in Greenland first gained attention in 2019 during his presidency and resurfaced recently with suggestions that economic or military measures could be used to take control of the island.

Historically, the idea of purchasing Greenland is not new.

Advertisement

Can Trump outright buy Greenland?

In the mid-20th century, the US offered to buy Greenland, a long-secret plan revealed decades later. Politico quoted Alex Gray, former National Security Council chief of staff, who noted that Its not a one-size-fits-all, and we have precedent for doing a lot of options.

Greenland, a territory that is 80 per cent covered in ice but rich in unexplored minerals, has strategic and economic value. Its melting ice caps are believed to conceal billions of dollars worth of hydrocarbons and other resources.

A direct purchase would align with historic examples, such as Denmarks 17th-century purchase of St Croix or the USs acquisition of the Philippines and the Virgin Islands. However, international laws and Greenlands autonomy present significant barriers.

Scott Anderson, a former State Department lawyer, told Politico, If its not internationally recognised as valid and legitimate, then thats going to cause all sorts of complications in actually benefiting from that relationship with Greenland.

Greenlands Prime Minister has that Greenland is not for sale and never will be for sale, reflecting the islands push for independence from Denmark within the next decade.

Can Trump make a deal?

Even if outright purchase proves impossible, the US could strengthen ties through a Compact of Free Association (COFA), similar to arrangements with Pacific nations like Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands.

This agreement would grant the US exclusive military access to Greenland while supporting its defence and economy.

Denmark understands that Greenland is going to get independence, Gray said. He also noted that Denmarks military capacity is insufficient to defend Greenland post-independence, making a COFA model appealing.

Such an agreement would not only provide Greenland with financial and security assurances but also grant the US greater influence in the Arctic region, countering Chinese and Russian activities.

Advertisement

Pituffik Space Base, a US early-warning radar station in Greenland, already plays a crucial role in monitoring Arctic developments. Strengthening the US presence there could also address surveillance gaps in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

Norway keeps an eye on it, we keep an eye on it, Jim Townsend, a former senior Pentagon official who worked on NATO and Arctic defense policy told Politico. That fills a gap. Thats important.

Can Trump pressure Greenland into submission?

Greenlands untapped reserves of minerals and hydrocarbons add to its geopolitical significance, but they also raise questions about economic exploitation and environmental impact. Any attempt to acquire Greenland could face diplomatic backlash.

Trumps rhetoric has already drawn criticism from European leaders. Politico quoted Brian Finucane, a former State Department legal adviser, who remarked, This rhetoric from Trump is concerning because he is the incoming US president, and his words by themselves have foreign relations consequences.

Advertisement

Trumps administration might also consider exerting economic pressure on Denmark. Speculation exists about potential US tariffs on Danish or EU goods to push for concessions regarding Greenland.

Such measures, however, could harm both economies, particularly industries like pharmaceuticals. Analysts point out that raising tariffs could disrupt European growth while negatively affecting American consumers who depend on products like insulin and diabetes medications from Denmark.

Can Trump invade Greenland?

Although Trump has refused to rule out military action, such a move would be unprecedented and controversial. Analysts warn that this approach could severely undermine NATO unity.

If they invade Greenland, they invade NATO, BBC quoted Elisabet Svane, chief political correspondent for Politiken newspaper. Such a scenario would trigger Article 5, NATOs collective defence clause, and create a significant international crisis.

Military control over Greenland would not only alienate allies but also set a dangerous precedent. Hes saying its legitimate for us to take this piece of land, Ulrik Gad, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies told BBC. If we take him really seriously, this is a bad omen for the whole of the Western alliance.

Advertisement

Can Greenland come to Trump after independence?

Greenlands push for independence complicates the situation further. While the population of 56,000 is largely in favour of eventual independence, it remains reliant on Danish subsidies for its healthcare and welfare systems.

Ulrik Gad highlighted that any referendum on independence would require guarantees of economic stability. The Greenland PM may be up in arms now, but in the event that he actually calls a referendum, he will need some kind of convincing narrative about how to save the Greenland economy and welfare system, Gad explained.

Greenlands Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede speaks at a press conference during the opening of the European Commissions new office in Nuuk, Greenland, March 15, 2024. File Image/Reuters

Even with independence, the US would likely retain a significant presence. As Gad noted, The Americans never really left after taking control of the island in World War Two, and they see it as vital for their security.

Additionally, the spotlight on Greenland has raised its profile globally, with China and Russia viewing the Arctic as a region of strategic importance. For Greenlanders, balancing the competing interests of global powers while pursuing independence remains a delicate challenge.

Advertisement

A polar bear family group, consisting of an adult female and two cubs, crosses glacier ice in Southeast Greenland in this handout photograph taken in September 2016. File Image/NASA via Reuters

General elections are due to be held in Greenland no later than April 6 this year to elect the 31 members of the Inatsisartut (Parliament of Greenland).

With inputs from agencies
China this week announced the discovery of a massive 2,800-kilometre lithium belt in the countrys west as well as a lithium mine and a couple of lithium salt lakes. The find catapults China from the sixth-largest holder of lithium reserves to the second-largest  only behind Chile. But should India worry? This and much more in our weekly roundup of the big stories from around the world read more

A vehicle is seen near a lithium smelter in Yichun, Jiangxi province, China on March 30, 2023. The country is now the worlds second-largest holder of lithium reserves. File photo/Reuters

For India, its been another massive week in news.

Last week, fears of another pandemic resurfaced with reports of China experiencing a surge in cases of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Then, this week, the virus was detected in India.

New Delhi also held talks in Dubai with the Taliban with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meeting Afghanistans acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.

In Bengaluru, a gruesome case came to light after a family of four were found dead in their home.

Advertisement

A firestorm also erupted when the chairman of Larsen & Toubro called for a 90-hour workweek  irking many on social media.

All this and much more in our roundup of the weeks top stories:

1. For many people, HMPV has revived some of the worst memories of 2020. News that another virus had come out of China five years after COVID-19 left many Indians stunned. Then, things went from bad to worse after cases began being reported in Karnataka and Gujarat.

However, the authorities arent worried. The Union Health Ministry has asked the public to keep calm and state governments have issued guidelines for how to deal with the HMPV. But what is the Center doing? How are state governments responding? And what do we know about the virus? Click here to know more.

2. Another Indian CEO spouting off about work has angered the public. First, it was Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy who urged people to work 70 hours a week for the good of the nation. But that wasnt good enough for Larsen & Toubro chairman SN Subrahmanyan.

L&T top boss SN Subrahmanyan suggested that employees should work 90 hours a week, including Sundays. File image/PTI

The head honcho of the conglomerate suggested that people work 90 hours per week including on Sundays. Subrahmanyans comments sparked off a fierce debate about work-life balance and many on X took the CEO to task. But what did he say exactly? Why did it spark such a furore? And what has been the push back?

Advertisement

3. Its a hair-raising tale  if youll forgive the pun.

In Maharashtras Buldhana district, several residents have had their hair fall out over the past a week. At least 30 to 40 men, women and children  it doesnt matter the sex or the age  in Borgaon, Kalwad, and Hingna villages have experienced sudden and severe hair loss.

Some of them have gone completely bald. The events have caused a panic in nearby villages and caused panchayats to demand answers from authorities. But what do we know about the mysterious hair loss? What are authorities saying?

This piece gives you the low down.

Advertisement

4. History was created in Dubai this week. India engaged with the Taliban since the first time it returned to power in 2021 after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks with Afghanistans acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai.

Though it is important to note that New Delhi is yet to officially recognise the Taliban regime, India has in the past reached out to Afghanistan. But what happened in the meet? Who all were in attendance? What was discussed? And why is India reaching out to the Taliban now?

This piece gives you a glimpse of what happened behind closed doors.

Advertisement

5. Lithium is one of the most important minerals in the world today. It is used in a number of industries ranging from electric vehicles to cellphone communications and nuclear fuel. Which is why news coming out of China this week of a jackpot lithium find disturbed many in India.

China, which discovered a 2,800-kilometre lithium belt in the countrys west as well as a lithium mine and a couple of lithium salt lakes, is now the second biggest holder of lithium reserves in the world. This article examines the importance of the find, how China made the discovery, why it matters and why it should set off alarm bells in India.

Advertisement

6. Tragic news emerged from Bengaluru this week. A family of four, including a software consultant, his wife, and their two young children, were discovered dead in their rented home in RMV 2nd Stage, Bengaluru. The couple were thought to have had poisoned their children before taking their own lives.

A family of four, including a software consultant, his wife, and their two young children, were discovered dead in their rented home in RMV 2nd Stage, Bengaluru. Image courtesy: X

The authorities are currently investigating the matter as a murder-suicide. But how did this case come to light? And why would the couple take such a drastic step? Heres everything we know.

7. The gruesome murder of Chhattisgarh journalist Mukesh Chandrakar has left many across the nation outraged. Chandrakar, a 28-year-old journalist, had been missing for a couple of days. Then, his body was found in a septic tank in Bijapur district owned by a relative.

The autopsy has revealed that Mukesh was brutally tortured before he was killed. His relative Suresh, who fled after the incident, has now been arrested by the authorities. This article examines how and why Chandrakar was murdered and how authorities are responding.

8. The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) this week got a new chief.

Dr V Narayanan, a distinguished scientist with nearly four decades of experience in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, has replaced S Somanath as the head of the Indian space agency.

Dr V Narayanan is a distinguished scientist with nearly four decades of experience in rocket and spacecraft propulsion. Image Courtesy: @ISROSight/X

Narayanan has big shoes to fill given that Somanath oversaw Indias historic Chandrayaan-3 mission last year.

This article takes a close look at Narayan, his many accomplishments as well as pays tribute to Isros achievements under Somanath.

WIth inputs from agencies
US President-elect Donald Trumps felony conviction for falsifying business records has brought to question the implications. While he retains the right to vote and run for office, the conviction restricts him from owning firearms and may complicate international travel read more

New York State Judge Juan Merchan sentences US President-elect Donald Trump as he appears remotely alongside his lawyer Todd Blanche for a sentencing hearing in the criminal case in which he was convicted in 2024 on charges involving hush money paid to a porn star, listens at New York Criminal Court in Manhattan in New York City, US, January 10, 2025 in this courtroom sketch. File Image/Reuters

A New York court delivered an unconditional discharge for United States President-elect Donald Trump in his hush money case on Friday.

This lenient sentence means Trump faces no jail time, fines, or probation despite being convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

The charges stem from a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of an alleged affair, which Trump denies.

Advertisement

New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan clarified that such a sentence was necessary to avoid interfering with the constitutional protections afforded to Trump as the incoming president.

While Trump avoided immediate penalties, the conviction remains on his record unless overturned through appeal. This marks the first time in US history that a president-elect will take office with a felony conviction.

Trump has vowed to appeal the verdict, focusing on potential legal errors during the trial. Despite the conviction, he continues to maintain his innocence and has dismissed the case as politically motivated.

Can Donald Trump still hold office?

Federal law allows individuals with felony convictions to hold the presidency, meaning Trumps criminal record does not disqualify him from serving. However, state laws differ on whether convicted individuals can run for local or state offices.

In some cases, a pardon or expungement may be necessary to restore eligibility. For federal office, there are no such restrictions, ensuring Trumps eligibility to assume the presidency remains intact.

Although Trump has the authority to issue federal pardons once in office, this power does not extend to state-level convictions like his own. Any potential pardon would require action from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat.

Hochul has signalled that she would require evidence of remorse as part of the pardon process, something Trump has not shown. Instead, he has described the case as a hoax orchestrated by his political opponents.

Advertisement

What is the impact on Trumps rights and his obligations?

Trumps felony conviction brings certain legal and civic consequences, though not all will directly affect him. Below is an overview of how his rights and responsibilities may change:

Voting rights: Trump remains eligible to vote in Florida, where he is registered. Florida law restores voting rights to individuals convicted of felonies once they complete their sentences, except for those convicted of murder or sex offenses.

New York law, where Trumps conviction occurred, restores voting rights upon release from incarceration. Because Trumps sentence did not involve imprisonment, his voting rights are unaffected.

Firearm ownership: Federal law prohibits felons from owning firearms. As a result, Trump is barred from legally possessing guns, a restriction that applies nationwide.

DNA sampling: Under New York state law, all individuals convicted of felonies must provide a DNA sample for the states crime databank.

Advertisement

This process involves a noninvasive cheek swab, which is analysed and entered into a database connected to the FBIs Combined DNA Index System. These profiles are used in ongoing investigations and to identify suspects in unsolved crimes.

How does this affect travel and Trumps business?

Trumps conviction may create complications for international travel and certain business activities. While these restrictions may not heavily impact his presidency, they highlight the broader implications of his felony status:

Travel abroad: As president, Trump will retain a diplomatic passport that allows him to travel internationally for official duties. However, some countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Israel, impose strict entry requirements for individuals with felony convictions.

While exceptions for sitting presidents are likely, his legal status could pose challenges for certain diplomatic visits. Countries like India, China, and Japan also have stringent policies on admitting individuals with criminal records.

Advertisement

Business operations: The conviction may affect Trumps ability to hold liquor licenses in states like New Jersey, which prohibit individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude from obtaining such permits.

Trumps company, however, has clarified that its properties are operated through corporate entities, insulating them from direct impact.

Similarly, his felony status could bar him from reentering the casino industry, as gaming licenses typically exclude individuals with criminal records. Trump previously owned casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but no longer holds such assets.

What about future legal battles and appeals?

Trumps legal team has already announced plans to appeal the conviction, arguing that procedural errors occurred during the trial. Appeals focus on legal interpretations rather than questions of guilt or innocence.

If his conviction is overturned, the felonies will be removed from his record, but the appeal process is likely to extend well into his presidency.

Advertisement

Legal experts suggest that Trumps appeal can continue uninterrupted while he serves as president. The Washington Post quoted Robert Gottlieb, a New York trial and appellate lawyer, who stated, I dont see any basis to suggest that it would be stopped during the four years of his presidency. I take him at his word that he will continue to fight this until the end of time.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra talked about the workhour debate at the the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 days after L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan stirred controversy read more

Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of Mahindra Group, took a jibe at Larsen & Toubros (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyans 90-hour workweek comment on Saturday, saying that the emphasis should be on the quality of work and not on the quantity of work.

In a conversation with Firstposts Managing Editor Palki Sharma at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025, Mahindra talked about how he manages his time to maintain a strong presence on social media.

Advertisement

He said, I often get asked how much time I have to spend on social media. I want to tell people that I am on X or social media not because I am lonely. My wife is wonderful, I love staring at her. So, I am not here to make friends, I am here because social media is an amazing business tool.

My wife is wonderful, I love staring at her, Mahindra Group Chairman @anandmahindra tells Firstpost Managing Editor @palkisu at Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.#VBYLD2025 pic.twitter.com/6fYKgC80rW  Firstpost (@firstpost) January 11, 2025

Earlier this week, Subrahmanyan stirred controversy by suggesting employees should work 90 hours a week, including on Sundays. What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can wives stare at their husbands? Go to the office and start working, the L&T chairperson said.

Should focus on quality of work

Giving two cents on the long workhour debate that has kept netizens busy, and has been supported by Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy, Mahindra said, I think this debate is in the wrong direction because it is quantity of work. My point is it should about about the quality of work. It is not about 40 hours or 90 hours, what output are you doing even if it is 10 hours?

If you are not spending time at home or with friends and if you are not reading and dont have time to reflect, how will you bring the inputs into making the right decisions? he added.

This debate is of quantity of work, my point is we have to focus on the quality of work, Mahindra Group Chairman @anandmahindra tells Firstpost Managing Editor @palkisu at Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.#VBYLD2025 pic.twitter.com/0cKv06mBB3  Firstpost (@firstpost) January 11, 2025

Advertisement

He further said that one can only make good decisions when they have a holistic life and that people cannot be in a tunnel all the time.
For financing the Rs 4,000 crore deal, India is offering a loan to Indonesia from either the State Bank of India (SBI) or another Indian national bank read more

India and Indonesia are working to conclude a $450 million defence deal- one that would be pathbreaking because it is likely to be settled via a rupee-rupiah transaction.

The Rs 4,000 crore deal that New Delhi and Jakarta are looking to finalise is for the missiles produced by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between Indias DRDO and Russias NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

The Indonesian government has sent a formal letter for the acquisition of these BrahMos munitions, the fastest supersonic missiles in the world, Firstpost has learned.

Advertisement

Financing arrangement between India, Indonesia

For financing the deal, initially, the plan was for the Export Import Bank of India Exim Bank to provide the loan to Indonesia. However, it has not materialised due to certain intricacies, one of the sources confirmed.

India is instead offering a loan to Indonesia from either SBI or another Indian national bank, it has been learned.

Specifics of the deal are currently being worked out.

Announcement likely on Republic Day

Indonesia officially joined the BRICS group of countries that India and Russia are both founding members of earlier this week. The development has paved the way for a rupee-rupiah transaction for settling the deal.

Once the details are finalised, and if all aspects go according to plan, an announcement could be expected during Indias Republic Day 2025, an MEA source handling the background preparations for the deal said.

The Indonesian president is reportedly set to be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parade in India on January 26.

India-Indonesia defence partnership

New Delhi and Jakarta have been stepping up cooperation in the defence sector, since the signing of the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2018.

The two nations have engaged in bilateral naval exercises Samudra Shakti since that year.

In April last year, the first-ever India-Indonesia Defence Industry Exhibition-cum-Seminar was organised in Jakarta.

For the Southeast Asian nation, boosting its defence capability has become a necessity in light of Chinas ever-growing belligerence towards other nations in the region, like the Philippines, in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. Indonesia and China also have overlapping claims in the Natuna Sea.

For India, it is a chance to boost its footprint in its extended backyard, Southeast Asia. According to a 2024 survey by Singapore-based the ISEAS  Yusof Ishak Institute, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) see India as one of the least strategically relevant countries in the region.

Advertisement

New Delhi has been working to change that.
Senior Le Pens death closes one chapter, but the battle over his ideology and its grip on French politics is far from over read more

The death of Jean-Marie Le Pen on January 7 marks the passing of one of the most polarising figures in modern French history, but it is far from the end of his influence. Senior Le Pens political career spanned decades of radical nationalism and incendiary rhetoric. His political ideas have seeped into the mainstream and are a pertinent reminder of how the far right has evolved, adapted, and embedded itself within the political fabric of liberal democracies. JM Le Pens death closes one chapter, but the battle over his ideology and its grip on French politics is far from over. Le Pen (Senior) unified disparate fascist, nationalist, and colonial-nostalgic factions into an electoral entity.

Advertisement

Senior Le Pen entered the French National Assembly at the age of 27 as one of the youngest MPs in the Republics history and quickly emerged as a prominent figure on the extreme right. In 1972, he co-founded the National Front, aimed at consolidating various extreme-right factions under a single banner. Under his leadership, the National Front adopted the strategy of leveraging grassroots support steeped in xenophobic rhetoric while striving for electoral respectability. Gradually shifting the Overton window on issues like immigration, national identity, etc The de-toxification campaign may have softened the partys image, but its core themesnationalism, anti-immigration policies, and Euroscepticismremain deeply aligned with his vision.

Le Pen (Sr)s career encapsulates the evolution of nationalist politics in post-war Francefrom the bitter legacies of decolonisation to the populist surges of the 21st century. Before entering politics, he served in the French Foreign Legion. He served as an intelligence officer during the Algerian War of Independence. His tenure in Algeria was marred by allegations of involvement in torture, a charge he denied throughout his life. His experiences in Algeria influenced his political ideology, particularly his staunch opposition to decolonisation and his enduring nostalgia for French colonial grandeur. The loss of Algeria in 1962 left a deep scar on Le Pen and many of his contemporaries, fuelling a sense of betrayal and decline that he would later channel into his political messaging.

Senior Le Pens early political career was equally emblematic of post-war far-right populism. He entered parliament on the list of Pierre Poujade, leader of the Union for the Defence of Shopkeepers and Artisans (UDCA). Le Pens association with Poujade laid the groundwork for his future political trajectory, as it introduced him to the language of populist grievance and anti-establishment rhetoric. The fear of losing Frances empire, combined with anxieties over Communist expansion in the colonies, provided fertile ground for uniting factions. Le Pens coalition was bound by a shared nostalgia for imperial glory, postcolonial resentment, and opposition to modernist social and political currents.

By the 1980s, the National Front (FN) began making electoral breakthroughs, capitalising on economic insecurities, fears of cultural erosion, and dissatisfaction with the political establishment. The FNs claim that it had become the leading party of French workers was a pointed challenge to a fragmented and ideologically fatigued left. However, a significant portion of the workers still preferred political abstention over active alignment with the FN. A pivotal moment in the FNs rise came in 1986 when Socialist President Francois Mitterrand introduced proportional representation for parliamentary elections. Mitterrand intended to fragment the right-wing vote, but the unintended consequence was a significant boost for the FN. The party secured 35 parliamentary seats, and Le Pen (Sr) returned to the National Assembly. The economic malaise of the 1970s and 1980s, coupled with the challenges of globalisation and cultural integration, created fertile ground for a party that framed itself as the defender of French identity and sovereignty.

Advertisement

The 2002 presidential election marked a seismic moment in French political history. For the first time, Le Pen (Sr) advanced to the second round of the presidential race. In the final runoff, Jacques Chirac decisively defeated Le Pen (Sr) with an overwhelming percentage of the vote, buoyed by one of the highest turnouts in recent history. However, the deeper impact of this election was not merely in the numbers but in the long-term normalisation of the FNs rhetoric within the broader political arena.

LePen-isation of peoples minds signified a shift. There was a departure from the partys original obsessions with the loss of Frances colonies and the communist threat. By the turn of the century, the FNs identity politics coalesced around the perceived challenges posed by the Muslim presence in France, framed by Senior Le Pen and like-minded leaders as a form of reverse colonisation. As the post-war economic boom began to falter, Le Pen (Sr) deftly adjusted his rhetorical strategy. Slogans such as One million unemployed equals one million too many immigrants were repeatedly used.

Advertisement

Senior Le Pens claims that immigration was responsible for rising delinquency and crime further cemented his appeal among sections of the electorate disillusioned with mainstream parties. The FN embraced a selective notion of European cultural identity, rejecting European institutions while weaponising shared traditions as a bulwark against perceived external influences. Simultaneously, it waged culture wars, framing debates on national identity and religion.

The eventual retreat of Senior Le Pen from the forefront of French politics in 2011 coincided with a recalibration under the leadership of his daughter, Marine Le Pen. Marine inherited the partys ideological core but sought to detoxify its image. This rebranding effort even led to the expulsion of Le Pen (Sr) himself in 2015 over his repeated antisemitic remarks. However, the National Rally remains unmistakably a product of Le Pen (Sr)s political blueprint, rooted in a decades-long effort to revive the nationalist right.

Advertisement

Marine aimed to expand the FNs appeal beyond its traditional base. This strategy bore fruit in the 2012 presidential election, where she finished with around 18 per cent of the votes. Under Marine Le Pens leadership, the party, now rebranded as the National Rally (Rassemblement National), has shifted its focus from ideological purity to political pragmatism. Paradoxically, this detoxification of the FN has been accompanied by a broader toxification of French political discourse. The current sentiment in France is a form of defensive nationalism, rooted in insecurity and negative jingoismthe perception of an existential need to shield oneself from external threats. There exists a vision of national revival that mourns the erosion of French grandeur and seeks to restore it with a populist appeal to pride and identity, which evokes a nostalgia for an idealised past.

Advertisement

The death of Jean-Marie Le Pen comes at a moment when French politics stands at an existential crossroads. Far from serving as a bulwark against the far right, Emmanuel Macrons presidency has mainstreamed many of its narratives. As Oliver Haynes aptly observed, Macrons approach has not blunted the far rights momentum but instead paved the way for its ascension by making its politics more palatable and its themes central to public discourse. Jean-Marie Le Pen himself may now be gone, but the ideology he championed continues to run through the bloodstream of French politics. Senior Le Pen died knowing that the seeds he sowed had not only taken root but flourished.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Sri Lanka's president to visit China

Xinhua) 11:34, January 11, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will pay a state visit to China from Jan. 14 to 17, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced here on Friday.

The visit, the first one to China by President Dissanayake since taking office, is of great significance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations, Guo Jiakun, also a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, told a news briefing on the same day.

During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Dissanayake. Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji will meet with him respectively.

Noting that China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbors, Guo said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1957, China-Sri Lanka relations have stood the test of the changing international landscape and maintained sound and steady development, setting a good example of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries with different sizes.

China stands ready to work with Sri Lanka to take President Dissanayake's visit as an opportunity to continue the traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust, expand high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and practical cooperation in various fields, strive for new progress in bilateral strategic cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship, and deliver more benefits to the two peoples, Guo said.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
Now Germany wants a clearer European position and is wary of Trump 2.0. Musks comments have stirred Germanys pot of anxiety read more

Founded in 2013, the AfD has built its base on staunch opposition to immigration and criticism of European Union policies. Its nationalist, anti-immigrant rhetoric, combined with climate change denial and Euroscepticism, has alarmed many across the political spectrum. Images: REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

Germany is gearing up for a general election to the Bundestag, the lower house of its parliament, on February 23, following the collapse of its traffic-light coalition comprising the Social Democrats (SPD), liberals (FDP), and Greens. The countrys proportional electoral system makes pre-election polls a strong indicator of potential government formations.

This election marks a pivotal moment in Germanys political trajectory, as the right and Eurosceptic Alternative for Germany (AfD) has surged to second place in the polls, securing around 20 per cent of the vote. The Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) alliance leads with 32 per cent. The rise of the AfD, despite consistent exclusion by the political establishment, highlights a deepening divide within German society.

Advertisement

As of January 8, 2025, opinion polls show the CDU/CSU leading with 32 per cent, followed by the AfD at 19.2 per cent. The SPD and Greens, with 15.8 per cent and 13.3 per cent, respectively, have seen their support dwindle over the past six months. The FDP, which triggered the coalitions collapse, is projected to win just 3.8 per cent, falling short of the 5 per cent threshold required for Bundestag representation. Similarly, the Left Party, with 3.1 per cent, is unlikely to enter parliament as its voter base shifts to the emerging Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), which gained traction in recent state elections in eastern Germany and peaked at 8 per cent in October 2024. Notably, all major parties continue to reject any association with the AfD.

Founded in 2013, the AfD has built its base on staunch opposition to immigration coming from particularly Muslim-majority countries and criticism of European Union policies. Its nationalist, anti-immigrant rhetoric, combined with climate change denial and Euroscepticism, has alarmed many across the political spectrum. However, its rising popularity reflects broader populist trends across Europe, encouraged by dissatisfaction with traditional political elites, economic challenges, and concerns over cultural identity and immigration.

Despite being ostracised by mainstream political parties, who accuse it of harbouring extremist elements, the AfDs ascent is undeniable. This tension was recently underscored by the resignation of a prominent German newspaper editor after publishing content perceived as sympathetic to the AfDs critique of the political establishment. The incident highlights the growing polarisation within Germanys media and political landscape, as the AfDs influence increasingly tests the countrys democratic values.

As the election approaches, reconciling Germanys democratic principles with the populist surge represented by the AfD remains a pressing challenge. The election outcome is poised to significantly impact the nations political discourse and social cohesion.

Musks Support for the AfD

In a controversial op-ed published in Welt am Sonntag, tech billionaire and Trump supporter Elon Musk reiterated his support for the AfD, describing it as the last spark of hope for Germany. Building on comments made earlier on X (formerly Twitter), Musk asserted that only [the] AfD can save Germany. He defended the AfD against accusations of extremism, noting that its leader, Alice Weidel, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka, rhetorically asking, Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!

Advertisement

Musk praised the AfDs political realism, arguing that it addresses Germans concerns without political correctness that obscures the truth. He commended its controlled immigration policy, claiming it prioritises integration and the preservation of German culture and security. Musk dismissed accusations of xenophobia, framing the AfDs approach as a defence of national identity in the face of globalisation.

Musks endorsement has drawn widespread backlash, given the AfDs controversial stances on immigration, nationalism, and right-wing populism. His remarks have intensified the debate over the influence of global figures like Musk on European populist movements and their impact on political discourse.

Reactions to Musks Comments

The reaction to Musks endorsement was swift and intense. Eva Marie Kogel, editor of Welt am Sonntags opinion section, resigned shortly after publishing Musks op-ed. Her resignation was seen as a protest against the publication of Musks controversial views.

Advertisement

Jan Philipp Burgard, the incoming editor-in-chief of the Welt group, countered Musks claims in a follow-up op-ed, agreeing that Germany faces challenges but rejecting Musks assertion that the AfD is the solution. Burgard criticised the AfDs policies, including its calls to leave NATO, reactivate the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and align with Russia at the expense of the US and European allies. How Musk could support such a position is unclear.

Political leaders also condemned Musks intervention. Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU and a leading chancellor contender, called Musks comments overbearing and presumptuous, criticising his interference in Germanys electoral process. SPD co-leader Saskia Esken accused Musk of undermining democracy for personal gain, stating, In Elon Musks world, democracy and workers rights are obstacles to profit. Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Musks remarks, quipping in an interview with Stern, Dont feed the troll, emphasising that Germanys democracy would not be swayed by wealthy individuals.

Advertisement

As the election looms, Musks controversial endorsement of the AfD has further polarised Germanys political landscape, raising questions about the intersection of wealth, influence, and democratic values.

Moreover, it also raises anxiety in Germany about the future of its Atlantic partnership with the US. In Trump 1.0, Angela Merkel was at variance with Trumps positions. Now Germany wants a clearer European position and is wary of Trump 2.0. Musks comments have stirred Germanys pot of anxiety.

The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Advertisement
Since China has effectively dammed every river that flows into India, it can use water as a weapon of war by controlling releases as part of a military strategy read more

The Brahmaputra system contains more than 30 per cent of India's water resources. It also has about 40 per cent of countrys total hydropower potential (31,012 MW), although only 3 per cent of the potential has been tapped so far. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Across India, groundwater is receding, and rivers are severely polluted. As much as 80 per cent of the waters of the western Rivers have already been lost to Pakistan through the Indus Water Treaty. The way things stand, we are disregarding the value of water by not giving due importance to conservation, preservation, and storage.

On the other hand, 75 years ago, China foresaw the water crisis likely to affect their country. This could well have been one of the reasons for them to annex Tibet, because that is where all the water was. China sees itself as the controller of South Asias mightiest rivers. It is estimated that 718 billion cubic meters (BCM) of surface water flows out of the Tibetan plateau.

Advertisement

Tibet

Tibet is South Asias rainmaker, water supplier, and water repository. It is from here that water flows in all directions and into many countries. The Tibetan Plateau has the largest perennial ice mass on the planet after the Arctic and Antarctica. Stretching 2,400 km from east to west and 1,450 km from north to south, this unique water bank is located on the worlds largest and highest plateau, with an average elevation of 4,000 meters above sea level, aptly called the Roof of the World. There are more than 18,000 high-altitude glaciers and 1,500 lakes in the Great Himalayas, which serve as massive storehouses of freshwater.

The main rivers flowing out of the Tibetan Plateau include the Yangtze, Yellow, Mekong, Salween, Irrawaddy, Arun, Brahmaputra, Sutlej, and Indus. The mighty Gangas main tributaries flow in from Tibet, including Karnali, Gandak, and Kosi.

When China annexed Tibet, little of the river waters were being consumed on the plateau itself. This meant that nearly all the water was transferred to downstream basins, including India, Nepal, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Now, with the river waters increasingly being diverted for other economic activities on the plateau and with China pursuing inter-river and inter-basin transfer projects, the transboundary implications of Chinas hold over Tibet are becoming worrisome.

Control over Water

China is the greatest dam builder in the world. Over the last 7-8 decades, China has constructed more than 87,000 dams. Mao Zedong approved and supported the idea of large-scale damming of rivers. President Hu Jintao graduated as an engineer with a major in hydropower. In 1964, he served as Tibets martial law administrator. He thus fused two key elements, Water and Tibet. Premier Wen Jiabao, a geological engineer, had also done geological work in the Tibetan Plateau. He too focused on Tibets water. China considers water a sovereign resource rather than a shared resource. China does not share data about water flow and hydropower operations with lower riparian states. Chinese maintains: Not one drop of Chinas water should be shared without China using it first or without making those downstream pay for it.

China has dammed every major river on the Tibetan Plateau: the Mekong, Salween, Yarlung Tsanpo, Yangtze, Yellow, Indus, Sutlej, Shweli, and Karnali. There are indications that these dams will have reservoirs to export electric energy to mainland China.

These projects are located very close to the geological fault line where the Indian Plate collides with the Eurasian Plate. An adverse natural calamity causing major damage to Tibets dams could lead to floods downstream. China has never officially communicated about the construction of these dams. A lack of transparency about dam building on the Tibetan Rivers raises questions about the risk and impact on river systems that support millions.

Advertisement

The Indian Context

In the Indian context, there are two main river systems that draw their waters from Tibet, the Indus River System, and the Brahmaputra River System.

The Indus River originates from Mt. Kailash/Lake Mapam, enters India through Ladakh, and flows into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Sutlej River, which is the longest tributary of the Indus River System, also originates at Mt Kailash/Lake Mansarovar. The Sutlej enters India through the state of Himachal Pradesh.

The Yarlung Tsanpo (Brahmaputra) also originates from Mount Kailash. It flows eastward in Tibet at an average altitude of more than 4,000 meters for over 1,650 km. Among the worlds major streams, this is the highest river and one of the fastest flowing. It ranks as the fourth-largest river in the world by discharge. The Brahmaputra is by far the most important river flowing from China into any other country in terms of the sheer volume. The average annual transboundary flows into India of the Brahmaputra (165.4 BCM) are greater than the combined cross-border flows of the Mekong and Salween. The Brahmaputra enters India at Korbo on the McMahon Line as the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh.

Advertisement

The Siang/Dihang flows about 400 kilometres through a picturesque canyon before it meets with the Dibang River and the Lohit River in the plains of Assam at Kobo, south of Sadiya town. It is from this point, which is the confluence of three rivers, that the river assumes the name Brahmaputra. The river traverses another 650 km before entering Bangladesh.

The Brahmaputra system contains more than 30 per cent of the countrys water resources. It also has about 40 per cent of Indias total hydropower potential (31,012 MW), although only 3 per cent of the potential has been tapped so far.

The Mega Dam

Advertisement

On 25 December 2024, Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency reported about the plan for the construction of a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which will be the worlds biggest hydropower dam on the eastern rim of the ecologically fragile Tibetan plateau. After flowing due east from its origin in Kailash Mansarovar, the Yarlung Tsangpo takes an abrupt south turn towards India, cutting through a very narrow and deep gorge between Namcha Barwa Peak (altitude 25445 ft) and Gyala Pheri Peak (altitude 23460 ft).

Here the river forms the steepest and longest canyon in the world. China plans to dam the river near the Great Bend in the Pemako area. The Great Bend was chosen because of the steep descent of the Yarlung Tsangpo, a crucial factor for a hydroelectric dam. It will be the largest dam in human history. It is not clear if the dam project is merely a run-of-the-river hydropower project and/or part of the South-North water diversion project.

Advertisement

But when the walls of the gorge are 5,000 meters and above, it is hard to imagine the amount of water that will get harnessed in the catchment of the dam. This super hydropower station will be constructed in Medog, on the Great Bend, 30 km from the Indian border. The dam will generate 38 gigawatts of power, or more than twice the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. Another report states it as a 60,000 MW project that will produce electricity three times the capacity of the worlds largest hydroelectric facility, the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in central China.

Effect on India

A gigantic hydropower project will undoubtedly have an effect on the quantity of water flow in the Brahmaputra, especially if it can be controlled. It is also a fact that the Siang is not the only water supplier to the Assam plains; the Brahmaputra receives most of its water supply from massive rains in the catchment areas of its tributaries, mainly from the Lohit and Subansari rivers. However, the average is calculated by including the monsoon flows. What happens in the lean season? Fluvial ecosystems depend on perennial water sources. If there is no water flow from Siang, are we looking at an ecological disaster?

Similar to the situation painted above but on a larger scale, the untimely release of Brahmaputra waters by China could unleash havoc in Assam. The Brahmaputras channel is the widest water channel in India, extending more than 10 km at certain places. Geographically, Arunachal Pradesh rests on the Brahmaputra towards the south. One can cross over from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh only over existing bridges. What if the sudden release of water increases the Brahmaputra water channel to 15-20 km? Such an eventuality would be disastrous for India.

There is no doubt that the project is also dangerous from an environmental point of view. Deforestation will lead to rapid soil erosion and landslides. The Brahmaputra gathers extremely rich silt, which provides essential nutrients for the soil and farming downstream. High silt loads are essential to maintaining the agricultural soil fertility and marine life downstream. It is the quality and not only the quantity that is in question.

However, the concern is not only for the damming of rivers; it is also for water diversions, part of the South-North Diversion Project. Will India be greatly deprived of water in case the waters of Tibet are diverted?

The Himalayan region is earthquake-prone. Other dams apart, the 38-gigawatt dam at the Great Bend will be huge. If an earthquake strikes and waters of the dam are released, it is obvious who will bear the brunt.

Examples of Deliberate Flooding

At 1:30 am on August 1, 2000, a 50-ft-high wall of water tore from Pari Chu into the Sutlej River from Khab on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Tibet. The mountain gorges of Kinnaur, Shimla, and Mandi districts in Himachal Pradesh washed away everything that came in its path. By 05:15 am, the water reached the Nathpa Jhakri Project. Within a short time, the level of the river Sutlej rose by 15 meters. More than 100 persons lost their lives, 120 km of the strategic old India-Tibet Highway was washed away, and 98 bridges of various sizes and shapes were destroyed.

Again in 2004, a lake began to form in the Pari Chu, threatening to cause floods in Indias Sutlej valley. While China remained cooperative and shared upstream data with India this time, there was speculation that China deliberately created a liquid bomb, an artificial lake, to be unleashed at will to potentially devastate downstream areas. This possibility got credence as China rejected a request by India to send scientists and engineers to the site.

The Brahmaputra, on 1 March 2012, ran completely dry at a place called Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. This was unprecedented. After a few hours, the Brahmaputra began filling up with high columns of onrushing water that inundated Pasighat town. This incident raises the possibility of blocking off water at upper reaches first and its sudden release after that.

In another case, on 11 June 2004, the Siang River rose by an unprecedented 100-120 ft and devastated four districts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. More than 26 persons lost their lives while three strategic bridges were swept away by the raging river waters. The official estimate of the loss was around Rs 140 crore.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had credible evidence that the Chinese caused these flash floods. Satellite images showed massive water bodies or lakes upstream in Sutlej and Siang River basins before the flash floods took place. These lakes disappeared soon after the disaster struck Indian territory.

In 2017, the Siang River turned muddy and blackened. With up to ten inches of sediment accumulated on some stretches of the riverbed, the water became unfit for human consumption.

These sudden releases of water were in all likelihood intentional and not an act of God. India is a downstream country and thus vulnerable to an upper riparian tinkering with dam waters. Such releases of water in a war-like situation could have major military implications. Since China has effectively dammed every river that flows into India, it can use water as a weapon of war by controlling releases as part of a military strategy. This water narrative sows the seed of distrust among neighbours.

Water, too much or too little, can create crisis situations. If employed as part of a military strategy, it can have unimaginable repercussions.

Major General VK Singh, VSM (Retd) was commissioned into The Scinde Horse in December 1983. He is an alumnus of St Columbas School, and St Stephens College. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The last time a Singaporean leader visited India was in 2015 when former President Tony Tan King Yam conducted a trip to New Delhi. Shanmugaratnams state visit in January would mark the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between India and Singapore read more

Singapores President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will pay a visit to India, marking it the first trip by any Singaporean president to the country in 10 years. During his trip, which is scheduled to take place from January 14 to January 18, Shanmugaratnam is likely to sign two crucial skill development agreements between the two nations.

The last time a Singaporean leader visited India was in 2015 when former President Tony Tan King Yam conducted a trip to New Delhi. Shanmugaratnams state visit in January would mark the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between India and Singapore. During his tour, the president is likely to visit New Delhi and Odisha.

Advertisement

In New Delhi, he will hold a meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is also likely to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Health Minister J P Nadda, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development Jayant Chaudhary, The India Express reported.

Whats on the agenda?

After Delhi, Shanmugaratnam will travel to Bhubaneshwar, where he will hold talks with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The officials noted that the Singaporean leader will also pay a visit to the famous Konark Temple in the state.

According to The Indian Express, Shangmugaratnam is expected to confer the Honorary Citizen Award to Tarun Das, the former DG of CII. During PM Modis visit to Singapore in September 2024, the two world leaders were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

It is pertinent to note that Singapore is Indias largest trade partner among the ASEAN nations and is one of the leading sources from where New Delhi generates its FDI. Over the years, there has been an active collaboration between the two nations to establish skill development centres in various sectors.

With inputs from agencies.
Ten of Reform UK councillors resignations move to build pressure have come just days after Elon Musk publicly demanded Farage leave his leadership post, claiming he doesnt have what it takes to lead the party read more

Tesla CEO Elon Musk suggested that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is not fit to rule a 'growing party'. AP

Ten Reform UK councillors from Derbyshire resigned Friday, calling for Nigel Farage to step down as leader of the right-wing party.

The councillors accused Farage of an autocratic manner and criticised the partys management as either incompetent or malevolent.

Rift in Reform UK

The councillors resignation comes days after tech mogul Elon Musk publicly demanded Farage leave his leadership post, claiming he doesnt have what it takes to lead the party, POLITICO reported,

Musks remarks marked a sharp break in their relationship; the two had been photographed together last month at former US President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate.

Tensions within Reform UK have intensified over Farages distancing from Tommy Robinson, the jailed founder of the far-right English Defense League.

Advertisement

Musk, a vocal supporter of Robinson, has recently reposted messages calling for his release. The divide over Robinson has left party members sharply split.

Howard Cox, the partys 2024 London mayoral candidate, resigned earlier this week after disagreements over his support for Robinsons cause. The councillors who resigned Friday called for Ben Habib, a former joint deputy leader of Reform, to take over leadership. Habib has described Robinson as a political prisoner.

In media appearances Friday (January 9), Farage dismissed the resigning councillors as members of a rogue branch and insisted they had not been properly vetted.

He reaffirmed his commitment to leading the party and stated he remains in touch with Musk, claiming they are still friends.

Elon Musks support for right-wing

After becoming a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, Musk has also used his social media platform X to back far-right parties in Europe.

He has endorsed Germanys AfD party well-known for its extreme anti-immigration and anti-Islam views ahead of the snap polls in the country.

In the UK, he has reportedly sought to destabilise Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmers government, seeking to boost alternatives like Reform UK.
After four days of urban wildfires, on Friday Los Angeles, the city internationally known for its movie industry, looked like the set of a war movie. read more

A helicopter drops water on smoke and flames from the Palisades Fire burning behind Mulholland drive towards the Encino neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, January 10, 2025. Image- AFP

Los Angeles construction worker Ivan De La Torre surveyed the smoking wreckage in fire-ravaged Altadena, grappling with a pressing question: how would insurance companies handle the cost of rebuilding an entire neighborhood?

As hundreds of residents return to find their homes reduced to ashes by a devastating wave of wildfires, concerns are mounting over whether insurance policies will cover rebuilding costs and the potential for skyrocketing future premiums.

My concern is that the insurance companies wont be able to handle all the claims and file for bankruptcy and thats that. Its scary, said De La Torre, 32, whose uncle and sister both lost their houses in a fire that consumed half of Altadena, a suburb north of Los Angeles of some 40,000 people.

Advertisement

Leo Frank III, a 66-year-old actor who lost his family home in Altadena, said he fears insurers could drag their feet on paying claims and fail to cover the full cost of reconstruction.

We will rebuild. No one is taking our house, said Frank, as he hunted for a shower seat for his 96-year-old mother in a parking lot full of donated supplies in Pasadena.

But it will be a mess.

Frank said he knows some neighbors who lost their homeowners coverage prior to the fires as insurers retreated from parched regions in California increasingly prone to wildfires.

We were lucky we still had a policy, he said.

In large swaths of greater Los Angeles area, there was only rubble where houses, buildings and other structures once sat. Rows of cars were burnt so badly that all had been turned to ash color, their windows gone.

The shock was palpable. People returning to ravaged neighborhoods hugged, cried or just stood, trying to make sense of all that had happened. Most were wearing masks, underscoring the reality of heavy smoke, and the risks that come with breathing it, as fires continued to rage in other parts of the city.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Californians on Friday demanded to know who is at fault for the vast devastation caused by the raging Los Angeles wildfires, as a strict curfew went into force to prevent looting and lawlessness.

Five separate fires have so far burned more than 37,000 acres (15,000 hectares), destroying around 10,000 buildings, Californias fire agency reported.

The Los Angeles County medical examiners office confirmed an additional fatality on Friday, bringing the overall death toll so far to 11.

It reminded me of more of a war scene, where you had certain targets that were bombarded, said Biden, as he received a briefing on the fires at the White House.

Advertisement

While Angelenos grapple with the heart-rending ruin, anger has risen over officials preparedness and response, particularly for a series of false evacuation alarms and after hydrants ran dry as firefighters battled the initial blazes.

Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered a full independent review of the citys utilities, describing the lack of water supplies during the initial fires as deeply troubling.

We need answers to how that happened, he wrote in an open letter.

With inputs from agencies.
Chinas jobless rate for 16-to-24-year-olds excluding students, dropped to 17.6% in September from 18.8% in August, according to official data released on Tuesday this month, providing some relief after youth unemployment reached record highs for two consecutive months. read more

In Chinas struggling economy, stories of highly educated youth taking jobs far below their qualifications have become increasingly common. High-school handymen with masters degrees in physics, cleaners trained in environmental planning and delivery drivers who studied philosophy highlight the mismatch between qualifications and available jobs.

Take Sun Zhan, a 25-year-old finance graduate with a masters degree, who now works as a waiter in Nanjing. My dream job was in investment banking, Sun told the BBC. However, after months of fruitless job searching, he settled for work in a hot pot restaurant. His choice has drawn criticism from his family, who are embarrassed by his job and would prefer he pursued a public service role.

Advertisement

Chinas economy, burdened by a protracted property crisis and weak domestic demand, has struggled to create enough jobs for the millions of university graduates entering the workforce each year. Youth unemployment hit a record 21.3% in June 2022, prompting authorities to halt the publication of unemployment data.

Many graduates, like Sun, face a difficult reality: taking positions far below their qualifications while grappling with societal and familial pressure. Yet, Sun remains optimistic, using his current role to learn the restaurant business to open his own establishment. If I run a successful business, my familys opinion will change, he says.

Chinas employment crisis highlights broader economic challenges, underscoring the urgent need for structural reforms to meet the aspirations of its highly educated youth.

Last month, The Chinese government urged local officials to provide more financial relief or step up one-time allowances to people in need ahead of major holidays over the next month, as Chinas economic difficulties are set to extend into 2025.

The World Bank, in a report last month, said the pace of Chinas poverty reduction slowed in 2024 and is expected to decelerate further in 2025 and 2026, due largely to slower economic growth projected in years to come.

Tepid household consumption, the main drag on the economy, is the key to next years growth recovery, analysts say. Policymakers have vowed to revive household demand.

Advertisement

In 2024, a record 3.4 million young Chinese flocked to the civil service exam, lured by the prospect of lifetime job security and perks including subsidised housing as an economic slowdown batters the private sector and youth unemployment remain high.

Applicant numbers, which surged by over 400,000 from last year and have tripled since 2014, reflect the huge demand for stability from disillusioned Gen Z Chinese and the lack of attractive options in the private sector even though local governments are struggling to pay wages due to a fiscal crisis.

Youth unemployment rates, which fell slightly in recent months, remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic figures as Chinas economy struggles to recover amid a prolonged property sector crisis and frail consumption.

Advertisement

Beijing has long faced calls to reform its bloated state sector. Despite repeated downsising campaigns, Chinas civil service jobs swelled from 6.9 million in 2010 to 8 million currently, with at least a further 31 million public employees such as school and hospital workers who have fewer employment protections than civil servants.

Chinese provinces have quietly cut tens of thousands of public sector positions since 2020, mostly through hiring reductions and attrition.

Wage arrears are systematic and universal across the country, and are impossible to solve substantially in the short term, said a governance professor at an elite Chinese university on condition of anonymity, adding that this could increase corruption as officials supplement their salaries through tips and bribes, as well as increased administrative fines for citizens.

Advertisement

The most pressing issue now is social stability, said the professor. Therefore the lesser of two evils will cause the expansion of civil service hiring and the neglect of institutional reform.

With inputs from agencies.
South African farmers are choosing goats, which can survive better in arid terrains created by climate change-induced droughts, over cows. In Bangladesh, where floods have progressively worsened, the choice between chickens and ducks has become clear read more

In South Africa, farmers adapting to a changing world, are picking goats over cows. Image used for representational purpose/Reuters

In South Africas Limpopo region, a road sign warns of stray animals, depicting the silhouette of a cow. Yet, on a drive through the provinces dusty highways, actual cows are hard to find. Instead, goats roam the dry grasslands.

Limpopo has long been cow country. For generations, cattle have been the backbone of cultural traditions like the lobolaa bride price paid in livestockand an essential source of food and income.

Goats over cows in South Africa

But the regions worsening droughts, compounded by the global march of climate change, are forcing farmers to adapt or face ruin, Financial Times reported.

Goats, as Kingsley Ayisi of the University of Limpopos Centre for Global Change explains, are proving more resilient than their bovine counterparts. Unlike cows, goats can survive on minimal grass and even browse on acacia trees, making them better suited to the arid terrain.

Advertisement

Limpopos shift from cows to goats is emblematic of a broader transformation spurred by climate change. From southern Africas savannahs to South Asias delta wetlands, farmers are being driven to rethink livelihoods that once seemed immutable.

Ducks over chickens in Bangladesh

In the wetlands of Bangladeshs Haor region, erratic monsoons and unexpected floods began to take their toll, drowning rice crops and killing chickens. The losses were devastating for many families. Then came a lifeline: ducks.

The Atlantic quoted one Shopna Akter, whose family once raised chickens and grew, as simply explaining, Ducks can swim.

This seemingly obvious trait has proven revolutionary for farmers like her, who have embraced duck farming as a climate-resilient alternative.

Through a program introduced by the NGO BRAC, Akter received training and an interest-free loan to start her duck farm. The results were transformative. Ducks, unlike chickens, thrive in the wet and can better withstand temperature fluctuations. They are also more profitable, fetching nearly twice the price of similarly sized chickens and providing year-round income.

The challenges facing Limpopo and Bangladesh are hardly unique.

According to the UN, more than three-quarters of the Earths surface has become drier over the past three decades, while nearly half the worlds land area experienced at least one month of extreme drought in 2023. In southern Africa, the drought is the worst in a century, leaving tens of millions of children malnourished.

Elephants, desperate for food and water, wander into human settlements along the Limpopo River, sometimes becoming meals themselves.

For regions like these, adaptation is no longer optionalit is existential.
Researchers concluded that approximately 64,260 people died from traumatic injuries during this time, with 59.1 per cent identified as women, children, and individuals over 65 years old read more

Palestinians mourn their relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. AP

The death toll in Gaza in the first nine months of the Israel-Hamas war is 40 per cent higher than what the Palestinian health ministry has officially recorded, research published in the Lancet medical journal has revealed.

The study aimed to estimate the number of fatalities resulting from Israels air and ground operations in Gaza from October 2023 to the end of June 2024.

Researchers concluded that approximately 64,260 people died from traumatic injuries during this time, with 59.1 per cent identified as women, children, and individuals over 65 years old.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the Palestinian regions health ministry lodged a death toll of 37,877 up to June 30 last year, almost half of what the study estimated.

How was the study conducted?

Researchers based their study on numbers published by the Gaza Health Ministry online where relatives of the deceased reported their loved ones deaths. They also examined obituaries posted on social media and found that there were between 55,298 and 78,525 deaths from traumatic injuries in Gaza up to 30 June 2024.

The study estimated a death toll of 64,260, suggesting that the health ministry had underreported fatalities by 41 per cent up to that point. This figure accounted for 2.9 per cent of Gazas prewar population, equating to roughly one in every 35 residents, according to the report.

Zeina Jamaluddine, an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the lead author of the study told AFP, We only kept in the analysis those who were confirmed dead by their relatives or confirmed dead by the morgues and the hospital.

Then we looked at the overlaps between the three lists, and based on the overlaps, you can come up with a total estimation of the population that was killed, he added.

Israel reacts

A senior Israeli official commenting on the findings of the study said that the army went to great lengths to ensure there were minimal civilian casualties.

No other army in the world has ever taken such wide-ranging measures, the official said.

He added, These include providing advance warning to civilians to evacuate, safe zones and taking any and all measures to prevent harm to civilians. The figures provided in this report do not reflect the situation on the ground.
Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has described U.S. control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, as an absolute necessity. He did not dismiss the potential use of military or economic means, including tariffs against Denmark. read more

Denmark sent private messages to U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps team expressing willingness to discuss boosting security in Greenland or increasing the U.S. military presence there without claiming the island, Axios reported on Saturday, citing two sources.

Trump has tossed expansionist rhetoric at U.S. allies and potential adversaries with arguments that the frontiers of American power need to be extended into Canada and the Danish territory of Greenland, and southward to include the Panama Canal.

Advertisement

Axios said that the Danish government wanted to convince Trump that his security concerns could be addressed without claiming Greenland.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said earlier this week that she had asked for a meeting with Trump, but did not expect it to happen before his inauguration. Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede too said he was ready to speak with Trump but urged respect for the islands independence aspirations.

Denmark has previously said that Greenland is not for sale.

Trumps suggestions that international borders can be redrawn  by force if necessary  are particularly inflammatory in Europe. His words run contrary to the argument European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are trying to impress on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But many European leaders  whove learned to expect the unexpected from Trump and have seen that actions dont always follow his words  have been measured in their response, with some taking a nothing-to-see-here view rather than vigorously defend European Union member Denmark.

With inputs from agencies
Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Friday shared a video unveiling the underground missile and drone complexes across the country. In the video, Tehran claimed that it is manufacturing a new special missile' read more

Amid the ongoing tension in West Asia, Iran has unveiled an underground missile storage facility. On Friday, Tehran announced that it is manufacturing new special missiles, Tasnim News reported. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shared a video showing the security forces Commander Major General Hossein Salami and Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh. The latter went on to describe the site as a dormant volcano.

According to the Iranian news outlet, part of Irans operations against Israel in October and April were carried out using this underground missile base. While addressing an event in Irans southwestern city of Abadan on Friday, Salami also announced that the IRGC Aerospace Force is developing new special missiles.

Advertisement

JUST IN



Iran has unveiled a massive new Underground Missile City



Thousands of Ballistic Missiles are stored deep inside a Mountain, footage shows just 10% of the entire underground missile complex pic.twitter.com/P9rEd5MLiF  Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) January 10, 2025

The announcement came days after General Ali Mohammad Naeini warned that Iran would be holding new drills and war games this month that would reveal missile and drone cities. Naeini predicted that the revelation would include an underground city which would store missiles and another facility accommodating vessels in the south of Iran, Tasnim News reported.

Iran boasts its military might

With the release of the recent video, many believe that Iran is aiming to project that it has not lost power in the region as the tensions continue to escalate. However, in a few months, Tehran witnessed several setbacks. Iranian-backed forces in Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen are still under attack by Israel and the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assads regime, an ally of Iran, left the country in shock.

Our deterrence has not been designed based on action from any other country, Salami said in the Friday press conference. In October last year, Israel said that it had struck Iranian missile manufacturing sites and aerial defence systems inside Iran in response to earlier strikes launched by Tehran on the Jewish nation.

At the time of the attack, Irans foreign ministry called the Israeli strike a clear violation of international law, adding that it is entitled and obligated to defend itself. Interestingly, the video was also released just days before US President-elect Donald Trumps swearing-in ceremony.

Trump had previously launched a maximum pressure campaign on Iran in his first stint at the White House. Amid the chaos, US officials have expressed optimism in regard to the negotiations of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal with hopes of reaching one before Trump takes office on January 20.

Advertisement

With inputs from agencies.
After the coastguard observed the ship, three tugboats were dispatched to secure the vessel. Apart from this, a team of towing specialists dropped onto the vessel by helicopter read more

The Panamanian-flagged, 274-meter-long Eventin was on its way from Russia to Egypt when it was reported 'unable to manoeuver' in the Baltic Sea. AP

A Russian tanker heavily loaded with oil was adrift in the seas off the northern coast of Germany. According to German news outlet DW, Berlin confirmed on Friday that the vessel was part of Russias so-called shadow fleet. Germanys Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME) noted that the ship lost power and steering in the evening.

After the coastguard observed the ship, three tugboats were dispatched to secure the vessel. Apart from this, a team of towing specialists dropped onto the vessel by helicopter, DW reported. The emergency towing specialists are to ensure that the load of the 274-meter-long tanker is safely and evenly distributed among the tugboats, a CCME spokesperson told DPA news agency.

Advertisement

In the midst of all this, German authorities stated that heavy winds and waves of up to 2.5 meters have been reported in the area. They claimed that weather conditions are expected to remain rough over the next 24 hours.

No oil leak

The German command made it clear that there were no oil leaks reported from the vessel following the incident. It is pertinent to note that Russia has often used and owned non-insured ships to sell its oil while circumventing Western sanctions imposed in response to its operation in Ukraine in 2022.

The CCME said that the Panamanian-flagged Eventin was carrying 99,000 tons of oil when it was reported adrift on Friday evening. The vessel was on its way from Russias Ust-Luga port to Egypts Port Said port, DW reported.

The German officials noted that alarms were raised after the vessel was seen drifting at low speed in the coastal waters when it was found overnight. The CCME initially said that the emergency tug boat Bremen Fighter would tow the Eventin to a port. However, a spokesman for the command later told DPA that the tanker would not be moved for the time being.

The spokesperson noted that further steps are being discussed with the authorities and shipping company to deal with the situation. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called out Russias dependence on the rundown tankers in its shadow fleet. She insisted that these vessels posed a threat to the European security.

By ruthlessly deploying a fleet of rusty tankers, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is not only circumventing the sanctions but is also willingly accepting that tourism on the Baltic Sea will come to a standstill in the event of an accident, Baerbock said, describing the tankers as dilapidated.

It is pertinent to note that so far, the European Union has sanctioned over 70 Russian ships, while the US and the UK announced on Friday fresh sanctions on some 180 ships. All the vessels were believed to be part of the infamous shadow fleet.

Advertisement

With inputs from agencies.
The reorganisation will take effect in April and raise the number of German divisions  units of some 20,000 troops  to four without increasing the total number of around 180,000 soldiers in the German forces. read more

The German military will form a new division dedicated to territorial defense, the army announced on Saturday, integrating all current reserve units under direct army command.

This restructuring, which will take effect in April, will increase the number of German divisionseach consisting of about 20,000 soldiersto four, without raising the total personnel count of approximately 180,000 in the German military.

Territorial defense will come under army command starting April 1, 2025, a spokesperson for the army confirmed, in line with a report from German news agency dpa.

Advertisement

NATO is currently on its highest alert since the Cold War, with some officials, including German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, warning that a Russian attack on its borders could happen within the next four years.

The German move will streamline command structures in territorial defence at a time when what Berlin describes as acts of Russian sabotage against the countrys critical infrastructure have reached a new high. Russia denies the accusations.

So far, Berlin has three divisions that NATO can call upon in case of a conflict, whose main job will be defending the alliance by confronting an adversary right at the front lines.

The fourth division will be tasked with Germanys defence at home, including the protection of infrastructure such as ports, railways and supply and deployment routes.

Germany is gearing up for its role as major logistics hub in any conflict with Moscow, with tens of thousands of reinforcement troops from other NATO allies expected to be deployed east through Germany after arriving at its North Sea ports.

With inputs from agencies.
In a fresh assessment issued by US intelligence on Friday, five of the seven agencies decided that it is highly improbable that a foreign opponent was responsible for the injuries. Two of the agencies, however, reached a different conclusion, determining that there is a possibility that a foreign power may have developed or even used a weapon capable of causing the reported injuries read more

U.S. intelligence has found no evidence linking a foreign power to the mysterious Havana syndrome injuries reported by some US diplomats and other government personnel, but two agencies now believe a foreign adversary may have developed or even deployed a weapon responsible for the injuries.

The conclusion, which is consistent with earlier investigations, comes after a review by seven intelligence agencies or departments of cases of brain injuries and other symptoms reported by American diplomats, military and government staffers, who have raised concerns about the involvement of a foreign adversary.

Advertisement

In a fresh assessment issued by US intelligence on Friday, five of the seven agencies decided that it is highly improbable that a foreign opponent was responsible for the injuries.

Two of the agencies, however, reached a different conclusion, determining that there is a possibility that a foreign power may have developed or even used a weapon capable of causing the reported injuries. Such a device would presumably rely on acoustic energy, microwaves or another kind of directed energy.

Symptoms that include headaches, balance problems and difficulties with thinking and sleep were first reported in Cuba in 2016  leading to the label Havana Syndrome  and later by hundreds of American personnel in multiple countries.

The Biden administration has faced pressure to investigate following the reports from U.S. personnel of significant brain injuries and other symptoms after being targeted by what some have suggested is an effort to harass and injure Americans working overseas. But officials have been unable to find an explanation.

In the new assessment, the two agencies, which officials did not identify, did not find evidence linking any specific episode to technology developed by Russia or another country but based their findings on understandings of foreign weapon development and capability.

One of the agencies found there was a roughly even chance that a foreign government used such a weapon or prototype device in a small, undetermined number of cases affecting U.S. personnel.

Advertisement

The other agency determined that while its possible that a foreign power has developed such a weapon, its unlikely that it has been deployed in any of the cases reported to authorities.

The new findings released Friday represent a shift in key judgments by some intelligence components that demonstrates the need for additional investigation, National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said in a statement.

Our focus on these priorities remains unwavering and must continue, Savett said. It is vital that the U.S. government continue critical research, investigate credible incidents, and strengthen efforts to provide timely care and long-term clinical follow-up.

A Republican lawmaker who led a separate investigation into the unexplained incidents accused the White House of withholding evidence of foreign involvement. Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas leads the House Intelligence Committees CIA Subcommittee, which last month released a report that concluded that it is increasingly likely that a foreign adversary is responsible for some portion of the incidents.

Advertisement

In a statement, Crawford vowed to work with the incoming Trump administration to get answers for affected federal employees and the public.

Congress must continue working towards the truth and seeking accountability, Crawford said.

An intelligence official who briefed reporters on the new assessment said the two agencies that held open the possibility that a foreign government was developing or deploying a weapon responsible for the injuries expressed low confidence in their findings.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under rules set out by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, noted that other national security agencies were more confident in their determination that foreign governments were not involved and that specific information obtained by U.S. intelligence cast doubt on any foreign involvement.

Advertisement

Theres no intelligence linking a foreign actor to any specific event, the official told reporters.
Ishiba made the pledge during a visit to Jakarta, where he held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on a range of bilateral issues read more

Japan will give Indonesia two high-speed patrol boats, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Saturday, as Tokyo seeks to boost regional maritime security cooperation in the face of competing territorial claims with China.

Ishiba made the pledge during a visit to Jakarta, where he held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on a range of bilateral issues.

We agreed on establishing working-level defence consultations on our maritime security, including on defence equipment technical cooperation, Ishiba was quoted as saying in a joint statement.

Advertisement

We also agreed to provide high-speed patrol boats through Official Security Assistance, which would be our first with Indonesia.

He said the two countries also agreed to cooperate in decarbonized energy sectors, such as geothermal power, hydrogen, ammonia and biofuels.

Before arriving in Jakarta, Ishiba held talks in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, describing strengthening ties with Southeast Asia as one of the biggest priorities for Japan.

The trip, he said, made him aware of the explosive growth of the two countries and reaffirmed his view that Japan and key ally the United States must further engage the Southeast Asian nations.

Diplomatic engagement in this region is as extremely important to Japan as it is to the United States, Ishiba said.

I would like to share the understanding with (incoming president) Trump that Japan and the US working together towards the peace and stability of this region will contribute significantly to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region and the whole world.

With US encouragement as it seeks to counter China, Japan has been deepening security ties in the region.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea despite an international ruling in 2016 concluding its claims have no legal basis.

Huge unexploited oil and gas deposits are believed to lie under the South China Sea, though estimates vary greatly.

Advertisement

Last month, Japans top diplomat Takeshi Iwaya expressed serious concerns to his Chinese counterpart over Beijings increasing military activity, and also cited worries over the East China Sea situation, including around the Senkaku Islands, a chain of uninhabited islands claimed by Beijing but administered by Tokyo.

Japan is already providing equipment and other assistance to the Philippines, which is also engaged in territorial disputes with China.

Last year the Philippines ratified a key defence pact with Japan, which allows them to deploy troops on each others soil.

His trips to Malaysia and Indonesia mark Ishibas first official state visit since taking office in October.
The damaged flight data recorder had been deemed unrecoverable for data extraction by South Korean authorities, who sent it to the United States for analysis at the US National Transportation Safety Board laboratory read more

The wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft that went off the runway and crashed lies at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea. Reuters

The black boxes containing the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the wrecked Jeju Air aircraft that killed 179 people ceased recording four minutes before the accident, South Koreas transport ministry said Saturday.

On December 29, the Boeing 737-800 was travelling from Thailand to Muan, South Korea, with 181 passengers and crew when it belly-landed at the airport and exploded in a blaze after colliding with a concrete barrier.

It was the deadliest aircraft tragedy on South Korean soil.

Advertisement

The analysis revealed that both the CVR and FDR data were not recorded during the four minutes leading up to the aircrafts collision with the localiser, the transport ministry said in a statement, referring to the two recording devices.

The localiser is a barrier at the end of the runway that helps with aircraft landings and was blamed for exacerbating the crashs severity.

The damaged flight data recorder had been deemed unrecoverable for data extraction by South Korean authorities, who sent it to the United States for analysis at the US National Transportation Safety Board laboratory.

But it appears that the boxes holding clues to the flights final moments experienced data loss, leaving authorities trying to find out what happened.

Plans are in place to investigate the cause of the data loss during the ongoing accident investigation, the ministry said.

South Korean and US investigators are still probing the cause of the crash, which prompted a national outpouring of mourning with memorials set up across the country.

Committed

Investigators said the boxes were crucial to their probe but added they would not give up on trying to find out why the crash happened.

Advertisement

The investigation will be conducted through the examination and analysis of various data. The Committee is committed to doing its best to accurately determine the cause of the accident, the ministry said.

Investigators have pointed to a bird strike, faulty landing gear and the runway barrier as possible issues.

The pilot warned of a bird strike before pulling out of a first landing, then crashed on a second attempt when the landing gear did not emerge.

This week, lead investigator Lee Seung-yeol told reporters that feathers were found in one of the planes recovered engines, but cautioned a bird strike does not lead to an immediate engine failure.

Advertisement

Authorities have raided offices at Muan airport where the crash took place, a regional aviation office in the southwestern city, and Jeju Airs office in the capital Seoul.

They also barred Jeju Airs chief executive from leaving the country.

Rival parties later formed a joint task force to probe the crash, while Transport Minister Park Sang-woo offered his resignation this week.

As the minister responsible for aviation safety, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility regarding this tragedy, he said.
Lebanon and Syria will work together to secure their land borders, as well as to delineate both land and sea borders, Lebanons caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Saturday in Damascus. read more

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Saturday during his first visit to Syria since President Bashar al-Assads fall that demarcating the countries shared land and sea borders was a key concern.

In the first trip by a Lebanese prime minister to neighboring Syria in 15 years, Mikati in a joint news conference in Damscus with Syrias de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said It is among the priorities to draw up the land and sea borders between Lebanon and Syria,

Advertisement

Al-Sharaa said they had discussed issues including smuggling between the two countries, border challenges, and Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks.

Both sides agreed to establish committees to address these matters and provide support.

With inputs from agencies.
In a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who had called to congratulate him on winning the elections, Aoun said, Saudi Arabia would be the first destination in his visits abroad read more

Rice is thrown on newly-appointed General Joseph Aoun (C) as army commander, upon his arrival at his family's house in Sin El Fil, northeast of Beirut, Lebanon, March 8, 2017. File Image/Reuters

Lebanons new President Joseph Aoun on Saturday promised that his first foreign visit as the countrys leader would be to Saudi Arabia.

In a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who had called to congratulate him on winning the elections, Aoun said, Saudi Arabia would be the first destination in his visits abroad.

Earlier this week, Aoun, Lebanons army chief, was elected as the countrys president in the second round of voting, after he fell short of the two-thirds majority in the first round of the parliamentary vote.

Advertisement

He required a simple majority of 65 votes in the second round, which he secured after having got the support of 71 of the 128 lawmakers in the first round. He was required to win 86 votes in the first round to be elected as the president.

After winning the elections, the leader said, Today, a new phase in the history of Lebanon begins, as he promised to rebuild south Lebanon and other parts of the country he said had been destroyed by Israel, and also to prevent Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which was mired in deep economic and political crises even before the latest conflict.

The West Asian country has been operating without a full-fledged functional government since its last president Michel Aouns term ended in October 2022. Lebanon has tried to elect a new leader to head the government at least 12 times but all those attempts proved futile amid a deadlock in parliament between pro- and anti-Hezbollah blocs.

With inputs agencies
The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, which explore for, produce and sell oil as well as 183 vessels that have shipped Russian oil, many of which are in the so-called shadow fleet of ageing tankers operated by non-Western companies. read more

Russias Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned new US sanctions targeting Moscows energy sector, calling them an effort to damage Russias economy while risking global market instability. The ministry stated that Russia would continue pursuing major oil and gas projects despite the sanctions.

Russia would respond to Washingtons hostile actions, announced on Friday, while drawing up its foreign policy strategy, the ministry said in a statement.

The statement said the measures amounted to an attempt to inflict at least some damage to the Russian economy, even at the cost of the risk of destabilising world markets as the end approaches of President Joe Bidens inglorious tenure in power.

Advertisement

Despite the convulsions in the White House and the machinations of the Russophobic lobby in the West, trying to drag the world energy sector into the hybrid war unleashed by the United States against Russia, our country has been and remains a key and reliable player in the global fuel market.

The United States and Britain on Friday announced sanctions against Russias energy sector, including oil giant Gazprom Neft.

The US Treasury Department said it was designating more than 180 ships and Russian oil majors Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, fulfilling the G7 commitment to reduce Russian revenues from energy.

At the same time, the UK government announced sanctions against the two companies, saying their profits were lining (Russian President Vladimir) Putins war chest and facilitating the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the measures would deliver a significant blow to Moscow. The less revenue Russia earns from oil  the sooner peace will be restored, he said.

With inputs from agencies.
The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistans Balochistan with Chinas Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative read more

Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their all-weather strategic partnership, with a focus on advancing the high-quality development of the second phase of the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to media reports on Saturday.

This announcement was made during the fourth round of Pakistan-China Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC), which was held in Beijing on Friday, as reported by Geo News.

CPEC, which links Gwadar Port in Pakistans Balochistan with Chinas Xinjiang province, is a key initiative under Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It aims to expand Chinas global influence through infrastructure projects funded by Chinese investments.

Advertisement

The meeting, led by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch for Pakistan and Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong for China, reviewed the full scope of cooperation between the two nations, concentrating on the projects supporting the development of CPEC 2.0.

Both sides agreed to further deepen their mutual partnerships in sectors such as information technology, agriculture and clean energy, driven by the concept of win-win cooperation and pursuit of people-centric, inclusive development, according to an official press release.

The meeting acknowledged CPECs pivotal role in promoting regional connectivity and common prosperity, including through partnerships with other countries.

During the meeting, the foreign secretary described CPEC as the cornerstone of economic cooperation and a shining symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries, according to the report.

The Chinese vice foreign minister highlighted the mutually reinforcing relationship of the five new corridors introduced under CPEC 2.0, namely growth, livelihood, innovation, open and green corridor with Pakistans national development framework centred on 5 Es, namely, Exports, E-Pakistan, Energy, Environment and Equity.

In the meeting, Baloch described the Pakistan-China relationship as special and unique, noting that the government and people of Pakistan deeply cherished the enduring friendship between the two countries.

Advertisement

Islamabad and Beijing also underscored the need to strengthen their mutual coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations Security Council, the statement added.

Later, the foreign secretary also held a meeting with Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu during which they exchanged views on bilateral ties as well as on regional and international issues of common interest, according to the report.

With inputs from agencies.
Earlier this week, US and Arab mediators made some progress in their efforts to reach a ceasefire accord between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, but not enough to seal a deal read more

Demonstrators gather with signs during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held captive since the October 7 attacks by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, outside the Israeli Defence Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on December 21, 2024 AFP File

US President-elect Donald Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was briefed about the progress made in the Israel-Hamas mediation talks by Qatar which has been brokering the deal alongside Egypt and the United States.

The Qatari foreign ministry said that during his meeting with Witkoff, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani discussed the latest developments in the region, especially the efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Advertisement

The latest bid to push for a ceasefire in Gaza was launched earlier this month with an aim to bring back dozens of Israeli hostages still held captive in the Palestinian territory.

Diplomatic sources have indicated mounting international pressure on Hamas and Israel to strike a deal in their indirect negotiations.

Some progress made

Earlier this week, US and Arab mediators made some progress in their efforts to reach a ceasefire accord between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, but not enough to seal a deal.

Were making some real progress, US President Joe Biden told reporters at the White House. Im still hopeful that well be able to have a prisoner exchange, he said, adding Hamas was getting in the way of that. The president said he met with negotiators on Thursday.

Meanwhile, there is imminent pressure from the incoming US president who said there will be hell to pay if all the hostages are not returned before his inauguration day on January 20.

However, several analysts believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prefers a deal to be finalised under Trumps presidency rather than in the final days of Joe Bidens administration.

Death toll in Gaza far more than official records

The death toll in Gaza in the first nine months of the Israel-Hamas war is 40 per cent higher than what the Palestinian health ministry has officially recorded, research published in the Lancet medical journal has revealed.

The study aimed to estimate the number of fatalities resulting from Israels air and ground operations in Gaza from October 2023 to the end of June 2024.

Advertisement

Researchers concluded that approximately 64,260 people died from traumatic injuries during this time, with 59.1 per cent identified as women, children, and individuals over 65 years old.

With inputs from agencies
More than 13 years of conflict in Syria have killed more than half a million people, ravaged the economy, and pushed millions to flee their homes, including to Europe. read more

Saudi Arabia is hosting foreign ministers from the Middle East and Europe on Sunday for talks on Syrias transition after the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, a Saudi official told AFP.

Tomorrow there will be two meetings. The first one is amongst the Arab states. The second one will include Arab states and other countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Turkey and Spain, the official said on Saturday.

The talks will focus on Syria in general including support for the new administration and the possible lifting of sanctions, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Advertisement

Syria has been under deeply isolating sanctions by the U.Ses, the European Union and others for years as a result of Assads brutal response to what began as peaceful anti-government protests in 2011 and spiraled into civil war.

US Under Secretary of State John Bass is also set to attend what the State Department described in a statement as a Saudi-hosted multilateral meeting of senior government officials from the region and global partners to coordinate international support for the Syrian people.

Bass is coming from Turkey where he held talks on Syria with senior officials, the statement said.

The Turkish and German foreign ministers are among the other officials who had confirmed their attendance as of Saturday evening.

The meeting is a continuation of talks on post-Assad Syria held last month in Jordan, the Saudi official said.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham led a lightning insurgency that ousted Assad on Dec. 8 and ended his familys decades-long rule. From 2011 until Assads downfall, Syrias uprising and civil war killed an estimated 500,000 people.

The U.S. has gradually lifted some penalties since Assad departed Syria for protection in Russia. The Biden administration in December decided to drop a $10 million bounty it had offered for the capture of a Syrian rebel leader whose forces led the ouster of Assad last month.

Advertisement

Syrias new leaders also have been urged to respect the rights of minorities and women. Many Syrian Christians, who made up 10% of the population before Syrias civil war, either fled the country or supported Assad out of fear of Islamist insurgents.

With inputs from agencies
The rift began when Ethiopia signed a controversial agreement with Somaliland, Somalias breakaway region, reportedly offering to recognise its independence in exchange for a Red Sea port and a military base read more

A Somali police officers stands guard during a march against the Ethiopia-Somaliland port deal along KM4 street in Mogadishu, Somalia January 11, 2024.- File Photo- Reuters

Somalia and Ethiopia announced Saturday (January 11) that they would restore full diplomatic relations, bringing a year-long rift that had deepened instability in the Horn of Africa to a close.

The agreement came during Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamuds visit to Ethiopia, where he and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed pledged to restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic relations in their respective capitals, according to a joint statement.

Rift over Somaliland

The rift began when Ethiopia signed a controversial agreement with Somaliland, Somalias breakaway region, reportedly offering to recognise its independence in exchange for a Red Sea port and a military base. The deal sparked outrage in Mogadishu, leading Somalia to expel Ethiopias ambassador last April and sever diplomatic ties.

A peace deal mediated by Turkey and signed last month paved the way for Saturdays reconciliation. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement, calling it a testament to their spirit of friendship and solidarity.

Advertisement

Cooperation on trade and security

During his visit to Addis Ababa, Mohamud and Abiy also discussed strengthening trade and security cooperation, particularly in combating extremist militant groups that threaten the region.

However, key questions remain unresolved, including the specifics of Ethiopias potential access to the sea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had previously suggested that the peace deal would offer Ethiopia a form of sea access, but the exact details remain unclear.

The future of Ethiopias agreement with Somaliland is similarly uncertain.

Regional tensions persist

Hours before Mohamuds visit, tensions over the Red Seas security were underscored during a meeting in Cairo between Somalias Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and his counterparts from Egypt and Eritrea.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the importance of Red Sea sovereignty, saying, The Red Sea and its security is subject only to the will of the countries on its coast, and it is absolutely unacceptable for any country not bordering the Red Sea to have a presence, whether military, naval, or otherwise.

Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia forged a regional alliance in October, further solidifying their opposition to Ethiopias regional ambitions. Egyptian troops have also joined the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), an international coalition launched this month to combat Somali Islamist insurgents.

With inputs from agencies
Members of Sudan's security forces walk past supporters in the opening ceremony of a headquarter facility in the army-controlled Port Sudan, where the government loyal to the army is based on the Red Sea coast, on October 28, 2024. Image- AFP

The Sudanese military and allied armed groups launched an offensive Saturday (January 11), entering the Al-Jazira state capital of Wad Madani after more than a year under the control of paramilitary forces, the army announced.

In a statement, the armed forces congratulated the Sudanese people in a move that the office of government spokesman and Information Minister Khalid al-Aiser described as having liberated the city.

Army celebrates win

A video shared by the army on social media appeared to show fighters inside the city near Hantoub Bridge, on Wad Madanis northern edge, which has been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries since December 2023. AFP cited an army source as saying that troops had stormed the citys eastern entrance.

Eyewitness accounts reported army forces spreading throughout Wad Madani, with celebrations erupting in army-controlled cities across the country. A months-long communications blackout was still in place on ground.

Advertisement

Wars toll on civilians

The ongoing conflict between Sudans army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has created what the United Nations has called the worlds worst displacement crisis. The war has killed tens of thousands and forced over 12 million people from their homes, with more than three million fleeing across borders.

In the early stages of the war, Al-Jazira had became a refuge for over half a million people displaced by the Sudan civil war.

However, a December 2023 offensive by the RSF paramilitary uprooted more than 300,000, leaving many repeatedly displaced. The United States recently accused the RSF of committing genocide in the conflict.

The fighting has devastated Sudan, with famine declared in parts of the country and millions in desperate need of aid. The conflict has also destabilised the region, with refugees crossing borders to reach South Sudan, Chad, and other countries in the neighbourhood.

With inputs from agencies
Sayyida Zeinab, a significant site for Shiite pilgrims, has previously been targeted by IS. The Sunni group, which considers Shiites infidels, has carried out attacks in the area, including a 2023 motorcycle bombing that killed six people and injured dozens a day before Ashura read more

A resurgence in the activities of Islamic State has been reported in Syria. AP

Intelligence officials in Syrias new de facto government thwarted a planned bombing by the Islamic State group at a prominent Shiite shrine in the Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab, state media reported Saturday (January 12).

The state-run SANA news agency, citing an unnamed official in the General Intelligence Service, reported that members of the Islamic State cell involved in the plot were apprehended.

According to the official, the intelligence service is putting all its capabilities to stand in the face of all attempts to target the Syrian people in all their spectrums.

Advertisement

Sayyida Zeinab, a significant site for Shiite pilgrims, has previously been targeted by IS. The Sunni group, which considers Shiites infidels, has carried out attacks in the area, including a 2023 motorcycle bombing that killed six people and injured dozens a day before the holy day of Ashura.

New leadership reassures minorities

The announcement comes as Syrias new rulers seek to reassure religious minorities in the aftermath of President Bashar Assads ousting. Sayyida Zeinab is a site of symbolic importance to Shiites, and the thwarted attack underscores ongoing tensions in the country.

Assad, a member of the Alawite minority, was closely allied with Shiite groups, including Iran, Hezbollah, and Iraqi militias. The new de facto rulers, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led the offensive that toppled Assad last month. HTS, a Sunni Islamist group, previously had ties with al-Qaeda but split from the organisation.

HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has since preached religious coexistence, a message aimed at easing sectarian fears. The groups leadership has taken steps to maintain stability and security amid Syrias complex religious and political dynamics.

Lebanese PM visits Damascus

In a related development, Lebanons caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati arrived in Damascus on Saturday for talks with al-Sharaa.

Relations between Lebanon and Syria had been strained under Assad, with Lebanons political factions deeply divided over support for the former leader.

The meeting signals a potential thaw in ties between the two nations as Syria transitions under its new leadership.

With inputs from agencies
On January 19, 2021, 17,066 COVID-19 patients died globally, the second time daily fatalities surpassed the 17,000 mark since the pandemic began. read more

On January 11, 2020, China reported the first known COVID-19-related deatha 61-year-old regular at Wuhans market. Five years later, the virus remains a global presence, though humanity has gained immunity through vaccinations and infections. While less deadly than during the pandemics early days, COVID-19 continues to evolve, requiring ongoing scientific vigilance.

A year after the first reported death, January 12, 2021, the highest single-day global fatalities with 17,330 deaths recorded. The US reached 400,000 cumulative deaths on the same day, while Europe led in daily deaths. In contrast, Asia, particularly India, saw a decline in fatalities.

Advertisement

On January 19, 2021, another grim milestone was reached with 17,066 deaths worldwide, highlighting the pandemics devastating toll. As the world reflects on the past five years, understanding the viruss trajectory remains crucial for preventing future crises.

COVID-19 origin remains a mystery

The origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still a topic of ongoing research and debate. While the exact source of the virus is still unclear, studies suggest that it is likely of zoonotic origin, meaning it was transmitted from animals to humans.

Research has shown that the coronaviruses most closely related to SARS-CoV-2 are found in bats and pangolins, suggesting that these mammals may be the reservoir of the virus. However, neither of the viruses identified in these species is sufficiently similar to SARS-CoV-2 to be its direct progenitor.

The Huanan market in Wuhan, China, has been identified as a possible early source of the outbreak, but its unclear if it was the source or just one of the early transmission hubs. Some studies suggest that the virus may have circulated in other countries before it was first detected in Wuhan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for further studies and data on the origin of SARS-CoV-2, and the investigation is ongoing.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged China to provide more data to investigators examining the origins of the pandemic, emphasizing that transparency is a moral and scientific imperative essential for helping countries prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics.

The true origins of the pandemic may remain unknown for many yearsif ever.

Deaths, vaccinations and uncertainty: Over 20 million killed

The true global death toll from COVID-19 likely exceeds 20 million, according to the WHO, which has recorded over seven million reported deaths but estimates the actual number to be at least three times higher. In Europe alone, nearly 2.3 million deaths have been reported since 2020, with older adults making up the majority of hospitalizations and fatalities.

We cannot talk about COVID in the past, since its still with us, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasizing the viruss ongoing impact.

Vaccines were developed in record time, saving tens of millions of lives worldwide. Less than a year after the virus was identified, Pfizer and Modernas mRNA vaccines were cleared for use in the US and UK, thanks to years of prior research. Since 2021, over 13 billion doses have been administered globally, though rollout in poorer nations was initially slow.

Advertisement

The vaccines have proven highly effective in preventing severe illness and death, with rare serious side effects. However, protection against milder infections wanes after a few months, requiring updated shots to match the evolving virus. Efforts to develop next-generation vaccines, such as nasal sprays aimed at blocking infection more effectively, are ongoing.
The SBU security service gave some details of the mens interrogation, saying both described themselves as experienced soldiers and one said he had been sent to Russia for training, not to fight read more

North Korean soldiers participate in a demonstration. It is reported that dozens of North Korean soldiers have made their way to Moscow to fight the ongoing war in Ukraine. File image/Reuters

Ukraine said Saturday that investigators were questioning two wounded North Korean soldiers after they were captured in Russias Kursk region, saying they provided indisputable evidence that North Koreans were fighting for Moscow.It is not the first time that Kyiv has claimed the capture of North Korean soldiers during its Kursk incursion but it has not reported being able to question any before.

In December it said it took several captive but they died from serious wounds.

Our soldiers captured North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. These are two soldiers who, although wounded, survived and were brought to Kyiv, and are talking to SBU investigators, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media.

The SBU security service gave some details of the mens interrogation, saying both described themselves as experienced soldiers and one said he had been sent to Russia for training, not to fight.

Advertisement

But Ukraine has not provided any evidence that the men are North Korean.

In video released by the SBU, two men with Asian features are shown in hospital bunks, one with bandaged hands and the other with a bandaged jaw. A doctor at the detention centre says the second man also has a broken leg.

World needs to know

Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to reinforce Russias military, including in the Kursk border region where Ukraine mounted a shock incursion in August last year.

Zelensky had said in late December that Ukraine had captured several seriously wounded North Korean soldiers who later died.

He said Saturday that it was difficult to capture North Koreans fighting because Russians and other North Korean soldiers finish off their wounded and do everything to prevent evidence of the participation of another state, North Korea, in the war against Ukraine.

He said he would provide media access to the prisoners of war because the world needs to know what is happening.

Ukraines Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga wrote on X that the first North Korean prisoners of war are now in Kyiv, calling them regular DPRK troops, not mercenaries.

We need maximum pressure against regimes in Moscow and Pyongyang, he wrote.

The men do not speak Russian or Ukrainian and communication is through Korean interpreters, the SBU said, adding that this was in cooperation with South Koreas National Intelligence Service.

The SBU video does not show the men speaking Korean. AFP reporters in Seoul have contacted the NIS for comment.

Advertisement

Undisputable evidence

The SBU said the mens capture provided indisputable evidence of the DPRKs participation in Russias war against our country.

It showed a Russian army ID card issued to a 26-year-old man from Russias Tyva region bordering Mongolia.

The SBU said that one POW carried this military ID card issued in the name of another person while the other had no documents at all.

Some reports have said Russia is hiding North Korean fighters by giving them fake IDs.

The SBU said the man with the Tyvan ID had told them he was given it in Russia in autumn 2024 when some North Korean combat units had one-week interoperability training with Russian units.

The man said he believed he was going for training, not to fight a war against Ukraine, the SBU said.

Advertisement

The man said he was a rifleman born in 2005 and had been in the North Korean army since 2021.

The other man wrote answers because of an injured jaw, saying he was born in 1999, joined the army in 2016 and was a scout sniper, the SBU said.

The SBU said the men were captured separately  one on Thursday  by special forces and paratroopers.

They are being provided with medical care and held in appropriate conditions that meet the requirements of international law, the SBU said.

Russias army said Saturday that it had gained territory in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region northwest of the logistics hub of Kurakhove, which it claimed to have captured Monday.

Advertisement

The defence ministry said troops had liberated Shevchenko, a rural settlement about 10 kilometres (six miles) northwest of Kurakhove.

Shevchenko, a large village, is located west of the reservoir near Kurakhove and is necessary to take under control, to protect the town from shelling, the RIA Novosti state news agency reported.

Now Russian troops can move further towards the western border of the Donetsk Peoples Republic, it said.

Russia claims to have annexed the Donetsk region, which it refers to as the Donetsk Peoples Republic, though it does not control the whole region.

Ukraine has not confirmed the loss of Kurakhove, which had around 18,000 inhabitants before Russia launched its 2022 offensive.

Advertisement

The Ukrainian militarys General Staff said Saturday that troops had stopped Russias offensive actions in the area, including around Kurakhove.

Russia is also moving close to taking the vital frontline city of Pokrovsk north of Kurakhove.

Donetsks regional governor Vadym Filashkin said Saturday that one person had been killed and another wounded in Pokrovsk over the last day.

In the southern Zaporizhzhia region, a Russian drone attacked a car in a village near the front line, killing a 47-year-old woman on the spot, its governor Ivan Fedorov wrote on Telegram.
Rachel Reeves, who is travelling with a delegation of British business leaders, will meet top Chinese finance and economic officials including Vice Premier He Lifeng read more

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attend a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. AP

Britains Treasury chief kicked off a visit to China on Saturday aimed at boosting economic and financial cooperation between the countries, as the U.K.s Labour government seeks to reset strained ties with Beijing.

Rachel Reeves, who is travelling with a delegation of British business leaders, will meet top Chinese finance and economic officials including Vice Premier He Lifeng.

Growth is the number one mission of this Labour government. And to grow the economy, we need to help great British businesses export around the world, Reeves said on Saturday as she visited a store of the British folding bike maker Brompton in Beijing.

Advertisement

She added the aim of her visit was to unlock tangible benefits for British businesses exporting and trading around the world, to ensure that we have greater access to the second biggest economy in the world.

A priority for Reeves trip is reviving the China-U.K. Economic and Financial Dialogue  annual bilateral talks that have been suspended since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and deteriorating relations. London hopes renewed dialogues will help bring down barriers that U.K. businesses face when looking to export or expand to China.

The talks were shelved after ties sourced following a series of spying allegations from both sides, Chinas support for Russia in the Ukraine war and a crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong, a former British colony.

British officials said Reeves will also urge Beijing to stop its material and economic support for the Russian war effort in Ukraine and raise the issue of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

The delegation includes Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and the CEOs of the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority and the London Stock Exchange Group. Senior executives from some of Britains biggest financial services firms, including the group chairmen of HSBC and Standard Chartered, were also included.

Advertisement

Reeves visit comes after Foreign Secretary David Lammy travelled to China in October and Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil in November.

Its all part of a bid by Starmer, who was elected as leader in July, to strengthen political and economic ties with China, the U.K.s fourth-largest single trading partner according to the Treasury.

Officials said Starmer wanted a pragmatic approach to working with Beijing on global stability, climate change and the transition to clean energy.

But some in the opposition Conservative Party have criticized his stance and said trade ties should not come at the expense of national security and human rights concerns.

Advertisement

British political leaders and intelligence chiefs have warned repeatedly that China poses security threats. Calls to tackle the challenge grew louder last month when it emerged that an alleged Chinese spy had cultivated close ties with Prince Andrew and carried out covert and deceptive activity for Chinas ruling Communist Party, according to officials.

National security is the foundation of what any government acting in the national interest will prioritize, Reeves said. But we need to make sure that we have pragmatic and good relations with countries around the world. That is in our national interest.
The remarks from the 82-year-old president came with just over a week left in his term. Before taking questions from the reporters, Biden gave prepared remarks touting job gains and underscoring the economic accomplishments read more

In an impromptu press conference on Friday evening, US President Joe Biden reiterated that he had no regrets about dropping his re-election bid. However, what garnered attention was when the POTUS said that he would have defeated the current US President-elect Donald Trump if he was still in the race.

The remarks from the 82-year-old president came with just over a week left in his term. Before taking questions from the reporters, Biden gave prepared remarks touting job gains and underscoring the economic accomplishments he has boasted about throughout his term. He discussed an array of topics while taking up questions from the reporters.

Advertisement

During the impromptu presser, Biden detailed the rationale for stepping out of the race in July after a deplorable debate performance. I thought it was important to unify the party, Biden said when asked if he had any regrets. Even though I thought I could win again, it was always better to unify the party. And I had the greatest honor in my life to be president United States, but I didnt want to be one who caused a party that wasnt unified to lose an election. And thats why I stepped aside," he added.

Biden on Harriss future

The president insisted that he stepped aside from the race because he was confident that his Vice President Kamala Harris could have won the November 5 battle against Trump. However, the American Commander-in-chief maintained that Harris is competent enough to run again in four years if she so chooses. I think shes competent to run again in four years. That will be a decision for her to make, the 82-year-old said just 10 days before leaving the White House.

As of now, Harris has not revealed whether she would run for the White House again or pursue any other elected office. Biden, who was the oldest sitting president of the United States first ignored the question during an evening Q&A with journalists after he defended his own decision to seek re-election last year. Asked if his dropping out made it easier for Trump to be in the race. Biden responded: I dont think so.

It is pertinent to note that Harris won the lowest Electoral College votes of any Democratic candidate since Michael Dukakis in 1988. Many believe if she decides to run again, she is likely to face tough competition for the 2028 Democratic Party nomination.

While concluding the presser, Biden told the reporters that he plans to remain in the public eye after leaving office  unlike some predecessors, such as George W. Bush, who almost never makes public remarks on contemporary politics. Im not going to be out of sight or out of mind, he said.

Advertisement

With inputs from agencies.
The initiative would protect 230,000 Salvadorans and 600,000 Venezuelans living in the US from the wrath of the incoming Republican rule. read more

As the United States prepares itself for the comeback of US President-elect Donald Trump, the current President Joe Biden and his administration on Friday extended temporary humanitarian protections for about 800,000 immigrants. The initiative would protect 230,000 Salvadorans and 600,000 Venezuelans living in the US from the wrath of the incoming Republican rule. Democrats have been worried after Trump pledged to launch the biggest deportation campaign in American history.

The decision from the outgoing administration came after several immigrant advocates and lawmakers urged the Department of Homeland Security to extend temporary protected status (TPS). The provision is designed to protect immigrants from deportation to countries that are embroiled in any sort of disaster or conflict.

Advertisement

DHS cited environmental conditions in El Salvador  which in recent times has been hit by a series of extreme weather events - as the main reason which is preventing individuals from returning to the country. Meanwhile, the federal agency extended protection for Venezuelan individuals from returning to the country. Interestingly, the announcement came just hours after Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third term in Caracas.

Biden administration provides safety nets to deal with the Trump storm

Maduro assumed the office, despite widespread condemnation at both the international and domestic level. Shortly after his oath-taking ceremony, the United States placed a $65 million bounty on the Venezuelan leaders arrest and the arrests of two close allies on international drug-trafficking charges, The Guardian reported.

It is pertinent to note that about a million immigrants from 17 nations are protected by TPS, including people from Venezuela, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Afghanistan, Sudan and Lebanon. Among them, Salvadorans are one of the largest beneficiaries, having won TPS in 2001 after earthquakes rocked the Central American nation. While TPS gives people the legal authority to stay in the United States it does not provide a long-term path towards American citizenship.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump and his running mate JD Vance suggested that they would scale back the use of TPS and the provision of granting temporary status to immigrants. In his first stint in the White House, the Republican firebrand ended TPS for El Salvador, but the process was held up in court.

Human rights advocates are describing Bidens decision to extend TPS provision as a small victory. This extension is just a small victory, said Felipe Arnoldo Diaz, an activist with the National TPS Alliance. Our biggest concern is that after El Salvador, there are countries whose TPS are expiring soon and are being left out, like Venezuela, Nepal, Sudan, Nicaragua and Honduras, he added.

Advertisement

With inputs from the Associated Press.
Out of the 11, five of those deaths occurred due to the deadly Palisades fire, and the other six resulted from the Eaton fire. read more

The death toll in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires has climbed up to 11 as California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the investigation into claims about the shortage of water. The LA County Medical Examiners Office confirmed the recent toll, warning that the number could increase as the day passes.

Out of the 11, five of those deaths occurred due to the deadly Palisades fire, and the other six resulted from the Eaton fire. Officials maintained that cadaver dogs are investigating levelled neighbourhoods in search of bodies or survivors in the region. Five of those killed in Eaton have been identified by their respective families as of now.

Advertisement

The rampage and destruction caused by the wildfires are now being seen as the worst the city witnessed in recent history. The blaze which began on January 7 torched the second-largest American city, leading to the destruction of 10,000 structures. Roughly 150,000 Los Angeles County residents remain under evacuation orders. The authorities noted that the LA fires have already burned an area twice the size of Manhattan.

Newsom orders an investigation into the issue of low water pressure

California Governor Gavin Newsom said that he called for an independent investigation into the claims of the loss of water pressure to some fire hydrants and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir. In a letter to the LA Department of Water and Power Chief Janisse Quinones and LA County Public Works Director Mark Pastrella, Newsom described the reports as deeply troubling, The Guardian reported.

While water supplies from local fire hydrants are not designed to extinguish wildfires over large areas, losing supplies from fire hydrants likely impaired the effort to protect some homes and evacuation corridors, he wrote. We need answers to how that happened, he added.

Both US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris reacted to the devastating situation in California. Biden reiterated the warning that the death toll in the California wildfires is most likely to increase, comparing the devastation to a war scene. It reminded me of more of a war scene, where you had certain targets that were bombarded, Biden said from the White Houses Oval Office during a briefing on the fires.

Meanwhile, Harris, who came from California herself said in the press briefing with Joe Biden and California governor Gavin Newsom that we are witnessing mass devastation and that the effect of the historic wildfires is going to linger for quite some time. There are moments where we should find optimism in the heroism of people." she furthered.

It is pertinent to note that the state of California has witnessed several wildfires in recent years as the climate crisis makes blazes more frequent, more intense and less predictable. The worst wildfire California witnessed was in 2018 when the campfire eventually levelled the town of Paradise. 85 people lost their lives in the inferno and more than 18,000 structures were destroyed.

Advertisement

With inputs from agencies.
Donald Trumps incoming Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg told an Iranian opposition event in Paris that there was an opportunity to change Iran for the better but that this opportunity would not last forever. read more

The world must return to a policy of maximum pressure against Iran to turn it into a more democratic country, US President-elect Donald Trumps incoming Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg told an Iranian opposition event in Paris on Saturday.

Trump has vowed to return to the policy he pursued in his previous term that sought to wreck Irans economy to force the country to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme, ballistic missile programme and regional activities.

Advertisement

These pressures are not just kinetic, just not military force, but they must be economic and diplomatic as well, Retired Lieutenant-General Kellogg, who is set to serve as Trumps special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, told the audience at Paris-based Iranian opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).

He said there was an opportunity to change Iran for the better but that this opportunity would not last forever.

We must exploit the weakness we now see. The hope is there, so must too be the action.

He has previously spoken at NCRI events, most recently in November, but his presence in Paris, even if in a personal capacity, suggests the group has the ear of the new US administration.

Kellogg postponed a trip to European capitals earlier this month until after Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20.

It was unclear whether he would use his trip top Paris to meet French officials to discuss Ukraine. The French presidency, foreign ministry, Trumps transition team did not immediately respond for comment.

Incoming US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also spoken at NCRI events in the past. The group has repeatedly called for the fall of the existing Iranian authorities, although it is unclear how much support it has within Iran.

Speaking at the start of the event at Auvers-sur-Oise, the groups headquarters on the outskirts of Paris, NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi said the regional balance of power had shifted against Irans leadership with the all of Syrias President Bashar al-Assad and the crushing blow suffered by its most important ally Hezbollah is its war with Israel.

Advertisement

It is time for Western governments to abandon past policies and stand with the Iranian people this time, she said.

The NCRI, the political arm of the Peoples Mujahideen Organisation of Iran (PMOI), has held frequent rallies in the France, often attended by high profile former US, European and Arab officials critical of the Islamic Republic.
Online, on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, slave labour is being discussed in light of deployment of certain firefighters to douse the LA fires. The reason behind that is the 13th Amendment read more

Firefighters battle the Eaton Fire as it engulfs structures Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California. AP

Hundreds of incarcerated firefighters are battling the widespread Los Angeles fire in California.

As powerful winds and dry conditions drive multiple blazes across the region, the task of the dangerous job the firefighters are doing is necessary.

However, online, it has ignited a discourse on slavery.

Government officials use legal slavery to combat the effects of climate change (caused by their billionaire friends), a user who goes by @somegr8feeler posted on social media platform X.

Advertisement

Prisoners are going to be at the front lines of the LA fires. Government officials use legal slavery to combat the effects of climate change (caused by their billionaire friends). There are 2 current congressional bills to end legal slavery & fix the 13th amendment loophole pic.twitter.com/5Ht3n8lzoU  loverboy butch  (@somegr8feeler) January 8, 2025

Another user, who goes by @Tim_Chatterton, wrote, Hmmm. Looks like property of the wealthy is being protected by (near) #SlaveLabour. What other delights will our #ClimateFuture bring us?

On Reddit, a user wrote, And these prisoners that are out there saving lives and risking their own to do so are being paid like ten dollars a day. There needs to be some uproar and demands by the public to change the prison slave labor thats allowed to happen.

But why is slave labour being brought up in this context?

Its because of the 13th Amendment.

The 13th Amendment

The 13th Amendment reads:

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

This clause has allowed for convict-leasing something critics have called a new form of slavery.

Advertisement

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) reported Thursday (January 9) that 783 incarcerated individuals have been deployed to assist nearly 2,000 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) personnel in combating the blazes, according to a recent report by the Guardian.

The CDCR operates more than 30 fire camps statewide, where incarcerated people serving prison sentences are trained in firefighting and deployed to emergencies, including wildfires, floods, and other disasters.

Historically, these crews have accounted for as much as 30 per cent of Californias wildfire response force, making them an important component of the states strategy amid increasingly severe fire seasons driven by the climate crisis.

Advertisement

Underpaid volunteers: Slavery by another name?

In defence of the practice, it is often cited that firefighting positions are voluntary and require participants to meet specific criteria. Incarcerated individuals are not assigned to these roles without their consent.

However, at present, the incarcerated firefighters receive an extremely low pay a maximum of $10.24 per day, according to Forbes for the dangerous and physically demanding work.

Critics argue that the meagre pay and lack of long-term benefitslike pathways to employment as firefighters after releaseare emblematic of systemic inequities in prison labour.

Broader context of prison labour in US

The debate over the use of prison labor extends beyond firefighting. Nationwide, incarcerated workers contribute an estimated $11 billion annually in labour, often receiving pennies per hour.

Their work included producing hand sanitiser, digging mass graves during the COVID-19 pandemic, and cleaning up hazardous materials.
The US Treasury announced on Friday that some of the measures will be turned into a law which would effectively mean that if the incoming Trump administration decides to overturn them, they would have to seek the approval of the Congress read more

A worker checks the valve of an oil pipe at an oil field owned by Bashneft company near Nikolo-Berezovka. Reuters file

Just days before Donald Trumps inauguration, the Biden administration imposed some of its toughest sanctions on the Russian oil industry with an aim to dismantle Moscows war machine that is fuelling the war in Ukraine.

More than 200 entities and individuals, including traders and officials, insurance companies, and oil tankers, have been subject to the sanctions.

The US Treasury announced on Friday that some of the measures will be turned into a law which would effectively mean that if the incoming Trump administration decides to overturn them, they would have to seek the approval of the Congress.

Advertisement

The United States is taking sweeping action against Russias key source of revenue for funding its brutal and illegal war against Ukraine, said Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen.

She added, This action builds on, and strengthens, our focus since the beginning of the war on disrupting the Kremlins energy revenues, including through the G7+ price cap launched in 2022. With todays actions, we are ratcheting up the sanctions risk associated with Russias oil trade, including shipping and financial facilitation in support of Russias oil exports.

Which Russian entities have been hit?

The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, which explore for, produce and sell oil as well as 183 vessels that have shipped Russian oil, many of which are in the so-called shadow fleet of ageing tankers operated by non-Western companies. The sanctions also include networks that trade petroleum.

The Treasury also rescinded a provision that had exempted the intermediation of energy payments from sanctions on Russian banks.

The sanctions should cost Russia billions of dollars per month if sufficiently enforced, another US official told Reuters in a call.

There is not a step in the production and distribution chain thats untouched and that gives us greater confidence that evasion is going to be even more costly for Russia, the official said.

UK joins US

For the first time since Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK will join the US in imposing direct sanctions on energy companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas.

Advertisement

Taking on Russian oil companies will drain Russias war chest  and every ruble we take from Putins hands helps save Ukrainian lives, said Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Oil prices rally

Oil prices rallied nearly 3 per cent to their highest in three months on Friday as traders braced for supply disruptions.

Brent crude futures settled at $79.76 a barrel, up $2.84, or 3.7 per cent, after crossing $80 a barrel for the first time since October 7.

US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose $2.65, or 3.6 per cent, to settle at $76.57 per barrel, also a three-month high.

At their session high, both contracts were up more than 4 per cent after traders in Europe and Asia circulated an unverified document detailing the sanctions.

With inputs from Reuters

Advertisement
Recordings and chat records obtained exclusively by the AP show that on Jan. 8, the Uyghur detainees were asked to sign voluntary deportation papers by Thai immigration officials read more

A group of Uyghur men who were detained in Thailand over a decade ago say that the Thai government is preparing to deport them to China, alarming activists and family members who say the men are at risk of abuse and torture if they are sent back.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, 43 Uyghur men held in Bangkok made a public appeal to halt what they called an imminent threat of deportation.

Advertisement

We could be imprisoned, and we might even lose our lives, the letter said. We urgently appeal to all international organizations and countries concerned with human rights to intervene immediately to save us from this tragic fate before it is too late.

The Uyghurs are a Turkic, majority Muslim ethnicity native to Chinas far west Xinjiang region. After decades of conflict with Beijing over discrimination and suppression of their cultural identity, the Chinese government launched a brutal crackdown on the Uyghurs that some Western governments deem a genocide. Hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs, possibly a million or more, were swept into camps and prisons, with former detainees reporting abuse, disease, and in some cases, death.

Over 300 Uyghurs fleeing China were detained in 2014 by Thai authorities near the Malaysian border. In 2015, Thailand deported 109 detainees to China against their will, prompting international outcry. Another group of 173 Uyghurs, mostly women and children, were sent to Turkey, leaving 53 Uyghurs stuck in Thai immigration detention and seeking asylum. Since then, five have died in detention, including two children.

Of the 48 still detained by Thai authorities, five are serving prison terms after a failed escape attempt. It is unclear whether they face the same fate as those in immigration detention.

Advocates and relatives describe harsh conditions in immigration detention. They say the men are fed poorly, kept in overcrowded concrete cells with few toilets, denied sanitary goods like toothbrushes or razors, and are forbidden contact with relatives, lawyers, and international organizations. The Thai governments treatment of the detainees may constitute a violation of international law, according to a February 2024 letter sent to the Thai government by United Nations human rights experts.

Advertisement

The immigration police has said they have been trying to take care of the detainees as best as they could.

Recordings and chat records obtained exclusively by the AP show that on Jan. 8, the Uyghur detainees were asked to sign voluntary deportation papers by Thai immigration officials.

The move panicked detainees, as similar documents were presented to the Uyghurs deported to China in 2015. The detainees refused to sign.

Three people, including a Thai lawmaker and two others in touch with Thai authorities, told the AP there have been recent discussions within the government about deporting the Uyghurs to China, though the people had not yet seen or heard of any formal directive to do so.

Advertisement

Two of the people said that Thai officials pushing for the deportations are choosing to do so now because this year is the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, and because of the perception that backlash from Washington will be muted as the U.S. prepares for a presidential transition in less than two weeks.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity in order to describe sensitive internal discussions. The Thai and Chinese foreign ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Beijing says the Uyghurs are jihadists, but has not presented evidence. Uyghur activists and rights groups say the men are innocent and expressed alarm over their possible deportation, saying they face persecution, imprisonment, and possible death back in China.

Advertisement

Theres no evidence that the 43 Uyghurs have committed any crime, said Peter Irwin, Associate Director for Research and Advocacy at the Uyghur Human Rights Project. The group has a clear right not to be deported and theyre acting within international law by fleeing China.

On Saturday morning, the detention center where the Uyghurs are being held was quiet. A guard told a visiting AP journalist the center was closed until Monday.

Two people with direct knowledge of the matter told the AP that all of the Uyghurs detained in Thailand submitted asylum applications to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which the AP verified by reviewing copies of the letters. The U.N. agency acknowledged receipt of the applications but has been barred from visiting the Uyghurs by the Thai government to this day, the people said.

Advertisement

The UNHCR did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Relatives of three of the Uyghurs detained told the AP that they were worried about the safety of their loved ones.

We are all in the same situation  constant worry and fear, said Bilal Ablet, whose elder brother is detained in Thailand. World governments all know about this, but I think theyre pretending not to see or hear anything because theyre afraid of Chinese pressure.

Ablet added that Thai officials told his brother no other government was willing to accept the Uyghurs, though an April 2023 letter authored by the chairwoman of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand first leaked to the New York Times Magazine and independently seen by the AP said there are countries that are ready to take these detainees to settle down.

Abdullah Muhammad, a Uyghur living in Turkey, said his father Muhammad Ahun is one of the men detained in Thailand. Muhammad says though his father crossed into Thailand illegally, he was innocent of any other crime and had already paid fines and spent over a decade in detention.

I dont understand what this is for. Why? Muhammad said. We have nothing to do with terrorism and we have not committed any terrorism.
Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was briefed about the progress made in the Israel-Hamas mediation talks by Qatar which has been brokering the deal alongside Egypt and the United States read more

Einav Zangauker, center, mother of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker takes part in a protest following a Hamas video release of Matan making an emotional plea for his release and describing the conditions he and other hostages face in Gaza after being seized in the October 7 attack, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 7, 2024. AP

Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns on Saturday said that the White House is working at ways to reach a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas before US President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on January 20.

The development comes as Trump warned in December that there will be hell to pay if all the hostages are not returned before his inauguration day scheduled to be held in over a week.

Negotiations going on right now are quite serious and do offer the possibility, at least, of getting this done in the next couple of weeks, Burns said in an interview with National Public Radio.

Advertisement

He added, This administration worked very hard at that right up until 20 January. I think the coordination with the new administration on this issue has been good. President-elect Trump has made clear his interest in trying to get a deal, you know, before his inauguration.

Qatar briefs Trump admin

Meanwhile, Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was briefed about the progress made in the Israel-Hamas mediation talks by Qatar which has been brokering the deal alongside Egypt and the United States.

The Qatari foreign ministry said that during his meeting with Witkoff, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani discussed the latest developments in the region, especially the efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Some progress made

Earlier this week, US and Arab mediators made some progress in their efforts to reach a ceasefire accord between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, but not enough to seal a deal.

Were making some real progress, US President Joe Biden told reporters at the White House. Im still hopeful that well be able to have a prisoner exchange, he said, adding Hamas was getting in the way of that. The president said he met with negotiators on Thursday.

Hamas announced on Monday that it had submitted to mediators a list of 34 Israeli captives taken during its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked the ongoing war. These individuals could be released as part of the initial phase of a prisoner exchange agreement.

With inputs from agencies
ExoPower CEO Brandon Regensburger poses for a photo in front of a device he is currently working on that allows robots to wirelessly charge while continuously moving in a warehouse through the use of a flooring that has wireless chargers embedded throughout, photo taken at the Business Incubator Center on Jan. 9, 2025.
Sunday Night

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Low around 40F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) self-proclaimed interim secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu, has dismissed his suspension from the party as a "sideshow" and null and void.On Thursday, acting CCC president Welshman Ncube suspended Tshabangu barely hours after the High Court ruled that he did not have the power to make changes in Parliament.In his suspension letter, Ncube stated that Tshabangu's actions had put the party into disrepute, citing breaches of the party's constitution and authority. Ncube alleged that Tshabangu had made decisions without the authority of the national standing committee, executive committee, or council, in defiance of the party's leadership structures."In or about the months of November/December 2024, you have made and/or purported to make changes and decisions on behalf of the party without my authority or the authority of any organ of the party and communicating such decisions to State institutions in breach of the party's constitution and rules," Ncube wrote.However, Tshabangu, through his spokesperson Nqobizitha Mlilo, has claimed that the leader has not received any suspension letter from Ncube."Senator Tshabangu has not received any suspension letter from Professor Ncube. It would be strange if it were to happen," Mlilo said.He argued that the term of office for party structures, as outlined in Article 6 of the party's constitution, had expired and a solution is being sought. Mlilo emphasized that suspensions of party members are not within the president's or acting president's authority."This can only be done by a determined focus on nation-building, and finding national consensus on things as Zimbabweans," Mlilo said.Additionally, he noted that Ncube's term as acting president had expired, making his suspension decision invalid."Is Ncube still legally the President of the party? An emphatic no! His term of office is over and cannot suspend anyone," he said.Meanwhile, the dispute continued to escalate with Ncube's spokesperson, Willias Madzimure, dismissing the faction led by Jameson Timba, who claimed to be the interim leader of CCC."The CCC has noted with concern a statement issued by Jameson Timba, in which he purported to be the interim party leader and chief administrator of the CCC party," Madzimure said."There is no position of party leader and administrator under the CCC party constitution. Welshman Ncube remains the acting president," he added.Madzimure reiterated that Nelson Chamisa resigned as CCC president over a year ago and was replaced by Welshman Ncube, whose position has been confirmed by the latest High Court ruling.
TikTok lawyers ask Supreme Court to delay ban

Trump opposes a bipartisan law banning TikTok, which is set to take effect the day before his inauguration.

By Alex Willemyns

2025.01.10

WASHINGTON -- Lawyers for Chinese-owned TikTok asked the Supreme Court on Friday to postpone any enactment of a law that would ban the popular social media app in the United States on Jan. 19, the day before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

U.S. President Joe Biden in April signed a bipartisan bill that gave TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance 270 days to sell the app due to concerns that China's government was using TikTok both to collect sensitive data about Americans and feed them propaganda.

In 2020, Trump signed a similar executive order that was overturned by the Supreme Court, but he reversed his stance in the lead up to the 2024 presidential election. Last month, he asked the Supreme Court's justices to delay the Jan. 19 deadline until after his inauguration.

In court on Friday, lawyers for TikTok asked for the same, noting that the difference of just one day could allow for a situation in which Trump "exercises his authority to extend" the deadline for the sale of TikTok, which claims 170 million individual users in the United States.

"On Jan. 19, we still have President Biden, and on Jan. 19, as I understand it, we shut down," said Noel Francisco, an attorney representing both TikTok and ByteDance, in his argument.

"It is possible that come Jan. 20th, 21st, 22nd, we might be in a different world," he said. "It makes perfect sense to issue a preliminary injunction here, and simply buy everybody a little breathing space."

Asked what he meant by "shut down," Francisco said that TikTok would be removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett pressed Francisco, noting that the law allowed TikTok to continue operating in the United States after Jan. 19 if it was sold to an American company, nullifying the concerns of Congress about its potential misuse by the Chinese Communist Party.

"You keep saying 'shut down.' The law doesn't say TikTok has to shut down. It says ByteDance has to divest. If ByteDance divested TikTok, we wouldn't be here, right?" she said. "That would be fine, right?"

Francisco said ByteDance would not sell the "underlying source code" that drives TikTok's recommendation algorithm because of its value.

Such an algorithm could take "many years to reconstruct" by an independent U.S.-owned TikTok, he said, and would force the popular app to become a "fundamentally different platform" promoting content differently, thereby violating the U.S. subsidiary's free-speech rights.

TikTok's lawyers are also seeking to ultimately overturn the law on free speech grounds, arguing a ban violates the Constitution.

First Amendment case

American lawmakers have argued that TikTok represents a unique national security threat because Chinese national security laws require companies in the country to secretly comply with Beijing's directives.

That means China's government could compel ByteDance to change TikTok's algorithm to surreptitiously prioritize Chinese propaganda in the feeds of American users, they say, or force TikTok to compile profiles about the vices of potential American espionage targets.

But lawyers for TikTok content creators in the Supreme Court on Friday said that their clients had built lives and businesses around TikTok's powerful algorithm and were concerned about losing access to it.

Jeffrey Fisher, a Stanford University law professor representing Texas rancher and popular TikTok content creator Brian Firebaugh, argued Americans "have a right to work with the publisher of their choice" and that the law's national security concerns were not sufficient.

"Under the First Amendment, mere ideas do not constitute a national security threat. Restricting speech because it might sow doubt about our leaders or undermine democracy are the kind of things our enemies do," Fisher said. "It is not what we do in this country."

However, the Supreme Court justices appeared skeptical.

Associate Justice Clarence Thomas quizzed the merits of a First Amendment case against a law ultimately aimed at foreign ownership, noting China's government did not have the rights of a U.S. citizen.

"It doesn't say anything about creators," Thomas said. "It's only concerned about the ownership, and the concerns that data will be manipulated, or that there will be other national security problems with someone who's not a citizen ... or a company that's not here."

Chief Justice John Roberts made a similar case.

"Congress doesn't care about what's on TikTok. They don't care about the expression; that's shown by the remedy," Roberts said, referring to the provision allowing TikTok to continue if ByteDance divests.

"They're not saying Tiktok has to stop. They're saying the Chinese have to stop controlling TikTok. So it's not any direct burden on the expression. Congress is fine with the expression," he added.

"They're not fine with a foreign adversary ... gathering all this information about the 170 million people who use TikTok."

National security case

The justices also grilled U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar's argument that the legislation should not be overturned because it was aimed at China's potential for "covert content manipulation."

Associate Justice Elena Kagan said that she could not understand the government's focus on the potentially "covert" manner of the algorithm manipulation by ByteDance, noting that all social media platforms were "blackboxes" that delivered content in seemingly obscure ways.

"You get what you get and you think 'That's puzzling,'" Kagan said to laughter. She added that millions of Americans willingly used TikTok even though they were aware of its ultimate ownership.

"If you just mean that what's covert is that China is behind it," she said, "well, everybody does know now that China is behind it."

Prelogar said that the issue was that Beijing had the capability to suddenly launch an "influence campaign" on half of the U.S. population through TikTok without anyone knowing it was happening.

Many of TikTok's users were also teens, she noted. They may have few concerns now about their data being used by China to build profiles on them, but could one day be in positions of influence in the military, business or government and become targets of espionage.

In any case, she argued, the bipartisan law passed by Congress and signed by Biden did not violate the Constitution and should stand.

"It's not saying you can't have pro-China speech [or] you can't have anti-American speech," she said. "It's not regulating the algorithm."

"TikTok, if it were able to do so, could use precisely the same algorithm to display the same content," she said. "All the act is doing is trying to surgically remove the ability of a foreign adversary nation to get our data and to be able to exercise control over the platform."

The Supreme Court adjourned the case to Monday.

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






US intelligence mostly rejects links between 'Havana Syndrome,' adversaries

By Jeff Seldin January 10, 2025

U.S. intelligence agencies charged with investigating the spate of brain injuries and other serious health ailments that have struck hundreds of officials remain unconvinced that the illnesses are tied to the work of a foreign adversary.

An updated intelligence assessment of what the U.S. government calls anomalous health incidents, or AHIs, released Friday calls the possibility that the health symptoms were caused by a foreign actor or weapon "very unlikely."

The conclusion, endorsed by five of the seven U.S. intelligence agencies tasked with investigating the ailments, commonly known as Havana Syndrome, match the results of a 2023 assessment that found symptoms "were probably the result of factors that did not involve a foreign adversary, such as preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses and environmental factors."

New information, described by officials as being "sensitive" in nature, only served to further support the 2023 findings, they said.

"The intelligence does not link a foreign actor to these events. Indeed, it points away from their involvement," according to a U.S. intelligence official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity to discuss the latest findings.

"All IC [intelligence community] components agree that years of history collection, targeting and analytic efforts have not surfaced compelling intelligence reporting that ties a foreign actor to any specific event reported as a possible AHI," the official said.

The new assessment contrasts, however, with a December House Intelligence subcommittee report, which accused U.S. intelligence agencies of sloppy work and attempting to "create a politically palatable conclusion."

There is reliable evidence to suggest that some anomalous health incidents are the work of foreign adversaries," CIA Subcommittee Chairman Rick Crawford, a Republican, said at the time.

On Friday, the House Intelligence Committee chairman, Republican Mike Turner, accused the new U.S. intelligence report of again falling short.

"This new intelligence, I believe, should completely change the assessment of our adversaries' capabilities and the risks to our personnel," he said.

Despite the disagreement, some of the evidence pointing to foreign involvement in Havana Syndrome injuries appears to be finding more credibility with some elements of U.S. intelligence.

Two of the seven agencies contributing to the latest assessment, which looked at intelligence gathered as recently as last month, now assess with "low confidence" that a foreign hand could be involved in a limited number of cases.

One of the agencies now judges "there is 'roughly even chance' a foreign actor has used a novel weapon or prototype device to harm a small, undetermined subset of the USG [U.S. government] personnel or dependents," according to the declassified assessment.

The other agency concluded there is a "roughly even chance" that a U.S. adversary has developed such a weapon, although the report states even if that is the case, "it is unlikely a foreign actor has deployed such a weapon in any events reported as possible AHIs."

The U.S. intelligence official who spoke with reporters described the change as "subtle," arguing, "they shift from unlikely with low confidence to roughly even chance with low confidence."

But White House officials Friday seemed to see the change as something more significant.

"Today's updated Intelligence Community Assessment, which is the product of ongoing analytic efforts and includes a shift in key judgments by some intelligence components," said National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett.

"[It] only reinforces why it is vital that the U.S. government continue critical research, investigate credible incidents and strengthen efforts to provide timely care and long-term clinical follow-up," he said.

That includes ongoing research into the potential to weaponize pulsed electromatic energy.

A February 2022 report by a panel of experts warned that the core symptoms in a small number of Havana Syndrome cases were "distinctly unusual" and suggested some sort of device must be responsible.

"Pulsed electromagnetic energy, particularly in the radiofrequency range, plausibly explains the core characteristics," the 2022 report said.

U.S. officials have, until now, mostly dismissed such claims, arguing that nothing in the available intelligence agencies or in medical studies supports that radiofrequency waves could be weaponized.

Medical research has "historically shown no harmful bioeffects," according to the latest U.S. assessment.

But the new assessment noted, "more recent, limited studies have produced mixed preliminary results."

"We have made it a priority to continue research in this area, to understand the effects of directed energy, which is an area that requires much more ongoing work," a senior administration official told reporters, briefing on the condition of anonymity to discuss the U.S. response.

"There's a lot that we do not understand," the official said. "We are gaining greater insight over time."

The admission is not enough for some suffering from Havana Syndrome.

The new assessment "disgracefully continues to hide the truth behind a cloak of secrecy," said Mark Zaid, a national security lawyer who represents dozens of victims.

Zaid said he has filed a request to declassify the full report and called on President-elect Donald Trump to "require full disclosure of what the government knows."

"Evidence of the use of directed energy, particularly by Russia, of some form spans decades," Zaid said in a statement shared with VOA. "The CIA has sought to cover up its knowledge through both Democrat and Republican administrations, and classified information exists that we have knowledge of that fundamentally contradicts today's report."

Others have challenged the U.S. intelligence findings on Havana Syndrome.

An investigation in April by CBS's "60 Minutes" show, Germany's Der Spiegel and The Insider said a review of travel documents and mobile phone records, along with eyewitness testimony and interviews with multiple U.S. officials and victims, shows that Russia is likely to blame.

Specifically, the investigation tied numerous reports of Havana Syndrome with the presence of members of Unit 29155 of Russia's military intelligence service, known for its role in sabotage and assassinations. It found that members of GRU Unit 29155 had received awards and promotions for their work on sound or radio frequency-based directed energy weapons.

The U.S. intelligence official Friday, however, pushed back against the findings.

"The claims do not hold up to scrutiny," the official said.

Cases of Havana Syndrome were first publicly reported among diplomats and other employees at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, in 2016. Symptoms range from nausea and dizziness to debilitating headaches and memory problems, with cases having been reported in Russia, China, Poland, Austria and the United States.

"These are our colleagues and friends," said the U.S. intelligence official, stressing that the assessment's failure to link to a foreign adversary is not meant to question the suffering of those afflicted.

"These personnel and their dependents experienced genuine, sometimes painful and traumatic, physical symptoms and sensory phenomena, and they honestly and sincerely reported those events as possible," the official said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Clock ticking on US TikTok ban

By Steve Herman January 10, 2025

The American subsidiary of the Chinese owner of TikTok has asked the U.S. Supreme Court strike down a law that would ban, in less than 10 days, the social media platform on grounds of national security.

Unless the justices overturn the act of Congress or issue a temporary injunction, "essentially the platform shuts down" on January 19, TikTok attorney Noel Francisco told the court during oral arguments Friday.

Francisco argued that free-speech principles stated in the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment should make the ban unconstitutional.

Ten months ago, Congress passed a law that China-based ByteDance must divest TikTok U.S. or be banned because of national security concerns.

Lawmakers, on a bipartisan basis, voted 352-62 in favor of the legislation, convinced of risks posed by Beijing's potential access to personal data and the ability to shape public opinion for its 170 million American users.

"This act should not stand," Francisco, who was U.S. solicitor general in the first administration of President-elect Donald Trump, told the high court.

Possible content manipulation

The justices, in their questioning of Francisco, zeroed in on concerns about potential content manipulation on TikTok by China.

Francisco told the court there are protections in place to protect the data and TikTok is not a "Chinese [government] cutout."

ByteDance cannot be trusted to keep its word that it would protect its American users' privacy, according to the current solicitor general, Elizabeth Prelogar, who reminded the court that the Chinese company had used TikTok location data of journalists in an attempt to uncover which of its employees was leaking information to reporters.

Prelogar also said there is evidence that ByteDance has yielded to Chinese government pressure to censor content on TikTok.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh raised a concern about whether there is a reasonable risk that the Chinese government, someday, could use the personal information it has on its American users to "develop spies, turn people, blackmail people" if they work for the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Central Intelligence Agency.

That was emphasized by Prelogar, arguing in favor of a ban of what she acknowledged has become a "key American communications channel" as the most popular social media site in the country.

The platform poses "a grave threat" to national security because China "could weaponize TikTok at any time to harm the United States," said Prelogar.

Foreign adversaries spying on Americans' communication is an increasing concern of U.S. intelligence agencies. It was recently revealed that hackers linked to China had deeply infiltrated telecommunications systems in the United States. The U.S. Treasury Department disclosed last month a successful Chinese hack.

Two of the justices, Elena Kagan and Neil Gorsuch, expressed skepticism about Prelogar's contention that a ban on TikTok or ordered divestiture is justified to repel Chinese covert influence, noting this is a potential problem with all social media platforms.

Francisco noted that the deadline for TikTok will come on the last full day of the presidency of Joe Biden and it is possible after Trump returns to the White House on January 20 "we might be in a different world."

Trump had asked the Supreme Court to put the case on hold so he can negotiate a sale of TikTok's U.S. assets following his second inauguration.

Trump shifts stance

Both Biden and Trump had backed the ban. But Trump expressed a recent change of heart after his campaign videos during last year's election performed well on the platform.

"They brought me a chart, and it was a record. It was so beautiful to see. And as I looked at it, I said, 'Maybe we got to keep this sucker around for a little while,' " Trump said during an appearance in Phoenix in December.

In an exchange with the justices, the solicitor general suggested Trump might change his mind about giving ByteDance an extended reprieve if he were to review, after his inauguration, the national security information gathered about TikTok during the four years he was out of office.

A Stanford University law professor, Jeffrey Fisher, representing TikTok's content creators and users before the Supreme Court on Friday, emphasized the freedom-of-speech argument.

TikTok's American creators "have a right to work with the publisher of their choice," said Fisher in his appearance before the nine justices, following Francisco.

Several dozen TikTok content creators gathered in front of the Supreme Court during Friday's hearing, some providing online updates of the proceedings for their followers.

Fisher said the option of migrating to another platform, such as Meta-owned Instagram, is not a viable alternative for his clients who are not celebrities, but "ordinary Americans" privileged by TikTok's unique algorithm "based on the creativity of their content."

Unless there is a fire sale or the Supreme Court issues a reprieve, the billions of comedy skits, dance challenges, life hacks, pet tricks and cute babies on TikTok would become invisible in the United States.

Parent company ByteDance has more than 150,000 employees globally, including U.S. offices in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Austin, Texas.

"Assuming the Supreme Court upholds the law  unless the Trump administration can find some workaround, which I'm doubtful they'll be able to  the choice is either sell TikTok or face a ban in the United States," Alan Rozenshtein, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota School of Law, told VOA prior to Friday's hearing.

Canadian investor Kevin O'Leary said that he has informed Trump that he's nearing a deal with billionaire Frank McCourt to buy the U.S. assets of TikTok - a move that would save it from being banned.

"I wanted to let him know, as well as others in his Cabinet, that we're doing this, and we're going to need their help," O'Leary, best known as one of the hosts of the reality TV program "Shark Tank," told Fox News.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement from NSC Spokesperson Sean Savett on Anomalous Health Incidents

January 10, 2025

Upon taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration spearheaded a dedicated effort to address anomalous health incidents reported by our colleagues. We convened departments and agencies across the U.S. Government to develop new policies to expand access to and improve medical care for affected personnel, ensure incidents could be reported freely and without stigma, and provide benefits to eligible employees under statutes passed by Congress, including the HAVANA Act which President Biden signed into law. We also tasked the Intelligence Community to examine the causes or causes of these incidents and directed intensive research by our leading laboratories, informed by experts in and outside of government.

Our focus on these priorities remains unwavering and must continue. Today's updated Intelligence Community Assessment, which is the product of ongoing analytic efforts and includes a shift in key judgements by some intelligence components, only reinforces why it is vital that the U.S. Government continue critical research, investigate credible incidents, and strengthen efforts to provide timely care and long-term clinical follow-up.

We will be briefing the incoming Administration on the full scope of ongoing work that should continue, as well as additional areas of focus recommended by the Intelligence Community experts panel, which found that a subset of anomalous health incidents cannot be easily explained by known environmental or medical conditions and that pulsed electromagnetic or acoustic energy remains a plausible explanation in certain cases. As with other health challenges faced by U.S. personnel that took years to diagnose, sustained clinical, research, and investigative work is necessary to clarify what caused the symptoms our colleagues have reported, develop effective medical interventions, and prevent future incidents. Our brave colleagues and their families, who suffered real and sometimes serious injuries, deserve no less.

###

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Congratulates President Joseph Aoun on Winning Lebanese Presidential Election and Taking the Oath

Saudi Press Agency

Thursday 09/07/1446

Riyadh, January 09, 2025, SPA -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has sent a cable of congratulations to President Joseph Aoun on his election as President of the Lebanese Republic and on taking the constitutional oath.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his wishes for President Aoun's success and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Lebanon.

--SPA

17:39 Local Time 14:39 GMT

0033

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






No: 7, 9 January 2025, Regarding the Election of Mr. Joseph Aoun as President of Lebanon

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We congratulate Mr. Joseph Aoun on his election as President of Lebanon.

We hope that the new government to be formed in the coming period will contribute to the stability of Lebanon and the peace and prosperity of the region.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Canada imposes new sanctions against Venezuelan officials involved in human rights violations

Global Affairs Canada

News release

January 10, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions against certain Venezuelan officials under the Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations.

These sanctions target 14 current and former senior officials of the Venezuelan government who have engaged in activities that have directly or indirectly supported human rights violations in Venezuela. These include ongoing violations and the repression of protests following the illegitimate election of Nicolas Maduro to the Venezuelan presidency in July 2024. These widespread human rights violations were part of a targeted effort by the Maduro regime to silence and intimidate those who demanded transparency and free and fair elections in Venezuela.

Today's sanctions coincide with measures taken this week by Canada's allies, including the United States, United Kingdom and European Union, and demonstrate a message of solidarity with the Venezuelan people. They also contribute to ongoing international efforts to uphold human rights in Venezuela and maintain pressure on the Maduro regime.

On July 28, 2024, large numbers of the Venezuelan people voted peacefully for change. Credible evidence provided by official vote tally sheets that were made public after the election and the assessments of independent observers concluded that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia received the most votes and won the election by a significant margin.

In the spirit of respecting the democratic will of the Venezuelan people, Canada formally recognized Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as president-elect of Venezuela yesterday.

Canada calls on the Maduro regime to honour the democratic will of the Venezuelan people and allow for a peaceful transition process that respects human rights. Canada reiterates that a peaceful, negotiated and Venezuelan-led solution is needed to resolve this crisis.

Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to human rights, the rule of law and democracy in Venezuela and across the region.

Quotes

"Maduro's shameless actions demonstrate that democracy and the rule of law cannot be taken for granted. We will not tolerate the erosion of the democratic process or the repression of citizens seeking to express their rights. Canada has stood by, and will continue to stand by, the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society." - Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

With today's announcement, Canada has imposed sanctions against a total of 131 Venezuelan individuals.

As part of Canada's foreign policy response to the situation in Venezuela, Canada has imposed five rounds of targeted sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations on individuals in and linked to the Maduro regime: In September 2017, Canada imposed sanctions against 40 individuals linked to the Maduro regime and involved in the regime's actions that destabilized the security, stability and integrity of democratic institutions in Venezuela In May 2018, Canada imposed sanctions against an additional 14 individuals in response to further erosion of democratic institutions in Venezuela and the consolidation of President Maduro's power through illegitimate presidential elections held on May 20, 2018 In April 2019, Canada imposed sanctions against an additional 43 individuals, most of them high-level officials of the Maduro regime implicated in acts of repression In December 2024, Canada imposed sanctions against five individuals who have engaged in activities that have directly or indirectly undermined democracy in Venezuela

In addition to the sanctions imposed under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA), Canada imposed sanctions under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act in 2017 against 19 individuals who were responsible for or complicit in gross violations of human rights or who had committed acts of significant corruption.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The President of the Republic of Cyprus met with the President of the Republic of Lebanon

Press and Information Office, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Cyprus

10-01-2025 18:10

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, held a meeting today, 10th January 2025, with the newly elected President of the Republic of Lebanon, Mr Joseph Aoun, in Beirut.

After their meeting, President Christodoulides made the following statement:

"Lebanon is the closest neighbour of Cyprus. So, I decided that I have to be here today not only to congratulate President Aoun, but to convey our readiness to stand by the Lebanese people, by the Lebanese government and do what we have to do for the integrity, the prosperity of the Lebanese people.

Before coming here, I was on the phone with President Macron and the President of the European Commission, and I extend an invitation to President Aoun to be with us in Brussels with all the European Union (EU) leaders - the 27 leaders, the President of the Commission, the President of the Council - in order to present his vision for Lebanon, for the region. And we will start working on a comprehensive and strategic agreement of the EU with Lebanon, the same that we did with Egypt and Jordan.

At the same time, Cyprus will assume the presidency of the European Union on 1st January 2026, and we will work in order to substantially enhance the strategic partnership between the EU and Lebanon. So, I wanted to be the first leader to visit President Aoun and show, not in words but in action, that Cyprus stands by Lebanon and the Lebanese people. Thank you very much".

(GS/NZ)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






January 10, 2025

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

Hicks Outlines Plan Tied to Strategic Competition With China

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks spoke about "four lessons" she views as critical for prevailing in the U.S. strategic competition with China during a keynote address today at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington.

Titled "Outpacing the PRC: Lessons Learned for Strategic Competition," Hicks said that staying focused on top priorities, appreciating that execution or delivery is paramount, recognizing that the U.S. has strong competitive advantages it must leverage and attending to one's own actions and words are all necessary to prevail in such a competition.

Pointing out that "competition" is not synonymous with "conflict," Hicks said nobody should seek the devastation that armed conflict with China would bring.

"Instead," Hicks said, "we want the [the People's Republic of China] leadership to wake up each day, consider the risks of aggression and think to themselves, 'Today is not the day'; and for them to think that  today and every day  between now and 2027, in 2035, 2049 and beyond."

In terms of staying focused on priorities, Hicks pointed out that the challenge posed by China isn't by any means new, and that the Pentagon and multiple administrations roughly over the past quarter century have been tracking China's determination to build a modern military.

"So, [current defense policy makers] came into office determined to build on the progress of our predecessors  from both parties  and to unlock necessary changes," Hicks said.

"Senior decision makers must rigorously align ends, ways and means to ensure the strategy itself remains right and DOD can deliver on it," she continued, adding that it's the responsibility of those same decision makers to drive change from the top if the strategy isn't working.

On the topic of execution and delivery, Hicks listed numerous examples of capabilities the U.S. military has produced during the ongoing competition with China.

"From day one, we've focused relentlessly on driving changes needed to outpace the PRC and ensure our enduring military advantage," Hicks said. "The result has been a more modernized, lethal, agile force across our capabilities, operational concepts, posture and much more."

Hicks also cautioned, however, that China's advanced methods of intellectual property theft and its large-scale industrial capacity make China "talented fast followers."

"So, we must be careful about what we say and what we show, because a long-term investment can only be revealed once," Hicks said. "And we must be constantly pushing to grow our lead."

Turning next to leveraging competitive advantages, Hicks explained how the U.S.' strong alliances across the globe prove to be a force multiplier that makes the country stronger.

"Around the world, America's friends and allies have been substantially contributing to the common defense ... And when Beijing sees  as they did last year  navy ships from Canada, Germany and [other countries] peacefully sailing through the Taiwan Strait, they're reminded that America is hardly the only democracy that wants to see stability and prosperity prevail over chaos and conflict," Hicks said.

She also explained that, domestically, DOD working across government, industry, academia and non-profits  as well as partnering with Congress and other government agencies  is also a good example of leveraging advantages.

In addressing her fourth insight, Hicks cautioned the audience to attend to their actions and words, so far as how it relates to how China might view them.

"After all, we want our operations, activities, investments and messages to maintain deterrence  not needlessly provoke Beijing into starting a war," Hicks said.

"We don't believe conflict is inevitable, but it's our job to prevent war by always being ready for war if it comes. So, where Beijing might see DOD anticipating a potential conflict, that's because we're concerned Beijing will instigate one," Hicks explained, adding that both the U.S. and China must work hard to avoid such understandings in that dynamic.

With her tour as deputy defense secretary winding down over the next 10 days, Hicks wrapped up her remarks praising the progress that the men and women who make up DOD have made over the past four years, while also providing words of encouragement for those who will contribute to national security in the future.

"As I leave this, my third tour in government ... I will be watching for my successors to build on our progress with their own. I will be rooting for those who continue to stand the watch for our nation: our warfighters, civilians, military families and all who support them," Hicks said.

"And they will remain in my prayers, as they help defend us all."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






United States Enters into Agreement with Nigeria to Transfer $52.88M in Forfeited Corruption Proceeds for Uses to Benefit the Nigerian People

Friday, January 10, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs



Note: View the agreement here.

The Justice Department announced today that the United States entered into an agreement to transfer approximately $52.88 million in forfeited assets to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in recognition of Nigeria's assistance to the department in an investigation into corruption in the Nigerian oil industry.

"This agreement recognizes the close law enforcement relationship between the United States and Nigeria and Nigeria's vital assistance that contributed to the successful forfeiture of millions of dollars of corruption proceeds," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "Our strong coordination with international partners to trace and recover assets leaves corrupt actors few places to hide their ill-gotten gains. Today's agreement to return nearly $53 million in forfeited funds to support Nigeria and its people through electrification projects and cross-border efforts to combat terrorism demonstrates forfeiture's power as a tool to help remediate the harms of corruption and to invest in our global fight against terrorism."

"The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to the global fight against corruption," said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. "By ensuring these forfeited funds are repatriated to Nigeria to benefit the Nigerian people through critical projects and counterterrorism efforts, the FBI reaffirms our dedication to promoting transparency and dismantling the systems that enable corruption to thrive."

"The repatriation of these funds to Nigeria to benefit the citizens of Nigeria is one of the primary goals of the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative," said Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). "IRS-CI is proud to partner with the global law enforcement community in this initiative to restore these vital resources to the projects and programs that promote Nigeria's continued prosperity."

These assets were forfeited as part of an investigation by the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative of the International Unit of the Criminal Division's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), a dedicated team that seeks to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and, where appropriate, repatriate those assets to the countries harmed by corruption for the benefit of their people. According to court documents, from 2011 to 2015, Nigerian businessmen Kolawole Akanni Aluko and Olajide Omokore conspired with others to pay bribes to Nigeria's former Minister for Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke. In return, Alison-Madueke used her influence to steer lucrative oil contracts to companies owned by Aluko and Omokore. Proceeds from the scheme of more than $100 million were then laundered into and through the United States and used to purchase various assets, including luxury real estate in California and New York as well as the Galactica Star, a 65-meter superyacht. The real estate was also used as collateral for loans to Aluko and shell companies he controlled. As part of the forfeiture process, those lien holders were paid. The assets were forfeited as a result of corruption, bribery, money laundering, and other illegal acts in violation of Nigerian and U.S. law. The Federal Repubic of Nigeria provided crucial assistance to the United States leading to the forfeitures, including providing extensive evidentiary and investigative support.

The agreement was signed in Abuja, Nigeria, today by Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of Nigeria Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, and U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard M. Mills Jr. Under the agreement, $50 million of the recovered funds will be dedicated to an expansion of the Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-Up project, an existing electrification project funded, in part, by the International Development Association and implemented by the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency. This program is intended to increase access to electricity services in Nigeria with renewable energy generation. Approximately $2.88 million of the forfeited funds will be used towards Nigeria's contribution to the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ) and used to support capacity-building for criminal justice sector practitioners and relevant stakeholders in the region, including through activities focused on countering the financing of terrorism, development and implementation of the Counter-Terrorism Academic Curriculum of the IIJ, and institutional support for the IIJ particularly in the North, West, and East Africa regions.

The agreement contains key measures designed to promote transparency and accountability. Under the agreement, the $50 million dedicated to electrification programs will be managed and disbursed through a World Bank trust fund, subject to World Bank oversight controls, auditing, and publication requirements. Similarly, the IIJ counterterrorism and rule of law programs will be subject to external auditing, periodic progress reporting, and public reporting.

These forfeiture actions were prosecuted by MLARS' International Unit. The FBI and IRS-CI investigated the case. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance.

The Criminal Division, through MLARS' International Unit, administers the Justice Department's international asset forfeiture sharing program. Pursuant to federal law, and in coordination with the Departments of the Treasury and State, the Attorney General may share proceeds of successful forfeiture of property with foreign countries that participate in the seizure or forfeiture of the property.

Topic: Foreign Corruption

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section

Criminal - Office of International Affairs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Press Release Number: 25-45

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






News / National

by Staff reporter

THE new chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee has questioned why the Joe Biden administration is attempting to send millions of dollars of taxpayer money into international programmes irrelevant to national security, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) initiatives in Zimbabwe."In recent weeks, my office has been made aware of hundreds of millions of dollars of proposed obligations for initiatives that offer no clear national security benefit to the U.S. or its allies," Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., wrote in a letter Wednesday to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Samantha Power, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development.Mast succeeded Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, as the committee's chair in the new Congress. McCaul oversaw the committee's investigation into the Biden administration's disastrous withdraw from Afghanistan in August 2021."The American people sent a clear message in November that they will no longer tolerate uncontrolled spending on programmes that are incompatible with the United States' interests abroad," Mast wrote."As their representative, I cannot, in good faith, allow you to spend millions of dollars to combat climate change in the war-torn Middle East or fund LGBTQI awareness in Zimbabwe - both of which are among your recent proposals."The rush to fund these and other controversial programmes on the eve of a new administration contradicts President [Joe] Biden's pledge to conduct a smooth transition and undermines critical Congressional oversight of taxpayer dollars spent abroad. As such, I am invoking the longstanding precedent granted to authorizing and appropriating committees to place a hold on these funds before they are obligated."A State Department spokesperson told National Review, "The policies and current spending of the administration align with bipartisan foreign policy and national security goals that span many administrations  such as advancing democracy and human rights, protecting and ensuring access to natural resources, and increasing access to education and innovation."The spokesperson added, "The State Department will continue to work with Congress on spending priorities for appropriated funds, as required by law, to advance the nation's foreign policy objectives."Mast, a decorated U.S. Army veteran who also chairs the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, last month released a report detailing how the State Department used taxpayer dollars to spread left-leaning ideology worldwide.The report said approximately $500,000 went to a Great Britain humanist group to teach humanist groups in Nepal how to proselytize and to expand atheist networks in the region.It also said money targeted youth with sexualized programming, including a $20,600 grant to fund drag shows in Ecuador; cash and voucher assistance to migrants in northern Mexico to make their journey across the southern border easier, and help navigating the U.S. asylum system.
Lebanon: statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the presidential election

European External Action Service (EEAS)

10.01.2025

EEAS Press Team

The European Union warmly congratulates Joseph Aoun on his election as President of the Republic of Lebanon. This significant step marks a moment of hope and renewal for the Lebanese people.

We commend the Lebanese parliamentarians for reaching a broad consensus, demonstrating responsibility. A spirit of national unity is crucial to allow the participation of all citizens, across all components of society, to overcoming the aftermath of recent conflicts, advancing reconstruction efforts, and embarking on a path of political stabilisation and socio-economic recovery.

The EU reaffirms its steadfast support for the Lebanese people. We look forward to the swift formation of a fully-fledged government, able to take forward a reform-oriented and forward-looking agenda. This will pave the way for renewed international support and for the full relaunch of the EU-Lebanon Partnership.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran condemns US UK and Israeli aggression against Yemen

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 10, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei Hamaneh has strongly condemned Friday's brutal and unprecedented attacks by the US the UK and the Zionist regime on the Yemeni provinces of Sanaa, al-Hudaydah and Amran as the height of lawlessness and a violation of the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter.

"The aggressive attacks by the US, the UK, and the Zionist regime on Yemen's infrastructure and civilian centerswhich coincided with massive demonstrations by the noble people of Yemen in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine and in condemnation of the genocide in Gazaprove US and UK complicity in crimes against the Palestinian people," Baghaei said.

He also strongly criticized the inaction of international organizations regarding the genocide perpetrated by the Zionist regime and the expansion of warmongering by this regime and its supporters.

Baghaei once again underlined the legal and moral responsibility of all governments, as well as international and Islamic organizations, to stop the Israeli genocide in Gaza and grave violations of international humanitarian laws in occupied Palestine.

He reiterated the UN Security Council's obligation to prevent acts of aggression against Yemen.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed that the escalation of military aggression by the US, the UK, and the occupying regime against Yemen cannot divert public attention from the severity and depth of the crimes committed by the Zionists in Gaza.

2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israeli military vehicles blown up in northern Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 10, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Several Israeli military vehicles were destroyed in a minefield in Gaza, as fighters from the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, launched an attack against the regime's forces in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

The al-Quds Brigades released footage showing their fighters planting anti-tank bombs along the path of Israeli military vehicles in the Jabalia refugee camp area, located in northern Gaza.

The video captured the precise moment when the Israeli vehicles, having been lured into the minefield, detonated the explosives.

The footage also highlighted the moment of detonation, showing one of the vehicles being severely damaged and engulfed in flames after the blast.

9341**4354

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Baiba Braze: the main task of Latvia's foreign policy is and will be to strengthen our security, economic development and prosperity

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

10.01.2025

On Thursday, 9 January 2025, the of Minister Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, presented to the Cabinet a report on the accomplishments in foreign affairs in 2024 and further work with respect to national foreign policy and the European Union in 2025. Latvia's foreign policy is pursued in a uniform manner and in close cooperation with the President, the Saeima, the Prime Minister, line ministries, local governments, social partners, including civil society, business and academic organisations.

The annual report produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is the main foreign policy planning document, which gives an account of the progress made over the previous year and defines the main tasks for the current year. The report will be reviewed by the Cabinet of Ministers on 14 January, while the annual debate on the foreign policy report in the Saeima will take place on 30 January.

"Russia's policy is geared toward war, and it is not going to change in the next few years. This means that long-term tensions with Russia and its threats are the new normal, and this applies to each and every one in Latvia and in our Allied countries. Our position is clear: let us continue strengthening our security and our ability to counter threats, constrain Russia and increase support for Ukraine at every opportunity offered by our diplomatic work all over the world," Foreign Minister Baiba Braze underlines.

The year 2024 was important for Latvia, as two decades had passed since joining the EU and NATO. In cooperation with the Baltic and Nordic Allies, NATO and the EU, and other like-minded partners in 2024, a targeted and coordinated action has been taken in three main directions: (1) to strengthen national security and defence, a rules-based international order, (2) to promote economic growth and prosperity, EU competitiveness and global influence, and (3) to protect the interests of our nationals, involve society in foreign policy making and implementation, and exploit the potential of the diaspora.

SECURITY. Latvia prioritized strengthening of national security and supporting Ukraine, constraining Russia in all possible ways, and strengthening the presence and capabilities of NATO Allies in our region. In 2024, we were one of NATO's member states whose defence spending exceeding 3% of GDP. Decisions have been made together with Allies to implement the Alliance's military strategy, including implementing regional defence plans. Canada-led NATO multinational brigade in Latvia has been significantly increased - currently it consists of more than 3,500 troops from 13 countries. In 2025, for the first time since its accession to NATO, Sweden will join the brigade with a mechanised infantry battalion of 600 personnel.

Latvia's security situation is closely linked to the Ukrainian people's fight for their independence; therefore, in 2024 as well, Latvia and its people continued providing Ukraine with comprehensive military, political, financial and humanitarian support. We have signed a bilateral agreement with Ukraine on long-term support and security commitments, including a commitment to provide military support of 0.25% of GDP and EUR 15 million for reconstruction over the next two years, as well as taking up other initiatives - work in the Latvian-led Drones Coalition, supply of military equipment and training of soldiers.

In the field of sanctions, significant progress has been made in further restricting Russia's capabilities. Last year Latvia made a significant contribution both within the EU and in cooperation with the US, the UK and other partners. The 14th and 15th sanction packages adopted by the EU include Latvia's proposals - barring the exports and transit of manganese ore to Russia, restrictions on the transhipment of liquefied natural gas originating in Russia through EU ports, and restrictive measures against the Russian "shadow fleet" vessels. Success was achieved with aligning considerably the sanctions on Russia and Belarus.

Last year, Latvia worked at the national and EU level on an effective enforcement of EU sanctions, given that it is the Latvian competent authorities which do important work in sanctions control at the EU's eastern border, since 80% of the cargo crossing the Russian and Belarusian borders comes from other EU countries. Latvia's priorities for the next rounds of sanctions are to further erode Russia's military capabilities, a continued pressure on Russia's energy sector, its trade in dual-use goods, the financial sphere and propaganda machinery, as well as further sanctioning of the "shadow fleet" vessels. Latvia will continue working with third countries to prevent them from helping Russia to circumvent sanctions.

Latvia continued to advocate for the use of the immobilised assets of the Russian state and the Central Bank towards Ukraine's reconstruction.

Personae non grata posing threat to national security were also identified and denied entry into Latvia as well as restricting their movement within the Schengen area.

Latvia was involved as a third party in the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) case Ukraine v Russian Federation and strongly supported the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over investigation into crimes committed in Ukraine. We worked with 40 countries in setting up a Core Group on the Establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

Work to isolate Russia and Belarus in international organizations will continue in 2025. In 2024, for example, Russia was not elected to the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development and the Executive Board of the UN World Food Programme. At the Conference of the States Parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Russia was not elected, by an overwhelming majority, to the organization's Executive Council for the second consecutive time. Support to Ukraine is one of Latvia's priorities in international organisations. It is also one of the goals of Latvia's candidacy for the UN Security Council (2026-2027).

ECONOMY. In 2024, the Foreign Service, including the network of embassies and honorary consuls, actively supported Latvian exporting businesses in addressing problems and building business contacts.

The work of public authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economics, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, and other organisations has resulted in the implementation of large investment projects such as Fibenol, VanOord, Golden Fields, Syfood. Export volumes of Latvian companies have also increased not only to European countries, but also to more remote markets - the US, India, Japan, Egypt, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and Canada. The Foreign Service succeeded in mobilising EU funding for various technology companies such as Origin Robotics. In March, the EC granted co-financing for the construction of the artillery modular powder charge plant in Latvia, and in November, co-financing of EUR 60 million for five projects, including two Latvian military capability development projects - the procurement of "Patria" 6x6 armoured vehicles and medium-range anti-aircraft systems "IRIS-T".

Latvia makes use of all the available EU instruments and opportunities so that Latvian entrepreneurs can successfully operate in new markets. In the next EU multi-annual budget (2028-2034), Latvia's priorities are security and defence, cohesion, the Common Agricultural Policy, and funding for Rail Baltica. Priority lines of action: the fight against the instrumentalisation of migration under hybrid warfare conditions; strengthening energy security; and preparation for the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2028.

LATVIAN PEOPLE. The Consular Service continued providing support to Latvian nationals in various crisis situations, for example, the Ministry organised the repatriation of 141 young people and 6 adults from Spain and France. The MFA, in close cooperation with the competent Latvian authorities, managed to return a minor, Monika Bukaine, from Russia to Latvia, to her legal representative, her mother.

Russia's aggressive foreign policy marked a new line of action in consular work - protecting Latvian citizens, including current and former officials, from illegal and politically motivated international arrest warrants issued by Russia.

In view of more than one fifth of Latvian citizens residing temporarily or permanently outside Latvia, cooperation and support to the Latvian diaspora, including in order to sustain the Latvian language and culture abroad, will remain an important field for the activities of the Foreign Service.

During the preparation of the report, the Minister for Foreign Affairs met with foreign policy experts, researchers, members of youth organisations, the civil society and business sectors, to hear the views and proposals by the members of the public on what has been accomplished and needs to be done in foreign policy. Baiba Braze presented the report to, and was offered recommendations by the members of the Saeima at its Foreign Affairs Commission and the European Affairs Commission.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Budrys met with Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2025-01-10

On 9 January in Riga, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kestutis Budrys, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braze.

The Foreign Ministers discussed the security situation in the region, sanctions against Russia, support for Ukraine, and the situation in Georgia and Belarus.

At the meeting, the head of Lithuania's diplomacy emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Latvia, as well as the need to work actively with allies to strengthen regional security. Budrys highlighted the need to further increase investment in defence and improve military mobility among the Baltic states. According to the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, the current security challenges and threats require closer cooperation among the Baltic states and necessitate regional integration of the Nordic-Baltic Eight countries.

The Foreign Ministers of Lithuania and Latvia discussed the course of Russia's war against Ukraine and the need for support to the defending country. Budrys emphasized that the pressure on Ukraine to negotiate peace from a weak position was unacceptable. According to the Lithuanian Foreign Minister, to achieve long-term peace as quickly as possible, it is necessary to strengthen Ukraine.

"Lithuania and Latvia are among the most active supporters of Ukraine. We must ensure that allied support for Ukraine does not diminish and that the shared strategic goal of the West remains a sustainable and lasting peace. It is also important to ensure consistent political support for Ukraine's EU and NATO membership," said the Minister Budrys.

Budrys and Braze discussed the situation in Georgia. The Foreign Minister of Lithuania said that the best way out of the country's deep crisis is through new parliamentary elections and called for continued support for Georgian civil society, which advocates for the country's EU integration. According to him, the growing Russian influence in the South Caucasus will only increase threats to the security of the entire region.

The Foreign Ministers of Lithuania and Latvia discussed Lukashenko's upcoming self-appointment as the leader of Belarus, which is scheduled to take place at the end of January. According to Budrys, it is vital to support the democratic forces of Belarus, as a stable and democratic Belarus is a common European interest. He also noted that the ensuring Belarusian regime's international accountability for human rights violations remains a priority objective.

Budrys and Braze also discussed the need to tighten sanctions policies against Russia.

"We see Russia as a direct, long-term threat. We must expand the existing sanctions and introduce new ones that would be targeted and painful for Russia's economic potential, prevent their circumvention through coordinated action, strengthen the international isolation of Russia and Belarus and unanimously strive for their accountability," the Lithuanian Foreign Minister said at the meeting.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Budrys in Estonia: "The EU needs concrete measures to counter hybrid threats"

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2025-01-10

On Friday, 10 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kestutis Budrys, who is paying a working visit to Estonia, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Margus Tsahkna.

The Lithuanian and Estonian Foreign Ministers discussed the region's security challenges, the protection of critical infrastructure, resilience to hybrid threats, support for Ukraine, and energy security issues.

Budrys noted that protecting critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea requires constant attention and coordinated actions, using all possible means.

The Foreign Ministers discussed the disconnection of the electrical grids from the BRELL system in early February. According to Budrys, energy independence is an essential component of national security. Therefore, it is crucial to continue working in this direction, focusing on increasing electricity generation capacity in the Baltic states.

Budrys and Tsahkna discussed the need to increase Europe's resilience to hybrid threats.

"In January, at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Lithuania, together with its partners, will present guidelines for a strategy on resilience to hybrid threats. It is not enough simply to express concern when hostile regimes are constantly testing the limits of our patience and threatening public safety. The EU countries need concrete tools not only to respond but also to prevent hybrid attacks," said Budrys.

The Foreign Ministers also discussed the problematic situation in Georgia. Budrys stressed the importance of maintaining European support for Georgia's civil society and called on the "Georgian Dream" to hold free and fair parliamentary elections. According to the Foreign Minister, the EU should be more involved and enhance its support for Georgia's pro-European forces.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The Gambia: Special Rapporteur welcomes decision to establish a special court to prosecute crimes under Yahya Jammeh

Press releases

Special Procedures

10 January 2025

GENEVA -- The Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, Bernard Duhaime, today welcomed the creation of a Special Tribunal for The Gambia to prosecute gross human rights violations and crimes perpetrated between July 1994 and January 2017, during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.

"It is a historic step towards accountability and bringing justice to victims thereby ensuring that the crimes of the past do not go unpunished," Duhaime said.

On 15 December 2024, the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) approved the creation of a "Special Tribunal for The Gambia," a hybrid court designed to prosecute crimes against humanity, torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and other serious violations committed during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.

The establishment of this special tribunal follows the reports of The Gambia's Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, which recommended that Yahya Jammeh and 68 former officials - including members of the security forces - be prosecuted for their alleged involvement in a range of crimes, including extrajudicial killings, rape, and torture.

"After two decades of authoritarian rule, some transitional justice measures were taken but progress in implementing the recommendations of the national truth commission has been slow, and concerns about the persistent climate of impunity have been raised," the expert said.

The special court will have the authority to prosecute international crimes, regardless of whether such crimes were classified as offenses under Gambian law at the time they occurred, under the hybrid court system approved by ECOWAS.

"I welcome the commitment of the Government of The Gambia for the creation of a special mechanism to put an end to impunity and provide redress to victims," Duhaime said. "The decision to establish a hybrid court offers renewed hope to victims and strengthens the broader pursuit of justice and accountability," he said.

The expert urged the Government of The Gambia to prioritise other forms of accountability, including reparations, memorialisation, official apologies, and other non-judicial measures. "These efforts are essential to fostering long-term peace, stability and national reconciliation," he said.

The Special Rapporteur has long been in touch with the authorities on this matter.

The expert: Bernard Duhaime, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence. Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups 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. Special Procedures mandate-holders are independent human rights experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. They are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organisation. They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Venezuela must respect right to peaceful protest and democratic dissent as new presidential term begins: UN Experts

Press releases

Special Procedures

10 January 2025

GENEVA -- Venezuela must end the arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of opposition members and pro-democracy activists ahead of the inauguration of President Nicolas Maduro's third term in office, UN experts* said today.

"We are gravely concerned that reports of serious human rights violations in the country in the context of presidential elections on 28 July 2024 have not receded," the experts said.

"Venezuela's opposition parties were calling on citizens to join demonstrations against alleged election irregularities in the country's July 2024 polls during the presidential inauguration today," they said. "Repeatedly, such calls for peaceful protests have been followed by reports of systemic use of enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention by state authorities, aimed at crushing dissent."

At least 19 people had reportedly been detained arbitrarily nationwide ahead of the inauguration, and at least eight have been forcibly disappeared, the experts said.

In August and September 2024, several UN experts raised deep concern about allegations of serious human rights violations in the context of Venezuela's presidential elections. They highlighted arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force against demonstrators, unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, unlawful dismissals, revocation of passports, persecution, and prosecution of political opponents and people exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, and violations of due process and irregularities during and after the elections.

"We are very concerned that human rights violations continue to accumulate, victims remain unprotected, and there has been no accountability or justice against perpetrators, nor guarantees of non-repetition amid the new mobilisations and protests that are expected in the coming days. The population is in a state of terror due to the reactions of the State," the experts warned.

While some people who were detained after the elections have been released, the experts said dozens of cases were raised with the Government involving the enforced disappearance of individuals linked to their actual or perceived political affiliations, including cases since 28 July 2024, and remain unresolved.

"In the face of planned protests, the Venezuelan State must guarantee the safety of demonstrators and refrain from acts of violence and human rights violations that could put people's lives and personal integrity at risk" experts said. "The State must also take prompt steps to address persistent reports of systematic human rights violations in the country, especially against those critical of or dissenting with the Government."

They urged authorities to address and prevent harassment, persecution, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance of people and organisations perceived as opposition, including peaceful protestors, to immediately release all persons arbitrarily detained, and to clarify the fate and whereabouts of the missing persons.

The experts have been in contact with the Government of Venezuela on these issues.

*The experts: Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Balde, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez and Mohammed Al-Obaidi Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances 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 of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN experts urge US Senate to reject International Criminal Court sanctions bill passed by House of Representatives

Press releases

Special Procedures

10 January 2025

GENEVA -- UN experts* today urged the US Senate to oppose a bill seeking to impose sanctions and cut funding to the International Criminal Court (ICC), after the tribunal issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

The experts are dismayed by the passage of an Act in the US House of Representatives on Thursday (9 January), which sanctions the ICC following the court's decision to issue warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister, Yoav Gallant.

"It is shocking to see a country that considers itself a champion of the rule of law trying to stymie the actions of an independent and impartial tribunal set up by the international community, to thwart accountability," the experts said.

"Threats against the ICC promote a culture of impunity. They make a mockery of the decades-long quest to place law above force and atrocity," the experts warned.

They recalled that the ICC is the legacy of the Nuremberg trials, and the commitment to never allow heinous crimes, such as those committed during World War II, to go unpunished. The ICC has the mandate to investigate and prosecute individuals for the grave international crimes of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

"The tireless work of brave legal professionals at the ICC is the main driver for accountability. The work of its prosecutors becomes the foundation upon which our efforts to uphold the integrity of the system of international law is resting," the experts said.

"We call upon all State Parties to the ICC and on all Member States in general, to observe and respect international standards, as it relates to legal professionals working to bring accountability for the most grave international crimes."

"International standards provide that lawyers and justice personnel should be able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; and should not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognised professional duties, standards and ethics," they warned.

The bill titled the 'Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act', which would take effect 60 days after enactment, would sanction any individual working to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute American citizens or an official from an allied U.S. country, including Israel. It would also rescind any funds the U.S. has designated for the ICC and prohibit any future money for the court.

"Imposing sanctions on justice personnel for fulfilling their professional responsibilities is a blatant violation of human rights, striking at the core of judicial independence and the rule of law. The passage of a bill that creates a blind spot for justice regarding certain countries not only legalises double standards and impunity but irreparably undermines the spirit of universality that the international justice system is built upon," the experts said. "Such actions erode public trust in the impartiality and integrity of justice and set a dangerous precedent, politicising judicial functions and weakening the global commitment to accountability and fairness," they said.

They warned that if carried out, the sanctions would appear to amount to offenses against the administration of justice under Article 70 of the Rome Statute. Article 70 punishes efforts to impede or intimidate an official of the Court or to retaliate against an official of the Court on account of duties performed by that official.

"We urge US lawmakers to uphold the rule of law and the independence of judges and lawyers, and we call on States to respect the Court's independence as a judicial institution and protect the independence and impartiality of those who work within the Court," the experts said.

The experts have been in touch with the United States of America about their concerns.

*The experts: Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967; George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights. The Experts 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 of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Danish gov't seeks dialogue with Trump amid Greenland tensions

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:23, January 10, 2025

OSLO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Danish government has requested U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for a phone conversation following his controversial remarks on Greenland, but no official response has been received yet, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a press conference late Thursday.

In a meeting before the press conference, all party leaders in Folketing, the Danish Parliament, were briefed on ongoing diplomatic efforts on the Danish side after Trump said he would not rule out military measures to gain control over Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory.

Frederiksen emphasized that it currently has no reason to believe Trump would act on his statements, while Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said: "We should take him seriously, but not literally."

The prime minister also revealed that informal dialogue with the incoming U.S. administration has started since Trump's election victory in November. She expressed hope for further talks following Trump's official inauguration.

However, dissatisfaction emerged among political parties following the briefing. The Danish People's Party called for clearer policies regarding Greenland's autonomy, while the left-wing Red-Green Alliance criticized the government's stance as too lenient toward the United States.

Greenland, the world's largest island with a population of around 60,000, was a Danish colony until 1953, when it became an integral part of Denmark, granting the Greenlanders Danish citizenship. In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule, gaining greater self-governance while remaining under Denmark's authority for foreign and defense policy.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






News / National

by Gideon Madzikatidze/Simbarashe Sithole

Several churches, mermaid spiritual agents (MaNjuzu), traditional healers and street kids illegally settled and grabbed land along the Mukuvisi river while living in harmony with each other despite diversity in religious beliefs.Amongst the churches congregating along Mukuvisi river banks along Houghton Park, Harare area include United Family International Church (UFIC) under Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa and the late Ezekiel Guti's Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa Forward In Faith Ministries (ZAOGA FIFM).When contacted for a comment to ascertain legality on the construction of these church properties and mushrooming settlements with over 25 families living along the river banks and wetlands in Houghton Park and Waterfalls area, Harare City Council's spokesperson, Stanley Gama advised that all questions should be directed to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare."The best to answer and attend to that is the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. Everything is a responsibility for that Ministry and may you kindly get hold of them please," Gama said.A visit by Bulawayo24.com crew identified several groups gathering along Mukuvisi river banks engaging in various activities including abusing drugs, baptism and evil spirits cleansing ceremonies.One of the settlers, Reuben Moyowachena claimed that they were forced to relocate along Mukuvisi river due to economic hardships and poverty; and there is nothing strange about sharing the same environment with churches, traditional healers, MaNjuzu and street kids."We live together and interact here along the Mukuvisi river. There is nothing strange and we share everything together whilst during cleansing ceremonies, no-one interferes with one's business," Moyowachena said."We will only leave this place if there is guarantee for employment because if I go back to location, I don't have money for rentals or buying food. We survive on begging and we can't also beg for accommodation, hence we identified alternative land to settle along Mukuvisi," Moyochena added."We also dream about a good life, but meanwhile, things are tough for us. If there could be a well-wisher to rescue us from this poverty or desperation maybe it will be our last day to leave Mukuvisi, but for now, we are here to stay," Moyowachena said.Efforts to get comments from UFIC, ZAOGA FIFM and Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare were fruitless.At least over 25 homeless families with four or five members per each family have resettled along Mukuvisi river between Houghton Park and Waterfalls due to poverty, spiritual cleansing camping or idleness. Some have been living along Mukuvisi for over a decade or more whilst others frequent the area and engage in drugs and substances abuse.
Navy improves operational capability to protect PH EEZ

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

January 10, 2025, 12:24 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) has improved the operational readiness of its warships and marine units, making it more capable of conducting operations in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In an interview Friday, PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said this capability is needed for the naval service to effectively perform its mandate under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

The CADC seeks to defend all Philippine territories including its 200-nautical mile EEZ.

"In order for the PN to effectively perform its active role under the CADC, (the) Navy has been tirelessly improving the operational readiness of our units, specifically our warships and marine units, so that we can project naval power up to the EEZ," Alcos said.

While not giving specific numbers for security reasons, the PN spokesperson said there are now "record numbers of operationally ready warships and aircraft that have the capability to conduct naval and maritime operations up to the EEZ."

In a separate message to the Philippine News Agency, Alcos said this can be attributed to better equipped shipyards and more effective program management systems.

He also added that the Navy is not only mandated to operate warships, aircraft, and marine units by organizing, training and equipping PN personnel but also to maintain warships, tanks, artillery and other warfare systems.

To further improve its capabilities, Alcos said the PN will be focusing on the conduct of sustained maritime operations to ensure the country's maritime security.

Under the ongoing modernization program, the PN is expected to receive two brand-new guided missile corvettes and six offshore patrol vessels from South Korean defense contractor HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and two landing dock platforms from Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL within the next two to three years.

Three batteries of the Indian-made Brahmos anti-ship missiles, which will be operated by Marine units, are also expected to be commissioned anytime soon.

The PN is also expected to acquire additional brand-new anti-submarine helicopters to beef up the capabilities of the soon-to-be-delivered guided missile corvettes.

He added the PN will pursue its ongoing modernization program and leverage partnerships with like-minded navies. (PNA)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PCG ship challenges CCG presence in PH EEZ

Philippine News Agency

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

January 10, 2025, 12:22 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued radio challenges following incursions of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels along the coastline of Zambales on Thursday.

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said BRP Teresa Magbanua made persistent radio challenges to Chinese vessels for its continued operation within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

"The crew made it clear that the Chinese vessels do not possess any legal authority to patrol within the Philippines' EEZ and directed them to depart immediately," Tarriela said.

Chinese presence in Philippine waters, he said, is illegal under Republic Act 12064 or the "Philippine Maritime Zones Act;" the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, of which China is a signatory; and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

The Chinese vessels, he said, have been exhibiting "erratic movements" approximately 70 nautical miles to 80 nautical miles from the coastline of Zambales province.

"The objective of the Chinese deployment remains the same: to assert normalization and legitimacy in these waters. The PCG is steadfast in its mission to counteract these efforts and prevent any normalization of illegal deployment of CCG vessels," he said.

PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, ordered the continued monitoring of the illegal presence of the CCG in Philippine waters and to employ "a measured response" that prioritizes the Philippines' national interests while avoiding escalation.

On Wednesday, the PCG reported sightings of CCG vessel no. 3013 heading to Zambales with the possible intention of replacing CCG-5901 after its five-day incursion into Philippine waters.

CCG-5901 - dubbed "monster ship" for its size - began its incursion into Philippine waters on Jan. 4 when it was spotted along the coastline of Capones Island in Zambales. (PNA)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran backs stable, independent Lebanon free from foreign occupation: FM Araghchi

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 January 2025 5:24 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Islamic Republic supports a "stable, secure and independent" Lebanon as the Arab country elected president to end a two-year political deadlock.

Araghchi congratulated Joseph Aoun for his election as Lebanon's new president through a message on his X account.

"Iran supports a stable, secure and independent Lebanon, home to all Lebanese, and free from foreign occupation and threat," the top diplomat wrote in Arabic.

"As in the past, we will cooperate with any government that represents the aspirations of the Lebanese people, ensures their welfare and protects Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," the top Iranian diplomat said.

Aoun secured 99 votes from the 128-seat parliament to win the presidency in a second round of voting on Thursday.

His victory, which saw members of parliament erupting in celebration as he reached the required threshold of 86 votes, came on the legislature's 13th attempt to find a successor for Michel Aoun - not related - whose term ended in October 2022.

Following his election, Aoun who had served as the 14th commander of the Lebanese armed forces since 2017, formally stepped down from his military role. He entered parliament to take the oath of office dressed in civilian attire.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also felicitated the new Lebanese president, voicing Tehran's readiness to further enhance cooperation in "all fields" with Beirut.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Yemen strikes US aircraft carrier in Red Sea as Israel hits Yemeni targets

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 January 2025 4:12 PM

Yemen's armed forces say they have conducted retaliatory strikes against an American aircraft carrier and several other US warships in response to Washington's support for the Israeli regime's war of genocide against the Gaza Strip and its efforts at stopping Sana'a's anti-Israeli reprisal.

In a statement on Friday, the forces said they had targeted the vessels, including the American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, in the northern part of the Red Sea over the previous 48 hours, using cruise missiles and explosive-laden drones.

"The operation .. succeeded in thwarting a new aerial attack launched against our nation from the carrier," said the statement, adding, "The attack forced the carrier and its accompanying warships to withdraw from the northern Red Sea region."

The statement pointed to Thursday's strikes against the northern side of the city of Yaffa near Tel Aviv, the Israeli regime's economic heart, in the occupied Palestinian territories, using three unmanned aerial vehicles.

The strikes likewise succeeded in hitting their intended targets, it noted.

The Yemeni troops began launching their operations against Israeli targets in October 2023 in support of Gaza and Lebanon, which have respectively come under the genocidal war and escalated deadly assaults by the Israeli regime.

The successful strikes were both preceded and followed by intensified deadly aggression by the regime, the United States, its biggest ally, and the United Kingdom against the Yemeni territory.

The forces have been responding by ramping up their strikes against strategic and sensitive Israeli and American targets, including the US warships and aircraft carriers that are deployed off Yemen's coastline.

Attack on Sana'a amid million-man march

On Friday, it was reported that Israeli and the US's warplanes targeted the vicinity of the al-Sabeen Square in the Yemeni capital Sana'a amid massive protests against the continuation of Israeli genocide against Gaza.

The aggression caused massive explosions in the city.

Yemen's al-Masirah television network said the aircraft hit the Amran Province, north of Sana'a.

According to the network, the targets included some areas around the Harf Sufyan District in the province, which were attacked on 12 occasions.

It also reported that the aggressors had targeted the Ra's Isa Port and the al-Hudaydah Port in western Yemen in several cases.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's al-Akhbar newspaper said the US, the UK, and the regime had conducted 30 joint attacks against the Arab Peninsula nation since the onset of its pro-Palestinian strikes.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Most of Israeli captives in northern Gaza 'missing' after heavy bombardment: Hamas

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 January 2025 3:01 PM

The armed wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says most of the Israeli captives held in northern Gaza have gone missing, holding Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his military responsible for their lives.

Al-Qassam Brigades made the announcement on Friday, as the Israeli regime continues its intensified bombardment of the besieged Palestinian territory.

"Most of the enemy captives have gone missing due to the incessant Zionist aggression," a source from the Brigades told Al Jazeera Arabic.

The source stressed that al-Qassam "once again holds the Israeli regime and its military army fully responsible for the lives and fate of the captives" being held across the blockaded Palestinian region.

Al-Qassam Brigades in recent months has released a series of video messages, saying Netanyahu does not care about the fate of the Israeli captives and is deliberately killing them.

In video messages released by Hamas, Israeli captives in Gaza slam Netanyahu's failure to secure their release through a deal with the movement. The videos also contain pictures of a number of Israeli captives, who were killed in Israeli military attacks on Gaza.

Hamas has time and again warned Israel that the lives of captives are in danger unless the regime reverses its course.

Hamas held captive around 250 people during its unprecedented operation against the occupied territories on October 7, 2023. The resistance released 105 of the captives during a week-long truce in November 2023.

Six captives were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the southern Gaza Strip in September.

Hamas said at the time that Netanyahu "is directly responsible for the killing of dozens of captives due to bringing the ceasefire efforts to a failure."

Al-Qassam Brigades in a recent message said that Netanyahu and the Israeli military's chief of staff Herzi Halevi "are seeking to get rid of their captives in Gaza by all means."

The developments come as the Israeli regime continues its intensified bombardment of the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli prime minister has long been obstructing mediation for a truce and a deal to release the captives still held by Palestinian groups in Gaza.

The families of the captives have held numerous rallies to call for a deal as public and diplomatic pressure has been mounting on the Netanyahu regime.

Hamas has repeatedly said that there is no alternative other than "a ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation forces, and the implementation of a prisoner exchange agreement" in exchange for the release of the Israeli captives.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Pezeshkian congratulates Aoun on his election as Lebanon's new president

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 January 2025 10:48 AM

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has felicitated Joseph Aoun on his election as Lebanon's new president, voicing Tehran's readiness to further enhance cooperation in "all fields" with Beirut.

"The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its readiness to further enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields during your presidency," Pezeshkian wrote in his congratulatory message on Friday, a day after Aoun secured the majority of votes in the Lebanese Parliament.

The Iranian president hoped that the election will bring "political stability, continuous economic growth, and peace and comfort to the dear people of Lebanon."

"Strengthening resilience and unity will doubtless thwart the Zionist enemy's avarice towards the Lebanese territory," he wrote.

Aoun secured 99 votes from the 128-seat parliament to win the presidency in a second round of voting on Thursday afternoon.

"A new phase in the history of Lebanon begins today," 60-year-old Aoun told the chamber after he was sworn in.

Aoun's victory, which saw members of parliament erupting in celebration as he reached the required threshold of 86 votes, came on the legislature's 13th attempt to find a successor for Michel Aoun - not related - whose term ended in October 2022.

On Thursday, the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon congratulated the Lebanese nation and Aoun on election results, hoping for strengthened relations between the two states that would "serve the mutual interests of our two countries and promote stability and prosperity in the region."

Following his election, Aoun who had served as the 14th commander of the Lebanese armed forces since 2017, formally stepped down from his military role. He entered parliament to take the oath of office dressed in civilian attire.

Aoun will need to oversee the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and establish a new government capable of addressing post-war reconstruction.

In November, the World Bank provided a preliminary assessment estimating the Israel war's physical damage and economic losses at $8.5 billion.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Election Of New Lebanese President Signals Iran's Waning Influence

By Kian Sharifi January 10, 2025

Lebanese lawmakers have elected army chief Joseph Aoun as the country's new president, ending a two-year gridlock in a clear sign of the weakening of Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed political party and military force that had scuttled past efforts to name a president.

Lawmakers from Hezbollah, which is a U.S.-designated terrorist group, and its ally Amal had for two years obstructed attempts to elect a president by walking out of the parliament, preventing it from reaching a quorum.

This time, however, they voted for Aoun in the second round on January 9 after their preferred candidate dropped out.

In the end, Aoun secured a commanding second-round victory, winning 99 out of 128 votes after falling short of the two-thirds majority required for victory in the first round.

Hezbollah's devastating war with Israel late last year caused significant damage in Lebanon, particularly in the capital, Beirut, and weakened the Shi'ite group militarily, socially, and, it seems, politically.

Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, said the election of the U.S-backed Aoun indicates that Hezbollah has "come to terms with the new political realities" in Lebanon.

He said that, by backing Aoun's election, Hezbollah sought to avoid being blamed for prolonging Lebanon's political gridlock while also ensuring that more staunchly anti-Hezbollah figures such as Samir Geagea did not become president.

"[Hezbollah's] focus remains on survival while working toward a more stable situation in the country, which they hope to use over time to regain strength and rehabilitate their position," Azizi added.

Aoun's election was backed by the United States, France, and Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, indicating that Riyadh's influence in Lebanon will likely grow at Tehran's expense.

"It is quite evident that, as Hezbollah's role diminishes in Lebanon's political and military affairs, Iranian influence is also waning," Azizi argued.

Losing influence in Lebanon caps off a catastrophic few months for Iran, which has witnessed the battering of its sprawling network of regional proxies and the fall of longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Still, Tehran appears supportive of Hezbollah's strategy of maintaining a lower profile and focusing on rebuilding its strength, according to Azizi.

Even Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian has welcomed Aoun's election, saying it was a "reinforcement of stability and unity" in the country.

Iranian state-affiliated media, meanwhile, have avoided criticizing Aoun, with one news agency even describing him as an "impartial" and "relatively popular" figure.

In his victory speech, Aoun vowed that only the Lebanese state would have a "monopoly" on weapons in a comment seen as a pledge to disarm Hezbollah, which has long been considered a more powerful force than the Lebanese military.

Azizi said disarming Hezbollah is a longer-term goal which is "easier said than done" and that for "clear-eyed" Aoun, the immediate priority is establishing stability in Lebanon.

Of more immediate concern, analysts say, is the implementation of an Israeli-Hezbollah cease-fire while also seeking funding to rebuild Lebanon, especially in areas in the south and east that were hit hard by the fighting.

"Aoun has interlocking objectives. He has to address Hezbollah's weapons through some sort of dialogue forum. Yet he can only do so if he secures funding to rebuild mainly Shi'a areas. And for this he must engage in economic reform, because the Gulf states now demand it," said Michael Young of the Carnegie Middle East Center.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/joseph-aoun-elected- lebanon-president-hezbollah-weakened/33271078.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






Israeli Defense Minister Pushes for Strategy to Completely Wipe Out Hamas in Gaza

Sputnik News

20250110

TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Friday ordered the military to present a plan for the complete destruction of Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip if Israeli hostages are not released by the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.

"If a hostage deal does not take place before president Trump takes office, it is necessary to ensure the complete defeat of Hamas in Gaza," Katz said at a meeting with senior military officials, according to Channel 14.

On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, fighters of Palestinian movement Hamas infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took hostages.

Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in Gaza and announced a complete blockade of the enclave.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






G7 Denounces the Lack of Democratic Legitimacy of Today's Presidential Inauguration in Venezuela

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

January 10, 2025

The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.

Begin Text:

We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, denounce the lack of democratic legitimacy of today's purported inauguration of Nicolas Maduro as president of Venezuela. We reject Maduro's continued and repressive grasp at power at the expense of the Venezuelan people, who voted for change peacefully and in large numbers on July 28, 2024, according to independent observers and publicly available electoral records.

We also strongly condemn the ongoing repression of civil society and members of the opposition in Venezuela, including opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. In September, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, for whom, according to most credible accounts, the Venezuelan people voted by a significant majority on July 28, 2024, was forced to leave the country. In a democracy, no political leader should be forced to seek refuge outside their homeland. This unacceptable development underscores the urgent need for an environment in Venezuela where democratic engagement can flourish without fear of reprisal.

We share the alarm expressed by Venezuelans and the international community over the persistent disregard by Maduro of the principles of democratic governance, rule of law and human rights. In particular, we are deeply troubled by the arbitrary arrests and other abuses of civilians, including children, youths and activists, following the peaceful democratic protests which occurred after the election and which continue to this day.

We are concerned by the continuing repercussions on stability and prosperity in the region, including in neighboring countries. Venezuelans, confronted with a humanitarian crisis and state repression, continue to flee the country in search of better living conditions and safety.

A peaceful, democratic, negotiated and Venezuelan-led solution is needed to resolve this crisis. We remain committed to working with Venezuelans and the international community to ensure that the democratic will of the Venezuelan people, as expressed in the July election, is respected and a peaceful transition of power process is established.

End Text.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary Blinken's Call with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 10, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed regional stability, including the election of President Aoun in Lebanon, continued efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of all hostages and surges humanitarian assistance, and ongoing Houthi threats to regional and international security and detentions of diplomatic, NGO, and UN-staff. The Secretary reaffirmed U.S. support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned peaceful political transition to an inclusive, representative, and accountable government.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China, Africa will jointly advance implementation of 10 partnership action plans: FM

Xinhua) 13:30, January 11, 2025

ABUJA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with African countries to deliver tangible outcomes from the 10 partnership action plans proposed at the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing last year, ensuring that both sides can advance faster, more steadily, and further on their path toward modernization, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during an interview with Chinese media following his visits to Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria.

Wang said during his visits to the four countries, he had in-depth exchanges with leaders of the countries regarding the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes and reached a broad consensus.

President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso and other African leaders said that the 10 partnership action plans comprehensively address every aspect of China-Africa cooperation and tackle Africa's pressing challenges, fully align with Africa's needs, and will provide substantial support for the continent's development and revitalization, Wang said.

Throughout the visits, Wang said, it was evident that African countries attach great importance to implementing the summit outcomes and deepening China-Africa cooperation.

The Partnership Action for Mutual Learning among Civilizations ranks first among the 10 partnership action plans, reflecting its profound significance in today's world, Wang said.

Both China and Africa have long histories and rich civilizations, and both are actively committed to national development and revitalization, he said.

Under the strong leadership of the CPC, China has charted a successful development path suited to its national conditions, achieving significant progress in its modernization drive, Wang said, adding that these achievements offer valuable insights and new opportunities for African nations seeking to accelerate their development and revitalization.

China and African countries have decided to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning between their civilizations and share governance experiences, laying a stronger and broader political and social foundation for China-Africa cooperation, Wang said.

Regarding his visit to Africa, Wang said the tradition of making Africa the first overseas destination for China's foreign minister each new year is a hallmark of Chinese diplomacy, which has been upheld consistently for 35 years, setting a unique precedent in international relations.

This tradition demonstrates to the world that regardless of changes in the international or regional landscape, China's commitment to Africa remains unwavering, he said.

China will always be the most trustworthy friend of its African brothers and sisters, the most reliable partner in their pursuit of development and revitalization, and the strongest supporter of Africa on the international stage, Wang said, stressing that Africa will always remain a priority in China's overall diplomatic strategy.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
News / National

by Ndou Paul

Binga, Zimbabwe - Three people tragically lost their lives on Wednesday when a vehicle they were traveling in struck an anti-tank mine near Sebungwe Mouth in Binga. The incident has underscored the ongoing danger posed by landmines left over from the liberation struggle.The victims were Binga Rural District Council employees who were returning from work. The driver, Micka Munsaka, attempted to avoid potholes on the main road and took a shortcut, unknowingly driving over the buried mine.Lieutenant Colonel Tichafa Mungofa, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed that the explosion was caused by an anti-tank mine, likely exposed by recent heavy rains. He emphasized that the area was not marked as a minefield.This incident has sparked renewed calls for intensified demining efforts. Tendai Chirau, Deputy Secretary for National Security of the ZANU PF Politburo, expressed his sadness over the loss of life in a Facebook post, blaming the tragedy on mines planted by the "colonial satanic and racist Rhodesians." He highlighted the ongoing need to clear these dangerous remnants of the past.The incident has also highlighted the urgent need for improved mine awareness education for local communities.
United States and Nigeria Agree to Repatriate Nearly $53 Million in Forfeited Corruption Proceeds

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

January 10, 2025

The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of Nigeria and the United States.

Begin text:

The U.S. Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria are pleased to announce an agreement to promptly repatriate approximately $52.88 million in forfeited corruption proceeds. These funds were forfeited to the United States as part of the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the United States to combat corruption and recover misappropriated assets.

Through court proceedings ending in 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's International Corruption Unit, and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation successfully forfeited various high-value assets, including the superyacht Galactica Star and prime real estate in California and New York. The forfeited assets had been illegally acquired using funds linked to money laundering and a conspiracy to bribe former Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. Nigerian authorities played a vital role by providing substantial assistance to the U.S. investigation.

Both nations emphasize the importance of responsible and effective use of these funds, incorporating mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability. Under the agreement signed today, the recovered funds will be used to finance electrification projects in Nigeria and international efforts to combat terrorism.

The U.S. Government remains steadfast in its commitment to combatting corruption and money laundering.

Similarly, the Federal Government of Nigeria remains dedicated to promoting accountability and good governance, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in the fight against corruption.

The repatriated assets signify a shared investment in Nigeria's development, strengthening the enduring partnership between the two nations. Both governments reiterate their commitment to transparency and the responsible use of recovered assets to benefit the Nigerian people.

End text.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Condemning Nicolas Maduro's Illegitimate Attempt to Seize Power in Venezuela and Announcing New Actions Against Maduro and His Representatives and to Support the Venezuelan People

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

January 10, 2025

Today, Nicolas Maduro held an illegitimate presidential inauguration in Venezuela in a desperate attempt to seize power. The Venezuelan people and world know the truth - Maduro clearly lost the 2024 presidential election and has no right to claim the presidency. The United States rejects the National Electoral Council's fraudulent announcement that Maduro won the presidential election and does not recognize Nicolas Maduro as the president of Venezuela. President-elect Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia should be sworn in, and the democratic transition should begin. We stand ready to support a return to democracy in Venezuela.

In solidarity with the Venezuelan people, the U.S. Government and our partners around the world are taking action today. The Department of State is increasing the reward offers to up to $25 million each for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of Nicolas Maduro and Maduro's Minister of Interior Diosdado Cabello. The Department of State is also adding a new reward offer of up to $15 million for Maduro's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez. These three reward offers stem from criminal narcotrafficking indictments announced in March 2020. The State Department is also taking steps to impose new visa restrictions on Maduro-aligned individuals for their roles in undermining the electoral process or in acts of repression in Venezuela. To date, the Department of State has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on nearly 2,000 Maduro-aligned individuals.

Concurrently, the Department of Treasury is imposing sanctions on eight Maduro-aligned individuals supporting Maduro's illegitimate assertion of authority and repressive acts in Venezuela, including members of the security forces and political figures. These designations represent the third tranche of such measures since Venezuela's July 28 election. Including today's actions, the United States has individually sanctioned 187 current or former Maduro-aligned individuals for repressing and intimidating the democratic opposition in a desperate and illegitimate attempt to take power by force.

Alongside similar actions taken today by partners, including Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, Treasury's sanctions demonstrate a message of solidarity with the Venezuelan people and further elevate international efforts to maintain pressure on Maduro and his representatives.

In a separate action, the Department of Homeland Security today announced that the 2023 designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status will be extended for 18 months, based on the severe humanitarian emergency the country continues to face due to political and economic crises under the inhumane Maduro regime.

The United States reaffirms our support for the peaceful democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people. Venezuelans' voices should be heard and their votes respected. We condemn Nicolas Maduro and his representatives for resorting to violence and intimidation against their political opponents and the Venezuelan public. We call for the immediate release of all unjustly detained political prisoners, who remain behind bars merely for exercising their rights. Venezuelans must be allowed to express their political opinions peacefully, including through the exercise of freedoms of peaceful assembly and of expression, without fear of reprisal.

In the face of this, we commend the Venezuelan people for their courage and commitment to democracy. Human rights abuses, repression, and denial of due process have not silenced their voice.

Treasury's sanctions actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13692, "Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela," as amended. Executive Order 13857 expanded Executive Order 13692's definition of "Government of Venezuela" to include individuals who have acted or purported to act directly or indirectly for or on behalf of the Government of Venezuela including Maduro-aligned officials. For more information, see Treasury's press release.

Every individual processed by the Department of Homeland Security for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) goes through rigorous national security and public safety vetting during the original application process and again during re-registration. If any individual is identified as posing a threat, they may be detained, removed, or referred to other federal agencies for further investigation or prosecution as appropriate. Individuals are barred from TPS if they have been convicted of any felony or two misdemeanors.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in South Sudan

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

January 10, 2025

The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of Norway, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Begin text:

January 9 marked the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Our governments welcomed this historic agreement, including its provision for a referendum in which the people of what is today South Sudan would determine their own future. The CPA was signed amidst great hope that the South Sudanese people would be able to enjoy peace, human rights, and a government responsive to their needs.

Sadly, this hope has gone unfulfilled. Despite South Sudan's tremendous natural resources, the country's wealth continues to benefit only a small elite. For years, the transitional government has failed to use public revenue transparently to pay public sector salaries, ensure access to basic health and education services, or create an enabling environment for sustainable development. Corruption and mismanagement of natural resources are rampant.

The transitional government has not taken the steps necessary to create the conditions for peaceful and credible elections, including fostering the civic and political space needed to give the people of South Sudan a voice in their country's future. We renew our call on the transitional government to act with urgency to meet its long overdue commitments so that South Sudan can finally realize the CPA's promise of peace and prosperity for all its citizens.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Treasury Sanctions Venezuelan Officials Supporting Nicolas Maduro's Repression and Illegitimate Claim to Power

U.S. Department of the Treasury

January 10, 2025

Multilateral Action Maintains Pressure on Maduro and his Representatives

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning eight Venezuelan officials who lead key economic and security agencies enabling Nicolas Maduro's repression and subversion of democracy in Venezuela. The individuals sanctioned, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, as amended, include the president of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., (PdVSA), Venezuela's state-owned oil company, and Maduro's Minister of Transportation and president of the Venezuelan Consortium of Aeronautical Industries and Air Services (CONVIASA), the state-owned airline. In addition, OFAC is sanctioning high-level Venezuelan officials in the military and police who lead entities with roles in carrying out Maduro's repression and human rights abuses against democratic actors.

Alongside similar actions taken today by partners, including Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, OFAC's designations demonstrate a message of solidarity with the Venezuelan people, and further elevate international efforts to maintain pressure on Maduro and his representatives.

"Since last year's election, Maduro and his associates have continued their repressive actions in Venezuela," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States, together with our likeminded partners, stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people's vote for new leadership and rejects Maduro's fraudulent claim of victory."

In the months since the Venezuelan presidential elections on July 28, 2024, the United States and its allies in the region have pushed Maduro to commit to a democratic transition. Instead, Maduro and his representatives have continued their violent repression in an attempt to maintain power, and have ignored the Venezuelan people's calls from for democratic accountability.

Concurrently, as part of the Narcotics Rewards Program, the Department of State is increasing the reward offers to up to $25 million each for information leading to the arrest and/or convictions of Maduro and Maduro's named Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace Diosdado Cabello, as well as adding a new reward of up to $15 million for Maduro's named Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino. The Department of State also imposed new visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 9931 on Maduro-aligned officials who have undermined the electoral process in Venezuela and are responsible for acts of repression.

VENEZUELAN OFFICIALs FROM STATE-OWNED ENTITIES AND MINISTRIES

The following Venezuelan officials of state-owned entities and ministries are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13692, "Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela," as amended, for being a current or former official of the Government of Venezuela.

Hector Andres Obregon Perez (Obregon) was named by Maduro in August 2024 as president of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), Venezuela's state-owned oil company and a primary source of Venezuela's income and foreign currency. OFAC sanctioned PdVSA in January 2019. Previously, Obregon was the executive vice president of PdVSA. Obregon also served as director general of the office of the Ministry of Communication and Information, general director of the Autonomous Service of Registries and Notaries, president of the Venezuelan Foreign Trade Corporation, and president of the Economic and Social Development Bank.

Ramon Celestino Velasquez Araguayan (Velasquez) has served as Maduro's Minister of Transportation since May 2023. Velasquez also is the president of the Venezuelan Consortium of Aeronautical Industries and Air Services (CONVIASA), the U.S.-sanctioned Venezuelan state-owned airline.

Felix Ramon Osorio Guzman (Osorio) was named on November 12, 2024 as vice minister of Interior Policy and Legal Security of Maduro's Interior Ministry. Previously, Osorio served as commander general of the Bolivarian Army of Venezuela. The Bolivarian Army is one of the components of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela (FANB, its Spanish acronym).

VENEZUELAN POLICE and MILITARY OFFICIALS

The following Venezuelan police and military officials are being designated pursuant to

E.O. 13692, "Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela," as amended, for being a current or former official of the Government of Venezuela.

Danny Ramon Ferrer Sandrea (Ferrer) was named on November 12, 2024 as vice minister of the Integrated System of Penal Investigations of Maduro's Interior Ministry. In this role, Ferrer has been responsible for the evaluation, control, and supervision of investigative police units, including the Scientific, Penal, and Criminal Investigations Corps (CICPC, its Spanish acronym) and the National Service of Forensic Medicine and Sciences. The CICPC is Venezuela's largest national police agency.

Douglas Arnoldo Rico Gonzalez (Rico) has served as director of CICPC since February 2016. The CICPC has reportedly committed systematic human rights abuses in Venezuela, including extrajudicial killings and arbitrary arrests. Rico was sanctioned by the European Union for human rights abuses on April 20, 2023.

Jhonny Rafael Salazar Bello (Salazar) has served as deputy director of the CICPC since March 19, 2018. Venezuelan lawyers have made public complaints against the CICPC for human rights violations and abuses committed under Rico's and Salazar's command since the July 28, 2024 presidential election.

Manuel Enrique Castillo Rengifo (Castillo) was named on October 16, 2024 as deputy commander of the Strategic Operations Command (CEOFANB, its Spanish acronym) of the FANB. Previously, Castillo served as commander of Strategic Regions for Integral Defense Los Andes. The CEOFANB is one of FANB's six branches, whose mandate is to be the operational command for strategic operations. As the operational command of the FANB, the CEOFANB also oversees the repression tactics carried out by the FANB.

Jose Ramon Figuera Valdez (Figuera) was named on October 17, 2024 as commander of the Integral Defense Zone (ZODI, its Spanish acronym) for the Venezuelan capital district, having previously served as second-in-command of the capital district ZODI. Under Figuera's leadership, the capital district has reportedly experienced the highest levels of arbitrary detentions against protesters since the July 28, 2024 election. On July 29, 2024, at least eight protesters and bystanders were killed in the capital district, where Figuera was in command.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above, and of any entities that are owned directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by them, individually, or with other blocked persons, that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Violations of OFAC regulations may result in civil or criminal penalties. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today.

###

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US: Rights experts urge Senate to reject bill sanctioning the International Criminal Court

10 January 2025 - Three experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council on Friday urged the United States Senate to oppose a bill seeking to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), and cut funding to the UN-backed tribunal, in response to its arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.

The ICC issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Asked by reporters at the regular noon briefing if the UN chief had a view on the Congressional bill, Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that although he would not comment on individual laws, "we do have a principled position...And that is, while it is independent from the Secretariat, the Secretary-General has great respect for the Court and for the work of the International Criminal Court, which is in itself a very important pillar of international justice."

The experts - Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order - outlined their concerns in a statement.

A 'shocking' move

They are dismayed by the passage of an Act in the US House of Representatives on Thursday which sanctions the ICC for its decision. The Court also issued an arrest warrant for a former Hamas commander alongside the others.

"It is shocking to see a country that considers itself a champion of the rule of law trying to stymie the actions of an independent and impartial tribunal set up by the international community, to thwart accountability," the experts said.

"Threats against the ICC promote a culture of impunity. They make a mockery of the decades-long quest to place law above force and atrocity," they warned.

The experts have written to the US authorities about their concerns.

ICC promotes accountability

The ICC was established under a 1998 treaty known as the Rome Statute. The US is not a party to the statute, along with dozens of other nations, but 125 countries are members of the Court.

It has the mandate to investigate and prosecute individuals for the grave international crimes of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It is based in the Hague, in the Netherlands.

The experts recalled that the ICC is the legacy of the Nuremberg trials which brought Nazi leaders to account and the commitment to never allow heinous crimes, such as those committed during the Second World War, to go unpunished.

"The tireless work of brave legal professionals at the ICC is the main driver for accountability. The work of its prosecutors becomes the foundation upon which our efforts to uphold the integrity of the system of international law is resting," they said.

Respect for legal professionals

They called upon all State Parties to the ICC, and all UN Member States in General, to observe and respect international standards as it relates to legal professionals working towards accountability for the most grave international crimes.

"International standards provide that lawyers and justice personnel should be able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; and should not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognised professional duties, standards and ethics," they explained.

'A blind spot for justice'

They said the bill, titled the 'Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act', would take effect 60 days after enactment.

It would sanction any individual working to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute American citizens or an official from an allied US country, including Israel. Any US funds designated for the ICC would also be rescinded, and any future money for the Court would be prohibited.

The experts said imposing sanctions on justice personnel for fulfilling their professional responsibilities is "a blatant violation of human rights" that strikes at the core of judicial independence and the rule of law.

"The passage of a bill that creates a blind spot for justice regarding certain countries not only legalises double standards and impunity but irreparably undermines the spirit of universality that the international justice system is built upon," they said.

"Such actions erode public trust in the impartiality and integrity of justice and set a dangerous precedent, politicising judicial functions and weakening the global commitment to accountability and fairness," they added.

Uphold judicial independence

They warned that if carried out, the sanctions would appear to amount to offences against the administration of justice under Article 70 of the Rome Statute, which punishes efforts to impede or intimidate an official of the Court or to retaliate against them on account of their official duties.

"We urge US lawmakers to uphold the rule of law and the independence of judges and lawyers, and we call on States to respect the Court's independence as a judicial institution and protect the independence and impartiality of those who work within the Court," they said.

About UN experts

Special Rapporteurs and Independent Experts receive their mandates from the UN Human Rights Council, which is based in Geneva.

They work on a voluntary basis, are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work.

The experts are independent of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






World News in Brief: Famine spreads in Sudan, deadly attack in Myanmar, Venezuela update

10 January 2025 - Lifesaving efforts by UN humanitarians and partners to distribute food and agricultural aid in Sudan last year reached millions, agencies reported on Friday - but needs are only growing.

The World Food Programme (WFP) provided lifesaving assistance to 7.8 million people, while the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reached nearly three million children with essential nutrition support.

This was done in the face of an escalating crisis resulting from the brutal war between rival militaries which erupted in April 2023 between the forces of the military Government and the so-called Rapid Support Forces militia.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that over 25.6 million people remain acutely food insecure.

Disruptions to agriculture caused by conflict, mass displacement, heavy rainfall, floods and limited financing have crippled food production for a second consecutive year.

Famine has now spread to five regions according to WFP, leaving some 755,000 people on the brink of starvation.

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told correspondents in New York that as the conflict rages on, "families and communities trapped in the middle of it and in hard-to-reach areas are continuing to bear the brunt of the violence and the suffering."

He said the lack of access to sufficient food and basic services in these hard-to-reach areas inside Sudan is likely to swell while "the risk of destitution and death increases."

Immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access is essential, for the UN and aid partners to deliver the assistance required.

Five million children displaced

Nour, who is internally displaced, is only surviving thanks to Ombaz - a type of animal feed, UNICEF reported.

The agency said ongoing fighting has displaced around five million children, including one-year-old Samah. Her mother walked for 20 days to reach safety in a refugee camp.

Aid workers have scaled-up efforts under the Famine Prevention Plan launched in April 2024. However, with challenges in access and resource shortages persisting, the UN has urgently called for international support to prevent further catastrophe.

Deep alarm over civilian deaths in Myanmar's Rakhine state

The UN's Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, Marcoluigi Corsi, said on Friday that aid workers are deeply alarmed by the spike in civilian casualties in Rakhine state, as the military regime battles multiple insurgencies and armed groups for control across the country.

On Wednesday there was an aerial attack on Kyauk Nima Village in Rakhine state - home to the persecuted Rohingya minority - which reportedly killed over 40 civilians, including women and children, and injured more than 20 people, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

Abide by international law

Around 500 homes were also allegedly destroyed due to the onslaught.

Mr. Dujarric reiterated the UN's call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers, as well as hospitals, schools and humanitarian assets.

"We also stress the need to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access to the most vulnerable people," he added.

Guterres strongly condemns detention of Venezuelan opposition figures

As Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third presidential term on Friday, the UN chief said he was continuing to follow events in the country "with great concern."

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the detention of opposition politicians, journalists and human rights defenders which has increased after years of repression and economic decline, since the disputed presidential election of 28 July.

According to news reports, the legislative building where Mr. Maduro was sworn in was heavily guarded by security forces as he pushed back on criticism from the United States and other governments who have joined opposition groups in declaring the election stolen.

Nationwide protests at the result led to the arrest of thousands of demonstrators and a fresh wave of arrests and crackdowns.

Fresh sanctions

The US, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union, announced a fresh round of sanctions on Friday on over 20 officials of the Venezuelan Government, accusing them of destroying the country's democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Brazil and Colombia were among the countries which rejected the result of the July elections.

"A peaceful way out of the political crisis requires full respect for human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and to hold opinions without any interference, and to peaceful assembly," said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, briefing journalists.

The UN chief urged the Venezuelan authorities to "guarantee and respect" the rights of all those arbitrarily detained.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






U.S. Navy and Japan conduct 17th Annual Joint Response Drill

US Navy

10 January 2025

From Story by Justin Keller

YOKOSUKA, Japan - The U.S. Navy, the Japanese government, and Yokosuka City participated in the 17th annual Joint Response Drill onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Dec. 17.

The drill, held under a rotating annual scenario framework, tested response capabilities, information-sharing protocols, and environmental monitoring procedures this year. A joint team composed of engineers from the U.S. Navy and Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) collaborated on environmental monitoring efforts, supported by the Japan Coast Guard Kinugasa (MS 01) monitoring vessel, which collected seawater and seabed soil samples near the carrier.

This year's scenario simulated a valve malfunction, prompting the activation of emergency operations centers at Yokosuka City Hall and Fleet Activities Yokosuka, facilitating joint response efforts and environmental monitoring. The drill involved more than 180 participants, including representatives from the U.S. Navy, Japanese Ministry of Defense, Japan Coast Guard, and Yokosuka City emergency services.

The exercise reinforced coordination between Japanese and American teams, emphasizing seamless communication and adherence to established safety protocols. By rehearsing these measures, the participants ensure readiness to mitigate risks associated with low-probability events and are better prepared for future joint response.

The annual Joint Response Drill, initiated in 2007, reflects the robust collaboration between Japan and the U.S., highlighting their shared commitment to regional security and disaster preparedness. Each year, the lessons learned enhance the partners' operational effectiveness, contributing to the safety and security of the Yokosuka community and beyond.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Amphibious Transport Dock the Future USS Travis Manion (LPD 33)

US Navy - Press Release

10 January 2025

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that a future San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock (LPD 33) will be named USS Travis Manion. Secretary Del Toro made the announcement on January 10, during a ceremony with the Travis Manion Foundation.

The future USS Travis Manion honors Silver Star recipient, 1st Lieutenant Travis Manion and his service. The future LPD 33 will be the first Navy vessel named for Travis Manion.

"The San Antonio-class amphibious ship represents the combined power of the Navy and Marine Corps team and relies on the seamless integration of Sailors and Marines working together," said Del Toro. "Here, at his alma mater, I am proud to announce that the next San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, LPD 33, will be named USS Travis Manion, serving as a symbol of courage, bravery, and selfless service for all who follow in her wake."

Born to a Marine family, Manion graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2004. After completion of entry-level officer training, he was assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and deployed to Iraq for his first tour of duty. In 2006, he was assigned to a military transition team advising the Iraqi Army and returned to Iraq in December that year.

On patrol in April 2007, Manion and his fellow Marines were ambushed. With his corpsman wounded, Manion exposed himself to enemy fire to recover the corpsman. Attacking the ambushers, Manion again moved through enemy fire to rescue another wounded Marine. With Iraqi reinforcements blocked, Manion again exposed himself to fire in attempt to find a better fighting position. He was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper. For his actions, he was awarded a Silver Star.

Manion Hall, a student barracks at The Basic School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, is named in his honor. This is the first ship to be named after 1st Lieutenant Manion.

"The naming of this ship, the USS Travis Manion, is an incredible honor for Travis and our family, and an honor for all of those who stepped up to serve when our country called after September 11, 2001," said Col. Thomas Manion, USMC, (Ret.) and Chairman Emeritus, Travis Manion Foundation. "Through the words he spoke before his final deployment, 'If Not Me, Then Who...', Travis left a legacy of service that lives on through the hundreds of thousands of veterans and families of the fallen across the country who share this ethos. Today, as our men and women continue to serve on the front lines, I know Travis would want this ship to be a tribute to this entire generation of veterans and a reminder to honor and remember their service and sacrifice."

Along with the ship's name, Secretary Del Toro announced the sponsors for the USS Travis Manion as sister, Ryan Manion, and nieces Maggie and Honor Borek. They, in their role as sponsors, will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

"I never would have thought when we lost my brother Travis in 2007 that I - alongside Travis' nieces, Maggie and Honor - would one day serve as sponsors of a ship named after him," said Ryan Manion, CEO of Travis Manion Foundation. "Travis would be so proud to know that the USS Travis Manion will one day carry Marines - men and women like those he walked beside in the halls of Naval Academy and those he served beside on the battlefield. He'd also be adamant that this honor is not only about him, but about remembering the legacies of all of those who wore the uniform."

Amphibious transport dock ships are warships that embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions. LPDs are used to transport and land Marines, their equipment, and supplies by embarked Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft (MV 22). These ships support amphibious assault, special operations, or expeditionary warfare missions and serve as secondary aviation platforms for amphibious operations.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






SECNAV Del Toro Names T-AGOS Explorer-Class and First Two Ships

US Navy - Press Release

10 January 2025

ANNAPOLIS (Jan 10, 2025) - Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro named the T-AGOS ocean surveillance ships the Explorer class, the future USNS Don Walsh (T-AGOS 25) and the second ship the future USNS Victor Vescovo (T-AGOS 26).

Del Toro made the announcement during a ship naming ceremony amongst members of Congress, National Geographic Explorers, local civic leaders, educators, scientists and a wide multitude of explorers at the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland, on Jan. 10.

In 2022, the Navy procured the first of seven larger, faster surveillance ships known as T-AGOS 25. Today, I am proud to announce these vessels will be known as the Explorer-class of ocean surveillance ships, named in honor of those who made discoveries under sea, on land, and in the skies above.

"These ships are essential to maintaining strategic deterrence and operational awareness in the world's oceans," said Del Toro. "There is no one better to name for the first ship than Captain Don Walsh, a man whose life and career embody the very essence of exploration, innovation, and dedication to our Navy and our Nation. In naming the second T-AGOS, no one is more deserving than Commander Victor Vescovo, for his explorations in the air, on land and under the seas as well as his many scientific contributions. I am proud to name today, the future USNS Don Walsh (T-AGOS 25) and the future USNS Victor Vescovo (T-AGOS 26)."

Operated by the Military Sea Lift Command, the Explorer-class will play an integral role in the Navy's anti-submarine warfare operations. T-AGOS ships align with the class's mission of ocean surveillance and highlights the wide-range of careers in the Navy and Marine Corps, encompassing opportunities to explore land, air, and sea.

"I am honored to stand side-by-side with the Navy to launch the new Explorer Class of ocean surveillance ships" said Jean Case, Chairman of the National Geographic Society. "We could not be more proud that the inaugural vessel in this class honors our beloved National Geographic Explorer, retired US Navy Captain Don Walsh. We are grateful for the long-standing partnership the National Geographic Society and the US Navy have shared embracing the spirit of exploration and commitment to go to the front lines of the unknown. Together, we champion the courage and curiosity that drive humanity to discover, protect, and build a better understanding of our world."

The future USNS Don Walsh is the first-in-class, named in honor of the late Captain Don Walsh, USN, a renowned explorer and pioneer of deep-see submergence. Walsh is a 1954 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served first in the amphibious forces before being selected for submarine duty aboard USS Rasher (SS-269). Later while assigned to the staff of Submarine Flotilla 1, he volunteered for the fledgling deep-dive program and became Navy Submersible Pilot No.1. On Jan. 23, 1960, Walsh, accompanied by scientist Jacques Piccard, successfully piloted bathyscaphe Trieste 35,797 feet down to Challenger-Deep, the deepest known point of the ocean, located southwest of Guam in the Mariana Trench. President Dwight D. Eisenhower subsequently presented Walsh with a Legion of Merit for his pioneering work in "innerspace."

Walsh went on to earn a doctorate in Physical Oceanography while in the service and would ultimately command USS Bashaw (AGSS-241) before retiring as a Captain and going on to be a world-renowned ocean scientist and explorer, with countless awards and accolades. Captain Walsh recently passed away on Nov. 12, 2023, at his home in Oregon. This will be the first Navy vessel named for Walsh.

"My father was many things to many people- explorer, educator, colleague and mentor. But if you asked him what most defined his character, Navy Man, would be top of the list. His contributions to ocean exploration and advocacy spanned 60 plus years and he "wrote the book" on how we talk about, research and protect our planet's circulatory system. His historic dive to Challenger Deep as a Navy Lieutenant was just part of what would become a life of service to the country, the oceans and the global community," said Kelly Walsh, son of the late Don Walsh. "To me he was dad: a brilliant example of living a life full of adventure and curiosity. He shared the world with his family over the years, and in turn, we got to share him with the world. His legacy will remain- on the waves, over the horizon and just beyond the next great discovery. He will be there in practice and spirit."

Secretary Del Toro named Mrs. Joan Walsh, spouse of the late Walsh, and his daughter, Liz Walsh, as sponsors of TAGOS-25. Sponsors are selected by the Secretary of the Navy and hold a unique role in maintaining a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

"The Walsh family is profoundly honored that the Navy has chosen to recognize Don Walsh's lifetime of service and dedication by naming this new TAGOS ship after him. Don sometimes described being a kid in the San Francisco Bay area, daydreaming about where all those ships were going as they sailed to and for over the horizon; that little boy would certainly marvel that one day his legacy would be memorialized in such an enduring way," said Liz Walsh. "As the ship's Sponsors, my mother Joan and I are proud to now become a small part of the Navy's future. We eagerly look forward to developing bonds with the future ship, officers, and crew who will be a key part in protecting America at sea."

The future USNS Victor Vescovo is named to honor Commander Victor Lance Vescovo, USNR (Ret) (1966  present). Vescovo, a private equity investor, explorer, and retired naval intelligence officer who currently holds the world record for the deepest dive of a crewed vessel to Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, was the first person to reach Earth's highest and lowest points. Vescovo has also completed the Explorers' Grand Slam (Last Degree), in which he climbed the highest mountain on each continent and attained both the North and South Poles. Following his dive to Challenger Deep in his custom-built submersible Limiting Factor, Vescovo completed his own Five Deeps challenge, descending to the lowest points in the Earth's oceans.

He confirmed the identity of the wreck of Johnston (DD 557), which was sunk following a valiant stand against an overwhelming Japanese force during the Battle off Samar in Leyte Gulf, October 1944, which had been discovered but not confirmed by Vulcan, Inc., in 2019. The following year he discovered the wreck of Samuel B. Roberts (DE 413), lost in that same battle. Samuel B. Roberts is the deepest identified wreck at a depth of 22,621 feet. In 2021, Vescovo won the 2021 Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration alongside Patrick Lahey for their 2019 Five Deeps Expedition and history of further dives of scientific and historical interest. There have been no previous Navy vessels named for Vescovo.

"It is a great privilege to honor my friend and colleague in the US Navy and ocean exploration, Captain Don Walsh. Vessels such as this upgraded T-AGOS class are essential to the US Navy's mission to safeguard the security of the world ocean as well as contribute to its greater understanding," said Vescovo, namesake of T-AGOS 26. "I am also beyond honored to follow in Captain Walsh's footsteps both to the bottom of the ocean and in the line of succession of naming these great ships."

During the naming ceremony, Del Toro also announced the sponsor of the future USNS Victor Vescovo, Victoria Vescovo Webster, the sister of CDR Vescovo.

"The naming of this ship for my brother, as the USNS Victor Vescovo, is a very deep and moving honor to me and our family," said Vescovo Webster. "The role of this ship will be such a perfect combination of his tremendous achievements as an explorer, and his service as a Naval Intelligence officer. I am truly grateful to be named as the sponsor for this ship, and will endeavor to fulfill that role with the same spirit of service as the ship's namesake."

T-AGOS 25 class will be part of the tactical auxiliary general ocean surveillance (TAGOS) ships fleet operated by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) of the US Navy. The Navy in FY2022 procured the first of a planned class of seven new T-AGOS 25 class ocean surveillance ships. T-AGOS ships support Navy antisubmarine warfare (ASW) operations and gather underwater acoustical data to support the mission of the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) by providing a ship platform capable of theater anti-submarine acoustic passive and active surveillance.

T-AGOS 25 class ships will be 356ft (110m) long and feature a steel small waterplane area twin hull (SWATH) design. The upper section of the ship is supported by two struts that reach down to a set of submerged hulls resembling those of a submarine. The struts feature a slender profile where they meet the waterline, resulting in a minimal waterplane area.

The ships will have an 8,500t displacement and accommodation for 68 personnel. They will support the navy's Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) for collecting underwater acoustical data, using Surveillance Towed-Array Sensor System (SURTASS) equipment. The high stability of the SWATH design in adverse weather conditions is useful for SURTASS operations.

The other associated electronic equipment on the ships will help in processing and transmitting the data to shore stations through satellite, for evaluation. The ship will be able to sail at a maximum speed of 20 knots.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Biden team urges Trump administration to keep continuity in Indo-Pacific

By Patsy Widakuswara January 10, 2025

Jake Sullivan, the outgoing U.S. national security adviser, is urging the incoming Trump administration to continue President Joe Biden's strategy of bolstering ties with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter adversaries including China and North Korea.

"The case we will make to them is that the American position in the region is incredibly strong right now," Sullivan said in response to VOA's question during a roundtable with journalists on Friday.

"There should be more continuity than significant change with respect to our Indo-Pacific strategy," he said. "But I don't know what the incoming team will actually end up doing."

Sullivan, considered one of the main architects of the Biden administration's Indo-Pacific strategy, said the president's approach is "working in a big way," and he warned that straying from that will "bring risk."

Sullivan acknowledged, however, that the administration failed to make substantial progress on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

As the threat from Pyongyang remains as acute as it has ever been, Sullivan highlighted key distinctions: closer cooperation between North Korea and Russia, and a "broader alignment of competitors and adversaries  Russia, China, North Korea, Iran."

He repeated the administration's warning against reducing U.S. support for Kyiv, something that President-elect Donald Trump has signaled he would do. What happens in Ukraine really matters for the Indo-Pacific, Sullivan said, because "China's watching."

Biden's aides have often voiced concern that the West's reluctance to bolster Kyiv's defenses could embolden China to follow Russia's lead and invade its smaller democratic neighbor, Taiwan, or act even more aggressively on its disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Bonnie Glaser, managing director of German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific Program, said that cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has developed quickly, with North Korea sending its troops to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and is likely to expand.

"We have yet to see what weapons systems or military technologies [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has promised to deliver to [North Korean leader] Kim [Jong Un]," she told VOA. "Beijing has refused to apply leverage to stop this trend."

Sullivan expressed confidence that the administration has "set up a great opportunity for the next team" to enhance the U.S. position and has "shifted the balance of power" in the Indo-Pacific.

He outlined Biden's approach of creating a network of alliances and partnerships, including enhancing cooperation with the Quad, an informal grouping with India, Australia and Japan, as well as rolling out the AUKUS security deal with the United Kingdom and Australia to provide Canberra with nuclear-powered submarines to better patrol the waters of the region.

Sullivan also highlighted trilateral cooperation among the U.S., Japan and South Korea, with the two former adversaries now working together to deter North Korea's nuclear threat, and among the U.S., Japan and the Philippines to push back against Beijing's aggression in the South China Sea.

Continuity or change

Because relations between Washington and Beijing will likely remain adversarial, the region could see more continuity on U.S. policy toward China under the incoming administration.

Trump has selected two well-known China hawks for key roles in his "America First" Cabinet: Senator Marco Rubio, Trump's pick for secretary of state, and Representative Mike Waltz, the man Trump is eyeing to become Sullivan's successor.

However, Waltz earlier this week announced a sweeping directive to terminate all national security staffers loaned from other departments and agencies who serve in apolitical, nonpartisan senior staff roles. Waltz said the firings were meant to enforce absolute alignment with Trump's policy agenda.

Aside from staffing the National Security Council with Trump loyalists, it's unclear whether the president-elect will employ the same approach of leveraging alliances to deter China.

The first Trump administration saw that "multilateral alliances are more a burden than a reality," said Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. During his first term, Trump terminated U.S. membership in organizations and agreements including the Paris Climate Accord, the U.N. Human Rights Council and the World Health Organization.

"If you do form alliances, they're going to have to be based on clear, specific quid pro quo transactions," he told VOA.

During his first term, Trump also focused more on bilateral ties, and he may fall back on that approach.

"He might emphasize ties with strong conservative leaders like [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi in India but de-emphasize groups like the U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilat[eral], particularly if a new government in Seoul drifts a little away from Washington," said Zack Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

"What remains unclear is whether Trump will be confrontational with China outside the economic arena," Cooper told VOA. Key uncertainties include whether the U.S. will pursue a less robust response to Beijing's moves in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

"Trump personally seems more open to engagement with [Chinese President] Xi Jinping and focused on trade issues, but many in his administration will be pushing for a hard line on security and technology issues," Cooper said.

Change of trade strategy

Trade is one area where analysts expect a significant change in strategy as Trump appears set to enact protectionist measures, threatening to wield tariffs as a weapon of punishment not only on adversaries but also on regional partners, particularly those with large trade surpluses, including Japan.

Trump is expected to undo the Biden's administration's effort to revitalize trade with the region. During his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to kill the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, Biden's 2022 deal with countries in the region, saying that it will hurt American manufacturing and workers.

IPEF was Biden's attempt to bolster economic ties with Indo-Pacific countries, five years after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Obama administration's most important trade initiative, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, immediately upon entering his first term.

The framework pursues nontrade priorities such as supply chain resilience, secure digital infrastructure and sustainable clean energy transition. It has been criticized by many in the region for not offering market access measures as Beijing aggressively expanded its economic clout, including through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world's largest regional free-trade pact that covers almost one-third of the world's population and GDP.

VOA's Steve Herman contributed to this report.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Mourners bury Israeli hostage found dead this week in Gaza

By VOA News January 10, 2025

Hundreds of mourners gathered in the southern Israeli city of Rahat Friday for the funeral of 23-year-old Israeli hostage Hamzah al-Zayadni, whose body was recovered by Israeli soldiers in Gaza earlier this week.

The funeral was held hours after the army confirmed the body's identity. It was retrieved along with that of his father, 53-year-old Yosef al-Zayadni, who was identified and buried Thursday.

The Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, said the men were taken together and alive when Hamas militants stormed southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Two other Zayadni children also taken were released in a prisoner exchange during a weeklong truce in November 2023.

The IDF said the two bodies were discovered in an underground tunnel in the Rafah area. It was not reported how they died, but the Reuters news agency reported a military officer indicated their deaths were not recent.

Attacks on Houthis

The IDF also reported Friday that Israeli Air Force jets attacked targets of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen.

In a statement posted on its website and social media, the IDF said the attack was carried out in response to repeated attacks by the Houthi terrorist regime against Israel.

Reuters reported one of the airstrikes struck Yemen's capital, Sanaa, near protesters gathering in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Yemen's al-Masirah television aired video of smoke rising near the city's al-Sabeen Square. The broadcaster reported the air strikes also targeted a power station in the capital.

The IDF said they also targeted Houthi infrastructure at the ports of Ras Issa and Hudaydah, on the western coast of Yemen.

The Houthis rebels have repeatedly fired drones and missiles toward Israel and launched attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea near Yemen since the war began in Gaza. The rebels have said they are acting in support of Palestinians.

Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying, "Just as we promised, the Houthis are paying  and will continue to pay  a heavy price for their aggression against us."

Netanyahu said the Houthis "constitute a danger to Israel and to the entire region, including global freedom of navigation. I reiterate: We will not tolerate attacks on our citizens and on our country."

In a statement, senior Houthi representative Hazem Assad said, "We will not issue threats like the clown Netanyahu. We will let the missiles and various destructive drones speak deep into the Zionist enemy."

Ceasefire talks continue

Egypt, Qatar and the United States continue to lead efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas with the release of hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that a deal was "very close" and that he hopes to secure an agreement before President Joe Biden's term ends on Jan. 20.

During a gaggle with reporters Friday, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the United States was feeling optimistic about the prospects of a deal but would not give specifics out of fear of sabotaging the talks.

Kirby would say only, "We believe we have made progress, and that does not mean the work is over."

Asked what he thought the chances were a deal could be reached before Jan. 20, Kirby said he did not want to give a percentage but said that it was possible with hard work and that it remained a key focus of the national security team.

When asked what obstacles remain, Kirby would not go into details but said, "Hamas continues to be difficult at the table."

The United States, United Kingdom, European Union and others designate Hamas as a terror group.

The war in Gaza began with the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel in which the militants killed 1,200 people and took about 250 others hostage. There are still about 100 hostages being held in Gaza, with at least one-third of them believed to be dead.

Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count but said that more than half the victims have been women and children.

In addition to those killed, the ministry said more than 109,300 people have been injured.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






As Maduro takes office, advocates condemn latest journalist arrest in Venezuela

By Graham Keeley January 10, 2025

As President Nicolas Maduro was inaugurated for a third term Friday, exiled Venezuelan journalists and opposition parties condemned the arrests of a prominent press freedom activist and a well-known opposition figure.

Venezuela's neighbor, Colombia, cited the arrests when it announced that the country's leader would be skipping Friday's ceremonies.

The Venezuelan government said this week that it had detained seven "mercenaries," including two Americans. However, the political party, Popular Will, said authorities have detained up to 19 people.

Among those is Carlos Correa, a lawyer, journalist and director of Espacio Publico, a civil association that defends freedom of expression. Witnesses saw hooded figures take the 60-year-old journalist away, his nonprofit said on social media platform X.

The government said it has also arrested Enrique Marquez, 61, a politician who ran in the 2024 presidential elections and later backed Edmundo Gonzalez as the victor. Marquez is accused of trying to stage a coup against Maduro, the government said Wednesday. It made no comment about the arrest of Correa.

Gonzalez said that masked men had also taken his son-in-law on Tuesday while he was taking his children to school.

Journalist arrest condemned

The arrest of Correa rocked Venezuela's media community, many of whom are in

exile because of a repressive media environment.

"The journalistic community is shocked that the regime would cross the line of detaining such a prominent human rights advocate," said documentary maker Juan Ravell.

"Most journalists that have been harassed and persecuted in Venezuela know of Carlos' work because he is usually the first you go to when something happens," Ravell told VOA.

Ravell, who left Venezuela for the U.S., directed the film A Dangerous Assignment, about a large-scale corruption case in Venezuela which aired on Frontline on PBS.

"Attacks on press freedom in Venezuela have escalated post July 28 [the date of presidential elections] and Carlos' detention goes a step further in this worrying path. We hope that international pressure persuades the government to release Carlos," said Ravell.

Clavel Rangel, who went into exile in 2020 amid legal threats, said that Correa and Espacio Publico are "an ally of journalists and press workers who have been subjected to judicial proceedings or who, like him, have been subjected to forced disappearances."

Rangel had been accused of libel after she and a colleague reported on Venezuela's metal sector.

"As a Venezuelan journalist, I demand his immediate release. Carlos' team has [helped] journalists with a text message, with the assistance of lawyers, legal advice and hundreds of reports that leave a record of what happens to press workers," she said.

Rangel added, "Personally, I have much to thank Carlos for: my training as a journalist and as a journalist who has needed legal assistance several times."

The Venezuelan Communications Ministry did not reply to an email from VOA asking for a comment about the arrests.

Political turmoil

The country's interior minister confirmed the arrest of Marquez, whom it said had attempted to stage a coup against Maduro, the AFP agency reported.

"Enrique Marquez is part of the coup they wanted to carry out in Venezuela," Diosdado Cabello said on television, adding that Marquez was "linked to the FBI gringo"  an unnamed American whom authorities say they have also arrested.

The Venezuelan government has repeatedly accused the opposition of plotting with foreign governments to commit acts of sabotage and terrorism.

Caracas is investigating major opposition leaders for alleged conspiracy, among other charges, and has repeatedly accused the opposition of inciting violence with its claims of victory in the July election.

The opposition published ballot box-level tallies which, it says, show a resounding victory for its candidate Gonzalez.

Gonzalez is recognized by several countries, including the U.S., as president-elect. He is currently on a tour to promote the opposition's cause. The Venezuelan government is offering a $100,000 reward for his capture.

Venezuela's electoral authority and the country's top court say Maduro won but have not published detailed tallies to verify this claim.

In a speech after being sworn in Friday, Maduro claimed to have "complied with the constitution" and accused external powers of attacking Venezuela.

But the contested election and arrests of media freedom campaigners and opposition politicians prompted some foreign leaders to boycott Maduro's inauguration.

President Gustavo Petro of Colombia said on social media that the detentions of Marquez and Correa meant he could not attend Maduro's inauguration.

Petro added that he would not break relations with Venezuela, with whom he has sought to increase trade.

Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha described Maduro as a "tyrant."

The Spanish government said neither Spain nor the EU would send a representative to Caracas for Friday's ceremony.

Jose Manuel Albares, the Spanish foreign minister, told reporters that the EU was coordinating a common position against the Maduro government to guarantee the "physical integrity, freedom of expression and freedom of demonstration." Spain too has granted asylum to Gonzalez.

The U.S. on Friday also announced new sanctions on Venezuelans, including the president of the state-owned oil company and military and police officials who the Treasury Department said played "roles in carrying [out] Maduro's repression and human rights abuses."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Readout of Vice President Harris's Calls with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain

January 10, 2025

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke separately today with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain. The Vice President expressed regret she was no longer able to travel to Bahrain given the historic wildfires in Los Angeles. The Vice President thanked both leaders for their partnership throughout the Biden-Harris Administration in strengthening the U.S.-Bahrain relationship and she reaffirmed the close and enduring bilateral relationship between the United States and Bahrain. The Vice President expressed pride in the 2023 signing of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), a key accomplishment of the Biden-Harris Administration in the Middle East, which she and the Crown Prince advanced in their March 2022 meeting. C-SIPA enhances U.S-Bahrain cooperation on defense, trade, science, and emerging technology. The Vice President expressed support for strengthening C-SIPA, and noted the United Kingdom's recent decision to join C-SIPAdemonstrating it can be a model for further regional integration. The Vice President expressed her appreciation for the security partnership with Bahrain, and for its hosting the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and the Vice President reaffirmed the importance of the United States working with our regional partners to support regional stability and maritime security. The Vice President discussed latest developments in the Middle East, and she underscored she will continue working toward a future of peace, dignity, and security for all people in the region, and a future with increased integration, connectivity, and prosperity. The Vice President commended Bahrain's leaders on the steps taken to promote interfaith tolerance in Bahrain.



# # #

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The United States' Enduring Commitment to the Indo-Pacific Region

January 10, 2025

From Day One, President Biden identified the Indo-Pacific as the critical region for the future of the United States and the world. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has reinvested in and reinvigorated our leadership in this region and, as a result, our position there is stronger now than ever before. Together with our allies and partners, we have built a shared foundation for the Indo-Pacific-one that is free, open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient.

An Indo-Pacific that is Free and Open

We are promoting a free and open region where individuals can thrive in transparent societies and nations can make sovereign political choices free from coercion. We are addressing regional issues openly, upholding international law and norms, and facilitating the free movement of goods, services, ideas, and people by:

Ensuring seas, skies, and other shared domains are lawfully governed: The Department of Defense (DoD) continues to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific in accordance with international law. Over the past four years, DoD has challenged over a dozen excessive maritime claims as part of the global freedom of navigation operations (FON) Program. The U.S. military, alongside allies and partners, has participated in numerous bilateral and multilateral maritime exercises to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea.

Investing in democratic institutions, a free press, and a vibrant civil society: In 2024, we co-hosted the third Summit for Democracy with the Republic of Korea (ROK) to champion our democratic values of transparency, accountable governance, advancing technology for democracy and support for the rule of law. We continue to promote accountability for human rights abuses in the People's Republic of China (PRC), Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and Burma. We have continued to rally global attention to these human rights abuses at the United Nations and in other multi-lateral fora.

Supporting journalistic integrity and countering foreign information manipulation and interference: To bolster civil society and safeguard communities, we have signed bilateral memoranda with Japan, the ROK, and Australia to combat foreign state information manipulation. We also built the capacity of media outlets across the Indo-Pacific to increase journalistic integrity, improve access to information, and reduce vulnerability to foreign interference.

Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis in Burma: As a leading contributor of humanitarian assistance, we provided $1.8 billion in life saving assistance in Burma and the region, including more than $1.2 billion in response to the Rohingya crisis. We have sanctioned 91 individuals and 50 entities since the 2021 coup to deny the military regime income and pressure it to return to the path of democracy.

An Indo-Pacific that is Connected

Over the past four years, this Administration has built, in cooperation with our partners and allies, a new, enduring Indo-Pacific architecture that is better equipped to meet the profound challenges and capitalize on the momentous opportunities this region presents. We have built collective capacity within and beyond the region by:

Elevating and strengthening our bilateral relationships: We upgraded our bilateral relationships with Vietnam and Indonesia to Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships. President Biden hosted State or Official Visits with the leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the ROK at the White House. We affirmed commitments with the ROK to deepen defense and security ties, expand economic cooperation, and increase digital and technology collaboration. We inaugurated a new era of U.S.-Australia strategic cooperation, adding climate and clean energy as the third pillar of our Alliance. The U.S. and Japan launched over 70 initiatives at the April 2024 State Visit as part of our drive to transform our bilateral relationship into a truly global partnership. The U.S. and India launched a transformational initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) to deepen our strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation. And we achieved unprecedented defense, economic, and technology cooperation with our ally the Philippines.

Delivering through the Quad: In 2021, President Biden elevated the Quad - a grouping of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States - to the Leader-level. Since then, Leaders have met six times, including at four Leaders' Summits. Our four countries have achieved an unprecedented degree of strategic alignment and advanced concrete projects across the Indo-Pacific in priority areas: maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity and technology, quality infrastructure, health security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Deepening U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation: At the Trilateral Leaders' Summit at Camp David in August 2023, we achieved a historic breakthrough that ushered in a previously unimaginable level of cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the ROK, and drove deeper trilateral cooperation in every domain. We committed to consult on regional challenges, provocations, and threats affecting our collective interests and security; accelerated information sharing, including the real-time sharing of missile warning data and data on potential supply chain disruptions; institutionalized defense cooperation through the annual FREEDOM EDGE exercise; and established a new cyber working group.

Enhancing trilateral cooperation with Japan and the Philippines: In April 2024, President Biden hosted the first-ever U.S.-Japan-Philippines Leaders' Summit, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our Philippine allies in the face of unlawful and destabilizing PRC provocations in the South China Sea. Since then, we have coordinated investment in strategic sectors and promoted dynamic growth in the Philippines, cooperated on critical technologies, and strengthened maritime law enforcement and security coordination and interoperability.

Expanding our Diplomatic Presence: We opened U.S. embassies in Vanuatu, Tonga, Maldives, and Solomon Islands, we intend to open new consulates in India in 2025, and we established diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands and Niue. We opened Department of Commerce Commercial Service offices in Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji. We re-established a USAID mission in Fiji and elevated USAID's presence in Papua New Guinea to a Country Representative Office.

Deepening cooperation with our Pacific partners: UnderPresident Biden, we hosted two historic Pacific Islands Forum Summits at the White House, designated the first-ever U.S. Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum, and launched the first-ever U.S.-Pacific Partnership Strategy. We launched the Partners in the Blue Pacific initiative in 2022 to work with partners and bring new resources to deliver results in support of Pacific priorities. Our defense posture in the Pacific Islands countries continues to be critical for U.S. military logistics, sustainment, and power projection. In the last few years, we expanded the National Guard State Partnership Program to Pacific Island countries and signed important new defense agreements with Papua New Guinea and Fiji. We returned the Peace Corps to Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. In partnership with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau, we continue to strengthen the Compacts of Free Association and have extended $7.1 billion in economic assistance over the next 20 years.

Strengthening our relationships in the Indian Ocean Region: We brought the U.S.-India relationship to new heights, including through Prime Minister Modi's State Visit to Washington and President Biden's visit to New Delhi for the G-20 Leaders' Summit. We deepened cooperation with India on semiconductor and critical minerals supply chains, and launched an Innovation Handshake to strengthen our startup and entrepreneurial ecosystems. We strengthened partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region, working with partners and organizations like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) on climate adaptation, sustainable blue economies, and maritime security. Additionally, the United States recently launched the Young South Asian Leaders Initiative, which will link young leaders throughout South Asia and promote innovation through local and regional grants.

Reaffirming our support for ASEAN: We support a strong and independent ASEAN and its central role within the region. Over the course of the administration, we held five U.S.-ASEAN Summits, including a historic U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington, DC, in May 2022. That same year, the United States elevated its relationship with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We have already successfully implemented 99% of the 2022-2025 ASEAN-U.S. Plan of Action goals; established through a public-private partnership the U.S.-ASEAN Center in Washington, DC; extended the U.S.-ASEAN Regional Development Cooperation Agreement to 2029; and launched the new five-year ASEAN USAID Partnership Program. Continuing a tradition of close defense cooperation with ASEAN, we launched the new Emerging Leaders Defense Program to support rising defense leaders across the region, commenced planning for the second ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise, and expanded training and support for climate resilience efforts.We have reinvigorated youth leadership in the region through fellowships, training programs, and educational exchanges. Through the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, we have equipped more than 150,000 participants with knowledge and skills to solve regional and global challenges. In FY 2023 alone, the United States also supported soft and life skills training for more than 68,000 youth across the region.

Reinvigorating our partnership in the Mekong sub-region: Through sustained engagement with partner countries under the Mekong-U.S. Partnership (MUSP), we convened in July 2024 the first ever in-person MUSP Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and adopted the MUSP Plan of Action 2024-2026, which captures the contributions that the MUSP has made towards the equitable, sustainable, and inclusive development of the Mekong sub-region over the last years, and sets the course for continued cooperation.

An Indo-Pacific that is Prosperous

In collaboration with our regional partners, we are fostering private investment, enhancing economic competitiveness, and addressing the region's infrastructure gap to drive greater economic prosperity by:

Demonstrating leadership in the region through Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): We continued to deepen our economic ties with key regional partners and advance a more innovative, interconnected, and inclusive economic agenda for the region by hosting APEC in 2023. In addition to promoting U.S. economic policy priorities, we announced over $50 billion of U.S. private sector investment into APEC economies to drive inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth throughout the region, while advancing U.S. competitiveness and incentivizing private sector investment from the region. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, companies based in the Asia-Pacific invested almost $200 billion into the United States and supported tens of thousands of jobs for American workers.

Launching the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF): Along with 13 partners in the Indo-Pacific, we established a new grouping to shape regional collaboration on contemporary economic challenges to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains a dynamic marketplace where businesses can invest, grow, and thrive. Through a combination of innovative agreements and cross-cutting initiatives, IPEF partners are fostering trade ties, strengthening supply chain resilience, facilitating public and private investments in infrastructure, and promoting a fair and predictable business environment for our companies.

Expanding Investment in Regional Infrastructure: We invested billions in regional infrastructure, including in ports, energy, rail, and digital. We launched the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Luzon Economic Corridor with the Philippines and Japan to improve regional transportation, energy, and digital connectivity in the Philippines. We supported Pacific island countries by funding over $37 million in undersea cables projects-providing communications connections to populations for the first time-and collaborated with partners like Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan, and mobilized the U.S. private sector, to secure further funding. We are also providing capacity building support to South Asia's busiest transshipment hub as well as supporting sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific through the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership.

We invested billions in regional infrastructure, including in ports, energy, rail, and digital. We launched the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Luzon Economic Corridor with the Philippines and Japan to improve regional transportation, energy, and digital connectivity in the Philippines. We supported Pacific island countries by funding over $37 million in undersea cables projects-providing communications connections to populations for the first time-and collaborated with partners like Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Taiwan, and mobilized the U.S. private sector, to secure further funding. We are also providing capacity building support to South Asia's busiest transshipment hub as well as supporting sustainable and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific through the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership. Promoting Resilient and Secure Connectivity: The United States promoted resilient, secure, and trustworthy telecommunications across the region, focusing on 5G vendor diversification, Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology, and undersea cable infrastructure. In India, USAID teamed up with Qualcomm to introduce Open RAN technology. The United States is promoting Open RAN workforce development opportunities through the Asia Open RAN Academy in the Philippines. In Indonesia, we are supporting the deployment of Open RAN technology to provide connectivity to 1,621 unserved rural villages. In addition, we, alongside Quad partners, deployed the first Open RAN technology in the Pacific, in Palau, and elevated undersea cable protections throughout the region through the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience.

An Indo-Pacific that is Stable and Secure

In pursuit of regional peace, security, and stability, we have reinvested in our defense presence and capabilities, integrated our efforts with partners and modernized our alliances, and collectively deterred aggression and coercion by:

Launching the Australia - United Kingdom - United States (AUKUS) Enhanced Security Partnership: We are delivering on a generational opportunity to support Australia's acquisition of a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability and are engaged with Australia and the United Kingdom in developing advanced capabilities to address current and future security challenges. In addition to the core partners, we are consulting with Japan, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea on possible collaboration on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects.

Providing an unprecedented $2 billion in supplemental Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to the Indo-Pacific: We are demonstrating the United States' commitment to enhancing our allies' and partners' capacity to address external threats and meet emerging challenges. This included working with Congress to allocate an unprecedented $500 million in FMF from the National Security Supplemental to enhance the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard to fulfill their territorial defense mission and contribute to regional security. We also allocated a record level of FMF to support the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, gave new support to Vietnam, and made substantial contributions to the maritime security of states across the Indian Ocean region.

Supporting Taiwan's self-defense capabilities: Consistent with the United States' longstanding one China policy, we have used a range of security assistance authorities and resources to provide Taiwan defensive arms and services necessary to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability, commensurate with the threat it faces. This support includes the first-ever use of Foreign Military Financing and Presidential Drawdown Authority for Taiwan, as well as International Military Education and Training. This assistance is an important part of our efforts to maintain cross-Strait peace and stability.

Modernizing our alliances: The U.S.-Japan Alliance is stronger than ever before. Over the past four years, we have modernized our alliance command and control frameworks, strengthened training and exercises, and established a new bilateral forum to advance co-production, co-development, and co-sustainment. We strengthened the U.S.-Philippines alliance by signing the first-ever Bilateral Defense Guidelines to enhance military cooperation across all domains, expanding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to include four new sites, supporting the Philippines' military modernization, and investing $128 million in EDCA infrastructure through the President's FY25 Budget Request. We also created the Nuclear Consultative Group with the Republic of Korea to deepen and enhance our extended deterrence cooperation in the face of threats from the DPRK. Additionally, cooperation in cyberspace and emerging technology has become an integral feature in all of our alliances to support our joint network defenses and interoperability.

Enhancing Maritime Security: We worked with our allies and partners to enhance the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific and protection of sea lanes, including through the Maritime Security Consortiumthe first ever initiative bringing together defense industry, U.S. government leaders, and Southeast Asian decision makers to transform maritime security in Southeast Asiathe Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), expanded Coast Guard exchanges, and capacity building efforts across the region. In December 2023, we established a dedicated Indo-Pacific Support Cutter in Honolulu, HI to promote maritime governance, establish persistent U.S. presence, and conduct meaningful engagements in the region. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane embarked shipriders and worked alongside 12 Pacific island countries to enhance maritime domain awareness and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and other illicit activities. We secured $200 million for two additional U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters to support the Indo-Pacific, which will add capacity to complete further-reaching deployments.

Forging deeper ties between NATO and its Indo-Pacific Partners (IPP): The United States has championed NATO deepening its relationships with Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the ROK, recognizing the prosperity and security of the two regions are inextricably linked. The IPP attended the past three NATO Summits and at the most recent Washington Summit, NATO and the IPP pledged to cooperate on flagship projects focused on cybersecurity, countering disinformation, emerging technology, and supporting Ukraine. The NATO-IPP partnership demonstrated its indispensable importance in November when an ROK delegation briefed Allies and other IPP countries on DPRK's deepening support for Russia on the eve of the entry of DPRK forces into battle against Ukraine.

An Indo-Pacific that is Resilient

The United States has collaborated with Indo-Pacific partners to enhance resilience against transnational threats that effect all of our countries, including climate change, natural disasters, and infectious disease threats by:

Addressing the climate crisis: We are supporting ASEAN member states in developing and implementing ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the U.S.-ASEAN Climate Solutions Hub. Through the Interagency Climate Ambition Program, we provided long-term embedded advisors to the Philippines, Fiji, and Vietnam to support partner countries' climate priorities. We also supported Pacific island countries through the funding of humanitarian warehousing, an ocean and fisheries research vessel, the Pacific Resilience Facility, marine spatial planning, a Resilience and Adaptation Fellowship, and the Climate Action Champions Network to support disaster resilience, community resilience, and climate leadership in the Pacific and South Asia.

Strengthening disaster and climate resilient infrastructure: We are supporting Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) India's climate change initiative to help foster disaster and climate resilient infrastructure worldwide. Together, we launched the Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index, enabling countries to predict disaster impacts and strengthen infrastructure resilience.

Deepening Coordination on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: Following Super Typhoon Man-Yi, Tropical Storm Kristine, and Tropical Storm Julian, USAID provided over $6 million in life saving assistance, and DoD worked with our Philippine allies to deliver humanitarian relief prepositioned at EDCA sites, along with 50 tons of other assistance, to affected communities across the Philippines. We worked with ourQuad partners on coordinated responses to Typhoon Yagi and the devastating landslides in Papua New Guinea, providing $5 million in humanitarian assistance for the landslide disaster relief efforts.

Boosting Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response: We enhanced coordination with Quad partners to scale up COVID-19 response efforts, donating more than 400 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Indo-Pacific countries and almost 800 million vaccines doses globally, expanding vaccine production capacity, and addressing a range of health security priorities in the region. We also launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot, an over $150 million public-private investment to prevent, detect, and treat cancer across the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, the U.S. government is partnering with more than ten countries in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen their ability to prevent and control health security threats at their source.

Deepening our cooperation on clean energy research and development: We collaborated with Indo-Pacific partners to establish diverse, secure, and reliable supply chains for critical minerals and clean energy. We launched the multilateral Just Energy Transition Partnerships with Indonesia and Vietnam and signed Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology "123" Agreements with both the Philippines and Singapore to address energy needs. We also launched the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) under the U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership aimed at developing action roadmaps for technology development, deployment, and commercialization ofhydrogen, long duration energy storage, offshore wind, and geothermal energy.

###

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israeli regime's attack on southern Lebanon leaves five killed, four injured

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 11, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Zionist regime's army violated the cease-fire agreement and once again attacked southern Lebanon, killing five people and injuring four others.

The Zionist enemy forces targeted the town of Tirdba on Friday night.

The ceasefire between the Zionist regime and Lebanon was implemented with international mediation in the morning November 27, 2024.

Since the implementation of this agreement, the Zionist army has repeatedly violated the ceasefire by attacking the southern regions of Lebanon and killing and injuring its citizens, and preventing the return of Lebanese refugees to some towns and villages in the south of this country.

2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The Zionist regime attacked Yemen with 20 fighters

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 11, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli army radio announced on Friday night that the Israeli air force attacked Yemen with 20 fighter planes.

This Zionist media announced that these forces targeted three key areas by releasing more than 50 bombs.

Due to the long flight distance, air refueling operation was carried out to the fighters.

Channel 13 of the Zionist regime claimed that the attacks targeted the military infrastructure of the Houthis, including missile depots and drone bases.

2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russo-Ukraine War - 10 January 2025 - Day 1052

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 in total, 198 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of this day.

Russian zagarbniki made 10 aviation strikes, applying 18 kab. In addition, the Russians have engaged 576 kamikaze drones and carried out about three thousand shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, Ukrainian troops repelled five Russian attacks in the areas of the settlements of Vovchansk and Staritsa - all clashes are already over.

In the Kupyans komu direction, the period of eleven times carried out assaults of the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Kucherivka, Petropavlivka, Pi any, Zagrizovogo and Lozova. Ukrainian defenders repelled three attacks, eight more boezitknen  is currently ongoing.

In the Lyman direction since the beginning of the day, Russian zagarbniki 39 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near the settlements of Tverdohlibove, Grekivka, Green Grove, Pershotravneve, Makiyivka, Terni and Zarichne. The six fights continue.

In the Siversky direction, in the area of the settlement of Bilogorivka, Russian forces twice attacked the positions of Ukrainian troops, unsuccessful.

In the Kramators komu direction, 32 fighting clashes near the White Mountain, Predtecinyo, Time Yar and Stupok, two attacks are ongoing so far.

In the Toretsky direction, Russians attacked the positions of defense forces five times. The main efforts of the attack were concentrated near the settlements of Toretsk and Scherbinivka. Currently, two clashes continue.

Since the beginning of this day, in the Pokrovsky direction, the Russians 61 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense near the settlements Novopoltavka, Tarasivka, Baranivka, Mirolubivka, Elizabethtivka, Ray, Lisivka, Mirnograd, New Labor, Zvirove, Udaachne, Kotline, Novooleksandrivka, Novovasilivka, Novoandriyivka, Novoyelizavetivka, Andriyivka, Kurakhove, Dachne and Yantarne. There are 13 clashes so far. The Russian enemy suffers significant losses - today in this direction 276 Russian invaders were defecated, 139 of them - irrevocably. Three units of automotive equipment were also destroyed.

In the Novopavlovsky direction, Russian forces attacked 12 times Ukrainian positions near Konstantinopol, Zelenivka, Rozlivu, Rozdolny, Velika Novosilka and Neskuchny, four clashes continue.

The losses of the opponent in this direction are: 66 Russian occupants eliminated, 80 injured, in addition, three combat armored vehicles and six motorcycles destroyed.

In the Orihiv direction, Russian forces made an aviation strike with unkemoved missiles in the area of the settlement of Pyatihatki.

The Russian enemy has not taken any active action in the Gulyajpil and Pridniprovskyi directions since the beginning of the day.

In the operational zone in Kurshchini, units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine repelled 22 attacks of Russian invaders within a day, another attack is ongoing. Russian forces made over 190 shells, of which 14 are from reactive systems of salpovogo fire.

In other directions, the situation has not changed significantly.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that from 4 to 10 January 2025, the Russian Armed Forces delivered 28 group strikes by precision weaponry and attack UAVs at infrastructure of military airfields, weaponry depots, attack UAV workshops and depots as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries.



Over the past week, units of the Sever Group of Forces continued to eliminate AFU formations on the territory of Kursk region.

Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one heavy mechanised brigade, one tank brigade, six mechanised brigades, four air assault brigades of the AFU, one marine brigade, and five territorial defence brigades. Two counter-attacks launched by AFU units were repelled.

In Kharkov direction, Russian troops inflicted losses on units of one mechanised brigade, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades.

Over the past week in the area of responsibility of the Sever Group of Forces, the AFU losses amounted to more than 2,835 troops, 30 tanks, and 122 armoured fighting vehicles. Moreover, 117 motor vehicles, and 30 field artillery guns were destroyed.



As a result of active operations, units of the Zapad Group of Forces liberated Nadiya.

Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades of the AFU, three territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade. Nineteen AFU attempts to regain lost positions were thwarted.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 3,530 troops, one tank, 28 armoured fighting vehicles, including one Polish-made Rosamak armoured personnel carrier, one U.S.-made Bradley armoured fighting vehicle, seven U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, and five U.S.-made HMMWV armoured vehicles. Russian units eliminated 52 motor vehicles, 46 field artillery guns, 11 of them manufactured by NATO countries, 10 electronic warfare stations, and 15 ammunition depots.



As a result of decisive actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Kurakhovo.

Losses were inflicted on formations of eight mechanised brigades, two motorised infantry brigades, one infantry brigade, one mountain assault brigade, two airmobile brigades of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades. Sixteen enemy attempts to regain a tactical position were thwarted.

Over the past week, the AFU losses in this direction amounted to up to 1,715 troops, three tanks, including one German-made Leopard tank, 12 armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, 17 motor vehicles, 20 field artillery guns, including four Western-made guns. Six ammunition depots were wiped out.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences and liberated Dachenskoye.

Losses were inflicted on formations of seven mechanised brigades, two motorised infantry brigades, one jaeger brigade, two airmobile brigades of the AFU, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, one national guard brigade, and one brigade of the National Police of Ukraine. 94 AFU attempts to regain lost positions were thwarted.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 3,485 troops, 11 tanks, including four German-made Leopard tanks, 40 armoured fighting vehicles, including three French-made VAB armoured personnel carriers as well as six U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, one U.S.-made M1117 armoured personnel carriers, U.S.-made MaxxPro and HMMWV armoured vehicles. Moreover, 41 motor vehicles, and 34 field artillery guns were destroyed.



Units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and defeated units of three mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades of the AFU, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades. Eight AFU attempts to regain lost positions were foiled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 1,120 troops, one tank, six armoured fighting vehicles, including three U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured vehicles, 30 motor vehicles, and 26 field artillery guns, including eight guns manufactured by NATO countries. Six ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, two infantry brigades, one coastal defence brigade of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 685 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, 44 motor vehicles, 11 field artillery guns, five electronic warfare stations, and six ammunition depots.



Over the past week, 91 Ukrainian servicemen surrendered on the line of contact.



Fighter aviation of thre Russian Aerospace Forces shot down one MiG-29 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force.



Russian air defence systems have shot down eight U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, five French-made Hammer aerial bombs, 41 U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles as well as 689 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.



In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 652 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 39,896 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,467 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,507 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,385 field artillery guns and mortars, and 30,135 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one tank brigade, two mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades, and two territorial defence brigades of the AFU close to Viktorovka, Zamostye, Kositsa, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Pogrebki, and Russkoye Porechnoye. Four counter-attacks launched by AFU units were repelled.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware close to Agronom, Bogdanovka, Bondarevka, Viktorovka, Goncharovka, Guyevo, Zazulevka, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Kubatkin, Kurilovka, Loknya, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Melovoy, Nikolayevo-Daryno, Nikolsky, Novenkoye, Sverdlikovo, Sudzha, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Yuzhny as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Obody in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU amounted to more than 280 troops, two tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, three armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, five artillery guns, and two mortars. Three AFU servicemen surrendered.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to up to 50,600 troops, 296 tanks, 222 infantry fighting vehicles, 161 armoured personnel carriers, 1,520 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,441 motor vehicles, 353 artillery guns, 44 MLRS launchers, including 13 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers, eight transport-loading vehicles, 90 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 29 units of engineering and other materiel, including 15 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






Operators of Cryptocurrency Mixers Charged with Money Laundering

Friday, January 10, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Georgia returned an indictment on Jan. 7 charging three Russian nationals for their involvement in operating the cryptocurrency mixing services Blender.io and Sinbad.io. Roman Vitalyevich Ostapenko and Alexander Evgenievich Oleynik were arrested on Dec. 1, 2024, roughly a year after Sinbad.io's online infrastructure was seized as part of a coordinated law enforcement action among the Netherlands' Financial Intelligence and Investigative Service, Finland's National Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI. The third defendant, Anton Vyachlavovich Tarasov, remains at large.

"According to the indictment, the defendants operated cryptocurrency 'mixers' that served as safe havens for laundering criminally derived funds, including the proceeds of ransomware and wire fraud," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "By allegedly operating these mixers, the defendants made it easier for state-sponsored hacking groups and other cybercriminals to profit from offenses that jeopardized both public safety and national security. The indictment and arrests announced today, which follow the earlier takedown of the defendants' criminal infrastructure, yet again demonstrate the value of our international partnerships in countering the global threat from cybercrime."

"Blender.io and Sinbad.io were allegedly used by criminals across the world to launder funds stolen from victims of ransomware, virtual currency thefts, and other crimes," said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. "This indictment demonstrates our continued commitment to dismantling infrastructure used by cybercriminals to steal from Americans and hide their ill-gotten gains."

"Last year, with the assistance of our international partners, we successfully dismantled Sinbad.io," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. "However, we did not rest with this initial success. We maintained our focus on identifying the individuals responsible for its development and ensuring their accountability. These indictments serve as a testament to the power of international cooperation."

According to court documents and publicly available information, Blender.io and Sinbad.io were cryptocurrency mixers that allowed their users, for a fee, to send cryptocurrency to designated recipients in a manner designed to hide the source of the cryptocurrency. Blender.io and Sinbad.io were available for use by the public via the internet and used by criminals looking to distance themselves from the fact that their funds came from cryptocurrency thefts, ransomware attacks, and other crimes.

Blender.io operated from approximately 2018 to 2022. The service was advertised on a popular internet forum as having a "No Logs Policy" and deleting any traces of user transactions. Additionally, in the advertisement, Blender was described as not requiring users to sign up, register, or "provide any kind of detail except the receiving address!" The advertisement asserted that, "[a]s there are no personal details asked for, there's no way your identity is compromised, or can be linked back to, because as far as blender.io goes they don't know who you are." After Blender.io shut down, Sinbad.io began operating a few months later. Like Blender.io, Sinbad.io provided users with Bitcoin concealment services. And, on November 27, 2023, Sinbad.io was taken down through law enforcement action.

Both Blender.io and Sinbad.io have been sanctioned by the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). On May 6, 2022, OFAC sanctioned Blender.io, citing its use by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to launder stolen virtual currency. OFAC's public sanctions announcement also explained that Blender.io laundered funds for multiple ransomware groups. On Nov. 29, 2023, OFAC sanctioned Sinbad.io, publicly citing its use by a DPRK state-sponsored hacking group and cybercriminals to obfuscate transactions linked to other criminal offenses.

Ostapenko, 55, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two counts of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Oleynik, 44, and Tarasov, 32, are both charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy count and five years in prison for each unlicensed money transmitting business count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Netherlands' Public Prosecution Service and Fiscal Information and Investigative Service made significant contributions to the case, including to the disruption of the Sinbad mixer, and provided other valuable assistance. Significant support was also provided by the Australian Federal Police and Attorney-General's Department, and Finland's National Bureau of Investigation.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Ethan Cantor of the Criminal Division's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, who is a member of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maxwell Coll for the Central District of California provided significant assistance.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topic: Cybercrime

Components: Criminal Division

Criminal - Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section

Criminal - Office of International Affairs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

USAO - Georgia, Northern

Press Release Number: 25-37

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






HMCS Margaret Brooke departs for Operation PROJECTION 2025

National Defence

News release

January 10, 2025 - Halifax, NS - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Margaret Brooke departed Halifax today, bound for the South American and Antarctic regions, marking the debut of Operation (Op) PROJECTION 2025 for the Harry DeWolf-class vessel. The mission marks the first circumnavigation of South America and visit to Antarctica by a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessel.

During the deployment, the ship will build and enhance international relationships, in cooperation with Global Affairs Canada, as it visits multiple ports throughout South America.

In Antarctica, HMCS Margaret Brooke will support Canada's Antarctic scientific research with scientists embarked on the ship from several Government of Canada partners.

This deployment will also showcase the unique design of the Harry DeWolf-class vessel and allow the RCN to demonstrate proven Arctic operational capabilities in the Antarctic regional maritime domain.

Quotes

"Today, I welcome all to witness with us, a historic moment as our Navy takes a step further south, into the Antarctic region. Upon their departure for Operation PROJECTION 2025, our crew onboard His Majesty's Canadian Ship Margaret Brooke embarks on a long and strenuous journey that will bring Canada's forward presence and diplomacy to nations throughout the Central and South Americas. Having proven themselves the year prior as professional sailors capable of operating in a wide spectrum of challenging environments, I have no doubt that they will be successful on their new mission. Best of luck to each and every one of you." Rear-Admiral Josee Kurtz, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic

"The crew of His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Margaret Brooke departs today on a 'once in a career' mission. We will be leaving our families and friends to embark on an operation that will help to advance Antarctic research, enhance Canada's commitment to international peace and security, and help establish and foster relationships with countries in the South American region. I couldn't be prouder of HMCS Margaret Brooke's crew and all of the training and preparation they have done to be here. We couldn't be where we are today without every member of the team and the unwavering support of their family and friends." Commander Teri Share, Commanding Officer HMCS Margaret Brooke

Quick facts

HMCS Margaret Brooke's mission in the southern hemisphere will include the conduct of foreign diplomacy and Antarctic scientific research. An embarked science team will be assisted by the crew throughout their stay onboard.

Op PROJECTION 2025 marks the first circumnavigation of South America by an HMC Ship. HMCS Rainbow rounded the Cape Horn in 1910, and after which the Panama Canal was built, and subsequent transits were through the Canal. There is no record of an HMC Ship visiting Antarctica.

HMCS Margaret Brooke is a Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV). AOPV crews bring specialized expertise and experience when operating in the polar regions in extreme climates and harsh environmental conditions.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Nigerian president pledges to further advance cooperation with China

Global Times

By Xinhua Published: Jan 10, 2025 12:33 PM

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Thursday in Abuja, the capital of the West African nation, to strengthen the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, conveyed the warm greetings and New Year wishes of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Tinubu.

Wang recalled Tinubu's successful state visit to China in September last year, during which the two presidents jointly announced the establishment of the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership, marking significant progress in bilateral relations.

China and Nigeria have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, Wang said, noting that the two countries have trusted and supported one another on issues concerning their core interests. Their cooperation, featuring mutual benefit and win-win outcomes along their respective development paths, has placed their relationship at the forefront of China-Africa relations, he said.

Wang said he is glad to see Nigeria playing an important role in regional peace and becoming a stabilizing force in Africa. He voiced confidence that, under Tinubu's leadership, Nigeria will achieve even greater development.

The China-Nigeria relationship has transcended the bilateral scope, Wang noted, calling on both sides to continue advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership and jointly build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, serving as a model for solidarity and cooperation among nations of the Global South.

Noting that the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing last year has yielded fruitful results, including 10 partnership action plans, Wang said China is willing to strengthen alignment with Nigeria, tap into their cooperation potential, expand cooperation areas, and support Nigeria's development and revitalization.

He commended Nigeria for adhering to the one-China principle, saying China supports Nigeria's efforts in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, combating terrorism, maintaining regional peace and stability, and playing a greater role on the international stage.

For his part, Tinubu asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi.

Recalling his state visit to China last year and participation in the FOCAC Beijing Summit, Tinubu said he held a productive meeting with Xi, during which the two leaders elevated Nigeria-China relations to new heights.

The development of Nigeria-China relations is robust and their friendship is unshakable, he said, stressing that Nigeria is committed to its relationship with China and implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit will contribute to Nigeria's national development. To facilitate this effort, Tinubu said he has appointed a director general for the Nigeria-China comprehensive strategic partnership, tasked with coordinating and advancing cooperation with China.

Acknowledging China's significant international influence, Tinubu expressed hope for China's support in enhancing Nigeria's role in international and regional affairs.

The Nigerian president also extended condolences to China regarding the earthquake in China's Xizang Autonomous Region and praised the Chinese government's swift and efficient disaster response.

Wang said that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the Chinese people have united to implement effective rescue efforts, and the situation is under control. He said China is confident in its ability to overcome natural disasters and rebuild affected areas at an early date.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and the two ministers jointly addressed the press.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on January 10, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: January 10, 2025 19:25

As agreed between China and the UK, the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue will be held on January 11 in Beijing. It will be co-chaired by Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council He Lifeng and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves as the lead persons of the Dialogue.

CCTV: China just announced that Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will pay a state visit to China. Can you brief us on the program of the visit? How do you assess the current China-Sri Lanka relations? What does China expect to achieve through this visit?

Guo Jiakun: The upcoming visit will be President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's first visit to China after taking office, and is of great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Premier Li Qiang and Chairman Zhao Leji of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress will meet with him respectively.

China and Sri Lanka have long been each other's friend and close neighbor. Since our two countries established diplomatic ties in 1957, the bilateral relationship has stood the test of the changing international landscape, always maintained sound and steady growth, and set up a fine example of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries different in size. China stands ready to work with Sri Lanka through the upcoming visit to carry forward our time-honored friendship, deepen political mutual trust, and expand high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and practical cooperation in various fields for continuous new progress in advancing the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincerity, mutual support and ever-lasting friendship as well as more benefit for the two peoples.

Reuters: Please could you tell us whether any countries such as Nepal and India, since they are so close, have offered help in the Tibet earthquake search and rescue operation? Conversely, has China sought help from them?

Guo Jiakun: On the earthquake in Dingri County in the city of Rikaze, Xizang, we shared the latest developments and relevant response and relief effort yesterday. Currently China's search, rescue and medical care support is well guaranteed. We appreciate the care and support from the international community.

China News Service: The upcoming China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue will be another round of dialogue after nearly six years. Can you share with us the background and China's expectation of the dialogue?

Guo Jiakun: China and the UK by resuming the Economic and Financial Dialogue aim at implementing the important common understandings reached between President Xi Jinping and the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Established in 2008, this high-level dialogue mechanism has served as an important platform for dialogue and cooperation on strategic, overarching and long-term issues in the economic and financial fields. Topics to be discussed during this dialogue include the macro-economic policy and economic globalization, trade and investment, industrial cooperation, the development of the financial market, and cooperation on financial supervision.

China and the UK are major economies and financial heavyweights in the world. Closer economic and financial exchanges and cooperation between the two countries serve their own interests, meet the expectation of all sectors, have significance to their economic growth and green development, and will inject more certainty and impetus to the world's economic growth.

We hope that the two sides through this dialogue will explore cooperation potential for more practical outcomes of economic and financial cooperation between China and the UK.

CNN: I'd like to ask you a question concerning TikTok. As the United States' supreme court considers lifting the ban in the United States, do you have faith in the process and is the Chinese government providing guidance to ByteDance?

Guo Jiakun: My colleagues and the spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce have made clear China's principled position on questions related to TikTok.

CCTV: It was reported that Lebanon held a presidential election on January 9, and Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces Joseph Aoun was elected as president. What is China's comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: China welcomes Lebanon's election of a new president and congratulates President Joseph Aoun on his election. China and Lebanon enjoy a traditional friendship. China attaches importance to developing relations with Lebanon. We will, as always, support Lebanon in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and continue advancing the friendly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas and working for new progress in bilateral relations.

Beijing Daily: Recently, there is a lot of attention on the increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. The health departments of certain countries issued prevention advice to their nationals. Some are concerned about the safety of traveling to China and there are even claims about "unknown virus in China" on the internet. The World Health Organization said that China's reported levels of respiratory infections are within the usual range and that HMPV is not a new virus, but a common one. Many experts also said that there's no sign of a more serious global health issue. What's your comment?

Guo Jiakun: We've recently answered several relevant questions. Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere and influenza viruses are common pathogens. The overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China are lower than last year.

Regarding the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) you mentioned, as we have learned from the competent authorities, it is not a new virus. HMPV has circulated in humans for at least 60 years and is a common virus that causes upper respiratory infections. HMPV infections are self-limited. Calling this common virus "unknown" is inconsistent with basic science and essentially fear-mongering.

The Chinese government takes seriously the health of its own people and foreign nationals in China. China's competent authorities and technical agencies took proactive steps to carry out sentinel surveillance for various acute respiratory infectious diseases and released surveillance results. Chinese disease control experts have told the public on multiple occasions how to take science-based protective steps. Also, China and WHO stay in close and regular touch and share timely information on respiratory diseases. We will continue to do what's necessary and do our best to make sure it is comfortable, safe and convenient for both Chinese and foreigners to travel in China. It is also important for everyone to make a common effort for personal and family health.

AFP: Yesterday, prosecutors in Germany said that they had charged three people suspected of spying for Chinese intelligence services. They said the three individuals had supplied China with information on naval technology that could have military uses. Is the Foreign Ministry aware of this? And do you have a comment?

Guo Jiakun: We responded to the question before. Let me reiterate that China advances ties with Germany on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with laws and regulations. We hope Germany will stop peddling the so-called "Chinese spy risk" and not obstruct the sound and steady development of China-Germany relations.

Reuters: US and Danish officials lobbied the developer of Greenland's largest rare earths deposit last year not to sell its project to Chinese-linked firms, its CEO told Reuters. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: I am not familiar with what you mentioned.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh calls for enhanced cohesiveness of the global community in view of the current security environment

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

"India is emerging as a leading voice for the Global South & advocates for a multi-aligned policy approach"

"Aero India is an event where nations come together & form bonds beyond boundaries"

"Asia's largest aeroshow presents an opportunity for nations to jointly explore strengths & capabilities and address strategic & tactical needs"

"Aero Space Power is the new frontier of military dominance which acts as strategic deterrence"

Posted On: 10 JAN 2025 5:15PM by PIB Delhi

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called for enhanced cohesiveness of the global community in view of the current security environment which, he said, is in a state of flux with multiple conflicts and challenges. Addressing Ambassadors' Round-Table, organised as a prelude to Aero India 2025, in New Delhi on January 10, 2025, Raksha Mantri stressed on the need to overcome the present geopolitical tensions for ensuring mutual prosperity and global peace.

"It is of paramount importance that the like-minded countries should strive together for collective actions for peace and prosperity. Without these, our future generations will not be able to take advantage of economic growth or technological innovations that we are experiencing in today's era," Shri Rajnath Singh told the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of various countries attending the event.

Raksha Mantri pointed out that India is emerging as a leading voice for the Global South, and it advocates for a multi-aligned policy approach, which ensures that diverse views are considered in the collective pursuit of prosperity. "Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has articulated India's commitment to addressing global challenges through five guiding principles: Respect, Dialogue, Cooperation, Peace & Prosperity. In today's geopolitical landscape, fostering unity among like-minded nations is essential for ensuring mutual prosperity and peace, while addressing contemporary challenges. India has always championed shared prosperity and shared responsibility based on the fundamental principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, 'One Earth, One Family', which was also the theme for G-20 Summit in 2023," he added.

Shri Rajnath Singh described Aero India, Asia's largest aeroshow, as one such event, where nations come together and form bonds beyond boundaries. Elaborating on the vision behind the biennial event, he stated that it has proven itself to be the meeting ground for the aerospace and defence sectors to showcase their products/technologies. He defined it as a forum to forge strategic partnerships towards increasing opportunities for business, Transfer of Technology, joint development and co-production between various industries.

Raksha Mantri emphasised that, today, India possesses one of the largest defence industrial ecosystems in Asia and the Government is committed to further enhancing the capabilities. He added that the Indian aerospace and defence sector represents an attractive opportunity for foreign companies seeking to establish new ventures & partnerships. He cited the significant milestone of setting-up of the manufacturing facility of C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force through collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus Defence & Space.

Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that India has emerged as an attractive destination for investment, and Aero India 2025 presents an opportunity for friendly nations to jointly explore strengths and capabilities in the defence sector, addressing both strategic needs as well as tactical requirements. He added that the event will facilitate industry captains, technology leaders, intellectuals and entrepreneurs with new avenues for collaboration in defence industrial enterprises. "Aero India 2025 will serve as a vital forum for exploring partnerships that will from the base for future challenges. Together, we can create pathways for growth that are inclusive and sustainable," he said.

Raksha Mantri emphasised that air and space power have become pivotal elements in shaping strategies as such assets, incorporated with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning systems, provide an unprecedented advantage in battle-field scenarios. He described Aero Space Power as the new frontier of military dominance which acts as strategic deterrence.

Highlighting India's focus on self-reliance through strategic partnership and technological collaborations in defence & aerospace sectors, Shri Rajnath Singh said: "In recent years, the government has brought about several transformative policy reforms aimed at bolstering a robust defence industry ecosystem. This includes initiatives that promote domestic design, development, manufacturing and exports. Recognising its strategic importance and vast potential, the Government has designated aerospace as one of the core sectors of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. As a result of this, aerospace and defence in India is taking significant strides in developing cutting-edge technologies, both through public as well as private industry participation.

Raksha Mantri looked forward to welcoming the Ministers, Officials and Business Delegations from various countries at Aero India 2025 and utilising the platform to explore newer areas for enhancing collaboration.

During the Round-Table, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of various countries were briefed on the major events of Aero India 2025, and extended a personal invite from Raksha Mantri for their senior most leadership. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence as well as the Government of Karnataka attended the Round-Table.

About Aero India 2025

This 15th edition of Aero India is scheduled to be held at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka from February 10 to 14, 2025. The five-day event comprises a curtain raiser event, inaugural event, Defence Ministers' Conclave, CEOs' Round-Table, iDEX start-up event, breath-taking air shows, a large exhibition area comprising India Pavilion and a trade fair of aerospace companies. The broad theme is 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities'.

The first three days of the event (February 10th, 11th & 12th) will be business days, while 13th & 14th have been set as public days to allow people to witness the show. The event will provide a platform for forging partnerships between foreign & Indian firms and the discovery of newer avenues in the global value chain to accelerate the indigenisation process.

Aero India attracts a large number of exhibitors from the world's leading industries in the field of aerospace and defence. It provides a unique opportunity for the industry to showcase their capabilities, products and services to the targeted audience. The biennial event serves as a platform for industry leaders to connect and shape the future of aerospace & defence industries.

*******

VK/SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2091817)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Tehran hosts large-scale 'Rahiyan al-Quds' drills

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 10, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Basij volunteer forces have staged a 110,000-strong drill as part of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s Great Prophet-19 exercise.

The drill, dubbed "Rahiyan al-Quds" (Wayfarers of al-Quds), took place on Friday morning with the participation of Basij members from the capital and members of various battalions, including Imam Hussein (AS), Beit al-Moqaddas, Imam Ali (AS), and Fatihin battalions.

The drill showcased an array of defensive equipment and technologies. Its purpose was to demonstrate the comprehensive readiness of Basij forces to counter any threat while highlighting their unity, professional skills in rescue operations, urban defense, and counter-terrorism measures.

Participants in the drill marched in a unified formation from Tehranpars to Vali Asr Square, underscoring their organizational discipline and readiness to execute orders from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

9341**4354

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran to soon unveil advanced drone, missile cities; deterrence entirely 'Iranian': IRGC chief

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 January 2025 2:03 PM

The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the country is to soon unveil several "new missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) cities."

"Soon, new missile and drone cities will be unveiled, and you will bear witness to the grandeur and profundity of Iran's hidden power," said Major General Hossein Salami on Friday.

The commander hailed that the Islamic Republic had not fallen short of providing itself with sufficient military hardware reserves by any means of manner, noting, "Iran has produced so much advanced missiles, vessels, drones, and other military hardware, which falls short of finding the capacity to store the equipment on some occasions."

He said that Iran is the only country that when it launches an operation against enemies, its national currency strengthens and people take to the streets in the middle of the night to celebrate.

"The entire world should know that our deterrence might relies on what exists within our own borders. The resolve, decision, capability, and action [that we rely on] are of an entirely Iranian nature," Salami asserted.

The comments came amid the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces' ongoing push to continuously enhance their military hardware and combat readiness in line with the directives that have been issued by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The forces have vowed to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of the threats that are posed by the Iranian nation's enemies.

'Operation True Promise III'

The IRGC official noted that the Iranian people demand that the country's Armed Forces launch Operation True Promise III, which would serve as a sequel to two previous such retaliatory operations against Israeli targets that achieved their targets accurately.

According to Salami, the Iranian nation is interested in the country's staging a strong performance in all areas. "The people respect the credibility that is associated with power very much. We are not going to let the people's appetite for pursuit of strength and esteem die down."

The official noted that the country had refused to fire even "a single bullet" from Syria and Lebanon during the Israeli regime's intensified deadly aggression against the countries.

"It is obvious that we responded to the enemies using our own missiles and operating from our own soil."

"We do not use any other country as a battlefield [for launching aggression against others]. We are so great [in capacity and power] that can use our own territory to retaliate against the enemies."

According to the official, the Islamic Republic did not draw military advantage from Syria so it could become apprehensive with the fall of the Arab country's former government.

"The enemies want to allege that Iran has become weak, [but] are we in a stronger position in our efforts to close up the [strategic] Strait of Hormuz this year or the previous one?"

Salami also praised the country's assertion of its political standpoints, saying that Iran is capable of "destroying the enemies' regional bases" at its discretion if necessary.

The commander stated that the same countries that had brought Iran under oppressive and illegal sanctions would "fall apart" upon coming under likely reciprocal economic bans by the Islamic Republic, but Iran stands strong.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






New homegrown anti-ballistic system to join IRGC air defenses soon

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 January 2025 8:59 AM

A senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force says a new homegrown anti-ballistic defense system will be tested in the near future.

"In the near future, we will witness the testing of the Islamic Republic's indigenous anti-ballistic defense system, which will undoubtedly create significant equations in the military domain and the perceptions of countries hostile to the Islamic Republic," Brigadier General Davoud Sheikhiyan said on Thursday.

Sheikhiyan said war games are basically organized by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran as well as the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, and then declared to the Iranian armed forces in accordance with official policies and potential threats to be carried out.

Sheikhiyan talked about tactics and scenarios practiced during the Payambar-e-A'azam (The Great Prophet) 19 war game in Iran's western and central regions.

He pointed out that various scenarios were conducted in the course of the Payambar-e-A'azam 19 drills, among which was how to confront kamikaze drones, describing them as one of the latest threats in the field of air defense.

"Among the threats could be their numerousness, and given their low cost, they can be used against us in one way or another by any enemy. Many systems are capable of engaging such drones, but missile systems are generally systems that feed on expensive ammunition and represent a major economic challenge for the armed forces.

"In recent years, we have come up with innovations in the armed forces and have developed a generation of defense systems that are suitable for low-speed and mobile targets. They are very inexpensive systems and even cheaper than the suicide drones themselves. They allow us to use them effectively against these targets in large quantities and numbers," Sheikhiyan said.

One of the programs pursued in the IRGC Aerospace Force and completed by Iranian scientists is the production of low-altitude and anti-cruise missile systems, the commander said, stating that indigenous short-range and low-altitude Dey 9 air defense systems can engage a host of targets ranging from winged bombs, smart bombs and bunker busters to cruise missiles.

The final stage of the military drills was held on Thursday in Kermanshah province.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran In 'Critical Situation' After Punishing Year At Home And Abroad

By Kian Sharifi January 10, 2025

Iran is weaker and more vulnerable than it has been in years after suffering a series of major blows.

During a punishing 2024, Tehran saw its regional influence diminished, its military deterrence against archfoes Israel and the United States weakened, and its economy languish.

Experts say the Islamic republic has tough decisions to make in the year ahead as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office and the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers expires.

"I suspect 2025 year will be a year of hardship and difficult choices for Tehran as the regime faces off against the bullish incoming Trump administration and tries to hunker down to contain the impact of Trump's hard-line approach," said Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at the London-based think tank Chatham House.

On The Back Foot

The fall of longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, an ally, in December was a major blow to Iran's regional ambitions.

Under Assad, Syria was a member of Iran's "axis of resistance," its loose network of regional proxies and partners, and allowed Tehran to supply its allies.

That included Hezbollah, the political party and armed group in Lebanon, which has also been Iran's most important partner for decades.

Once a force to be reckoned with, Hezbollah is now a shell of its former self. Israel's aerial bombardment and ground invasion last year severely degraded the group's military capabilities and decimated its senior leadership.

Meanwhile, Israel's war in the Gaza Strip against U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group Hamas -- another ally of Tehran -- has left Iran with little clout in the Palestinian enclave.

Domestically, things are not looking any better. The national currency has lost over 60 percent of its value against the U.S. dollar in the past year, while the authorities shelved a controversial law to increase enforcement of the hijab, or Islamic head scarf, out of fear of public revolt.

Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, said Iran's clerical establishment is in a "critical situation."

"This may be the most challenging phase in [the Islamic republic's] history since the 1980-88 war with Iraq -- or perhaps even more severe," he argued.

Azizi added that even the establishment's core support base was now "questioning the validity" of the country's domestic and foreign policies.

Making matters worse is that 2025 could be a make-or-break year for Iran's nuclear program, with the practically defunct 2015 nuclear deal set to expire in October and the West growing impatient with the lack of progress on efforts to revive the deal.

French President Emmanuel Macron this week warned that Tehran's nuclear program was approaching "the point of no return" in comments that Iran later called "deceitful."

'Shock Therapy'

Iran is facing the consequences of years of poor investments both domestically and internationally, which have brought it to a critical "juncture," according to Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

"Iran needs shock therapy.... It needs a shaking to its core to be able to maybe rescue this regime," Vatanka said.

Analysts say Tehran needs to make major policy changes and tough decisions, such as engaging the Trump administration, to prevent further decline.

During Trump's first term in office from 2017-2021, his administration pursued a campaign of "maximum pressure" on Iran that included imposing crippling sanctions against Tehran.

"There appears to be a growing consensus among political circles in Tehran that, given the complexities on both domestic and external fronts, reaching an agreement is the most pragmatic course of action," said Azizi.

While the "world should welcome" such an agreement, it may not be enough to save the clerical establishment, Vatanka said.

"There is nothing Trump or anybody else can do for the hard problem that the regime in Iran faces, which is that it has lost its own people," he said, referring to growing public discontent in the country in recent years.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-vulnerable- trump-return/33268767.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






Swiss Demand Answers After Death Of Man In Iranian Prison

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda January 10, 2025

Swiss authorities have called on Tehran to provide full details on the death of a 64-year-old Swiss national in an Iranian prison following his arrest last month on allegations of spying.

"Switzerland is demanding that the Iranian authorities provide detailed information on the reasons for his arrest and a full investigation into the circumstances of his death," Foreign Ministry spokesman Valentin Clivaz told RFE/RL in an e-mail on January 10.

Clivaz added that the Swiss Embassy in Tehran has been in daily contact with Iranian authorities since it was informed of the arrest on December 10, 2024, but that, because the allegations included espionage, it was not granted access to the detainee.

"On January 9, 2025, the embassy was informed that the Swiss man had taken his own life in prison," the Swiss statement said.

It added it was withholding the name of the deceased for the protection of the victim's family but that repatriation of the body to Switzerland is a "top priority."

The Mizan news website, which is affiliated with Iran's judiciary, said the Swiss citizen had been "arrested by security agencies for espionage and his case was under investigation" when he took his own life at the prison in the eastern city of Semnan on January 9.

Mizan quoted Mohammad Sadeq Akbari, the chief justice of Semnan Province, as saying the individual was being held in a cell with another prisoner and took his life when the cellmate was not present.

Akbari did not name the Swiss citizen or provide further details, saying an investigation is being conducted and that, so far, "suicide is certain" as the cause of death.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry said the man was traveling in Iran as a tourist at the time of his arrest and that he had not lived in Switzerland for nearly 20 years. He last lived in southern Africa, it said.

Several European countries and the United States have characterized the Islamic republic's arrest of Western citizens as "hostage diplomacy," claiming Tehran uses such detentions as bargaining chips in negotiations with the West.

On January 10, the French Foreign Ministry said it summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest Tehran's detention of three French citizens it says are state "hostages" and demanded their immediate release.

"The situation is intolerable, with undignified detention conditions that, for some, constitute torture under international law," the ministry said.

Teacher Cecile Kohler and her partner, Jacques Paris, were detained in Iran in May 2022, accused of organizing labor protests. A third French national, identified only by the first name Olivier, has also been held since 2022.

In 2021, a Swiss diplomat died under mysterious circumstances in Iran.

Iranian media said the person died from a fall from a high-rise building just outside of Tehran. Swiss authorities did not identify the victim, nor did they give details on the incident.

In December 2024, the Swiss Attorney General's Office said the case of the diplomat's death had been closed and that an investigation had not proven any "criminal interference by a third party."

The investigation reportedly was complicated by the absence of organs in the victim after an initial autopsy was performed in Iran.

Switzerland has represented the United States diplomatically in Iran since Washington and Tehran cut ties in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry, in its January 10 statement, said that there were no other Swiss nationals in Iranian custody at this time.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-swiss-death-prison- spying-france/33271548.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






Rakhine rebels seize first police station in Myanmar's heartland

The Arakan Army is moving beyond its traditional territory and pushing junta forces back.

By RFA Burmese 2025.01.10 -- The Arakan Army has seized a police station in the Ayeyarwaddy region, the first in Myanmar's heartland to fall to the ethnic Rakhine rebels since the 2021 military coup.

Until now, the Arakan Army, or AA, has been fighting junta troops in Rakhine state, in Myanmar's west, where it controls nearly all townships, and other states and regions on the country's periphery.

Now the emboldened rebel army is moving beyond its traditional territory. Thursday's capture of the police station in Pathein township is the latest sign that the junta is losing ground as the civil war grinds toward its fourth full year.

The AA, assisted by fighters with anti-junta People's Defense Forces, or PDF, took the station in Shwethaungyan sub-township, near the border with Rakhine state on Thursday, despite the military launching several airstrikes to defend it, residents told RFA Burmese.

Ma Gyi Zin village and surrounding areas in the northernmost part of Shwethaungyan are now under AA control, the residents said Friday, speaking to RFA on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.

"Ma Gyi Zin, on the far side of Shwethaungyan, has fallen," said a resident of the sub-township who is familiar with the military situation there. "Yesterday, the bombing targeted Pauk Taw Kwin and Ma Gyi Zin Pyar [villages], near Ma Gyi Zin village."

The resident said that the military launched airstrikes on Ma Gyi Zin Pyar, to the east of Ma Gyi Zin, "because [the junta's] troops have already withdrawn from Ma Gyi Zin."

"The village is already on fire, and this is what's happening in the Ayeyarwaddy region," he said.

The airstrikes caused casualties, the resident said, although exact details remain unclear.

The strikes destroyed Ma Gyi Zin village, along with schools and monasteries in nearby Pone Nyat Maw and Ku Lar Chaung villages, other residents told RFA.

The junta has stationed troops near Baw Mi village, south of the affected areas, to prepare to defend their position, they said, adding that "hundreds" of military troop reinforcements are being sent to the area from nearby Thabaung sub-township.

The number of people who have fled Ma Gyi Zin and nearby villages to Chaungthar, Shwethaungyan and Thabaung sub-townships is unknown.

When contacted, Khin Maung Kyi, the junta's Ayeyarwaddy regional spokesperson and minister of social affairs, said he was "unaware of the current situation" regarding the battles.

Moving beyond Rakhine state

Since early January, the AA, which controls nearly all townships in Rakhine state, has been attacking military bases in the bordering regions of Ayeyarwaddy, Bago and Magway, according to residents.

On Dec. 29, AA insurgents captured the west coast town of Gwa from the military, a major step toward their goal of taking the whole of Rakhine state, and then said they were ready for talks with the junta, which seized power in a February 2021 coup d'etat.

However, nearly a week later, the military had carried out at least six airstrikes since the proposal in the AA-controlled townships of Ponnagyun, Ann, Gwa and Myebon, killing 10 civilians and injuring more than a dozen others, residents told RFA Burmese.

Translated by Kalyar Lwin. Edited by Joshua Lipes 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






Internet freedom has plummeted under Myanmar's junta: report

Experts say restrictions have led to losses in education, the economy, healthcare, and social development.

By RFA Burmese 2025.01.10 -- Suppression of internet freedom and security in Myanmar is significantly worse today than it was four years ago, when the junta seized power in a coup d'etat, according to a group monitoring digital access in the country.

The Myanmar Internet Project, or MIP, a digital freedom watchdog based in Thailand, reported on Tuesday that the junta caused more than 130 internet blackouts in 82 townships in 10 regions and states in 2024 alone.

The report said that more than 100 townships in Myanmar suffered internet outages between the February 2021 coup and the end of 2024.

The internet shutdowns have severely impacted people's livelihoods, Han, a technology expert with the Myanmar Internet Project, told RFA Burmese.

"Restricting internet freedom, which is one of the most fundamental ... human rights, effectively impacts all other rights, constituting a violation of human rights as a whole," he said. "This has led to significant losses in areas such as education, the economy, healthcare, and social development."

Han added that in areas where insurgents are fighting to remove the military from power, "conflict news and information that is crucial for daily life is unavailable."

The junta has cut off internet access predominantly in cities in Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Rakhine and Shan states, as well as in central Myanmar regions such as Sagaing and Magway, where its forces have lost territory to rebel factions, the report said.

And while regular internet access remains available in junta-controlled cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, social media users who express criticism of the military risk arrest, it said. In 2024 alone, the junta detained 374 people who had posted critical content on sites such as Facebook and TikTok, according to the MIP report.

A resident of Yangon who sells goods via a marketplace on Facebook, told RFA that his business has been devastated by the junta's internet restrictions, including the targeting of virtual private networks, or VPNs, which allow users to bypass blocked websites by hiding their IP addresses.

"The number of online viewers and buyers has dropped significantly, causing economic challenges for online retailers," said the resident who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.

"Recently, as restrictions have tightened, the availability of free VPNs has decreased, and paid VPN services have emerged," he said. "But even those with subscription fees often stop working, with servers frequently disconnecting. This has caused significant disruptions and delays to our business operations."

Cybersecurity Law in effect

On Jan. 1, the junta enacted the Cybersecurity Law, which subjects those who "misuse electronic technology, build online gambling sites, and provide virtual private network services" to stiff prison sentences and fines.

In an accompanying announcement, the junta said the law was enacted to "protect the country's sovereignty and stability from cyberattacks and to effectively take action against cybercrimes."

A legal expert, who also declined to be named, said that freedom of expression has been restricted in Myanmar since the coup, when the junta suspended key sections of the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens.

"Since then, citizens have lost most of their personal freedoms," he said.

The expert said that the suspension was the result of a "rivalry between the ruling government and opposition groups" in the aftermath of the takeover.

"As a result, the public is bearing the consequences of these intense political and military conflicts," he said.

According to the MIP, the junta cut off internet and phone communications in 62 townships in 10 regions and states at least 72 times in 2023 and arrested at least 550 people for criticizing the junta on social media.

Attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Htun for comment on the state of internet freedom in Myanmar went unanswered Thursday.

According to an Oct. 16 report by U.S.-based Freedom House, which surveyed 72 countries, Myanmar stands among the worst nations for internet freedom.

Facebook content moderation

A day after the MIP published its internet freedom report, Human Rights Myanmar, or HRM, issued a statement urging Facebook's parent company, Meta Platforms, to reconsider relaxing content moderation policies that it said raise "serious concerns for Myanmar, where Facebook has both enabled anti-coup dissent and fueled real-world consequences."

In 2016, Facebook launched a fact-checking program aimed at protecting users from conspiracy theories on its platform. This week, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook and Meta's CEO, announced that he was ending the program over concerns about "too much censorship."

While HRM applauded Meta's goal of fostering free expression, it said that the company also has "heightened legal and moral responsibilities under international human rights law and its previous commitments to prevent its platforms from enabling harm in high-risk environments like Myanmar."

"Restoring freedom of expression should first address Meta's algorithms, which prioritize emotive contentincluding disinformation and divisive rhetoricover trustworthy sources," the group said. "In Myanmar, where such content fuels violence, tackling algorithmic bias is essential."

It called Meta's plan to phase out fact-checkers in favor of community-based systems "concerning," particularly in Myanmar, where military propaganda and disinformation campaigns are "rampant" online.

"Zuckerberg's use of language discrediting fact-checkers as 'politically biased' mirrors authoritarian regimes' attacks on civil society," the group said.

HRM noted that Meta has conducted human rights impact assessments on Myanmar and other high-risk countries after admitting its platforms enabled human rights violations, including crimes against the persecuted Rohingya minority.

About 740,000 Rohingya fled from Rakhine state to neighboring Bangladesh following a bloody crackdown by the military against members of the largely stateless community in August 2017.

"Meta's Myanmar assessment emphasizes the need for context-based decisions and prior consultation," the group said. "However, there is no indication that Meta has conducted adequate due diligence outside the U.S. ahead of these global changes. HRM fears this clear oversight could foreshadow a repeat of past mistakes."

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes 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 anti-military factions need to be strategic with China, experts say

By Nyein Chan Aye January 10, 2025

Analysts say that rising anti-China sentiment in Myanmar reflects widespread frustration with Beijing's perceived support for the country's military junta in the conflict-torn Southeast Asian nation.

Since the Myanmar military seized power in February 2021, critics have accused Beijing of backing the junta to safeguard its Belt and Road Initiative projects and maintain regional stability.

Public distrust of China also stems from its long-standing ties with Myanmar's military, according to analysts and activists.

"There's a widespread perception that China is stalling progress in the anti-coup revolution," said Lin Htet, a Myanmar activist who fled the country after the coup because of his outspoken opposition to the regime.

According to a survey by the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar, or ISP-Myanmar, released in mid-2024, 54% of key stakeholders in Myanmar held a negative view of China as a neighbor. That figure rose to 72% among civil society organizations, with respondents describing China as either "not good at all" or "not a good neighbor." Similarly, 60% of ethnic armed organizations and 54% of the People's Defense Forces, the armed wing of the National Unity Government, or local defense forces  formed after the 2021 coup to oppose the military regime  reported the same sentiment.

"Many believed China supported the military takeover at the time," said Nan Lwin, head of the Myanmar China studies program at ISP-Myanmar, an independent think tank. "While those sentiments initially subsided by mid-2021, they resurfaced later as Beijing began high-level engagements with the regime."

Htet Min Lwin, a Myanmar expert at York University in Toronto, Ontario, highlighted the growing anti-China sentiment in Myanmar since Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Naypyitaw in August, where he met with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.

"Historically, Myanmar's political stakeholders have rarely been united," Htet Min Lwin said. "Yet, during Wang Yi's visit, all revolutionary forces opposed to the military regime expressed unanimous anti-China sentiment. From political leaders to analysts, many view China's actions as interference."

Protests, public sentiment

In recent months, anti-military activists have staged protests and boycotts of products to draw attention to Beijing's perceived interference in Myanmar.

In November, there was a call to boycott products "Made in China."

Lin Htet recently organized a demonstration outside the Chinese Embassy in Washington. He said the protest was to call on China to stop meddling in Myanmar's affairs and to change its policies while emphasizing a desire to remain good neighbors.

"This is not about racial hatred," Lin Htet told VOA.

During the protest, he recalled two Burmese-born ethnic Chinese individuals, Kyal Sin and Khant Nyar Hein, who were killed during the early days of the anti-coup demonstrations in 2021.

"Our Chinese brothers and sisters gave their lives on the streets for democracy. We have not forgotten them to this day," he said, citing Kyal Sin's burial in a Chinese cemetery and quoting Khant Nyar Hein's mother's plea to "please don't hate Chinese in Myanmar."

Chinese Embassy responds

In a written reply to VOA, the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar said, "The current situation in Myanmar is of great concern," and it urged all relevant parties "to adhere to dialogue and consultation, and to cease fire as soon as possible."

"China is Myanmar's largest neighbor. No other country wants Myanmar to restore stability and realize development more than China," the embassy said. "On the Myanmar issue, China is committed to respecting Myanmar's sovereignty, independence, national unity and territorial integrity, non-interference in its internal affairs, and the Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led peace process."

"It is hoped that all relevant parties in Myanmar will effectively safeguard the safety of Chinese enterprises, projects and personnel in Myanmar, create a secure environment for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, and better benefit the people of both countries," the statement said.

Call for diplomacy

According to ACLED data research, which specializes in conflict analysis, resentment among Myanmar's local population is expected to grow in 2025 amid China's increasing public support for the military. However, experts warn that alienating China could backfire.

"We can't do anti-China sentiment. We can't just demonize China. It is no longer the 15th century," said Sai Kyi Zin Soe, a Myanmar analyst. "We're neighbors, so we must maintain some diplomacy. We have to understand China's concerns and their political stance."

Htet Min Lwin also emphasized the need to engage with Beijing constructively.

"China's influence can slow the Myanmar resistance's revolutionary war [against the junta]," he said. "Rather than simply criticizing China, the opposition should engage its policymakers and clarify Myanmar's situation. Lobbying is vital. If the advocacy approach is effective, the revolutionary forces can maintain their momentum."

Michael Martin, a senior adviser at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the National Unity Government (NUG), Myanmar's opposition, lacks a coherent strategy to engage China.

"They don't have an idea how to work with China," Martin said. "They talk about, you know, 'Why won't you recognize us as a state actor?' That's not going to go very far with China. China recognizes the SAC [the military's State Administration Council] as the state actor. They can't have two."

A path forward

As Myanmar's conflict grinds on, analysts stress the importance of balancing public dissatisfaction with pragmatic engagement.

"China's strategy is to hedge its relations with multiple stakeholders in the country, whether it's the SAC or the NUG," Enze Han, an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong, said in an email to VOA.

For those seeking democracy, the challenge lies in finding a strategic approach that acknowledges China's regional interests while advancing Myanmar's aspirations for democracy and equality.

"We have absolutely no need to hate China or Chinese people," Lin Htet said. "But if the Chinese government continues interfering in Myanmar's affairs as it does now, it could face even more resistance, further alienating itself from the Burmese people."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






As Arakan Army gains ground in Myanmar, peace remains elusive

By Ingyin Naing January 10, 2025

In Myanmar, a relatively new ethnic armed group known as the Arakan Army has recently taken control of 15 out of 17 townships in the war-torn country's western Rakhine state. This includes the Myanmar military's western regional command headquarters located in Ann Township, in central Rakhine state. This marks the second major regional command center to fall since the beginning of a surge in resistance victories by allied ethnic armed groups - the "Three Brotherhood Alliance" - known as Operation 1027 in late 2023.

The significant territorial gains by the AA are reshaping power dynamics in Myanmar's civil war, observers say. The ethnic army's growing control over Rakhine state is also drawing attention to the plight of the country's Muslim ethnic Rohingya minority.

In a recent phone interview with VOA's Burmese service, AA spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha said the group continued to hold its ground.

"As of December 29, 2024, our AA has completely occupied all the military bases of the fascist military council in Gwa Township. We are pursuing and attacking retreating forces," Khaing Thu Kha said.

In response, Myanmar's military has launched heavy artillery strikes from air and sea but was unsuccessful in its attempts to retake Gwa, the spokesperson added. The junta did not respond to VOA on the issue.

The Arakan Army's gains continued this week, as it seized a key oil and gas pipeline station and closed in on a major weapons factory of the Myanmar military.

The fall of Gwa follows the army's seizing of Ann township earlier in December, when it captured the military's western regional command headquarters after intense fighting, marking another major loss for Myanmar's military.

In July, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, another ethnic armed group, popularly known as the Kokang army  seized the military's regional command headquarters in Lashio, in the northern part of Shan state.

"In the history of Myanmar's military, losing two regional commands in such a short period is unprecedented," former Myanmar army Major Naung Yoe told VOA. "These regional commands oversee vast operational areas and are critical to military control."

Naung Yoe, who is now part of the anti-junta civil disobedience movement group People's Goal, is based along the Thai-Myanmar border. He attributes the Arakan Army's success to strategy and strong local support.

"The courage of the AA soldiers, their disciplined command structure, and the overwhelming support of the Rakhine people have played key roles in their victories," he said.

The military has not responded in the media on recent fighting in Rakhine state.

Strategic battleground

Rakhine state, with its abundant natural resources and access to the Bay of Bengal, is strategically significant. It is home to major China-backed infrastructure projects and holds geopolitical importance as a gateway to Southeast Asia.

The state is predominantly inhabited by Rakhine Buddhists, with Rohingya Muslims making up the second-largest population. The Rohingya have faced systemic persecution, culminating in the 2017 military crackdown that forced over 700,000 to flee to Bangladesh. Myanmar's military is now facing international legal proceedings on charges of genocide and other war crimes.

This latest round of fighting between the military and the Arakan Army, which began in late 2023 following Operation1027 has been fierce. Dozens of Rohingya civilians were killed during junta attacks, some with heavy artillery fired at AA troops based in Rohingya villages, according to local human rights organizations.

The Arakan Army, formed in 2009 by Rakhine youth leaders, is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance that is fighting the junta alongside the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta'Ang National Liberation Army.

With an estimated 45,000 troops, the AA says it seeks autonomy for Rakhine state, aiming to "restore the sovereignty of the Arakan people."

However, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has condemned abuses by both the military and the AA, citing forced recruitment, extrajudicial killings and indiscriminate attacks that violate international law. AA offensives have reportedly displaced tens of thousands of civilians, including many Rohingya.

On Aug. 5, dozens of Rohingya were killed near the Naf River, which divides Myanmar from Bangladesh, underscoring their plight as they remain trapped between escalating violence and closed borders with little safe refuge.

Rohingya calls for justice

In late December, 28 Rohingya organizations issued a joint statement calling on the AA, which now controls Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships in northern Rakhine, to "uphold and respect the rights of Rohingya and other ethnic and religious minorities" in the region bordering Bangladesh.

Cox's Bazar in southeastern Bangladesh hosts over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled Myanmar following the military crackdown in August 2017.

Meanwhile, approximately 500,000 Rohingya remain in Myanmar, living in areas now under AA control, including territories along the Bangladesh border.

"The AA has reached a position where it can control up to 14 cities," Tun Khin, president of the Burmese Rohingya Organization U.K., or BROUK, told VOA Burmese by phone. BROUK is among the 28 organizations behind the joint statement.

"However, human rights violations against the Rohingya continue, especially in places like Buthidaung and Maungdaw," Tun Khin said. "As a result, the Rohingya have not been able to return to their homes. It is critical to stop the daily abuses inflicted on the Rohingya by AA forces."

After the AA captured Buthidaung and Maungdaw, nearly 60,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, Tun Khin said.

"AA, much like the Burmese military, is driving the Rohingya from their homes, perpetuating a cycle of displacement," he said.

The Rohingya and other Rakhine minorities must find a way to live peacefully together, he said.

"The Rohingya have supported the Burmese revolution and stood alongside revolutionary forces like the AA," Tun Khin said, "yet, they have been forcibly driven from their homes during clashes between the AA and the Burmese army. This is unacceptable. The AA is committing similar crimes to those perpetrated by the Burmese military."

A path toward dialogue?

For its part, the Arakan Army reiterated its commitment to dialogue late last month.

"We remain steadfast in our belief that current internal issues can and should be resolved through political means rather than military solutions," the group said in a statement.

In his New Year's speech, however, Myanmar's military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accused ethnic armed groups of pursuing selfish interests and inciting conflict while claiming to support democracy.

He also reiterated the junta's commitment to holding elections, citing the completion of a national census and other administrative milestones, and pledged that elections would take place this year.

During the 50th anniversary of Rakhine State Day on Dec. 15, Min Aung Hlaing called on ethnic armed groups, including the Arakan Army, to "abandon the armed path and choose the right course."

Myanmar's military rulers have not directly responded to the AA's offer for dialogue, according to Naung Yoe, the former Myanmar army major.

"The prospects for a resolution remain bleak. I still don't see a dialogue emerging that could resolve the differences between the two sides," he told VOA.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing recently reiterated his support for the 2008 constitution, framing it as essential for Myanmar's future. That constitution allowed the formation of a partially civilian government but guaranteed the military's continued role in politics. The military overthrew the elected government in a coup in 2021.

Ethnic leaders, however, reject any political framework that involves the military.

"With the junta clinging to the 2008 constitution and ethnic leaders envisioning a political future without military involvement, the chances of reconciliation are slim," Naung Yoe said.

He also pointed to the Arakan Army's intention to control all of Rakhine state as a potential stumbling block as well.

"If political reconciliation remains unattainable, the conflict will likely escalate further in early 2025," he said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






January 10, 2025

Release

Joint Press Statement on the Fourth Nuclear Consultative Group Meeting

The United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) convened the fourth Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) in Washington, D.C. on January 10, 2025. The NCG is an enduring bilateral consultative body to strengthen extended deterrence that contributes to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Cara Abercrombie, who is performing the duties of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, and Dr. Cho Chang Lae, ROK Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy. Other participants included U.S. and ROK officials from the U.S. National Security Council, the ROK National Security Office, and relevant defense, foreign affairs, intelligence, and military authorities.

During the meeting, both sides welcomed NCG work that has bolstered nuclear deterrence and the response capabilities of the Alliance over the last year through in-depth discussions on all areas of extended deterrence, including information sharing, consultative mechanisms, and joint planning and execution.

The United States reaffirmed its commitment to the ROK is enduring and ironclad. And any nuclear attack by the DPRK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response. The United States reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the United States or its allies is unacceptable and will result in the end of that regime. The U.S. commitment to extended deterrence to the ROK is backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear. Moreover, both sides noted the continuously strengthened extended deterrence cooperation between the United States and the ROK through the ongoing work of existing consultation bodies, including the NCG, the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, and the Security Consultative Meeting.

The NCG co-chairs reviewed the progress on NCG workstreams, including on security and information sharing protocols; nuclear and strategic planning; conventional-nuclear integration (CNI); exercises, simulations, and trainings; nuclear consultation and strategic communication processes during crises and contingencies; the establishment of dedicated secure communication systems; and strategic messaging. NCG Principals also discussed various efforts to maintain and strengthen nuclear deterrence policy and posture, in accordance with the United States and Republic of Korea Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula (Guidelines), which is a key document for enhancing U.S.-ROK extended deterrence cooperation in an integrated manner.

The NCG co-chairs applauded the progress towards nuclear and strategic planning, especially on the CNI workstream developed by defense components, including ROK Strategic Command, U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and U.S. Strategic Command. This includes working in lockstep to closely connect the capabilities and planning activities of the new ROK Strategic Command to the Alliance's combined defense posture.

The NCG Principals assessed that NCG activities, like the Nuclear Deterrence Immersion Course, the NCG Simulation, and a military-to-military table-top exercise (TTX), contribute to deepening cooperative and coordinated decision-making on nuclear deterrence and, developing a joint approach to planning for nuclear contingencies.

The United States also reaffirmed the commitment to enhance the regular visibility of U.S. strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula. Furthermore, the co-chairs decided to continue advancing ways to conduct U.S.-ROK conventional and nuclear integration exercises and trainings.

Both sides agreed that the NCG is an enduring bilateral consultative body, tailored to the U.S.-ROK Alliance, that has deepened U.S.-ROK extended deterrence cooperation. Furthermore, the co-chairs underscored that the NCG will continue to function as a solid foundation for strengthening U.S.-ROK extended deterrence in an integrated manner. The NCG Principals agreed to continue making swift, substantive progress on NCG workstreams, including, based on the outcomes of the 56th Meeting of the Security Consultative Meeting.

The NCG co-chairs approved an NCG workplan and key activities for the first half of 2025, which include convening the fifth principal-level NCG meeting in the ROK.

An NCG fact sheet, outlining key workstreams, participants, and accomplishments can be found here.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4026575/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






How Yoon's martial law bid complicates US-South Korea ties

By William Gallo, Lee Juhyun January 10, 2025

In late 2021, the wife of then-presidential candidate Yoon Suk Yeol appeared exasperated by several journalists she insisted were treating her husband unfairly. In a leaked phone call with a left-leaning reporter, Kim Keon-hee vowed to have "all of them" jailed if her husband won the presidency.

The comment drew little attention, overshadowed by the scandals and mudslinging typical of South Korea's elections. In hindsight, analysts say it hinted at how Yoon, now impeached and under investigation over his short-lived declaration of martial law, would later approach his critics as president.

After taking office in May 2022, Yoon pursued criminal defamation charges against journalists at an unprecedented pace, according to a VOA investigation. As his political fortunes declined, Yoon adopted increasingly adversarial rhetoric, often framing his opponents as existential threats in a zero-sum battle against "communists" and "anti-state forces."

In declaring martial law early last month, Yoon used similar language, citing the need to "eradicate pro-North Korean forces." He later defended the move as a temporary measure to warn his opposition rivals, whom he accused of obstructing governance. Critics, however, viewed the declaration as an authoritarian overreach.

The martial law decree, South Korea's first since it emerged from military rule in the 1980s, put the Biden administration in an awkward position, having touted Yoon's South Korea as a democratic model.

In 2024, Yoon hosted the U.S.-led Summit for Democracy, an event aimed at countering global authoritarianism. Weeks later, he made headlines by singing "American Pie" at a White House state dinner alongside President Joe Biden  a moment highlighting the administration's embrace of Yoon as a key ally.

Part of that support stemmed from Yoon's efforts to reconcile with Japan, which reinvigorated trilateral cooperation with the United States. The partnership became so central to Biden's Asia policy that Washington seemed unwilling to confront mounting concerns about Yoon's leadership, according to some analysts.

"The senior Biden team was so over-invested in Yoon as the key to its signature trilateral initiative with Tokyo and Seoul that it seemingly ignored all the many warning signs over the last year-plus of Yoon's authoritarian bent," said Rob Rapson, a recently retired U.S. diplomat who held several senior positions in South Korea, including acting ambassador.

During a visit to Seoul this week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sidestepped questions about Yoon, instead praising South Korea's democratic resilience. Blinken acknowledged "serious concerns" about Yoon's actions, saying they were conveyed directly to Seoul.

Alliance frictions

After Yoon's martial law decree, the United States temporarily paused key diplomatic and security talks with South Korea. Even though those engagements resumed by late December, some analysts say it may be premature to declare business as usual.

One sensitive issue is the U.S. claim that it was not notified in advance about the martial law declaration  a move that could have impacted the approximately 28,000 U.S. troops in Korea and heightened risks for both countries.

If no requirement exists for such notification, that may need to change, said Sheena Chestnut Greitens, an East Asia expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"The U.S. has reasonable grounds to say that having that information in advance is necessary for effective deterrence and defense on the Korean Peninsula," she said.

Chestnut Greitens also warned that Yoon's unilateral actions could weaken South Korea's position with the incoming Trump administration, whose first-term policies raised fears of abandonment in Seoul.

Donald Trump frequently questioned the value of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, once asking why the U.S. needs "all those troops" in South Korea. His direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un further alarmed some South Korean officials, who feared being sidelined in any Trump-Kim deal.

"The incoming Trump team... could now cite this lack of consultation as precedent if it chooses to justify either a unilateral deal with Pyongyang or a reduction in U.S. commitment," said Chestnut Greitens.

Trump silent

Trump, whose America First policy often prioritized perceived interests over the promotion of human rights, has not commented on Yoon's martial law declaration.

His approach toward South Korea is unlikely to change, suggested Alex Gray, a senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council and former chief of staff at the National Security Council under Trump.

"I think [President Trump] will prioritize his conception of core American security and economic interests as he did in term one," said Gray.

It is unclear how Trump will respond to Yoon's conservative supporters, some of whom have appealed to him by waving "Stop the Steal" protest signs reminiscent of Trump's post-2020 election fraud claims.

If Trump were to back Yoon or endorse baseless South Korean election fraud allegations, it could "seriously damage the image of the U.S. among a majority of the Korean population," said Ben Engel, who teaches at Dankook University outside Seoul.

"The idea that the ROK [Republic of Korea]-U.S. alliance was undergirded by the shared values of democracy and human rights would be significantly undermined and possibly lead to the alliance becoming a partisan issue in South Korea, where the alliance has had broad support since the early 2000s," said Engel.

Still, Trump may see little reason to support Yoon, who faces possible removal from office and insurrection charges.

"Why hitch yourself to a sinking ship?" Engel asked.

South Korea's reaction

There has been little backlash to the U.S. response, even from liberal South Koreans who have at times been more critical of Washington.

Moon Chung-in, a foreign policy adviser to several left-leaning Korean administrations, noted that Biden officials have quietly opposed Yoon's martial law declaration.

"If Washington maintains its current approach, it can demonstrate that for the U.S., democracy matters," Moon told VOA, though he acknowledged the United States had a "bad track record" of backing authoritarian regimes before South Korea's democratization.

While Trump is unlikely to prioritize human rights in South Korea, Moon said he believes the incoming president would not overrule figures in his administration, such as Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, who take a more values-driven approach to international relations.

Regardless, some experts argue that such U.S. messaging no longer resonates in South Korea.

Lee Sang-sin, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, suggested this may reflect declining perceptions of U.S. democracy.

"It may be that people have moved past the old anxiety that South Korea's democracy cannot survive without U.S. support," he said.

"The lingering shock of domestic turmoil," Lee added, "has also left people too preoccupied to focus on U.S. messaging."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Trump says meeting with Putin "being set up"

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:52, January 10, 2025

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to meet him and that such a meeting was being set up.

"He wants to meet. And we're setting it up," Trump said of the Russian leader before a meeting with Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. He did not offer a timeline for the meeting.

"President Putin wants to meet. He's said that even publicly, and we have to get that war over with. That's a bloody mess," said the president-elect, referring to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A Wagner Mercenary Who Crossed U.S.-Mexican Border Was Honored In Russia Weeks Before Arrest

By Carl Schreck, Mark Krutov, Mike Eckel and Ramazan Alpaut January 10, 2025

A self-confessed veteran of Russia's Wagner paramilitary group arrested for crossing into the United States from Mexico appears to have been honored as a combat veteran weeks earlier by an organization established by Russian President Valdimir Putin, RFE/RL has found.

Timur Praliev, 31, was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents on January 4 near the border town of Roma, Texas, after crossing the Rio Grande River into the United States and told the agents he was a citizen of Kazakhstan, U.S. federal court records show.

At a January 7 court appearance before a federal judge in McAllen, Texas, a federal prosecutor said Praliev was in possession of both Russian and Kazakh passports, cash, and a drone he carried in his backpack, a local television channel reported.

Praliev also admitted to being a member of Wagner, the channel's website, Valley Central, cited Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan as saying.

Wagner has fought among Russian ranks in the Kremlin's all-out war on Ukraine and elsewhere in the world. The paramilitary group has been designated a "transnational criminal organization" by the U.S. Treasury Department.

After pleading guilty to unlawful entry into the United States, Praliev was convicted and sentenced to time served. His current whereabouts are unclear.

Online records reviewed by RFE/RL show that less than a month before his detention, a man of the same name had been honored at an event held by an official government veterans' organization in Russia's Bashkortostan region.

An account of the December 12, 2024, event was published on Russian social media by the Bashkortostan branch of Defenders Of The Fatherland Foundation. The group was established by Putin in April 2023 to support combat veterans of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Attempts to reach the foundation for comment were unsuccessful.

Photographs from the event show a man identified as Timur Praliev receiving his certification as a combat veteran. The post identified the Timur Praliev shown in the photograph as a "former employee" of Wagner who has ties to Iglinsky, a municipality east of the regional capital, Ufa.

RFE/RL located a profile for a user named Timur Praliev on the Russian social-networking site Vkontakte with a listed birth year -- 1993 -- matching that listed for Praliev in U.S. court records.

A Kazakhstan-based acquaintance of the man who received the combat-veteran certification in Bashkortostan confirmed to RFE/RL that the Vkontakte account was that of the man shown being honored at the event. An RFE/RL inquiry sent via direct message to the account went unanswered.

During Praliev's court appearance, McColgan said the U.S. government "is concerned about [the] safety of the community when this defendant is released" because of his affiliation with Wagner, "a group associated with political violence," Valley Central quoted the prosecutor as saying.

A U.S. magistrate judge ordered Praliev to remain in federal custody, Valley Central said.

Neither the U.S. attorney office for southern Texas nor the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol regional office overseeing that section of the U.S.-Mexican border immediately responded to e-mails or voicemails from RFE/RL seeking further details.

Founded by St. Petersburg chef Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Kremlin confidant, Wagner grew to be one of Russia's most notorious private military companies. Its soldiers were deployed in Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, and more recently Ukraine, where Wagner fighters played a key role in the capture of the city of Bakhmut.

In August 2023, two months after staging a brief, but serious coup attempt, Prigozhin died in a mysterious plane crash north of Moscow. U.S. intelligence officials have said they believe Prigozhin was assassinated.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir and Kazakh services

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-wagner-fighter- illegal-entry-us-mexico-timur-praliev/33271493.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






Afghanistan Eyes LNG Transit Agreement With Russia

Sputnik News

20250110

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Kabul intends to sign an agreement with Russia on the transit of 50 million cubic meters of liquefied natural gas through Afghanistan, the head of the Russian Business Center in Afghanistan, Rustam Khabibullin, told Sputnik on Friday.

"Afghanistan intends to sign a contract on the transit of 50 million cubic meters of liquefied natural gas through its territory to Southeast Asia at the upcoming KazanForum 2025," Khabibullin said, adding that the transit could be carried out via gas tankers.

Trial shipments have already taken place, he added.

An agreement for the annual transit of 50 million tons of Russian oil was signed at the 2023 forum, while a contract for the transit of 2 million tons of Russian wheat and flour was signed at the 2024 edition, Khabibullin said.

The 2025 International Economic Forum of Russia and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (IOC), "RussiaIslamic World: KazanForum," is expected to be held in mid-May.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Sanctions to Degrade Russia's Energy Sector

US Department of State

Fact Sheet

Office of the Spokesperson

January 10, 2025



Today, the United States is sanctioning major targets in Russia's energy sector, the primary source of revenue fueling Russia's war against Ukraine. The Department of State is imposing sanctions on nearly 80 individuals and entities. Concurrently, the Department of the Treasury is designating more than 150 individuals and entities and individuals and identifying 183 vessels as blocked property. Treasury provides more information in its actions, please see press release.

The Department of State's designations aim to reduce Russia's oil and natural gas revenue through sanctions on operators of significant Russian crude oil production and liquified natural gas projects. We are designating the chief executive officer and members of State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom's (Rosatom).

All Department of State targets are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 , as amended , which authorizes sanctions with respect to specified harmful foreign activities of the Government of the Russian Federation.

The United States will continue to use all tools at its disposal to disrupt support for Russia's military-industrial base and curtail the Kremlin's ability to exploit the international financial system and generate revenue in furtherance of its war against Ukraine. We continue to stand in solidarity with Ukrainians in defending their homeland from Russia's aggression.

Rosatom Board Of Directors And Senior Officials

Today, the Department is designating senior officials of Rosatom, including Chief Executive Officer Alexey Likhachev and members of Rosatom's Management Board. This is the eleventh Russia sanctions action that includes Rosatom-related designations. Senior Rosatom officials have publicly stated that Rosatom enterprises are developing weapons systems, including for use in Russia's war against Ukraine. Rosatom subsidiaries have provided the Russian defense industry with military-applicable armaments, components, and advanced technologies to further Russia's war against Ukraine.

The individuals designated today enable Rosatom's involvement in Russia's nuclear weapons complex and defense sector, nuclear power plant construction exports, development of advanced technologies and materials, non-uranium extractive industries and associated businesses, and malign activities including the occupation of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.

Additionally, since the Kremlin's further invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States has previously designated important members of Rosatom's Supervisory Board pursuant to E.O. 14024 in relation to other (non-Rosatom) roles they held. These previous designations included chairman of the Supervisory Board Sergei Vladilenovich Kiriyenko and Supervisory Board members Denis Valentinovich Manturov, Larisa Igorevna Brycheva, Sergey Borisovich Korolev, Aleksandr Valentinovich Novak, Yuriy Petrovich Trutnev, and Maxim Stanislavovich Oreshkin.

Today's actions bring the total number of Rosatom-related designations by the United States to nearly 70 subsidiaries and related individuals. They also serve to align our actions with past designations of Rosatom board members by the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada. These designations are consistent with G7 commitments to reduce Russian nuclear energy supplies and services.

The Department is designating the following individuals pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(A) of E.O. 14024, for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of the Government of the Russian Federation:

ALEXEY EVGENYEVICH LIKHACHEV , the Chief Executive Officer of Rosatom and a member of Rosatom's Supervisory and Management Boards.

, the Chief Executive Officer of Rosatom and a member of Rosatom's Supervisory and Management Boards. NIKOLAY NIKOLAYEVICH SPASSKIY , Deputy Director General for International Relations and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, Deputy Director General for International Relations and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. KIRILL BORISOVICH KOMAROV , First Deputy Director General for Development and International Business and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, First Deputy Director General for Development and International Business and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. ALEXANDER MARKOVICH LOKSHIN , First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. SERGEI GENNADYEVICH NOVIKOV , Deputy Director General for Execution of State Powers and Budgeting and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, Deputy Director General for Execution of State Powers and Budgeting and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. KONSTANTIN IVANOVICH DENISOV , Deputy Director General for Security and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, Deputy Director General for Security and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. OLEG VASILYEVICH KRYUKOV , Director for Public Policy on Radioactive Waste, Spent Nuclear Fuel and Nuclear Decommissioning and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, Director for Public Policy on Radioactive Waste, Spent Nuclear Fuel and Nuclear Decommissioning and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. ANDREI VLADIMIROVICH NIKIPELOV , Deputy Director General for Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Solutions of Rosatom and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, Deputy Director General for Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Solutions of Rosatom and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. YURI VLADIMIROVICH YAKOVLEV , Deputy Director General for the State Safety Policy in the Defense Uses of Atomic Energy and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, Deputy Director General for the State Safety Policy in the Defense Uses of Atomic Energy and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. SERGEI ALEKSANDROVICH OBOZOV , Deputy Director General for Development of Rosatom's Production System and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, Deputy Director General for Development of Rosatom's Production System and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. YURII ALEKSANDROVICH OLENIN , Deputy Director General for Science and Strategy and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, Deputy Director General for Science and Strategy and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. ANDREI YUVENALYEVICH PETROV , Director General of Rosenergoatom and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, Director General of Rosenergoatom and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. ILYA VASILYEVICH REBROV , Deputy Director General for Economy and Finance and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

, Deputy Director General for Economy and Finance and a member of Rosatom's Management Board. VYACHESLAV VLADIMIROVICH RUKSHA, Deputy Director General for the Northern Sea Route Directorate and a member of Rosatom's Management Board.

Targeting Russia's Energy Revenues

Today, the Department is designating entities engaged in the active production and export of liquified natural gas (LNG) from Russia; the provision of material support to LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ARCTIC LNG 2 (LLC ARCTIC LNG 2); the circumvention of U.S. sanctions on U.S.-designated JOINT STOCK COMPANY SOVCOMFLOT (SOVCOMFLOT); and attempts to expand Russia's oil production capacity. These designations aim to significantly limit Russia's ability to generate revenue from its energy resources.

Active Russian Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Projects

The Department is designating two currently producing Russian LNG export terminals to directly disrupt Russia's ability to produce and export LNG and reduce Russia's revenue from LNG exports.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the energy sector of the Russian Federation economy:

GAZPROM SPG PORTOVAYA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY is the Russia-based operator of the Portovaya LNG terminal.

is the Russia-based operator of the Portovaya LNG terminal. CRYOGAS VYSOTSK LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY is the Russia-based operator of the Cryogas Vysotsk LNG terminal.

Vostok Oil Project

The Department is designating the operator of the Vostok Oil project, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY VOSTOK OIL (VOSTOK OIL), and one of its subsidiaries. The Vostok Oil project is a major Russian oil development project from which Russia hopes to export upwards of 2 million barrels of oil per day. Today's actions are intended to slow down or halt further construction of the Vostok Oil project and limit the project's ability to market and export crude oil and petroleum products in the future.

VOSTOK OIL is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the construction sector of the Russian Federation economy.

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TAGULSKOE (TAGULSKOE) is a Russia-based subsidiary of VOSTOK OIL that is primarily engaged in oil production and extraction. TAGULSKOE is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the energy sector of the Russian Federation economy.

SOVCOMFLOT-Related Sanctions Evasion

The Department continues to designate entities providing material support to U.S.-designated SOVCOMFLOT so as to reduce Russia's ability to export oil. Today, the Department is designating a PRC-based crude oil terminal operator, together with a PRC-based subsidiary, and a Kazakhstan-based ship management company for their support to the crude oil tanker NS BURGAS (IMO 9411020), a U.S.-blocked SOVCOMFLOT vessel.

SHANDONG UNITED ENERGY PIPELINE TRANSPORTATION CO LTD (SHANDONG UNITED ENERGY) is a PRC-based oil terminal operator that facilitated port calls and discharges in September and December 2024 of a U.S.-blocked Russian crude oil tanker, NS BURGAS IMO 9411020, a vessel in which U.S.-designated SOVCOMFLOT has an interest. SHANDONG UNITED ENERGY is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(vi)(B) of E.O. 14024, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of SOVCOMFLOT.

GUANGRAO LIANHE ENERGY PIPELINE CONVEYOR CO LTD (GUANGRAO LIANHE ENERGY) is a PRC-based subsidiary of SHANDONG UNITED ENERGY that provides storage services. GUANGRAO LIANHE ENERGY is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(vii) of E.O. 14024 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, SHANDONG UNITED ENERGY.

UMBRA NAVI SHIPMANAGEMENT CORP (UMBRA) is a Kazakhstan-based ship management company that is the manager and operator of OXIS (IMO 9224805), a crude oil tanker that conducted a ship-to-ship transfer of Russian-origin Urals crude oil with U.S.-blocked crude oil tanker NS BURGAS, a vessel in which U.S.-designated SOVCOMFLOT has an interest. UMBRA is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(vi)(B) of E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of SOVCOMFLOT. OXIS is being identified as property in which UMBRA has an interest.

Entities Supporting the U.S.-Sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 Project

To maintain pressure on Russia's U.S.-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project, the Department of State is designating several PRC-based entities including a fabrication yard and a vessel operator involved in the construction and transportation of power generation modules for the Arctic LNG 2 project. The Department is also designating new ship management entities Russia is using to obfuscate the ownership of LNG carriers involved in Russia's attempts to export cargo from the project.

ZHOUSHAN WISON OFFSHORE AND MARINE CO LTD (ZHOUSHAN WISON) has built and supplied power generation modules for LLC ARCTIC LNG 2. ZHOUSHAN WISON constructed four specialized modules similar to those previously delivered to the Arctic LNG 2 project by U.S-designated RED BOX ENERGY SERVICES PTE LTD. After ZHOUSHAN WISON allowed the modules to be shipped from and depart their facility, the modules were transshipped in intermediary ports in China and transferred between a series of vessels, including U.S.-blocked HUNTER STAR (IMO 9830769) and NAN FENG ZHI XING (IMO 9934498), some of which took actions to conceal their identity and location. The modules constructed by and shipped from the ZHOUSHAN WISON facility were ultimately offloaded at the Arctic LNG 2 project.

ZHOUSHAN WISON is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(vi)(B) of E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of LLC ARCTIC LNG 2.

HONGKONG YAQING SHIPPING CO LIMITED (HONGKONG YAQING) is the operator of OCEAN 28 (IMO 1021570), a vessel that transported power generation modules originating from ZHOUSHAN WISON to the Arctic LNG 2 project. HONGKONG YAQING is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(vi)(B) of E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of LLC ARCTIC LNG 2. OCEAN 28 is being identified as property in which HONGKONG YAQING has an interest.

In an attempt to circumvent U.S. sanctions on, and revitalize, Russia's Arctic LNG 2 project, Russia has engaged in efforts to obfuscate LNG carriers' ownership through third country ship management entities. The Department is designating two ship management companies, which manage two LNG carriers that loaded cargo from the U.S.-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project.

SKYHART MANAGEMENT SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED (SKYHART) is an India-based entity that became the operator of U.S.-designated LNG carrier MULAN (IMO 9864837) shortly before it loaded LNG from U.S.-designated LLC ARCTIC LNG 2.

AVISION SHIPPING SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED (AVISION) is an India-based entity that became the operator of U.S.-designated LNG carrier NEW ENERGY (IMO 9324277) shortly before it loaded LNG from U.S.-designated LLC ARCTIC LNG 2. SKYHART and AVISION are being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(vi)(B) of E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of LLC ARCTIC LNG 2.

The following vessels are managed by AVISION and are being identified as property in which AVISION has an interest:

PRAVASI (IMO 9409467)

ONYX (IMO 9236640)

The Department is also designating eight subsidiaries of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD, a PRC-based company established in August 2023 involved in the implementation of a marketing program for LNG from the Arctic LNG 2 project.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD:

XUANWU WENQU SEA FREIGHT SHANGHAI CO LTD is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD.

is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD. XUANWU LUCUN SEA FREIGHT SHANGHAI CO LTD is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD.

is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD. XUANWU TIANYUE SEA FREIGHT SHANGHAI CO LTD is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD.

is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD. XUANWU TRADING SHANGHAI CO LTD is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD.

is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD. XUANWU ZUOFU SEA FREIGHT SHANGHAI CO LTD is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD.

is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD. XUANWU YOUBI SEA FREIGHT SHANGHAI CO LTD is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD.

is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD. XUANWU TIANKUI SEA FREIGHT SHANGHAI CO LTD is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD.

is a PRC-based subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD. XUANWU TIANJI SEA FREIGHT SHANGHAI CO LTD is a PRC-based direct subsidiary of U.S.-designated NOVATEK CHINA HOLDINGS CO LTD.

Oilfield Service Providers

The Department is also designating multiple Russia-based entities providing oil and gas field services specializing in oil exploration, drilling and engineering work, and technological and hardware modernization.

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NEFTSERVICEHOLDING (LLC NSKH) and its seven subsidiaries are part of a network of Russia's oil and gas service providers engaged in modernizing and advancing the capabilities of Russian oil and gas projects. LLC NSKH is a Russia-based entity that operates a large network of oil field service providers and engineering firms in the Perm region of Russia. LLC NSKH is being designated pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the manufacturing sector of the Russian Federation economy.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, LLC NSKH. They are all subsidiaries of LLC NSKH:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY PERMNEFTEOTDACHA is engaged in the construction of oil and gas wells, including intelligent drilling, and digital monitoring of equipment.

is engaged in the construction of oil and gas wells, including intelligent drilling, and digital monitoring of equipment. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY PERM ENGINEERING TECHNICAL CENTER GEOFIZIKA is engaged in geological exploration, geophysical and geochemical work in the field of subsoil study and reproduction of the mineral resource base.

is engaged in geological exploration, geophysical and geochemical work in the field of subsoil study and reproduction of the mineral resource base. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TECHNICAL SERVICE CENTER is providing service for oilfield equipment, pipeline systems, and power facilities, including diagnostics, industrial safety assessments, major repairs, construction and metrological support.

is providing service for oilfield equipment, pipeline systems, and power facilities, including diagnostics, industrial safety assessments, major repairs, construction and metrological support. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY FLEK is engaged in production of a wide range of chemical reagents used in the extraction, preparation and transportation of oil.

is engaged in production of a wide range of chemical reagents used in the extraction, preparation and transportation of oil. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NEFTGAZISSLEDOVANIYE is engaged in digital transformation of oil and gas enterprises, individual production processes, and development of digital technological solutions at the stages of exploration, drilling and production.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the engineering sector of the Russian Federation economy:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NSKH AZIYA DRILLING is a Russia-based drilling and engineering entity within the LLC NSKH network involved in construction of oil and gas wells.

is a Russia-based drilling and engineering entity within the LLC NSKH network involved in construction of oil and gas wells. FEDERAL STATE UNITARY ENTERPRISE ALL RUSSIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF OIL GEOLOGY is a Russia-based engineering institute specializing in exploratory drilling for hydrocarbons.

is a Russia-based engineering institute specializing in exploratory drilling for hydrocarbons. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY LAYAVOZHNEFTEGAZ is the operator of a mid-sized oil and gas field development project in the Yamal-Nenets autonomous region in the Russian Federation.

is the operator of a mid-sized oil and gas field development project in the Yamal-Nenets autonomous region in the Russian Federation. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INZHINIRINGOVIY TSENTR AVTONOMNAYA ENERGETIKA is the Russia-based entity that is the general designer for Arctic Station Snezhinka based in the Yamal-Nenets autonomous region in the Russian Federation.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY RIGINTEL is a Russia-based engineering software entity within the LLC NSKH network.

is a Russia-based engineering software entity within the LLC NSKH network. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY KAPRON is a Russia-based petrochemical entity that holds a large share of the Russian petrochemical market as of result of the acquisition of facilities left behind by European companies in 2022.

The Department is also designating a range of other Russian oilfield service providers and energy-related entities.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the manufacturing sector of the Russian Federation economy:

PETROENGINEERING LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY is a Russia-based oil field services provider and vendor of parts required for engineering works in the oil and gas industry.

is a Russia-based oil field services provider and vendor of parts required for engineering works in the oil and gas industry. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY PLANT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROPELLER STEERING COLUMNS SAPPHIRE is a Russia-based entity involved in manufacturing unique thrusters and propeller steering columns for ice-class, large-tonnage, and multi-functional vessels, including Russian ARC7 model LNG carriers.

is a Russia-based entity involved in manufacturing unique thrusters and propeller steering columns for ice-class, large-tonnage, and multi-functional vessels, including Russian ARC7 model LNG carriers. JOINT STOCK COMPANY LISKINSKII ZAVOD MONTAZHNYKH ZAGOTOVOK is a Russia-based entity that is one of the main manufacturers and suppliers of pipeline parts in Russia and has contributed to the construction of Russia's largest pipeline projects, including Nord Stream 2, Eastern Siberia Pacific Ocean (ESPO), and Vostok Oil.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entity is being designated for operating or having operated in the financial services sector of the Russian Federation economy:

NONCOMMERCIAL ORGANIZATION REGIONAL INNOVATION INVESTMENT FUND YAMAL is a Russia-based entity that provides financial investments for the implementation of new technologies within the Yamal-Nenets autonomous region in the Russian Federation.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the construction sector of the Russian Federation economy:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY GAZPROMNEFT DEVELOPMENT (GAZPROMNEFT DEVELOPMENT) is a Russia-based entity that constructs oil and gas extraction projects. GAZPROMNEFT DEVELOPMENT is currently developing the gas portions of the Chona project in East Siberia.

is a Russia-based entity that constructs oil and gas extraction projects. GAZPROMNEFT DEVELOPMENT is currently developing the gas portions of the Chona project in East Siberia. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY GAZPROMNEFT ANGARA is a Russia-based entity engaged in operating oil and gas fields and also holds the mining rights for the Chona project, which is located in East Siberia.

is a Russia-based entity engaged in operating oil and gas fields and also holds the mining rights for the Chona project, which is located in East Siberia. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY RUSGAZBURENIE is a Russia-based entity that develops and constructs oil and gas wells as well as conducts multi-stage hydraulic fracturing.

Russia's Metals and Mining Industry

The Department continues to designate entities involved in Russia's metals and mining industry to further constrain Russia's revenue generation capacity. Today, the Department is designating entities within the network of two of the largest coal producers in Russia. Additionally, the Department is targeting Russia's military-industrial base by designating critical importers of raw materials, including chromium, a key component in the production of artillery used in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the metals and mining sector of the Russian Federation economy:

JOINT STOCK COMPANY UGOLNAYA KOMPANIYA KUZBASSRAZREZUGOL (KUZBASSRAZREZUGOL) is a vertically integrated Russia-based coal entity and is considered one of the leaders in Russian coal mining.

is a vertically integrated Russia-based coal entity and is considered one of the leaders in Russian coal mining. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY KUZBASSRAZREZUGOL VZRYVPROM (VZRYVPROM) is a Russia-based entity that provides explosives for blasting operations at the open-pit coal mines of KUZBASSRAZREZUGOL.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, KUZBASSRAZREZUGOL:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY SKIF is a Russia-based subsidiary of KUZBASSRAZREZUGOL.

is a Russia-based subsidiary of KUZBASSRAZREZUGOL. KRU OVERSEAS LIMITED is a Cyprus-based subsidiary of KUZBASSRAZREZUGOL.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii) of E.O. 14024, the following entity is being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, VZRYVPROM:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TPK SIB is a Russia-based subsidiary of VZRYVPROM.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the transportation sector of the Russian Federation economy:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TALDINSKOYE POGRUZOCHNO TRANSPORTNOYE UPRAVLENIYE (TALDINSKOYE) is a Russia-based entity engaged in rail transport of freight in the KUZBASSRAZREZUGOL network.

is a Russia-based entity engaged in rail transport of freight in the KUZBASSRAZREZUGOL network. JOINT STOCK COMPANY KISELEVSKOYE POGRUZOCHNO TRANSPORTNOYE UPRAVLENIYE (KISELEVSKOYE) is a Russia-based entity engaged in rail transport of freight in the KUZBASSRAZREZUGOL network.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the manufacturing sector of the Russian Federation economy:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY RMK is a Russia-based entity that manufactures refractory products and is one of the country's largest importers of chromium.

is a Russia-based entity that manufactures refractory products and is one of the country's largest importers of chromium. OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY VOLZHSKY ABRASIVE WORKS is a Russia-based entity that produces silicon carbide used in the manufacture of abrasive products.

is a Russia-based entity that produces silicon carbide used in the manufacture of abrasive products. JOINT STOCK COMPANY MAGNEZIT HOLDING is a Russia-based entity that serves as the holding company for a collection of several manufacturing and service entities that comprise one of Russia's largest manufacturers of refractory products.

is a Russia-based entity that serves as the holding company for a collection of several manufacturing and service entities that comprise one of Russia's largest manufacturers of refractory products. PUBLIC JOINT STOCK COMPANY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF REFRACTORIES KOMBINAT MAGNEZIT is a Russia-based entity that is involved in the manufacture of refractory materials.

is a Russia-based entity that is involved in the manufacture of refractory materials. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY GRUPPA MAGNEZIT is a Russia-based entity that manufactures refractory products.

is a Russia-based entity that manufactures refractory products. CLOSED JOINT STOCK COMPANY ORDER OF THE RED BANNER OF LABOR AND FRIENDSHIP OF PEOPLES PERVOURALSKIY SILICA PLANT NAMED AFTER EFIMA MOISEYEVICHA GRISHPUNA is a Russia-based entity and one of Russia's largest manufacturers of refractory products and bauxite importers, a critical input in the production of refractory products for the metallurgical industry.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entity is being designated for operating or having operated in the construction sector of the Russian Federation economy:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY SEA COMMERCIAL PORT LAVNA is a Russia-based entity building the Lavna coal terminal located in Murmansk, Russia.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entity is being designated for operating or having operated in the marine sector of the Russian Federation economy:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY MORSKOI PORT SUKHODOL (SUKHODOL SEAPORT) is a Russia-based coal terminal operator located in the Far East of Russia and is planning to expand the port to include the construction of an LNG terminal.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14024, the following entities are being designated for operating or having operated in the metals and mining sector of the Russian Federation economy:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY POLAR LITHIUM is a Russia-based entity that owns the rights to develop Russia's largest lithium mine, with the intention of becoming the first domestic producer of lithium-bearing raw materials in Russia.

is a Russia-based entity that owns the rights to develop Russia's largest lithium mine, with the intention of becoming the first domestic producer of lithium-bearing raw materials in Russia. JSC RUSSIAN COAL (RUSSIAN COAL) is a Russia-based coal mining entity that controls several coal mines and is one of Russia's largest coal companies.

is a Russia-based coal mining entity that controls several coal mines and is one of Russia's largest coal companies. AMURUGOL AO is a Russia-based coal mining entity within the RUSSIAN COAL network.

is a Russia-based coal mining entity within the RUSSIAN COAL network. KRASNOYARSKKRAIUGOL AO is a Russia-based coal mining entity within the RUSSIAN COAL network.

is a Russia-based coal mining entity within the RUSSIAN COAL network. RAZREZ KIRBINSKI OOO is a Russia-based coal mining entity within the RUSSIAN COAL network.

is a Russia-based coal mining entity within the RUSSIAN COAL network. RAZREZ SAYANO PARTIZANSKI OOO is a Russia-based coal mining entity within the RUSSIAN COAL network.

is a Russia-based coal mining entity within the RUSSIAN COAL network. RAZREZ STEPNOI OOO is a Russia-based coal mining entity within the RUSSIAN COAL network.

is a Russia-based coal mining entity within the RUSSIAN COAL network. JOINT STOCK COMPANY MINING AND COAL PREPARATION COMPLEX INAGLINSKIY is a Russia-based coal mining and preparation complex that is developing the reserves of the Chulmakan stone coal deposit.

is a Russia-based coal mining and preparation complex that is developing the reserves of the Chulmakan stone coal deposit. JOINT STOCK COMPANY MINING AND COAL PREPARATION COMPLEX DENISOVSKIY (DENISOVSKIY) is a Russia-based coal mining entity.

Pursuant to section 1(a)(vii) of E.O. 14024, the following entity is being designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, DENISOVSKIY:

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY REMONTNO PROIZVODSTVENNAYA BAZA KOLMAR is a Russia-based subsidiary of DENISOVSKIY.

Sanctions Implications

As a result of today's sanctions-related actions, all property and interests in property of the sanctioned persons described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Additionally, all individuals or entities that have ownership, either directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.

All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of U.S. government sanctions derive not only from the U.S. government's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.

Petitions for removal from the SDN List may be sent to: OFAC.Reconsideration@treasury.gov. Petitioners may also refer to the Department of State's Delisting Guidance page.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






"We have shattered the terror belt that was planned to be constructed in the north of Syria"

Presidency of The Republic of Turkey

10.01.2025

Addressing AK Party's provincial congress in Aydn, President Erdogan said: "We have shattered the terror belt that was planned to be constructed in the north of Syria from 4 points with our cross-border operations. We have not allowed the separatist terrorist organization to encircle Turkiye from the south under the guardianship of their imperialist masters."

President and Justice and Development (AK) Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a speech at the party's 8th ordinary provincial congress in Aydn.

"WE HAVE NOT ALLOWED THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION TO ENCIRCLE TURKIYE FROM THE SOUTH"

President Erdogan said: "Firmly sticking to the legacy for which our martyrs have sacrificed their lives, we have been working round the clock for the past 22 years to glorify Turkiye and boost its prestige. We will work to pay, at least to some extent, our debt of gratitude to our martyrs by achieving our goal of a terror-free Turkiye."

Drawing attention to Turkiye's determined fight against terror both at home and beyond its borders, President Erdogan stated: "We will rid our country of the menace of separatist terror that has been draining our blood and resources just like a leech for 40 years. We have covered a significant distance in this direction in the recent period. We have inflicted a heavy cost on the separatist terrorist organization through our strategy of eliminating terror at its source. We have eliminated to a great extent the terror presence inside our borders as a result of our operations conducted throughout the year. With our Operation Claw-Lock in the north of Iraq, we have erected an unshakeable wall between Qandil and our country. We have shattered the terror belt that was planned to be constructed in the north of Syria from 4 points with our cross-border operations. We have therefore not allowed the separatist terrorist organization to encircle Turkiye from the south under the guardianship of their imperialist masters. We maintain our fight against terror with great sensitivity both at home and abroad."

"WITH THE SYRIAN OPPOSITION LIBERATING DAMASCUS, THE SEPARATIST TERRORISTS HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY TRAPPED"

President Erdogan noted: "With the Syrian opposition liberating Damascus, the separatist terrorists have been absolutely trapped. Currently, they are looking for new bosses for themselves and currying favor with those who do not want stability in our region. They are winking at the imperialist powers thriving on blood and tears. Yet, whatever they do is in vain, is useless. They can achieve nothing by nurturing animosity against Turkiye and Syria. They approach their end more and more as they run after separatist aspirations. Their lifespan will only shorten as they persist in their rejection of the new realities on the ground. They cannot and will not obtain any results so long as they rely on foreign powers."

President Erdogan continued his remarks as follows: "As I have said previously, they only have two choices ahead of them. Either they will repent from terrorism and lay down their arms, or they will not be able to avoid being purged. We, on our part, opt for a peaceful solution. Our wish is for our region to get rid of the scourge of terror without further bloodshed and destruction. Our priority is to ensure that peace, development and stability prevail in our shared geography, which has been ravaged by bloodshed and tears for years. An opportunity has emerged to enable Turkiye to achieve this goal in a shorter space of time as a result of the Syrian revolution as well as the steps taken in our domestic politics. We believe that this opportunity should not be wasted. We wholeheartedly wish to leave our children a more peaceful and safer country where brotherhood prevails."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taiwan needs to strengthen resilience of undersea cables: Expert

ROC Central News Agency

01/10/2025 08:45 PM

Taipei, Jan. 10 (CNA) Taiwan needs to strengthen the resilience of nearby undersea cables and work with like-minded democracies around the world to deter deliberate infrastructure sabotage, a national security expert said Thursday.

The expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity, offered the assessment after a foreign freighter came under investigation for possibly damaging an undersea cable in waters off the northeastern coast of Taiwan last week.

In a statement, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said the communications outage was likely caused by the Cameroon-registered cargo ship "Shunxin39," which was operating in that area at the time.

The CGA did not provide details about the vessel's ownership, but according to a Reuters report on Jan. 8, citing shipping records, the Shunxin39 belonged to a Hong Kong-registered company called Jie Yang Trading and is being run by Guo Wenjie, its director.

In the report, Guo denied that the ship was responsible for the damage, but confirmed it was operating in the area.

Following the incident, there was speculation of China trying to provoke Taiwan by using "gray zone" tactics, referring to ambiguous and non-military tactics to achieve strategic objectives while avoiding open conflict or provoking retaliation.

The incident was not a first for Taiwan. In early 2023, two undersea communications cables connecting Taiwan proper and the Matsu Islands were suddenly cut off. Subsequent investigations led authorities to suspect it was caused by a Chinese dredger.

The national security expert said the issue is not confined to a single country, as such happenings have also been reported outside of Taiwan, but it needs to be addressed.

He said Taiwan needs to strengthen the resilience of undersea cables through inspections to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

It also needs to work with like-minded democracies around the world to establish an international reporting mechanism that levies punitive measures to deter deliberate infrastructure sabotage, the expert said.

On Thursday, the Executive Yuan said the case involving the recent undersea cable damage was being investigated by the Keelung District Prosecutors Office.

In the future, the CGA will strengthen the monitoring of key areas around Taiwan where undersea cables are installed to prevent such incidents from happening, Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee () said at a press briefing.

But Lin Ying-yu (), an assistant professor at Tamkang University's Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies, said deploying vessels for monitoring purposes would not help solve the issue.

Instead, the CGA needed to establish an "aviation unit" comprised of drones and fixed-wing aircraft for aerial surveillance, Lin said, which would enhance the Coast Guard's ability to monitor and respond to potential threats more efficiently.

(By Yeh Su-ping, Lai Yu-chen, Kao Hua-lien and Ko Lin)

Enditem/ls

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Coast Guard takes delivery of another 600-ton corvette

ROC Central News Agency

01/10/2025 07:57 PM

Kaohsiung, Jan. 10 (CNA) Taiwan's Coast Guard took delivery Friday of its latest 600-ton corvette, the newest addition to its fleet that is being increasingly tested by Beijing's gray zone tactics.

The vessel, named the Chang Bin (), was handed over to the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) by its builder Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Group during a ceremony presided over by Premier Cho Jung-tai () in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan.

The Chang Bin is set to join two other 600-ton Anping-class corvettes in the Eastern Branch of the CGA.

"I encourage our Coast Guard personnel to safeguard safety in the gray zone and uphold our dignity in matters of sovereignty," Cho said during the event, referring to gray zone activities that are harmful to other countries but fall short of provoking a military response.

The premier also hosted the christening of another 600-ton corvette, the Su'ao (), the 10th of its class, at the same ceremony.

After being christened, the Su'ao must still be outfitted and tested before being delivered.

Cho's remarks came a day after five China Coast Guard vessels were spotted near waters south of Kinmen County, with four entering restricted waters around the outlying island in what could be classified as gray zone tactics.

Similarly, on Jan. 3, an undersea cable belonging to Chunghwa Telecom near Yehliu in New Taipei was damaged, likely by a ship owned by a Hong Kong entity and manned by a Chinese crew.

Though seemingly another gray zone act, there was no direct evidence proving the ship was connected to China.

Highlighting the significance of Taiwan's indigenous corvette program, Cho said it demonstrated the nation's resolve to maintain democracy and freedom on the global stage.

The Anping-class corvettes are part of a 10-year, NT$42.6 billion (US$1.3 billion) program to build 141 vessels of six different types for the CGA between 2018 and 2027. The project includes the construction of a total of 12 600-ton corvettes.

(By Hong Hsueh-kuang, Lin Chiao-lien, Joseph Yeh, and Chao Yen-hsiang)

Enditem/ls

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






"Over the past 22 years, we have implemented the Republican history's greatest projects in Turkiye"

Presidency of The Republic of Turkey

10.01.2025

Addressing AK Party's provincial congress in Denizli, President Erdogan said: "We have worked day and night so as not to let our dedicated people down, who trust and believe in us and who have never abandoned us during our most difficult days. We are living the joy of having implemented over the past 22 years the Republican history's greatest achievements, investments and projects in Turkiye."

President and Justice and Development (AK) Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a speech at the party's 8th ordinary provincial congress in Denizli.

"OUR PASSION TO SERVE TURKIYE HAS NEVER WEAKENED OR DIMINISHED"

President Erdogan said: "When we first embarked on our journey, our direction was set by our nation. Since then, we have never deviated from the direction determined by the nation. Our passion to serve Turkiye has never weakened or diminished. We have worked day and night so as not to let our dedicated people down, who trust and believe in us and who have never abandoned us during our most difficult days."

Drawing attention to the services and works launched in Turkiye since the AK Party took office, President Erdogan stated: "We are living the joy of having implemented over the past 22 years the Republican history's greatest achievements, investments and projects in Turkiye. Please put your hands on your hearts and look at the difference. You will see that there is a tremendous difference between Denizli 22 years ago and Denizli today. There is a massive difference in every area between Turkiye 22 years ago and Turkiye today. In economy, exports, production, employment, agriculture, and tourism, whichever area you look at, you see an enormous and magnificent difference compared to 22 years ago."

Highlighting Denizli's contributions to Turkiye's overall annual exports, President Erdogan added: "As you know, foreign trade figures were announced last week. We closed last year with 262 billion dollars in exports. Do you know what this figure was when we first came to power? It was just 36 billion dollars, which means a nearly 8-fold increase in 22 years. 262 billion dollars is an annual all-time high in our Republican history. Denizli has played an important role in this historic achievement."

"WE ARE ONE OF THE COUNTRIES MOST AFFECTED BY THE NEGATIVE RAMIFICATIONS OF THE CONFLICTS IN SYRIA"

Touching on the developments in Syria, President Erdogan said: "Following 13 years of bloody massacres in Syria, the Assad regime was overthrown on December 8, with the Baath dictatorship collapsing and the opposition re-conquering Damascus. As Turkiye, we are delighted that the opposition, which also incorporates elements supported by us, terminated the 13-year oppression. The liberation of Syria made us happy, just like our millions of Syrian brothers and sisters. There is nothing more natural then this since we are one of the countries most affected by the negative ramifications of the conflicts in Syria, with which we share a 911-km-long border. We have paid a high price in many areas extending from terrorist acts to attacks on our country. The separatist terrorist organization PKK and DAESH thrived on the instability in this country. These organizations have been emboldened with the support of foreign powers. They have sent thousands of truckloads of weapons and ammunition to the separatist organization under the pretext of fighting DAESH."

President Erdogan continued his remarks as follows: "The tyrant Assad and his cronies had turned Syria into a massive drug production farm. We are aware of everything, particularly the pills produced by the oppressive Assad family. I am not even mentioning here the prisons turned into death and torture centers, the extrajudicial killings, and the women raped and murdered in front of their children. In short, a popular revolution that would bring joy to anyone who carries a heart instead of a stone in their body has taken place in Syria."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PM call with President Stubb of Finland: 10 January 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to Finnish President Alexander Stubb this morning.

10 January 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to Finnish President Alexander Stubb this morning.

The leaders discussed the subsea cable damage that took place on Christmas Day and the Prime Minister welcomed Finland's response and praised the success of the operation. The two agreed to share findings on the source and intent of this incident and to work together with NATO Allies to prevent sabotage activity against undersea cables in future.

They agreed that collaboration between allies in the region would continue to be vital, including through the work of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), and underscored the importance of respecting international law.

The two discussed their ironclad support for Ukraine and their hopes for a path towards peace on Ukraine's terms.

Finally, the leaders discussed the UK's EU reset, and talked about ambitions for closer economic and security ties between the UK and the EU.

They looked forward to speaking again soon.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PM call with Prime Minister Michal of Estonia: 10 January 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal this morning.

10 January 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal this morning.

They discussed recent damage to subsea cables and Estonia's response, and the Prime Minister underscored the UK's commitment to security in the Baltic Sea region. On a related point, they raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of the Russian Shadow Fleet and the risk of oil spills. They agreed upon the importance of continued collaboration.

The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Michal for hosting the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Summit in December. The two reflected on how they welcomed their visit with UK troops in the region together during the Prime Minister's visit to Estonia.

The leaders went on to discuss their commitment to ensuring Ukraine is in the strongest possible position and reaffirmed their commitment to the country's future membership of NATO.

They also reflected on ambitions for an even stronger relationship through the UK's reset with the EU.

The two looked forward to seeing each other again soon.





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Support for Ukraine will continue

Poland - Ministry of National Defence

09.01.2025

- At the meeting in Ramstein, I presented a plan for our coalition to develop armoured capabilities for Ukraine and provided information on additional donations. All countries participating in this meeting are preparing for further support and donations for Ukraine - stated Deputy Prime Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz following a meeting of representatives from over 50 countries forming the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

On 9 January 2025, the Minister of Defence participated in a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), which was convened at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany. The agenda of this meeting included an examination of the present equipment requirements of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and a review of the Group's activities up to the present time.

- Following discussions with those providing the most support to Ukraine, including Poland, there is a consensus to perpetuate the meetings in this format. (...) Everyone in this group expresses their will to maintain this structure, with the United States playing a pivotal role, and it is anticipated that such a meeting will occur in the subsequent administration's term. This format has proven to be effective. The role of NATO is, of course, very important, (...) but the Contact Group we are on should, in my opinion, be continued

- the head of the Ministry of Defence indicated.

During the Contact Group session, which was held for the 25th time since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Ukrainian representatives presented the current situation on the battlefield and the most urgent equipment needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The second panel was devoted to a summary of the activities of the capability coalitions operating within the Group.

In addition, the Polish Minister of Defence has announced plans for the preparation of an additional support package for Ukraine.

- We are always willing to provide support. Of course, within the limits of our security interests

- Deputy Prime Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak - Kamysz made a statement.

Security concerns were a focal point of the bilateral discussions held between the Polish Minister of Defence and the Secretary of Defence, in addition to the defence ministers of Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG, also known as the Ramstein Group) is an alliance of over 50 countries and organisations that support Ukraine's defence by providing military equipment, its maintenance and training of personnel in response to the Russian invasion in 2022. The group coordinates the ongoing transfer of military assistance at monthly meetings, the first of which was held on 26 April 2022. Poland has been one of the most active countries in both assisting the population and supplying military equipment to Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Resilience of Ukrainians remains high, as UN maps aid and reconstruction needs for 2025

9 January 2025 - Persistent Russian bombardments have failed to dampen the resilience of the Ukrainian people, according to the United Nations. Despite the lack of a clear resolution to the ongoing war, the UN is not only at the forefront of aid efforts, but also deeply involved in reconstruction and development across the country.

It has been almost three years since the 24 February 2022 full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has killed thousands of civilians and destroyed vital infrastructure, putting the economy under enormous strain.

The UN has recorded more than 28,000 civilian casualties and over 10,000 deaths, but acknowledges that the actual toll is very likely to be higher.

As the frontline shifts and hostilities increase, more than 14 million Ukrainians are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance. The conflict is responsible for the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War. Over 6.3 million refugees have fled to neighbouring countries and 3.7 million people are internally displaced.

That means nearly one-third of the population has been forced to flee their homes, including more than half of all Ukrainian children. Some 30 per cent of the jobs that existed before the invasion have been erased, and the population has faced tax hikes and funding shortages, not to mention frequent power outages resulting from attacks on energy infrastructure.

UN aid lifeline: Millions supported amidst devastation

Throughout the conflict, the UN has been at the core of relief operations, working closely with Ukrainian authorities, local partner organizations and volunteers to make sure that assistance reaches those who need it, particularly in frontline communities.

In every part of the country, emergency assistance is mobilized in the wake of attacks. UN agencies are helping to demine, remove debris, provide basic services, find shelter for displaced people and provide healthcare, including mental health and psycho-social support. Last year alone, the World Food Programme (WFP) supported 1.6 million Ukrainians each month by providing food and cash assistance, demining agricultural land and supporting feeding programmes in schools and other institutions, whilst the UN humanitarian office reached 2.6 million people with health-related assistance over the course of 2024.

Despite the ongoing bombardments, Ukraine is rebuilding. . Dozens of projects are in the pipeline, focusing on the construction and repair of schools, kindergartens, hospitals, social housing, heating and water systems, and other social infrastructure.

Efforts to rebuild damaged energy infrastructure are not deterred by the continuing attacks. UN agencies and partners are providing over 500 MW of critical power generation and solar capacity, to ensure access to electricity, heating, and water.

There has been a decisive focus on decentralization to ensure that every region, including small towns and villages, is less reliant on electricity supplies from large, centralized power stations, reducing vulnerability to blackouts in the case of an airstrike.

Whilst the destruction of a large power plant could paralyse a wide area and cut off tens of thousands of people from the grid, a decentralized system with a large number of small, renewable plants is better able to resist an attack: solar panels hit in a bombardment can be replaced within a single day. The UN Development Programme is fostering this new approach, assisting with everything from contract negotiations to training in solar panel installation.

'The future starts as soon as sirens stop'

Despite the large numbers who have left the country, many of those who have stayed are content to remain, according to senior UN officials. For Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, the willingness of the population to endure and even thrive throughout the conflict is a remarkable sign of their resilience.

Speaking to UN News, Mr. Schmale expressed his hope that the UN's commitment to support Ukrainians for as long as needed would give them hope for a more dignified future. "I see that people start rebuilding as soon as possible, whether it's businesses, homes or lives. The future starts as soon as sirens stop. People don't want to leave."

The strength of the population is also praised by Kenan Madi, Chief of Field Operations at the Ukraine UNICEF (UN children's agency) office. "Despite the challenges, despite everything they are going through, they all want to stay in their area, in their villages. They don't want to leave," he told UN News in a recent interview. No one is dreaming about leaving. It's the opposite. Everyone is dreaming about staying. It gives me the assurance that hopefully when this war stops, the Ukrainian population is ready to immediately start rebuilding in a better way and build back better".

The characterization of Ukrainians as a resilient people goes beyond the anecdotal: a large scale UN-backed 2024 study, based on in-depth interviews with over 7,000 respondents in all of the territories under government control, showed that Ukrainians continue to demonstrate a strong sense of national identity and belonging to their homeland. The findings highlight the strength of Ukraine's national identity as an important unifying force in the face of the ongoing war.

A costly path to recovery

Nevertheless, the challenges facing the country are enormous, and extremely costly. The full cost of reconstruction and recovery is now estimated to be around $468 billion, according to a joint assessment by the Ukrainian government, World Bank, European Commission and the UN.

With winter temperatures dropping well below freezing, the UN's humanitarian winter response plan aims to address emergency needs, including providing solid fuel, cash assistance, and water system repairs. Some $500 million is required to fully implement these efforts by March 2025.

In the coming days, UN humanitarian officials will travel to Ukraine to assess the latest situation, ahead of the launch of a fresh humanitarian appeal. Additionally, a broader humanitarian appeal for $2.2 billion is being prepared for 2025 to assist an estimated 12.7 million people.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






January 10, 2025

Release

Fact Sheet on Efforts of Ukraine Defense Contact Group National Armaments Directors

Following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III directed Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) Dr. William LaPlante to regularly convene National Armaments Directors (NADs) under the auspices of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG).

Focused on accelerating capability deliveries to Ukraine by synchronizing international procurement, production, and sustainment efforts, the forum has convened fourteen (14) times to date since its first meeting on September 28, 2022. The group will meet for the fifteenth time on January 10, 2025. More than 40 nations and representatives from NATO and the European Union actively participate. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister for European Integration Sergiy Boyev currently co-chairs the forum alongside USD(A&S) LaPlante.

The forum focuses on (1) requirements-based planning for production, and (2) tangible deliveries against increasing capacity and the commitments made by UDCG members to date. Major lines of effort include:

Mapping global production capacity, and opportunities to increase throughput;

Identifying production constraints and mitigations, including opportunities for co- production, joint ventures, and other mechanisms;

Enabling the sustainment of equipment and reconstitution of Ukrainian forces; and

Increasing opportunities for standardization, integration, and interchangeability.

Significant Achievements to Date



Through extensive collaboration across nations, UDCG NADs have enabled:

Expansion of existing, or establishment of new, production capacity of critical munitions around the world. The United States has invested $5.5 billion to expand domestic production capacity of the following munitions or subcomponents (NOTE: entries reflect increases from 2022 to current production rates): 155mm Projectiles : 14,400 per month to 40,000 per month (178% increase) 155mm Propelling Charge :14,494 per month to 18,000 per month (24% increase) GMLRS : 833 per month to 1,167 per month (40% increase) Javelin : 175 per month to 200 per month (14% increase) AIM-9X : 116 per month to 137 per month (18% increase) PAC-3 MSE : 21 per month to 48.6 per month (116% increase) HIMARS : 5 per month to 8 per month (60% increase) M777 Tubes : 11 per month to 18 per month (64% increase) Examples of production expansion and munitions delivery efforts announced by UDCG members include, but are not limited to: France and Sweden will double capacity of ammunition and explosives loading by 2025, double capacity of modular charges by 2026, and increase powder production capacity ten-fold by 2026. Sites in Germany, Spain, Hungary, South Africa, and Australia plan to increase production up to 700,000 artillery shells and up to 10,000 tons of gunpowder per year by 2025; this includes a new gunpowder factory in Romania as part of a project developed with the European Commission and a new artillery ammunition facility in Germany. Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain will co-produce up to 1,000 Patriot GEM-T missiles in Germany. A consortium of 15 countries led by the Czech Republic have pledged 1.7 billion to source 500,000 artillery rounds from around the world by the end of 2024. Through the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), European defense industry is expected to increase annual ammunition shell production capacity to 2 million by the end of 2025. 31 projects cover five areas: explosives, powder, shells, missiles, and testing and reconditioning certification. Norway will invest more than NOK 1 billion to significantly expand artillery production for at least 15 years. Nordic other participating nations are increasing ammunition production through the NORDEFCO++ initiative to support Ukraine as well as to strengthen long-term capacity to ensure regional security of supply. The United Kingdom will spend 162 million to increase production of the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) and supply Ukraine with 650 LMMs. From 2023 to 2024, Ukraine increased its total domestic production of mortar and artillery ammunitionranging from 60mm to 155mm calibersfrom 1 million rounds to 2.5 million rounds annually (150% increase).

Identification of gaps and mitigations for production of propellants and explosives.

Delivery of VAMPIRE C-UAS systems and "FrankenSAM" iTEL and BUK systems.

Donations of trucks and gun mounts for Mobile Fire Teams (MFT) to assist Ukraine in protecting its critical national infrastructure.

Delivery of NASAMS units and munitions, and subsequent functionality upgrades to expand interceptor options.

Delivery of AIM-7, RIM-7, and AIM-9M missiles for air defense.

Integration of thousands of air-to-ground munitions donations for employment from Ukraine's current aircraft and donated F-16s.

Co-development of Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM), a low-cost, long-range cruise missile for mass production (Denmark, Netherlands, United States).

Open competition and advanced flight testing for one-way attack capabilities through Project ARTEMIS (United States) and Project BREAKSTOP (United Kingdom).

Facilitation of Jumpstart Foreign Military Sales cases with allies and partners to provide funding for munitions purchases in lieu of donations.

Delivery of 90 refurbished T-72s tanks (45 Dutch and 45 U.S.), and more than 100,000 T-72 spare parts; a forthcoming jointly-funded effort will expand spares and overhaul support to all major Soviet-era armored combat platforms via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.

Development of a common sustainment framework focusing on time-based, increased Ukrainian sustainment capability across spares, maintenance, training, and Ukrainian industrial support capacity.

Delivery of seven commercial-grade 3D printers, post-processing equipment, and consumables to the Remote Maintenance and Distribution Center-Ukraine (RDC-U), and procurement of seven additional polymer printers with associated support equipment and consumables.

Establishment of tele-maintenance capabilities, and execution of an augmented reality demonstration to improve maintenance and repair training for Ukrainian personnel in the field.

Translation of more than 1,600 technical repair and operations manuals.

Facilitation of, and support to, partnerships with Ukrainian industry for co-production and co-sustainment activities. Examples of U.S.-Ukraine industry partnerships include: The Department of State established a team of subject matter experts to assist the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries to help build the resilience and effective oversight of Ukraine's defense industry, address urgent military production needs, and complement the assistance provided through $2 billion in new Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to establish the Ukraine Defense Enterprise Program (UDEP). The expert team includes a Defense Production Liaison and a Defense Industry Partnerships and Policy Strategist (November 2024). Northrop Grumman signed an agreement with the Government of Ukraine to provide equipment and training to establish a medium-caliber ammunition production line (July 2024). Amentum signed a Memorandum of Intent to form a Joint Venture with Ukrainian Defense Industry (UDI) for cooperation in restoring and maintaining U.S.-donated armored vehicles (June 2024). D&M Holding Company constructed an ammunition factory in Ukraine and are currently expanding production pursuant to agreements with the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries and key companies (October 2023). Examples of international-Ukraine industry partnerships include: UDI began domestic production of CZ Bren 2 assault rifles following a series of agreements with the Colt CZ Group (Czech Republic) (December 2024, contracted July 2024). The Swedish government announced funding and industrial support for Ukrainian production of long-range missiles and UAS (November 2024). Through Task Force HIRST, the United Kingdom is coordinating with multiple industry partners to conduct maintenance, repair, and overhaul of capabilities within Ukraine. Nammo (Norway) announced that it will license production of 155mm rounds in Ukraine (August 2024). KNDS (France/Germany) is establishing a subsidiary in Ukraine to produce 155mm rounds and spare parts (June 2024). Rheinmetall (Germany) signed a Letter of Intent to establish a production facility for Lynx armored vehicles in Ukraine, building upon a Joint Venture between Rheinmetall and UDI to establish a maintenance center in-country for German-donated military equipment (June 2024).



Working Groups



Efforts of the NADs under the auspices of the UDCG are organized across four Working Groups aligned to functional areas: Innovation, Production, Sustainment, and Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Support.

The intersection of the NAD Working Groups and the UDCG Capability Coalitions is complementary, not duplicative. The NADs are uniquely positioned to operationalize ministerial- level guidance produced via the Capability Coalitions by providing subject matter expertise in procurement, production, and sustainment. Specific, long-term requirements identified by Capability Coalitions will guide the NADs' deliberate prioritization and resourcing of corresponding industrial base and sustainment investments. This "require-deliver-sustain" partnership between the Capability Coalitions and NAD Working Groups closes gaps between requirements and capability deliveries, maximizes the effectiveness of investments by UDCG members while avoiding duplication of effort.

Innovation Working Group: Increases the speed from idea to fielded capability, focusing on anticipating adversarial advancements and maturing emerging technologies accordingly for operational use. Current efforts include: Lower cost missiles Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) detect, track, and engage capabilities Countermeasures for guided bombs Laser solutions One-way attack drone capability experimentation

Increases the speed from idea to fielded capability, focusing on anticipating adversarial advancements and maturing emerging technologies accordingly for operational use. Current efforts include: Production Working Group: Accelerates and drives production efforts for critical weapons systems by supporting opportunities for co-production, facilitating funding opportunities, identifying production constraints and best practices for mitigation, and enabling replenishment contracts. Current efforts include: Source needs and opportunities for production increases or acceleration of 155mm artillery and TNT, among other critical programs and subcomponents Application of lessons learned from multinational production consortia to air defense interceptors

Accelerates and drives production efforts for critical weapons systems by supporting opportunities for co-production, facilitating funding opportunities, identifying production constraints and best practices for mitigation, and enabling replenishment contracts. Current efforts include: Sustainment Working Group: Supports Ukraine's weapon system availability by addressing cross-cutting sustainment issues in key enabling areas such as spare parts provisioning and ordering, operational maintenance and depot-level training, sustainment capacity across the Ukrainian and partner industrial bases, and supporting Ukraine's ability to maintain donated platforms. Current efforts include: Resourcing critical Ukraine sustainment requirements in support of combat reconstitution Pooling and joint provision of spares Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of legacy and western equipment, including expanding sustainment support for Soviet-era armored combat vehicles Supporting current weapon systems with a common sustainment package support framework (spares, technical data, training, maintenance devices, etc.)

Supports Ukraine's weapon system availability by addressing cross-cutting sustainment issues in key enabling areas such as spare parts provisioning and ordering, operational maintenance and depot-level training, sustainment capacity across the Ukrainian and partner industrial bases, and supporting Ukraine's ability to maintain donated platforms. Current efforts include: Ukraine Industrial Base Support Working Group: Coordinates efforts to advance a robust Ukrainian industrial base that provides materiel for urgent needs, contributing to Ukraine's long-term security and economic resilience. Current efforts include: Facilitating partnerships supporting co-production or co-sustainment between Ukrainian industry and U.S. or international companies, including working with the Department of State to reduce timelines to receive necessary export licensing Identifying and promoting collaborative funding mechanisms to channel pooled resources directly to priority Ukrainian defense industrial base project Identifying and troubleshooting policy and regulatory issues impeding industrial cooperation with Ukraine

Coordinates efforts to advance a robust Ukrainian industrial base that provides materiel for urgent needs, contributing to Ukraine's long-term security and economic resilience. Current efforts include:

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4026238/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Minister Tsahkna meeting his Lithuanian counterpart: Ukraine's position must be reinforced until Russia gives up on its aims

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

10.01.2025

Today 10 January, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with his Lithuanian colleague Kestutis Budrys in Tallinn, discussing support for Ukraine, security in the region, and progress with Baltic energy and transport projects.

"Estonia and Lithuania have a very similar understanding of the challenges relating to European security, and we also know that joint action makes us stronger and makes it more likely that we achieve our objectives," Tsahkna said, commenting on the relations between the two countries.

Speaking about security, Tsahkna welcomed NATO's decision to increase its presence in the Baltic Sea in light of recent damage to submarine infrastructure there. "This proves that NATO Allies are extremely serious about defending infrastructure and deterring attacks," the foreign minister said, adding that the increasingly serious security challenges once again demonstrate the need to boost defence investments.

The meeting extensively covered further support to Ukraine as Russia has not given up on its goal of destroying Ukraine and dismantling the current Euro-Atlantic security architecture. "Russia shows no signs of wanting to achieve peace; instead, it continues its efforts to destroy Ukraine," Tsahkna said.

"Ukraine's supporters cannot show the slightest sign of weakness, and they must continue their current actions with resolve, only with increased force and speed. This means military support for Ukraine and reinforced air defence. At the same time, pressure on Russia must continue through ramping up sanctions and deterring its shadow fleet," the foreign minister emphasised.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Latvian military support to Ukraine in 2024 reached 0.25% of GDP

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence

01/10/2025 - 16:55

Defence policy

In Latvia

International cooperation

Information prepared by Media Relations Section

On Tuesday, 7 January, the Cabinet of Ministers reviewed the Defence Ministry's report on Latvia's support to Ukraine. Last year, Latvia provided military support to Ukraine amounting to more than 0.25% of gross domestic product (GDP), meeting the objectives of the inter-state security agreement.

"Ukraine's defenders have been fighting selflessly against the Russian invaders for almost three years. The military and humanitarian support of Latvia and allied countries to Ukraine must not be reduced, which is why we are determined to continue to support Ukraine until victory. We will continue to provide military support of at least 0.25% of GDP in the years to come," said Defence Minister Andris Spruds.

The total military aid also includes aid of military significance to Ukraine from Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Health.

The report provides detailed information on the level of support provided by Latvia to Ukraine in 2024, as well as proposals on the necessary actions to ensure that the level of military support to Ukraine remains at 0.25% of GDP in 2025 and 2026.

In order to fulfil the intergovernmental commitment, it is planned that in 2025 Latvia's military support to Ukraine will consist mainly of new procurements from Latvian industry, contributions to international drone and other coalitions, military training of Ukrainian soldiers and dual-use support to Ukraine from other ministries.

This type of action will strengthen Latvia's military industry and accelerate the speed of deliveries to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, giving the fastest possible effect in combat.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Trump says 'setting up' meeting with Putin over Ukraine war

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 January 2025 7:42 AM

US President-elect Donald Trump says he is working to set up a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in what is claimed to be part of his administration's propaganda campaign to end the protracted war in Ukraine.

"He wants to meet and we're setting it up," Trump said in an interview with Fox News during a meeting with Republican governors in Florida on Thursday.

The US president-elect said he has had "a lot of communication" with Chinese President Xi Jinping and has spoken with numerous other world leaders, but he has yet to speak with Putin.

"But President Putin wants to meet. He's said that even publicly, and we have to get that war over with. That's a bloody mess," Trump said of the war in Ukraine.

During his campaign rallies before re-election as US president, Trump had vowed to end the devastating war between Russia and Ukraine by bringing Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to the negotiating table.

Russia launched what it called a special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022 partly to prevent NATO's eastward expansion after warning that the US-led military alliance was following an "aggressive line" against Moscow.

Since then, the West has flooded Ukraine with a vast volume of Western arms and ammunition.

Political experts and others following world developments are waiting to see how Trump's return to power later this month will impact the war in Ukraine.

The Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last month that Russia was open to talks on Ukraine after Trump called for "an immediate ceasefire and negotiations."

The outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden says it is trying to give Kiev the greatest leverage possible ahead of possible negotiations promised by the incoming administration to end the war this year.

The Biden administration has given Ukraine more than $65 billion in aid since the war began in late February 2022.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The New Drones Boosting Russia's Advances On The Battlefield In Ukraine

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Reid Standish January 10, 2025

KYIV -- As Russian forces have intensified their advances in eastern Ukraine in recent weeks, they're being helped by a new tool on the battlefield: drones that fly with the use of fiber-optic cables.

"The use of fiber-optic FPV drones definitely creates new challenges on the battlefield," said a border guard with the Pomsta Brigade who goes by the call sign "Phoenix." RFE/RL agreed to identify him and other soldiers by their call signs or first names for this story, according to rules set by the Ukrainian military.

Unlike standard FPV (first-person view) drones -- the term used for drones piloted through a video feed wirelessly transmitted to a pilot's headset, mobile device, or other displays -- the use of fiber-optic cables allows drones to operate without radio signals. This makes them less vulnerable to electronic jamming as they stay directly connected to their operators through up to 15 kilometers of thin coils of fiber-optic cable that resembles a fishing line.

While Ukrainian forces are grappling with declining Western arms support and Russia's manpower advantage, the modified drones represent a shift in battlefield tactics in Ukraine. Both Kyiv and Moscow are ramping up fighting as they enter a pivotal stage of the war ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump -- who has vowed to quickly end the war -- returning to office on January 20.

The new drones have reportedly been in use since the summer, but Ukrainian soldiers stationed across the country tell RFE/RL they are becoming a staple of Moscow's battlefield strategy as it pushes for more territory in Ukraine's east.

'A Very Dangerous Weapon'

Many said that, in addition to being used for reconnaissance, they are being increasingly used by Russian troops as self-destructing drones with a small payload attached to target Ukrainian positions and vehicles.

"This is a very dangerous weapon. It's like a brick with a propeller flying at you, and there is little you can do about it," said "Varan," an officer in the 148th Artillery Brigade.

Faced with changing tactics, soldiers say they've been forced to adapt quickly -- with mixed results.

Kostyantyn, a commander of the battalion of the National Guard's Bureviy Brigade, says the ineffectiveness of electronic jamming against the new drones allows them to push farther into Ukrainian lines and fly or reach targets with more accuracy compared to traditional FPV drones.

"This allows them to see our positions better, strike more accurately, and fly longer distances. This makes the situation a little more complicated," he said.

These complications led Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Agency of Ukraine's Defense Ministry, to call the new drones "a huge problem for us" during a December 31 broadcast by Ukrainian media.

On January 8, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that Russia is increasingly deploying fiber-optic drones as part of its current offensive and said the drones have carried out a series of new strikes along the front lines.

"Shvayka," a drone pilot and platoon commander stationed near Soledar in eastern Ukraine, says the long fiber-optic cables can make the drones more difficult to detect. While soldiers can often spot antennas used to allow standard FPV drones to be piloted from a distance and disable them, the Russian drones have only a long, thin line with an easy-to-hide coil that feeds it.

"There is only a small box where the fiber-optic cable from the drone itself is placed, and it's very easy to miss this because it's the size of a pack of cigarettes," he said.

Another advantage is that they are less likely to lose their signal than standard FPV drones and can pursue targets more easily.

"If the pilot is professionally trained, using a fiber-optic drone allows them to fly very low, even skimming the ground in vegetation, without losing the video signal," said "Lyutiy," the commander of an FPV unit in Ukraine's Third Separate Assault Brigade. "[This allows] them to conduct reconnaissance and reach otherwise inaccessible targets [better] than a regular drone."

Not Without Drawbacks

"Medoid," a Ukrainian border guard, says the biggest lesson he's learned from dealing with the drones is the need to take extra precautions and better camouflage potential targets and personnel.

The fiber-optic drones are not without their drawbacks, he adds, saying they struggle in terrain and spaces that aren't open and that he's seen several caught up in tree branches. The drones are also limited in the distances they can cover and where they can strike based on the cable's range.

Given these obstacles, soldiers say the easiest way to take out the tethered drones is with small arms fire. Others say they've deployed large nets -- even fishing nets  to take them out. The cables can be manually severed, but doing so risks exposing soldiers to incoming fire.

But in a war where every advance could prove crucial, the new drones are having an impact on the battlefield.

Russia is reportedly ramping up production of the fiber-optic drones and Ukraine is also looking to develop its own versions, including a model showcased by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry earlier this month.

"For now, we are still in the testing phase," Lyutiy said. "We all see these flashy ads with promises, but in practice, we are only beginning to develop in this direction."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-fiber-optic-drones-ukraine- battlefield/33270243.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






Russia Blames Ukraine For Deadly Supermarket Strike; Kyiv, Pokrovsk Blasted

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Russian Service January 10, 2025

Russia accused Ukraine of conducting a deadly missile strike on a supermarket in the Moscow-controlled city of Donetsk, while Kyiv reported a massive wave of Russian drone attacks on several regions and fierce fighting near the strategic logistics hub of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.

The January 10 fighting came a day after the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting in Ramstein, Germany, where Kyiv's allies vowed no letup in aid to bolster Ukraine's air defenses amid Moscow's relentless assaults throughout the east, including attacks on civilian and infrastructure sites.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who traveled to Rome following the Ramstein gathering, also praised new actions by the United States and Britain to sanction Russia's oil producers, a major liquefied natural gas project, and more than 100 tankers in its "shadow fleet" as the West looks to deprive Moscow of funds needed to carry on its war.

Russian state RIA news agency said investigators were looking into the supermarket attack early on January 10, claiming a U.S.-supplied HIMARS missile hit the supermarket, killing two people, in the occupied city.

Video on social media, which has been verified by RFE/RL, appears to show a massive explosion in an area where a small market is located.

Ukrainian officials have not commented on the Russian accusation.

The Ukrainian Air Force, meanwhile, said Russia attacked Ukraine with 72 Shahed-type strike drones in the Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhyzha, Khmelnytskiy, Vinnytsya and Kherson regions.

In Kyiv, bright flashes and explosions were seen as defense systems intercepted several drones in the sky. No deaths were reported, though some damage from debris was seen at a high-rise residential building, military officials said.

The Ukrainian General Staff said several small towns east of Pokrovsk and an important highway a few kilometers south of the area had been the site of intense battles on January 10.

Pokrovsk has been the target of Russia's brutal, bloody drive in recent months, mainly destroying the city with a prewar population of about 64,000 people.

As intense attacks and fighting on the front lines continue, diplomatic efforts to stop the conflict appear to be picking up momentum.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said on January 10 that it expects Kyiv to have high-level talks with the White House once President-elect Donald Trump takes office in 10 days.

"We are waiting for a meeting between our presidents because for us the main thing is to work together with America... we are preparing for contacts at the highest and high levels immediately after the inauguration," ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhiy said.

The Kremlin said it remains willing to meet with Trump and that there has been progress in setting up a meeting after the new president is inaugurated on January 20.

"No conditions are required for this, just a mutual desire and political will to conduct a dialogue and resolve existing problems through dialogue is required," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow a day after Trump said a meeting was being set up between him and President Vladimir Putin, though he laid out no timeline.

"We see that Mr. Trump also declares his readiness to resolve problems through dialogue, we welcome this," he said.

Members of the contact group have said the January 9 meeting could be the last one as its fate remains unclear under Trump, whose advisers have floated multiple proposals to end the war that would effectively cede large parts of the country to Russia for the foreseeable future.

At Ramstein, hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid was pledged -- including $500 million from Washington as part of the outgoing President Joe Biden's goal of sending as much support as possible before Trump returns to office.

Zelenskiy, meanwhile, thanked Washington and London for their "synchronized action" in sanctioning Russian energy firms and ships operating the Kremlin's so-called "shadow fleet" of sanctions-busting vessels in the Baltic Sea -- which are also suspected of sabotaging communications and electrical cables in the body of water.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-accuses-ukraine- missile-strike-donetsk-supermarket-drone-attacks/33271068.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






Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (10 January 2025)

10.01.2025 (14:45)

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one tank brigade, two mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades, and two territorial defence brigades of the AFU close to Viktorovka, Zamostye, Kositsa, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Nikolayevka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Pogrebki, and Russkoye Porechnoye. Four counter-attacks launched by AFU units were repelled.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware close to Agronom, Bogdanovka, Bondarevka, Viktorovka, Goncharovka, Guyevo, Zazulevka, Kositsa, Kruglenkoye, Kubatkin, Kurilovka, Loknya, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Melovoy, Nikolayevo-Daryno, Nikolsky, Novenkoye, Sverdlikovo, Sudzha, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, Yuzhny as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Obody in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU amounted to more than 280 troops, two tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, three armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, five artillery guns, and two mortars. Three AFU servicemen surrendered.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to up to 50,600 troops, 296 tanks, 222 infantry fighting vehicles, 161 armoured personnel carriers, 1,520 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,441 motor vehicles, 353 artillery guns, 44 MLRS launchers, including 13 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 16 anti-aircraft missile launchers, eight transport-loading vehicles, 90 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 29 units of engineering and other materiel, including 15 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






Russian Forces Launch 28 Strikes at Ukrainian Targets in One Week

Sputnik News

20250110

Over the past week, Russian forces launched 28 coordinated strikes at Ukrainian military infrastructure, temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed units and foreign mercenaries, Russian Ministry of Defense (Mod) said on Friday.

"From January 4 to 10, the Russian Armed Forces carried out 28 coordinated strikes using high-precision weapons and attack drones," the MoD statement said.

"These strikes hit military airfield infrastructure, weapon depots, assembly workshops, storage facilities for attack drones, as well as temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed units and foreign mercenaries," the ministry stated.

Russian air defenses intercepted and destroyed multiple missiles and drones launched by Ukrainian forces over the week.

"Air defense systems shot down eight US-made ATACMS tactical missiles, five French-made Hammer guided bombs, 41 US-made HIMARS multiple rocket launcher projectiles and 689 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry reported.

Russian Aerospace Forces fighter aircraft also shot down a Ukrainian MiG-29 jet.

Other Developments

Battlegroup Tsentr:

- Prevented 94 Ukrainian attempts to regain lost positions

- Ukrainian forces suffered over 3,485 casualties, 11 tanks  including four German-made Leopards  and 40 other armored vehicles

- Liberated Dachenko and struck multiple Ukrainian brigades and equipment depots

Battlegroup Sever:

- Eliminated over 2,835 Ukrainian personnel in a week

- Destroyed 30 tanks, 122 armored vehicles and 30 artillery pieces

- Repelled two counterattacks and targeted brigades in the Kharkov Region

Battlegroup Yug:

- Secured Kurakhovo in the Donetsk People's Republic

- Ukrainian losses included up to 1,715 personnel, three tanks  including one Leopard  and 20 artillery pieces

- Disrupted 16 attempts to regain tactical positions and destroyed six ammunition depots

Battlegroup Zapad:

- Liberated Nadia in the Lugansk People's Republic

- Ukrainian forces lost up to 3,530 personnel, one tank and 46 artillery pieces

- Stopped 19 Ukrainian attempts to regain positions and destroyed 15 ammunition depots

Battlegroup Vostok:

- Improved positions on the frontline

- Ukrainian losses totaled over 1,120 personnel, one tank and 26 artillery pieces

- Thwarted eight Ukrainian attempts to regain positions and destroyed six ammunition depots

Battlegroup Dnepr

- Ukrainian losses reached 685 personnel, two armored vehicles and 11 artillery pieces

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Two Killed From Ukraine HIMARS Strike on Civilians in Donetsk

Sputnik News

20250110

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Two people have been killed and two more have been injured as a result of a Ukrainian HIMARS missile strike on civilian infrastructure in Donetsk, the Russian Investigative Committee said on Friday.

"Investigators of the Investigative Committee of Russia have recorded the consequences of the criminal actions of the Ukrainian armed forces, which carried out a targeted missile attack on the civilian infrastructure of the city of Donetsk. The Ukrainian armed forces fired with the use, presumably, of the HIMARS MLRS in the Kiev district of Donetsk, where civilians were staying. As a result of the shelling, two people were killed among the civilian population and two more were injured," the statement read.

Residential buildings and civilian infrastructure facilities were also damaged, the statement said.

Ukraine has been sending drones and missiles into Russia almost daily since it launched its counteroffensive in early June 2023. The United Nations said in August last year, following a botched drone strike on Moscow, that it did not want to see any targeting of civilian infrastructure.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Scholz's Cabinet Blocks $3 Billion Urgent Aid Package to Ukraine - Reports

Sputnik News

20250110

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's cabinet is blocking the provision of additional military aid to Ukraine, a move backed by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the Spiegel newspaper reported.

Baerbock and Pistorius, of the Green Party and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), respectively, reportedly want to mobilize 3 billion euros ($3.09 billion) in emergency aid for Ukraine before parliamentary elections scheduled for February 23. Scholz's office, however, is blocking the plan, the newspaper said.

It added that the foreign and defense ministries intend to ask the German parliament's budget committee for additional funds because the planned budget does not include money for Kiev's urgent needs and because of the uncertainty surrounding the incoming US administration's Ukraine policy.

Scholz's cabinet, in turn, explains its veto of the plan with the unwillingness to present the government that will be formed after the elections with an already decided fact, the newspaper said.

Another possible motive behind the Chancellor's stance could be the fear of scaring the SDP voters with another expensive aid package.

In late December, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he had decided to dissolve the Bundestag and call early elections for February 23.

Scholz suggested Steinmeier dissolve parliament after a majority of lawmakers supported a no-confidence vote in his government on Dec. 16. Of the 717 lawmakers who took part in the vote, 394 voted against Scholz as chancellor, while 207 voted in favor and 116 abstained. A minimum of 367 votes in favor or against was required for a vote of confidence or withdrawal of confidence.

Russia has said that the West's arms deliveries to Ukraine hinder the settlement of the conflict and directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine would be a legitimate target for Russia.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Volodymyr Zelenskyy Had a Phone Conversation with Joseph Biden

President of Ukraine

10 January 2025 - 23:17

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with U.S. President Joseph Biden.

The Head of State expressed his condolences over the wildfires in California, which have resulted in tragic losses, and acknowledged the heroism of Americans who are helping to save lives from the flames and prevent fire from spreading.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his particular gratitude for the support of our state and independence and for uniting the international community. Joint efforts enabled the creation of a global coalition of defenders of freedom and the principles of international peace and security.

During the conversation, the parties discussed the details of the new U.S. sanctions package targeting Russia's energy sector, which helps Putin bankroll the war. The Head of State highlighted that the United States imposed these sanctions against Russia's shadow tanker fleet and companies such as Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, which tunnel funds for the Russian dictator personally.

The President of Ukraine thanked America, both political parties, and both chambers of Congress for supporting the entirely justified pressure on Russia for its unprovoked and criminal aggression against our state and people.

Special attention was paid to the situation on the battlefield, the need to further strengthen Ukraine's air shield and protect lives in Ukrainian cities and villages from Russian terror - daily missile and drone strikes.

Joseph Biden emphasized that preserving and protecting Ukraine's independence is critical for all of Europe and for the democratic world.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Volodymyr Zelenskyy Discussed Support for Ukraine with the President of Italy

President of Ukraine

10 January 2025 - 12:58

In Rome, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude for Italy's steadfast support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its consistent focus on Ukraine during Italy's presidency of the G7.

"I recall all our meetings, and they always concluded with us finding solutions to very complex issues. One of the most challenging is protecting the rights of people in Ukraine, as well as defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity. I am very pleased that your position in supporting Ukraine, our people, and our children has always remained unwavering," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Ukrainian President provided an update on the situation at the front lines and on Russia's ongoing missile terror targeting civilians.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed the continuation of military assistance to Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation to Italy for its significant military-technical support, including the approval of the 10th aid package.

He emphasized the importance of coordinated actions by partner countries to end the war with a just and lasting peace.

The President of Ukraine also commended Italy's firm stance on maintaining and enforcing sanctions against Russia.

A key topic of negotiations was the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

The President thanked Italy for its care and support of Ukrainian orphans currently residing in Italy because of the Russian aggression.

The leaders also discussed preparations for the International Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled for July 10-11 in Rome. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Italian experts could join the restoration of Ukraine's cultural heritage.

President Zelenskyy extended an invitation to President Mattarella to visit Ukraine.





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Readout of President Biden's Call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine

January 10, 2025

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to discuss U.S. support for Ukraine in its courageous defense against Russian aggression. President Biden updated President Zelenskyy on U.S. efforts to surge support to Ukraine and strengthen its position vis-a-vis Russia. Over the past several months, the United States has delivered hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, hundreds of armored vehicles, and other critical capabilities to Ukrainian forces as they defend their freedom from Russian aggression. In addition, today the United States announced a comprehensive sanctions package against the Russian energy sector, which builds upon the unprecedented sanctions regime that the United States has put in place against the Russian economy since 2022. President Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation for this surge in support and briefed President Biden on his strategic planning in the war.

It is now clear that President Putin's war against Ukraine has been a disaster for Russia. Due to the Ukrainian people's courage and resolve, and with the support of the United States, Russia has failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives in Ukraine. When President Putin started this war, he thought he would capture Kyiv in a matter of days. Nearly three years later, Kyiv is still free. Russia wanted to destroy the Ukrainian nation. Today, Ukraine remains a free and vibrant democracy. Russia wanted to grind down Ukraine's army. Now, that army is stronger and more capable than ever. And Russia wanted to break NATO. Instead, NATO is larger, stronger, and more united than at any time in its history.

President Biden underscored the importance of continuing to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom so that the Ukrainian people can secure the just and lasting peace that they deserve.

###

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. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Wolfspeed, Inc. ("Wolfspeed" or the "Company") (NYSE: WOLF) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between August 16, 2023 and November 6, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Wolfspeed investors have until January 17, 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.

Wolfspeed is a semiconductor company specializing in bandgap technologies, focusing on silicon carbide and gallium nitride (GaN). The class action lawsuit against Wolfspeed claims that throughout the class period, the company and its executives made false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose key facts. The lawsuit alleges that Wolfspeed exaggerated the growth potential of its Mohawk Valley fabrication facility and the demand for its 200mm wafers in the electric vehicle (EV) market. It further asserts that the company overstated demand for its core products and placed undue reliance on projected design wins, while growth at the Mohawk Valley facility had already begun to slow. Wolfspeed had also misrepresented the ability of the facility to achieve $100 million in quarterly revenue at just 20% utilization, and the $2 billion revenue target it had promised appeared unrealistic.

The lawsuit also claims that on November 6, 2024, Wolfspeed announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, revealing that the actual performance of the Mohawk Valley facility was far below expectations. The 20% utilization of the facility would lead to revenue 30% to 50% lower than the previously projected $100 million. The company attributed the shortfall and lowered guidance to slower-than-expected demand, citing that EV customers were adjusting their launch timelines as the market navigated a transition period. Following this announcement, Wolfspeed's stock price reportedly dropped by more than 39%.

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




Photo credit: Yang Rongfeng

SYDNEY, Jan. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yang Rongfeng has chosen Australia as the launchpad for his latest groundbreaking initiative, revolutionising the country's construction industry through modular housing solutions. With the establishment of his new Australian-based startup, Hampton Accelerate, Yang is taking bold steps to address the nation's housing crisis. This startup leverages cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices to deliver faster, more sustainable, and cost-effective construction solutions. Yangs efforts aim to reduce the projected shortfall of 163,400 homes by 2030 and unlock significant economic benefits for the country, including $130 billion in potential opportunities.

A cornerstone of Yangs Australian venture is his strategic partnership with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). This collaboration integrates advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, and blockchain into the modular construction process. AI-driven job matching ensures the right skills are deployed efficiently, while blockchain provides tamper-proof certification verification to build trust within the industry. Augmented reality enables virtual job previews, offering construction professionals better insights into their roles before they step on-site. These technologies are revolutionising workforce management and making modular construction more accessible and efficient.

Strategic Expansion and Innovation

Yang's journey with Yongfeng Group exemplifies his ability to drive strategic growth and innovation. When he founded Shaanxi Yongfeng Group, the company was a small player in Xians local construction scene. In 2007, the companys output value was a modest 18 million RMB. However, through strategic expansion, Yongfeng Groups output value grew to 1.3 billion RMB by 2018. A critical driver of this growth was Yangs decision to invest in aluminium alloy formwork, which can be recycled up to 300 times, drastically cutting waste and reducing costs compared to traditional wooden formworks.

To meet the growing demand for sustainable building practices, Yang established fully automated production lines equipped with advanced environmental protections. These efforts turned Yongfeng Group into a leader in aluminium alloy formwork production, generating nearly 100 million RMB annually. Its this experience that now informs Yangs approach to modular construction in Australia.

Modular Housing as a Sustainable Solution

Yang has recently drawn inspiration from modular construction methods to address critical issues such as housing shortages and labour inefficiencies. Modular construction offers faster build times, with projects completed 50% faster than traditional methods, and cost savings of up to 20% under optimal conditions. Moreover, this approach significantly reduces material waste and carbon emissions, aligning with Yangs vision of sustainable development.

One of Yangs key initiatives involves leveraging advanced technologies such as AI-driven job matching, blockchain for certification verification, and augmented reality for virtual job previews. These innovations are designed to create a more efficient and skilled workforce, enabling the industry to transition seamlessly into modular housing development.

Addressing Workforce Challenges

Labour shortages remain a significant challenge in the construction industry. Yangs strategy focuses on workforce orchestration, skill matching, and modular-specific upskilling programs to address these gaps. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering partnerships with academic institutions like UTS, Yang is setting the foundation for long-term industry transformation.

For example, Yangs collaboration with UTS has resulted in the development of tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) integrated modular design software. This enhances efficiency and equips workers with the skills required for a future driven by automation and sustainable practices. The partnership also fosters innovation in areas such as predictive hiring through machine learning, ensuring the workforce is prepared to meet future industry demands.

Vision for the Future

Yangs commitment to sustainability, innovation, and workforce development underscores his transformative approach to the construction industry. By combining advanced materials, modular methods, and cutting-edge technology, Yang Rongfeng is paving the way for a more efficient and environmentally conscious future in construction. His visionto make sustainable practices the norm while addressing global housing challengesis setting a new benchmark for the industry worldwide.

Contact Information:

Name: Ivy Fang

Company: Hampton Capital

Contact: i.fang@hamptoncapital.com.au

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a6635d7b-969b-4159-b86a-f6c9bfc1a514
She co-founded a tenacious tamale company, appeared in a nationally televised program on culinary history and lit the first fire in Monticellos recently restored first kitchen. But in recent days, entrepreneurial food historian Leni Sorensen has been getting close to food-curious people by welcoming them into her own western Albemarle County residence and serving colonial-era dinners with a generous dash of history.

Shes delivering the food and telling stories, recent attendee Joan Rough told The Daily Progress. It is simply delightful, and I love the stories.

While the dinners provide heaping helpings of information, Rough said she never felt lectured to.

I learned things, but it was much more intimate than being like a student, said Rough. We felt like part of the family.

As her social media followers have seen, the 82-year-old Sorensen gets her hands dirty nearly every day at her 5-acre farm along the Doyles River near Shenandoah National Park. Among her skills are planting, hoeing, butchering and canning.

A Distinguished Dozen Every year since 1995, The Daily Progress has honored 12 Central Virginians who have given of themselves and to their community. They are movers and shakers, history-makers and everyday heroes  they are a Distinguished Dozen. This is the first of this year's 12 honorees.

But on a reporters late-December visit, Sorensens hands were clean, her Mason jars stashed away and her vast collection of books shelved. The house was spotless.

Im supposed to be writing, Sorensen told The Daily Progress in explanation both of the tidiness and the lack of a to-do list that might, for instance, give a reporter a firsthand glimpse of, say, preserving some peaches or saving some chicken gizzards.

If her recent book contract means an unusually organized abode, it may also signal that the wider world could soon get a personal glimpse of the woman already well known in Central Virginia for public demonstrations of cooking and other traditional arts. She said she savored presenting to visitors at presidential plantations including Thomas Jeffersons Monticello and James Monroes Highland.

I really wanted to tell them who cooked the food, she said. Why did they cook the food? How did they feel about cooking the food? Who got to eat the food?

Sorensen traces her culinary curiosity to her childhood in San Diego, where she would launch a long-lasting tamale business with a friend after years of cooking for her family. Teaching, she said, was a natural progression.

I love to read, and I love to weave and weave the stories together and make them make sense to me, she said. I started teaching because I had always been cooking. Ive been cooking since I was nine and 10 years old.

At 16, Sorensen bailed out of San Diego High School to become a coffeehouse musician, eventually joining the Womenfolk, a renowned quintet of singing guitarists. The group appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Ed Sullivan show and, thanks to their cover of Little Boxes, a satire of suburban tract life, the Billboard Hot 100.

But after decades of farming and the trial and error experience that comes only in a kitchen, Sorensen earned a doctorate later in life from the College of William & Mary. Her field was African American studies, with a focus on colonial and 19th-century cuisine and the lives of the enslaved cooks and their techniques not only of food preparation but also of food preservation.

Not because theres going to be a zombie apocalypse, she said, but because when there is an emergency, you want to have food to share.

And even when there isnt a snowstorm clogging the local supermarkets with bread- and milk-seekers, Sorensen hopes the message resonates with younger people.

I do think, she said, that its important for the generation thats actually cooking to teach the next down generation who havent yet cooked, to feel good about food, to not be afraid of food, to cook as much food as they can for the sheer pleasure that it gives, and to learn to share food.

I would like to see a kind of a pullback of the adulation of the restaurant-slash-recipe philosophy of food, she continued. Not all the way gone, because the magazines are full of it, but more of how to help young people to feel confident that they can produce good food in their own homes, for their own family situation, whatever that is.

Consider Jeffersons chef at Monticello, James Hemings, an enslaved man whose own family situation was complicated by his mothers relationship with Jeffersons father-in-law and later by his sisters relationship with Jefferson. It was Sorensen who shared Hemings macaroni and cheese recipe with viewers of the recent Netflix series, High On The Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America. But great food may not always need a great story.

I want real food freshly made food when at all possible, said Sorensen. When not, then properly processed, produced and ready at reasonable prices for everybody.

And Im not into elite, crunchy granola bullshit.

As a farmer in Canada and South Dakota in the 1970s, Sorensen found herself moving far beyond food preparation in ways that would push her to become a food preserver and, eventually, historian.

You have all the messy parts, the butchering of animals, what do you do with the viscera? she said. Does food spoil? How do you save it?

The public may find some answers, along with some recipes and some biography, in the book shes writing. The working title, Every Damn Day, captures not only the occasionally salty tongue of the author but the primacy of food in the human experience.

Everybody eats every day, said Sorensen. Again, who does the labor? How hard is the labor? It allows one to discuss an enormous array of topics.

For Sorensen, food doesnt have be exalted or served by celebrity chefs. Instead, its a kind of glue that holds families, and society, together.

You only got to pay your rent once a month, she said. You got to pay the phone bill once a month. But you got to eat every damn day.

Asked how the dinners she curates and serves at the home she calls Indigo House fit into her worldview, Sorensen downplayed the artistry.

Sometimes, she said, its just enjoying the peculiar and marvelous past.
Boston, Jan. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QuickBooks Payroll, a trusted solution for payroll management, has been recognized as the Best Payroll Software for Small Business in 2025 by Expert Consumers, a prominent platform for evaluating software solutions. The accolade highlights QuickBooks Payroll's ability to meet the evolving needs of small businesses by simplifying payroll processes, ensuring tax compliance, and improving overall efficiency.





Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses

QuickBooks Payroll - combines robust payroll features, reliable support, and intuitive tools for small businesses





Payroll management remains a critical challenge for small businesses, particularly as they navigate complex tax regulations and strive to maintain accurate employee compensation. Software solutions like QuickBooks Payroll have become indispensable tools, helping businesses streamline operations and focus on growth.

Developed by Intuit, QuickBooks Payroll offers key features such as automatic payroll scheduling, same-day direct deposit, and tax penalty protection, addressing common pain points faced by small business owners.

"QuickBooks Payroll has consistently proven its value as a practical and reliable solution for small businesses seeking to manage payroll accurately and efficiently," said a Consumer365 spokesperson. "Its comprehensive features and responsive customer support make it an essential tool for businesses navigating the complexities of payroll management."

QuickBooks Payroll's automated payroll functionality ensures employees are paid on schedule while reducing the likelihood of manual errors. The tax penalty protection feature provides additional reassurance, covering up to $25,000 in penalties for payroll tax-related issues and offering access to QuickBooks' Tax Resolution team to address any concerns.

The software also integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Time, a time-tracking tool designed to simplify workforce management. Employers can monitor employee hours via synced timesheets, generate detailed reports, and ensure accurate payroll processing. For businesses with remote teams or mobile workforces, this integration proves especially beneficial in maintaining accurate time records.

Beyond payroll processing, QuickBooks Payroll equips businesses with tools to meet broader workforce needs. The QuickBooks Workforce app gives employees access to pay stubs, W-2 forms, and time-tracking data, fostering transparency and improving employee satisfaction. In addition, QuickBooks Payroll supports 401(k) management through its partnership with Guideline, enabling small businesses to offer competitive retirement plans without added complexity.

QuickBooks Payroll offers flexible pricing options to accommodate various business sizes and requirements. Businesses can choose from standalone payroll plans or bundled packages that combine payroll with QuickBooks accounting tools. These customizable options ensure that both new and established businesses can find a solution tailored to their operational needs.

Customer support is another cornerstone of QuickBooks Payrolls value. The software provides 24/7 support, including dedicated setup assistance for the Elite plan, which ensures businesses can implement and manage their payroll systems seamlessly. Businesses transitioning from other platforms also benefit from QuickBooks expertise in transferring data and ensuring a smooth migration process.

As the demands on payroll systems grow, tools like QuickBooks Payroll play an essential role in enabling small businesses to remain compliant, efficient, and focused on their core objectives. The recognition from Expert Consumers underscores the importance of innovative, technology-driven solutions in meeting these challenges.

For additional information about QuickBooks Payroll and its features, read the full review at Expert Consumers.





About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.





Contact: Drew Thomas (press@expertconsumers.org)




SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PACS Group (NYSE: PACS), a nursing home operator that saw its stock soar after its initial public offering in April, has experienced a precipitous decline in recent weeks, losing 70 percent of its market capitalization since early November. The company is now grappling with allegations of deceptive Medicare billing practices, a federal regulatory investigation, delayed financial reporting and a burgeoning investor class-action lawsuit.

Shareholder rights firm Hagens Berman is investigating pending claims alleging PACS and its senior executives violated the U.S. securities laws and urges investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.

Class Period: Apr. 11, 2024  Nov. 5, 2024

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 13, 2025

Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/pacs

Contact the Firm Now: PACS@hbsslaw.com

844-916-0895

PACS Swift Rise and Sudden Fall

The company, which operates a network of independently run facilities under the Providence Group banner, offering services ranging from skilled nursing care to assisted and independent living, debuted on the New York Stock Exchange to considerable fanfare, its shares doubling from the $21 offering price within seven months. But the celebratory mood abruptly shifted in early November.

The catalyst for the companys unraveling came on Nov. 4, when Hindenburg Research, a well-known activist short-selling firm, published a scathing report accusing PACS of a series of improprieties. The report alleged that the company had improperly exploited a Covid-era waiver to access Medicare funds for numerous patients, fabricated patient records to inflate revenue and earnings, and engaged in fraudulent licensing practices to circumvent regulatory oversight.

Market Reaction and Federal Scrutiny

The market reacted swiftly. PACSs stock price plummeted by more than 27 percent on the day the Hindenburg report was released, erasing nearly $12 in value per share.

The turmoil intensified two days later, on Nov. 6, when PACS disclosed that it had received civil investigative demands from federal authorities regarding its reimbursement and referral practices, a development that appeared to corroborate elements of the Hindenburg report. The company also announced a delay in the release of its third-quarter 2024 financial results, further eroding investor confidence and sending shares down an additional 38 percent, closing at $18.09below its initial offering price.

PACS Securities Class Action

The fallout from these disclosures has extended beyond the stock market. A securities class-action lawsuit, Manchin v. PACS Group, Inc., et al., No. 24-cv-08636, has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleges that PACS misled investors by claiming to be successfully executing a turnaround strategy to restore profitability to its nursing facilities. The complaint contends that this purported turnaround was, in fact, fueled by the improper acquisition of Medicare benefits for thousands of patients.

Hagens Bermans Probe

In response, Hagens Berman has launched an investigation into PACS Groups business practices and disclosures.

PACS Groups alleged misuse of Medicare funds and manipulation of patient records raises serious concerns about potential fraud, said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you invested in PACS Group or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, submit your losses now 

If youd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the PACS case and our investigation, read more 

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding PACS Group should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email PACS@hbsslaw.com.

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Bermans team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.
Vancouver, January 10, 2025 - Newpath Resources Inc. (CSE: PATH) (FSE: 0MZ) (OTC Pink: RDYFF) ("Newpath" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the voting results from the Company's Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders (the "Meeting") held on January 10, 2025. A total of 4,193,601 common shares were represented at the Meeting in person or by proxy, representing 21.11% of all outstanding common shares. All matters submitted to shareholders for approval as set out in the Company's Notice of Meeting and Information Circular (the "Circular"), both dated November 26, 2024, were approved by the requisite majority of votes cast at the Meeting.

Election of Directors

Each of the incumbent members of the board of directors, being Alexander McAulay, Darren Collins, and Gerhard Merkel, were re-elected.

Appointment of Auditor

De Visser Gray LLP was re-appointed as the Company's auditors for the ensuing year with the remuneration to be fixed by the directors.

About Newpath Resources Inc.

Newpath is a Canadian exploration company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol PATH. As of December 2024, Newpath's early-stage Orefield critical metal exploration project is composed of two claim groups (Alpha/Bravo and Delta), totals approximately 469 square kilometres) west and southwest of Lake Nipigon in Northern Ontario, approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. The company also owns the Northshore gold project located in the Schreiber-Hemlo greenstone belt.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236879
Edmonton, January 10, 2025 - Golden Rapture Mining Corp. (CSE-GLDR) (the Company or Golden Rapture) is pleased to announce that it has granted an aggregate of 700,000 stock options to directors, officers, consultants, and employees for the purchase of up to 700,000 Common Shares of the Company pursuant to its Stock Option Plan. Each option is exercisable for a period of three years at a price of $0.07 per common share.

About Golden Rapture Mining

Golden Rapture Mining is a well-funded exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of high-potential assets located in favorable, established Tier 1 mining jurisdictions being the Rainy River area of NW Ontario, Canada.

On behalf of the Board

Richard Rivet, Chief Executive Officer

Email: goldenrapture@outlook.com

Phone: 780-885-9385

For more info please look at our website at https://goldenrapturemining.com

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.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Featured

Ghanas 9th Parliament: The task ahead Dr John Osae-Kwapong

Dr John Osae-Kwapong Opinion Jan - 11 - 2025 , 08:29 4 minutes read

At midnight on January 7, 2025, Ghanaians witnessed the inauguration of the 9th Parliament following the successful completion of the countrys ninth election since the transition to constitutional rule in 1992.

Whatever our expectations are of this new Parliament, I invite you to reflect with me on some critical institutional issues in need of solutions.

Context

First, let me reiterate the fact that Parliament is a representative institution where each Member of Parliament (MP) represents a group of Ghanaians from a specific geographic area called a constituency. In principle, whatever the 276 MPs do, must reflect the will of the people they represent. They must devise a way to give effect to this democratic principle. But in doing so MPs should know what their constituents want. They must ensure whatever decisions emanate from Parliament benefit their constituents. I reckon the difficulty of representation, especially when Parliament as a collective body may take a decision an individual MP or their constituents oppose.

Second, citizens have expectations of their MPs. A close look at various election year reports by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) does show citizens expect MPs to not only be lawmakers but to also bring about socio-economic development in their respective constituencies (see NCCEs Matters of Concern To The Ghanaian Voter). It is, therefore, odd when some MPs argue regularly that they are not development agents. Be that as it may, that argument must be reconciled with the expectations of those they represent.

Advertisement

Institutional issues in need of solutions

Restoring trust must be prioritised. It is quite worrying to observe the dwindling trust expressed in MPs by citizens, a relationship that requires a healthy amount of it. What does it say about the institution and its members when the percentage of Ghanaians who say they trust their MP somewhat/a lot, has dropped significantly from 68 per cent in 2005 to 26 per cent in 2024 as captured by the Afrobarometer survey? With this level of trust, it is easy to conclude that nine elections later, citizens do not believe their MPs truly represent their interests.

It should come as no surprise then when citizens report not contacting their MPs to discuss important issues with them. This is the second issue in need of attention  improving the frequency of contact between citizens and their MPs. In a 2009 study on the performance of the Fourth Parliament, the NCCE found that as many as seven out of 10 (67%) Ghanaians reported never approaching their MPs on any issue.

This is consistent with findings from the Afrobarometer survey, which shows that over nine rounds of the survey between 2002 and 2024, 85 per cent of Ghanaians do state never contacting their MPs. In the absence of frequent contact, how do MPs gain a sense of what their constituents expect of them?

Contacting MPs

While trust may underpin the lack of frequent contact, the next issue in need of attention is the availability of multiple points of contact which citizens can use to reach their MPs. Dr Owusu Mensah, formerly of the Department of Political Science, Legon, noted this in his 2019 study of Parliament  several constituents are concerned about the continued absence of their MPs from their communities, they (the MPs) must, therefore, improve their levels of interaction and communication with their constituents.

Creating these multiple points of contact can help improve the current perception of MPs as people who do not listen.

How can an MP serve and represent the interests of a constituency well if they do not listen? In Round 10 (2024) of the Afrobarometer survey, 82 per cent said their MPs only sometimes/never listen to what they have to say, which is higher when compared to their response in 2002 where 73 per cent said about their MPs.

And MPs must, whether by their actions or inactions, work in this new Parliament to change the growing perception that they are corrupt. As far back as Afrobarometer Round 3 (2005) only 16 per cent of Ghanaians believed most/all MPs as being involved in corruption. Now compare that to Round 10 (2024) where 51 per cent say most/all MPs are involved in corruption. This is certainly not helpful in building the kind of positive relationship between citizens and their MPs.

Conclusion

Our democracy needs a strong Parliament and these issues potentially undermine that strength. Members of the 9th Parliament must not overlook these issues. They must keep in mind that in addition to the above-described pinch points, Ghanaians are very dissatisfied with the performance of Parliament. For an institution that once enjoyed a 65 per cent approval rating (Afrobarometer Round 3, 2005), today only 32 per cent approved the performance of MPs (Afrobarometer Round 10, 2024).

Good luck to the 9th Parliament.

The writer is the Director of the Democracy Project.
Featured

Sunyani Queenmother seeks court intervention to restrain factions from enstooling new chief, tells court she has not nominated anyone

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Jan - 11 - 2025 , 16:11 6 minutes read

The Queenmother of the Sunyani Traditional Area, Nana Akosua Dua Asor Sika Brayie II, has filed an interlocutory injunction to restrain Yaw Agyare from carrying, styling and conducting himself as Sunyanimanhene in any manner.

The injunction application is also seeking to restrain the Akwamuhene, Nana Kwaku Sarbeng Ababio II, from introducing or parading Yaw Agyare as Paramount Chief of Sunyani Traditional Area in any manner whatsoever.

The application was filed by her lawyer, Kwame Twumasi-Awuah on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Reason

The injunction application said the Akwamuhene, Nana Sarbeng Ababio II, by custom lacks the capacity to nominate a candidate to occupy the vacant paramount stool of the Sunyani Traditional Area.

Advertisement

It said the purported nomination and installation of Yaw Agyare, a corrections officer, who works in Maryland in the United States of America (USA) under a tree in front of the old palace was contrary to custom and law and same must be set aside.

It said Yaw Agyare was not validly nominated by the queenmother of Sunyani Paramount Stool, therefore he has not acquired or attained chiefly status and could not style himself as Omanhene of Sunyani Traditional Area.

The injunction application said the successor of the late Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II had to be chosen in accordance with custom to be installed as paramount chief.

"By custom I have the customary discretion and privilege to select a candidate from the male members of the royal family to be installed as Omanhene of Sunyani Traditional Area," it said.

It said all seven male royal members of the Boahen Korkor family had applied to be considered for the vacant stool and had presented their customary drinks.

"After receiving the customary drinks I tasked 2nd Respondent (Nana Sarbeng, the Akwamuhene) and others to conduct a background check on the candidates to find out whether they have had an infraction with the law to enable me to make a selection.

"Without my consent and authority 2nd Respondent on 6th January, 2025 installed 1st Respondent (Yaw Agyare) as Omanhene of Sunyani Traditional Council in front of the old palace under a tree with the stool name Odeefuor Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II," it said.

Contrary

The application said the purported nomination and installation of Yaw Agyare as Omanhene by Nana Sarbeng was contrary to the honorary custom of Sunyani Traditional Area.

It said the installation process of Sunyani Traditional Area had been published in the Government bulletin as LI.1972 (2010), adding that the nomination and installation of a candidate as paramount chief of Sunyani must be done in accordance with the procedure spelt out in the Legislative Instrument.

It said the purported installation of Yaw Agyare by the Akwamuhene under a big tree in front of the palace was not done in conformity with the L.I., and therefore the purported nomination and installation was void ab initio (invalid from the beginning).

"As queenmother, I have the customary privilege and honor to nominate a candidate from the royal family to be installed as paramount chief. Therefore the conduct of 1st Respondent is a complete usurpation of my customary function and role to nominate a candidate from the royal family for the vacant stool," it said.

"The conduct of 2nd Respondent by nominating and installing 1st Respondent as Omanhene of Sunyani under a tree has affected the dignity, aura and sanctity of the stool. Furthermore 2nd Respondent lacked capacity to nominate and installed 1st Respondent as paramount chief of Sunyani therefore the purported nomination and installation is not valid and same must be set aside," it said.

It said Yaw Agyare had not been validly nominated and installed as paramount chief of Sunyani therefore he could not conduct and style himself as paramount chief of Sunyani Traditional Area.

Advice

"I am advised that a great harm and irreparable damage will be caused to the stool if 1st Respondent who has not been validly nominated and installed as paramount chief in accordance with custom is allowed to style and conduct himself as paramount chief of Sunyani Traditional Area. Therefore 1st Respondent must be restrained on the orders of this committee from conducting and styling himself as paramount chief.

"I am further advised that 2nd Respondent lacked capacity to nominate a candidate to be installed as paramount chief therefore the purported installation of 1st Respondent is contrary to custom therefore he must be restrained from styling and conducting himself as paramount chief," it said.

It said their conduct was against LI 1972 (2010) and prayed that the Committee granted the application for injunction to restrain them.

What happened to deepen the Sunyani stool dispute?

Graphic Online's Biiya Mukusa Ali reports that various gates vying for the vacant Sunyani paramount stool and are embroiled in a fierce succession dispute, last Monday enstooled two persons to succeed the late Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II.

The gates, which have been disputing over who becomes the next Sunyanimanhene, demonstrated their intentions in the open on Monday, January 6, 2025, following the installation of two chiefs.

On the same day, the two factions performed the necessary customary rites and enstooled their preferred successors to the late Sunyanimanhene.

While one faction installed Yaw Agyare on Monday morning, another also installed one Adom Manu in the evening.

Interestingly, Graphic Online gathered from the Sunyani Traditional Council that another gate was set to install its claimant to bring the number to three.

Customary rites

Yaw Agyare is a 46-year-old Correctional Officer [prison officer] in the Maryland Community in the USA, with the stool name Odeefuor Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II.

On the other hand, Adom Manu, who is based in Sunyani, has the stool name Nana Yaw Twene Amanfo II.

Emergency meeting

Both factions were set to hold their respective press conferences last Thursday and make their cases to the public. However, the proposed press conferences were suspended at the eleventh hour when the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC) stepped in to resolve the issue.

Tension

The development has brought tension to Sunyani and its surrounding communities.

Residents, including businessmen and women, told the Daily Graphic that they were living in fear over the development.

They explained that the situation could lead to mayhem, mar the otherwise peaceful atmosphere and further affect their businesses.

They, therefore, appealed to stakeholders to swiftly intervene to avert any possible disturbances.

Kingmakers

The two installed chiefs were among the seven contestants presented to kingmakers, led by Nana Sarbeng, for vetting and selection.

The rest were Kofi Owusu, Frank Hall Baidoo, Richard Mensah and Opoku Achamfuor.

However, a press release signed by Nana Sarbeng endorsed Yaw Agyare as the successor to the late Nana Asor Nkrawiri, explaining that all the kingmakers unanimously selected Yaw Agyare after vetting the seven candidates.

It said customary rites were performed on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the old Sunyani palace to enstool him.

Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri, who died in July 2022, was buried in April 2024.
Featured

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang meets Palestinian envoy a day after hosting Israeli delegation

Kweku Zurek Jan - 11 - 2025 , 08:59 2 minutes read

Ghanas newly sworn-in Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has reaffirmed Ghanas commitment to balanced international relations after meeting the Palestinian Envoy to Ghana, His Excellency Abdalfatah Ahmed Halil, on January 9, 2025.

This engagement came just a day after she hosted a diplomatic delegation from Israel in Accra.

Reaffirming Ghanas stance on Palestine

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reflected on the meeting with the Palestinian envoy, emphasizing the shared philosophical foundations of Ghana's relationship with Palestine.

Advertisement

She wrote: In our meeting, we recommitted our agreed philosophical foundations of our relationship as a political party and as a country. I recalled my valuable experiences at UNESCO, particularly during the period of Palestines admission to the organisation. Todays visit allowed for a reaffirmation of the established position and commitment of Ghana in relation to the people of Palestine. Finally, I would like to thank His Excellency Abdalfatah Ahmed Halil for the wonderful gift given on behalf of the people of Palestine.

The Vice President also drew on her past experiences at UNESCO, referencing Palestines admission to the organisation as a significant moment in her career. She described the visit as an opportunity to reaffirm Ghanas established position and commitment to the Palestinian people.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of goodwill, including a symbolic gift presented by the Palestinian envoy on behalf of his people.

Diplomatic engagement with Israel



The meeting followed Prof. Opoku-Agyemangs inaugural day in office, during which she hosted a high-profile delegation from Israel led by Ambassador Roey Gilad and Sharren Haskel, Israels Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Discussions with the Israeli delegation centered on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing mutual priorities, including economic recovery and food security. The Vice President underscored Ghanas need for support in revitalizing key sectors, highlighting food security as a critical focus area.

Over the course of our discussion, I emphasised our willingness to collaborate with Israel and to align our priorities to achieve mutual benefits, she stated in an earlier post.

Historic administration

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who was sworn in on January 7, 2025, alongside President John Dramani Mahama, is Ghanas first female Vice President. Her ascension marks a historic milestone in the nations political evolution, symbolizing progress in gender equity and inclusive leadership.

Her meetings with the Palestinian and Israeli representatives underline her administrations commitment to balanced diplomacy and its pursuit of international collaboration to advance Ghanas development goals.
Featured

ORAL uncovers evidence of loot by appointees of previous govt  Ablakwa

Daily Graphic Politics Jan - 11 - 2025 , 09:00 3 minutes read

The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu and Chairman of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the team has gathered substantial evidence of suspected looted state assets by appointees of the previous administration.

According to Ablakwa, the collected evidence would soon be presented to President John Dramani Mahama for further action.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service at Akosombo for Thomas Ampem Nyarko, the MP for Asuogyaman in the Eastern Region, Mr Ablakwa explained that ORAL was not a nine-day wonder which would end any time soon.

He said what the five-member team was doing was preparatory to gather evidence and that the second phase would be the prosecutions and retrieval of looted state funds, property and assets.

Advertisement

The work will continue. It will be a permanent feature. We have gathered so much evidence of incidents of state capture and looting among others. These would be presented to the President who will in turn instruct the Attorney-General to take the appropriate actions, he told the Daily Graphic later.

Prosecutions important

The North Tongu MP said the nature of the cases might trigger the involvement of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

We are keen on gathering the necessary evidence to facilitate successful prosecutions and punishments which must serve as a deterrent to all politicians, including those serving in government, Mr Ablakwa said.

He alluded to some investigative work he had done as well as those by the former Auditor-General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, which would all come in handy.

Mr Ablakwa expressed confidence in the teams progress, describing their work as successful and affirming their commitment to holding those responsible accountable, saying the most important things are the retrievals.

During the transition period, President-elect John Dramani Mahama appointed Mr Ablakwa, alongside retired Commissioner of Police Nathan Kofi Boakye, lawyer Martin Kpebu, investigative journalist and publisher, Raymond Archer, and Mr Domelevo to compile evidence of state capture and asset looting and misappropriation.

Well not disappoint

Speaking at the rally, the Asuogyaman MP thanked the leadership, the rank and file of the party as well as the chiefs and the clergy for his successful retention of the seat for the National Democratic Congress and the prevailing peace.

Mr Nyarko appealed to all persons and groups who did not associate with the party to close ranks for the total development of Asuogyaman.

He assured the people to trust in the leadership of President Mahama, who did not need to learn the ropes but would hit the ground running to resolve their challenges.

It was a great strong wind that returned the NDC to power and it is my plea that with the same trust you have in us, you support the party to deliver on its mandate to serve the people of Ghana, Mr Nyarko said, adding We will not disappoint you.

The MP said the Akosombo-Gyakiti road, Anum Boso Asikuma road, Apeguso to Mpakadan road and so on, would be lobbied for and fixed.
Next article: ORAL uncovers evidence of loot by appointees of previous govt  Ablakwa

Updated EC results make President Mahama winner by 56.42% -Ablekuma North outstanding

Samuel Duodu Politics Jan - 11 - 2025 , 09:15 4 minutes read

The Electoral Commission (EC) has updated the 2024 presidential election results, pegging victorious President John Dramani Mahama at 56.42 per cent based on data from 275 out of the 276 constituencies.

The updated results saw President Mahama securing 6,591,790 votes, as against 4,877,611 polled by his closest contender, former Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), representing 41.75 per cent.

The EC in a release yesterday signed by its Chairperson, Jean Mensa, sighted by the Daily Graphic said the updated results notwithstanding, the outcome of the December 7, 2024, election remained unchanged, with John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) being declared the winner.

The election management body said the latest results were an update of the announcement made on Monday, December 9, 2024, which was based on 267 out of the 276 constituencies.

Advertisement

The only outstanding constituency whose collation is yet to be completed is Ablekuma North in the Greater Accra Region, with total registered voters of 121,269.

Update

Per the latest results, independent candidate, Nana Kwame Bediako, obtained 88,944 votes, representing 0.76 per cent, followed by Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, another independent candidate, with 32,457 votes, representing 0.28 per cent.

Nana Akosua Frimpomaa of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) obtained 23,991 votes (0.20 per cent); Hassan Ayariga of the All Peoples Party (APC) polled 17, 938 votes (0.15 per cent); Dr Daniel Augustus Lartey of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) polled 17,299 votes (0.15 per cent) and Christian Kwabena Andrews of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) --- 17,030 votes, representing 0.15 per cent.

The rest are Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) --- 5,327 (0.05 per cent); Mohammed Frimpong of the National Democratic Party (NDP) --- 4,499 votes (0.04 per cent); independent contestant, Kofi Koranteng --- 3,415 votes (0.03 per cent), with another independent contestant, George Twum-Barima-Adu, obtaining 3,182 votes, representing 0.02. per cent

The late Akua Donkor, who remained on the ballot paper after her demise last October, had no votes, according to the data provided by the EC.

The updated results said the total valid votes cast stood at 11,683,483, with 247,937 rejected ballots, while the voter turnout for the 275 constituencies was 63.97 per cent, with 18,774,195 registered voters.

Recall

The Chairperson of the EC and Returning Officer of the Presidential election, Jean Mensa, on Monday, December 9, 2024, declared former President Mahama as the winner of the 2024 presidential election.

Mrs Mensa, who made the declaration at the commissions corporate head office in Accra, said Mr Mahama garnered 6,328,397 (6.32 million) votes, representing 56.55 per cent of the valid votes cast to clinch the incontrovertible win.

His closest contender, Dr Bawumia, polled 4,657,304 (4.65 million), representing 41.61 per cent of the total valid votes cast.

The EC chairperson explained that she relied on results from 267 constituencies, as results from nine constituencies were outstanding.

The nine outstanding constituencies  Awutu Senya East, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Akwatia, Suhum, Techiman South, Dome-Kwabenya, Ablekuma North, Ahafo Ano North and Damango have 947,116 total registered voters, Mrs Mensa said.

She, however, said even if the closest contender had won all the remaining ballots from the outstanding constituencies, he could not garner enough votes to tilt the 50 per cent plus one vote required to be duly elected as President in his favour, hence the declaration of the NDC candidate as the winner of the presidential poll.

There were 11,430,531 total votes cast out of the registered voter population of 18,774,195, representing a voter turnout of 60.9 per cent, based on the 267 constituency results.

Other results

With rejected ballots summing up to 239,109, businessman Nana Kwame Bediako, aka Cheddar, of the New Force, polled the third largest votes of 84,478, an announcement that drew applause from the President-elect and his family who were watching the declaration of results from the comfort of their home.

His votes amounted to 0.75 per cent of the total valid votes cast.

Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Kyerematen, who led the Movement for Change as an independent candidate, polled the fourth largest number of votes of 31,202, representing 0.28 per cent of the valid votes cast.

This was followed by Nana Akosua Frimpomaa of the CPP who polled 23,397 votes or 0.21 per cent of the valid votes cast; Mr Ayariga of the APC polled 17,461 of the valid votes cast; Dr Lartey of the GCPP polled 16,673 votes or 0.15 per cent, with Mr Andrews of the GUM polling 16,461 votes, representing 0.15 per cent of the valid votes.

Independent contestant, Kofi Koranteng, polled 3,320 or 0.03 per cent of the valid votes; Kofi Akpaloo of the LPG polled 5,219 valid votes, making up 0.09 per cent share of valid votes cast.

Mohammed Frimpong of the NDP polled 0.04 per cent of the votes, amounting to 4,413 ballots, with another independent contestant, George Twum-Barima-Adu, having 0.02 per cent of the ballots or 2,091 valid votes.
Some people call nonprofit work heart work. A clever play on words, you have to admit.

Its difficult, its emotional and its often done by people who you would classify as being heart-led, the type of people who do what they do because they believe in a mission. They believe they can bring about positive change to individuals, communities, and even systems (if theyre particularly ambitious, and/or just a little bit crazy). We need more of that.

Teaching falls into this category. They arent doing it for the money; that much is clear. And we should pay them more; that much is also clear. Ill take on the challenge of sharing some thoughts on that on a different day.

Our educators genuinely believe in what they do and the importance of what theyre doing. They believe in kids. They believe that a kid from Hardy Drive, despite their circumstances, should grow up to be a mechanical engineer  or an astronaut or a CEO  and that education is foundationally important to their success. They will tell you that a quality education can be an equalizer for kids who live in poverty, the thing that gives them an opportunity to expand the art of the possible for their lives and potentially change the trajectory of future generations. A good teacher can change your life.

Heres my issue, though. Something a school counselor said to me has been stuck in my head like a Netflix kids show theme song, (currently, its Ada Twist, Scientist, if youre curious.) They said (referencing years past) something to the effect of A handful of our seniors only had one semester to get enough credits to graduate, and they all managed to walk across the stage. And they said this with a certain amount of pride because having a diploma does statistically improve outcomes. Were helping!

My enduring thought is, in the immortal words of Queen Aretha Franklin, Aint no way.

It paints a romantic picture of these students, who many people wrote off, parading across the graduation stage in caps and gowns, cameras flashing, Pomp and Circumstance blaring. It demonstrates how adeptly weve been led to believe that the goal is the act of graduating, not the mastery of the skills necessary to qualify to earn said distinction.

One of the most basic tenets of human psychology is that people respond to incentives. So, I got to thinking, are the incentives of schools and school divisions, and thus our entire system of education, genuinely aligned with educating kids?

All kids? Or, you know, just the ones with resources.

Data published by the Virginia Department of Education tells an interesting story. It illustrates that only 38% of Black third graders, and only 40% of their economically disadvantaged peers, in the city of Charlottesville are reading on grade level. That number bounces around a bit between grades 3 and 8 but lands at around 42% and 47%, respectively, in the eighth grade. Essentially, by the time these students are entering high school, fewer than half of our Black and economically disadvantaged students are reading on grade level. For the end of course (EOC) test in high school (taken in the 11th grade), 47% of Black students and 53% of economically disadvantaged students were at grade level. So, when students are a year from graduating high school, fewer than half of our Black students and barely over half of their economically disadvantaged peers are reading on grade level. Ninety-four percent of their White classmates are hitting that mark.

However, this same published, and publicly available, data set tells us that 84% of Black students and 85% of economically disadvantaged students graduated high school on time.

How on earth is that possible when only 47% and 53%, respectively, of them were reading at grade level just a year prior?

For reference, 96% of their White peers are graduating on time with 94% hitting that reading benchmark.

One of three things must be true:

1. Students are making up a ton of ground during their senior year of high school.

2. The EOC test is a wildly inaccurate and/or unreliable measure of ability.

3. Or were doing our kids a disservice.

Im fairly confident it isnt No. 1, and while Im sure there are compelling arguments in support of 2, it doesnt explain a chasm of that size.

Lets say what needs to be said. The system is not set up to support the kids who need it the most. A school division is not incentivized, or equipped, to support our struggling students to the degree necessary to ensure they master the requisite foundational skills to be successful. Thats expensive. Thats time consuming (and as weve noted, and will keep noting, much of what supports scholastic achievement happens beyond the school building). Those kids repeating kindergarten are bad for accreditation. Academic review, yuck. Then you have to deal with community members crying foul (in the name of, you know, equity) because youre holding back the Black kids, the very kids who simply need more time and different supports to extract the necessary knowledge their futures depend on.

Its much more efficient (and sadly, rational) to manufacture measures that reveal to the public, funders and politicians the outcomes they want to see  measures that perpetuate the facade of equity and progress. When asked about graduation rates, we can reliably and honestly tout that nearly 90% of our Black and economically disadvantaged students are graduating high school on time.

Hooray!

But only half of them can read on grade level at age 17. Not hooray.

Weve let these kids down. Were still letting them down. Weve withheld critical resources and spared them the grind that accompanies high standards and expectations of greatness. Were signaling to them and their families that because theyre minorities or because theyre poor (or both) we dont think they have it in them to really do what needs to be done, and we dont have the time, energy or assets to help them get there. Were telling them, Wed rather report that you graduated than actually invest in making sure you have the resources required to do the hard work to acquire the skills necessary to earn it. Were happy to move the bar down so that we can give them that certificate and then theyre not really our problem anymore. Off you go, out into the world, vastly unprepared. Were entirely complicit in perpetuating the generational status quo.

My intent is not to lay this at the feet of the schools (I cant be clear enough about that), because theres no way to effectively program in an environment of restrictive and regressive policy. School leadership and teachers are hamstrung by how theyre evaluated, and its entirely unreasonable to expect them to bridge complex social gaps on their own and then take them to task for it. Remember, kids spend over 80% of their time outside of a school building. Some of the most impactful ways we can support schools and catalyze equitable systems of education are through focused and holistic community investment, improving the cultures of neighborhoods and resourcing the homes. We have to urgently reinforce the environments where we know our kids spend the most time in pursuit of genuine scholastic achievement.

Until were willing to interrogate how we measure success over the long term, and until the school system and the community are allowed to commit to the things that we know accelerate mastery of critical, foundational material, were going to keep building on this house of cards.

Its already starting to fall.




Haiti - News : Zapping





Jeremie : end of 3 years of blackout

For the first time in three years, the city of Jeremie is once again benefiting from an electricity supply from Electricite d'Haiti (EDH). For years, the people of Jeremie have had to adapt to the absence of this essential service, impacting their daily lives and their economic activities.



New Government Commissioners

Patrick Pelissier, the Minister of Justice, appointed Me Jean Michel Augustin as the new Government Commissioner of Port-au-Prince. He replaces Me Lionel Constant Bourgoin, transferred to Jacmel. The Minister also appointed Me Guy Alexis as head of the Croix-des-Bouquet prosecutor's office. Finally, he confirmed in his position Me Charles Edouard Durand, who was acting as government commissioner in Cap-Haitien.



UEH : Psychological Support Unit

The State University of Haiti (UEH) informs the UEH community that the Rectorate, through the Student Life Department, has set up a psychological support unit, a space for empathetic listening and support for students of both sexes affected by the situation in the country and facing psychological problems that may have an impact on their studies. For any need for psychological assistance, interested students are invited to call the following number: (+509) 3741-0343. A mental health professional is available Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to assist them.



Gambling prohibited for minors

In order to combat gambling addiction, the Haitian State Lottery (LEH) has decided that access by minors to gambling establishments, including Borlette, is now prohibited.



A wounded journalist still in critical condition

Bendgy Tilias, the Secretary of State for Communication, visited the journalists still hospitalized following the tragedy of December 24, 2024 https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-43943-icihaiti-insecurity-attack-on-general-hospital-death-toll-rises.html "The Director of the hospital assured me that specialists are mobilized to provide appropriate care, in particular to one of the journalists whose clinical condition remains critical. The Government does not want to leave any victim of this tragedy to fend for themselves. 



PNH : Isabel Salvador congratulates the 739 new police officers

Maria Isabel Salvador Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) is delighted and congratulates the 739 police officers (226 women and 513 men) of the 34th "Vertieres" promotion, graduates who took the oath at the National Police School and who have just joined the ranks of the Haitian National Police (PNH) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44035-haiti-pnh-34th-promotion-213-women-ready-to-fight-armed-gangs.html She also welcomes the efforts of the Haitian Government and the High Command of the PNH to increase the number of its personnel in order to contribute to the gradual improvement of the security environment.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















After the older A16 SoC from the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15, Apple is now said to have brought another chip product series to the TSMC plant in Arizona. This is reported by Taiwan-based technology journalist Tim Culpan in his newsletter. According to the information, this is a system-in-a-package (SiP) from the Apple Watch, or more precisely, apparently the S9. This is found in the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Ultra 2 (both from 2023), among others. Apple last introduced the S10 with the Apple Watch Series 10 in September, which is supposed to be slightly more energy-efficient. This will apparently continue to be manufactured by TSMC in Taiwan.

Anzeige

TSMC board meets in Arizona

With the start of production, Apple is continuing its attempts to comprehensively onshore the manufacture of important components. However, it remains unclear what quantities are involved. Culpan is also only 99 percent sure that it is the S9 SiP, but anything else would be rather unusual. In addition, the S9 itself is based on the A16 Bionic (in the N4P process), which, as mentioned, is already being built in Arizona.

Neither TSMC nor Apple confirmed the report. Recently, it had become quiet about the factory in Arizona, at least publicly. A celebration with US President Joe Biden was canceled in December after his party lost the elections. According to Culpan, TSMC is currently preparing a (apparently first) board meeting in the USA. It is planned for February and would be highly symbolic. It is unclear whether the new US President Donald Trump will attend this event.

The fastest chips remain in Taiwan

TSMC is continuing to expand production in Arizona. However, the fastest and most modern chips, including their production processes, will remain in Taiwan. In addition, the number of units produced in the N4P process is reportedly limited. TSMC also produces the A16 Bionic more frequently in Taiwan than in Arizona.

In addition, there is a great dependence on workers from TSMC's home country: according to reports, half of the employees at the fab in Arizona come from Taiwan. At the end of December, the New York Times reported in detail about a Tiny Taipei that had emerged in the region around Phoenix. Thousands of people from Taiwan now work at TSMC and its suppliers.

Anzeige

Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen. Preisvergleiche immer laden Preisvergleich jetzt laden

(bsc)
HEPPNER  The Bank of Eastern Oregon announced its school mascot debit card program contributed more than $7,261 to participating area high schools in 2024.

According to a press release, the mascot debit card program was launched in September 2013. It serves high school Associated Student Body programs in Oregon at Heppner, Riverside, Irrigon, Ione, Condon and Weston-McEwen, and Colfax, Washington. Three new area high schools will be added in 2025.

The program generates 5 cents per transaction with each school mascot card to that schools program. In addition, the annual $10 renewal fee for each card also goes directly to the ASB after the first year.

The school mascot cards provide much-needed extra funding for these student body programs, Chief Operations Officer Becky Kindle said. The mascot cards are a great way for fans to show their mascot spirit and help generate funds for local high school ASB accounts.

Based in Heppner, the Bank of Eastern Oregon operates 16 branches throughout Eastern Oregon. In addition, it has loan production offices in Madras and Ontario. For more information, search www.beobank.com.
Trump granted unconditional discharge in hush money case

Xinhua) 14:23, January 11, 2025

NEW YORK, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Juan Merchan, a New York judge overseeing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's hush money case, on Friday granted Trump unconditional discharge in delivering a sentence for the case, according to media reports.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
Chinese VP meets with UK chancellor of exchequer

Xinhua) 15:36, January 11, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Saturday met with British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, who is in Beijing for the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue.

China and the UK are both major economies and financial heavyweights in the world, Han said, pointing out that strengthening economic and financial cooperation in the spirit of strategic partnership is of great significance to promoting economic growth, improving people's lives and encouraging green development in these two countries.

It will also inject confidence and impetus into the development of the world economy, Han added.

China is willing to continue to expand openness and exchanges with the UK, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation to bring more benefits to the two countries and the world, said Han.

Reeves, meanwhile, said the resumption of this dialogue after nearly six years is of great significance.

The British side attaches importance to developing relations with China and is willing to strengthen candid dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation with China to promote the economic development of each country, she added.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed condolences to U.S. President Joseph Biden over the wildfires in California, new sanctions against Russian energy and the situation on battlefield front were also discussed.

"I spoke and expressed my condolences over the devastating wildfires in California and the tragic loss of lives. I acknowledged the heroism of Americans who are working tirelessly to save lives and contain the spread of these wildfires," he wrote in Telegram.

In addition, Zelenskyy thanked Biden for the support of Ukraine's independence and for the vital role the United States has played in uniting the international community. "Together, we have built a global coalition of defenders of freedom and the principles of international peace and security," he said.

According to the Ukrainian president, the parties also discussed the new U.S. sanctions package targeting Russia's energy sector, which helps Putin bankroll the war. "It is significant that these sanctions now strike at Russias shadow tanker fleet and key companies such as Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, which funnel funds directly to Putin," Zelenskyy explained.

According to the head of state, Putin must feel the cost of his war by seeing it directly impact his own pockets. Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to "the United States, both political parties, and both chambers of Congress for supporting this just pressure on Russia for its unprovoked and brutal aggression."

Meanwhile, the subject of discussion was the situation on the battlefield, the ongoing need to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses to protect lives in Ukrainian cities and villages from Russian terror  daily missile and drone attacks. "The "Patriots" in Ukrainian hands have proven their effectiveness, and we must continue to enhance this capacity," the president wrote.

"We deeply value President Biden's words that preserving and protecting Ukraines independence is critical for all of Europe and the democratic world. We will undoubtedly stand firm and achieve a lasting peace for our people and our country," the head of the Ukrainian state concluded.

As reported, Biden declared a major disaster in the state of California over the wildfires. According to the latest data, at least five people have died and more than 1,000 buildings have been destroyed by fires in the Los Angeles area. The wildfires began on Tuesday, and are spreading rapidly due to strong winds. According to various sources, 130,000 to 150,000 people in different areas of the state have received evacuation orders.
One killed, one injured in shelling of Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk on Jan 10

A Russian attack on the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region on Friday, January 10, killed one woman and injured another, according to the Pokrovsk City Military Administration.

"At 9 AM on January 10, shelling struck the private sector in the city's central area, killing a local woman and damaging two homes," the administration reported on Saturday.

The attack also targeted the Shakhtarsky neighborhood, damaging two multi-story buildings. "A woman born in 1946 sustained injuries," the report said.

Donetsk Regional Military Administration head Vadym Filashkin stated that 14 settlements in the region were shelled 14 times over the day.

"266 people, including 14 children, were evacuated from the frontline," he added on Telegram.
Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/img_0953-1-756x438.jpeg

Ukrainian MP and leader of the European Solidarity party, Petro Poroshenko, hailed Washington's significant decision to tighten sanctions on Russia's oil and gas sector. He also urged Ukrainian authorities to halt the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, as he wrote on Facebook.

"If we want to win, we must strike the aggressor where it hurts most  at the core of their temporary ability to replenish military arsenals and continue waging an aggressive war against all of us," Poroshenko said.

"The formula of their gas and oil is one of blackmail, subjugation, killing, and bloodshed. There are no other molecules in their resources! The more restrictions we impose on Putin's ability to generate revenue from the oil and gas sector, the weaker our common enemy will become and the stronger Ukraine's position will grow," Poroshenko declared.

He stressed that Ukraine, like the United States, should lead by example in countering Russian energy influence. This is precisely the focus of European Solidarity's legislative initiative to halt the transit of Russian oil across Ukraine.

"Every day, the Druzhba pipeline transports 300,000 barrels of Russian oil. At the current price for Russian Urals crude, this amounts to over $20 million per day, or almost $1.9 million per hour. Each day of delay in halting Russian oil transit means tens of millions of dollars flowing into Russia's coffers. For 2025 alone, Russia plans to earn $7.5 billion solely from oil sales via Ukrainian transit. When you add the $5.5 billion Russia earned from gas and the $7.5 billion from oil transit, that totals $13 billion  exactly 10% of Russia's military budget," Poroshenko stated during a briefing.

He called on all parliamentary factions to support the bill banning the transit of Russian oil.
Some 47 enemy drones shot down in Ukraine, 27 lost without damage

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/

Ukrainian defenders shot down 47 enemy drones, including Shahed drones and others, over the regions of Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Kirovohrad, Kherson, and Mykolaiv.

"An additional 27 enemy drone decoys were lost without causing harm," Ukraine's Air Force reported on Telegram.

Falling debris from the downed drones caused damage to infrastructure, private homes, and vehicles in seven regions.

"Preliminarily, there were no casualties. The consequences are being addressed, and assistance is being provided to those affected," the statement read.

The attack involved 74 strike drones, including Shaheds and other decoys, launched from Millerovo, Oryol, Bryansk, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russia) starting at 8 PM on January 10.

The air assault was countered by anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, mobile fire groups of the Air Force, and Ukraine's Defense Forces.
The body of an Israeli hostage held captive by militants in Gaza since the October 7 attack has been identified after recovery of his remains, the military said on Friday.

Following a forensic examination, the Israeli military said it notified the family of Hamza al-Zayadna, 22, that he "was killed in Hamas captivity", after on Wednesday announcing that the body of his father Youssef, 53, had been recovered and brought back to Israel.

The hostages were identified as mediators make a renewed push for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, and after hundreds of parents of serving soldiers appealed on Thursday for an agreement to stop the "endless" war and free the captives.

Palestinian militants seized the Arab Bedouin father and son from Kibbutz Holit near the Gaza border during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which started the war.

Kidnapped with them were Hamza's sister and brother, who were released during a week-long truce in November 2023, the only pause so far during more than 15 months of fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militants.

Unconfirmed reports had emerged on Wednesday about the fate of Hamza al-Zayadna, though on Friday the military confirmed his remains had been identified.

"The Zayadna family today received very, very, very heartbreaking news, as all of Israel did," said Yoav Heller, who organised a demonstration in support of the hostages at the gates of Jerusalem's walled Old City.

"This is precisely the evidence that we must do everything to bring them home because these Hamas monsters kill them in these tunnels," Heller said.

The military said troops found the body of Youssef al-Zayadna in an underground tunnel in southern Gaza.

After the announcement of Hamza al-Zayadna's death, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said 94 people are still held captive in Gaza, including 60 believed alive. The other 34 have been declared dead by the military.

Netanyahu's critics have accused him of blocking a negotiated deal for their release, while he has blamed Hamas for not accepting his conditions.

On Thursday, the parent group of about 800 Israelis whose children are fighting in Gaza accused Netanyahu in a letter of waging "an endless war".

They said it "is dragging on without purpose and that the hostages will only be released as part of an agreement".

After the announcement of the elder Zayadna's death, a separate group, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, again appealed for a deal to be struck for bringing the captives home.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Doha. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday after meeting negotiators that there is "some real progress".

The 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed 46,006 people in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry which the United Nations considers reliable.
Nicholas Norman managed to save his home using little more than buckets of water when towering flames ripped through his neighborhood in a suburb of Los Angeles. But now he's facing a new danger: looters.

After surviving the terror of a chaotic wind-driven fire, Norman was at his Altadena house when he saw two suspicious men in the hours before dawn on Thursday.

"They were testing doors and looking in windows" of homes that had been evacuated, he told AFP.

Norman, a teacher, said a police officer friend told him that looters had been arrested a few blocks away just hours earlier.

So he decided to take matters into his own hands.

"I did the classic American thing: I went and got my shotgun and I sat out there, and put a light on so they knew people were there," he said.

For Norman, the evening was reminiscent of the 1992 riots in Los Angeles, when the city's streets erupted after Rodney King, a Black man, was beaten to death by white police officers.

He said that night, his father had sat with a gun at the front door -- his young son at his side -- to protect the family "while streets were burning and people were shooting everywhere."

He said he never thought he would see something similar in sleepy Altadena, a place he moved eight years ago.

The city, home to around 40,000 people, has been ravaged by one of the multiple wildfires that have torn through the area, razing over 9,000 buildings and killing five people.

The destruction was cruelly random: in some places an entire street has vanished; in others a few houses remain, while blocks away just one property was damaged.

But for those who count themselves lucky enough to have come through the tragedy, the thought of outsiders preying on their misery is almost too much to bear.

"I didn't save that damn house to have some idiot come and steal from me," said Norman. "That's not happening."

"There's the thievery, but it's made worse by the cowardice."

Norman, who usually doesn't even lock his car, said he will be back on his porch after sunset, and will make a few rounds of nearby streets to keep an eye out on empty houses.

Around 20 people have been arrested in disaster zones since the first fires broke out on Tuesday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

He has pledged to beef up patrols and said his officers -- who are soon to be backed up by California National Guard soldiers -- will be proactively stopping anyone they see in an evacuation area.

"When we have an evacuation order by law, if you remain in that area, you are guilty of a misdemeanor. If you commit certain crimes, it could jump up to a felony," he said.

"If you are in one of these areas and you do not belong there, you are going to be subject to arrest."

For Chris, an Altadena resident who did not want to give his full name, even the promise of more manpower was not enough.

When he returned home on Thursday morning -- a house he has just spent a year renovating -- the padlock on his gate had been forced.

"It's clear evidence that somebody was here in the middle of the night," he said.

No one had managed to get in, but Chris spent much of Thursday hammering plywood over his windows and doors to give his property greater protection.

"We're boarding up, kind of getting things squared away, having neighborhood watches all because some morons are out there, preying on people," he said.

"It sucks. I'd rather be helping all my neighbors."
Brigadier General Anatoliy Klochko, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defense, and a delegation from Italy's Ministry of Defense Defense Industry Agency held talks on the potential use of revenues from frozen Russian assets to purchase air defense systems.

"The parties discussed the possibility of using revenues from frozen Russian assets, particularly for the procurement of Italian-made air defense systems and their munitions," Ukraine's Ministry of Defense press service reported.

Klochko emphasized Ukraine's interest in acquiring various calibers of ammunition and air defense systems. "However, it is essential to understand the costs and delivery timelines for these systems to the Ukrainian Defense Forces," he said.

The Ukrainian delegation, including representatives from the Ministry of Strategic Industries and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, also reviewed products from Italian defense companies. Marcello Mele, a representative of Italy's Defense Industry Agency, outlined the agency's key areas of work and mechanisms for potential cooperation.

"Italy expressed its readiness not only to remain a significant partner in supporting Ukraine but also to ensure the proper allocation of EU budget funds, fully utilizing Ukraine's industrial potential," the press release stated.

Both sides agreed to continue efforts toward establishing joint industrial projects. Klochko also thanked the Italian delegation for their unwavering support since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian military in Kursk region captured two North Korean soldiers, they are now transported to Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"Our soldiers have captured North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region. Two soldiers, though wounded, survived and were transported to Kyiv, where they are now communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Saturday.

The president said that this was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North Korean military personnel usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Korea's involvement in the war against Ukraine.

Zelenskyy thanked the soldiers of Tactical Group No. 84 of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as our paratroopers, who captured these two individuals.

"As with all prisoners of war, these two North Korean soldiers are receiving the necessary medical assistance," the head of state said.

He instructed the Security Service of Ukraine to grant journalists access to these prisoners.
Guest Column: A Thank You to Marcy's Searchers

Dear Berkshire Community,



It's now been four weeks since we were made to realize the palpable community spirit very much thriving throughout our larger community.



A picture of the recovered Marcy from her lost-and-found posting on Facebook.

In early December you might recall the powerful three-day snowstorm and below-freezing conditions that hit the region stronger than most in recent memory. As a lover of winter and snow that first morning I took pictures and sent them to family who I hoped would see some snow when they came for Christmas.



We happen to live only a few houses away from Bullard Woods so as with most days I planned to take my two dogs for a walk in the forest and Gould Meadows, but the beautiful, fresh snow lifted that to excitement. Marcy is 13 1/2 and Freddy is 12 1/2. We got them many years ago as adult rescues. They are the joy of my daily journey in nature.



For the past few years Marcy, especially, has lost weight regardless of what we feed her. So for the past few years I became that guy who shows up to the woods in cold weather with big dogs bundled up with a first layer

of reindeer sweaters (including antlers), a second layer of parkas, and their harnesses fitted snugly around both those layers. More poignant, this was to be one of Marcy's first walks back into the woods since her eye removal (due to a tumor) only three weeks prior.



Every day Marcy tells us when it's time to eat  not so much Freddy. When it's near 4:30 p.m. she begins hopping, pacing and whining. I was leaving at 4 p.m. for our walk. Therefore, that day my wife thought I should take a short walk not only because it was almost time for their dinner but she felt more conservative than usual about a shorter walk considering Marcy had only recently recovered from surgery.



Given the snowy conditions I was alone that afternoon in the woods except for one person I saw later on. I let the dogs off leash to play in the snow and they loved it. They trotted around, sniffed, and had fun. It would be dark soon so we would be heading back shortly. Then it happened. Marcy, in a rare moment, started trotting away, tail up, happy, but toward home, a route she knows perfectly well. I called her, but could tell she was on a non-stop path home anticipating dinner.



To reach the road before her so she didn't get hit by a car in the storm, I quickly leashed old Freddy and began running up the direct path to the street making sure Freddy wasn't getting too exhausted. From our hurrying I was confident we would arrive at the street first. Phew; no cars were anywhere due to the storm. But no Marcy either. I jogged down the road calling. Nothing. I guessed she must have made it to the house somehow before we did so I ran to the door knowing she would be barking and waiting. Not there.



My heart was racing. She had vanished.



In short, Marcy was gone for three days in the freezing almost-blizzard. Our pets are family members. Not everyone feels that way about pets but for those who do it's easy to imagine our fears. To spare the horror I won't detail all that went through our minds. We were devastated.



Enter the community. By the first hour of missing her we contacted the Stockbridge Police who immediately contacted the animal control officer. Soon more groups were contacted. Our phones started blowing up, social media was reaching out to us and the volunteers came pouring in. We had various people in our house for three days and one stayed the night twice. Thermal drones were aloft, four-wheelers were canvassing the area, missing posters were made for us and countless community residents were contacting us and some joined the search.



We were overwhelmed by the support and incredible generosity of so many, yet, privately and honestly, we had lost hope. Within the first few minutes of our search my wife saw a bear exiting Bullard Woods so each day I searched for either patches of blood (although we realize black bears rarely attack dogs) or a frozen body covered in the new, deep snow. Our fragmented spirit only lasted out of dire need and was only fueled by the volunteers. Hundreds of local residents were contacting my wife on social media while I searched day and night in between hanging posters.



Finally on the morning of the third day the animal control officer and Stockbridge Police called me while I was searching the in the forest with an on-foot rescue team. It so happens that four local residents were walking their dogs in the morning snow and heard howling and crying beneath a shed. I was in disbelief it could be Marcy and told that to the officer on the phone. I just knew Marcy couldn't be alive and that it had to be someone else's dog. Nevertheless, I ran according to his directions.



There, down by the shore of the lake I saw the dog walkers, the police and the animal control officer. I immediately recognized that bark: Marcy was alive.



I won't describe the moment because I won't do justice to the relief and joy taking over my heart. (At that very moment my wife was on her way to Staples to print out more missing posters.) You can imagine my phone call

to my wife while I sat holding Marcy in my lap in the snow. We know how deliverance and jubilation feel.



As of this writing Marcy is doing great. So is Freddy. So are we. I had no idea about the spirit of the community and will never forget the exceptional care and support given to us all through those days and nights. The moment Marcy was found I got her home and within minutes the team in my house were already posting to social media and authorities that she was found.

In the greatest appreciation, Marcy's family.

Submitted by Brad Fitzgerald of Stockbridge, Mass. Below is a list of community members, organizations and rescuers the Fitzgerald family wishes to thank:

Alex (Alexandra) found Marcy

Phyllis, found Marcy and met animal control officer

Paul, found Marcy

Yvonne, found Marcy

Matt Hayden, thermal drone, tireless searcher

John and Heather Drake: John is the animal control officer for Stockbridge and Heather made flyers for Marcy. For the past 20 years John and Heather have also run the Iris Pet Food Pantry which delivers dog and cat food in Great Barrington, Lee, and most of Southern Berkshire County

Mitzie Smalley

Missing Dogs Massachusetts, FaceBook

Rialene Hughes

Assisting with Missing Dogs Massachusetts

Officer Pettibone and Sgt. Nichols of the Stockbridge Police

Nick Fredsall, Stockbridge Drone Solutions

Berkshire Brothers Build

Ryan Harrison

Alfonso Champion

Zach Yarter

Joe Corcoran, searcher and NextDoor

Jennifer, friend of Marcy

Joseph McCullough

App: NextDoor

Countless invested, caring, and volunteers in the community
The Security Service of Ukraine is conducting investigative activities to establish the full circumstances surrounding the involvement of North Korean military personnel in Russia's war against Ukraine.

"An investigation is being conducted under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General in accordance with Article 437 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (planning, preparation, initiation, and conduct of an aggressive war)," the Security Service press center announced via its Telegram channel.

Ukrainian Defense Forces captured the first North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in the Kursk region (Russian Federation). "Thus, the Security Service of Ukraine, which documents and investigates such crimes, has obtained indisputable evidence of North Korea's involvement in Russia's war against our state," the statement reads.

The captured individuals include two North Korean soldiers: one was detained on January 9, 2025, by fighters from Tactical Group No. 84 of the Special Operations Forces, and the other by paratroopers of Ukraine's Armed Forces.

"Immediately after their capture, the foreign nationals were provided with all necessary medical assistance in accordance with the Geneva Convention. They were transported to Kyiv for initial investigative procedures. They are being held in proper conditions that meet international legal standards," the Security Service assured.

The Security Service reported that the prisoners do not speak Ukrainian, English, or Russian, so communication is facilitated through Korean-language translators in collaboration with South Korea's National Intelligence Service.

At the time of capture, one of the foreign nationals was in possession of a Russian-style military ID issued under a different name, registered in the Republic of Tuva (Russia). The other had no documents at all.

"During interrogation, the North Korean soldier with the military ID stated to the Security Service officers that this document was issued to him in Russia in the fall of 2024. According to him, some North Korean combat units underwent a one-week coordination period with Russian forces during that time," the statement read.

The soldier claimed he was born in 2005 and held the position of a rifleman, having served in the North Korean military since 2021. Interestingly, like Russian soldiers during the early days of the full-scale invasion, the prisoner insisted he was allegedly sent for training exercises, not to participate in the war against Ukraine.

The second prisoner confirmed his "comrade's" testimony. Due to a jaw injury, some of his answers were provided in writing. Preliminary information indicates he was born in 1999 and has served in the North Korean army since 2016 as a sniper-scout.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff on Saturday, focusing on drone procurement for the year ahead.

"I have just concluded the meeting. The key topics were our drone operations and this year's procurement plans, covering everything the Defense Forces need. Today, we reviewed contracts that are already being fulfilled as well as those planned," Zelenskyy stated in a video address posted on his Telegram channel.

The president emphasized that the collective goal of arms manufacturers, officials, and all involved parties is to make 2025 a record-breaking year for drones of all types while significantly increasing the production of Ukrainian missiles, artillery, and other essential equipment.

"I have instructed an increase in drone procurement orders. This process is already underway. Our arsenals are one of the guarantees of our independence, alongside the precision of our warriors," Zelenskyyy highlighted.

He expressed gratitude to all units conducting strikes on military facilities and logistics within Russian territory.

"There must be more of these critically important results," the president said.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Flight data and cockpit voice recorders on the South Korean Jeju Air plane which crashed last month, killing 179 people, stopped recording about four minutes before it came down at Muan airport, the countrys transport ministry said on Saturday.

Authorities investigating the devastating crash said the planes black boxes stopped recording four minutes before the airliner hit a concrete structure at the end of the runway at Muan.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216 departed Bangkok on 29 December for Muan in southwestern South Korea, but crash-landed on its belly, overshooting the regional airports runway and exploding into flames after hitting an embankment.

Two of the victims were Thai nationals, while all others were from South Korea.

The voice recorder recovered from the jet was analysed in South Korea, but authorities then sent it to a US National Transportation Safety Board laboratory after data was found to be missing.

open image in gallery Cockpit voice recorder (CVR) retrieved from Jeju Air flight 2216 which crashed killing 179 people ( South Korea's Ministry of Land, )

Pilots received a warning from air traffic controllers in an emergency call about possible bird activity, and the plane issued a distress signal before the crash, but the exact cause of the disaster remains unclear.

Preliminary investigations suggest the pilots abandoned a landing attempt after the emergency call and initiated a go-around.

But instead of making a full go-about, the jet took a sharp turn towards the airports single runway from the opposite end and crash-landed without its landing gear deployed.

open image in gallery Firefighters take part in a search operation near the site where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft crashed and burst into flames ( YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images )

The discovery that the crucial final minutes are missing from the flight recorders is surprising, said Sim Jai Dong, a former transport ministry accident investigator.

It could suggest that all power, including backup, may have been cut during those final moments, something that would be a rare occurrence, Mr Sim told Reuters.

South Korean police said in a statement earlier this week that investigators searched the offices of the airport operator, the transport ministrys aviation authority in the southwestern county of Muan, and the office of Jeju Air in Seoul.

Jeju Air accident 'worst crash' in South Korea since 1997

Investigators are also reportedly looking into the Jeju Air planes landing gear, suspecting it may have malfunctioned.

Officials planned to seize documents related to the operation and maintenance of the aircraft and the airport facilities.

The South Korean transport ministry said that other available data from the crash would be investigated transparently with the information shared with the victims families.

Some of the families have called for the probe to be carried out with the involvement of independent experts and not led by the transport ministry.
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

Japanese police have arrested a female student on suspicion of carrying out a hammer attack at a Tokyo university that left eight people injured.

The suspect, a 22-year-old South Korean sociology student, was subdued and arrested at the scene of the attack during class at Hosei Universitys Tama campus in western Tokyo.

Police say the assailant attacked a male student, causing minor injuries. Several others also suffered minor injuries as they were hit in succession.

Police received an emergency call around 3.45pm local time, reporting the attack in the classroom where some 150 students studied.

Witnesses said the attacker swung the hammer aimlessly, hitting students seated in the last row of the classroom.

One student told local news that the attackers face was expressionless and she did not seem to be targeting anyone specifically.

People walk past a banner (C-top) for Hosei University near the entrance to the universitys Tama campus after a woman brandished a hammer inside a classroom, in Machida in the western suburbs of Tokyo on January 10, 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Everyone was panicking. I was so scared at first that my hands were shaking, a student who witnessed the incident told local broadcaster TV Aashi.

Investigators allege that the suspect attacked fellow students using a hammer she found on campus in frustration after being bullied by classmates. Koreans continue to face discrimination in Japan due to a bitter past between the two countries, including Japans colonisation of the Korean Peninsula which ended in 1945.

The woman said she was filled with anger because she had been ignored, the Japan Times quoted police as saying.

It remains unclear whether the attack was premeditated, police say.

Police said the investigation is still ongoing, adding that the eight students who sustained injuries are recovering.

S. Korea, Japan Report N. Korea Ballistic Missile Launch - TaiwanPlus News

Hosei University said in a statement that the students received medical treatment but did not need hospitalisation.

It said it would cooperate with police in the investigation and would increase efforts to ensure campus safety.

Violent crimes are rare in Japan but high-profile random stabbing and shooting incidents have occurred in recent times.

Last month, a junior high school student was killed and her friend injured as they were waiting in a queue at a McDonalds restaurant in the southwestern city of Kitakyushu. A man was later arrested over the attack.

In 2022, three people were stabbed, including two students on their way to writing exams at the University of Tokyo. The same year Japans former prime minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated with a homemade gun.
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

Jennie Garth has expressed her gratitude for her ex-husband, Peter Facinelli after what he did for her family as the Los Angeles wildfires continue.

The What I Like About You actor turned to Instagram Thursday to let her followers know that while she had evacuated her home, she was offered shelter with Facinelli. I wanted to let you know that we are safe. Peter and his family took us in and have been so kind. I am deeply saddened for our city. And just feel numb, she captioned the post.

Facinelli and Garth were married for 12 years from 2001 to 2013 and share three daughters: Fiona, Lola, and Luca. Following their divorce Garth married Dave Abrams in 2015.

The post also showed a video of Garth crying as she spoke about feeling lucky for the situation she was in, but she was also feeling a sense of sorrow over the many who have lost their homes, including celebrities such as Mandy Moore and Eugene Levy.

Our home was spared but so much to clean up and ready to get active to help our neighbors and friends and fellow Angelinos, her caption continued. Dave has been amazing transporting all our bags and boxes, loading and unloading. just keep everyone here who is suffering in your heart and prayers.

The Beverly Hills, 90210 actor then expressed her thankfulness for everyone who has helped out those affected by the wildfires.

I am grateful we are all ok and have a home to return to, she wrote. This will effect [sic] people differently, so reach out, and offer to help, it does mean so much. Thank you for all the love that is being sent this way.

Garth was married to Facinelli for 12 years ( Getty Images )

There are five active large wildfires throughout Los Angeles County. The Palisades and Eaton fires are now some of the states most destructive in history. Both fires are less than 10 percent contained.

Officials gave an update on the Eaton Fire early Friday afternoon.

It looks like a war zone. Ive never seen anything like it, Kathryn Barger, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, told reporters.

Officials also said on Friday that more than 153,000 residents were under evacuation orders and more than 166,000 were under warnings as wildfires continued to burn in the Los Angeles County region.

There are also 57,830 structures at risk.

A curfew will be strictly enforced at 6 p.m. PST for the area of the Palisades and Eaton Fires.

Garth is not the only well-known figure to reflect on their experience with the wildfires. There was also a recent viral clip of Jamie Lee Curtis at a recent Q&A with her The Last Showgirl co-star Pamela Anderson, in which she compared the fires to the ongoing war in Gaza.

I am born and raised in the City of Angels. And the entire City of Angels is on fire, everywhere. The entire city of the Pacific Palisades is gone, said the Freaky Friday star. I mean, literally, my neighborhood  gone. My house tonight is still there but I live in a different canyon. But the entire Pacific Palisades looks like, unfortunately, Gaza, or one of these war-torn countries where awful things have happened.

And there are now fires breaking out everywhere. So it feels totally bizarre to be talking about a movie, and yet its a piece of art, and art will save us no matter what, she 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

Just picture it: You arrive at your best friends wedding at a hometown pub, wearing a floor-length dress. Grapes and artichokes sit on tables for centerpieces. The bride walks down the aisle wearing a pink gown, calla lilies in hand. The bridesmaids are all in matching pantsuits. Welcome to a 2025 wedding.

These are only a few of this years biggest and most out-of-the-box wedding trends, predicted by wedding experts, as we near the end of engagement season.

The Knot reports that November through February is the most popular for people to pop the question  including Tom Holland, who recently proposed to to longtime girlfriend Zendaya over the holidays, and A-lister Selena Gomez, who announced in December that she and Benny Blanco are engaged.

As wedding planning season kicks off  and Ive experienced it recently firsthand, with my sister getting married in less than two months  what can we expect to see at this years weddings?

Reframing your wedding as a dedicated place to foster in yourself and the people you love is very relevant. So, I encourage people to think about what brings them joy, and usually, you can find cool ways to do that in a wedding, Oregon-based wedding planner and consultant, Elisabeth Kramer, told me.

Floral arrangements minus the flowers

open image in gallery Centerpieces made out of fruits and vegetables at wedding, photographed and designed by Victoria Jane ( Courtesy of Victoria Jane )

A signature centerpiece on the dinner table is the norm, but flowers arent as interesting as they once were  at least not by themselves.

Eva Lopez  who owns Cha Cha Linda, a vintage bridal store in New York City  says shes seeing couples pair floral centerpieces with fruits and vegetables. Since foods have to match aesthetically with the flowers, they usually use dark or bright-colored ones, like lemons, limes, grapes, and artichokes.

Some couples are ditching the big flowers, and using succulents or tropical plants as centerpieces instead, according to Kramer. I have a couple of clients who are legitimately renting trees when they get married, trying to create a lush or greenhouse feeling, she says.

Kramer has also noticed that centerpieces are no longer in the middle of the table, with brides and grooms putting their floral budgets towards floral clouds, which hang right above the guests at dinner.

Calla lilies are here to stay

open image in gallery Photo of a bride holding calla lilies, captured by Sylvie Rosokoff ( Courtsey of Sylvie Rosokoff )

Flowers are essential for brides and bridesmaids to hold when they walk down the aisle, and theres one flower reigning supreme in 2025: Calla lilies.

They are bouquets with really long stems. Its just chic and elegant, Lopez says. Its got that architectural intrigue and feels powerful. Its not like the light classic girly bridal look thats been an aesthetic in the past.

Cutting the cake-cutting

open image in gallery Bride and groom cutting their cake at reception ( Getty Images )

Once the dinner portion of the reception comes to a close, the wedding usually continues with a beloved tradition: cake.

However, according to Sarah Klingman  the owner of event planning service Mostest  couples are moving away from the cake-cutting ceremony entirely, which means ditching the cliche moment of feeding each other cake. Sometimes, you even see the supposedly sweet gesture of a groom putting a piece of cake on his newlyweds face  which actually just ruins that makeup she spent hours doing.

 Theyre opting for less staged trends, and they might even like skip it entirely, she explained. Or theyre just cutting the cake without their guests watching, and privately taking a picture.

And the bride wore blue

open image in gallery Bride wearing a yellow sating dress to her wedding, photographed by Sylvie Rosokoff ( Sylvie Rosokoff )

As a wedding guest, you know the rule to never wear white, since thats the brides domain.

But in 2025, however, sometimes even the brides are avoiding white. Klingman says that shes expecting more brides to choose color, in part because of how white has been used to represent the purity of brides in Western Culture.

Theyre still wearing feminine colors, think lavender or light pink. Theyre just not that traditional like white because the modern girls arent as into that, she explains. And they just like another color.

Bridesmaids in pantsuits

open image in gallery Anyone can wear pants to a wedding ( Getty Images )

When my sister was in the middle of wedding planning in October, I chose a sky-blue, chiffon bridesmaid dress. Although we werent required to buy dresses from a specific store, my sister directed her bridal party to sites like Azazie and Birdy Grey, which have a range of bridesmaids dresses to choose from.

However, Klingman says that many bridesmaids in 2025 wont be turning to these classic brands for dresses. Instead, shes seeing a lot of women going for colorful jumpsuits and pantsuits, for something that can genuinely be worn again.

ChatGPT is helping grooms write their speeches

open image in gallery Groom giving a speech to his bride at wedding ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

ChatGPT has entered the wedding planning chat  although think twice about it. Klingman shared that at a recent reception she saw a groom frantically turning to the internet to write his sweet speech to his now-wife.

One groom generated his toast on Chat GPT one minute before he gave it, she recalled, noting that he didnt hesitate to tell all his friends that he did this. It was hard to watch.

Grooms are also doing outfit changes during the reception

open image in gallery A groom wearing a colorful green jacket and bowtie ( Getty Images )

Often, we see brides don multiple different looks: One for the ceremony, perhaps another for the reception, and maybe even a third for the afterparty. The first look  a wedding gown  is usually the most expensive, so brides tend to wear it for a decent amount of the reception too.

However, they arent the only ones taking part in the outfit-changing fun, with grooms increasingly in multiple looks for the day.

At one wedding I went to, the groom changed into a different suit that was more colorful and playful, Lopez explains. For the third look, he kept the pants from the second look and changed into a really fun shirt that he got custom-made.

Black tie weddings in a dive bar

open image in gallery Sometimes a bride needs to drink a cold beer in a dive bar wearing a wedding gown surrounded by regular pub goers ( Supplied )

The venue of the wedding often determines what your guests wear, such as more casual at a farm wedding or extra glam at a hotel ballroom.

But this year, who says you have to have a fancy venue to get all dressed up? Lopez predicts that couples will find more lowkey, but special, locations to get married in.

Like a dive bar that has a lot of character, she said. It just feels funky, old school, and edgy in a way, but then you invite your guests to be really glamorous.

So, what could we expect from brides-to-be Selena Gomez and Zendaya?

open image in gallery Both Selena Gomez and Zendaya could be brides in 2025 ( Getty Images )

In 2024, many celebrities took their weddings abroad, with Millie Bobby Brown getting married in Italy and Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper tying the knot in Mexico. However, Lopez doesnt think this will be the case in 2025, as she says shes expecting more quiet elegance among celebrity couples. For Zendaya and Gomez, this could include private ceremonies at home or runaway elopements.

Still, Klingman has a hunch that the two brides-to-be will go all out for their nuptials, with destination wedding weekends full of planned events, with every expense covered by the couples. And for what they might wear, Klingman thinks refurbished vintage jewelry, with additional diamonds in it, is likely to make an appearance.
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

Britain's Treasury chief is travelling to China this weekend in a bid to boost economic and financial cooperation between the countries, as the U.K.'s Labour government seeks to reset strained ties with Beijing.

Rachel Reeves will seek stability in the United Kingdom's relationship with China and aim to help grow Britain's lackluster economy, the Treasury said on Friday. She will travel to Beijing and Shanghai and meet with her Chinese government counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng.

A focus of Reeves' trip is reviving the China-U.K. Economic and Financial Dialogue  annual bilateral talks that have been suspended since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and deteriorating relations in recent years. The British side wants the dialogue to help bring down barriers that U.K. businesses face when looking to export or expand to China.

The talks were shelved after ties sourced following a series of spying allegations from both sides, Chinas support for Russia in the Ukraine war and a crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong, a former British colony.

Officials said that aside from discussing ways to deepen trade and cooperation, Reeves will also urge Beijing to stop its material and economic support for the Russian war effort in Ukraine and raise the issue of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

The delegation will include Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and the CEOs of the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority and the London Stock Exchange Group. Senior executives from some of Britain's biggest financial services firms, including the group chairmen of HSBC and Standard Chartered, were also on board.

While in Beijing, Reeves is expected to visit leading U.K. brands operating in China, including Jaguar Land Rover, whisky distributor Diageo and bicycle maker Brompton.

Her visit comes after Foreign Secretary David Lammy travelled to China in October and Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil in November.

The meetings form part of a bid by Starmer, who was elected as leader in July, to strengthen political and economic ties with China, the U.K.'s fourth-largest single trading partner according to the Treasury.

Officials said Starmer wanted a pragmatic approach to working with Beijing on global stability, climate change and the transition to clean energy.

But some in the opposition Conservative Party have criticized his stance and said trade ties should not come at the expense of national security and human rights concerns.

British political leaders and intelligence chiefs have warned repeatedly of the security threats that China poses. Calls to tackle the challenge grew louder last month when it emerged that an alleged Chinese spy had cultivated close ties with Prince Andrew and carried out covert and deceptive activity for China's ruling Communist Party, according to officials.

Nevertheless, Lammy told reporters in London on Thursday that there are many areas of trade that dont impact on national security.

He said Reeves will repeat many of the messages that I took to China.

What weve said is in this complex relationship with a global superpower, we are guided by three Cs: challenge, compete and cooperate, for example in areas including health and climate challenges, Lammy added.

___

Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

The craze for hairless bully cat kittens is leading unlicensed breeders to illegally use Instagram and Facebook to sell the animals for thousands of pounds each, an investigation has uncovered.

Bully cats, which have soared in popularity on social media, are born to suffer, according to critics. Bred to be short-legged and hairless, the animals are at high risk of health problems and die younger than other cats, welfare experts say.

But a network of breeders and middlemen are cashing in on the fashion for the pets with wrinkly skin, selling each for as much as 6,000  so a litter of six would fetch their owner 36,000.

The Independent has seen numerous posts on Instagram and Facebook by users advertising newborns or young kittens, asking would-be buyers to privately message them.

open image in gallery These kittens were taken to a house for a middle agent to sell ( Facebook )

Under Lucys Law, introduced five years ago, only licensed breeders may sell pets under six months old. Anyone selling puppies or kittens without a licence could receive an unlimited fine or be jailed for up to six months.

Licensed breeders would typically provide their full name, registered premises and licence number.

But some sellers are offering kittens imported from abroad as young as four months. The Independent has seen an exchange of messages in which one breeder offered to send a white hairless kitten to the UK from Russia for 6,000.

Several Facebook groups dedicated to bully cats have thousands of devoted members, often asking where they can get one.

open image in gallery One user admitted selling underage kittens ( Screengrab )

As well as being illegal in the UK, the trade is in breach of the policies of Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.

The breed was created by crossing hairless sphynx cats with munchkin cats, which have short legs. They are called bully cats because of a supposed resemblance to bully dogs, bred to look aggressive with a solid build and wide body.

The RSPCA says the animals short legs may strain their joints, causing pain and limiting their mobility  and excessive skin folds leave them vulnerable to skin infections. The cats have no whiskers with which to explore their environment, as other cats do.

The lack of fur can lead to sunburn and skin cancer, and vets say they are likely to suffer shortened lives.

Health problems can cause the animals great discomfort and leave owners with frequent, high vet bills.

open image in gallery They are called bully cats because they were bred to resemble bully dogs ( AGBtv/YouTube )

A coalition including the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Battersea, Cats Protection, the Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals, International Cat Care and the RSPCA has branded breeding for extreme characteristics unethical and urged owners to stop breeding them.

As well as the risk to the kittens health, buyers are risking large sums of money because the sales come with no guarantees and the process is opaque, according to one investigator.

Middlemen buy pets to sell for a profit, usually in a different location from where the animals were born, so the animals are untraceable.

The investigator who spotted bully cat kittens advertised on Instagram posed as a customer. In private messages, the seller said the 10-week-old kittens would cost 5,000 each.

open image in gallery This pair were advertised for sale on Facebook ( Facebook )

We arranged to visit to see the kittens and their mum before choosing one, the investigator said. The address was a semi-detached property, clean and well kept, in what seemed a decent neighbourhood. We later found out it wasnt the cats home  they were brought in specifically for the sales visit. So we had no idea where the kittens were actually from or whose house we had been to.

The seller was friendly but not very forthcoming about herself or the cats, he said.

She gave only her first name and was vague about the kittens parents. She said she hadnt had the mother long and got her shipped over from abroad.

The seller claimed the mother was registered and this was her second litter, but didnt know any more detail. She stated the father was just a stud and didnt provide any information about him.

A reputable breeder would usually be keen to demonstrate a pedigree kittens lineage, and this seller admitted being a hobby breeder  without a licence.

open image in gallery A video of these newborns was seen in one Facebook group ( Facebook )

She wanted a cash deposit of 1,000, becoming very impatient to confirm a sale, arguing she had initially wanted 6,000 for each but saying she had dropped the price.

Four other kittens from the litter had sold already.

The investigator said the seller wanted to know whether she could take the kittens back to their home if we werent going to buy that day  proving she was selling illegally as a third party.

Pedigree paperwork for the kittens revealed the owner was not the seller.

It became clear this was not a reputable breeder, but someone selling untraceable and potentially unhealthy kittens via social media.

open image in gallery Some social media users dress their bully kittens up ( Facebook )

Another seller offered to help the investigator to find a partner to continue breeding bully cats.

Cats Protection is campaigning for a ban on bully cats and others bred with extreme traits, such as the Scottish Fold.

Alison Richards, of the charity, said: Were incredibly concerned about the breeding of cats with extreme body types and have seen some sellers advertising bully cats on online selling sites.

Our veterinary assessments of the photos and videos we have seen of these cats have raised serious welfare concerns.

Animal welfare charities repeatedly urge would-be pet owners to adopt a rescue cat instead of buying from a breeder.

open image in gallery Welfare experts say cats without whiskers struggle to navigate their way around ( Facebook )

Last year analysis of hundreds of Facebook and Instagram posts found rogue puppy dealers were widely using the platforms to sell underage pets bred in cruel conditions and dogs with exaggerated features.

Sellers evaded the social media giants guidelines by using code words, emojis and hashtags with secret meanings, a report found.

Last February, breeding or owning an XL bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption was outlawed, but there is no specific legislation on breeding bully cats.

The Naturewatch Foundation has warned against the disturbing trend to show off bully cats on Instagram and TikTok.

The Independent has asked Meta to comment.
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 search for two sisters who were last seen more than four days ago in Aberdeen has been extended to the coast, police have said.

Police Scotland is appealing for help in finding 32-year-old triplets Eliza and Henrietta Huszti after they were reported missing from their home in Aberdeen city centre.

The last sighting of Eliza and Henrietta  who are originally from Hungary but moved to Scotland around seven years ago  was on CCTV in Market Street at Victoria Bridge at around 2.12am on Tuesday.

They were then seen crossing the bridge and turning right onto a footpath next to the River Dee heading in the direction of the Aberdeen Boat Club.

On Saturday, officers extended their search of the River Dee to include the coast towards the Port of Aberdeens South Harbour, and towards Duthie Park.

CCTV footage from the area where Eliza and Henrietta were last seen is also being examined, with door-to-door enquiries being carried out, as well as speaking to local businesses.

The last sighting of Eliza and Henrietta was on CCTV in Market Street at Victoria Bridge at around 2.12am on Tuesday. ( Police Scotland )

Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: Eliza and Henriettas family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.

We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the enquiry.

We are again urging the public to come forward with any information relating to Eliza and Henriettas whereabouts. The focus of our search remains the River Dee and I would again ask, if you were in the area at the time, please think back, did you notice anyone matching their description?

Even if it doesnt seem significant, please pass any information on and let us be the judge of that.

Their brother Jozsef Huszti said their mother spoke to the pair for 40 minutes on Saturday and nothing seemed unusual.

Chief Inspector Bruce urged businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for early morning on Tuesday, 7 January, 2025 and contact the force if it holds anything that may be relevant to its investigation.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 0735 of Tuesday, 7 January, 2025.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov provided a briefing to President Zelenskyy on his negotiations during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting held at Ramstein Air Base.

"Today, Defense Minister Umerov also reported on his discussions at Ramstein with our partners. Our defense coalitions are working effectively," Zelenskyy said in his video address on Saturday.
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

Thousands of paedophiles and rapists have successfully applied to be removed from the sex offenders register since 2019, prompting calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the system.

Campaigners have described the findings, which show a 75 per cent success rate for applicants to be taken off the register, as alarming and claim the system is prioritising offenders over victims.

New figures obtained through freedom of information requests by The Independent show at least 1,998 sex offenders in England and Wales have had their applications approved by police forces since 2019. This equates to three-quarters of the 2,664 offenders who submitted applications to the 30 forces that provided data.

Among those who had their details taken off the register were offenders convicted of at least 471 paedophilia-related crimes, including child rape, incest and sexual assault.

Laura Stewart is among those calling for reform after she found out last year that the man who abused her as a child had been removed from the register and was living nearby. She was sexually abused from the age of 11, with the assaults growing more severe throughout the years.

open image in gallery Child abuse victim turned campaigner Laura Stewart is among those calling for reform ( Supplied )

Her case highlights the dangers of a system that allows offenders to disappear from official monitoring without adequate safeguards.

Under current legislation, after someone is convicted or cautioned in relation to a sexual offence, they are added to the sex offenders register, meaning they are required to notify police of their name, date of birth and home address.

Offenders must also notify officers of any intended travel and at least once a year confirm their details are still correct by visiting a police station.

If they are sentenced to more than 30 months in prison, they remain on the list indefinitely. However, the system was changed in 2011 after two sex offenders claimed it was unfair to be kept on the register indefinitely as it infringed on their human rights.

As a result, offenders placed indefinitely on the register can apply to be taken off after 15 years.

When considering an application, officers look at factors such as the seriousness of the offence, how long ago it was committed, the age difference between perpetrator and victim, and any subsequent convictions.

A Home Office spokesperson said: Sex offenders will never be removed from the register if they continue to pose a risk to society after the 15-year minimum duration has passed.

Any review is carried out by police and a thorough individual risk assessment of each offender will take place before they are considered for removal.

However, Emily Konstantas, CEO of the Safeguarding Alliance, said that the high number of approved applications suggested the system might not be fit for purpose.

She called for urgent reform, arguing that the process of removal lacks sufficient safeguards in a system in which there should be no room for error.

Sex offenders are placed on the register for serious reasons. The process that allows them to be removed is not robust enough, and the entire system is in need of reform, she told The Independent.

The process needs clearer definitions of how risk is assessed if 75 per cent are being allowed to come off the register. Whats the point of the register if offenders can simply apply to have their names removed? The UK system prioritises offenders over survivors.

Survivors cannot simply apply to stop being survivors and it is extremely traumatic for them to know there is now no authority monitoring their abuser.

Ms Konstantas recommended more transparency with victims about the process and that formerly registered sex offenders continue to be monitored to some extent.

There needs to be clearer reasons given on why an application was accepted. We should be able to know how they have quantified the risk of being able to come off the register and how the risk is calculated, she said.

She also shared concerns about sex offenders being able to change their name more easily once they have been removed from the register  adding to victims fears that the offender is no longer being monitored by authorities.

Data from 25 of the forces broken down by year shows that applications reached their peak in 2021, with at least 466 sex offenders applying. Data from those same forces show 318 applications were approved that year.

In 2019, 411 applications were submitted and at least 318 approved, while 2020 saw at least 309 approved out of 405 submitted. In 2022, 443 applications were submitted, with at least 365 approved, 2023 saw at least 202 approved with 271 applications submitted, and in 2024 so far, 271 applications had been submitted with 194 applications approved.

View more

Ms Stewart said she only found out her abuser had been removed from the register in 2023 after her mother saw him in the local area and she contacted the local police force to check his status.

The 41-year-old said: The natural assumption is that the worst offenders are put on the register for life. Anybody who has been through any kind of crime like this would know that the thought of your perpetrator walking around freely is terrible.

Despite abusing her as a child, he was not convicted and sent to prison until 2002 but only served half of his sentence before he was released. More than 20 years after he was jailed, Ms Stewart discovered he had been removed from the sex offenders register and was living nearby.

Ms Stewart has seen her abuser in public since he was taken off the register and says the thought of people not being able to obtain information on him from the register terrifies her.

My abuser could move in right next door to me and theres nothing I can do about it. There was no warning that he could be taken off and there were not enough safeguards.

I know you cant lock them up forever but there has to be a better way.

Tom Squire, from child protection charity the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, said the system broadly works well but added that there is no room for complacency.

There is a story here about the system working well, he told The Independent. Its a recognition that people are capable of changing their behaviour and its an important principle in recognising that capacity.

If our responses are too punitive in a blanket approach, that could drive people underground which in some cases could increase harm.

He added: We support the principle of it in terms of people having the right to apply to come off. Likewise, we recognise that shouldnt be an automatic right and that there is no room for complacency.

Its important there are checks and balances, so we can ensure these mechanisms are working well.
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

Carrie Johnson has revealed she was hospitalised for almost a week after she contracted the flu and pneumonia.

Boris Johnsons wife took to social media to share her health struggle as she praised NHS nurses and doctors who cared for her as the best people on earth.

The 36-year-old, who shares three children with the former prime minister, struggled to breathe properly after falling ill with a chest infection over Christmas.

She said she was yet to fully recover from the illness and urged others to get the flu jab.

I didnt expect to spend the first week of 2025 in hospital, she said in an Instagram post. After having a nasty chest infection for nearly 18 days at home over Christmas, it just got out of hand and I was struggling to breathe properly.

Hospital confirmed I had flu and pneumonia.

I was there nearly a week and Im still not recovered. It could take another few weeks until I feel like myself again.

The caption was accompanied by a picture showing the end of a hospital bed and another of her son Wilfs favourite dinosaur toy Greenie, and her daughter Romys princess key ring, which she said they gave her to take to hospital.

Her post continued: The reason for this post tho is 1) NHS doctors and nurses are the best people on earth. I say it a lot but they have looked after me and my family when weve needed it most and I will never not be enormously grateful.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson with his wife Carrie (Kirsty OConnor/PA) ( PA Archive )

They are the absolute best of us. I was at the John Radcliffe and I cannot thank them enough. When I was particularly low, one nurse even serenaded me by my bed. Unbelievable kindness.

2) Obviously check with your doctor but my strong advice is to get the bloody flu jab. I really, really wish I had.

It totally slipped my mind this year. No guarantee, but I very possibly wouldnt have spent the last 3 weeks horribly, horribly ill had I got it.

She ended with an explanation about the dinosaur and princess key ring and added health and family are everything.
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 man from Syria has died while trying to cross the English Channel from France to the UK, the Government has said.

More than 30 people were rescued after a boat got into difficulty in the Channel overnight on Friday, the French Coastguard said.

A helicopter and boats were deployed to rescue the 35 migrants, including about 15 who were in the water. The man was pronounced dead at around 4.30am on Saturday, according to French media.

French outlets reported that the migrant who died was Syrian and was crushed by other migrants while on a leaky dinghy.

The migrants were taken onto a rescue boat and returned to Boulogne-sur-Mer, a major fishing port on the north coast of France, where they were taken care of by land rescue services and the border police, the French coastguard said.

One teenager was taken to hospital in a stable condition, it added.

A UK Government spokesman said: We can confirm there has been a tragic incident involving a small boat on the French coast which has resulted in the loss of one life. Our thoughts are with those affected.

This latest tragedy underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings, and we continue to do everything we can to prevent them.

These criminals only care about profit, not the lives they put at risk, which is why they are cramming ever-greater numbers of people on to increasingly flimsy and dangerous boats.

The French coastguard also warned of the dangers of crossing the Channel and said this area is one of the busiest in the world, with more than 600 merchant ships passing through every day.

It comes after figures showed the number of migrants arriving in the UK in 2024 after crossing the English Channel in small boats was up by a quarter on the previous year.

Some 36,816 people made the journey in 2024, a jump of 25 per cent from the 29,437 who arrived in 2023, according to provisional figures from the Home Office.

The total is down 20 per cent on the record 45,774 arrivals in 2022, however.

Additional reporting by PA.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

After a lengthy spell of freezing temperatures, the mercury is finally set to rise back into double digits next week.

But with conditions remaining cold in many parts of the country, particularly overnight, cat owners may be left in a dilemma over whether it is safe to let their pets go outside again.

Despite most cats being able to stay quite warm as a result of being insulated by their thick coats, they do still get cold  and can suffer from hypothermia or frostbite.

Cats have a normal body temperature of 38C to 39C, which is just slightly higher than humans, and having descended from the desert-dwelling African wildcat, tend to prefer warm temperatures to cold, according to Cats Protection, the UKs largest cat welfare charity.

What temperature is too cold to let your cat go outside?

According to Medivet, cat owners should avoid letting their pets go outside in conditions that are 7C or colder.

The veterinarian groups website states: We strongly advise that anything below 7C is too cold for a cat to go outside ... If your cat is hairless, has a particularly short coat or is old, young or sick, this temperature will be much too low for them, and we highly recommend that you keep them indoors where its warm.

Cats are usually good at knowing themselves when the weather is too cold for them and when to seek warmth indoors, according to Cats Protection.

open image in gallery ( Getty Images )

The group says: If there is extreme weather, such as blizzards or storms, it is best to bring them indoors. Keep them in until the bad weather has passed. Also be aware that some cats will feel the cold even more.

If your cat is unable to find somewhere warm, their core body temperature could become dangerously low. This could result in hypothermia. They could also suffer from skin damage caused by frostbite.

What are the symptoms of hypothermia in cats?

According to Cats Protection, the following symptoms could be signs of hypothermia:

Shivering. Cats shiver when its cold to help keep themselves warm. But if they become severely cold they may stop shivering

Cold ears, paws and nose

Pale gums

Weak and lethargic movements

Slow heart rate

Slow breathing

Confusion and clumsiness

Collapse/loss of consciousness

However, cats can often choose to spend most of their night outside. Pets4Homes advises that, if you find your cat outside after a very cold night and they are displaying any potential symptoms of hypothermia, it is best to slowly warm them up by wrapping them in blankets and gently massaging their body.

Warning not to warm your cat up too quickly and never to put them in warm water, Pets4Homes then advises to urgently take your cat to see a veterinarian.

open image in gallery ( Getty Images )

What else can cat owners do to keep their pets safe?

Medivet suggests making sure your pet has somewhere warm and dry to go after theyve been out of the house in a cold snap, with experts warning to always make sure your cat always has unhindered access when it wants to return indoors, particularly if snow or ice could result in a cat flap becoming blocked.

Providing an indoor litter tray also means that cats will not need to go outside when temperatures drop.

Cats Protection also advises making sure that your cat has plenty of fresh water indoors in case any outside sources freeze, and to lock cat flaps at night if you do not want your cat to go outside, while providing them with warm and comfortable and safe places to sleep.

If you have decided to keep your cat inside because of the cold weather, the charity advises making sure that you keep your cat entertained and exercised with plenty of toys and puzzle feeders.
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

One of the illegally released lynx captured in the Highlands has died, those caring for the animals have said.

The big cat was one of the second pair to be captured near the Dell of Killiehuntly on Friday.

The lynx were baited into humane traps before being taken to the Highland Wildlife Park.

On Saturday, The Scotsman reported that some conservationists believe a frustrated activist who wants to see the lynx returned to Scotland may be responsible for the release.

Dr Helen Senn, head of conservation at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), said: After extensive efforts to capture these animals safely and humanely, we were very sad to discover that one of them has died overnight.

We do not yet know the circumstances behind its death but will be carrying out a post-mortem to try to establish what happened.

Whatever the case, this unfortunate development just serves to further demonstrate the folly of abandoning these amazing animals in the wild, with no preparation or real concern for their welfare.

We can only imagine the stress that all four of the recovered lynx must have experienced after being thrust into an entirely new and extremely harsh environment to fend for themselves.

The lynx were baited into humane traps ( PA Media )

The surviving lynx from the latest pair is now being taken to Edinburgh Zoo to join the others for a period of quarantine.

David Field, chief executive of RZSS, said the lynx is wonderfully full of character as an animal but should still be considered a wild cat.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Sadly, there are rogue rewilders out there who bypass all the established international best practice and bypass all professional organisations which are discussing lynx coming back to Scotland.

They are impatient and then proceed in a way which is this rebellious rogue rewilding. Thats really sad and thats a real, real risk.

He stressed it could also simply be the abandonment of animals which someone no longer wished to look after.

The RZSS has said the captured lynx are tame and are used to humans.

Lynx, which can be roughly the size of a labrador, are usually shy and solitary creatures and attacks on humans are virtually unheard of.

Police Scotland said inquiries into how the lynx ended up in the area are continuing, and officers and wildlife experts will continue to examine the area where the animals were found.

In 2021, a group of charities launched a consultation on assessing peoples views about the potential of reintroducing Eurasian lynx to Scotland.

Earlier this week Peter Cairns, director of one of the charities involved, condemned the illegal release.

He added: The Lynx to Scotland project is working to secure the return of lynx to the Scottish Highlands, but irresponsible and illegal releases such as this are simply counterproductive.
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

UK gas stores have fallen concerningly low, according to the owner of British Gas.

Centrica said the UK has less than a week of gas demand in store and that Britains storage sites are 26 per cent lower than they were at the same time last year, leaving them around half full.

Chris OShea, group chief executive of Centrica, said that levels are concerningly low.

He added: We are an outlier from the rest of Europe when it comes to the role of storage in our energy system and we are now seeing the implications of that.

But officials have said there is comfortably enough gas to meet demand.

Gas storage was already lower than usual heading into December as a result of the early onset of winter, the firm said. This, combined with stubbornly high gas prices, has made it more difficult to increase storage over Christmas.

Are we anywhere near close to running out of gas?

No. Stored gas makes up a relatively small proportion of Britains overall supply, compared with imports from countries like Norway, and gas produced in the North Sea.

But even supplies of the gas kept at the UKs storage sites are well above half full, said National Gas, which runs the system.

The overall picture across Great Britains eight main gas storage sites remains healthy, a spokesman said.

Britain obtains its gas from a diverse range of sources beyond that already in storage, meaning we are well placed to respond to demand this winter.

open image in gallery Britain has experienced sub-zero temperatures for several days this week (Alan Crowhurst/PA) ( PA Wire )

Britain has been experiencing a cold snap, with more people turning on their gas boilers for longer to heat their homes.

Thursday brought the coldest January night in 15 years, and more freezing temperatures are expected to roll in over the coming days.

Meanwhile, Britain also has lower gas storage capacity than other European countries.

The UK has capacity to hold enough gas for about 12 average days, or enough for 7.5 winter days, when more is used.

open image in gallery People are using more gas than usual during the cold snap (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Archive )

By comparison, Germany has enough for 89 days, France has 103 days and the Netherlands 123 days.

These two things have combined to bring gas storage capacity below the same point last year. Centrica described them as concerningly low levels.

What would happen if our gas storage facilities were to run dry?

We would not experience shortages from this alone.

The majority of Britains gas is either produced in the North Sea, or it is imported from other countries.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman said the Government has no concerns.

They added they are confident we will have a sufficient gas supply and electricity capacity to meet demand this winter, due to our diverse and resilient energy system.

How does Net Zero fit into this?

The Government is trying to bring in policies which make the UK less reliant on gas, by investing in wind farms and solar plants.

Labour is also trying to help more people install heat pumps, which run on electricity, as an alternative to gas boilers.

open image in gallery Centrica runs Britains largest gas storage site (Leon Neal/PA) ( PA Archive )

Jess Ralston, head of energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit thinktank, said the Government should continue focusing on cutting demand for gas amid volatile international prices.

She said: Unless the UK starts to reduce its demand for gas then well just become more dependent on imports from abroad, with prices set by the international markets.

When gas prices rise in Europe and across the world, they rise in the UK too; more drilling in the North Sea is a red herring solution.
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

Nigel Farage is set to fix his damaged relationship with the worlds richest man, with the two expected to meet up at what is being billed as the biggest inauguration party in Washington DC hosted by the Reform UK leader.

Elon Musk will be part of a star-studded guest list of 400 from the right of US and UK politics at the party on Friday at the top of the prestigious Hay Adams Hotel in DC.

It is also set to be attended by Donald Trump, many of his family including his sons Donald Jr and Barron, and leading Republicans as well as the UKs new ambassador to the US Lord Mandelson, former prime minister Liz Truss and Tory shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel.

The only people who may not be there though are two of the organisers, Brexiteer businessmen Andy Wigmore and Arron Banks who have had theoir visas revoked.

open image in gallery Labour had resisted working with Nigel Farage but Peter Mandelson has made it clear he is willing to ignore political differences ( PA Wire )

Mr Farage will be hosting the event which has been paid for by his old Brexiteer allies Mr Banks and Mr Wigmore as well as US businessman Gerry Gunster.

But the party has been hit by a hitch with both Mr Banks and Mr Wigmore -known as the bad boys of Brexit - having their entry visas revoked and a desperate last minute scramble by the Trump camp to get them admitted. Friends have speculated that the move could be linked to false allegations that they colluded with Russia.

Mr Banks told The Sunday Times: I am shocked that that US embassy have blocked our visa to the US. This is a political decision and revenge for the failed Russia Hoax perpetrated on both sides of the Atlantic.

One of the attractions for Mr Musk is the events sponsor, Automated Analytics, which is creating the worlds first artificial intelligence cloud data centre powered by renewable energy windmills off the coast of the Humber.

The scheme has been promoted politically by new Doncaster Labour MP Sally Jameson, who may also be at the event.

The party will mark the first meeting between Mr Farage and Mr Musk since the X social media owner called for him to be replaced as Reform UK leader last weekend. Since then, it is understood there have been attempts via Mr Trumps team to repair relations ahead of the inauguration via back channels.

Mr Musk, who it was claimed had been willing to offer $100m to Reform, has retweeted approving of some of Mr Farages posts and the Reform leader noticeably softened his tone on far-right leader Tommy Robinson, whom Mr Musk had described as a political prisoner over the grooming gangs scandal row.

open image in gallery Elon Musk has been outspoken in his support for far-right parties throughout Europe ( PA Wire )

Since helping Mr Trump win Novembers US election, the Tesla owner has been accused of trying to become the power behind the throne for several right-wing parties including Reform but also the far-right Alternative for Deutschland in Germany, and Giorgia Melonis Fratelli dItalia party in Italy.

Mr Wigmore, a longtime Brexiteer ally of Mr Farages, told The Independent: This is going to be the biggest inauguration party in town. Everybody who is anybody is going to be there, including Elon and Nigel.

Meanwhile, Lord Mandelsons attendance appears to confirm that he is willing to work with Mr Farage to improve relations between Mr Trump and Keir Starmers government. Labour had resisted working with Mr Farage but Lord Mandelson has made it clear he is willing to ignore political differences.

Dame Pritis attendance could also mark the start of an attempt by the Tories to come to some sort of agreement with Reform and its leader. She infamously once danced with Mr Farage at a Tory conference and has had a good relationship with him as they are both hardline Brexiteers.

It comes as Reforms deputy leader Richard Tice claimed on Times Radio that Mr Musk remains friends with the party despite the fallout from the row a week ago.

Mr Tice said: The great thing about free speech, Im a huge fan of the worlds most successful entrepreneur possibly ever. I enjoy Mr Musks products. I use a Tesla, I use X, and Starlink is also great.

But the joy of being friends is you can actually agree to disagree on things. Frankly, life would be pretty dull if we all agreed on everything. So on this particular issue, we just agreed to disagree. And here's the real positive point: were not for sale to anybody at any price.
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

A mother has hit out at social media firms over the lack of help solving the mystery death of her son.

Ellen Roome, 48, a businesswoman from Cheltenham, is seeking answers about why her 14-year-old son Jools Sweeney died in April 2022, believing it could have been an online challenge gone wrong.

She said online companies have been awful with allowing her to access her sons accounts after his death.

Ms Roome said technology companies have refused to give her access to the accounts, which could shed light on his death, saying she requires a court order to do so.

She has been campaigning for Jools Law to give parents the right to access their childrens online activity after they die, and the issue is set to be debated in Parliament on Monday.

open image in gallery Ellen Roome is campaigning for Jools law

Ms Roome told the PA news agency that she is particularly interested in Joolss Instagram and TikTok accounts because her son did a lot of challenges which are frequently shared on the platforms.

Asked how companies have acted after her requests for data, she said: Awful. They havent cared at all.

She went on: Theyre not remotely interested. They dont give a damn, and they just, quite frankly, dont care they all say its down to privacy that they cant release data, well, thats ridiculous, because they can redact peoples data.

I dont need to see who said what, I want to know whether it was some kind of blackmail? Was it sextortion? Was it an online challenge?

But my child had no mental health issues offline, he wasnt being bullied.

Jools was discovered unconscious in his bedroom.

open image in gallery Ellen Roome is seeking answers about why her 14-year-old son Jools Sweeney died in April 2022

A coroner found that he took his own life, but was unable to confirm that he was in a suicidal mood before his death, Ms Roome said.

She said Instagram have told her who Jools contacts were but refused to give her messages and browsing data, while TikTok told her that information has been deleted, leaving her not knowing what is truth.

A petition to have the issue debated in Parliament has surpassed 126,000 signatures.

Asked her message to MPs ahead of the debate, she said: If they lost one of their children, I guarantee you they will be doing what Im doing, saying they want answers, and they need to really think about that.

She added: I fell apart at Christmas, the grief paralyzes you sometimes, my world has shattered, and its going to be like that for the rest of my life.

Im just trying to stop it happening to somebody else.

TikTok and Instagram have been approached for comment.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Keir Starmer has greenlit a plan to use the immigration system to recruit a new wave of artificial intelligence (AI) experts and loosen up data mining regulations to help Britain lead the world in the new technology.

The recruitment of thousands of new AI experts by the government and private sector is part of a 50-point plan to transform Britain with the new technology.

It also involves students being pushed on to AI-focused courses to produce thousands of new graduates as ministers plot to build up capacity in the new technology.

The Independent has seen the AI action plan for the UK due to be unveiled next week in which Sir Keir Starmer has warned that the UK will be controlled by foreign powers unless it adopts the new technology across all sectors.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer(Paul Grover/Telegraph/PA) ( PA Wire )

The plan includes the government setting up its own public sector AI compute capacity as well as working with the private sector to maximise its benefits.

The UK will see huge new data centres built around the country as well, as Britain joins the worldwide arms race to benefit from AI.

The plan has been described as underwhelming by some experts who have already seen it.

However, it highlights how the technology can help deliver public services by slashing 20 per cent off the working hours of many employees including teachers in terms of doing paperwork, reports, lesson planning and marking.

In his foreword, Sir Keir said that AI will be at the forefront of his governments top mission to deliver economic growth.

He said: Advances in AI will define the decade to come. This will bring extraordinary opportunities. But those opportunities will only be available to the countries and companies who can work out how to make AI work for them.

Our choice, then, is not whether the AI revolution happens. That is out of our hands. We must decide whether we want to get ahead and shape that revolution, or sit back passively and wait for it to shape us.

I believe that we must fully embrace our role as insurgents in this revolution if our economy is to grow and our people are to prosper. To do anything less  to repeat the mistakes made since the [2008] financial crisis, and ignore the change that is happening around us - would be a dereliction of duty.

open image in gallery Start small, think big: adopting artificial intelligence isnt an all or nothing game ( Getty Images )

While he acknowledged that safeguards would need to be put in place for public confidence in AI to be achieved, he added: Shaping a successful AI future for Britain requires us to act and invest now. Failure to do so will condemn us to merely obeying decisions made by others beyond our borders. As they have done so often in the last decade, British people will lose out. I want Britain to be a leader in this technological revolution, not a follower.

The new strategy is based on four pillars - creating UK government AI compute capacity, encouraging AI entrepreneurship, providing global leadership on AI safety, and g frontier AI companies in London, including Google DeepMinds headquarters, significant OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft and Meta AI offices, as well as emerging local winners  such as Wayve, the autonomous vehicle company.

The document says that in the next six months, the UK will publish an AI investment plan.

It plans to increase AI compute capacity by 20 times the current rate by 2030. There will be AI growth zones while the government may adopt technology used by Amazon to make operations more efficient.

But in an admission that there is still a lack of expertise in Whitehall and the country as a whole, the plan also includes a recruitment strategy to bring in fresh blood to lead the governments push for what is being described as the latest industrial revolution.

The strategy includes pay levels available of at least 75 per cent of the private sector average.

The plan would also involve the government establishing an internal headhunting capability on a par with top AI firms to bring a small number of elite individuals to the UK.

But the government also wants to push for more women in AI and more graduates in the technology overall.

It noted: In 2022, 46,000 students graduated from an AI-relevant higher education programme in the UK. While this is the highest in Europe, with Germany (32,000) second, the UK is behind Finland and others on a per capita basis and there remains unmet demand for skilled workers.

It added: Only 22 per cent of people working in AI and data science are women.8 Achieving parity would mean thousands of additional workers. The AI conversion courses have helped to diversify the AI pipeline, but only at the top end.

Among the other points is a plan to loosen up regulations on data mining of personal and other information to make the UK more competitive.

The document notes the need to reform the UK text and data mining regime so that it is at least as competitive as the EU.

In response to the governments AI Opportunities Action Plan, Adam Leon Smith, a fellow of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and international AI expert said: The AI Opportunities Action Plan is a statement of belief in the UKs tech sector. We will need, at least, tens of thousands more people to become skilled AI professionals to transform the nation in the way this report envisages. Well achieve this by investing not just in university students, but by re-training the over 50s, and winning over more of the half a million women who are missing from the tech industry.

Just as importantly, the report recognises that AI safety, proportionate regulation and professional oversight can set the UK apart as a world-leader, rather than hinder our innovators.

Investing heavily in public sector AI is a very important step, and this must be matched with mechanisms to ensure accountability, measurement of progress, and public trust.

Gaia Marcus, Director of the Ada Lovelace Institute, said: The government should therefore be cautious of formally requiring watchdogs to implement growth goals. Regulators primary role should be to protect the public, and they could become discredited if they are not seen to be doing so.

The public also have nuanced and often strong views on the use of their data, particularly in areas such as health. In light of past backlash against medical data sharing, the Government must continue to think carefully about the circumstances under which this kind of sharing will be acceptable to the public. Greater public engagement and deliberation will help in understanding their views.

Alexander Iosad, Director of Government Innovation at the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), said: As the prime minister has made clear, AI is no longer an if, or even a when; it is here, and it is urgent. The opportunities for Britains economy and our public services are too great for us to ignore. This has to be the Governments priority.

Public sector workers are overwhelmed and overworked, with many choosing to leave rather than try to make a broken system work. The result is a doom loop of growing backlogs, worsening outcomes and rising failure demand. The real impact of this is felt not just by those workers, but by the British public who cant get doctors appointments, the benefits they are entitled to, and the high-quality education they and their children deserve.
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

Nigel Farage has said that he is thoughtful when asked if the UK should consider bringing back Shamima Begum.

The Reform UK leader said that instinctively it is not something he would want to do, but said that he did not view her as an all-out Isis killer.

His comments drew a sharp response from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who said that under her leadership, the UK would never take back Ms Begum, who is currently in a Syrian refugee camp.

The Clacton MPs comments come after Donald Trumps incoming counter-terrorism chief called for the repatriation of British members of the so-called Islamic State being held in Syrian prison camps.

Earlier this week, Sebastian Gorka said that any nation that wishes to be seen as a serious ally of the US should commit to the international fight against the extremist group by taking back citizens currently in the north east of Syria.

open image in gallery Shamima Begum will not be allowed back to the UK, David Lammy said (PA) ( PA Media )

Speaking to ITV News at Reforms South East England conference, Mr Farage said that its very difficult for us to think we should take back people, Shamima Begum and others and instinctively, its not something I want to do.

When asked whether he thought the UK should consider such a move, he said: Ive never wanted to. Ive instinctively never wanted to.

But Im now thoughtful. Im thoughtful. I dont classify her as an Isis, an all-out Isis killer.

Mr Farage said that he believes her to be a lesser part of the equation.

However, he has since shared an article about the interview on X, rebutting the coverage by saying: I have never wanted to allow Shamima Begum back into Britain, as I literally say in this interview.

Taking to social media, Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: Citizenship means committing to a country and wanting its success. Its not an international travel document for crime tourism.

In an interview with The Times, Mr Gorka said: Any nation which wishes to be seen to be a serious ally and friend of the most powerful nation in the world should act in a fashion that reflects that serious commitment when asked if the UK should be forced to accept Isis members back.

That is doubly so for the UK which has a very special place in President Trumps heart and we would all wish to see the special relationship fully re-established.

Foreign secretary David Lammy has said that Ms Begum will not be coming back to the UK.

open image in gallery Shamima Begum was 15 when she travelled to Syria via Turkey with two other girls (Metropolitan Police/PA) ( PA Media )

Speaking to Good Morning Britain on Thursday, he said: Its gone right through the courts. Shes not a UK national.

We will not be bringing her back to the UK. Were really clear about that.

We will act in our security interests. And many of those in those camps are dangerous, are radicals.

Ms Begum was 15 when she travelled from Bethnal Green, east London, into territory controlled by IS in 2015.

She was married off to an IS fighter and was stripped of her British citizenship in February 2019.

The upheaval in Syria following the collapse of Bashar Assads regime has put the future of the camps holding IS-linked prisoners in doubt.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, the anti-Assad group allied with the West, has been guarding tens of thousands of captured foreign IS members and their children in sprawling camps and detention centres.
Ukraine's Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, Mykola Tochytsky, met with Italy's Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, to discuss preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025), which will take place in Rome in July 2025.

"The parties discussed preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025), which will focus on resilience and recovery in Ukraine, particularly in the cultural sphere," the ministry stated.

Tochytsky invited his Italian counterpart to participate in the Ukrainian cultural conference, "Cooperation for Resilience," aimed at coordinating international efforts to support and strengthen Ukraine's cultural sector, facilitate experience sharing, and promote cooperation between nations.

Additionally, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further collaboration and discussed ways to deepen bilateral cultural ties.
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

Donald Trump will not force the UK to take back former citizens who left the country to fight for Islamic State (also known as Isis), his incoming counterterrorism adviser has confirmed.

Sebastian Gorka, who is due to start his second spell in the White House assisting national security adviser Mike Waltz, had been accused of threatening to force Keir Starmer to take back former Isis terrorists, including Shamima Begum.

Begum, who left her home in east London to join Isis with two friends in February 2015, had her UK citizen revoked by former home secretary Sajid Javid and has been denied the right to return following legal challenges.

Shamima Begum fled the UK to join the so-called Islamic State terror group in Syria aged 15 ( PA Archive )

It had been claimed that Mr Gorka had said the UK government must honour its commitment to the international fight against Isis by taking back dozens of Britons in limbo in northeast Syria.

But in a statement first published in the Daily Express, Mr Gorka said: I will not tell Prime Minister Keir Starmer, or any other of Americas allies what they should or should not do with their own citizens. However, protecting the innocent and fighting evil is an objective every decent person should agree with.

He said he had been asked by The Times: Should the UK be forced to accept them back [British Isis prisoners] and put them on trial considering how volatile the situation is in northeastern Syria since the fall of Assad?

His response was: Any nation which wishes to be seen to be a serious ally and friend of the most powerful nation in the world should act in a fashion that reflects that serious commitment.

The row has blown up in the UK with Labour foreign secretary David Lammy and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch stating neither would agree to Begum being allowed back in the country.

However, Nigel Farage told ITV that if the UKs leading ally asked them to take Begum back, then the UK might have to do it, although he restated his opposition to the proposal.

The comment led to criticism from within his own party from some who thought he was too willing to do what Trump asked and a public attack from Ms Badenoch.

Posting on X, Ms Badenoch said: A Conservative government led by me will never take back terrorists like Shamima Begum who have been stripped of their citizenship. Actions must have consequences or there is no deterrent.

Citizenship means committing to a country and wanting its success. Its not an international travel document for crime tourism.

But following Gorkas clarification, Mr Farage told The Independent: If Britains biggest ally does not want us to take Begum back then we definitely should not be doing it. I never supported the idea in the first place.
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 United States announced Friday that it would be returning $52.88 million in seized assets to Nigeria as part of a yearslong corruption probe against former oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and associates, according to a joint statement by Nigeria's minister of justice and the United States government.

It marks the first repatriation of assets linked to Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria's oil minister from 2010 to 2015. She rose to prominence as a powerful figure under former President Goodluck Jonathan, and became the first female president of the oil alliance OPEC.

The seized assets, including a superyacht and prime real estate in New York and California, were confiscated in 2023 by U.S. authorities during Alison-Madueke's trial.

Of the repatriated funds, $50 million will be allocated to rural electrification programs in Nigeria, while the remaining $2.88 million will be disbursed as a grant by the African country to the International Institute for Justice to support rule of law and counterterrorism operations.

As a minister, Alison-Madueke had pledged to transform the oil sector but was accused by authorities of looting millions of dollars in public funds alongside her associates. Authorities say that many such assets were allegedly domiciled in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Although she has consistently denied any wrongdoing, Nigerias antigraft agency has secured court orders seizing houses, cars and jewelry in Nigeria, which it claims were proceeds of corruption connected to the former minister and her associates.

____

Follow APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
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

For 20 agonizing days, the local Hardin community tirelessly searched for Selena Not Afraid, a16-year-old Montana girl who vanished on New Years Day in 2020.

After a night out celebrating the new year, the teen, a member of the Native American tribe Crow Nation, was travelling home in a van when it broke down at a rest area near Billings. Wearing just a light coat and jeans, Selena was not dressed for the frigid temperatures.

Witnesses said she walked off into a field, something her family disputes, and was never seen again. The van later drove off without her and when relatives went to look for her, Selena was nowhere to be found.

For nearly three weeks loved ones searched, until her frozen body was found less than a mile from the rest stop.

She had died of hypothermia, an autopsy determined, and the local authorities ruled out foul play. But her family was not convinced.

open image in gallery Selena Not Afraid, a member of the Native American tribe Crow Nation, was 16 years old when she vanished after being left behind at a rest stop in 2020. Her body was found nearby three weeks later ( Provided )

When Selena first went missing, her aunt jumped into action. She rallied for help through social media, organized searches, and spoke out about combating the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People epidemic.

And when Selenas body was found, Horn did not give up on the girl she lovingly called Sal.

For five years, Horn and other family members, including Selenas mother, Jackie Big Hair, have fought for answers in the teens death.

Then on December 31, 2024, almost exactly five years after Selena was last seen, Robert Alvin Morning-Bromley III was charged with two counts of criminal endangerment, both felonies, in connection to her death.

Prosecutors allege Morning-Bromley, the driver of the van who was in his 20s at the time, left Selena and an adult at a rest stop knowing they were both intoxicated and not dressed for the cold weather.

Morning-Bromleys actions created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to the two women by leaving them under those conditions, the charges allege.

Horn, who has long dedicated her time to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, even more so after the death of Selena, told The Independent that the charges bring closure for her and Selenas mother.

Its a big sigh of relief, she said. Its been a long and emotional five years and this is a chapter were ready to close.

But her aunt hopes that this is just the first time in the justice process.

I want this to go to trial, I want to hear the whole story, she said. They have not said anything this whole time. Were ready to listen.

open image in gallery Selenas aunt, Cheryl Horn, who has long dedicated her time to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, says the charges in her case bring a new chapter of closure ( Provided )

While Morning-Bromleys actions may not have been malicious, he should still be held accountable, Horn believes.

He didnt have to leave them, she said. He admitted he left them. He didnt call the police. He just left them out there, on the frozen tundra. He needs to be held accountable.

The last day Selena Not Afraid was seen alive

Selena had been in Billings with a group of people for New Years Eve and the next day was riding back with them toward her home in Hardin, about 50 miles east, when the van broke down.

When the driver, later identified as Morning-Bromley, eventually got the car working again, he supposedly told the women to get back in the van, but they refused and he drove off without them.

Another woman, identified as adult doe in the charging documents, was the only one there when someone later came to pick them up, according to Big Horn County Sheriffs officials.

A massive search effort was launched for Selena, centered on the rest stop. As temperatures dropped below freezing, her family grew more concerned.

On January 20, 2020, Selenas body was found in the brush less than a mile from where she was last seen.

Big Horn County Sheriff Lawrence Big Hair later ruled her death an accident.

A familys tragic past

Selenas family are no strangers to grief.

Within a span of six years before her own death, Selena lost two sisters, including her twin, and her brother to tragic deaths.

She was just 11 years old when her twin sister, Zoey Not Afraid, died by suicide in 2014.

At the time, their father Leroy Not Afraid, said that school bullying led to Zoeys death, according to NBC Montana, although a later investigation reportedly did not find any evidence.

Three years later, in 2017, Selenas brother, Preston David Bell, 24, was shot and killed by police officers after he rammed a stolen pickup truck into several squad cars and then led police on a pursuit across Billings. Bell was shot 74 times in the span of six seconds, KTVQ reported.

open image in gallery Selenas family has faced tragedy in recent years. In 2018, her sister, Tristen Gray, was walking along Highway 3 in Billings when she was killed by a hit-and-run driver ( Dahl Funeral Chapel )

The five officers involved in the shooting were all placed on leave but later reinstated, according to KTVQ. A coroners jury found that the officers were justified in the shooting.

Then in 2018, Selenas other sister, Tristen Gray, was walking along Highway 3 in Billings when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Charges filed five years later

In charging documents filed on December 31, 2024, prosecutors lay out what they believe happened in the hours leading up to Selenas disappearance.

Morning-Bromley told investigators that the van he was driving had mechanical issues with the water pump which caused him to stop and start the vehicle at different locations.

He pulled over at the rest stop outside the Crow reservation and thats when Selena and the unidentified woman got out of the van and refused to get back in for unknown reasons.

Morning-Bromley was aware that both had been drinking a bottle of Black Velvet while traveling and were highly intoxicated, according to the court documents. He knew that they were not dressed appropriately for winter weather, and that the adult woman had no shoes on.

Despite this, Morning-Bromley left without them.

open image in gallery A massive search was launched at the rest stop along the desolate Montana highway but Selena Not Afraid wasnt found for weeks ( Bureau of Indian Affairs )

He then called his mother, who was traveling the same direction in another vehicle about 15 minutes behind him, and asked her to pick up Selena and the other woman at the rest stop.

When Morning-Bromleys mother arrived at the rest stop, she found the woman who allegedly told her that Selena had walked off into the field south of the rest area, across the fence, and towards the hills, according to documents. The woman honked the horn but left after seeing no signs of Selena.

She later told her son what happened, and he said that he did not know who the girls were but that they were (b)eing little bitches and wouldnt get in, according to the court documents.

Morning-Bromley did not contact police and there is no record of him ever calling or reporting to law enforcement that [Selena] was missing.

He is set to appear in court on January 21  a day after Selenas body was found five years ago.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

There can be justice

Despite years of uncertainty, frustration and heartbreak, the family has never given up their fight for justice  for Selena or any other victim of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) epidemic.

When charges were filed in her nieces case, Selenas aunt said she felt mentally and emotionally exhausted but grateful and believes its a step toward closure.

open image in gallery Despite years of uncertainty, frustration and heartbreak, the family has never given up their fight for justice for Selena ( Provided )

This closure is needed to start the healing, she said. We dont want to be stuck in the same chapter. Its time to let Sal rest and move on to justice.

She said the charges against Morning-Bromley should inspire others. I hope this encourages other families to keep pushing, she added.

To never give up hope. There can still be justice.

How Selenas disappearance helped spark growth in the MMIW movement

Selenas case drew national attention in 2020  but its far from the only missing persons case in Big Horn County.

Indigenous persons go missing at a higher rate than other races in Montana, according to the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force.

While Indigenous people make up 6 percent to 6.5 percent of Montanas population, they account for 30.6 percent of missing persons cases. Out of the 2,263 reported missing in Montana last year, 693 were Indigenous.

The 2023 clearance rate for missing Indigenous persons is currently 99 percent, according to the task force. Out of the 693 Indigenous persons reported missing last year, five are still actively missing.

Horn, who is a member of the task force for the Fort Belknap Indian Community, credits the help of Montana law enforcement agencies, the changes in Big Horn County, specifically the addition of Jeanne Torske, Big Horn County Attorney, who has taken on reviewing the endless cases.

open image in gallery Selenas case drew national attention in 2020  but its far from the only missing persons case in Big Horn County. Her aunt hopes the charges in Selenas case will encourage other families to never give up hope ( Justice For Selena Not Afraid And Family/Facebook )

Horn said she will continue to bring more resources to communities across Montana that would help affected families heal.

We only waited 20 days to find our Sal, Horn said.

Some families wait decades. Some never get closure. So just because we found Selena, doesnt mean its over. We cant forget the girls behind her, the ones who are still missing. Keep saying their names.
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

Dunkin' dropped the Donuts from its brand name years ago. Now  at least across much of Nebraska  it doesnt have doughnuts on the shelves either.

Dunkin' stores in Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island all had no doughnuts in their cases Thursday and Friday and put up signs on their doors and drive-thru kiosks informing customers that the pastries were unavailable due to a manufacturing error. Some locations did offer Munchkins, or doughnut holes, on Friday.

Tyler Raikar, of Omaha, stopped by a Dunkin' in west Omaha early Friday after an overnight shift as a phlebotomist, seeking coffee and a chocolate cake doughnut.

What? No doughnuts! she exclaimed when told the location had none. That's tragic!

The trip wasn't a total loss, she said, as she was more interested in the coffee. Still, she was a little disappointed that she couldn't get a doughnut.

Hopefully they have them soon, she said.

Dunkin'-No Donuts ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

A manager at the west Omaha Dunkin' location said Friday that she could not give more information on the cause of the shortage, citing orders from Dunkin's corporate headquarters. The manager, who did not give her name, said the shortage was a national problem.

But checks of locations in other regions, including St. Joseph, Missouri, and Boston  where Dunkin' has a near cult-like following  found no shortage of the sweet treats.

Dunkin is one of the worlds largest coffee and doughnut brands, with more than 13,200 restaurants. The company, which was founded in Massachusetts in 1950, was purchased for $11.3 billion in 2020 by Atlanta private equity firm Inspire Brands, which also owns Arbys and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Previously known as Dunkin' Donuts, the company announced in 2018 that it was dropping Donuts from its name as part of a rebranding effort to increase focus on its coffee and other drinks, which made up of a majority of its sales.

Phone and email messages left Friday with Dunkin and Inspire Brands were not immediately returned. Calls and emails to Bryce Bares, who owns several Dunkin' franchises in Nebraska, also were not immediately returned.

Bares told the Omaha World-Herald that some Dunkin stores received products from suppliers that were not up to standard and that he would not serve them to customers. He told the newspaper that the supply partners had corrected the problem and that his Nebraska locations should be offering doughnuts again soon.
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

For a ninth consecutive day, thousands of firefighters are still battling the wildfires that are ravaging Los Angeles County.

The Palisades and Eaton fires, along with other smaller blazes, have spread more than 40,000 acres (larger than the land area of Washington, DC), with the flames being fanned by a fierce windstorm known as the Santa Ana winds.

As of Wednesday morning, at least 25 lives had been lost, more than 12,000 homes and structures destroyed and hundreds of thousands of residents still placed under evacuation orders. The economic losses from the fires may reach $275 billion, according to estimates.

With slowing wind speeds earlier this week offering some respite, later on Tuesday, the National Weather Service warned that Angelenos are not out of the woods yet.

Firefighters are bracing for the return of bruising winds as the agency again declared a particularly dangerous situation  the most extreme advance warning  with local gusts expected to reach 65mph before sunrise up until noon on Wednesday.

Below is a timeline of key events from before the first blaze broke out.

Early warning signs

open image in gallery A residence burns as a firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. ( AP )

With the luxury of hindsight, the warning signs seem clear: a fire broke out northeast of the Pacific Palisades on January 1; the National Weather Service warned of potential rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior in parts of Los Angeles if ignition occurred.

Despite the warnings, senior Los Angeles Fire Department officials allegedly decided not to assign 1,000 extra firefighters and dozens of fire engines for emergency deployment the day the wildfires broke out, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times.

By the time the first blaze erupted at 10:30 a.m. on January 7, it took the LAPD 45 minutes to respond to reports of smoke pluming from a wooded area near the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, according to the Washington Post.

And while LA was burning, the citys mayor, Karen Bass, flew to Ghana on diplomatic duties. She was captured posing for pictures at a cocktail party in celebration of the inauguration of Ghanas President John Dramani Mahama when the first fire broke out last week.

January 7

open image in gallery A firefighter battles the advancing Palisades Fire around a structure in the Pacific Palisades on January 7 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The first  and ultimately the most devastating fire  was burning in the Pacific Palisades, an affluent coastal neighborhood west of LA. Since the morning of January 7, it has engulfed more than 23,000 acres and, as of Wednesday morning, is 18 percent contained.

By 7.30pm that evening, the fire spread to almost 3,000 acres before reaching the center of Pacific Palisades.

At around 6:30 p.m., the Eaton Fire erupted in the Altadena area, north of Pasadena, and has now churned through more than 14,000 acres and has been 35 percent contained.

At 10.29, the Hurst fire ignited near San Fernando. It has since burned nearly 800 acres and is 97 percent contained.

January 8

open image in gallery A firefighter works to extinguish flames as the Eaton Fire burns in Pasadena, California, on January 8 ( REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni )

The death toll had climbed to five people, as the fast-moving wildfires continued to sweep across the LA area.

The Palisades fire had burned more than 17,200 acres, while the Eaton fire has scorched some 10,600 acres. The Sunset fire was sparked in the Hollywood Hills and had engulfed 43 acres. All three fires were at zero percent containment.

More than 2,000 buildings had been scorched and tens of thousands of residents forced to evacuate, including more than 60,000 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. More than 330,000 people were without power throughout the region, according to PowerOutage.us.

Fire chiefs also confirmed they were faced with a new challenge: depleted water supplies and low water pressure.

January 9

open image in gallery Water is dropped by helicopter on the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles on January 9 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Another conflagration, the Kenneth fire, ignited in the afternoon and burned more than 1,000 acres near the Los Angeles-Ventura County line. It was at 100 percent containment as of Sunday morning.

California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that more than 7,500 firefighting personnel and almost 1,200 fire trucks have been deployed across Southern California. President Joe Biden, announced the approval of a major disaster declaration and ordered federal assistance to bolster response efforts.

The Department of Medical Examiner announced it had received notification of 10 fire-related fatalities.

The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest in the nation with 500,000 students, closed all of its campuses.

January 10

The Palisades Fire was at six percent containment and had scorched 19,978 acres, while the Altadena and Pasadena-based Eaton fire had burned 13,690 acres and three prercent contained.

Fire crews were still battling the Kenneth Fire that broke out north of the Palisades fire hours, threatening homes near Calabasas and Hidden Hills. The blaze was believed to have been started intentionally, the LAPD announced.

Winds picked up, topping out at 70mph in southern Californias mountainous regions after sunrise, according to the NWS.

January 11

open image in gallery California Wildfires Photo Gallery ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

More than 100,000 residents remained under evacuation orders, as the Eaton fire in Altadena and other blazes in the county continued to burn.

Officials confirmed that at least 16 people had died in the wildfires.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced it would take the lead on a new investigative task force probing the origin of the Palisades fire.

Search and rescue efforts for missing persons related to the fires, which including personnel sifting through the rubble and debris of scorched buldings, began in the morning.

January 12

The death toll climbed to 24 by Sunday and more than 12,000 structures destroyed, according to officials.

The NWS warned of a particularly dangerous situation by the evening and, although peak winds would be weaker than the rest of the week, they were strong enough to potentially cause explosive fire growth. Gusts reached of up to 70mph in mountainous regions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the agency said.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy has vowed to dispatch 150 firefighting personnel from Ukraine to bolster response efforts to the wildfires raging through southern California. Billionaire Elon Musk also vowed to deploy a fleet of Tesla Cybetrucks equipped with Starlink terminals.

January 13

open image in gallery A firefighter monitors the spread of the Auto Fire in Oxnard, northwest of Los Angeles, California, on January 13 ( AFP via Getty Images )

A new blaze, named the Auto Fire, broke out late Monday in Ventura County, and scorched about 56 acres, prompting a swift response from fire crews.

As of Monday morning, the fires had scorched more than 40,000 acres. Only 13 percent of the more than 23,000-acre Palisades fire has been contained. The Eaton fire has burned more than 14,000 acres in Altadena and Pasadena and is 27 percent contained.

After a week of bruising gusts, wind speeds dropped.

President Joe Biden approved a revised major disaster declaration this week, declaring that the federal government will fund 100 percent of debris removal and emergency protective measures.

January 14 and 15

Firefighters contined to brace for the return of bruising Santa Ana winds late on Tuesday into Wednesday morning as the death toll from the raging Los Angeles fires climbed to 25.

On Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service again declared a particularly dangerous situation  the most extreme advance warning  with local gusts expected to reach 65 mph before sunrise up until noon on Wednesday.
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

Fire officials in Los Angeles have run into a serious snag while trying to contain the nearly half-dozen blazes threatening the city - questions about the water supply.

Wildfires currently cover more than 36,386 total acres of Los Angeles County. At least eleven people have died and more than 10,000 structures have been destroyed since the wildfires began. Governor Gavin Newsom told CNN on Wednesday that the county had "depleted all of our resources," and that fire hydrants were completely tapped.

"Those hydrants are typical for two or three fires, maybe one fire. And then you have something at this scale," he told Anderson Cooper.

Satellite imagery of the fires shows them burning only miles away from L.A.'s Pacific Ocean shoreline. How could firefighters run out of water when there's a massive body of it just down the road?

The simple answer is: it's not that simple.

A firefighter waters down a home after the Eaton Fire burns in Altadena, California. Some have questioned if ocean water can be used to battle the blazes ( AP )

Sea water, in theory, could be used to help a fire. But, its salty components can do more harm than good, which is why firefighters typically avoid using it unless absolutely necessary.

Salt is corrosive, and it can damage metal equipment, including critical equipment in water dumping planes and fire pumps.

According to Technology.org, salt can also reduce the cooling effect of water, meaning salt water can be less efficient as a firefighting tool. Salt water also carries a charge better than fresh water, making it slightly more dangerous for firefighters.

Environmental health is also a concern for fire officials considering the use of salt water for battling blazes. When salt water is dumped in large quantities on a fire, that salt has to go somewhere  typically, into the ground, or it's washed into nearby bodies of water.

Introducing large quantities of salt to areas with significant vegetation  as one might expect at the site of a wildfire  is almost always detrimental.

Raising soil salinity  the salt content of an area's soil  makes it harder for plants to draw water and nutrients from the soil via osmosis. Salt can also make the soil toxic, hamper seedling growth and harm the general permeability  how easily water and nutrients can move through the earth  of the soil.

All of that said, firefighters do sometimes use salt water to fight fires; they just have to be careful and selective about when to employ those methods.
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

On January 1, two domestic terror attacks rang in the new year  and the coincidences were hard to miss.

In New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd of revelers in the early morning hours of New Years Day, killing 14, and died after a firefight with police. He also planted improvised explosive devices around the French Quarter that never detonated. Later that morning, Matthew Livelsberger drove a Tesla Cybertruck filled with explosives outside of a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, fatally shooting himself moments before the vehicle exploded.

Both men had backgrounds in the U.S. Army, with Jabbar serving until 2020, and Livelsberger remaining on active-duty in Colorado following a decorated career in the elite Green Beret special forces unit.

Both men had extremist ideas, with Jabbar pledging allegiance to the terror group ISIS, and Livelsberger hoping his attack would serve as a wake up call to shock Americans into realizing their weak and feckless leaders only serve to enrich themselves.

Both men had deployed to Afghanistan. Both had even served at the same base in North Carolina.

The twin truck attacks raise the question: does the military have an extremism problem? And if so, what can be done to stop it?

open image in gallery Army special forces veteran Matthew Livelsberger was one of two veterans who carried out a terror attack on New Years Day ( LinkedIn )

Those with backgrounds in the military appear no more likely to hold extreme views than the rest of the country.

Thats according to RAND researcher Ryan Andrew Brown, who conducted a nationally representative sample of extremist beliefs among U.S. vets.

He asked about their support for a range of ideologies, from right-wing causes like QAnon and the racist Great Replacement theory to left-wing ones like antifa and Black nationalism.

We found that support for those ideologies or for those groups was the same or lower than the overall U.S. population, suggesting that veterans dont necessarily ideologically or group-wise have a disproportionate baseline vulnerability to get radicalized or recruited, he told The Independent.

However, veterans that do hold extremist views are more likely to act on them.

New Orleans attack Shamsud-Din Jabbar surveilled New Orleans street before carrying out attack, in what experts said was a sign of his military mindset

A study from the National Consortium for The Study of Terrorism and Response to Terrorism found that between 1990 and 2022, 170 people with U.S. military backgrounds plotted 144 mass casualty terror attacks, representing about 25 percent of all individuals planning such crimes during this period. That proportion is more than three times the share of military veterans in the overall population.

The study also found nearly three-quarters of these offenders were motivated by far-right extremist groups and movements.

It is not that there are more extremists among the military, Wendy Via, CEO and co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, said.

However, the problem is what this small group of individuals does once they cross over into extremism. The military naturally selects people who are willing to stick to a mission and take on risk. Extremist veterans take these qualities, plus their combat training, and twist them towards terrorist ends.

They have this expertise and you saw it in both of these events, Via said. You saw it with the surveillance. You saw it with the planning. With the recording. With the weapons training. The IEDs. All of that is military training.

open image in gallery Studies suggest veterans dont hold disproportionately high rates of extremist beliefs, but military extremists are more likely to act on these ideas ( Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

These attributes, plus Americas high esteem for the military, are why right-wing groups and militias like the Oath Keepers explicitly recruit active military and veterans, to often frightening results.

Multiple veterans were present during the 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol, alongside far-right groups like the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, with those trained to protect America becoming part of the mob trying to overturn an election.

The circumstances of the Vegas and New Orleans attacks represent the magnitude and complexity of the threat. Both men had extremely different views and personal circumstances, yet arrived at similarly violent conclusions.

A family member toldThe Independent that Livelsberger was extremely patriotic and loved Trump.

He used to have all patriotic stuff on Facebook, he was 100 percent loving the country, his uncle, Dean Livelsberger, said. 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.

open image in gallery Military members weapons training, planning experience, and bravery all make them more dangerous if they turn to extremism, according to researchers

Just before the attack, Livelsberger had reportedly broken up with his wife, and he reportedly sent a conspiratorial email to a prominent podcaster claiming the recent drone scare above New Jersey was really evidence of Chinese gravitic propulsion technology.

Livelsberger, who once organized supplies to distribute to children in Afghanistan, also appeared to be morally conflicted by a lifetime of service in combat. He wrote in a cellphone note that he wanted to cleanse his mind of the brothers Ive lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took."

Jabbar, meanwhile, also had personal troubles, though family members are still puzzled by his extremism.

The Texas man had gone through three divorces prior to his attack, and was facing tens of thousands of dollars in debt and business losses. His family members said that Jabbar had been Muslim for most of his life, but that his turn to violence wasnt connected to his faith.

What he did does not represent Islam, his half-brother, Abdur Jabbar, told The New York Times. This is more some type of radicalization, not religion.

The military has taken some encouraging steps to head off future violence, like the Biden administration launching extremism studies in the military and Department of Homeland Security, and the Marines and Army adopting new reporting rules and training for service members about off-limits extremist activities.

Still, according to Via, plenty more can be done, and MAGA Republicans seem intent on rolling back much of the partial progress thats been made.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has vowed to go after woke generals, and has suggested a defense secretary pick accused on extremism himself ( AP )

Via pointed to a counter-extremism working group inside the Defense Department that has steadily lost funding until it was completely gutted in this years National Defense Authorization Act. The cuts were a victim of the rights push to root out any sort of focus on identity or politics within the military, under the banner of ending the armed forces alleged turn towards wokeness, Via believes.

It is a result of the MAGA Republicans complete commitment to eradicating DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] and wokeness, even though wokeness is not a thing, she said. Its just a word they use to describe a bogeyman. Its just a term that has been very successfully used to describe a problem that does not exist.

The military, in fact, has a long history of leading the way on social progress, racially integrating in the 1940s, two decades before the landmark legislative advances of the civil rights movement. It is now more diverse than the U.S. population itself, and this positive exposure to people from a variety of backgrounds may actually help deradicalize people, according to Brown, the RAND expert.

At the same time, more than one-third of all active-duty troops, and more than half of minority service members, told a MilitaryTimes poll in 2020 they had personally witnessed white nationalism or other forms of ideologically-driven racism in the ranks.

open image in gallery Trump defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth is accused of calling for the death of all Muslims and having extremist, Crusader-inspired tattoos ( Pete Hegseth/ Instagram )

Despite this complicated reality, the incoming Trump administration seems unlikely to pursue the kind of research and funding experts argue would help tackle extremism, minimizing the nature of the threat at some times, and describing it in highly politicized and often inaccurate ways in others.

After the New Orleans attack, Trump almost instantly linked the killing to immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, even though the attacker was later revealed to be a veteran and U.S. citizen.

Prior to the massacre, Trump vowed to set up an anti-woke task force to monitor U.S. generals, while Trump administration defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth is accused of drunkenly shouting kill all Muslims while president of a veterans group, allegations on which he has declined to comment.

In 2021, Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran, was barred from participating in President Bidens inauguration because a military officer was concerned Hegseth had tattoos of a Crusaders cross and the motto Deus Vult, symbols popular with right-wing militias.

Brown, the RAND researcher, said he sees a troubling lack of introspection from politicians and commentators when it comes to veterans extremism. Some seem to only acknowledge it when it comes from someone with a different identity or ideology than their side of the political spectrum.

Its really unfortunate, he said. Everyone is waiting to see what the race and identity of the attacker is and hoping its not their side. If it is their side, then its a false flag.

While officials may not be willing to confront the problem head-on, its only a matter of time before the next plot begins.
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

Nearly one third of U.S. states  with a combined population of just over 104 millions people  are now unable to access PornHub, the worlds largest pornography site.

That is because all those states have passed laws requiring porn websites to verify that their users are over-18, such as by checking their drivers licenses, or else be vulnerable to civil lawsuits.

The result is that online porn giant Aylo, which owns PornHub, RedTube, and YouPorn  has simply stopped operating in those states, arguing that it cannot comply with the laws without violating its users privacy.

Advocates say these laws are necessary to prevent children from accessing online porn, which they claim is distorting young peoples sexuality and normalizing sexual abuse.

Critics argue that they are ineffective, burdensome, and effectively ban reputable providers from operating at all  as well as potentially being a Trojan horse for crackdowns against sexual and gender freedom.

At the core of the debate is a genuinely thorny technical and legal question: how to verify someones age over the internet without exposing them to cyber theft or government surveillance.

Age verification providers are adamant that this is possible. But in practice, that question is overshadowed by Americas culture war  and by the rising tide of social conservatism that seeks to control and suppress sexuality itself.

This is the canary in the coal mine. It isnt just about porn, digital rights advocate Evan Greer told the BBC .

HTML <iframe title=Porn restrictions in the US aria-label=Map id=datawrapper-chart-sx8Ji src=https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sx8Ji/2/ scrolling=no frameborder=0 style=border: none; width=600 height=541 data-external=1></iframe> 

Age verification systems are surveillance systems

In July 2024, Donald Trump ally and Project 2025 contributor Russell Vought sat down in a five-star hotel room in Washington, DC to meet two men whod represented themselves as relatives of a wealthy potential donor.

Wed have a national ban on pornography if we could, right? Vought allegedly said. Wed have the porn companies being investigated for all manner of human rights abuses.

But instead, he explained, were doing it from the back door  starting with the kids.

In fact, the two other men were undercover agents of a British environmentalist nonprofit, who then shared the video of their conversation with The Intercept .

By back door, Vought was referring to a new type of anti-pornography law that has attracted broad bipartisan support, even as they provoke numerous first amendment lawsuits.

This wave is the product of a strange alliance between Laurie Schlegel, a sex addiction therapist and freshman Republican state legislator in Louisiana, and Gail Dines, a British radical feminist who helped build bipartisan support for Schlegels bill.

You cant be 10 years old and go into Mr. Binkys thats an adult bookstore in my district, Schlegel told The Free Press in 2023 . This is public policy weve accepted across the board in brick-and-mortar stores, but weve just been giving a pass to the internet.

Schlegels bill was passed almost unanimously by Louisianas state legislature, with the support of both parties. That pattern has repeated across the US.

Most of these laws are similar to Schlegels, which citizens to sue porn providers if they fail to implement reasonable age verification methods, either directly or through a third party provider.

The law isnt very specific about what methods count as reasonable, but gives checking government IDs and checking transactional data (such as mortgage or employment records) as examples.

Schlegels law also requires age verifiers to delete all identifying information after access has been granted.

Yet porn sites and free speech activists say these laws are riddled with problems.

Aylo has publicly supported age verification of users for years, a spokesperson for Aylo told The Independent. [But] any regulations that require hundreds of thousands of adult sites to collect significant amounts of highly sensitive personal information is putting user safety in jeopardy.

Age checking methods that use government IDs also freeze out the sizable number of people who do not have one.

Age verification systems are surveillance systems, says the Electronic Frontier Foundation . Once information is shared to verify age, theres no way for a website visitor to be certain that the data theyre handing over is not going to be retained and used by the website, or further shared or even sold.

A 2022 report by Frances data regulator CNIL found that there was no solution on offer that simultaneously offered sufficient reliability, complete coverage of the population, and respect... for privacy and security.

Opponents also argue there are less intrusive ways to stop children from accessing adult content  such as stronger parental controls on devices. Given that, they argue, why should adults be required to expose their identity simply to access a legal and constitutionally protected art form?

Besides, most users will be able to find porn elsewhere, on websites that do not even try to comply. Porn companies that have tried to implement age checks say their users largely refuse to participate.

To speak frankly, this is leading to the suppression of the most responsible sites in the industry in favour of those that often do not verify uploaders, do not moderate content, do not integrate age verification, a spokesperson for porn site xHamster told the BBC .

This can be done in a privacy-preserving way

Age verification providers and child protection advocates insist that its possible to check users age without creating some dodgy database of citizens masturbation habits.

When the UK first tried to do this back in 2017, there was a very legitimate question about how this could technically be done, Andy Burrows, head of a British child protection group called the Molly Rose Foundation, tells The Independent.

Weve now had the best part of a decade of the market developing solutions... and I think we can say with certainty that there are robust technical means to age assure at 18 in a privacy-preserving way.

Take Yoti, a British company that works with adult sites and apps such as OnlyFans, as well as tobacco vendors, gaming companies, and social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

Weve done over 700 million age checks over the last five six years, and all of those 700 million checks have been deleted immediately after we estimated the age, chief executive Robin Tombs tells The Independent.

No porn site gets to see anything [about the user] apart from an over 18 or an under 18 result. Thats not well explained by many privacy organizations, and by some adult sites who basically dont want to see age verification come in.

With this method, users take a photo of their face which is then analyzed by AI to estimate their age. Tombs says this involves no analysis of the users actual identity, and that all photos are deleted once the check is finished. Hence, neither Yoti nor the porn site ever needs to know who you are.

AI face estimation is not without drawbacks. Tombs admits that users at the borderline, who have only recently come of age, sometimes cannot use it, because they may still look to young for the AI to be confident that they really are over 18.

Another method, used in Germany, lets people show their ID card at a post office and get a unique ID to access adult sites. This could potentially be done without logging the persons identity, but as CNIL points out such systems require much work to set up.

Burrows agrees that striking a good balance between safety and privacy requires a high degree of regulatory clarity and engagement  something few US age verification laws currently provide.

We find ourselves being asked to justify some of the legislation coming from red states that isnt being constructed or driven the way we would look to do it, he says.

Legislation should be drafted in a way that... there isnt the potential for mission creep, which starts taking us into a more subjective measure of what is and isnt harmful for children.

Mission creep is exactly what opponents fear will happen. The chilling effect here is the point, Michael Stabile of the Free Speech Coalition, an adult industry trade group, told New York magazine , arguing that these laws are simply a way to shut down the porn industry in general.

Vought himself said as much in the undercover recording. What happens is, the porn company then says were not gonna do business in your state. Which is of course entirely what we were after.

Indeed, Project 2025 calls for porn to be outlawed entirely, with creators jailed and librarians who stock such material  its odd definition fo pornography including the omnipresent propagation of transgender ideology  be classed as sex offenders.

Given American conservatives sustained attempt to tar LGBT+ people in general as child abusers , its easy to see why some Americans wouldnt trust these new laws.

All of which leaves us with yet another new front in the culture war, but not much in the way of actually effective age verification systems that are widely used and trusted. A cynic might suspect that thats the point.
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

Some Democrats in California are concerned that President-elect Donald Trump will again politicize disaster aid amid the wildfires torching the Golden State.

Even if we nominally secure some of these things, the money wont flow until Trump is president. And hes just such a wild card, theres reason for worry, California Rep. Jared Huffman told Politico.

Trump has placed the blame squarely on California Governor Gavin Newsom, claiming that the fault lies with his water policies in an area that has has received a scant half-inch of rain since July in the second-driest period in 150 years.

The fires have destroyed large areas of Los Angeles County, and Trump has previously issued threats to withhold disaster relief funds from blue states, including California.

Congress passed disaster relief during the government funding battle last month, but some members believe they will have to do so again when the next funding deadline comes up in March.

The Democrats are yet to make any bold proclamations that Trump and Republicans will block disaster aid. Some California members told Politico that they hope the Republicans will be willing to help them out.

Republican California Reps. Young Kim and Doug LaMalfa have stated that the issue should stay bipartisan.

California Democrat Jimmy Panetta told the outlet: If you kind of look at the last four years, though, under the previous Trump administration, you saw Gov. Newsom know how to handle President Trump. In the sense that, fight him where they need to fight him, but also work with them when we need things out of them.

Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles on Thursday. ( AP )

Trump has claimed that Newsom is responsible for the meager water supply in Los Angeles, claiming in a social media post on Wednesday that Newsom "refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water" to be used to put out the fires.

There is no such document as the water restoration declaration  that is pure fiction, the office of the governor said in a statement in response.

California Institute for Water Resources climate scientist Daniel Swain told the BBC that California is not experiencing water supply shortages at the moment, not in southern California or elsewhere. There is plenty of water in the reservoirs for firefighting or whatever you want to do with it, he added.

Trump has also claimed that there was no water for fire hydrants amid reports that some fire hydrants have run out of water. But local officials say this is due to a heavy pressure on the system.

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin said the area saw low pressure on a small amount of hydrants for a limited period of time, but he said all problems had been resolved.

There are very localized incidents of this unfolding where the fire hydrants have had insufficient water pressure for firefighters to use them, but thats not because LA is running out of water, Swain told the BBC.
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 Danish government spoke privately with members of President-elect Donald Trumps team about security in Greenland, signaling they are willing to work with the U.S. after Trump said he wanted to buy the country.

In recent days, representatives of the Danish government spoke with the incoming administration broadly about security measures in Greenland  and more specifically about potentially increasing U.S. military presence there, according to Axios

Those familiar with the conversation told Axios that Denmark asked the Trump team for clarification about what the president-elect wanted after he repeatedly said he wanted the U.S. to take over Greenland and did not rule out using military force.

While the Danish government reiterated that Greenland is not for sale they expressed a willingness to work with the Trump team on the president-elects desires.

The Independent has asked a member of the TrumpVance transition team and the Danish government for comment.

open image in gallery Greenland Premier (left) and Denmark Prime Minister (right) address the U.S.s recent bid for Greenland in a press conference on Friday ( Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima )

Those private conversations, if true, appear to be Denmarks way of turning the temperature down as Trump stirs the pot.

Though he has not officially taken office yet, Trump signaled he plans to try and increase U.S. presence  or control  over Greenland because it serves a national security role for the U.S.

Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr., took a one-day trip to Greenland with his team to speak with locals, officials said this was a personal trip.

Greenland, a country of approximately 56,000 people, is an autonomous territory of Denmark. The island country is situated northeast of Canada within the Arctic Circle. The U.S. has had a military base on Greenland since 1951, it currently is part of the U.S. Space Force.

Trumps comments, in which he did not rule out using military force to take over Greenland, were met with ire from European leaders who warned the incoming president about taking aggressive action against NATO-aligned countries.

open image in gallery Trump Jr flew to Greenland in a Trump Force One airplane ( AP )

Its unclear how serious Trump is about his threats regarding Greenland. Secretary of State Antony Blinken threw cold water on Trumps comments saying it was not a good idea and not going to happen.

In a press conference on Friday, Greenlandic Premier Mute Egede and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said they met in Copenhagen and agreed to open discussions with Trump. Both have assured that Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and that the country is not for sale.

"We have a desire for independence, a desire to be the master of our own house ... This is something everyone should respect, Egede said. "But that doesnt mean we are cutting all ties, all cooperation and all relations with Denmark.
Taiwan reports 2024 population decline as newborns hit record low

Xinhua) 15:43, January 11, 2025

TAIPEI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's population declined in 2024, failing to sustain its 2023 rebound, the island's internal affairs department said on Friday.

As of the end of 2024, Taiwan's population was approximately 23.4 million, a decrease of 20,222 people compared to the end of 2023, the department said.

The number of newborns in 2024 fell to 134,856, the lowest figure since records began. This represented a crude birth rate of 5.76 per 1,000 people, a drop of 715 births from 2023 and marking the ninth consecutive annual decline since 2016.

A total of 202,107 deaths were recorded on the island in 2024 -- equivalent to a crude death rate of 8.63 per 1,000 people -- which was 3,261 fewer deaths than in 2023.

The number of marriages also declined, with 123,061 couples tying the knot in Taiwan last year, 2,131 fewer than the previous year.

The proportion of the population aged 65 and above accounted for 19.18 percent of the region's total. This means that Taiwan is now on the brink of becoming a super-aged society -- a society in which seniors aged 65 and above account for 20 percent of the total population.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. Azerbaijan has informed Serbia of a suspension in daily gas deliveries of 1.7 million cubic meters due to technical problems at the Shah Deniz field, said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Trend reports.

At the time of publication, bp, the operator of Shah Deniz, and Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR did not immediately respond to Trends request for comment regarding the technical issues or the timeline for resolution.

This development follows a recent halt in gas supplies to Bulgaria. Natural gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria have been temporarily suspended due to technical reasons starting from January 7, 2025.

Bulgarian Bulgargaz Energy Company has announced the suspension, noting that supplies are expected to resume on January 11, 2025.

"The notice of the temporary halt was received from the Azerbaijani supplier on January 6, 2025," the company said.

In response to Trends request, ICGB AD, operator of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) said that the pipeline is fully operational.

The company said it was also recently notified about a temporary unplanned pause in Azerbaijani gas deliveries.

Meanwhile, ICGBs infrastructure is fully operational and fulfilling other client nominations as usual. Were not aware of the technical details that caused this as the issue does not lay with the interconnectors facilities, said the company.
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

Thousands of people demonstrated against a convention held by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on Saturday as political parties launched their campaigns for next months national election.

A heavy police presence was in place in Riesa  in the eastern state of Saxony, an AfD stronghold  and officers cleared some protesters from the streets.

However, the two-day conference started a little over two hours late as many delegates trips to the venue were slowed by blockades. AfD formally nominated co-leader Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor. She thanked delegates for defying the left-wing mob.

Polls show AfD in second place ahead of the 23 February election, with about 20 per cent support. However, Ms Weidel  who this week held a live broadcast chat with tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has endorsed the party  has no realistic chance of becoming Germanys leader as other parties refuse to work with AfD.

open image in gallery Alice Weidel during her speech in Riesa on Saturday ( AP )

It is the mainstream conservative opposition Union bloc that leads polls with around 30 per cent and its candidate, Friedrich Merz, is the favourite to become the next chancellor.

The Union is focusing on boosting Germanys stagnant economy and on reducing irregular migration. Ms Weidel assailed it as a party of fraudsters on Saturday, urging people to vote for the original and strengthen her party.

She called for the closure of Germanys borders to undocumented migration and for the large-scale deportations of asylum seekers, making it clear that she has no problem with the politically charged term remigration.

She pledged to return to service the Nord Stream gas pipeline that was damaged in 2022 explosions shortly after Russia cut off gas supplies to Germany, and won loud applause for saying that AfD would tear down all wind turbines  which she described as windmills of shame  if it came to power.

At a news conference in Hamburg, Mr Merz concentrated on his own partys offer of fundamental change after the unpopular and notoriously rancorous coalition of centre-left chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed. He said he aims to lead a government that stops arguing; a government that draws up reliable laws that also endure in the longer term, producing a reliable environment for domestic and foreign investors. Then we will have higher potential growth, and then we will have higher actual growth again.

open image in gallery Police officers deal with protesters outside the AfD rally in Riesa ( Reuters )

Mr Scholz is still hoping for a victory despite being behind in the polls, although there has been little sign of significant movement so far in surveys that show support for his Social Democrats at 14 to 17 per cent. His coalition government collapsed in November when he fired his finance minister in a dispute over how to revitalise the economy, leading to an early election.

Mr Scholz conceded on Saturday that mistakes were made and said that maybe I should also have ended the coalition earlier. But he said that its time to look to the future. Lets fight, he told delegates at a party convention in Berlin, which formally confirmed his nomination as its candidate in a show of hands.

He accused Mr Merzs Union of having no serious plans to tackle Germanys problems and said it is making expensive promises for the absolute top earners that would rip a gigantic crater in our budget.

open image in gallery A delegate waits for the start of the AfD conference in Riesa ( EPA )

Mr Scholz, who has made Germany one of the leading weapons suppliers to Ukraine in its war with Russia but refused to send it Taurus long-range cruise missiles, again pledged to maintain his steadfast and prudent approach.

And he reiterated his pushback against US president-elect Donald Trumps recently expressed designs on Greenland and other territories, declaring that the principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country, whether it lies to the east of us or the west; every state must keep to this principle, whether it is a small state or a very big and powerful one.

Mr Merz said that public finger-pointing from Germany has never made an impression in America, and as a rule has achieved the opposite.
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 daughter of Dominique Pelicot has said her father must die in prison as she described the crushing double burden of being the child of a convicted rapist and his victim, her mother.

Caroline Darian, 46, says her father, who in December was sentenced to 20 years in prison after it was revealed that over the course of a decade, he drugged his then wife, Gisele, with tranquilisers and sleeping pills before raping her himself and inviting 50 other men to do the same, is a dangerous man who cannot ever be allowed free.

It will be years before Pelicot, 72, is eligible for parole, so it is possible he will never see his family again, but Ms Darian is adamant that this never becomes a reality.

Police discovered that Ms Darians mother had been subjected to years of rape after Pelicot was caught upskirting in a supermarket and authorities proceeded to search the couples property.

On Pelicots laptop and phones, they found thousands of videos and photos of an unconscious Gisele being raped by strangers.

Describing the moment in November 2020 when Gisele told her daughter what had happened, Ms Darian told the BBC: At that moment, I lost what was a normal life. I remember I shouted, I cried, I even insulted him. It was like an earthquake. A tsunami.

She was then shown photographs from her fathers laptop of herself, lying unconscious on a bed dressed in just a T-shirt and underwear. Ms Darian says she did not recognise herself until the police pointed out a birthmark on her cheek.

Pelicot denies abusing his daughter  though he was found guilty of using his daughters properties to invite men to rape Gisele  but Ms Darian is adamant that she was also drugged, like her mother, probably for sexual abuse.

Unlike her mother, who has emerged as a feminist icon in France after waiving her anonymity at trial, there is no evidence to prove this abuse.

Ms Darian says she hoped her father would have confessed during his trial but he refused to admit guilt. Now, she is campaigning for more attention to be paid to chemical submission, which is drug-facilitated assault.

She has founded a movement called Dont Put Me Under (#MendorsPas) and her book, Ill Never Call Him Dad Again, written in 2022 but recently released in English, depicts that first year after finding out the horrors of her fathers life.

Discovery of her fathers crimes has left her in a difficult position; she says she lost a part of me  of my identity when she found out what he had done.

You cant imagine the sadness and the loneliness, she told The Guardian. Ive got a part of his DNA. And its difficult to be the daughter of the biggest sexual criminal for the past 10, 20, even 30 years, and at the same time be the daughter of an icon like my mum  I dont know if its better to be the daughter of Gisele or worse to be the daughter of Dominique Pelicot. Ill have to live with that.

She described it as like having to mourn someone who is still alive.
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

Donald Trump has tossed expansionist rhetoric at U.S. allies and potential adversaries with arguments that the frontiers of American power need to be extended into Canada and the Danish territory of Greenland, and southward to include the Panama Canal.

Trump's suggestions that international borders can be redrawn  by force if necessary  are particularly inflammatory in Europe. His words run contrary to the argument European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are trying to impress on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But many European leaders  who've learned to expect the unexpected from Trump and have seen that actions don't always follow his words  have been guarded in their response, with some taking a nothing-to-see-here view rather than vigorously defend European Union member Denmark.

Analysts, though, say that even words can damage U.S.-European relations ahead of Trump's second presidency.

Several officials in Europe  where governments depend on U.S. trade, energy, investment, technology, and defense cooperation for security  emphasized their belief that Trump has no intention of marching troops into Greenland.

I think we can exclude that the United States in the coming years will try to use force to annex territory that interests it, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said.

open image in gallery Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen speaks to the media after a meeting with party leaders

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pushed back  but carefully, saying borders must not be moved by force" and not mentioning Trump by name.

This week, as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy pressed Trumps incoming administration to continue supporting Ukraine, he said: No matter whats going on in the world, everyone wants to feel sure that their country will not just be erased off the map.

Since Putin marched troops across Ukrainian borders in 2022, Zelenskyy and allies have been fighting  at great cost  to defend the principle that has underpinned the international order since World War II: that powerful nations cant simply gobble up others.

The British and French foreign ministers have said they can't foresee a U.S. invasion of Greenland. Still, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot portrayed Trumps remarks as a wake-up call.

"Do we think were entering into a period that sees the return of the law of the strongest?" the French minister said. Yes."

On Friday, the prime minister of Greenland  a semiautonomous Arctic territory that isnt part of the EU but whose 56,000 residents are EU citizens, as part of Denmark  said its people dont want to be Americans but that hes open to greater cooperation with the U.S.

Cooperation is about dialogue," leader Mute B. Egede said.

open image in gallery An effigy of President-elect Donald Trump is dragged on a street during a demonstration marking Martyrs' Day, a national day of mourning to honor the 21 Panamanians who were killed during the January 1964 anti-American riots over sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone, in Panama City, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Agustin Herrera) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the U.S. "our closest ally and said: We have to stand together.

European security analysts agreed theres no real likelihood of Trump using the military against NATO ally Denmark, but nevertheless expressed profound disquiet.

Analysts warned of turbulence ahead for trans-Atlantic ties, international norms and the NATO military alliance  not least because of the growing row with member Canada over Trump's repeated suggestions that it become a U.S. state.

open image in gallery Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute B. Egede attends a press conference in the Mirror Hall at the Prime Ministers Office ( REUTERS )

There is a possibility, of course, that this is just ... a new sheriff in town," said Flemming Splidsboel Hansen, who specializes in foreign policy, Russia and Greenland at the Danish Institute for International Studies. "I take some comfort from the fact that he is now insisting that Canada should be included in the U.S., which suggests that it is just sort of political bravado.

But damage has already been done. And I really cannot remember a previous incident like this where an important ally  in this case the most important ally  would threaten Denmark or another NATO member state.

Hansen said he fears NATO may be falling apart even before Trump's inauguration.

I worry about our understanding of a collective West," he said. "What does this even mean now? What may this mean just, say, one year from now, two years from now, or at least by the end of this second Trump presidency? What will be left?

Some diplomats and analysts see a common thread in Trump's eyeing of Canada, the Panama Canal and Greenland: securing resources and waterways to strengthen the U.S. against potential adversaries.

open image in gallery David Lammy addressed recent comments made by US President-elect Donald Trump about Greenland and Nato (PA) ( PA Wire )

Paris-based analyst Alix Frangeul-Alves said Trump's language is all part of his Make America Great Again mode.

In Greenland's soils, she noted, are rare earths critical for advanced and green technologies. China dominates global supplies of the valuable minerals, which the U.S., Europe and other nations view as a security risk.

Any policy made in Washington is made through the lens of the competition with China, said Frangeul-Alves, who focuses on U.S. politics for the German Marshall Fund.

Some observers said Trump's suggested methods are fraught with peril.

Security analyst Alexander Khara said Trumps claim that we need Greenland for national security purposes reminded him of Putin's comments on Crimea when Russia seized the strategic Black Sea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.

Suggesting that borders might be flexible is a completely dangerous precedent, said Khara, director of the Centre for Defense Strategies in Kyiv.

Were in a time of transition from the old system based on norms and principles, he said, and heading to more conflicts, more chaos and more uncertainty.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Ukraine has captured two North Korean soldiers and taken them prisoner, transporting them to Kyiv for questioning in what the countrys security services say is irrefutable evidence of Pyongyangs involvement in Russias war.

Both soldiers were captured on 9 January in the Russian border region of Kursk, Kyiv said.

Volodymyr Zelensky posted pictures of the two, saying the world needs to know the truth about what is happening.

Ukraines security service, known as the SBU, said one of the two had fake Russian identification documents. A third North Korean soldier was captured last month but died from injuries.

open image in gallery One of the two pictures posted by Volodymyr Zelensky showing a North Korean prisoner of war ( @ZelenskyyUa/X )

Russia and North Korea both deny their troops are working together in Kursk; Britain, Ukraine, the United States and South Korea all believe otherwise.

Previously, it was reported that many of roughly 12,000 North Korean soldiers believed to have deployed to Russia had been handed fake Russian documents to conceal their true identity.

Communication with the two prisoners, reportedly born in 2005 and 1999, is being done in cooperation with South Korean intelligence.

The SBU added that one of the soldiers claimed he had been told by his seniors that he was deploying to a training mission, only to find himself fighting on the frontline in Kursk. The claims echo previous reports that Russian soldiers believed they were heading to training missions only to find themselves fighting in Ukraine.

open image in gallery Zelensky says he is allowing media access to the soldiers for transparency ( @ZelenskyyUa/X )

This was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North Korean military personnel usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Koreas involvement in the war against Ukraine, Mr Zelensky wrote. I have instructed the Security Service of Ukraine to grant journalists access to these prisoners.

Meanwhile, the Russian military claimed to have taken control of the town of Shevchenko in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, located near the outskirts of the city of Pokrovsk.

The city has been the object of Russias wider offensive in the Donetsk region for months.

It is a linchpin of the regions defence, sitting on key logistical routes feeding the rest of the wider area.

Russia often prematurely claims control of towns and cities in Ukraine but DeepState, a Ukrainian war tracker with close ties to the military, records Shevchenko as almost completely occupied.

The Russian defence ministry posted footage appearing to show a soldier raising the countrys national flag on top of the heavily damaged roof of a multi-storey building in the town.

At least two additional videos were being circulated among Russian military bloggers on Telegram appearing to show soldiers holding up national or brigade flags in the town, although one video was posted several days ago. In both, the soldiers are standing among ruins.

Separately, Mr Zelensky spoke to Joe Biden following the announcement of a new UK-US sanctions package on Russias critically important energy sector.

The sanctions target more than 180 oil-carrying vessels that are suspected to be part of a shadow fleet utilised by the Kremlin to evade oil sanctions, as well as Russian energy majors, traders, oil field service firms and energy officials. Several of the vessels targeted are also suspected of shipping sanctioned Iranian oil, according to the US Treasury.

It is very important that America has now struck at Russias shadow tanker fleet and at companies such as Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, which accumulate money for Putin personally. He must feel the price of his war, losing from his wallets, Mr Zelensky said on Telegram.

Meanwhile in Russia, Ukrainian drones slammed into apartment blocks in western Tambov province, blowing out windows and damaging balconies in two five-story blocks, acting regional governor Yegveniy Pervyshov said. Russia shot down 85 Ukrainian drones, mostly targeting the south and west, it said.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

A new film which will undoubtedly anger the Kremlin is set to depict an AI version of Vladimir Putin in soiled adult nappies, in what has been described as a bizarre deepfake biopic.

The film, entitled Putin, is due to be released in 35 countries and shows the Russian president working as a taxi driver, cheating on his wife and ordering the carpet-bombing of Chechnya.

Its Polish director, Patryk Vega, who has previously been known for his graphic depictions of the criminal underworld, used AI technology to superimpose the face of Putin onto an actor.

Slawomir Sobala studied Putins body language, movement and mannerisms in order to effectively portray the dictator, with the actor seen in one shot curled up partially naked on a leather chair.

open image in gallery The film Putin shows the Russian dictator curled up wearing a soiled nappy ( Putin )

In the two-minute trailer, a young Putin can also be seen navigating post-war St Petersburg, ordering political assassinations and in front of a row of scantily-dressed women in a forest.

After learning the ropes of power, he proceeds to exhort Boris Yeltsin, his predecessor as president, to hand your power over to me. Only I can save you.

In a move likely to anger Putin, who is notoriously private about his personal life, a scene shows him humiliating his former wife Lyudmila by embracing his new partner, Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, in front of her.

Speaking before the films release, director Vega said: Everyone is afraid of Vladimir Putin [but] in my film, he is a terrified man who is terrified of death.

Mr Vaga revealed that during the course of the filming, his work attracted the attention of Kremlin agents.

open image in gallery The director Patryk Vega revealed that Kremlin agents had sought to obtain copies of the script ( Putin )

Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, he said that crew members working on the film had begun to receive messages requesting access to the script for money.

They took from LinkedIn whole numbers of mobile phones for my crew and started messaging these people, saying things like, I am an assistant to a congressman from South Dakota. I hear you made this film. My boss would like to pay $100,000 for a screening of this movie, and also for a script, he said.

Among the many countries due to showcase the film is Ukraine, who are currently embroiled in a war with Russia that is nearing its third year anniversary.

It was filmed over the course of 18 months with a budget of filming, with some scenes filmed inside Russia through the use of a concealed camera.
EastEnders actor Patsy Palmer urged LA wildfire victims to meditate to help them deal with the stress and sadness of losing their homes.

The soap star, whose LA home was destroyed by the deadly wildfires in California, previously revealed her family had also been forced to evacuate.

In an Instagram video, posted on Saturday (11 January), the actor said: This moment is all we have . If you can breathe for even a second and find anything to be grateful for it helps .

The sooner you can start to practice gratitude it starts to heal your central nervous system so you are more able to help yourself and your kids and those in need.
The Ireland Canada Business Association has written to the leaders of the political parties urging them to ratify the CETA trade agreement in the next Dail.

A free-trade deal between the EU and Canada, CETA was signed in late 2016 and most of its terms came into effect provisionally the following year. The parliaments of the 27 member states have to ratify the deal, but Irelands never has.

Patrick Costello, who was a Green Party TD up to the last general election, brought a successful challenge against the deal to the Supreme Court in 2022. The court ruled that Ireland could not ratify it unless legal changes were made.

The Department of Enterprise told the Irish Independent before the general election that the government remained committed to the ratification of the trade deal, and said it was taking advice from the attorney general on what changes needed to be made.

CETA continues to apply on a provisional basis allowing tariff-free trade between the EU and Canada, it said. With Ireland exporting over 6bn worth of goods and services to Canada in 2022, the tangible benefits of CETA are self-evident.

The Ireland Canada Business Association has told the party leaders it represents firms that collectively employ over 15,000 people.

It said that in the year after the provisional implementation of CETA, there was a rise of more than 30pc in the value of goods traded between Ireland and Canada. The association points out that 17 member states have already ratified the deal, and urges the parties to do the same.

Canadian companies have a major economic influence in this country with significant regional operations including SOTI in Galway, Greenfield Global in Laois, Optel Group in Limerick and eSentire in Cork, the association said.

There are over 75 Canadian companies operating in Ireland as it remains particularly attractive to high-growth Canadian tech companies that need to scale.

"More and more Canadian companies in scaling mode such as Rakuten Kobo, eSentire, Shopify and Press Reader have chosen Ireland to locate their European HQ.

The association claims that ratification of CETA has become more important due to the prospect of more protectionist policies being pursued by the next US president.

Canadian politics are now in a state of flux too, following the announcement last Monday by prime minister Justin Trudeau that he is stepping aside from the post, and as the leader of the ruling Liberal Party.

The election to choose his successor is due to take place on March 9.

Mark Carney, a former governor of the Bank of England and an Irish citizen, is one of the favourites to succeed Mr Trudeau.
Facebook owner looking to overturn Data Protection Commission decision after millions of accounts were hacked

Facebook owner Meta has launched High Court proceedings against the Irish data regulator in a bid to overturn a fine of 251m that was imposed last month.

The appeals have been lodged in the week when Meta announced it is shutting down its third-party fact-checking programme and lifting restrictions it had imposed on discussion of some topics, such as immigration and gender identity.

The company said it would begin implementing the new programme in America over the next few months, but it is expected the policy will eventually bring Mark Zuckerberg, its chief executive, into conflict with EU authorities.

As Meta has its European headquarters in Dublin, it is overseen by the Irish media regulator.

The new Meta legal challenges are being taken against the Data Protection Commission (DPC). Last month it imposed a fine of 251m on Meta after finishing an investigation into a data breach in 2018 that exposed millions of user accounts.

In the incident, hackers got access to users details by exploiting bugs in the platforms code that allowed them access to user tokens.

The data breach affected about 29 million Facebook accounts globally, including about three million in the EU.

The data leak included users email addresses, phone numbers, places of work, dates of birth, gender and their childrens personal data. The breach had been reported by Meta in September 2018.

The decision, made by the DPC commissioners Des Hogan and Dale Sunderland, included reprimands as well as the fine.

The commission had sent its draft decision to other European agencies last September, and no objections were raised against its proposed action.

Last September the DPC also fined Meta 91m, on that occasion for storing passwords in plain text.

The 251m fine took the total amount of penalties levied by the DPC against all companies to about 3.3bn.

They are mostly imposed on big tech firms which have European headquarters in Ireland and therefore fall under our jurisdiction.

Just 20m of those fines have been collected, however, with the rest being challenged through the courts.

Those fines that have been paid include a 17m penalty imposed on Meta in 2022.

Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher has said Coimisiun na Mean, the media regulator, will require significant new investment in personnel and technologies in order to deal with the changing circumstances following Metas announcement.

Ireland will play a pivotal role through our Coimisiun na Mean. They will be on the front line due to the prevalence of social media companies headquartered in Ireland.

Not only must they be able to deal with complaints and violations effectively, they must also be able to do it efficiently and quickly, he said.

This will require a significant new investment in personnel and technologies. We are entering a new phase and the situation has changed since it was first established.

Consideration must be given to increasing its budget, its staff allocation and what new technologies are needed to allow it to do its job.
Australian actor and her co-star Harris Dickinson discuss their new film about a risky workplace affair

In a bright and flowery hotel suite in the West End of London, Harris Dickinson is pouring Nicole Kidman a cup of tea. Nothing about this gesture  the young up-and-comer doting puppyishly on his acclaimed co-star  would normally strike you as unusual. Unless, that is, barely 24 hours beforehand, you had watched Dickinson order Kidman to get down on her hands and knees and lap milk from a saucer by his feet.

Such are the topsy-turvy pleasures of Babygirl, a gut-twistingly timely, funny and, yes, sexy new spin on the erotic thriller, which opened in Irish cinemas yesterday. In it, Kidman (57) plays Romy, the married but sexually frustrated CEO of an AI-driven logistics firm, while the 28-year-old Dickinson is Samuel, the louring intern whose total lack of servility ignites her own submissive streak.

Meanwhile, fretting at home is Romys preposterously handsome and considerate theatre-director husband, played by Antonio Banderas: a genius piece of why go out for burgers when youve got steak at home? casting that underscores the kamikaze lunacy of her and Samuels entanglement.

At the previous nights screening of Babygirl, the London-born Dickinson  a former marine cadet best known for the 2022 Cannes Palme dOr winner Triangle of Sadness  was able to show the film to his family. (His mother is a hairdresser and his father a social worker, making him a rare success story in a profession now almost monopolised by the posh.)

At first I was like: bit weird, he says, recalling the experience of witnessing his parents watch him in bed with one of the great movie stars of the last 100 years. But its not like were a family of prudes, so why not? And sex is not a subject we should shy away from, regardless of discomfort.

Kidman, pulling a face of maternal horror, adds: Well, my daughters arent seeing it. She has two  16-year-old Sunday Rose and 14-year-old Faith Margaret  with husband Keith Urban; her adopted children with former husband Tom Cruise, Isabella and Connor, are now 32 and 29 respectively, and can presumably watch what they like.

But theyve also declared that they dont want to see it, she says.

Neither of them has any interest in seeing Mum like that.

Kidmans character Romy with her husband Jacob, played by Antonio Banderas. Photo: PA

So, exactly what is she like in this film? From To Die For to Dogville, Kidman has always exhibited a mile-wide fearless streak, but Babygirl spices that daring with her often under-sung comic talents, as seen in Moulin Rouge! Her performance might well bring her a second Oscar and/or Bafta; nominations for both next week seem likely.

Halina Reijn, Babygirls writer and director, has described the film as a comedy of manners  though as a former actor who was herself once directed (in Black Book) by Basic Instincts Paul Verhoeven, god-emperor of the erotic thriller, she knows the tradition in which she works.

For Kidman, who was born in Hawaii while her Australian parents were living there, but raised in the north Sydney suburbs, the now-outmoded genre was central to her cinematic upbringing. They were just so much fun, she says. And they were so prominent when my tastes were being formed. I mean, they were playing the multiplexes; they were completely mainstream.

Dickinson, on the other hand, was born in 1996, right at the moment erotic thrillers fell out of fashion. 

It was a gap in my filmography, he confesses, explaining that Reijn sent him a revision guide. But she was clear we werent making a pastiche, and our film was going to stand on its own.

Babygirl certainly does that. One of the films boldest gambits is a raw and honest approach to depicting female pleasure: the decorous climax from Kidman with which it opens  call it a classic Hollywood orgasm  is, we soon discover, a feigned one. Later on, the real thing is shown to be far less picturesque, with all the scrunching and convulsing that cinemagoers are typically spared.

And grunting! Kidman adds enthusiastically. Dont forget the grunting. At first, playing these moments terrified her: That was all actually scary, and I said to Halina at the beginning how scared I was. But she was like, Ill get you there. Itll be safe  but I want the embarrassment, I want the struggle. Because so much of Romys sexuality is caught up in her struggle to release. She can perform, but she cant let go.

There was still an element of danger to it, even discomfort  and I think thats good; we needed that

And I think thats a common thread that runs through a lot of womens sexuality  what they feel it should be, versus what it actually is.

On this point, Dickinson modestly declines to chime in. For me, its difficult to speak about without sounding, quite frankly, under-qualified, he says.

Nevertheless, Kidman found him a capable scene partner. I didnt even notice where the camera was half the time, because Harris and I were so at ease with one another, it didnt feel like there was a quote-unquote performance attached.

And while the pair worked with an intimacy co-ordinator, Bridgertons Lizzy Talbot, Kidman stresses that spontaneity was still central.

We didnt rehearse too much; didnt get to know each other beforehand. So there was none of the comfort between us that there is now. There was still an element of danger to it, even discomfort  and I think thats good; we needed that, she says.

She describes acting as energy: the vibrations you feel between people. And while you can talk about it all you want, you cant just intellectualise it  youve got to allow it.

When I kiss the girl in the rave scene, that wasnt scripted. When our clothes were coming off, we were getting buffeted around and almost trampled on the dancefloor; none of that was scripted, either.

Not that she tends to watch her work back on the monitor while filming, but here especially I would have felt too embarrassed. At Babygirls Venice premiere, she recalls, I remember covering my face at one point, and burying my head in Halinas chest at another. Because it was a bit like, Oh, gosh. I dont want to watch myself doing this.

There are so many times in films where I cant remember what Ive done

Kidman talks about acting less as vocation than as instinct: when I bring up the play of emotions on her face that the camera captures during a particular close-up in Babygirl, she looks at a loss.

Its hard when I have to step outside and look at that stuff, she says. There are so many times in films where I cant remember what Ive done. A director will say, Can you do that again? and Im like, What did I do? Thats where I lack the technique thats required to break these things down rigorously and accurately.

Because to me, acting is ephemeral. Its being completely inside what my character is feeling. And being inside Romy, there was a lot of feeling humiliated, embarrassed, angry, desirous, and, yes, turned on. So it was about allowing all of those to just run through me.

While she blushingly laughs off the suggestion, Dickinson admits that the transgressive fun of their on-screen fling is at least partly rooted in the yawning gap between their respective celebrity status.

As in, What is that little s*** doing to her?, he says. Well, yeah. But I had to put all my admiration aside, because otherwise Id have got caught up in the wrong headspace. Part of Samuels thing is not to respect conventional workplace hierarchies. So I dont think there was any other way for me to enter into this role than by just not caring about it.

Nicole Kidman on the red carpet in 2001. Photo: Reuters

Of course, male-female power dynamics have always been central to erotic thrillers, and Babygirl makes great mischief with how much these have shifted in recent years  and how much they have not. Samuel is younger, Romy is older; shes the married boss, hes the footloose employee.

Compared with 1987s Fatal Attraction, all of this is novel. But in the post-MeToo era, theres an advantage in being able to paint oneself as the exploited party  or at least threaten to do so  which wasnt available to Glenn Closes Alex Forrest.

Does Kidman think that, these days, an age gap gives an older woman power over a younger man?

Oh, almost certainly not! she says. Because, you know, youth is power. In our film, Samuel holds a lot of the power in their relationship, even though Romy is powerful within her workplace. Her age gives her less power when shes with a young man. The only power she really has is that she can fire him, but she doesnt know whether she wants that. Part of her journey is that her desires, the things shes looking for sexually, shes very confused by, and cant state them outright.

I think sex is still not explored enough on screen, particularly in American films

In an interview she gave in her 20s, Kidman said she was drawn to playing sexually frustrated older women, which arguably makes Babygirl the culmination of her lifes work. Why did the idea appeal to her back then?

Because I think sex is still not explored enough on screen, particularly in American films. European cinema is a different matter; its just part of what they do. But America, England, Australia  we dont talk about it, yet its a huge part of who we are as human beings, she says.

Just as Ive circled themes of loss, trauma and grief throughout my career, Ive also circled sexual roles  maybe because we dont discuss these things because theyre uncomfortable. So Im a huge proponent for throwing things out there and seeing how they land.

Babygirls brazen confronting of taboos makes it a sister film of sorts to Jonathan Glazers Birth, which rivals it in complexity and strangeness. In that film, Kidman plays a young widow who becomes convinced that a 10-year-old boy is the reincarnation of her late husband. At its 2004 Venice premiere, it caused an outcry, not least because of a scene in which Kidmans Anna is seen sharing a bath with the child.

Even two decades later, that bruising experience made her anxious about unveiling Babygirl at the same festival, because it could have easily been another train wreck. But actually the reception was beyond my dreams.

Would she play the Birth bath scene in the same way today?

I think so, she says, after pausing to reflect. I always felt lucky to be in a Jonathan Glazer film, because he makes so few of them  only two have followed since: Under the Skin and The Zone of Interest  and I thought it was a shame that Birth became reduced to the controversy around that scene initially. She describes Glazers film as a dissertation on the magical thinking of grief  how theres no set time frame in which we overcome it, and that when youre in a place of such pain, you can grasp on to things that are so outlandish.

Thats what made its surreality ring true to her, she says, the cup of tea poured by her co-star still cooling, untouched, at her side.

As human beings, we want to make sense of everything we cant control. Which it turns out is pretty much everything. ( Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd)

Babygirl is in cinemas now
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. bp has detected a technical issue in the subsea condensate export line between the Shah Deniz Alpha (SDA) platform and the Sangachal terminal, bp Azerbaijan said in response to Trends question on halted gas supply to Bulgaria and Serbia.

For operational reasons, production and export operations from the SDA platform were suspended and the platform has been safely shut down. All people on the platform are safe and there is no environmental impact. All offshore facilities including the SDA platform and the pipeline are also safe, said the company.



We are currently working to resolve the problem and resume normal operations as quickly as possible.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Azerbaijan has informed Serbia of a suspension in daily gas deliveries of 1.7 million cubic meters due to technical problems at the Shah Deniz field.

This development follows a recent halt in gas supplies to Bulgaria. Natural gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria have been temporarily suspended due to technical reasons starting from January 7, 2025.

Bulgarian Bulgargaz Energy Company has announced the suspension, noting that supplies are expected to resume on January 11, 2025.

"The notice of the temporary halt was received from the Azerbaijani supplier on January 6, 2025," the company said.

In response to Trends request, ICGB AD, operator of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) said that the pipeline is fully operational.

The company said it was also recently notified about a temporary unplanned pause in Azerbaijani gas deliveries.

Meanwhile, ICGBs infrastructure is fully operational and fulfilling other client nominations as usual. Were not aware of the technical details that caused this as the issue does not lay with the interconnectors facilities, said the company.
US actor James Woods has revealed his home survived the Los Angeles wildfires that continue to ravage the star-studded Californian neighbourhood.

The Ghosts Of Mississippi star said he went to visit what he believed was the remnants of his home in the Pacific Palisades, to find it was still standing.

A miracle has happened, he wrote on X, as he shared footage of the destroyed properties surrounding his home.

We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content

We managed to get to our property and our home, that we were told is gone forever, is still standing.

In this hellish landscape standing is relative, but smoke and other damage is not like the utter destruction around us.

Woods said he was so happy and grateful to return to his home but described the area surrounding the property as looking like the dark side of the moon.

Its so fundamentally gut-wrenching and upsetting, its almost hard to celebrate the joyous news that our home survived, he said.

While we rejoice to find our house intact, in the midst of a hellscape like this, you can only think of your neighbours.

I was so certain our house was gone a day ago, but the fickle finger of fate decided otherwise.

We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content

The actor also revealed he had orchestrated the rescue of his 94-year-old neighbour after the mans replacement caregiver had allegedly left him behind amid evacuation orders.

It comes days after the Golden Globe and two-time Emmy winning actor confirmed he had evacuated his home as he shared security camera footage of flames engulfing a nearby home and the bottom of his balcony.

We were blessed to have LA fire and police depts doing their jobs so well. We are safe and outCan not speak more highly of the LA fire and LAPD, he wrote on X.

It tests your soul, losing everything at once, I must say, he wrote, when he believed his home had burnt down.

Woods has remained critical of Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, calling for their resignation over the response to the wildfires.
Major garda operation in place amid concerns about serious violence as Hells Angels gather in Dublin hotel

Previous incidents in other countries have the force on high alert

Hells Angels members at a UK gathering. Photo: Steve Thorne/Redferns

Ken Foy Sat 11 Jan 2025 at 03:30







A major garda operation is continuing this weekend as armed officers monitor a meeting of the Hells Angels biker organisation, with over 300 members of the club present at a Dublin hotel.
A prisoner has escaped custody and is on the run after evading his prison escorts while on a visit to a Dublin hospital on Saturday morning.

Gardai are now pursuing the prisoner who escaped while visiting Tallaght Hospital this morning.

He was named as Keith Macken from Cabra, who is currently on remand and awaiting sentencing for assault causing harm.

It is understood that he was feeling unwell at Wheatfield Prison and taken to Tallaght for treatment escorted by prison officers.

Wheatfield Prison in Dublin

Today's News in 90 seconds - 11th January 2025

He then managed to give his prison escorts the slip while being attended to at the hospital at around 6am this morning.

The full details of how he escaped are not known and a full scale investigation has been launched.

Prison sources say Macken, 43, has previously been treated in hospital.

The Irish Prison Service in a statement said; "The Irish Prison Service can confirm that a prisoner has escaped from lawful custody while on escort to Tallaght Hospital this morning.

" An Garda Siochana were notified immediately and provided with all the relevant information in relation to the prisoner.

" The Irish Prison Service is currently investigating the circumstances of the escape."
Sophie Toscan du Plantiers bloodied clothes have been sent for improved DNA analysis, in the hope a foreign police force can solve the crime.

The FBI has taken possession of items related to the 28-year-old killing, including stones and the victims Italian-made Fiorella boots, the Irish Independent has learnt.

The items were brought to the US by gardai to ensure continuity of evidence.

It is hoped that DNA from the killer may now be detectable, given improvements in technology.

So far, only Ms Toscan du Plantiers DNA has been detected among the heavy bloodstains, although gardai believe her killed suffered extensive injuries as she fought very hard for her life, as noted by the former state pathologist Professor John Harbison.

Ms Toscan du Plantier, a film producer, was found dead at the bottom of a driveway leading to the holiday home at Dunmanus West, Toormore, West Cork, where she had come to spend a few days alone in the lead-up to Christmas 1996, working on film scripts.

Clothes worn by Sophie Toscan du Plantier are among items that will be analysed by the FBI

The married 39-year-old, a mother of one, had been bludgeoned with a stone and a heavy concrete block, and may also have been struck with a hatchet, which was later found missing from her house.

The nightclothes Ms Toscan du Plantier was wearing consisted of a white top and elasticated leggings, with a blue dressing gown.

Detectives believe the dressing gown, which has a severe 7cm-rip at the collar, was torn off her as she tried to escape her killer  either climbing a six-bar gate or over a briar-choked ditch.

There was also an L-shaped tear on the dressing gowns lower left front.

After striking Ms Toscan du Plantiers head more than 50 times, most blows inflicted after she was dead, the killer posed the concrete block on its end, atop the dressing gown, placed beside the body.

A forensic scientist who examined the items at the time said: There was heavy blood-staining on the dressing gown, particularly at the collar area.

"I grouped blood on the dressing gown and found that it was consistent with Sophie Toscan du Plantiers blood sample.

No seminal staining was detected.

Pieces of vegetation had stuck to the garment, suggesting that Ms Toscan du Plantier had been wearing it as she attempted to get over the ditch beside the entrance way where her body was found.

There is no way that this dressing gown was damaged prior to her arrival at Christmas time

Housekeeper Josie Hellen told the gardai she was familiar with the dressing gown as I would put it away from time to time after Sophie concluded a visit.

There is no way that this dressing gown was damaged prior to her arrival at Christmas time [1996], she said.

The Sunday Times reported before Christmas that certain items had been brought across the Atlantic to the FBI in Quantico, Virginia, for analysis.

Cold-case detectives are said to have been liaising closely with Forensic Science Ireland with a view to using the most advanced DNA testing on samples taken in the original investigation.

It is now over a year, meanwhile, since the developers of a vacuum device, the M-Vac, offered their expertise to gardai in extracting human particles from the cavities and crevices of rocks and stones.

Jared Bradley, whose technology solved one stoning murder that was more than 50 years old, offered to fly to Ireland to train officers.

It is understood however, that while Mr Bradleys offer was acknowledged, officers here want to rely on FBI expertise, even though Irish experts  who solved one 40-year-old cold case in Cork through DNA advances  have been added to the investigation.

An Garda Siochana has long-standing close links with the FBI.

Ms Toscan du Plantiers nightclothes previously underwent UK analysis, but the science then available was not able to extract any another genetic identity from the blood stains.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, Ms Toscan du Plantiers father Georges Bouniol was laid to rest after requiem mass in the Church of Saint -Eustache in the central Paris district of Les Halles, his wife Marguerite (93) attended the mass.

Many friends, in Ireland and elsewhere, have sent countless messages of support and remembrance

The funeral was also attended by Irish Ambassador to France Niall Burgess.

Jean-Pierre Gazeau, Ms Toscan du Plantier uncle, told the Irish Independent: Many friends, in Ireland and elsewhere, have sent countless messages of support and remembrance.

Jean-Pierre Gazeau places flowers near the home of his niece Sophie Toscan du Plantier in west Cork in September 2022. Photo: Mark Condren

He said Mr Bouniol, had been stricken by the wrenching loss of that December night in 1996 when Ms Toscan du Plantier was murdered.

That intense, persistent pain, those inner tears, very rarely  too rarely - were revealed, he said.

Georges, with all his reserve, chose to mask the sorrow.

But he carried on through those years of struggle for truth and justice, always with dignity.

Despite the grief, he always maintained a sharp sense of humour, so uniquely Georgian.

English man Ian Bailey, who died a year ago, was twice arrested and questioned in connection with the crime.

A garda file running to thousands of pages did not result in any decision to prosecute, although Bailey was convicted in absentia of the murder in a French trial overseen by three judges.

He was sentenced in 2019 to 25 years in prison, but attempts at securing his extradition were repeatedly frustrated in the Irish courts.
Talks on forming the next Government are ramping up today with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael negotiators meeting with regional Independent TDs and Kerry TDs Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae.

TDs agreed yesterday to speed up talks so a Coalition can be formed by January 22, when the Dail is due to sit for the first time this year.

However, the week after, January 29, is still being viewed as the more likely date for the election of a new Taoiseach, expected to be Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin.

Independent TDs, including the Healy-Raes, are meeting with negotiators today after meeting party leaders Simon Harris and Micheal Martin on Friday.

The group of seven Independent TDs, which includes Sean Canney, Marian Harkin, Barry Heneghan, Noel Grealish, Michael Lowry, Kevin (Boxer) Moran and Gillian Toole, are seen as now the most likely third-party grouping in the formation of the next Government.

Brothers Michael (left) and Danny Healy-Rae. Photo: PA

Today's News in 90 seconds - 11th January 2025

Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae have also entered the pitch in recent days and are also in talks in supporting the next Government, with Michael believed to be in contention for a Minister of State role.

The regional group presented its policy priorities to party leaders yesterday, in an extensive document which runs to 43 pages.

The document is understood to cover policies in the areas of housing, health, as well as rural Ireland issues.

Meetings will continue this weekend and negotiators are now expected to work every day until a deal is done.

Speaking on RTE, Fianna Fail negotiator Norma Foley said there is an absolute determination to deliver a programme for government which will last five years.

Ms Foley said the target is January 22, if at all possible.

Fianna Fail negotiator Martin Heydon said big progress has been made in putting together a draft programme for government and there is a pace to the talks.

Weve a lot of work put together between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail on points of differentiation, points of communality for a programme for government.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have been criticised in recent days for entering government talks with Tipperary TD Michael Lowry. Gardai said this week they sent a file to the DPP over Moriarty Tribunal findings.

Ms Foley said ultimately, the voters make the decision on the future of any politician.
Fr Tony Flannery said many portrayals of nuns 'were unfair and unbalanced'

Fr Tony Flannery said many portrayals of nuns 'were unfair and unbalanced'

Nuns are terrified to speak up and defend themselves against unfair and unbalanced portrayals of them in film and media, according to the Association of Catholic Priests.

Fr Tony Flannery, the Redemptorist priest who founded the association, said that most nuns in Ireland today are now too old and too fearful to go public and challenge negative portrayals of them.

I dont blame them in the present climate in this country, he told the Irish Independent.

This week, the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) said it had decided to speak out in protest at the way nuns are being portrayed.

In a statement, the group said: Society judges the past harshly while media outlets seek to outdo each other in condemnation.

Religious sisters are vilified; a harsh hard-faced nun, dressed in traditional habit, has become the standard media image of all nuns. It is false and unjust.

They underlined that they were not suggesting a cover-up of abuse, but instead were looking for balance, fairness and perspective in the presentation of the stories.

Fr Flannery said that many portrayals of nuns in film and media going back over 30 years were unfair and unbalanced.

I know a religious sister who spent her life working with unmarried girls who became pregnant. She now sees her lifes work being unjustly presented in a way that is unrecognisable to her, he said.

She would never give an interview, as she believes that no one would believe her and that she would be torn to shreds in some particular media outlets.

In the ACPs statement, the association describes nuns as educating people in schools and caring for people in hospitals over the past two centuries at a time when the State was either unwilling or unable to provide such services.

They acknowledged that nuns operated industrial schools, orphanages and mother and baby homes and that the values under which such institutions operated clearly failed in many circumstances to reflect those of the Gospel.

Those who suffered institutional abuse should be given whatever help is necessary to help them recover from the trauma of their experience, they said.

But they also highlighted that many people were lifted out of poverty and lived successful lives because of the education provided by religious women.

Noting that hindsight alters perspective, the priests group says it is clear that many religious people regret that their orders ever took on the States job of running orphanages or got involved in providing services to the single pregnant women whom no one wanted to help and many of whose families saw them as objects of shame and profound embarrassment.

They said that nuns today are mainly elderly.

We know the hurt they experience by this portrayal, they said.

The reality is that most have lived quiet, hard-working lives with a minimum of financial reward.

In the current atmosphere they are afraid to make their voices heard, knowing the abuse that would be showered on them from many quarters.
Population growth putting pressure on medical care

Revealed: Worst-hit counties as majority of GPs say they cant take on any new patients

More than six in 10 GPs across the country are not taking on any new patients, a survey carried out by the Irish Independent has found.

The findings, from a snap survey of 130 registered GPs nationwide, showed 61pc of those contacted are not able to sign up new patients, at a time when the country is grappling with a winter illness crisis and many people are suffering with seasonal infections.

The survey sheds a light on a sector that is struggling with the workload in many communities.

Commenting on the ongoing pressures faced by GPs, Dr Denis McCauley, president of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), said patients will continue to encounter problems getting appointments or being accepted by general practice for some time to come.

In the survey, GPs were asked if they were taking on new patients, how long their waiting lists were and if there were any criteria involved, such as an interview process or whether the patient was a medical card holder.

A total of 79 GPs said they were unable to take new patients. Of those, nearly three-quarters said they were not accepting any new names on their waiting lists, with lists already months long or at capacity.

Some practices said certain exceptions could be made, such as someone living in the local area who had no GP.

The vast majority of GPs said they accept both private and medical card patients, but some can only take private patients at present because their medical card lists are full.

A small number of GPs said there were other criteria involved before a new patient could be accepted, such as a decision being made following an assessment by the doctor.

One practice in the west of the country said it would only accept a new patient after an initial consultation, which costs the same as a regular appointment.

The situation varied by region  some counties had a majority of GPs taking new patients, while other areas were worse than the overall national average.

There was a significant difference between the two sides of Dublin. In suburbs on the northside, just two out of 10 practices said they were taking new patients. On the southside, eight out of 10 practices were taking new patients.

A similar divide was evident in Galway, where most city-based GPs said they were unable to take new patients but the majority of GPs in the rest of the county were taking new patients.

Seventeen practices in Dublin city centre were surveyed, with seven of them saying they were taking new patients.

One of the 10 practices which were not taking new patients said its waiting list was only open to those living in Dublin 3 and is months long.

There were six areas where every GP surveyed said they were unable to take new patients: Cork (excluding the city), Kildare, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath and Wexford.

One practice in Wexford said it was accepting applicants to its waiting list, but the list was already around 150 names long. Another Wexford-based GP said it would be a six-month wait to be accepted to the practice.

A practice in Mayo said it had stopped taking new patients in August after previously reopening to new patients, and would be reviewing its list in February.

A number of practices in the Dublin commuter region highlighted how busy they were and indicated GPs in the area have been inundated with calls from people looking to join.

Just one out of every five GPs surveyed in the commuter region (counties Kildare, Meath, Louth and Wicklow) said they were taking on new patients. A practice in Kildare said a combination of the local population exploding and a number of doctors in the area retiring had left it unable to take new patients.

Dr McCauley said the emergency financial measures imposed in 2009 which saw GP general medical services (GMS) fees cut had a detrimental impact. It led to a low number of doctors joining the scheme over a decade.

The cuts were reversed in recent years, and it is only then the IMO was able to promote general practice as a career, he said, adding that an additional 1,600 GPs are needed in the coming years to cope with demand. A lot of GP graduates are leaving and we have to convince them to stay, he said.

A spokesman for the HSE said there are 2,500 GPs who have a full GMS contract. Another 700 have contracts covering areas such as childhood immunisation and free GP care for the under-eights.

GP training places intake rose from 259 in 2022 to 286 in 2023, increasing to 350 last year. The total number of trainees undertaking the four-year programme will increase from the current 1,044 to 1,300 in 2026  a 25pc rise.

The spokesman added that a programme where doctors come from abroad to work here has 100 medics employed across the country, with an immediate impact on shortages. The initiative has helped ease the pressures in the south-west, south-east, midlands and western seaboard, he said.

A 2023 GP agreement provides for a number of targeted initiatives and supports for GPs in rural areas, as well as areas of urban deprivation where the filling of certain GMS vacancies has proved quite difficult.

Dr Diarmuid Quinlan, medical director of the Irish College of General Practitioners, said: GP practices are working under considerable pressure throughout the year, and particularly in the clinical winter. This is due to the growth in population and demand for more complex medical care. Recent workforce analysis by the Irish College of GPs indicates that the GP workforce is not expanding fast enough to meet growing demand.

Our analysis matched the Medical Council data with population data, to highlight counties where the GP workforce is not keeping pace with population increase. It shows that there was a 3.1pc increase in population last year, and a 0.6pc rise in GP numbers.

Additional reporting by Adrianna Wrona, Cian O Broin, Conor Feehan, Laura Lynott, Maeve McTaggart, Sarah OMahony and Theo McDonald

CORRECTION: Dr Diarmuid Quinlans title was amended to medical director of the Irish College of General Practitioners after previously being stated as president.
Over 300 members of the infamous Hells Angels biker gang have gathered at a Dublin hotel for a meeting, with gardai mounting a major operation amid concerns that the group could live up to its reputation.

Senior members of the Hells Angels have travelled to Dublin from all over the world to attend the meeting of club officers, the first time one of this scale has happened in Ireland.

But who are the Hells Angels  and why would a club meeting lead to an increased garda presence?

What are the Hells Angels?

The notorious motorcycle club was founded in California in the late 1940s, taking the name from a US bomber squadron in Europe during World War II.

There are hundreds of chapters worldwide, including across Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and even though it was incorporated as the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation (HAMC) in 1966, each chapter is autonomous of the wider organisation.

It is designated as an outlaw motorcycle gang by the US Department of Justice and US law enforcement have previously accused clubs like Hells Angels, Bandidos and Sons of Silence of having links to criminal activity, including drug trafficking and violence.

Why would there be concern over a meeting of the Hells Angels?

Club members in other countries have made headlines due to violent incidents and clashes with rival organisations. While there have been no violent incidents reported in Dublin, gardai remain vigilant due to the international reputation of the group.

Of particular concern to gardai is that some attendees wear patches on their jackets that indicate that they have used extreme violence, including against police.

File image, Getty Images.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 11th January 2025

What violent incidents have Hells Angels been linked to internationally?

High-profile incidents abroad have prompted gardai to carry out a risk assessment of the Dublin event due to incidents that have occurred involving the club over the past two decades, including an increase in patrols at airports and ports.

There were a number of incidents that occurred throughout the 90s in Europe, prompted by clashes between chapters of the Bandidos bike gang and Hells Angels when the two were battling for supremacy in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Hells Angels members were charged with the murder of a man at Denmarks Copenhagen Airport in 1996 while separately, another member was killed during a fatal brawl between Hells Angels and Comancheros members at Sydney Airport in Australia in 2009.

In 2015, a hitman was sentenced to 11 years in prison for attempting to kill a Hells Angel member at Canadas Vancouver International Airport.

Are there Irish chapters of Hells Angels?

The Hells Angels established its first chapter in Ireland in April 2011 and one of its leading members is Matt Kelly, the nephew of Dublin gangland criminal Eamon Kelly who was shot dead by dissident republicans near his north Dublin home in December 2012.

It is understood Mr Kelly, who is not involved in crime, runs the Hells Angels clubhouse in Dublin 15 where a number of events took place during the week that were also monitored by gardai.

What about other Irish biker gangs?

There are other biker gangs in Ireland and while violence is rare, there have been a number of high-profile incidents.

Senior members of a separate biker gang whose base is in the Crumlin area of Dublin are heavily involved in drugs trafficking on an international scale and have been the subject of a number of organised crime and Criminal Assets Bureau investigations.

In October 2017, Alan Cookie McNamara from Murroe, Co Limerick, was sentenced to life in prison for the biker feud shotgun murder of Andrew AOD ODonoghue at the gates of the Road Tramps motorcycle club at Mountfune, Co Limerick, on June 20, 2015.

McNamara, who is aligned with the Caballeros motorcycle club, shot Mr ODonoghue in a revenge attack after he was humiliated by the Road Tramps in an altercation outside a pub in Doon.

The Texan biker gang the Bandidos, which has worldwide chapters, was backing McNamara while he was up on murder charges and even produced T-shirts in support of him.

In October 2016, there was a significant armed garda presence in place when a motorcycle club in Limerick held an initiation event that led to the formation of a new chapter of the Bandidos in Ireland.
Ronnie Drew first popularised the traditional fishermens song The Greenland Whale Fishery, which dates all the way to the early 1700s. The song offers much gloom about a place which otherwise for us has mainly featured as a pub quiz question: Biggest island in the world? Greenland.
Looking back in the Carey archives, I see I wrote about a problem with BreastCheck back in 2012.

I havent seen the subject mentioned in the Irish media since, even though its regularly discussed in the UK. The problem is that BreastCheck, the screening programme for women aged between 50 and 69, may lead to unnecessary treatment for some women.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has expressed condolences to the United States over the wildfires in California, the ministry wrote on its X page, Trend reports.

"We are deeply saddened by widespread devastation caused by the wildfires in California, United States. We express heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the United States, and to the families of the victims.

We wish for a speedy recovery for all the injured and quick recovery from this tragedy," the ministry said.
Firefighters battle the Palisades Fire as it burns on the west side of Los Angeles, California. Photo: Reuters

In most areas of our lives we reach our own verdicts on matters, once weve seen the evidence.

Climate change seems to be an exception, even as its devastating impacts are being felt all over our planet. Although climate action is screaming out for our attention, global responses are still frighteningly inadequate.

Scientific juries have not had sufficient time to assess whether the apocalyptic scenes witnessed in Los Angeles  described as like the aftermath of an atomic bomb  are the result of an over-heating earth.

But prolonged dry spells and freak winds caused by warming oceans have been contributing factors to other wildfires in the US, Africa, Australia and continental Europe.

It is only the easing of the flame-whipping winds that has afforded LA firefighters a chance to make inroads into infernos that have killed at least 10, and forced almost 180,000 people to abandon their homes. Damage is estimated at between $135bn and $150bn. At least 10,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, with 30,000 acres burned.

The disaster has occurred within days of the worlds most famous climate change denier, Donald Trump, returning to the White House. The frequency and scale of fires and their accelerating destructive capacity is forcing governments to engage with issues they prefer to dismiss or ignore.

A person carrying a flag walks away from a burning house amid the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Photo: Reuters

This week marked another black milestone pointing to a perilously over-heating planet. According to the EUs Copernicus Climate Change Service, we have just completed the first full year in which global temperatures exceeded 1.5C above pre-industrial times. Since we have passed so many concerning tipping points before, without radically altering behaviours, there is little basis for believing this will be any different.

In 2015, world governments solemnly pledged  under the Paris Agreement  to try to prevent average temperatures exceeding 1.5C, to avoid more severe, and costly, climate disasters. Extremes bring destruction; a hotter atmosphere holds more water, causing more intense downpours. Rising oceans, droughts and all the suffering that comes with them will be unavoidable.

Yet experts still believe it is not too late to avert catastrophe. But the time to act must be now.

What alarms scientists is that despite the intensity of storms and the toll taken on populations in developing nations who did least to cause the harmful rise in temperatures, the political will to invest in curbing emissions is declining in some countries.

That small window for escaping the most dire consequences of a burning planet is closing fast. Ignoring unprecedented changes, plunging ourselves ever deeper into the danger zone, negates all human instincts.

Nature may have bared its claws through disruptive climate shifts, but more often than not destruction comes to us through our neglect and abuse of the environment. The clock is winding down. As poet Delmore Schwartz reminds us: Time is the school in which we learn, time is the fire in which we burn.
Boherbue National School Principal Marie Casey said her community was not sufficiently prepared for the level of snow that hit it last weekend

A North Cork school principal has urged Met Eireann not to shy away from issuing Red Weather alerts even at the risk of public criticism if they get wrong as it would lead people to be better prepared for the sort of weather that has affected tens of thousands in the area this week.

Boherbue National School Principal Marie Casey said she was left with no choice on Sunday but to inform the parents of the 200 pupils attending the school that they would not be re-opening on Monday because of the heavy snow falls.

It started sleeting about four oclock on Saturday and then it got heavier and about five oclock it started snowing and I thought this wont happen, its not sticking but oh my God, it was covered within a hour and snowed all night right through.

When we woke up Sunday morning, there was at least six inches on the ground, and it was still snowing and it just kept snowing until it was half way up our car  it was unbelievable. It was huge snow and we were just snowed in as was everyone around us.

Ms Casey lives at Dromanarrigle, approximately five kilometres from Boherbue but everywhere around the 450 strong village for a radius of eight kilometres was snowed in, with the speed and severity of the snowfall on Saturday taking everyone in the area by surprise.

I know Met Eireann predicted it would snow on Saturday, but it fell so fast and was so heavy, it took everyone by surprise, but I dont think we got proper warning really and Met Eireann should review their warning system and be more willing to issue Red Warnings.

When its a Red Warning, everyone pays attention but when its Orange, people say Yerrah, its Orange, it wont be too bad  its like people taking their chance on the amber light but when its Red, people take heed, they are more cautious and are more prepared.

I know Met Eireann probably feel that if they issue Red and it doesnt get that bad, they will have people complaining, saying that they overstated things, but I think they would do better issuing a Red because then people would prepare and just take the criticism if they are wrong.

I think they would do better issuing a Red because then people would prepare and just take the criticism if they are wrong

Ms Casey said that the impact of the heavy snow falls in western Duhallow back into Kerry and up to the Limerick border and beyond was felt in many ways as it was not just pupils who could not get to school but also teachers, including some of her 16 staff who live over 30 kms away.

We have two teachers coming from Killarney so they couldnt travel the roads were so bad back west and then we have another teacher over in Aubane, up the mountain behind Millstreet, there was no way you could ask people to come to work with the roads so treacherous.

We were lucky the parents were so understanding  I emailed them all Sunday night, saying we wouldnt be opening Monday and were keeping them updated but many of them have had to work remotely themselves - it was so bad, even people in the village had to abandon their cars.

Ms Casey said most schools in western Duhallow have been similarly affected with Ballydesmond, Cullen, Derrinagree, Dromagh, Kiskeam and Knocknagree primary schools all having no having no choice but to stay closed due to the Baltic like conditions in the area.

Its so disappointing  we already missed two days in November due to snow  its beyond our control but we want to be back  the kids need to be back, the teachers need to be back  were going to be closed too tomorrow and Friday so thats a full weeks work we need to catch up on.
An Irish man in Los Angeles is not returning back to Ireland as he believes that Hollywood, the sequel will be bigger and better.

Daniel Doody has been living in the United States for 10 years and says neighbourhoods he visits often are literally wiped off the map.

Biblical, post apocalyptic, use whatever superlative you like, some of these neighbourhoods I visit often are literally wiped off the map, he told the Irish Independent.

We're used to wildfires to an extent but these are right in the city or on the ocean, not places you would expect to be huge fire risks.

Living in downtown Los Angeles, my home isn't in the most immediate fire danger but the sky has been thick with dense black smoke on and off for several days. The air tastes like you're constantly standing over a barbecue and at times the sun reflects an orange haze through it making it look like a scene from Dune.

I'm mostly concerned for the dozens of friends a few miles north near the hills that have had to be evacuated over the last few days.

These winds whip up the blazes so quickly that in a matter of minutes entire acres go up in flames. It was devastating to see the impacts of these fires.

So far, 11 people have been confirmed dead but its feared the death toll will rise significantly in the coming days when firefighters can access homes torched in the inferno. More than 180,000 have been evacuated and an area three times the size of Manhattan has been incinerated in the wildfires.

Since the fires started, Mr Doody, a Co Monaghan native, says hes experienced compassion and humanity.

The fires must be pretty high on the news agenda in Ireland too as I've had lots of heartwarming texts checking in on me this week, he added.

As soon as the fires broke out we were told to work from home for the rest of the week at least and various projects were cancelled or postponed. Like much of the city, I've become addicted to TV news and the Watch Duty app which gives us live updates on the fires.

Fire perimeters and evacuation zones are ever changing. We're all in contact with those worst affected offering places to stay. Predictably the crisis was politicized online within hours - on both sides actually, not just Trump, although he was typically vitriolic - but ignoring that, in the real world there is a genuine sense of compassion and humanity.

LA is my home. It's Hollywood, the sequel will be bigger and better.
Kerry woman worried for welfare of guide dog puppy as snow and ice heavily impacted her locality

The Brosna woman worried that a vet would not be able to reach her home if the puppy she is training to become a guide dog fell ill

Brosna resident Katherine Murphy with 12-week old Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy-in-training James and three-year-old retired guide dog Nika.

Jack Joy Kerryman Sat 11 Jan 2025 at 09:45

A Brosna woman said the serious impact snow and ice had on her locality made her worry for the welfare of her three dogs, particularly the puppy she is raising for the Irish Guide Dogs who missed out on crucial training.
Are you taking on new patients by any chance, doctor? This question is heard in most GP practices in Kildare every day.

It sometimes comes from families who have an elderly relative moving in with them from outside the district. It more frequently comes from new families pouring into Kildare, some from nearby Dublin, and some from overseas.

Currently, the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) is carrying out a GP survey, including a question on the extent to which practices are taking on new patients. GPs are invited to identify if we are closed to new patients, only taking them on in exceptional circumstances, or if we are open to new patients.

In Kildare, I would expect most practices will respond in the two first categories. While numbers of Kildare GPs have increased, and practice capacity has benefited from more GP nurses, the volume of consultations and activity suggests there is a continuing lag between capacity and demand. Further, it is not just patient numbers, but the fact that we are doing a broader and larger range of services in general practice than previously, which is good, but challenging. Finally, an ageing population is wonderful, but requires more medical care.

At our local out-of-hours GP co-operative in Kildare (K Doc), we see many people resident in Kildare who are increasingly using it as a surrogate GP service, as they are unable to sign on to any local practice.

This works in a limited way for simple minor acute issues, but over time, fails them badly for even moderately complicated ongoing medical problems.

People at high risk here include those with mental health issues, multiple medical conditions, complex frail elderly people, sexual health issues and people with substance-misuse issues. For these groups, continuity of care is essential, and its unsafe for them to rely on a GP co-operative for ongoing care as they are likely to see a different doctor on each visit.

It is also stressful for the GP co-operative team, when we cannot safely hand back care to the individuals own GP, because they cannot register with a local practice.

Despite being a relatively prosperous county, the dearth of GPs in Kildare is greater than in many other counties. Our view on this is that if a young doctor is establishing in practice in the region, given the proximity to Dublin city, they may decide the amenities and advantages of establishing in Dublin make this more attractive.

Similarly, other more remote and rural areas, and areas of inner-city deprivation are also particularly hard-hit by a shortage of GPs.

There are solutions. Building capacity in GP nursing, supporting and training GP advanced nurse practitioners, and the continued increase in the National GP Training Scheme are all happening concurrently, and have been boosted as part of Slaintecare policy, and strongly supported by the ICGP. Much done, but more to do, as one of our politicians noted previously.

Dr Brendan OShea is a Kildare GP, assistant adjuvant professor at Trinity College, and medical director at K Doc (Kildare and West Wicklow Doctors on Call Ltd)
Aoife Fadian and Jessica O'Connor from the Ursuline College, Sligo pictured with ABP's Michael Doyle at the ABP stand at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. Aofe and Ursula's project is entitled 'Sheep Strength' and explores the advantages of using wool to reinforce concrete.

Aoife Fadian and Jessica O'Connor from the Ursuline Convent Sligo with Marian Harkin TD at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Aofe and Ursula's project is entitled 'Sheep Strength' and explores the advantages of using wool to reinforce concrete.

Aoife Fadian and Jessica OConnor from Ursuline College, Sligo, win runner up group at the 61st BTYSTE- the 25th exhibition under BT Irelands custodianship, for their project 'Sheep Strength': Using wool to reinforce concrete. This award was presented to the two winners this evening at the RDS in Dublin.

Aoife Fadian and Jessica OConnor both in 4th year and aged 15 and 16 respectively, from Ursuline College in Sligo, won the prize for Runner-Up Group, with their project, Sheep Strength: Using wool to reinforce concrete. Their project involved testing the feasibility of mixing sheep wool with concrete as a more sustainable strengthening agent instead of polypropylene.

Barry Kennedy, Chair of the Technology Group Judges, said, Aoife and Jessica carried out this excellent research project into the use of wool fibres, as a sustainable and renewable resource to strengthen concrete. Such use could potentially replace the current materials such as polypropylene fibres which are in use today. The students used extensive and rigorous testing techniques such as compression, tensile, drop, extreme heat, and freeze thaw. Their results have shown very positive potential for the use of wool in concrete. They demonstrated great skill, knowledge and hard work in investigating this more sustainable solution which could make valuable use of this renewable resource within Ireland.

Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, said, It has been an incredible week here at the RDS Dublin, and I would like to congratulate all the participants and finalists of this years BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, who have not only showcased some truly innovative project ideas, but have also done themselves, their teachers and schools, and families proud. In addition to demonstrating boundless energy and ingenuity across topics ranging from Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber security, mental health, sustainability, agriculture and many more, what has been most uplifting is seeing how STEM subjects can be used for the betterment of society and the world around us.

Over the last twenty-five years, since taking up the custodianship of the YSTE, BT Ireland has been honoured to play our part in evolving one of the most prevalent and longstanding STEM exhibitions in the world, and look forward to seeing what exciting endeavours our winners have in store in the months and years ahead. To all of the judges, partners, sponsors, and BT volunteers, thank you for making this week so unforgettable for us all.

The exhibition continues today, 11 January, and tickets are available through the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition website or onsite at the RDS in Dublin.
Retailers from Wicklow town, Arklow, Greystones and Bray have been invited to a Wicklow retail seminar taking place this month at Brockagh Resource Centre in Laragh.

The context is the national Town Centre First Policy which supports all county councils in Ireland to initiate actions to revitalise the town centres in their respective counties.

Chair of the Wicklow Town Team, Pascal Burke, said: The aim of the seminar is to facilitate discussion with Town Team members and retailers regarding positive interventions to support retailers in their town centres. We believe it is an opportunity for all progressive retailers to gain knowledge from the great line up of speakers in relation to the development of retail and the future of retail in town centres.

The seminar takes place on Monday, January 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This day been chosen specifically as Mondays tend to be quiet in retail, which should facilitate as many retailers as possible to attend.

The agenda includes a presentation on Opportunities for independent retailers in towns of Ireland by Margaret Bourke, Retail Consultant and Service Director, Positive Retail.

Tom Feeney, Chair, Blackrock Business Association, will discuss The impact of a 'liveable town centre' on local retail.

A presentation by Ger Corbett, CEO, Sandyford Business District, will focus on Town revitalisation: Business leadership in a changing environment.

Stephen Hallahan, CEO, Tap-Retail, will provide a presentation titled Digital Retail: The village alternative to the big e-tailers.

Tea and coffee will be served at 10 a.m. during registration, and during a break at 11.45 a.m. A finger lunch will be served at 1 p.m.

Small group discussions will take place and a showcase of three local independent retailers in Co Wicklow takes place from 12 noon.
The Indo Daily: Why is even the mention of water charges like playing with fire for politicians?
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to meet in order to end bloody mess of war in Ukraine

President-elect wary of repeating mistakes of Joe Bidens disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed by Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni at Chigi Palace in Rome. Photo: AP

James Crisp Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Sat 11 Jan 2025 at 03:30







Donald Trump has said that a meeting is being set up between him and Vladimir Putin to end the bloody mess of the war in Ukraine.
Israeli warplanes bomb ports and key power station in Yemen

Identity of hostage found dead beside his father in Rafah tunnel confirmed by forensic tests

Palestinian women and children queue at a food distribution centre in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip yesterday. Photo: AP

Clauda Tanios Sat 11 Jan 2025 at 03:30







Israeli warplanes bombed a power station and two ports in Houthi-controlled Yemen yesterday in retaliation for Houthi drone and missile strikes against Israel, and pro-Houthi media said at least one person had been killed and nine wounded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. The printing of ballot papers has begun in connection with the municipal election scheduled for January 29, 2025, in Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov, together with members of the CEC and representatives of the Secretariat, visited the printing house on January 11 to get familiarized with the printing process and the created conditions.

During the familiarization, with media representatives present, the CEC head emphasized that, given the important role in ensuring citizens' constitutional rights, the printing of election ballots must be completed within the deadlines established by law and in strict compliance with the requirements of the Electoral Code.

The chairman also provided recommendations regarding the printing and delivery of the ballot papers to lower-level election commissions.

After the visit to the printing process, Panahov held a briefing for journalists.

Speaking about both the printing process and the preparation for the municipal elections in general, the chairman noted that, in accordance with legal requirements, the text, form, quantity, and procedure for producing the election ballots are determined by the CEC. In connection with the municipal election, it was decided to print over six million ballot papers.

Panahov also pointed out that the printing of ballots for municipalities, where the candidate registration stage has already been completed, has begun. After printing, the ballot papers will be handed over from the CEC to the district election commissions and then to the precinct election commissions in accordance with the established legal deadlines and procedures.

The chairman also underscored that the process of printing ballot papers for municipal election, as well as for all election, is conducted openly and transparently for interested parties while ensuring necessary security measures.

At the end of the briefing, he answered the journalists' questions.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
After eight months without rain, Los Angeles was sitting on a tinderbox  but this wont be the last time

More than 10,000 homes and other structures have been destroyed since Tuesday, and winds are expected to whip up flames again next week

The wind whips embers while a firefighter battles the fire in the Angeles National Forest near Mt Wilson, during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Photo: Reuters

Julia Musto UK Independent Sat 11 Jan 2025 at 03:30







The two biggest fires devastating the Los Angeles area grew just slightly yesterday, as firefighters beat back the blazes that have killed at least 10 people, obliterated entire neighbourhoods and left Americas second-largest city on edge.
Punjab 95 Release Update: One of the most controversial theatrical releases of Indian cinema is seemingly ready to see the light of day. Diljit Dosanjh as Jaswant Singh Khalra is all set to arrive on the big screen after several delays in February 2025. Before we talk about why is this biopic so controversial, lets know about the revolutionary Diljit is playing in his next.

Who is Jaswant Singh Khalra?

A Sikh activist from Punjab, Khalra is known for his work exposing human rights violations during the Punjab insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s. He was born on September 18, 1952, in Punjabs Amritsar. Initially trained as an engineer, Khalra became involved in social issues and human rights work as the state of Punjab faced violent conflict and harsh counterinsurgency measures by the Indian government.

During this period, thousands of people were killed or disappeared by the Punjab police, many of whom were innocent civilians. The police would often label these victims as militants to justify their actions. Khalra, through his investigations, uncovered that the police were responsible for secretly killing these individuals and cremating their bodies to hide the evidence. He documented these findings with official records and witness testimonies.

In 1995, Khalra made his findings public, revealing that thousands of people had been subjected to extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances. His efforts to bring attention to these abuses made him a target of the authorities. In September 1995, he was arrested by the Punjab police and was tortured while in custody. His whereabouts remained unknown for months, and his body was later found showing signs of severe torture.

Khalras death became a symbol of state repression and a call for justice. His work helped raise awareness about human rights abuses in Punjab, though many of those responsible for the killings were never held accountable.

Why is Diljit Dosanjhs Punjab 95 so controversial?

Punjab 95 has been at the centre of controversy ever since its first look was released in July 2023, with a promise of its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). However, the film was not showcased there and the situation surrounding its release became increasingly complex.

Originally titled Ghallughara, this Honey Trehan directorial changed the name first because it referred to a massacre of Sikhs in the 17th century, which could have further complicated the film's reception. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) raised concerns that certain scenes in the film could incite violence and impact Indias diplomatic relations with other countries.

World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival!



Presenting the first look of Punjab 95, a compelling story based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra Ji @honeytrehan @rampalarjun @Suvinder_Vicky #GeetikaVidyaOhlyan @kukuhere @ronniescrewvala pic.twitter.com/PmTC1Fxxhz  DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) July 24, 2023

As a result, the CBFC demanded significant cuts, initially suggesting 85 edits then straight up 120 cuts leaving everyone fuming. Khalras wife, Paramjit Kaur Khalra back then publicly condemned the CBFC's demands. She stated that the family had given their consent for the film and had reviewed the script over four years ago. In fact, the family had already watched the film in 2022 and expressed satisfaction with how the biopic depicted Khalras struggle for justice.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
OnePlus introduces a 180-day phone replacement plan for the OnePlus 13 series: OnePlus has offered an amazing deal for Indian consumers who purchase the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R. As part of its commitment to improving the customer experience, the firm is providing a 180-day phone replacement plan. This implies that purchasers can replace their phone if it has a manufacturing issue within six months of purchase, providing them with added peace of mind. The approach aims to promote trust in OnePlus goods by ensuring quality and dependability. With India as an important market, this move has the potential to attract more buyers and strengthen OnePlus' brand. Whether you're upgrading or experiencing OnePlus for the first time, this plan provides great value to your purchase by guaranteeing customer satisfaction and hassle-free service.

What is the OnePlus 180-day phone replacement plan for the OnePlus 13 series in India?

Credit: OnePlus

Customers who purchased OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R phones in India between January 10 and February 13 are eligible for a free 180-day phone replacement plan. However, beginning February 14, customers can only use this as an optional paid subscription. The OnePlus 13 will cost Rs. 2,599, while the OnePlus 13R will cost Rs. 2,299. The premium plan extends the service lifespan for three more months. OnePlus stated that "in the unlikely event that any hardware quality issue" occurs within the first 180 days of purchasing the OnePlus 13 or OnePlus 13R, consumers will be eligible for a one-time "worry-free" device replacement. Hardware concerns include problems with screens, rear covers, batteries, motherboards, and so on. OnePlus India CEO Robin Liu said the initiative demonstrates the company's "confidence in the reliability" of its products. The 180-day phone replacement plan is part of OnePlus' Project Starlight, which was launched in India in December 2024. The strategy is said to involve the corporation investing Rs. 6,000 crore in the country over the next three years to improve customer service and the longevity of its gadgets.

What is the eligibility for OnePlus 180-day phone replacement plan?

Credit: OnePlus

The plan only applies to the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R devices.

The plan only covers the gadget for 180 days . The Free 180-Day Phone Replacement Plan must be used within 180 days, beginning at 0:00 on the handset activation date.

. The Free 180-Day Phone Replacement Plan must be used within 180 days, beginning at 0:00 on the handset activation date. The plan can only be utilized once throughout its validity period.

The 180-Day Phone Replacement Plan covers hardware-related faults when the device is operated ordinarily within the 6-month warranty period. It does not cover cosmetic issues, software problems, user-caused damage, or devices with out-of-warranty repair history.

Replacement process

For an examination, go to a OnePlus Exclusive/Authorized Service Center.

Bring the device with its original box and all accessories. To ensure a successful replacement, the entire package, including the original accessories, must be handed up.

If authorized under the OnePlus Warranty Policy, the handset will be replaced free of charge.

Devices that do not meet the warranty terms are not eligible for replacement. However, repair services may be done in accordance with regular service rules.

The service professional will provide the replacement time at the time of device handover once all relevant inspections have been completed and approved.

The configuration variant will remain the same, but the colour variant may vary depending on availability.

Frequently asked question

Q1: What is the 180-day replacement service?

A: It is a protection plan that allows users to replace their handset once within 180 days due to hardware defects.

Q2: Which models are eligible?

A: The plan is applicable only to OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R models.

Q3: How can I check my plan status?

A: Visit Oneplus.in and enter the IMEI of your device to check the 180-Day Replacement Plan status.

Q4: What are the conditions for using this plan?

A:

The device must have a hardware defect.

Must be used within the 180-day effective period.

Device inspection is required at a OnePlus Authorized Service Center.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Have sex with unknown women, make them pregnant, and get paid for it! This sounded like an irresistible offer to many, but little did they know that they were been scammed out of their own money.

All India pregnant job service scam

Bihar Police have arrested three men from Nawada district who allegedly ran an impregnation scam, promising up to Rs 10 lakhs as a reward. According to the police, the accused lured their victims through Facebook ads, where men were promised Rs 10 lakh for making childless women pregnant.

CREDIT: X/NAWADA POLICE

To make the deal even sweeter, the scamsters promised to pay anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh, even if the men failed to impregnate the women.

How the scamsters made money

However, no such scheme existed in reality, and the scamsters made money from their victims in the name of registration and hotel bookings.

Police said that the suspects collected documents, including PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, and selfies from the victims under the pretext of registration.

They would also make their victims pay from Rs 500 to Rs 20,000 in the name of registration fees and hotel booking charges. After receiving money, the cybercriminals ended all contact with the victims, leaving them high and dry.

CREDIT: PEXALS

The three men who have been arrested by the police have been identified as Prince Raj, Bhola Kumar, and Rahul Kumar.

Not the first such case in Bihar

As bizarre as it might sound, this is not the first time cases of All India Pregnant Job Service scams have surfaced from Bihar.

In December 2023, a similar scam was busted in Nawada, and a total of eight people were arrested for duping several men who were promised up to Rs 13 lakhs to impregnate married women who couldn't have children with their partners.

The 2023 scam also used Facebook ads, and the scamsters made money using similar tacticscharging Rs 799 as registration fees and amounts ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 as security deposits.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
The number of confirmed human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India has risen to 13 after a 10-month-old child from Assam became the latest to test positive for the infection. According to officials, the child was admitted to the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh with cold-related symptoms four days ago.

CREDIT: LIVE SCIENCE

First HMPV case in Assam

The HMPV infection was confirmed yesterday after we got test results from Lahowal-based ICMR-RMRC, AMCH Superintendent Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan said.

According to Bhuyan, samples are sent to the Indian Council of Medical Research for tests in influenza and flu-related cases as a routine practice.

"It was a routine test during which the HMPV infection was detected. The child is stable now. It is a common virus and there is nothing to worry about," he said.

CREDIT: BCCL

3 HMPV infections reported in Gujarat

Earlier, on Friday, an eight-year-old boy from Gujarat's Sabarkantha district had tested positive for HMPV, making it the third confirmed case in the state.

The boy, who belongs to a family of farm labourers from Prantij taluka, was found positive for HMPV in a test run by a private laboratory and is currently admitted to a private hospital in Himmatnagar town.

CREDIT: IANS

HMPV cases in India

India's first case of HMPV was identified in Karnataka earlier this week. Since then, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have also reported HMPV infections.

While HMPV, which was discovered in 2001, is not a new infection, the current outbreak has raised alarm bells due to reports of a high number of cases in China.

What China said about HMPV outbreak

Amid fears of a COVID-like outbreak, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday that it had maintained close communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) over HMPV.

CREDIT: ANI

Earlier this week, the WHO said that HMPV cases in China are within the expected range and that there was no unusual outbreak in the country.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
In a significant win for Greece, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has cancelled Turkey's controversial "Turkaegean" trademark.

The trademark, registered in 2021 by Turkey's tourism agency, was widely seen as an attempt to undermine Greece's association with the Aegean Sea.

The

government , along with the Hellenic Property Organisation (OBI), had petitioned the EUIPO to revoke the trademark, arguing that it was commercially detrimental to Greek interests and reflected Turkey's geopolitical ambitions in the region.

"The decision is a vindication of Greek positions," said Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos. "The government will always assert the countrys rights by using every legal means available."

The "Turkaegean" trademark had sparked outrage in Greece when it was first announced, with critics accusing the government of failing to protect national interests.

The EUIPO's decision effectively blocks Turkey from using the trademark in the European Union, dealing a blow to its tourism campaign targeting European markets.

While Turkey has the option to appeal the decision, the cancellation represents a significant victory for Greece in the ongoing dispute over the Aegean Sea. It underscores the importance of protecting national identity and cultural heritage in the face of geopolitical challenges.

   iefimerida.gr
Greece has once again proven its allure as a top global travel destination, with several Greek islands and Athens receiving accolades in Tripadvisor's 2024 Traveller's Choice "Best of the Best" Awards.

Crete shined brightly, securing a 9th place ranking among the world's top

destinations overall.

Tripadvisor also recognized Crete's cultural significance, placing it 9th in the Cultural Destinations category and 8th among favorite destinations over the past 25 years.

Santorini and Mykonos were celebrated as romantic havens, with Santorini claiming the 6th spot globally in the Honeymoon Havens category.

Tripadvisor praised the island's unique beauty, volcanic beaches, stunning caldera views, and vibrant nightlife.

Mykonos also secured a place among the top honeymoon destinations, ranking 12th for its picturesque architecture, lively atmosphere, and diverse beaches.

Athens earned recognition for its culinary scene, securing a 10th place ranking in the Foodie Favorites category.

Tripadvisor highlighted the city's transformation into a vibrant and accessible destination, offering a perfect blend of ancient wonders and modern culinary experiences.

These accolades underscore Greece's enduring appeal to travelers worldwide, showcasing its diverse offerings, from cultural treasures and romantic getaways to vibrant city life and culinary delights.

As Greece continues to attract visitors from around the globe, these awards solidify its position as a premier travel destination.

   iefimerida.gr
Syriza is poised to nominate Louka Katseli, a former minister in George Papandreous government, as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election.

Ms. Katseli, a key figure in Greek politics, chaired the board of the National Bank of Greece during Syrizas governance from 2015 to 2016. Her legislative legacy includes a landmark

law offering foreclosure protections to debtors during the financial crisis.

Ms. Katselis name has surfaced repeatedly as a potential candidate, including during the 2023 election campaign, when she reportedly declined an offer to head Syrizas state deputy list.

Party insiders cite her alignment with Syrizas progressive policies and broad appeal as factors favoring her candidacy.

Other contenders include former foreign minister Mr. Nikos Kotzias and veteran leftist politician Mr. Giannis Dragasakis.

Syrizas Political Secretariat will convene on Monday to make a final decision, with party president Sokratis Famellos expected to present a proposal for a unified progressive nominee.

Syriza has emphasized its commitment to institutional integrity, underscoring that its approach to the presidential election is free from partisan opportunism.

Amid the leadership deliberations, Mr. Famellos has been touring Trikala and Karditsa to assess ongoing challenges in flood-stricken regions.

During a visit to Vlochos, he met with residents who voiced frustration over the governments delayed response nearly 18 months after severe flooding devastated the area.

Residents pointed to the lack of flood-prevention infrastructure and prolonged delays in housing inspections, which have hindered reconstruction efforts. Levee projects must advance immediately. Flood-control initiatives remain stuck in the tendering phase, and inspections are incomplete, preventing residents from rebuilding, Mr. Famellos stated.

He accused the government of neglecting long-term water management and infrastructure needs, emphasizing Syrizas commitment to addressing citizens pressing concerns. We heard a cry for help today.

The governments failures have left these communities unsupported. Our proposal is simple: a strong, reliable state that stands by its people, he said.

Mr. Famellos also met with families of the victims of the Tempi train disaster, reaffirming Syrizas dedication to uncovering the truth behind national tragedies.

He stressed that the party would continue advocating for justice and systemic reforms to prevent similar incidents.

Syriza has also placed emphasis on strengthening local governance.

Meetings with regional officials underscored the partys focus on empowering municipalities and addressing agricultural challenges, particularly the high production costs facing farmers and livestock breeders.

Our presence in the field complements our parliamentary work. We are committed to finding real solutions to the issues affecting our citizens, said a Syriza representative.

As Syriza prepares for the presidential election, its outreach efforts and focus on social challenges aim to strengthen its progressive platform while addressing critical needs across Greece.

   iefimerida.gr
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. More than 66,000 observers have been accredited to monitor municipal election in Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov told reporters on January 11 as part of the ballot printing process for the upcoming municipal election, Trend reports.

The official noted that the accredited observers include 23 representatives of 26 political parties.

"All processes will be conducted under the supervision of accredited observers. Based on the protocols from the precinct election commissions, protocols for the district election commissions must be compiled and submitted to the CEC within two days. After that, the CEC will review all submitted documents within a maximum of 20 days. If any appeals are received, they will be publicly addressed. All of these processes will be completed within 20 days," Panahov added.

The municipal election will be held on January 29.

To note, these Azerbaijani municipal elections will be the first in the country's liberated territories and the sixth overall. The inaugural municipal elections in Azerbaijan occurred on December 12, 1999. Consequently, up to 2,660 municipalities (exceeding 21,000 municipal members) were established nationwide. Nineteen members were elected to the largest municipality, and five to the smallest municipality.

Municipalities are elected for a five-year term. Members of municipalities may be elected by Republic of Azerbaijan citizens who are eligible to vote and permanently reside in the appropriate electoral district.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
No fewer than 11 persons have sustained varying degrees of injuries following a collision involving three vehicles along the Interchange section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

In a statement by Spokesman of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, said that the incident happened at about 7:30 am on Saturday.

Akinbiyi disclosed that the crash occurred when a Mazda bus collided with a truck that was trying to make its way into the premises of a private company along the axis.

Advertisement

He added that another Toyota Hiace bus that was coming behind also collided with the vehicles following a loss of control.

The statement reads: A serious crash involving a truck and 18-seater passenger bus at Cway junction some few meters after Heyden filling station, interchange.

READ MORE: Driver, Pedestrian Die In Tragic Ogun, Lagos Accidents

According to an eye witness, the driver of the Mack truck was trying to manoeuvre to Cway company and due to the inpatient and excessive speed of the Mazda bus, which led to the crash also affecting a Toyota hiace bus that lost control immediately the driver sighted the accident upfront.

The vehicles involved are a MAZDA bus with number plate SMK 554 YH, a MACK truck with number plate FNN 934 XA, and a TOYOTA Hiace bus with number plate kJA 995 XA.

21 people were involved, including 12 adult males and nine adult females, while 11 people were injured,d including eight males and three females. The injured victims were taken to Idera Hospital at Shagamu by FRSC.


The All Progressive Congress (APC) has made a bold declaration to take over Abia State in 2027, with the ultimate goal of unseating the current Governor, Alex Otti.

According to Kingsley Ononogbu, the Chairman of APC in Abia, the Party is confident that it will assume control of the State and bring good governance and dividends of democracy to the people.

Ononogbu made this statement on Friday while receiving a former prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kelvin Jombo Onumah, who defected to the APC along with his supporters.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Tinubus Love For Governor Otti Inspired Abia Airport Project  Keyamo

The APC Chairman expressed optimism that the Partys achievements, particularly those recorded by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, will propel them to victory in the 2027 elections.

We expect that if we take over Abia State in 2027, you will see more actions, verifiable actions, Ononogbu said, emphasizing the partys readiness to take on the challenges of governance.

He also noted that the APC has addressed its past mistakes and is now united and prepared to rule the State in 2027.

This development comes as Governor Otti faces potential challenges within his own party, the Labour Party, which has been embroiled in a leadership crisis.


Emmanuel Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has officially declared his intention to run for the states governorship.

Fayose, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the disclosure in a statement on Friday.

According to Fayose, his decision to join the race is driven by his commitment to revitalizing Ekiti State and steering it back towards growth and development.

Advertisement

I am in the race to dislodge the Oyebanji-led government, and eventually, if I win, I will run an inclusive government that would steer Ekiti in the right direction, he stated.

Fayoses disclosure comes on the heels of a recent meeting between his brother, ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose, and President Bola Tinubu, in Lagos.

During the meeting, the former governor reportedly pledged support for the incumbents reelection, a move that has been criticized by party members in Ekiti as anti-party.

READ ALSO: Best Not Good Enough, Times Running Out  Fayose Urges Tinubu To End Nigerians Suffering

But Fayose, in response, emphasized that the Lagos meeting would not affect his ambition.

He said: I read about the meeting in the newspapers like any other person, and I wish to state that the meeting has nothing to do with my aspiration.

The meeting will not in any way impact my aspiration because the former governor, being my elder brother, is only exercising his Democratic rights of freedom of choice.

Fayose also urged his supporters in the State to remain steadfast and resolute in their quest for positive change in Ekiti.

So my brother is on his own, and its left for the leadership of our great party to ascertain his political allegiance either to our PDP or APC.

I am, however, using the opportunity provided by this platform to urge our teeming supporters to remain firm and resolute and not to be distracted in any way to cause the needed change in our State, he added.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has summoned Wahab and Raheem Okoya, the sons of billionaire businessman Chief Razaq Okoya, for questioning regarding suspected naira abuse.

Raheem and Wahab are required to report to the commissions Lagos office for questioning on Monday.

The brothers drew widespread criticism after a video emerged of them displaying and spraying bundles of N1,000 notes in a promotional clip for Raheems new song, Credit Alert.

Advertisement

The brothers, dressed in white agbadas, were seen in the video dancing while a mobile policeman held bundles of new naira notes, which they threw into the air.

READ MORE: Naira Abuse: VeryDarkMan Slams Police, EFCC, Over Failure To Arrest Okoyas Sons Despite Apology

The incident, widely seen as a defiance of the law, attracted criticism on social media, with some Nigerians expressing concerns about the lack of accountability due to their fathers influential position.

Muyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force Spokesperson, said on Friday that the officer in the video had been identified and apprehended.

On Saturday, The Cable reported that, according to an invitation signed by Michael Wetkas, the Acting Director of the Lagos Directorate of the EFCC, the Okoya brothers were instructed to report to the Head of the Special Operations Team at the commissions office located at 15A Awolowo Road by 10 am on Monday, January 13, 2025.

In a WhatsApp conversation with Punch on Saturday, Dele Oyewale, the EFCCs Head of Media and Publicity, confirmed the report, saying, Yes, they have been invited.
Renowned Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has opened up about his ongoing financial difficulties and the racial treatment he has faced in Hollywood.

In a preview of an unreleased episode of CNN African Voices, posted on Instagram on Friday, the Blood Diamond actor expressed his frustrations with experiencing systemic racism in Hollywood.

Djimon, nominated for prestigious awards for his roles in Blood Diamond and In America, had naturally anticipated that such recognition would advance his career.

Advertisement

However, he revealed that despite his many accomplishments, he continues to face financial struggles.

I am still struggling trying to make a living. I have been in this business and making films now over two decades and still with two Oscar nominations, many big blockbuster films, yet I am still struggling financially to make a living, he said.

READ MORE: Public Servant Acting Like Dictator  Mr Macaroni Condemns Lagos Commissioner For Confronting Man Over Video Recording

I am definitely underpaid. I was nominated for the Golden Globes, but they ignored me for the Oscars, talking about the fact that they thought that I had just come off the boat and off the streets.

Even though I successfully did that, they just did not feel like I was an actor for whom we should pay any respect to. So this conceptual idea of diversity, it still has a long way to go. Systemic racism does not change like that anytime soon.

Hounsou is an experienced actor with decades of work in the industry. He made his Hollywood debut in the 1990 film Without You Im Nothing.

He gained widespread recognition for his performance in Blood Diamond (2006), where he starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.

Watch him speak below

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEpkUtixfFV/?igsh=Y3g2dzRjMGNlaGpm
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment has blamed closure of Nigerian borders for the countrys economic challenges.

NASS lamented that the policy has failed to curb cross-border crimes, including banditry and smuggling in the country.

The lawmakers on Friday, led this out during the 2025 budget defence session with Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Advertisement

They expressed frustration over the ongoing security and economic challenges linked to the porous nature of the countrys borders with Niger and Chad, noting that Nigeria might be fooling herself with the decision to close the borders.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Senator Francis Fadaunsi argued that the current border closure policy is counterproductive.

He said: Border closure is hampering economic fortunes of the country because rather than curb smuggling, it encourages it.

READ MORE: Customer Abducts Seven-Year-Old Daughter Of Ogun PoS Operator

For instance, with rice production, local producers only manage to meet 3 million tonnes of the 7 million tonnes required, leaving a significant shortfall filled by smuggled goods.

Another lawmaker representing Nangero/Potiskum Federal Constituency in Yobe State, also said similar sentiments

She said: We must stop deceiving ourselves about border closure.

Going by free movement of people and even criminals across the borders, it is time for us, to stop fooling ourselves with border closure .
A High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, has granted bail to 12 suspects accused of murdering Akpo Alex, a 200-level student of mechanical engineering at Ajayi Crowther University (ACU).

The court, on Friday, granted the suspects bail to the sum of N5 million and two sureties each in like sum.

The suspects had pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge brought against them.

Advertisement

Ladiran Akintola, the Presiding Judge, granted them bail with their parents standing in as sureties and adjourned the retrial till February 21.

According to Victor Otomiewo, counsel to the prosecutor, the bail granted to the suspects does not acquit them.

READ ALSO: Ogun Student Dies After 162 Frog Jumps, 24 Strokes Of Cane

The most important thing is the pronouncement and what every lawyer knows is that the granting of bail is not a declaration of innocence or acquittal, Otomiewo said.

Otomiewo added that if the re-trial, adjourned till February 21, is not resolved on that date, the trial will proceed accordingly.

With the pronouncement of the Judge and his conduct of the trial so far, everybody will go home and see that Justice, real justice not abstract justice has been served, he added.

In May 2024, some students of ACU were seen in a video beating Alex, over an alleged phone theft.

Following his death, the institution expelled the suspects and handed them over to the police for investigation.
The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a 38-year-old man, Destiny Ekhorutomuen, for allegedly using social media to distribute false and provocative content aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the police and inciting public unrest.

The arrest was made by the National Cyber Crime Centre in Edo States Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, according to Force Public Relations Officer ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed this in a statement released on Friday.

On 8 December 2024, operatives of the Force apprehended Destiny Ekhorutomuen, a 38-year-old suspect, in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State.

Advertisement

The suspect allegedly created and operated multiple social media accounts to spread false and inciting content designed to provoke the public against the Nigeria Police, Adejobi said.

READ MORE: Navy Dismantles Nine Illegal Refining Sites In Ondo, Suspects Flee

The police voiced concerns about the intentional spread of falsehoods, describing it as a threat to national stability, social unity, and public trust.

This deliberate spread of falsehoods erodes public trust, undermines societal cohesion, and poses significant risks to national security, the statement read.

Adejobi stressed that the police have a zero-tolerance policy towards such actions, warning that using social media to spread fake news or incite unrest is a criminal offence punishable under Nigerian law.

The Nigeria Police reiterates its zero tolerance for acts aimed at threatening the nations stability or tarnishing the reputation of the police and other government institutions, he said.

He advised Nigerians to use information with prudence and accountability.

Citizens are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in their use of information, as the collective peace and unity of the nation depend on it, he added.
A road accident on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway has resulted in the deaths of at least ten people, according to the Kaduna State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Kabir Nadabo, the Sector Commander, confirmed the accident to journalists in Kaduna on Friday.

Nadabo stated that the tragic road accident took place at Kasari village along the expressway on Thursday.

Advertisement

A Toyota Hiace bus with registration number GDW190XA experienced a head on collision with a truck with registration number SMK 141XN, all commercial vehicles.

A combined team of rescue operatives from RS1.114 Zhipe, RS1.16B Dutse Outpost, some officers from the Nigerian Police Force and some military personnel conducted the rescue, he stated.

The Sector Commander said initial investigations indicated that 16 people were involved, including eight males and eight females.

He explained that upon arriving at the hospital, the injured individuals all succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll to 10.

READ MORE: Navy Dismantles Nine Illegal Refining Sites In Ondo, Suspects Flee

The cause of the road traffic crash was established to be wrongful overtaking and dangerous driving.

It is worthy of mention that after the collision, the bus got set ablaze due to the impact of the crash, while those in the truck were not injured, he added.

Nadabo explained that the corps in the state were marking the ember season, which had seen fewer fatalities due to road traffic crashes.

Nadabo praised the Kaduna State Government for its ongoing support of all FRSC activities in the state.

The sector commander expressed gratitude to journalists who have consistently worked with the corps to promote safety awareness.


Adenike Okunlaya, a widow and teacher at Christ-Miltos Primary School in Ikorodu, Lagos, where her son, was brutally assaulted by her colleague has spoken out about the incident .

The heartbreaking incident which unfolded made the mother of the three-year-old victim request for justice during an interview published on Saturday by Punch.

Recall that the incident was captured on video and went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.



According to Okunlaya, the her son had complained about the teachers brutality in the past, but she had not taken it seriously, thinking it was just the usual spanking.

Advertisement

However, she noted that when he saw the video, she felt devastated and sought help from her pastor, who reported the incident to the school management.

Her words: I didnt take it seriously because the woman was my colleague at work. However, when I saw the video, I felt sad. That was why I sent the video to my friend, who shared it with another person. I guess that was how the tape got leaked.

READ ALSO: Lagos Court Remands Female Teacher For Assaulting Three Years Old Pupil

I didnt challenge her, and I did not make any report. I only showed the video to my pastor, who reported the case to the headmistress. I felt bad about the way my son was treated. All I want is justice for him.

The school management, she added, promptly sacked the teacher and handed her over to the police.

Okunlaya furthered that she had taken her son to the hospital, where doctors confirmed that his ears had been affected by the assault.

We had to take him to the Ikorodu General Hospital. The doctor said his ears had been affected. So, they directed us to a department in the hospital for a medical check-up of his ears. The doctors gave us a medical report, which is still with Supo Bola at the Owutu Police Station, she said.

The incident has sparked a national conversation about corporal punishment in schools and the need for teachers to be held accountable for their actions.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. Shahin Baghirov has been awarded the Order For Service to Motherland of the 1st degree, Trend reports.

President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree in this regard.

According to the order, Shahin Baghirov received recognition for his contributions to the advancement of customs operations in Azerbaijan and his extensive, productive engagement within the customs sector.
A building destroyed during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on Jan. 9. Read more

As 2025 begins with wildfires wreaking devastation across Los Angeles, its now clear that insured losses from natural catastrophes last year soared to the highest since 2017.

At $140 billion, insured losses globally were more than double the 30-year average of roughly $60 billion, according to industry data compiled by Munich Re and published in a report on Thursday.

Advertisement

Hurricanes Milton and Helene, which ripped through the United States, ended up being the costliest natural disasters of 2024, the report shows. And this year may already be on track to exceed those losses, as wildfires in the Los Angeles area threaten to be the most financially damaging in history.

The deadly California blazes are consuming some of the most pricey real estate in the U.S., affecting areas where the median home value is more than $2 million, according to AccuWeather Inc. The total economic losses of the devastation  which account for uninsured destruction and indirect economic impact such as lost wages and supply-chain disruptions  is now expected to land between $135 billion and $150 billion, the company said.

Insurers are set to face a bill that could top $20 billion, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. analysts, though that figure may increase further as devastation spreads.

California banned insurers from canceling or not renewing residential property policies in the Los Angeles neighborhoods that were affected by the fires.

The states insurance commissioner, Ricardo Lara, issued a one-year mandatory moratorium to shield those in the neighborhoods or adjoining zip codes of the Palisades and Eaton Fires, whether they suffered a loss or not, according to a statement published late Thursday Los Angeles time.

This order applies to all residential property policies in force as of Jan. 7, when Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency.

The California Department of Insurance may extend the moratorium to other ZIP codes that could become affected by the wildfires.

Our top priority is protecting Californians during this crisis and helping us recover, Lara said in the statement, adding that the moratorium aims to ensure that people dont face the added stress of finding new insurance during this horrific event.

Fires, along with floods and severe thunderstorms, are whats known in the insurance industry as nonpeak perils, which scientists say are more likely to intensify in tandem with climate change. As a risk category, theyve also proved harder to off-load to capital markets in the form of products such as catastrophe bonds than peak perils like hurricanes.

Nonpeak risks have increased significantly and have accounted for a steadily increasing share of insured losses from natural catastrophes in recent years, Tobias Grimm, Munich Res chief climate scientist, said in an interview.

The overall increase in natural catastrophes has coincided with a rapid rise in temperatures. Last year was the planets hottest on record, with the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service recording a global average of 1.62C above preindustrial levels in November, breaching the critical threshold of 1.5C.

Science has become more certain that climate change plays a crucial role in making weather disasters more frequent and more extreme, Grimm said.

Climate change is now upending what had once been considered weather norms. Last year, extreme flooding in Dubai and in Spains Valencia region, where more than 200 people died, led to billions of dollars in insurance losses.

Dubai, for example, isnt exactly considered a hot spot for flooding, Grimm said.

Grimm said its clear that higher temperatures have led to the more frequent occurrence of intense rainfall, while theres a greater incidence of tropical cyclones rapidly picking up in force as they develop.

Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida in October, caused $25 billion of insured losses. It narrowly missed the densely populated Tampa metropolitan area, avoiding a scenario that would have triggered considerably more destruction. Just weeks earlier, Hurricane Helene resulted in $16 billion in losses.

Overall damages from natural disasters reached $320 billion last year, the most since 2021, according to the Munich Re report. Weather catastrophes were responsible for 93% of overall losses, and for 97% of insured losses. About 11,000 people lost their lives as a result of natural disasters in 2024, the reinsurer said.

Insurers have tended to respond to the surge in extreme weather events by retreating from some areas deemed too risky to cover. Grimm said every risk can be insured if you get the right premiums. Munich Re doesnt generally exclude any regions from insurance because of climate change, he said.
Weeks after a New Jersey womans body was found inside a refrigerator abandoned in a South Jersey state park, her boyfriend has been charged with dumping the corpse in Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County.

Advertisement

Christopher Blevins, 45, of Gloucester City, faces charges of disturbing and desecrating remains and hindering apprehension for taking the body of 50-year-old Laura Hughes to the park and leaving it there last July, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest.

Authorities have not said how Hughes died or whether they are investigating the case as a homicide.

The Cape May County Medical Examiners Office could not be reached for comment. A spokesperson for the New Jersey State Police said the investigation is continuing and declined further comment.

Bevins was arrested last week in Mexico, where authorities say he had been staying since August. Hughes body was discovered in late December.

No attorney for Blevins was listed in court documents.

Last month, authorities found Hughes body inside a refrigerator left abandoned in the nearly 23,000-acre state forest, the affidavit said. The refrigerator was wrapped in a sleeping bag, secured with blue ratchet straps, and covered in a carpet, according to the document.

Automatic license plate readers captured Blevins green Dodge Ram pickup truck in Sea Isle City and Long Beach Township in late July, hauling a refrigerator-shaped object in the truck bed, according to the affidavit.

Investigators later searched the home Blevins shared with Hughes and found blue ratchet straps, a firearm, and a calendar with the days marked with an x every day until July 24, the affidavit said.

The couple had a stormy relationship, authorities said, and a history of domestic violence and drug and alcohol use.

On Aug. 2, Blevins traveled to Mexico, crossing the border through Brownsville, Texas, and remained in hiding for several weeks, the document said.

For reasons that are unclear, on Aug. 27, Blevins told authorities in Mexico City that he had panicked and fled the U.S. after getting into a violent incident in Runnemede and may have killed someone in a bar fight, the affidavit said.
Jefferson Health, the Philadelphia regions largest health system by number of hospitals, is laying off 171 employees in March, the nonprofit said in a state regulatory filing Friday.

The layoffs relate to the outsourcing of back-office jobs as The Inquirer previously reported. Jefferson declined to say what company it hired to provide the back-office support.

Advertisement

Jeffersons notice to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry said the layoffs will affect people working in billing, insurance preauthorization, and clinical documentation. Most of the employees work remotely, but report to offices in Philadelphia, Fort Washington, Willow Grove, Norristown, East Norriton, Abington, and Cherry Hill, the notice said.

The layoffs include employees at Jefferson Einstein represented by the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals union. Jefferson is switching to a new software for clinical and billing operations at the former Einstein Healthcare Network, which it acquired in 2021.

We are disappointed that management has chosen to eliminate these positions, a union spokesperson said. We are awaiting a response from management as to why these highly skilled jobs, all of which are essential to the daily operations of the hospital, are being eliminated.

Evolving Jefferson

Following a rapid expansion though acquisitions, Jefferson has been tweaking its operations in a bid to make them profitable. It also entered into joint ventures for laboratory services, home care, and mammography to raise money.

Last year, Jefferson centralized some of its patient scheduling and appointment functions. That reorganization reduced the number of managers, but not the overall number of jobs, a Jefferson spokesperson said last summer.

Jefferson had just shy of 5,000 corporate employees on Sept. 30, down from 5,248 on June, 30, 2023, right before it announced a 1% workforce reduction, with most jobs in corporate and administrative functions. Both of those figures are adjusted to account for part-time employees.

In November, Jefferson postponed annual pay raises for more than 42,000 employees in the Philadelphia region from January to July. Jefferson said the move was designed to match annual salary increases to its fiscal year, which starts July 1. But the move will also boost the nonprofits bottom line in its first year owning Lehigh Valley Health Network. That deal closed in August.

Jeffersons operating loss in the three months that ended Sept. 30 was $90.5 million, including Lehigh Valley. The 32-hospital system, which stretches from northeastern Pennsylvania to South Jersey, reported $3.73 billion in revenue, up 10% from $3.39 billion a year ago.

Editors note: This article has been updated with a comment from the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals.
Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, where resident physicians and fellows have voted to unionize. Read more

Resident physicians and fellows at Temple University Hospital have voted to unionize, becoming the second group of Philly-area physicians this week to join the Committee of Interns and Residents.

The vote, taken on Thursday, was 425-11 in favor of a union, a spokesperson from CIR, which is a division of the Service Employees International Union, wrote in a statement.

Advertisement

Sarah Bart, a Temple resident, called the vote a win for Philly in a statement from CIR.

Its time to put patients back at the center of our health-care system, she wrote. We won our union, now we are preparing our campaign for a fair contract that puts resources in patient care and supports physicians and patients well-being.

Two other groups of Temple residents based at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Chestnut Hill Hospital will also hold separate votes in the coming week.

Temple has a long and extensive history working with many different unions, the nonprofit health system said in a statement.

We are committed to working with CIR within our ability to maintain financial stability to provide our patients and community with the high-quality care that they expect and deserve today and in the years ahead, the statement read.

In November, residents from Temple joined their counterparts at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Jeffersons Einstein Healthcare Network, and the Delaware-based ChristianaCare health system to announce plans to unionize.

Since December, residents at each health system have held individual union votes. CHOP residents and fellows voted against joining a union by 17 votes late last month, but Einstein physicians voted 356-35 on Wednesday to unionize.

ChristianaCare held the first of two voting windows on Thursday and will hold a second next week.

Residents at the cadre of unionizing hospitals said theyd been inspired by a wave of labor organizing among physicians around the country. Residents at Penn Medicine and the Rutgers University health system reached their first contracts with their employers last year. And ChristianaCare attending physicians are also unionized.

Resident physicians, who are completing the final phase of their medical training, typically work grueling schedules  up to 80-hour weeks  for relatively low pay, about $61,000 a year. In announcing plans to unionize, residents in Philadelphia cited those long hours and what they described as understaffing at their hospitals that affects patient care.
The Philadelphia police marine unit are searching for a man in his 30s who was reportedly swimming in the Delaware River and not seen coming out in the 7000 block of Milnor Street in the 15th police district, Friday, January 10, 2025. Read more

The search continued Saturday for a man who went missing Friday afternoon in the Delaware River near Philadelphias Tacony section, police said.

Right before sunset Friday, police responded to a call alerting them about a man in the river by Princeton Avenue and State Road.

The man is believed to be in his late 20s to early 30s and was last seen in the water by a witness, police said.

Advertisement

According to CBS , the man was riding a jet ski when he went underwater and didnt resurface.

The Philadelphia Police Marine Unit and Fire Department have been searching the area ever since, police said.

This is a developing story and will be updated.
The Algoma Verity cargo ship has been stuck in the Delaware River in Philadelphia since Wednesday after it ran aground about a mile north of the Ben Franklin Bridge while hauling 45,000 tons of salt to a port in Bucks County. Read more

There is no timeline for when a massive cargo ship that got stuck in the Delaware River while hauling salt will be cleared from the waterway, the U.S. Coast Guard said Friday.

The 623-foot-long Algoma Verity cargo ship has been stranded in the Delaware River since 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, when it ran aground about a mile north of the Ben Franklin Bridge between Penn Treaty Park and Pettys Island. The vessel left port in Philadelphia around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and was heading to Fairless Hills, Bucks County, while carrying about 45,000 tons of solar salt.

Advertisement

 READ MORE: A massive cargo ship is stuck in the Delaware River, the coast guard says

A team from the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay is working with representatives from the Algoma Verity to safely move the vessel to a nearby terminal, according to a statement Friday from the Coast Guard.

Since Wednesday night, the Coast Guard has been working with private tugboats to dislodge the ship, which has a damaged  and empty  fuel tank alongside four broken ballast tanks, which hold water to keep the vessel stable, the Coast Guard said.

There are many different factors when it comes to moving a vessel as large as the Algoma Verity after a grounding and we want to ensure it is done safely, said Cmdr. Lee Gorlin, the incident commander at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay, in a statement. It is too early to have a timeline.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation, the Coast Guard said, but there are no reports of injuries or pollution. Vessel traffic remains restricted between the Ben Franklin Bridge and the Tioga Marine Terminal in Port Richmond.

Currently flying under the flag of the Bahamas, the Algoma Verity can hold up to 47,404 metric tons of cargo across its 2.1 million cubic feet of storage space, according to an information sheet from Algoma Central Corp., the ships owner.

Ships typically run aground when the depth of the water is about equal to the ships draft, or the distance between a vessels waterline and deepest point. What causes that to happen, though, can vary, ranging from bad fuel and mechanical failures to weather conditions.

Strong winds passed through Philadelphia at the start of the week, peaking at around 35 mph on Wednesday. The National Weather Service has warned of these gusts causing abnormally low water levels in the Delaware River that can make navigation more difficult.
A female pit bull was captured Friday afternoon in West Fairmount Park and was being held by ACCT Philly. The dog is believed to have been part of a pack that attacked two men on Chamounix Drive. Read more

A pack of pit bulls loose in West Fairmount Park attacked and critically injured a 61-year-old man early Friday morning and also hurt a second man, police said.

While two dogs were captured, police said others were still loose as of Saturday and had last been seen in the area of 2200 Chamounix Dr. shortly after 6:30 a.m. Friday. The public had been urged to avoid the area while officers and ACCT Philly, which provides animal control services, worked to locate and secure the remaining dogs.

Advertisement

Video from 6abc showed the location of the attack, apparently where Greenland Drive branches separately north and south onto Chamounix Drive.

The dogs were first reported shortly after 2:20 a.m. in the area of 3600 Chamounix Dr. and a responding officer saw a pack of pit bulls and called ACCT Philly, police said.

At least one ACCT Philly officer arrived and was attempting to capture the dogs when he was attacked and knocked to the ground, police said.

One of the dogs then charged the police officer, who responded by firing his gun once and missed the dog, police said. The dogs ran off into nearby woods.

Police said that one dog was captured after the initial encounter, but that the others could not be located.

Shortly after 6:30 a.m., police responded to a report of two men being attacked by a group of dogs in the area of 2200 Chamounix Dr. By the time police arrived, the men had been transported to hospitals by medics.

The 61-year-old man was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition. No new information on his condition was available Saturday.

A 60-year-old man was taken to Lankenau Medical Center, where he was reported in stable condition. He was later released.

On Friday afternoon, police said a second dog was captured. Police and ACCT Philly were continuing to search for other dogs.

Sarah Barnett, executive director of ACCT Philly, said the female pit bull that was caught Friday afternoon was believed to be the mother of some of other adult dogs in the pack.

Barnett said the ACCT Philly officer who was knocked down was not injured.

The officer who fired his gun was described as 39 years old and a 17-year veteran of the department. He was placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of a required internal investigation into the shooting incident, police said.

Staff writer Michelle Myers contributed to this article.
The Dogist, a viral dog photographer with more than 9 million followers, is meeting fur babies in Philly this week. Here's what we know and who he's met so far. Read more

Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter

Welcome to Saturday.

Parts of the region were expected to wake up to a bit of snow this morning, and winds are to pick up again tonight.

Advertisement

Today, were talking about the adorable power of the pup close-up. Plus, we have the latest on a cargo ship trapped in the Delaware River, how the quad-demic is impacting Phillys sick season, and what Macys customers should know about store closures.

 Paola Perez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

What you should know today

Philly is a dog-loving city. It may be ruff for some pet owners. Still, nearly one-third of households own a dog, and any one of them could go viral thanks to the Dogist, the account of a photographer with some of the most wholesome feeds across social media.

Elias Weiss Friedman is the founder and man behind the Dogist. Hes typically looking for new adorable subjects in New York, but he was spotted in Philadelphia recently. We claim him because hes a proud Philly man. (We also have the cutest canines and lots of places to take them out, so coming back home makes sense.)

Were not in Kansas anymore, Friedman told his followers. Were in Philadelphia, which is where Im from. Were gonna get a hoagie from Wawa. And were gonna root for the Eagles. And were gonna get a cheesesteak wid. And because Manayunk was his first stop, he explained to over 9 million people what the Yunk is.

Every dog has a story  where they came from, what they love, and what sorts of mischief they get up to  and through the Dogist, Friedman puts them in the spotlight, treats and photography included. In this visit, he met Astrid the Galgo and Odin the Wiggy (a first for the Dogist); he featured Hazel, the cooking-loving rescue who once stole a stick of butter; he strolled with Dar the curious Beagle; and he got camera-booped by a sweet and excited ball of energy named Sienna. Its impossible to watch these encounters without smiling.

This wasnt Friedmans first time hanging out with Philly pups. He played with some of our furry neighbors last summer, but his recent appearance was a welcome surprise. This was especially true for Ashley the dog owner who has been waiting for this moment, and the starstruck woman on Main Street who unknowingly walked into frame and said: Youre the Dogist? Its too bad Bark Social up the street is gone. I can imagine the absolute field day Friedman and fans would have had there. He should come back during one of the Phillies annual Bark at the Park nights.

Friedmans overall review? Philly delivered the goods. We always do.

The increased presence of a powerful animal tranquilizer in Philadelphias fentanyl supply, dubbed rhino tranq on the streets, is transforming how intensive care facilities help people living in addiction across the city.

Nearly one in five recent fentanyl-related deaths in Philadelphia now involve medetomidine, which is up to 200 times more potent than its predecessor xylazine, write Kevan Shah and Suhanee Mitragotri. Shah is the founder and executive director of End Overdose Together, and Mitragotri is the cofounder of the Naloxone Education Initiative.

To address this evolving crisis, Shah and Mitragotri say we must dramatically expand rapid access to treatments for addiction and harm reduction resources.

After claiming more than 500,000 American lives over the course of two decades, the overdose crisis has entered an even deadlier phase, they write.

Read on for Shah and Mitragotris perspective on a potential three-pronged approach to this escalating situation.

 Pop quiz

Girl Scout Cookies are back, but these two flavors are being discontinued after this season.

A) Thin Mints and Samoas (a.k.a. Caramel deLites)

B) Lemonades and Trefoils

C) Smores and Toast-Yay!

D) Adventurefuls and Peanut Butter Sandwich (a.k.a. Do-si-dos)

Think you know? Check your answer.

 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: This epic 2024 film, set mostly in Philadelphia and Doylestown, won the Golden Globe for best motion picture-drama

BUILT SHATTER

Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Harry Whalen who correctly guessed Fridays answer: Snacktime. The Philly band that is now Jason Kelce on ESPN famous since being featured on the former Eagles pop-up show, They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg runs from Jan. 4-11. Rural reporter Jason Nark (pictured in the middle) hasnt missed one in about eight years, and says he is trying to recruit more friends and families to join him.

Between the rodeo competitions, live calf births, mushroom burgers, and the crown jewel 1,000-pound butter sculpture, there is a lot to see and do there. Check out more photos from the annual event, captured by staff photographers Tyger Williams and Steven Falk, and read Narks latest for reasons you should pull your kids out of school for next years show.

Somewhere on the internet in Philly

Over on a Roxborough neighborhood Facebook group, a funny man named David is keeping his community updated with weather reports after the snow and cold snap across the Philly region. I wonder what Jim, Davids fellow correspondent for sports, thinks about Sundays matchup at the Linc.

And over on The Inquirer site, were reviewing all the squares for Eagles playoff Bingo and trying to crack todays Birdle. (I got yesterdays in four attempts. Go Birds.)

 Lets do this again tomorrow.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
I meant to write a column about key global flashpoints to watch out for in 2025.

But I soon realized there are two main things you need to observe closely in the new year to assess whether this chaotic world will grow more stable: what Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin each want from the world (hint: it seems to be the same thing), and where that obsession will lead them  and the rest of us.

Advertisement

If you judge the Russian dictator and the wannabe U.S. autocrat by what they are saying, each is looking to the past. They want to revert to Cold War behavior  dividing much of the world into spheres of influence controlled, respectively, by Washington and Moscow  or go further back to the great power imperialism of the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s, when large powers simply devoured the small.

Putin has already put his plan into military action in Ukraine and Belarus, attempting to expand Russian overlordship along the lines of the old Soviet Union  or even beyond. That means military or political control, or even annexation, of not only Ukraine, but also the Baltics, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus, adjacent seaways, and now the Arctic.

 READ MORE: Trumps Ukraine policy in 2025 will show if he is a winner or a loser | Trudy Rubin

Over and over, in speeches since 2007, the Kremlin leader has bemoaned the fall of the Soviet Union and extolled the past glories of the Russian empire.

As renowned Russia experts Fiona Hill and Angela Stent wrote in 2022 in Foreign Affairs, Putin wants the West and the global South to accept Russias predominant regional role in Eurasia.

This is more than a sphere of influence; it is a sphere of control, with a mixture of outright territorial reintegration of some places and dominance in the security, political, and economic spheres of others.

They added that, as we have seen in Ukraine, Putin is serious about achieving these goals by military and nonmilitary means.

This is why Putin has insisted over and over that any talks on Ukraine be conducted between him and Trump without Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky. To Russia, Kyiv is irrelevant.

The message to Trump is: Lets divide a large chunk of the world up between the big boys, you and me.

So it is stunning, if not surprising, to hear President-elect Trump demand that Denmark sell its autonomous territory of Greenland to the United States, and that Panama return the canal to Washington.

Denmark should give it up, he said at a news conference Tuesday, because we need it for national security purposes. When asked if he would give assurances the U.S. wouldnt use force to obtain Greenland or the Panama Canal, he responded, No, I cant assure you.

Many assume this Trump tough talk is his signature bluster, which he uses to threaten allies to do what he wants. When he suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum trolled Trump with a 17th-century map labeling the United States America Mexicana.

Yet, Trumps military threats to Panama and fellow NATO member Denmark  however unlikely he is to attack either  raise the question of whether he really yearns to join Putin in establishing geographic spheres of influence.

Down that dream road, the United States abandons NATO and Putin gets Ukraine, along with a U.S. green light for Moscow to dominate half of Europe and Central Asia. Russian TV has already been promoting video of Trumps news conference threat to use force against Greenland or Panama as proof that their Ukraine intervention was justified. (And Russia insists Greenland is in its sphere of influence.)

As for the U.S. sphere of influence, Trump yearns to resurrect the Monroe Doctrine (which he has praised at the United Nations). Washington invoked that doctrine from 1823 to the end of the Cold War to justify unlimited intervention in Central and South America.

Such a strategy would play right into Putins  and Xi Jinpings  hands.

Russia is a weak country with nukes. But if Trump hands off Ukraine to Putin and fatally weakens NATO, Putin emerges as the winner, and the United States will look like a fading power. As for China and North Korea, they will have learned important lessons: If the U.S. is focusing on its own sphere of influence, its time for Beijing to take Taiwan and a nuclear Pyongyang to consider invading Seoul.

Moreover, any effort to reassert the Monroe Doctrine will rally Latin American countries to stand against U.S. imperialism, and probably drive them closer to China. Beijing has long curried favor with big infrastructure and other investments in Central and South America, while U.S. governments paid too little attention. Now is the time to economically and militarily tighten an alliance with the nation of Panama, not push it away.

But it is Greenland where a policy that consists only of threats and bluster is demonstrably wrong.

This icy Danish territory, three times the size of Texas and populated by around 56,800 people, is critically important for strategic geography, I was told by Rebecca Pincus, director of the Polar Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington.

The island is home to a vital U.S. military installation, the Pituffik Space Base, used for missile defense and space surveillance, and which tracks the movement of Russian nuclear submarines.

Greenland is also situated near newly opened Arctic shipping routes whose control will be under challenge by Russia. Adds Pincus, It is also home to large deposits of minerals critical to 21st-century technology.

But it is not simply a piece of land close ally Denmark is willing to sell to the United States.

 READ MORE: To predict what Trump will do at home, look at the strongmen he most admires overseas | Trudy Rubin

The same week Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenlands capital of Nuuk to dispense MAGA talking points in front of TV cameras, Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the island is not for sale, adding that Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. Indeed, the people of Greenland have a full say in the future of their island and may one day choose independence. If so, they should be invited to join NATO, not instructed to swallow U.S. rule.

Indeed, the way to improve U.S. security interests is to continue the recent tightening of American ties to Denmark and Greenland. Denmark has just pledged an additional $1.5 billion to upgrade Greenlands defense but should be pressed to finally meet NATOs baseline 2% of GDP for defense spending. There is a need to upgrade the base, Pincus said, to confront new Russian threats, such as hypersonic missiles.

As for mining rare minerals in Greenlands harsh climate, it will take U.S. investors (and perhaps new local laws) to counter any forays by Chinese companies to buy licenses. Congress could encourage such investment.

If Trump would only recognize the Russian threat, he is in a great position to strengthen NATO, by pressing allies to gin up mutual defenses in the Arctic and Europe and spend more on security. But any effort to imitate Putin by threatening to seize territory is a losing proposition. It is bound to boomerang on him and on the United States.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. Webcams will be installed at 1,000 polling stations in connection with the municipal election in Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov told reporters, Trend reports.

"I would like to pay special attention to the practice of using webcams. This is already an international experience for Azerbaijan, and we hold the copyrights for this technology. For the municipal election, webcams will be installed at 1,000 polling stations," he said.

The CEC head noted that the selection of polling stations for camera installation was based on the principle of covering the entire territory of Azerbaijan. The webcams will operate continuously, from the preparation of the polling stations until their opening, including the period before 08:00 (GMT +4), and will continue to function until all processes are completed after the polling station closes.

"The images transmitted via the web cameras meet modern standards. Everything will be visible clearly and distinctly. This ensures maximum transparency of the elections," emphasized the official.

The municipal election will be held on January 29.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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
Shanks said that the new course aims to ensure insurance professionals can access education identified by legislators and regulators for areas of improvement in the sector in a timely and relevant manner to continually strive for better outcomes for customers.
Recovered livestock can be quickly traced back to their owners, improving the chances of return.

Tagged animals are less appealing to thieves, as selling them without raising suspicion becomes more difficult.

Many jurisdictions require livestock tagging under programs like the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). For instance, in Victoria, livestock such as cattle and sheep must carry NLIS-compliant tags before being moved off the property.

Firearm security on farms

Firearms are a common presence on rural properties for pest control and safety, but their improper storage poses risks. According to a 2018 report, incidents of firearm theft rose by 15% over a decade, with the majority occurring in regional areas.
What I am hoping to achieve with these talks at workplaces, with the support of icare, is to create a space where people can check in with themselves and each other, to ensure they are in the right headspace mentally to work safely, which in turn can enable a physically safer workplace, he said.
For those of us in the food and hospitality industry, its a crucially important to keep an eye on the food and drink trends.

My late mother-in-law, Myrtle Allen used to say be aware of trends, but dont follow them slavishly  good advice as ever.

So where to start? Ive been trawling through a myriad of food lists to identify the latest excitement in food and beverage areas  of course TikTok continues to influence trends more than ever before.

Those who live in built-up areas, even quite small towns, cant have failed to notice the ever increasing number of food delivery bikes. They havent arrived in Shanagarry yet, but are already a feature of some local villages.

Sometimes the information seems contradictory, as we become more aware of the effect of ultra-processed foods on our health, more of us are striving to do more home cooking.

Were also told that steadily increasing numbers are prepared to seek out and invest in organic and chemical-free food rather than shelling out for added supplements to build up the health of the family.

In an increasingly volatile world, food and drink production is being steadily impacted by both climate change and geo-politics, hence the price of coffee, cacao (chocolate), olive oil etc continues to skyrocket.

22 TRENDS IN FOOD FOR 2025

1. Grab and go is increasing even in high-end restaurants. Many pragmatic restaurateurs believe this is the only way to go to survive.

2. Green menu design will be a thing.

3. Depending on who you read, the plant based food meat sales are growing exponentially or tanking as awareness grows of the ultra-processed nature of many of these foods and their impact on the environment. This is a hugely politicised area in the US, where fake meat has been used by the far-right as an example of how the left "threatens citizens rights to real meat". Some US politicians, according to Food Navigator, claim that plant-based companies are part of a soy globalist conspiracy and are determined to make meat illegal. Watch that space

4. Its all about protein these days, the protein powder market is on fire.

5. Millennials and Gen Z referred to as the super snacking generation, seem to have an insatiable appetite for snacks. This is an international trend, over one-third, prefer snacks to meals so the snack market will continue to grow with an increasing emphasis on fancy snacks and affordable luxuries. Snackmakers are paying close attention to this trend and are cashing in by designing more upmarket, individually packaged indulgent treats to brighten up your day without breaking the bank. Crunch is the texture of the moment.

6. Have you heard of Swicy food, where sweet meets spicy, all the rage, and gathering market share?

7. As our basic mass-produced food becomes less flavourful, condiments are an essential staple in everyones pantry. We cant seem to get enough of spicy foods. Were becoming hot-sauce connoisseurs, chilli in everything, chilli honey, lattes, coffee, sriracha popcorn

8. A growing interest and curiosity around plant-based aquatic foods as seaweeds have been relabelled. Duckweed is the new green superfood and is becoming the go to for health conscious foodies, a brilliantly high source of protein  33.5%. Irish moss is also having its moment. Carrageen moss is super cool too.

9. Fermented foods continue to gather momentum and are now mainstream. Expect prebiotic and probiotic foods to become kitchen staples. Turmeric has not lost its spot.

10. Mushrooms are definitely having their moment, lions mane and grilled king oyster mushrooms are becoming menu stars, everyones loving their meaty flavour. Vegetarians and vegans truly value mushrooms as a protein.

11. Jackfruit, with its pork-like flavour and texture, is finding its way into sandwiches and tacos as well as vegetable and vegan stews.

12. Chickpeas are in everything from salads and tagines to creamy sauces. These spiced crunchy chickpeas are one of my must have larder ingredients to slather over salads and roast vegetables.

13. Companies are increasingly being called out on the internet for false claims about ingredients. AI is fast penetrating restaurants; we will see hyper personalised dining experiences soon  how about asking ChatGPT for dinner ideas? Oh, my goodness, what is the world coming to! Take-out restaurant apps now learn from our previous orders and suggest new dishes were likely to enjoy. Interestingly, zero waste is really becoming a significant buzz word, this isnt just a trend, its a movement and all big food companies are incorporating it into their mission statement. As it becomes evident that consumers prefer restaurants that focus on sustainability, the movement is set to reshape the entire food industry. Food manufacturers are being forced to go back to the drawing board, theres a growing emphasis on real and recognisable ingredients as consumers become more knowledgeable and alarmed about the additives in ultra-processed foods. Simple labels will be more of a selling point. At last, theres a realisation that fresh local food from small production systems is often best, both in flavour and nutrient density. Traditional artisan methods continue to make a comeback. Conversation about climate curious agriculture is gathering momentum.

14. Dumplings are hot, delicious dough pockets filled with savoury fillings, highly versatile. Every type of dumpling from Chinese to Asian to Polish  comfort foods at their best. Well continue our love affair with noodles, becoming ever more adventurous.

15. Sourdough isnt slowing down anytime soon; loaves, flatbreads, pizzas, crackers, brownies

16. Offal is no longer awful, its back with a vengeance. Americans who wouldnt allow a scrap of liver, tongue or sweetbreads to cross their lips up to recently are now searching for variety. We see them often with Asian flavours on restaurant menus, some over here and in the UK. Restaurateurs are loving the lower food cost

17. Tinned fish and fish caviar continue to gain popularity, best sardines, mackerel, tuna and so convenient.

18. Are we tired of charcuterie and butter boards? Try the Nordic version to ring the changes.

19. Buckwheat will pop up everywhere in 2025, apart from its flavour, nutrient density and versatility, its gluten-free and gaining popularity as a cover crop thats beneficial to soil health.

20. Apparently theres a gradual shift in societys attitude to imperfects in fruit and vegPerfectly imperfect is becoming an eco-conscious option as folks realise the phenomenal amount of waste that ensues from the supermarkets insistence on standard size and perfection.

21. Micro restaurants are opening up in LA, a new law allows people to operate mini restaurants out of their homes and the trend of at home cafes, supper clubs, coffee shops and cocktail bars is all over TikTok. Watch that space

22. The beverage market, cocktails become more and more exciting, Gen Z are looking for non-alco drinks. Moderation not abstention seems to be the trend, and bars are providing more creative options than ever before. The growth in demand for natural wines, biodynamic and organic continues apace as people discover the real cause of their hangovers are the ninety plus chemical additives that can legally be in wine Super exciting beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) of all kinds, beers, wines, spirits, this industry is in a hyper creative period and the public are loving it. Electrolyte drinks and powders to add to your water bottle  a new option. Matcha and real tea leaves, meticulously sourced is definitely a growing trend among those in the know.

Have fun and Happy New Year.

Debbie Shaws Gluten-free Buckwheat & Flaxseed Bread I love this nutty and nutritious whole grain loaf. It is ideal for sandwiches and great for toasting. Its a light yeasted dough that doesnt require any xanthan gum or psyllium husk, a bonus if you have run out! I make it frequently. Makes a loaf. Preparation Time  40 mins Cooking Time  1 hours 40 mins Total Time  2 hours 20 mins Course  Baking Ingredients 1 tsp black treacle or honey

120ml tepid milk

15-18g fresh yeast or 10g Doves Farm gluten-free quick yeast

1 large egg

2 egg whites (50g)

50g freshly ground brown flax seeds

100g buckwheat flour, sieved

30g brown rice flour, sieved

 tsp of salt

110g tapioca starch sieved, measure into a separate bowl

olive oil for greasing Method Add the treacle or honey to the tepid milk, stirring to dissolve it, then sprinkle the fresh or dried yeast on top. Allow to stand somewhere warm for 10 minutes to froth up. Whisk together the large egg and the egg whites in a large bowl. Stir the milk and yeast mixture into the whisked eggs, then mix in the ground flaxseeds. Set aside to allow the flax seeds to absorb the liquid for 10-15 minutes. The resting time is important, as it helps the mixture to thicken. Stir in the sieved buckwheat and brown rice flour and the salt and allow to absorb for a further 5 minutes. Add the sieved tapioca starch to the rested dough. Preheat the oven to 230C/Gas Mark 8. Oil a 13cm x 20cm (450g) loaf tin very well. Transfer the dough to the well-oiled loaf tin, cover with a clean tea towel, put it in a warm spot and allow it to rise until it reaches 1cm before the top of the tin, approximately 50-60 minutes, until it reaches 1cm below the top of the tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, reduce the temperature to 200C/Gas Mark 6 and bake for a further 30-35 minutes, until the bread sounds hollow when you tap the bottom, and the loaf feels light. Remove the loaf from the tin and put it back on the rack of the oven to form a crust for a further 5 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. This bread keeps well.

Chicken or Duck Hearts with Teriyaki recipe by:Darina Allen Make your own teriyaki sauce or use your favourite brand. Makes 12 skewers. Servings 12 Preparation Time  40 mins Cooking Time  60 mins Total Time  1 hours 40 mins Course  Main Ingredients 450g chicken or duck hearts

230ml teriyaki sauce, divided in half (see recipe)

2.5-5cm fresh ginger, peeled

2 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)

scallions or chives, thinly sliced

1 red chilli, sliced at an angle (optional)

watercress or crunchy leaves

Teriyaki:

200ml mirin

100ml sake

100g caster sugar

200ml soy sauce

1-2 tbsp potato starch (or substitute cornflour) Method Start by preparing the chicken hearts. Trim any veins/arteries and remove any blood clots. Slice each heart lengthwise, cutting three-quarters of the way through to open it up so it lays flat. If you find any blood clots upon slicing, just rinse under cold water. Put the prepared hearts into a bowl with 115ml teriyaki and allow to marinade for 30-60 minutes. Light a grill or pan-grill to medium high heat. Remove the hearts from the marinade. Thread about four hearts onto the skewer. Repeat until all skewers are full. Put the remaining teriyaki sauce into a small bowl. Use a Microplane or fine grater to grate in the fresh ginger. Lay each skewer onto the grill, brush with the teriyaki/ginger mix. After 2-3 minutes, flip the skewers and baste them again. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes, baste and flip over again. For the teriyaki sauce: First put the mirin and sake into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer for a couple of minutes. Next add the sugar and allow to dissolve. When the sugar has dissolved add the soy sauce, keeping back approximately 20ml of the soy to mix with the potato starch (or cornflour). Mix the required quantity of potato starch, approximately 1-2 tablespoons with the soy and add to the simmering teriyaki sauce. The starch is used to thicken the sauce and give it a syrup texture. If you think its not thick enough, add some more potato starch. Take a little of the sauce out of the pan and allow to cool, add the starch and put it back into the saucepan. To serve: Sprinkle with a few sesame seeds, sliced scallions or chives, red chilli and a few sesame seeds and serve immediately on some watercress sprigs or crunchy leaves.

Spicy Roast Chickpeas recipe by:Darina Allen These chickpeas are seriously addictive - they'll get crispier as they cool. Enjoy as a nibble or sprinkle over salads or roast vegetables. Servings 6 Preparation Time  10 mins Cooking Time  30 mins Total Time  40 mins Course  Side Ingredients 400g can chickpeas

1-2 tsp each of cumin and coriander seeds, toasted and ground Method Preheat the oven to 220C/Gas Mark 7. Drain the chickpeas, rinse under cold water and drain again. Lay on kitchen paper, shake and pat gently until dry. Spread the chickpeas out in a single layer on a small baking tray, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and the cumin and coriander seeds (if using). Shake to coat. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until crisp and golden. Cool, taste, add more salt and spices if necessary. Store in an airtight jar.

SEASONAL JOURNAL

Larder

Another two cookbooks from Blasta Books, how does this brilliant publishing company continue to turn out winners?

Youre going to love Larder by Orla McAndrew, a busy working mum of three little dotes who well understands that time is a precious commodity, and a well-stocked larder is her secret weapon.

While enjoying a peaceful moment in the park one day, Orla McAndrews culinary journey took a serendipitous turn when she met a complete stranger who mentioned she was getting married in six weeks and was struggling to find a caterer. In that moment, Orla knew she had been presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. Six week later, Orla and a team of friends and colleagues catered for 130 people who were still talking about the food they had that day.

With 100 quick and easy recipes, Larder will help you fill your pantry, fridge and freezer with the useful staples.

The Wonderful Barn Organic Garlic

Brilliant to see Irish organic garlic on the market.

I just received a delivery of white and purple garlic from Bernard Cronin of The Wonderful Barn in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. They have various varieties for sale in locations in Dublin, Kildare and Meath.

For further information, contact Brendan on 083 4227437 or bernard.cronin@gmail.com
Ashling Murphys family and friends will gather at a memorial shrine in Tullamore on Sunday to mark her third anniversary, close to where she was murdered.

The 23-year-old was jogging along on the banks of the Grand Canal in the Co Offaly town when she was stabbed 11 times in the neck on January 12, 2022. Jozef Puska is serving a life sentence for her murder after he was found guilty in November 2023 at the Central Criminal Court.

Puzka, who had an address at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur in Tullamore.

On Sunday, her third anniversary mass will take place at 10am in St Brigids Church in Mountbolus, where her funeral took place three years ago.

In the afternoon, a walk in her memory will get underway along the Grand Canal, meeting at the Digby Bridge car park in Capincurr at 3pm.

A similar event took place last year in honour of the popular teacher.

In a post shared on the Ashling Murphy Memorial Funds Facebook page, the organisers invited members of the public to join them for the commemorative event.

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund was set up on January 6, 2023, and several fundraisers have taken place since then in her memory. The aim is to provide funds to groups in the traditional Irish arts, culture, and heritage sector, which were important to Ashling, who was an active member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. The organisation has established three scholarships in her memory.

On its Facebook page in recent days, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund said: Since the launch of the charity, on January 6, 2023, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and the desire of so many to remember Ashling, regardless of whether they personally knew Ashling or not.

We thank the many individuals and groups who have undertaken fundraisers in Ashlings memory and in aid of the memorial fund established to continue her strong, exemplary legacy. No matter how big or small the fundraiser, we are forever grateful for the generous support of those continuing to hold Ashling and her memory close to them.
Some of the faces stare out from the computer screen, their pose capturing a moment in time when their future was bright, when dreams were waiting to come true.

For others, the screen shows solemn young people whose mugshots were meant only for passports. These images form the missing persons files of the gardai and Interpol.

More than 130 children and young people have disappeared across Ireland since 1977, and remain missing. They include the well-known names of Kyran Durnin from Louth, Philip Cairns from Dublin, Ciara Breen from Louth and Mary Boyle from Donegal, Irelands longest-missing child who disappeared in 1977.

The vast majority of the missing children are migrants.

The files include:

Children from Nigeria, Somalia, Moldova, Georgia, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Kenya and Romania  many have not been seen since the first decade of this millennium

Approximately 40 Chinese teenagers went missing between October 2006 and December 2009, mainly from addresses in Dublin. Some of those disappearances were on the same day  for example, three were last seen in Dublin city centre on January 1, 2009.

11 young people went missing from accommodation on South Richmond Street, Dublin 2, between 2005 and 2009, while five who had been in accommodation on North Circular Road, Dublin 7, disappeared on dates between 2005 and 2007.

Four Kenyan girls all went missing on the same day in July 2007 from accommodation on Lower Gardiner Street in Dublin.

One 13-year-old who disappeared from Clare in 2019

Two who went missing from the Red Cow Hotel in Dublin on the same date in October 2020

25 children have gone missing between 2020 and the end of 2024, compared with none being missing in the period between June 2013 and March 2017.

32 children in the Tusla scheme for separated children seeking international protection were missing as of December 23. This figure was up from 23 in May, and from 19 last April.

The missing person reports stopped mentioning the nationality of the missing children in 2017.

Migrant children

Ruth Breslin, the director of the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy Institute (SERP), is concerned about the high number of migrant children among Irelands missing people.

She said: The split between migrant versus Irish children who have gone missing is striking.

"It is clear that when an Irish child goes missing these cases receive greater public attention and enter the public consciousness.

"I would almost consider the likes of Mary Boyle, Philip Cairns and Kyran Durnin to now be household names, as it were.

"In contrast, the man or woman on the street is unlikely to be able to name the migrant children who have gone missing in Ireland.

It is unlikely that these children have anyone really fighting their corner in Ireland. I suspect many of these children are unaccompanied minors with no loved ones in the State to sound the alarm and advocate for their safe return.

"The early 2000s in Ireland saw the first victims of cross-border trafficking identified.

"Some arrived along what was later understood to be established human trafficking routes, for example victims from Western Africa or Central and Eastern Europe trafficked to Western European states.

"It is notable that many of the children who went missing during this period originated from those places.

Missing from care

Ms Breslin raised concerns about the disappearance of 16 children from accommodation on South Richmond Street and North Circular Road in Dublin, saying: This is concerning because we already know from our own research that vulnerable young people accommodated by the State are being targeted for exploitation by perpetrators who are well aware of the vulnerabilities of the children who tend to reside in such locations.

A spokeswoman for Tusla told the Irish Examiner: The vast majority of young people in the SCSIP (Separated Children Seeking International Protection) service reported as missing are aged over 16 years.

"Some of these young people communicated their intention to travel on to other countries to join family members, and some indicated that it was never their intention to remain in Ireland and left soon after they arrived in the country.

"For those who did not subsequently make us aware of their whereabouts, these young people are counted as missing and An Garda Siochana are notified accordingly and are reviewed in engagement with other policing authorities in Northern Ireland, elsewhere in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Tusla and An Garda Siochana have a joint protocol for young people missing from care settings, under which gardai are informed when a young person in care is deemed to be missing.

The Tusla spokeswoman said: During all our care planning work, consideration is given as to whether there are indicators or extra vulnerabilities relating to exploitation.

She said that most young people reported as missing return to their placement after a brief period of time.

The Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy Institute is concerned about the high number of migrant children among Irelands missing people. File photo

Referring to children who have been missing since the first decade of this century, she said that Tusla does not have verified data from between 2006 and 2009 to confirm how many children were in the care system at the time that they were reported missing.

Tusla had strong links with An Garda Siochana around the risk of absconsion of Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP), particularly Chinese young people.

"Before 2009, Separated Children Seeking International Protection were rarely received into care, and they were accommodated in hostel-type accommodation without social care staff.

Ms Breslin is concerned that factors, including the migrant status of many of Irelands missing children, is a reason for concern that trafficking may be an issue, especially as some may have arrived in Ireland unaccompanied.

She said that some had been living in potentially precarious circumstances in places that were not their fixed abode" which is another factor that could contribute to their greater vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking.

The concern also persists that because these children are migrants, an assumption may be made that they have simply left the country of their own accord or that a family member came and took them home to their country of origin," she said.

"However, where this has not been clearly established, then the search for them to determine their whereabouts, safety and welfare should remain a priority.

Missing children timeline 2024 Chloe McDonagh (15), Missing date: 26/12/2024

Circumstances: Last seen in Drogheda, Co. Louth



Asadullah Hussain Khel (16), Missing date: 26/12/2024

Last seen on Dunluce Road, Clontarf



Ali Mohamed Abdulle (17), Missing date: 05/12/2024

Last seen in Glasnevin



Odai Alsahma (17), Missing date: 25/10/2024

Last seen in Raheny but may have travelled to Dublin city centre.



Ahmed Muhamed (16), Missing date: 14/10/2024

Circumstances: Missing from Navan, Ahmed was last seen at approximately 7.30am.



Xamda Aadun Dalchure (17), Missing date:14/09/2024

Last seen in Navan, Co. Meath, at approximately 5pm.



Kyran Durnin (6), Missing date:30/08/2024

Circumstances: The last confirmed sighting of Kyran Durnin from Drogheda, Co Louth, was in May 2022 but he was not reported missing until August 2024. Two people have been questioned about his disappearance and a murder investigation was launched in October 2024.



Ermal Peposhi (17), Missing date: 30/8/2024

Albanian who went missing from Dundalk, Co Louth (subject of Interpol Yellow notice)



Aurel Hoxha (17), Missing date:24/07/2024

Last seen in Raheny



Moagad Riad Sabaihi (17), Missing date: 07/05/2024

Missing from Carlow town



Samiha Abeirzak (15), Missing date: 06/05/2024

Last seen in Clongriffin



Suhaib Muhamad Yasin Hakem (16), Missing date: 24/04/2024

Last seen in Clontarf



Ibrahim Deniz (16), Missing date:16/04/2024

Missing from the Clontarf area.



Mohammed Abolerdi (16), Missing date: 23/03/2024

Last seen in East Wall 2023 Shahkar Khan Shirwari (16), Missing date: 02/11/2023

Last seen in the Clongriffin area at 7.10am.



Abdallah Elsharkway (17), Missing date:22/08/2023

Last seen in Dublin area



Phuc Phu Nguyen (14), Missing date: 20/07/2023

Vietnamese native who disappeared in Dublin (subject of Interpol Yellow notice)



Sagal Muhammad Hassan (15), Missing date: 19/03/2023

Missing from the Drogheda/Laytown area.



Neraid Corja (16), Missing date: 10/03/2023

Missing from the Broadford area of Co Kildare 2022 Lisa Virginia Vidak (15), Missing date: 27/11/2022

Missing from her home in Waterford (subject of Interpol Yellow notice)



Zakariya Hassan (16), Missing date: 17/11/2022

Last seen at approximately 5pm in the Dublin 8 area.



Ahmed Kafer Esmael Mohamedomer (17), Missing date: 16/09/2022

Missing from the Rosslare Harbour area of County Wexford.



Samiullah Kamawal (14), Missing date: 08/08/2022

Afghan missing from Dublin (subject of Interpol Yellow notice) 2020 Aelem Daniael (15), Missing date: 05/10/2020

Missing from the Red Cow Hotel, Clondalkin, Dublin 22



Salem Semere (16), Missing date: 05/10/2020

Went missing from the Red Cow Hotel, Clondalkin, Dublin 22



Abdikaafi Ahmed Jawuu (16), Missing date: 01/10/2020

Missing from the Rathfarnham area of Co Dublin.



Abid Oryakhel (14), Missing date: 15/05/2020

Last seen in Ballsbridge. 2019 Aman Brid Singh Chopra (13), Missing date: 14/11/2019

Last seen in Co Clare



Qiang Fang (15), Missing date: 26/04/2019

Went missing from Rathfarnham 2017 Bryir Jange (15), Missing date:14/08/2017

Missing from Navan, Meath.



Rohullah Essakhail (14), Missing date:13/04/2017

Afghan who is missing from the Dublin area (subject of Interpol Yellow notice)



Abdalle Ahmed Hussein (17), Missing date: 26/03/2017

He is missing from the Celbridge area of Co Kildare. 2013 Sarah Kamuntu (16), Missing date: 12/06/2013

From Congo, she is missing from the Dublin 4 area.



Xin Fan Xue (16), Missing date: 09/02/2013

Chinese national missing from the Rathfarnham area of Dublin. 2012 Naima Ali Adan (16), Missing date: 11/12/2012

Somalian national missing from the Templeogue area of Dublin.



Said Mohamed (17), Missing date: 10/02/2012

Algerian who disappeared in Dublin (subject of Interpol Yellow notice) 2011 Li Huan (16), Missing date: 22/05/2011

Chinese national last seen in Dublin airport (subject of Interpol Yellow notice)



Adam Khan Al Kozai (16), Missing date: 25/04/2011

Afghan boy missing from the Templeogue area of Dublin, who was last seen on O'Connell Street, Dublin. 2010 Rahid Lawi (17), Missing date: 20/02/2010

Algerian native missing from his accommodation in the south city area of Dublin. 2009 Hua Huag (17), Missing date: 14/12/2009

Chinese boy missing from his accommodation from the Dublin 2 area.



Jie Lin (17), Missing date: 20/09/2009

Chinese native missing from his accommodation from the Dublin 2 area.



Xing Ye (17), Missing date: 20/09/2009

Chinese boy missing from his accommodation from the Dublin 2 area.



Yukun Lin (16), Missing date: 05/09/2009

Chinese boy missing from his accommodation in the South Dublin area since 9th May 2009.



Xiao Qing Lin (17), Missing date: 20/08/2009

Chinese girl missing from her accommodation in the Dublin 6 area.



Ming Wan Lin (17), Missing date: 15/08/2009

Chinese boy missing from his accommodation from the Dublin 2 area.



Nong Nong Li (16), Missing date:13/08/2009

Missing from his accommodation in the Dublin 2 area



Lin Zehn (17), Missing date: 20/06/2009

Chinese girl missing from her accommodation in the Dublin 7 area.



Zhi Xiang Wang (16), Missing date:14/06/2009

Chinese boy missing from his accommodation from the Dublin 2 area.



Wang Mei (16), Missing date:07/06/2009

Chinese girl missing from her accommodation at Lower Grand Canal St, Dublin 2



Wen Chan Wong (16), Missing date:01/06/2009

Chinese boy missing from his accommodation in the Dublin 2 area.



Ismail Abdulahi Malin (17), Missing date:19/05/2009

Somalian native missing from his accommodation in South Dublin City area.



Adulrahman Abubakir Abdullah (17), Missing date:02/05/2009

Iraqi national, is missing from his accommodation in the Dublin 2 area.



Li Ki Yeh (15), Missing date: 20/04/2009

Chinese native reported missing from his accommodation in Dublin 2.



Wang Bao Ying (16), Missing date: 18/04/2009

Chinese native missing from her accommodation from the Dublin 7 area.



Ai Jiao (16), Missing date:13/03/2009

Chinese national did not return to her accommodation in Dublin 7.



He Shu Hui (15), Missing date: 07/03/2009

A native of China, reported missing from his accommodation in Dublin 2



Ke Fi Lin (17), Missing date: 03/03/2009

Chinese native missing from his accommodation in the Dublin 2 area.



Yan Yan Huang (15), Missing date: 31/01/2009

Missing from her accommodation in Dublin.



Chen Hong Yu (15), Missing date: 28/01/2009

Circumstances: Chen Hong Yu is missing from her accommodation in West Dublin. She was last seen in Parnell Square in Dublin 1 as above.



Xiao Ming Chen (14), Missing date:28/01/2009

Chinese girl missing from her accommodation in West Dublin and was last seen in Parnell Square, Dublin 1.



Xiaolan Zhang (17), Missing date: 26/01/2009

Chinese girl missing from her accommodation at North Dublin around 12pm.



Ping Ping Li (17), Missing date: 02/01/2009

Chinese native missing from his accommodation in Dublin. 2008 Yu Ping Yu (17), Missing date: 27/12/2008

Circumstances: Chinese boy missing from his accomodation in the Dublin 2 area.



He Dao Biao (16), Missing date:15/12/2008

Reported missing from his accommodation in the Dublin 2 area.



Xianying Yu (16), Missing date: 08/11/2008

Chinese boy missing from his accommodation in Dublin 2.



Tan Yu (16), Missing date: 28/10/2008

Chinese girl missing from her accommodation in the North Dublin area.



Xing Chen Cao (day before 17th birthday), Missing date: 08/10/2008

Chinese boy is missing from his accommodation at Aungier St, Dublin 2.



Xiu Qiong Wang (17), Missing date: 01/10/2008

Chinese girl missing from her accommodation in the north Dublin area.



Chen Zhiwei (17), Missing date: 21/08/2008

Chinese native missing from Limerick.



Ting Chen (17), Missing date:07/07/2008

Chinese girl missing from her accommodation in North Dublin City.



Long Zhou (15), Missing date: 12/01/2008

Chinese boy missing from his accommodation in Dublin 2. 2007 Zhen Zhou (16), Missing date: 13/12/2007

Chinese boy missing from his accommodation from the Dublin 2 area



Yamind Wei (16), Missing date: 04/12/2007

Chinese girl missing from her accommodation in the Dublin 7 area



Sheng Xue (17), Missing date: 29/11/2007

Chinese boy missing from Dublin.



You Bao Yu (17), Missing date: 27/11/2007

Chinese boy missing from Sandford Rd Dublin 6.



Xin Juan Shi (17), Missing date: 26/11/2007

Chinese native missing from her accommodation in the North City area of Dublin.



Tai Chen (16), Missing date:24/11/2007

Chinese native missing from his accommodation in South Dublin



Er Ping Wu (17), Missing date: 19/11/2007

Chinese native reported missing from his accommodation in Dublin 2



Debby Ehiwenma (16), Missing date: 11/11/2007

Nigerian native missing from Palmerstown Dublin 2 (subject of Interpol Yellow notice)



Chen Jia Xing (17), Missing date: 25/10/2007

Chinese boy disappeared from south Dublin.



Ying Ying Chen (17), Missing date: 09/10/2007

The Chinese girl is missing from her accommodation on the north side of the city of Dublin.



Xiangming Zhong (15), Missing date: 21/08/2007

Chinese native is missing from his accommodation at South Richmond St, Dublin 2.



Alice Mumbi Wanbui (15), Missing date:15/07/2007

Kenyan is missing from her accommodation at Lr. Gardiner St, Dublin 1.



Jane Rose Nyambura (16), Missing date:15/07/2007

Kenyan native missing from her accommodation at Lr. Gardiner St, Dublin 1.



Jean Brenda Wanjiku (13), Missing date: 15/07/2007

Kenyan native missing from her accommodation at Lr. Gardiner St, Dublin 1.



Magdaline Nyagathii (15), Missing date: 15/07/2007

She is a Kenyan native who is missing from her accommodation at Lr. Gardiner St, Dublin 1.



Le Hong (17), Date of birth: 17/06/2007

The Vietnamese boy is missing from his accommodation at Aungier St, Dublin 2.



Barham Salih (17), Missing date: 01/06/2007

The Iraqi is missing from his accommodation at Aungier St, Dublin 2.



Sylvia Igbinoba (15), Missing date:12/05/2007

Missing from her accommodation at Riversdale Ave, Palmerstown,Dublin.



Heng Duan Guo (16), Missing date: 02/05/2007

Chinese native missing from his accommodation at South Richmond St, Dublin 2.



Fadhli Sassa (16), Missing date:30/04/2007

Algerian missing from his accommodation in the Dublin 6 area.



Mohammed Hmeda (15), Missing date: 01/03/2007

Algerian missing from his accommodation in the Dublin 2 area since the 25th January 2007.



Song Wong (15), Missing date:12/02/2007

Chinese native missing from his accommodation in the Dublin 2 area



He Yong (16), Missing date:15/01/2007

Chinese native missing from his accommodation at South Richmond St, Dublin 2.



Zhu Mei Wang (17), Missing date: 15/01/2007

Missing from her accommodation at Lower Grand Canal St, Dublin 2



He Quing (16), Missing date:03/01/2007

Chinese native missing from her accommodation at North Circular Road, Dublin 7 2006 He Qin (17), Missing date:18/12/2006

Chinese national missing from her accommodation at North Circular Road, Dublin 7



Hussein Nowrozi (17), Missing date:15/12/2006

An Afghan missing from his accommodation at South Richmond St, Dublin 2.



Azeddine Sabor (16), Missing date:10/11/2006

Moroccan missing from his accommodation at South Richmond Street, Dublin 2.



Weiquo Zhou (17), Missing date:04/10/2006

Chinese national missing from his accommodation at South Richmond Street, Dublin 2.



Ioan Acatrinia (17), Missing date:12/09/2006

The Moldovan is missing from his accommodation at South Richmond Street, Dublin 2.



Yuri Arlov (17), Missing date:25/07/2006

From Belarus, he is missing from his accommodation at Sandford Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.



Mohammed Amiri Nejad (17), Missing date:20/06/2006

An Iranian national, he is missing from his accommodation on South Richmond Street, Dublin 2.



Ubah Ali Shiff (17), Missing date:30/05/2006

The Somalian national is missing from her accommodation on North Circular Road, Dublin.



Ecaterina Bivol (16), Missing date: 25/05/2006

The Moldovan was staying in accommodation at North Circular Rd, Dublin 7.



Sorin Andrei Ursu (15), Missing date: 20/04/2006

The Romanian national is missing from his accommodation at Sandford Road, Dublin 6 and may be in the company of another Romanian national, Alexander Vlasie.



Alexandru Vlasie (15), Missing date: 20/04/2006

The Romanian is missing from his accommodation at Sandford Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6



Daniel Cerdei (16), Missing date: 20/04/2006

Also known as Dave, he was a native of Moldova and was staying in accommodation on South Richmond St, Dublin 2.



Idowu Oluwuseun Fuwa (16), Missing date:30/03/2006

The Nigerian national is missing from his accommodation at Aungier Street, Dublin 2.



Alin Calin (16), Missing date: 06/03/2006

Missing from his accommodation at Aungier St, Dublin 2.



Daniel Kano (17), Missing date: 28/02/2006

The Romanian is missing from his accommodation at Richmond St, Dublin 2.



Alexander Moiseyev (17), Missing date:24/02/2006

The native of Belarus is missing from his accommodation at Sandford Rd, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.



Andrey Bolskov (17), Missing date:30/01/2006

The Ukrainian native is missing from his accommodation at Carrigaline Rd, Cork, Co. Cork.



Uri Baliskov (14), Missing date: 30/01/2006

Missing from his accommodation at Carrigaline Rd, Cork, Co. Cork.



Gheorge Papuc (14), Missing date:03/01/2006

The Romanian is missing from his accommodation at Ballyhooley Road, Cork city. 2005 Adel Azizi (15), Missing date:22/12/2005

The Afghan national is missing from his accommodation in Lucan, Co Dublin.



Hope Osas (17), Missing date: 21/11/05

Hope attended college in Dundalk and was thought to have possibly gone to Dublin.



Cabdi Rahman Cabdulami Geedi (17), Missing date:08/11/2005

The Somalian is missing from his accommodation on Aungier Street.



Jamal Maxamed (17), Missing date:02/07/2005

The Somalian national has been missing from his accommodation at Aunger Street, Dublin 2.



Dumitru Bratu (16), Missing date: 27/05/2005

The Moldovan national has been missing from his accommodation in Dublin 6.



Fozia Seid Abdi (17), Missing date:12/05/2005

The Ethiopian national is missing from her address at North Circular Road, Dublin 7. At the time of her disappearance, she had sight in only one eye



Kovan Ali (18), Missing date: 23/03/2005

The Iranian national has been missing from his accommodation in Dublin 6.



Ali Swaleh (17), Missing date:18/03/2005

The Somalian national is missing from his accommodation at South Richmond St, Dublin 2.



Cabdi Cali (16), Missing date:19/01/2005

The Somalian national is missing from the Dublin 2 area since 19th January 2005. 2004 John Ogbeide (4), Missing date: 03/10/2004

The native of Sierra Leone went missing from his accommodation at Palmerstown, Dublin 20.



Michael Doyle (2), Missing date:13/07/2004

Also known as Michael Lyons, he was aged two years when he went missing from Tullow, Co. Carlow. At the time, information suggested that Michael that may have been in the UK, travelling in a dark coloured van.



Ion Spinu (17), Missing date: 27/01/2004

A native of Georgia, he went missing from his accommodation at Aunger Street, Dublin 2.



Pat Fauko (17), Missing date: 16/01/2004

Liberian who went missing from Terenure (subject of Interpol Yellow notice) 2003 Ademola Oluseun Adeyemi (17), Missing date:17/10/2003

The Nigerian native is missing from his accommodation from the Dublin 2 area.



Fernando Matua (17), Missing date: 16/04/03

From the Democratic Republic of Congo, he was last seen in Dublin (subject of Interpol Yellow notice) 2002 Lisa Nwole (16), Missing date:12/10/2002

Missing from her home at Tallaght, Dublin 24. 2001 Kokacel Nicaise Konan (13), Missing date: 01/08/2001

From the Ivory Coast, he was last seen in Dublin (subject of Interpol Yellow notice)



Adeniyi Aiyelabola (17)

Missing date:03/05/2001

The Nigerian native is missing from his accommodation in the Dublin 2 area. 1997 Ciara Breen (17), Missing date:13/02/1997

Missing from her home at Dundalk, Co. Louth. 1986 Philip Cairns (13), Missing date: 23/10/1986

Missing from his home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. 1984 Rory Aherne (almost 17), Missing date: 23/09/1984

Missing from his home at 17 Botanic Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. 1977 Mary Boyle (6), Missing date:18/03/1977

Missing from her grandmother's home at Ballyshannon, Co Donegal.

A Garda spokesman said that each investigation into the report of a missing person is individual to the specific circumstances of that investigation.

He said that decisions on whether to make additional appeals are a matter for the local superintendent who will make those operational decisions based on the entirety of information and intelligence which may be available to them at the time.

Each missing person report recorded by An Garda Siochana on the Garda PULSE system will automatically result in a simultaneous SIS II Alert being created with equivalent data regarding that missing person," the Garda spokesman said.

"The Schengen Information System (SIS) is the most widely used and largest information-sharing system for security and border management in Europe. Where it is determined that a reported missing person may have left the jurisdiction, then a further course of action may be to engage with Interpol for the issuing of an Interpol Yellow Notice.

He added: Individuals who leave this jurisdiction, reported as missing persons, may not be updated on the PULSE system unless they come to the attention of a Law Enforcement agency in a 3rd country and formally be highlighted to An Garda Siochana as located."

Interpol

Currently, there are 58 missing persons cases from Ireland that are the subject of Yellow Notices which are published on the Interpol database. They include eight children who are not listed on either the Garda Missing Persons website or Interpols missing children database.

Last year, Interpol issued 2,687 such notices from across the world, including one for an Albanian teenager who went missing from Dundalk, Co Louth, in August.

Cases where Yellow Notices are issued typically relate to victims of parental abductions, criminal abductions (kidnappings) or unexplained disappearances, according to Interpol.

The agency also said: The Yellow Notice can also be used to help identify a person who is unable to identify himself or herself. This is a valuable law enforcement tool that can increase the chances of a missing person being located, particularly if there is a possibility that the person might travel, or be taken, abroad.

When such a notice is issued, it is published by Interpols General Secretariat on its database, alerting police in all Interpol member countries.
A Cork man caught up in the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles has described how the home and business he built with his partner were wiped out.

Andrew Duggan, aged 40, from Montenotte, and Renata Carolina Ortega were forced to evacuate with their dogs when the fires swept through their town on Thursday.

Ten people have so far died, and more than 9,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed as wildfires swept through LA this week.

Mr Duggan is one of thousands of LA residents who lost not only their home, but their livelihoods.

He has lived in LA for two decades and moved to the small town of Altadena near Eaton Canyon, where he and Renata set up their company Orla Floral Design three years ago.

He told the Irish Examiner there was nothing left when they returned to see their house.

Im in shock and it hasnt really sunk in yet he said.

Everything is gone, we came back to a pile of rubble. I dont even know how we should be thinking, we are safe and fortunate to be alive and our dogs are fine.

That is everything that seems to matter right now. People are contacting me asking how they can help, to be honest, I dont know what to tell them. I dont know how they can help. Not yet anyway.

We have nothing, everything is gone, the business, our home, our designs.

But me and Renata are fine, and we are fortunate to have a studio to live in ten minutes away and that we didnt have to go to a shelter.

Mr Duggan had just spent his first Christmas in 20 years at home in Cork with his mother Ann, who lives in Merrion Court, before he returned to LA.

A week later the wildfires started he said. We just had the most amazing Christmas, five wonderful days in Cork and then a week later we lost everything.

Andrew Duggan from Montenotte in Cork and his girlfriend Renata Carolina Ortega with one of their dogs.

My mother has been so worried, she has been ringing and contacting us, my sister Victoria is a teacher in Cork. She was sending me her first baby photo scans when the fires hit, and we didnt have time to respond.

They knew something was wrong then.

He described how he saw the fires from a distance and having already been hit by the Santa Barbara fires in a previous residence, he knew immediately to evacuate.

Ethan Canyon is a three-minute drive from our house and that is where the fire started he said.

I saw which direction it was going in. I watched it from midnight advancing to our house and the worst thing was the winds were up to 100miles per hour, no firefighters could stop that.

The wind was so loud we couldnt hear the police speaking on the intercom.

I took the dogs beds and their food, and we just left.

Andrew and Renata's home in Altadena in LA, after being destroyed by the fire.

I drove back and looped around the street, I dont know why I went back a second time, but Im glad I did as I found an elderly gentleman with a disability and he had just woken up, he wouldnt have made it out alive.

The couple returned five hours later with their two Doberman pinchers and 8-year-old husky.

Its like nothing I can describe he said, The whole town was gone.

Mr Duggans friend Maryam Ajayi has set up a GoFundMe page for the couple to help them rebuild their lives and it has so far raised nearly 24,000.

I have friends in Cork who I havent seen in 30 years contacting me to see if I am ok he said. It really is overwhelming, and we are so grateful for all the support.
An Irish bar owner in Los Angeles has said he will keep his business open to help the strong Irish community who have been affected by the wildfires that have ripped through the city.

Kevin Kearns, from Co Donegal, has been living in LA for 30 years where he runs the Auld Fella pub and restaurant.

He said he is thankful that while he and others were evacuated from his adopted hometown in Santa Monica, his house and business have survived the wildfires.

The death toll from the wildfires, which started on Tuesday, now stands at 11 while thousands of homes, business, schools and community centres have been destroyed. More than 150,000 pople are still under evacuation orders, while firefighters continue to battle raging wildfires across large pockets of Los Angeles.

Auld Fella pub and restaurant, which will stay open for the "strong Irish community in LA."

Its terribly sad Mr Kearns told the Irish Examiner. This is not going to be a short-term thing; the destruction is so massive. The infrastructure, electricity, plumbing, everything has been eradicated.

Im an evacuee but my home is still standing. I am on the north side close to the epicenter but thankfully Im ok, but the city is in uproar.

One fire alone covered more square feet than Manhattan and really it was the wind that caused it. When one spark meets winds of up to 100 miles per hour, its a perfect storm. Nothing or nobody is going to be able to stop that.

has been living in LA for 30 years where he runs the Auld Fella pub and restaurant.

Luke Dexter reacts as he sifts through the remains of his father's fire-ravaged beachfront property in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher)

The winds, however, have started to die down which he said is helping the situation; however, they are expected to pick up again on Monday.

There are firefighters everywhere now he said. They are coming in from Mexico and things are getting better, all the resources have been mobilised.

The neighbouring states are involved; they are throwing the kitchen sink at this.

If the winds can stay down until Monday, I think we have a chance to stop this.

He said his businesses remain open and he is offering help to anyone who needs it.

There is a strong Irish community here he said. The Irish consulate is active in keep people informed and in touch with others.

They are actors, and writers here from Ireland, its a busy city with a lot of Irish in it.

I have my doors open; we want to be able to help as much as we can.

Mr Kearns also paid tribute to the firefighters who have put their lives on the line to help others.

They are risking everything to help others, I have never seen anything like it in my life he continued.

Half a million people are displaced and its really hard to have the words to describe it. I have to be out and about here, and to keep my staff working.

Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Our doors are open, and we are providing a place a place of comfort when so many businesses have had to close. We are an Irish themed business; Ive lived here for many years and its a labour of love for me.

I first opened my business five years ago and we have survived covid and now this. We just hope that by next week we can start looking forward.
A Limerick priest who presided over the funeral mass of the late Marguerita ORourke  who died in a hit-and-run before Christmas  has described her death as an unspeakable tragedy.

Up to 1,000 people packed into St Marys Church in Rathkeale on 29 December to say their final farewells to the young mother who celebrated the birth of her first baby Edward with her husband Denis three weeks before her death.

The 21-year-old died in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) following the fatal collision on Saturday, December 21. A man has been charged in connection with her death.

Since her sudden passing thousands of people from all over the country have paid tribute to the young woman on social media.

Marguerita Sheridan: 'So much love for her and her family.'

Fr Liam Enright, who was accompanied by Fr Derek Leonard, Fr Wille Russell and Fr Maurice Costelloe, at Ms ORourkes funeral service, said the young mothers death has touched the lives of all communities.

It is an unspeakable tragedy, he told the Irish Examiner. Ive known Marguerita since she was a young girl. She comes from a lovely family and she and her husband Denis were like Romeo and Juliet.

I am not a parent, but Im an uncle and godfather and I can see her death has really touched hundreds of people.

That outpouring of emotion is there, we can all see it when you look at the hundreds of messages of condolences to the family on RIP.ie, that simply speaks for itself.

This is a human reaction to an unspeakable tragedy. They dont know this girl, they dont know who she is, but they can see her in their own family, in their own daughter, or sister or niece or grandchild.

Funeral of Marguerita heard about the 'outpouring of emotion'.

There is so much emotion and love for Marguerita and her family. She has put a face on that emotion and that feeling for all of us. We all feel it.

The community of Rathkeale rallied together to prepare the young womans funeral service which saw the church decorated both inside and out  with a large screen projecting images of the young mother.

Flower arrangements featuring lilac roses were placed at the edge of the pews.

Fr Enright said her community loved her and that the messages of love and support from around the country have brought some comfort to her heartbroken family.

That loss is so heartbreaking, but the love people have for her is there for us all to see he continued.

It does mean a lot to her family that people have been so touched by Margueritas passing.

On RIP, theres messages from a Louth mother, a Kerry mother, a Cork mother, theres hundreds and hundreds of messages of love and support.

That gives me great hope because, at the end of the day, we might live in different communities and different parts of the country, and come from different backgrounds, she is from the Traveller community, and others are settled with different cultures, but we all one at the end of the day.

This is a young Traveller girl, only recently married to the love of her life, and they had their first baby exactly four weeks before her funeral. It is unspeakable.

I just feel there is a lot to be said by the love and support that has been shown for this beautiful young girl who died, and it does really give me hope.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. The Ministry of Defense and the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations of Azerbaijan signed a joint action plan for 2025 on combating religious radicalism in the Azerbaijani Army, Trend reports via the ministry.

According to the document, the venue, date, and responsible persons for events to be held in the types of troops (forces), army corps, formations, and military units, including special educational institutions of the ministry, were determined.

The events dedicated to the ideas of Azerbaijanism, the preservation and development of national-moral and cultural values, the fight against radical religious movements and extremism, cooperation between cultures, civilizations and religious denominations, as well as other topics will be held during the meetings to be organized with servicemen in 2025.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Green Party leader Roderic OGorman has said there is no animosity towards the leaders of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, despite the two parties contributing to its poor election result.

Mr OGorman has said that a narrative was built in recent years that the Green Party cost the public money, which saw it lose support.

The party is preparing to host its first annual convention since its election shellacking, which saw it lose 11 of 12 seats  with Mr OGorman being its sole representative in the Dail.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr OGorman claimed the narrative came from backbenchers of the two larger parties.

He said that during canvasses, people would raise it on the doors but were unable to cite specifics of where the Green Party cost them.

I would say, look, Ive cut your kids childcare costs. Eamon [Ryan] has cut your students public transport cost, Mr OGorman said.

I could cite all the things weve done. We were part of a government that cut taxes over five years, but its just that narrative was out there.

He also said signals from both the Taoiseach and Tanaiste to the Labour Party, setting it up as a preferred coalition partner, did not help the Greens on transfers.

We didnt, as a party, get many Fianna Fail or Fine Gael transfers at all, Mr OGorman said.

Mr OGorman pushed back on assertions that there had been a falling out with both Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin, saying instead that it was just politics.

We went into this with our eyes open. We knew we were dealing with parties that didnt agree with all our agenda and were implementing things they didnt want to implement because we had the balance of power.

I dont have animosity per se Its very clear that, to me, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael contributed to the disappointing results that we have.

The Green Party leader also warned an incoming coalition about failing to meet climate targets set out in European law.

A recent Irish Fiscal Advisory Council report has estimated that fines could rise as high as 20bn, while the Climate Change Advisory Council has previously said they could hit 8bn.

Mr OGorman said that there is no great enthusiasm from within Fianna Fail or Fine Gael for climate measures, and that some of the Regional Independents are on the record being climate critical.

However, he said that he hoped the government would be pragmatic on climate, due to the risk of massive fines from the European Union for failing to meet targets that are set out.

I do think that this notion that is put about sometimes that Europe wont follow up on those fines - thats absolutely delusional.

Europe absolutely will, in the same way they follow up on fines for every breached court case over the years. I would hope pragmatism will at least win out, Mr O'Gorman said.

However, he said that some politicians have been dogmatic about climate issues in the past and that he was worried that their aversion to tackling the climate crisis would outweigh the financial need to do so.

Mr OGorman said that while 2030 targets will be difficult to achieve, there is momentum. However, he said that this could be lost if new ministers that are either uninterested or hostile to climate action.

There will be an environmental consequence to that, but there will be a big financial consequence to us in terms of fines which could very quickly eat up the surpluses that are predicted into the next couple of years.
Adorned with real human teeth on a solid gold base, one of Irelands oldest known set of dentures may be among the countrys most disturbingly quirky excavation finds, laid bare at the distinctly chilling Wake Museum in Waterford.

It is still unclear whether body snatchers played a part in sourcing the dentures on display at the museum  nonetheless, the sheer savagery and cut-throat nature of early dentistry makes the prospect highly likely, according to head curator Cliona Purcell.

History also laments the number of individuals whose dismal financial situation forced them to part with their own teeth in exchange for money.

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

Its the first time Ms Purcell has spoken publicly about the teeth which were remarkably discovered during an excavation of the grounds housing the museum.

A set of dentures from 1870 made from human remains are just one of the many macabre curiosities on display in the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford. Picture: Chani Anderson

Irelands Wake Museum forms part of the Waterford Treasures museum collection in the heart of Waterford city. The experience indulges Irish peoples fascination with death and all its customs.

The space incorporates a walking tour of the Viking Triangle that allows visitors to step back in time through an encapsulation of the citys 1,000-year history.

Cliona Purcell, head curator of Waterford Treasures, pictured beside a collection of jewellery containing hair from the dead in the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford. Picture: Chani Anderson

Cliona Purcell, who at 29 made history after recently becoming Irelands youngest head museum curator, said the teeth serve as a reminder of the bizarre ways Irish people lived during the Victorian era.

She refers to the teeth on display by way of example.

A set of dentures from 1870 made from human remains are just one of the many macabre curiosities on display in the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford. Picture Chani Anderson

Held together crudely by what appear to be spikes, the dentures were likely excruciatingly painful for their owner.

While the thought of chewing with a dead mans teeth is enough to churn even the steeliest of stomachs, it was a the height of glamour for well to do Irish men and women of the day.

This particular set of false teeth dates back to 1870 when Irish dentistry was still in its infancy. The dentures became a much sought-after status symbol referred to as Waterloo teeth.

The name was coined following a mass scavenging event that occurred in 1815. While todays looters target shop windows, it was the mouths of dead soldiers on the battlefield at Waterloo that proved most attractive to unscrupulous opportunists of the time.

Curator Cliona Purcell next to a cabinet in the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford where visitors are invited to leave messages for loved ones they have lost. Picture: Chani Anderson

The fact that the teeth were sourced from brave and noble soldiers only added to their marketing appeal.

Repugnant greed led many after that to try their hand at dentistry with everyone from jewelers to blacksmiths offering the prestigious service.

Curator Donnchadh OCeallachain recounts some of the most unusual death rituals in Ireland in the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford. Picture: Chani Anderson

Cliona averts our gaze to the plaque partially coating the dentures in her hand.

They are not in the best state, she tells the Irish Examiner. There is a little bit of plaque on them but it was still preferable to having wooden teeth which were the only other option at the time. This was the most upper class option available.

Messages for deceased loved ones left by visitors to the Irish Wake Museum. Picture: Chani Anderson

"Underneath us is the Christchurch Cathedral graveyard which means there are about a thousand burials underfoot in this part of the city. Its very typical to find bones anytime you disturb any of the ground here. The dentures were discovered just across the way.

The artefact is one of many curiosities that were unearthed close to the museum.

Underneath us in this building in Christchurch graveyard is centuries worth of burials. The teeth making up the dentures may have been taken by resurrectionists.

A demon-like statue of a real life villain looms over the entrance to the Irish Wake Museum giving a hint to the macabre experience waiting within. Picture: Chani Anderson

"They were known by this name at the time as they dug up the cadavers, literally bringing back the dead. If the bodies were too far gone to sell to universities, they would take the teeth for dentists to purchase.

She explains why they were so attractive to wealthy families.

Curator Cliona Purcell says visitors often report seeing ghostly reflections in the cabinets at the Irish Wake Museum but most especially in the original ground floor room where a 1657 beeswax death mask of the famous friar Luke Wadding is on display. Picture: Chani Anderson

The teeth are set in gold which is a very good option for something like this because it doesnt tarnish. This is particularly important for anything that is prone to getting wet.

"These were the most expensive set of dentures you could buy in those days. If you did buy a set of these you were spending the rest of your life smiling and eating with somebody elses teeth.

A miniature coffin in the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford. It is designed to hold a portion of human ashes inscribed with the words Anno 1844. Beneath the lid you'll find with care enclosed the dust of Old Jack Maher/Kilkenny. Picture: Chani Anderson

"The thought of this sends a shiver down your spine. However, if you could afford this level of dentistry back then it was definitely more of a status symbol.

Dental work was extremely expensive in the Victorian period. There could have been extra teeth with these dentures that were lost. These just happen to be still in them.

"Any kind of dental work was a status symbol. If you could so much as afford it then you were doing very well for yourself, probably gentry at the very least. These would have been upper gentry.

Little restoration was needed on the artefact with the exception of what Cliona described as a bit of polishing".

Messages for deceased loved ones left by visitors to the Irish Wake Museum. Picture: Chani Anderson

Once you die your teeth tend to stay quite white. A lot of people tend to be shocked at how white bones are.

"Teeth are just bones at the end of the day so they are no different.

A realistic wax figure nicknamed 'cousin John' adds to the somber and unearthly atmosphere at the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford. Picture: Chani Anderson

Those occupying the Wake Museum building during the period the false teeth were made would have never experienced dental work.

This used to be an almshouse which was like a precursor to todays modern retirement homes. If you were among the deserving poor  and it was decided who was deserving and who wasnt  there was an opportunity for 12 people to live here.

A cabinet in the Irish Wake Museum decorated with mass cards on the outside and full of messages for deceased loved ones left by visitors on the inside. Picture: Chani Anderson

"It meant they had a roof over their heads and access to food. The payment for that was they had to get up three times a night to pray for the souls of the houses founders.

"If they didnt they would be denied food the next day. One had to stay up to wake the others. It meant that they didnt get any sleep at all that night.

The Irish Wake Museum located at what was the former Dean John Collyns Almshouse, a retirement home for old people, called Gods Peoples House was founded in 1478 on All Souls Day, November 2nd , the Day of the Dead. The occupants of the former Alms Houses paid for their keep by praying three times a night for the souls of its patrons and the souls of the deceased citizens of Waterford. Picture: Chani Anderson

"The only reason this almshouse was set up was because its founders believed it was a way to avoid getting stuck in purgatory following their deaths. It was common in those days to have those kind of thoughts and motivations.

To find out more about the Wake Museum visit it's website.
It seems unfair to begin an account of the extraordinary life of Rosemary Barrett-Murphy, shop assistant, nursing student, traveller and later Italian princess, with her untimely death but that is what made international headlines almost 50 years ago to the day.

When Princess Colonna, as she became, fell to her death from the fourth floor of a luxury apartment in Rome on January 23, 1977, it was front-page news.

Little wonder because Rosemary Barrett-Murphy, of Mayo and Fermanagh, had married Prince Ugo Colonna, a member of the noble family which had given Italy popes, duchesses, generals, and ambassadors in a history that stretched back to the 12th century.

The Irish princess, highly intelligent, engaging, political and humorous, made an impression on Italian high society in her own right too. A few years before, she even played herself in Roma, a film from Italian director Federico Fellini.

But there was a darker side, as the Italian daily Il Messaggero spelled out after she died. It said her death by suicide was due to the crises of depression that she tried to fight with alcohol.

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 account  sent to me and translated by Isadore Ryan, journalist and author of Roman Imbroglio: Italy and Ireland During World War Two  did not spare the lurid details, although it did try to explain the princesss despair.

It quoted a friend who said: Perhaps the responsibilities that came with such a high-sounding name and the routines of daily life were too much for her restless spirit.

There might have been some truth in that because the papers here considered the difficult reality of being a literary and Left-leaning Irish woman in a conservative aristocratic milieu with all its bird-brain shallowness, as journalist and writer TP Kilfeather colourfully put it.

Background

Well come to that, but first let us join this well-travelled woman in her prime, courtesy of the Rome-based Irish poet Desmond OGrady who described a joyful dinner in her company in the autumn of 1965.

He had invited fellow poet Patrick Kavanagh to Rome to take part in a general meeting of the European Community of Writers. The pair joined Rosemary for dinner at a trattoria overlooking the Piazza de Ricci where the princess regaled them with the story of her young son Oddone who was caught short during a papal audience (Pope John XXIII) at St Peters Basilica in Rome one Easter.

OGrady (who, incidentally, also had a cameo role in a Fellini film, La Dolca Vita) had joined mother and child at the ceremony and was called upon to help when the young prince whispered to his mother that he needed to pee desperately.

The beautiful princess, the poet later wrote, turned her calm, magnificently refined profile towards me and with her slowly raised eyebrows and lowered eyelids, indicated I should take little Oddone down and find a solution. This I did But then I didnt know where to go next. Finding a toilet in St Peters packed with a hundred thousand singing souls is not so simple as walking across a field.

The Italian newspaper Il Messaggero described her death in lurid detail.

In the end, man and child snuck behind their VIP stand and relieved themselves. When they looked up, they saw that the temporary planking of the stand was seeping urine.

All those aristocratic ladies in their ankle-length formal gowns were all wee-weeing too, up there. We both smiled mischievously at this profane revelation of truth and then, after adjusting our trousers and reappointing our facial expressions we returned to our places among the bluebloods, as serious as if we had been through a secret initiation rite of our own.

The story stands out because it provides a happy snapshot in the life of a woman from Maguiresbridge, Fermanagh, who featured in the press, at home at least, only when she married a prince and, later, when she died.

Her wedding at University Church on St Stephens Green in Dublin on August 11, 1958 prompted an exploration of her early life. The Donegal Democrat offered this summary: The bride, who was educated at the Convent of Mercy schools, Enniskillen, was employed in Watts and Stone factory, Lisnaskea, for some time. Later, she joined the staff of Messrs. Flanagans boot shop Enniskillen.

The manager of the shop on Townhall Street, Michael Flanagan, recalled that he had hired her without interview because she had such a lovely voice on the telephone.

Remarkable life

Her journey from shoe shop to royal palace was fleshed out in impressive detail by journalist TP Kilfeather some weeks after she died, in a two-page spread in the Sunday Independent.

To tell the story in broad brush strokes: while still in her teens, she left for London and began to train as a nurse before winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Its not clear if she studied there before she married a Mr Francis and moved to Kenya.

The marriage broke up shortly afterwards, according to Kilfeather. Rosemary got a job as a governess in Africa and met Prince Ugo Colonna at a party. He later described his wife-to-be as very vibrant and intelligent.

Fast-forward to Rome in the early 1960s. The couples son was born four years into their marriage and was named Oddone after a member of the Colonna family who rose to the position of pope as Martin V in 1417. Life, it seems, was good. The couple had an apartment at the Colonna Palace at Ara Coeli, in Rome, and a house in Sorrento.

Things began to change in the late 1960s, though, when the princess became increasingly concerned about the violence that was erupting at home.

To quote TP Kilfeather: As the struggle in Northern Ireland became more fierce and more bloody Rosemary found herself to be an Irish rebel in one of the oldest and most conformist Roman aristocratic families.

Grieving for a divided Ireland, she found herself completely at odds with her milieu. She was often to be seen at the Piazza Navona talking politics to the Hippies, the sidewalk artists, the Leftist students and the down-and-outs who gathered there.

Journalist and writer Mary Kenny, who regularly visited her on trips to Italy, recalled that she once stood at the edge of a fountain and threatened to sing 'Wrap The Green Flag Round Me'.

She was more suited to an artistic milieu than the endless ritual of obligations that came with royal life, according to Mary. She liked being with writers, poets, painters, filmmakers She was rather like a writer herself: very articulate, with an endless flow of words, feelings, ideas, observations tumbling out  the romantic and the comic intermingled.

When Mary Kenny heard of her suicide in January 1977, she wrote movingly of her first reaction; one of deep self-reproach: If only I had done more for them; if only someone could have helped If mere friends feel like that, imagine how a family feels.

Nearly 50 years on, the raw pain and the utter powerlessness felt by those affected by suicide remains unchanged, although youd like to think there is more help  and understanding.

The success of First Fortnight Festival offers some hope of that. The charity, which challenges mental health prejudice through the arts, runs until next Saturday. Check out some of its 64 events.

Meantime, if you find yourself in Rome, recall Rosemary Barrett-Murphy. Perhaps you might focus on her rich and varied life rather than her much-publicised death.
Alan Shatter may well see his recommendation favourably received by Donald Trump. Mr Shatter, a former Minister for Justice, believes the US president should reconsider inviting the Taoiseach to the White House on St Patricks Day.

Any such move would be a blow to this countrys economic and possibly cultural interests. But Mr Shatter is of the opinion that Ireland is now acting against American interests due to an unrelenting hostility towards Israel and peculiar support for Iran, as reported in Wednesdays Irish Examiner.

It is highly unusual for a former senior politician to recommend that a foreign power act in a manner contrary to the interests of the country he served. However, Mr Shatter has long been of the opinion that a swathe of public comment  if not the public at large  is biased against Israel.

Since the attack on innocents by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the insanely disproportionate response by Israel, his criticisms have amplified.

Alan Shatter, former Minister for Justice of Ireland (right) at a rally in Dublin in support of Israel on October 15, 2023. Mr Shatter is of the opinion that Ireland is now acting against American interests due to an 'unrelenting hostility' towards Israel and 'peculiar' support for Iran. File photo: Niall Carson/PA

He quite obviously believes this country should be punished for its stance, as enunciated by leaders and public figures from President Higgins down to local politicians.

Last year there were also calls for the St Patricks Day knees-up at the White House not to go ahead. It came from the far end of the political spectrum of that occupied by Mr Shatter. People Before Profits Mick Barry called on then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar not to attend based on the USAs support for Israel.

Now I say clearly, he does not do that in my name, Deputy Barry said of the visit. Im confident in saying that there are hundreds of thousands of ordinary Irish people who would agree and that is not in their name either and would be disgusted with that.

There is every possibility that the wishes of both these former politicians will be acceded to by Mr Trump on March 17. Not that the incoming US president is tuned into eithers musings, or that he is even aware of their respective existence.

But a forthcoming event may well set the scene for the US president to throw a strop, or more likely determine that he can get some mileage out of this country in his govern-by-media approach to sating his base.

Occupied Territories Bill

One of the first items on the incoming Dail agenda is going to be the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB). The bill was en route to completion when the last Dail fell. Sinn Fein has stated that it will push from day one for its passage.

Figures from both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have indicated there will be no resistance to it. Passage of the bill will inflame reaction in Israel and the US. Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty said on RTE last week that it will lead to economic consequences for this country and the multinational sector based here.

The bill, first proposed by Senator Frances Black, is in response to the plantation of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. These settlements are established by expelling Palestinian people and killing anybody who resists with the full backing of the Israeli defence force.

The settlements contravene international law, consist of a form of ethnic cleansing and are designed to eliminate the possibility of a two state solution to the ancient problem.

Since the war in Gaza began after the Hamas attack, settlers have used the distraction to increase attacks on native Palestinians in the West Bank.

By last November human rights groups were reporting at least 1,000 attacks by settlers over the previous year in which over 100 Palestinians were murdered.

The head of Israels own security agency, Ronen Bar, wrote to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu last August warning of the growing phenomenon of Jewish terrorism in the West Bank. Yet nothing has been done to stop it. Currently there are 750,000 settlers in the West Bank.

The OTB proposes banning any trade with these settlements. Last October, the government in this country received legal advice that the bill can advance. It is unclear how much actual trade there is between the settlements and this country but the bill has huge symbolic significance.

It represents official acknowledgement that a form of ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people is being perpetrated with the connivance of a state that purports to espouse democratic values.

There is a possibility that it will be received favourably in a few western countries and may prompt others to follow suit, but dont bet on it. Yet the moral argument for proceeding, particularly in light of all that has occurred since October 7, 2023, is overwhelming.

Doing so will undoubtedly come at a cost, most significantly from the US, where, for a variety of financial and historic reasons there is continuing support for Israel irrespective of its conduct. Already, the Israelis have closed their embassy in Dublin.

Enactment of the OTB will most likely prompt them to launch a further campaign of disinformation against this country, labelling it anti-Semitic. But it is the American reaction which will impact greatest, particularly under a Trump administration.

Last Tuesday, in a rambling press conference, Trump was asked about the conflict. He replied that If the Israeli hostages  taken on 7 October 7  arent released by the day that he is inaugurated, all hell will break out in the Middle East. And it wont be good for Hamas, frankly it wont be good for anybody.

His reply echoed the values seemingly espoused by the Israeli state since its establishment in 1947. An Israeli life is to be cherished in a way that a Palestinian life is not. One Israeli life is worth a hundred if not a thousand Palestinian lives.

By its actions, by its completely disproportionate response to any perceived  or manufactured  security threat, this value has informed official attitudes to the Palestinian people in the Jewish state. And now it would appear that Donald Trump concurs. He didnt make any mention of the overwhelming innocents among the 45,000 Palestinians who have died in Gaza during the current conflict.

In all likelihood, Trump will set a tone in the USA by reacting badly to the passage of an OTB in this country. If lashing out at Ireland, making a song and dance about the St Patricks Day events, will earn him brownie points with his base, he will go ahead. That will be a symbolic blow to this countrys relationship with the USA and will probably signal a deterioration in economic ties.

Yet it is important that the bill proceeds. All too often western democracies like ours hold noses and look away from severe human rights abuses in pursuit of our own economic interests. Major damage has been done to the credibility of western democracies over the support, either tacit or explicit, for Israels destruction of Gaza and wanton murder of the innocents over the last 15 months.

Surely the point has been reached to make some kind of a stand in support of values that we claim are foremost in our democracy. If there is a short-term cost it will have to be borne. However, the long view will undoubtedly show that doing so will place this country on the right side of history.
The US Supreme Court on Friday seemed likely to uphold a law that would ban TikTok in the United States beginning on January 19 unless the popular social media platform is sold by its China-based parent company.

Hearing arguments in a momentous clash of free speech and national security concerns, the justices seemed persuaded by arguments that the national security threat posed by the companys connections to China override concerns about restricting the speech either of TikTok or its 170 million users in the US.

Early in arguments that lasted more than two and a half hours, Chief Justice John Roberts identified as the main concern in the case TikToks ownership by China-based ByteDance and the parent companys requirement to co-operate with the Chinese governments intelligence operations.

If left in place, the law passed by bipartisan majorities in Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in April will require TikTok to go dark on January 19, lawyer Noel Francisco told the justices on behalf of TikTok.

At the very least, Mr Francisco urged, the justices should enter a temporary pause that would allow TikTok to keep operating.

Callie Goodwin, a small business owner who sells greeting cards and says 80% of her sales come from people who found her on TikTok, holds a sign in support of the platform outside the Supreme Court in Washington (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

We might be in a different world again after President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20, he said. Mr Trump, who has 14.7 million followers on TikTok, also has called for the deadline to be pushed back to give him time to negotiate a political resolution.

But it was not clear whether any justices would choose such a course. And only Justice Neil Gorsuch sounded like he would side with TikTok to find the ban violates the Constitution.

Mr Gorsuch labelled arguments advanced by the Biden administration in defence of the law a paternalistic point of view. TikTok, he said, has offered to post a warning that the content could be manipulated by the Chinese government.

Dont we normally assume that the best remedy for problematic speech is counter speech? he asked Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who defended the law for the Biden administration.

A warning would not be enough to counterbalance the spread of misinformation, Ms Prelogar said.

But Francisco and lawyer Jeffrey Fisher, representing content creators and TikTok users, faced much more sceptical questioning from every other justice.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh focused on US concerns about China accessing information on tens of millions of Americans, including especially teenagers and people in their 20s, with whom TikTok is extremely popular.

That seems like a huge concern for the future of the country, said Mr Kavanaugh, whose daughters are in that age range.

Mr Roberts downplayed Mr Fishers argument that banning TikTok violates American users free speech rights.

Congress is fine with the expression, Mr Roberts said. Theyre not fine with a foreign adversary, as theyve determined it is, gathering all this information about the 170 million people who use TikTok.

The justices are expected to act within days, almost certainly ahead of the January 19 deadline.

Content creators and small business owners who rely on the app are awaiting a decision with anxiety.

Lee Zavorskas, a TikTok creator and a licensed esthetician based in New Hampshire, said she makes nearly half of her income on the platform by promoting products for other businesses.

Ms Zavorskas said she found it too stressful to listen to Fridays arguments. Instead, she spent her time building a YouTube channel.

ByteDance has said it will not sell the short-form video platform. But some investors have been eyeing it, including Mr Trumps former treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire businessman Frank McCourt.

On Thursday, Mr McCourts Project Liberty initiative said it, along with its unnamed partners, presented a proposal to ByteDance to acquire TikToks US assets. The consortium, which includes Shark Tank host Kevin OLeary, did not disclose the financial terms of the offer.

ByteDance has said it will not sell the short-form video platform TikTok (Kiichiro Sato/AP)

If TikTok is not sold to an approved buyer, the federal law would prohibit app stores, such as those operated by Apple and Google, from offering the app. It would also bar internet hosting services from hosting TikTok.

TikTok users who already have the app on their phones will continue to have access to it. But new users will not be able to download the app, and existing ones will no longer be able to receive updates. That will eventually render the app unworkable, the Justice Department has said in court filings.

Ms Prelogar said an eventual sale of the platform, even after the ban kicks in, would allow TikTok to resume operations. The sale of Twitter to Elon Musk, who renamed it X, shows that the sale of a social media platform can happen quickly, she said.

That high-profile transaction went through in about six months from offer to completion, she said.

TikTok, meanwhile, has been on notice since 2020, during Mr Trumps first term, that its sale could be required if it could not satisfy the US governments national security concerns

The federal law was the culmination of a yearslong saga in Washington over TikTok, which the government sees as a national security threat because of its connections to China.

US officials argue that the vast amounts of user data that TikTok collects, including sensitive information on viewing habits, could fall into the hands of the Chinese government through coercion.

They also are concerned that the proprietary algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who could pressure ByteDance to shape content on the platform in a way that is difficult to detect.

TikTok, which sued the government last year over the law, has long denied it could be used as a tool of Beijing.

The company negotiated with the Biden administration between 2021 and 2022 to resolve the concerns around US data privacy and potential algorithmic manipulation.

In court documents, it has accused the administration of essentially walking away from those negotiations after it presented a draft agreement in August 2022.

But the Justice Department has said the Biden administration concluded the proposal was insufficient because it would maintain TikToks ties to China.

The agency said the Executive Branch also could neither trust ByteDance to comply nor detect noncompliance before it was too late.

A three-judge panel made up of two Republican appointees and a Democratic appointee unanimously upheld the law in December, prompting TikToks quick appeal to the Supreme Court.
Many watched their homes burn on television in a state of shock.

Since the flames erupted in and around Los Angeles, scores of residents have returned to their still smouldering neighbourhoods even as the threat of new fires persisted and the USs second-largest city remained unsettled.

For some, it was a first look at the staggering reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the gargantuan challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.

Calmer winds enabled firefighters to start gaining some control of the biggest blazes in metropolitan LA on Friday, before gusty weather returns over the weekend to an area that has not seen rain for more than eight months.

Bridget Berg, who was at work when she saw on TV her house in Altadena erupt in flames, went back for the first time with her family two days later just to make it real.

Luke Dexter kneels as he sifts through the remains of his fathers fire-ravaged beach-front property in Malibu (John Locher/AP)

Their feet crunched across the broken pieces of what had been their home for 16 years.

Her children sifted through debris on the pavement, finding a clay pot and a few keepsakes as they searched for Japanese wood prints they hoped to recover.

Her husband pulled his hand out of rubble near the still-standing fireplace, holding up a piece of petrified wood handed down by his grandmother.

Its OK. Its OK, Ms Berg said as much to herself as others as she took stock of the destruction, remembering the patio and pool from which her family watched fireworks.

Its not like we just lost our house, everybody lost their house.

Since the fires first began popping up around a densely populated, 25-mile expanse north of central LA, they have burned more than 12,000 structures, a term that includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings and vehicles.

No cause has been identified yet for the largest fires.

Allegations of leadership failures and political blame have begun and so have investigations.

Beach-front properties smouldering in the aftermath of the Palisades fire on Friday (John Locher/AP)

Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 117-million gallon reservoir was out of service and some hydrants ran dry, calling it deeply troubling.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles fire chief Kristin Crowley said city leadership failed her department by not providing enough money for firefighting. She also criticised the lack of water.

When a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect theres going to be water, she said.

At least 11 people have been killed, according to the LA County medical examiners office.

Officials said they expected that number to rise as cadaver dogs go through levelled neighbourhoods to assess the devastation in an area larger than San Francisco.

Officials on Friday set up a centre where people could report those missing. Tens of thousands of people remained under evacuation orders, and the fires have consumed about 56 square miles.

The disaster took homes from everyone, from waiters to movie stars.

The government has not yet released figures on the cost of the damage, but private firms have estimated it will climb into the tens of billions.

A property is destroyed along Sunset Boulevard (John Locher/AP)

The Walt Disney Co said on Friday it will donate 15 million dollars (12.3 million) to respond to the fires and help rebuild.

The flames hit schools, churches, a synagogue, libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and local landmarks like the Will Rogers Western Ranch House, and a mansion in Altadena that dated back to 1887.

Neighbours wandered around ruins on Friday as they described now-vanished bedrooms, recently remodelled kitchens and outdoor living spaces.

Some spoke about the views that drew them to their properties, their words contrasting sharply with the scene of soot and ash.

In the coastal community of Pacific Palisades, Greg Benton surveyed where he lived for 31 years, hoping to find his great-grandmothers wedding ring in the wreckage.

We just had Christmas morning right over here, right in front of that chimney. And this is whats left, he said, pointing to the blackened rubble that was once his living room.

Its those small family heirlooms that are the ones that really hurt the most.

Elsewhere in the city, people at collection sites picked through cardboard boxes of donated items to restart their lives.

This is an emergency. This isn't about politics  it's about making sure people are alive.



I want the President-elect to visit LA County to understand the magnitude of the devastation we're experiencing right now and how we can be partners in recovery. pic.twitter.com/i1l3jGj322  Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 11, 2025

Firefighters on Friday had made progress for the first time on the Eaton fire north of Pasadena, which has burned more than 7,000 structures. Officials said Friday most evacuation orders for the area were lifted.

LA mayor Karen Bass, who faces a critical test of her leadership as her city endures its greatest crisis in decades, said several smaller fires were also stopped.

Crews earlier on Friday had been gaining ground on the Palisades fire, which burned 5,300 structures and is the most destructive in LAs history.

California National Guard troops arrived on the streets of Altadena before dawn to help protect property in the fire evacuation zone, and evening curfews were in effect to prevent looting after several earlier arrests.

The level of devastation is jarring even in a state that regularly confronts massive wildfires.

Anna Yeager said she and her husband agonised over going back to their beloved Altadena neighbourhood near Pasadena after fleeing with their six-year-old daughter and three-year-old son, their two dogs and some clothes.

A neighbour told them their house was gone.

Now she regrets not grabbing her childrens artwork, her husbands treasured cookbooks, family photos, and jewellery from her mother, who died in 2012, and her husbands grandmother, who survived Auschwitz.

A home destroyed by the Palisades fire (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle/AP)

When the couple returned, they saw blocks of only chimney after chimney.

Power lines everywhere. Fires still going everywhere, she said, adding that when they walked up to their home it was just dust.

Charred grapefruits littered their yard around a blackened tree, a few still hanging from its branches.

Ms Yeagers neighbourhood was planning to celebrate its 100th anniversary in May.

You build a world for yourself and your family, and you feel safe in that world and things like this happen that you cannot control, she said. Its devastating.

There were remnants of the front porch where Ms Yeager had photographed her children nearly daily since 2020 and had planned to keep doing that until they reached high school. That gave her hope.

The porch is still there and its to me, its a sign to rebuild and not leave, she said.

You know, its like saying, Hey, Im still here. You can still do this.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to send the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar in a sign of progress in talks on the war in Gaza.

Mr Netanyahus office announced the decision on Saturday evening.

It was not immediately clear when David Barnea would travel to Qatars capital, Doha, for the latest round of indirect talks between Israel and the Hamas militant group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on destroying Hamas ability to fight in Gaza (Stoyan Nenov/AP)

His presence means that high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved.

Just one brief ceasefire has been achieved in 15 months of war, and that was in the earliest weeks of fighting.

The talks, mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, have repeatedly stalled since then.

Under discussion is a phased ceasefire, with Mr Netanyahu signalling he is committed only to the first phase, a partial hostage release in exchange for a weeks-long halt in fighting.

Hamas has insisted on a full Israeli troop withdrawal from the largely devastated territory, but Mr Netanyahu has insisted on destroying Hamas ability to fight in Gaza.

On Thursday, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war.

Also being sent to Qatar are the head of Israels Shin Bet internal security agency and military and political advisers.

Mr Netanyahus office said the decision followed a meeting with his defence minister, security chiefs and negotiators on behalf of the outgoing and incoming US administrations.

President-elect Donald Trump with Steve Witkoff, his incoming special envoy to the Middle East (Evan Vucci/AP)

The office also released a photo showing Mr Netanyahu with President-elect Donald Trumps incoming special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who was in Qatar this week.

Families of the roughly 100 hostages still held in Gaza after being seized in the militant attack on October 7 2023 that sparked the war are pressing Mr Netanyahu to reach a deal to bring their loved ones home.

The recovery of two hostages bodies in the past week renewed fears that time is running out.

Hamas has said that after months of heavy fighting, it isnt sure who is alive or dead.

A statement by a group representing some hostages families said: Return with an agreement that ensures the return of all hostages, down to the last one  the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for proper burial in their homeland.

Israel and Hamas are also under pressure from outgoing US President Joe Biden and Mr Trump to reach a deal before the inauguration on January 20.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that a deal is very close and hoped to complete it before handing over diplomacy to the incoming Trump administration (Yara Nardi/AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this week a deal is very close and he hoped to complete it before handing over diplomacy to the incoming Trump administration.

However, US officials have expressed similar optimism on several occasions over the past year.

Issues in the talks have included which hostages would be released in the first part of a phased ceasefire deal, which Palestinian prisoners would be released and the extent of any Israeli troop withdrawal from population centres in Gaza.

Hamas and other groups killed some 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages into Gaza in the attack that started the war.

A truce in November 2023 freed more than 100 hostages, while others have been rescued or their remains have been recovered over the past year.
Firefighters raced to cut off spreading wildfires on Saturday before the return of potentially strong winds that could push the flames toward the world-famous J Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), while new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge.

A fierce battle against the flames was underway in Mandeville Canyon  not far from the Pacific coast where Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities live  where swooping helicopters dumped water as the blaze charged downhill.

Firefighters on the ground used hoses in an attempt to beat back leaping flames as thick smoke blanketed the chaparral-covered hillside.

At a briefing, CalFire operations chief Christian Litz said a main focus on Saturday would be the Palisades fire burning in the canyon area, not far from the UCLA campus.

We need to be aggressive out there, Mr Litz said.

Water is dropped on homes as the Palisades Fire advances (Jae C Hong/AP)

County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said the LA area had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak, and even more Angelenos evacuated due to the northeast expansion of the Palisades Fire.

Only light breezes were fanning the flames, but the National Weather Service warned that locally strong Santa Ana winds  the nemesis of firefighters  could soon return.

Those winds have been blamed for turning wildfires into infernos that have levelled entire neighbourhoods in the LA area, where there has been no significant rainfall in more than eight months.

A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon (Jae C Hong/AP)

The fire also was threatening to jump over Interstate 405, a main traffic artery through the area, which could become a gateway to densely populated areas in the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.

Even as the fires spread, the grim work of sifting through the devastation continued on Saturday, with teams conducting systematic grid searches with cadaver dogs, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.

A family assistance centre was also being set up in Pasadena, said Mr Luna, who urged residents to abide by curfews.

The disaster has destroyed entire homes with flames hitting churches, schools, a synagogue, libraries, bars and playgrounds (Jae C Hong/AP)

We have people driving up and around trying to get in just to look. Stay away, he said. We understand that this is extremely stressful and absolutely challenging, but we appreciate the publics co-operation as we work together to get through this crisis.

The fires have consumed about 56 square miles (145 square kilometres)  an area larger than San Francisco.

Tens of thousands of people remained under evacuation orders and new evacuations were ordered on Friday evening in an area that includes part of Interstate 405 after a flare-up on the eastern side of the Palisades Fire.

Homes have been destroyed in the fires, which firefighters are battling to control (EJ Soto/AP)

On Friday, many residents returned to the area in a state of shock.

For some, it was a first look at the stark reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the ominous challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.

Bridget Berg, who was at work when she saw on TV her house in Altadena erupt in flames, went back for the first time with her family two days later just to make it real.

Firefighters have criticised the lack of water available after fire hydrants had run dry (Eric Thayer/AP)

Their feet crunched across the broken pieces of what had been their home for 16 years.

Her children sifted through debris on the pavement, finding a clay pot and a few keepsakes as they searched for Japanese wood prints they hoped to recover.

Her husband pulled his hand out of rubble near the still-standing fireplace, holding up a piece of petrified wood handed down by his grandmother.

Firefighters monitor the advance of the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon (Eric Thayer/AP)

Its OK. Its OK, Ms Berg said as much to herself as others as she took stock of the destruction, remembering the patio and pool from which her family watched fireworks.

Its not like we just lost our house, everybody lost their house.

Since the fires first began popping up around a densely populated, 25-mile (40-kilometer) expanse north of downtown LA, they have burned more than 12,000 structures, a term that includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings and vehicles.

Luke Dexter kneels as he sifts through the remains of his fathers fire-ravaged beachfront property in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire (John Locher/AP)

No cause has been identified yet for the largest fires.

Allegations of leadership failures and political blame have begun alongside investigations.

Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 117 million-gallon (440 million-litre) reservoir was out of service and some hydrants had run dry.

A person walks through a neighbourhood destroyed by the Palisades Fire (John Locher/AP)

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said city leadership failed her department by not providing enough money for firefighting. She also criticised the lack of water.

When a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect theres going to be water, she said.

At least 11 people have been killed, five in the Palisades Fire and six in the Eaton Fire, according to the LA County medical examiners office.

Officials said they expected that number to rise as cadaver dogs search levelled neighbourhoods and crews assess the devastation, and on Friday authorities established a centre where people could report the missing.

The disaster took homes from everyone  from waiters to movie stars.

The government has not yet released figures on the cost of the damage, but private firms have estimated it will climb into the tens of billions.

A swing hangs from a tree in front of a fire-damaged residence in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire (Eric Thayer/AP)

The Walt Disney Co. announced Friday that it would donate 15 million dollars to respond to the fires and help rebuild.

The flames hit schools, churches, a synagogue, libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and local landmarks including the Will Rogers Western Ranch House and a Queen Anne-style mansion in Altadena that had stood since 1887.
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.
Today

Light rain and wind this evening. Then clearing overnight. Low around 50F. W winds at 25 to 35 mph, decreasing to 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.

Tonight

Light rain and wind this evening. Then clearing overnight. Low around 50F. W winds at 25 to 35 mph, decreasing to 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.

Tomorrow

Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. High near 65F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.
Today

Windy. Rain showers this evening with clearing late. Low near 50F. W winds at 25 to 35 mph, decreasing to 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.

Tonight

Windy. Rain showers this evening with clearing late. Low near 50F. W winds at 25 to 35 mph, decreasing to 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.

Tomorrow

Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. High 64F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided a 25 million euro venture debt facility to Resato Hydrogen Technology, a developer of hydrogen refueling stations based in Assen, Netherlands, Trend reports.

According to the bank, the funding will support Resato's efforts to enhance its technology, scale production capacity, and further hydrogen infrastructure development.

Resato aims to deploy 1,000 hydrogen refueling stations by 2030, aligning with the EU's Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. As part of its expansion, the company plans to move to a new assembly facility this year to boost production.

EIB Vice President Robert de Groot highlighted the importance of hydrogen in Europes energy transition, stating, "Hydrogen will be part of the energy mix, and infrastructure is key to supporting alternative fuels."

Resatos CEO, Rob Castien, emphasized the significance of the EIBs support, calling it validation of the companys mission to advance hydrogen refueling solutions. Castien noted that hydrogen reduces emissions and grid congestion, supporting Europes transition to sustainable energy.

Currently employing 170 people, Resato expects its workforce to grow significantly, potentially reaching 1,000 by 2030. The company has also launched the H2 Academy to address the need for skilled personnel by partnering with educational institutions to train professionals for careers in the hydrogen sector.

Resato has already established itself as a leader in hydrogen refueling solutions, with over 55 stations sold across Europe. It operates the markets largest refueling station, located in Neumunster, Germany, with a capacity of 2,000 kg per day.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. "Murovdag," the second vessel of Handysize type,, has successfully completed its first voyage to Colombia and Ecuador, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Caspian Shipping Company CJSC (ASCO).

Currently, Murovdag is heading to the port of Tocopilla in Chile. Here the ship will load fertilizers and ammonium nitrate in its holds and then will go to the Brazilian port of Salvador.

To note, this dry cargo ship, like the first Handysize vessel of the type "Khojaly," commissioned by ASCO in May 2024, has a cargo capacity (deadweight) of about 38,000 tons. Its length is 179.9 meters, width is 30 meters, side height is 15 meters, and draft is 10.47 meters. The vessel has a maximum speed of 15.7 knots, and its optimal draft design allows it to easily enter shallow water ports.

"Murovdag," built in 2020 in Japan, meets international environmental standards, is fuel-efficient, and is equipped with modern safety systems. ASCO acquired the vessel in October last year.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
US President-elect Donald Trump will not face jail time or fines due to his criminal conviction related to hush money payments made to an adult film actress, according to a judges ruling. However, the sentencing will leave a mark of guilt on his record.

Justice Juan Merchans decision to impose an unconditional discharge on Mr. Trump, 78, brings closure to a case that had overshadowed his campaign to reclaim the presidency just days before his inauguration on January 20.

By issuing an unconditional discharge, Justice Merchan ensures that a judgment of guilt will remain on Mr. Trumps permanent record, without imposing any further legal penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or probation.

This court has never encountered such a unique and extraordinary set of circumstances, remarked Justice Merchan.

Donald Trump said the case had been a terrible experience

Mr. Trump, who entered a not guilty plea and plans to appeal the guilty verdict, is the first US president to assume office with a criminal conviction.

Participating virtually from Florida alongside his lawyer Todd Blanche, with two American flags behind him on courtroom screens, Mr. Trump declared his innocence and insisted he did nothing wrong.

Its been a political witch hunt, Mr. Trump stated, sporting a red and white striped tie.

It was intended to tarnish my reputation to ensure I would lose the election, and obviously, that didnt succeed, he asserted.

I am completely innocent; I did nothing wrong, said Mr. Trump, who refrained from testifying during the six-week trial last year.

He expressed that the case had been a terrible experience during his sentencing.

This hearing, mere days before his inauguration on January 20, marks the conclusion of a case that had influenced his successful bid to reclaim the presidency.

Justice Merchan, who presided over the six-week trial, previously indicated that he did not intend to imprison Mr. Trump or impose a fine.

We need your consent to load this rte-player content. We use rte-player to manage additional content that may set cookies on your device and gather data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass stated that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office supported Justice Merchans sentence.

Prior to his inauguration, the most sensible sentence is an unconditional discharge, Mr. Steinglass remarked, adding that any other sentence could hinder Mr. Trumps capacity to fulfill his responsibilities.

However, Mr. Steinglass emphasized that the jurys unanimous guilty verdict must be upheld, solidifying Mr. Trumps status as a convicted felon as he awaits his appeal.

This defendant has inflicted lasting damage to the publics perception of the criminal justice system, Mr. Steinglass said.

Mr. Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels

Todd Blanche, Mr. Trumps attorney, disagreed with Mr. Steinglass assessment.

We certainly intend to appeal, Mr. Blanche declared. This case should never have been brought legally.

Mr. Steinglass also asserted that Mr. Trump had been part of a coordinated effort to undermine the cases legitimacy, deliberately fostering contempt for judicial institutions and the rule of law.

First presidential conviction

An unconditional discharge serves as a measure devoid of any sanctions or restrictions while still affirming the jurys guilty verdictmarking Mr. Trumps notoriety as the first former president convicted of a felony.

The 78-year-old Trump potentially faced a maximum sentence of four years in prison.

Hes giving a middle finger to the judge, the jury, and the justice system while laughing, commented Pace University law professor and former prosecutor Bennett Gershman, prior to the sentencing.

Outside the courthouse, Trump supporters displayed a massive banner bearing their idols name, which fluttered in the strong winds.

Donald Trump supporters outside the Manhattan Criminal Court

Contrastingly, a small group of anti-Trump demonstrators held a vigil behind a sign reading Trump is guilty.

Mr. Trumps legal team argued for a delay in sentencing while the Republican appealed his conviction, but this motion was denied by New York state Associate Justice Ellen Gesmer on Tuesday.

Mr. Trump consistently referred to the prosecution as a witch hunt, which Steinglass indicated was designed to have a chilling effect.

This defendant has caused lasting damage to public confidence in the criminal justice system, stated the prosecutor.

Mr. Trumps lawyer Todd Blanche expressed strong disagreement with much of the prosecutions statement.

On Monday, Mr. Trump was certified as the winner of the 2024 presidential election, four years after his supporters rioted at the US Capitol in an attempt to overturn his 2020 loss.

34 counts of falsifying business records

In March 2023, Mr. Bragg, a Democrat, charged Mr. Trump, a Republican, with 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment made by his former attorney Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who claimed to have had a sexual encounter with Mr. Trump prior to the 2016 election, a claim Mr. Trump denied.

Mr. Trump won against Democrat Hillary Clinton in that election. Critics of the businessman-turned-politician cited these charges and others to argue that he was unqualified for public office.

Mr. Trump countered by claiming that this case, along with three other criminal indictments and civil lawsuits alleging fraud, defamation, and sexual abuse, was a politically motivated effort by adversaries to use the justice system against him and undermine his reelection campaign.

During the trial, Justice Merchan sanctioned Mr. Trump with a $10,000 fine for breaching a gag order. The Manhattan jury found Mr. Trump guilty of all 34 counts on May 30. Prosecutors contended that, despite the scandalous nature of the allegations, the case aimed to corrupt the 2016 election.

As recently as January 3, Mr. Trump labeled the judge a radical partisan in a post on his Truth Social platform.

In a ruling that day, Justice Merchan asserted that overturning the verdict would undermine the Rule of Law in immeasurable ways and noted that Mr. Trumps conduct during the trial demonstrated a lack of respect for the judiciary.

The defendant has gone to considerable lengths to publicize his disdain for judges, juries, grand juries, and the justice system in general, stated Justice Merchan.
The intense winds that fueled wildfires across parts of Los Angeles finally subsided last night, offering some respite to exhausted firefighters. However, the largest fire has reportedly changed course, leading to new evacuation orders.

Since Tuesday, six wildfires have wreaked havoc on neighborhoods in Los Angeles County, resulting in at least 11 fatalities and damaging or destroying 10,000 structures. This toll is expected to rise as firefighters gain access for house-to-house searches.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Palisades Fire in the western part of the city has shifted direction, necessitating an evacuation order that affects much of the Brentwood neighborhood and the foothills of the San Fernando Valley.

The Palisades fire has experienced a significant flare-up on its eastern side and continues to advance northeast, stated LA Fire Department Captain Erik Scott during an interview with local station KTLA, as reported by the LA Times website.

A view of burnt structures at Topanga Beach during the Palisades wildfire

After days of uncontrolled burning, despite the efforts of hundreds of firefighters battling the flames both from the air and on the ground, the Palisades Fire was reported to be 8% contained, while the Eaton Fire was at 3%. Prior to yesterday, Cal Fire had listed both fires containment levels at 0%.

Nonetheless, these two significant fires have collectively scorched 35,000 acres, which is 2.5 times the area of Manhattan.

As thousands find themselves homeless amid worsening smoke conditions, U.S. officials have declared a public health emergency.

A strict curfew came into effect to deter looting and disorder

Approximately 153,000 individuals remain under evacuation orders, while an additional 166,800 are facing evacuation warnings. A curfew has been instituted across all evacuation zones, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.

Neighboring states, the federal government, and Canada have mobilized aid to California, enhancing aerial teams dropping water and fire retardants on the burning hills, as well as ground crews battling the flames with hand tools and hoses.

Thanks to the increased resources allocated, the region is in a far better position than we were earlier this week, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated during a press briefing.

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 collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences

Conditions in the Los Angeles area are expected to improve over the weekend, with sustained winds decreasing to approximately 32 km/h, as reported by the National Weather Service, a welcome change from recent gusts reaching 128 km/h.

With the winds not being as gusty, it should assist firefighters, said NWS meteorologist Allison Santorelli, emphasizing that conditions remain critical due to low humidity and dry vegetation.

However, forecasters have indicated that another red flag warning may be issued for Monday.

Residents of Pacific Palisades who returned to their devastated neighborhoods were met with the sight of brick chimneys standing over charred debris and burned-out vehicles, all while acrid smoke hung in the air.

This was a house that was cherished, Kelly Foster, 44, reflected while sifting through the remains of her home.

Multiple simultaneous wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County neighborhoods

Neighboring states, the federal government, and Canada have extended aid to California.

Smoke billowed from adjacent homes as firefighting planes dropped water in the vicinity.

Ms. Fosters 16-year-old daughter, Ada, described her attempt to enter their home: I just became sick. I just couldnt even Yeah, its hard.

In Rick McGeaghs neighborhood in Palisades, only six out of 60 homes survived, leaving a single statue of the Virgin Mary standing amidst the ash and rubble.

Everything else is ash and rubble, lamented Mr. McGeagh, 61, a commercial real estate broker, who along with his wife, raised three children at their residence.

Read More: Los Angeles resembles a war scene after fires  Biden Our entire neighborhood is just gone  Irish man in LA affected by wildfires Satellite imagery reveals the scale of fire damage around Los Angeles

Yesterday morning, hundreds flocked to a parking lot near the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, seeking out donated clothing, diapers, and bottled water.

Denise Doss, 63, expressed her desire to return to her damaged home in Altadena to check for anything salvageable, but officials prevented her from doing so due to safety concerns.

I just want to say goodbye until we can rebuild. I will let God guide me, Ms. Doss remarked.

Many residents of Altadena voiced concerns that government assistance would focus on wealthier areas, and that insurance companies might undervalue claims for those unable to contest denials.

Private forecaster AccuWeather estimates the damage and economic loss at between $135 billion (131 billion) and $150 billion.

In addition to those who lost their homes, tens of thousands remain without power, and millions face deteriorating air quality as the fires release traces of metals, plastics, and other synthetic materials into the atmosphere.

AccuWeather estimates the total damage and economic loss to be between $135 billion and $150 billion, signifying a challenging recovery ahead and heightened homeowners insurance costs.

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara urged insurers to halt any pending non-renewals and cancellations that homeowners received prior to the fires, as well as to extend the grace periods for payments.

President Joe Biden has classified the fires as a major disaster and announced that the U.S. government would cover 100% of recovery costs for the next six months.
German authorities have announced the first occurrence of foot-and-mouth disease in the country in nearly 40 years, found in a herd of water buffalo near Berlin.

This disease leads to fever and mouth sores in cloven-hoofed ruminants, including cattle, swine, sheep, and goats.

Local authorities have stated that measures to contain this highly contagious disease, which is not harmful to humans but can be transmitted by them, are currently being enacted, and the infected animals have been euthanized.

A 3km exclusion zone and a 10km monitoring zone have been established, with a federal agricultural ministry spokesperson noting that no products or animals may be removed from these areas during a regular government news briefing.

Germany and the European Union are officially acknowledged as free from the disease, with the last cases reported in Germany in 1988, as mentioned by the FLI animal health research institute.

The FLI further explained that the disease frequently occurs in the Middle East and Africa, across various Asian nations, and in some regions of South America.

It warned that illegally imported animal products from these regions pose a significant risk to European agriculture.
The US Supreme Court has commenced hearings regarding the legality of a statute that could either ban or compel the sale of TikTok by 19 January in the United States. This case juxtaposes free speech rights against national security issues concerning the popular short-video app owned by the Chinese firm ByteDance.

TikTok and ByteDance, along with certain users who post content on the platform, have contested a law that Congress passed with notable bipartisan support last year, which was signed by the departing Democratic President Joe Biden, whose administration is defending the law in this case.

A lower court dismissed the challengers argument that the law infringes upon the First Amendment protections against governmental restrictions on free speech.

The Supreme Courts evaluation of this case emerges amid escalating trade tensions between the worlds two largest economies. Republican Donald Trump, set to begin his second term as president on 20 January, stands against the ban.

Mr. Francisco articulated that the laws primary target is the speech itself  this fear that Americans, even when fully informed, could be swayed by Chinese misinformation. However, that is a determination that the First Amendment delegates to the populace.

In essence, this act should not endure, asserted Mr. Francisco regarding the law.

He referred to Mr. Trumps position on the matter.

On 27 December, Mr. Trump urged the Supreme Court to postpone the 19 January divestiture deadline, allowing his incoming administration the chance to seek a political resolution to the issues at hand.

News crews await outside the US Supreme Court Building as the court deliberates over the possibility of overturning or delaying legislation that could lead to a TikTok ban in the United States.

Mr. Francisco appealed to the justices to, at the very least, impose a temporary pause on the law, which would enable you to thoughtfully assess this significant issue and, for the reasons presented by the president-elect, potentially render the case moot.

The Supreme Court is weighing conflicting issues  concerning free speech rights and the national security risks associated with a social media platform owned by foreign entities that collects data from a domestic user base of 170 million Americans, roughly half of the US population.

Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative, challenged Mr. Francisco on TikToks Chinese ownership and the conclusions drawn by Congress.

Are we expected to overlook the fact that the ultimate parent is, indeed, subject to conducting intelligence operations for the Chinese government? Mr. Roberts inquired. It appears that you are neglecting Congresss primary concern  which was Chinese manipulation of the content as well as the collection and harvesting of the data.

The Justice Department has voiced that TikTok presents a severe threat to US national security due to the potential for China to exploit the vast amounts of data on Americans for espionage or blackmail, or to covertly manipulate the content that users view on the app to serve its interests.

The platforms sophisticated algorithm delivers short videos tailored to individual users preferences. TikTok has argued that a ban would adversely affect its user base, advertisers, content creators, and personnel. TikTok currently employs 7,000 people in the US.

TikTok, the immensely popular short-video application, is operated by the Chinese company ByteDance.

The enactment of this law endangers not just the First Amendment rights of TikTok and its users but the entire nation, assert the challengers in the case. The platform is deemed one of the most significant speech platforms in America, TikTok and ByteDance stated in a submission, contending that the law is in opposition to the First Amendment.

The challengers have backing from various free speech and libertarian advocacy organizations. While Mr. Trump has pledged to save the platform, many of his Republican allies back the ban.

The Justice Department maintains that the law targets the control of the app by a foreign adversary rather than protected speech, asserting that TikTok could continue to operate normally if freed from Chinas oversight.

A potent tool for espionage

No one disputes that China aims to undermine US interests by accumulating sensitive data on Americans and engaging in covert and harmful influence activities, the department indicated in a filing to the court, calling the app a potent tool for espionage.

TikTok, ByteDance, and users of the app seeking an injunction to prevent the ban are appealing the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuits 6 December ruling that upheld the law.

The Supreme Court consists of a 6-3 conservative majority, which includes three justices appointed by Mr. Trump during his first presidential term.
( Middle East Monitor )  The first official reference to Gaza becoming increasingly uninhabitable was made by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 2012, when the population of the Gaza Strip was estimated at 1.8 million inhabitants.

The intention of the report, The Gaza Strip: The Economic Situation and the Prospects for Development, was not merely to prophesise, but to warn that if the world continued to stand idle in the face of the ongoing blockade on Gaza, a humanitarian catastrophe was imminent.

Yet, little was done, though the UN continued with its countdown, increasing the frequency and urgency of its warnings, especially following major wars.

Another report in 2015 from UNCTAD stated that the Gaza crisis had intensified following the most destructive war to that date, the year before. The war had destroyed hundreds of factories, thousands of homes and displaced tens of thousands of people.

By 2020, though, based on the criteria set by the UN, Gaza should have become uninhabitable. Yet, little was done to remedy the crisis. The population grew rapidly, while resources, including Gazas land mass, shrank due to the ever-expanding Israeli buffer zone. The prospects for the worlds largest open-air prison became even dimmer.

Yet, the international community did little to heed the call of UNCTAD and other UN and international institutions. The humanitarian crisis  situated within a prolonged political crisis, a siege, repeated wars and daily violence  worsened, reaching, on 7 October, 2023, the point of implosion.

One wonders if the world had paid even the slightest attention to Gaza and the cries of people trapped behind walls, barbed wire and electric fences, whether the current war and genocide could have been avoided.

It is all moot now. The worst-case scenario has actualised in a way that even the most pessimistic estimates by Palestinian, Arab, or international groups could not have foreseen.

Not only is Gaza now beyond uninhabitable, but, according to Greenpeace, it will be uninhabitable for generations to come. This does not hinge on the resilience of Palestinians in Gaza, whose legendary steadfastness is hardly disputed. However, there are essential survival needs that even the strongest people cannot replace with their mere desire to survive.

In just the first 120 days of war, staggering carbon emissions were estimated at 536,410 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Ninety per cent of that deadly pollution was attributed to Israels air bombardment and ground invasion, according to Greenpeace, which concluded that the total sum of carbon emissions is greater than the annual carbon footprint of many climate-vulnerable nations.

A report issued around the same time by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) painted an equally frightening picture of what was taking place in Gaza as a direct result of the war. Water and sanitation have collapsed, it declared last June. Coastal areas, soil, and ecosystems have been severely impacted, it continued.

But that was over seven months ago, when parts of Gaza were still standing. Now, almost all of Gaza has been destroyed. Garbage has been piling up for 15 months without a single facility to process it efficiently. Disease is widespread, and all hospitals have either been destroyed in the bombings, burned to the ground, or bulldozed. Many of the sick are dying in their tents without ever seeing a doctor.

Without any outside assistance, it was only natural for the disaster to worsen. Last December, Medecins Sans Frontieres issued a report titled Gaza: Life in a Death Trap. The report, a devastating read, describes the state of medical infrastructure in Gaza, which can be summed up in a single word: non-existent.

Israel has attacked 512 healthcare facilities between October 2023 and September 2024, killing over 1,000 healthcare workers. This means that a population is trying to survive during one of the harshest wars ever recorded, without any serious medical attention. This includes nearly half a million people suffering from various mental health disorders.



Back Turned, Digital, Midjourney, 2024

By December, Gazas Government Media Office reported that there are an estimated 23 million tonnes of debris resulting from the dropping of 75,000 tonnes of explosives  in addition to other forms of destruction. This has released 281,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide into the air.

Once the war is over, Gaza will be rebuilt. Though Palestinian sumud (steadfastness) is capable of restoring Gaza to its former self, however long it takes, a study conducted by Queen Mary University in the UK said that, for the destroyed structures to be rebuilt, an additional 60 million tonnes of CO2 will be released into an already severely impacted environment.

In essence, this means that even after the devastating war on Gaza ends and the rebuilding of the Strip concludes, the ecological and environmental harm that Israel has caused will remain for many years to come.

It is baffling that the very Western countries, which speak tirelessly about environmental protection, preservation and warning against carbon emissions, are the same entities that helped sustain the war on Gaza, either through arming Israel or remaining silent in the face of the ongoing atrocities.

The price of this hypocrisy is the enduring suffering of millions of people and the devastation of their environment. Isnt it time for the world to wake up and collectively declare: enough is enough?

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

Via Middle East Monitor
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  A team of researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Yale has published a study in The Lancet finding that the Gaza Ministry of Health substantially underestimated war deaths in Gaza. Casualties were 69% higher than reported.

The current estimate by the Ministry of Health for Palestinians killed by Israeli weaponry in their total war on Gaza is 46,000. The Lancet study suggests the true number today is closer to 70,000.

Researchers said that they used data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health hospital records, a Ministry of Health online survey, and obituaries that appeared on social media to estimate the true number of deaths between October 7, 2023, and June 30, 2024.

The researchers then used statistical models to look at the overlap between these sources. After combining the results, they calculated the estimated total deaths during this period. They then compared age- and sex-specific death rates with those from 2022. This method has been used successfully in other conflict zones.

The team estimated 64,260 deaths due to traumatic injury (i.e. by military weaponry) during the study period, October  June. The Ministry of Health estimate at that time was 37,877 (that is, the actual number was 69% higher)

AFP interviewed Patrick Ball, a sociologist of human rights on whose doctoral committee I served years ago, about the method. He has used it to estimate deaths in conflicts in Guatemala, Kosovo, Peru and Colombia. AFP writes that he told the agency that the well-tested technique had been used for centuries and that the researchers had reached a good estimate for Gaza.

Women, minors under 18, and the elderly over 65 comprised 59.1% of those killed militarily, or 28,257 deaths among those for whom sex and age information was known.

It should be pointed out that only a small number of military-age men were members of the paramilitary al-Qassam Brigades or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, so that the percentage of innocent civilians among the dead is much higher than 59%.



Juan Cole, Gaza Yet Stands. Informed Comment KDP. Click here to Buy or order the paperback from your local bookstore. All proceeds go to UNICEF for their Gaza work.

In the U.S. Afghanistan war, the Watson Institute at Brown estimated that some 271,000 people were killed, including 71,344 civilians. That would indicate that 29.6% of those killed were innocent civilians. Over-all, the civilian kill ratio is most wars is 30% to 50%, so the Israeli military in Gaza is clearly much more brutal than the norm.

The researchers found peaks of deaths in the first three months of the Gaza War, in autumn 2023. This was a time when we know that the Israeli air force dropped hundreds of 2000-lb. bombs on residential complexes. A United Nations study found that in many of these attacks, no clear military target was visible.

The casualties spiked again in June, during the Israeli campaign against Rafah, which the Biden administration and the International Court of Justice had forbidden as a red line because it was the last part of the Gaza Strip that still had the urban infrastructure to keep people alive and healthy. The Israelis razed it and expelled its inhabitants, many of them being displaced for a third or fourth time, to already-destroyed neighborhoods in the center.

The team found that deaths were under-reported by 41% by the Ministry of Health. Most of the newspaper reporting misunderstood this way of stating the statistic. What they found was that casualties were 59% more numerous than the Ministry of Health reported.

The study only treated deaths from military actions and weaponry (traumatic) deaths. Last July, the Lancet published an estimate that as of that moment, 186,000 Palestinians in Gaza would die over time because of infectious diseases, exposure, and lack of water and food, as a result of Israeli strategy and tactics. That number is surely much higher now.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 11. The Islamic finance principles support climate action and sustainable development through risk-sharing, where financial transactions involve the shared risk between lender and borrower; ethical investments, which mandate investments in halal activities that do not pose any harm to individuals or society; and social justice, which promotes social welfare and economic justice aiming to reduce poverty and inequality, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

"It is important to highlight how the IsDB Group leverages Islamic Finance resources to effectively combat climate change and promote sustainable development. The core activities of the IsDB Group revolve around Financing Sustainable Infrastructure, positioning the Group as a leader in investments that drive sustainable development. These efforts include funding energy-efficient buildings, enhancing public transportation systems, and improving water management solutions. We continue to leverage our resources to fund these projects, ensuring that they are designed and implemented according to sustainable principles. These interventions are mainly made possible through:

1. Green Sukuk, or Islamic bonds , are a crucial tool in Islamic finance used by IsDB to fund projects that promote renewable energy, clean transportation, and other environmentally friendly initiatives. By leveraging this innovative financing tool, the IsDB supports its 57 member countries in achieving their climate action and sustainable development goals. These issuances have generated significant capital for projects with positive environmental impacts.

Through Green Sukuk, the IsDB mobilizes funds for substantial investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and other climate-friendly initiatives. In the last five years, through tour sustainable finance framework, we have issued over US$ 8 billion, comprising green and sustainable Sukuk investments to support our member countries. Some of the projects financed under this modality include Senegals US$ 337 million Dakar to Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) Regional Express Train project; the 600-Megawatt Clean Electricity Asagi Kalekoy Dam in Turkiye, as well as the countrys numerous solar power plants made up of 200,000 large-scale solar panels.

2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Through our PPP funding modality and advisory services, we facilitate private sector investment in large-scale climate related projects, such as solar and hydropower initiatives, including the large-scale Ben Ban Solar Project in the Aswan Governorate in The Arab Republic of Egypt.

3. Capacity Building for Member Countries though Technical Assistance : At IsDB we offer technical assistance and training support to our member countries and financial intermediaries to enhance the knowledge and skills of stakeholders promoting the development of climate-resilient projects and the broader development of products that foster sustainable development objectives. For instance, climate smart and resilient agriculture programs in the Sahel Region covering six countries in West Africa include significant components that support capacity enhancement of drought-resistant crops and other water-efficient solutions.

4. Islamic finance and Climate Justice: Islamic banking's focus on social justice and community welfare promotes initiatives aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as poverty eradication, education, and health which are crucial for a fair and just transition in the climate discussion. The IsDB Group actively explores ways to support its member countries fairly and justly, ensuring the facilitation of their economic growth and development prospects while protecting the planet," he explained.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mustang Energy Corp. (CSE: MEC, OTC:MECPF, FRA:92T) (the Company or Mustang) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Konigsstuhl Project, a 5,228 hectare property located in the Eastern Athabasca Basin in northern, Saskatchewan. Secured through cost-effective staking, the Konigsstuhl Project adds five 100% owned mineral claims to Mustangs expanding portfolio of promising uranium assets in one of the worlds premier mining districts.

Project Highlights:

Location: The project is located approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Camecos McArthur River Mine and 45 kilometres southwest of Camecos Cigar Lake Mine.

The project is located approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Camecos McArthur River Mine and 45 kilometres southwest of Camecos Cigar Lake Mine. Adjacent property mineralization (see Figure 1): Drill hole WMA-010 intersected 0.29% U 3 O 8 over 0.5 m from 881.3-881.8 m, with anomalous Pb, V, Co, Ni, As, in a bleached, clay-altered fault in graphitic pelite 1 . (SMDI# 3553) Drill hole WMA-004 intersected 0.28% U 3 O 8 over 0.2 m from 1016.0 - 1016.2 m four metres below the Athabasca unconformity associated with a clay-filled fracture in hematite-chlorite paleoweathered semi-pelite 2 . (SMDI# 3551) Drill Hole CL-138 intersected 547 ppm U(partial) over 0.5 m from 609.3-609.8 m in pelite below the unconformity at 606.6 m 3 . (SMDI# 3549)

Previous Exploration: The property benefits from extensive high-resolution geophysical coverage including a 2011 ZTEM survey over the southern claim area4, a 2005 MEGATEM survey across the northern claim block5, and a 2005 Radiometric survey covering the entire property6.

Figure 1: Overview of Mustang Energy's newly acquired claims Konigsstuhl Project7,1

We are pleased to add the Konigsstuhl Project to our growing portfolio of uranium assets in the Athabasca Basin, said Nick Luksha, CEO of Mustang Energy Corp. By strategically claim-staking, we continue to secure 100% ownership of promising properties while keeping costs low. With a strong technical team and access to an exceptional geophysical dataset, we are looking to advance exploration efforts and generate new opportunities for discovery on this underexplored property.

Project Geology and Mineralization

The Konigsstuhl Project is underlain by basement rocks consisting of Archean granitoids and Lower Proterozoic (Trans Hudson) Wollaston and Mudjatik Group metamorphic rocks. These metamorphic rocks are composed of supracrustal rocks such as psammites, pelites, and minor greenstones, along with associated intrusions. Overlying these basement rocks are an estimated 700 to 900 meters of flat-lying Athabasca sandstones and conglomerates7.

The geological setting of the Konigsstuhl Project demonstrates potential for the discovery of unconformity-style and basement-hosted uranium mineralization similar to that found at Cigar Lake and McArthur River. The property features potential EM conductors and mapped faults identified through previous exploration3,4, which serve as both conduits and traps for uranium mineralization.

Strategic Importance

The acquisition of the Konigsstuhl Project aligns with Mustangs vision of building a robust portfolio of uranium assets in the Athabasca Basin, a region known for its high-grade uranium deposits. As global energy markets shift toward low-carbon solutions, nuclear energy remains a cornerstone of sustainable power generation, driving demand for uranium resources.

Mustang remains committed to executing its exploration strategy responsibly, contributing positively to local communities, and ensuring environmental sustainability in all its operations.

References

1. SMDI# 3553, https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/3553

2. SMDI# 3551, https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/3551

3. SMDI# 3549, https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/3549

4. SMAD# 74H-0061, http://mineral-assessment.saskatchewan.ca/Pages/BasePages/Main.aspx

5. SMAD# 74H14-0056, http://mineral-assessment.saskatchewan.ca/Pages/BasePages/Main.aspx

6. SMAD# 74H-0061, http://mineral-assessment.saskatchewan.ca/Pages/BasePages/Main.aspx

7. Saskatchewan GeoAtlas, https://gisappl.saskatchewan.ca/Html5Ext/index.html?viewer=GeoAtlas

Qualifying Statement

The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Lynde Guillaume, P.Geo., Technical Advisor for Mustang Energy, a registered member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Ms. Guillaume is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Adjacent Property Disclaimer:

This news release includes references with respect to uranium occurrences as well as references to geological favourability of Adjacent Properties, which are located near the Konigsstuhl Project. The Company advises that, notwithstanding their proximity of location, discoveries of minerals on the Adjacent Properties and any promising results thereof are not necessarily indicative of the mineralization of, or located on the Konigsstuhl Project, or the Companys ability to commercially exploit the Konigsstuhl Project, or to locate any commercially exploitable deposits therefrom. The Company cautions investors on relying on this information as the Company has not confirmed the accuracy or reliability of the information.

Update on Engagement with MCS Market Communication Services GmbH

Further to the Companys news release dated September 16, 2024 and December 6, 2024, and pursuant to the independent marketing service contract (the MCS Agreement) dated September 12, 2024 with MCS Market Communication Service GmbH (MCS), the Company has increased its promotional campaign budget from EUR500.000 to EUR750.000, effective January 9, 2025. Pursuant to the MCS Agreement, the Company agreed to an initial budget of EUR250.000, with an option (the Option) to increase the budget during the term of the engagement, which Option was first exercised on November 29, 2024 to increase the budget to EUR500.000. Pursuant to the MCS Agreement, MCS agreed to create a promotional campaign for Mustang consisting of text materials, advertisements, keyword research for search term optimization, and other such online marketing activities. The promotional campaign is for a period of six months ending on March 23, 2025. The Company will not issue any securities to MCS as compensation for the services. As of the date hereof, to the Companys knowledge, MSC and its directors and officers do not own any securities of the Company and have an arms length relationship with the Company. This partnership will focus on building brand recognition and investor outreach in the European markets, further complementing the Companys recent Frankfurt listing.

MCS is an independent company which will, as appropriate, provide project management and consulting for an online marketing campaign, coordinate marketing actions, maintain and optimize AdWords campaigns, adapt AdWords bidding strategies, optimize AdWords ads, and create and optimize landing pages. The promotional activity will occur by email, Facebook, and Google.

MCS Marketing has an address at Rheinproimendate 13, 40789 Monheim am Rhein, NRW, Germany, and can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 49-160-99032182

About Mustang Energy Corp.:

Mustang is a resource exploration company focused on acquiring and developing high-potential uranium and critical mineral assets. The Company is actively exploring its properties in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada and holds 77,318 hectares in around the Athabasca Basin. Mustang's flagship property, Ford Lake, covers 7,743 hectares in the prolific eastern Athabasca Basin, while its Cigar Lake East and Roughrider South projects span 3,442 hectares in the Wollaston Domain. Mustang has also established its footprint in the Cluff Lake region of the Athabasca Basin with the Yellowstone Project (21,820 hectares) and further expanded its presence in the south central region of the Athabasca Basin with the Dutton Project (7,633 hectares).

For further information, please contact:

Mustang Energy Corp.

Attention: Nicholas Luksha, CEO and Director

Phone: (604) 838-0184

Neither the CSE nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends, believes or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as forwardlooking statements, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the future potential of the minerals claims held by the Company, including the Konigsstuhl Project; the completion of future work on the Konigsstuhl Project; that marketing campaigns led by MCS will expand the Companys presence in Europe; and that the Company is strategically positioned for substantial growth. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able to continue exploring its properties given various environmental and economic factors outside of its control; that the marketing campaigns created by MCS will be completed as planned; and that the marketing engagement with MCS will have the desired impact on Mustangs presence in Europe. 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 statements or 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 statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 11. The Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubayev and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu discussed the implementation of joint projects, Trend reports via Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Among the topics covered by Kulubayev during the discussion were the modernization and development of border checkpoints, the strengthening of trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian links, and the possibility of Kyrgyz citizens staying in Kazakhstan.

The foreign minister noted the importance of implementing such projects as the construction of an industrial trade and logistics complex on the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border, a ferroalloy plant in the city of Tash-Kumyr, solar power plants in Kyrgyzstan, an alternative highway "Issyk-Kul-Almaty," and a modern trade and logistics warehouse in the Almaty region for storing fruits and vegetables, which will help to increase bilateral trade turnover and expand investment cooperation.

In turn, Nurtleu reviewed the state of trade, economic, and investment cooperation between the two countries and expressed readiness to expand cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis in the fields of energy, transport, agriculture, tourism, and education.

The Foreign Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan also considered issues of cooperation within the framework of international and regional organizations.

To note, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev paid an official visit to Kazakhstan on January 10-11.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel




Saturday, January 11, 2025 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies have formed a new party that will challenge President William Rutos re-election in 2027.

Gachaguas new party, named Sauti Ya Mwananchi, was unveiled during a meeting held on Friday, January 10, at his Wamunyoro residence.

In a statement following the meeting, Gachagua described the gathering as a significant step toward shaping the country's political direction ahead of 2025.

"Today I spent the day with Kenyas pre-eminent team of elected leaders in extensive consultations and exchange of ideas and views, at our Wamunyoro residence," Gachagua stated.

"This team - popularly referred to as Sauti Ya Mwananchi and currently the only existing political voice speaking on behalf of the people in Kenya today - and made up of elected Governors, Senators, MPs & MCAs, as well as several other leaders, shared their views and ideas on what they see as the way forward for 2025," Gachagua added.

The group comprises elected Governors, Senators, Members of Parliament, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) from the Mt Kenya region as well as other leaders from across the country.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, January 11, 2025 - President William Ruto has warned Kenyans, especially the Gen Zs, to stop circulating images of him and other government officials inside coffins for their own good.

Speaking in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County, Ruto accused certain politicians of funding young Kenyans to tarnish the reputation of government officials through such posts.

He noted that he had received reports indicating that some politicians had paid young social media users to create and share the controversial images.

As a result, the Head of State warned youths in the area against engaging in such misconduct, emphasising that it was harmful to society and could adversely affect their own families.

According to him, such impunity had dire consequences, as it fostered a culture of violence and the devaluation of human life.

I want to ask the youths not to be lured by small amounts of money to create images showing government officials inside coffins, Ruto remarked.

Today, you will put your leaders inside a coffin; tomorrow, you will do the same to your parents, your siblings, and eventually, you will begin to kill each other.

The president urged young people to use their skills constructively to create job opportunities instead of wasting time and resources criticizing the government.

He also called on politicians allegedly involved in such schemes to refocus their efforts on meaningful activities rather than contributing to the destruction of an entire generation.

Ruto's sentiments followed barely a week after about five youths believed to have been abducted in December were found alive and abandoned in different regions across the country.

Among those who were reportedly abducted but found alive included Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Benard Kavuli, cartoonist Kibet Bull, and his brother Ronny Kiplagat.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, January 11, 2025 - National Assembly Majority leader, Kimani Ichungwah, has ordered governors to work with President William Ruto for the sake of the development of their constituents.

Speaking in Uasin Gishu County on Friday, Ichungwah, who is also the Kikuyu Member of Parliament, criticized those leaders who are inciting the public and undermining the government.

"Those [leaders] inciting the public; there are some who held powerful positions but they are now at home. There are some governors here making noise; should we deal with them or not?" he asked members of the public.

Ichung'wah called on the governors to behave like gentlemen and work harmoniously with the President to advance the governments development agenda.

"Governors should behave like gentlemen and work with the President. I want to tell the President and his deputy to do other jobs benefiting the normal citizen and leave the dissenting voices to me," he added.

Ichungwahs remarks come a week after his public showdown with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya during the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula's mother.

Ichung'wah accused Natembeya of incitement and asked him to assist the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in solving the abduction cases if he had any knowledge of the abductors.

It is not to say that there are no abductions. Abductions are there. Governor Natembeya, if you know the abductors, you are an officer and you have been a regional commissioner. Give information to the DCI for them to investigate.

I want to ask you, Governor Natembeya, you were a regional commissioner the other day when people were abducted and killed in Kerio Valley. So at that time, you did not know Kenyans lives were valuable?

"Let me tell you today in broad daylight, the politics you are doing of dividing Kenyans on tribal lines and incitement, you will not succeed. Shame on you! he remarked.

Natembeya later fired back, attributing the attacks to his outspoken stance on extrajudicial abductions, which he has urged Rutos administration to address.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, January 11, 2025  Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas ODM is chickening out from the partnership with President William Rutos Kenya Kwanza ahead of the 2027 General Election.

This is after it denied partnering with Ruto even after forming a broad-based government with him.

In a statement by the Central Management Committee, ODM cautioned its members against pushing various narratives regarding the 2027 elections and political arrangements.

The elected leaders were advised to refrain from predicting various partnerships the party would be getting into ahead of the polls.

According to the top leadership, ODM remains a distinct party focused on clinching power in 2027.

Consequently, the elected leaders were advised against pushing for the candidature and policies of other political parties.

"We call on all our members to remember that ODM remains a distinct political party in competition with all others to win power by democratic means," read the statement in part.

To this end, we must all be guarded in our pronouncements on the future of the party and particularly refrain from beating the drums of our competitors. We must continue to strengthen ourselves in preparation for the battles ahead."

Notably, the party made the statements after Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda stated that ODM would support Rutos re-election in the next elections.

According to Ojienda, ODM could push for the running mate position in the Ruto presidential ticket.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, January 11, 2025  It seems President William Ruto has unleashed his goons on Kenyans critical of his policies and those who want him dead.

This is after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen began a crackdown on all those sharing photos of Ruto and other political leaders in coffins.

The move follows Ruto's warning to young people against sharing images of Kenyans in coffins, reminding them that it could be their own fathers or mothers in such situations.

Speaking during the launch of Turbo Sub-county offices along with Ruto, Murkomen vowed to charge individuals using social media to threaten people, terming it as out of order.

He pledged to take stern action against the individuals using social media to generate and share distasteful images depicting the countrys top leadership brass.

I want to assure you, your Excellency, myself, and our team in Interior, we are going to relook at this behaviour.

"We will make sure that we will charge all of those who are using social media to threaten others because if we do not do so, we will not have a country that is in order, Murkomen averred.

We must bring order to our country because we want Kenyans to live in a nation that is orderly.

"We want those who are in church, public service, and politics to support our president to ensure that we live in a country that has law and order, he added.

Murkomen questioned the motive behind the use of social media to perpetuate such acts, stressing that his ministry will be at the forefront of combating the behavior.

Murkomens comments came amidst a recent spate of alleged forced disappearances of Kenyans, mostly youth, who disappeared over their sharing of images portraying Ruto in a coffin amongst other depreciating images.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, January 11, 2025 - 5 years ago, Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi was arrested and probed over the mysterious death of his wife Catherine Nyambura.

Back then, he was the Member of County Assembly for Konyu Ward and his wifes death caused murmurs in Nyeri County.

Catherines body was found dumped in a dam on a chilly Monday morning.

The body was spotted by a local who was on his way to work.

Some witnesses claimed they overheard an argument between the woman and an unknown person near the dam.

Although Wamumbi alleged that his wife took her own life, it is now emerging that there was foul play in the mysterious death.

Wamumbi reportedly killed his wife and dumped her body in the dam after she confronted him for having an affair with her sister.

She allegedly caught him in the act with her sister, leading to a heated argument.

His deceased wifes family is still crying for justice after he used his influence to bungle investigations.

Check out Aokos tweet.













The Kenyan DAILY POST.
1 of 1

      :         35         

khaskhabar.com : , 11  2025 5:02 PM
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 11. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is gearing up to hit the road for an official visit to the UAE from January 13-16, following an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Trend reports via the Uzbek president's office.

The visit will include a series of meetings and events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will hold bilateral talks with Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, meet with key officials from leading Emirati organizations, companies, and banks, and participate in the international Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week summit.

In Dubai, the president is scheduled to meet with Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAEs Vice President, Prime Minister, and Emir of Dubai.

The visit's agenda is all about tightening the bonds between Uzbekistan and the UAE, digging deeper into their multifaceted partnership, and broadening the horizons of cooperation in key areas like investment, green energy, infrastructure, digitalization, artificial intelligence, innovative development, and tourism. Boosting cultural and humanitarian exchanges will be right at the top of the agenda.

The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Summit 2025 is set to roll around on January 14-15.

Under the "Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress" theme, the summit will bring together global leaders, policymakers, business executives, and technology pioneers to explore the pathways for accelerating the transition to a sustainable economy.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
There were over 3,500 dangerously defective cars being driven on Kildare roads last year.

The NCT failed over half of cars it tested in Co Kildare last year with over one in 20 classified as fail dangerous.

Kildare had the second lowest proportion of fail dangerous classifications in the country.

There were 57,800 NCT tests conducted in Kildare last year. 27,589 passed the test, rate pf 47.7 per cent.

26,542 (45 per cent) were identified with a major fault and failed while 3,658 (6.35 per cent) were deemed dangerously defective.

The national rate of dangerously defective cars was 7.42 per cent, a record rate.

A vehicle categorised as dangerous fail is found to have a dangerous defect that constitutes a direct or immediate risk to road safety such that it should not be used on the public road under any circumstances.

A sticker stating Failed Dangerous will be affixed to the vehicle by a NCTS vehicle inspector who will also inform the motorist why and how their car is dangerous and unroadworthy According to Applus+  the Spanish company that operates the NCT on behalf of the Road Safety Authority at 50 test centres in the Republic  NCTS vehicle inspectors will also advise the owners of dangerously defective cars to have them towed away from the centre.

The company said customers are also read a statement that if they drive the vehicle off the premises, the NCTS will inform An Garda Siochana that a dangerous defective vehicle was just driven from the centre.

Applus+s communications manager, Sinead McKeon, said the reaction of motorists with a fail dangerous vehicle is mixed with some ignoring the warnings and driving off in their car from the test centre.

Ms McKeon said the high level of fail dangerous vehicles was probably linked to people not servicing their car on a regular basis.

People dont check on their car in advance of going in for a test and they are using the NCT as a diagnostic tool instead of getting their vehicle services first, she added.

Some of the main reasons for a vehicle receiving a fail dangerous result include badly corroded bodywork; bald, bulging or damaged tyres; brake fluid leaks; car doors that do not close properly and brake lights not working.

At a county level, the highest share of fail dangerous vehicles last year was recorded in Cavan where 11.9 per cent of cars tested were dangerously defective.

The lowest proportion of vehicles to be classified as fail dangerous was found in Offaly (6.1 per cent); Kildare (6.3 per cent); Louth and Waterford (both 6.7 per cent); Dublin and Wicklow (both 6.8 per cent) and Kilkenny (7.0 per cent).

The latest NCTS figures also show that the pass rate for the full test has fallen to its lowest level in five years at 50.6 per cent nationally  down from 52.9 per cent in 2023 and the recent high rate of 54.3 per cent in 2022.

The most common fault detected during checks on over 1.7 million vehicles last year related to steering and suspension which affected 15.0 per cent of all vehicles followed by lighting and electrical (14.2 per cent) and the side slip test (12.3 per cent) which checks on wheel alignment.
Serious unemployment is again facing the workers of the former North Kilkenny mining town of Castlecomer.

For the industrial boom of the past four years which followed the closure of the mines appears to be taking a nosedive.

This weekend the long dole queues, which became a depressing sight after the colliery closures, will show signs of returning with two factories having laid off almost 100 workers.

But, at the time of going to press, the actual situation was somewhat confused.

A decision by Roadmaster caravans Ltd to make 50 workers redundant brought a strike threat which is to become effective from finishing time today (Friday) and may result in a complete factory shut-down.

FOR MORE NORTH KILKENNY NEWS, CLICK HERE

Meanwhile at Irish Clay Industries Ltd, 45 employees have been given an extended Christmas holiday to the end of January because of a drop in sales. On Wednesday morning, with management in conference, no one was available for comment.

The situation at Roadmaster is more serious, with management and union deadlocked. The management have decided to make 47 men and three women redundant from Friday, but this has been rejected by the employees, most of them members of the ITGWU, who, following a trade union meeting, suggested as an alternative that all workers go on a five day fortnight so that there will be no unemployment.

Roadmaster managing director Myles McCabe explained that this alternative was just not feasible. He explained that in the past three months there had been a drastic cutback on the home and export market in the caravan industry.

Following the redundancies there would still be 71 workers in the factory.
Kilkenny people are being asked to lace up their walking shoes and step up to a charity challenge for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland in January.

Currently there are approximately 120,000 people in Ireland are living with a disability as the result of an acquired brain injury.

In support of these individuals, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland is challenging you to Step Up and take 120,000 steps during January 2025.

"Start the year on the right foot by raising vital funds to help people living with brain injuries to rebuild their lives," a charity spokesperson said.

ABI Ireland is a charity dedicated to helping people recover from the impact of brain injury. Through expert clinical services and individualised rehabilitation plans, the organisation supports brain injury survivors in achieving their goals and leading independent lives.

It offers a range of services tailored to the needs of each person, including information, training, and practical assistance for those living with an acquired brain injury, as well as their families and healthcare professionals.

Brain injury can happen to anyone, at any time. It could be your mother. It could be your brother. It could even be you. Every survivor deserves the opportunity to rebuild their life and ABI Ireland is committed to making this belief a reality.

Now, ABI Ireland needs your help to raise vital funds for these services. By signing up for the Step Up for Brain Injury challenge this month, you can make a real difference. Not only will you help fund critical services, but you'll also take part in a fun, flexible challenge.

Walk 120,000 steps throughout January  you can do it anywhere, on your own, with friends, family, or colleagues.

Every step you take will directly impact the lives of brain injury survivors, giving them the tools, they need to live their life to its full potential.

Join in this January and raise funds to support brain injury survivors to rebuild their lives. #StepUpForBrainInjury

How to sign up:

Visit the ABI Ireland website to sign up and start fundraising today:

www.abiireland.ie/events/step- up-2025

For more information about Step Up for Brain Injury, email:

fundraising@abiireland.ie
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 11. The number of cargo vehicles operated by Uzbek carriers has increased sevenfold to exceed 26,000, raising their share in international freight operations from 35% to 60%, Trend reports.

The statistics were disclosed as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed recent developments in the countrys transport and logistics system.

Over the past seven years, Uzbekistan has achieved significant progress in this sector, driven by robust support for domestic transport companies.

Despite these achievements, global tensions have disrupted the sector. Delivery times for westbound shipments have doubled, transportation costs have surged by 50%, and border closures or delays in European countries have further hindered operations.

To address these issues, the government is focusing on key initiatives: expanding alternative trade routes, simplifying transit procedures, and negotiating bilateral agreements to reduce or eliminate border fees. These measures aim to streamline cargo flows, enhance connectivity, and mitigate the risks posed by geopolitical disruptions.

Uzbekistans renewed focus on transport and logistics is expected to reinforce its role as a vital link in regional and global trade networks while ensuring greater economic stability amid uncertain times.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 12. Iranian Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, announced on Saturday that the new comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Iran and Russia explicitly includes respect for each others territorial integrity, Trend reports.

During an interview with Iranian media, Jalali emphasized, "We expect our partner countries to respect our territorial integrity," highlighting that this commitment is clearly outlined in Article Three of the agreement which is poised to be signed later this month.

Revealing new details about the upcoming agreement, Ambassador Jalali stated that it comprises a preamble and 47 articles.

It is due to succeed the comprehensive cooperation agreement signed in 2001, which was ratified by the Iranian Parliament, expired in 2021, and was extended until 2026.

"Today's relations have significantly expanded compared to 24 years ago, necessitating an update," Jalali noted.

According to the ambassador, Iran prepared the draft, and after consultations and revisions with Russia, finalized it over approximately three years.

Jalali highlighted the extensive reach of the agreement, noting that in addition to emphasizing territorial integrity, it encompasses political and economic interactions, regional initiatives, and both bilateral and multilateral efforts.

Additionally, the agreement addresses energy cooperation, reflecting the significant energy resources of both nations.

When questioned about the similarity between this agreement and Russia's recent security pacts with Belarus and North Korea, Jalali clarified, "This agreement is different; Russia has defined partnerships in certain areas with those countries that we are not deeply involved in."

He stressed Iran's commitment to independence and self-reliance, stating, "We are not keen on entering into bloc politics."

Jalali concluded by noting that the agreement would be submitted to the Iranian Parliament for approval, following the process adopted in 2001.

This contrasts with the Iran-China 25-year agreement, signed in 2021, which was not subject to parliamentary approval, making the pact with Russia notably different in terms of legislative oversight and public disclosure.

Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit Russia on January 17 to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials to sign the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, further solidifying the ties between the two nations.
Seoul's leadership void risks derailing relations with Beijing

By Kwak Yeon-soo

China is showing signs of a renewed desire to mend ties with South Korea. At the same time, North Korea is placing greater emphasis on its relationship with Russia. The worlds second-largest economy is also bracing for an uncertain future with Donald Trumps return to the White House, according to foreign relations experts and scholars.

However, South Koreas current leadership void is likely to pose a major setback to improving ties between the two countries, they said.

North Koreas relationship has cooled with China, its largest trading partner and main benefactor. This contrasts sharply with Pyongyangs growing military cooperation with Moscow.

North Korea-China trade has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels and the New Yalu River Bridge connecting the two countries remains unopened to the present day, according to Cha Du-hyeogn, principal fellow of Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

A recent sign of Pyongyang's strained ties with Beijing is its downplaying of Chinese President Xi Jinpings New Year greeting to Kim Jong-un, while treating Russian President Vladimir Putins greeting as major news.

In recent months, China has sought to improve ties with its neighbor, including South Korea and Japan. In November, Beijing made a surprise announcement that it would waive visa requirements for visitors from South Korea in a bid to enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

At a meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru, in November, Xi told U.S. President Joe Biden that China would not allow conflict and turmoil to happen on the Korean Peninsula and will not sit idly by when its strategic security and core interests are under threat.

It was the first time Xi publicly stated Chinas will to intervene in issues related to the Korean Peninsula. Although North Korea designated the South as its principal enemy, China is focusing on improving  not just managing  ties with Seoul, said Kim Heung-kyu, professor of political science and diplomacy and director of the U.S.-China Policy Institute at Ajou University.

They believe the South Korea-U.S. alliance could weaken under the next Trump administration and the strategic balance on the Korean Peninsula is crumbling. Under such circumstances, China is focused on economic incentives and its persistent global influence. So working with neighboring countries for stability is important.

China has defied some predictions by promptly appointing China's new ambassador to Korea, Dai Bing, who took office on Dec. 27.

Many believed China might delay the appointment of its envoy after the process of appointing former presidential chief of staff Kim Dae-ki as South Koreas new ambassador to China was suspended due to President Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment.

Dai presented the Letter of Credence to acting President Choi Sang-mok, Tuesday, and reflected on Koreas resilience amid its political uncertainty in the wake of the impeachment.

China and the ROK are friendly neighbors and important partners. And we have been committed to advancing our strategic cooperative partnership. I have great belief in the wisdom and capability of the ROK people to address their current challenges, and I sincerely wish for the stability, development and prosperity of the ROK and its people, Dai wrote on X. ROK refers to the acronym of South Korea's formal name, the Republic of Korea.

Kang Jun-young, a Chinese studies professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, said South Koreas political crisis and the Trump administrations policies toward China will be key factors in Seoul-Beijing relations.

Reciprocity is an important aspect of diplomacy. I think Chinese authorities are cautious about discussing matters with Korean Ambassador to China Chung Jae-ho, who is a confidant of Yoon. This kind of imbalance resulting from South Korea's leadership void will continue. We must resolve the leadership crisis to normalize ties with China and make sure Xi attends the APEC summit in November, Kang said.

South Korea will host the next Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, later this year.

He predicted that pressure from Trump on China will persist throughout the next four years, compelling China to seek closer alignment with South Korea. Due to the South Korea-U.S. alliance, some say the scope for South Korea's cooperation with China will be limited, regardless of whether a liberal or conservative wins the next presidency.

We have no reason to neglect Chinas outreach. However, South Koreas alignment efforts with the Trump administration may derail Seoul-Beijing ties. It's important to maintain a strategic cooperative partnership with China as well as reaffirming the alliance with the U.S., Kang said.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan Friday portrayed impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid as "shocking" and "wrong," Friday, but voiced confidence that "structurally," the South Korea-U.S. alliance is "incredibly healthy."

Speaking in a press meeting, he also noted that the Biden administration was not able to make "substantial" progress in the efforts toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula with the security trend moving in the "wrong" direction, but stressed America and its allies are in a "materially better" position to deter North Korean threats.

He also expressed concerns over the "risk" of North Korea using the ongoing political turmoil in South Korea to engage in provocative activities, but underscored that Pyongyang "should make no mistake" given the strength of the bilateral alliance.

"I think the declaration of martial law in early December was shocking. I think it was wrong, and now we are watching a constitutional procedure play out. We want to make sure that it does so without violence, that it does so in accordance with the ROK Constitution," Sullivan said, using the acronym for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

"I believe that the ROK will come out the other side of this with strong democratic institutions, with a continued deep commitment to the U.S.-ROK alliance," he added.

South Korea has been thrust into a period of political uncertainty following Yoon's short-lived martial law declaration, Dec. 3, and his subsequent impeachment, Dec. 14.

The official painted a sanguine outlook for the Seoul-Washington alliance.

"I think structurally, when you look out over the long term, the U.S.-ROK alliance is incredibly healthy, and that's for deep, fundamental reasons, and that is also because of the cultivation of these past four years," he said.

"I don't know where the new team will take that alliance, but I think it is still very much set up for success, notwithstanding what's happening in terms of the political turmoil inside the ROK."

On North Korea, he admitted to the absence of visible headway in long-elusive endeavors to denuclearize the recalcitrant regime.

"We, like our predecessors, going back to Clinton, we're obviously not able to make substantial progress on the issue of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. The trend there continues in the wrong direction, as it has under multiple presidents," he said.

"I didn't come in with particularly optimistic views on what we would be able to accomplish, but that's an area that remains of considerable concern."

However, the top security official pointed to progress in efforts to bolster deterrence against North Korea in tandem with South Korea, Japan and other partners.

"We'll see what the new administration is able to do, but what I do think on the North Korea file is that we put ourselves and our allies in a materially better position to deter and deal with that threat, even if we were not able to directly abate the threat," he said.

Asked about the possibility of the North launching military provocations at a time of political uncertainty in Seoul, Sullivan noted a "risk" of the regime's potential saber-rattling.

"I can't predict exactly what North Korea will do, but I certainly think that's a risk ... It's in the American national security interests that the political crisis there gets resolved in accordance with the ROK Constitution as rapidly as possible," he said.

"But I would just say even today, in the midst of the ongoing political turmoil in the ROK, the U.S.-ROK alliance remains strong, our deterrent remains strong, our resolve remains strong, and North Korea should make no mistake about that."

Touching on the seriousness of the North Korean threat, the official said it remains "acute" as it has been under former presidents.

"The North Korean threat when President Obama left was acute. It was acute when President Trump left office. It remains acute today," he said.

He pointed to the growing partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow, and an alignment of Russia, China, North Korea and Iran as "the biggest thing that is distinct from four years ago," while noting he has discussed with the Trump team the North Korea-Russia relationship as something that the incoming administration will have to "contend with."

"My broad view of this is that this alignment is not uniform across those countries, and we shouldn't think of it as a single bloc at this point, and we have already taken steps to try to find gaps and seams in it, and I think the next administration should not treat it as a single, unified bloc," he said.

"Second, this alignment is not emerging because of the strength of our competitors and adversaries, but largely because of their weakness and the pressure they are under, and that doesn't mean it's not threatening, but we should honestly assess that these countries are looking to one another because they don't have a lot of other choices."

Highlighting that the Biden administration's Indo-Pacific strategy -- designed to beef up a network of U.S. alliances and partnerships to confront shared challenges -- is working in a "big" way, Sullivan expressed hope that there would be policy continuity under the incoming administration.

"I hope that they will carry it forward. And as I said, if you look at prominent Republican voices, this is an area where I think there's more convergence than there is debate or critique," he said. "So that gives me some hope that there will be this kind of continuity." (Yonhap)
The U.S. State Department officially announced, Friday, Joseph Yun, former U.S. special representative for North Korea, as charge d'affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, saying he will work to advance the two countries' mutual interest and "ironclad" alliance.

Yun, who served as the envoy for North Korea from 2016-2018, is set to assume office in South Korea after former Ambassador Philip Goldberg retired earlier this month ahead of incoming President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, Jan. 20.

His appointment comes as both South Korea and the United States seek to ensure that the bilateral alliance remains robust despite the political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment.

"Ambassador Yun will work with the Embassy team and the Republic of Korea's (ROK) government to advance our mutual interests and shared values, as well as our ironclad commitment to the U.S.-ROK Alliance," the department said in a media note, referring to South Korea by its official name.

"The Department of State expresses its great appreciation to Ambassador Yun for his distinguished public service in advancing the values and interests of the United States," it added.

Yun was expected to arrive in Seoul, Saturday, according to sources.

He previously served as ambassador to Malaysia from 2013-2016 and principal deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs from 2011-2013. He has also served at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul in the past. (Yonhap)
Korea has requested the active participation of business leaders in the United States at upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events in Korea this year, Seoul's foreign ministry said Saturday.

At an annual meeting of the U.S. National Center for APEC in San Francisco, Friday (U.S. time), Yoon Seong-mee, chair of the 2025 APEC Senior Officials' Meeting, presented Seoul's preparations for hosting the 2025 APEC summit and urged active interest and participation from U.S. business leaders.

Korea will host the 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju, located about 270 kilometers south of Seoul.

The center is a U.S.-based organization that facilitates high-level exchanges between public and private sectors in the APEC region. Its membership includes over 40 major companies, such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Visa and Qualcomm.

Yoon outlined Korea's plans for hosting over 200 meetings at the upcoming gathering in Gyeongju, which will include leader-and minister-level conferences as well as a CEO summit. She also emphasized that Seoul is committed to ensuring the seamless organization of these events. (Yonhap)




Archaeologists have discovered a cache of valuables belonging to the rulers of Europe. The collection of lost treasures was found in the crypts of the Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius, located in the capital of Lithuania.

ADVERTISIMENT

The cache of precious items sheds light on medieval royalty. The chamber of the Vilnius Cathedral housed the tombstones of prominent rulers of Lithuania and Poland, including Alexander Jagiellon, as well as Elizabeth of Habsburg, the first wife of Sigismund Augustus, and his second wife Barbara Radziwi, HeritageDaily reports.

According to the researchers, the treasure includes several funerary crowns, including the lost crown of Alexander Jagiellon, Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1492 and King of Poland from 1501.

The medallion, chain, ring, and tombstone of Elizabeth of Habsburg were also found. In a secret hiding place, archaeologists also discovered Barbara Radziwi's funeral crown, scepter, royal ball, three rings, and two coffin plaques, experts say.

ADVERTISIMENT

"The discovered grave insignia of Lithuanian and Polish rulers are priceless historical treasures, symbols of the long tradition of Lithuanian statehood, signs of Vilnius as the capital and magnificent works of goldsmithing and jewellery," said Vilnius Metropolitan Archbishop Gintaras Gruszas.

According to experts, the royal regalia were supposed to be part of the tombstones after the death of European rulers, which will now be restored and put on display.

It is believed that the secret cache was created for safe keeping during World War II and the GermanSoviet Boundary and Friendship Treaty, the transfer of Lithuania to Soviet control and the creation of the Lithuanian SSR, scholars say.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Joseph Yun, acting U.S. ambassador to Seoul, said Saturday he will work to bolster the bilateral alliance, expressing optimism that South Korea will overcome its political challenges and grow stronger.

The charge d'affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy arrived at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, days after former U.S. envoy Philip Goldberg's retirement.

Yun, a former U.S. special representative for North Korea, was appointed to the interim post ahead of the inauguration of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, Jan. 20.

"There are really fundamental pillars of U.S.-ROK relationships. The core pillar is, of course, the alliance relationship," Yun told reporters, referring to South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

"I've spent half of my professional life trying to strengthen the relationship between two countries and I really look forward to contribute in that," he added.

Yun, who served at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul nearly two decades ago, said it is "very meaningful" to return to the country at a critical time.

His appointment comes at a time when South Korea faces political uncertainty following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived declaration of martial law, Dec. 3.

When asked about South Korea's political situation, Yun acknowledged the "ups and downs" in any government but expressed confidence in the country's resilience.

"What I know is that there have been many challenges," Yun said. "Each time, South Korea has emerged stronger and I have no doubt that would be the case again." (Yonhap)
By Jon Dunbar

Korea was a colony of Japan for 36 years, from 1910 to the end of World War II in 1945. However, there is a distinct lack of information available about this period, especially in English. One emerging resource is Japanese-language newspapers of the era, published in Korea.

An anonymous Japanese American blogger, who goes by the online handle "tpjv86b," has been translating this content into English as part of his Exposing Imperial Japan project.

"As I explored online resources, I noticed that there was hardly any comprehensive material available in English about this critical era," he told The Korea Times. "This period profoundly shaped modern Korea, yet much of its nuance and everyday realities remained obscured to English-speaking audiences."

The project began after tpjv86b discovered an extensive collection of old newspapers, including issues of the Keijo Nippo, or Gyeongseong Ilbo, dating from 1909 to 1944, hosted on the Internet Archive website. Published in Seoul, the Keijo Nippo was considered a de facto mouthpiece of the Japanese governor-general.

Through his website exposingimperialjapan.com, tpjv86b has been sharing his own translations with commentary of the articles.

"When I began reading through these newspapers, it felt like stepping into a time machine," tpjv86b, 44, said. "The pages were filled with stories and articles that vividly captured the day-to-day lives of Korean citizens under Japanese colonial rule. These were not just dry records of statistics or detached accounts of historical events  they were deeply personal, raw snapshots of life, including the propaganda that shaped public perception at the time. It had the power to bring history to life in a way few other resources could."

The topics he covers range from unsettlingly banal to outright horrifying.

"Korean Woman in Hanbok Detained by Imperial Police in 1944 Seoul for Wearing the 'Wrong' Clothing in Violation of Wartime Attire Regulations," is the title of one recent blog post, published Dec. 30. "Colonial regime called for intensified Imperialist training to make Koreans more Japanese to address low morale, high turnover rates, and black market activities among Korean forced laborers in 1944 Japan," read the title of one post from Aug. 29.

"I felt a strong sense of urgency," tpjv86b said. "If these stories were not shared, they risked being forgotten as time passed."

He said his research has led to several surprising discoveries.

"For instance, I had no idea about the depth of the religious justifications used to enforce Japanese-Korean unification under State Shintoism. The colonial regime taught that Koreans were descendants of the Shinto god Susanoo, the younger brother of Amaterasu, the sun goddess and ancestor of the Japanese imperial family. This narrative framed Koreans as inherently Japanese, claiming that they had simply forgotten their true heritage and needed to be 'reawakened' to their Japanese identity. I had some awareness of ideological messaging, but I never knew it extended to such granular and deeply embedded beliefs," he said.

"Another shocking revelation was the level of humiliation embedded in the colonial propaganda. While I had known there was an element of humiliation, I did not realize the depth of it until I delved into the materials. Koreans were consistently portrayed as inferior  as children or younger brothers  who needed to look up to 'older brother' Japan for guidance and leadership ... The sheer scale and intensity of this messaging were truly unsettling."

Initially, the source of the uploaded occupation-era newspapers was a mystery to tpjv86b, but eventually, someone claiming to be the original uploader made contact. He called this a "pivotal moment for my research," opening up access to an even greater collection of historical materials, which he said were "sourced from a proprietary, paid database, making them inaccessible to most people without specialized access."

"I am not at liberty to reveal this individuals identity, but I can share that he is an academic affiliated with a Western university," tpjv86b said.

Both tpjv86b and the uploader at the Western university keep their true identities hidden.

"This is a deliberate choice made in light of the significant risks associated with releasing critical or negative information about Imperial Japan," tpjv86b said. "The historical realities of this period remain contentious, and addressing topics such as colonial rule, forced labor or comfort women often invites intense backlash from denialists and nationalist groups."

He cited the cases of Uemura Takashi, a former journalist who was vilified by nationalists for writing two articles in 1991 about Kim Hak-sun, the first South Korean victim of wartime sex slavery to publicly share her story, and historian Paula Curtis who in 2021 triggered a ferocious online backlash from denialists merely for retweeting an article in The New Yorker about the debate over Japan's wartime sex slavery.

"These incidents illustrate the real-world dangers of engaging with these topics," tpjv86b said. "Scholars and individuals who explore the darker aspects of history often face not only public vilification but also professional and personal risks. My anonymity allows me to continue this work without jeopardizing my family or career and ensures that the focus remains on the history itself rather than on me as an individual. My goal is to shed light on these critical issues, and staying anonymous allows me to do so safely and effectively."

He added that Japanese society should not be seen as monolithic, and while the oppression and hardships of Korea under Japanese colonial rule are often considered an awkward and unpleasant topic in Japan, he believes there is a silent majority who do not take a pro-imperialist stance.

"While denialist voices in Japan can be quite vocal and assertive, I believe there is a silent majority who recognize that historical revisionism is ultimately a form of wishful propaganda. These individuals may not always speak out, but their awareness and quiet acknowledgment suggest a more nuanced perspective within the broader population. This gives me hope that dialogue and understanding can continue to grow, even in a context where these discussions remain sensitive and challenging," he said.

One personal detail that tpjv86b was willing to share about his own background was that he spent a year studying in Germany under an exchange program.

"That year abroad left a lasting impression on me, particularly in how Germans approach their history  a process they call 'Vergangenheitsbewaltigung,' or coming to terms with the past," he said.

"In Germany, I witnessed a deeply introspective and transparent approach to confronting historical atrocities. Whether addressing Nazi-era crimes or the surveillance and oppression under the East German Stasi, Germans have sought to open archives, document oral histories, and make the past as accessible as possible. This level of accountability and willingness to examine even the most painful chapters in minute detail struck me as a mature and responsible way to deal with history. It inspired me to imagine a similar approach being adopted in Japan," he said. "My work on Exposing Imperial Japan is in part a reflection of these influences."

Although tpjv86b has visited Korea, he confessed a lack of understanding of Koreans' own perspectives and memories of the occupation era.

As I am not Korean, my understanding of the Korean perspective is limited, and I would like to learn more about how this history is viewed from within Korea, he said. "What I hope is that through the translated articles and materials, Koreans can gain a clearer picture of the structures that perpetuated oppression during this period. I hope the materials I provide can contribute to a nuanced and informed understanding of this complex history. I hope it can evolve into a more polished, collaborative resource curated by professional historians, with features like contextualized primary sources, analysis and multilingual content."

In the time since he started the project, the National Library of Korea has made high-quality scans of the Keijo Nippo available to the public. This comes after tpjv86b encouraged readers on his site to ask the staff at the National Library of Korea to add Keijo Nippo to its digital reading hall. While he didn't take credit for this development, he praised the library for it.

"The librarys decision to make this collection publicly available is a huge step forward in preserving and sharing historical records from the colonial period. I hope this inspires further efforts to fill in the gaps, such as locating and digitizing missing issues or improving scans where the pages are incomplete," he said.
By Jon Dunbar

Bird strikes are a serious threat to aircraft at many of Korea's airports, and the problem is likely to worsen in the coming years with the introduction of more regional airports around the country, according to a nongovernmental organization (NGO) related to the study of birds.

Nial Moores, national director of Birds Korea, sent out the warning on Jan. 6, following the disastrous Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, Dec. 29.

"There ... needs to be an honest reassessment of the suitability of the location of existing and of proposed airports  especially as it relates to the bird strike risk at each airport," Moores said in a blog post on birdskoreablog.org.

"This is an urgent imperative because of the high number of new airports that are being proposed, almost all in bird-important areas near the coast."

A bird strike, possibly with a flock of birds, is currently believed to be one of the causes of the recent crash.

Moores mentioned that the runway there is currently being extended despite the airport's presence next to wetlands, which support around 40,000 waterbirds each winter.

"All along the west coast of the ROK and on islands like Baengnyeong, flocks of geese roost on or close to water. Near sunrise, they then fly out to feed in rice fields, sometimes flying 20 kilometers or more one way," Moores said.

"Based on this behavior, it seems highly probable that geese in Muan would try to use the reservoir immediately to the southeast of the runway for roosting. If there was disturbance at the reservoir they would likely congregate instead at low tide on the adjacent tidal flat. From there, the geese would then commute back and forth to rice fields to feed. This means that several hundred geese would likely commute back and forth across the runway on multiple dates between October and March. As this species has substantial mass, collision with a flock could be predicted to be very harmful to aircraft during takeoff or landing."

He pointed to the proposals for seven new airports to be built in coastal areas: Saemangeum in North Jeolla Province, Gadeok Island in Busan, Seosan in South Chungcheong Province, eastern Jeju Island, Baengnyeong Island in Incheon's territory, Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province and Heuksan Island in South Jeolla Province. Many of these are located along important migratory routes and in important wetlands as well as other areas important to birds.

He also cited concerns over another airport currently under construction on Ulleung Island, an island with a population of around 10,000, which Moores said is projected to cost $560.9 million.

"Data available to government clearly indicates that at least seven and perhaps all eight of these new airports, once operational, will inevitably experience a high or an exceptionally high risk of bird strike to aircraft," he concluded.

The British national called for reassessing all of these airport proposals and operations, stating that all such reassessments of airport locality and operation in Korea need to be framed clearly by the guidance provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a U.N. agency charged with ensuring aviation safety around the world. He also added that there are economic and other environmental reasons beyond protecting birds for reconsidering the need for these extra airports.

Moores explained that not all species of birds pose the same level of risk to airplanes, citing the ICAO, which identifies factors in the severity of a bird strike based on "the size of the animal and its tendency to flock or congregate."

"A plane colliding with a single small bird is unlikely to pose much risk to the aircraft," Moores added. "Aircraft colliding with large flocks of birds, which have a high mass (body weight) pose a much higher risk. Larger-bodied birds which often form large flocks, like geese and cormorants, pose the highest bird strike risk if they frequently fly across the runway or heavily used flight paths."

He highlighted three main steps that decision-makers can take to reduce the risk of bird strikes.

"The first, and wisest step, is precautionary," he said. "That means avoiding building airports in areas known or found to have large concentrations of large-bodied birds  essentially migratory bottlenecks and wetlands ... If safety of aircraft is the priority, then many of the currently proposed airports should have been canceled during the initial project scoping period. There is still time to take this step."

The second step comes if an airport is deemed truly essential and the risk of bird strike is considered acceptable. "This is the stage where a series of difficult and sometimes expensive decisions on mitigation need to be taken  including reorientating proposed runways to avoid the most hazardous areas and ... enacting ecological measures to reduce the attractiveness of the airport area to birds before operation."

The third step, he said, is to reduce bird strike risk as much as possible through scaring off birds, "especially near runways, but if needed also all the way out to 13 km from the airport," Moores said. This figure is based on the numbers that show 95 percent of documented bird strikes take place below 610 meters above the ground, and an aircraft on a normal approach would descend into this zone approximately 13 km from the runway, according to the ICAO.

Moores, who has a doctorate in the conservation of avian biodiversity, has field experience at all nine mentioned sites. This ranges from two to three visits at some sites, to more than 200 days of fieldwork at both Saemangeum and Baengnyeong Island. He has independently reviewed four environmental impact assessments for airports (Jeju, Saemangeum, Busan and Muan). In 2024, he gave expert testimony in an ongoing legal challenge to the airport project at Saemangeum, expressing grave concerns about the bird strike risk and impacts on biodiversity to highlight flaws in its environmental impact study.

"We do not yet know what the investigation into the Muan air crash will find," he said. "Two things do seem certain, however. The first is the prolonged suffering of all those impacted by the Muan air crash  our sincerest condolences to them. The second is that if safety really is the priority, then a review of airport safety needs to consider not only aircraft maintenance and permanent hazards. It also needs to include a comprehensive and transparent reassessment of the bird strike risk."
The black boxes holding the flight data and cockpit voice recorders for the crashed Jeju Air flight that left 179 people dead stopped recording four minutes before the disaster, Korea's transport ministry said Saturday.

The Boeing 737-800 was flying from Thailand to Muan, Dec. 29, carrying 181 passengers and crew when it crash-landed with its undercarriage retracted at Muan airport and exploded in a fireball after slamming into a concrete barrier.

It was the worst-ever aviation disaster on Korean soil.

"The analysis revealed that both the CVR and FDR data were not recording during the four minutes leading up to the aircraft's collision with the localiser," the transport ministry said in a statement, referring to the two recording devices.

The localiser is a barrier at the end of the runway that helps with aircraft landings and was blamed for exacerbating the crash's severity.

The damaged flight data recorder had been deemed unrecoverable for data extraction by Korean authorities, who sent it to the United States for analysis at the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board laboratory.

But it appears that the boxes holding clues to the flight's final moments experienced data loss, leaving the authorities trying to find out what happened by other means.

"Plans are in place to investigate the cause of the data loss during the ongoing accident investigation," the ministry said.

Korean and U.S. investigators are still probing the cause of the crash, which prompted a national outpouring of mourning with memorials set up across the country.

Committed

Investigators said the boxes were crucial to their probe but added they would not give up on trying to find out why the crash happened.

"The investigation will be conducted through the examination and analysis of various data. The ministry is committed to doing its best to accurately determine the cause of the accident," it said.

Investigators have pointed to a bird strike, faulty landing gear and the runway barrier as possible issues.

The pilot warned of a bird strike before pulling out of a first landing, then crashed on a second attempt when the landing gear did not emerge.

This week, lead investigator Lee Seung-yeol told reporters that "feathers were found" in one of the plane's recovered engines, but cautioned a bird strike does not lead to an immediate engine failure.

Authorities have raided offices at Muan airport where the crash took place, a regional aviation office in the southwestern city, and Jeju Air's office in the capital Seoul.

They also barred Jeju Air's chief executive from leaving the country.

Rival parties later formed a joint task force to probe the crash, while Transport Minister Park Sang-woo offered his resignation this week.

"As the minister responsible for aviation safety, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility regarding this tragedy," he said. (AFP)
The 2025 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, one of Korea's most popular winter events, kicked off Saturday in the northeastern county of Hwacheon, offering nearly a month of ice fishing and seasonal activities.

The festival, set to run through Feb. 2, opened in the remote mountain town in Gangwon Province, located just 25 kilometers south of the inter-Korean border and about 90 km northeast of Seoul.

In the festival, participants try to catch "sancheoneo," a species of mountain trout, through holes cut in the surface of a vast frozen river, as well as take part in barehanded fishing, sledding and other events.

As early as 8:30 a.m., the frozen Hwacheon stream was crowded with hundreds of visitors clad in thick winter jumpers who gathered to catch the sancheoneo.

The visitors carefully lowered their rods into the ice holes, with some of them soon erupting in cheers as they reeled in the rod with freshly caught trout.

"I came early in the morning from Seoul to celebrate my kid's birthday," a participant, identified only by his last name Kim, said. "I come every year but this year I plan to enjoy the Sancheoneo Ice Festival as well as a nighttime concert at Seon Deung Street."

Outdoor grilling areas were set up nearby for tourists to barbecue the fish.

The Hwacheon festival has attracted more than 1 million visitors almost every year since its launch in 2003, making headlines worldwide with thousands of tourists also taking part in other events at the festival such as barehanded fishing and sledding.

The festival turned Hwacheon, with a population of just 23,000, into a global wintertime festival city of Korea.

In 2011, a leading global news organization introduced the festival as one of the world's seven wonders of winter.

Last January, the New York Times named the event one of five "must-see festivals in Asia" in winter that year.

The festival attracts around 100,000 foreigners annually. (Yonhap)
By David A. Tizzard

In Li Ronghaos song "Li Bai," we are presented with a satirical portrayal of an artist. The one who believes themselves a misunderstood genius, harboring disdain for the common unrefined ways of the masses. The type of person you meet easily online. So while the song critiques modern pretentiousness and self-delusion, beneath the satire lies a broader reflection on the struggles of contemporary life, where societal expectations and personal identity often clash. This is the struggle of young people today, in China, in Korea, and many other parts of the world. That it can be expressed so wonderfully in a pop-rock song is testament to the continued importance of art, irrespective of how many views or commercial success it achieves.

The influence

Li Bai is generally known as the "Immortal Poet," famous for his flamboyant personality and love of wine. He cultivated an image of a wandering, free-spirited artist, often rejecting societal conventions, and blending moments of intoxicated joy with reflections on the impermanence of life. His disdain for court politics and his eccentric behavior limited his political success but he cared not, focusing instead on a Taoist way of life surrounded by nature, mountains, and, in particular, his favorite drinking partner: the moon. Even his death comes to us in a romantic fashion: According to one story, he drowned while attempting to embrace the moons reflection in a river, a fitting end!

Whats most interesting to me about Li Bai is that if I speak to a young Chinese person, they will often be able to recite some of his work. In particular, Thinking on a Quiet Night normally rolls off the tongue of most as easily as their VPN-accessed Insta accounts. That particular work goes like this: The moon is bright before my bed. Making the ground look white like frost. I raise my head and look at the bright moon. I lower my head and think of my hometown. Another popular one is Drinking alone under the moon. That one begins thus: Amidst the flowers, a jug of wine. Drinking alone without my kin. I raise my cup at the bright moon. The moon, me, and my shadow have become three people. But the moon doesnt know the joy of drinking, and my shadow just follows my body. Yet the moon and my shadow are now my companions. A joy that can last to springtime! Beyond ideology, this is a culture in which university students can recite Taoist poetry. And then creates popular rock songs with this as the theme.

The song

The artist in Li Ronghaos song wants to live like Li Bai, indulging in drinking and escapism, while simultaneously looking down on those who partake in the same behavior. A duality easily seen in modern society, where many try to cultivate an image of sophistication and culture, their social media stories filled with Espresso martinis and over-priced steak dinners, while far too often at odds with the realities of their own lives. There is a collective yearning to transcend the mundane  even if it means adopting a veneer of pretense.

The first verse has the artist view his interactions with the world not as genuine engagement but as research for his poetry, a way to understand the vulgarities of the masses from an imagined pedestal of superiority. Whether its attending events that one doesnt fully understand or sharing quotes from foreign movies online, the act of appearing cultured can overshadow genuine personal growth.

The second verse focuses on the drunk virtuoso poet. The grand exit from a bar intended as a romantic moment of nonchalance backfires when he vomits from overindulgence. Yet even this act is reframed in his mind as artistic  the vomit resembling a watercolor painting. This absurd reinterpretation underscores the lengths to which people go to maintain a sense of superiority, even in moments of failure. From the pressure to achieve outward success to the necessity of saving face, the polished narrative often takes precedence over the truth.

The ultimate fantasy

Ive written before how many in Asia talk of past lives, of inyeon, and meeting again in their next time around the universe. Coming from a Western culture, I was often quick to brush off such comments until I realized how frequently they can appear in coffee shop chats or literature and art. While people probably dont literally believe such ideas, they have the words and references through which to express them. And so the chorus of Li Ronghaos track reveals the artists ultimate fantasy: to be reborn as Li Bai!! To experience life as a great poet, immune to the judgments that ordinary people face. To be Taoist. To be celebrated for art and a non-conformist lifestyle rather than the etiquette and achievement society pushes at us. The relentless pursuit of excellence, academic achievements and professional milestones. Who will ever write poems about them? Who will remember those ideas in 1,000 years? But to be a poet! To drink and speak ambiguously. To abandon all social norms and live free from the oppressive chains of the social gaze. What courage that would take.

What makes the songs satire so much fun is its relatability. Weve all encountered the persona it critiques, or perhaps as in my case during my Hemmingway and Hunter S. Thompson inspired 30s, embodied. The condescension toward the normie at the bar coupled with the self-aggrandizing fantasies is a reminder of how easy it is to fall into the trap of self-delusion. In modern life, where societal pressures often demand a delicate balance between individuality and conformity, the tension can be overwhelming. Burnout, isolation and a yearning for authenticity pervade the collective consciousness. The pursuit of distinction, whether through artistic endeavors or material success, can then lead to isolation and disconnection from the very community one seeks to impress. This is the paradox we tussle with daily.

The rebellion of Mono No Aware

Perhaps the lesson is not to strive for perfection or recognition but to embrace the messiness of life with honesty and humility. To question the personas we construct and the values we prioritize. Li Bais poetry reminds us that lifes most profound moments are often found in fleeting beauty. In the mono no aware  a reflection in a moonlit river, a cup of wine shared with friends, or a spontaneous burst of creativity.

In a society as fast-paced and densely populated as Koreas, carving out moments for reflection or expression can feel like an act of rebellion. But this rebellion, as Li Bais life suggests, is often the birthplace of greatness. Just as the poet drank with the moon instead of pursuing political favor, in the modern world we might find solace in small acts of defiance against the relentless grind  a late-night walk along the Han River, a sketchbook filled with unpolished drawings, or a song sung only for oneself.

Li Bai, for all his genius, was human. He stumbled, he faltered, and he failed. Yet, it is precisely this humanity that endears him to us centuries later. In a world that often demands perfection, Koreans might take comfort in the idea that lifes worth lies not in its flawless execution but in its authenticity (and in the reality of the vomit).

David A. Tizzard has a doctorate in Korean Studies and lectures at Seoul Women's University and Hanyang University. He is a social-cultural commentator and musician who has lived in Korea for nearly two decades. He is also the host of the "Korea Deconstructed" podcast, which can be found online. He can be reached at datizzard@swu.ac.kr.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will attend Donald Trump's inauguration as U.S. president, Jan. 20, ensuring that a high-ranking official from a key Asian ally is on hand for the event, two people familiar with the matter said.

Iwaya was invited by Trump's camp to the launch of his second term and has accepted, the two people said, confirming Japanese media reports.

He will be the first Japanese Cabinet member to attend the swearing-in of a U.S. president, the Nikkei newspaper said. Japan's Embassy in Washington and officials with Trump's inauguration team did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Iwaya hopes to arrange a meeting with Senator Marco Rubio, Trump's pick for secretary of state, during his visit to the United States, one of the people familiar with the matter said.

The Japanese minister will convey Tokyo's hope for an early meeting between Trump and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, this person added. Ishiba unsuccessfully sought a meeting in November, shortly after Trump beat Joe Biden in a presidential comeback, sources told Reuters at the time.

Satsuki Katayama, a lawmaker from Ishiba's governing Liberal Democratic Party, has said she plans to attend the inauguration at the invitation of Senator Bill Hagerty, who was Trump's ambassador to Tokyo in his first term.

It will be Iwaya's first visit to the United States since he became foreign minister in October. Japan, a longtime U.S. ally that enjoyed good relations with Trump during his first administration, will be keen to get off to a good start in his second.

Iwaya will visit Korea, Monday, to shore up security cooperation between the East Asian neighbors and their mutual U.S. ally, aiming to counter China's growing regional power.

Deepening trilateral security cooperation promoted by the outgoing Biden administration could be more difficult given the political turmoil in Korea prompted by the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Iwaya will also travel to the Philippines, another U.S. treaty ally, and then to the Pacific island nation of Palau, which relies on Washington for economic support and defense.

The Financial Times reported Thursday that Chinese President Xi Jinping would send a high-level envoy to Trump's inauguration. It said Xi could send Han Zheng, a vice president who sometimes stands in for him in ceremonial roles, while another option was Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Reuters)
Business was brisk at Teddy's Cocina in Pasadena as wildfire evacuees ate lunch and passersby ducked indoors to escape from the brown, smoky air blanketing the city.

"It's not breathable," said Dulce Perez, a cook at the restaurant, as an eye-watering haze hung overhead Thursday about two miles (3.2 km) away from one of the multiple fires burning around Los Angeles. "We just try to stay indoors."

This week, as the wildfires raged and smoke billowed across Los Angeles, officials issued air quality alerts, schools canceled classes and scientists warned about the dangerous  even fatal  consequences of wildfire smoke.

All around the United States' second-largest city, residents worried about air that has, at times, turned lung-burning from the ash, soot and smoke emanating from fires that have destroyed 10,000 structures.

Air purifiers were sold out at some big-box stores, according to interviews with employees at four businesses. Some residents were taping windows to keep the smoke out of their homes. And Los Angeles officials urged people to stay indoors in areas where smoke was visible.

While conditions improved Friday, an air quality alert remained in effect until the evening and dangerous particulate matter remained around four times World Health Organization guidelines.

At the Pasadena Convention Center, which has been converted to a temporary shelter, aid workers from Sean Penn's global humanitarian organization, CORE, were handing out N95 masks Friday.

Emergency response programs manager Sunny Lee said the homeless were particularly vulnerable to bad air.

"There was no place for them to go inside, and so they were suffering even more outside with the poor air quality, without any kind of masks," said Lee. "So, we pushed out N95 to our partners that reached those communities. We're distributing as many as we can."

Hovering haze

Fanned by fierce winds and fueled by vegetation bone-dry after a long period of little or no rain, the Los Angeles fires broke out Tuesday and have relentlessly burned more than 34,000 acres (13,760 hectares), or some 53 square miles (137 sq km). Neighborhoods have turned to ash in some parts of Los Angeles.

Wildfire smoke typically carries with it noxious gases and particulate matter that make it more toxic than normal air pollution. Not only do wildfires burn plants, brush and trees, but also buildings, houses and cars that contain plastics, fuels, metals and a host of chemicals.

Studies have linked wildfire smoke with higher rates of heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrests as well as weakened immune defenses.

Environmental health scientists and doctors warned that particulate matter pose a hazard to people with preexisting lung and heart conditions as well as the elderly and children.

Carlos Gould, an environmental health scientist at the University of California San Diego, said the concentration of fine particulate matter in the Los Angeles area reached alarming levels between 40 and 100 micrograms per cubic meter earlier in the week before declining to around 20, Friday.

The WHO recommended maximum is 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

"The levels of wildfire smoke we've seen in LA these past few days imply between a 5-15 percent increase in daily mortality," Gould said.

Chemical byproducts from the fires, particularly those stemming from burned man-made materials, penetrate deeper into the lungs and can even enter the bloodstream, said Dr. Afif El-Hasan, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association.

"If you're working harder to breathe and your body is being challenged that way, it can also put a strain on the heart. And that's why you see an increase in heart attacks," said El-Hasan.

Even well outside of the immediate fire zone, residents complained about the smoke. With winds blowing wildfire smoke out to sea, customers at the Potholder Cafe in the coastal community of Long Beach declined to sit outdoors.

Manager Veronica Gutierrez said she bought an air purifier for her home, but it has made little difference.

"We definitely have the smell of burning," said Gutierrez.

For some people across Los Angeles, the risks will not end when the fires are put out, experts warned.

Justin Gillenwater, burn director at the Los Angeles General Medical Center, expected long-term health impacts from smoke inhalation among people with respiratory conditions and allergies.

"This is going to be something that we're going to be looking into for not just weeks, but really years," he said. (Reuters)
President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced Friday to no punishment in his historic hush money case, a judgment that lets him return to the White House unencumbered by the threat of a jail term or a fine.

With Trump appearing by video from his Florida estate, the sentence quietly capped an extraordinary case rife with moments unthinkable in the U.S. only a few years ago.

It was the first criminal prosecution and first conviction of a former U.S. president and major presidential candidate. The New York case became the only one of Trump's four criminal indictments that has gone to trial and possibly the only one that ever will. And the sentencing came 10 days before his inauguration for his second term.

In roughly six minutes of remarks to the court, a calm but insistent Trump called the case a weaponization of government and an embarrassment to New York. He maintained that he did not commit any crime.

"Its been a political witch hunt. It was done to damage my reputation so that I would lose the election, and, obviously, that didnt work, the Republican president-elect said by video, with U.S. flags in the background.

After the roughly half-hour proceeding, Trump said in a post on his social media network that the hearing had been a despicable charade. He reiterated that he would appeal his conviction.

Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan could have sentenced the 78-year-old to up to four years in prison. Instead, Merchan chose a sentence that sidestepped thorny constitutional issues by effectively ending the case but assured that Trump will become the first president to take office with a felony conviction on his record.

Trumps no-penalty sentence, called an unconditional discharge, is rare for felony convictions. The judge said that he had to respect Trump's upcoming legal protections as president, while also giving due consideration to the jury's decision.

Despite the extraordinary breadth of those protections, one power they do not provide is the power to erase a jury verdict, said Merchan, who had indicated ahead of time that he planned the no-penalty sentence.

As Merchan pronounced the sentence, Trump sat upright, lips pursed, frowning slightly. He tilted his head to the side as the judge wished him godspeed in your second term in office.

Before the hearing, a handful of Trump supporters and critics gathered outside. One group held a banner that read, Trump is guilty. The other held one that said, Stop partisan conspiracy and Stop political witch hunt.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office brought the charges, is a Democrat.

The norm-smashing case saw the former and incoming president charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, put on trial for almost two months and convicted by a jury on every count. Yet the legal detour  and sordid details aired in court of a plot to bury affair allegations  didnt hurt him with voters, who elected him in November to a second term.

Beside Trump as he appeared virtually Friday from his Mar-a-Lago property was defense lawyer Todd Blanche, with partner Emil Bove in the New York courtroom. Trump has tapped both for high-ranking Justice Department posts.

Prosecutors said that they supported a no-penalty sentence, but they chided Trump's attacks on the legal system throughout the case.

The once and future president of the United States has engaged in a coordinated campaign to undermine its legitimacy, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said.

Afterward, Trump was expected to return to the business of planning for his new administration. He was set later Friday to host conservative House Republicans as they gathered to discuss GOP priorities.

The specific charges in the hush money case were about checks and ledgers. But the underlying accusations were seamy and deeply entangled with Trumps political rise.

Trump was charged with fudging his business' records to veil a $130,000 payoff to porn actor Stormy Daniels. She was paid, late in Trumps 2016 campaign, not to tell the public about a sexual encounter she maintains the two had a decade earlier. He says nothing sexual happened between them and that he did nothing wrong.

Prosecutors said Daniels was paid off  through Trump's personal attorney at the time, Michael Cohen  as part of a wider effort to keep voters from hearing about Trump's alleged extramarital escapades.

Trump denies the alleged encounters occurred. His lawyers said he wanted to squelch the stories to protect his family, not his campaign. And while prosecutors said Cohen's reimbursements for paying Daniels were deceptively logged as legal expenses, Trump says that's simply what they were.

For this I got indicted, Trump lamented to the judge Friday. Its incredible, actually."

Trump's lawyers tried unsuccessfully to forestall a trial, and later to get the conviction overturned, the case dismissed or at least the sentencing postponed.

Trump attorneys have leaned heavily into assertions of presidential immunity from prosecution, and they got a boost in July from a Supreme Court decision that affords former commanders-in-chief considerable immunity.

Trump was a private citizen and presidential candidate when Daniels was paid in 2016. He was president when the reimbursements to Cohen were made and recorded the following year.

Merchan, a Democrat, repeatedly postponed the sentencing, initially set for July. But last week, he set Friday's date, citing a need for finality.

Trump's lawyers then launched a flurry of last-minute efforts to block the sentencing. Their last hope vanished Thursday night with a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling that declined to delay the sentencing.

Meanwhile, the other criminal cases that once loomed over Trump have ended or stalled ahead of trial.

After Trump's election, special counsel Jack Smith closed out the federal prosecutions over Trumps handling of classified documents and his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. A state-level Georgia election interference case is locked in uncertainty after prosecutor Fani Willis was removed from it. (AP)
The Scottish Wildlife Trust is looking for a manager to work on the island of Handa. It is an uninhabited island with a large colony of birds. Handa is located off the west coast of Sutherland.

ADVERTISIMENT

It is reported by the New York Post. The salary for the ranger is 31 thousand dollars a year (2.5 thousand dollars). The ad states that the Handa Island Ranger will "effectively manage" the beautiful remote island.

The island has no permanent residents, so this opportunity would suit someone who would be happy living away from the city. There are no special requirements, but you must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle.

The position has a fixed six-month contract starting in March. "Handa is an internationally recognized breeding ground for birds such as guillemots, razorbills, and magnificent skuas. It offers stunning views of the northwest coast of Scotland and the distinctive Torridon sandstone mountains," the report says.

ADVERTISIMENT

As a reminder, a June report by Citi Banking Group states that 54% of banking jobs have a high potential for automation, so AI can replace more jobs in the banking industry than in any other. Nevertheless, many analysts agree that the shift in process automation will lead to a revision of employees' responsibilities, not their complete replacement. JPMorgan stated that the introduction of generative AI led to an increase in the number of jobs in the company.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that artificial intelligence could replace about 40% of jobs in the world in the future. At the same time, AI is likely to affect 60% of jobs in developed economies and 26% in low-income countries, which will also affect the inequality between countries.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Rose and Bruno Mars have achieved a new milestone with their collaboration song "APT.," which went viral in 2024.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has officially recognized Rose and Mars' song "APT." by giving the track an official platinum certification. "APT." is the first pre-release track for Rose's full-length album rosie.

"APT." receiving a platinum certification also means that the song has sold over a million units. The RIAA also described the platinum status as a "benchmark of success for any artist," highlighting the BLACKPINK member's rising global recognition as a solo artist and Mars' reputation as one of the greatest musicians of all time.

Ever since the song's drop on October 18, 2024, it has dominated both domestic and international charts. The song quickly went viral post-debut, spawning dance challenges online from fans and idols.

Rose and Bruno Mars also won the trophy for Global Sensation Award on the second day of the 2024 MAMA Awards, held at the Kyocera Dome, in Osaka, Japan, on November 22. In their acceptance speech, the two popstars reflected on the spark of inspiration and burst of collaboration that birthed the global hit.

"The song began with a drinking game, and I never expected it to be loved this much," revealed Rose.

"I'm so thankful for the love that it has received," she said, turning to Mars and proclaiming in English, "Thank you, Bruno, for everything. But really, you're the best."
President Joe Biden's administration has extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for refugees from Ukraine, Venezuela, Sudan, and other countries, allowing them to remain in the United States with work permits and protection from deportation until 2026. This decision ensures that more than 100,000 Ukrainians will have the right to stay in the United States until August next year.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by The New York Times. The publication reminds that at the end of last year, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recommended extending this protection in several official letters.

"The extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program allows immigrants to stay in the country with work permits and protection from deportation for another 18 months after their current protection expires in the spring," the publication says.

Earlier, Donald Trump criticized the program and promised to end it, at least for some states. During his first presidential term, he revoked the status of about 400,000 people from El Salvador and other countries, but his decision was later challenged in the courts.

The TPS program was introduced in 1990 to protect foreigners who cannot safely return to their countries due to war, instability, or disaster. President Biden expanded the program in response to the war in Ukraine and the crises in Venezuela, Haiti, and other countries.

The previous Trump administration had tried to cut the program, but the current extension makes it legally difficult to cancel it before the status expires in 2026. According to experts, this decision is important for the protection of refugees' rights and reflects the US commitment to humanitarian obligations.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, earlier the Bulgarian government extended the program of assistance and temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine. Therefore, it will be valid at least until March 4, 2025.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Eva Osborne

A prisoner who escaped from custody in Dublin on Saturday morning has been caught.

Keith Macken, who is in his 40s and from Cabra, was brought to Tallaght Hospital for treatment early on Saturday, but absconded from prison officers at about 6am.

The Irish Prison Service has confirmed the prisoner has been returned to custody.

He was on remand at Wheatfield Prison, awaiting sentencing for assault causing harm.
Scientists from Finland suggest that after the holidays everyone should drown Christmas trees in nearby water bodies. Interestingly, this practice has aroused interest abroad.

ADVERTISIMENT

The method of dumping Christmas trees into water bodies is not new, but only recently have scientists proven its usefulness. Used conifers improve the microflora of water bodies, Yle writes.

Research by the Institute of the Environment has shown that flooding Christmas trees in the lake has a positive effect on the aquatic environment. For example, the number of microorganisms is growing, the fish population is strengthening, and the overall biodiversity is increasing, experts say.

"Our study has been widely publicized," said Karri-Matti Vuori, a hydrobiologist and study leader.

According to the scientist, Christmas trees are now being flooded in Pirkanmaa, Lapland, and the Helsinki metropolitan area.

The researcher reports that the Finnish experience has already attracted interest in Sweden and Canada, where they have also started using trees to improve the microclimate of water bodies after the holidays.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Three sisters from Co Kerry have won the overall prize at the 2025 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition for their development of a smartphone app that improves the response by health services in emergencies.

Sisters Ciara (17), Saoirse (15) and Laoise (12) Murphy from Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, were presented with their prize by Minister for Education Norma Foley at an awards ceremony on Friday evening at the RDS.

ACT is a medical assistance app designed to support emergency healthcare responses. It integrates crucial features to provide swift and effective aid during critical situations. This is the second year this project has been recognised at the exhibition having previously been awarded Runner-Up Group in 2024.

Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise have spent the last 12 months working on their project along with public and private sector stakeholders. The transformative app is designed to tackle challenges in transferring medical data effectively and efficiently to the emergency services.

The app also has the capability to share precise geolocation co-ordinates. Once the data reaches the emergency services, there is the possibility for onward transmission to the dispatch control centres, the attending mobile units, and the hospitals in a matter of seconds.

During the project Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise built a working relationship with the Department of Health, the HSE and the National Ambulance Service, together with gardai, to maximise the potential of the app.

Professor Joe Barry, chair of the health and wellbeing group judges, said: I would like to congratulate Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise on bringing this project so far. The use of this technology has the potential to save lives and reduce recovery times. This project with the support of the emergency services has the potential to make a real difference in helping citizens in an emergency situation.

In addition to receiving the top prize of 7,500, Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise will represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) this year in Riga, Latvia.

Also, this year for the first time, Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise as the overall BTYSTE winners, together with the Best Individual winner, will be awarded a trip to the World Expo, in Osaka, Japan.
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 11 (ANI): As Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi Temple gears up for 1st anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, the district administration has made all the arrangements, said a police official. The three-day celebrations commence from today.

"All the preparations have been made. Chief Minister Yogi will be coming here to address the event...The program will be held for three days...Several cultural events will be held," Gaurav Dayal, Commissioner of Police Ayodhya told ANI.

Also Read | Gurpreet Gogi, Ludhiana AAP MLA, Accidentally Shoots Himself in His Head in Punjab; Declared Dead.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate the event by performing the Abhishek of Ram Lalla.

On January 22, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.

Also Read | Mungeli Smelting Plant Collapse: FIR Registered Against Manager, In-Charge and Others After Silo Structure Crashes at Iron Factory in Chattisgarh's Sargaon; Rescue Operation On.

According to the Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, over 2 lakh devotees visited the temple on January 1, the first day of the year, to offer their prayers.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself had come and it was done by him. This time, Our Chief Minister (Yogi Adityanath) is coming to the annual festival and he is organizing programs. The program which is going on is going very well. Just like it was in Pran Pratishtha, this annual festival of Ramlala is being celebrated in a good way," Acharya Satyendra Das, the Chief priest of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, told ANI.

"This annual festival is also being celebrated in the same way as when Diwali was celebrated, so the Chief Minister himself said about Diwali," he added.

In December, Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra stated that the construction of the Ram Mandir complex is progressing rapidly and is "hopefully" expected to be completed within the first six months of 2025.

Misra further mentioned that the construction work has been sped up since January is an important month as it would mark the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and with the Maha Kumbh celebrations in Prayagraj, it would attract huge crowds in Ayodhya.

"We were told that the construction work is ongoing, speedily. The construction is going on in full swing. January is essential also because it marks the first anniversary of Pran Pratishtha and also because the Maha Kumbh is set to begin which will draw large crowds," Misra said. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Dima Hasao, January 11: A body was recovered on Saturday morning by rescue teams from the rat-hole coal mine at 3 Kilo, Umrangso area, in Dima Hasao district of Assam, an official said. This is the second body rescued by teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army and Assam Rifles. The deceased miner, whose body was recovered at 7:36 AM has been identified as Lt. Lijen Magar, (27) a resident of Kalamati village in the district.

Roushan Kumar Singh, Inspector of 1st Battalion of NDRF told ANI that they recovered a body floating in the water this morning while checking the water levels inside the mine. He said that the rescue teams took out the body around 7:30 AM. "We check the water level every morning. And when we were doing that, we saw a body floating. So we took it out at around 7:30 am. The water level has been reduced by six metres. Five pumps were working overnight. The operation is going on 24 hours," Inspector Singh, Team Commander, NDRF said. Assam Mining Tragedy: Body of Another Labourer Trapped in Coal Mine Recovered.

"Later our rescue team recovered the body. The water level of the mine is now receding. Last night five pumps were used in the dewatering process and this process continues," he added. On January 8, the rescue teams recovered the first body identified as Ganga Bahadur Shreth from the inundated rat-hole mine. A 12-member special rescue team of Coal India reached the site of the mine collapse in Assam's Dima Hasao on Friday, to locate and rescue eight workers who are still trapped underground in the inundated rat-hole mine. Assam Coal Mine Tragedy: Coal India Deploys 500 GPM Pump To Dewater Quarry To Rescue 8 Workers Trapped Inside Pit at 3 Kilo, Umrangso Area.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the registration of an FIR and the arrest of one individual in connection with the incident. In a post on X, Sarma informed, "The police have registered an FIR under Umrangso PS Case No: 02/2025, citing Sections 3(5)/105 BNS, r/w Section 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to investigate the incident. Prima facie, it appears to be an illegal mine. One Punish Nunisa has been arrested in connection with the case." The CM had also discussed the rescue operation with Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy and sought assistance.

(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 11 (PTI) A dozen illegally built houses and four plinths were demolished in a major encroachment drive here on Saturday, leading to retrieval of 10 kanals of the land belonging to the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), a senior government official said.

The successful drive was conducted by the JDA in close coordination with the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Jammu district administration and police at Sidhra, Majeen and Rangoora areas, the official said.

Also Read | Delhi Assembly Election 2025: Arvind Kejriwal Challenges BJP's To-Be CM Candidate for Public Debate.

He said the areas with large-scale recent encroachments, including Dingyali, Gulshan Nagar, and Asrarabad in revenue villages Majeen and Ragoora, Sidhra, were identified for the drive. Despite issuing notices or warning in such areas, the land mafia along with a team of contractors with labourers continued their activities.

During the drive, 12 illegal houses and four plinths were demolished, retrieving 10 kanals of the JDA land on the spot, the official said, adding besides giving a strong message to all encroachers and other builders in the area that no one will get away with impunity.

Also Read | HMPV Virus in Gujarat: 9-Month-Old Child Tests Positive for Human Metapneumovirus in Ahmedabad; Cases Rise to 4 in State.

The drive was a success, not only in removing illegal encroachments but also in raising awareness among residents about the importance of knowing the procedure for carrying out construction on the land with clear title under ownership as the government or the JDA land shall be retrieved, he said.

Vice Chairman, JDA, Pankaj Sharma said his department is committed to ensuring that public land is safeguarded against unauthorised encroachments and will continue such efforts in the future.

The drive is a clear message to the public that they should ensure construction of housing after verifying the title of land and following the due procedure for construction of buildings, he said, advising public not to construct buildings on the acquired JDA land in Ragoora, Majeen, and Sidhra areas for larger public interest as the JDA has earmarked the land for development of township in the area.

(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 11 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate Saturday said it has attached assets worth Rs 2.85 crore as part of an alleged disproportionate assets linked money laundering case probe against a former MD of the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL).

A provisional order has been issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against the officer, Ayodhya Prasad Mishra. A residential flat and a shop in Lucknow and a piece of agricultural land in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh have been provisionally attached, the federal agency said in a statement.

Also Read | Rajasthan Shocker: Dalit Man Tied Upside Down From Tree, Beaten in Barmer.

The properties are worth Rs 2.85 crore and are in the name of Mishra, a former MD of UPPCL, and his family members, it said.

The money laundering case stems from an FIR of the UP Vigilance department which alleged that Mishra "earned a total income of Rs 1.92 crore from legitimate sources in the prescribed period, against which Rs 5.08 crore was spent on creation of assets."

Also Read | BPSC Exam Row: Bihar Public Service Commission Serves Legal Notice to Khan Sir for 'Derogatory Remarks' About Its Officials.

The ED alleged, "Thus, in relation to the income, Rs 3.15 crore was spent in excess by him, which has been found to be 163.23 per cent more than his legitimate income during the period."

Mishra could not be contacted for a comment.

The agency claimed Mishra used the bank accounts of his family members to channel and integrate "illicit" funds acquired by him into the acquisition of various immovable properties.

The "proceeds of crime" were parked for acquisition of agricultural, commercial and residential properties (in Lucknow and Gonda) in his and his family members' names, it said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Ludhiana, January 11: Aam Aadmi Party leader and Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi has died of gunshot injuries, with police saying on Saturday it could be a case of "accidental fire" from his own licensed pistol. Joint Commissioner of Police Jaskaran Singh Teja said the bullet pierced Gogi's temple and he was rushed to the local Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where doctors declared him dead.

The incident occurred around 11:30 pm at Gogi's house. Teja said the bullet was fired from Gogi's licensed pistol. "According to his family members, it was an accidental fire," the JCP said. The police said the body has been kept at the mortuary of DMCH. The case is under investigation and a post-mortem will be conducted to know more details. Gurpreet Gogi, Ludhiana AAP MLA, Accidentally Shoots Himself in His Head in Punjab; Declared Dead.

Several political leaders expressed shock over Gogi's death. They are reaching his residence in Ludhiana to express condolences. "My deepest condolences to the grieving family during this difficult time. May they find the strength to endure this painful loss. I pray to the Almighty that his noble soul rests in eternal peace," Punjab AAP president Aman Arora said in a post on X. AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi Shot Dead in Ludhiana.

Hours before his death, Gogi held a meeting with Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and AAP MP Balbir Singh Seechewal over the issue of cleaning of 'Budha Nalla'. Gogi joined the AAP after quitting the Congress in 2022. He defeated two-time MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu in the state assembly poll that year from the Ludhiana West seat. His wife Sukhchain Kaur Gogi unsuccessfully contested the municipal corporation elections last month.

(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 11 (ANI): The National Commission for Women (NCW) has expressed grave concern over reports of sexual abuse involving a teenage girl by 64 individuals over four years in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district and issued directions for a fair and timely investigation into the matter.

The NCW has also instructed authorities to ensure the prompt arrest of all accused and provide the victim with the required support.

Also Read | Who Is Digital Arrest Scam Mastermind Chirag Kapoor Aka Chintak Raj, Arrested After Kerala Police Solved 930 Cases?.

Taking to its social media handle on X, NCW posted, "On the directions of Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, the National Commission for Women has taken serious note of reports of a teenage girl alleging sexual abuse by 64 individuals over four years in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district."

"While few accused have been arrested, the Commission strongly condemns this heinous crime and has directed authorities to ensure the immediate arrest of all accused, a fair and time-bound investigation, and necessary support for the victim, including medical and psychological care," said the Commission.

Also Read | Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: BJP Releases Second List, Arvind Kejriwal Claims Ramesh Bidhuri is Partys CM Face; Both Accuse Each Other of Electoral Fraud.

The NCW also said that a detailed action taken report has been sought within 3 days.

Meanwhile, 14 people have been arrested in 5 cases registered so far in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a now 18-year-old girl in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district.

The Ilavumthitta police, which had registered two cases, had arrested 5 youths yesterday.

Then today, the Pathanamthitta police registered 3 cases and immediately took 9 of the total 14 accused into custody.

Subin (24), VK Vineeth (30), K Anandu (21), S Sandeep (30), and Sreeni alias S Sudhi (24) are the accused in a case registered at the Ilavumthitta station. Achu Anand (21) is the accused in another POCSO case registered here.

The fifth accused in the first case, Sudhi, is currently in jail in another POCSO case registered by the Pathanamthitta police earlier.

The investigation into this case, which has been filed under sections of the Prevention of Atrocities against Scheduled Castes Act, is being conducted by Pathanamthitta Deputy Superintendent of Police PS Nandakumar.

The case was registered on the report of the Pathanamthitta Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

Earlier in the day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also took cognizance of the sexual abuse case in Kerala and said that it has written to the state government for action in this matter.

"Everyone should stand with the minor girl who has courageously raised her voice against the incidents of rape that happened to her for 5 years. It is very important that we all become her strength. We should appreciate her for showing courage. 64 people raped her continuously for 5 years. It means that the system has collapsed. We are writing to the state government for action in this matter as per the complaint," NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Hyderabad, January 11: Telangana will not succumb to pressure of the liquor companies to hike prices, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said on Saturday. The CM's comments came amid the impasse with United Breweries, which earlier this week said it has decided to suspend supply of its beer to Telangana Beverages Corporation Ltd with immediate effect due to the non-revision of the basic price of the company's beer from 2019-20.

"When officials brought to the attention of the Chief Minister that United Beverages company mounted pressure on the government to increase beer prices by 33.1 percent, the CM said that the government will not succumb to the pressure by the companies," an official release said. Reddy directed officials to examine the beer prices in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states. He said a decision on the price hike will be taken based on the report of the Price Fixation Committee headed by a retired high court judge. Telangana CM Pushes for New Osmania Hospital, Heritage Building Deemed Unsafe.

The CM in a meeting said the pending bills were paid to the excise department from time to time last year. He told the finance department officials to systematically clear the dues pending since the previous (BRS) regime. He asked the officials to adopt a transparent mechanism to select companies which come forward to supply liquor to Telangana. The excise and prohibition department officials have been asked to follow a simplified trade policy to supply new liquor brands by the companies which already have been supplying alcohol to the corporation.

The CM cautioned the officials to follow strict rules in permitting new companies to supply liquor in the state and instructed them to issue a notification to receive applications from new companies within one month. He said the companies should apply with their brand names only and the selection process should be carried out transparently by examining the quality standards and supply capacity of those companies. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Demands Bharat Ratna for Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

On Wednesday, United Breweries Ltd said it has decided to suspend supply of its beer to the Telangana Beverages Corporation with immediate effect. The decision was taken due to the non-revision of the basic price of the company's beer from 2019-20 by the Telangana Beverages Corporation, leading to huge losses in the state, United Breweries Ltd (UBL) had said in a regulatory filing. Moreover, significant overdue remained unpaid by TGBCL for the past supply of beer by the company, it added without disclosing the details. "As a result, the continued supply of our beer to TGBCL has been rendered unviable," UBL said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Thane, Jan 11 (PTI) A fire gutted temporary godowns containing scrap and paper rolls in Bhiwandi town of Maharashtra's Thane district, and firefighting operations have continued overnight, an official said on Saturday.

No one was injured in the blaze that erupted on Friday in tin sheds where scrap was stored at Walpada in Bhiwandi, the fire department official said.

Also Read | Gurpreet Bassi Gogi Dead: AAP Ludhiana West MLA Dies in 'Accidental Firing' From His Own Licensed Pistol, Say Police.

He said the blaze broke out around 4 pm, and three fire engines of the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation were pressed into service.

The official said the firefighting operations continued overnight as the blaze spread to a large quantity of scrap stored in these temporary tin sheds.

Also Read | Pran Pratishtha First Anniversary: From Ram Katha and Ram Leela Performances to UP CM Yogi Adityanath's Address; Everything You Need To Know As Ayodhya Gears Up To Mark Ram Lalla's One Year Consecration Ceremony.

He said the cause of the blaze was yet to be ascertained.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Barmer (Rajasthan) [India], January 11 (ANI): Three people have been arrested for allegedly assaulting a man on suspicion of stealing a motorcycle in Rajasthan's Barmer district, police said on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the Halka area under the jurisdiction of Gudamalani Police Station. The victim, identified as Shravan Kumar, was allegedly assaulted by his neighbour, Isharam.

Also Read | January 12 Birthdays and Birth Anniversaries: Know About Famous People and Celebrities Born on January 12.

A video of the incident went viral on social media on January 11, prompting police to take action.

According to officials, Shravan Kumar has a history of criminal cases, including two for vehicle theft and one for alleged sexual assault.

Also Read | Who Is Digital Arrest Scam Mastermind Chirag Kapoor Aka Chintak Raj, Arrested After Kerala Police Solved 930 Cases?.

"Upon investigation, it was found that Shravan Kumar already had two cases of vehicle theft and one case of rape registered against him. However, it is illegal to assault anyone, regardless of their background," police said.

Following the incident, Shravan Kumar was brought to the police station, and a case was registered based on his complaint.

"In view of the seriousness of the incident, the complainant was brought to the police station, and a report was obtained. A case was registered as per the rules," officials added.

Police formed multiple teams to investigate the matter and arrested two of the accused involved in the assault.

"On receiving information, the police promptly formed teams and made efforts to apprehend the accused. As a result, two persons involved in the incident have been arrested," they said.

Another accused, identified as Vela Ram, son of Udaram and a resident of Kharwa, was also arrested later, Barmer police confirmed.

"Three people have been arrested, and further investigation into the case is ongoing," they added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Fans of the cult TV series "Sex and the City" are eagerly awaiting the third season of its sequel, "And Just Like That..." The series, which follows the life of Carrie Bradshaw and her friends in modern New York, has already won the hearts of viewers with its combination of nostalgia and topical issues.

ADVERTISIMENT

The second season of the series has left many questions about relationship development, personal growth, and the challenges faced by women in the modern world. The audience watched with interest Carrie's journey after losing her lover, Miranda's search for herself, and Charlotte's attempts to balance motherhood and personal ambitions.

Although the official release date of the third season has not yet been announced, there is speculation that the premiere may take place in early 2025. The exact date may be affected by the production schedule and the popularity of the series. Previous seasons were released in the fall, so many fans expect a similar approach this time.

ADVERTISIMENT

The cast of the third season of "And Just Like That..."

The main cast is expected to return in the third season to revive their favorite characters: Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw), Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes), and Kristin Davis (Charlotte York). It is also possible that new characters will appear, adding freshness to the plot and the dynamics of the relationship between the characters.

As for the plot of the third season, there are several potential directions for development. The series can explore modern relationships and the impact of social media on them in more depth, continue the story of Carrie's search for love in adulthood, and show the further evolution of Miranda. These topics will certainly resonate with viewers as they reflect the realities of modern life.

ADVERTISIMENT

Fans are actively discussing possible plot twists and sharing their theories online. Among the popular assumptions are the possibility of Carrie's old relationship resuming, Miranda starting a new life, and new challenges for Charlotte as her children grow up. These discussions demonstrate the great interest of viewers in the fate of the characters.

"And Just Like That..." has already had a significant impact on contemporary culture, sparking discussions about feminism, relationships, and aging. The show's ability to address important social issues with humor makes it relevant and relatable to viewers around the world. Critics have praised the series for its commitment to showcasing diverse women's voices and experiences.

Previous seasons of the series are available for viewing on HBO Max. As the premiere of the third season approaches, viewers are encouraged to watch previous episodes to recall key moments and prepare for new stories.

Thus, the third season of "And Just Like That..." promises to be another exciting page in the history of our favorite characters. Thanks to interesting characters, topical issues, and cultural significance, the series continues to be an important phenomenon on television.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 11 (PTI) The opposition Congress-led UDF on Saturday urged the Kerala Assembly to adopt a resolution opposing the new draft regulations proposed by the UGC concerning the appointment of vice-chancellors, faculty, and academic staff in universities.

Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan sent a letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that the draft regulations were introduced by the UGC with the aim of "misusing" universities, which are supposed to function independently, for political interests.

Also Read | Chhattisgarh: 10 Workers Injured in Centring Frame Crash at Under-Construction Building on VIP Road in Raipur.

The new amendments themselves clarified that Vice Chancellors cannot be selected independently and impartially, he said in the letter.

In the letter, Satheesan further urged the state government to consider an alternative method for selecting vice chancellors as part of its strong opposition to any action that could negatively impact the higher education sector.

Also Read | Delhi Assembly Election 2025: Arvind Kejriwal Challenges BJP's To-Be CM Candidate for Public Debate.

The new norms make the Chancellor the sole authority, even with regard to the selection of the search committee for the appointment of the VC, he pointed out.

"There is no doubt that giving too much authority to the Chancellor in the formation of the search committee will lead to the appointment of representatives of the BJP government as VCs in the universities of Kerala," Satheesan alleged.

He stated that this would further deepen the existing crisis in the higher education sector and emphasised that it is the duty to strongly oppose any action that could harm the sector.

"In this situation, it would be appropriate if the Assembly passes a resolution against the draft regulations of the UGC," Satheesan said in the letter.

The draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, were released on January 6.

According to the Union Ministry of Education, the draft guidelines aim to provide flexibility to universities in appointing and promoting teachers and academic staff in their institutions.

(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 11 (PTI) Avenue Supermarts, which owns and operates the retail chain D-Mart, has announced a top-level management reshuffle with the appointment of Unilever's Anshul Asawa as its CEO Designate.

Asawa currently serves as Country Head of Unilever in Thailand and General Manager for the Home Care business unit in Greater Asia.

Also Read | What Is PAN Card Scam? Know How To Stay Safe As Scammers Target India Post Payments Bank Customers With Phishing Tricks.

The incumbent Managing Director and CEO Neville Noronham, whose current term is ending in January 2026 - a year from now, will not be offering his candidature for renewal of his role, according to a statement from Avenue Supermarts.

"The Board of Directors honours his decision and expresses profound gratitude for his extraordinary contribution to the company. The Board has appointed Anshul Asawa as the CEO Designate, effective March 15, 2025," it said.

Also Read | Latest Government Jobs Notifications: Apply for 108 AEE and Geophysicist Posts of ONGC Recruitment 2025 at ongcindia.com, Know Recruitment Process and Other Details.

Noronha has been associated with D-Mart for the last two decades.

He joined DMart in January 2004 and has shepherded the company from its early years -- from 5 stores to its current position as one of the largest supermarket chains with more than 380 stores now.

Asawa, an IIT Roorkee and IIM Lucknow alumnus, will be joining DMart after a 30-year-long stint at Unilever, where he had leadership roles overseeing the growth of product categories in India, Asia, and Europe.

During his tenure of over 15 years in India, Asawa held key leadership positions in sales, marketing and distribution.

"Neville will support Anshul for a smooth transition over the next year as the latter joins the company in March 2025. Anshul is expected to take over as the MD and CEO on the 1st of February, 2026, upon the completion of Neville's term in that position," the statement said.

Commending Noronha's contribution, the company said his tenure at DMart has been defined by transformative growth, a deep commitment to operational excellence, and the establishment of a strong corporate culture.

"He has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and dedication in his remarkably successful tenure. A leader who saw the big picture but never lost the eye for detail, Neville made sure that growth and profits were not ends in themselves rather they were the by-products of efficiency, fairness and customer value," said Avenue Supermarts Chairman CB Bhave.

Mumbai-based Avenue Supermarts was operating 387 stores as of December 31, 2024.

(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 11 (PTI) Starting this year, winners of the Infosys Prize from outside India will be required to spend a month at Indian institutions of their choice as part of the new Infosys Prize Residency programme, said Kris Gopalakrishnan, President of the Infosys Science Foundation, at the 2024 award ceremony held on Saturday in Bengaluru.

In its 16th year, the prize has also changed the eligibility criteria and is now recognizing researchers under the age of 40, underscoring the importance of early recognition for exceptional talent, he added.

Also Read | What Is PAN Card Scam? Know How To Stay Safe As Scammers Target India Post Payments Bank Customers With Phishing Tricks.

"Recognising early-career talent is crucial for driving innovation and inspiring the next generation to address the challenges of tomorrow. This year's laureates have demonstrated exceptional dedication and ingenuity, contributing solutions to critical global challenges. Their achievements highlight the strength of the scientific ecosystem and reaffirm our belief that science is on the right path toward creating a better, more sustainable future," he added.

Two women scientists were among the six winners of the Infosys Prize 2024, which was instituted by the ISF in 2009.

Also Read | Latest Government Jobs Notifications: Apply for 108 AEE and Geophysicist Posts of ONGC Recruitment 2025 at ongcindia.com, Know Recruitment Process and Other Details.

The awards were presented by Professor Peter Sarnak, Gopal Prasad Professor of Mathematics at the Institute for Advanced Study, and Eugene Higgins Professor of Mathematics at Princeton University.

"Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the immense talent and impact of Indian mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists. As is clear from the descriptions of this year's prize winners, this tradition extends across all these disciplines and to all of the 2024 prize winners," said Professor Sarnak.

Sarnak was introduced by Narayana Murthy, co-founder and chairman emeritus of Infosys.

The two women who were awarded this year are Neena Gupta for Mathematical Sciences and Vedika Khemani for Physical Sciences.

Gupta, a Professor in the Theoretical Statistics and Mathematics Unit at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, was awarded for her work on the Zariski Cancellation Problem, a fundamental problem in algebraic geometry first posed in 1949 by Oscar Zariski, one of the founders of modern algebraic geometry.

She received the prize for proving the striking result that Asanuma's three-dimensional affine variety yields a negative answer to Zariski's original Cancellation Problem in positive characteristic.

Khemani, an Associate Professor in the Physics Department at Stanford University, was recognized for her wide-ranging and groundbreaking contributions to theoretical and experimental non-equilibrium quantum matter, most notably the discovery of time crystals.

Arun Chandrasekhar, a Professor in the Department of Economics at Stanford University, won the Economics Prize for his contribution to the study of social and economic networks, using innovative datasets and drawing on theoretical methods from machine learning and computer science.

The Engineering and Computer Science Prize was awarded to Shyam Gollakota, a Professor at the School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, for his research in societally relevant areas such as smartphone-based affordable healthcare tools for low- and middle-income countries, battery-free computing and communication, and augmentation of human auditory sensing with artificial intelligence.

The Infosys Prize 2024 in Humanities and Social Sciences was awarded to Mahmood Kooria, a Lecturer in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh, for his seminal contributions to the study of maritime Islam from a global perspective, with particular focus on Kerala in the pre-modern and early modern eras.

The Life Sciences Prize was awarded to Siddhesh Kamat, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, for his discoveries concerning bioactive lipids and their receptors, and their metabolic and signalling pathways.

The winners were chosen by a jury panel. The prize for each category comprises a gold medal, a citation, and a prize purse of USD 100,000.

Nandan Nilekani and Mohandas Pai were among the dignitaries present at the award ceremony.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Dhaka, Jan 11 (PTI) Bangladesh's Supreme Court on Saturday said that its judgement of upholding a High Court ruling which scrapped five labour law cases against Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus had no legal weakness or interference, according to a media report.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam passed the order last month, dismissing a leave to appeal petition filed against the High Court judgment, state-run BSS news agency reported on Saturday.

Also Read | Pakistan Explosion: 4 Women, Minor Child Among 6 Members of Family Killed in Explosion of Fireworks Stored Inside House in Punjab.

The full text of the judgment was published recently where the Supreme Court said there was no legal weakness or interference in the High Court judgment, the report said.

Five cases were filed with the Labour Court in Dhaka against Yunus in 2019 when he was the chairman of Grameen Telecommunications. The cases were filed after the termination of employees under a proposed trade union act.

Also Read | Which Country Has the Longest and Shortest Working Hours for Employees?.

In 2020, the Nobel laureate appealed to the High Court to quash the cases, after which the Court issued a ruling.

Later, on October 24 last year, the court made the rule absolute and after the final hearing, scrapped the proceedings of those cases, the report said.

The government later filed five leave to appeals with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

Yunus founded Grameen Telecom as a non-profit organisation in 1983.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
London, Jan 11 (AP) Britain's Treasury chief is travelling to China this weekend in a bid to boost economic and financial cooperation between the countries, as the UK's Labour government seeks to reset strained ties with Beijing.

Rachel Reeves will seek stability in the United Kingdom's relationship with China and aim to help grow Britain's lackluster economy, the Treasury said on Friday. She will travel to Beijing and Shanghai and meet with her Chinese government counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng.

Also Read | Donald Trump Sentenced to 'Unconditional Discharge': Judge Sentences US President-Elect in New York Hush Money Case but Declines To Impose Punishment.

A focus of Reeves' trip is reviving the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue  annual bilateral talks that have been suspended since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and deteriorating relations in recent years.

The British side wants the dialogue to help bring down barriers that UK businesses face when looking to export or expand to China.

Also Read | Wayfair Layoffs: US-Based E-Commerce Company Plans To Reduce Global Workforce by 3% Affecting Hundreds of Employees, Exit Germany Market Amid Challenges.

The talks were shelved after ties soured following a series of spying allegations from both sides, China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war and a crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong, a former British colony.

Officials said that aside from discussing ways to deepen trade and cooperation, Reeves will also urge Beijing to stop its material and economic support for the Russian war effort in Ukraine and raise the issue of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

The delegation will include Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and the CEOs of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the London Stock Exchange Group. Senior executives from some of Britain's biggest financial services firms, including the group chairmen of HSBC and Standard Chartered, were also on board.

While in Beijing, Reeves is expected to visit leading UK brands operating in China, including Jaguar Land Rover, whisky distributor Diageo and bicycle maker Brompton.

Her visit comes after Foreign Secretary David Lammy travelled to China in October and Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil in November.

The meetings form part of a bid by Starmer, who was elected as leader in July, to strengthen political and economic ties with China, the UK's fourth-largest single trading partner according to the Treasury.

Officials said Starmer wanted a pragmatic approach to working with Beijing on global stability, climate change and the transition to clean energy.

But some in the opposition Conservative Party have criticized his stance and said trade ties should not come at the expense of national security and human rights concerns.

British political leaders and intelligence chiefs have warned repeatedly of the security threats that China poses. Calls to tackle the challenge grew louder last month when it emerged that an alleged Chinese spy had cultivated close ties with Prince Andrew and carried out covert and deceptive activity for China's ruling Communist Party, according to officials.

Nevertheless, Lammy told reporters in London on Thursday that there are many areas of trade that don't impact on national security.

He said Reeves will repeat many of the messages that I took to China.

What we've said is in this complex relationship with a global superpower, we are guided by three Cs: challenge, compete and cooperate, for example in areas including health and climate challenges, Lammy added. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, Jan 11 (PTI) A 30-year-old Indian national who was previously employed with a cruise line, has pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material, a US attorney said on Friday.

Abdul Rouvoof Shaik faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to USD 250,000, and a period of supervised release of up to life.

Also Read | Donald Trump Sentenced to 'Unconditional Discharge': Judge Sentences US President-Elect in New York Hush Money Case but Declines To Impose Punishment.

According to court documents, Shaik was previously employed by Carnival Cruise Lines and was arrested in July 2024 after special agents with the US Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, found he was in possession of child pornography at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 16, before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle in New Orleans.

Also Read | Wayfair Layoffs: US-Based E-Commerce Company Plans To Reduce Global Workforce by 3% Affecting Hundreds of Employees, Exit Germany Market Amid Challenges.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lahore, Jan 11 (PTI) Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) requesting pre arrest bail in eight cases involving the May 9 violence.

In his plea, Khan, 72, argued he was in NAB custody in Islamabad at the time of the incidents and had been falsely implicated as part of political victimisation. He further stated that he has been facing legal actions related to these cases for the past two years.

Also Read | Pakistan Explosion: 4 Women, Minor Child Among 6 Members of Family Killed in Explosion of Fireworks Stored Inside House in Punjab.

Khan termed the cases against him as an act of "political revenge".

Khan told the court that he has been subjected to "political victimisation" and facing several "fabricated" cases for two years and requested the court to approve his post-arrest bail.

Also Read | Which Country Has the Longest and Shortest Working Hours for Employees?.

The petition urged the court to grant bail and order his release in all eight cases, Pakistan Today reported.

Earlier, the Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court had rejected his bail applications in these cases, including the Jinnah House attack.

The ATC has rejected the bail applications, contrary to the facts, Khan argued.

Khan is reportedly named in 12 cases related to the May 9 events though he has already secured bail in four of them.

Khan has been lodged at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since mid-2023 in multiple cases. The PTI has been at loggerheads with the federal government since the general elections in February 2024. PTI

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bangladesh, Jan 11 (PTI) A vast majority of incidents against the minority communities since August 4 last year were 'political in nature' and not 'communal,' Bangladesh government said on Saturday quoting a police report.

Police have set up a WhatsApp number to directly receive complaints of communal violence and maintain contact with the minority community.

Also Read | Pakistan Explosion: 4 Women, Minor Child Among 6 Members of Family Killed in Explosion of Fireworks Stored Inside House in Punjab.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' press wing said here that the police investigation came after the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council recently claimed that there were 2,010 incidents of communal violence since a day before deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5 following a massive student-led protest that toppled her 16-year regime.

Of these, a total of 1,769 incidents were reported as attacks and vandalism; police have so far registered 62 cases on the merits of the claims, and arrested at least 35 culprits based on the investigation, the CA office's press wing statement said.

Also Read | Which Country Has the Longest and Shortest Working Hours for Employees?.

Claiming that it was, however, found that in the majority of the cases, the attacks were not communally motivatedrather, those were political in nature, the statement said: Police investigations found that 1,234 incidents were 'political in nature,' 20 incidents were communal and at least 161 claims were found to be false or untrue.

According to the claims of the Council, 1,452 incidentsor 82.8 per cent of the total claimstook place on August 5, 2024, when Hasina was ousted from power.

At least 65 incidents took place on August 4 and 70 incidents on August 6, it said.

Apart from the Council claims, police also received 134 allegations of communal violence from August 5 through January 8, 2025, it said, adding, police responded to all those complaints with utmost importance and at least 53 cases were filed against those complaints and 65 offenders were arrested.

In all, since August 4, a total of 115 cases have been registered over complaints of communal attacks and at least 100 people have been arrested over the cases, the statement said.

Before preparing the report, Bangladesh police collected the list of allegations prepared by the Council (and) communicated with the persons claimed to have been the targets of the violence, it said. The police also visited each and every place, establishment, and met persons mentioned in the report of the Council.

Bangladesh police have now set up a WhatsApp number to receive allegations of communal violence and to maintain continuous contact with the minority community leaders, it said.

The press wing said the interim government maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards any communal attacks in the country and ordered police to arrest the culprits. It also announced that it would compensate the victims.

There has been a spate of attacks on minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh as well as attacks on temples or cases of vandalism of properties belonging to the minority communities over the last few months triggering strong concerns in New Delhi.

The arrest of a Hindu monk on sedition charges further added to India's concerns, which Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed to Dhaka when he travelled there in December.

Ahead of Misri's visit, the interim government head Yunus had on December 5 sought the cooperation of the religious leaders in collecting accurate information about attacks on minorities and bringing the perpetrators to justice amid reports of attacks on the Hindus.

In a separate statement, the press wing on Friday said police in northwestern Natore district arrested the main accused of the murder of a 60-year-old Hindu person at a crematorium on December 21, 2024.

Quoting a police headquarters report, the statement said that the initial investigation suggested the victim was physically sick for a long time and used to stay at the 'Harishpur Mahashan Ghat' for the past several days.

The arrested Sabuj Hossain, 24, confessed his involvement in the killing along with some accomplices, the statement said but added that the primary investigations suggested the culprits strangulated Tarun Chandra Das as he raised alarm while the culprits stole some bronze plates from the crematorium.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kathmandu [Nepal], January 11 (ANI): Nepal marked the 303rd birth anniversary of then King Prithivi Narayan Shah- the founding father of modern Nepal with fanfare and gaiety on Saturday.

A 108-foot long flower garland, bouquets to the circumnutating statute of King Shah that stands tall in front of the nation's administrative capital- the Singhadurbar was crowded throughout the day.

Also Read | Pakistan Explosion: 4 Women, Minor Child Among 6 Members of Family Killed in Explosion of Fireworks Stored Inside House in Punjab.

Amongst those who paid homage to the campaigner of national unification included Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel, as well as Chief of Army Staff, Members of Parliament and commoners.

"The unification day is a special occasion when the epitome of about 30 million Nepali citizens and Nepal's unification epitome was born- high Highness Prithivi Narayan Shah. Born some 300 years back, if he hadn't initiated the movement to unite all the factional states- we wouldn't have been Nepali nor Nepal would have existed, I would say. He is our Icon of national unity and strength," Bhola Adhikari, a resident of Kathmandu told ANI after paying homage to the founder of modern Nepal.

Also Read | Which Country Has the Longest and Shortest Working Hours for Employees?.

Prithvi Narayan Shah was born on 7 January 1723 as the first child of Nara Bhupal Shah and Kaushalyawati in the Gorkha Palace. He ascended to the throne of Gorkha Kingdom on April 3, 1743, and started the unification of Nepal. He is also credited for moving the royal seat of power from Gorkha to Kathmandu.

Before the unification, Nepal was divided into 52 principalities. King Prithvi Narayan Shah became successful in expanding Nepal's borders to the Tista River in the east to the Chepe River in the west. After his death, his successors further expanded Nepal's western borders to Kangada.

"The Royal Highness Prithivi Narayan Shah unified all the small states including the Kathmandu Valley and gave birth to modern Nepal. That's why he also can be credited as the creator of this nation," Nagamal Baidhya another denizen of Kathmandu told ANI.

Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Nuwakot in 1744 and the Kathmandu Valley 25 years later in 1769. After conquering the Nepal Valley as the Kathmandu Valley was called at that time, Prithvi Narayan Shah gradually annexed Chaudandu Bijayapur and other principalities towards the east. He died in January 1775.

Prithvi Narayan Shah is credited with initiating the unification of Nepal with the support of all castes and communities. In line with the teachings of the former king of the Himalayan Nation, President Ram Chandra Paudel in his best wishes on the 303rd birth anniversary states that the teachings of Prithivi Narayan Shah are equally relevant and popular even today.

President Paudel said that while remembering Prithvi Narayan Shah we should also recall his 'Divyopadesh' (divine teachings).

"These teachings still guide economic development, patriotism and building diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries," the President said.

President Paudel also acknowledged Prithvi Narayan Shah's pivotal role in uniting small, scattered states to establish modern Nepal.

Further highlighting the steps by former King, President Paudel said, "this campaign by Nepal's brave ancestors throughout history, which enabled Nepalis today to take pride in a sovereign and independent nation. Building on this foundation, Nepal has been declared an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, democratic, socialism-oriented federal democratic republic."

President Paudel emphasised that the contributions of many predecessors in transforming Nepal from small, scattered states into its current form must never be forgotten.

Further expressing his hope that the occasion of National Unity Day would inspire all citizens to uphold the nation's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity while striving for the people's happiness and prosperity.

"May this day strengthen our commitment to national unity and inspire progress towards a prosperous Nepal," he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], January 11 (ANI): The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed willingness to extend the deadline for talks with the government beyond the January 31 deadline, Dawn reported.

Earlier in December, the PTI leadership announced the ultimatum following a meeting with the imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan. So far, the committees established by the PTI and the government have held two rounds of dialogue, according to Dawn report.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Attend AI Summit in France on February 10: French President Emmanuel Macron.

The first meeting between the government and the PTI took place on December 23 while the second took place on January 2.

The PTI has demanded the release of Khan and other party leaders who have been kept in prison and a judicial probe into May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024 protests. The dialogue between two sides apparently hit a snag since the last meeting on January 2, with reports that both sides could not see eye to eye on the modalities of the talks, with PTI demanding "unmonitored" access to Khan in prison becoming a new subject of disagreement.

Also Read | Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy Discuss US Support for Ukraine, Sanctions on Russian Energy Sector.

As the deadline given by Imran Khan-founded party was 20 days away, there were fears that dialogue would break down. However, PTI leader Shibli Faraz said talks could take place after January 31 and it was "not a big deal." He made these remarks while speaking on DawnNewsTV programme Dusra Rukh.

In his remarks on the programme aired on Friday, Faraz said, "The deadline is still 20 days away, and by that time, it would become clearer which way the dialogues are headed," Dawn reported. He noted that a few days extension in the deadline won't be much of an issue in case of "positive developments" in talks.

Earlier this week, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has said that the party will engage in the third round of talks with the government, The Express Tribune reported.

Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Gohar Khan said that PTI founder Imran Khan has asked the party to present their demands in writing to the government. He said Imran Khan had allowed the PTI to hold talks with the government even if they could not meet him directly. Gohar Khan said that PTI will reassess the situation if the negotiation committee is not allowed to meet Imran Khan in the future.

He expressed PTI's commitment to engage in talks and said that the party would ensure that their demands were clearly conveyed, according to The Express Tribune report. He further mentioned that PTI has two primary demands, which do not need to be presented in writing.

He stated that PTI does not want these demands to be used as leverage for any deal. He reiterated that there is no ongoing deal as both PTI and Imran Khan have rejected such suggestions, making it clear that the discussions are not linked to any deal-making.

The PTI chairman stressed that Imran Khan-founded party is open to hold talks with the government for the benefit of the nation. He said the discussions will be focused on the establishment of a commission and the release of PTI workers. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
British actor Jude Law will play Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in The Wizard of the Kremlin by French director Olivier Assayas. It will be an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Italian writer Giuliano da Empoli, and the role of the current Russian leader will be secondary - Law will embody Putin at the beginning of his political career.

ADVERTISIMENT

The actor said this in an interview with Deadline. It was already reported in May 2024 that Law would star in this film, but it was not known what role he would play.

Jude Law expressed his excitement. However, he explained that this task reminds him of climbing Mount Everest, the highest peak on the globe.

"I mean, I have, but at the moment it looks like an Everest to climb, so Im in the foothills looking up thinking, Oh Christ, what have I said? Thats often how I feel whilst I say yes. I was going, Oh God, how am I going to do this? But anyway, thats for me to sort out."

What is known about the movie

The Wizard of the Kremlin is a novel by Italian writer Giuliano da Empoli, which was first published in French in April 2022. The book tells the imaginary story of Vadim Baranov, a former artist and reality TV producer, and later a close associate of Vladimir Putin, nicknamed "Tsar."

ADVERTISIMENT

Baranov talks about his youth, life in 1990s Russia, his contribution to Tsar's political rise since 1999, and his experience with power, which is the central theme of the book.

Despite the fact that Baranov is a fictional character, critics have noted that he strongly resembles the Russian politician Vladislav Surkov, who served as the first deputy head of the Russian presidential administration from 1999 to 2011. He was considered the Kremlin's main ideologist.

Oscar-nominated actor Paul Dano will play Baranov. Alicia Vikander, Zach Galifianakis, and Tom Sturridge will appear alongside him and Jude Law.

"Working at the heart of Russian power, the enigmatic Vadim Baranov-Putin's chief spin doctor-has used his background in experimental theatre and reality TV to turn the entire country into an avant-garde political stage. Here truth and lies, news and propaganda, have become indistinguishable," the synopsis says.

It is noted that The Wizard of the Kremlin intends to tell the story of Baranov and reveal the dark secrets of the regime he helped build through his eyes.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Taipei [Taiwan], January 11 (ANI): The Philippines is set to enhance its coastal surveillance capabilities with the installation of Japanese-supplied radars on the Batanes islands, Taiwan News reported.

Located less than 200 kilometres from Taiwan, the radars will play a crucial role in monitoring the Bashi Channel, which separates the Philippines from Taiwan and is a possible destination for Filipinos to be evacuated from Taiwan if China is invaded.

Also Read | Pakistan Explosion: 4 Women, Minor Child Among 6 Members of Family Killed in Explosion of Fireworks Stored Inside House in Punjab.

According to Japan's Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr, the radars needed to be set up at all major choke points around the country.

In 2023, Japan granted five radar systems valued at USD 3.8 million (NT USD 126 million) to the Philippines as part of an Official Security Assistance program, as per Taiwan News.

Also Read | Which Country Has the Longest and Shortest Working Hours for Employees?.

The plan is to boost security cooperation with like-minded allies.

The Chief of Staff highlighted the importance of keeping the Bashi Channel open and free from control by any one country, Taiwan News reported citing CNA.

Brawner also identified Batanes as a possible destination for Filipinos to be evacuated from Taiwan if China invaded.

Meanwhile, the country has been conducting annual military drills with the US in Batanes Province, and Japan may also participate in future exercises.

Notably, the Taiwan-China issue is a complex and longstanding geopolitical conflict centred on Taiwan's sovereignty. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), operates its own government, military, and economy, functioning as a de facto independent state.

However, China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists on the "One China" policy, which asserts that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital.

This has fuelled decades of tension, especially since the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China.

Beijing has consistently expressed its goal of reunification with Taiwan, using diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally. Meanwhile, Taiwan, supported by a significant portion of its population, continues to maintain its independence. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Paris, January 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in France from February 10 to 11, said French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. While addressing the 30th Conference of Ambassadors, President Macron said, "France will be hosting the AI Summit on February 10-11. A summit for action, as we call it. This summit will allow for an international conversation on AI. There will be Prime Minister Modi, who will move up to a major visit in our country as we want to forge a dialogue with all powers on AI."

The French President emphasised the importance of AI as a global conversation, stating that it will include countries such as the US, China, and India, as well as, the countries from the Gulf, which have significant roles in developing and regulating AI technologies. "The US, China, and major emerging countries such as India have a key role to play, as well as the Gulf," Macron said. PM Modi to Attend AI Action Summit in France on February 10-11: French President Macron.

He also highlighted that the summit will focus on innovation, talent, and positioning France and Europe at the centre of the global AI landscape. "Beyond that conversion, what we want to do for public interest with the foundation will be setting up... The summit's core for me will be innovation and the ability to attract talent and to have France and Europe at the heart of the AI battle," he added.

Notably, the French Presidency earlier confirmed India's invitation to the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in December, describing India as a "very important country". During a press briefing about the summit, the French Presidency announced that 90 countries, including India, had been invited to participate. "We have invited India and are working very closely with India in the run-up to the summit. Misinformation and misuse of AI are themes that will be addressed," the French Presidency said. Designation Makes No Difference to Me, I Am the Same Person Who Once Used to Sit on Floor: PM Modi.

"India is a very important country, particularly in terms of its potential to make a concrete impact on people's lives. We look forward to India's contributions to the summit's various teams," it added. The summit, to be hosted by France at the Grand Palais in Paris, will convene Heads of State and government, leaders of international organisations, CEOs from large and small companies, representatives from academia, NGOs, artists, and members of civil society.

The event will focus on five key themes: public interest in AI, the future of work, innovation and culture, trust in AI, and global AI governance. The French Presidency further highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to disinformation and the misuse of AI, which are central topics for the summit's discussions.mOn February 10, various stakeholders, including heads of state and government representatives, will participate in multiple sessions. Macron will host a formal dinner for heads of state and other VIPs that evening. On February 11, the summit will feature a dedicated leaders' session exclusively for heads of state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2025 08:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The death anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, observed on January 11, commemorates the legacy of Indias second Prime Minister and a true patriot. Shastri, a leader of simplicity and integrity, passed away in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 1966 under mysterious circumstances, shortly after signing the Tashkent Agreement aimed at resolving the Indo-Pakistan conflict of 1965. His sudden demise remains a subject of speculation, but his contributions to Indias growth and self-reliance are widely celebrated. On Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary 2025, we bring you quotes by Lal Bahadur Shastri, sayings, HD images, wallpapers, slogans and messages to remember the great freedom fighter and former Prime Minister of India. January 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Check Dates of Important Events in the First Month of the Year.

Lal Bahadur Shastri was known for his vision of a self-sufficient India. His popular slogan, "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan", symbolised his commitment to strengthening both the armed forces and the agricultural sector. Under his leadership, India took significant steps toward increasing food production during the Green Revolution and emphasised the importance of collective efforts in nation-building. As you observe Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary 2025, share these Lal Bahadur Shastri quotes, sayings, HD images, wallpapers, slogans and messages. Republic Day 2025 School Holiday: Educational Institutes To Remain Close For January 26? Know Holiday Details Across Different Indian States As R-Day Falls on Sunday.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes

Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes

Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes

Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes

Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes

Lal Bahadur Shastri Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

On Lal Bahadur Shastri's death anniversary, tributes pour in from across the country. Leaders, citizens, and institutions remember his life and contributions through prayers, speeches, and events. At Vijay Ghat in New Delhi, his memorial, people pay homage by offering flowers and observing moments of silence. Educational institutions and organizations often organize seminars to inspire younger generations with his ideals of honesty, humility, and dedication.

Lal Bahadur Shastri's death anniversary serves as a reminder of his values and leadership, which continue to guide India. Despite his short tenure as Prime Minister, his emphasis on self-reliance, unity, and ethical governance left an indelible mark on the nation. Observing this day is not just about mourning his loss but also about celebrating his vision for a stronger, self-reliant India.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2025 06:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
A 26-year-old man, allegedly involved in the killing of a Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) activist in Hazaribag two days ago, was gunned down by the police in Ramgarh district on Saturday, a senior officer said.
New Delhi, January 11: NASA astronauts Commander Sunita Williams and Nick Hague will undertake the years first spacewalk, US Spacewalk 91, on January 16, 2025. Lasting approximately six-and-a-half hours, the mission aims to conduct essential upgrades and maintenance on the International Space Station (ISS).

Key objectives include replacing a rate gyro assembly critical for the stations orientation and servicing the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), marking the first on-orbit repair of a NASA observatory since the Hubble Space Telescopes 2009 servicing mission. Positioned near the ISSs starboard solar array, NICER studies phenomena such as black holes, neutron stars, and erupting galaxies. Additionally, the astronauts will prepare the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer for future enhancements, contributing to cosmic research advancements. Astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore Hit 6-Month Mark in Space, Heres What NASA Doing To Bring Them Back on Earth From ISS.

NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Nick Hague Set for First Spacewalk of 2025

On Jan. 16, @NASA_Astronauts Nick Hague and Suni Williams will exit the space station to repair the NICER X-ray telescope. Hague, along with station astronaut Don Pettit, trained for the spacewalk last year. More... https://t.co/RKGk6DOWVe https://t.co/GpQBetjtOs  International Space Station (@Space_Station) January 8, 2025

Williams, in her eighth spacewalk, will wear an unmarked suit, while Hague, on his fourth, will don a suit with red stripes. A second spacewalk on January 23 will continue station upgrades and inspections. These missions are pivotal for ISS maintenance, ensuring its role as a scientific hub and platform for international collaboration. When Will Sunita Williams Return to the Earth? NASA Gives Update on Stuck Indian-Origin Astronauts Arrival From ISS.

Indian-origin astronaut Williams, currently aboard the ISS, described it as her happy place. She and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore have been on an extended mission following technical delays with Boeings Starliner spacecraft. Originally planned for eight days, their stay has stretched to eight months. Despite the challenges, Williams expressed enthusiasm, stating, You have to turn the page and look at the next opportunity.

NASA will broadcast the spacewalk live, showcasing this critical step in maintaining and enhancing the ISS.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2025 12:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
En espanol

The sudden passing of Carol Acosta, known online as Killadamente, has deeply impacted the online community. Acosta, who died at 27, was given an emotional farewell during a private funeral in New York. The ceremony was funded by donations from her followers.

Katyan Acosta, Killadamente's sister, shared images of the wake on social media. The ceremony, complete with a coffin surrounded by floral wreaths, was filled with songs and prayers.

The family publicly expressed gratitude to those who contributed financially to ensure a dignified funeral.

"Thank you to everyone who donated through GoFundMe and allowed us to give my sister a proper farewell. God bless you," Katyan wrote on Instagram. Her statement sparked mixed reactions among Killadamente's followers.

The fundraising effort ignited a debate on social media, with some questioning why an influencer with millions of followers needed donations for a funeral. Others defended the initiative, emphasizing that fame doesn't always equate to financial stability.

One follower commented: "She was famous, but she had no savings, and funerals in the U.S. are incredibly expensive, as her sister said." Another added: "She did have money at one point, but she ended up broke because she wasn't good at managing it. She spent everything she earned and was also very generous, helping those in need."

The tragic circumstances of her death

Preliminary reports state that the influencer choked while dining at a restaurant on January 3. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Read more: Natanael Cano Responds to Death Threats Made by the Sinaloa Cartel

Killadamente rose to fame in 2015 by sharing content about self-love, confidence, and humor. Her authenticity and positive messages helped her connect with over 6.5 million Instagram followers.

She collaborated with popular brands like FashionNova and Shein.

Beyond her social media presence, Carol ventured into music in 2017, releasing empowerment-themed songs such as 'Me amo y no me importa' and 'Que me hiciste hacer.'

Her journey was one of personal triumph. In a 2017 interview with Primer Impacto, she revealed that she had faced bullying and depression due to her weight. "I used to avoid many things, I was scared, and I felt terrible about how people treated me," she said, even admitting to two suicide attempts.

Despite these struggles, Carol transformed her pain into a platform to inspire others, using her influence to promote self-acceptance and love, especially among Latina women.

Read more: The Tragic Loss of Communication Between Liam Payne and His Therapist Before His Death

Originally published in The Latin Times
UPDATE: Allentown ex-cop charged with rape, kidnapping was national SafeSport investigator

One current officer and one former officer with the Allentown Police Department have been arrested on felony charges, including rape, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan said Friday.

Evan Weaver, 45, of Weisenberg Township, and Jason M. Krasley, 47, of Upper Milford Township, are accused of raping and sexually assaulting the same victim, Holihan alleged in a news release.

The offenses occurred between 2011 and 2015, according to the release.

Both face charges that include felony rape and involuntary sexual servitude that, upon conviction, carry a maximum sentence of life in prison, according to Holihan.

Weaver is a current Allentown police officer, while Krasley is a former vice officer with the department.

The Allentown Police Department on Friday identified Weaver as a sergeant and said hes being placed on administrative leave, with an internal investigation opened.

The Allentown Police Department takes all complaints either internal or external seriously and conducts full and thorough investigations related to the same, a statement from Assistant Chief James Gress reads. The Allentown Police Department has been and will continue to cooperate with the Lehigh County District Attorney as well as any other investigative agency.

Weaver and Krasley also face misdemeanor charges of indecent assault, official oppression, and prostitution and related offenses, according to the news release.

Weaver also is charged with felony sexual assault, while Krasley faces additional counts of felony kidnapping, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and intimidation of a witness, in addition to misdemeanor criminal coercion.

Both men were in custody Friday awaiting arraignment in Lehigh County Central Booking, Holihan said.

The investigation conducted by Lehigh County detectives is ongoing, according to the release. Investigators sealed the criminal complaints against the suspects, shielding further details of the allegations from immediate release through the courts.

Krasley previously was arrested, last Nov. 15, for allegedly stealing $5,500 that police had seized in a May 2019 drug bust in Allentown. He has remained free in that case on $100,000 unsecured bail, and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 29, according to the DAs office. At that hearing, a district judge will be asked to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send charges of theft, receiving stolen property and tampering with evidence toward trial in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.

Krasley was named in a lawsuit filed last year by two Allentown police officers who alleged widespread misconduct in the Allentown Police Department. The lawsuit initially was dismissed by a judge, who then reconsidered and decided Oct. 30 to allow the case to proceed, court records say.

His attorney in that case, Bethlehem-based James Burke, also represented him in Fridays preliminary arraignment on the new charges. Burke told lehighvalleylive.com afterward Krasley was granted the possibility of release on 10% of $750,000 bail, over the objection of the district attorneys office. Burke said he had to see the sealed complaint against his client but that Krasley absolutely denies the allegations.

Court records were not immediately updated with legal counsel for Weaver.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
London was named the world's best tourist destination according to Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards. The capital of the United Kingdom has won this title thanks to its unique combination of history, culture, and modernity, which attracts travelers from all over the world.

ADVERTISIMENT

Throughout the year, millions of tourists visit this city to enjoy its sights, museums, gastronomy, and vibrant atmosphere. London also dethroned Dubai, which had held the title since 2022, according to the Express.

Top 10 tourist destinations in the world:

London (UK), Bali (Indonesia), Dubai (UAE), Sicily (Italy), Paris (France), Rome (Italy), Hanoi (Vietnam), Marrakech (Morocco), Crete (Greece) Bangkok (Thailand).

London has overtaken not only Dubai, which this year dropped to third place but also Bali, which took second place.

Tripadvisor CEO Kristen Dalton noted that London is an outstanding destination for tourists due to its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, diverse culinary offerings, and rich cultural life. "This city sets the standard for what a tourist destination should be," she said.

ADVERTISIMENT

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also expressed pride in the city's recognition. According to him, London is unique due to its unrivaled combination of cultural attractions, gastronomic discoveries, and sporting events that make it a must-see.

Laura Citron, CEO of VisitLondon.com, noted that constant changes in the city encourage tourists to come back again and again. In 2025, London will offer new attractions, including the V&A's Oriental Repository and the Shakespeare Museum in Shoreditch.

According to experts, the Travellers' Choice Awards rating is based on the number and quality of tourist reviews left on the Tripadvisor platform between October 2023 and September 2024.

ADVERTISIMENT

Describing London as a "vibrant global metropolis," the reviewers note that it is ideal for those seeking authentic experiences and a multicultural atmosphere.

London's victory in the 2025 ranking is a testament to its uniqueness and attractiveness to travelers. The city continues to surprise with new offerings while maintaining its classic charm.

So, if you are looking for a travel destination in 2025, London will be an ideal choice that can satisfy the most demanding tastes of tourists.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Jeremy Clark, local attorney and solicitor for the City of Easton, has announced his candidacy for judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County.

What is this going to be? I am sure, an exciting adventure, Clark said at a press conference Friday.

With 15 years of legal experience, Clark has worked in various areas of law, including criminal defense, family law and municipal law. He has experience as a court-appointed counsel for criminal defendants who could not afford private attorneys.

He served for nearly 10 years as a court-appointed divorce master for Northampton County, a role he said shaped his legal skills.

Clark grew up in central Pennsylvania and served in the U.S. Army, where he completed three deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Those years taught me some of lifes most enduring lessons; hard work, discipline and a commitment to service, he said.

After the military, Clark moved to Northampton County, where he has lived for nearly 20 years. He resides in Easton with his wife, two daughters, and their dog, Reggie.

Clark said the people of Northampton County deserve judges who are dedicated, open-minded, and committed to applying the law fairly to all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.

I look forward to conveying and sharing my vision of this court, maintaining the highest standard of fairness, integrity, and respect for all involved, Clark said.
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.
Gardai have said that a man has been arrested in connection to their ongoing investigation into a number of romance fraud complaints in Ireland.

It is alleged that victims have been targeted through a variety of popular dating apps.

The man was arrested on Friday, 10 January after gardai carried out a search warrant at a residence in Dublin. This was part of a planned operation which involved gardai from the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Central, DMR South Central and Galway divisions.

READ NEXT: 'Legally I'm married to your Dad's dead sister' - Viewers react to hilarious Late Late Show

Gardai say that during the course of the search a number of electronic items were seized.

The man, aged in his 30s, was arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a garda station in Dublin. He has since been released from detention.

Investigations into the complaints are ongoing.

Gardai have appealed to anyone who believes they may have been a victim of or affected by fraud via dating apps to please contact any garda station and report the crime.

They have assured that all reports will be treated sensitively and in confidence.
Lennar Declares Dividend and Sets Dates for Millrose Spin-off





MIAMI, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lennar Corporation (NYSE: LEN and LEN.B) ("Lennar") announced that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend and set the date for the previously announced taxable spin-off of approximately 80% of the stock of Millrose Properties, Inc. ("Millrose").

Stuart Miller, Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Lennar, said, "We are very pleased to announce another milestone towards completing the successful spin-off of Millrose. This spin-off is a significant step in our transition to a land light manufacturing homebuilding model."

Lennar expects to distribute to its stockholders one share of Millrose Class A or Class B common stock for each two shares of Lennar Class A or Class B common stock held of record at the close of business on January 21, 2025, as more fully described below. The distribution will take place prior to the opening of trading on February 7, 2025. Persons who acquire Lennar stock after the close of business on the record date will not receive Millrose shares in the spin-off. Lennar anticipates that "when-issued" trading in Millrose Class A common stock on the NYSE will begin on or about February 5, 2025 under the symbol "MRP WI" and Millrose Class A common stock will begin "regular-way" trading on the NYSE on February 7, 2025 under the symbol "MRP."

Millrose will have two classes of stock: Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The two classes will be essentially identical, except that holders of Millrose Class A common stock will be entitled to one vote per share and holders of Millrose Class B common stock will be entitled to ten votes per share. The Class A common stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MRP." Millrose has not applied to list its Class B common stock on any securities exchange or to have it quoted on any quotation system, and Millrose does not intend to do so. Therefore, we do not expect a trading market to develop for Millrose Class B common stock. Additional differences related to additional voting rights and lower valuation of Class B common stock are further described in the registration statement filed by Millrose.

In the distribution, all holders of Lennar Class A and Class B common stock will receive shares of Millrose Class A common stock, except to the extent that any Lennar stockholder(s) elect, during a specified election period, to receive Millrose Class B common stock instead of Millrose Class A common stock with regard to some or all of the Millrose stock to which they are entitled. The election period will begin on January 21, 2025, and will end on February 3, 2025. The class of Millrose common stock a Lennar stockholder elects to receive will not affect the number of Millrose shares the Lennar stockholder will receive. All Lennar stockholders who do not elect to receive Millrose Class B common stock by the end of the election period will receive Millrose Class A common stock regardless of the class of Lennar stock they hold. Election materials will be distributed to Lennar stockholders promptly after the record date.

The distribution of Milrose shares will be taxable to the Lennar stockholders who receive the shares.

Detailed information about Millrose and about the spin-off is contained in a Millrose registration statement on Form S-11 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that has been filed with the SEC and which can be obtained on the SEC website www.SEC.gov, or on Millrose's website www.Millroseproperties.com. Millrose's website has been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such website is not incorporated by reference into this press release. Alternatively, Millrose will arrange to send you, free of charge, the registration statement if you request it by contacting Millrose Properties, Inc. at 600 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1400, Miami, Florida 33131, or at [email protected].

Completion of the spin-off is subject to various conditions and the Lennar Board of Directors can determine at any time prior to the distribution that Lennar should not carry out the spin-off.

About Lennar

Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation's leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar's Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title and closing services primarily for buyers of Lennar's homes and, through LMF Commercial, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar's Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. LENX drives Lennar's technology, innovation and strategic investments.

About Millrose

After the spin-off, Millrose will become an independent, publicly traded company that will engage, through its subsidiaries, in land purchases, horizontal development and homesite option purchase arrangements, for Lennar, certain entities with which Lennar has a business relationship or in which Lennar has an ownership interest, and potentially other homebuilders and developers.

*****

A registration statement relating to the Millrose securities has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. Those securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, in particular, statements about the successful completion of the spin-off and Millrose's business, plans, strategies and objectives following the spin-off. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by our use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "can," "shall," "will," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue" or other similar words or the negatives thereof. Assumptions relating to these statements involve judgments with respect to, among other things, competitive and market conditions, future business decisions and Millrose's relationships with customers, all of which are difficult or impossible to accurately predict and many of which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and our actual results, performance and achievements may be materially different from that expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the Millrose spin-off will be completed on the expected timing or at all. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in these forward-looking statements, the inclusion of this information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans, which we consider to be reasonable, will be achieved.

Contact:

Ian Frazer

Investor Relations

Lennar Corporation

(305) 485-4129

SOURCE Lennar Corporation

10 january 2025 at 18:00

News published onand distributed by:
THREE organisations in Limerick are set to benefit from 25k each from one philanthropic fund.

The Ireland Funds has announced grants totalling 75,000 which will be distributed between Childrens Grief Centre, Irish Chamber Orchestra and Learning Hub Limerick.

These organisations provide essential services to children experiencing poverty, marginalisation, and difficult circumstances.

Each organisation will receive 25,000 to support their work.

The grants are strategically allocated as a quick response at a time of year when the challenges faced by those experiencing hardship are amplified.

READ ALSO: Return of the Mid-West Bridal Exhibition is fast approaching!

Caitriona Fottrell, president and CEO of The Ireland Funds said: "This grant round reflects The Ireland Funds commitment to helping those facing extraordinary challenges.

"Through philanthropy, we bridge resource gaps, partnering with exceptional organisations to address critical needs of people living in difficult situations. We are deeply appreciative of our donors whose generosity makes this response possible."

Children's Grief Centre is a free support service for children and young people affected by loss, through death, parental separation and divorce.

25,000 will support an outreach programme to make grief support accessible to children in disadvantaged areas of Limerick who cannot attend its centre with provision of part-time support worker for three local schools.

Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) supports over 450 children from disadvantaged areas with weekly music lessons, helping them build life skills, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging, while addressing the challenges of poverty, homelessness, and family instability.

Learning Hub Limerick continues providing high-quality educational experiences for young people in Limerick who face socio-economic disadvantage, helping them build the confidence and skills needed for future success.

The 25k grand will cover rising operational costs, including classroom supplies, equipment, and transport, ensuring that no child is excluded due to financial constraints.

By investing in these services, The Ireland Funds aims to nurture communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
By the end of the 18th century, India was no longer the worlds cotton capital, as it had been over the previous 1,000 years. However, one Indian was still given the moniker "Cotton King" for his vast influence over the trade.

That man was Govindram Seksaria, born in the dusty town of Nawalgarh, Rajasthan, in 1888 into a Bhagvati Vaid family. His father was a cloth merchant who died early, leaving the burden of supporting a large family comprising three brothers Bholaram, Ramnath, Makhanlal and two sisters with 16-year-old Govindram.

Young Seksaria figured early that he had to leave his sleepy little hamlet to make two ends meet. In that quest, he arrived in Bombay in the early 1900s when British firms dominated most businesses. Indian entrepreneurs faced an actively hostile environment with little access to capital or opportunities.

Moreover, he didnt speak English at a time when that was the lingua franca of the international business world, nor did he have any powerful connections. But these were limitations only for the feeble of heart. Govindram was made of sterner stuff.

Immediate success

Starting out as an operator in the Bombay Cotton Exchange, he gradually started trading in cotton. An innate ability to understand the market dynamics, which came from his Marwari genes, brought almost immediate success. Within a few years his firm had become a member of the government's Cotton Contract Board and also an original member of the East India Cotton Association.

It was the start of a journey that would take him to the very epicentre of the cotton trade culminating in his entry into the New York Cotton Exchange in 1934. With that he shattered the colonial-era barriers that had long kept Indian traders from global financial markets.

Not content with just trading cotton, he grew the business through skilful forward integration at a time when few industrialists in India understood its benefits. Building scale was another of his master strokes. At its peak, his textile operations stretched to half a million spindles. Eventually, his industrial conglomerate spanned businesses ranging from cotton to vegetable oil, sugar, minerals, mining, printing, and motion pictures.

As if that wasnt enough, he was also the founder and chairman of Bank of Rajasthan.

Global empire

But his global ambitions marked him out as a true pioneer. Operating from his base in Bombay, Govindram proceeded to build a vast trading empire that stretched from Liverpool to Wall Street. While he never travelled abroad and was generally averse to mixing socially or appearing in public events despite his acknowledged stature as a successful business leader, he wasnt willing to back down when it came to protecting his trading interests.

Evidence of this is available in a case that came up in the Bombay high court in October 1947Govindram Seksaria vs Edward Radbone. Details of the case, which refers to a 1938 agreement with a German firm, Francke Werke, A.G., to build an advanced oil refining plant, highlight both his industrial ambitions and his comfort with currencies and contracts. It also exhibits his readiness to challenge colonial authorities. When World War II disrupted the project, he fought a precedent-setting legal battle against the Custodian of Enemy Property over payment terms.

His operations on international exchanges were so significant that The New York Times carried an obituary on his death calling him a leading cotton market figure" as well as an industrialist and a philanthropist.

What was the secret of his success? In his book Govind Ram Seksaria: The Untold Saga of an Empire Builder, author Minhas Merchant writes that he mastered the art and science of risk management. Merchants analysis is insightful: His trading philosophy was strikingly similar to what hedge fund managers routinely practice today."

Philanthropy

Though he maintained a low public profile, he was a significant contributor to the independence movement, often rubbing shoulders with political stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel at his Poona residence. Unlike other businessmen, he did not quite believe in religious endowments but poured his munificence into education and healthcare. His belief was that charity feeds for a day, but education feeds for a lifetime.

His personality wasnt all dry. His Diwali parties in Bombay were legendary, mixing opulence with heritage. Though his office was as spartan as his lifestyle, he was mostly clad in a simple dhoti. Most days, he would work late into the night with his array of pens while sipping pots of saffron tea, which he thought sharpened his mind.

He believed businessmen should be like farmerssow, wait patiently and reap the harvest. He even told a young protege: Think like a river. Go around the obstacle, but don't stop flowing."

Before his death in 1946 at age 58, he had donated around 2 crore to educational institutions across India.

His legacy lies not just in the financial empire he built but in demonstrating that Indian entrepreneurship could compete and excel on the global stage, even under colonial rule.
When Howie Buffett first bought a front-end loader, he didnt know how to start it. When he ran to be a county commissioner of Douglas County, Neb., he didnt know what the board did.

He just knew he would figure it out.

Howieand really, no need to call him Howard, he and his dad, Warren, sayhas been a sheriff, a member of the Nebraska ethanol board and a farmer. Hes served on corporate boards and runs a charitable foundation.

Now hes getting ready for a really high-profile job: chairman, without an executive role, of the nearly $1 trillion Berkshire Hathaway.

When the time comes, Im ready to do it. But thats how I am," he said. Ive gone through most of my life doing things that I wasnt sure exactly how to do."

Warren Buffett is upfront about why he wants Howie in the job. He is getting it because hes my son," he told me. Im very, very, very lucky in the fact that I trust all three of my children," he added during a later conversation.

As a child, Howie Buffett listened to Warren Buffetts side of telephone conversations, asking questions about things he didnt understand. As an adult, he turned to his father for advice. And as a director on Berkshires board for more than 30 years, hes had a front-row seat as his father built Berkshire into one of the largest companies in the U.S.

I feel Im prepared for it because he prepared me," Howie Buffett said. Thats a lot of years of influence and a lot of years of teaching."

At 94, Warren Buffett is chairman and chief executive of Berkshire, the company he transformed from a struggling textile maker into a conglomerate with a market value of $954 billion. He has been planning for decades for what happens after he dieswith his company, and with his massive fortune. At Berkshire, Buffett has long said he wants his middle child, 70-year-old Howie, to succeed him as nonexecutive chairman to help preserve the companys culture. Warren Buffetts daughter, Susie Buffett, has also served on the board since 2021. A longtime Berkshire executive named Greg Abel is on deck to become CEO and run the business.

Warren Buffett has also made clear that his children wont get most of his fortune. Together with his two siblings, Susie, 71, and Peter, 66, Howie will be charged with directing his fathers nearly $140 billion in Berkshire stock to philanthropic purposes, one of the greatest transfers of wealth in modern history.

Warren Buffett agreed to my request to talk about Howies future role in the company, and Howie and his siblings talked to me, too. We could meet, Howie Buffett said, on the farm owned by his charitable foundation.

On a clear July day in the fields outside Decatur, Ill., Howie Buffett and I climbed into the air-conditioned cab of his big green S770 John Deere combine to harvest wheat. His two German shepherds, one nearly 100 pounds and the other even bigger, rested in his pickup nearby. Dressed in jeans and short sleeves, he operated the machine as it crossed the fields under the direction of a satellite-powered guidance system displayed on a small color screen. From our vantage roughly 10 feet off the ground, I could see fields far into the horizon.

As rotating rows of blades fed the wheat into the machine, he explained the combines sophisticated controls. Then, over the whir of the combine, we talked about his career and life with his famous father. We continued the conversation in his foundations office, near a display of artillery shells given to him on trips to Ukraine, and by phone over the coming months.

The future of Berkshire

Berkshire is a rarity among U.S. companies: a corporate empire that held together as conglomerates from General Electric to DuPont split apart. Its business spans much of the economy, from insurance to utilities, cowboy boots to rail. It owns massive stock positions in Apple, Bank of America, Coca-Cola and other household names and sits on more than $300 billion in cash and Treasury bills.

Warren Buffetts towering success as an investorand his ownership of a large portion of shareholder voteshelped him craft Berkshire into what it is today. When he is no longer there, the company could face significant pressures: to sell off subsidiaries or release cash to shareholders through a dividend, for example.

The legendary investor has long admired executives who work into old age. His longtime vice chairman, Charlie Munger, continued in that role until his death in 2023 just weeks before his 100th birthday. Warren Buffett recently said he feels good and has no plans to step aside, though he notes that Abel, the Berkshire vice chairman who is expected to follow him as CEO, runs the operations of the non-insurance subsidiary companies. Fellow Vice Chairman Ajit Jain oversees its insurance business.

He has given considerable thought to what becomes of Berkshire when he is no longer there.

I care more about the future of Berkshire after I die than during the period Im alive. Its my creation," he said. What I want is a company thats successful and also embodies a company that belongs to the shareholders That is something that takes a long time to build and could be torn apart very easily if it fell into the hands of people who would want to break it up."

Ahead of Berkshires 2013 annual meeting, Warren Buffett invited Doug Kass, a hedge-fund manager who was short Berkshire stock, to ask questions. One was about Howie Buffett eventually becoming nonexecutive chairman.

Howard has never run a diversified business, nor is he an expert on enterprise risk-management," Kass said. Best as we know, he hasnt made material stock investments, nor has he ever been engaged in taking over a large company. Away from the accident of birth, how is Howard the most qualified person to take on this role?"

The job wasnt what Kass described, Warren Buffett replied.

He wont have to think about running the business," he said. Hell only have to think about whether the boardand himself, but as a member of the boardwhether the board may need to change the CEO."

If the board realized they hired the wrong CEO, having a nonexecutive chairman would make it easier to make a change, he said.

Its a pure case of nepotism," Kass told me when I called him more recently. That said, given how Warren Buffett has built the company, he wasnt so sure it mattered. These days he is neither invested in Berkshire nor betting against it.

Just what is the culture that Howie Buffett is meant to protect? Berkshire is known for buying business and keeping them, giving managers latitude to operate, holding plenty of cash.

Howie Buffett defines it this way: The culture is to keep things simple, to do what you need to do but dont do a lot of things you dont need to do, treat people fairly, respect your managers, respect your shareholders. Tell them the bad news upfront, be honest," he said. Its not rocket science."

A lot of Berkshire shouldnt change, Howie Buffett says: The headquarters, for example, isnt going anywhere. (It will never move from Omaha, Nebraska.") Berkshire should continue holding annual meetings at which the leadership takes questions at length from shareholders. (One hundred percent, absolutely. I just hope I can do it and Greg can do it for eight hours like he does.")

On other matters, he was noncommittal. Asked whether the company should consider paying a dividend, he laughed and said: Thats a trick questionTheres no way that I can answer that question because I dont know."

On spinning off a subsidiary company, he said it would be hard to judge such an idea without knowing the circumstances. Its not traditionally what Berkshires done so thered have to be a pretty good reason to do something differentIt is part of the culture, you buy something and you keep it."

Family in Omaha

Growing up in Omaha, Howie was a lively presence in the Buffett home. Susie Buffett recalls a sleepover party that was interrupted by her brother knocking on a window dressed in a gorilla costume. He didnt scare me, because I was used to it," she said.

Howie Buffett says he excelled in high school but found college to be a struggle. He attended several colleges but says he had trouble adjusting to the unstructured environment and never earned a degree.

After seeking his fathers advice, he moved to Los Angeles to work at Sees, a candy company owned by Berkshire.

After a brief first marriage, he married Devon Morse, who brought her four daughters to the family. They left California shortly after for Nebraska and welcomed a son, Howard Warren Buffett.

Back home in Omaha, Howie Buffett wanted to work with big machines. He started his own excavating business, then moved on to farming. After a few years, Warren Buffett bought a farm for him to work. Howie says he paid his father market-rate rent.

He ran for and won a seat on the county board of commissioners, taking office in 1989. The work involved setting the county budget, overseeing mental-health facilities and operating a landfill, he said. He also became a member, and then chairman, of the state ethanol board.

Agricultural giant Archer-Daniels-Midland named him to its board in 1991 and then hired him as corporate vice president and assistant to the chairman. He headed investor relations, worked on business development and served as company spokesman. The family moved to Decatur, where ADM was based.

Howie Buffett says he learned a lot working at such a big company. He left shortly after an antitrust investigation into the company broke into public view. ADM went on to plead guilty to conspiring to fix prices and set sales volumes on two products it sold. The company agreed to pay $100 million in penalties in what was the largest-ever criminal antitrust fine at the time. The episode was the subject of the 2009 movie The Informant!" starring Matt Damon.

I knew that I would never know what the company did or didnt do," he said. When I made that decision, I alienated some of my best friends[T]hey would look at me like I was a traitor."

Howie Buffett has served as a director on a number of other corporate boards, including Berkshires beginning in 1993. He was on the boards of Coke bottler Coca-Cola Enterprises, as well as irrigation and infrastructure company Lindsay Corporation and packaged-food maker ConAgra Foods. In 2010, he joined Coca-Colas board, where he remained until 2017.

For about two decades starting in 1995, he served on the board of Sloan Implement, a family-owned John Deere farm equipment dealer with locations in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.

You can take any farmer and put Howard in the same room and they could talk the same lingo," Chairman Tom Sloan said. Hes not some rich guy just out there wanting to drive a tractor once in a while."

He spent several years as a partner and investor at GSI Group, which made agricultural equipment. And for a period in 2017 and 2018, he was sheriff of Macon County, Ill., after previously serving as an auxiliary deputy.

Howie Buffetts efforts to preserve Berkshires culture will intersect with the siblings task of giving away their fathers Berkshire holdings: The stake, mostly supervoting Class A shares, carries about 30% of the companys voting rights. As time goes on, the familys control will diminish.

All three children run foundations that receive regular donations of Berkshire shares from their father. The three say they have made no decisions about how to distribute the billions of dollars in stock that Warren Buffett is expected to leave behind when he dies.

These days, Howie Buffett spends much of his time working on food security and conflict mitigation through his Howard G. Buffett Foundation, which is funded by gifts of Berkshire shares from his father. The foundation has supported coca crop substitution in Colombia, agricultural training in Rwanda and the construction of a hydroelectric plant in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

When Howie gets interested in something, he gets interested 110%," Susie Buffett said.

His brother feels a responsibility to preserve his fathers legacy, said Peter Buffett.

He carries the weight of meaning around Berkshire and what my dad has built," he said.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Howie Buffett took on aid to Ukraine as part of his charitable work. His foundation has spent more than $800 million paying for food assistance, supporting agriculture, demining operations, war-crime investigation and other initiatives. He has traveled to Ukraine 16 times since the war began, most recently in December, when he says he had lunch with President Volodymyr Zelensky, went on food distributions and met people who received prosthetics through an organization his foundation supports.

Some of his Ukraine work takes place back home. That summer day in rural Illinois, he was harvesting crops grown as part of an experiment. Concerned that the use of land mines in Ukraine would lead to claims the countrys grain was contaminated, he had TNT detonated in his foundations fields and then planted wheat to see how the crop would be affected.

So far, testing has shown no contamination in the soil or wheat, he said.

Write to Karen Langley at karen.langley@wsj.com
If you have made it this far in the new year without slipping up on your resolutions, then well done! According to any number of studies, you are an elite member of a rapidly declining club of people who are still going strong with their quest for self-improvement in 2025. In contrast, the rest of us are regretting our newly acquired expensive gym memberships and reaching out for a glass of wine more times a week than we solemnly promised ourselves just a few weeks back.

Depending on the research you read, between 1 in 10 to nearly half of the worlds population gives up on grand plans to reinvent themselves by the second week of January each year. Yet, the temptation to become the best version of yourself", as new-age motivational gurus urge us, is hard to resist. Its human nature to live in thrall to the myth of fresh-startism", as Oliver Burkeman, a journalist-turned-writer of popular philosophical books, put it last year in a dispatch of his email newsletter, The Imperfectionist.

The term is ironic as well as filled with bathos, a reference to the impossibility of getting rid of the detritus of the past, no matter how desperate we are to make a clean break. Squeaky clean goals are as absurd as swearing to never let the thought of your ex ever cross your mind as you move into a new relationship. Or to wake up one fine day and give up caffeine, only to beat yourself up into a ball of misery for going cold turkey.

Instead of the false assurance of a new year, new you", Burkeman urges us to face the facts, with calmness and self-compassion. Lets face it, it is hard to shed the old you" even though the morale of entering a new year may be high for some. There will be days when all three rings of your Apple watch wont close in spite of your strict regimen. Which doesnt mean its all doom and gloom from here till eternityor that there is no merit in trying to improve our lot in life.

In his acclaimed book Four Thousand Weeks (2022), Burkeman offers a sobering antidote to the debilitating streak of perfectionism and hyper-productivity that keeps 21st-century humans spinning on a hamster wheel. As the title suggests, the aim of his book is to help the reader accept and reorient their relationship with time, an exercise that must begin with a fundamental reckoning with the ridiculous shortness of human life.

If you were to live till 80, Burkeman says, you will have roughly 4,000 weeks on earth. In the cosmic scale, thats less than the blink of an eye, over even before its barely registered. So it seems somewhat absurd to wrestle with such a terrifyingly short span of time, constantly trying to harness it with apps and tools, and always falling woefully short, in spite of our best efforts.

View Full Image Burkeman explains that by trying to do more, we actually do less since we fail to focus on what matters most.

The trouble is, as Burkeman explains, that this situation may not even be clear to our limited scale of perception. The problem isnt that we are not managing time well enough," he writes, The problem is that were trying to do too much with the time we have."

While some of his advice on overcoming this tendency to do too much may be familiar (such as replacing to-do lists with I-did ones), Burkeman is particularly sharp as well as poignant when exploring the mindset that keep us trapped in self-defeating habits.

The 21st-century malady of busyness" is a case in point. Busyness is a form of laziness," Burkeman writes, lazy thinking and indiscriminate action." If there is more than a hint of censoriousness in his tone, its because he is always Exhibit A in his bookan Everyman who is as susceptible to the follies of time management as any of his fellow humans. Throughout Four Thousand Weeks, indeed in all his books (his latest being Meditations for Mortals), Burkeman speaks with the friendly voice of an elder cousin who has been through the rough and tumble of life, and has more gentle advice to offer than confident answers to give.

The rebuke on busyness, for instance, gets to the heart of the problem with human perception of time. Unaware of the big picture (the shockingly paltry 4,000 weeks, or less, that are allotted to us), we try to pack in as much as possible into our lives, relying on zillion systems of productivity to make us demigods of efficiency. And yet, the paradox of time management is that by trying to do more, we end up doing less," Burkeman writes, because we fail to focus on the one thing that actually matters."

This elusive one thing" doesnt exist in one fixed form. For each of us, what truly matters is unique to who we are and the choices we make. Some of us want to be the best parent we can be; others want to shine as professionals. The bog standard productivity bandwagon fails to recognise these subtle calibrations in the things we desire from our short lives, instead, driving us towards quantity over quality, propelled by the fear of missing out. And so, constant busyness turns into a tool to validate our self-worth, a measure of the value of the time we spend on earth.

At the heart of Burkemans book is a critique of this tendency to evaluate everything we do today in terms of the benefits it is going to reap in the future. The ludicrousness of this approach becomes evident the moment we accept the sheer unknowability of the future and, by extension, the uncertainty that is forever inherent in the very act of planning.

From the burgeoning industry of self-help books to motivational speakers to parenting manuals, the tentacles of capitalist growth keep us wrapped in rewards, goals and targets.

If you bring up your child by following certain principles today, you are told, you are setting up the foundation for a balanced, successful adult. Burkeman counters this line of thinking by alerting us to the cost of losing touch from the tangible present, the moment we are living in, by excessively focusing on the benefits of a future that may or may not come to pass.

Not everything in life needs to be a ROI. Productivity is overrated. Embrace the imperfection. The fact that life is short is not a tragedy," as Burkeman puts it, its the reason we have to make it meaningful."

Rereadings is a monthly column on backlisted books that have much to offer in contemporary times
A new car is not a cheap purchase. However, the costs do not end there, but only begin. Car maintenance and repair will definitely become a significant line item in your family budget.

ADVERTISIMENT

And some car brands will cost you a lot. According to Finance Buzz, Consumer Reports recently conducted a survey to evaluate the effectiveness of repair and maintenance of hundreds of thousands of cars on a scale from zero to 100, where 100 is given to the most reliable brand. And here are the car brands that showed the weakest results.

Ford

Reliability score: 44

In addition to the beloved Mustang, Ford is moving away from passanger cars and focusing on SUVs and pickups. However, the survey shows that their reliability is below average.

Genesis

Reliability score: 40

According to Consumer Reports, Genesis, Hyundai's luxury brand, has not fared well in terms of reliability. In addition, drivers complain about overly complicated controls in the brand's new vehicles.

ADVERTISIMENT

Volvo

Reliability assessment: 38

The Swedish brand Volvo is well known for its safety features. However, its gasoline-powered models are a bit outdated. Drivers are not very pleased with their reliability.

Chevrolet

The reliability rating: 37

Chevrolet offers everything from SUVs and trucks to its famous Corvette. The brand also sells hybrid models. However, it, unfortunately, does not receive high marks in terms of reliability.

Tesla

Reliability score: 36

Tesla electric cars offer impressive range, performance, and access to the Supercharger network, making them a dream for many drivers. Unfortunately, touchscreens for key controls, questionable build quality, and average reliability can be drawbacks, especially for budget-conscious buyers considering a used Tesla.

Volkswagen

Reliability rating: 34

ADVERTISIMENT

Consumer Reports cites the controls that Volkswagen installs on its vehicles as a potential problem. Once considered the best on the market, they have now become a problem.

Jeep

Reliability assessment: 33

Thanks to its rugged construction, the Jeep brand has gained deep consumer loyalty. The brand's lineup includes the iconic Jeep Wrangler and SUVs such as the Cherokee and Wagoneer. However, problems with fuel-efficiency and reliability have lowered the brand's rating.

GMC

Reliability score: 33

The brand has been unfortunately described by Consumer Reports as "rebadged, slightly more upscale twins to Chevrolets SUVs and trucks." Unfortunately, the brand's models have many of the same reliability issues as Chevrolet.

Cadillac

Reliability score: 27

Cadillac is a luxury brand that is now entering the EV market with models like the Lyriq and Celestiq. However, it doesn't get the highest scores for reliability.

Rivian

Reliability score: 14

Known for its electric trucks and SUVs, the Rivian offers practical range, impressive speed, and unique features such as a spacious front trunk and Gear Tunnel on some models. However, its heavy reliance on on-screen controls and poor reliability ratings may disappoint budget-conscious owners despite the high satisfaction of current drivers.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
A convicted sex offender, who, in a truly harrowing spectacle, gifted his victim a box of bic red pens following an act of gross indecency, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison with the final six months suspended.



The man (44), who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Longford Circuit Court, where it was heard the sentence would be served consecutively to a sentence previously imposed for other sexual offences.



The man, who was in his 20s at the time of the commission of the offences, was charged with nine counts of gross indecency with a child aged between 11 and 13 years, under section 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993.

The accused was initially charged with sexual assault, but entered a guilty plea to three counts of gross indecency on an amended indictment. A nolle prosequi was entered on six other similar charges.

Also read: Working to attract investment to Longford and to make people proud



The offences took place over the course of one year and five months, from early 2005 to mid 2006, with one count of gross indecency taking place every two months at a midlands GAA ground, the court heard.



All counts on the indictment related to the same child, who was being abused over the same period of time by another man. This man was the primary abuser and has been dealt with before the courts.



Detective Garda Damien McGovern told state prosecutor Shane Geraghty BL and the court that the accused started abusing the injured party midway through the period of sexual assault he was suffering at the hands of the other man.



I dont know what age I was. There was so much abuse I cant be sure, the victim told Gardai in a statement.

Also read: Investigation into phone thefts from Longford Shopping Centre



He told Gardai that his primary abuser - the other man - was in the meeting room of the GAA grounds with the injured party and playing footage on the television.



The injured party couldnt recall whether this footage was pornography or video clips of the abuse he had been subjected to, but he told Gardai the accused had walked into the room, was not shocked by the footage, and even stayed to watch.



The incidents of gross indecency with the accused involved the injured party remaining fully clothed while he masturbated the man to ejaculation, the court heard. On one occasion, the accused gifted him a box of bic red pens, and his school teachers later gave out to him for having them.



The injured party told Gardai that the incidents were always the same - he remained fully clothed and the accused didnt touch his private parts, but had the child masturbate him to ejaculation each time.

Also read: Longford Gardai put out appeal for witnesses to collision



He did not record any of the abuse, like the childs other abuser, and he did not threaten him not to disclose the abuse to anyone. The abuse only stopped when the child stopped attending the GAA grounds.



The child disclosed the abuse to his father in 2012 and statements were taken. A search warrant was executed at the home of the accused and Gardai became aware that he had left the jurisdiction to live in the UK.



The accused later moved to New York, where he got married. He was extradited from the USA, arriving in Ireland in April 2019. At that time, he was also charged with more serious sexual offences on another child.



The man was due to stand trial at the Central Criminal Court for his abuse of that child, but entered a last minute guilty plea to sample counts on the indictment, including attempted rape, seven counts of anal rape, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault causing harm and one of harassment at various locations on dates between 2004 and 2010.

Also read: Suspended sentence for Longford woman who hid 40,000 worth of cannabis in graveyard



In 2021, a headline sentence of 13 years and six months in that case was mitigated to 10 years and six months with the final 18 months suspended.



The DPP subsequently brought the case to the Court of Appeal for undue leniency of the sentence set by the Central Criminal Court. The Court of Appeal set a headline sentence of 17 years, which was mitigated to 14 years and six months with the last 18 months suspended.



In mitigation, Mr Morgan Shelley BL, told the court that his client indicated an early guilty plea in this case, which allowed the victim the relief of knowing he wouldnt have to give evidence at trial.



The mans health has deteriorated significantly, Mr Shelley explained, with extremely bad gastro-intestinal symptoms making his life in prison exceptionally difficult. There are also concerns that the accused may have prostate or bowel cancer.



A governors report from the prison indicated that the accused has four p19s to his name, with one referring to an attempted escape while concealing a weapon.



The accused also suffers from clinical depression and PTSD as a result of being a victim of very serious sex abuse and rape at the hands of a family member as a child.



Unfortunately, it is often the case with victims of sexual abuse that this kind of behaviour is normalised and the cycle continues, said Mr Shelley.



Judge Kenneth Connolly, having heard the evidence, said that the offences were a case of truly horrible timing as the accused was simultaneously abusing another boy.



He (the accused) was also aware of the other man abusing the injured party but he did nothing about that, said Judge Connolly.



The injured party remembers being gifted a box of bic red pens, which is a truly harrowing spectacle indeed.



Aggravating factors included the serious nature of the offending, as well as the frequency and the period over which it took place. There was also a breach of trust and the abuse occurred against the background of other abuse, with the accused seeing the child as an easy target.



He left the jurisdiction and lived a completely separate life in the USA. In fact he even got married - he gave scant regard to what he left behind, said Judge Connolly.



He noted there was no victim impact statement furnished to the court with regard to the accused, as the victim could not distinguish between the effects of the abuse by the accused and the abuse inflicted by his primary abuser.



But I dont need a victim impact statement to understand the lifelong injury inflicted on somebody who has suffered sexual abuse, he said.



The penalty for gross indecency, he noted, is a maximum of two years, and he proceeded to fix a headline sentence of two years on one count on the indictment.



He noted mitigating factors, such as the plea of guilty, the deteriorating health of the accused, an apology and expression of remorse for his offending, and the fact the accused himself suffers PTSD as a result of sexual abuse inflicted on him.



But that is a double-edged sword. He should know better than anybody the injury and hurt that sexual violence has on a victim, said Judge Connolly, remarking that the accused should have more empathy.



With mitigation, he proceeded to impose a sentence of 18 months on one count of gross indecency. The other two counts to which the accused pleaded guilty were marked taken into consideration.

Also read: Award winning Longford business Pat the Baker to be acquired by London firm



That sentence is to be served consecutively to the jail time the accused is currently serving. Judge Connolly also suspended the final six months of the sentence for 18 months, with a condition that the accused engage with probation services to identify appropriate counselling services that might be available to deal with his PTSD.
One of the most distinguished figures in Irelands agri-food sector was presented with the co-operative industrys highest national honour.

Hailing the unique and vital place in our nations heart and economy Arva native Dr Sean Brady said the sector he has made an indelible impact on is defined by its resilience, innovation, and commitment to quality.

The exceptional, lifelong contribution to the Irish co-operative and agrifood sector by Dr Brady was recently recognised with the co-operative industrys highest national honour - The Plunkett Award for Co-operative Endeavour.



Named after Sir Horace Plunkett, founder of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, the award recognises outstanding lifelong contribution to the agrifood sector.

Dr Brady, who was reared on a family farm in Arva, is a distinguished and respected figure in Ireland's agri-food industry. He is recognised for his extensive leadership for decades across numerous agricultural enterprises, strategic business initiatives and national policy programmes supporting the growth, success and economic contribution of Irish agriculture.



Among his most notable achievements, Dr Brady chaired the expert committee responsible for developing 'Food Harvest 2020', the 10-year strategic vision for the growth of Ireland's agri-food and fisheries sectors. He subsequently chaired the Dairy Expansion Activation Group to deliver on the ambitions of Food Harvest 2020.

Dr Brady earned a PhD in Food Science from University College Cork and a Diploma in Applied Finance from the Irish Management Institute. He also completed the Timoney Institute Advanced Leadership Programme.

He began his career at Killeshandra Co-op, and was instrumental in the 1990 merger process with Lough Egish to form Lakeland Dairies, where he then served as General Manager, Dairy Division.



He went on to hold several key industry executive roles including Managing Director of Greencore Malt for eight years, and Irish Sugar for five years, within Greencore Group plc. He also served as CEO during key transformative periods for the Irish Dairy Board (now Ornua), Aurivo Co-op , LacPatrick Dairies and Greyhound Racing Ireland, providing key strategic direction in each role.

Dr Brady is currently chair of the Department of Agricultures Bovine TB Strategy Implementation Group.

He is a non-executive Board director of Ornua since 2020 (nominated by Lakeland Dairies), Chair of the Dairy Processing Technology Centre, a Council member of the Irish Management Institute and Chair of the Audit Committee of Kilkenny County Council.



For over a decade to 2023 he served as Chair of the Golden Jubilee Trust, the charitable trust which funds co-operative initiatives, research and innovation for the benefit of rural communities, society and the economy.

He is currently Chair of the Board of Management of Dominican College Newbridge, and has also previously served as a Director of Animal Health Ireland, the Irish National Stud and Life Credit Union.

Speaking on the award Edward Carr, President of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) said: Sean embodies the essence of visionary leadership in Irelands agri-food sector.



His exceptional ability to combine innovation with the values of co-operative enterprise has helped to drive success for multiple organisations and has also left an indelible mark on our global reputation for food excellence.

As a dynamic leader with a deep well of expertise, Sean is both a forward-thinker and a steadfast advocate for collaboration, ensuring that the initiatives he steers leave a legacy of resilience and growth. He matches these qualities with a deeply engaging personality, enthusiasm for other peoples success, and an ability to bring people with him, even in difficult times.



Whether championing sustainability through Food Harvest 2020 or guiding leading organisations in our agri-food sector, his energy, insight and tireless commitment make him a truly iconic figure in our industry.

We are therefore deeply pleased to celebrate Dr. Sean Bradys transformative lifelong achievements and contribution, and we wish him and his wife Kay continuing success and happiness in the future.

Plunkett award recipient, Dr Brady, acknowledged the award saying: I am deeply honoured to receive the Plunkett Award.

The co-operative agri-food industry in Ireland holds a unique and vital place in our nations heart and economy. It is a sector defined by its resilience, innovation, and commitment to quality - values that reflect the very character of our people.

I have been privileged to witness and contribute to its growth and transformation over the decades, and I am immensely proud of what we have all achieved together. I am deeply grateful to the many individuals and organisations I have had the privilege to work alongside.

I accept this award not just as recognition of past achievements but as a call to action and a reminder that there is still work to do.

Together, we must continue to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for a sustainable, prosperous future for our agri-food industry.

Dr Sean Brady received the award at a special presentation ceremony held in The Plunkett House in Dublin, together with his wife Kay and family.
Over the last few years the number of cultural festivals and events in the county has seen massive growth. With regional appeal these festivals are ideal for one day adventures and family friendly. So here are the top 10 family friendly events to enjoy in County Longford this year.

No. 1: Longford Lights February 20-23

The largest attended festival in the north midlands, Longford Lights has carved out a national reputation as a festival with high quality interactive art installations and performances from amazing artists and entertainers. Now in its third year the festival has expanded to four days and a larger festival site. This year the festival boasts over 40 separate exhibitions and performances with other fringe activities in Longford town. The festival is ideal for young and intergenerational families. Be sure to check out this years main spectacle event  Metamorphosis.

For more information visit www.longfordlights.ie

No. 2: Granard Book Town Festival April 11-13

Entering its third year this festival might be the new kid on the block, but it has got off to a great start. Inspired by the global booktown movement  Granard becomes a hotbed of famous writers, poets, journalists, podcasters and musicians for one jam packed weekend of readings, interviews, workshops and concerts every April. Meet your favourite authors, and get a selfie!

For more information visit www.granardbooktown festival.ie

No. 3: Maria Edgeworth Festival May Bank Holiday

From its initial beginnings almost thirty years ago this festival has grown to a nationally recognised literary event. Every year there is a different theme to celebrate the many accomplishments of the Maria Edgeworth and her father who give the lovely town its name. The weekend hosts a broad range of activities including talks, poetry, short story competitions, workshops, readings, historical trails, musical performances, nature walks and theatre performances. And a highlight every year is the 18th Century Costume Tea Party where everybody dresses up. Crumpet anyone?

For more information visit www.maria edgeworthcenter.com



No. 4: The Goldsmith Festival June Bank Holiday weekend

In honour of the famous Irish writer Oliver Goldsmith, this is one of the longest running festivals in the country, now entering its 41st year. The festival provides a unique social, cultural and literary event celebrating the life and works of Oliver Goldsmith who spent his forming years in the Ballymahon-Forgney area of south Longford. The festival includes music, theatre, lectures and a national poetry competition in the lovely relaxed setting of Ballymahon town. A treat every year is a a commissioned theatre piece performed professionally, full of wit, music and bawdy one-liners, I'm sure Goldsmith would have approved.

For more information visit www.olivergoldsmith festival.com

No. 5: Cruinniu na nOg 14 June

Ireland is the only country that celebrates childrens creativity with a national day. Every year we celebrate the National Day of Creativity for children and young people by organising lots and lots of amazing activities all over County Longford and the region. Cruinniu na nOg (The Gaelic for Gathering of Youth) is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme to support the creative potential of children and young people. All the activities run from early morning to evening and you dont have to put your hand in your pocket and it's all free. Check out libraries for details nearer the time.

For more information visit www.cruinniu. creativeirel and.gov.ie

No. 6: Sun Town June 21

Want to get in touch with your inner Celt? Experience early Irish mythology brought to life?

Well look no further than Sun Town, a new festival that has developed in Granard that celebrates the Summer Solstice and pagan sun Goddess Aine. Situated on an ancient hill beside Granards famous Motte and Bailey this lively festival gives festival goers a panoramic view from the famous mound as the sun sets.

Druids, and performers invite you to celebrate the Celtic welcoming of summer with fire, music, ritual and celebration.

Attendees are given ancient parchment paper and invited to write down their wishes for a good Summer, climb the hill and throw them on the fire.



The fun lasts all weekend with talks, performances and a parade that passes through the town on the way to light the fire.

For more information www.knightsand conquests.ie

No. 7: Camlin Keys Piano Festival Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4

The Camlin Keys Piano Festival is a boutique festival for classical music fans and is open to all young musicians who have an interest in performing and competing in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

The young participants are encouraged to perform both classical and modern repertoire and showcase their individual talents and piano and other instruments.

There are competitions and prizes but its about a whole lot more than that.



This a great experience for children and youngsters interested in making music and meeting other young musicians.

The year's festival promises to be a celebration of talent, passion, and the timeless beauty of piano music, singing and other instruments.

The closing concert in St. Johns Church is not to be missed.

For more information www.camlinkeys.ie



No 8: The Marquee in Drumlish August 8-11

Threading an unbroken line from great country music legends of the past to rising music stars of today, the Marquee in Drumlish is one of Longfords most iconic and enduring festivals. Over 18 only, the festival draws a young energetic audience hungry for foot tappin', barn stormin' music and craic. The Marquee in Drumlish is a place where memories are made.

For more information www.themarqueeindrumlish.ie

No 9: Culture Night Friday September 19

Culture Night is a national day celebrating all that makes up the richness and diversity of culture in Ireland today and Longford is no exception.

Its a night when the entire arts community come out and put on shows, exhibitions and performances for free. The programme is different every year but always contains something new and fresh.

Its best to try and plan your evening and cram in as many events as possible.

For more information www.culturenight.ie



No 10: Dead of Night Festival Fri 31st October

As the year draws to a close one of Longfords most exciting festivals takes place in Longford Town.



The Dead of Night Festival contains a two-day family fun event called Samhain Town and the Fire and Shadows Procession.

Samhain is a great event for young families and stages the scariest Haunted House you will ever visit!

The Fire and Shadows Parade supported by Longford County Council and Failte Ireland has been growing every year and provides a street spectacle to rival anything you would see in a big city.

For more information see www.longfordcoco.ie
The Kremlin has responded to US President-elect Donald Trump's statement that he is preparing to meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. It said that Russia is allegedly ready for talks "without preconditions" while recalling its unchanging demands regarding Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in the article of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Analysts are confident that no negotiations will lead to a lasting peace until Putin gives up his claims.

On January 10, the Russian dictator's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, made a statement regarding the negotiations between Russia and the United States to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. Commenting on Trump's words about organizing a meeting with Putin, Peskov said that the Russian dictator is "open" to contacts with international leaders and that "no conditions are needed for this."

At the same time, Peskov reiterated Putin's demands to Ukraine. According to him, the Kremlin maintains its "repeatedly voiced" position, which the head of the aggressor state formulated in June 2024 and reiterated during the Direct Line in December.

ADVERTISIMENT

Thus, the Kremlin demanded the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the current Ukrainian government, calling it "denazification." Putin also demands the disarmament of the Ukrainian army and a sharp and significant reduction in the number of personnel in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In addition, Moscow wants Kyiv to give up significant territories in the east and south, including those that have been de-occupied and those where the Russian occupier's boots have never set foot. These demands were interpreted by ISW as "Ukraine's full capitulation," and thus make it impossible to end the war.

"No negotiations will result in a meaningful or sustainable peace as long as Putin remains committed to these demands -- regardless of the Kremlin's "willingness" to hold talks with Western leaders," the analysts summarized.

Earlier, ISW reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces counterattacked the enemy near Berdin and Kruglenkoye in Kursk region. Russian troops also managed to achieve some minor success. However, most of their victories, which were reported by Russian propagandists, remained only in Telegram channels

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Under strict security measures in Caracas, Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third term as President of Venezuela, after an electoral process plagued by irregularities and repression of his opponents.

Despite multiple calls from international organizations and the OAS to make the electoral process transparent, the Venezuelan authorities validated Maduro's victory, which led to a wave of violent protests in the streets of Venezuela, leaving 23 people dead, several of them murdered by the army and the Venezuelan police.

Biden under fire for announcing birth of great-grandson during Los Angeles fire press conference

How much is the United States offering for Maduro's head?

In this scenario, the US State Department announced that it has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of Maduro and his interior minister, Diosdado Cabello

For the arrest of the leaders of the Venezuelan regime, the United States is offering $25 million each, and has established a new reward of $15 million for information on Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.

In 2020, the department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information on Maduro, who has been charged by the US Department of Justice with terrorism and drug trafficking.

It also imposed new travel restrictions on an undisclosed number of Maduro-aligned government officials who the US says undermined the electoral process and were complicit in the crackdown.

Who is the legitimate president of Venezuela?

Presidential candidate and opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez said he represents the will of the Venezuelan people and declared that he is the country's president-elect.

In a video recorded from the Dominican Republic and published on social networks, Gonzalez thanked Venezuela's "democratic friends" for their support, citing a new round of sanctions announced Friday by world leaders.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials disputed claims from the Boston Police Department that it refused 15 requests to detain people who faced deportation last year, saying police in fact denied nearly 200 such requests.

The people ICE sought for removal from the country had been arrested on charges including armed robbery, assault to murder and drug trafficking, the federal immigration agency claimed.

Yet Boston Police officials said they did not have the authority to continue detaining the suspects for transfer to ICE custody. A 2014 city law, which the City Council reaffirmed last month, prohibited police from enforcing civil immigration laws or asking about a persons immigration status.

In a letter to the Boston City Clerk filed this week, Police Commissioner Michael Cox said the department received 15 immigration detainer requests from ICE in 2024.

The requests are non-binding notices that ask local law enforcement to alert ICE before releasing a person the agency believes is subject to deportation, or to hold the person for an additional 48 hours, allowing time for federal agents to take the person into custody.

The requests are not criminal warrants.

The 2014 city law, known as the Trust Act, prohibited the police department from continuing to detain someone solely because of a request from ICE. And police said they lack the authority to hold someone who has posted bail or been transferred to the custody of a court.

The law did not prevent police from cooperating with ICE on criminal investigations into drugs, gangs, smuggling and other matters.

Cox said Boston Police declined to act on any of the 15 detainer requests it documented.

Proponents of the Trust Act have argued it makes Boston safer, allowing immigrants to interact with local police and assist investigations without fear of deportation.

The Boston Police Department remains committed to complying with the Boston Trust Act and to building and strengthening relationships and trust with all our communities, Cox wrote to the city clerk. Bostons immigrant communities should feel safe in reporting crime and quality of life issues to the Department and in proactively engaging with all members of the Boston Police Department.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox (left), Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (center) and Boston's Senior Advisor for Community Safety Issac Yablo (right) at a press conference on the city's homicide rates on Dec. 27, 2024. Photo by Irene RotondoIrene Rotondo

On Friday, an ICE spokesperson argued that the number of requests sent to city police in 2024 was in reality far greater than the 15 Cox described.

After a careful review, the agency identified 198 detention requests filed with the Boston Police, ICE spokesperson Yolanda Choates wrote in an email to MassLive. Police honored none of the requests, she said.

In each of the cases, ICE had probable cause to believe people arrested in Boston were removable non-citizens, Choates wrote.

They had been charged with egregious criminal activity, she said, including armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, possession of a firearm, possession of a large capacity weapon, assault to murder, distribution of fentanyl, trafficking of heroin, indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine.

Immigration Detainers do not constitute a warrant or contain information regarding criminal conduct, Mariellen Burns, the Boston Police Departments communications chief, responded Friday.

She also acknowledged that the department may have different information than federal officials on how many detainer requests ICE sent.

In January 2023, BPD asked that ICE stop sending detainer requests solely via fax to district stations, and also send them to a central email address. To date, ICE has not used the email address, Burns wrote in an email to MassLive. BPD will continue to work with local authorities to establish a better means of communication regarding civil detainer requests to comply with annual reporting requirements.

The 15 requests Boston Police said it received from ICE last year were down from 19 in 2023. But they were still higher than the 12 in 2022 and the two logged in 2021, according to city records. All of last years requests arrived via fax, Cox said.

Neither the police department nor ICE responded to requests to clarify the significant discrepancy in the number of detainer requests they each said were issued.

The back-and-forth between local police and federal immigration officials has played out just over a week before former President Donald Trump returns to the nations highest office, which he recaptured on a platform that included lofty promises of mass deportation of immigrants living in the country illegally.

His incoming border czar, Tom Homan, publicly sparred with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu in the weeks after the November election over the citys limited cooperation with ICE on non-criminal immigration matters.

On Friday, Choates also criticized Bostons refusal to hold detainees for ICE based solely on detainer requests.

Laws forcing municipal and state employees to ignore ICE requests for assistance do not protect the law-abiding community members, Choates wrote. The decision not to cooperate with ICE jeopardizes public safety and national security by thwarting ICE custody in a safe and secure environment.

Instead, she said, immigration officers were forced to track down the suspects and attempt a public apprehension.
As 2024 crept to a close, the MBTA completed a monumental year of maintenance and declared its train network free of speed restrictions for the first time in more than two decades.

With that, the T quietly stopped reporting new slow zones to the public. Its speed restrictions dashboard, which once mapped scores of such zones across the transit network, has not been updated since Dec. 22.

But that didnt mean the slow zones  areas where track conditions prevented trains from running at full pace  disappeared.

In the weeks since then, four speed restrictions popped up and were subsequently addressed and lifted, an MBTA spokesperson confirmed to MassLive. All four were on the Red Line and lasted under two days.

The MBTA has said speed restrictions are an ordinary facet of any train system and should be expected as maintenance or environmental issues arise.

The reality is slow zones crop up here and there. Things break and need to be replaced like any other piece of infrastructure, said Seth Kaplan, a software engineer and volunteer for TransitMatters, a public transportation advocacy group.

The organization was aware that the T had stopped alerting riders of speed restrictions through its public dashboard.

We noticed and were like, Are they going to kill the restrictions dashboard? Kaplan said.

There are no such plans. The MBTA plans to release a refreshed version of the platform later this month.

Maya Bingaman, a spokesperson for the T, said the agency was retooling the dashboard as we work to ensure we present information in a manner that is meaningful, keeping riders informed as they plan their commutes.

A train on the MBTA Green Line speeds away from North Station.

The MBTA first published the dashboard in March 2023, mapping areas where long-delayed repairs had caught up with the transit network and forced officials to limit train speeds. The resulting slow zones, then numbering over 220, blanketed nearly 40 miles of train tracks.

Today, the T is in a far different state.

The same month the dashboard went online, Gov. Maura Healey tapped Phillip Eng, a former top transit official in New York City and Long Island, to take over the MBTA. She called Eng the most important appointment she had made to date.

Under his leadership, the agency committed to completing the repairs it had previously kicked down the road. Engs stated goal was to lift all speed restrictions on the T by the end of 2024. He beat the mark by a week-and-a-half.

By the end of last year, every subway line was traveling as fast or faster than it was the year before. On some sections of the system, travel times were down by nearly half, according to data collected by TransitMatters.

Youve just got to tip your cap, Kaplan said. They did what they said they were going to do.

But the story is not over, he added.

Transit officials were careful to caution that speed restrictions would not become relics of the past. In a December interview with MassLive, MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan likened the train network to a highway freshly paved but still subject to normal wear and tear.

You can pave a brand new road, Coholan said. Two weeks later, you can have a pothole. You can have a dip and youve got to go out and address it.

Going forward, he said the agency hoped to avoid the extended pauses in subway service, some multiple weeks in a row, that allowed maintenance crews to speedily finish repairs in 2024.

In the year to come, the T also planned to avoid scheduling significant projects for weekdays and had planned to limit its use of shuttle buses to transport riders when trains were shut down.

Still, unplanned maintenance issues and mishaps have stalled train service and forced riders onto shuttle buses even without slow zones in effect.

In recent weeks, the T redirected riders to shuttle buses when trains or trolleys became disabled on the tracks, when a maintenance vehicle derailed in Dorchester, and for other pressing repairs.

On Friday, officials were forced to pause Orange Line service during rush hour after a train became disabled in Downtown Boston.

T officials have said they are now better prepared to keep up with repairs, rather than allowing issues to spiral and compound over time.

2025 is not going to look anything like 2024 did, Coholan maintained.
Youve probably never heard Bob Clearmountains name. But the chances are pretty good that youve heard one of the legendary rock records hes produced, mixed, or mastered.

Clearmountain, whos worked with, or had a hand in records by, such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Crowded House, The Rolling Stones, Hall & Oates, The Church, Paul McCartney, and Bryan Adams, was among the thousands of Californias homeowners who lost everything to this months savage wildfires.

But in Clearmountains case, the loss extends beyond his home to the purpose-built that was built over decades, and to his own specifications. The producer and his family could only watch through a doorbell camera as the Palisades Wildfire advanced on his community, the Los Angeles Times reported.

We could see our neighbors fence was catching fire, and our trash cans were on fire. The cameras went out at about quarter to 8, and we figured, Well, I dont know, maybe somehow its just gonna skip our house because our walls are all stucco. We didnt know anything until Wednesday, and then we heard that that all but one house on our street were gone completely, he told the newspaper.

Finally, this morning, one of our new neighbors somehow got in and took a picture of our driveway with nothing behind it, he said. Just a driveway and some ashes, Clearmountain continued.

Clearmountain and his wife said they tried to save what they could before they evacuated. But some items, such as a Bosendorfer grand piano and an SSL recording console, were simply too big to be moved on short notice, the newspaper reported.

In Los Angeles' tightly knit musical community, Clearmountains home studio was a nearly sacred site. Many other studios are also believed to be damaged or lost in the area and in Altadena, which has become a home for L.A.s indie music community, the Los Angeles Times reported.

In 2023, the record producer was paid the ultimate honor, becoming a question on Jeopardy, the television game show.

Pictures posted to social media earlier this week showed the interior of the studio, as friends asked for prayers for Clearmountain and his wife.

After the loss, those same friends and colleagues paid tribute.

"My friends Bob Clearmountain and Betty Bennett just lost their home, including the studio. A very sad time for all. Please send your prayers for everyone in LA.," one person posted.

Clearmountain, meanwhile, intends to find a way to keep the music alive.

I look at it as a challenge, the next chapter, he said. I cant really look back. I cant spend too much time being bummed out about it, he told the newspaper. Ive got to say, OK, what can I do? Im going to change the style of what I do. Im gonna do what I do, but do it differently, and hopefully itll be good, maybe better than what I was doing. Thats all I can think right now.
The command of the Russian occupation army is torturing its own soldiers who refuse to obey orders and do not want to participate in assaults on the left bank of the Kherson region. This is the case, in particular, with the 61st Separate Guards Naval Infantry Brigade.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by ATESH, a military and guerrilla movement created by Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars, in their Telegram channel. According to an agent from the 61st Separate Mechanized Brigade, the situation in the unit has deteriorated sharply.

"According to him, commanders of both officer and sergeant units began to torture all soldiers who refuse to obey suicidal orders," the report said.

In December last year, several occupants who refused to participate in a poorly organized assault on one of the Dnipro islands in Kherson region were thrown into a pit. The Russians were kept there for three days without water and food, and then sent to another assault. These invaders died, their bodies were never evacuated, and they are considered missing.

ATESH reports that Russian army commanders ar using physical violence as a tool of pressure, including threats, beatings and same pits, more and more often.

"Previously, such measures were taken only for serious offenses, but now soldiers are punished even for the slightest reason. They understand that if a commander is not happy with you, you will not last long," the guerrillas say.

As reported, there are serious ethnic conflicts reported between the occupiers in the 70th Guards Rifle Division of the Russian army, which is fighting against Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region. The confrontation is between Russians and representatives of the Caucasian peoples.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Two Massachusetts lawmakers will be missing from the audience when President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office for a second time on Jan. 20.

Democratic U.S. Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Bill Keating both plan to skip the Republicans swearing-in at the U.S Capitol, they said in separate statements this week.

Pressley, D-7th District, said in a statement that she plans to spend the the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Kings Birthday weekend in the Bay State "at community events that feed our collective soul and re-commit us to building a future rooted in love."

As we prepare to mitigate the most harmful and hateful policy decisions that will come from the Trump White House, I will be in the Massachusetts 7th to help organize and mobilize our collective power that honors Dr. Kings vision of justice and equity for everyone who calls Massachusetts and America home, she said, according to WBUR-FM.

Keating, D-9th District, told the station that his decision to not attend the inauguration is out of respect for the men and women of the Capitol Police who were attacked at the very site of the inauguration itself while protecting Members of Congress and the peaceful transfer of power on Jan. 6, 2021.

Keating said he respects the election results, but coming from "a family of police officers" and his past tenure as a district attorney both impacted his decision, WBUR reported.

Other Massachusetts lawmakers who plan attend the inauguration include U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, and U.S. Reps. Reps. Katherine Clark, Lori Trahan, Jim McGovern, Seth Moulton, Richard Neal, Jake Auchincloss and Stephen Lynch, the station reported.
As of early this week, Red Sox star third baseman Rafael Devers was listed as a participant in the teams first-ever Fenway Fest, which will be held Saturday at the ballpark. It turns out Devers wont be attending after all.

Devers wont be in attendance due to a last-minute scheduling conflict, a team spokesperson said Friday, and hes not alone. New starter Walker Buehler was also taken off the list of expected attendees late, as were right-handers Kutter Crawford and Justin Slaten.

Devers, who signed a 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension  the largest deal in Red Sox history  in January 2023, missed last years premier offseason event  called Winter Weekend before being rebranded this winter  last year as well. Privately, team officials have expressed a desire to push Devers to do more front-facing outreach when it comes to things like fan interaction, promotional appearances and marketing opportunities in an effort to brand him as the face of the franchise. The mild-mannered Devers has never viewed doing so as a priority.

Top prospect Marcelo Mayer, originally listed as an attendee, is no longer on the list but the Red Sox announced him as a participant in the Rookie Development Program next week. Team legends Fred Lynn, Pedro Martinez and Bob Montgomery arent attending now, either. Lynn tweeted Friday that he would not be able to attend due to repeated flight cancellations near home in California.

Bad weather in some southern states, as well as the ongoing tragic wildfires in southern California, are likely to blame for some late changes in travel plans. Still, the Red Sox list a group of 22 players headlined by Triston Casas, Garrett Crochet, Lucas Giolito, Tanner Houck, Trevor Story, Garrett Whitlock, Connor Wong and Masataka Yoshida as attendees. Top prospects Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell are expected to be there, as are legends Dennis Eckersley, Dwight Evans, Carlton Fisk, David Ortiz and Jim Rice.

Saturdays Fenway Fest includes events all over the ballpark and MGM Music Hall, including some panel discussions in the event space. The organization is expected to announce their 2025 broadcast teams and tease the upcoming Netflix documentary, The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox.

Tickets are $85 for adults and $35 for children ages 3-14. According to the team, a Fenway Fest ticket includes a voucher for a 2025 Red Sox game in April or May. Details regarding redemption of both autograph & photo sessions as well as game tickets will be communicated to Fenway Fest event buyers at a later date.
The storm that wasnt is expected to bring some light snow to Massachusetts on Saturday, and it could start while people sleep in.

The Bay State is on track to avoid a low-pressure system that could have brought several inches of snow this weekend. However, a column could produce one or two flurries after midnight on Saturday, as clouds gather, according to the National Weather Service.

Light snow is then expected to start falling from west to east in the 4 to 7 a.m. timeframe, forecasters said. Theres not likely to be any chance for a winter wonderland, with snowfall totals likely being below 1 inch, with highs between 1 and 2 inches in Pittsfield and Lawrence.

Eastern and southeastern Massachusetts going into Rhode Island could see snow showers carry on into the afternoon, forecasters said.

Winds should be minimal in contrast to high winds this week, with Saturday likely seeing winds between 5 and 10 mph, only to increase in the evening between 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph.

Temperatures should be cooler than on Friday, with highs in the upper 20s and low 30s, forecasters said. Worcester should see a high of 30 degrees, while Boston and Springfield should reach highs of 32 degrees. On the Cape, Hyannis and Nantucket should be slightly warmer at 34 and 35 degrees, respectively.

Clouds should clear up by the evening, with any remaining snow leaving with the clouds, forecasters said. Overnight lows should drop to the low 20s and upper teens.

These dry conditions should continue through Tuesday, forecasters said. During this period, temperatures should approach seasonal before another bought of light snowfall between Tuesday and Wednesday is followed by below-normal temperatures and a return of gusty winds.

"Seeing signs of a warmup late next week, so the colder conditions should not stick around as long as this week," forecasters said.
An energy healer, who was found guilty at Longford Circuit Court of sexually assaulting one of his clients, and continues to victim-blame despite the guilty verdict, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

David Reilly (50), with a current address of Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, Co Laois, was found guilty of one count of sexual assault and one count of offensive conduct of a sexual nature following a lengthy jury trial in July.

Over the course of three days, he appeared before Longford Circuit Court for the purpose of a sentence hearing, with sentence being passed on the final day of the November sitting.

Detective Garda John Gormally gave evidence of how, in August 2021, the injured party had attended an energy healing session with Mr Reilly, which she said had helped her symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), more commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

She attended another session, accompanied by her daughter, where she said Mr Reilly leant down to whisper in her ear and asked if shed ever been taken advantage of in the past. When the woman confirmed that she had been, Mr Reilly told her that she had some sexual blockages and would need to come back alone.

The woman booked a third appointment and attended Energy Healing Ireland on September 2, 2021, on her own. When giving evidence back in July, she said that, on that occasion, Mr Reilly got her to stare into his eyes and breathe downwards, while repeating the words happiness and oh my god in her head.

Mr Reilly made her touch him on his bottom and upper thighs, she said. She could feel that he had an erection and his hands were below her belly button, going lower towards her pubic bone. She said Mr Reilly was trying to get her to move her hands upwards and said she felt dizzy and intimidated and sick.

When other clients came in the front door, she said Mr Reilly moved her to the sofa and continued to rub her lower stomach, telling her she still had five blockages.

She said he later brought her into a darker, back room and pulled her arms behind her back. She said the ordeal ended because the receptionist waved through the glass on the door once or twice to gesture that other clients were waiting.

In a victim impact statement read out by Det. Gda Gormally in court, the woman said she has been kept awake late into the night on countless occasions, reliving not only the sexual assault, but also the trial.

I had to listen to David Reilly and his associates make up the most shocking and horrific lies about me after swearing on the bible that they were speaking the truth, she said.

"I had to sit there day after day knowing I was being judged by a courtroom full of people and listen in horror to the endless stream of the most outlandish allegations against me.

She said she had lost sleep before and during the trial due to stress, anxiety, anger, embarrassment and complete horror at the things that I had to listen to every day in court.

David Reilly's actions retraumatised me in terms of abuse that I suffered as a child which I had already dealt with long ago and left in the past, she said.

The fact that David Reilly asked me if I was taken advantage of in my past, then used that information as a green light to sexually assault me is something I have found incredibly upsetting and disturbing.

After the assault, the injured party felt extremely anxious, shocked, distressed, violated, tearful, hopeless, angry, which only added to the despair that I already felt from being so unwell to begin with.

Barrister for Mr Reilly, Gerard Groarke BL, submitted a 100-page booklet including almost 80 testimonials, a letter from Mr Reilly himself, and a letter from his partner indicating how difficult it has been for her and their 18-month-old son while he has been in custody.

Of the near 80 character references individually verified by Det. Gda Gormally, twelve of those were read out in court by their authors. Despite those submissions, Judge Kenneth Connolly expressed his concern for the victim of the assault.

He said that, although it was good to see people supporting someone convicted of such serious offences, he was surprised at the volume of testimonials provided in favour of Mr Reillys character, stating that normally one or two would suffice and, should the sentence imposed be appealed, the Court of Appeal will not overturn it on the basis that Mr Reilly is a nice guy.

Im also aware that there is a possibility of re-traumatisation of the injured party. Some of the testimonials referred to allegations against Mr Reilly and Id like to point out that weve passed the point of allegations and now were at a stage where he has been convicted, said Judge Connolly.

I know the people in court today mean well. Nonetheless, it would have been very nice and appropriate to hear one word of remorse or sympathy towards the victim, he said, referring in particular to a psychotherapist who had given a character reference but not acknowledged the trauma that the victim had suffered, despite her line of work.

Turning to sentence, he said that the trial was very difficult for everyone involved - most especially the victim.

She presented her case before a jury of all of our peers over the course of eight days. They came back with a unanimous verdict of guilty, he said.

That means she was a victim of sexual assault at the hands of Mr Reilly and of offensive conduct of a sexual nature. A victim. Not a person who made an allegation. A victim. And it had to be very difficult for her to sit here today and listen to glowing testimonials knowing not one of these people believed her. I want to offer the courts apologies that shes had to sit through this again.

Referencing a remark made by Mr Groarke regarding his previous comments that the evidence in the trial brought him back to the Victorian era and that the defence was farcical at times, he said he will not resile from those comments.

I did comment and I did use the word farcical and I do stand over that, he said, adding that he had watched the victim literally squirm in her seat when it was put to her that she had flirted with Mr Reilly and his receptionist.

He went on to reaffirm that he did find the defence, at times farcical and Victorian era-esque, particularly when Mr Reillys receptionist, Paul Galvin told the court that the injured party was flirting with him by flicking her hair, crossing her legs, and that she, on one visit, wore a skirt with a slit in it, which showed her leg.

I ask myself, even if this happened, if any person wears a skirt with a slit down the side of it so what? It is irrelevant, he stressed.

A probation report furnished to the court noted that Mr Reilly had claimed no one wants to listen to him and that he believes the allegations were of a malicious nature. He showed no remorse or empathy and, while he was assessed at low risk of reoffending, he continued his denial of the offence and continued victim-blaming.

Judge Connolly proceeded to impose a two year and three month sentence with the final nine months suspended, meaning Mr Reilly will serve 18 months, backdated to July 31 when he first went into custody.
Tech giant Elon Musk has slammed Ireland following a claim on his X social media platform that illegal immigrants get shorter sentences.

Musk reposted a post from an Irish user and said: "Irish citizens get longer sentences than illegal immigrants. Thats messed up."

The post in question contained screenshots of parts of two articles from 2001 and 2003 which described a case in which an Algerian man was sentenced to 10 years with 18 months suspended for the rape of one woman and the rape and kidnapping of another woman.

The screenshots were posted alongside a tweet which said: "For over 20 years, Muslim illegal immigrants have been handed lesser sentences for raping women in Ireland.

READ MORE: Gardai stand down search for 15-year-old girl missing since before New Year's amid update

"Sid Ahmed Benflici assaulted an Irish woman in October 1999 and spent just 3 months in prison. On April 16th, 2000, he kidnapped and raped an Irish woman. Just 2 days later, on the 18th, he raped another Irish woman. He was given 3 months for assaulting the first woman. He was given 6 years for the first rape, and the judge said if he was Irish, he would have been sentenced to 10 years.

"For the second rape, he was sentenced to 10 years, but the judge suspended 18 months, so the sentence was 8.5 years. Ireland is a broken country."

It was posted by an Irish individual whose bio reads: "Irish. Banned by Twitter regime. Restored by Elon and X." followed by a cover photo sporting the hashtag "IrelandBelongsToTheIrish".

The claim made in the post that Irish people serve longer sentences than migrants who are in the country illegally cannot be verified.

According to an article from 2017 which was published by the Irish Examiner, an Irish man by the name of Michael Murray was jailed for the rape and sexual assault of a woman and had his 15-year prison sentence increased to 19 years as a result of an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He had abducted the womans child in the same incident which saw charges brought against him of attempted rape, oral rape, and aggravated sexual assault, child abduction, threats to kill or cause serious harm, false imprisonment, and theft, at a Dublin apartment on February 12 and 13, 2010.

More recently, in July 2024, Jonathon Moran was sentenced to 9 years in prison for the rape Blathnaid Raleigh in July 2019.

In 2002, the Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland Report (SAVI) highlighted that just one in ten victims of sexual crime in Ireland will report their assaults.

Of that one in ten, just 7% will secure a conviction meaning that out of 100 victims of sexual crime only 10 report that crime and less than 1% or barely one victim from that 100 will see their attacker pay for their crimes.
In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, on January 10, local residents again protested against the pro-Russian policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who traveled to Moscow to see dictator Putin in late December. About 15,000 people took to the streets.

ADVERTISIMENT

The anti-government rally in Bratislava was organized by activists of the Peace to Ukraine movement under the slogan "Slovakia is Europe, enough of Russia!". This was reported by aktuality.sk.

The protesters held placards with the words "Fico is a collaborator and Russian agent" and chanted slogans expressing dissatisfaction with the head of the Slovak government, in particular his "friendship" with the Russian dictator. The opposition Democrats party also joined the protests.

ADVERTISIMENT

Similar rallies were held in several other cities in Slovakia, including Kosice, Banska Bystrica, Zilina Poprad, etc. In Prague, people also came to the Slovak Embassy to show support for the Slovak people.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the Slovak capital, where, according to preliminary data, about 15,000 people gathered, protesters chanted: "Slovakia is Europe," "Fico is enough," "We will not be silent," and "Our strength is in unity."

It should be reminded that after Fico left for the Kremlin on December 22, rallies were already held in Bratislava. The rally, titled "Enough of Russia," was organized by the public association Peace to Ukraine and held in front of the government building. The protest was attended by former prime ministers Igor Matovic and Eduard Heger, opposition leaders, as well as artists and Ukrainian refugees.

On January 3, another rally was held in Bratislava against Robert Fico and his trips to Moscow to see Russian dictator Putin. About four thousand people attended the rally. People held posters with the slogans "Slovakia, beware, the occupation has begun" and "Fico, go to Moscow, leave Slovakia alone."

As reported by OBOZ.UA, in Slovakia, opposition politicians criticized Fico for his trip to Putin. The Prime Minister was told that negotiations on gas transit should have been conducted with Ukraine, not Russia. The visit to the Kremlin was called a betrayal of national interests.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 10, 2025

A law that could result in a ban on TikTok is unconstitutional because it was driven by concerns about propaganda, attorneys for the company and a group of users argued Friday to the Supreme Court.

The government has no valid interest in preventing foreign propaganda, TikTok lawyer Noel Francisco said Friday morning in the course of an argument that lasted two-and-a-half hours.

"The government's real target, rather, is the speech itself, its fear that Americans, even if fully informed, could be persuaded by Chinese misinformation," Francisco added. "That, however, is a decision that the First Amendment leaves to the people."

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who defended the law, countered that it was a valid national security measure that aimed to surgically remove the ability of a foreign adversary nation to get our data.

advertisement advertisement

The arguments came in a challenge brought by TikTok and content creators to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (H.R. 7521), which was signed into law last year and will prohibit app stores and websites from distributing TikTok unless it separates from China-based parent company ByteDance by January 19.

Congress expressed two reasons for passing the bill -- one was that the Chinese government may be able to access data about TikTok's users, and the second was that China could use the app to influence public opinion.

TikTok and content creators sued last year to invalidate the measure, arguing that shutting down a communications platform used by an estimated 170 million Americans violates TikTok's free speech rights as well as the rights of its users.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected that argument late last year, ruling that the law was justified by national security concerns -- including the risk that the Chinese government could covertly manipulate content.

Francisco as well as counsel for the users, Jeffrey Fisher, argued Friday that attempting to outlaw propaganda -- or covert content manipulation -- violates the First Amendment. The First Amendment typically prohibits the government from attempting to suppress speech based on the ideas expressed.

Congress's impermissible motive of preventing propaganda taints the whole act, Fisher argued.

That argument appeared to gain traction with some of the justices -- though not necessarily most of them.

Justice Neil Gorsuch suggested that justifying the law based on concerns about propaganda was paternalistic.

Dont we normally assume that the best remedy for problematic speech is counter-speech? he asked Prelogar.

He also questioned whether concerns about covert content manipulation could be addressed by requiring disclaimers.

Justice Elena Kagan also appeared to question why the covertness of TikTok's algorithm was of particular concern when other social media platforms use algorithms that aren't clear to users.

They're all black boxes, Kagan told Prelogar.

Prelogar mainly focused on Congress's concerns about data harvesting, pointing out that ByteDance had already drawn on information collected from TikTok to track two American journalists.

None of the justices explicitly said how they planned to rule, but Chief John Roberts appeared likely to side against TikTok, repeatedly characterizing the law as a statute that merely affected the company's corporate structure.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh appeared particularly receptive to lawmakers' expressed fears about data harvesting.

I think Congress and the President were concerned that China was accessing information about millions of Americans, tens of millions of Americans, including teenagers, people in their 20s, that they would use that information over time to develop spies, to turn people, to blackmail people, people who, a generation from now, will be working in the FBI or the CIA or in the State Department," Kavanaugh said in an exchange with Francisco.

"Is that not a realistic assessment by Congress and the President of the risks here? Kavanaugh asked.

Francisco replied that this concern could be addressed with a law that would prohibit TikTok from sharing sensitive user data with any other entity, including ByteDance.

Several justices questioned counsel for both sides about TikTok's fate if the law went into effect.

Francisco said the app could "go dark" on January 19 unless the statute was stayed, reiterating TikTok's argument that divestiture isn't feasible.

But Prelogar expressed skepticism, telling the court that the company may be playing chicken, and would in fact arrange a sell-off if the law takes effect.

She added that even if TikTok shuts down on January 19, the app could reappear in the U.S. if ByteDance divests at a later date.

Outside advocacy organizations, lawmakers and others -- including President-elect Donald Trump -- have weighed in with the Supreme Court over the law.

Free Press and other digital rights groups have argued the statute should be struck down.

The oral argument at the Supreme Court underscored the fact that the TikTok ban is ultimately about the content and viewpoints expressed on the app, Free Press policy counsel Yanni Chen stated after Friday's argument.

Chen added that a less censorial approach to concerns about data harvesting would be to pass privacy legislation.

Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok, argued late last year that the Supreme Court should temporarily delay the law in order to give him time to negotiate a deal that will allow the app to remain in the country.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 10, 2025

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton this week accused TikTok of lying to parents about the mature and extreme content on its highly addictive app.

While TikTok has established itself as one of the most popular apps in Texas, it has utterly disregarded the health and safety of Texas minors in the process, Paxton alleged in a complaint filed Thursday in Galveston County.

TikTok is rife with profanity, sexual content, violence, mature themes, and drug and alcohol content, he added.

The complaint -- Paxton's second recent lawsuit against TikTok -- comes as the company faces a possible nationwide ban on January 19.

advertisement advertisement

Paxton claims that TikTok violated a state consumer protection law by touting its app as appropriate for teens.

TikTok represents that the categories of inappropriate content on its platform, including drugs, nudity, alcohol, and profanity, are all 'infrequent' and 'mild,' Paxton writes, adding that his office's investigation has proven these claims to be misleading, deceptive, and false.

He also alleges that TikTok failed to disclose efforts to intentionally addict minors.

It has pursued innovative design features that keep young eyes glued to the screen, Paxton alleges. Many Texas minors are now addicted to TikTok, to the detriment of their well-being, development, and mental and physical health.

Attorneys general in 13 other states and the District of Columbia raised similar claims in lawsuits brought against TikTok last October.

Paxton separately sued TikTok in October for allegedly violating a new state law by sharing teens' personal data without first obtaining verifiable parental consent.

TikTok shares "personal identifying information" of minors under 18 with "business partners, including advertisers, and search engines and also with other app users, Paxton alleged in that complaint.
by Teresa Buyikian , January 10, 2025

Krispy Kreme kicked off 2025 with an executive shuffle, announcing several changes to its global leadership team.

Nicola Steele, currently serving as president of Krispy Kreme Australia & New Zealand, will rise to the position of global COO, effective Mar. 3. Steele has been with Krispy Kreme over 15 years since joining the company while at university. In her new role she will head global operations, including modernizing doughnut production and maximizing hub-and-spoke efficiency, per the announcement.

Dave Skena, previously Krispy Kremes executive vice president, global brand officer, has been promoted to chief growth officer. In the new role he will head retail shop omn-channel growth and digital sales channels worldwide, in addition to managing global marketing efforts. Skena has been with Krispy Kreme since 2018, previously serving as CMO at Ruby Tuesday from 2015 through 2018.

advertisement advertisement

Raphael Duvivier has been named president of international after working as the chains chief development officer since 2023. He heads both international and market development segments including in Europe and Latin America.

Alison Holder has been named global chief product officer, responsible for new product development as well as sourcing and quality. She most recently served as the chains vice president, innovation and insights and has been at the company more than 25 years.

These leaders all have extensive company experience, commitment to operational excellence and passion for our doughnuts and brand, said Josh Charlesworth, Krispy Kreme CEO. As we grow, these leadership changes will result in both a bigger and better Krispy Kreme.

All executives will report to Charlesworth. In Nov. 2024 the chain reported a net revenue of $379.9 million, with organic revenue growing 3.5% YOY to $376.4 million from its over 15,500 points of access (including both stand-alone stores and third-party sellers).
Exploring how AI can assist in understanding, diagnosing, and managing long COVID symptoms, improving patient care, and advancing treatment options.

  Trusted Source

A latent transfer learning method for estimating hospital-specific post-acute healthcare demands following SARS-CoV-2 infection



Go to source Trusted Source



Looking beyond #pandemics, could #AI help hospitals tackle everyday healthcare challenges? A new AI system shows promise in managing common conditions. #longCOVID

Machine Learning Reveals Long-COVID Patient Clusters

Advertisement

Advertisement

A latent transfer learning method for estimating hospital-specific post-acute healthcare demands following SARS-CoV-2 infection - (https://www.cell.com/patterns/fulltext/S2666-3899(24)00238-1)

Hospitals across the U.S. vary in equipment, staffing, capabilities, and patient populations. While profiles for common conditions may seem universal, individual nuances require attention due to differing patient needs and hospital situations ().New research suggests that artificial intelligence could enhance overall care by analyzing data from various hospitals to create more accurate patient groups, reflecting local populations. AI can help identify specific care needs, such as the required departments and care teams. Led by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the study, published inexamined electronic health records of long-COVID patients. It identified four distinct sub-populationssuch as those with asthma or mental health conditionsand their specific needs.Existing studies pool data from multiple hospitals but fail to consider differences in patient populations, and that limits the ability to apply findings to local decision-making, said Yong Chen, PhD, a professor of Biostatistics and the senior author of the study. Our work moves toward providing actionable insights that can be tailored to individual institutions and can further the goal of offering more adaptive, personalized care.The study team used a machine learning artificial intelligence technique called latent transfer learning, to examine de-identified data on long-COVID patients pulled from eight different pediatric hospitals. Through this, they were able to call out four sub-populations of patients who had pre-existing health conditions. These four included:Mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorderAtopic/allergic chronic conditions, such as asthma or allergiesNon-complex chronic conditions, like vision issues or insomniaComplex chronic conditions, including those with heart or neuromuscular disordersWith those sub-populations identified, the system was also able to track what care patients required across the hospital, pointing toward updated profiles that would allow hospitals to better address increases in different patient types.Without identifying these distinct subpopulations, clinicians and hospitals would likely provide a one-size-fits-all approach to follow-up care and treatment, said the studys lead author, Qiong Wu, PhD, a former post-doctoral researcher in Chens lab who now is an assistant professor of biostatistics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. While this unified approach might work for some patients, it may be insufficient for high-risk subgroups that require more specialized care. For example, our study found that patients with complex chronic conditions experience the most significant increases in inpatient and emergency visits.The latent transfer learning system directly pulled out the effects these populations had on hospitals, pointing to exactly where resources should be allocated.If the machine learning system had been in place around March 2020, Wu believes that it might have provided some key insight to mitigate some of the effects of the pandemic, including focusing resources and care on the groups most likely in need.This would have allowed each hospital to better anticipate needs for ICU beds, ventilators, or specialized staffhelping to balance resources between COVID-19 care and other essential services, Wu said. Furthermore, in the early stages of the pandemic, collaborative learning across hospitals would have been particularly valuable, addressing data scarcity issues while tailoring insights to each hospitals unique needs.Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma often exhibit significant variation across hospitals because of the differences in available resources, patient demographics, and regional health burdens, Wu said.The researchers believe the system they developed could be implemented at many hospitals and health systems, only requiring relatively straightforward data-sharing infrastructure, according to Wu. Even hospitals not able to actively incorporate machine learning could benefit, , through shared information.By utilizing the shared findings from network hospitals, it would allow them to gain valuable insights, Wu said.Source-Eurekalert
Alcohol causes cancer. Yet, unlike tobacco, alcohol bottles carry no cancer warning labels. Its time for a change.

  Trusted Source

Why the U.S. Surgeon General Is Pushing for Cancer Warning Labels on Alcohol



Go to source Trusted Source



Why do cigarettes carry cancer warnings, but alcohol doesnt? Both are carcinogens. New efforts by health leaders may finally bring warning labels to beer, wine, and spirits. Lets support this life-saving change! #publichealth #cancerawareness #medindia

Breast cancer, where at least 16% of cases are linked to alcohol consumption.

Mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and rectum cancers.

Acetaldehyde Formation: When metabolized, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that damages DNA and increases cancer risk. Oxidative Stress: Alcohol induces oxidative stress, leading to an imbalance in harmful molecules that damage cells, proteins, and DNA while increasing inflammation. Hormonal Changes: Alcohol consumption raises hormone levels, such as estrogen, associated with breast cancer. Cellular Alterations: Alcohol affects cells in the mouth and throat, making them more susceptible to carcinogens.

Advertisement

Track Your Intake and Triggers: Begin by monitoring how much alcohol you drink each week and identify the reasons behind your drinkingwhether its to relax, socialize, or unwind. Find Alternatives: Replace drinking with other activities like taking a walk, engaging in hobbies, or spending time with friends in non-alcohol-focused settings. Set Limits and Seek Support: Enlist a friend or family member as a support buddy and share your goals. Prepare responses for social situations to explain your choice to cut back or abstain. Professional Help: Contact therapists or join support programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or online alternatives.

Advertisement

Why the U.S. Surgeon General Is Pushing for Cancer Warning Labels on Alcohol - (https:www.verywellhealth.com/alcohol-cancer-warning-report-8771149)

In a significant public health move, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, recently issued an advisory emphasizing the need for adding cancer warning labels to alcoholic beverages.This follows a growing body of evidence linking alcohol consumption to various forms of cancer. The report marks a critical step toward reshaping public perceptions of alcohols health hazards and increasing awareness about the risks().A Growing Cancer Risk According to Murthys report, alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, surpassed only by tobacco use and obesity. 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, Murthy stated.He highlighted that these cancer-related fatalities outnumber the 13,500 annual alcohol-associated traffic deaths, yet many Americans remain unaware of alcohols carcinogenic potential.William L. Dahut, MD, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society, echoed this concern, emphasizing the need for public education. People must be made aware of the potential impact of alcohol consumption and are met with recommendations on how to reduce their risk, Dahut said.The Link Between Alcohol and Cancer Murthys advisory identifies wine, beer, and liquor as contributors to seven types of cancer, including:The biological mechanisms that connect alcohol consumption to cancer are multifaceted:Beyond Cancer: Additional Health Concerns The harms of alcohol extend beyond cancer. Heavy or binge drinking is linked to liver disease, cardiovascular issues, mental health problems, and an increased risk of injuries. Research that once suggested moderate alcohol might benefit heart health is now being challenged.Bonnie Qin, PhD, assistant professor of Cancer Epidemiology and Health Outcomes at Rutgers Cancer Institute, pointed to emerging data that suggest even moderate drinking carries risks.A study presented at the American College of Cardiology conference found that more than one drink per day increases heart disease risk in women, Qin noted. Current guidelines from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism define moderate drinking as up to two drinks daily for men and one for women.Strategies to Cut Back on Alcohol For individuals seeking to reduce their alcohol consumption, Tracey Crane, PhD, RDN, co-lead of the Cancer Control Research Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, offers practical advice:Advocates for clearer labeling of alcoholic beverages argue that current alcohol warnings are outdated. Unlike tobacco products, which carry explicit cancer warnings, alcohol containers only warn about general health effects, pregnancy risks, and impaired driving.Health experts believe that cancer-specific labels could reshape public attitudes and consumption patterns. Informative labeling has proven successful in other domains, and applying this strategy to alcohol could lead to more informed choices.Source-Medindia
I think Im a good guy. I always try to do the right thing. Thats how Denzel Washington defines himself. The actor, born in Mount Vernon, New York, recently celebrated his 70th birthday. With more than five decades of experience, he stands as one of the finest actors of his generation. As the decade shifts, Washington is embracing new challenges, aiming to further extend his legacy not only in cinema but also on Broadway, where he is set to premiere his fifth play.

Washington has made headlines again for his role in Gladiator II, the sequel to the 2000 film, starring Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal. His involvement in the films intense promotion has given the public a deeper glimpse into the man behind the roles he plays, offering new insights into his personal life.

In a candid report published by Esquire magazine in November, Washington opened up about his past struggles with alcohol. Wine was my thing, and now I was popping $4,000 bottles just because thats what was left, he confessed, while revealing that he has been sober for 10 years, a decision he made when he turned 60. Ive done a lot of damage to the body, he admitted, but now hes committed to a healthier lifestyle. This is the last chapter  if I get another 30, what do I want to do? My mother made it to ninety-seven. Im doing the best I can.

He credits much of his success to his mother, Lennis Washington. The now award-winning actor grew up in Mount Vernon, a suburb of New York, where he often found himself in the wrong crowd. It was his mother who took a decisive step to change his path: she sent him to a strict military academy to distance him from the neighborhood friends who were a bad influence.

I had tested well in school, but I had one foot in the streets. I cant remember if I was already selling drugs at that point, he recalled in Esquire. During the summer months, he worked at the ice cream parlor his mother ran, which allowed him to earn money without resorting to illegal activities, a temptation he was already beginning to flirt with.

It was at this military academy that he discovered a passion that would eventually lead to him being named the best actor of the 21st century by The New York Times. There, he took his first acting and theater classes. His big break came with St. Elsewhere (1982-1988), the only television series hes ever starred in during his long career. His role as one of the most beloved doctors on the small screen was enough to open the doors of Hollywood.

Denzel Washington in a scene from the film 'Gladiator II.' Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection / Cordon Press

In his five decades of work, Washington has skillfully balanced action roles with those that have earned him major award nominations. He has avoided being pigeonholed, evolving toward projects that not only increased his earnings but also confirmed his versatility as an actor. Awarded two Oscars  Best Supporting Actor for Glory (1989) and Best Actor for Training Day (2001)  Washington believes theres no difference between student productions and $250 million films.

Theres no difference. Youre still on set. Youre still just acting, he told The Times. His recent role in Gladiator II has once again positioned him as a potential nominee for Best Supporting Actor, which could mark his 10th Oscar nomination. The announcement on January 17 will reveal whether he is nominated for his third statuette, this time for his role as Macrinus in his latest movie.

His work speaks for itself, and critics stand behind him, but Washington has kept a humble profile for decades. He doesnt boast about his fame and has stayed grounded. Indeed, Washington has admitted he doesnt watch his own movies. I havent watched any film from my past from start to finish, not even Malcolm X. All you see is what you did wrong. Also why would you do it anyway? he told The Times.

While its said that all of Washingtons movies are hits, he doesnt share that view. After Malcolm X I made some real clunkers. Look them up  I wont say their names. They are all in the 1990s. But I was earning. I had responsibilities, he shared.

Washington explains that during the 1990s, his sole objective was on earning money to support a large family. If your life is 90 years long, up until 30 you learn and from 30 to 60 you earn. So in that era I was earning. With a great agent, my career built into making money, he reflects.

Regardless of whether the films were good or bad, they helped him become one of the highest-paid actors in the world, with a net worth exceeding $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Denzel Washington with Halle Berry at the Oscars on March 24, 2002. Frederick M. Brown (Getty Images)

He has never been confined to one type of character and continues to seek roles that challenge him. However, he adheres to a personal rule in every performance: he avoids intimate scenes or those involving little clothing. He values his privacy, a principle he has made clear by steering clear from social media. Preferring to keep a low profile, he wants to be recognized solely for his work.

Recently, as his name has made headlines in relation to his personal life, he made a surprising decision. On Saturday, December 21, just one week before turning 70, he chose to be baptized in a ceremony streamed live on Facebook. It took a while, but Im here, he said during the mass, where he was surrounded by his family.

Washington met the love of his life during his first acting job. Pauletta Pearson  now Pauletta Washington  had a small role in Wilma (1977), but their romance didnt begin on set. It was a mutual friend who reintroduced them later, and their relationship blossomed from there. They married in 1983, after Washington proposed to her three times. Together, they have four children: John David, 40, Katia, 37, Malcolm, 33, and Olivia, 33, all of whom have also pursued careers in the industry. The most well-known of them is John David Washington, who starred in Tenet (2020).

I told them they have to get on the stage because thats where you learn to act. You dont learn to act on TV. You dont learn to act in movies. You learn to act on stage, says Washington

A close friend of Will Smith, Washington became an involuntary protagonist of one of the most talked-about moments of 2022: Smith slapping Chris Rock during that years Oscars ceremony. The incident quickly went viral, thrusting the Pursuit of Happyness actor into the center of controversy. Washington was one of the first to approach Smith, offering some wise advice that also made headlines: At your highest moment be careful, thats when the devil comes for you.

Some time after the incident, Washington reflected on how he supported Smith. We said some prayers. I dont want to say what we talked about, he told bishop T.D. Jakes leadership summit, according to Variety. I dont know all the ins and outs of the situation, but I know the only solution was prayer, the way I see it.

Denzel Washington with his family, Katia, Pauletta, Malcolm and John David, on November 19, 2024. Steve Granitz (FilmMagic)

This year is shaping up to be a promising one for Washington. Next February, he will star in William Shakespeares tragedy Othello on Broadway, alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. In this way, Washington is returning to his roots, having first played the role of Othello at the age of 22. With weeks still to go until opening night, nearly all performances have already sold out, even with ticket prices reaching up to $1,000.

Washington is clear about his goals for the coming years. Focused on supporting his family, he intends to remain the talk of the town through his work until the time comes to officially say goodbye. That moment may not be far off, as he admitted in an August interview with Empire: There are very few films left for me to make that Im interested in.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
The Pentagon said Friday that two military C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with a firefighting system are now flying over Los Angeles and helping with efforts to put out the massive fires that have devastated the area.

The update comes two days after Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters that 10 Navy helicopters equipped with water delivery buckets would be deployed to the fire while several firefighting C-130s were being readied and standing by.

Speaking to reporters Friday, Singh stressed that the size and scope of the Pentagon's response to what has already become California's costliest wildfire was entirely up to the state and other federal agencies and not the Defense Department.

Read Next: Trading Dip for Zyn? Nearly One-Quarter of Soldiers at Fort Liberty Are Using Nicotine Pouches

Los Angeles has been beset by some of the worst fires in the city's history for several days, and the situation has only been made worse by intense seasonal winds. The inferno has killed at least 10 people -- a number that's expected to rise -- and destroyed thousands of structures and triggered evacuation orders for 180,000 people, according to The Associated Press.

"It's important to note here that the department is not the lead for these efforts," Singh said. "We are standing by to support ... as California requests, but we absolutely cannot just surge assets into an area without a plan."

Both Singh and Navy officials said that the helicopters are now functionally ready to go -- though Singh noted they did have to be certified by California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CALFIRE, first.

Several Navy helicopters were spotted by a photographer practicing using firefighting buckets in San Diego harbor on Thursday.

"They're preparing and ready to go for when California is ready to receive them," Singh said.

Military.com reached out to the Navy for details about what squadrons and helicopters are being tapped for the effort but did not hear back in time for publication.

Meanwhile, Pentagon officials have said that, since the fires have come outside the traditional firefighting season, some of the C-130s had to be refitted with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System units -- technology that turns the cargo planes into firefighting aircraft without major modifications -- which also took time.

Singh said six more C-130 airplanes are expected to be ready by Sunday.

She also announced that 500 active-duty personnel currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, are preparing to support firefighting efforts.

A Marine Corps official told Military.com on Friday that, while the Marines were ready to respond "just as we would from a MEU for any crisis across the globe," they had not received a formal request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the Department of Homeland Security.

While laws vary from state to state, outside of extraordinary circumstances, the military cannot simply deploy troops or assets to aid in disaster relief without authority from a governor.

Furthermore, active-duty troops require additional logistical considerations like lodging and transportation that become major issues during an ongoing natural disaster.

In the case of these fires, Singh stressed that the Defense Department was "in a supporting role and FEMA is coordinating the federal assistance and response."

Meanwhile, more than 600 California National Guardsmen have been activated, "including 14 hand crews for fuel mitigation, 200 military police for security operations, and 10 helicopters for firefighting and search-and-rescue operations," Singh said.

"We're going to work with California with whatever they need when it comes to addressing these fires happening on the ground," she said.

-- Drew F. Lawrence contributed to this report.

Related: Pentagon, California National Guard Deploying Aircraft and Personnel to Fight Raging LA Wildfires
The Army is already nearly halfway to meeting its ambitious goal of recruiting 61,000 active-duty soldiers during this fiscal year, according to internal data reviewed by Military.com.

The service has 30,000 new enlistments this year -- an increase of 6,000 compared to the same period last year, the data shows.

The milestone comes as the service continues to grapple with a historic recruitment crisis, the worst since the Vietnam War, underscoring the uphill battle to convince young Americans to don the uniform.

Read Next: Military Academies Quashed Army-Navy Game Advertisement Featuring Marine Recommended for Medal of Honor

The promising year in recruiting also gives the incoming Trump administration enormous momentum as recruiting woes have been among the top issues at the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill.

President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, has pledged to make recruitment a top priority, often citing cultural and political grievances as the root of the military's recent difficulties, but with no evidence to support those claims.

Instead, the Army's struggles have mostly been attributed to young Americans not qualifying for service, either failing to meet body fat or academic standards. In 2022, the Army stood up the Future Soldier Preparatory Courses, training camps for applicants to get up to snuff with those standards.

Nearly one-quarter of the 55,000 soldiers recruited last year went through one of those courses and would have otherwise not been able to serve. That allowed the Army to meet its recruiting goals in 2024 after missing its enlistment goals since 2022.

Early data suggests those courses have become a silver bullet for the recruiting crisis, and they have been lauded by service planners. The idea is to meet young Americans where they are, getting them into shape or providing them critical tutoring for the SAT-style entrance exam as test scores in schools have been falling for years, particularly for boys.

The early recruiting milestone this month, first reported by Military.com, is largely attributed to the service's delayed-entry program, which consists of 11,000 recruits, about double the numbers from recent years.

That pool consists of young Americans who volunteered to serve last year but were delayed being shipped to basic training until this year, which is when they're formally counted in the recruiting numbers.

One reason the delayed-entry pool is so large is that the service has effectively run out of space to conduct basic training, giving up some of that real estate to the Future Soldier Preparatory Courses.

The service has faced persistent delays in medically processing recruits, prompting officials to bring in additional staff and adopt a more lenient approach to minor medical histories unlikely to affect military performance.

Recruiters have long complained about enlistment delays -- sometimes lasting months -- for minor injuries or conditions that applicants have already recovered from. As those delays continue, potential recruits are more and more likely to walk away.

The Army has also embraced new strategies to entice recruits, including allowing them to choose their initial duty station. Popular picks include Fort Cavazos in Texas, Fort Carson in Colorado, and Fort Campbell in Kentucky, which have drawn roughly 800 recruits each this year.

Those bases offer more job opportunities and proximity to recruits' hometowns, making them attractive choices. Fort Campbell, for example, is a prominent base for recruits from the Midwest, while Texas remains a recruitment powerhouse for the Army.

Related: Surge of Female Enlistments Helped Drive Army Success in Reaching 2024 Recruiting Goal
Military bases throughout North America will resume a program that makes it easier for Defense Department personnel to bring visitors onto base, one week after it was suspended amid heightened security concerns from public attacks on New Year's Day.

Capt. Mayrem Morales, a U.S. Northern Command spokesperson, told Military.com in an emailed statement Friday afternoon that the Trusted Traveler Program -- which allowed those with Common Access Cards or Defense Biometric Identification System cards to escort people onto base -- was reinstated following last week's order.

"U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) has returned the use of [the] Trusted Traveler Program subject to installation commanders' local policy," Morales said. "This follows recent increased force protection measures directed by USNORTHCOM in response to attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas."

Read Next: Air Force to Put Renewed Emphasis on Safety and Uniform Standards

One main benefit of the Trusted Traveler Program is making waiting lines move more efficiently at base gates. When the initiative was stopped last week, meaning visitors needed to secure base passes and there were 100% identification checks, service members posted photos on social media of long lines to enter installations.

The security measures came after Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an Army veteran, killed 14 people in New Orleans when he drove his rented truck down Bourbon Street in the city's French Quarter, and was killed by police shortly after the New Year's Day attack.

That same day, Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger, an Army Green Beret, drove a rented Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he detonated an explosive and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound prior to the blast.

It was not clear how the Trusted Traveler Program would have stopped those attacks, since both men would have had access to bases.

"These measures, which cover installations, facilities and units within the USNORTHCOM Area of Responsibility -- including the continental United States and Alaska -- were implemented as a precautionary step to ensure the safety and security of personnel and installations," Morales added in the emailed statement.

There has been at least one public security situation during the week that the Trusted Traveler Program was shut down.

On Thursday, Patrick Space Force Base in Florida closed its East Gate amid an "ongoing investigation" starting around 2 p.m. local time, a Facebook post from the installation detailed.

"For everyone's safety and security, the area has been closed to ensure the investigation proceeds without interruption," Emre Kelly, a Space Launch Delta 45 spokesperson, told Military.com in an emailed statement.

By 8 p.m. local time, the gate and State Road A1A were reopened, but there was no explanation as to the cause or details of the incident provided by Patrick Space Force Base or the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

Related: Trusted Traveler Program at Bases Across US Suspended Following Las Vegas, New Orleans Attacks
The U.S. government increased the rewards Friday for the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro and his number two, Diosdado Cabello, to $25 million each, minutes after it said the dictator was fraudulently sworn in for a third presidential term.

The U.S. government also issued a $15 million reward for the capture of Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez. All three regime officials are accused of forming part of the so-called Soles Cartel and face drug-trafficking charges in U.S. courts.

The rewards on Maduro and Cabello are the maximum amounts authorized in the United States for crimes linked to drug trafficking.

The announcement was made in Washington minutes after Maduro was sworn in for a new presidential term in front of the regime-controlled National Assembly, in a ceremony boycotted by most members of the international community, who believe. the regimes announcement that the strongman won the July 28th presidential election was fraudulent.

Speaking in a call with reporters, senior Biden administration officials said the regime is now more isolated than ever before in light of indisputable evidence that opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia had won the election with more than 67% of the vote.

We are working tirelessly with our allies in the region to send a clear message to Maduro to end his unjustified repression and respect the will of the Venezuelan people, a senior official said. It is important to underscore that Maduro stands mostly alone at this juncture, with few friends in the region and the world.

In addition to the decision to increase the rewards, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Treasury Department imposed sanctions against eight Venezuelan officials who head economic agencies that play a key role in sustaining Maduros repressive government.

The sanctioned individuals include the president of state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela, Hector Andres Obregon Perez, and the minister of transportation and president of the Venezuelan Consortium of Aeronautical Industries and Air Services, Ramon Celestino Velasquez Araguayan.

The Treasury Department also sanctioned high-level officials of the military and police who lead units that play leading roles in the regimes repressive operations.

The acting undersecretary of the Treasury Department for Financial Intelligence and the Fight against Terrorism, Bradley T. Smith, said the measures adopted on Friday will be accompanied by similar actions taken by allies such as Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom to punish the regime in a message of solidarity with the Venezuelan people.

Since last years elections, Maduro and his associates have continued their repressive actions in Venezuela, Smith said. The United States, along with our like-minded partners, stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan peoples vote for new leadership and rejects Maduros fraudulent claim of victory.

2025 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The U.S. House of Representatives is no longer asking to intervene in a Maine woman's lawsuit against the military's health insurance provider over transgender care now that she has dropped the case.

The woman, who is from Sagadahoc County and whose father is a veteran, sued the Department of Defense in U.S. District Court in Portland in late 2022 after she was denied coverage for procedures to help treat her gender dysphoria. She alleged the program's rule against "sex gender changes" was discriminatory because it only applied to transgender patients.

She and another woman suing from Florida agreed to drop their case on Dec. 20 without reaching a settlement, about a month after U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen found that the military's insurance, TRICARE, violated the women's constitutional rights. (Neither woman is identified in court records.)

Torresen's ruling was not final, however, because she wanted the parties to discuss possible relief. Her ruling will be dropped along with the rest of the case.

Settlement talks appear to have derailed when the House threatened to intervene. Lawyers for the House, directed by Republican leadership, said they believed the case would interfere with their efforts to ban certain treatment for transgender children of military members.

The House withdrew its motions on Wednesday after Department of Justice said "the only thing the parties agreed was that this case would be dismissed."

"There was no separate settlement agreement, much less any monetary or equitable relief provided to Plaintiffs," the DOJ wrote in court records.

The women were represented by a team of lawyers and the Boston firm GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, otherwise known as GLAD. A spokesperson for the firm said Friday they don't have anything to add about the case beyond what's in court records.

Their lawyers argued that TRICARE's coverage rules were outdated, rooted in the "remnants of decades-old fallacy and bias that gender affirming surgeries are cosmetic, for purposes of beautification, and frivolous."

They also pointed out the rules were being applied unfairly. Active-duty military members have been able to get coverage for gender-affirming surgeries under TRICARE, while their dependents have not.

On Dec. 23, President Joe Biden signed a sweeping Defense bill in which the House added a provision to strip coverage of transgender medical treatments for military members' children.

While Biden said he supports the act's investment in military personnel, he "strongly opposes" changes to transgender care "which inhibits the Department of Defense's ability to treat all persons equally under the law, no matter their gender identity."

___

(c)2025 the Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine)

Visit the Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine) at www.pressherald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
PARIS (AP)  President-elect Donald Trump has tossed expansionist rhetoric at U.S. allies and potential adversaries with arguments that the frontiers of American power need to be extended into Canada and the Danish territory of Greenland, and southward to include the Panama Canal.

Trump's suggestions that international borders can be redrawn  by force if necessary  are particularly inflammatory in Europe. His words run contrary to the argument European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are trying to impress on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But many European leaders  who've learned to expect the unexpected from Trump and have seen that actions don't always follow his words  have been measured in their response, with some taking a nothing-to-see-here view rather than vigorously defend European Union member Denmark.

Analysts, though, say that even words can damage U.S.-European relations ahead of Trump's second presidency.

A diplomatic response in Europe

Several officials in Europe  where governments depend on U.S. trade, energy, investment, technology, and defense cooperation for security  emphasized their belief that Trump has no intention of marching troops into Greenland.

I think we can exclude that the United States in the coming years will try to use force to annex territory that interests it, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pushed back  but carefully, saying borders must not be moved by force" and not mentioning Trump by name.

This week, as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy pressed Trumps incoming administration to continue supporting Ukraine, he said: No matter whats going on in the world, everyone wants to feel sure that their country will not just be erased off the map.

Since Putin marched troops across Ukrainian borders in 2022, Zelenskyy and allies have been fighting  at great cost  to defend the principle that has underpinned the international order since World War II: that powerful nations cant simply gobble up others.

The British and French foreign ministers have said they can't foresee a U.S. invasion of Greenland. Still, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot portrayed Trumps remarks as a wake-up call.

"Do we think were entering into a period that sees the return of the law of the strongest?" the French minister said. Yes."

On Friday, the prime minister of Greenland  a semiautonomous Arctic territory that isnt part of the EU but whose 56,000 residents are EU citizens, as part of Denmark  said its people dont want to be Americans but that hes open to greater cooperation with the U.S.

Cooperation is about dialogue," leader Mute B. Egede said.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the U.S. "our closest ally and said: We have to stand together.

Analysts find Trump's words troubling

European security analysts agreed theres no real likelihood of Trump using the military against NATO ally Denmark, but nevertheless expressed profound disquiet.

Analysts warned of turbulence ahead for trans-Atlantic ties, international norms and the NATO military alliance  not least because of the growing row with member Canada over Trump's repeated suggestions that it become a U.S. state.

There is a possibility, of course, that this is just ... a new sheriff in town," said Flemming Splidsboel Hansen, who specializes in foreign policy, Russia and Greenland at the Danish Institute for International Studies. "I take some comfort from the fact that he is now insisting that Canada should be included in the U.S., which suggests that it is just sort of political bravado.

But damage has already been done. And I really cannot remember a previous incident like this where an important ally  in this case the most important ally  would threaten Denmark or another NATO member state.

Hansen said he fears NATO may be falling apart even before Trump's inauguration.

I worry about our understanding of a collective West," he said. "What does this even mean now? What may this mean just, say, one year from now, two years from now, or at least by the end of this second Trump presidency? What will be left?

Security concerns as possible motivation

Some diplomats and analysts see a common thread in Trump's eyeing of Canada, the Panama Canal and Greenland: securing resources and waterways to strengthen the U.S. against potential adversaries.

Paris-based analyst Alix Frangeul-Alves said Trump's language is all part of his Make America Great Again mode.

In Greenland's soils, she noted, are rare earths critical for advanced and green technologies. China dominates global supplies of the valuable minerals, which the U.S., Europe and other nations view as a security risk.

Any policy made in Washington is made through the lens of the competition with China, said Frangeul-Alves, who focuses on U.S. politics for the German Marshall Fund.

Some observers said Trump's suggested methods are fraught with peril.

Security analyst Alexander Khara said Trumps claim that we need Greenland for national security purposes reminded him of Putin's comments on Crimea when Russia seized the strategic Black Sea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.

Suggesting that borders might be flexible is a completely dangerous precedent, said Khara, director of the Centre for Defense Strategies in Kyiv.

Were in a time of transition from the old system based on norms and principles, he said, and heading to more conflicts, more chaos and more uncertainty.

___

AP journalists Jill Lawless in London; Raf Casert in Brussels; Daria Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia; Geir Moulson and David Keyton in Berlin; and Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed.
I, Miguel Lazaro de Garriz, Master Clockmaker, a resident of the City of Pamplona, state that on the 25th of November in the year 1780, I placed a Clock on the tower of the Parish Church of the town of Orrio, together with the gentlemen Councillors and residents of another town for the sum of 110 ducats. So begins the sales contract of the clock tower of Orrio, a tiny town of 50 residents in the northern Spanish region of Navarre, an area rich in history that was once a powerful kingdom. The people of Orrio have kept the sound of the bells going all these years thanks to the collaborative work of a majority of the families who take turns to wind it up. We do it between 10 families, from 10 houses out of the 17 that there are in Orrio, says Maite Maranon, 50, a resident and member of the Council. In some homes there are older people and they do not participate, but practically one person from each family has always been involved, she adds.

Maranon, a native of Pamplona, arrived in the village a decade ago and discovered that the locals were regularly winding the clock. She told a watchmaker friend of hers, who came to see the mechanism for himself and confirmed its age: A number of things, such as the fact that it had a horizontal sprocket wheel, told us that it had been built before 1800. Specifically, it dates back to 1780 and has been in operation for its 244 years of existence. It is the village that has managed to make it the oldest working clock in Navarre and, probably, in all of Spain. They have no documents to prove it, but, for now, no one has been able to tell them otherwise.

Interior of the clock that marks the sound of the bells. PABLO LASAOSA

For Maranon, the most important thing is that people have continued to wind it for 244 years, even though they have had their own clocks for decades. She stresses that the procedure is complicated: Going up the tower is already an effort in itself. Then you also have to lift weights. It is a significant physical strain. Just as they were about to abandon the centuries-old task, they found the sales contract inside one of the local houses.

It was a job more closely linked to the sacristy, says Maranon, alluding to the room inside Catholic churches used to store garments and other objects. The families, taking turns for a year, wound the clock, cleaned the church a little, placed flowers in it, and prepared it for religious services. The change of family always took place at the end of November, but nobody knew why. When I was transcribing the sales contract, I realized that the clock was purchased on November 25, 1780, she adds.

As time went by, the year-long shifts became too long, and other measures were considered. The first was to automate the mechanism in some way, but this requires an investment of around 8,000, half of the local councils annual budget. Residents have asked the regional government of Navarre for help, but have yet to receive a reply.

Meanwhile, families take turns to wind it up every month. To restore it, they are relying on Yeregi Elkartea, a non-profit association that works to restore tower clocks. Its secretary is Xabier Yeregi, the descendant of a long line of clockmakers. He argues that it is essential to keep the clockwork in good working order because the sound of the bells keeps the villages alive.

This reflection is shared by Maranon, who says that the effort to save the mechanism has brought back old memories to the minds of the elderly residents. Memories like those of Bernito, 89, who still remembers that when he was a child, he was told by a clockmaker who came to repair it that the clock was a human being, that it had organs and that its heart and liver were failing. They have also discovered that decades ago it was the children of each family who wound up the watch and then, at the end of the year, they would go round the houses and receive a small bonus as a reward.

It is not just Orrio that is working to preserve their heritage. The nearby town of Aldaba (population 55), is home to some of the founders of the Association of Friends of the Tower Clocks of Navarre, which works to protect, conserve and study the watchmaking heritage of the region, says its spokesman, Josetxo Musquiz. Its members have already begun to make an inventory of all the tower clocks that exist in the territory, which they have estimated at between 400 and 600: Many of them are being lost or have already been lost, and we want them to be preserved. The task is not easy, because it requires funding, but also expert personnel, stresses Yeregi. The risk is great, because we are playing with heritage machinery.

The church tower where the clock is located next to the bells. PABLO LASAOSA

So far, Yeregi Elkartea has recovered between 70 and 80 clocks from 1800 to 1850, more modern than the one in Orrio. This associations work has a particularity: it is led by an expert in non-invasive restoration and carried out in auzolan (a concept in the Basque language that refers to group work). The concept of auzolan is important, but non-invasiveness is even more important because it means that we are going to respect the original mechanism, says Xabier Yeregi.

Another member of the Yeregi family, Francisco, the first builder of the saga, was the one who installed the clock in the tower of the town of Aldaba. This clock dates back to 1816-17, says Musquiz. Several residents decided to clean it and put it into operation: It started to work very well. It struck the hours with astonishing punctuality, thanks above all to the efforts of my brother, who wound it every day.

The bells had not been heard in Aldaba for a century, says Monica Prado, a local resident and secretary of the Council. And they are no longer heard: one of the neighbors lodged a complaint with the Archbishopric of Pamplona and Tudela, owner of the church in whose tower the clock is housed, and the ecclesiastical institution decided to stop its operation. Last April, the residents wrote to the bishops to try to get it working again and ensure the town stays alive, says Prado.

Musquiz adds that the case of Aldaba is unique. In seven years, the 55 residents of Aldaba have invested more than 130,000 [almost 2,400 per person] to restore the church. It is a project in which 210,885 have been invested so far, between the contributions of the residents and the Archbishopric, which has also contributed a very significant amount [more than 80,000]. They are not afraid to incorporate elements that will reduce the volume of the bells, but they insist that they have to be heard.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Pete Alonsos market hasnt come together the way he and agent Scott Boras had hoped just yet, though theres still more than a month until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, leaving ample time for a deal to come together and still afford Alonso a normal spring training. One element thats likely impacted things, as with any high-profile free agent, is trepidation from teams in terms of asking price. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has previously suggested that the Boras Corporation has used contracts like Prince Fielder (nine years, $214MM) as a point of comparison in negotiations.

Boras firmly pushed back on that this morning in comments to SNYs Andy Martino. Boras tells Martino that 10-year-old contract like Fielders simply is not relevant to the current Alonso negotiations. (Fielders contract is actually 13 years old, though that only further hammers home the point Boras is making.)

Even with that pushback, its likely that years have been the holdup in talks regarding Alonso. The Mets famously offered him a seven-year, $158MM extension in 2023. That included Alonsos final arbitration season (2024), wherein he was paid $20.5MM. Hed need to top $137.5MM over the next six seasons in order to come out ahead in that bet on himself.

Of course, that doesnt all need to come in the form of one contract. Weve seen plenty of free agents in the past find more tepid interest than anticipated in free agency, take an opt-out laden deal, and come out ahead over the course of multiple contracts. Its not the ideal course of action for most players, but it can certainly work to the players benefit.

More specifically, that course of action has been common for both high-end and mid-level Boras clients. It doesnt always work  just ask Jordan Montgomery  but there are plenty of success stories.

Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, Carlos Rodon and Carlos Correa are all recent examples. Chapman took a three-year, $54MM deal with opt-outs in San Francisco and mashed his way into a $151MM extension. Hell ultimately earn $169MM over a seven-year term. Snell took two years and $62MM from the Giants last winter after reportedly rejecting a Yankees offer in the $150MM range. (Hes since contended the number was well shy of that.) He opted out and landed $182MM from the Dodgers, bringing his six-year earnings to $214MM (albeit with nearly a third of it deferred). Rodon opted out of the second season of his own two-year, $44MM deal with the Giants and cashed in with $162MM in the Bronx. Correa signed a three-year, $105.3MM deal in Minnesota, opted out and went through a strange free agent odyssey that still resulted in an additional $200MM guaranteed from Minnesota, even after a pair of failed physicals in San Francisco and Queens.

Its not yet clear whether Alonso will ultimately go that route, but former Mets GM Jim Duquette (2003-04), now with MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, reports that Boras and Alonso have pitched an opt-out laden three-year deal to the Mets  and the Mets alone. Even with that reported offer from the players camp, Duquette suggests no deal is close for now.

A three-year deal for the Mets  something in the Cody Bellinger mold  would make plenty of sense for both parties. New York would retain the NL home run leader dating back to Alonsos big league debut and do so without needing to commit long-term to a 30-year-old first baseman who offers minimal defensive/baserunning value. Pairing Alonso and Juan Soto in the heart of the Mets order would be formidable.

For Alonso, hed secure multiple seasons at an annual rate presumably higher than anything available to him on a lengthier deal. Bellingers $80MM deal guaranteed him $60MM over the first two seasons of the three-year term if he chose to forgo the first opt-out (which he did). An identical construct for Alonso would mean that, including the $20.5MM he earned in his final arbitration season, he could have $53MM from 2024-25 or $80.5MM from 2024-26. If the aim is to topple the $158MM he rejected in 2023 (which, again, wouldve covered the 2024-30 seasons), hed be well on his way.

Additionally, Alonso would have the opportunity to improve on a down showing in 2024 that has surely hindered interest. The slugger didnt have a bad season; his .240/.329/.459 slash was 22% better than league-average, by measure of wRC+. His 34 home runs were a clear plus mark. But Alonsos past two seasons havent been as dominant as he was from 2019-22, when he hit a combined .261/.349/.535 (37% better than average).

A 2025 showing more in line with that form would potentially set Alonso up for a much larger payday  and do so on the heels of a premium salary in 2025. Hed also have the benefit of reentering the open market without a qualifying offer and the associated draft pick compensation hanging over his head. Players can only receive one QO in their career, and Alonso rejected one from the Mets back in November.
18 1 / 18 LOCAL EATS: Saginaws Kara Zummer Baking

SAGINAW, MI - It all began when Kara Zummer took Wilton classes with her father to learn how to decorate cakes in high school.

Ive always been very artistic, but I hadnt really been able to find an avenue to fuel it into, and that is where I figured out that I love cake decorating and that was my creative outlet, Zummer said.

From there, she gained her experience from bakeries in Michigan and Wisconsin before moving back to Saginaw, she said.

Over five years in business now, Zummer has been running her cottage bakery, Kara Zummer Baking, since March 2019.

Throughout her 18 years as a professional baker, Zummer said she learned a variety of skills, such as decorating, developing flavors, running a commercial kitchen and creating pastries.

In October 2019, Zummer said her family was expecting their daughter in November and she wanted to stay home with the children.

The plan was always to have me stay home and then I could start this business and slowly build a base for myself, Zummer said.

Zummer said her family is working toward running the business out of a commercial space in the future.

When she isnt creating custom orders, Zummer said she likes to attend events, wedding shows and farmers markets to sell her baked goods to more people.

The Thomas Township Farmers Market was a great spot for Zummer to set up her baked goods last summer, she said.

While her most popular items tend to be French macarons and decorated cookies and cakes, the farmers market crowd gravitated to Zummers homemade pop tarts made with fresh, local fruit.

I actually tried, if I could, to pick the fruit myself, if not at least buy it locally, Zummer said. I was able to offer different stuff. It wasnt centered around any certain event so I could play around a little bit and experiment with what I was offering and get feedback.

Now that the Christmas and New Year holidays are behind us, Zummer said she likes to shift her focus to booking weddings along with gearing up for the Super Bowl and Valentines Day.

Zummer said she can also fill custom orders off her menu, such as birthday cakes, smash cakes and catering desserts for baby showers or bridal showers.

She encourages anyone to reach out so she can fulfill anyones vision of what they may be looking for.

To learn more and to place orders, check out the Kara Zummer Baking Facebook page here or email Zummer directly here.

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.

Would you like MLive to feature your favorite restaurant in Michigans Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Kaytie Boomer at kboomer@mlive.com.
NORTH BRANCH, MI  The North Branch community is saying goodbye to Daniel Orr Sons Hardware as the fourth-generation family-owned store closes its doors permanently following its 150th anniversary.

One of the historic hardware stores owners, Bill Orr, said he and his family are officially closing the store on Saturday, Jan. 11.

He explained that they can no longer afford to operate it, citing tax and insurance related costs.

The store, located at 4003 Huron St. in North Branch, has also been slowly losing business over the years, and Bill Orr partially attributes this to the gradual loss of businesses in the surrounding area.

Most of my regulars have passed away in the last five years, so that whole generation is gone, he said.

Daniel Orr Sons Hardware was established by Bill Orrs great-great-grandfather, Daniel Orr, in 1875, and it has remained family-owned ever since.

Its original building was located directly behind the current store where it has been operating since 1907.

Its a unique building because this place was built for hardware, and most of the 1880s to 1920s buildings, they were built for what they were, Bill Orr said.

Antiques from previous generations hang on the ceiling at the store.

Additionally, photos of the Orr family and the store that date back to the 19th century can be found on the stores walls.

The store donated other historic items to the North Branch Orr Family Museum.

We started that collection in the 1960s, Bill Orr said. This store was just packed full of old stuff.

The store used to be just one of several businesses the Orr Family has owned and operated in North Branch which included a lumber yard, a roofing crew, and a lightning rod crew.

Everybody in the family worked for one of the businesses when they were growing up, Bill Orr said.

Bill Orr spent some time working at these businesses before he began helping his mother, Gretchen Orr, and other relatives operate the store following the death of his father, Preston Pres Orr, in 2017.

Additionally, Bill Orr was able to keep his promise to his father that he would keep the store open for 150 years.

Kevin Orr, Bill Orrs son, has also helped out at the store when he was growing up, and seeing the store shut down after all of these years has been difficult for him.

Ive been coming here after school since I was old enough to walk here, Kevin Orr said. This store used to provide for three or four families. It just slowly went away as the big box stores started opening.

Its just so hard to just close the door, lock it, and walk away.

At 68 years old, Bill Orr said hes not yet sure what he will do after the store closes.

I cant live on my Social Security, so Ive got to go find another job, he said. Everybody asked me what its like. I said, Well, its like somebody died.

Itll be different, but thats how it works.

Three people have expressed interest in purchasing the store, but it has yet to be sold, according to Bill Orr.

Anyone who would like to say goodbye to the store is invited to join the Orr family there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter.
CHIPPEWA COUNTY, MI - Two people, including a corrections officer, have been arrested after police say they tried to smuggle drugs into an Upper Peninsula prison.

Andre Taylor, 59 from Clinton Township, and Edward King, 57 from Detroit, were arraigned in the 91st District Court this week for allegedly attempting to smuggle illegal contraband into Kincross Correctional Facility, according to Michigan State Police.

Taylor, a Michigan Department of Corrections Officer, was on a temporary assignment at the state prison in Chippewa County.

An investigation from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team, Michigan State Police and Michigan Department of Corrections led police to conduct a traffic stop of the suspects vehicle.

Michigan State Police says this resulted in a significant amount of illegal contraband being seized including strips of K2 paper, hundreds of suboxone strips, marijuana wax and methamphetamines. These items are valued at an estimated $443,000, according to police, plus $4,592 in cash that was suspected payment for the operation.

Taylors bond was set at $25,000 and Kings bond was set at $150,000.

Both men posted bond and are expected to be back in court on Feb. 27.
DETROIT - A teenager is facing dozens of charges in connection to a July shooting at a Detroit block party that killed two people and injured 19 others  making it Michigans largest mass shooting in recent history.

Demitrus Tiwan Shaw, 19, was charged and arrested this week with two counts of first-degree murder, 19 counts of assault with intent to murder and 21 counts of felony firearm.

The city is a lot safer with Mr. Shaw off the street, said interim Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison during a Jan. 10 press conference.

Related: 2 killed, 19 injured in shooting at Detroit block party

The Wayne County Prosecutors Office alleges Shaw on July 7, 2024 fired a handgun multiple times into a crowd at a summer block party, killing a Harrison Township woman, 20, and a Detroit man, 21. The surviving victims range in age from 16 years old to 24 years old.

Shaw was arrested Jan. 7 by the Detroit Police Department.

This was something that affected us all in the city of Detroit, Bettison said. To the families of the victims, two people who were killed and the 19 others who were injured, it with great pleasure today that I can bring some source of justice.

Bettison called it the largest mass shooting in Detroit and Michigan history.

There is no specific definition of a mass shooting, but the Gun Violence Archive, which has been keeping track of shootings since 2013, lists those with four or more victims. The Detroit block party shooting tops Michigans list followed by a June 2023 shooting that killed two people and injured 11 in Saginaw.

The investigation into Detroits shooting is still ongoing.

The Detroit Police Department this week conducted 11 search warrants, recovering 21 firearms and narcotics valued at $584,000, according to Lt. Matthew Bray. This included fentanyl, methamphetamines, cocaine and heroin. Bray said 10 other people were arrested in connection with the shooting and numerous other crimes that were discovered during the execution of the warrants.

Its been 187 days since the incident, and members of the Homicide Task Force and multiple agencies worked tirelessly and missed time with family members to effectuate this arrest, Bray said.

Shaw is being held on a $1 million bond.
Be careful where you park during the Detroit Auto Show.

Thats the message from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel who is warning visitors about scammers who take advantage of large events to sell parking spaces they dont have authority over. This could lead to cars being ticketed, towed or even stolen.

While its important to have fun and experience everything the Detroit Auto Show has to offer, its also important to be smart, Nessel said in a statement. Planning your parking ahead of time and being cautious can help you avoid scammers.

The Detroit Auto Show is taking place between Friday, Jan. 10 and Monday, Jan. 20 at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit.

Related: When is the Detroit Auto Show? Heres the list of dates and times

Nessel encourages anyone attending the show to ask for a receipt or a ticket after paying for parking. Visitors also shouldnt give their keys to an attendant unless there are valet signs and theyve confirmed ahead of time the location of the valet service.

The Better Business Bureau also issued a warning about fake parking tickets that ask consumers to pay online or use a QR code. Anyone who gets a parking ticket should visit the governments website directly or call the court to verify the ticket before following payment directions.

To avoid falling for this scam, the BBB advises tourists research available parking and local parking requirements, examine the citation carefully, double check the name payments should be made to and pay traffic citations by credit card if possible.

Additional information is available from the attorney generals Consumer Protection Team.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A new Ypsilanti program wants to help families preserve their history.

Residents can digitize their photos, correspondences and other vital records at upcoming events hosted by the Ypsilanti District Library.

Preserving local and family history is a longstanding effort of the library. Ypsilanti District Library spokesperson Sam Killian said he hopes that the digitizing events become the first of many.

Killian pointed to genealogy groups to the librarys community history podcast Ypsi Stories as examples of the areas passion for family history.

Were a place that people care a lot about their history and preserving it, Killian said.

Residents who attend the upcoming events can use a professional-grade document scanner to make high quality digital copies. Digitizing records can act as a safety net, Killian said, in case of damage or decay.

It can also be easier to keep track of and share with other family members, Killian said.

Youve got the only copy, but other people in your family might be interested in it, he said. Now you have something that you can send to them. I think that can be pretty important in terms of how you share your family stories with each other.

Family photos, correspondence, postcards, newspaper clippings are just a few examples of what residents can bring to digitize. The documents must be 8.5 by 11 inches or smaller. Residents should not bring documents too fragile to survive being handled for scanning, business or legal documents and dirty or contaminated items to the event.

Scans can be saved to a USB flash drive or sent to an email address. Attendees can bring their own USB drives or buy one from the library for $5, cash only.

Theres just all kinds of stuff [in Ypsilanti] that has been historically significant, he said. And I think people are interested in that as well as the personal side of things when they can find out, how they fit in here and what their family history has looked like. 

Some of that notable history, Killian said, includes Parkridge Community Center, redlining throughout the area and the Willow Run Bomber Plant.

Theres just all kinds of juicy history, Killian said.

The Ypsilanti District Library is also home to the Washtenaw African Genealogy Society which meets regularly and puts on presentations helping people navigate the complex embedded resources of African American ancestry, according to the librarys website.

The co-founder of the group Jean Winborn also hosts one-on-one genealogy sessions for people to find out more about t heir families.

The digitizing events are at the librarys branches at 5577 Whittaker Road or 1900 Harris Road.

Read More: Flood-damaged library reopening delayed for a second time in Ypsilanti

More genealogy or local history events by the Ypsilanti District Library can be found online .
DETROIT  The Detroit Auto Show is back, and with it comes a carnival of new, unique, wacky rides that are bound to interest gearheads and the general public alike.

MLive journalists were on hand at Huntington Place in Downtown Detroit for Media Day on Friday, Jan. 10 to get an early look at the show. From concept cars to custom classics, take a look at some of the most interesting vehicles we saw below:

The Cadillac Opulent Velocity concept on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Cadillacs Opulent Velocity Concept Car

The Detroit Auto Show has long been known for showcasing forward-thinking concept cars from established automakers, and this years event was no exception. Cadillac highlighted their luxurious electric vehicle concept, aptly named the Opulent Velocity.

Touted as a pure expression of innovative design and prestigious performance, the all-electric, scissor-door coupe featured smooth lines, an interior upholstered entirely with blue fabric and low-profile tires partially integrated into its futuristic-looking wheels.

The Ford F-150 Lightning Supertruck electric vehicle demonstrator on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Fords Race-Winning F-150 Lightning Supertruck EV

Ford showcased its hot-rodded F-150 Lightning Supertruck electric vehicle demonstrator, which they proudly deemed King of the Mountain after its victory at the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado. Romain Dumas piloted the 1,600-horsepower electric truck up the winding, 156-turn course in a 12.42-mile road race with a finish time of 8:53.553, the fastest of all 61 competitors.

Inside the Chevrolet Grounded G2 electric RV on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Groundeds G2 all-electric camper van

Detroit-based startup Grounded showed off a fully built-out G2 electric vehicle equipped as for emission-free van life. The kitted-out camper, based on GMs Brightdrop Zevo 400 platform, features 270 miles of range, 1 kW solar power, a fully customizable interior and integrated StarLink internet for around $195,000.

A Robinson R44 II helicopter advertising the MyFlight aerial tour service on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

MyFlights Detroit Helicopter Tour Flights

In keeping with a long tradition of hosting at least one flying vehicle, the auto show featured a Robinson R44 from Detroit-based MyFlight Tours, which offers aerial tours of the Detroit area by helicopter for as little as $55 per person. MyFlight also offers sightseeing flights over Milwaukee, Tennessees Smoky Mountains, Ocean City, Md. and the Straits of Mackinac.

A Ford Crown Victoria station wagon inspired by the 1983 film National Lampoons Vacation on display as part of a collection of film-used and film-inspired cars during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

National Lampoons Vacation Wagon and other Movie Cars by Hagerty

Automotive lifestyle company Hagerty has a booth highlighting a collection of seen-on-the-big-screen vehicles including a tribute to the prototypical road trip vehicle: the Wagon Queen Family Truckster from National Lampoons Vacation.

Other cars in the Hagerty booth include one of the used-on-screen Modena replica Ferrari 250GT Spyder Californias seen in Ferris Buellers Day Off, a Pontiac Trans-Am K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider, the Volkswagen Beetle Swinger 2 from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and a rare Ferrari 308 GTSi like the one used in Magnum P.I.

A Reliant Robin three-wheeled car on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

A Reliant Robin and other Rare, Modified and Custom Vehicles

The lower River Level at Huntington Place features a collection of rare, custom and enthusiast vehicles owned by community members, including the Reliant Robin three-wheeler above. Famously used by Top Gear hosts James May and Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, the Robin was tricycle-style compact car mass-produced in Britain from the 1970s until 2000.

A Ferrari Monza SP1 welcomes guests to the Gallery - a collection of dealer- and privately-owned exotic vehicles - during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

The Gallery, a Luxury and Exotic Vehicle Showcase

Modded Detroit also helped arrange the return of a display of 50 prestigious automobiles from 12 luxury brands, including the Ferrari Monza SP1 above. Brands featured include Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, McLaren, Morgan, Porsche and Rolls-Royce.

Check out some more of our favorite concept cars and oddities below.

The Chrysler Halcyon concept car on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

The Buick Wildcat EV concept on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

A Buick Wildcat EV concept on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

The Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

The Ford Mustang RTR on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

The Cadillac Escalade IQ electric vehicle on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Rare and exotic cars on display in The Gallery during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

The Volkswagen Beetle Swinger 2 that appeared in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

A customized Chevrolet Impala lowrider on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

The Chrysler Halcyon concept car on display during Media Day at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

READ MORE AUTO SHOW COVERAGE:

Why is the Detroit Auto Show moving back to January?

Your Detroit Auto Show guide: Parking, tickets, where to eat and more

When is the Detroit Auto Show? Heres the list of dates and times
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- Theres a new solution to keeping students off phones -- and a company in Michigan makes them.

Faraday Defense, headquartered in Oshtemo Township, makes Faraday bags, a fabric bag to store small small devices. The bags have metal fibers that block electromagnetic signals. So when a phone is inside the bag, it cant connect to WiFi or get cell reception.

Theres some psychological aspect to it, said Jared Scholten, director of sales at Faraday Defense. When you put your phone away and you know that its not gonna go off, you just dont think about it.

Faraday Defense in Oshtemo, MI manufactures devices and enclosures to block electromagnetic signals.Aya Miller

Faraday Defense isnt the only company that makes Faraday bags. The technology is named after Michael Faraday, a scientist who studied electromagnetism in the 1800s, said Faraday Defense founder Jason DeVries.

Northview High School in Grand Rapids is among the schools that uses Faraday bags, although theirs were manufactured by a different company.

DeVries, a lifelong Kalamazoo County resident, founded Faraday Defense in 2014. The initial intention was to create devices and enclosures to block EMP signals, which are electromagnetic pulses, he said. Over time, their mission shifted toward making shielding applications.

At high enough levels, electromagnetic pulses can damage electronic systems like power grids, cars and cellphones.

The company started with a phone-sized bag made out of an aluminum foil-like material, DeVries said.

Now the company offers products as small as a keychain to monitor electrical signals for $70 or as large as custom, fully sealed rooms.

A new solution for schools

Clark County Schools in Nevada is among the districts using Faraday Defense to keep students off cellphones, Scholten said.

The district started using the bags this school year to ensure that students and educators are in a safe, non-disruptive space, according to the district website.

The school district uses the Faraday NX3, a phone-sized bag sealed with Velcro. The bag costs $20 on the Faraday Defense website.

When a student tries to undo the Velcro and access their phone, it creates a noisy distraction the teacher will notice, Scholten said. In case of emergency, the student only needs to open the bag to access their phone.

Bags can also be customized with different colors, like the high-visibility yellows and oranges of safety clothing, allowing teachers to more easily see if a student tries to move their bag.

Every child in that school district has a bag, and theyre ecstatic with the results, Scholten said. Theyve cut down their cyberbullying tremendously and their test scores are up.

Beyond bags

Faraday Defense also works with government agencies who use Faraday cages, which are larger enclosures to block hackers from accessing sensitive information.

When a phone or computer is used inside a Faraday cage, hackers cant access the information on the device because all outside signals are blocked.

Faraday Defense in Oshtemo, MI manufactures devices and enclosures to block electromagnetic signals.Aya Miller

Police take electronics as evidence, and then they need to shield that device from being externally wiped, DeVries said. They use a Faraday bag and room to create a chain of custody where the device cant be wiped by a criminal.

The company manufactures hard and soft enclosures. Hard enclosures are made with metal and the soft enclosures are made with fabric.

The soft enclosures look like a stand-up tent with a vent on the inside to allow airflow. When the tent is sealed, the devices inside cant receive electrical signals.

An 8-cubic-foot soft enclosure costs almost $9,000 on the Faraday Defense website.

The large, safe-like hard enclosures have double-layered metal walls and an airtight sealed door.

Custom enclosures can also be manufactured with screens inside, ventilation, a cooling system and fire suppression system, according to the company website.

The company will soon be expanding into office space at DeVries alma mater, Western Michigan University. DeVries purchased a 4.45 acre plot of land for $350,000 in WMUs business technology and research park in 2022 near WMUs College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

After moving into the new location, Faraday plans to hire 15 to 18 more employees in the next two years, Scholten said.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter.
The plan is for the first Chinese electric cars made in Brazil to hit the market in March 2025. The manufacturer, BYD, is building a factory in the state of Bahia and this project serves as the best standard-bearer for the current sweet moment in the relationship between Beijing and Brasilia. The facility is expected to create thousands of jobs and is heavy with symbolism charge, occupying, in a quite literal sense, the vacuum left by the U.S. automaker Ford. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until, on Christmas Eve, a scandal broke out: Brazilian labor inspectors rescued 163 Chinese workers from the plants construction site, accusing their employer, a subsidiary of BYD, of subjecting them to conditions analogous to slavery. They had been working strenuous hours, living in unhealthy conditions, and some of them had their passports withheld.

Accusations of slavery raised the companys hackles. The firm in question, Jinjiang Group, has denied characterizations of the situation as forced labor and says that a misunderstanding has taken place. A BYD executive accused foreign forces of trying to defame the company and damage the two countries relationship, Reuters reported.

For now, victims have left the unsanitary barracks in which they had been housed and are currently occupying hotel rooms paid for by the company. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry has halted temporary work visa issuance to BYD (whose initials stand for Build Your Dreams), one of the worlds leading manufacturers of electric cars. Brazil is a major showcase for the corporations international expansion and its largest market outside China. BYDs cars are increasingly common among the countrys hundreds of thousands of Uber drivers. Although 90% of its electric vehicles are used in China, one in every five sold abroad are purchased in Brazil.

The Brazil-based factory is also emblematic of growing Chinese influence in the country and the rest of Latin America, fertile land in the tough commercial and political battle that China is waging with the United States. President Xi Jinping inaugurated the Changay mega-port in Peru in November, which will save 25 days of crossing time for ships coming from Asia.

One of the 163 Chinese workers working in slave-like conditions, sitting on a bunk at the site from which they were rescued. Ministerio do Trabalho

BYDs factory is located in the city of Camacari, in the Salvador, Bahia metropolitan area, where one of Fords primary manufacturing sites was located before it left Brazil in 2021. Its departure was seen as the end of an era, because Ford was the first large automobile company to locate in the South American country.

Inspectors from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor showed up on December 23 at the lodgings of the Chinese workers building the plant that will produce 100% electric and hybrid cars, and discovered that their employers had withheld their passports and part of their salaries, the ministry said in an official statement detailing irregularities that were found at the site. They slept in bunk beds without mattresses, where some of them also ate their meals. There were so few bathrooms that they had to get up at 4 a.m. to be on time for their 5:30 a.m. shift. In addition, employees often worked shifts that lasted more than 10 hours, with irregular breaks.

Based on these observations, the inspectors have accused the employers of holding the 163 workers in conditions analogous to slavery. In Brazil, which became the last country in the Americas to abolish slavery in 1888, the crime includes forced labor, but also subjecting employees to undignified or degrading conditions. It can lead to imprisonment, heavy fines and public scorn. Every year, authorities publish a so-called dirty list of the companies that have been convicted for having kept workers in conditions reminiscent of those suffered by the African people who were brought by force to the country during three centuries as a source of free labor. In 2023 alone, authorities removed more than 3,000 workers from such situations.

The Ministry of Labor has summoned Jinjiang Group and BYD for a January 7 hearing, during which they will be advised of measures they can take to avoid an investigation.

One of the rooms from which Chinese workers were rescued on December 23 in Salvador, in the Brazilian state of Bahia. Ministerio Publico del Trabajo (MPT) (EFE)

Brazil has always prided itself on a foreign policy geared towards partnerships that avoids international friction (although its relations with other countries sometimes go sour). But maintaining a balance in the battle between two global superpowers is becoming increasingly complicated and requires walking a thin line. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva received his counterpart Xi in Brasilia in November. In December, days before the labor scandal broke, he received BYDs CEO for the Americas, Stella Li. For the Brazilian president, the BYD project is doubly beneficial because it strengthens his plan for reindustrialization and reinforces his own environmental credentials.

Upon receiving the Chinese leader at the presidential palace, Lula announced that the first electric cars manufactured in Brazil will leave the BYD plant in Bahia next March, and will create 10,000 jobs by the end of the year, for a total of 20,000 by 2026. Li said that it will be the largest and most advanced electric vehicle production plant in the world outside China. The company plans to manufacture some 150,000 vehicles in Brazil in the first year and to double production in the second year, with an eye on expanding into the Latin American market. As part of its overseas expansion, BYD is building other production plants in Hungary, Mexico, Thailand and Uzbekistan.

The Latin American market is enormously important to BYD in its race with Elon Musks Tesla for leadership in the global sale of electric vehicles. Another key lies in regional production of the lithium required for the cars batteries. The Chinese company, which has expressed interest in Mexico due to the countrys booming demand for pickup trucks, is still in the decision-making process in regards to the location of its new Mexican factory, despite many the many uncertainties surrounding the return of Donald Trump. BYD is also considering building a factory in Peru.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
WEST OLIVE, MI - The Sandy Point Beach House is the place to go for those who enjoy fine dining without the suit-and-tie atmosphere.

CDKI Dining Group opened the West Olive eatery at 7175 Lakeshore Dr. in 2013 to offer New American cuisine, bringing new culinary trends, fresh seafood and steaks of the best quality to each plate, according to the restaurant website.

The business group launched a Grand Rapids Sandy Point location in 2022, adding to its regional repertoire, including Chicago Beef Joint and MeXo, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids.

You would not hesitate to walk into my place with a worn college jersey and a pair of jeans, said Peter Krupp, co-owner of Sandy Point, told MLive. We really kind of pride ourselves on not being a pretentious place but serving high-end food.

Sandy Point is known for its steaks, prime beef hamburgers, and fresh seafood. One of the most popular items is the restaurants Beach House Mussels, available three days a week for $15-$22.

The dish includes Prince Edward Island mussels, carrot ribbons, butter, lemon, white wine, tomatoes and capers served with toasted bread.

The fish rotates based on freshness and quality, Krupp said.

Another favorite off the menu is the chicken pot pie for $18. It comes with roasted chicken, corn, peas, carrots and onion in a puff pastry.

If youre looking for something classic but elevated, try the short rib stroganoff, which costs $23. The dish features tender beef short ribs, Pebble Creek mushrooms and pappardelle pasta.

To finish off the meal, check out the desserts. Plenty of offers will be sure to please any sweet treat fanatic, including the 1792 Bourbon Tiramisu with Blood Organelle Ladyfingers for $10 or the millionaires chocolate cake for $10 featuring a chocolate mirror glaze finish and triple chocolate delight.

Sandy Point Beach Houses dine-in and take-out hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Additionally, breakfast hours are offered every Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to noon. Call 616-796-8210 or visit sandypointbeachhouse.com to place a carryout order.

Would you like MLive to consider featuring your favorite restaurant in Michigans Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Skyla Jewell-Hammie at sjewell-hammie@mlive.com.

Want more Muskegon area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter.
Artificial intelligence (AI) isnt as automatic as it claims to be. This technology works thanks to powerful computers that run calculations based on extensive databases. But these databases have to be fixed and tested, a manual job that companies outsource to legions of workers, who are generally paid very little. Sometimes, they earn mere cents for each task performed. This reality was described in the book Ghost Work (2019), authored by Mary Gray  an anthropologist and researcher at Microsoft  and her colleague, Siddarth Suri.

By the time this book was published, Milagros Miceli  an Argentine sociologist who holds a doctorate in Computer Science  had already been researching the subject for two years. When she was hired at the newly created German Internet Institute  hosted by the Weizenbaum Institute, named after Joseph Weizenbaum, a pioneer in AI  the social consequences of algorithms were being approached from a very theoretical point of view. But Miceli wanted to go further. I wondered if anyone was talking to the people behind these algorithms. Thats how I got to the data annotators, who tag images of chairs with the word chair, so that the machine learns to distinguish them. And then, I got to know the data workers, a concept we developed ourselves, she explains.

Since then, Miceli, 41, has pursued this topic. Today, shes one of the leading experts in the little-known field of data workers. Shes also a senior researcher at the Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (DAIR), the center founded by Timnit Gebru. Gebru was Googles head of AI ethics: she was fired shortly after putting her name on a report that didnt make the company look good.

This past December, Miceli participated in the Thinking Global Digital Justice conference, held in Barcelona. She sat down with EL PAIS to discuss her work.

Question. What is a data worker?

Answer. A data worker is a person who, basically, produces data to train AI systems. This task can be carried out by recording their own voice, uploading selfies, labelling and classifying data, interpreting it, etc. What many people sometimes dont imagine is that this is an ongoing job. The [AI] systems require manual work, such as maintaining the data sets, checking them, or fine-tuning them.

Q. What kind of qualification is needed to carry out these tasks?

A. Theres a myth that the people who do this arent skilled workers. However, in practice, these [data] workers have at least completed secondary or higher education. Ive even met people who have PhDs and are doing this type of work.

Q. Where are data workers located?

A. Theyre found among vulnerable or poor populations, in areas with a very high unemployment rate. But they have higher education. The nature of the work is actually very difficult. Ive tried it. It requires not only a level of formal knowledge, but also craftsmanship.

Milagros Miceli, pictured before her participation in the Thinking Global Digital Justice conference Albert Garcia

Q. Could you give me an example?

A. Labelling and segmenting satellite images are very common tasks. This is extremely difficult. Firstly, its tiring for the eyes, as well as for the hand thats constantly moving the mouse. On top of that, you have to be very careful to separate a tree from a person, or a house from a car, in images that are often blurry. This requires a certain level of knowledge about the architecture and vegetation thats specific to a country. And, if you do it incorrectly, you dont get paid at all.

Q. Whats the situation like for data workers?

A. It hasnt changed since this [phenomenon] started. Theyre in a situation of total precariousness, with a lack of protection. In this field, what was once described as the uberization of work is what rules. Theyre paid for a task completed, not for the time it takes to do the task. In the case of data workers, the time it takes them to log in, to find an available task (which isnt always available) or to understand the instructions  which can be very complex and are almost always in English  isnt counted. And all of this involves the risk that the client will later say that the task wasnt done as requested and withhold pay. This happens in many cases. On top of that, the client still has the right to keep the data thats been delivered to them.

Some data workers are blocked on platforms for asking questions, for example, about salary. Then, some platforms  such as the largest of all, Amazon Mechanical Turk  dont pay with money, but with vouchers, in this case, to spend on Amazon. This creates a perfect monopoly. Of course, when something happens to the worker  such as having after-effects from working with psychologically disturbing content  no one helps them. In many cases, they previously signed a confidentiality agreement that prohibits them from revealing the nature of what they do. Some workers have told us that, for this reason  and despite suffering from post-traumatic stress  theyve avoided seeing therapists. Nor can they put on their CV that theyve been content moderators for such a large platform.

Q. So, there are content moderators who arent on the payroll, but who come in via the freelance route?

A. Most of the content moderators have precarious contracts through third-party companies based in Europe, but many also operate in countries in the Global South. These companies, by the way, are the same ones that are used to label images. In fact, the same people often rotate from one team to the other. Content moderation is often done at the same time as data-labeling: they decide whether what theyre monitoring is hate speech or not, information thats subsequently used to train the algorithms.

Q. Do we know how many data workers are out there?

A. Its very difficult to give a number. The World Bank  a conservative institution  says that there are between 150 and 420 million in the world. What we do know is that the numbers have grown exponentially in recent years. This idea that work is going to be automated is a lie. AI requires a lot of manual work.

Q. The discourse of uberization says that data workers want to do work at specific times, as a means to supplement their income. This is the same argument that food delivery platforms make. Is this true? Are data workers full-time, or only part-time?

A. Thats another myth, yes. There are hardly any occasional data workers. This has to do with the complexity and high level of professionalism required  as I mentioned before  to carry out these tasks. The more sophisticated AI models become, the more qualified the workers who operate their databases have to be. Its not like 10 years ago, when you were asked to identify kittens in a series of photos. That doesnt exist anymore. To make any money doing this, you have to work every day.

Q. The classic example of data work, as you say, was image-tagging. Whats in demand now?

A. Seven years ago, when I started in this field, photo-tagging was the trend. The important thing was to have quantity, not quality. In 2019, we did a study in which we analyzed the instructions given to workers and most of them were along those lines. But recently, theres been a very marked shift towards tasks that have more to do with linguistics and generative AI: producing data from scratch for a specific purpose. For example, unemployed artists are hired and asked to create images according to certain basic instructions, the so-called prompts. This is then given to the Midjourney algorithm to perfect its operation. Or, you hire journalists or writers to write features or short stories, so that the machine can extract patterns. You also record people reading texts in minority dialects or languages to enrich the databases.

Q. Can AI function without this manual work? Does it need human support 24 hours a day?

A. This system is designed to have workers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while paying them the bare minimum. And, if they dont like the conditions, companies can move on to the next country or town. Large scale is what rules, and that only works if we have millions of workers. Of course, theres another way of doing things. Models work better if theyre trained on smaller, but better curated data sets. For that, you dont need millions of workers, but rather professionals and to communicate with them. The opposite of anonymity and algorithmic mediation.

Q. The latest generative AI models have already been trained with all the data available on the internet. So, the next-generation models will need to include all of that, along with new, artificially-produced data. Do you think generative AI will boost the demand for data workers?

A. If I had to make a prediction, it would be that the number of data workers will continue to grow. Even those who believe that the future lies in synthetic data  generated by machines  know that this is difficult from a technical point of view. Without going into too much detail, training an AI system with data generated by [another] AI system produces a loop: it ends up repeating the same thing, like an infinite game of mirrors. So, writers, artists, journalists, or translators will continue to be needed to generate data, which serves to enrich the databases on which the algorithms are applied.

Now, even if you could train models with synthetic data, you would still need data workers for algorithmic verification tasks. For example, this consists of sitting down with ChatGPT and asking it questions and saying whether what it answers is right or wrong, if theres a better option, etc. Continuing with language is something dynamic, which is constantly changing. Chatbots need to be constantly perfected. And only humans can do that, because we know and understand the contexts.

Q. Why do you think so little is known about the manual dimension of AI?

A. Its entirely intentional. Theyre selling us the myth of a technology thats miraculous and incredibly powerful, we should fear it because it could kill us all. I would add to that that this technology is based on [hidden] work, on precarious work, on the exploitation of millions of workers. But to sell this myth of ultra-powerful and fearsome technology, its necessary to erase all traces of humanity. However, AI wouldnt be able to work without legions of manual laborers. Why continue hiding them and keeping them in precarious conditions?

Translated by Avik Jain Chatlani.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
KYODO NEWS - Jan 11, 2025 - 20:55 | World, All, Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Saturday his country has agreed to provide high-speed patrol boats to Indonesia following talks with President Prabowo Subianto as the maritime nations seek to expand security cooperation amid China's growing clout.

The two nations confirmed bilateral cooperation on energy security, human resource development and disaster prevention. Ishiba and Prabowo also agreed to hold a third round of "two-plus-two" talks between their foreign and defense ministers later this year.

As "comprehensive strategic partners" sharing basic values, Japan aims to cooperate "as much as possible" in helping Indonesia improve its defense capabilities, Ishiba said during his meeting with Prabowo in Bogor, south of Jakarta.

Japan is expected to supply two patrol boats as part of its defense assistance program aimed at strengthening security ties with like-minded nations.

Japan and Indonesia already have a bilateral agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology. It was reached in the previous round of two-plus-two talks in 2021.

"We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and strengthening the rules-based, free and open international order," Ishiba told a joint press appearance with the Indonesian president after Saturday's meeting.

Ishiba invited Prabowo to visit Japan later this year, an offer the Indonesian president thanked him for and said he looks forward to, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Japan regards its relations with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as strategically important due to their proximity to the South China Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping routes.

It also values ties with the emerging and developing economies of the so-called Global South, in which Indonesia is seeking to play a leading role.

President Prabowo hailed the Japanese leader's visit, which he said reflected "a strong commitment" by both sides to strengthening bilateral ties.

He said they discussed cooperation in various areas, including infrastructure development, energy, and health, while also exchanging views on the global geopolitical situation.

Resource-rich Indonesia is located along the Strait of Malacca, a key shipping lane for energy and other goods.

Ishiba, who became prime minister in October, is on the final leg of a trip that also took him to Malaysia, hoping to solidify ties with countries that are critical in achieving a rules-based, free and open Indo-Pacific.

In Malaysia on Friday, Ishiba and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim agreed to jointly work toward ensuring regional security and robust supply chains.

The trip to Southeast Asia marks the first time Ishiba has traveled overseas solely for bilateral summits as prime minister.

Related coverage:

Japan, Malaysia deepen ties over security, energy amid China concern

Japan PM travels to Malaysia, Indonesia for summit talks

Japan's foreign defense aid to rise 60% in FY 2025
KYODO NEWS - Jan 11, 2025 - 22:41 | World, All

Ukrainian troops have captured two North Korean soldiers, part of a contingent that has been fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine since last year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday, marking the first disclosure of North Korean personnel being taken as prisoners of war.

"This was not an easy task," Zelenskyy wrote on the X platform, referring to the captured North Korean soldiers in Russia's western region of Kursk near Ukraine. The two wounded have been transported to Kyiv.

"Russian forces and other North Korean military personnel usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Korea's involvement in the war against Ukraine," he wrote in his post.

Zelenskyy said the two are now receiving medical care and in the custody of Ukraine's security service.

Zelenskyy said in mid-October that North Korea had joined Russia in the fight against his country.

He later said that at least 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Kursk, where Ukraine has mounted cross-border attacks since August and seized control of part of the region.

Related coverage:

An hour with President Zelenskyy

EXCLUSIVE:Zelenskyy says Ukraine wants to retake occupied land by diplomacy
KYODO NEWS - Jan 11, 2025 - 19:31 | Japan, All

A female student suspected of injuring eight others in a hammer attack on a university campus in suburban Tokyo said she had been bullied and felt belittled, police said Saturday.

The suspect, Yoo Ju Hyun, who holds South Korean nationality and came to Japan to study, was arrested after allegedly attacking students at Hosei University's Tama Campus in Machida on Friday.

Police said the 22-year-old had been seated near the front of a classroom but moved to the back before beginning the assault about 10 minutes into the class, around 3:40 p.m. Earlier in the day, she found a hammer in another classroom and concealed it in her coat pocket.

"I was bullied on a regular basis and thought I was being looked down on," she was quoted by the police as saying. "I thought that the only way to stop the bullying, the only solution, was to attack the students who were in the same class."

All eight victims of the assault were students in their teens and 20s, with seven suffering head injuries.

Among the eight injured were individuals unacquainted with the assailant, a second-year undergraduate who enrolled at the university in April 2023.

The hammer used in the attack had a wooden handle around 30 centimeters long, with a metal head measuring about 10.5 centimeters. It weighed approximately 360 grams, according to the police.

Yoo was initially seated in the third row during a Japanese economic theory class attended by about 150 people.

She then moved to the rear of the room, attacking five male and female students, including striking some on the back of the head, before assaulting three others. The suspect was apprehended by staff as she attempted to return to the front of the classroom.

Related coverage:

8 students injured in hammer attack at univ. campus in Tokyo suburbs
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
NANJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Wu Xiuying, who survived the Nanjing Massacre, passed away on Friday at the age of 92, bringing the number of living registered survivors to 30, said the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.

The Nanjing Massacre refers to when Japanese troops captured the then Chinese capital on Dec. 13, 1937. Over six weeks, they killed approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in one of the most barbaric episodes of World War II.

In 1937, during the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, Wu's brother, who had enlisted in the army, went to Shanghai with his unit and was never heard from again. In December, when the Japanese forces attacked Nanjing, they burned, killed and looted, forcing Wu's family to seek refuge on Mount Wutai in Nanjing and narrowly escape death.

"I hope that the younger generation will not forget history," Wu once said.

However, there are fewer and fewer survivors who can tell the story. In the first 10 days of 2025, Ai Yiying and Wu, two survivors of the Nanjing Massacre, passed away.

The Chinese government has preserved the survivors' testimonies, recorded in both written and video transcripts. The documents on the massacre were listed by UNESCO in the Memory of the World Register in 2015. 
DAMASCUS, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati arrived in Damascus on Saturday for talks with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first visit by a sitting Lebanese premier to Syria in over a decade, Syrian Al-Watan Online newspaper reported.

Mikati, accompanied by a senior delegation including Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and top security officials, landed at Damascus International Airport aboard a Lebanese commercial flight. The visit follows a formal invitation from al-Sharaa, extended during a phone call last week.

The meeting takes place as Syria navigates a political transition following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad last December. Al-Sharaa, who led the coalition that toppled al-Assad, now oversees efforts to stabilize Syria and rebuild its regional relationships.

Relations between the two neighboring countries have grown tense in recent weeks. Syria recently imposed restrictions on cross-border movement following security incidents along the shared border. Previously, Lebanese citizens could enter Syria visa-free using only identification documents.

The border region has also seen a series of clashes between Syrian armed groups and Lebanese forces, resulting in casualties among Lebanese military personnel. 
BUJUMBURA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- A total of 50 postgraduate students pursuing master's degrees at the University of Burundi have been awarded the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship for 2024.

The award ceremony, held Friday at the Mutanga campus in the Rohero zone of Bujumbura, the commercial capital of Burundi, was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Burundi Zhao Jiangping and Rector of the University of Burundi Audace Manirabona.

"This Chinese financial support for Burundian students in need goes beyond simple material assistance. It represents a powerful sign of international solidarity and serves as a strategic investment in the future of Burundian youth by the Chinese embassy to Burundi," said Manirabona.

"China has supported the University of Burundi in several sectors. The beneficiaries of this assistance embody the aspirations of an entire generation to build a better future for our country," he added.

Manirabona noted that the assistance provided since 2018 has already borne fruits, as beneficiaries have been able to attend lectures and pass exams.

For her part, the Chinese ambassador said that education is the cornerstone of a country's future and that talents are strategic resources essential for economic development and social progress.

"China and Burundi share the same vision in this regard and regard education as a priority sector in their bilateral cooperation," Zhao said.

Noting China's support for Burundi in capacity building, She said that in 2024, 54 Burundian students were sent to China to further their studies and more than 300 Burundian nationals traveled to China for seminars and visits.

"Since the establishment of the Confucius Institute at the University of Burundi more than 10 years ago, more than 30,000 Burundian people have received training, and more than 200 scholarships have been provided to students at the institute," Zhao said.

She pledged China's continued commitment to cooperation with Burundi, particularly with the University of Burundi, through enhanced exchanges and training.

Since China and Burundi established diplomatic relations in 1963, the two countries have maintained cooperation in such fields as infrastructure, education, agriculture, health and energy. 
CHANGCHUN, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- An international communication center aimed at strengthening ties between northeast China's Jilin Province and the rest of the world was launched on Saturday in Changchun, the province's capital city.

This new center is designed to serve as a platform for fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange, while also striving to enhance the effectiveness of international communication, according to Bai Yu, an official from the province's publicity department.

Jilin is not only home to a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years but is also a vital northern gateway for China's opening up in the new era -- and a key hub for cultural exchanges in Northeast Asia.

Once an industrial powerhouse, Jilin is now a prominent center for ice-and-snow tourism thanks to its abundant winter resources. In addition to its stunning landscapes, Jilin is also renowned for being the birthplace of China's first automobile, its first film studio and its first metro passenger car.

Notably, this province also launched the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard Culture International Communication Center earlier this week -- in a bid to spotlight wildlife conservation.

China officially established the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park in 2021. Spanning Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces, the park serves as a sanctuary for around 70 wild Siberian tigers and about 80 wild Amur leopards. 
China vows "highly proactive" fiscal policy to shore up economy

Xinhua) 09:12, January 11, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is poised to implement a clear-cut fiscal policy in 2025 that aims to intensify countercyclical regulation and will be "highly proactive," officials said Friday.

As part of the policy, the size of China's fiscal deficit will increase significantly in 2025, Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min told a press conference.

Noting that the fiscal deficit ratio will be increased in 2025, Liao said considering the increasing size of China's GDP, the total fiscal expenditure will further be expanded, and countercyclical adjustment efforts will also be stepped up to provide solid support for the sustained recovery of the economy.

The policy also takes fiscal sustainability in the medium and long term into consideration, so that it is prudent at the same time. Specific policy measures must go through statutory procedures before being launched, Liao said.

The ministry will increase transfer payments to local governments to enhance their fiscal capacity, while allocating a larger scale of government bonds, including ultra-long special treasury bonds and local government special bonds, the vice minister said.

Specifically, efforts will focus on expanding the scope of special bonds in the country's property market to drive effective demand, said Lin Zechang, head of the comprehensive department of the ministry.

Within the limits of newly issued special bond quotas for 2025, local authorities will be able to allocate funds as needed for special bond projects aimed at land reserves and the acquisition of existing commercial housing for affordable housing purposes, Lin said.

As policy measures take effect, multiple indicators of the property market have shown improvement. In December 2024, the transaction area of new commercial housing in 100 major cities nationwide increased by some 17 percent month on month and 18 percent year on year, Lin said.

"We believe that as policy measures continue to strengthen and a new model for real estate development is being developed, the market will further stabilize and improve," Lin said.

Emphasizing the optimization of the country's fiscal expenditure structure in 2025, Liao said that the focus will be more on improving livelihoods and stimulating consumption.

Accordingly, the ministry will provide greater support for stabilizing employment and boosting consumption by increasing income, strengthening the social security system and developing new consumption sectors.

Regarding employment, Lin said that the ministry will further support key sectors such as the cultural and tourism industry, other modern service industries, and foreign trade.

While promising more investment in stabilizing employment and ensuring people's livelihoods, Lin said that efforts will be made to further promote employment in small and micro businesses.

Looking ahead, Liao said the ministry will deepen reforms in the fiscal and tax systems and continue to strengthen efforts to prevent and resolve risks in key sectors.

Given the new situations and challenges in both domestic and international environments, there is ample fiscal policy space and a variety of tools available, Liao added, stressing that further measures will be gradually unveiled to provide robust support for economic and social development.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
GAZA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of journalists in Gaza on Saturday called on the international community to take urgent action to protect them from Israeli attacks.

They made the appeal during the funeral of photojournalist Saed Nabhan, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the al-Nuseirat camp in central Gaza.

At the funeral, furious journalists chanted slogans such as "Journalism is not a crime" and "You will not silence the truth," expressing their dissatisfaction with the increasing risks they face while working.

"What happened to Nabhan highlights the extent of threats we face every day. Despite this, we are committed to conveying the truth," said Ibrahim Qannan, a Palestinian journalist.

The death of Nabhan brings the number of journalists killed since October 2023 to 203, according to the media authorities in Gaza.

The Israeli army denied deliberately targeting journalists, saying in previous statements that "journalists are sometimes injured during military operations against targets that Israel considers security threats."

However, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate called the killing of media workers "a systematic policy to silence the Palestinian voice." The syndicate's deputy head, Tahseen Al-Astal, denounced the killings as violations of international laws that guarantee the protection of journalists.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostages.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen to 46,537, the Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Saturday. 
COLOMBO, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankans working in other countries remitted over 6.57 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, which is a 10.1 percent increase compared to 2023, the latest data by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka showed.

In 2023, Sri Lankans remitted around 5.97 billion dollars.

In December 2024, Sri Lankans remitted 613.8 million dollars, compared to 569.7 million dollars in December 2023.

Remittances are a main source of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka. In recent years, a large number of Sri Lankans have left the country for foreign employment.

According to data from Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, a total of 312,836 Sri Lankans left the country for overseas jobs in 2024, the highest number of Sri Lankans migrating abroad for employment in the nation's history. 
Attorney Emil Bove looks on as President-elect Donald Trump appears remotely for a sentencing hearing in front of New York State Judge Juan Merchan in the criminal case in which he was convicted in 2024 on charges involving hush money paid to a porn star, at New York Criminal Court in Manhattan in New York City, Jan. 10, 2025.
BEIRUT, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun announced Saturday that he will visit Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

The Saudi crown prince extended the invitation during a phone call with Aoun, according to a statement by the Lebanese presidency. Aoun accepted the invitation and said the visit would be his first foreign trip as president, highlighting the kingdom's pivotal role in supporting Lebanon.

During the phone conversation, the Saudi crown prince congratulated Aoun on his election as president. The two leaders also discussed recent developments and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

Aoun, Lebanon's former army chief, was elected the 14th president of Lebanon on Thursday, with 99 out of 128 parliamentary votes. 
Nicolas Maduro (L) is sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 10, 2025. Nicolas Maduro on Friday was sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term. Taking the oath before National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and on the Constitution, Maduro pledged to ensure "peace, prosperity, equality and the new democracy" in Venezuela. (Presidency of Venezuela/Handout via Xinhua)

CARACAS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Nicolas Maduro on Friday was sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term.

Taking the oath before National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and on the Constitution, Maduro pledged to ensure "peace, prosperity, equality and the new democracy" in Venezuela.

"I swear it on history, I swear it on my life, and I will fulfill it," said Maduro, who then received the presidential sash and the Order of the Liberators, symbols of presidential authority in Venezuela.

In his post-oath speech, Maduro called for a broad dialogue process in the country "to advance together toward a major constitutional reform that will further democratize Venezuela."

The reform, he said, aims to update "the principles of the Constitution based on the new economy and society," and "to defend the country from new technological threats."

"Today, I will sign the decree to create a broad national commission for drafting the constitutional reform project, aiming for a process of democratization and defining Venezuela's new society and economy," Maduro said.

On July 28, 2024, Maduro won the presidential election with 51.95 percent of vote, according to figures from the National Electoral Council. 

Nicolas Maduro is sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 10, 2025.

Nicolas Maduro on Friday was sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term.

Taking the oath before National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and on the Constitution, Maduro pledged to ensure "peace, prosperity, equality and the new democracy" in Venezuela. (Presidency of Venezuela/Handout via Xinhua)

Nicolas Maduro (C) arrives for the presidential inauguration in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 10, 2025.

Nicolas Maduro on Friday was sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term.

Taking the oath before National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and on the Constitution, Maduro pledged to ensure "peace, prosperity, equality and the new democracy" in Venezuela. (Presidency of Venezuela/Handout via Xinhua)

Nicolas Maduro (1st R) applauds after he took the oath as Venezuelan president for a third term in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 10, 2025.

Nicolas Maduro on Friday was sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term.

Taking the oath before National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and on the Constitution, Maduro pledged to ensure "peace, prosperity, equality and the new democracy" in Venezuela. (Presidency of Venezuela/Handout via Xinhua)

Nicolas Maduro (R, front) dances with his wife Cilia Flores during a celebration rally after he was sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 10, 2025.

Nicolas Maduro on Friday was sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term.

Taking the oath before National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and on the Constitution, Maduro pledged to ensure "peace, prosperity, equality and the new democracy" in Venezuela. (Photo by Marcos Salgado/Xinhua)

Nicolas Maduro (front) waves a flag during a celebration rally after he was sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 10, 2025.

Nicolas Maduro on Friday was sworn in as Venezuelan president for a third term.

Taking the oath before National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and on the Constitution, Maduro pledged to ensure "peace, prosperity, equality and the new democracy" in Venezuela. (Photo by Marcos Salgado/Xinhua)
Kohl's Junction Shopping Center store View Photo

Sonora, CA  The financially strapped Kohls Corporation today announced it is closing 27 locations in 15 states by Aprilwhat is the fate of the Sonora store?

The Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin-based chain has posted 11 consecutive quarters of sales declines and is attempting to weed out underperforming stores in its 1,150-store base. The move comes amidst the struggling department stores goals to boost profitability and improve sagging sales.

Ten stores in California are on the chopping block. While Kohls gave no official number of workers impacted by the closings, they noted that affected workers have been informed and were offered a severance package or can apply for open jobs at Kohls.

Employees at the Sonora store in the Junction Shopping Center on Mono Way can breathe a sigh of relief, as it is not on the list below provided by the retailer of the closures in California:

Balboa (San Diego)  5505 Balboa Ave.

Encinitas  134 N El Camino Real

Fremont  43782 Christy St.

Mountain View  350 Showers Drive

Napa  1116 1st St.

Pleasanton  4525 Rosewood Drive

Point West (Sacramento)  1896 Arden Way

San Rafael  5010 Northgate Drive

San Luis Obispo  205 Madonna Road

Westchester  8739 S. Sepulveda Blvd.

Kohls also plans to close its San Bernardino e-commerce distribution center at the end of May. It opened in 2010 and is one of 15 in the country. The decline in U.S. department stores has largely been attributed to online shopping sales.
The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) announced the release of the November 2024 Advanced Level examination results on Friday, revealing a notable achievement for female candidates. The results, released ahead of the 2025 school year, show a significant performance gap favouring girls, marking a shift from the previous years results.

ZIMSEC chairperson, Paul Mapfumo, confirmed the release, stating, The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council board and management would like to advise the nation of the release of the 2024 November Advanced Level examination results. He indicated that the results are accessible via the ZIMSEC online portal for five days, after which candidates will need to access their results through other channels. Heads of examination centres can collect physical copies of the results from regional offices beginning Monday, 13 January 2025.

A total of 33,585 candidates sat for the examinations, slightly fewer than the 34,437 candidates in 2023. Of these, 33,246 sat for two or more subjects, with 31,443 achieving a Grade E or better in at least two subjects. This translates to an overall pass rate of 94.58 percent, a marginal decrease from the 94.60 percent recorded in 2023. However, a closer look at the results reveals a significant gender disparity.

Girls significantly outperformed boys, achieving a pass rate of 95.94 percent compared to 92.05 percent for boys  a difference of 3.89 percentage points. This contrasts sharply with the 2023 results, where boys achieved a slightly higher pass rate (93.95 percent) than girls (93.32 percent). In the 2024 examinations, 17,306 female candidates sat for the exams, compared to 16,092 male candidates.

The performance of school candidates also differed from that of private candidates. School candidates achieved a higher overall pass rate of 95.18 percent compared to 90.52 percent for private candidates. This suggests potential factors influencing performance, such as access to resources and support structures, which warrant further investigation.

The release of these results marks a significant milestone in the Zimbabwean education calendar. The success of the female candidates is a noteworthy achievement, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to promote gender equality and support the academic aspirations of all students.

Breaking News via Email

Related Zimbabwe Latest News

Pin Share Share 0 Shares






Yves here. It seemed a change in programming might be welcome. So Rikers cats!

In all seriousness, the prison cat-carer below hopes to turn her efforts into a training program for inmates. One has to think it would need to be part of a vet-tech certification. So one can hope that this article in THE CITY might lead to some interested parties coming forward to move this idea forward.

By Haidee Chu. Published at THE CITY on January 10, 2025

One of the first things retired jails guard Gloria Murli tells Rikers visitors is to watch where they walk. Just be careful, she says, They leave you little presents.

These presents are from the feral cats that live in alleys between trailers, under crawlspaces and inside emptied jail complexes across the islands 413 acres.

As Murli drove by on a mid-December morning, two cats watched from outside a handbuilt shed, their four front paws sharing a cinder block.

Her silver SUV was approaching a trailer when a black-spotted white cat, startled, scurried up a set of stairs to retreat into hiding. Nearby, a small grey-and-white furry lay atop a cushion pad on a patio, unbothered and dozing off under the warmth of the winter sun.

Thats one of our babies, and this shed is their house, Murli said as she pulled into a parking spot next to a small hill looking out on a barbed-wire fence and barred-windows buildings backdropped by the Manhattan skyline.

Most, if not all, of the 300 to 350 cats Murli estimated to be on the island rely on her and a handful of volunteers at the Rikers Island Cat Rescue for food, water and medical care.

Heres one of our clients, looking for a little food, Murli said as she pointed to a tuxedo cat heading toward a feeding station outside the George Motchan Detention Center, a jail-turned-staff training annex thats home to a colony of about 50 to 70 cats. The feeding station is one of 27 the rescue group has set up across the island, Murli said: There are so many cats spread out  the island is huge.

A decade after retiring as a special operations captain on Rikers after 27 years on the job, Murli returns to the island at least twice every weekend to care for cat colonies that have been there since before her time.

When I was working on the island, it was a lot easier But if I dont do it, whos gonna do it? she said. I have nightmares that these cats are going to be out here starving, nobodys gonna give a shit, and theyre just gonna die.

Along with the half a dozen calls a week Murli receives from Rikers staffers alerting her to sickly ferals, she also tries to find suitable homes for adoption-ready cats.

I make them come here to meet them, Murli said of prospective adopters. They dont expect there to be so many cats, and theyre like, Why? Why? Because we cant get to every cat to fix them.

A feral cats runs on Rikers Island, Dec. 8, 2024. Credit: Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

The Department of Correction couldnt say exactly how the island got its feline squatters. But Murli said a number of them were dumped there by visitors, contractors and even staff and officers. Those abandoned cats reproduced, causing the population to balloon to around 1,000 at its peak in the early 2000s, many of them sick and starved.

A trap-neuter-return program that started at around the same time helped shrink the population down to its current size. Murli recalled how inmates, confused by what they were seeing, raised alarm bells.

They were at their windows yelling at me, asking us, Where are you taking all the cats? They thought we were gonna just take them and euthanize them, Murli said. It used to make me laugh because some of them cared, and others just had nothing else to do.

Other Rikers Island critters were not so lucky. The island was once home to a family of seven coyotes, Murli noted  two parents and five pups. But just one, named Frankie, managed to survive on the island after the rest of his family was put down by the Port Authority.

We have a cat that lives right over there, and Frankie goes right by the cat, Murli said. Because people feed the coyote, she continued, he doesnt bother the cat.

Now, as the city is moving slowly towards closing Rikers, Murli is pushing for the department to build a sanctuary where the remaining cats can be gathered, spayed and neutered. The cats in that colony would then either get adopted or live out their last years on the island. Detainees and inmates, for their part, would get to participate in a program to train in veterinary technician skills and care for them.

The idea, she said, is to make it easier to identify new cats on Rikers and to prevent more homeless kittens from being born.

Its still in a baby, infant stage, Murli said, noting that DOC is warming up to the idea, having recently allotted the rescue mission a plot to maintain and to plan for the sanctuary.

Its the lowest thing on the totem pole, Murli said of the sanctuary. But its a problem, she continued, referring to the feral cats.

And if you dont take care of this problem, it is just gonna get worse and its gonna multiply and multiply.

The Department of Correction did not comment on the sanctuary, but spokesperson Shayla Mulzac-Warner said it is working with local non-profit organizations to provide facilities that get our local cat residents the medical care they need.

Theyve Got to Eat

Murli joined the department in 1979 as one of its first female guards, after a hiring freeze at the NYPD put a pause on her ambition to become a police officer.

She was the first woman to join the departments emergency service unit, she said, and dealt mostly with male inmates throughout her tenure, responding to riots and facilitating transports of high-profile criminals.

It was not an easy job for a woman or for anybody, lets put it that way, Murli said. I worked in the interior of the jail. Once youve worked in this kind of environment for so many years, you become institutionalized.

She began caring for Rikers cats back in the mid-90s, she said, after a retiring colleague asked her to promise to do so. In those early days, Murli said, she often paid for medical care and food out of pocket  a cost that quickly mushroomed.

I hate to say it, but Im probably more sympathetic to animals than I am to some of the people here, Murli said. I have sympathy for them, but its not like these poor things  they cant do anything for themselves. But with any problem that you have, you have to fix it. You cant just say, someone else will fix it. It doesnt work like that.

She recalled a time early on when she found a white kitten caught in a barbed wire. Murli took the rescue to a local vet in Astoria, and that visit motivated her to carry on.

The vet said to me, I wanna tell you, this is gonna be a drop in the bucket for you. Im not gonna walk away from this. Im gonna keep doing it, and thats exactly what happened, she said. So I kept doing it out of empathy, because I thought, Oh my God, theyve gotta eat.

These days, the costs are mostly covered by donations, and Murli runs a trailer on the east side of the island, where a feral colony of about 30 cats live outside and about 20 adoptable rescues live indoors in eight rooms.

As Murli approached the trailer, two feral cats looked up furtively from a wooden plank where they perched, while others began to lurk around the door as if knowing that feeding time was imminent.
Amazon workers staged historic strike during 2024 holiday rush: A turning point for labor rights in e-commerce?

Amazon workers at seven U.S. facilities staged a significant strike during the 2024 holiday shopping season, organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Striking workers demanded higher wages, better health benefits and improved safety measures, citing Amazons record profits as evidence of its ability to meet these demands.

The strike underscored Amazons contentious relationship with unions. The company has consistently opposed unionization efforts, refusing to recognize the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) despite its historic victory at the Staten Island facility in 2022.

The strike reflects a growing wave of labor activism across retail and logistics sectors, with workers increasingly willing to challenge corporate power. While Amazons vast resources and automation have allowed it to withstand labor unrest, the strike has drawn attention to systemic issues in the e-commerce industry, including worker exploitation and the human cost of rapid delivery systems.

The Teamsters have vowed to continue their campaign, with plans to expand organizing efforts and push for formal union elections. Amazon, however, remains defiant, dismissing the strike as a "PR play" and continuing to resist unionization through legal and operational strategies.

In the midst of the 2024 holiday shopping frenzy, Amazon workers at seven U.S. facilities walked off the job in a historic strike, marking one of the largest labor actions against the e-commerce giant to date. Organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the strike targeted Amazons fulfillment centers in cities like Atlanta, New York and San Francisco.

While the protest highlighted growing discontent among Amazons workforce, the companys vast logistics network ensured minimal disruption to its operations.

However, the strike has reignited debates about worker rights, corporate accountability and the future of labor organizing in the e-commerce sector.

Amazon, the world's second-largest private employer, has long been criticized for its demanding work environment. Workers allege that the companys relentless focus on speed and efficiency leads to unsafe conditions, physical strain and inadequate benefits.

The strike, which began on Dec. 21, aimed to pressure Amazon into addressing these concerns. Protesters demanded higher wages, better health benefits and improved safety measures, pointing to the companys record-breaking profits as evidence that it can afford to treat workers more fairly.

Despite the strike's scale, Amazons operations remained largely unaffected. The companys sprawling network of over 600 U.S. facilities and its reliance on automation allowed it to absorb the impact.

Dan Romanoff, a Morningstar analyst, explained that while there might have been isolated delays, the strike was unlikely to cause significant disruptions during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Amazons stock even rose by 1.8 percent on the day of the strike, reflecting investor confidence in the companys ability to weather labor unrest.

However, the strike's significance extends beyond its immediate operational impact. It underscores a growing wave of labor activism across the service and retail sectors, fueled by workers' demands for better pay and conditions.

From Starbucks baristas to U.S. port workers, employees are increasingly willing to take collective action to challenge corporate power. Amazon, as a bellwether of the e-commerce industry, has become a focal point for these efforts.

What workers want and why Amazon resists

The striking workers demands are straightforward: Higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions.

Many employees, like Jordan Soreff, a delivery driver in New York, describe grueling workloads that push them to their physical limits. "The more you do, the more youre expected to do," said Soreff, echoing a sentiment shared by countless Amazon workers.

Amazon, however, has resisted these demands, maintaining that it already offers industry-leading wages and benefits. Earlier this year, the company announced a $2.1 billion investment to raise pay for fulfillment and transportation employees, increasing base wages to around $22 per hour.

Yet workers argue that these measures fall short, particularly given the companys reliance on subcontractors and part-time employees who often lack access to full benefits.

The strike also highlighted Amazon's contentious relationship with unions. The company has consistently opposed unionization efforts, arguing that its employees are better served through direct communication with management.

Amazon has refused to recognize the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), which won a historic union vote at its Staten Island facility in 2022.

The company has filed objections with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and even challenged the constitutionality of the NLRB itself in a federal lawsuit.

What's next for Amazon workers

The strike officially ended on Christmas Eve last year, but the battle is far from over. The Teamsters have vowed to continue their campaign, stating that they will "never let up" in their fight for workers rights.

The union claims to represent 7,000 Amazon workers nationwide, though this figure represents less than one percent of the companys U.S. workforce. Despite its limited reach, the Teamsters efforts have galvanized workers and drawn attention to the challenges faced by Amazon employees.

Looking ahead, the union plans to expand its organizing efforts, targeting more Amazon facilities and pushing for formal union elections.

The Teamsters have already announced that a majority of employees at Amazon's San Bernardino air hub signed cards expressing their desire to join the union. While no formal vote has been held yet, this development signals growing momentum for labor organizing within the company.

Amazon, for its part, shows no signs of backing down.

The company has dismissed the strike as a "PR play" and continues to challenge unionization efforts in court. Its strategy of relying on subcontractors and automation further insulates it from labor disruptions, allowing it to maintain its dominance in the e-commerce market. (Related: Amazons popular livestreaming platform Twitch to cut 35% of workforce due to financial concerns and mounting losses.)

The Amazon strike is part of a broader trend of labor activism reshaping the retail and logistics sectors. As workers demand better pay and conditions, companies are being forced to reckon with the human cost of their operations.

While Amazon's vast resources and technological edge have allowed it to weather the storm so far, the strike has exposed cracks in its armor.

For the e-commerce industry, the strike serves as a wake-up call. As consumers increasingly rely on online shopping, the workers who power this system are demanding their fair share.

Whether Amazon and other industry leaders will heed these calls remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: The fight for workers' rights in the digital age is just beginning.

In the meantime, the Teamsters and other labor organizations are determined to keep the pressure on. A union representative has asked workers to "stay tuned," signaling that this strike is just the opening salvo in a larger battle for fairness and dignity in the workplace.

Watch the video below to learn more about the 2024 Amazon workers strike.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Amazons Jeff Bezos demonizing farming while investing more than $1.27 billion in fake food production.

3,700 Detroit casino workers launch strike for better pay and improved working conditions.

United Auto Workers president expands strike to lucrative Ford Kentucky plant following companys refusal to negotiate.

Several LA hotels under investigation for hiring ILLEGALS to replace striking workers.

Sources include:

Reuters.com

APNews.com

Edition.CNN.com

Brighteon.com
PHNOM PENH, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia had exported 651,522 tonnes of milled rice in 2024, making a total revenue of 491 million U.S. dollars, the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) said in a news release on Saturday.

Fifty-seven companies had shipped the kingdom's milled rice to 68 countries and regions last year, the news release said, adding that China was still one of the main buyers of the commodity.

The Southeast Asian country exported 117,925 tonnes of milled rice to China in 2024, earning 75.6 million dollars in revenue, the news release said.

"About 76.15 percent of the exported milled rice was fragrant rice, 18.7 percent was white rice, 3.1 percent was parboiled rice, 1.78 percent was organic rice, and 0.27 percent was other types of rice," CRF Secretary General Lun Yeng said.

Im Rachna, an undersecretary of state and spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said China is one of the major markets for Cambodia's agricultural produce.

"The purchase of our agricultural products by China and other friendly countries have significantly contributed to the development of Cambodia's agriculture and brought a lot of benefits to our people, particularly farmers," she told Xinhua. 
Chinese researchers replicate OpenAIs advanced AI model, sparking global debate on open source and AI security

Chinese Researchers Replicate OpenAI's o1 Model: In December 2024, researchers from Fudan University and the Shanghai AI Laboratory successfully replicated OpenAIs advanced o1 reasoning model, a key step toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This milestone highlights the global race for AI dominance and raises ethical and security concerns about open-sourcing powerful technologies.

The o1 Model and Its Significance: OpenAI's o1 model, known as the "Reasoner," focuses on mastering complex reasoning tasks using reinforcement learning, search-based reasoning and iterative learning. Its replication by Chinese researchers, using synthetic training data, demonstrates advancements in adaptability and performance, pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities.

Debate Over Open Source vs. Proprietary AI: The replication of the o1 model occurs amid a broader debate about open-sourcing advanced AI technologies. While OpenAI has shifted toward a closed, for-profit model, Chinese researchers have open-sourced their replicated reasoning systems, fostering innovation but also raising risks of misuse in areas like cybersecurity and autonomous weaponry.

Emergence of LLaVA-o1: Chinese researchers introduced LLaVA-o1, a vision-language model (VLM) that challenges OpenAI's o1 model. LLaVA-o1 uses a structured, multistage reasoning process and a novel inference-time scaling technique, outperforming both open-source and some closed-source models like GPT-4-o-mini and Gemini 1.5 Pro.

Intensifying Global AI Race: The rapid advancements by Chinese researchers, including the release of models like Deepseek R1 and Marco-1, have narrowed OpenAI's lead in complex reasoning tasks. This intensifying competition underscores the need for international collaboration, ethical governance and security measures to address shared challenges and ensure equitable AI development.

In a groundbreaking development, Chinese researchers from Fudan University and the Shanghai AI Laboratory have successfully replicated OpenAI's advanced o1 reasoning model, a cornerstone in the race toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

This achievement, reported in December 2024, marks a significant milestone in AI development but also raises critical questions about the ethics of open-sourcing powerful technologies and the implications for global AI security.

As nations and organizations vie for dominance in AI innovation, this breakthrough underscores the accelerating pace of technological advancement and the growing tension between collaboration and competition in the field.

The o1 Model: A leap toward AGI

OpenAI's o1 model, known as the "Reasoner," represents the second stage in the organization's five-phase roadmap to AGI. It focuses on mastering complex reasoning tasks, a foundational capability for developing more advanced AI systems. The model integrates three core techniques: reinforcement learning, search-based reasoning and iterative learning. These methods enable the o1 model to tackle intricate problems with remarkable precision, often outperforming human problem-solving in specific domains.

The replication of this model by Chinese researchers highlights the global race to achieve AGI, a form of AI capable of performing any intellectual task that a human can do. By reverse-engineering OpenAI's methodologies, the Chinese team developed their own reasoning systems using synthetic training data, a novel approach that enhances adaptability and performance across diverse tasks. This innovation not only accelerates training but also exposes the model to a broader range of problem-solving scenarios, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve. (Related: Why China will win the race for AI supremacy as US efforts collapse under woke, irrational demands for AI censorship.)

Open source vs. proprietary AI

The replication of OpenAI's o1 model comes amid a broader debate over the open sourcing of advanced AI technologies. OpenAI, once a proponent of open-source development, has shifted toward a more closed, for-profit model, citing concerns over security risks and the high costs of developing cutting-edge AI systems. However, this shift has inadvertently encouraged other nations, including China, to reverse-engineer and open-source similar technologies.

The decision by Chinese researchers to open-source their replicated reasoning models adds complexity to this landscape. While open-sourcing fosters innovation and democratizes access to advanced AI, it also increases the risk of misuse, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, misinformation campaigns and autonomous weaponry. This tension between proprietary advancements and open-source collaboration underscores the need for robust AI governance frameworks to balance innovation with security.

LLaVA-o1: A new challenger in multimodal reasoning

In a parallel development, Chinese researchers have unveiled LLaVA-o1, a new vision-language model (VLM) designed to challenge OpenAI's o1 model. LLaVA-o1 introduces a structured, multistage reasoning process that breaks down complex tasks into four distinct stages: summary, caption, reasoning and conclusion. This approach, inspired by OpenAI's inference-time scaling, allows the model to manage its reasoning process independently, improving performance on complex tasks.

LLaVA-o1 also employs a novel inference-time scaling technique called "stage-level beam search," which generates multiple candidate outputs at each reasoning stage and selects the best one to continue the process. This method, combined with a dataset of 100,000 image-question-answer pairs, has enabled LLaVA-o1 to outperform not only other open-source models but also some closed-source models like GPT-4-o-mini and Gemini 1.5 Pro.

"We observe that VLMs often initiate responses without adequately organizing the problem and the available information," the researchers wrote. "Moreover, they frequently deviate from a logical reasoning toward conclusions, instead of presenting a conclusion prematurely and subsequently attempting to justify it. Given that language models generate responses token-by-token, once an erroneous conclusion is introduced, the model typically continues along a flawed reasoning path."

Global AI race intensifies

The rapid advancements by Chinese researchers highlight the intensifying competition in the global AI race. Just days after the release of OpenAI's o1-preview model, three new AI models from Chinese developers  Deepseek R1, Marco-1 and OpenMMLab's hybrid model  entered the fray, challenging OpenAI's dominance in complex reasoning tasks. This acceleration in innovation has narrowed OpenAI's lead from five months with GPT-4 to just two and a half months with the o1-preview model.

Meanwhile, other players like Anthropic are upping the stakes with initiatives like the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which simplifies AI-data integration and broadens access to advanced AI capabilities. These developments underscore the growing competitiveness of the AI landscape and the need for international collaboration to address shared challenges, such as ethical considerations, security risks and the equitable distribution of AI's benefits.

What lies ahead for AI development?

As the global race for AI innovation continues, the replication of OpenAI's o1 model and the development of LLaVA-o1 serve as reminders of the rapid pace of technological advancement. These breakthroughs highlight the profound implications of AI technologies and the urgent need for ethical governance, international cooperation and robust security measures.

The future of AI development will likely see a progression from reasoning models like the o1 to agent-based AI systems capable of interacting with and taking actions in real-world environments. Techniques such as reward modeling and reinforcement learning will play a pivotal role in this transition, enabling AI systems to adapt to dynamic scenarios and learn from real-time feedback.

Ultimately, the replication of OpenAI's o1 model and the rise of challengers like LLaVA-o1 underscore the dual nature of AI development: a source of immense potential and a catalyst for complex ethical and security challenges. As nations and organizations push toward AGI, the need for responsible innovation and global collaboration will remain paramount to ensuring that AI's transformative potential is harnessed for the benefit of all.

Follow FutureTech.news for more news about the latest AI models.

Watch the video below to know more about OpenAI's new breakthrough in artificial intelligence.

This video is from the Natural Intelligence channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

OpenAI whistleblower speaks out on the rise of superintelligence and international safety concerns, suggests U.S. leaders should take control.

U.S. government now in control of AI models  any AI that doesnt parrot disinformation propaganda and lies will be BANNED.

Joshua Hale on Decentralize TV: The importance of decentralized AI SYSTEMS.

Sources include:

Geeky Gadgets.com

VentureBeat.com1

VentureBeat.com2
Democratic leadership failures exposed as Los Angeles burns

The wildfires in Los Angeles exposed significant failures in Democratic leadership, with Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom criticized for being absent, unprepared, and prioritizing ideological policies over public safety. Basss decision to travel abroad during the crisis and Newsoms environmental policies, such as draining reservoirs, were particularly condemned.

Mayor Bass $17.6 million cut to the Los Angeles Fire Departments budget, combined with dry fire hydrants and overgrown vegetation, left firefighters ill-equipped to handle the disaster. These decisions have been blamed for exacerbating the crisis and endangering residents.

Residents and celebrities have expressed fury over the leaderships negligence, with demands for Bass and Newsom to resign. Actress Sara Foster highlighted the mismanagement, citing high taxes, empty reservoirs, and inadequate fire prevention measures as key grievances.

The wildfires have worsened Californias collapsing insurance market, with private insurers fleeing due to wildfire risks. Nearly 500,000 residents now rely on the states underfunded FAIR Plan, leaving taxpayers to bear the estimated $50 billion recovery cost.

The crisis underscores the dangers of prioritizing ideological policies over practical governance. The wildfires serve as a national warning about the consequences of leadership failures, with residents demanding leaders who prioritize safety and security over political posturing.

The devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles have laid bare the catastrophic failures of Democratic leadership in California, with Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom at the center of the storm. As flames engulfed neighborhoods, destroyed homes, and left thousands displaced, the citys leadership was either absent, unprepared, or utterly incompetent in the face of disaster. The crisis has exposed a pattern of misplaced priorities, reckless budget cuts, and a disregard for public safety that has left Angelenos furious and demanding accountability.

Mayor Karen Basss decision to travel to Ghana for a presidential inauguration, despite warnings of critical fire conditions, has become a symbol of her administrations negligence. While Bass attended ceremonies in West Africa, her city was burning. Her absence during such a critical moment has drawn widespread condemnation, with residents and celebrities alike calling for her resignation. Actress Sara Foster summed up the anger in a scathing post: We pay the highest taxes in California. Our fire hydrants were empty. Our vegetation was overgrown, brush not cleared. Our reservoirs were emptied by our governor because tribal leaders wanted to save fish. Our fire department budget was cut by our mayor. But thank god drug addicts are getting their drug kits.

The budget cuts to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) have proven particularly disastrous. Bass initially proposed slashing $23 million from the fire departments budget before settling on a $17.6 million reduction. These cuts, coupled with the emptying of reservoirs due to environmental policies, left firefighters ill-equipped to combat the inferno. Reports of dry fire hydrants and overgrown vegetation have only added to the outrage, as residents question whether green policies prioritized over public safety contributed to the devastation.

The mayors return to Los Angeles was marked by a series of embarrassing gaffes and evasions. During a press conference, Bass appeared bewildered, stumbling over her notes and failing to provide clear guidance to residents. Her refusal to answer questions from a reporter at the airport, where she stared blankly into the distance for two minutes, further underscored her inability to lead in a crisis. When pressed on her decision to cut the fire departments budget and her absence during the disaster, Bass offered no explanation or apology.

Excuses at every level of government

Governor Gavin Newsom, another prominent Democrat, has also faced criticism for his handling of the crisis. His administrations decision to drain reservoirs to protect fish populations, despite the looming threat of wildfires, has been widely condemned as a failure of common sense. The combination of poor planning, misplaced priorities, and inadequate resources has left California vulnerable to disasters that are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change.

The wildfires have not only destroyed homes and displaced families but have also exposed a deeper crisis in Californias governance. The states insurance market is collapsing, with private insurers fleeing due to the high risk of wildfires. Nearly 500,000 Californians now rely on the states FAIR Plan, an insurer of last resort that is ill-equipped to handle the scale of potential damage. Basically, this means that California taxpayers are going to be stuck with the cost of recovery -- already estimated at over $50B. This insurance crisis, coupled with the states inability to manage its natural resources effectively, has left residents feeling abandoned and betrayed.

The failures of Democratic leadership in Los Angeles and California are not just a local issue; they are a warning to the nation. The prioritization of ideological policies over practical governance has real-world consequences, as seen in the ashes of Pacific Palisades and other affected neighborhoods. The wildfires have revealed a leadership vacuum, where political posturing and environmental extremism have taken precedence over the safety and well-being of citizens.

As the fires continue to rage, the calls for accountability grow louder. Residents are demanding answers, and many are calling for Bass and Newsom to resign. The devastation in Los Angeles is a stark reminder that leadership matters, and when leaders fail to prioritize their constituents, the consequences can be catastrophic. The time for excuses is over; the people of California deserve leaders who will put their safety and security first. Until then, the flames will continue to burn, and the failures of Democratic leadership will remain etched in the ashes of a city in crisis.

Sources include:

DailyMail.com

Bloomberg.com

NYPost.com
Faith in action: How ministries are filling the gap in disaster response as government agencies falter

Faith-based organizations, like We The Remnant Ministry, are filling gaps in disaster response by providing critical aid, emotional support, and community rebuilding efforts when government agencies fall short.

Doc Chambers combines spiritual ministry with tactical preparedness, empowering communities to respond to crises independently through practical action and faith-based systems.

Chambers emphasizes leveraging local churches as distribution hubs for aid, citing their resilience and ability to operate effectively even when faced with external interference, such as from FEMA.

His upcoming book, The Art of the Jedburgh, draws on military strategies and scripture to provide a blueprint for building resilient communities capable of thriving in the face of disasters.

Chambers work highlights the power of collective action and faith, aiming to inspire hope, self-reliance, and community strength in times of crisis, turning chaos into order.

As government agencies falter in disaster response, faith-based organizations are stepping into the breach, providing critical aid and emotional support to communities in need. Doc Pete Chambers, founder of We The Remnant Ministry and a former Green Beret, is at the forefront of this movement, combining spiritual ministry with tactical preparedness to empower communities to respond to crises independently.

In a recent interview with Mike Adams on Brighteon.com, Chambers shared how his team provided essential aid to displaced families in North Carolina following a devastating storm. "We brought food, blankets, and emotional support to people who felt abandoned by the system," Chambers explained. "But more than that, we helped them rebuild their lives and their communities."

Chambers emphasized the importance of combining faith with practical action. "Ministry is life, and life is ministry," he said. "When disaster strikes, its not just about handing out supplies. Its about building systems that allow people to help themselves and each other."

One of the key lessons Chambers learned during his time in North Carolina was the importance of working through local churches and ministries to distribute aid. "When you park your supplies at a church, it becomes a robust distribution center," he said. "FEMA tried to interdict some of our shipments, but they couldnt touch what was stored in a church. Thats where we found our strength."

Chambers upcoming book, The Art of the Jedburgh, aims to equip communities with the tools they need to respond to crises independently. Drawing on his military experience and his work with We The Remnant Ministry, the book provides a blueprint for building resilient communities that can withstand both natural and man-made disasters.

"The Jedburgh teams were small, elite units that operated behind enemy lines during World War II," Chambers explained. "They worked with local resistance groups to disrupt the enemy and build up their own forces. Thats exactly what we need to do in our communities today."

The book is divided into three sections: What Was, What Is, and What Is to Come. Each section is grounded in scripture and provides practical advice for building community resilience. "This isnt just about surviving the next disaster," Chambers said. "Its about thriving in the face of adversity and turning chaos into order."

Chambers work in North Carolina is a testament to the power of faith and collective action. During a Christmas trip to the region, his team hosted a party for displaced families, providing meals, gifts, and emotional support. "We wanted to show them that they werent alone," Chambers said. "We wanted to remind them that there is hope, even in the darkest times."

As government agencies continue to falter, faith-based organizations like We The Remnant Ministry are stepping up to fill the gap. "Were not waiting for someone else to save us," Chambers said. "Were taking responsibility for our own communities and building the systems we need to survive and thrive."

In a world where chaos seems to reign, Chambers message is clear: "We are the hands and feet of the ecclesia, the church. Together, we can turn the tide and bring order to the chaos."

Watch this full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Doc Pete Chambers as they talk about the role of faith and community in overcoming adversity.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Texas vs. California: Los Angeles wildfires expose stark difference in disaster response and governance between the two states

Palisades Fire becomes L.A.s most destructive wildfire amid water shortages and power outages

Insurance exodus and wildfire fallout: Californias crisis deepens

Source:

Brighteon.com

Theremnantministrytx.org
Steven and Jana Ben-Nun warn: Noahide Laws threaten the foundation of Western democracy

Mike Adams' interview with Steven and Jana Ben-Nun from Israeli News Live explored the Noahide laws, a set of principles that experts warn could fundamentally alter Western democracies. The Ben-Nuns described these laws as a looming threat to free speech and religious freedom.

Jana revealed that the implementation of Noahide laws aims to suppress free speech and religious freedom. The laws could potentially criminalize or censor speech and texts deemed contrary to their principles, including the New Testament.

The interview highlighted that U.S. government officials, including governors and senators, are supporting measures that blur the line between law and censorship, particularly under the guise of combating anti-Semitism.

The conversation discussed Public Law 10214, which re-affirms Noahide laws annually signed by U.S. presidents, indicating a deeper integration of these principles into American governance.

The interview emphasized the need for critical thinking and collective action to prevent the erosion of individual liberties. The Ben-Nuns stressed the importance of educating oneself, speaking out against injustice and engaging in proactive measures to safeguard free speech and religious freedom.

In a recent interview on the "Health Ranger Report" podcast, the Health Ranger Mike Adams delved into the alarming implications of the Noahide Laws, a set of principles that experts warn could fundamentally alter the social and political fabric of Western democracies. The conversation featuring Steven and Jana Ben-Nun, two renowned analysts from Israeli News Live, exposed a subversive plan that aims to not only manipulate the Middle East but extend its reach to control Western societies.

The Ben-Nuns warned that the implementation of Noahide Laws is no longer a distant threat but a looming reality. Jana, an expert on the topic, revealed a sinister agenda that extends beyond mere legal reforms, aiming to suppress free speech, religious freedom and potentially even censorship of the New Testament.

The conversation began with an analysis of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Steven emphasized the biblical significance of recent events, particularly the fall of Syria and the implications for future conflicts. He argued that the fall of Damascus as predicted in the book of Isaiah marks the beginning of a significant shift in the region's political landscape, with Israel playing a central role.

Adams then shifted the focus to the more immediate threat facing Western democracies. Jana detailed how the Noahide laws, under the guise of promoting ethical values, could be used to control and restrict dissenting voices. She explained that these laws, if fully implemented, would create a scenario where any speech deemed contrary to the laws could be censored or criminalized.

U.S. officials' support for Noahide Laws raises serious concerns

Furthermore, the interview highlighted the alarming trend of U.S. government officials, including governors and senators, supporting anti-free speech measures under the pretext of combating anti-Semitism. Jana argued that these measures blur the line between law and censorship, potentially leading to a situation where even the New Testament could be censored.

She also discussed how Public Law 10214, which celebrates Rabbi Menachem Schneerson and references Noahide laws, is re-signed annually by U.S. presidents  indicating a deeper entrenchment of these principles in American governance. Jana pointed out that the U.S. president is re-signing the Noahide laws as a bedrock of American society.

Steven meanwhile stressed the need for critical thinking and the importance of understanding the broader implications of these laws. He argued that the subversion of free speech and religious freedom, under the guise of promoting a supposed moral code, is a dangerous path that could lead to the suppression of dissent and the erosion of individual liberties.

The Ben-Nuns also discussed the far-reaching implications of the Noahide laws on global geopolitics. They highlighted the role of key figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, who they argued is a proxy for Zionist interests. The interview revealed a complex web of global power dynamics, where the goal is not merely control of specific nations but a coordinated effort to establish a global order dominated by a select few. (Related: Rick Wiles of TruNews: Global Zionism is the rising BEAST SYSTEM.)

As the conversation reached its conclusion, the importance of individual action became clear. Jana emphasized the need for citizens to educate themselves, speak out against injustice and engage in collective action to prevent the implementation of these laws. She stressed that the fight against this threat requires not only awareness but also proactive measures to protect free speech and religious freedom.

The end of free speech is a chilling reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the potential for subtle yet powerful means of control. As governments across the globe consider measures under the guise of ethical or cultural preservation, the interview highlighted the critical need for vigilance and action to safeguard the foundational principles of Western democracy.

Watch the full interview between Steven and Jana Ben-Nun and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ethnic cleansing of Gaza is harming Israels reputation and leading to more bloodshed, says author Steven Ben-Nun.

NO FREE SPEECH ALLOWED: NYU declares Zionists a protected class that cannot be criticized.

Stew Peters discusses the ZIONIST TAKEOVER of the U.S. government in his new film "Occupied."

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

JewishVirtualLibrary.org

BibleGateway.com

GovInfo.gov [PDF]
John Deeres autonomous revolution: A new era for farming and beyond

The company has launched a range of autonomous tractors and work vehicles, aiming to revolutionize agriculture and other industries.

John Deere plans to introduce a fully autonomous corn and soybean farming system by 2030, addressing labor shortages and increasing productivity.

The company is developing specialized autonomous tractors for tasks like spraying nut orchards, as well as expanding into construction and landscaping with autonomous dump trucks and lawnmowers.

The latest Autonomy 2.0 system uses 16 cameras for a 360-degree view and can operate at speeds of up to 12 mph, 40 percent faster than previous models.

By automating repetitive tasks, John Deere aims to improve efficiency, safety and sustainability in agriculture and construction, while also addressing labor shortages.

In a bold move that could redefine the future of agriculture, John Deere has unveiled a groundbreaking lineup of autonomous tractors and work vehicles, signaling a seismic shift in how farming and other industries operate. With plans to introduce a fully autonomous corn and soybean farming system by 2030, the company is doubling down on its commitment to cutting-edge technology, aiming to address labor shortages and boost productivity across multiple sectors.

At the heart of this innovation is John Deeres vision of full autonomy, where machines operate entirely on their own, without human intervention. Jahmy Hindman, the companys chief technology officer, emphasized this commitment during a presentation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. When we talk about autonomy, we mean full autonomy, Hindman stated. No ones in the machine.

This vision is already becoming a reality. John Deeres first autonomous tractor, introduced in 2022, is currently being used by farmers across the United States to prepare soil for planting. Building on this success, the company is expanding its autonomous fleet to include a range of vehicles designed for diverse applications, from agriculture to construction and landscaping.

A game-changer for agriculture

One of the most significant advancements is the development of driverless tractors tailored for specialized tasks, such as spraying nut orchards with pesticides, growth regulators and nutrients. These tractors are expected to be a boon for Californias nut farming industry, which has been grappling with labor shortages in recent years. By automating repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, John Deere aims to help farmers maximize efficiency and reduce reliance on human labor.

Looking ahead, the company has set an ambitious goal of creating a fully autonomous corn and soybean farming system by 2030. This system would integrate advanced technologies, including AI-driven perception systems and real-time data analytics, to optimize every aspect of crop production.

Beyond the farm: autonomous dump trucks and lawnmowers

John Deeres autonomous ambitions extend far beyond agriculture. The company is developing an articulated dump truck capable of carrying more than 92,000 pounds, designed to operate safely and efficiently in quarries and construction sites. This vehicle is expected to improve safety and productivity by eliminating the need for human operators in hazardous environments.

In the commercial landscaping sector, John Deere is introducing an autonomous lawnmower tailored for environments like office parks and corporate campuses. Willy Pell, CEO of Blue River Technology, a subsidiary of John Deere, highlighted the potential of this technology to address labor challenges in the landscaping industry. The use cases we have, the tech just really fits these environments so well, Pell said.

The technology behind the revolution

At the core of John Deeres autonomous systems is a sophisticated perception technology that uses stereoscopic cameras to create a detailed, real-time view of the environment. The latest iteration, dubbed Autonomy 2.0, features 16 cameras mounted on the tractor cab, providing a 360-degree view and enabling the machine to operate at speeds of up to 12 mph40 percent faster than previous models.

This advanced perception system, combined with rugged graphics processing units (GPUs), allows the tractors to process visual data locally, ensuring quick decision-making even in challenging conditions. The system has been rigorously tested in tens of thousands of scenarios to ensure safety and reliability.

A future of efficiency and sustainability

John Deeres push toward autonomy is not just about replacing human labor; its about creating smarter, more efficient systems that can adapt to the unique challenges of modern agriculture and beyond. By leveraging decades of technological innovation, the company is positioning itself as a leader in the autonomous machinery market.

The rollout of Autonomy 2.0 will begin with a limited release for tillage applications in spring 2025, followed by a full release in 2026. Farmers will be able to retrofit existing tractors with the new system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of equipment.

As John Deere continues to innovate, the implications for the agricultural and construction industries are profound. With autonomous machines taking on more tasks, farmers and businesses can focus on higher-level decision-making, while also addressing labor shortages and improving productivity.

The future of farming  and beyond  is here, and its autonomous. John Deeres bold vision is not just a technological leap; its a promise of a more efficient, sustainable and innovative future for industries worldwide.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

Quartz.com

Agriculture.com
LA County Fire Department donated essential firefighting equipment to Ukraine  and now Los Angeles is burning

The Pacific Palisades Fire has grown to over 15,800 acres, forcing 30,000 evacuations, destroying hundreds of structures, and claiming five lives, with containment efforts ongoing.

The Los Angeles County Fire Departments 2022 donation of surplus equipment to Ukraine has drawn criticism, as the department now struggles with resource shortages amid the wildfire crisis.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces backlash for being abroad during the disaster, while her administrations $17.6 million fire department budget cut and recruitment challenges exacerbate the crisis.

The Biden administrations halt on forest management projects and focus on Ukraine aid, including a new multibillion-dollar package, has sparked criticism amid Californias wildfire emergency.

As wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County and other parts of Southern California, reports are resurfacing about how the Los Angeles County Fire Department donated essential equipment to Ukraine back in 2022  equipment that could have been useful now as the county finds itself struggling to contain multiple blazes.

The Pacific Palisades Fire, which began on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 7, has grown to over 15,800 acres with zero percent containment as of Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The blaze has forced the evacuation of at least 30,000 residents and destroyed hundreds of structures. Five people have been confirmed dead, with officials warning that the death toll could rise as firefighters battle multiple uncontained fires across the region.

The crisis has exposed a series of missteps and resource shortages that have left California vulnerable. In 2022, the Los Angeles County Fire Department donated surplus equipment to Ukraine, a move praised at the time as a gesture of solidarity. However, critics now argue that the decision has left the department ill-equipped to handle the current disaster.

"All over Southern California, people are finding ways to keep Ukraine front and center, and it's no different for the Los Angeles County Fire Department," ABC 7 reported in 2022.

Today, that goodwill gesture has come under scrutiny as the department scrambles to respond to the escalating crisis.

Democratic politicians fumble reaction to disaster

Compounding the problem, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has faced criticism for being abroad in Ghana during the disaster. Her administration is also being lambasted for slashing the budget of the fire department by $17.6 million for the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, down from an initial proposed cut of $23 million, but still a very significant reduction in the department's operating budget.

The city has also struggled to recruit new firefighters for years, and the federal Forest Service's operations in Southern California have seen a significant reduction in personnel that has not been addressed by the administration of Gov. Gavin Newsom or by President Joe Biden.

Additionally, the Biden administration halted certain forest management projects, such as prescribed burns, citing environmental concerns.

In a reactive move, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has agreed to reimburse California for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs, including equipment, supplies and mobilization efforts. However, critics argue that this is too little, too late.

The Biden administrations focus on Ukraine has further fueled criticism. As wildfires rage in California, the Pentagon is preparing to announce another multibillion-dollar aid package to Ukraine, with officials expressing frustration that they cannot allocate the full $4 billion remaining in the Ukraine coffers before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. (Related: Antony Blinken: U.S. has provided Ukraine with over $100 billion in aid since 2022.)

"What we are focused on right now, especially at the Pentagon, is providing Ukraine with the defense capabilities that we can provide in the time we have," a Pentagon official said.

Biden, who participated in a briefing with Newsom and fire officials on Wednesday, canceled an upcoming diplomatic trip to Italy due to the wildfires. However, his administration's priorities remain a point of contention.

"Democrat fealty to Ukraine has continued apace. And as Biden prepares to leave office, his focus remains to give the country as much money as possible as opposed to saving Americans in California," one critic noted.

Watch this report discussing how tens of thousands in Southern California have already been forced to evacuate due to the raging wildfires.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Los Angeles engulfed in flames as DEI policies and budget cuts cripple fire response.

Wildfires ravage Pacific Palisades, forcing 30,000 to flee as Santa Ana winds fuel uncontained blaze.

Ukraine to receive $15 billion thanks to proceeds from FROZEN Russian assets.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

CBSNews.com

TheFederalist.com

Brighteon.com
Outbreak of multiple respiratory infections in China sparks global concerns over public health and CCP transparency

A recent spike in respiratory infections, driven by influenza, human metapneumovirus and rhinoviruses, has overwhelmed hospitals in northern China, particularly affecting children under 14.

The wave of respiratory infections has reignited concerns about whether or not the Chinese Communist Party is being fully transparent about the extent of the public health disaster that is unfolding.

The CCP's handling of the ongoing outbreak has been met with global public distrust, fueled by its initial refusal to be transparent about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19).

Neighboring countries have heightened surveillance and urged preventive measures, and the World Health Organization has called for China to share all relevant data.

A recent surge in respiratory infections in China has drawn sharp attention from neighboring countries and the international community, and reignited concerns about the true level of transparency the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is allowing in official public health reporting.

The outbreak, primarily driven by influenza, the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and rhinoviruses, has overwhelmed hospitals in northern China, particularly affecting children under 14.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention first reported this significant uptick in flu-like illnesses during the last week of 2024, with HMPV garnering significant attention for emerging as the second-most prevalent cause of respiratory infections in northern China.

HMPV, a virus first identified in 2001, typically causes mild cold-like symptoms such as cough, fever, and nasal congestion. However, it can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Chinese officials have been busy downplaying the severity of the situation, fueling more public distrust of the CCP's handling of health crises, with the current outbreak sparking memories stemming from the initial days of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, reigniting fears of another potential global health threat. (Related: Several hospitals across the U.S. reinstate MASK MANDATES.)

Neighboring nations raise concerns over potential spread of outbreak to their countries

Despite assurances from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning that the outbreak is under control and less severe than a previous outbreak of respiratory illnesses, social media has been filled with posts depicting overcrowded hospitals and overwhelmed crematoriums, sparking widespread alarm and evoking the painful memories of the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, when the CCPs initial cover-up and suppression of information allowed the virus to spread unchecked, ultimately leading to a global pandemic.

Neighboring countries and territories are taking no chances. Macau, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and India have all heightened public health surveillance alerts and urged their citizens to take preventive measures.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control has confirmed that it has already detected several HMPV cases on the island, while Vietnam has reached out to the World Health Organization (WHO) for clarity on the situation in China. Malaysia, which reported 327 HMPV cases in 2024, has advised its citizens to remain vigilant, especially when traveling to regions with confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, the WHO has renewed its calls for China to share data and cooperate transparently with the international community. The WHO has emphasized that transparency is not just a moral obligation but a scientific necessity to prevent future pandemics.

Public health experts, however, caution against overreacting. HMPV is not a novel virus like COVID-19; it has been circulating globally for decades, and most people develop immunity after exposure.

Dr. Hsu Li Yang, an infectious diseases physician in Singapore, notes that while HMPV can cause severe illness in vulnerable groups, it is unlikely to trigger a pandemic. Similarly, Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia's Norwich Medical School points out that almost every child contracts HMPV by age five, and reinfections are common throughout life.

Visit Pandemic.news for more on disease outbreaks around the world.

Watch this video from Dr. Paul Cottrell discussing the spread of the HMPV virus in China.

This video is from the Dr.Paul Cottrell channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Bird flu hysteria: Another government-backed fear campaign?

BIRD FLU HYSTERIA: A government psyop to reinstate pandemic measures.

TRUTH ABOUT BIRD FLU: All confirmed U.S. Bird Flu cases have been MILD with ZERO hospitalizations or deaths, and it cant efficiently spread human-to-human.

Deborah Birxs bird flu fearmongering campaign.

Big Media STILL LYING about the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines, claiming they saved millions of lives, with ZERO SCIENTIFIC PROOF or real data.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

BBC.com

AOL.com

Brighteon.com
Questions continue to rise over the Pentagons alleged role in undermining U.S. military strength and national security

Mike Adams and Steve Quayle warn of the Department of Defense's potential role in weakening U.S. military strength, national security and economic stability.

They trace vulnerabilities to the Obama administration, citing incidents like Iran capturing a U.S. drone in 2011, enabling reverse-engineering of military tech and Chinas 2015 hack of U.S. personnel records.

A potential U.S. defeat in Eastern Europe could collapse the petrodollar system, with Saudi Arabia and others abandoning it, threatening the U.S. dollars global reserve status and exposing $180 trillion in oil-related debts.

Internal military challenges hamper U.S. strength, including the dismissal of troops and the erosion of trust and morale.

The U.S. faces a pivotal moment, with converging crises threatening its military, economy and global influence, potentially signaling a deliberate push toward a new world order.

Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, is warning about mounting concerns over the integrity of the leadership of the Department of Defense, and the Pentagon's potential role in undermining the military strength, national security and economic stability of the United States.

Adams laid out his concerns in his docuseries "Battlefield America: 2022-2024" along with author Steve Quayle. They argue that recent events suggest a deliberate weakening of American military hardware and strategic positioning, raising alarms about the nations ability to project power globally. (Related: Biden administration racing to distribute another $1.25 billion in military aid to Ukraine before term ends.)

Coupled with a looming financial collapse tied to the petrodollar system and the rise of digital currencies, the U.S. faces a pivotal moment in its history, with implications for national security, economic dominance and American global influence.

Adams and Quayle trace these issues back to the administration of former President Barack Obama. They claim that the Obama administration compromised U.S. military technological development, and thus national security.

One notable incident, from 2011, involved Iran capturing a U.S. RQ-170 military drone, which Tehran claims flew directly into an Iranian airport, granting access to critical decryption hardware. The U.S. claims Iran hijacked the drone to make it land.

Regardless of the truth, the drone enabled Iran to reverse-engineer satellite-based communication protocols, a significant blow to U.S. military operations. Additionally, during this period, Iran seized U.S. Navy vessels and China executed a hack on the Office of Personnel Management, exposing sensitive personnel records of millions of federal employees, including members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Armed Forces.

These events, according to Adams and Quayle, set the stage for a broader erosion of U.S. security and its technological advantage over adversarial nations.

Current geopolitical crises exacerbate U.S. national security vulnerabilities

The current geopolitical landscape further exacerbates these vulnerabilities. The authors warn that a potential defeat of U.S. troops by Russian forces in Eastern Europe could trigger the collapse of the petrodollar, the foundation of the U.S. dollars status as the global reserve currency.

Middle Eastern nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, may abandon the petrodollar system, leading to a catastrophic financial reset. Adams and Quayle highlight that the U.S. owes Arab nations an estimated $180 trillion in oil-related debts, a figure that underscores the fragility of the current economic order.

The rise and expansion of the BRICS group of developing economies and the shift away from the petrodollar by nations like Russia, Iran and China further threaten U.S. economic dominance.

The authors also address the internal challenges facing the U.S. military, including the dismissal of frontline pilots and the potential expulsion of thousands of special forces units over vaccine mandates. These decisions, they argue, reflect a broader erosion of trust and morale within the armed forces, further weakening the nations ability to respond to external threats.

The authors conclude with a stark warning: The U.S. is at a crossroads, facing existential threats to its military, economy and global standing. The convergence of these crises, they argue, is not accidental but part of a deliberate effort to establish a new world order. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the need for transparency, accountability and decisive action has never been greater.

Watch this episode of the "Health Ranger Report" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, as he discusses some of the predictions he and Steve Quayle made that came true.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Pentagon "scrambling," wiping evidence of DEI as Trump prepares to fire woke generals.

Pentagon running low on air defense missiles as Israel, Ukraine gobble up remaining supplies.

Pentagon quietly making it legal for U.S. military to use LETHAL FORCE against American citizens.

Pentagon study reveals U.S. soldiers are 9 times more likely to die by suicide than in combat.

Pentagon fails annual audit for sixth straight year, with TRILLIONS in assets still missing.

Sources include:

Audiobooks.NaturalNews.com

CSMonitor.com
Russia sees Trumps Greenland proposal as MILITARY THREAT, as Russia stealthily carries out their military objectives in the arctic

President-elect Donald Trumps proposal to acquire Greenland has been met with firm rejections from Denmark and Greenland, as well as warnings from Russia about potential military threats.

Greenlands strategic location in the Arctic makes it a focal point for U.S. national security interests, particularly in countering Russias growing military presence and advanced hyper sonic missile capabilities.

The Arctic region is rich in natural resources and emerging shipping routes, making it a critical theater in the new Cold War between global powers.

Russia has emphasized its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Arctic while warning against U.S. efforts to strengthen its position at the expense of other nations.

What military objectives is Russia carrying out in the arctic, for them to see the US as a military threat?

Russia views annexation of Greenland to the US as a MILITARY THREAT

In a move that has reignited geopolitical tensions, President-elect Donald Trumps proposal to acquire Greenland has drawn sharp reactions from Denmark, Greenland, and Russia. The Arctic island, rich in natural resources and strategically positioned, has become a flashpoint in the growing rivalry between the United States and Russia. Trumps assertion that ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity for U.S. national security has raised concerns about the militarization of the Arctic and the potential for conflict in a region increasingly seen as a new Cold War battleground.

Greenland, the worlds largest island, is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Its vast expanse and proximity to the Arctic make it a critical asset for any nation seeking to dominate the region. The Arctic is not only a repository of untapped oil, gas, and rare earth minerals but also a rapidly changing landscape due to melting ice, which is opening new shipping routes and access to resources.

Russia has been particularly active in the Arctic, bolstering its military presence and developing advanced hyper sonic missiles like the Oreshnik, which can travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5. These missiles are nearly impossible to intercept with current defense systems, posing a significant threat to U.S. national security. Andrey Kartapolov, chairman of Russias State Duma Defense Committee, warned that U.S. control of Greenland could provide a springboard for America in a future hypothetical intercontinental clash.

Greenland occupies a very large area in the Arctic and gives direct access to the Arctic, so for us it would not be the best option, Kartapolov told RIA Novosti. His comments underscore the high stakes of Arctic geopolitics, where control over territory could determine the balance of power in a future conflict.

Denmark and Greenland push back against U.S., but could become sitting ducks as Russia advances in the arctic

The idea of selling Greenland has been firmly rejected by both Danish and Greenlandic officials. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated unequivocally, Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future either. Greenlands pro-independence Prime Minister, Mute Bourup Egede, echoed this sentiment, declaring, We are not for sale, and we will not be for sale. However, Greenland could become sitting ducks, as Russia advances its military objectives into the arctic.

Greenland, which was granted home rule by Denmark in 1979 and the right to declare independence through a referendum in 2009, has its own ambitions for self-determination. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen emphasized that Greenlands future should be determined by its people, not external powers. We fully recognize that Greenland has its own ambitions. If they materialize, Greenland will become independent, though hardly with an ambition to become a federal state in the United States, Rasmussen said.

Trumps proposal has also been criticized as impractical and provocative. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev described the idea as over the top and eccentricand totally unworkable. Even within the U.S., the proposal has been met with skepticism, with many viewing it as a relic of 19th-century imperialism rather than a viable 21st-century strategy.

Russias arctic ambitions and the new Cold War

The Arctic has become a critical theater in the new Cold War, with Russia, the U.S., and other Arctic nations vying for control over resources and strategic positions. Russia has invested heavily in Arctic infrastructure, including military bases and icebreakers, and has warned against NATOs increasing military activity in the region.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized Russias commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Arctic. We are present in the Arctic zone, and we will continue to be present there, Peskov said. We are interested in maintaining an atmosphere of peace and stability in the region and are ready to cooperate with all countries of the world in the name of this peace and stability.

However, Russia has also made it clear that it will not tolerate efforts by the U.S. to strengthen its position at the expense of others. Vladimir Barbin, Russias ambassador to Denmark, warned that an attempt to strengthen U.S. national security at the expense of other countries will be taken into account by Russia in its military planning.

Russias defensive statements should make US and European officials consider that Russia does have motivations in the Arctic that should be strategized and defended against.

Sources include:

RT.com

NaturalNews.com

RT.com
With Trudeau on his way out, can Canadians get their free speech back?

Below is my column in the Hill on the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his anti-free speech legacy. The collapse of free speech in Canada is a cautionary tale for Americans. It shows how Trudeau and the Liberal Party used faux rhetoric of tolerance and inclusion to justify intolerance and exclusion.

(Article republished from JonathanTurley.org)

Here is the column:

With Justin Trudeaus announcement that he will step down as prime minister, Canada is now looking for a new leader after a decade under his policies. The question is whether anyone will look for the remnants of Canadian free speech in the wreckage of the Trudeau government.

In my book The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage, I write about the collapse of free speech in Canada under Trudeau.

Canada has long been a country caught between two influences: the United Kingdom and the United States. It has shared DNA with both nations. Unfortunately, it has largely followed the British approach in treating free speech more like a privilege than a right.

That dubious tradition was magnified over the last decade by a wholesale attack on free speech deemed hostile, insulting or triggering for different groups.

In many ways, Canada has been a cautionary tale for many in the U.S., as the same voices of censorship and criminalization grow on our campuses and in Congress.

Indeed, BlueSky, a social media site that offers a safe space for liberals who do not want to be triggered by opposing views, has apparently embraced Canadian-style standards for censorship as part of its pitch for those with viewpoint intolerance.

For over a decade, Trudeau has been the cheerful face of modern censorship. While exuding tolerance and inclusivity, he hammered critics with draconian measures and perfectly Orwellian soundbites. In the name of tolerance, he proudly proclaimed intolerance for opposing views.

Trudeau shows how speech codes and virtue signaling are now chic on the left. In a town hall event, Trudeau chastised a woman for asking a question that used the term mankind and instructed her, We like to say peoplekind  because its more inclusive. (He later claimed he was joking. If so, many of his policies have the same punchline and are no joking matter.)

In many ways, Trudeaus true colors emerged in his crackdown on the trucker protests opposing COVID-19 mandates in 2022, a campaign widely supported by an enabling media. Trudeau invoked the 1988 Emergencies Act for the first time to freeze bank accounts of truckers and contributions by other Canadian citizens, powers long condemned by civil liberties groups in Canada.

The anti-free speech apple did not fall far from the tree. It was Trudeaus father, Pierre Trudeau, who as prime minister used the predecessor to the act for the first time in peacetime to suspend civil liberties.

Trudeau was widely criticized for his anti-free speech policies, including his move to amend the Criminal Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act to criminalize any communication that expresses detestation or vilification of an individual or group of individuals on the basis of a prohibited ground of discrimination.

It was used to prevent social media platforms [from being] used to threaten, intimidate, bully and harass people, or used to promote racist, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, misogynistic and homophobic views that target communities, put peoples safety at risk and undermine Canadas social cohesion or democracy.

Under Trudeau, human rights commissions became virtual speech commissars in Canada. A conservative webmaster was prosecuted for allowing third parties to leave insulting comments about gay people and minorities on the site. Federal Court Justice Richard Mosley insisted that the minimal harm caused  to freedom of expression is far outweighed by the benefit it provides to vulnerable groups and to the promotion of equality. Even a comedian was prosecuted for insulting jokes involving lesbians.

Recently, a Canadian mayor and a town were prosecuted for not hoisting an LGBTQ2 rainbow flag in celebration of Pride Month  even though they did not have a flag pole.

Despite crushing the trucker protests, the Canadian parliament extended Trudeaus emergency powers to allow him to continue to harass and threaten those on the right. Despite broad opposition, the Liberal Party, the NDP and other allies were able to muster 181 votes to keep authoritarian powers alive in Canada. (The Canadian courts later, belatedly, declared the Trudeau powers unconstitutional).

Many of the same legislators would later push to increase the penalties for certain speech crimes to life imprisonment.

One of the most tragically ironic moments for Canada came last year, when Trudeaus government blocked the citizenship of Russian dissident Maria Kartasheva because she has a conviction in Russia. She had been tried in absentia by a judge sanctioned by Canada for her exercise of free speech in Russia in condemning the Ukrainian war. The Canadian government informed Kartasheva that her conviction in Russia aligns with a Criminal Code offense relating to false information in Canada.

Think about that. Canada was concerned because she violated anti-free speech laws that are similar to its own. The Russians convicted her of disseminating deliberately false information, and Canada convicts people under laws like Section 372(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada for efforts to convey, cause, or procure to be conveyed false information with the intent to alarm or injure anyone.

That is why some of us spit out our soup in 2022 when Trudeaus government condemned Cuba for its own crackdown on protesters, claiming that Canada strongly advocates for freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly free from intimidation. Trudeau also condemned China for cracking down on protests over COVID-19, the very subject of his own crackdown on the truckers.

Yet Trudeau has been a darling of the Canadian and American press despite a disapproval rate of around 68 percent among Canadian citizens. The media clearly approves of his position that freedom of expression is not without limits when others seek to arbitrarily or unnecessarily injure those with whom we are sharing a society and a planet.

So the question is: Now that Trudeau is heading out, where do Canadians go to get their free speech back?

Read more at: JonathanTurley.org
BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- On Dec. 31, the last day of 2024, Cui Zhijun and his friends visited "guzi" shops in Beijing's Wangfujing Xiyue Shopping Center, dressed in anime-character costumes. As a fan of the anime series "Naruto", this was his unique way of welcoming the New Year.

The word "guzi," a homonym for the English word "goods," refers to badges, acrylic figure stands, cards and other merchandise featuring ACG (animation, comic and game) culture elements.

Like Cui, many young Chinese people are attracted by the emerging "guzi consumption" phenomenon and are willing to shop for "good moods" -- paying for the emotional value of the guzi.

GOODS & GOOD MOODS

"The pleasure that guzi gives me is that it offers me a new way to interact with friends old and new, and it's also a hobby that makes my life more fulfilling," Cui said.

Most guzi cost no more than 100 yuan (about 13.9 U.S. dollars), and the most commonly seen ones are badges of around 15 yuan each. A few rare guzi may reach prices of more than 1,000 yuan.

In recent years, with the rise of the ACG industry, more and more young people, especially Generation Z and younger generations, have become keen on collecting guzi products.

This emerging trend has created fresh business opportunities. Dimension GO, a guzi store brand, opened its Wangfujing Xiyue store in November 2024. The store saw more than 1 million yuan in turnover during its first month.

"My favorite character is Imai Lisa. She is a character in a music game," said Feng Gu, a cosplay enthusiast. "I like her because of her character. I think she is like an older sister who is very sunny and caring."

Feng said that, apart from collecting relevant guzi, she also likes to participate in cosplay team-building activities, based around a particular franchise or story -- referred to as "IP", meaning "intellectual property." At such events, everyone dresses up as different characters in the IP, and takes photos or records videos together.

Another guzi fan surnamed Song, born in 2010, also made new friends through guzi. She said that she once participated in an offline guzi blind-box activity and found it hard to get the piece she wanted. Then another participant happened to have the very piece of guzi and generously gave it to her. She felt particularly happy and grateful. Song said they exchanged contacts and still keep in touch, talking about guzi and their favorite IPs.

Dang Qiong, associate professor at the school of journalism and communication at Guangxi University, said ACG culture has a strong appeal to young people, especially teenagers, and guzi-related communities can meet their emotional needs for idols and favorite IPs.

Young people find friends with similar interests, gaining a sense of belonging through sharing and exchanges, Dang said, adding that the purchase and display of rare guzi has now become a way for them to express their identity.

According to a McKinsey survey, 64 percent of Chinese consumers attach more importance to emotional consumption, and this is evident among young consumers in particular.

"GUZI FEVER" ONLINE & OFFLINE

In recent years, guzi has become sought after by many young people, both online and offline. Because of the astonishing price of certain limited edition products, it is also nicknamed "plastic gold".

According to data analysis provider iiMedia Research, the "guzi economy" will continue to grow in the next few years, with the overall market size expected to exceed 300 billion yuan in 2029.

Guzi has sparked heated discussions online, with relevant topics viewed more than 10 billion times on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. On the Xiaohongshu platform, the page views of guzi-related topics have exceeded 2 billion.

In addition to the online discussions, the social functions of guzi have offered offline shopping malls new options for improving customer flow and stimulating consumption vitality.

According to a research report of Zheshang Securities, more than 60 core business circles in more than 20 first- and second-tier cities in China have been creating landmarks for ACG-related consumption.

These business areas not only consist of guzi shops, but also hold related flash-mob activities to provide fresh experiences, as well as opportunities for guzi lovers to communicate.

Shanghai Bailian ZX creative center, a shopping mall featuring ACG culture, has welcomed more than 15 million customers within 18 months of reopening in January 2023, holding more than 700 events. The total sales revenue during the period exceeded 500 million yuan.

"Compared with online consumption, customers choose offline consumption to save waiting costs, have a better shopping and after-sales experience, and obtain more emotional value during the process," said He Zhiwei, Beijing director of Dimension GO.

With the rapid development of domestic animation and mobile games in China, the cultural and creative industries and IP derivatives are welcoming a larger market space.

Compared with products imported from Japan and other countries, domestic guzi not only has its own advantages in terms of price and logistics speed, but is also gaining recognition for its own cultural value.

In many guzi stores, domestic IPs occupy a large proportion, such as prize-winning mobile games Honkai: Star Rail, and Genshin Impact.

Dang, the associate professor, believes that in order to achieve long-term development of the industry, it is necessary to pay attention to the cultural values. Meanwhile, the industrial chain can be expanded by enriching product categories and innovating business models, such as developing virtual content, IP-derived services and immersive experiences, to create more cultural value and a better consumption experience. 
Trump demands Newsoms resignation as California wildfires rage: This is all his fault!

Wildfires in Southern California have killed at least five people, destroyed over 1,000 structures, and displaced tens of thousands.

President-elect Donald Trump blames Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass for mismanagement, calling for Newsoms resignation.

Firefighters face critical shortages of personnel, equipment, and water, with fires spreading rapidly and no containment in sight.

Trump criticizes Newsoms environmental policies, claiming they diverted water resources needed to combat the fires.

President Biden pledges federal support as political tensions rise over the handling of the crisis.

As wildfires ravage Southern California, President-elect Donald Trump has called for the resignation of Gov. Gavin Newsom, accusing the Democratic leader of gross incompetence and misplaced priorities. The fires, fueled by hurricane-force winds, have killed at least five people, destroyed over 1,000 structures, and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes.

Trumps scathing criticism comes as Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass face mounting scrutiny over their handling of the crisis, with accusations of poor resource management and misplaced focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives rather than public safety.

One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground. Its ashes, and Gavin Newscum [sic] should resign. This is all his fault!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social late Wednesday night. The president-elect has long criticized Newsoms environmental policies, particularly his focus on protecting the endangered Delta smelt fish, which Trump claims has diverted water resources needed to combat the fires.

A state in flames

The wildfires, which began earlier this week, have spread rapidly across Los Angeles County, with the Palisades fire consuming 18 square miles, the Eaton fire burning 16.5 square miles, and the Hurst fire engulfing nearly 1 square mile. A new fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday, further straining already overwhelmed firefighting resources. High winds have carried embers across neighborhoods, leaving charred landscapes and destroyed homes in their wake.

Fire Chief Chad Augustin reported that between 200 and 500 structures have been damaged or destroyed in Pasadena alone, while the Palisades fire has claimed over 1,000 structures. Officials have described the situation as potentially the worst disaster in Californias history.

Trumps condemnation of Newsom extended to L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, whom he accused of gross incompetence for slashing the fire departments budget last year. Bass, who was in Ghana when the fires began, has faced backlash for her absence and her vague instructions to residents seeking emergency assistance. During a press conference, Bass directed residents to a URL for resources but failed to provide an actual web address.

Fire is spreading rapidly for 3 days  ZERO CONTAINMENT. Nobody has ever seen such failed numbers before! Gross incompetence by Gavin Newscum and Karen Bass And Bidens FEMA has no money  all wasted on the Green New Scam! L.A. Is a total wipeout!!! Trump posted Thursday morning.

Newsom, standing in front of burning buildings during an interview with CNN, shot back at Trumps accusations. People are literally fleeing, people have lost their lives. Kids lost their schools. Families are completely torn asunder. Churches burned down. This guy wanted to politicize? I have a lot of thoughts and I know what I want to say  I wont, the governor said.

A crisis of resources

The fires have exposed critical gaps in Californias emergency response capabilities. Firefighters have struggled to contain the blazes due to a lack of personnel, equipment, and water. Trump has repeatedly criticized Newsom for prioritizing environmental regulations over practical solutions, such as increasing water flow from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to aid firefighting efforts.

Now the ultimate price is being paid. I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA! He is to blame for this, Trump wrote.

President Joe Biden, who canceled his final foreign trip to focus on the crisis, pledged federal support during a visit to Santa Monica. Were prepared to do anything and everything, as long as it takes to contain these fires and to help reconstruct, Biden said.

As California grapples with one of its worst natural disasters, the political blame game has only intensified. Trumps calls for Newsoms resignation and his criticism of Bass highlight the deep divisions in how the crisis is being managed. With thousands displaced, lives lost, and communities destroyed, the focus must shift to effective action. For now, the flames continue to burn, and the people of California are left to pick up the pieces.

Sources for this article include:

NYPost.com

DailyWire.com

FoxNews.com
UK government deploys Behavioral Insight Team to manipulate and nudge people to support climate change goals

The UK government has sparked controversy by employing the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT), a taxpayer-funded group specializing in psychological nudges, to counter public skepticism about heat pumps.

This 100,000 ($123,000) initiative seeks to re-frame criticism of the technologya cornerstone of Britains net-zero agendaas misinformation, rather than addressing legitimate concerns about affordability and practicality.

Heat pumps, which use electricity instead of gas to heat homes, are central to the UKs plan to reduce carbon emissions.

The government aims to install 600,000 units annually by 2028, but public resistance has stalled progress. Instead of engaging in open dialogue, officials have turned to behavioral manipulation, targeting media outlets like the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph for allegedly spreading skewed or exaggerated claims about the technology.

This approach has raised alarms about censorship and the suppression of valid debate, with critics warning that psychological tactics risk alienating the public and undermining trust in democratic institutions.

The role of the Nudge Unit

The Behavioural Insights Team, often referred to as the nudge unit, was established in 2010 to apply behavioral science to public policy and use manipulation and coercion to achieve totalitarian goals. Its methods, which subtly steer people toward desired behaviors, have been used in areas ranging from tax compliance to public health group think and climate hysteria. However, the government's involvement in climate policy has drawn scrutiny, particularly as the government seeks to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps.

Unpublished research from the Department for Energy reveals a paradox: individuals who believe they are well-informed about heat pumps are often more resistant to adopting them, while those with a basic understanding are more receptive. This finding has led BIT to focus on reshaping public perceptions, framing skepticism as a product of misinformation rather than legitimate concerns.

Toby Park, BITs head of climate, energy, and sustainability, acknowledged the complexity of the issue. Heat pumps are a very efficient low-carbon system for keeping our homes warm, but negative perceptions remain a barrier to their widespread adoption, he said. Sometimes skepticism is due to real market challenges, such as affordability, but doesnt take into account the whole picture, such as the availability of grants. In other cases, it can be due to myths such as the claim that heat pumps dont work well in cold weather.

UK government wont allow citizens or independent media to ask questions about their climate controls

The government contract with BIT singles out media coverage as a significant obstacle to heat pump adoption. Articles in outlets like the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph have been criticized for amplifying negative or exaggerated claims, such as the belief that heat pumps are ineffective in cold weather or unsuitable for older homes.

While some criticismssuch as the high upfront costs of installationare acknowledged as valid, others are dismissed as myths. The contract states, Online information which is imbalanced or skewed towards incorrect and exaggerated claims could be considered an environment where misinformation is a problem.

This focus on media narratives has drawn criticism from those who argue that the government is attempting to control the conversation rather than address the root causes of public skepticism.

The push for heat pumps has also faced political opposition, particularly from Reform UK, a party that has leveraged anti-net-zero sentiment to gain traction. Nigel Farage, the partys leader, has openly criticized the technology on GB News, while Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has called heat pumps useless in most homes. This dissent has further complicated the governments efforts to install a "Net Zero" agenda.

Despite this, the UK "Nudge Unit" has manipulated more people to install heat pumps, with installation reaching a record high last year, with 42,000 units installed since January. However, this figure falls far short of the 600,000 annual target. The government offers a 7,500 grant to offset the average installation cost of 12,500, but affordability remains a significant barrier for many households.

A troubling trend of governments using peoples data for coercive ends

The governments reliance on behavioral nudges over transparent communication reflects a broader trend of manipulation, coercion, and government bullying in public policy. Rather than fostering informed choice, these tactics risk alienating the public and suppressing valid concerns.

As BIT finalizes its survey on public attitudes and media coverage, the debate over heat pumps raises a critical question: Can a democratic society achieve its climate goals without resorting to psychological manipulation, taxpayer theft (subsidies), and government coercion?

In a world where data and likenesses are increasingly tracked, and technology is weaponized to influence behavior, the line between persuasion and coercion becomes ever more blurred. The UKs approach to widespread heat pump adoption may serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of forcing populations to accept globalist ideals for the sake of "saving the planet."

Sources include:

ReclaimtheNet.org

TheGuardian.com

ReclaimtheNet.org
Warrant issued for child pornography at Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, artist Sally Manns work at center of controversy

Authorities issued a warrant to remove images described as "child pornography" from the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. The images, part of photographer Sally Mann's exhibition, depict nude children and have sparked a criminal investigation.

The exhibition "Diaries of Home" features work from 13 documentary photographers, including Mann, exploring themes of family and community. However, specific imagessuch as a nude girl jumping on a table and a naked boy with exposed genitals  have drawn public outcry and legal scrutiny.

Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare called for the images' immediate removal and a criminal investigation, stating, "Children must be protected, and decency must prevail."

Mann, known for her intimate portrayals of children, has faced similar scrutiny before. In 2015, a federal prosecutor warned her that some of her photographs could lead to arrest. Mann has defended her work, arguing that nudity in art is often misinterpreted as exploitation.

The incident reignites debates about the boundaries of artistic expression, particularly involving children. Similar controversies, such as the backlash against Jamie Lee Curtis in 2023 for displaying a photograph of a child in water, highlight the sensitivity of such issues.

Authorities in Fort Worth, Texas have executed a warrant for the removal of what they describe as "child pornography" images from an exhibition at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

The images in question are part of an ongoing exhibition by photographer Sally Mann, an artist known for her provocative and often controversial depictions of family life, particularly featuring children.

The exhibition, titled "Diaries of Home," features work from 13 documentary photographers, including Mann. The collection explores themes of family, community and home. However, one of Mann's photographs, which shows a nude girl jumping on a table and another that depicts a naked boy with exposed genitals and liquid running down his body, have been at the center of a growing controversy.

The Dallas Express, a local newspaper, reported on the exhibition and the images it found disturbing. The museum, which initially defended the exhibition as a legitimate work of art, has now cooperated with authorities after the warrant was issued. The seized images will be held as potential evidence while the investigation is pending.

Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare has called for the immediate removal of the images and an investigation into potential criminal violations.

"There are images on display at this museum that are grossly inappropriate at best," O'Hare said. "Children must be protected, and decency must prevail."

The case has also sparked intense public debate, with some residents viewing the images as a form of child exploitation. Kenya Alu, a Tarrant County resident, told the news outlet, "If this 'artwork' were on my phone, I would be arrested. Normalizing this is sick, and I want it to stop."

The incident has rekindled a long-standing debate about the boundaries between art and child exploitation. Mann, known for her candid and often intimate portrayals of children, has faced similar scrutiny in the past. In 2015, the New York Times reported that a federal prosecutor had warned Mann that eight of her photographs could subject her to arrest.

In response to the controversy, Mann has often defended her work, arguing that the depiction of children's nudity is not synonymous with child exploitation.

"All too often, nudity, even that of children, is mistaken for sexuality, and images are mistaken for actions," Mann wrote in a 2015 article. (Related: Transgender pedophile arrested for production, distribution and possession of child pornography.)

Historical context and cultural impact

The debate surrounding Mann's work is part of a broader conversation about the limits of artistic expression, particularly when it involves children. The case at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth has brought this discussion to the forefront, prompting questions about the role of museums in curating controversial works and the responsibilities of artists in representing vulnerable subjects.

This controversy is not isolated. In 2023, actress Jamie Lee Curtis faced backlash for sharing a photograph of her home that featured a print by photographer Betsy Schneider. The image showed Schneider's daughter in a small plastic box filled with water, and the reaction from social media users highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the depiction of children in art.

The warrant issued in Fort Worth and the subsequent removal of Mann's images from public view have raised significant concerns about the cultural and legal implications of displaying artwork that involves children. As the investigation continues, the case is likely to have far-reaching effects on how museums and artists navigate the complex terrain of artistic freedom and the protection of vulnerable subjects.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing cultural and legal challenges faced by artists and institutions in balancing the boundaries of artistic expression with societal norms and legal standards, especially when children are involved. As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that the debate over the intersection of art and child welfare will continue to be a pressing issue in the cultural and legal spheres.

CultureWars.news has more stories like this.

Watch the video below that talks about horrifying child sexual abuse.

This video is from the Airtv International channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Kentucky man charged with smuggling MINORS into the U.S. to make child porn.

Another prominent LGBT activist ARRESTED for child sexual exploitation.

Former Disney animator sentenced to 25 years behind bars for sex trafficking and child sex abuse.

Sources include:

Revolver.news

DallasExpress.com

PetaPixel.com

Brighteon.com
Adam Carolla lambasts Democrats over handling of California fires, predicts liberals will flee

Comedian and podcast host Adam Carolla predicts that the severe wildfires in Southern California could cause liberal Democrats to abandon the party due to frustrations with the state's permitting process and environmental regulations.

Carolla criticizes California's governance, suggesting that state leaders prioritize politics and ideology over practical solutions for wildfire prevention.

The comedian highlights the potential shift towards more moderate candidates, such as Rick Caruso, as a result of the bureaucratic challenges faced by homeowners trying to rebuild.

Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have faced criticism for their handling of the crisis, with Carolla accusing them of deflecting blame onto climate change rather than addressing their own inaction.

Carolla warns that if the state fails to effectively address the crisis, Democrats risk losing support in traditionally liberal strongholds, emphasizing the need for better fire prevention and recovery efforts.

As wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles County and other parts of Southern California, comedian and podcast host Adam Carolla has sparked a heated debate by predicting that the disaster could lead liberal Californians to abandon the Democratic Party.

Carolla, a longtime critic of Californias regulatory environment, argues that the states bureaucratic hurdles for rebuilding homes will alienate even its most loyal Democratic voters.

His comments come as Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass face mounting criticism for their handling of the crisis, which has already been labeled the worst wildfire season in the countys history.

In a recent episode of his podcast, Carolla claimed that the states stringent permitting process and environmental regulations will frustrate homeowners attempting to rebuild.

"All these people who are deep blue Democrats are now going to have to pull a permit to rebuild, and they're going to get the 28-year-old b---- from the Coastal Commission telling them to go f--- off," Carolla said. "And then they're going to vote for Trump or whoever's Trumpian next."

"When they start getting the regulation, they're going to go nuts. And when they start running into the bureaucracy and the red tape, they're going to start going nuts and they're going to vote for Rick Caruso next time," he added, referring to the moderate Democratic businessman who ran against Bass to be the mayor of Los Angeles in 2022. (Related: Texas vs. California: Los Angeles wildfires expose stark difference in disaster response and governance between the two states.)

California Democrats prioritizing politics and ideology over practicality

Carolla's remarks highlight a broader frustration with Californias governance, particularly its environmental policies.

In an appearance on Fox News, Carolla also accused state leaders of prioritizing ideology over practical solutions, pointing to President-elect Donald Trump's calls for forest management as an example of how partisan politics have hindered effective fire prevention.

"Donald Trump said to clean up the forest, that's when you knew it wasnt going to happen, because whatever he says, we do the opposite of," Carolla said. "He wants to clean up the forest. We reject everything, so we'll do the opposite of everything Trump ever suggested."

The comedian, who was forced to evacuate his home earlier this week, expressed uncertainty about whether his property survived the flames.

"I would say it's a coin-toss at best," he said. "I've seen a lot of footage of houses that were around my house burnt to the ground. There's still some hope that my house is still intact, but if it is, it'll be a miracle."

His personal experience mirrors the plight of thousands of Angelenos and Southern Californians who have lost homes in the fires, many of whom are now questioning the effectiveness of state and local leadership.

Newsom and Bass have faced particular scrutiny for their handling of the crisis. Newsom has frequently attributed the wildfires to climate change, a stance Carolla dismissed as deflection.

"They want to blame everything on climate change, but its really their inaction," he said. "That's why we're in this predicament."

Meanwhile, Bass has been criticized for being on a trip to Ghana as the fires raged, as well as for her decision to cut the Los Angeles Fire Departments budget last year. Upon her return, Bass offered little in response to questions about her administrations fire prevention efforts.

Carolla warned that Democrats risk losing support in traditionally liberal strongholds like Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Santa Monica if they fail to address the crisis effectively.

"These are deep-blue progressive cities who vote and raise money and bend over backwards for these people, but they don't have a house anymore, and that's because of you," he said. "So it's time to get it together."

Watch this clip from the "Brian Kilmeade Show" on Fox News as Adam Carolla strongly criticizes California's leaders for their inability to control the wildfires.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

JUST IN: Arsonists caught on camera setting fires in Santa Monica

Hollywood Hills ABLAZE: Wildfires devastate Los Angeles, forcing mass evacuations and claiming lives.

Palisades Fire becomes L.A.'s most destructive wildfire amid water shortages and power outages.

Wildfires ravage Pacific Palisades, forcing 30,000 to flee as Santa Ana winds fuel uncontained blaze.

Los Angeles engulfed in flames as DEI policies and budget cuts cripple fire response.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

FoxNews.com

Brighteon.com
A warning to the world? BioNTech CEO avoids COVID-19 vaccine he helped create

Ugur Sahin, BioNTech co-founder and CEO, has refused to take the mRNA Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine his company developed with Pfizer.

Sahin's refusal is based on claims of not being "legally allowed" to take the vaccine, citing priority lists and clinical trial restrictions.

Critics argue that Sahin's consistent use of legal restrictions as an excuse since 2020 suggests a calculated decision to avoid potential health risks.

It also highlights concerns about the safety and efficacy of the mRNA "technology" used in the vaccine, with critics pointing to health consequences such as myocarditis, pericarditis, and vascular clots.

Sahin's actions raise questions about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, especially given his significant financial and professional gains from its development and distribution.

In a surprising turn of events, Ugur Sahin, the co-founder and CEO of BioNTech, has refused to take the mRNA Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine his company developed in collaboration with Pfizer.

According to the Turkish-born German immunologist and oncologist, he is currently "not legally allowed" to take the vaccine. But Sahin's decision not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine he helped create with Pfizer has sparked intense debate and raised serious questions about the safety and efficacy of the shot.

His claim has been met with skepticism, particularly given the significant financial and professional gains he has reaped from the vaccine's development and distribution. Sahin's wealth has soared, making him one of Germany's 100 wealthiest individuals, largely due to the success of the vaccine.

In an interview with a Deutsche Welle (DW) reporter, Sahin explained that he is not "legally allowed to take the vaccine at the moment," citing a priority list that governs who can receive the vaccine. He also mentioned that as a drug developer, he and his colleagues were not allowed to participate in clinical trials, a fact that he acknowledged as "fine." (Related: BOMBSHELL: Co-founder and CEO of BioNTech refuses to take the mRNA Covid vaccine because he says, "we need to ensure functionality of our whole company.")

Sahin's refusal to take the vaccine extends beyond mere legal restrictions. In an December 2020 interview on the ITV program "Good Morning Britain," he expressed his disappointment at not being able to receive the vaccine in his home country of Germany, where it has not yet been approved. Sahin has maintained that he is "not yet allowed to take the vaccine since it is not yet approved in Germany."

Sahin's refusal reveals the risks behind his company's COVID-19 injection

Critics argue that Sahin's consistent use of the excuse of legal restrictions since 2020 suggests a calculated decision to avoid potential health risks associated with the vaccine. Some have pointed out that strange rubbery vascular clots up to a foot long have been found inside the bodies of those who have received the COVID-19 jabs. These clots are believed to be a direct result of the mRNA "technology" used in the vaccine, which is suspected of causing severe health consequences, including myocarditis, pericarditis, vascular clots, strokes, heart attacks, miscarriages and even cancer.

During his DW interview, Sahin emphasized the importance of ensuring the functionality of his company and its teams, indicating that he is well aware of the potential for the COVID-19 vaccine to render individuals incapacitated and seriously injured. Despite his refusal to take the vaccine, Sahin has continued to stress the importance of others receiving it. He has stated that he is looking for a "legal and fair solution" to being exempted from taking the shot, suggesting that he is aware of the potential consequences but is seeking a way to circumvent them.

In light of these revelations, it is clear that Sahin's refusal to take his own company's vaccine is not a simple matter of legal restrictions but rather a calculated decision based on the potential risks to his health. As the debate surrounding the "safety and efficacy" of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine continues, Sahin's actions serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of this technology.

Ultimately, one question remains: If the CEO of the company that developed the vaccine is unwilling to take it himself, how can we be sure of its safety and effectiveness?

Watch this clip of BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin explaining why he refuses to get injected with the COVID-19 vaccine his company helped create.

This video is from the Extraterrestrial Laboratory channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Scientists uncover Pfizer "Hot Lots" that injured specific population groups at higher rates.

Inventor of lipid nanoparticles used in mRNA COVID-19 injections KNEW they wouldn't stay in the arm.

Pfizer facing multiple lawsuits after failing to disclose the presence of toxic DNA fragments in COVID-19 vaccines.

Korean scientists claim Pfizer, Moderna mRNA vaccine vials contain self-assembling nanoparticles that can form into clots.

BOMBSHELL: Covid-19 mRNA nanoparticles EMIT LIGHT SIGNALS that communicate MAC addresses used for self-assembly inside the blood vessels.

Sources include:

SHTFPlan.com

Instagram.com

Mirror.co.uk

Brighteon.com
Armageddon: While Cali burns to the ground, thugs are looting like banshees

Californiaespecially the LA areais literally on fire, and Gavin Newsom, along with his DEI hires, has a lot of explaining to do. The hydrants are reportedly out of water.

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

? #BREAKING: Los Angeles fire hydrants are OUT OF WATER because the county REFUSED to refill reservoirs, per Rick Caruso You cant fight a fire without water! The Mayor did ZERO prep despite the advanced warning of winds and fire risk. This is EXACTLY what happened on Maui! pic.twitter.com/fBj445yGgw  Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 8, 2025

And speaking of DEI, LAs mayor cut funding for the citys firefighters.

The Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass needs to answer some questions. Unfortunately she is out of the country at the moment attending a Presidential Inauguration in Ghana. pic.twitter.com/Xov4SXKff1  ZZZ (@AskMeLaterOn) January 8, 2025

Weve already covered the story of the gay DEI fire chief who seems more focused on LGBTQ agendas than on actually fighting fires.

Heres a sneak peek at the DEI fire chief: her number one claim to fame is being gay.

Back in March 2022, Los Angeles appointed its first openly LGBTQ+ and female fire chief, emphasizing diversity in firefighter recruitment. ???? pic.twitter.com/8eTjSOnwno  Clown World  ? (@ClownWorld_) January 8, 2025

Were willing to bet most people losing their homes couldnt care less about the fire chiefs sexuality.

This is what James Woods deck looked like, not long before he was forced to flee his home.

Our deck three minutes ago. pic.twitter.com/KpZDELpN8L  James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 7, 2025

And sadly, now that people know hes gone, his home might be looted before the flames even get to it. Thats rightnot even a raging inferno engulfing an entire city can stop the thugs from looting. But honestly, are we even surprised? Theyre no strangers to firesjust look at what they did during the George Floyd Summer of Love.

Heres a look at whats happening with these opportunistic looters.

Firefighters battling the blaze are reporting that people are actively looting and attempting to break into homes and businesses in Palisades Californiapic.twitter.com/C9lnA0TjKw  BAY AREA STATE OF MIND (@YayAreaNews) January 8, 2025

The situation on the ground is dire and reportedly looks like Armageddon.

? JUST IN: Reports of looting underway in the Pacific Palisades area, as LAFD requests additional resources People are trying to break into homes up here! This is freaking Armageddon. (via @thinktankfranks) pic.twitter.com/5JYCBmXbEb  Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 8, 2025

Firefighters are witnessing the looting firsthand as they battle the raging flames.

Firefighters battling the blaze are reporting that people are actively looting and attempting to break into homes and businesses in Palisades California pic.twitter.com/tpFUKR7DaR  BAY AREA STATE OF MIND (@YayAreaNews) January 8, 2025

It really makes you wonderwhos behind this disgusting looting? Is it the usual suspects were used to seeing, or are illegals getting in on the action too?

Meanwhile, the heroic, desperate firefighters are requesting help from police.

Raw Alerts:

?#BREAKING: Firefighters battling the blaze are reporting that people are actively looting and attempting to break into homes and businesses ?#Palisades | #California At this time, Los Angeles firefighters battling the Pacific Palisades fire are requesting help from police and additional resources, as reports of multiple people are actively attempting to break into homes and businesses and loot have surfaced. The chaos on the ground is escalating, with authorities struggling to maintain order amidst the ongoing disaster. As firefighters work tirelessly to contain the blaze

?#BREAKING: Firefighters battling the blaze are reporting that people are actively looting and attempting to break into homes and businesses ???#Palisades | #California ??At this time, Los Angeles firefighters battling the Pacific Palisades fire are requesting help from pic.twitter.com/c1HUUgB1II  R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 8, 2025

Sadly, thanks to soft-on-crime Gavin Newsom and his fellow Democrats, these once-posh areas have become hotbeds for brazen theft, fire or not.

The safe places in Gavin Newsoms lawless California are now far from safe as three felons in a Porsche SUV loot $500,000 from a multi million dollar home in Beverly Crest. pic.twitter.com/7OYqokGiOM  Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) September 14, 2024

And speaking of Gavin, whats he doing while his state burns to the ground? Oh, just squeezing in some photo ops. Priorities, folks

This asshole is entirely to blame for the California fires ? Gavin Newsom needs to resign Year after year the state burns, his policies drove insurance companies out, fire hydrants empty People will be penniless. While the POS poses for a photo op pic.twitter.com/7Rw32GgoiR  ?????? ????? ? ? (@45LVNancy) January 8, 2025

We get itwildfires cant be eliminated, but they can be mitigated. Unfortunately, California is too busy focusing on woke nonsense instead of preventing fires and keeping people and their homes safe.

Wildfires cannot be prevented but they can be mitigated. Proper forest management and clearing of brush would save countless lives and properties. California is a beautiful state run by some of the most incompetent leaders.pic.twitter.com/1JkFtVoF5C  Eric Matheny ?? (@ericmmatheny) January 8, 2025

We all know President Trump has given Gavin a roadmap to make his state safer. Has Gavin followed that advice? Of course not.

The left doesnt care. The more fires there are, the easier it is for them to push their climate change nonsense instead of admitting its caused by humans and the poor management of failed left-wing leaders. And while all the climate spin and fearmongering dominate the headlines, looters will keep stealing and tearing through peoples vulnerable homes like foam-at-the-mouth banshees.

Sad to say, but life in California is starting to feel like a living hellboth literally and figuratively.

Read more at: Revolver.news
Fabric and craft retailer closes six stores as it navigates post-pandemic challenges

Fabric and craft retailer, Joann, which emerged from bankruptcy in April 2023, quietly closed six of its 815 locations in the United States.

Joann faces continued difficulties as consumer behavior changes with the easing of pandemic restrictions, despite a successful debt restructuring that canceled $505 million in debt.

Joann's closures are part of a routine store location evaluation and optimization process, according to the company's director of corporate communications, who noted that new and remodeled locations have been opened recently.

Joann's situation reflects a broader trend in the retail industry, with several major chains planning store closures in 2025 to streamline operations and improve profitability.

Other retailers planning closures in 2025 include Advance Auto Parts, Best Buy, Big Lots, Denny's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, Macy's, Party City, Walgreens and 7-Eleven.

A well-known fabric and craft retailer has quietly closed six of its 815 locations across the United States.

Joann, formerly known as Jo-Ann Stores until it rebranded in 2018 to expand its offerings beyond fabrics into a broader range of crafts, emerged from bankruptcy in April 2023 after creditors agreed to cancel $505 million in debt in exchange for ownership of the company, leaving the retailer with 815 stores in 49 states. Despite this restructuring, the company continues to face challenges as consumer behavior shifts with the easing of pandemic restrictions.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March of last year, citing a decline in pandemic-era sales growth and a substantial debt load of $1.2 billion. The closures took place in Burlington, Iowa; Owings Mills, Maryland; Holyoke, Massachusetts; Ithaca, New York; Hickory, North Carolina and Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Amanda Hayes, Joann's director of corporate communications, told Retail Dive that the six closures are part of a routine store location evaluation and optimization process.

She added that they "also opened new and remodeled locations in recent months, including new stores in Great Falls, Montana and Maplewood, Minnesota," emphasizing that Joann has no plans for widespread shutdowns or going out of business.

Several major chains also set to close stores in 2025

Joann's situation is not unique in the current retail environment.

This 2025, several major chains have announced plans to close stores, from automotive parts to sporting goods, the retail landscape is witnessing a significant shake-up as companies seek to streamline operations and improve profitability. (Related: Unprecedented wave of store closures sinks U.S. retail industry.)

Advance Auto Parts, for example, is closing 523 corporate stores and exiting 204 independent locations while consolidating into 13 larger distribution centers by 2026. Best Buy plans to close 10 to 15 stores, following the closure of 24 in 2024. Big Lots, after narrowly avoiding bankruptcy, is repositioning itself by rebranding some locations to focus on non-furniture categories.

Denny's Corporation, known for its extensive restaurant network, has also announced plans to close 150 underperforming and redundant locations by the end of 2025 to streamline its operations and focus on higher-performing stores. Similarly, Dick's Sporting Goods is set to close 35 stores in 2025 to focus on improving profitability and realigning with market demands.

Foot Locker is planning to close over 400 locations by 2026 but will rebrand 280 to offer a more interactive shopping experience. Macy's is increasing its store closures from 50 to 65 by the end of January 2025 to optimize its store network and align with changing consumer behaviors.

Meanwhile, Party City will close all its locations by Feb. 28, 2025. Walgreens is set to close 2,150 stores by 2027, while 7-Eleven plans to close 444 stores but invest in improving food offerings in some locations following a decline in sales.

These changes reflect companies' efforts to optimize their operations, enhance profitability and adapt after the post-pandemic market has seen a significant shift in consumer behavior. In other words, the retail industry is witnessing a period of rapid transformation, with companies reevaluating their strategies and adapting to evolving consumer preferences and market conditions. The coming months and years will likely see further shifts in the retail landscape as companies continue to navigate these challenges.

Visit EconomicRiot.com for more stories like this.

Watch this video about the mass closures of department store chains TJMaxx and Marshalls, alongside other businesses.

This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Retail giant Party City mulls BANKRUPTCY again, sparking fears of mass store closures.

Walmart store closures leave local communities grappling with economic and social consequences.

Walmart cuts another 2,000 warehouse jobs following retail store closure announcement.

Walmart CEO: Rampant organized shoplifting could lead to price hikes, store closures.

RETAIL COLLAPSE ACCELERATES: Discount homeware chain Big Lots is closing 315 stores due to financial struggles and declining sales.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

FW.com

Brighteon.com
Facebook drops fact-checkers, embraces free speech in major policy shift

Meta announces it will no longer use third-party fact-checkers, shifting to a user-driven "Community Notes" system for content moderation.

The decision follows lawsuits alleging government-backed censorship of dissenting voices, including COVID-19 and vaccine critics.

Critics argue Metas previous approach was biased and stifled legitimate debate, prompting the new system to prioritize diverse user consensus.

Free speech advocates praise the move but remain cautious, calling for accountability and restoration of suppressed accounts.

Metas policy shift reflects a broader reckoning over free speech and content moderation practices in the digital age.

In a bold move that signals a seismic shift in the battle over free speech online, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced it will no longer rely on third-party fact-checkers to police content on its platforms. Instead, the tech giant will adopt a new system called Community Notes, modeled after Elon Musks X, which empowers users to provide context and flag potentially misleading content. The decision, announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday, comes amid mounting criticism of Big Techs censorship practices and growing legal pressure from lawsuits alleging government-backed suppression of dissenting voices.

The timing of Metas announcement is no coincidence. Just weeks ago, Ty and Charlene Bollinger, founders of The Truth About Cancer and The Truth About Vaccines, filed a lawsuit against what they call the Censorship Industrial Complex. Their complaint alleges that Meta, along with federal agencies and NGOs, conspired to silence critics of COVID-19 policies, vaccines, and natural health alternatives. Similarly, Mike Adams, founder of Natural News and Brighteon, filed a lawsuit in May 2024 accusing the U.S. government of censorship laundering by funding overseas organizations to suppress free speech.

Zuckerbergs decision to scrap fact-checkers marks a significant departure from Metas previous approach, which critics argue was rife with bias and overreach. Its time to get back to our roots around free expression on Facebook and Instagram, Zuckerberg said in a video statement. He acknowledged that the companys efforts to combat misinformation often led to mistakes, stifling legitimate political debate and silencing voices that challenged mainstream narratives.

A new era of user-driven moderation

Metas new Community Notes system, set to roll out in the U.S. over the next few months, will allow users to contribute context to posts they believe are misleading. Unlike the old fact-checking program, which relied on external organizations often accused of political bias, Community Notes will require consensus among users with diverse perspectives. This approach, Zuckerberg argues, is less prone to bias and more aligned with Metas original mission of fostering open dialogue.

The move has been applauded by free speech advocates, who have long criticized Meta and other platforms for censoring content that challenges government narratives, particularly on topics like COVID-19 vaccines and natural health. This is a great opportunity for us to reset the balance in favor of free expression, said Joel Kaplan, Metas Chief Global Affairs Officer, during an interview on Fox News.

However, the decision has also raised questions about the role of government in shaping online discourse. Critics of the Biden administration argue that federal agencies have been complicit in pressuring social media companies to silence dissenting voices. The Bollingers lawsuit, for example, alleges that the government worked hand-in-hand with Big Tech to suppress alternative viewpoints under the guise of combating misinformation.

A broader battle against censorship

Metas policy shift comes as part of a broader reckoning over free speech in the digital age. In recent years, platforms like Facebook and Twitter have faced intense scrutiny for their content moderation practices, with critics accusing them of disproportionately targeting conservative voices. The lawsuits filed by the Bollingers and Adams highlight the growing backlash against what many see as a coordinated effort to suppress dissent.

While Metas decision to embrace Community Notes is a step in the right direction, free speech advocates remain cautious. Its not enough to simply forge a new path forwardthey must also repair the damage theyve caused, said Ty Bollinger. Until they fully restore all our accounts, their censorship continues.

As the battle over free speech rages on, Metas move signals a potential turning point in the fight against online censorship. Whether this shift will lead to a more open and inclusive digital public square or simply serve as a temporary reprieve remains to be seen. For now, Zuckerbergs decision to prioritize free expression over censorship is a victory for those who believe in the power of open dialogue and the First Amendment.

Sources for this article include:

TheTruthAboutCancer.com

About.FB.com

ZeroHedge.com
Fearing tariffs, Mexico scrambling to disperse migrant caravans ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration

Facing threats of 25 percent tariffs on Mexican goods from the incoming Trump administration, Mexico has adopted its new, controversial "dispersion and exhaustion" strategy of deterring migrants from reaching the U.S. border.

The strategy is giving Mexican officials the ability to scatter migrants far from traditional migration routes. This policy is being criticized as inhumane.

Migrants report being misled by Mexican officials, who promise transit permits but leave them stranded far from migrant routes without access to transportation and other assistance.

Critics argue that Mexicos dispersal strategy undermines its claim of a humanitarian focus, as migrants face dangers like cartel violence and exploitation. The situation highlights the human cost of political and economic pressures on migration policies.

As President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration looms less than two weeks away, the Mexican government is taking drastic measures to break up migrant caravans heading toward America's southern border.

Traveling in caravans, migrants believe there is safety in numbers, as large groups are harder for immigration agents to detain. However, Mexican authorities have been quick to dissolve these caravans, leaving migrants scattered and vulnerable.

Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on Mexican imports if the country fails to curb the flow of migrants. This economic pressure has forced Mexico to adopt aggressive measures.

Facing the threat of massive tariffs on Mexican goods under the incoming administration, Mexico has adopted a strategy of dispersing migrants across the country, including sending them to the once-glamorous but now crime-ridden tourist destination of Acapulco. (Related: Mexican President Sheinbaum relents, now ready to receive Mexican nationals deported by Trump.)

This policy, described as "dispersion and exhaustion," aims to reduce the number of migrants able to reach the United States by housing them far from traditional migration routes.

Authorities allow migrants to walk for days until they are physically exhausted, then offer to bus them to various cities under the guise of reviewing their immigration status. However, many migrants report being abandoned in unfamiliar and dangerous locations with little support or resources.

Acapulco, a major city on the Pacific coast and once a crown jewel of Mexicos tourism industry, is now a shadow of its former self. Ravaged by organized crime and still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Otis in 2023, the city has one of the highest homicide rates in Mexico. Yet, it has become an unlikely destination for busloads of migrants, many of whom are left stranded without the means to continue their journey north.

Critics describe Mexican dispersal policy as inhumane

Migrants like 28-year-old Venezuelan Ender Antonio Castaneda describe being misled by Mexican immigration officials.

"They told us they were going to give us a permit to transit the country freely for 10 to 15 days, but it wasnt like that," Castaneda said. "They left us dumped here without any way to get out. They wont sell us bus tickets. They wont sell us anything."

Castaneda is one of thousands of migrants who recently left Tapachula, a city near Mexicos southern border with Guatemala, in hopes of reaching the U.S. before Trump takes office.

The situation in Acapulco highlights the broader challenges facing migrants in Mexico. Many fear being targeted by drug cartels for kidnapping and extortion, while others accuse Mexican authorities of exploiting them.

"We're a little scared by the lack of safety getting on buses, that theyre going to stop us," said Cuban migrant Dayani Sanchez, who recently received a transit permit to travel within Mexico.

Despite the risks, migrants continue to push forward, driven by the hope of reaching the U.S. before Trumps administration implements stricter border policies.

The Mexican government insists its immigration strategy has a "humanitarian" focus, but critics argue that dispersing migrants to violent areas like Acapulco undermines this claim.

"We know theyre going through a very difficult time, with a lot of needs," said Father Leopoldo Morales, a priest in Acapulco who has been helping migrants with food, water and clothing.

Watch this short clip of a migrant caravan being prevented from staying in Mexico.

This video is from the SecureLifechannel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Mexican president agrees to accept deportees under Trump's immigration crackdown.

Mexico prepares: Trump's deportation plans progressing.

THANK YOU, TRUMP: Amid U.S. pressure, Mexican officials dissolved 2 migrant caravans headed for the southern border.

Sources include:

FoxNews.com

ABCNews.go.com

Brighteon.com
Elon Musk reportedly plotting to oust British Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Big Tech mogul Elon Musk is reportedly discussing strategies with right-wing allies to oust U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer before the next general election.

Musk's motivation stems from his belief that "Western civilization itself is threatened," particularly about Starmer's handling of the U.K. "grooming gangs" scandal.

Musk has criticized Starmer's government for not properly addressing the historic cases of sexual exploitation of girls by gangs of mainly British-Pakistani men.

Musk is exploring ways to support alternative political movements, such as the right-wing Reform U.K. party, which has seen a recent surge in popularity.

Starmer denies Musk's allegations, calling them "lies and misinformation" and citing his record of implementing new guidelines and reopening cases during his time as Crown Prosecution Service leader.

Elon Musk, SpaceX and Tesla CEO, has been reportedly discussing strategies with right-wing allies to oust U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer before the next general election.

Musk, known for his aggressive stances on social media and his close ties to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, is exploring ways to destabilize the U.K. Labor government beyond his controversial posts on X.

According to several reports, Musk's motivation is rooted in his belief that "Western civilization itself is threatened." The tech tycoon has been increasingly critical of Starmer's government over the past six months, particularly in handling historic grooming cases of sexual exploitation of girls by gangs of mainly British-Pakistani men in several towns and cities of the United Kingdom. (Related: Keir Starmer faces renewed scrutiny over allegations he protected Jimmy Savile.)

Musk even took to his social platform on Wednesday morning, Jan. 8, to post a meme that condemned Starmer for demanding an investigation into former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's lockdown parties but declining to prosecute "politically protected U.K. rape gangs."

"What was done to thousands of defenseless little girls in Britain was vile beyond belief," Musk wrote on X. "When the fathers of the little girls tried to save them, the authorities arrested their fathers," he added, referring to cases like the notorious one in Rotherham.

The U.K.'s "grooming gangs" scandal, which came to light in 2011 after a series of reports by The Times, involved the systematic rape and torture of tens of thousands of underage girls in towns across northern England over two decades. Almost all of the perpetrators were Pakistani men and the victims were white British girls. Successive governments failed to investigate the scandal and several police departments covered up the existence of the gangs.

Musk has been vocal about his dissatisfaction, accusing Starmer of being "complicit" in the rape of Britain and referring to Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips as a "rape genocide apologist."

In line with this, he has sought information on how to build support for alternative political movements, particularly the right-wing Reform U.K. party, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent months. Opinion polls suggest that Reform U.K. has the backing of 22 percent of the public, up from 14 percent at the time of the July election.

Starmer denies Musk's allegations

Starmer, who led the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) from 2008 to 2013 during the height of the scandal, has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them "lies and misinformation."

He has defended his record, citing the implementation of new guidelines to challenge myths and stereotypes that had previously hindered prosecutions. According to Starmer, he reopened cases that had been closed, initiated the first prosecution of an Asian grooming gang and revised guidance on child sexual exploitation in 2013 to facilitate future prosecutions.

Additionally, Starmer claimed that the CPS saw the highest number of child sex abuse prosecutions on record under his leadership.

However, a BBC investigation noted that "the prime minister referred only to the broad category of child sex abuse prosecution data" and that CPS records do not distinguish between sexual abuse perpetrated by gangs and abuse perpetrated by individuals. Offenders can be prosecuted for causing or facilitating sexual exploitation or for committing specific offenses like rape and indecent assault. The broadcaster also found that prosecutions under Starmer peaked at 4,794 between April 2010 and March 2011 but rose to 7,200 per year in 2016-2017, after Starmer left the CPS.

Visit BigGovernment.news for more stories like this.

Watch this video that talks about the U.K. going completely insane.

This video is from the TNTVNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Leftist Keir Starmer becomes new British prime minister, pledges to put "country first, party second."

Nigel Farage vows to break U.K.'s ties to World Economic Forum if his party takes control of British government.

British Prime Minister: U.K. teens will be cut off from banks if they refuse national service.

Sources include:

RT.com 1

FT.com

RT.com 2

BBC.com

Brighteon.com
URUMQI, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- China used drones for the first time on Friday to carry out an artificial snow-enhancement experiment in the Kunlun Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, according to China Science Daily.

The operation area is located at an altitude of 3,500 meters, where the low oxygen content poses a challenge to the dissemination of catalysts, said Yan Jianchang, director of the Xinjiang weather modification center.

To overcome the difficulty, the drone was equipped with ultra-long-duration water-increasing smoke flares, and successfully conducted the full combustion ignition experiment of the smoke flares at an altitude of 4,200 meters, thus releasing the catalysts, Yan said.

The drone was also equipped with high-precision sensors and devices that enabled accurate positioning, real-time monitoring and precise measurement of the operation area. All of these functions were put to the test in the experiment.

The center has carried out 23 cloud-and-precipitation observation and rain-and-snow enhancement experiments using large and medium-sized drones since the beginning of 2024. The total flight duration amounted to 46 hours, with each operation lasting over an hour and a half. The valuable experience gained from these preliminary experiments laid a solid foundation for the successful first experiment in the Kunlun Mountains.

The Kunlun Mountains serve as a vital water source in western China. Scientific and effective artificial rain (snow) enhancement operations can replenish surface and groundwater resources, thereby providing more guarantees for agricultural irrigation, industrial water use and residential water supply.

Moreover, such operations have positive ecological impacts, including improving desert ecosystems, increasing vegetation cover and suppressing dust weather. 
Trump refuses to rule out military action to secure Greenland, Panama Canal for U.S. national security

President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out using military or economic force to secure control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, citing national security and trade interests.

Trump emphasized Greenland's value for national security, its untapped wealth in natural resources and the need for the U.S. to exert more influence over the Arctic amid growing Russian activities in the region.

Trump criticized Panama's "rip-off" fees for American ships and expressed unease over China's growing influence near the canal, calling it a threat to U.S. interests.

Denmark and Panama reaffirmed their sovereignty, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stressing respect for Greenlandic autonomy and Panamanian officials declaring their sovereignty over the canal as non-negotiable.

President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday, Jan. 7, refused to rule out the use of military or economic coercion to secure control of Greenland and the Panama Canal.

Speaking at a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump left open the possibility of using force to assert American control over the Arctic territory of Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark, and the Panama Canal, a critical global trade route formerly occupied by the United States but currently under Panamanian sovereignty. (Related: Trump warns U.S. could take over Panama Canal if Panama continues to impose "rip-off" passage fees on American ships.)

When pressed by a reporter on whether he would rule out military or economic coercion, Trump responded with a blunt No, underscoring his willingness to consider all options.

The Panama Canal, built by the United States between 1904 and 1914, was returned to Panama in 1999 under a treaty signed during the administration of recently deceased former President Jimmy Carter. Greenland, meanwhile, has been a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark since the 18th century, though the U.S. has maintained a strategic military presence there since World War II.

Trumps comments mark a dramatic escalation of his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, which he first sought to purchase during his presidency, and his growing concerns over Chinese influence in Panama.

"We need Greenland for national security purposes," Trump said during the news conference. "The Panama Canal is vital to our country. I'm not going to commit to [ruling out military force]. It might be that you'll have to do something."

Trump's interest in Greenland is not without precedent. Since 1867, multiple U.S. administrations have considered acquiring the Arctic island, which is rich in natural resources and increasingly strategic as rapidly melting ice opens up new shipping routes and access to untapped natural resource reserves. Russia and China have also intensified their activities in the region, with both nations seeking to expand their influence in the Arctic.

Raheem Kassam, editor-in-chief of the National Pulse, noted that U.S. control of Greenland could enhance missile defense capabilities and provide a critical foothold in the Arctic.

"Greenland is becoming an important territory as Russia and China continue to push for greater influence over the far northern reaches of the globe," Kassam said.

The Panama Canal, meanwhile, remains a linchpin of global trade, with approximately six percent of the worlds shipping passing through its waters annually. Trump has repeatedly criticized Panamas warming relations with China, claiming that Beijing operates the canal.

"China controls two ports near the canal," Trump said. "And they're operating the canal itself."

Panama, Denmark reassert sovereignty over their territories

Trumps comments have drawn sharp rebukes from both Denmark and Panama.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, in an interview with broadcaster TV2, emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Denmark alliance but stressed that any discussions about Greenland must respect the autonomy of its people.

"It must be done in a way that is respectful of the Greenlandic people," Frederiksen said. "At the same time, it must be done in a way that allows Denmark and the United States to still cooperate in, among other things, NATO."

Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha reiterated that the canals sovereignty is non-negotiable.

The sovereignty of our canal is not negotiable and is part of our history of struggle and an irreversible conquest, he said.

Watch this Jan. 8 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses the national security concerns influencing President-elect Donald Trump's desire to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Greenland reignites push for INDEPENDENCE amid Trump's renewed interest in purchasing the territory from Denmark.

The REAL reason why Trump wants Greenland, and Nvidia's mind-blowing new tech that will change the world forever.

Trump vows to reclaim Panama Canal, saying it belongs to America.

Trump threatens to retake control of Panama Canal, combat Chinese influence and unfair treatment to American companies.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

APNews.com

NYTimes.com

Brighteon.com
TEHRAN, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) expressed its readiness on Saturday to send specialized rapid reaction teams, rescue equipment, and trained personnel to the United States in response to the wildfires raging through Los Angeles County.

IRCS President Pirhossein Kolivand made the remarks in a message to Cliff Holtz, CEO of the American Red Cross, expressing sympathy for the casualties of the wildfires, according to a press release published on the IRCS website.

He said the large-scale wildfires, which have devastated vast areas of the United States, "destroyed many homes and lives, jeopardized thousands of people's safety, and turned the country's beautiful nature into ashes," not only constituted a national crisis but also a "wound on the human conscience, inflicting pain on all responsible and compassionate peoples around the world."

"I assure you, on behalf of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, that you are not alone in these difficult moments," Kolivand said, adding that controlling the wildfires in the United States requires global assistance.

"Drawing on our extensive experience in addressing natural and humanitarian disasters, we, in the Iranian Red Crescent Society, are ready to swiftly dispatch our specialized rapid reaction teams, rescue equipment, and committed, trained personnel to provide aid," he said.

"We are awaiting your response to ensure necessary coordination," Kolivand noted.

Described as some of the worst in the region's history, the wildfires have destroyed more than 12,300 structures and claimed at least 11 lives as of Friday. Officials warn that the true death toll will remain unclear until it is safe for investigators to enter affected neighborhoods. 
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.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, serving as the lead persons of the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, co-chair the dialogue in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- China and the United Kingdom have agreed to further expand economic and financial cooperation, as the two sides held the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue here on Saturday.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, serving as the lead persons of the dialogue.

He said that China is willing to work with the UK to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, uphold the positioning of strategic partners, strengthen communication and dialogue, further expand economic and financial cooperation, and provide more impetus for the development of stable and mutually beneficial China-UK relations.

Reeves said that the UK is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in the fields of economy and finance, and develop a consistent, lasting and mutually respectful relationship between the two countries.

During the dialogue, the two sides reached a series of mutually beneficial outcomes and consensus. He and Reeves also attended the fourth China-UK Financial Services Summit. 

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, serving as the lead persons of the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, co-chair the dialogue in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves attend the fourth China-UK Financial Services Summit in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 11, 2025. He and Reeves, serving as the lead persons of the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, co-chaired the dialogue in Beijing on Saturday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)
Bone tissue is a complex structure, consisting of mineralized collagen fibers and a variety of non-collagenous proteins, including proteoglycans such as biglycan and decorin. These proteoglycans interact with water and other components in the extracellular matrix, playing a critical role in influencing the mechanical properties of bone. Despite their importance, the specific functions of biglycan and decorin in bone health have not been well understood. Given their potential impact on conditions like osteoporosis, there is a growing need for research to better comprehend the roles these proteoglycans play in maintaining bone integrity.



In a study (DOI: 10.1038/s41413-024-00380-2) published on January 2, 2025, in Bone Research, researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center and the University of Texas at San Antonio examined the roles of biglycan and decorin in bone structure and function. Using genetically modified mouse models, including single and double knockout (KO) mice, the team investigated how the absence of these proteoglycans affects bone mass, water retention, bulk/in situ tissue properties, and cell signaling pathways.



This research, led by the University of Texas Health Science Center and the University of Texas at San Antonio, has provided significant insights into the critical roles of biglycan and decorin in bone health. The study found that biglycan deficiency led to a substantial decrease in trabecular bone mass and fracture toughness, while decorin deficiency, though less impactful on bone mass, still influenced bone's mechanical properties. Both proteoglycans were shown to be crucial for retaining bound water in the bone matrix, which is essential for maintaining bone toughness and flexibility. Advanced technologies such as low-field nuclear magnetic resonance and atomic force microscopy were employed to measure changes in bone structure and mechanical properties. The results indicated that biglycan and decorin activate the ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which are vital for bone remodeling and homeostasis. This study not only clarifies the distinct functions of these proteoglycans but also highlights their complementary effects in maintaining bone health, suggesting that targeting these pathways could provide new therapeutic avenues for preventing fractures and enhancing bone strength in patients with bone diseases.



Dr. Jean X. Jiang, one of the lead researchers, commented, "Our findings underscore the critical role of biglycan and decorin in bone structure and function. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for developing novel therapies to enhance bone strength and prevent fractures in patients with bone diseases."



The implications of this study extend far beyond the laboratory. By revealing the roles of biglycan and decorin, scientists can now explore targeted interventions aimed at improving bone health. These findings may lead to the development of new treatments for osteoporosis and other bone disorders, potentially enhancing the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide. Furthermore, the research offers valuable insights into the fundamental biology of bone, contributing to a deeper understanding of how bones maintain their strength and resilience over time.

Source: Chinese Academy of Sciences Journal reference: Hua, R., et al. (2025). Pivotal roles of biglycan and decorin in regulating bone mass, water retention, and bone toughness. Bone Research. doi.org/10.1038/s41413-024-00380-2.
Humans and mice exposed to long-wavelength red light had lower rates of blood clots that can cause heart attacks, lung damage and strokes, according to research led by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC surgeon-scientists and published today in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

The findings, which need to be verified through clinical trials, have the potential to reduce blood clots in veins and arteries, which are leading causes of preventable death worldwide.

The light we're exposed to can change our biological processes and change our health. Our findings could lead to a relatively inexpensive therapy that would benefit millions of people." Elizabeth Andraska, M.D., lead author, assistant professor of surgery in Pitt's Trauma and Transfusion Medicine Research Center and vascular surgery resident at UPMC

Scientists have long connected light exposure to health outcomes. The rising and setting of the sun underlies metabolism, hormone secretion, even the flow of blood, and heart attacks and stroke are more likely to happen in the morning hours than at night. Andraska and her colleagues wondered if light could have an impact on the blood clots that lead to these conditions.

To test this idea, the team exposed mice to 12 hours of either red, blue or white light, followed by 12 hours of darkness, in a 72-hour cycle. They then looked for differences in blood clots between the groups. The mice exposed to red light had nearly five times fewer clots than the mice exposed to blue or white light. Activity, sleep, eating, weight and body temperature remained the same between the groups.

The team also analyzed existing data on more than 10,000 patients who had cataract surgery and received either conventional lenses that transmit the entire visible spectrum of light, or blue light-filtering lenses, which transmit about 50% less blue light. They discovered that cancer patients who received blue light-filtering lenses had lower risk of blood clots compared to their counterparts with conventional lenses. This is especially notable because cancer patients have nine times the risk of blood clots of non-cancer patients.

"These results are unraveling a fascinating mystery about how the light to which we're exposed on a daily basis influences our body's response to injury," said senior author Matthew Neal, M.D., professor of surgery, Watson Fund in Surgery Chair and co-director of the Trauma and Transfusion Medicine Research Center at Pitt, and trauma surgeon at UPMC. "Our next steps are to figure out why, biologically, this is happening, and to test if exposing people at high risk for blood clots to more red light lowers that risk. Getting to the bottom of our discovery has the potential to massively reduce the number of deaths and disabilities caused by blood clots worldwide."

The recently published study indicates that the optic pathway is key  light wavelength didn't have any impact on blind mice, and shining light directly on blood also didn't cause a change in clotting.

The team observed that red light exposure is associated with less inflammation and activation of the immune system. For example, red light-exposed mice had fewer neutrophil extracellular traps  aptly abbreviated as "NETs"  which are web-like structures made by immune cells to trap invading microorganisms. They also trap platelets, which can lead to clots.

The mice exposed to red light also had increased fatty acid production, which reduces platelet activation. Since platelets are essential to forming clots, this naturally leads to less clot formation.

Understanding how the red light is triggering changes that lower clotting risk could also put scientists on the track of better medications or therapies that could be more potent and convenient for patients than continuous red light exposure.

In preparation for clinical trials, the team is developing red light goggles to control the amount of light exposure study participants receive and investigating who may most benefit from red light.

Additional authors on this research are Frederik Denorme, Ph.D., Robert Campbell, Ph.D., and Matthew R. Rosengart, M.D., all of Washington University in St. Louis; Christof Kaltenmeier, M.D., Aishwarrya Arivudainabi, Emily P. Mihalko, Ph.D., Mitchell Dyer, M.D., Gowtham K. Annarapu, Ph.D., Mohammadreza Zarisfi, M.D., Patricia Loughran, Ph.D., Mehves Ozel, M.D., Kelly Williamson, Ph.D., Roberto Mota-Alvidrez, M.D., Sruti Shiva, Ph.D., Susan Shea, Ph.D., and Richard A. Steinman, M.D., Ph.D., all of Pitt; and Kimberly Thomas, Ph.D., of Vitalant Research Institute.

This research was supported by National Institutes of Health grants R35GM119526, K01AG059892, R01HL163019, R01GM147121, R01GM145674, T32HL98036 and S10OD028483, the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research Computing, National Center for Research Resources Shared Instrumentation grants 1S10OD016232-01, 1S10OD018210-01A1 and 1S10OD021505-01, American Heart Association 2021Post830138 award, and a Physician-Scientist Institutional Award from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.
As Los Angeles County battles the most destructive wildfires in its history, a new study suggest that US policies should prioritize equity and education regarding the measures people can take to protect themselves from the harmful pollutants in wildfire smoke.

People who have limited access to air conditioning may be at higher risk of seeking emergency care for health problems following exposure to wildfire smoke, according to a new study led by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH).

Posted online ahead of publication in the journal Environmental Research: Health, the study found that exposure to fine particle matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke in California is associated with higher rates of emergency department visits for all causes, non-accidental causes, and respiratory disease. This risk varied by age and race, but was especially high for individuals who lived in areas with lower availability of air conditioning.

The findings come at a critical time, as firefighters in Southern California continue to battle multiple wildfires that have been blazing in and around Los Angeles County since Tuesday, January 7-including the Palisades fire, which is likely the largest and most destructive wildfire in the county's history. Health experts are urging residents who are not under evacuation orders and can safely remain in their homes to turn on air conditioners and/or air purifiers if they have access to these devices.

Despite this guidance-and the growing threat of more frequent and intense wildfires due to worsening climate change-very little research has examined how the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure may differ based on individuals' access to air conditioning. Understanding this relationship can inform policies and interventions that mitigate barriers to air conditioners and protect vulnerable populations from the consequences of inhaling PM2.5 and other harmful pollutants from this smoke, which can permeate the air from hundreds or thousands of miles away.

"Depending on the type of system and filter used, air conditioning may modify the impact of smoke exposure on human health," says study lead and corresponding author Dr. Jennifer Stowell, research scientist in climate and health at BUSPH, noting that the analysis only addressed the likelihood of access to air conditioning, rather than air conditioning types or actual usage. "Studies like these will become more and more relevant as wildfire exposure increases. California is, perhaps, the best example of this in the US, with bigger fires and longer fire seasons. An important next step will be to identify ways to better characterize access to air conditioning."

For the study, Dr. Stowell and colleagues from BUSPH, Boston University College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), and the Health Effects Institute utilized a nationwide dataset of healthcare claims to assess more than 50,000 emergency department visits during the 2012-2019 California wildfire seasons, which occurred from May to November each year. They quantified the adverse health effects from PM2.5 exposure among all study participants, as well as subgroups of participants.

Consistent with prior research, wildfire smoke exposure was most strongly associated with emergency department visits for respiratory issues, but not cardiovascular-related complications. These visits were generally higher among children under 10 years old, adults between 20-74 years old, and among the Black population, although also elevated among White, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander populations.

People living in areas with lower availability of air conditioning had a 22-percent greater risk of visiting the emergency department for respiratory conditions associated with wildfire smoke exposure. Greater insight into air conditioning use as a pollutant-filtering tool and the barriers that certain populations face in accessing these cooling systems is critical, as wildfires are expected to occur more regularly in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)-areas where human activity is in close contact with sources of dry fuel. This is exactly what is happening now in LA County, Dr. Stowell says, as the fires destroy thousands of homes and businesses near vegetation.

WUI fires are particularly concerning due to the burning of manmade structures and the additional toxic chemicals and particulates that can be found in their smoke plume. The current fires in LA are out-of-season fires driven by severe Santa Ana winds coming from the mountains. As climate change continues, the temperature differentials between land and sea will grow and, potentially, drive stronger and stronger late-season or out-of-season wind events." Dr. Jennifer Stowell, research scientist in climate and health at BUSPH

So how may residential air conditioners help dispel PM2.5 from homes? The filters in these cooling systems can remove particulate matter, although certain filters are more effective at filtering particulate matter than others. "HEPA filters can remove the majority of particles greater than 0.3 m, but they are significantly more expensive than fiberglass air filters, which only remove larger particles and may allow high amounts of fine particulate matter to penetrate indoors," Dr. Stowell says. "Generic pleated air filters are also fairly efficient at filtering out most particulate matter."

Air conditioning systems with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of seven or higher are thought to be the most efficient at removing particulate matter from outdoor air, but are also more expensive.

The study findings indicate a need for stronger policy measures that can reduce the health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure.

"Many homeowners do not understand the differences between MERV ratings and how these might impact your health," Dr. Stowell says. "Policymakers should consider delivering better information to the public-such as the types and ratings of filters that perform better-especially for those who reside in smoke-prone regions."

Given that marginalized populations appear to be disproportionately burdened by the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure, economic assistance should also be considered, she says, particularly for low-income populations residing in smoke-prone regions. "Considering the current fires in CA, local and state governments should heighten their responses to these events and develop plans and policies to reduce exposure before the fires occur," Dr. Stowell says.

The study's senior author is Dr. Gregory Wellenius, professor of environmental health and director of the Center for Climate and Health at BUSPH. The study was coauthored by Dr. Ian Sue Wing, professor of earth and environment at CAS; Dr. Yasmin Romitti, staff scientist at the Health Effects Institute, and Dr. Patrick Kinney, Beverly Brown Professor of Urban Health at BUSPH.
The University of Oulu, in collaboration with a consortium of leading academic institutions, research centers, and industry stakeholders, proudly announces the launch of the Sustainable Healthcare with Digital Health Data Competence (SUSA). This transformative initiative aims to address the pressing need for advanced digital skills in healthcare, preparing professionals to navigate a rapidly digitizing landscape and empowering them to leverage data for sustainable healthcare solutions.

SUSA is a massive project with 12,4 ME budget in total. The consortium has 12 higher education institutions from 9 European countries. The initiative is set to deliver 46 revamped and integrated bachelor's and master's degree programs, complemented by 16 modular learning opportunities for lifelong learning. These innovative educational offerings are designed to produce 6558 graduates and upskill 660 professionals with specialized digital competencies critical to advancing healthcare practices across Europe.

This is a pivotal moment for European healthcare education. Through SUSA, we are creating a workforce that can harness digital health data to revolutionize patient care, improve efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system. By integrating cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary collaboration into education, we are not just preparing students for the future  we are equipping them to shape it." Minna Isomursu, SUSA's project leader and professor, University of Oulu

An education model for the digital era

The SUSA educational framework addresses critical gaps in healthcare's digital competencies by introducing innovative content on data, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), sustainability, regulation and global health. These competencies are embedded in the degree programs of participating universities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and equipping students with real-world skills needed to work effectively in today's healthcare settings. The curriculum also offers flexibility through lifelong learning modules, targeting healthcare professionals seeking to update their digital skills. Designed to accommodate diverse career paths, these modules enable medical professionals, care providers, and technical staff to integrate advanced digital tools into their work, enhancing employability and supporting career growth. A defining feature of the SUSA project is its emphasis on collaboration with key stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. Partner organizations include hospitals, research institutes, and technology providers, ensuring that students gain practical experience and exposure to real-world challenges. "Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and so should its education system," professor Minna Isomursu adds. "The integration of academic knowledge with industry expertise ensures our graduates are not only skilled but also ready to lead in transforming healthcare practices globally."

Supporting a sustainable future

Funded by Digital Europe Programme, SUSA aligns closely with European Union goals, including the European Green Deal and Digital Decade objectives, by promoting sustainable healthcare solutions through advanced education. By training a generation of professionals proficient in data-driven decision-making, the project supports long-term policy objectives such as reducing environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing patient outcomes. As the SUSA project launches, its first cohort of students and professionals will embark on this transformative educational journey. Feedback from participants and ecosystem partners will guide iterative improvements, ensuring the programs remain relevant and impactful in the face of rapidly changing technological advancements. "This launch signifies the beginning of a bold journey to transform the European healthcare landscape," says professor Isomursu. "Through the SUSA Project, we are demonstrating the power of collaboration and education to drive meaningful change in healthcare systems worldwide."

Big consortium, big goals

SUSA represents a bold, pan-European collaboration involving 12 Higher Education Institutions, including University of Oulu (Finland), Lapland University of Applied Sciences (LUAS, Finland), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH, Greece), University of Seville (USE, Spain), University of odz (ULODZ, Poland), University College Dublin (UCD, Ireland), University of Limerick (UL, Ireland), Trinity College Dublin (TCD, Ireland), Middle East Technical University (METU, Turkiye), Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STUBA, Slovakia), Erasmus University Medical Center (EMC, Netherlands), and University of Zagreb (UNIZG-FER, Croatia). Additionally, 5 SMEs integrate the consortium, including Success Clinic (Finland), Gnomon Informatics (Greece), iCognitus (Portugal), Skillnet (Ireland), Innovation through Health Data (Belgium), along with a leading research center, Ruer Boskovic Institute (RBI, Croatia), the National Children's Hospital (Ireland), DigitalEurope, and DigitalSME.

SUSA's educational model will empower healthcare delivery with data-driven insights, actively supporting the objectives of the European Green Deal. Project consortium is committed to fostering a healthier European society, leveraging the power of education to cultivate new generations to come. SUSA has four main objectives:
Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School and the Singapore General Hospital have discovered that T cells-white blood cells that can destroy harmful pathogens-can completely prevent viral infection, to an extent previously thought only possible due to neutralising antibodies. Their findings, shown experimentally for the first time in human studies, reshape our understanding of how our immune system works, paving the way for the design of more effective vaccines.

Traditionally, scientists have considered neutralising antibodies (proteins that prevent viruses from entering cells) as the ultimate form of protection against viral diseases. These antibodies bind to viruses to prevent them from infecting cells, such that clinical and lab investigations would find no trace of infection. Such a level of protection is referred to as sterilising immunity. But these latest findings, published in Nature Microbiology, challenge this view, demonstrating that T cells are also capable of controlling viral infection entirely to untraceable extents, even without any neutralising antibodies.

In the study involving 33 healthy adult volunteers aged 21 to 45, scientists employed a cross-vaccination approach by administering a live-attenuated yellow fever vaccine followed by a challenge 28 days later, with a weakened Japanese encephalitis virus, and vice versa. Yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis are genetically related viruses. The weakened strains were not capable of causing disease in the volunteers, but were sufficient to result in mild symptoms and measurable levels of virus in the blood, as well as an immune response necessary for protection. The study was conducted at the SingHealth Investigational Medicine Unit in Singapore from 30 March to 31 Oct 2023.

As the Japanese encephalitis vaccine was constructed using the backbone of the yellow fever vaccine, inoculation with either one of the vaccines generates T cells that are effective against both viruses, but stimulates production of neutralizing antibodies that are ineffective against the virus used in the human challenge study. This allowed the scientists to assess how well the T-cells, independent of neutralising antibodies, were able to control the infection.

The results showed that T cells from yellow fever vaccination controlled the Japanese encephalitis vaccine virus challenge infection, reducing both viral loads and antibodies produced. Moreover, when present in high enough levels after vaccination, T cells controlled the challenge infection to undetectable levels in 15 per cent of study participants, to the point that no new antibodies were formed following infection.

We found that T cells can serve as the first line of defence, not just a supportive element in protecting us from acute viral diseases. These findings challenge the current paradigm that antibodies are absolutely vital for protection against acute viral infection. Measuring antibodies alone without considering T cells could underestimate herd immunity-when sufficient numbers of individuals in a population are already protected against specific viruses either through vaccination or previous infections-which is one of the considerations in developing policies on vaccine dosage and frequency." Professor Ooi Eng Eong, from Duke-NUS' Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme and lead author of the study

Historically, vaccine development has prioritised generating elevated levels of antibodies. This approach may not only limit the efficacy of vaccines but could also hinder our ability to combat variants that escape antibodies but not T cells.

Assistant Professor Shirin Kalimuddin is a Senior Consultant with the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Singapore General Hospital and a faculty member of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme at Duke-NUS. The first author of the study said:

"We need to rethink how we design and develop vaccines. Vaccines that generate high levels of antibodies do not necessarily generate high levels of T cells. Development of vaccines must incorporate the viral components that T cells recognise and react against. Indeed, our findings may explain why some vaccines offer better protection against viruses when they are able to trigger a broader T cell response."

Professor Patrick Tan, Senior Vice-Dean for Research at Duke-NUS, added:

"The study findings encourage us to integrate both antibody and T-cell responses to create more effective and comprehensive vaccines. By understanding the unique roles T cells play, especially in viruses like yellow fever, dengue and Zika, all of which are from the same family and could pose a public health threat in Singapore due to Aedes mosquito transmission, we can develop vaccines that target a wider range of viral strains and mutations to control such untreatable diseases."

Next, the scientists aim to study why certain individuals develop higher T-cell responses to vaccination than others.

Duke-NUS is a leader in medical education and a biomedical research powerhouse, combining basic scientific research with translational knowledge to better understand human biological systems, as well as develop new treatments and vaccines for common diseases affecting millions of people in Singapore and Asia.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-a global not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers-is taking part in a two-day meeting at the Middle East North Africa (MENA)-NCCN Regional Coordinating Center, beginning today. The MENA-NCCN Regional Coordinating Center is supported by the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That office-directed by Dr. Kanan Al Shammari-has been working closely with NCCN to ensure quality guideline adaptation and knowledge exchange since 2014.

During the international meeting, experts from across the region will present new and updated NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines): MENA Editions, and selected topics highlighting cancer advances, challenges, and opportunities in the MENA region. The NCCN Guidelines provide evidence-based expert consensus-driven recommendations for cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive care. NCCN Guidelines: MENA Editions tailor those best practices for unique local/regional circumstances.

NCCN Guidelines: MENA Editions are available for free at NCCN.org/global or via the Virtual Library of NCCN Guidelines App.

"This gathering represents an important opportunity to continue integrating global cancer care standards with regional expertise, ensuring more equitable and effective treatment outcomes for people in the MENA region," said Dr. Al Shammari. "NCCN has a distinguished legacy of improving cancer care globally. We are pleased to work together to further the impact of medical advances so people with cancer and their loved ones can live better lives throughout our area."

Specific NCCN Guidelines: MENA Editions that will be reviewed include those covering:

Blood Cancers

Breast Cancer

Colon Cancer

Liver Cancer

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Genetics and Hereditary Risk for Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic and Prostate Cancers

Palliative Care

We are so proud of this ongoing relationship with cancer care experts across the MENA Region. Over the years, we have published more than a dozen NCCN Guidelines specifically for the MENA region, which are applicable to approximately 65% of all adult cancer incidence here. That represents over 2,000 pages of clinical content being updated every two years. We are honored to be able to work together to empower the MENA oncology community to deliver high-quality cancer care, enhance scientific communication, and improve access for patients." Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN, who spoke during a session on the History of NCCN and its Global Impact

The NCCN Guidelines: MENA Editions offer color-coded guidance for health care providers on how best to care for people with cancer. Text in black represents current global recommendations, while italicized blue text indicates appropriate and feasible regional modifications-as determined by in-country experts. Approaches that are not currently feasible are marked with grey strikethrough text.

The NCCN Global Program also features NCCN Guidelines that have been translated more than 270 times across 50+ different languages. NCCN Harmonized Guidelines and NCCN Framework for Resource Stratification (NCCN Framework) supply additional recommendations for defining appropriate treatment for differing resource levels.

NCCN also publishes NCCN Guidelines for Patients; to provide clinical recommendations in non-medical terms for patients and caregivers. They are available for free at NCCN.org/patients-thanks to funding from the NCCN Foundation-and have been translated into multiple languages, including Arabic.
When 5-year-old Ezra Toczek from Alden, New York, faced complications of progressive liver disease, his former daycare teacher, Carissa Fisher, became an unexpected hero. The 21-year-old teacher and member of the U.S. Air Force selflessly donated a portion of her liver, giving Ezra a second chance at life. The lifesaving transplant was performed by clinical teams at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone and the NYU Langone Transplant Institute.

On May 25, 2024, Carissa surprised the Toczek family by knocking on their door with a sign that read, "Ezra, would you like to share my liver?" The perfect donor match sent her on a trajectory that would save Ezra's life, with the successful transplant taking place August 7, 2024, at NYU Langone Health.

From foster care to family: Ezra's early struggles with liver challenges

In 2019, Karen and Ron Toczek welcomed Ezra, at just 7 months old, into their home as a foster child. Ezra suffered severe liver damage at birth, which caused bile duct blockages and impaired liver function. Pediatric surgeon Kaveh Vali, MD, in Buffalo, New York, referred Ezra to Adam Griesemer, MD, surgical director of the Pediatric Liver Transplant Program at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital and director of NYU Langone's Living Donor Liver Transplant Program, to explore potential solutions.

"I can't imagine not having had that time with the nurses and doctors  his transplant team. It's just been really incredible," says Ezra's mom, Karen.

Karen drove six hours down to New York City, where Dr. Griesemer performed a surgical procedure to reconstruct and open Ezra's bile ducts, providing him with several years of normal liver function. "We essentially wanted to buy Ezra some time and allow him grow before considering a liver transplant," said Dr. Griesemer. "It was never a question of if he would need a new liver, but when."

Over time, Ezra became part of the Toczeks' large family, which includes seven biological kids and other foster children. In 2022, the couple officially adopted Ezra, a spunky and deeply loved addition to their household and community.

Ezra's hepatologist in Alden stayed in close touch with Dr. Griesemer and Jennifer M. Vittorio, MD, medical director of the Pediatric Liver Transplant Program at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital, to monitor and keep an eye on Ezra's liver condition as he continued to grow.

By February 2024, Ezra's condition had worsened, and he was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease. Symptoms such as severe itching, liver scarring, and fatigue made daily life difficult. "Ezra was having trouble sleeping and couldn't function like a typical 5-year-old despite maximal medical therapies. It was clear that we needed to list him for a liver transplant," said Dr. Vittorio.

A knock on the door that changed everything

Karen turned to social media to share her son's story, hoping to find a donor. "When it became a reality that Ezra needed a transplant, I couldn't help but think, 'How are we going to get this organ?' Ezra's care team mentioned all potential options, including a living donor. But it was so overwhelming at first," said Karen.

Carissa, who had been Ezra's daycare teacher years before, saw the post and immediately felt called to help. Without notifying the family, she applied to donate a portion of her liver through the Liver Transplant Program at NYU Langone's Transplant Institute. "I didn't hesitate for a second," said Carissa. "If I were 5 years old, I'd want someone to do it for me. I knew I could help, and I was determined to do so."

Carissa underwent an array of tests to confirm she'd be a good candidate and that it would be safe for her to donate a portion of her liver. The tests revealed she was a perfect match.

On the day she surprised the Toczek family with the news, Karen recalled, "it caught us off guard and it took a few moments to process what was happening. The relief of not waiting on the donor list was a gift beyond words."

A transplant that restored hope

On August 7, Carissa underwent a minimally invasive robotic surgery at NYU Langone, led by Karim J. Halazun, MD, surgical director of the Adult Liver Transplant Program, to remove 30 percent of her liver for donation. "NYU Langone is one of the few transplant centers in the United States able to perform this type of procedure robotically," explained Dr. Halazun. "Our cutting-edge techniques allow donors to heal more quickly and return to normal life."

Ezra's transplant was successfully performed by Dr. Griesemer and pediatric transplant surgeon Bernardo Daniel Campos, MD. "We only need a small portion of Carissa's liver for Ezra, as it will grow along with his body," said Dr. Griesemer.

The liver is the only organ that can regenerate and heal itself over time. "It's pretty incredible that in just six months, my liver will have fully grown back," said Carissa. "Not many people realize that."

Despite some complications during recovery, Ezra regained his lively personality. "His energy, mood, and appetite returned almost immediately," said Karen. Carissa was able to visit Ezra in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital during recovery, where she was greeted by his laughter, smiles, and jokes.

Ezra formed strong bonds with the care team, including certified child life specialist Molly McClure and pediatric liver transplant social worker Katie Sclafani, who helped provide emotional support during the process and recovery while ensuring a smooth transition home. These services are provided by Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.

A new beginning and reunion at "Ezra's hospital"

By September 20, Ezra was discharged to a nearby Ronald McDonald House to continue follow-up care. On November 1, he returned home to his family. "Ezra has caught up on his growth and development, and he's just a remarkable child. The progress he's made is phenomenal," said Dr. Vittorio.

Karen felt immense relief after bringing Ezra home. "He's back at school, hanging out with friends and playing with his siblings. He's doing all the things he loves to do, and we know it will only get better from here. He has big dreams and plans."

Ezra shortly returned to Hassenfeld Children's Hospital on November 11 for a reunion with the multidisciplinary team that took care of him, where he saw Carissa for the first time since the transplant. "Ezra loves seeing all his best friends at 'his' hospital," said Karen. "He was sad to leave and certainly not afraid to come back."

Molly McClure, the child life specialist, added, "It brings us so much joy to celebrate Ezra's new beginning with his favorite thingsdinosaurs and slimeand with all the people who helped and saved his life along the way."

Carissa and the Toczek family stay in close contact and look forward to seeing Ezra continue to thrive, thanks to Carissa's life-changing gift of organ donation. They hope their story encourages others to consider becoming organ donors.

"I am forever grateful to Carissa for giving Ezra this gift of life," said Karen.

"The reward of knowing you've helped someone in need is incredibly fulfilling," said Carissa. "I hope more people will consider becoming donors. It's a decision that can truly change lives."
Over 24 Global Institutes, Including Harvard & LSE, To Study Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh | Here's Why

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 14:14 IST

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Top global institutions will cover infrastructure, logistics, economics and the creation of the massive temporary city built for the event in Prayagraj.

Priests perform 'Ganga Aarti' at a 'ghat' ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj. (Image/PTI)

India is set to host one of the worlds largest religious gatherings, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This monumental event, expected to draw millions of devotees from both India and around the globe, will require extensive infrastructure, advanced technologies, safety measures, and a wide range of services to ensure its success.

UNESCO has defined Maha Kumbh as the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth." Hence it is obvious that one might wonder how such a massive event is managed and how authorities plan to meet the needs of such a vast crowd. These are common questions, and the Maha Kumbh Mela is precisely the kind of event that demands an academic approach to explore and address its complexities.

related stories

Therefore, more than two dozen prestigious educational institutions from both India and abroad are set to camp in Prayagraj during the event to study various aspects of this monumental gathering. As reported by the Times of India, the Uttar Pradesh government has shortlisted eight different fields and subjects for researchers to explore, opening the event for global participation to enhance the Melas future planning and implementation. Harvard, Stanford, the London School of Economics, Kyoto University, AIIMS, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, and JNU are among the top institutions sending professors, research scholars, and students to Prayagraj for the event.

According to the report, researchers will cover a broad range of topics during the studies which are divided into two comprehensive categories. The first category includes studies on the planning and implementation of the Maha Kumbh, such as the infrastructure and logistical challenges in managing a temporary city that accommodates millions. The second category will study the economic impact of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, including the expenditures of tourists across various sectors like accommodation, food, transportation, and religious activities.

Institutions will also explore the contributions of both the state and central governments in developing infrastructure to support the Mela. Research teams will study the creation of the unique pop-up city" in Prayagraj which is made of tents, pontoons, and bamboo structures. The temporary city, which will be dismantled post-festival, presents fascinating opportunities to study urban planning, resource management, and the logistics of accommodating a massive influx of visitors in a short time frame.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will conduct a risk assessment and evaluate health system preparedness for emergency medical responses while the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur in collaboration with Saksham Strategic Nikshay Abhiyan will study the role of social media at the Maha Kumbh.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The research studies conducted during Maha Kumbh 2025 will provide valuable insights not only for the authorities in managing future events but also for academics and planners worldwide. These studies by renowned Indian and foreign institutions will gather data that will help address the challenges posed by such an extraordinary event, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient large-scale gatherings in the future.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Top global institutions will cover infrastructure, logistics, economics and the creation of the massive temporary city built for the event in Prayagraj.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 14:14 IST
Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa (R), meets with visiting Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 11, 2025. (Syria's interim Foreign Ministry/Handout via Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, pledged neutrality in Lebanon's affairs during a joint press conference with visiting Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Saturday.

"We will remain equidistant from all Lebanese," al-Sharaa said at the press conference. He noted the two sides had also discussed issues such as smuggling between the two countries, border challenges, and Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks.

"We're envisioning strategic, long-term relations built on solid foundations," he added.

Mikati echoed this sentiment, highlighting the intertwined destinies of the two nations.

"As long as Syria is well, Lebanon is well," he said, expressing hope that efforts by Damascus to tackle the Syrian refugee crisis could alleviate the strain on Lebanon. Mikati also commended the interim Syrian authorities' willingness to engage, noting his discussions with al-Sharaa covered regional challenges and ways to bolster bilateral ties.

The two sides did not announce any formal agreements.

Relations between the two neighboring countries have grown tense in recent weeks. Syria recently imposed restrictions on cross-border movement following security incidents along the shared border. Previously, Lebanese citizens could enter Syria visa-free using only identification documents.

The border region has also seen a series of clashes between Syrian armed groups and Lebanese forces, resulting in casualties among Lebanese military personnel. 

Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa (2nd R), meets with visiting Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati (3rd R) in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 11, 2025. (Syria's interim Foreign Ministry/Handout via Xinhua)

Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa (R), meets with visiting Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 11, 2025. (Syria's interim Foreign Ministry/Handout via Xinhua)
Maharashtra HSC Exam 2025: Class 12th Board Admit Card Released At mahahsscboard.in

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 16:41 IST

Maharashtra HSC Admit Card 2025: Maharashtra Class 12 board exams 2025 will be held from February 11 to March 11, 2025.

MSBSHSE has released the admit cards for the Maharashtra HSC Exams 2025 on the official website, mahahsscboard.in.(Representative Image/File Photo)

Maharashtra HSC Admit Card 2025: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has released admit cards for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams 2025. Students who are scheduled to appear for the Class 12 exams can download the Maharashtra HSC hall ticket 2025 from the official website, mahahsscboard.in.

The Board has asked the affiliated higher secondary schools and junior colleges to print and distribute HSC hall tickets to students. All higher secondary schools/junior colleges will be able to download the Hall Tickets for the February-March 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams (Class 12) online from the boards website www.mahahsscboard.in, starting Friday, January 10, 2025, through the Admit Card" link. In case of any technical issues, the schools/junior colleges should contact the regional board," reads the official notice.

related stories

Maharashtra HSC Admit Card 2025 Guidelines

No additional fee should be charged to students for printing the hall tickets.

After printing, the principal must sign and stamp the hall ticket.

Hall tickets will be available under the Paid Status Admit Card" option only for applications with a Paid" status.

For students with late applications or extra seat numbers assigned by the divisional board, hall tickets will be available under the Extra Seat No Admit Card" option.

Corrections to the students name, mothers name, or date of birth must be made online using the application correction" link. After paying the correction fee, the request will be sent to the divisional board for approval. The corrected hall ticket will then be available under the Correction Admit Card" option.

Any changes in the medium of instruction should be made directly through the divisional board.

For applications marked as Not Paid," the status will be updated once the payment is received, and hall tickets will be available under the Late Paid Status Admit Card" option.

If the photo on the hall ticket is defective, the school/college head should affix a new photo with a stamp and signature.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In case a student loses the hall ticket, the school/college should issue a duplicate, marking it as Duplicate" in red ink.

The MSBSHSE has released the schedule for the Maharashtra HSC 2025 exams on the official website. Maharashtra Class 12 board exams 2025 will be held from February 11 to March 11, 2025. The first paper of the Maharashtra Board Class 12 (HSC) exam will be of English subject.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 16:41 IST
Will You Decide? Amit Shah Lambasts Kejriwal Over Claims On BJPs CM Face For Delhi

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 20:00 IST

While addressing the 'Jhuggi Basti Pradhan Sammelan' at Delhi's JLN stadium, the BJP leader slammed the AAP leader saying that the AAP supremo's "manipulations" were understood by Delhi people.

Amit Shahs public address, the first after announcement of election dates, has given a fresh fillip to BJPs poll pitch and infused fresh vigour in party ranks. (Image: X)

The campaigning for the Delhi assembly polls intensified on Saturday after union Home Minister Amit Shah lashed out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal over his claim that the BJP has finalised its leader Ramesh Bidhuri as the chief ministerial face of the party for the polls.

While addressing the Jhuggi Basti Pradhan Sammelan at Delhis JLN stadium, the BJP leader slammed the AAP leader saying that the AAP supremos manipulations" were understood by Delhi people.

related stories

Read More: Ramesh Bidhuri Will Be BJPs Delhi CM Face: Kejriwal Backs Atishis Claims, Throws Open Debate Challenge

Can Kejriwal decide the BJPs chief ministerial face? Kejriwal ji, whole Delhi understands these tactics of manipulating people," he said.

Ramesh Bidhuri Will Be BJPs Delhi CM Face: Kejriwal Backs Atishis Claims

Earlier today, Kejriwal reiterated the claim that the saffron camp has decided to project its leader Ramesh Bidhuri as the partys chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Delhi assembly polls.

Kejriwal further congratulated the BJP leader and asked him for his vision for the national capital. He also invited the saffron partys CM candidate to have an open debate on the development issues once the BJP officially announces the decision.

We are getting information that Ramesh Bidhuris name will be officially announced (as BJP CM face) in the coming one or two days. I congratulate Ramesh Bidhuri on becoming the CM face of BJP. Ramesh Bidhuri should tell what he did for the development of Delhi while being an MP. What is his vision for Delhi?" Kejriwal said while addressing the press conference.

A day earlier, Delhi CM Atishi had also claimed that her Kalkaji rival Ramesh Bidhuri will be the BJPs CM pick. She said that this was Bidhuris reward" for being the most abusive" leader of his party.

Kejriwal An AAP-da For Delhiites, Says Shah

In a mega outreach to the slum dwellers ahead of the polls, Shah launched a tirade at Kejriwal for allegedly betraying the slum dwellers and forcing them to live in pathetic conditions in slums.

People living in slums of Delhi are getting dirty water. People living in slums are asking us why Delhi is the most polluted city in the world. What did Arvind Kejriwal do in Delhi in the last 10 years? If you are not able to do anything Arvind Kejriwal, then you should leave the government, BJP will give all the benefits," he said.

Read More: CAG Report On Delhi Liquor Policy: Rs 2,026 Crore Loss To Exchequer, Licence Norms Flouted

The senior BJP leader, referring to PM Modis recent AAP-da" jab at the citys AAP dispensation, said that Kejriwal-led AAP government has proved to be an Aapda" (disaster) in its 10 years of rule in Delhi.

Shah further said that AAP rode to power, capitalising on the anti-corruption crusade by a saintly figure like Anna Hazare but went to break all records of corruption during its 10 years of governance.

He further told the crowd that the polling day (February 5) would be the day when they can get rid of AAP-das" from their lives.

I have come here today to tell you that you can become the liberator of Delhi. You can free Delhi from many Aapdas (disasters). Remember my words  5 February is the day of Delhis freedom from AAP-da," Shah said, eliciting strong cheers from the audience.

Toilet In Sheesh Mahal Expensive Than Delhi Slums

The Home Minister further traded barbs at the AAP supremo that the toilet in CMs official residence, which the BJP call Sheeshmahal" over its expensive" renovation work done during her predecessor Arvind Kejriwals tenure, is more expensive than the slums in the national capital.

Lies, betrayal and going back on promises," are the qualities of Kejriwal, Shah said, accusing the AAP leader of building the Sheesh Mahal" instead of toilets in Delhis slum clusters.

Read More: Delhi Sheeshmahal Work Done During Covid: PM Modi Cites C&AG Report, Attacks AAP

Shah said the slum dwellers of Delhi will give a befitting reply to the AAP and Kejriwal on February 5 for cheating them, failing to clean the Yamuna River and committing the sin" of building the Sheesh Mahal".

The BJP has been using the "Sheesh Mahal" moniker to attack Kejriwal, alleging that he indulged in corruption and had a lavish lifestyle while living in the 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow as the chief minister of Delhi before his resignation in September last year.

BJP Will Not Stop Welfare Schemes For The Poor

Drawing a comparison between the AAP and BJP manifesto, Shah said that their poll promises are a bunch of lies while partys Sankalp Patra is about the resolve that sees the light of day.

We promise what we do and we do what we promise," he said.

Shah also promised that solutions to all the problems and issues faced by the slum dwellers in Delhi will be mentioned in BJPs manifesto. The BJP will ensure pucca houses for every slum dweller," he said.

I want to reiterate what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said earlier that no welfare schemes for the poor will be stopped," he said.

AAP Reacts On Shahs Accusations

Kejriwal has slammed the Home Minister over his allegations related to slum dwellers.

Today Amit Shah ji abused me and the people of Delhi a lot. The people of Delhi will answer this in the elections. Amit ji told a lot of lies to the slum dwellers. Tomorrow morning I will hold a press conference from a slum which they have planned to demolish after the elections. I will expose the dirty intentions of BJP with full evidence," he said in a post on X.

                                       ,                 Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 11, 2025

AAP MP Sanjay Singh also hit out at Shah and said, If any party has bulldozed the houses of the poor after independence, it is the BJP Till 2022-2023, they (BJP) have bulldozed the houses of poor people in Delhi 35 times People living in slums will give a befitting reply to Union Home Minister Amit Shah He has no right to speak about people living in slums Arvind Kejriwal has benefited the people living in slums a lot"

Delhi Elections 2025

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Voting for the Delhi polls will take place on February 5 in a single phase while the counting of votes will take place on February 8. As per the final electoral roll of Delhi, the national capital has 1,55,24,858 voters. The number increased by 1.09 per cent since the publication of the October 29, 2024, draft of electors. Delhi has 70 constituencies (58 General and 12 SC seats).

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: January 11, 2025, 19:51 IST
Cracks In INDIA Bloc? Shiv Sena-UBT Decides To Go Solo In Mumbai Civic Body Elections

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 14:32 IST

Shiv Sena (UBT) senior leader Sanjay Raut said that the INDIA bloc was for the Lok Sabha polls, not for the local body elections.

Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray with Sanjay Raut | File Image/PTI

As Mumbais civic body elections draw closer, cracks could be seen emerging in the INDIA bloc parties, with Shiv Sena (UBT) heading to contest the polls alone.

Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (UBT) senior leader Sanjay Raut said that the INDIA bloc and Maha Vikas Aghadi alliances were for the Lok Sabha and assembly polls, not for the local body elections.

related stories

In an alliance, workers of individual parties dont get opportunities, and it hampers organisational growth. We will contest polls to the Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur and other municipal corporations, zilla parishads and panchayats on our strength," he said.

He said party chief Uddhav Thackeray gave the party indications that it should go alone.

Hitting out at Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar for indulging in a blame game over the MVAs defeat in the state assembly, Raut said those who dont believe in consensus and compromise have no right to be in an alliance.

He further claimed that the INDIA bloc did not hold a single meeting after the Lok Sabha elections.

We were not able to appoint even a convenor for INDIA bloc. It isnt good. As the largest party of the alliance, it was the Congresss responsibility to convene a meeting," the Sena (UBT) leader said.

Reacting to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawars remark that he has never mentioned farm loan waivers in his speeches, Raut said, Even if he hasnt spoken about it. Farm loan waiver and Rs 2,100 for Laadki Bahin beneficiaries are mentioned in the BJPs poll manifesto. These two promises have to be implemented. He is the finance minister in the BJP government, and he will have to do it."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks during his first podcast that he is human and can make mistakes, Raut said, He (Modi) is god. I dont consider him a human. God is god. If someone declares him an incarnation of god, how can he be a human? He is the 13th avatar of Vishnu. If someone who has been considered god says he is human, something is wrong. There is chemical locha."

(With agency inputs)

First Published: January 11, 2025, 14:29 IST
Ukrainian Masterminds Behind Mumbai's Torres Scam, Probe Reveals They Fled India During Christmas

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 12, 2025, 10:38 IST

The Mumbai police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has found that Torres investment fraud scheme was conceived and planned by two Ukrainians

Torres Jewellery has showrooms across Mumbai in areas such as Grant Road, Navi-Mumbai, Kalyan and Mira Road. (Image: X)

The Mumbai police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has found that Torres investment fraud scheme was conceived and planned by two Ukrainians, who fled the country just before the scam surfaced less than a week ago.

As per the EOW, the Director of Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd, which runs the Torres jewellery brand, Victoria Kovalenko, and former director of the company, Olena Stoian- are suspected to be the masterminds of the fraud, which left thousands of investors in the lurch after the jewellery chain with several stores in Mumbai allegedly duped them through a Ponzi scheme promising high returns.

related stories

As per the police, both the suspects fled the country in December 2024 after telling staffers and agents they were going on Christmas leave.

The police said that when the Torres employees realised that their top executives wont be returning, they ransacked the stores as they realised they would have to forfeit salaries and other dues. Torres Jewellery has showrooms across Mumbai in areas such as Grant Road, Navi-Mumbai, Kalyan and Mira Road.

The firm has also blamed its CEO and other staff members, alleging that they conned customers through a fraudulent scheme and robbed and vandalised stores part of the chain.

CEO Is 10th Fail

The probe has further revealed that the firms Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tausif Reyaz, who is on the run, was a school dropout. He had not even cleared the Class 10 exam. An Aadhar centre operator in Byculla and a resident of Virar, Reyaz had been approached by the Ukrainians to head the company, a report by Hindustan Times said.

Meanwhile, the Navghar police in Bhayander have arrested three more people in a Torres Ponzi scheme case. Lakshmi Yadav, who is accused of renting the office space at Ramdev Park on Mira Road, was arrested from Tardeo. Supervisor Nitit Lakhwani (47) and manager Kaiser Khalid Sheikh (52) have also been arrested. Both of them were working at the Ramdev Park branch.

Whats The Case And How It Emerged?

The matter came into the limelight on January 6, when investors had gathered around the brands stores in Dadar and Navi Mumbais Sanpada and panicked to see the shops shut without any prior notice, as reported earlier.

The scamsters lured investors by floating a fake scheme envisaging the purchase of moissanite stones and gems with an assured 11 per cent weekly cashback on the purchase value for the next year (52 weeks) which translated into a whopping 400 per cent profit amounting to Rs.5.72 lakh in a year.

Under this scheme, a customer who invested Rs 1 lakh would get a pendant with a moissanite stone worth Rs 10,000. These stones, the customers have now realised, were fake.

Customers said they got some payouts over the past year, but they stopped about two months back.

People had invested lakhs of rupees in schemes promising returns, according to the news outlet. The company initially disbursed the instalments of the scheme. However, it failed to disburse instalments in the last two weeks, forcing investors to gather outside the Torres office in Dadar.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The duped investors approached the Shivaji Park police station to register an FIR, demanding the return of the principal amount, which they had invested trusting the famous jewellery brand.

Police have registered a case and named the holding firm Platinum Hern Private Limited, its two directors, CEO, general manager and a store in-charge as accused.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 23:54 IST
Assam Coal Mine Tragedy: Bodies Of Four Miners Recovered So Far As Rescue Ops Continue

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 14:58 IST

As the rescue operation entered its sixth day on January 11, the bodies of four miners were retrieved from the flooded coal mine in Assams Dima Hasao district

Rescue operation underway to save seven labourers trapped inside a coal mine at Umrangso area in Assam's Dima Hasao district. (Photo: PTI)

Assam Coal Mine Tragedy: As the rescue operation entered its sixth day on January 11, the bodies of three more miners were retrieved from the flooded coal mine in Assams Dima Hasao district on Saturday.

With this, the total number of bodies recovered so far stands at four, while five labourers are still trapped.

related stories

The body was brought out on Wednesday.

The officials said that one body was retrieved at 7:36 am on Saturday amid a joint rescue operation by the Army and the National Disaster Response Force. The deceased was identified as Lijen Magar, 27, a resident of Umrangso.

Two bodies were recovered during the ongoing search operationsone by Indian Army Special Forces (21 SF) divers and another by NDRF divers. With this, the total number of bodies recovered so far stands at three," officials said earlier.

Earlier, the rescue teams recovered the body of Ganga Bahadur Sreshto, who was among the nine labourers trapped inside a 3-kilo coal quarry at Umrangso after a sudden gush of water flooded the site on January 6.

#WATCH | Dima Hasao, Assam: Rescue operations underway to save 8 workers trapped in a coal mine in the Umrangso area. pic.twitter.com/a79qSNBOMW ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2025

We went to see the water level in the morning, we spotted a body, it was rescued. Two bodies have been recovered since the operation started. Water level has receded by six metres since we came here," NDRF team commander Roshan Kumar Singh told news agency PTI.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on X, confirmed the retrieval of the second body during the rescue operation on Saturday.

"Rescue efforts in Umrangsu continue with unwavering resolve. Tragically, another body was recovered this morning, with the identity yet to be confirmed," the chief minister said. Our hearts go out to the grieving, as we hold on to hope and strength in this difficult time," he added.

The identity of the recovered body has been confirmed as Ligen Magar, aged approximately 27 years, a resident of 1 No. Umrangshu, Dima Hasao, Assam. https://t.co/jKQ2tuUIKU Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 11, 2025

Gaurav Gogoi Seeks SIT Probe

Congress MP from Assam Gaurav Gogoi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to order an SIT probe into the incident.

Illegal mining continues unchecked in Assam, fuelled by weak law enforcement and local complicity. I have written to the Prime Minister urging an urgent SIT probe to investigate this tragedy. Those responsible for this tragedy must be held accountable. Moreover, broader issues of safety, corruption, and environmental harm need to be addressed too," he posted on x.

As of today, rescue operations have entered their sixth day, but the fate of five coal miners trapped in the illegal coal mine at Dima Hasao remains uncertain. The bodies of four miners have been recovered so far.Illegal mining continues unchecked in Assam, fuelled by weak pic.twitter.com/Gpy0RziFJu  Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) January 11, 2025

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

On Thursday night, the leader of the trapped workers was arrested, even as rescuers from the Navy and Army made little headway on the operations fifth day.

Police said their sardar (leader), Hanan Laskar, had fled the site soon after. Earlier on Tuesday, Punish Nunisa, the quarrys lease-holder, was arrested.

Location : Assam, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 09:27 IST
BPSC Row: Prashant Kishor Discharged From Hospital, To Continue With Fast-Unto-Death

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 22:29 IST

Kishor was admitted to the private hospital on Tuesday, a day after his arrest by the police for staging a dharna at a site in the city where such agitations are prohibited, and grant of bail by a court hours later.

Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor being detained by police personnel during his indefinite hunger strike (PTI)

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor was on Saturday discharged from a hospital in Patna following improvement in his health condition, the party said in a statement.

However, the 47-year-old former political strategist is continuing with the fast-unto-death that he launched on January 2 in protest against alleged irregularities in a BPSC exam held last month.

related stories

"Prashant Kishors anshan (fast) in support of BPSC aspirants continues. He has been discharged from the hospital in the evening as his health has improved. Further details about his satyagraha will be made known tomorrow," the statement said.

Notably, Kishor was admitted to the private hospital on Tuesday, a day after his arrest by the police for staging a dharna at a site in the city where such agitations are prohibited, and grant of bail by a court hours later.

He was kept in the ICU for a day, before being shifted to the general ward, even as his party colleagues urged the aspirants and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to put pressure on the young leader for calling off the fast.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Meanwhile, a seven-member delegation of the party, led by working president Manoj Bharti, called on Governor Arif Mohammad Khan at the Raj Bhavan.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Bharti said, "We submitted a memorandum to the governor who expressed concern over Prashant Kishors prolonged fast. We told him that Kishor could be convinced to call off the fast if the chief minister agreed to talk to a delegation of aggrieved candidates." "The governor told us that it was a doable thing and he would have a word with the chief minister, in the interest of students as well as well-being of Prashant Kishor," Bharti claimed.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 22:29 IST
On Ram Mandir's 1st Anniversary, PM Modi Recalls 'Centuries Of Struggle' | Video

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 10:16 IST

PM Modi extended best wishes to the countrymen on the first anniversary of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

PM Modi during the consecration ceremony of Ram temple last year | PTI Image/File

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended best wishes to the countrymen on the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and recalled the centuries of sacrifice" to build the temple.

The historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ayodhyas Ram temple took place on January 22, 2024, with PM Modi performing the main rituals. A massive influx of devotees is seen in the city to mark the celebrations.

related stories

Best wishes to all the countrymen on the first anniversary of the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. This temple, built after centuries of sacrifice, penance and struggle, is a great heritage of our culture and spirituality," wrote PM Modi in an X post.

I am confident that this divine and magnificent Ram temple will become a great inspiration in the accomplishment of the resolution of a developed India," the Prime Minister added.

    -        -    ,                     -           pic.twitter.com/DfgQT1HorT Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2025

The first anniversary celebrations, scheduled from January 11 to 13, aim to include common people who were unable to attend the historic ceremony last year, alongside around 110 invited VIPs, according to the temple trust.

In a statement, the UP government said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate the program and perform the Abhishek of Ram Lalla.

Ram Lalla will be dressed up in a Pitambari (yellow attire) on the first day of Pratishtha Dwadashi. The dress is being prepared in Delhi. Its weaving is being done with gold and silver threads," it said.

A German hangar tent has been installed at the Angad Teela site, capable of hosting up to 5,000 people. Common people will have the opportunity to witness the grand event, which includes classical cultural performances, rituals, and daily Ram Katha discourses at the pavilion and Yagnashala.

The trust has decided to invite common people who could not attend the initial consecration ceremony last year. They will be allowed to join all three days of events at Angad Teela," said Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The daily schedule features Ram Katha sessions starting at 2 pm, followed by discourses on the Ramcharitmanas (manas pravachan) and cultural performances. Prasad distribution is planned for each morning, ensuring that attendees enjoy a devotional and spiritual experience.

Location : Ayodhya, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 10:04 IST
Cop Suspended For Consuming Liquor Inside Police Station In Bihar

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 23:52 IST

Inspector Fakira Prasad Yadav was suspended after a video showing him consuming alcohol inside the police station went viral on social media.

Liquor consumption in Bihar is banned since 2016. (Representative/PTI)

A police inspector was suspended on Saturday for allegedly consuming liquor inside the police station in Jehanabad district of dry Bihar, officials said.

The suspended police officer has been identified as Fakira Prasad Yadav, posted as the station house officer (SHO) at Sikaria police station of the district.

related stories

Inspector Yadav has been suspended after a video showing him consuming alcohol inside the police station went viral on social media, an official statement issued by the district police said.

The authenticity of the video was verified and further investigation into the matter was ordered. Based on the findings of the investigation report, the decision to suspend Yadav was taken," the statement said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against him. Its a serious case and also a violation of the state prohibition laws," it said.

The sale and consumption of alcohol were banned by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 23:52 IST
Curfew Imposed In Two Villages Of Manipur's Kangpokpi District Following Unrest

Last Updated: January 12, 2025, 00:08 IST

There is an apprehension of breach of peace in Konsakhul and Leilon Vaiphei villages under Kangchup Geljang sub-division

Movement of people in and around the two villages was prohibited till further orders. (PTI Photo)

The authorities on Saturday imposed curfew in two neighbouring villages in Manipurs Kangpokpi district following unrest in the area, according to an official order.

There is an apprehension of breach of peace in Konsakhul and Leilon Vaiphei villages under Kangchup Geljang sub-division, the district authorities said in an order.

related stories

Movement of people in and around the two villages was prohibited till further orders, it said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Tension has been simmering between the two villages for the past few days after Kuki youths of one village allegedly assaulted a Naga woman of the other.

Manipur has been in the grip of ethnic violence between Kuki and Meitei communities, which left more than 250 people killed and thousands homeless since May 2023.

Location : Imphal West, India

First Published: January 12, 2025, 00:06 IST
Dalit Man Hung Upside Down From A Tree In Rajasthan, Thrashed Over Suspected Bike Theft

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 21:14 IST

A video went viral on social media showing the victim being tied up and being thrashed by locals in Barmer, following which a case was registered against several individuals.

A Dalit youth was tied up and beaten in Rajasthan's Barmer over alleged theft. (Photo: X)

In a horrific incident, a Dalit youth was tied upside down from a tree and thrashed by people in a village located in Rajasthans Barmer district, according to police.

A video of the incident has surfaced on social media, showing the youth crying and pleading with locals as he was tied up and beaten. After the video went viral, Barmer police took cognisance of the incident and a case was registered.

related stories

Station House Officer Gudamalani Mukta Pareek said that the victim, identified as Shrawan Meghwal, was tied upside down from a tree and beaten up in a village on Friday. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused blamed Meghwal for being involved in a theft.

A case was registered against five to six people on the basis of the victims complainant. Further investigation is underway, said police.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Meanwhile, Barmer Superintendent of Police (SP) Narendra Singh Meena said the victim was arrested last month after he was found stealing a bike at a local fair. After he was released on bail, villagers accuse him of stealing another bike, which he denied, sources told NDTV.

Kumar was allegedly assaulted by the villagers on suspicion of theft, on Friday. He was earlier booked in another theft case. A case has been registered on the basis of a complaint by the victim and a detailed probe is underway," said Gudamalani Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sukhram Bishnoi.

Location : Barmer, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 21:09 IST
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
ANKARA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye has "neutralized" 11 members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in a cross-border operation in northern Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced on Saturday.

The PKK members were killed in Hakurk, Metina, and Gara regions, the ministry said in a statement, without specifying the date of the operation.

"We are determined to eliminate terrorism at its source," the ministry stressed.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralize" in their statements to imply the alleged "terrorists" have either surrendered, been captured, or been killed.

The PKK, which is designated a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for over three decades.

Turkish security forces frequently conduct cross-border operations in northern Iraq, targeting PKK hideouts and bases. 
Pregnant Woman Dies, 5 Critical After Being Injected 'Expired' Saline At Midnapore Hospital

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 09:09 IST

Midnapore: Some doctors claimed that the government hospital had administered an injection that should not have been used.

Midnapore: Relatives of the affected patients have lodged a formal complaint with the police.

A 10-member enquiry committee formed by the West Bengal Health Department will visit Medinipur on Saturday following allegations of expired saline being administered to patients at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital. The incident resulted in the death of a pregnant woman, while at least five are critically ill.

The action was taken after relatives of the affected patients lodged a formal complaint with the police on Friday.

related stories

The health department has directed authorities to replace the existing saline stock with a fresh batch. They have also sought a detailed report from the principal of the medical college regarding the alleged negligence.

Even as the officials demanded an explanation for the stocking of expired saline in the hospital, some doctors claimed that the government hospital had administered an injection that should not have been used.

The critically ill women have been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for treatment.

The deceased patient, identified as Mamoni Rui Das (21), gave birth to a baby on Wednesday. Her condition deteriorated on Thursday, following which she was moved to the ICU. Das succumbed on Friday.

Lashing out at the Mamata Banerjee government, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party asked the CM how much more blood will stain her hands. They said that West Bengal deserves accountability, and not the chief ministers hollow promises and PR stunts.

Shame on the crumbling healthcare system in West Bengal under the disastrous regime of @MamataOfficial!A pregnant woman DIED after being given EXPIRED saline at a govt hospital in Midnapore, and several others now fight for their lives. This is the price mothers pay under your pic.twitter.com/ZMMovivG2o  BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) January 10, 2025

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The husband of a critically ill woman said, My wife gave birth to a baby on Friday, and then her urine stopped. Soon after she was moved to an ICU. They have given some wrong saline. Something is wrong in the saline."

(With inputs from Kamalika Sengupta in Kolkata)

Location : Medinipur (Midnapore), India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 09:01 IST
Finfluencer In Trouble Over Assam Women Can Turn Men Into Goats Remark, Says Sorry

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 14:15 IST

Abhishek Kar made a stoked a controversy after saying that women in Assam's Mayong could turn men into goats with their "tantric practices".

Finfluencer Abhishek Kar and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma | Image/File

Financial influencer Abhishek Kar, who enjoys three million followers on Instagram, posted a public apology after his remarks on tantric practices" in Assam stoked controversy, inviting a call for action by the Chief Ministers Office.

During a podcast show with entrepreneur Riya Upreti earlier this week, Kar claimed that some women in Assams Mayong could turn men into goats with their tantric practices". They could also turn it back into a human and have sex as part of tantric practices, the finfluencer had claimed.

related stories

Terming it as unacceptable comments" on Assams history and traditions, the CMO said, A video from a YouTube channel, named Riya Upreti, is in circulation where an individual named Abhishek Kar is seen making unacceptable comments on Assams history and traditions. Appropriate action may be initiated against the said individual for spreading misinformation."

The Director General of Police, GP Singh, replied to the CMO post on X within minutes, saying Noted Sir. Lawful action shall be taken."

A video from a YouTube channel ,named Riya Upreti, is in circulation where an individual named Abhishek Kar is seen making unacceptable comments on Assams history and traditions.Appropriate action may be initiated against the said individual for spreading misinformation. pic.twitter.com/NBpJSTWwMC  Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) January 10, 2025

After noting the call for action, Kar posted an apology video, replying to the Assam CMO post on X and said he had asked the podcaster to remove that particular clip that had offended people.

Apologies to people, @CMOfficeAssam, @gpsinghips and every concerned party who was hurt. The intent wasnt to hurt anyone and it will be kept in mind going forward that such incidents dont happen again," he said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In the video, the finfluencer could also be heard saying that he would be more careful while depending on secondary sources of data before speaking on public platforms.

Abhishek Kar is a well-known financial influencer, or finfluencer," who frequently discusses investments and startup-related topics on various podcasts. His YouTube channel has nearly 2 million subscribers, while his Instagram account boasts close to 3 million followers.

Location : Assam, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 14:15 IST
In Letter To FM Sitharaman, Conman Sukesh Declares Overseas Income, Offers To Pay Rs 7,640 Cr Tax

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 20:15 IST

Sukesh said his overseas businesses in the US and British Virgin Islands have generated a turnover of $2.70 billion in 2024 and said he was ready to settle income tax proceedings against him.

Alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar was arrested in a fraud case in 2015 and remains behind bars. (PTI file photo)

Conman Sukesh Chandrashekar, who was arrested in connection with a multi-crore fraud case in 2015, has appealed to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to declare his overseas income for the year 2024-2025 under the appropriate scheme issued by the Government of India.

In a letter to Sitharaman, Sukesh revealed that his overseas businesses, LS Holdings International and Speed Gaming Corporation registered in Nevada, USA and the British Virgin Islands, respectively, are involved in online/offline gaming and betting. These businesses have been operational since 2016 and have generated a turnover of $2.70 billion in 2024.

related stories

The letter also states that the business operations are active in the United States, Spain, the UK, Dubai and Hong Kong. Sukesh also said he is ready to settle all income tax recovery proceedings and due appeals pending against him in India.

He wrote that he is willing to pay a whopping Rs 7,640 crores in taxes on his overseas income for the year 2024 and that he would also like to invest the said income, here in India, in the field of tech and advanced online skill gaming businesses.

Sukesh, a notorious conman, is accused of orchestrating a massive extortion racket, where he allegedly swindled hundreds of crores of rupees from wealthy individuals, including high-profile personalities and business figures, under various pretences.

Apart from being the prime accused in the 200 crore money laundering case that is currently being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate, he is also wanted in other cases being probed by Delhi Polices Economic Offence Wing and other agencies.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The ED case pertains to Sukesh allegedly duping the spouses of former promoters of Ranbaxy  Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh  of Rs 200 crore. Sukesh and his wife Leena Maria Paul, facing proceedings in a money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate, were earlier arrested by Delhi Police, along with others.

Sukesh was also rumoured to be in a relationship with actress Jacqueline Fernandez. While the actress has repeatedly denied any kind of romantic relationship with Sukesh, she is an accused in the case and has also been questioned by the ED multiple times.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 20:14 IST
India, Indonesia Working To Conclude $450 Worth Brahmos Missile Deal: Sources

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 19:29 IST

For the mega defence deal, New Delhi is reportedly offering a loan to Jakarta, with specifics currently being finalised, the sources said.

Brahmos Missile (File)

India and Indonesia are reportedly working to conclude a $450 million worth BrahMos missile deal ahead of President Prabowo Subiantos visit to New Delhi.

New Delhi and Jakarta are actively discussing to finalise the the million dollar worth deal, defence sources told News18. The agreement is for the missiles produced by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between Indias DRDO and Russias NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

related stories

For the mega defence deal, New Delhi is reportedly offering a loan to Jakarta, with specifics currently being finalised. The development has paved the way for a rupee-rupiah transaction for settling the deal, sources added.

Once the details are finalised, and if all aspects go according to plan, an announcement could be expected during Indias Republic Day 2025," an MEA source handling the background preparations for the deal said, as reported by FirstPost.

If finalised, Indonesia would become the second ASEAN nation after the Philippines to acquire BrahMos missile. The defence weapon, known for its speed and precision, would significantly enhance Indonesias coastal and maritime defense capabilities.

The deal in works for sometime came up for conversation during Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathis visit to Indonesia last month.

In a post, Indonesias defence minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin had said, Advanced technology collaboration, such as BrahMos, was also highlighted, presenting opportunities for Indonesia to learn and grow".

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

As per the defence sources, Indonesia President Subianto has been invited as the chief guest for the 76th Republic Day. A marching contingent, along with an aerial display, is also expected to participate in the grand celebration.

New Delhi and Jakarta have been stepping up cooperation in the defence sector, since the signing of the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2018. The two nations have engaged in bilateral naval exercises Samudra Shakti since that year.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 19:25 IST
Jharkhand School Principal Forces 80 Girls To Remove Shirts For Writing On Them

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 21:46 IST

The girls were allegedly forced to return home in their blazers without shirts beneath.

The incident took place in a prestigious school in Digwadih under Jorapokhar police station area on Friday, Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Madhvi Mishra said. (Representative/Shutterstock)

The principal of a private school in Jharkhands Dhanbad district was accused of ordering 80 girls of class 10 to remove their shirts for writing messages on them, prompting the administration to initiate an inquiry, an official said on Saturday.

The girls were allegedly forced to return home in their blazers without shirts beneath.

related stories

The incident took place in a prestigious school in Digwadih under Jorapokhar police station area on Friday, Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Madhvi Mishra said.

The parents complained to the DC that class 10 students, after completing their examination, were celebrating pen day by writing messages on each others shirts.

The principal objected to the celebration and asked the students to remove their shirts, even though they sought an apology. All students were sent back home in their blazers without the shirts, the parents told the DC.

Several guardians lodged complaints against the principal. We also talked to some of the victim girls. The administration has taken the matter seriously. A committee has been set up to investigate the matter," Mishra said.

The committee consists of the sub-divisional magistrate, district education officer, district social welfare officer and the sub-divisional police officer.

Action would be taken on the basis of the probe panels report, the DC said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Jharia MLA Ragini Singh also accompanied the parents to the DCs office on Saturday when they lodged the complaints against the principal.

Singh described the incident as "shameful and unfortunate".

Location : Dhanbad, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 21:45 IST
Kerala Lottery Results Today LIVE: Karunya KR-688 WINNERS for January 11, 2025; First Prize Rs 80 Lakh!

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 15, 2025, 09:06 IST

Kerala Lottery Results: Here's FULL LIST of winning numbers for Karunya KR-688 lucky draw for Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Kerala Lottery Karunya KR-688 Results: The first prize winner of Karunya KR-688 will get Rs 80 Lakh. (Image: Shutterstock)

KERALA LOTTERY KARUNYA KR-688 RESULT ON SATURDAY, 11.1.2025, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Karunya KR-688 lucky draw for Saturday, January 11. This unique lottery has significant cash rewards, including a Rs 80 lakh grand prize, Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh for the second and third place winners respectively. Check the Full List of Winning Numbers below.

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results: Fifty Fifty FF-125 WINNERS For January 15, 2025; First Prize Rs 1 Crore!

related stories

KARUNYA KR-688 LOTTERY: WINNING NUMBERS

WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKH IS KH 495793 (KARUNAGAPPALLY)

Agent Name: SABEER A

Agency No.: Q 2245

WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKH IS KF 538700 (VAIKKOM)

Agent Name: KRISHNAKUMAR M

Agency No.: K 7683

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKH ARE

KA 783896

KB 594770

KC 603130

KD 654773

KE 960455

KF 529288

KG 535405

KH 551695

KJ 800470

KK 163507

KL 897209

KM 316180

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE

1441 1494 2658 3893 4225 4411 4464 4470 4884 5446 6344 6539 7170 8073 8289 9378 9762 9842

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE

0783 3676 3692 4159 4808 5511 7717 8059 8653 9987

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE

0841 2286 2505 2753 2999 4069 5109 5471 7094 7564 7648 7835 9530 9607

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE

0077 0087 0103 0185 0213 0428 0452 0479 0520 0623 0746 0795 0820 0825 0949 0958 1068 1127 1369 1413 1418 1533 1593 2124 2171 2245 2277 3001 3110 3169 3175 3290 3512 3586 3924 4075 4139 4330 4364 4452 4568 4640 4883 5063 5156 5473 5540 5575 5586 5700 5827 5883 5888 5955 5956 6115 6206 6376 6379 6670 7092 7370 7388 7568 7776 8026 8167 8374 8407 8459 8595 8860 8895 8946 9179 9417 9885 9902 9914 9934

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE

0175 0178 0617 0633 0664 0685 0860 0891 1017 1069 1088 1186 1322 1343 1355 1879 1890 2008 2324 2486 2628 2750 2773 2870 2873 3014 3108 3126 3396 3440 3597 3661 3783 3829 3909 3919 3941 4261 4271 4367 4505 4533 4539 4544 4550 4576 4585 4606 4747 4770 4858 4898 4922 5022 5025 5040 5200 5213 5366 5391 5463 5467 5687 5809 5815 5816 5982 6128 6152 6319 6320 6374 6442 6463 6536 6555 6556 6589 6841 6914 6957 6987 6993 7126 7195 7198 7386 7666 7715 7782 7825 7935 7984 8036 8141 8245 8290 8453 8580 8786 8811 9035 9055 9056 9081 9157 9222 9229 9274 9367 9394 9411 9577 9660 9666 9674 9686 9691 9758 9818 9861 9980 9988

WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE

KA 495793

KB 495793

KC 495793

KD 495793

KE 495793

KF 495793

KG 495793

KJ 495793

KK 495793

KL 495793

KM 495793

HOW TO VERIFY KERALA KARUNYA KR-688 LOTTERY RESULTS?

1. Visit keralalottery.info, the official website, to view the Kerala Karunya KR-688 Lottery results.

2. The Kerala Government Gazette office is another place to confirm the winning numbers.

3. Official sources provide reliable and accurate lottery results.

HOW TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY?

1. Verify that the official list in the Kerala Government Gazette matches the numbers on your tickets.

2. To be eligible for a prize, your ticket number must precisely match the winning numbers.

3. Visit the Kerala Lottery offices in Thiruvananthapuram to pick up your prizes.

4. The winners can pick up their reward within 30 days of the draw date.

5. During the prize collection procedure, show the winning ticket and official identification.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY

1. A self-attested photocopy of the winning ticket with the claimants signature on both sides.

2. Verified and signed passport-sized photos by a Gazetted official.

3. A copy of the participants PAN card that has been signed.

4. Fill out the online prize claim form, add a revenue stamp, and send it in.

5. Present identification, such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, voter ID, or ration card.

HOW DO I DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A COMPLETE LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS?

1. Go tokeralalotteries.infoorkeralalotteryresult.net, the official websites of the Kerala Lottery Department.

2. To view the Karunya KR-688 results, click the link.

3. The list of winning numbers will appear on the screen.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

4. Locate and select the pages download option.

5. Use the download link to view the lottery results in PDF format.

Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 09:00 IST
'Brothers Separated At Kumbh' To Be An Outmoded Expression? CM Yogi's 'AI-Driven' Plan Is Here

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 13:29 IST

The 'Bhule-Bhatke Kendra' will not only allow officials to match pictures of the missing person with their social media accounts but will also help in translating various languages into Hindi and English for easier communication.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 promises to blend tradition with modernity, incorporating advanced technology to ensure convenience for attendees. (Image: PTI)

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the worlds largest religious gatherings, is all set to begin in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj in just two days.

Anticipating the arrival of millions of devotees, the state government, in collaboration with police and local authorities, is pulling out all the stops to enhance the pilgrim experience. This years event promises to blend tradition with modernity, incorporating advanced technology to ensure convenience and efficiency for attendees.

related stories

Several technological upgrades have been introduced for maha kumbh mela, including digital lost-and-found centres, CCTVs, LED displays, advanced AI-driven data analytics solutions systems and more to enhance surveillance. The maha kumbh is the confluence of tradition and technology, history and modern avenues," said a senior official as per The Print.

The official added that around 1,500 CCTV cameras have been installed across the floor of the 4,000-hectare mela area, stating that these cameras will be integrated with the control and command unit to instantly alert teams.

Another crucial technological intervention includes the introduction of digital lost and found centres, named Bhule-Bhatake Kendras, which have been set up to locate any missing person at the festival.

The centres are being powered by Artificial Intelligence which will not only allow officials to match the pictures of the missing person with their social media accounts but will also help in translating various languages into Hindi and English for easier communication.

For the lost people and children, a designated area has been set up with basic amenities of bed where they can wait till they reconnect with their families," the official said.

A total of 12 such centres have been set up and are all connected to LED display screens, which will display the missing visitor or devotee once they are traced. We have experimented with this and it has provided good results. No longer brothers will be separated in the Kumbh. We have the technology to bring them back," the official added.

Getting Lost In Kumbh Mela Is Common

Over the years, there have been many stories and incidents when people have got lost or separated from their relatives at the massive fair. Many even keep paper slips with their names and addresses scribbled so that others can help them if they get lost during kumbh mela.

In Prayagraj, an organization named Bharat Seva Dal has been working for years to reunite the missing people with their families. Be it Maha Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh or Magh Mela, the organisation is active on all big events.

According to a News18 Hindi report, the lost-and-found camp has been running since 1946 when Raja Ram Tiwari had started it. Since then, his group has been helping missing people for free. After Raja Ram Tiwari passed away in 2016, his son Umesh Tiwari took over. This camp for lost people is located on Triveni Marg.

Many Firsts Of Maha Kumbh 2025

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In a first, the administration has introduced four anti-drone systems to intercept unwanted and illegal drones flying over the premises, followed by underwater drones to ensure the safety of devotees through surveillance beneath the waters.

Starting on January 13, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is expecting a crowd of at least 40 crore people in the city of Prayagraj along the river bank. It will conclude on February 26, 2025.

Location : Prayagraj, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 12:38 IST
Maharashtra: Father, Unable to Fulfil Sons Smartphone Wish, Hangs Himself Using Same Rope After Son Dies By Suicide

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 18:21 IST

Omkar had requested his father to buy him a smartphone for academic purposes. However, the father could not afford to buy the gadget because of financial constraints.

The deceased son, Omkar was the youngest of three brothers had returned home from his hostel in Udgir, Latur district, to celebrate Makar Sankranti. (Representational image)

A teenaged boys aspiration for a smartphone and his poor fathers inability to purchase the gadget claimed the lives of the father-son duo in Maharashtras Nanded.

The 16-year-old, class X boy and his farmer father were found hanging from a tree on their family farm in Minaki, Biloli tehsil on Thursday.

related stories

The Nanded Police on Friday said that when the poor farmer spotted his son hanging from the tree, he also took his life using the same rope and hanged himself from the same tree, TOI reported.

The deceased son, Omkar was the youngest of three brothers had returned home from his hostel in Udgir, Latur district, to celebrate Makar Sankranti.

As per the report, Omkar had requested his father to buy him a smartphone for academic purposes. However, the father could not afford to buy the gadget because of financial constraints.

Sub-Inspector Dilip Munde, who is probing the case, said that according to Omkars mother, the son had been persistently asking his father for a smartphone. Omkar again raised the issue on Wednesday evening. However, his father expressed his inability to purchase a smartphone because he was repaying loans he took for the farm and a vehicle," Munde said to TOI.

Disheartened and upset with the rejection, Omkar left the house. His family had assumed that he had gone to the farm, but when he didnt return the next morning, a frantic search ensued.

The farmer father, who arrived at the farm was shocked and stunned to see his sons body hanging from a tree. Overwhelmed by the grief, the poor man untied his sons body and, in a moment of despair, used the same rope to end his own life, the report added.

Authorities rushed to the scene and transported the bodies to the civil hospital, where both were declared dead.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Superintendent of Police Abinash Kumar told the news outlet, We have registered a case of accidental death on the basis of the statement of the boys mother. We are verifying the circumstances that led to the incident."

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)

Location : Nanded, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 18:19 IST
Man Found Dead In Ghaziabad After Marital Spat, Wife Hangs Self In Delhi On Being Informed

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 12:00 IST

A man was found dead allegedly by suicide at his Ghaziabad home, while his wife killed herself by hanging from a pole in northeast Delhi

Ghaziabad Police and Delhi Police are conducting parallel investigations | Image/X

A man was found dead allegedly by suicide at his Ghaziabad home, while his wife killed herself by hanging from a pole in northeast Delhi after a domestic dispute, the police said on Saturday.

Vijay Pratap Chauhan (32) and Shivani (28), residents of Loni, Ghaziabad, had an argument earlier during the day of the incident, after which Shivani left their home and travelled to northeast Delhi.

related stories

The police said that she was later found hanging from an electric pole near the Loni roundabout in Delhi, about 8 km from their residence. It came after Vijays body was discovered at his home by one of his relatives. He had hanged himself inside the house, according to reports.

The locals immediately informed the police. Upon arrival, they found a mobile phone in Shivanis pocket, which was turned off. After switching it on, officers contacted her family to inform them of her death, police stated.

A crime and forensic team examined the scene and confirmed there were no other injuries on Shivanis body, police added.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Both Ghaziabad Police and Delhi Police are carrying out a parallel probe into the incident. Both the bodies were sent for post-mortem examination. No suicide notes were found at either of the scenes, the police added.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 11:11 IST
MP Man Kills Live-In Partner, Stores Her Dead Body In Fridge For 8 Months

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 12:51 IST

On Friday, the police found the woman's decomposed body inside the refrigerator which was kept in a house that the accused had rented

The woman was forcing the live-in-partner to marry him. Because of this he killed her and kept her body in a fridge.

A married man, who was facing pressure from his live-in-partner for marriage, allegedly killed the woman in Dewas city of Madhya Pradesh and stored her dead body in a fridge which was discovered after eight months.

The saree-clad womans decomposed body, with her hands tied in a noose around her neck and jewellery on it, was found by the police inside a refrigerator on Friday in a house which the accused, Sanjay Patidar, had rented out.

related stories

According to the police, the accused had killed Pinky Prajapati in June last year. The woman was in a live-in relationship with Patidar, who is a resident of Ujjain, for the last five years, NDTV reported.

It was reported that the woman was asking Patidar to marry her because of this he killed her with the help of his friend.

The woman is in her 30s. We suspect she was killed in June 2024. After a foul smell started emanating, neighbours called the landlord who opened a portion of the house. The womans body was found in the refrigerator, the shelves of which had been removed. He then alerted police," Dewas Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlot was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

The owner of the house is Dhirendra Shrivastava who is from Indore, Gehlot said. He added that Patidar had rented out the house from Shrivastava in June 2023.

Man Had Kept Belongings In Some Parts Of House After Vacating It

After a year, the house was vacated by Patidar but he kept his belongings in the master bedroom and a study room.

Patidar had informed Shrivastava that this portion will be vacated by him later, said a senior police official.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Patidar used to visit the house once in a while. Recently, the current tenant asked the landlord to unlock this portion of the house. The landlord showed this portion of the house to the tenant but then locked it again, since Patidars belongings were inside, and switched off the power supply on Wednesday," police official Amit Solanki said to PTI.

Solanki added that the body was found after the refrigerator stopped working when the electricity supply was cut and a foul smell started spreading in neighbouring areas.

Location : Bhopal, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 12:50 IST
BANGKOK, Jan. 11 (Xinhua)-- Chinese citizens coming to Thailand should be vigilant not to fall into the trap of "high-paying recruitment", reminded by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand on Saturday.

Chinese citizens coming to Thailand should not easily believe in false promises such as "high-paying jobs" and "free air tickets and accommodation" to avoid being deceived, said the statement.

The Chinese embassy confirmed on Friday that the Chinese citizen surnamed Wang has departed from Thailand for China on Friday night following collaborative efforts from both countries.

The Chinese embassy expressed its gratitude to the Thai government for prioritizing Wang's case, which was caused by cyber-fraud, and for promptly launching a rescue operation that ensured his safe return. 
Muslim Man Has Right To Seek Divorce Decree By Family Court If Not Permitted Under Personal Law: HC

Reported By :

LawBeat

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 14:23 IST

The court emphasised that a Muslim male cannot be denied the valuable right to access justice, even if the Muslim personal law does not provide specific provisions

The case originated from an appeal by Mohammad Shah, who had filed for divorce on grounds of adultery under Section 7 of the Family Court Act. (Getty)

The Madhya Pradesh High Courts Gwalior bench, emphasising that the absence of a statutory provision under Muslim personal law does not leave a Muslim male remediless, ruled that Muslim men, who cannot directly seek divorce under the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939, can approach the Family Court under Section 7 of the Family Court Act, 1984, to obtain divorce.

A division bench comprising Justice Anand Pathak and Justice Hirdesh delivered the ruling. While setting aside a family courts decision that denied a Muslim male the right to seek a divorce decree, the high court remanded the matter to the family court for adjudication.

related stories

The case originated from an appeal by Mohammad Shah, who had filed for divorce on grounds of adultery under Section 7 of the Family Court Act. The family court had dismissed his suit, deeming it non-maintainable under Muslim law. On appeal, the high court addressed whether the Family Court Act allows such claims in cases where Muslim personal law does not provide specific provisions.

The court noted that while the 1939 Act provides Muslim women with the exclusive right to seek divorce, men do not have a parallel provision in the same law. It observed: It appears from perusal of the provisions as contained into the Act of 1939 that a male does not have any way to obtain the decree for dissolution of marriage. For that purpose, one has to take recourse to the Act of 1984."

The court pointed out that under Section 7(1)(d) of the Family Court Act, 1984, courts are empowered to adjudicate proceedings arising out of a marital relationship, regardless of community or personal law. This provision does not distinguish on the basis of Caste and Community, therefore, it is all pervasive in nature," the court said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The high court criticised the trial courts ruling for ignoring constitutional tenets. Even the Constitutional Morality and its Spirit also mandates that no person can be rendered remediless. If the reasoning of trial court would have been accepted then a Muslim male would have been denied the valuable right to access justice or judicial forum to ventilate his grievances. This could never have been the Constitutional spirit, morality and Constitutional Vision of Justice," the bench stated.

The high court concluded that the trial court had erred in dismissing the case on the grounds of maintainability. Thus, setting aside the family courts dismissal, the court remanded the matter back for reconsideration.

Location : Gwalior, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 14:23 IST
'My Wife Is Wonderful, I Love Staring At Her': Anand Mahindra On L&T Chief's 90-Hour Work Week Remark

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 19:36 IST

Anand Mahindra stressed the importance of quality of work over quantity in response to L&T Chief SN Subrahmanyan's suggestion of making employees work for 90 hours in a week.

Anand Mahindra gave his two cents on L&T Chief Subrahmanyan's suggestion of 90-hour work week. (Photo Credits: X)

Industrialist Anand Mahindra took a dig at Larsen & Toubros (L&T) chairman SN Subrahmanyans 90-hour workweek remark on Saturday, saying the focus should be on the quality of the work and not how many hours should be put in.

Speaking to Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025, the chairman of Mahindra Group was asked how he managed his time to maintain a strong presence on social media.

related stories

Giving his two cents on how many hours he works in a week, Mahindra said, This is what I wanted to avoid. I dont want it to be about time. I dont want it to be about quantity. Ask me about the quality of my work. Dont ask me how many hours I have worked."

My wife is wonderful, I love staring at her": Anand Mahindra on his social media activities. He adds, Ask me about the quality of my work, not how many hours I work."#AnandMahindra #90HourWorkWeek #PalkiSharma | @Akankshaswarups @Palkisu pic.twitter.com/Snqv5sgimi News18 (@CNNnews18) January 11, 2025

His remarks came in response to Subrahmanyans recent remarks, where he suggested that employees should be willing to work extended hours, even on Sundays. He questioned how long one could stare at your wife" and expressed regret that he could not mandate Sunday work, stating, If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays."

ALSO READ: Wanting To Be New Age Slave Drivers: Priyanka Chaturvedi Slams L&T Chiefs 90-Hour Work Week Remark

My Wife Is Wonderful

When asked about his social media presence, Mahindra took a jibe at Subrahmanyans stare at your wife remark. I often get asked how much time I have to spend on social media. I want to tell people that I am on X or social media not because I am lonely," he said.

My wife is wonderful, I love staring at her. So, I am not here to make friends, I am here because social media is an amazing business tool. How in one platform, I get feedback from 11 million people," Mahindra added.

The industrialist also said that one can only make better decisions when they have a holistic life. If you are not spending time at home or with friends and if you are not reading and dont have time to reflect, how will you bring the inputs into making the right decisions?" he said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Subrahmanyans remarks sparked outrage, with many arguing that they promote an unhealthy work culture and undermine the importance of work-life balance. Many have also raised concerns about the impact on employees mental health and personal relationships.

The backlash mirrors similar comments made by Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy, who also suggested a demanding 70-hour workweek for young employees.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 19:35 IST
'Eagerly Waiting': PM Modi To Inaugurate Sonamarg Tunnel On January 13 | Here's All You Need To Know

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 20:48 IST

The Sonamarg Tunnel is a 12-kilometre-long project with a total cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. The tunnel includes the main Sonamarg tunnel, an egress tunnel, and associated approach roads

Zojila: Construction work underway at Asia's longest bi-directional Zojila Tunnel at Baltal area, in Ganderbal, Sunday, April 9, 2023. A total of 6-km work on the 14.2-km Zojila Tunnel at a height of 11,575 feet above the sea level is underway and according to project managers working on its construction, the tunnel would be completed months ahead of the set deadline of 2026. Zojila Tunnel along with another Z-Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg area of District Ganderbal, which would be inaugurated Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari on 10 April 2023 would make the strategic Srinagar-Leh National Highway, connecting Kashmir region to cold desert Ladakh region, an all-weather road. (PTI Photo/S. Irfan) (

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir on January 13. This highly anticipated event will take place around 11:45 AM.

In addition to the inauguration, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a gathering and will meet the workers who have been instrumental in the construction of the tunnel.

related stories

Responding to a post by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday, PM Modi expressed his excitement about the inauguration.

He said, I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos!"

I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy.Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos! https://t.co/JCBT8Ei175  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2025

Earlier, J&K CM Abdullah had visited the site to assess preparations for the Prime Ministers visit.

The inauguration of the Z-morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round, Sonmarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter & the travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also reduce," Abdullah wrote in his post.

What is the Sonamarg Tunnel?

The Sonamarg Tunnel is a 12-kilometre-long project with a total cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. The tunnel includes the main Sonamarg tunnel, an egress tunnel, and associated approach roads.

Located at an altitude of more than 8,650 feet above sea level, it will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, eventually linking to Leh.

One of the key benefits of the tunnel is its ability to bypass landslide-prone and avalanche-affected routes, ensuring safer, uninterrupted access to the strategically significant Ladakh region. This is particularly important for defence logistics, as the enhanced connectivity will make it easier to move goods and personnel to the area.

In addition to its strategic significance, the tunnel will transform Sonamarg into a year-round tourism hub. By ensuring safe access in winter, it will boost adventure tourism, winter sports, and the local economy.

Future Developments And Benefits

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The tunnel is part of a larger initiative that includes the Zojila Tunnel, which is expected to be completed by 2028. Once both tunnels are operational, they will significantly improve connectivity. The distance between Srinagar and Leh will be reduced from 49 km to 43 km, while the speed of travel will increase from 30 km/h to 70 km/h.

This will not only make travel more efficient but also contribute to smoother transportation, fostering greater economic integration between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 19:30 IST
PM Modi To Visit France For AI Summit, May Announce Defence Deals With Macron

Reported By :



Edited By: News Desk



Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 08:01 IST

India and France are likely to announce two large defence deals worth $10 billion which have been in the pipeline during PM Modi's visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron may announce two defence deals worth $10 billion. (Source: AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a state visit to France and will also participate in the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit

Addressing the French Ambassador Conference, Macron said, France will be hosting on February 11-12 the AI Summit, Summit for Action. This summit will enable us to have an international discussion on Artificial Intelligence. PM Modi will be there immediately after his state visit to our country, & this enables us to have a dialogue with all the powers on AI, US, China & Major Nations like India which have a role to play, & gulf states".

related stories

France had confirmed that an invite had been sent to Prime Minister Modi and he may attend the summit. However, this is the first time President Macron has confirmed the PMs Participation. The Indian government has yet to make an announcement on the PMs visit to France.

The last time PM Modi visited France as the guest of honour at Frances Bastille Day parade was in July 2023. Later, President Macron visited India as the chief guest of the Republic Day Parade in January 2024.

The two leaders had last met on the sidelines of the G20 Meet in Brazil.

Indian And Frances Defence Deals In Pipeline

Other than Artificial Intelligence, the two large defence deals in the pipeline between India and France could get announced.

The deals together are worth $10 billion including the purchase of 26 Rafale  M Fighter Jets for the Indian Navy Aircraft Carriers and the three additional scorpeone class Submarines.

At the annual press conference of the Navy Chief in December, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said that both the deals are in the final stage and could be completed next month.

It is just a matter of completing the formalities of the acquisition process and we expect that if not this month, next month, hopefully this (Scorpeone Submarine) and the Rafale -M Deal be signed," he said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

According to the PIB release, the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded the acceptance of the necessity for the procurement of 26 Rafale M Fighters and the three additional scorpeone class diesel-electric Submarine.

The Union Ministry of Culture had announced a partnership with the France Museums Development (FMD) to develop the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum in Delhi, the progress of which may also be reviewed by the two leaders.

Location : Paris, France

First Published: January 11, 2025, 07:54 IST
CAG Report On Delhi Liquor Policy: 'Rs 2,026 Crore Loss To Exchequer, Licence Norms Flouted'

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Poulami Kundu



Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 12:01 IST

The CAG put out its report on the excise policy case of the Delhi government and flagged several "lapses" in the policy.

Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal (PTI Image)

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the now-scrapped excise policy of the Delhi government flagged several lapses" in the policy and claimed Rs 2,026 crore loss to the exchequer. This figure was put out for the first time to show the impact of the alleged liquor scam.

The report claimed that some bidders were running in losses, yet given licenses by the Arvind Kejriwal administration in the national capital.

related stories

CAG Report Points To Lapses In Excise Policy

The CAG report highlighted significant lapses in the implementation of the excise policy, leading to a loss of approximately Rs 2,026 crores to the government. It said that the common man bore the cost while the AAP leaders got kickbacks".

The report further claimed that Manish Sisodia, who then led the excise department, and his group of ministers ignored" the recommendations of the expert panel. It also said that there were violations in the issuance of licenses for liquor shops and the violators were not penalised deliberately".

The CAG report also said that many key decisions were taken arbitrarily without with approval of the cabinet or the Delhi LG.

#breakingnews | #CAG report on #liquorgate accessed key findings say expert panel recommendations were ignored by a group of ministers @Arunima24 | @_pallavighosh with the latest updates pic.twitter.com/Ipa6gs1WyJ News18 (@CNNnews18) January 11, 2025

Highlights From CAG Report

It reveals that expert panel recommendations were ignored by group of Ministers led by Manish Sisodia.

All entities were allowed to bid despite complaints.

The financial condition of bidders was not red-flagged before issuing licenses.

One entity showed loss, yet the license was renewed.

Violations in issuance of licenses.

Violators were deliberately not penalised.

Lack of transparency in pricing.

Cabinet approval or LG approval was not taken on many key decisions.

Excise rules should have been placed before the legislative assembly for ratification but they were not.

Breakdown of Rs 2,026 Crore Loss To Govt

Detailing the loss of Rs 2,026 crore to the Delhi government treasury, the CAG report said that some retailers surrendered their licenses before the policy expired, and the government did not re-tender them which led to the loss of Rs 890 crores.

It said that the government made exemptions for zonal licensees, which caused a loss of Rs 941 crores.

The then-Kejriwal government allegedly waived license fee of Rs 144 crores due to COVID-19 restrictions, which led to further revenue loss, despite clear terms in the tender agreement stating no provision for force majeure.

The incorrect collection of security deposits resulted in a loss of Rs 27 crores, the report said.

BJP Slams Kejriwal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched an attack on Kejriwal over the report and said while Kejriwal leads his life in luxury at the Sheesh Mahal", many in Delhi are forced to live in slums.

Due to the failure of Arvind Kejriwal, who lives in luxury at the Sheesh Mahal funded by the people of Delhi, many are forced to live in filthy and dilapidated slums. It is the Modi government that is fulfilling the dreams of these people for a dignified life and permanent homes. Today, at the Slum Dwellers Conference, slum residents will declare the end of Arvind Kejriwals fraudulent rule," Shah posted on X.

                                                   https://t.co/UqWTtH7lO1  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 11, 2025

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Union Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda slammed Arvind Kejriwal over the CAG report and said that it exposes him and his party ahead of the elections.

Intoxicated by power, high on misgovernance. AAPDA model of loot in full display and that too on something like liquor. Just a matter of a few weeks before they are voted out and punished for their misdeeds. CAG Report on Liquorgate exposes @ArvindKejriwal and @AamAadmiParty Gov. Intentional Lapses in Policy Implementation. Rs 2026 Cr Loss to Exchequer money," Nadda tweeted.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 11:04 IST
Stuck With Outdated Arms Due To Weapon Shortage, Naxals Targeting Forces For Supplies: Intel

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 10:44 IST

Recent weapon recoveries have shown that even senior Maoists, including former members of the PLGA 1 Battalion (the deadliest of the Naxal groups), are now forced to use country-made firearms

A CRPF official noted that unlike in 2017-18, Naxals are now operating with limited arms and ammunition. (PTI)

Naxals are currently facing a severe shortage of weapons, forcing them to heavily rely on decades-old, country-made firearms.

According to recent intelligence reports from central agencies, Naxals are attempting to loot weapons and ammunition from security forces, with planned attacks targeting vehicles carrying large numbers of troops. A CRPF official stationed in Chhattisgarh confirmed the intelligence, indicating that Naxals may launch fresh attacks to replenish their dwindling stockpiles.

related stories

Recent weapon recoveries have shown that even senior Maoists, including former members of the PLGA 1 Battalion (the deadliest of the Naxal groups), are now forced to use country-made firearms. A senior government official familiar with the intelligence report told News18, Maoists are experiencing a severe shortage of weapons and are likely to target security forces. Intelligence and recent recoveries suggest they are attempting to replenish their stockpiles by attacking security forces."

In a recent encounter along the Sukma-Bijapur border, three Naxals were killed and several weapons, including a BGL launcher, were recovered. Among the deceased was Korsa Mahesh, a former member of the PLGA 1 Battalion, who was involved in numerous attacks on security forces in the Bijapur region. Despite his expertise, the weapons found were rudimentary and not sophisticated firearms.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Similarly, in an operation last October, security forces killed 31 Naxals over two days. During the operation, nearly 1,500 personnel fought the Naxals, and while 31 militants were eliminated, only one sophisticated weapon, an AK-47, was recovered.

A CRPF official noted that unlike in 2017-18, Naxals are now operating with limited arms and ammunition. In groups of dozens, only one or two Naxals might carry AK-series weapons," the official said. There is a critical shortage of arms as their usual routes for acquiring weapons, such as the Nepal route, are no longer viable. Previous operations have shown that Naxals are now fighting with far fewer sophisticated weapons."

Location : Chhattisgarh, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 10:44 IST
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Calls Governor Ravi's Actions 'Childish' Over Failure To Address Assembly

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 22:13 IST

Stalin further remarked that the state legislature had witnessed unusual scenes in recent years, notably since Ravi took office as Governor

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi with Chief Minister MK Stalin. (PTI file photo)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday slammed Governor RN Ravi for choosing not to address the state Legislative Assembly, calling his decision childish". He made these comments during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governors address.

Stalin further remarked that the state legislature had witnessed unusual scenes in recent years, notably since Ravi took office as Governor.

related stories

The Governor comes to the Assembly but returns without addressing the House. Thats why I called his actions childish," Stalin said, referring to his previous remarks about the Governors conduct.

Under Article 176 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor is required to deliver an address at the beginning of each session of the state legislature. Stalin accused Ravi of deliberately avoiding this responsibility in a planned manner" over the past three years.

He also pointed out that in 2022, Ravi had delivered his address without altering the speech, but since then, he has provided various absurd" reasons for not fulfilling the constitutional obligation.

The Chief Minister also referred to the tradition of singing the Tamil anthem, Tamil Thai Valthu," before the session begins and playing the national anthem after the Governors address.

Stalin noted that Ravis actions might stem from his inability to digest" Tamil Nadus development. I may be an ordinary person but this Legislative Assembly came into existence due to the feelings of crore of people," he added.

Stalin further expressed that the House could not tolerate the Governors actions, which he saw as disrespectful to the Assembly, the people of Tamil Nadu, and the dignity of the Tamil anthem. We should not see such things again," Stalin added.

On January 6, Governor Ravi left the Assembly without delivering his customary address. The Raj Bhavan later stated that he had left in deep anguish" because the national anthem had not been played.

Disrespecting the Constitution does not augur well for democracy," the Governor had then said. Reacting, Stalin had said, it was childish of the Governor choosing not to read the government address."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In his reply to the House today, Stalin reminded that the Dravidian uprising arose against neglect, humiliation, and oppression. Stalin, who is president of DMK, exuded confidence that his party would certainly form the government for the seventh time.

(With inputs from PTI)

First Published: January 11, 2025, 21:33 IST
23 Workers Injured After Under-Construction Building Of Kannauj Railway Station Collapses

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 20:44 IST

An under-construction lintel collapsed at the Kannauj railway station in Uttar Pradesh fell on Saturday afternoon, trapping over a dozen workers. A committee has been constituted to probe the incident.

Chaotic scenes at the Kannauj Railway Station after an under-construction lintel collapsed on Saturday. (ANI)

Over two dozen workers were trapped after an under-construction roof slab of the Kannauj railway station collapsed on Saturday afternoon, according to officials. At least 23 people were rescued from the collapsed structure, of which 20 received minor injuries and three received grievous injuries.

The incident took place around 2:39 pm today when an under-construction lintel collapsed during beautification work after the shuttering failed. At least six injured workers were initially rescued taken to a hospital for treatment.

related stories

Taking cognisance of the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to ensure the safe recovery of those trapped inside and their proper medical treatment. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were also deployed at the scene to rescue the trapped workers.

The local administration carried out a massive rescue operation in the hopes of bringing the trapped workers to safety. Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) also reached the site.

#WATCH | Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh: An under-construction lintel collapsed at Kannauj railway station; several workers trappedMore details awaited pic.twitter.com/vqefsjtXDc  ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2025

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred when the under-construction shuttering of the roof collapsed," District Magistrate (DM) Shubhrant Kumar Shukl told news agency PTI. He rushed to the spot along with other senior officials to oversee the rescue operation.

Our first priority is to rescue the workers who are trapped. We are using all resources at our disposal for the rescue efforts," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Minister of State Asim Arun also reached the spot. So far, 23 people have been injured in the accident. While 20 of them suffered minor injuries, three of them sustained grievous injuries. The rescue operation is underway and will take a few more hours," he told reporters.

Arun said construction was going on for the new terminal of the Kannauj railway station under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) when a structure collapsed. Some more people were feared trapped under the structure, he added.

An ex-gratia payment of 50,000 for workers with grievous injuries and 5,000 for other injuries will be provided, said Pankaj Singh, the Chief Public Relations Officer of North Eastern Railway. Senior officials, including the DRM, have also arrived on site.

Reacting to the incident, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called it a failure of the BJP government and demanded medical assistance and other facilities be provided to all victims.

The incident that took place in Kannauj is very sad Safety should have been maintained during the construction, which was neglected and this incident took place. We hope that all the labourers are safeThis is a failure from the governments side," he said.

The Railways said at least three SAG-grade officials will investigate the incident. The investigation team will include the chief engineer, planning and design; the additional divisional railway manager, Izzatnagar; and the chief security commissioner of the Railway Protection Force," said Singh.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

UP Minister Rajni Tiwari said an inquiry will be conducted and those guilty of negligence would be punished.

(with inputs from agencies)

Location : Kannauj, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 15:46 IST
Wife Can Claim Maintenance Even If She Doesnt Abide By Cohabit Decree: Supreme Court

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 20:20 IST

The bench said there can be no hard and fast rule in this regard and it must invariably depend on the circumstances of the case.

The Supreme Curt of India (File image)

In a significant judgement, the Supreme Court has ruled that a woman can be given the right to maintenance from her husband even after she has not complied with the decree to cohabit with her spouse if she has valid and sufficient reason to refuse to live with him.

A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar settled the legal dispute over the question whether a husband, who secures a decree for restitution of conjugal rights, stands absolved of paying maintenance to his wife by virtue of law if his wife refuses to abide by the said decree and return to the matrimonial home.

related stories

The bench said there can be no hard and fast rule in this regard and it must invariably depend on the circumstances of the case.

It said the question as to whether noncompliance with a decree for restitution of conjugal rights by a wife would be sufficient in itself to deny her maintenance, owing to Section 125(4) of CrPC has been addressed by several high courts but no consistent view is forthcoming, as their opinions were varied and conflicting.

After analysing various judgements of the high courts and the apex court, the bench said, "Thus, the preponderance of judicial thought weighs in favour of upholding the wifes right to maintenance under Section 125 CrPC and the mere passing of a decree for restitution of conjugal rights at the husbands behest and non-compliance therewith by the wife would not, by itself, be sufficient to attract the disqualification under Section 125(4) CrPC." The bench said it would depend on the facts of the individual case and it would have to be decided on the strength of the material and evidence available, whether the wife still had valid and sufficient reason to refuse to live with her husband, despite such a decree.

"There can be no hard and fast rule in this regard and it must invariably depend on the distinctive facts and circumstances obtaining in each particular case.

"In any event, a decree for restitution of conjugal rights secured by a husband coupled with non-compliance therewith by the wife would not be determinative straightaway either of her right to maintenance or the applicability of the disqualification under Section 125(4) CrPC," it said.

The bench gave the authoritative pronouncement, in the case of an estranged couple from Jharkhand, who entered into the wedlock on May 1, 2014 but parted ways in August, 2015.

The husband moved the family court in Ranchi for restitution of conjugal rights and claiming that she left her matrimonial home on August 21, 2015 and did not return thereafter despite repeated efforts to bring her back.

His wife, in her written submission before the family court, alleged that she was subjected to torture and mental agony by her husband, who demanded Rs 5 lakh dowry for purchasing a four wheeler.

She alleged that he had extramarital relations and she had suffered a miscarriage in January 1, 2015 but her husband did not come to see her from his workplace.

The wife further claimed that she was willing to return to her matrimonial home on the condition that she should be allowed to use the washroom in the house, as she was not allowed to do so earlier, and she should also be allowed to use an LPG stove to prepare food, as she had to do so by using wood and coal.

The family court on March 23, 2022, gave a decree for restitution of conjugal rights while noting that the husband wanted to live with her.

However, the wife did not abide with the decree and instead filed a plea for maintenance with the family court.

The family court ordered maintenance of Rs 10,000 per month to be paid to the wife by her estranged husband.

The husband subsequently challenged the order before the Jharkhand high court, which noted that his wife had not returned to the matrimonial home despite the decree for restitution of conjugal rights, which she had not chosen to challenge by way of appeal.

The high court ruled that the wife was not entitled to maintenance. Aggrieved by the order, the wife challenged the order before the apex court, which ruled in its favour.

The top court said the high court ought not to have given such undue weightage to the said judgment and the findings therein.

It said the fact that she was not allowed to use the toilet in the house or avail proper facilities to cook food in the matrimonial home, facts which were accepted in the restitution proceedings, are further indications of her ill-treatment.

"The appeal is accordingly allowed, setting aside the judgment dated August 4, 2023 passed by the high court of Jharkhand at Ranchi in", the bench said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

It added the order of family court order dated February 15, 2022 is upheld and restored and directed the husband to pay Rs 10,000 to his estranged wife.

"Such maintenance would be payable from the date of filing of the maintenance application, August 3, 2019. Arrears of the maintenance shall be paid in three equal installments," it said.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 20:20 IST
5 Times Mithila Palkar Donned The Saree And Served Major Ethnic Fashion Moments

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 16:44 IST

Mithila Palkar's love affair with sarees is quite evident. Here are five sarees from her wardrobe that we have been eyeing.

Mithila Palkar often pairs the traditional saree with modern blouses and gives it her own twist.

A quick perusal of Mithila Palkars Instagram shows how much the actor loves donning a traditional saree. While she has stunned in casual wear and red-carpet glam, she aces the six yards of elegance like no other. Her love affair with traditional sarees in traditional weaves is quite evident from her social media posts and her media outings.

Here are five sarees from Mithila Palkars wardrobe that we have been crushing on.

related stories

A Classic Red Saree

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mithila Palkar (@mipalkarofficial)

Mithila brought timeless elegance to life in a classic red saree with golden zari work. Styled with bold smokey eyes, statement gold jewellery, and a neatly tied low bun, she embodied the perfect balance of tradition and glamour. This look not only celebrated her Marathi roots but also showcased her modern styling sensibilities.

A Yellow Paithani with Gajra

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mithila Palkar (@mipalkarofficial)

Nothing says Marathi mulgi like a bright yellow Paithani saree, and Mithila Palkar wore it like a dream. The addition of a traditional gajra in her hair, paired with gold jewellery and her radiant smile, made this look both culturally rooted and picture-perfect for special occasions.

A Floral Red Saree

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mithila Palkar (@mipalkarofficial)

In a flowy red floral saree, Mithila combined the charm of traditional draping with a breezy, modern appeal. Her minimal makeup, loose curls, and understated silver jewellery made this look ideal for both casual and festive occasions, exuding effortless grace.

Grace in a Plain White Saree

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mithila Palkar (@mipalkarofficial)

Mithilas white saree paired with a vibrant red blouse was the epitome of simplicity and elegance. Styled with a traditional gajra, soft makeup, and a bindi, she embraced the essence of a Marathi mulgi while keeping the overall look fresh and contemporary.

A Statement Saree with Traditional Styling

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mithila Palkar (@mipalkarofficial)

Mithila took styling to the next level by combining a traditional saree with a modern twist. Whether it was a bold blouse design, statement earrings, or experimenting with new draping techniques, she effortlessly balanced heritage and innovation, making every saree look uniquely her own.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 16:44 IST
BAGHDAD, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Four Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in an air strike in eastern Iraq's Diyala province, the Iraqi military said on Saturday.

Acting on intelligence, Iraqi forces conducted the air strike on Friday targeting an IS hideout in the Hamrin mountains, north of Diyala, the Security Media Cell, a media outlet affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, said in a statement.

A joint force of army and intelligence personnel searched the targeted area on Saturday morning, finding the bodies of four militants, including a leader who will be identified later, the statement added.

Weapons, explosive belts, hand grenades, and logistical supplies were also found at the hideout.

While Iraq declared victory over IS in 2017, remnants of the group continue to carry out attacks against security forces and civilians in urban areas, deserts, and remote regions. 
Discover Juhu's 57-Year-Old Bakery, Zeenat Aman's Go-To Spot For Lemon Tarts

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 13:02 IST

Zeenat Aman recently shared a list of her favourite things. Among them what stood out was the lemon tarts from this iconic bakery in Juhu.

Zeenat Aman talked about how she loves lemon tarts from an iconic bakery in Juhu, Mumbai.

Zeenat Aman is one of the most candid celebrities. She often takes to her social media to share her honest thoughts and feelings. As the new year kicks in, the veteran actor took to her Instagram to share a list of her favourite things  things that she is grateful for. Starting your year with a note of gratitude sets the stage to welcome new blessings in life. With the post, she gave her fans a glimpse of her life.

Zeenat Aman shared a list of six of her favourite things. The things have sentimental value attached to them and the actor penned a warm note to describe how she feels about all of them. Her favourite things included an antique heirloom piece that was once placed in her mothers puja room, orchids, her favourite earrings, her favourite fragrances, jute bags, handmade clothes, and lemon tarts. Among these things what stood out was how she mentioned that she loved lemon tarts from the iconic Fresco Bakery.

related stories

The actor wrote, A Juhu classic that regularly features on my tea table! Our local Fresco bakery is tucked away in the bazaar, and their lemon tarts are a family favourite. Zesty, with a perfectly crumbling crust. Just delicious."

Take a look at the post here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman)

About Fresco Bakery

Founded in 1967 by Franklin Fernandes, Fresco Bakery is an iconic spot in Juhu. The bakery is known for its woodfired oven and fresh baked goods. It is known for its old-world charm and its dedication to maintaining the same taste throughout the years.

Must-Try Dishes: They are known for their croissants, Danish pastries, muffins, freshly baked bread, rolls, and baguettes. They also offer savoury snacks like sandwiches, wraps, quiches, and pies.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Price For Two: Rs 200-500

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 13:02 IST
Lal Bahadur Shastri's 59th Death Anniversary: 10 Facts About Indias 2nd PM, And 10 Quotes

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 07:32 IST

Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, a few hours after he signed the Tashkent Declaration, which ended the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.

Lal Bahadur Shastri received Indias highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in In 1966. (Image: Shutterstock)

India commemorates the death anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second prime minister of the country, on January 11. On this day in 1966, he died in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Shastri, one of the finest leaders in Indian independence history, was known as a man of the people.

Shastri was a leader shaped by traditional political methods. He gave the Jai Jawan Jai Kisan slogan in 1965 at a public gathering in Prayagraj, then Allahabad. From an experienced freedom warrior, he developed into a capable head of the biggest democracy in the world.

related stories

Who Was Lal Bahadur Shastri?

Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, and came from a very humble background. When Shastri was just a year and a half old, his father, Sharada Prasad Srivastava, who taught in schools, passed away. Shastri finished school despite extreme adversity.

After being moved by Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the fight for freedom. Following Indias independence, Shastri went on to hold significant roles in the Congress and even held cabinet positions under Jawaharlal Nehru.

Shastri was chosen to succeed Nehru, who died in 1964. Because of his integrity and honesty, Shastri received praise from all political quarters.

10 Interesting Facts About Indias 2nd PM

Originally named Lal Bahadur Shrivastava, Lal Bahadur Shastri chose to renounce his last name in defiance of the caste convention. He was greatly impacted by the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi. He was so touched by Gandhi that he joined the Indian National Congress in 1928. Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on the same day as Mahatma Gandhi. After finishing his education and earning a degree from Kashi Vidyapeeth, he was given the title Shastri. In 1947, he took the lead in appointing women as conductors while serving as Minister of Police and Transport. It was Lal Bahadur Shastri who initially ordered the deployment of water jets to disperse crowds instead of lathis. He served as prime minister when the Indo-Pak war broke out in 1965. In 1966, Shastri received Indias highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. He was the first individual who was honoured posthumously. Shastri purchased a Fiat car by taking out a Rs 5,000 auto loan. After his death, his widow used the family pension to repay the loan. He passed away in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, a few hours after he signed the Tashkent Declaration, which ended the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary: 10 Inspiring Quotes

We believe in the dignity of man as an individual, whatever his race, colour or creed, and his right to a better, fuller, and richer life."

We can win respect in the world only if we are strong internally and can banish poverty and unemployment from our country."

Discipline and united action are the real source of strength for the nation."

Hard work is equal to prayer."

We have to surmount the difficulties that face us and work steadfastly for the happiness for the happiness and prosperity of your country."

I had always been feeling uncomfortable in my mind about giving advice to others and not acting upon it myself."

India will have to hang down her head in shame if even one person is left who is said in any way to be untouchable."

We believe in peace in the settlement of all disputes through peaceful means, in the abolition of war, and, more particularly, nuclear war."

If Pakistan has any ideas of annexing any part of our territories by force, she should think afresh. I want to state categorically that force will be met with force and aggression against us will never be allowed to succeed."

No doubt we have to have bigger projects, bigger industries, basic industries, but it is a matter of the highest importance that we look to the common man, the weakest element in the society."

First Published: January 11, 2025, 06:10 IST
YogMantra | Relax, This Is Yoga! Why This Ancient Practice Must Be Done Differently Than Other Exercises

Written By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 09:11 IST

You may be used to following Parampara, Pratishtha, Anushasan --- Tradition, Prestige, Discipline --- in your normal life but when you come to Yoga, relax

The ancient Yogis chose poses that would provide strength, stability and proper distribution of energy. (Getty)

At the retreat, though discipline and perseverance are encouraged, getting stressed about making no omissions" is a strict no-no. To those who get obsessed with the schedule, the doctors have this to say: This is Yoga, relax!"

related stories

WHAT MAKES YOGA ASANAS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER EXERCISE?

When Mansi* was diagnosed with clinical depression, she started taking medication and also began therapy. Lows nevertheless still hit her, at which point she would be asked to take double the dose of her medicines. She tried changing cities and starting a new life. She was able to hang in there, but just about, and each day was erratic. This was till someone suggested doing a short Yoga course.

Mansi finally decided to try it out, and within a month, her life began changing for the better. The cumulative effects lasted well over six months, even though she had become lax in following the schedule at home. After a year, however, she began losing herself.

When a well-wisher suggested doing some form of physical exercise, Mansi was jolted out of her inertia. She remembered how Yoga had improved not just her mood, but also physical symptoms and aberrations like wild food cravings. Soon, she went back to the same Yoga retreat for a refreshers course" of sorts.

Yoga is not merely another form of physical exercise, and this is because the poses and movements have a different end goal and purpose: they bring physical fitness alright, but they also steady the mind to make it fit for concentration and meditation. Physical benefits are just one aspect of Yoga on the course to becoming a calmer person.

WHY IS YOGA RELAXING?

While doing the Asanas, it is emphasised that there must be slowness, awareness, and mindfulness; also, the movements are coordinated with slow and rhythmic breathing. Added to this, one is supposed to observe the changes and effects of the movement on the body during the pauses between rounds. Yoga asanas are therefore an exercise in going inward, in toto.

In contrast, other forms of physical exercise focus on strength, stamina, and endurance. The motivation herewhether overt or subtleis ambition, competitiveness, and sometimes the demonstration effect". All of these make the process extroverted" and this very premise precludes relaxation from happening.

The ancient Yogis chose poses that would provide strength, stability and proper distribution of energy. But more than that was their effect on the nervous system and the endocrine system. Yoga asanas are able to activate the sympathetic nervous system as well as the parasympathetic nervous system, depending on the specific pose.

No energy is lost, and instead, it is conserved, built and distributed properly. The deep breathing enables higher oxygen levels reaching all systems via increased circulation.

ERGO, YOGA PRACTICES ARE DONE DIFFERENTLY

For instance, Yoga cannot be done along with music. No, even calming music" is a distractionunless the music is being used for enabling detachment. This is because, first, music diverts attention from body awareness, and this holds true when performing postures as well as relaxation techniques. Second, the rhythm of the music interferes with the breathing rhythm that one is supposed to follow in each pose. This interference prevents deep relaxation.

Besides the use of music, Yoga authorities ask us to keep in mind the following factors when doing Yoga.

Yoga movements are non-repetitive and non-fatiguing:

Repeated movements are redundant because building muscles is not the chief goal here. The purpose, rather, is to ensure good health for the muscles, for the internal organs, and for the nerves and mind. According to Yoga scholar and Guru Dr Jayadeva Yogendra, Yoga practices are directed towards the health of the overall system. Repeated muscular movements cause much waste especially of the muscular tissue, while their hygiene effects fail to produce such profound reactions as are favourable to the internal organs."**

Often-repeated movements increase nervous agitation involving the cortex which, in turn, affects the mind, he adds. Not just that, if breathing is quick and jerky, it has an impact on the lung structure and capacity. Repeated movements can also cause atherosclerosis, reportedly.

Poise and stability are the characteristics of Yoga poses. Because strain is avoided during practice, no fatigue and exhaustion are felt at any point.

Carefully select the space, accessories and apparel:

 The space chosen should be well ventilated and free from wind.

 Keep the mouth closed. Breathing should be done through the nose, unless specified for particular conditions.

 Clothes should be loose fitting and comfortable such that movement is free but also the body feels the air on it. Natural fibres like cotton and linen that allow easy breathing are to be preferred.

 Never perform Yoga on the bare floor; use a Yoga mat of any material.

 The feet though, should be bare; do not use footwear while doing Yoga, so that the nerve-endings can sense and enable balance and exercise in the lower parts.

*Name changed to protect privacy

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

**CYCLOPAEDIA YOGA Vol I  With Special Information on Asana; ed. Dr Jayadeva Yogendra, The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai (1988, first edition)

The author is a journalist, a cancer-warrior since 19 years, and a certified yoga teacher. She can be reached at swatikamal@gmail.com

First Published: January 11, 2025, 09:10 IST
Aamir Khan Admits He Was An Absent Father: 'My Kids Navigated Childhood On Their Own'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 17:21 IST

Aamir Khans son, Junaid Khan, is set to make his theatrical debut with Loveyapa, co-starring Khushi Kapoor. At the trailer launch, Aamir reflected on being an absent father during his childrens childhood and expressed pride in Junaids journey.

Aamir Khan reflects on being an absent father at the trailer launch of Junaid Khans debut film Loveyapa.

Aamir Khans son, Junaid Khan, is gearing up for his first theatrical release, Loveyapa, co-starring Khushi Kapoor, the daughter of Boney Kapoor and Sridevi. At the grand trailer launch in Mumbai on Friday, Aamir, who described himself as an absent father" during his childrens upbringing, shared heartfelt emotions about his sons journey.

Speaking at the event, Aamir expressed, As a father, I have been quite absent. I used to be in my own world, while my kids navigated their childhood on their own. Today, I am extremely proud of how Junaid chose a career path for himself on his own terms. It is a very emotional moment for me, and I really wish him well."

related stories

Reflecting on his upbringing and parenting, Aamir added, Reena (my first wife) and I tried to pass on the same discipline to Junaid and Ira that my mother gave me. I am very proud and happy with the way he is conducting himself."

Aamir also praised Khushi Kapoor, who is making her big-screen debut after her appearance in Netflixs The Archies. Sri must be proud of you," he said. I really wish she was here to see you today."

At the same event, Aamir revealed a personal milestone: quitting smoking. Im very happy to say that Ive quit this bad habit," he shared. I felt I wanted to quit, especially as my sons career is starting. I made a resolve in my heartwhether his film works or not, Im doing this independent of that. Hope it does something somewhere in the universe."

Directed by Advait Chandan, Loveyapa is slated for a February 7 release. The romantic comedy promises to showcase the charm and chemistry of Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor as they navigate modern relationships.

As for Aamir, he was last seen in Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) and is now preparing for his comeback with RS Prasannas Sitaare Zameen Par, co-starring Genelia DSouza, and Rajkumar Santoshis Lahore: 1947, starring Sunny Deol. While Aamir will headline Sitaare Zameen Par, he is producing Lahore: 1947, marking his maiden collaboration with Santoshi.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 17:21 IST
Manisha Koirala BREAKS Silence On Missing A Partner In Life: 'Who Said I Dont Have One?'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 19:55 IST

Manisha Koirala, celebrated for her iconic roles and resilience, opened up about her life, career, and independence.

Manisha Koirala discusses her life, career, and thoughts on companionship in a recent interview.

Manisha Koirala, a celebrated actress known for her stellar performances, defines grace, power, and self-reliance. In an interaction with Pinkvilla, the Dil Se star opened up about her illustrious career, her inspiring journey battling cancer, and her thoughts on companionship and independence.

When asked about missing a partner, Manisha quipped, Who said I dont have one?" followed by a lighthearted laugh. She then candidly shared her perspective, saying, Yes and no, because I have made peace with who I am and the life that I have. If a companion has to walk into my life, I dont want to compromise and let go of the quality of life that I have. If the companion can add to it and walk alongside, I am more than happy. But I dont want to change what I have right now."

related stories

Her balanced outlook reflects her belief in fate. If a companion has to happen, it will happen. It will be in tandem with each other rather than me trying to discover a companion because my life is full," she explained.

Manisha emphasized her fulfillment and freedom, saying, I am leading a great quality of life and I just hope it continues. The sense of choice, freedom, and fulfillment that I get, I wish to continue that."

Manisha Koirala continues to captivate audiences with her talent and presence. Last year, she won hearts with her role in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, proving yet again her unmatched acting prowess.

Born in Nepal, Manisha Koirala made her Bollywood debut in 1991 with Saudagar. Over the years, she established herself as one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema with iconic performances in films like 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, Khamoshi: The Musical, Dil Se, and Mann.

Beyond her acting career, Manisha is a cancer survivor, inspiring millions with her courage and resilience. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012, she emerged victorious after a grueling battle, becoming an advocate for cancer awareness and a symbol of hope.

Manisha Koiralas journey is a testament to her indomitable spirit, elegance, and independence, qualities that continue to define her both on and off the screen.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 19:55 IST
Mukesh Khanna Shares Why He Rejected A Hollywood Offer: 'Tell Me Which Actor Would Let It Go?'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 15:07 IST

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, renowned for his role as Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharat, recently revealed why he turned down a Hollywood film offer after the show's success.

Mukesh Khanna shares why he rejected a Hollywood film after Mahabharat. The project, Masala, eventually went to Saeed Jaffrey, earning him knighthood.

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, best known for his iconic role as Bhishma Pitamah in the TV series Mahabharat, recently shared an intriguing story about turning down a Hollywood film offer. The film, titled Masala, was being cast by renowned actor and casting director Madhur Jaffrey, who was briefly married to Saeed Jaffrey in the 1960s.

Once, a Hollywood film had come to me, it was called Krishna," Khanna recalled in an interview with Hindi Rush. We have a very famous casting director Madhur Jaffrey. She casts actors here for Hollywood films. Saeed Jaffreys wife. I got a call saying, Mukesh we are making Krishna, can you send me your profile? I said very good but what am I doing in the film Madhur ji? I thought it must be something to do with Mahabharat as the film was called Krishna."

related stories

Khanna, however, insisted on seeing the script before proceeding, a request that did not sit well with Madhur Jaffrey. She said, no, no you just send me your profile. We were talking over the phone. I asked for the story, she got fed up, maybe Then Saeed Jaffrey came on the call and said, She is not asking for earth, she is just asking for your photo and profile. I am stubborn, I told Saeed bhai, I am also not asking for earth I am asking for the script."

This persistence led to Khanna losing the opportunity, as he explained, So he said that he was in talks with Shashi Kapoor ji and then he would send me the script Tell me which actor, in todays time, would treat a Hollywood offer like this? And let it go?" Ironically, the role eventually went to Saeed Jaffrey himself after the film did not materialize with Shashi Kapoor. He got the title of Sir, today he is called Sir Saeed Jaffrey because of that film," Khanna noted.

The film, Masala, was a Canadian project where Saeed Jaffrey played a triple role, with veteran actress Zohra Sehgal also featuring in the cast.

Mukesh Khanna, who achieved immense popularity post-Mahabharat, went on to portray Indias first television superhero, Shaktimaan, in the Doordarshan series, further solidifying his place as a household name.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 15:07 IST
Prabhas Getting Married? Trade Analyst Drops BIG Hint, Leaves Fans Excited

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 09:13 IST

Netizens are also wondering if Prabhas is going to tie the knot with his Baahubali co-star Anushka Shetty.

Netizens are wondering if Prabhas is getting married soon.

Looks like Telugu star Prabhas is getting married. Recently, trade analyst Manobala Vijayabalan took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) handle and dropped a cryptic post. He wrote Prabhas" and added a wedding and a white brides emoji.

Even though the trade analyst did not clarify his post, it has left netizens wondering if Prabhas is getting married soon. Reacting to the post, one of the fans asked, Is it confirmed? #Prabhas " Another user wrote, Finally! Congrats Prabhas sir". Prabhas is getting married? " asked a third user. Some of the users also asked about the lucky woman and wondered if Prabhas is going to tie the knot with his Baahubali co-star Anushka Shetty.

related stories

Prabhas Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) January 10, 2025

Last year too, rumours of Prabhas marriage went viral on social media after he dropped a cryptic post on social media hinting at someone special. Later, Prabhas clarified his stance on the matter during the Kalki 2898 AD event in Hyderabad, addressing and dismissing the wedding speculations. I am not getting married soon because I dont want to hurt the feelings of my female fans," he said.

When Prabhas Was Rumoured To Be Dating Kriti Sanon

In 2023, Prabhas was also rumoured to be dating his Adipurush co-star Kriti Sanon. The rumours were fuelled by Kritis Bhediya co-star Varun Dhawan when he appeared on Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa and said, Kriti Sanon isnt on the list because her name is written on someone elses heart".

However, Kriti later issued a statement and dismissed their dating rumours. Its neither pyaar (love), nor PR.. our Bhediya just went a little too wild on a reality show. And his fun banter led to some Howl-arious rumours," she said while referring to Varun and then added, Before some portal announces my wedding date  let me burst your bubble. The rumours are ABSOLUTELY baseless!"

First Published: January 11, 2025, 09:13 IST
Shah Rukh Khan Was 'More Interesting' To Work With, Says Sonu Sood: 'Salman Khan Is Not Good...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 07:53 IST

Sonu Sood said the cast of Happy New Year had a chartered plane and spent a lot of time together.

Sonu recalled working with SRK and Salman.

Sonu Sood is currently being praised for his action film, Fateh. However, the actor impressed everyone several years ago with his action skills in Salman Khans Dabangg as the antagonist. He flaunted his comedy chops in Shah Rukh Khan starrer Happy New Year and has honed his subtle humour skills in Fateh. In a recent chat with Shubhankar Mishra, the actor recalled his experience working with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.

Sonu Sood said, I had fun working with both of them, but I think it was more interesting with Shah Rukh Khan because we travelled a lot together: London, America. We had a chartered flight, and we were about five to six people, so we travelled together. It used to be a lot of fun. We spent a lot of time, we played games."

related stories

As for Salman Khan, Sonu Sood said, Salman Khan is not good at expressing himself, but if he likes somebody, he loves them from his heart. He will make sure that the person knows that he is caring for you."

Contrastingly, Sonu mentioned, In the case of Shah Rukh Khan, he is a very expressive person. If he likes something, he makes sure to convey it." He added, One common thing between them is that despite all the success, they know how to take care of individuals around them."

Meanwhile, Sonu Soods Fateh was released in theatres this Friday and marks his debut as a director. News18 gave the film 3.5/5 stars. Our review read, While Sonu Sood has mastered action, his vulnerability on-screen needs practice. Sood lacks an emotional depth in his performance. Although Fateh is a fine attempt at direction, the writing could have been better. Sans the exaggerated action scenes, Fateh doesnt offer much. The characters back stories arent too explored and as such, actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Dibyendu Bhattacharya and Vijay Raaz feel wasted in the film. Jacqueline Fernandez offers nothing new and has no chemistry with Sonu Sood."

Despite the clever metaphors and subtle attempts at humour, the storys inconsistencies are glaringly obvious once the blood dries up. But the film is not too bogged down by this mess and manages to keep one hooked till the end. Fateh makes for a decent watch, and fans of the action genre will have an explosive time in the theatres," the review also mentioned.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 07:53 IST
Opinion | From Governance To Focusing On Brand Modi: Decoding BJPs Delhi Election Strategy

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 10:18 IST

By focusing on governance issues, avoiding divisive narratives, leveraging PM Modi's leadership, and strategically selecting candidates, the BJP hopes to reclaim power in the national capital

Delhi Assembly Elections: PM Modi with Delhi BJP leaders (PTI Image)

The 2025 Delhi Assembly election is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adopting a strategic approach to challenge the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and reclaim power in the national capital. The BJPs game plan is multifaceted, focusing on exposing AAPs governance failures, avoiding divisive narratives, leveraging Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, and strategically selecting candidates to maximise their chances of winning key constituencies.

One of the key elements of the BJPs strategy is a two-phase campaign aimed at highlighting AAPs shortcomings in sectors such as education, healthcare and infrastructure. By installing posters across Delhi, comparing the governance achievements of BJP-ruled states with those of the AAP government, the BJP aims to emphasise the differences in governance and present a comprehensive plan for Delhis future.

related stories

Unlike in other states, the BJP is unlikely to emphasise Hindutva politics in its Delhi campaign. Party leaders have been advised against making anti-Muslim statements, a move influenced by the BJPs recent by-poll victory in Uttar Pradeshs Muslim-majority Kundarki constituency. This strategic shift aims to appeal to a broader electorate and avoid alienating minority communities in Delhi.

The BJP will also rely heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership and a collective team approach, rather than projecting a chief ministerial candidate. This decision is aimed at mitigating internal factionalism within the Delhi BJP unit and capitalising on PM Modis popularity and credibility.

Additionally, the BJPs campaign strategy involves targeting AAPs controversies, such as the Delhi liquor policy scam and the Sheesh Mahal controversy, to undermine AAPs credibility and portray it as a party plagued by corruption and mismanagement.

The BJPs game plan for the 2025 Delhi Assembly election is a well-structured and strategic approach aimed at challenging AAPs decade-long governance while presenting an alternative vision for Delhis future. By focusing on governance issues, avoiding divisive narratives, leveraging PM Modis leadership, and strategically selecting candidates, the BJP hopes to reclaim power in the national capital and reshape Delhis political landscape.

Two-Phase Campaign Strategy

The BJP has launched a two-phase campaign strategy aimed at exposing the governance failures of the AAP over the past decade. The first phase focuses on highlighting AAPs shortcomings in multiple sectors, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The party plans to install posters across Delhi, comparing the governance achievements of BJP-ruled states with those of the AAP government.

For instance, the BJP will juxtapose the Sabarmati riverfront project in Ahmedabad with the polluted Yamuna river in Delhi to emphasise governance difference. The second phase will detail the BJPs vision for Delhi, if elected, presenting a comprehensive plan for the capitals future.

The BJPs two-phase campaign strategy is designed to systematically dismantle the AAPs narrative of good governance. By highlighting the stark contrasts between the achievements of BJP-ruled states and the perceived failures of the AAP government, the BJP aims to sway public opinion in its favour. The first phase of the campaign will see a blitz of posters and advertisements across Delhi, showcasing successful projects like the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad, which will be contrasted with the polluted Yamuna River in Delhi. This visual comparison is intended to drive home the message that the BJP can deliver better governance and development.

In the second phase, the BJP will shift its focus to presenting a comprehensive vision for Delhis future. This phase will involve detailed plans and promises for improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other critical sectors. By outlining a clear and ambitious roadmap for Delhi, the BJP hopes to convince voters that it is the party best equipped to lead the capital into a new era of development and prosperity.

Avoiding Hindutva Narrative

Unlike in other states, the BJP is unlikely to emphasise Hindutva politics in its Delhi campaign. Party leaders have been advised against making anti-Muslim statements. This strategic shift aims to appeal to a broader electorate and avoid alienating minority communities in Delhi. By focusing on governance and development issues, the BJP hopes to present itself as a more inclusive and progressive alternative to the AAP.

The BJPs decision to avoid the Hindutva narrative in Delhi is a calculated move to broaden its appeal. The partys recent success in the Kundarki by-poll, where it won a Muslim-majority seat for the first time in 30 years, has demonstrated the potential benefits of a more inclusive approach. By steering clear of divisive rhetoric, the BJP aims to attract a wider range of voters, including those who may have been alienated by its previous hardline stance.

This strategy is also a response to Delhis unique political landscape, where a significant portion of the electorate is composed of minorities and urban voters who prioritise development and governance over religious issues. By focusing on these areas, the BJP seeks to position itself as a party that can deliver tangible improvements in the quality of life for all residents of Delhi, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.

Leveraging Prime Minister Modis Leadership

The BJP will rely heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership and a collective team approach, rather than projecting a chief ministerial candidate. By emphasising PM Modis vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and its connection to a Viksit Delhi, the BJP aims to garner support for its campaign and present a unified front.

Prime Minister Modis leadership has been a cornerstone of the BJPs success across India, and the party is banking on his charisma and proven track record to sway voters in Delhi. PM Modis vision of Viksit Bharat aligns with the aspirations of many Delhiites who seek a developed and prosperous capital.

Modis recent public addresses in Delhi have emphasised the need for a transformative approach to governance, highlighting the BJPs commitment to development and good governance. He has criticised the AAP governments performance over the past decade, urging Delhi voters to choose the BJP for a brighter future. The BJPs strategy of not projecting a chief ministerial candidate allows them to avoid potential conflicts within the party and leverage Modis popularity to attract a broader electorate.

The BJPs campaign also emphasises the concept of a double-engine government," where the same party governs both the state and the Centre, ensuring seamless coordination and faster implementation of development projects. This narrative aims to convince voters that a BJP-led government in Delhi, aligned with PM Modis administration at the Centre, would be more effective in addressing the citys challenges and driving its growth.

Targeting AAPs Controversies

The BJPs campaign strategy also involves targeting AAPs controversies. The Delhi liquor policy scam has been a significant point of contention, with allegations of financial irregularities and favouritism towards a liquor cartel. The BJP has seized upon this issue to paint the AAP government as corrupt and inefficient. The scandal has led to the arrest of key AAP figures, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, further tarnishing the partys image. By continuously bringing up this controversy, the BJP aims to keep the spotlight on AAPs alleged corruption and governance failures.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Similarly, the sheesh mahal controversy has provided the BJP with ample ammunition to attack the AAP. The allegations of extravagant spending on the renovation of the Chief Ministers residence have been dubbed the sheesh mahal scandal. The BJP has used this issue to question AAPs commitment to austerity and responsible governance. By emphasising these controversies, the BJP seeks to erode public trust in AAP and position itself as a more transparent and accountable alternative.

The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xaviers College (autonomous), Kolkata. His handle on X is @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 10:18 IST
Opinion | Why A Closer Viewing Of RRR Could Lead Britain To Justice For The Girl Child

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 12:46 IST

RRR's depiction of a girl's stolen honour under colonial rule mirrors the plight of British girls exploited by grooming gangs. The film's message may inspire Britain to confront this injustice and protect its most vulnerable

Thematic parallels emerge between the recent events in Britain and the themes of RRR. (PTI Photo)

The impetus for courage lies not in the strength of numbers but in interventions that disrupt a culture and steer it towards justice. Elon Musks intervention in the British narrative on grooming gangs" is one such example.

Even with the defeat of the Tory amendment in the British Parliament that sought to launch fresh national inquiries into the injustices of grooming gangs" targeting British girls, the voice of dissent is not fading. Following the amendments defeat by a margin of 364 to 111 in the House of Commons, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has brought renewed attention to the issue by expressing his support for a limited" inquiry into the matter. Burnhams intervention has added momentum to the cause of protecting the girls of Britain.

related stories

The overwhelming familiarity of the exchange of accusations between British politicians on this issue during the week seems to subdue the few dissenting voices challenging the dominant and more virulent narratives. Amidst the numerous accusations of cowardice" from the Conservatives, those advocating for the protection, safety, honour, modesty, and well-being of girls have been described as brave." Former British politician Ann Cryer stands out as one such figure.

As the issue refuses to dwindle, the uncanny return of RRR, the Oscar-winning film from India, this time through RRR: Behind and Beyond, cannot be ignored. Thematic parallels emerge between the recent events in Britain and the themes of RRR. Three shared aspects stand out: the emphasis on honour and the girl childseen both in the film and in Britains ongoing discourse; a male protagonist confronting British authority and challenging the status quomirrored by Elon Musks role in the narrative; and interventions aimed at restoring cultural sovereignty.

The roaring success of RRR brought to light the global audiences perspective and endorsement of a fictional depiction of colonialism and British rule over former colonies. British politics, however, has revealed a deeply colonial mindset, particularly among the British Left, which now seems to be turned inward on Britain itself. For now, Elon Musk appears unstoppable, perhaps driven by the force of the personal"initially localised but inevitably becoming global, even when criticised as foreign."

While the Left and Far Left in the United States and beyond express outrage at Musks political interventions in the West, the tech billionaires ideological enthusiasm seems to tilt towards reinstating a certain cultural strain in politics. His high-profile engagement with British politics, including attempts to corner the Prime Minister and Labour leaders, once again conflates culture with justice and free speech.

As a parent directly affected by the cultural Lefts politicsmanifested in what is often labelled as woke" or wokeism"Musk, in the context of post-2024 America and the shifting world order, appears unhesitant in redefining the boundaries of the personal" and the foreign." Playing like a lone, determined knight on the rugged chessboard of his own social media platform, X, he crafts a series of provocations aimed at challenging the ideological opposition.

An engrossing account, based on the making of the brilliant, once-in-a-century film, RRR: Behind and Beyond, narrates how the director wanted Bheem to be visually perceived in the entry scene. He is portrayed as a man unletteredbut man enough to convert personal hurt into a battle for justice to restore honour.

Reading," Francis Bacon once said, maketh a full man." Bacons Britain secured its political dominance over the past three centuries by lettering the unlettered" and civilising the uncivilised." However, in a post-colonial world, that same Britain has failed to reador worse, misreadthe looming threats encapsulated in three timid and convenient epithets normalised within its narrative: Asian," grooming," and race."

In matters of gender, particularly those of staggering dimensionswhether numerical, emotional, or socialit is often observed that the Far Left or the Left fails to address the core issues or offer audible condemnation. Reasonable" explanations, secured through politics driven by vote-bank interests, lack genuine sincerity. For those living in the worlds largest democracy, one lesson stands clear: when it comes to justice for women and the girl child, reasonable" explanations are often cowardice disguised as clever elucidation.

The vulnerability of the girl child in many democracies, if not all, is reflected in the extent to which this universal cowardicemasked as clevernessis first internalised by men, then partially regurgitated and served to women and girls through politics, media, and a society subdued into submission. It is also mirrored in the films that are made, those that are never made, and those that never could be made.

During the ten years of PM Modis rule, Indian filmmakers have shown the metaphorical backbone that Macaulay wanted to target. In 2025, RRR holds lessons for the world. For lessons to arrive, a closer review and a re-look of RRR is essential, at least for Britain.

Malli, the girl child in RRR, and her abduction by the British in broad daylight lie at the heart of the perilous journey undertaken by the films two main male protagonists. Their eventual triumph over the Britishthe common enemy in their two agonisingly conflicting narrativesis rooted in this shared injustice. Malli is held captive by the British, and there is a striking moment in the Adilabad forest scene where she appears horrified, aghast, and intimidated by the pile of hunted animals claimed by the colonisers. These animals, like the Adilabad forests, are part of Mallis heritage. She belongs to her tribe and the forest, just as they belong to her. Her long journey of trepidation begins in the foresther home, her motherland.

Objectified and dehumanised, Malli becomes a mere trinket desired by the British lady as the little package for my mantelpiece." Torn from her mother, who is left devastated by the cunning deception through which the colonial squatters purchase" her child, Malli transforms into a metaphor for the motherland under attack. In todays cinema and reality, coins minted during the Colonial era could serve as potent symbols of greednow repurposed in the context of vote-bank politics.

In their devious metamorphosis as votes in contemporary democracies, such symbols threaten to bring nations and cultures to their knees, jeopardising civilisations and placing the heritage of entire continents under the leash of the Faustian arrogance of politicians. In RRR, the disregard for the autonomy of the girl child by an aggressor from another race serves as a metaphorical depiction of the dishonour inflicted upon the divine femininecaged and shackled under Colonial rule.

Mallis mother, horrified by the realisation that she mistook the coins thrown at her by a British lackey as an innocent token of appreciation for her daughters talents, is devastated. The viewer is left with a deep sense of fright, revulsion, and abomination. Mallis muffled cries echo through the screen, reaching not just the audience but a global collective consciousness. This harrowing episode encapsulates the anguish of Colonial brutality and sets the foundation for the war waged by Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem.

Malli, as a symbol of Indigenous honour and heritage, must be freed from her Colonial captors. Her plight mirrors that of the motherland itself, which must also be liberated from foreign rule. These parallel battles converge on a single battleground, uniting two warriors who grapple with their own complex relationships with their respective tribes. Bheems quest to reclaim Malli and restore the honour of his people intertwines with Rajus pursuit of revenge and justice for his motherland. Both warriors disguises and internal conflicts are stripped away, brought into focus by Mallis voicea voice that symbolises the soul of the oppressed.

Identity and representation precede numbers. Mallis first identity is that of a girl child. In this narrative, she becomes the sole representative of coercion. She is just one girlno other woman is shown being dragged, bought, snatched, stolen, or abducted in the film. Yet her plight alone is enough to ignite devastation that lands squarely at the British doorstep. Her singular identity is sufficient to rally her tribe and spark outrage. Imagine the impact if this depiction were scaled to hundreds, thousands, or even millionsan amplification of the horror and its consequences.

Why did Malli fit the little package on my mantelpiece" description? She was a woman-to-be, from a different, and in this case, a perceived-inferior race. Politically, this made her vulnerable to gendered oppression from the aggressor  not portrayed as explicitly sexual coercion in the film. Yet, this leaves a woman of the same race as the aggressor feeling stifled, wondering why Jennifer, the affable, often sympathetic woman in the British camp, is shown (or rather, written as being) so comfortable with Mallis captivity that she doesnt instigate a revolt. Understandably, for those times, Jennifers defiance of her own race is limited to loving a man of the colonised race, enjoying gowns, riches, romance, and dancing.

At best, Jennifer serves as a narrative tool, a device for defiance. Malli, on the other hand, is the root cause, the agent provocateur of a war against political and cultural coercion.

When it comes to retelling or portraying truth through cinema or media, the West seems to favour political pusillanimity over creative courage. Otherwise, films would by now be engaging the world with the tenacity encapsulated in a sentence like: We cannot remain silent and stand by injustice, as girls and women in Britain are devastated by sexual abuse perpetrated and covered up by"

Here Is What RRRs Reviewing Can Help Explore

The cultural and sacred feminine is embodied in every girl child and woman. Her honour is sacrosanct, and when it is breached, no effort should be spared to restore it. This honour extends beyond the individualit encompasses the tribe, the culture, and the values she represents.

When the foundations of identity, statecraft, or freedom rest on the sovereignty of the femininesymbolised in the girl child as the youngest and most vulnerable unit of that sovereigntyvictory may be delayed, but it cannot be denied.

Colonial powers risk falling victim to their own colonialism, as the mindset that enables domination also erodes the values of those it subjugates. In doing so, colonialism transforms its destructive capabilities into a stage for self-inflicted chaos, turning its supposed strengths into a theatre of misery.

The Adilabad Forest scene in RRR vividly illustrates this dynamic. The feminine, even when unlettered, innocent, and gentle, possesses an innate wisdoma blend of instinct and doubtthat allows her to sense coercion from afar. This awareness is the first signal for men to act, to protect and preserve the sacred feminine.

The key to restoring honour lies in kindnessa virtue that can render the culturally coerced vulnerable to the coercive, regardless of race (whether that of the coercer or the coerced). Kindness begets courage. It fosters the political demeanour needed to challenge coercion, particularly cultural coercion aimed at the feminine. It should not be mistaken for weakness, nor should that weakness be used as an excuse for greed.

Such greed will either crumble or bring a culture to its kneesin politics.

For women, the road to justice is shaped by trials and trials formed through political manipulation. Only political might can reverse the injustice it causes and restore justice.

Taking action is essential to building defiance destined for justice. Bold inquiries lead to action, and actionnot euphemism or theatreleads to justice.

Britain has faltered in safeguarding the keepers, carriers, and preservers of its own heritage, literature, and culture, because the girls scarred by sex crimes, and those living in their fear and memories, are much more than mere victims.

Musk has managed to ruffle composure, as evidenced by the responses he perhaps intended to provoke. Yet, Keir Starmers criticism of Kemi Badenoch for what he called a wrecking amendment" seems to have no media knight in shining armour riding in Badenochs defence. She was, at best, a Conservative, hitting back on her own, raising a fair set of concerns, and doing so boldly.

According to several reports, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused Starmer of using" a supermajority" to support his stance. British media would do well to ask why Philp termed it disgusting," or why Badenoch seems uneasy about people beginning to worry about a cover-up".

There seems to be no debate in the media on what prompted Badenoch to counter Starmers reasonable" responses with details and specific elaborations. The most intriguing aspect is the absence of reports on Badenochs own detailed responses to Starmers remarks.

Even more appalling is the absence of discussion in the international media on why Badenoch believes that both actions and inquiry can be pursued, and that people can be made accountable and answerable.

Why is now," knowing so much more," important to Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick? Why does Jenrick think there is a need for a new national inquiry? Why, for Jenrick, is it important to look at a canvas of 50 towns rather than just six? Why does Jenrick believe that it is possible to bring cowardly" individuals, who have covered up" the crimes, to justice?

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Colonialism is the mindset blocking or delaying answers to these questions. RRR might lend Britain the courage to undo the disregard for the girl childthe feminine protector of Britains own heritage and destiny.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 12:17 IST
BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- China has submitted two reports to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, detailing its climate actions and progress, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

These documents, the first biennial transparency report on climate change and the fourth biennial update report, were submitted as scheduled at the end of 2024.

The reports encompass a wide range of information, including China's national greenhouse gas inventory, progress in nationally determined contribution, policy actions and their emission reduction effects, impacts of climate change and adaptation, and finance and technology needs and support.

China's carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP had decreased by more than 50 percent in 2021 compared to 2005, with its forest stock up by over 6.49 billion cubic meters, the reports said. As of 2023, non-fossil fuels accounted for 17.9 percent of China's total energy consumption, while by October 2024, the total installed capacity of wind and solar power in the country had reached 1.28 billion kilowatts.

The implementation of various targets is well on track, with goals for forest stock and total installed capacity of wind and solar power having been achieved ahead of schedule, the reports revealed.

The reports assessed the impact of climate change on China's natural ecosystems and social and economic development, as well as related losses and damages. The country also shared its policies and experiences in combating climate change in these reports. 
Former Minister Ravindra Chavan Appointed Maharashtra BJP Working President

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 22:34 IST

MLA and former Maharashtra minister Ravindra Chavan was appointed as the working president of the BJPs state unit on Saturday, the party said in a release.

MLA and former Maharashtra minister Ravindra Chavan (File)

MLA and former Maharashtra minister Ravindra Chavan was appointed as the working president of the BJPs state unit on Saturday, the party said in a release.

The release said the appointment is with immediate effect.

related stories

BJPs Maharashtra unit is scheduled to hold a daylong convention in the temple town of Shirdi, around 240km from Mumbai, in Ahilyanagar district on Sunday.

Chavan (54) is a four-term MLA from Dombivali in Thane district. He was not inducted as a minister in the new BJP-led Mahayuti government.

It was speculated that he might replace Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who has taken charge as the revenue minister, as the state BJP president. Chavan had earlier served as a minister of state and was a cabinet minister from 2022 to 2024.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

After leading the ruling front to a massive poll win, the BJP in Maharashtra will hold a state-level convention in Shirdi. Union minister Amit Shah will address the event, where 1,5000 delegates are expected to converge.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Bawankule are among the top state BJP leaders who will be attending the convention.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 22:34 IST
Upset With Karnataka Unit Chief, Is Basanagouda Patil Yatnal Trying To Do A Tharoor In BJP?

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 12:20 IST

The senior leader, involved in a prolonged tussle with the state leadership, has hinted that he may throw his hat in the ring in the upcoming state unit elections for the post of president

Senior leader and MLC Basanagouda Patil Yatnal could either contest against Vijayendra himself or back a Dalit leader from his faction. (X @BasanagoudaBJP)

A reshuffle of BJP office-bearers in Karnataka is on the cards, with the central leadership issuing express instructions to state president BY Vijayendra to rein in the growing factionalism within the party. However, trouble appears to be brewing beneath the surface.

Senior leader and MLC Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, defiant and in a prolonged tussle with the state leadership, has hinted to his supporters that he may throw his hat in the ring in the upcoming BJP state unit elections for the post of state president, which is presently occupied by Vijayendra. There has been an ongoing rivalry between two camps in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)  one of rebels led by Yatnal and those loyal to Vijayendra.

related stories

Vijayendra was appointed in November 2023 when the president changed after Nalin Kumar Kateel, who had held the post since August 2019, announced his resignation, taking moral responsibility for his partys defeat in the 2023 assembly election.

According to the BJP, an organisational rejig takes place every three years  from the ground level all the way to the top leadership in the state and Centre. It is this process that the Yatnal camp sees as an opportunity to flex their political muscle internally.

Sources in the Yatnal camp suggest that he could either contest against Vijayendra himself or back a Dalit leader from his faction, with names like Arvind Limbavali being suggested.

Why not? There is nothing wrong with it. It is an election, and in our democratic right, anyone can stand as a candidate. At the end of the day, it is for the healthy functioning of the party," said a source close to the Yatnal camp.

It remains to be seen whether the reshuffle will ease internal tensions, as the Yatnal camp continues to push for Vijayendras removal as state chief. Yatnal has the backing of some leaders, including former minister Aravind Limbavali, former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Prathap Simha, and former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi.

Vijayendra enjoys the support of the top leadership. Even if people like Yatnal want to contest for the post of president, they are likely to face defeat. Most people in the party know this is about vindictive politics. What the party needs right now is stability in the state unit. Our ultimate aim is to regain the power and popularity we once enjoyed in the state and return with a full majority. Vijayendra will be re-elected, and there should not be any problem," said a senior party functionary.

The state unit rejig was supposed to take place in 2024, but the Lok Sabha elections delayed it. Now, with district president elections already in progress, it is only a matter of time before the state unit office-bearer elections take place. Shivraj Singh Chouhan is in-charge of concluding the elections in Karnataka, and it is learnt that the process will likely happen after Makar Sankranti.

The membership drive is usually conducted once in six years, and changes in party command  from booth-level to national leadership  happen every three years. Since it was postponed due to the general elections, our membership drive started in September and is still ongoing. Booth, mandal, zilla, district, and state elections will be conducted. But there will be no change in the leadership of the state unit. The central leadership is happy with the current functioning. There may be small issues, but in the larger interest of the party, all leaders will stand united," said a senior BJP leader from coastal Karnataka.

Vijayendra has already begun the reshuffle process, reaching out to probables and urging all camps to cooperate.

Frustrated with the ongoing fight between the two factions, several leaders who do not align with either camp have decided to approach the BJPs central leadership in Delhi, urging them to intervene and bring order. They believe that without intervention from the top brass, the situation will only worsen and cause further damage to the party in Karnataka.

The constant attacks and counter-attacks between the rival camps, whether open or behind the scenes, have impacted the BJPs ability to function as an effective opposition. As a result, the party has struggled to hold the Congress government accountable on key issues such as corruption allegations, ministerial scams, maladministration, and infighting within the ruling party.

If the BJP hasnt been able to capitalise on the Congress governments weaknesses, its because of our internal issues. The blame squarely lies on the infighting, and the focus is getting deflected," a senior BJP leader remarked, pointing to growing frustration among party workers.

Another senior leader, who is close to the central leadership, stated that the party high command is unlikely to change Vijayendra as state president. Not only was he appointed by them in November 2023, but replacing him would also send a negative signal about the partys stability and integrity.

Vijayendras style of working is appreciated by the central leadership. They have asked him to focus on building the party to bring us back to power. He has been working tirelessly towards that goal, and his efforts have been recognised," said another senior BJP functionary.

The leader further added that the high command is unlikely to remove Vijayendra as it would reflect poorly on their decision-making.

Another suggestion made to the state unit is to accommodate Yatnal and his supporters in the new organisational setup, with posts such as general secretaries and vice-presidents.

When Vijayendra took over as state president almost a year ago, he formed his own team, sidelining members from rival factions. This did not sit well with senior leaders, who voiced their displeasure in closed-door meetings. They also made statements criticising the partys decisions on various issues, including the Congress governments alleged mis-governance and the selection of candidates for by-elections.

On a question as to why the BJP central leadership has not reined in leaders like Yatnal, who often criticise the state BJP, a party source said: It is a matter of checks and balances. Somebody needs to be there to keep the balance. A good organisation is run by a good mix of checks and balances. A positive and a negative will yield a balanced result," said the leader.

Political analyst Sandeep Shastri said that much depends on how the central leadership looks at the issue.

There are clearly factions within the state unit. Would the central leadership give a clear message that they are backing one group, and that everybody needs to fall in line? And even if someone wants to contest, it should be a token contest. Or will the central leadership take a stand that theyll see this election as a test of strength?" he observed.

Shastri adds that the BJP central leadership would prefer to decide beforehand whom they are backing, and then ask the other side to fall in line. At present, the central leadership seems to be happy with the current arrangement, and any changes that are made would be a loss of face for them.

On the Yatnal faction, Shastri said that knowing the central BJP brass, they would want to keep the rebel group in check.

They would also allow the rebel group to make some noise so that the BSY, BV group should know theres somebody to hold them accountable. If Yatnal now goes to contest for the presidents post, it will be like Shashi Tharoor did in the Congress."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Explaining the parallel, Shastri said Tharoor knew that Mallikarjun Kharge was being backed by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for the top post, yet he contested.

In that process, he became the martyr and got some benefits in the end. Maybe Yatnal is seeking something similar, maybe he is trying a Tharoor," added the analyst.

First Published: January 11, 2025, 12:20 IST
Are Crocodiles Pretending To Drown To Lure Humans Into Water? Heres What Experts Say

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 23:13 IST

As per the viral video, a crocodile can be seen upside down and waving their limbs in the air above the water's surface in the Barito River in Borneo, Indonesia.

Many have online suggested that crocodiles may be using a clever trick to capture prey. (Image: Instagram)

A video is doing rounds the corner among netizens on social media where a crocodile appears to fake drowning in order to attract humans within their territory as their prey. While at first glance this idea may seem far-fetched, the possibility of this behaviour has captured attention.

Whats In The Video?

related stories

As per the viral video, a crocodile can be seen upside down and waving their limbs in the air above the waters surface in the Barito River in Borneo, Indonesia. The clip, narrated with a British accent, depicts a crocodile appearing to fake drowning in order to attract unsuspecting humans into the water.

Many have online suggested that crocodiles may be using a clever trick to capture prey.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Travly  (@travly)

The video amassed at least 50 million views, but the Instagram account that posted it has since gone private, as per the report by Newsweek.

What Experts Say?

Crocodile attacks are no doubt horrifying, and the idea that an animal is intentionally leading humans to their demise is even more concerning. However, several experts have countered these reactions to the video, calling them hysterical" and misinformative.

Casey Holliday, a professor of pathology and anatomical sciences at the University of Missouri, told the news outlet that the notion of a crocodile acting in distress on purpose was hysterical."

Zoologist Graham Webb said the idea was complete creative journalism with no factual basis," according to a report by LAD Bible. Webb said its possible the crocodile had its tail caught, which kept it from swimming normally.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Brandon Sideleau, a researcher of human and crocodile conflict at Australias Charles Darwin University, told LAD Bible he thought the crocodile might have had prey in its mouth, which caused it to exhibit uncommon behaviour.

Hundreds of crocodile attacks are reported every year, with saltwater crocodiles being the most dangerous.

Location : Indonesia

First Published: January 11, 2025, 23:13 IST
Delhi Woman's Hire My Dad Post On LinkedIn Is Making All The Right Noises

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 10:34 IST

Instead of looking for a job for herself on LinkedIn, she created a post to help her father find new opportunities in the automobile industry.

She explained that her fathers current organization is unable to pay his fixed salary.

A young woman from Delhi used LinkedIn in a unique way to make a request that touched many hearts. With nearly four decades of experience in the automobile industry, especially in paint shop operations, her father has earned respect not only from those who worked under him but also from his bosses and mentors. The woman described him as a hardworking, loyal, empathetic and exceptionally talented individual." She also shared how he grew in his career, moving from a manager to CEO in well-known companies like Swaraj Mazda, Maruti Joint Venture and others.

She wrote, I am making use of this platform, not for myself, but to seek a lucrative job offer in the Automobile sector (Paint shop) for a conscientious, hardworking, loyal, empathetic and exceptionally talented individual  My Father. As my father is not an active user of any social media platforms, including LinkedIn, I, as his proud daughter, on his behalf, would like to walk you through his resume & experience. My father has 30-40 years of wide experience in the Automobile industry, particularly, the Paint shop segment. He has served as a Manager, Plant Head, Director & CEO with companies like Swaraj Mazda, Maruti Joint Venture, Alfa Cotec industry, KD industries etc."

related stories

The woman described her father as a calm and soft spoken person, who is highly knowledgeable and skilled. She shared that he is an excellent communicator, a true leader and a team player who has earned respect from his juniors, bosses and mentors. Many of those he trained decades ago continue to work under his guidance, even switching companies to stay with him. She explained that her father is facing challenges because his current organisation is unable to pay his fixed salary for the past year due to financial issues. Despite this, he continues to work for extra hours because of his caring nature.

But since my Father also has to look into his own needs & has a house & a family to run, therefore, after too much of our persistent advice, he has decided to opt out from his current organisation & is looking for a stable and decent job opportunity in the Automobile sector (Paint shop). My Father is the best candidate any organisation can hire, so please do not miss out on this opportunity," she added.

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, As a daughter, you have made your father really feel proud. Im the father of a daughter and I imagined that my daughter may act like you if any adverse situation comes in my life. You have touched the emotion of so many fathers. You really deserve to be respected."

Another shared, Just when I almost concluded 90% of posts on this platform are really nonsense, this post changed my mind. Not everything is bad in Social Platform after all."

I hope my daughter grows and builds the same mindset that you have," a comment read.

An individual shared, Thanks for inspiring so many out there who are still figuring out how to help their parents."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

One more suggested, As per your statement, if an employer is not paying salaries since last one year, then its totally illegal. File a complaint to the labour commissioner immediately, why work for such a company which doesnt pay."

Since the post was shared on LinkedIn, it has garnered over 3,000 views.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 10:34 IST
Entrepreneur Asks Blinkit To Start 'ATM-Like Service, Internet Says 'Cash On Delivery Literally'

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 13:44 IST

Harsh Punjabi, the founder of Dot Company, shared the reasoning behind his idea, explaining that he was preparing to leave for a trip but only had Rs 100 in cash.

Harsh Punjabi tagged Blinkit's CEO Albinder Dhindsa in his post. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Quick commerce platforms have transformed how consumers access daily essentials making grocery shopping and other necessities more convenient than ever. Beyond groceries, many of these platforms have expanded their services to include delivering electronic gadgets like phones and laptops within minutes. As the industry evolves to cater to customer demands and compete with rival platforms, innovative suggestions continue to emerge for improving their offerings. One such suggestion recently caught attention on social media.

Harsh Punjabi, the founder of Dot Company and a content creator, proposed a unique idea for Blinkit, a popular quick commerce platform. In a post on X, he suggested that Blinkit could introduce an ATM-like" service to deliver cash directly to customers homes within 10 minutes in exchange for a UPI payment.

related stories

Calling the idea super helpful," Harsh tagged Blinkits CEO Albinder Dhindsa in his post, encouraging the platform to consider the proposal. Hey Albinder Dhindsa, please start an ATM-like service on Blinkit. Users will pay via UPI and you can deliver cash at doorstep in under 10 minutes. Will be super helpful," Harsh wrote on X.

Hey @albinder please start an ATM like service on Blinkit. Users will pay via UPI and you can deliver cash at doorstep in under 10 minutes. Will be super helpful. Harsh Punjabi (@technolobeYT) January 8, 2025

Explaining his inspiration behind the suggestion, Harsh mentioned he was about to leave for a trip but only had Rs 100 in cash at home. Dont want to go to the ATM. But I will have to," he added.

Leaving for a trip and need cash. Gharpe total 100 cash hai. Don't want to go to the ATM. But will have to. Harsh Punjabi (@technolobeYT) January 8, 2025

The post quickly gained traction online, racking up over two lakh views and sparking a lively debate in the comment section. While some users found Harshs idea practical and innovative, others were skeptical about its feasibility.

One commenter shared their perspective, saying, There were startups that tried this, doesnt work well without a banking license, often ran into daily limit issues."

Another commented, Thats a good idea. There are such services already offered and I have one in front of my apartment. The guy runs a photocopying business, courier services and also sorting & delivery of products people purchase from major online services. Limit is 25000 and is legal."

Someone else expressed concerns about the risks, commenting, You know what? It will be killer! But the logistics of handling liquid cash is quite risky."

Hahaha, actually to make it better you can ask the user for preference of denominations of notes. This is a new age issue, no time to withdraw cash," a person suggested.

Not everyone was on board, though. A user remarked, And lets become laziest now and not even move muscle."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Another commented, Were losing the inclination to perform *any* tasks at all."

An individual quipped, Cash on delivery literally," while another sarcastically wrote, You can also ask him to spend on your behalf. That would be really helpful."

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 13:44 IST
Khana Hai Ya Odhna Hai? This 12-foot 'Blanket-Sized' Roti Has Internet Talking

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 12:19 IST

Social media users are incredulous after seeing a 12-foot-long roti in a viral video that demonstrates an amazing cooking technique.

People have found it difficult to believe their eyes. (Photo credits: Instagram)

The internet has become a hive of viral food videos in recent years, which never cease to wow viewers with their extravagant execution and boundless inventiveness. These culinary extravaganzas, which range from unusual recipes like paan dosa to oddball creations like watermelon popcorn, frequently wow audiences online with their intriguing and entertaining content. Now, a new video has shocked social media, adding to the already impressive collection of amazing culinary inventions. Its a gigantic roti that is an incredible 12 feet long.

With its striking imagery and unusual preparation method, this most recent viral phenomenon has enthralled the internet and generated great interest. The video, shared on Instagram with the caption Worlds largest roti, 12-feet long," demonstrates a novel preparation procedure for making these massive round rotis.

related stories

The video opens with a man gently covering a cylindrical pan with a fire blazing inside with a huge sheet of dough. He tosses the roti onto an adjacent stack of flatbreads as its cooking.

It is not the end of the process. A second piece of dough is then taken by the man, who shapes it into a thin, round sheet by slapping it between his palms before throwing it onto the same cylindrical pan. The audience is amazed as the roti cooks and swells up like the others on the stack. Shared on January 5, the video has garnered over 134 million views so far.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by YoUzEECreator (@youcreatorzee)

This technique is both unusual and intriguing. The conventional tawa is swapped out for a cylindrical pan, and no rolling pin is utilised at all.

Many people have found it difficult to trust what they see in the video because of its astounding visuals.

People on social media immediately expressed their reactions, many of which were both amusing and disbelieving.

One user made a snarky comment, I love the part where it touches his sleeves, face, feet, and hair before he cooks it. That is flavour."

Another expressed the same thought saying, I love how the food is handmade and foot-made!"

The jokes didnt end there. About the rotis size, a user said, Google failed to count calories per roti."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Another user on Instagram referred to the enormous dough as tortilla blankets," adding My restaurant order: Hello waiter, ek roti or 10 plates curry please." There were a few who also commented on the rotis sheer size, referring to them as blanket rotis."

What are your opinions on this video?

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 12:08 IST
Los Angeles Wildfires Wreak Havoc, But Air Quality Still Cleaner Than Delhi

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 13:02 IST

Days after the fire began, the air quality index (AQI) in Los Angeles was recorded at 158, while Delhis AQI stayed at a hazardous 373.

The AQI difference has led discussions about how locations play a role in pollution levels. (Photo credits: X)

Los Angeles has been battling severe wildfires that have left half the city in flames. The natural disaster has already claimed the lives of several residents and destroyed a number of buildings. Despite the destruction, the citys air quality remains better than Delhis. Days after the fire began, the air quality index (AQI) in LA was recorded at 158, while Delhis AQI stayed at a hazardous 373. This comparison, shared by an X user, showed the disturbing difference in air quality between the two major cities.

According to IQAir, the current air quality in the Indian capital city has reached 247, which is considered Very Unhealthy. On the other hand, despite ongoing fires still destroying homes in LA, the citys air quality remains at 60, classified as Moderate. While the difference is concerning, it has sparked discussions about how the locations of the two cities play a major role in pollution levels. Some pointed out that Los Angeles benefits from being close to the open ocean, which helps to spread out the polluted air. On the other hand, Delhi is a landlocked city, meaning it is far from any ocean or mountains that could help improve the air quality.

related stories

Half of LA is on fire, but the air is still cleaner than Delhis https://t.co/hQrRvjZFXI pic.twitter.com/AdLVYRkK4u Abhinav Kukreja (@kukreja_abhinav) January 9, 2025

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, Thats because wind speed is high and particles get carried away quickly. But wind speed is low in Delhi."

The past few months have been really terrible in terms of air quality in Delhi. Usually, things start improving by this time in January but there is still no sign of better air quality," a comment read.

An individual shared, I believe geography is key here. LA is next to the open ocean while Delhi is a few hours away from mountains and miles away from the ocean."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

One more added, Walking around my neighbourhood this evening, the air took me back to the bustling streets of Old Delhi. Diwali is in the air."

As per reports, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reintroduced Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR due to a rise in pollution levels. Under Stage 3, the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars is restricted to help reduce air pollution.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 13:02 IST
'Paris, We Are Coming': Pakistan International Airlines Ad Misfires, Memes Fly On 'X'

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 12:32 IST

Not long after the post went live, social media users began making comparisons to one of the most tragic events in modern history: the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The memory of September 11, 2001, is still raw for many.(Photo Credits: X)

A single image can sometimes speak volumes and not always in the way it was intended. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) recently discovered this the hard way when one of its promotional social media posts, meant to celebrate a milestone, ended up sparking an unexpected buzz on social media. What was supposed to be a straightforward announcement about resuming flights between Islamabad and Paris quickly became the subject of heated discussions, humorous takes and some sharp criticism. The image shared by PIA showed a plane seemingly heading toward Paris, with the iconic Eiffel Tower prominently visible in the background.

Accompanied by the caption, Paris, we are coming today," the post marked the relaunch of flights on January 10, 2025, following the European Unions decision to lift restrictions on the carrier. The message was simple and celebratory, aiming to announce the airlines long-awaited return to European skies.

related stories

Check out the post here:

Not long after the post went live, social media users began making comparisons to one of the most tragic events in modern history: the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The memory of September 11, 2001, is still raw for many. That day, four coordinated attacks by al-Qaeda against the United States shocked the world, leaving images of planes heading toward the World Trade Center forever etched into collective memory. Over two decades later, these visuals continue to stir emotions, frequently appearing in documentaries and media coverage of the tragedy.

Given this context, the PIA post inadvertently triggered associations with 9/11 in the minds of many viewers. The imagery of an aeroplane near a prominent structure like the Eiffel Tower seemed to evoke a chilling resemblance to that dark chapter in history. What followed was an explosion of reactions.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

One user humorously questioned, Im literally looking at this thinking What does Paris have to do with 9/11?" Another wrote, Non-American graphic designer," seemingly pointing out the potential cultural disconnect. Others shared similar sentiments, I rechecked if it was a parody account," said one, while another commented, I thought it was PIA threatening France."

Another viewer said, Graphic designer definitely born post-2001," suggesting that the person behind the post may not have been fully aware of the historical implications.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 12:32 IST
Why Are Gen Z Employees Skipping First Day After Accepting Job Offers

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 12:36 IST

The career catfishing trend involves accepting a job offer but failing to show up for the first day without any communication.

Gen Z is challenging traditional norms. (Representative image)

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, Gen Z is navigating its challenges in unexpected ways. Frustrated by lengthy interviews, slow responses from employers, and delayed hiring processes, many are turning to a trend known as career catfishing." This involves accepting a job offer and then not showing up for the first day without notice, leaving hiring managers in the dark. According to recent studies, around 34% of Gen Z workers are adopting this tactic, alongside other strategies like coffee badging and quiet vacationing, to take greater control of their careers and focus on personal priorities.

A survey of 1,000 UK workers by CV Genius shows that younger generations are choosing bold methods to focus on flexibility in their work. While Gen Z leads the trend, nearly 24% of Millennials used the same tactics. In comparison, 15% of Gen X and 10% of Baby Boomers have also done the same. The survey also highlights that 38% of Gen Z workers have left a job without formally resigning. On the other hand, 26% of Millennials, 15% of Gen X and 10% of Baby Boomers have taken similar steps.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

related stories

The study also revealed that Gen Z is breaking away from traditional rules by adopting more strategies to control their work lives. According to the research, 41% of Gen Z workers admit to juggling multiple remote jobs at the same time without letting their employers know. Among them, 44% say theyve used a tactic called coffee badging, where they go to the office just to be seen, then leave to work remotely. Another 39% of Gen Z workers confess to taking time off without telling their managers or colleagues, a trend known as quiet vacationing.

For Gen Z, securing a steady, full-time job has become increasingly challenging. According to Handshake, students graduating in 2025 are likely to apply for more jobs than in previous years. Despite this increased effort, the job market remains tough. This competition has led some Gen Z applicants to quickly accept the first offer they get, only to realize later that its not the right fit and decide not to show up on the first day. While career catfishing might offer a quick solution, it could lead to negative consequences in the future.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 11, 2025, 12:36 IST
Afghan Taliban Snubs Muslim Girls' Education Summit In Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai Attends

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 17:45 IST

Pakistan said it had extended an invitation to Kabul but no one from the Taliban-led government attended the conference amid strained relations between the two countries.

Malala Yousafzai at the summit on 'Girls Education in Muslim Communities', in Islamabad on Saturday. (AFP)

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai said she was overwhelmed" to be back in her native Pakistan on Saturday, as she attended a summit on girls education in the Islamic world that has been snubbed by Afghanistans Taliban government.

The summit has brought together education leaders from Muslim-majority countries, but without Afghanistan  the only country in the world where girls are banned from school.

related stories

The Muslim world including Pakistan faces significant challenges in ensuring equitable access to education for girls," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said at the opening of the summit in the capital Islamabad.

Denying education to girls is tantamount to denying their voice and their choice, while depriving them of their right to a bright future."

Afghan Taliban Snubs Event

Pakistan Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui told AFP that Islamabad had extended an invitation to Kabul, but no-one from the Afghan government was at the conference".

Muhammad al-Issa, a Saudi cleric and secretary general of the Muslim World League  which has backed the summit  said religion was no grounds for blocking girls from school.

The entire Muslim world has agreed that girls education is important, and those who say that girls education is un-Islamic are wrong," he said.

Yousafzai, who was shot by Pakistan Taliban militants in 2012 when she was a schoolgirl, is due to address the conference on Sunday.

Im truly honoured, overwhelmed and happy to be back in Pakistan," she told AFP as she arrived at the conference with her parents.

On Friday, she posted on social media that she would speak about why leaders must hold the Taliban accountable for their crimes against Afghan women & girls".

Since returning to power in 2021, the Afghan Taliban government has imposed an austere version of Islamic law that the United Nations has called gender apartheid".

Pakistans Education Crisis

Pakistan is facing its own severe education crisis, with more than 26 million children out of school, according to government figures, one of the highest numbers in the world.

Sharif said inadequate infrastructure, safety concerns, as well as deeply entrenched societal norms" were barriers to girls education.

Zahra Tariq, a 23-year-old studying clinical psychology who attended the opening of the summit, told AFP: At last we have a good initiative on Muslim girls education," said

Those in rural areas are still facing problems. In some cases their families are the first barrier."

Yousafzai became a household name after she was attacked by Pakistan Taliban militants on a school bus in the remote Swat valley in 2012.

Militancy was widespread in the region at the time as the war between the Afghan Taliban and NATO forces raged across the border in Afghanistan.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The Pakistan and Afghan Taliban are separate groups but share close links and similar ideologies, including a strong disbelief in educating girls.

Yousafzai was evacuated to the United Kingdom after her attack and went on to become a global advocate for girls education and, at the age of 17, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: January 11, 2025, 17:45 IST
by Xinhua writer Liu Xinyu

VIENNA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was sworn in as the country's interim chancellor on Friday, succeeding Karl Nehammer, who resigned as chancellor of the caretaker government and chairman of the People's Party on Jan. 4 following the collapse of coalition talks. This marks the latest twist in Austria's ongoing coalition formation dilemma.

Also on Friday, the far-right Freedom Party, which won the September parliamentary elections, officially began coalition negotiations with the conservative People's Party. The talks are set to continue over the weekend, with initial results expected early next week, according to local media.

In the parliamentary elections, the Freedom Party secured first place with around 29 percent of the vote, followed by the People's Party with 26.3 percent and the Social Democratic Party with 21.1 percent. The liberal NEOS party came in fourth.

The Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, had initially been excluded from coalition talks by all the major parties, which prompted President Alexander Van der Bellen to task Nehammer with forming a new government in October.

However, coalition negotiations involving the People's Party, the Social Democratic Party and the NEOS party, which had been ongoing since mid-November, collapsed on Jan. 3. Two-party talks between the People's Party and the Social Democrats also fell apart just one day later, which eventually led to Nehammer's resignation.

On Monday, Van der Bellen gave Kickl the mandate to form a new government, paving the way for the Freedom Party, which had only previously served as a junior coalition partner in Austrian governments, to lead in a potential coalition.

Later that day, Christian Stocker, the interim leader of the People's Party following Nehammer's departure and previously a vehement critic of Kickl, expressed a willingness to enter into coalition talks with the Freedom Party.

On Tuesday, Kickl invited the People's Party to coalition talks, urging "no games, no tricks, no sabotage."

While both the Freedom Party and the People's Party have expressed serious intent to negotiate a coalition, the path to breaking the political deadlock and forming a stable government remains uncertain.

The two parties largely agree on several social and economic policies, such as combating illegal immigration and cutting corporate taxes. However, significant differences remain in foreign and security policies, particularly regarding the European Union's sanctions on Russia and Austria's participation in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a German-led air defense project.

The People's Party supports the ESSI, while the Eurosceptic Freedom Party has strongly criticized the initiative, viewing it as a threat to Austria's neutrality. Additionally, the Freedom Party opposes sanctions against Russia.

On Friday, Stocker expressed reservations about the prospects of successful negotiations with the Freedom Party. In an interview with Austrian newspaper Der Standard, he said he can not rule out the possibility that the coalition talks might ultimately fail, stating that "We are entering these talks seriously, but there are limits."

The Freedom Party also said on X on Friday that "We are ready to take on government responsibility at the federal level," vowing to govern the country with "honesty, predictability and reliability."

Austrian news agency APA reported on Friday that with 103 days having passed since the parliamentary elections, the ongoing government formation process is now the third-longest in Austria's history since 1945. 
'Appalling, Acting Like Royals': Meghan And Harry Face Backlash Over Visit To LA Fire Victims

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 23:25 IST

The couple visited the Pasadena Convention Center, which has been converted into an evacuation site for people affected by the Eaton fire

While the couple sought to offer support to victims and first responders, their actions drew criticism on social media. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, have come under fire after their surprise visit to a meal distribution centre for people affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles.

While the couple sought to offer support to victims and first responders, their actions drew criticism on social media, with many accusing them of using the tragedy for self-promotion.

related stories

On Friday, the couple visited the Pasadena Convention Center, which has been converted into an evacuation site for people affected by the Eaton fire. There, they met with residents, volunteers from World Central Kitchen (WCK), and first responders, as per CNN report.

The WCK, which the couple has partnered with through their Archewell Foundation, has been providing free meals to those impacted by the fires.

While their visit was praised by local officials, including Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, who described them as great people" focused on helping, many social media users criticised the couple for acting like they were still royals.

Social media backlash over visit

One post read, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, always willing to exploit a tragedy to promote themselves. Its disgusting. And her and Harrys attempts to still act like royals is appalling. They are merely two nitwit celebrities with a failing brand, and yet the mayor of Pasadena and Gavin Newsoms wife are with them. Why? They offer nothing. They both need to get it through their thick heads that THEY ARE NOT ROYALS HERE."

Just donate, maybe volunteer, but stop acting like youre anything else. Royals represent their people and government, the cosplay royals represent nothing but their own greed. Im sure Meghan is also panicking that her show and triumphant return will be wrecked by Mother Nature," the post added.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, always willing to exploit a tragedy to promote themselves. Its disgusting. And her and Harrys attempts to still act like royals is appalling. They are merely two nitwit celebrities with a failing brand, and yet the mayor of Pasadena and Gavin pic.twitter.com/2U9UCC9I7F Royal News Network (@RNN_RoyalNews) January 11, 2025

Another comment accused Meghan of seeking out a photo opportunity during the visit, claiming she was looking for her next photo op moment" rather than engaging meaningfully with the victims.

Despite the backlash, Mayor Gordo defended the couple, saying they were focused on supporting those in need and not seeking publicity. They didnt come out here for publicity," Gordo explained. They came out here to work."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The couples visit comes as wildfires continue to devastate parts of California, with over 100,000 people under evacuation orders. It is understood that Harry and Meghan donated clothing, childrens items, and other essentials to the victims. They also reportedly offered their home to people who had to evacuate.

The Duke and Duchess relocated to the United States in 2020, settling in Montecito with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after stepping down from their royal duties.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 11, 2025, 23:24 IST
Biden Extends Protection To Nearly 1 Million Immigrants Days Before Trump Takes Office

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 07:31 IST

Joe Biden increased number of immigrants eligible for TPS since taking office in 2021. The status, which is available to people whose home country experienced a natural disaster now covers over 1 million people from 17 nations.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden (AP Image)

President Joe Bidens administration on Friday renewed deportation relief that currently covers 900,000 immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine and Sudan, a move that would delay any attempts by President-elect Donald Trump to sunset those protections.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended enrollment in the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for those nations, giving those immigrants a deportation reprieve and access to work permits for an additional 18 months.

related stories

Biden, a Democrat, greatly increased the number of immigrants eligible for TPS since taking office in 2021. The status, which is available to people whose home country has experienced a natural disaster, armed conflict or other extraordinary event, now covers more than 1 million people from 17 nations.

Trump, a Republican returning to the White House on Jan. 20, sought to end most TPS enrollment during his 2017-2021 term in office but was stymied by U.S. courts. Trump won another term in office promising a vast immigration crackdown and again is expected to try to terminate most TPS protections.

Trumps transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Biden administrations moves on Friday stopped short of more sweeping demands by activists and some Democrats to grant TPS to more recently arrived immigrants and those from other nations.

Todd Schulte, president of advocacy group FWD.us, said the extensions would allow hundreds of thousands of people to continue contributing to their communities, supporting their families, and strengthening the economy" but also urged Biden to expand TPS to Nicaragua and other nations.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Some 600,000 Venezuelans are eligible for TPS, the biggest population in the program.

The Biden administration, which first granted Venezuelans the status in 2021, cited high levels of crime in Venezuela related to political and economic instability under President Nicolas Maduro, who was sworn in for a third term on Friday.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 11, 2025, 07:31 IST
'Despicable Charade': Trump Calls Out Democrats After Unconditional Discharge In Hush Money Case

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 08:44 IST

Trump has been sentenced to an unconditional discharge" for his conviction on 34 charges of business fraud related to hush money payment

US President-elect Donald Trump (AP Image)

After securing unconditional discharge", US President-elect Donald Trump responded to his hush money sentencing, calling it a despicable charade," and accused the Democrats of allegedly leading a witch-hunt" against him.

Justice Juan Merchan imposed an unconditional discharge sentence on Donald Trump after he was convicted by a jury of 34 on charges of business fraud related to hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign.

related stories

Taking to the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, Todays event was a despicable charade, and now that it is over, we will appeal this Hoax, which has no merit, and restore the trust of Americans in our once great System of Justice."

The Radical Democrats have lost another pathetic, unAmerican Witch Hunt, said Trump, whose presidential inauguration is scheduled for 20 January.

I was given an UNCONDITIONAL DISCHARGE. That result alone proves that, as all Legal Scholars and Experts have said, THERE IS NO CASE, THERE WAS NEVER A CASE, and this whole Scam fully deserves to be DISMISSED," he further argued in the social media post.

He further described the American people as the real jury" and said they have trusted him by re-electing the Republicans with an overwhelming mandate to lead the White House for the second time under him.

As the American People have seen, this case had no crime, no damages, no proof, no facts, no Law, only a highly conflicted Judge, a star witness who is a disbarred, disgraced, serial perjurer, and criminal Election Interference," Trump remarked.

During the hearing of the case, Merchan emphasised that Trumps victory in the presidential race did not reduce the seriousness of the crime or justify its commission in any way," even though it had to be taken into account.

The protections [of the presidency] are, however, a legal mandate which, pursuant to the rule of law, this court must respect and follow. However, despite the extraordinary breadth of those protections, one power they do not provide is the power to erase a jury verdict," Merchan said.

Whats The Hush Money Case?

Trump was convicted in New York in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her from revealing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter.

Trumps attorneys had sought to have the case dismissed on multiple grounds, including the Supreme Courts landmark ruling last year that former US presidents have sweeping immunity from prosecution for a range of official acts committed while in office.

Trump also faced two federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith but both were dropped under a long-standing Justice Department policy of not prosecuting a sitting president.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In those cases, Trump was accused of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden and removing large quantities of top secret documents after leaving the White House.

Trump also faces racketeering charges in Georgia over his alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election results in the southern state, but that case will likely be frozen while he is in the White House.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 11, 2025, 08:30 IST
Los Angeles Stripped Off Millions From Fire Budget Before Wildfire. Where Did The Money Go?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 11:21 IST

In a Fox News report, it was highlighted that amid the budget cuts in the fire department, LA officials allocated thousands of dollars to programmes aiming at the welfare of transgenders

Celebrities have called out the authorities for dry fire hydrants despite paying the highest taxes amid devastating wildfires. (Source: Reuters)

Days before one of the deadliest wildfires in the history of Los Angeles broke out in the state and caused enormous devastation and human loss, millions of dollars were reduced from the fire departments budget by the states officials.

Amid the cut down on the fire budget, LA officials allocated thousands of dollars for programmes like Gay Mens Chorus" and directed funds to provide housing to the transgender homeless.

related stories

South California battled the deadliest fires this week which got further flamed up by strong, gushing winds. The fire engulfed nearly 10,000 homes and businesses.

What left the residents more shocked and devastated amid this calamity was the dry fire hydrants that failed to produce water as the blaze burned homes to the ground.

Amid the reports of dry fire hydrants, California Governor Gavin Newsom posted a letter on X in which he wrote, The ongoing reports of the loss of water pressure to some local fire hydrants during the fires and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir are deeply troubling to me and to the community."

We need answers to ensure this does not happen again and we have every resource available to fight these catastrophic fires," he said.

The governor had addressed the letter to Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella and Quinones. It was claimed by a Southern California water suppliers member that the lack of electricity made it difficult to pump water which resulted in dry fire hydrants.

In the wake of such a lapse on the part of the authorities, the residents of California called out the states Democratic-led leadership who had decided to decrease $17.6 million from the Los Angeles Fire Departments (LAFD) funding, months before.

Revision In LA Countys Budget: Where Did Officials Allocate Money?

In a report published by Fox News, it has been uncovered that thousands of dollars were allocated to inclusion, diversity and equity programmes and initiatives.

This year, $14,010 was allocated to the Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles" in the budget. This is a group which seeks to create musical experiences that strengthen our role as a leader among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and performing arts organisations."

The officials allocated $190,000 to the Homeless and HIV Programme which included a syringe exchange" programme that provides sterile syringes to homeless drug addicts.

Meanwhile, $100,000 was kept aside to pay for Juneteenth celebrations and $13,000 was allocated by officials to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Heritage Month Programmes."

The authorities granted $100,000 to the Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department for funding Midnight Stroll Transgender Cafe" which provides housing for homeless transgenders.

The county had allocated $13,000 to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Heritage Month Programs" and $4.5 million was set aside for developing the infrastructure of electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

The $250,000 was allocated to appropriations for the General City Purposes for equity and inclusion."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley had criticised the budget cuts in the fire department and had written to the Board of Fire Commissioners that the budget cuts have adversely affected the Departments ability to maintain core operations."

Taking to X, celebrities expressed their anger over the incident. Actress Sara Foster wrote, We pay the highest taxes in California. Our fire hydrants were empty. Our vegetation was overgrown, brush not cleared. Our reservoirs were emptied by our governor because tribal leaders wanted to save fish. Our fire department budget was cut by our mayor. But thank god drug addicts are getting their drug kits," Foster wrote in a post on X. @MayorOfLA @GavinNewsom RESIGN. Your far-left policies have ruined our state. And also our party."

Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 11, 2025, 11:21 IST
Zuckerberg Claims Biden Govt Pressured Meta Super Hard To Censor Posts On COVID Vaccine Side Effects

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 09:40 IST

Mark Zuckerberg claimed that the Biden administration pressured Meta to take down posts related to side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines in the US.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg (AP Image)

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has accused the Biden administration of pressuring his company to take down posts related to the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.

Zuckerberg, who appeared on a Podcast show The Joe Rogan Experience", alleged that the White House staff wanted him to censor content they considered objectionable on the social media platform, including a meme featuring Titanic actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

related stories

According to the meme, people might have to receive compensation for COVID-19 vaccine-related side effects years later. The Meta CEO called it a political joke and termed it as harmless humour".

While mentioning that Zuckerberg himself is pro-vaccine", he said that the White House staff push hard" to take down critical posts on the vaccine.

This really hit the most extreme during the Biden administration when they were trying to roll out the vaccine programme. Im personally pro-vaccine as it has more positive than negative. But I think that while they were trying to push that programme, they were also trying to censor anyone who is basically arguing it," he said.

BREAKING: Mark Zuckerberg EXPOSES that the Biden administration pressured Facebook to censor posts on vaccine side effects.They basically pushed us and said anything that says vaccines might have side effects you basically need to take down."pic.twitter.com/tWgz5GOaNH  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 10, 2025

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

And they pushed us super hard to take down things that were honestly true. They said that anything that says that vaccines have side effects, you need to take down. I was like we are not gonna do that," the Meta CEO added.

He termed such demands ridiculous" and said that he would not take them down.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 11, 2025, 09:40 IST
Pakistans ISI Has Deeply Penetrated Kabul: Sources Close To Amrullah Saleh | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 20:24 IST

Removing Indian proximity sentiments from Afghan media are allegedly a prime objective of the ISI in Kabul

Former Afghanistan Vice President Amrullah Saleh. (File image: AFP)

There are more than 150 Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials in the Pakistani embassy in Kabul, claims Afghanistan Green Trend (AGT) and the countrys former vice president Amrullah Saleh.

The Taliban taking power in Kabul was a major victory for Islamabad, Saleh says.

related stories

According to him, immediately after the Taliban came into power, the ISI deployed its covert and overt cadres in Kabul.

This cadre is allegedly to safeguard Pakistans interests and spread terror across the world.

There is a presence of ISI cadres in all provinces, including Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar, Jalalabad, and Panjshir, says Saleh.

Removing Indian proximity sentiments" from Afghan media are allegedly a prime objective of the ISI in Kabul.

CNN-News18 has a list of 166 ISI operatives in Kabul.

These officers are in suits and salwar kameez in Kabul and in long beards in close proximity to the Taliban," said a source close to Saleh. These ISI officers are close to Mullah Abdul Kabir, Mullah Jawad Tajmir, Maulvi Nadeem, Mali Khan, and the senior militias associated with Siraj Haqqani. In 2022, the ISI facilitated a financial payment of US $500,000 for Fasehuddin Fetrat, to procure a residence in Kabul. Earlier also in the Republic era, the ISI had orchestrated his medical evacuation via helicopter from Chitral."

These engagements with prominent Taliban figures were strategically cultivated to ensure Pakistans control over decision-making processes within the Talibans governance structure, sources say.

For dealing with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the ISI used the services of Taqi Usmani, a prominent religious authority.

Usmani, a Karachi-based scholar, had previously endorsed jihad against Afghanistan.

He functions with financial backing from a largely secular establishment and intelligence operatives.

The primary objective of these negotiations was to mitigate the threat of TTP assaults within Pakistan.

This resulted in a ceasefire during the tenure of Prime Minister Imran Khan, colloquially dubbed Taliban Khan".

Members from the Special Services Group (SSG) are within the Panjshir valley, dedicated to aiding the Taliban in their sniper operations against resistance fighters in 2022.

This unit was not merely instructional but actively engaged in combat operations, ensuring the effective suppression of any opposition to Taliban control.

In the summer of 2022, with strategic support from the SSG team, more than 60 resistance fighters were killed by sniper fire," said a source.

According to sources close to Saleh, the ISI amplified the deployment of covert operatives within the various institutions and charitable organisations established by Pakistan in Afghanistan, including landmarks like Jinnah Hospital in Kabul and Balkh University in Mazar-i-Sharif.

It facilitated the establishment and activities of Pakistani NGOs under the cover of humanitarian aid but primarily for the acquisition of crucial intelligence.

The ISI has penetrated the Afghan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATRA) with the intent of amassing essential data pivotal to safeguarding Pakistans national security interests.

In their pursuit of these aims, they wield substantial influence over both the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) and the ministry of culture.

The ISI engages in amateur but relentless surveillance of the embassies of Russia, Iran, Qatar, and, more recently in August 2022, India in Kabul.

An extensive network of mullahs in northern Afghanistan receive stipends from the ISI.

As the issue with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) escalated, the ISI endeavoured to organise tribal jirgas to counteract the TTPs influence.

But the ISI succeeded in obtaining a subtly worded anti-TTP fatwa from the Talibans supreme judicial body.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Top Indian intelligence sources say that these are strong claims by Amrullah Saleh with documents.

Its over to the Taliban to find out these operatives and remove them from their soil," said a source. They have promised the world that their soil wont be used ever for any clandestine activity. The Taliban should find them and unmask the real minds behind them."

First Published: January 11, 2025, 20:24 IST
President Biden To Deliver His Farewell Address On January 15 From Oval Office

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 09:59 IST

US President Joe Biden is set to deliver his farewell address from the Oval Office, days before Donald Trump takes oath as the 47th president

US President will deliver his farewell speech in prime time on January 15 from the Oval Office.

United States President Joe Biden is set to deliver his farewell address to the country in prime time on January 15, before taking an exit from the presidential office and swearing-in of President-elect Donald Trump as the 47th president on January 20, announced the White House on Friday.

Biden is expected to deliver the speech from the Oval Office at 8 pm ET.

related stories

The last time Biden addressed the country sitting behind the Resolute desk and spoke about his decision to withdraw his candidature from the 2024 presidential elections.

I revere this office but I love my country more," said Biden at the time in a room filled with family members.

Its been the honour of my life to serve as president but in the defence of democracy, which is at stake, I think its more important than any title," he added.

In his four years as the countrys commander-in-chief, Biden has made very few addresses from the Oval Office.

The president spoke from the Oval Office after the October 7 attack and the resulting Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and after the completion of one year of the country being hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden To Deliver A Speech At State Department Before Farewell Address

Before his farewell speech, Biden is set to address the State Department on Monday and speak on his foreign policy legacy and work to strengthen America in the world" as per a senior administration official, ABC News reported.

According to the official, when Biden began his presidency, Americas alliances had been badly damaged" as he referred to Afghanistan, China and the pandemic.

President Biden confronted these challenges head-on. Now, as he prepares to leave office, our country is in a much stronger position and we have delivered results for the American people," said the senior administration official.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

During his remarks, President Biden will outline how our alliances and partnerships are the strongest theyve ever been thanks to our work," he added.

The official said that Biden would speak about the threats which the country is still facing and how his administration will hand the next administration a stronger hand than he inherited."

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 11, 2025, 09:59 IST
'Sexual Pervert, Should Die In Prison': Daughter Of Frenchman Convicted Of Wife's Mass Rape

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 18:13 IST

Dominique Pelicot was found guilty of drugging his ex-wife and allowing dozens of strangers to rape her for over a decade. His daughter Darian also claimed to be drugged and raped, which he denied.

Caroline Darian, Dominique Pelicot's daughter, had accused him of drugging and raping her as well, which he denied. (AFP/File)

The daughter of Dominique Pelicot, the Frenchman found guilty of drugging his ex-wife so dozens of strangers could rape her, said in comments released Saturday that her father should die in prison".

In her first television interview since Pelicot was jailed for 20 years last month following a trial that horrified France, Caroline Darian told the BBC her father was always a sexual pervert".

related stories

He should die in prison, he is a dangerous man," said Darian in Pelicot Trial: The Daughters Story," which the British broadcaster will air on Monday.

Pelicot, 72, was convicted of drugging and raping Gisele Pelicot and soliciting dozens of men to do the same for more than a decade.

Some 50 co-defendants were also found guilty and handed various sentences of between three and 15 years following a three-month public trial in the southern French city of Avignon.

Gisele Pelicot waived her right to a closed trial and was hailed as a hero for her courage and dignity.

Theres no way you can wake up one morning and say, Okay, Im gonna drug my wife,'" said Darian.

So I think there are two Dominiques co-existing in him. He decided to choose the dark side."

She added: I dont know if he is a monster, but he perfectly knew what he did, hes not sick. He did everything consciously."

Darian herself believes she was drugged and raped by Pelicot, after pictures of her naked and unconscious body were found among the detailed records her father kept of his crimes.

Pelicot denied during the trial that he had ever abused her as the two clashed in the courtroom.

Hes always lying," Darian told the BBC.

I know that he drugged me, probably for sexual abuse, but I dont have any evidence."

Darian added that she now sees her father as only a stranger". I look straight to the criminal, to the sexual criminal he is," she said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The release of the interview comes as Darian will narrate a TV documentary on the use of drugs to enable rape and sexual abuse.

Slated for broadcast by France 2 on January 21, the 90-minute film is set to include testimony from six other victims raped after being drugged unwittingly.

Location : Paris, France

First Published: January 11, 2025, 18:13 IST
South Korea Jeju Air Jet's Last 4 Minutes Before Crash Missing From Black Boxes

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 12:07 IST

The black boxes, which contained data of the crashed Jeju Air flight in which 179 people were killed, stopped recording things four minutes before the tragic incident

South Korea Jeju Air Jet tragically crashed at Muan airport killing 179 people. | Image/X

The black boxes, which contained the voice recording of the cockpit and the flight data of the crashed Jeju Air flight, do not have the planes last four minutes before the crash.

South Koreas transport ministry on Saturday said that the recording had stopped in the black boxes four minutes before the disastrous crash in which 179 people were killed.

related stories

On December 29, Boeing 737-800 was flying from Thailand to Muan, South Korea with 181 passengers and crew.

The air traffic control was informed by the pilot that the jet had suffered a bird strike which resulted in a faulty gear and an emergency was declared four minutes before it belly-landing at the Muan airport and turned into a fireball after crashing into the concrete barrier.

The analysis revealed that both the CVR and FDR data were not recorded during the four minutes leading up to the aircrafts collision with the localiser," said the transport ministry in a statement while speaking about the two recording devices.

The localiser is a barrier which remains present at the runways end and helps in the landing of the aircraft. However, in this incident, it became the reason behind the severity of the crash.

Officials To Investigate Cause Of Data Loss In Black Box

Plans are in place to investigate the cause of the data loss during the ongoing accident investigation," the statement said.

Initially, the officials analysed the voice recorder in South Korea and when they found that the data was missing, it was sent to a US National Transportation Safety Board laboratory, said the ministry.

The recording data in the FDR and CVR had stopped at 8:59 am which has now made it difficult for the investigators to understand the situation.

The authorities have clarified that FDR and CVR data are important for investigations, they are not the only sources of evidence.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The investigation involves analyzing various sources of information, including air traffic control records, video footage of the crash and debris from the site," the authorities said.

South Korean and US investigators are still trying to understand what led to the fatal crash of Jeju Air flight 2216, which was said to be the countrys worst plane crash in years.

Location : Seoul, South Korea

First Published: January 11, 2025, 12:04 IST
Apple CEO Tim Cook's Salary Gets 18% Raise, He Is Now Earning...

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 11, 2025, 14:16 IST

In 2024, the compensation of Tim Cook was $74.6 million (Rs 643 crore) in comparison to $63.2 million (Rs 544 Crore) the year before

Apple CEO Tim Cook's compensation was $74.6 million (Rs 643 crore) in 2024 after receiving an 18% hike. (Photo Credits: LinkedIn)

A month before its annual meeting, Apple Inc. announced that its Chief Executive Officer Tim Cooks compensation saw an 18% increase in 2024.

The company added that it does not support a shareholder measure and that the diversity programme of the company should end.

related stories

The salary of Tim Cook increased to $74.6 million (Rs 643 crore) in 2024 from $63.2 million (Rs 544 crore) in 2023, said Apple in its annual proxy filing on Friday.

The pay structure of Time Cook has a $3 million base salary, $58.1 million in stock awards, and around $13.5 million as additional compensation. The increase is a result of a rise in stock award value.

There has been a significant increase in their salary of Cook from last year, however, it is far from his total compensation in 2022 which had become almost $100 million because of stock prices.

In 2023, Cook decided to take a pay cut after facing a pushback from stakeholders and employees.

The companys board of directors said it made no changes to the amount or structure of Mr Cooks 2025 total target compensation."

Apple Gears Up For Annual Meeting On Feb 25

The annual meeting will be held on February 25 in which investors will vote on executive compensation and four outside proposals, which have been opposed by the company.

The company has been considering abolishing the programme in the wake of Apples diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts fearing that the former can discriminate against employees and lead to lawsuits.

Apple has called the proposal an inappropriate attempt aimed at restricting the business operations of the company. They have said it already has a lot of regulatory and legal risks.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In 2024, Apples other executives like the retail chief, chief operating officer, former chief financial officer, and general counsel, earned more than $27 million, reflecting a slight increase in pay from the last year.

The former CFO of Apple Luca Maestri was replaced by Kevan Parekh recently.

Location : California, USA

First Published: January 11, 2025, 14:13 IST
BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- For 35 consecutive years, China's foreign ministers have made Africa the destination of their first overseas visit of the year, underscoring the deep, lasting and continually evolving friendship between China and Africa.

This gesture, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi just concluding a four-nation Africa tour, speaks volumes about the profound bond between China and Africa, a relationship not defined by geography or culture, but by the enduring spirit of true friendship and common pursuit of modernization.

This strong friendship thrives on unwavering support and mutual respect for each other's core interests. Over 50 years ago, African nations championed the return of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, showcasing this enduring bond through their steadfast adherence to the one-China principle and resolute support of China's key concerns.

Meanwhile, China has steadfastly advocated for Africa on the global stage, being the first to support the African Union's membership in the G20. This not only elevates Africa's global stature but also amplifies the Global South's voice on vital issues like climate change, global health, poverty and trade reform.

How deep the China-Africa friendship runs is most clearly reflected in the tangible outcomes of their cooperation. Since its inception in 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has been instrumental in driving Africa's development and improving the well-being of its people. It stands as a hallmark of China-Africa unity, a symbol of South-South cooperation and a leading example for international partnerships with the continent.

Over the past 25 years, Chinese companies have helped African countries build or upgrade more than 10,000 km of railways, nearly 100,000 km of highways, 1,000 bridges, 100 ports and 66,000 km of power transmission and distribution lines, all of which have created arteries of connectivity across the African continent.

Beyond infrastructure, China is also working with Africa to drive the continent's green transition through investments in hydropower, wind power and solar energy, and address key challenges in agricultural technology and food security.

Over the past decade, China has set up 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers in Africa and popularized more than 300 advanced agricultural technologies, which have increased local crop yields by an average of 30 to 60 percent, benefiting more than 1 million farmers in African countries.

Economic ties between the two sides continue to flourish. Chinese direct investment, totaling over 40 billion U.S. dollars by the end of 2023, has positioned China as a key foreign investor in Africa.

Since Dec. 1, 2024, China has granted all least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including 33 African countries, zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of their product categories, exemplifying China's commitment to shared growth.

These initiatives have not only boosted Africa's infrastructure, technology and industrial growth, but also enhanced local communities' access to education, healthcare and energy, supporting Africa's efforts in such critical areas as poverty reduction, climate change response and economic diversification.

The true friendship is also exemplified by their shared pursuit of modernization. The FOCAC Beijing Summit in 2024 marked a pivotal moment. At the summit, 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.

Xi also proposed 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.

To realize the vision of modernization, Xi proposed 10 partnership actions to be implemented in the next three years, which cover areas such as mutual learning among civilizations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation and connectivity.

As China strengthens its cooperation with African nations, the focus remains on creating long-term and win-win outcomes that align with the development goals of both sides. This enduring commitment is poised to drive further progress and cooperation in the years ahead.

In a world marred by power politics and hegemony, the significance of the China-Africa partnership becomes even clearer. It stands as a beacon of equality, common development and shared prosperity.

As the two sides embark on the journey of modernization together, they not only demonstrate the power of collaboration but also inspire the world to unite in the pursuit of prosperity, justice and peace for all. 
An Australian woman claims that when she said "I do," she had no idea she actually did. A judge granted an annulment after the woman said the groom tricked her into participating in what she believed to be a fake wedding for Instagram views, per the Guardian . But when her partner tried to use the "sham" marriage to gain permanent residency in Australia, she was shocked to learn the ceremony had been very real.

It all began when the pair met on an online dating site in September 2023. They got engaged that December and the man invited her to a "white party" two days later, instructing her to wear a white dress. But when she arrived, she was surprised to find no other guests except her partner, a celebrant, a photographer, and the photographer's friend, according to the BBC. The woman said, "He told me he's organizing a prank wedding for his social media...because he wants to boost his content." She explained that she believed him because he was a "social media person" with 17,000 Instagram followers. Although the bride appeared to be a willing participant in footage of the ceremony, she told the court it was "all an act."

Two months later, and because neither are permanent residents of Australia, the man asked her to add him as a dependent in her application for residency. When she responded that would be impossible because they weren't actually married, the man revealed the ceremony was legit. The woman later found a marriage license the man had signed without her knowledge weeks before they were even engaged. The man claimed both agreed to the marriage, but a judge ruled the woman was "mistaken about the nature of the ceremony performed" and "did not provide real consent." The marriage was annulled in October 2024.





(More Sham wedding stories.)
President Biden's administration announced Friday that it's expanding sanctions against Russia's critically important energy sector, unveiling a new effort to inflict pain on Moscow for its grinding war in Ukraine as President-elect Trump returns to office vowing to quickly end the conflict. (Trump is planning to meet with Vladimir Putin .) The Biden administration billed the new sanctions as the most significant to date against Moscow's oil and liquefied natural gas sectors, the driver of Russia's economy. Officials said the sanctions, which punish entities that do business with the Russians, have the potential to cost the Russian economy upward of billions of dollars per month, the AP reports.

More than 180 oil-carrying vessels that are suspected to be part of a shadow fleet utilized by the Kremlin to evade oil sanctions as well as traders, oil field service firms, and Russian energy officials are also targeted by the new sanctions. Several of the vessels targeted are suspected of shipping sanctioned Iranian oil, according to the Treasury Department. "The United States is taking sweeping action against Russia's key source of revenue for funding its brutal and illegal war against Ukraine," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.

In a move coordinated with Washington, the UK also slapped sanctions on Russian energy firms. The US and Britain are both targeting two of Russia's major oil producers, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, and dozens of subsidiaries. The Foreign Office said that between them the two companies produce more than 1 million barrels of oil a day, worth $23 billion a year, per the AP. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said "oil revenues are the lifeblood of Putin's war economy." He added that "taking on Russian oil companies will drain Russia's war chestand every ruble we take from Putin's hands helps save Ukrainian lives."

(More Russian sanctions stories.)
A Lebanese army soldier is seen after the withdrawal of Israeli army in Tayr Harfa, Lebanon, on Jan. 13, 2024. The Lebanese army announced on Saturday that its units have completed their deployment in several towns and villages in southern Lebanon's western and central sectors, in parallel with the Israeli army's withdrawal. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese army announced on Saturday that its units have completed their deployment in several towns and villages in southern Lebanon's western and central sectors, in parallel with the Israeli army's withdrawal.

"The army units are completing their deployment in Ras al-Naqoura, Tyre, and villages in the western sector, including Alma al-Shaab, al-Dhahira, Aitaroun, Tayr Harfa, Majdel Zoun, al-Salehni, al-Qaouzah, and Bint Jbeil, following the Israeli enemy's withdrawal," the army command said in a statement.

"The Lebanese army is working to strengthen its deployment and secure important points, in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the five-member committee supervising the ceasefire agreement (Mechanism)," the army added.

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on Nov. 27, 2024, bringing an end to the confrontations that erupted between the two sides on Oct. 8, 2023.

The agreement stipulates that Israel withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, with the Lebanese army deploying along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in the southern region, assuming security responsibilities and preventing any presence of weapons or militants in the area. 

A Lebanese army soldier is seen after the withdrawal of Israeli army in Tayr Harfa, Lebanon, on Jan. 13, 2024. The Lebanese army announced on Saturday that its units have completed their deployment in several towns and villages in southern Lebanon's western and central sectors, in parallel with the Israeli army's withdrawal. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

A Lebanese army soldier is seen after the withdrawal of Israeli army in Tayr Harfa, Lebanon, on Jan. 13, 2024. The Lebanese army announced on Saturday that its units have completed their deployment in several towns and villages in southern Lebanon's western and central sectors, in parallel with the Israeli army's withdrawal. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)
Rudy Giuliani was found in contempt of court Friday for the second time in a week, as a federal judge warned him he could be sent to jail if he doesn't stop spreading lies about two former Georgia election workers who won a $148 million defamation judgment against him. US District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington, DC, found the former New York City mayor violated court orders barring him from defaming Wandrea "Shaye" Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman. The judge ordered him to review trial testimony and other materials from the case, reports the AP , and warned that future violations could land him behind bars.

Giuliani smiled and chuckled as the judge explained why she was holding him in contempt of court. Howell, who was nominated by President Obama, said it is "outrageous and shameful" for Giuliani to suggest that he is the one who has been treated unfairly in this case. "This takes real chutzpah, Mr. Giuliani," she said. Shortly before the hearing began, Giuliani slammed the judge in a social media post, calling her "bloodthirsty" and biased against him, and the proceeding a "hypocritical waste of time." After leaving the courtroom, Giuliani called the hearing a farce and the judge "completely biased and prejudiced." "I don't care what she did. She is a completely farcical judge," Giuliani said outside the courtroom. "She didn't consider a damn thing I said. She wrote it beforehand."

The judge didn't fine Giuliani for his most recent defamatory comments about the case, but said she would impose daily fines of $200 if he doesn't certify within 10 days that he has complied with her order to review case-related material. Giuliani's attorneys argued that the plaintiffs haven't presented "clear and convincing" evidence that he violated a court order in the defamation case in comments that he made on November podcasts. "Giuliani acted with the good faith belief that his comments did not violate the (judgment) and he should not be subject to contempt sanctions," his lawyers wrote. On Monday in New York, Judge Lewis Liman found Giuliani in contempt of court for related claims that he failed to turn over evidence to help the judge decide whether he can keep a Palm Beach, Florida, condo.

(More Rudy Giuliani stories.)
New guidelines for the Catholic Church in Italy have been approved by the Vatican that oppose the rejection of a seminary candidate because he is gay, provided the applicant stays celibate. The policy doesn't change the church's stance on homosexuality but says it's just one aspect that should be taken into consideration for admission, the New York Times reports. "This is the first time I've seen in a Vatican-approved document the suggestion that discernment about whether a gay man may enter the seminary cannot be determined simply by his sexual orientation," said the Rev. James Martin, an advocate for the church becoming more welcoming to gay people.

The change went into effect Thursday for a three-year trial period, after approval by the Italian Bishop's Conference and the Vatican's clergy office. The policy specifies that gay priests must never have sex, per Euronews, which also is the church's stance for heterosexual priests. Parts of the policy addressing the importance of celibacy do not vary based on sexual orientation. When referring to an applicant's "homosexual tendencies," the report says, it's "appropriate not to reduce discernment only to this aspect, but, as for every candidate, to grasp its meaning in the global framework of the young person's personality."

The head of a US group that advocates for gay Catholics, called the change "a step forward," per the Times, and Pope Francis has expressed opposition to gay men being admitted to seminaries over concern they might lead a double life, per the Guardian. A spokesman issued an apology in May after the pope used a gay slur in a private meeting. Francis' public statements have been supportive. Asked about gay priests early in his tenure, he answered, "Who am I to judge?" (More gay priests stories.)
Prosecutors say former Sen. Bob Menendez should be imprisoned for 15 years for a "grave abuse of his power," after the New Jersey Democrat became the first person to be convicted of abusing a Senate committee leadership position and the first US public official to be convicted of serving as a foreign agent. In papers filed late Thursday in Manhattan federal court, prosecutors called for the lengthy prison term for the 71-year-old Menendez when he is sentenced on Jan. 29. Menendez was convicted in July of 16 corruption charges brought after an FBI raid on his home in 2022 turned up $150,000 in gold bars and $480,000 in cash, much of which prosecutors alleged was the result of bribes paid by three New Jersey businessmen who wanted the senator to use his power as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to protect their interests and make them money.

In presentence arguments last week, defense lawyers called for Judge Sidney H. Stein to be lenient, saying Menendez's conviction had "rendered him a national punchline and stripped him of every conceivable personal, professional, and financial benefit." "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 said. Two businessmen, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also convicted along with Menendez, while a third pleaded guilty and testified at the July trial. Prosecutors called for Hana to receive at least 10 years in prison and Daibes to spend at least nine years behind bars.

Prosecutors called the case a "historical rarity" because Menendez abused his powerful post on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and because he acted as an agent of Egypt. "The defendant's crimes amount to an extraordinary attempt, at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch, to corrupt the nation's core sovereign powers over foreign relations and law enforcement," prosecutors wrote. "He corruptly promised to influence foreign relations, including attempting to pressure a federal agency engaged in diplomatic attempts to protect U.S. businesses from an extractive monopoly granted by a foreign nation to one of his coconspirators. And he corruptly promised to subvert the rule of law by disrupting multiple felony criminal proceedings, state and federal."

(More Bob Menendez stories.)
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that Ukraine has captured two wounded North Korean soldiers who were fighting along with Russian forces in Kursk and is now questioning them in Kyiv. It's the first time his government has acknowledged holding North Koreans since a force of thousands was deployed to Russia last fall, the Washington Post reports. "This was not an easy task," Zelensky posted on Instagram along with photos said to be of the prisoners. "Russian forces and other North Korean military personnel usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Korea's involvement in the war against Ukraine."

The photos were of two men on cots in a room with bars over the windows, per the AP. One man's jaw was bandaged, and the other had bandages around his hands and wrists. Zelensky said that they're receiving medical treatment and that journalists would be allowed access to them. "The world needs to know the truth about what is happening," he wrote. Ukrainian officials said the South Korean intelligence service is helping with translations during questioning. Ukraine recently has renewed its press in the Kursk region of Russia, after losing territory to a counterattack that began in August. (More Russia-Ukraine war stories.)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved sending the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar, his office said Saturday, in a sign of progress in talks on the war in Gaza. David Barnea will travel to Qatar's capital, Doha, for the latest round of indirect talks between Israel and the Hamas militant group, the AP reports. His presence means high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved. The talks mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar have repeatedly stalled since early in the 15 months of fighting.

Netanyahu's office said the decision was made after a meeting with his defense minister, security chiefs, and negotiators "on behalf of the outgoing and incoming US administrations." Steve Witkoff, President-elect Trump's Middle East envoy, arrived in Israel on Saturday, a day after meetings in Qatar, per the Guardian. President Biden's outgoing administration and Trump's incoming one are making a push to stop the fighting in Gaza and win the release of hostages being held there before the transfer of power in the US. "We'll certainlyin this administrationwork very hard at that right up until January 20," CIA William Burns told NPR. "And I think the coordination with the new administration on this issue has been good."

The bodies of two of the hostages in the past week have raised fears that time is running out. Hamas has said it isn't sure which of the hostages it took are alive or dead, per the AP. A statement by a group on behalf of some of their families implored: "Return with an agreement that ensures the return of all hostages, down to the last onethe living for rehabilitation and the deceased for proper burial in their homeland." (More Israel-Hamas war stories.)
TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The Labour Ministry s grievance committee announced that it reviewed 2,587 complaints between June and October 2024, of which 911 were accepted after careful consideration.

Common grievances included delays in registration following involuntary job loss, non-compliance with electronic attendance requirements, and refusals of job offers, training, or interviews. Some complaints also involved missed applications for opportunities or other procedural matters. In response to concerns raised by MP Basma Abdulkarim Mubarak, the Ministry referred to Bahrains Unemployment Insurance Law of 2006, which governs the benefits system.

Benefit payments and eligibility decisions are handled automatically by an electronic system, reducing manual intervention and ensuring consistency. The system allows individuals to file complaints, track their status, and view decisions.

It also connects them to job openings and training schemes tailored to their qualifications. These systems are integrated with the Information and eGovernment Authority to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Unemployment payments have been extended from six to nine months annually. University graduates now receive monthly allowances of BD200, up from BD150, and the compensation cap for dismissed workers has doubled to BD1,000.

The Ministry confirmed that some closed cases have been reopened after further review.

While the Ministry did not disclose the total number of closed files, it emphasised that its grievance-handling process reflects its commitment to fairness.
TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Eighty-two per cent of expats in Bahrain are working in jobs avoided by locals, with most earning less than 200 dinars a month, the Ministry of Labour has revealed.

Responding to a parliamentary investigation into Bahrainisation, the ministry said the labour market depends heavily on foreign workers in low-skilled roles. It pointed out that 72 per cent of expats earn below 200 dinars, while only 7 per cent are in highly skilled jobs earning more than 600 dinars.

The ministry provided a detailed breakdown, showing that 350,000 expatsmaking up 74 per cent of the foreign workforceare employed in sectors such as construction, restaurants, hotels, workshops, and garages. Most of these workers have qualifications no higher than high school.

In the public sector, the Civil Service Bureau confirmed that foreign workers are required by contract to train Bahraini counterparts, ensuring a transfer of skills and paving the way for locals to take over their roles. This policy supports the governments efforts to prioritise Bahraini talent while benefiting from foreign expertise.

Currently, there are 6,390 foreign workers in government roles, representing 16 per cent of the public sector workforce. Most are employed in education and healthcare. Bahrainis have already fully replaced foreign staff in healthcare centres, with further replacements planned.

Despite Bahrainis making up 82 per cent of government employees, their numbers have dropped to 41,000 due to a voluntary retirement scheme. However, public sector recruitment remains focused on Bahrainis, with 6,036 locals employed between 2020 and 2023, including over 1,000 last year.

Foreign workers in the public sector are hired only when qualified Bahrainis are unavailable. The Bureau ensures this by conducting internal postings and checking its job database, which currently holds over 14,000 applications. Renewal of contracts for foreign workers is conditional on interviews to assess whether a Bahraini is ready to take over. Foreign staff include 60 in advisory positions, alongside 3,525 in education, 2,157 in healthcare, 417 in engineering, and 231 in technical roles.

The Bureau stressed the need for a steady approach to Bahrainisation to avoid disruption. Temporary contracts are often issued to allow new Bahraini recruits time to meet job requirements, and part-time contracts are used for task-specific roles. All foreign workers contracts include clauses mandating training for Bahrainis.

Budget constraints remain an obstacle in some cases, though the Bureau said it processes recruitment requests quickly when a clear need arises. It also oversees Bahrainisation plans implemented by government entities to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Since 2019, the number of foreign public sector workers has dropped by 15 per cent, from 7,000 to 6,390.

The Ministry of Labour also addressed challenges in the private sector, noting that many Bahraini graduates struggle to find jobs due to a mismatch between their qualifications and market demands. Fields like law, media, and literature were singled out as having limited opportunities.

This has contributed to Bahrains 18,218 registered job seekers, 70 per cent of whom are university graduates, and 73 per cent are women. Meanwhile, the ministry reported that 256 people lost unemployment benefits last year after refusing job offers.

Its job bank currently lists about 4,000 vacancies, many in fields considered less appealing to Bahrainis, such as welding, electrical work, and other trades.

To address these challenges, the ministry is working with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) to train job seekers and support private companies in covering salaries for Bahraini employees.

The Civil Service Bureau is also planning to require private companies contracting with the government to hire more Bahrainis. It aims to encourage the private sector to play a greater role in Bahrainisation, as most expatriates in Bahrain work outside government roles. A new customer service project is set to launch this year, with the budget already allocated.

Finally, the Ministry of Labour said it intends to gradually increase the optional parallel fee, with all funds collected being reinvested into training and developing citizens. The ministry also called on universities and colleges to align their programs with market needs, noting that mismatched qualifications remain a key obstacle to employment.
WELLINGTON, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, departed from a port in Christchurch, New Zealand on Thursday to carry out a month-long marine ecosystem survey in the Amundsen Sea.

The survey will include a comprehensive investigation and monitoring of biological ecology, water, sedimentary and atmospheric environment, and pollutant distribution, according to Luo Guangfu, captain of the oceanic team of China's 41st Antarctic expedition.

Xuelong 2 docked at the Lyttelton Port to make a midway supply of fruits, vegetables and fuel, as well as to pick up 38 members of the oceanic research team before heading to the Amundsen Sea.

The Lyttelton Port is one of the most important replenishment stations for China's Antarctic research, and Christchurch, where the port is located, has been internationally recognized as one of the gateway cities to Antarctica, Chinese Consul General in Christchurch He Ying said on Saturday.

"We will take advantage of the best time in the Southern Hemisphere throughout February in the Amundsen Sea to carry out marine ecosystem survey operations," Luo said, adding the research will cover physical oceanography, marine chemistry, biology and geology. 
BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have recently uncovered the links between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and their impacts on longevity and age acceleration, supporting the advice to "sit less and move more" for healthy longevity.

Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University selected 20,924 Chinese participants aged 50 or above from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study and gathered data on their physical activity and sedentary behavior through questionnaires.

Upon analyzing the relationships between physical activity and longevity, they discovered that moderate physical activity, compared to low levels, is associated with a higher likelihood of longevity, with a 56 percent increased chance.

Specifically, the frequency, duration and intensity of moderate physical activity are positively correlated with the probability of longevity. In contrast, vigorous physical activity does not yield the same benefits and, in some cases, shows an inverse relationship.

When examining the connection between physical activity and accelerated aging, the researchers found that a higher frequency of moderate physical activity is linked to a reduced risk of accelerated aging by more than five years. Conversely, a longer duration of vigorous physical activity is associated with an increased risk of accelerated aging by more than five years.

In summary, physical activity shows protective effects on longevity and age acceleration, with the effects being partly mediated through lipids. On the other hand, sedentary behavior has a negative impact on age acceleration.

The researchers published the findings in the journal GeroScience. 
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Saturday met with British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, who is in Beijing for the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue.

China and the UK are both major economies and financial heavyweights in the world, Han said, pointing out that strengthening economic and financial cooperation in the spirit of strategic partnership is of great significance to promoting economic growth, improving people's lives and encouraging green development in these two countries.

It will also inject confidence and impetus into the development of the world economy, Han added.

China is willing to continue to expand openness and exchanges with the UK, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation to bring more benefits to the two countries and the world, said Han.

Reeves, meanwhile, said the resumption of this dialogue after nearly six years is of great significance.

The British side attaches importance to developing relations with China and is willing to strengthen candid dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation with China to promote the economic development of each country, she added. 
A club DJ accused of stabbing his fiancee to death just hours after sharing his public proposal on Facebook confessed to an emergency dispatcher that he killed his girl, according to police.

Jose Melo, 52, called 911 shortly after 9 a.m. on Dec. 30 to report that he and his partner got into an argument and he stabbed her, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by NJ Advance Media.

He was arrested at his Elizabeth home by responding officers, who also found an unresponsive, bloodied woman lying in a bathroom doorway on the third floor.

On a nearby couch, police also discovered a large knife with what appeared to be blood on it.

The woman was later identified as Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado, 31. The Union County Medical Examiners Office reported she had sustained numerous stab wounds on her chest and abdomen.

Maldonados aunt, who set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for her funeral expenses, said that her niece had been senselessly taken from us in an act of evil.

Melos parents, who also live at the residence, told investigators that he and Maldonado had left to go to a club around 10 p.m. the night prior. They returned around 4 a.m. and took their 3-year-old daughter upstairs, the parents said.

Around 5 a.m., Melo was on the second floor, throwing up, they said. The affidavit noted that he appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the stabbing.

Melo faces a first-degree murder charge and two weapons charges.

About an hour before his parents reported the couple went to the club on Dec. 29, Melo posted a video to Facebook of his proposal.

The clip showed him dropping to one knee on a dance floor in front of a visibly delighted Maldonado, and the couple embracing and kissing in front of a small crowd.

In the footage, Melo wore a sweatshirt and cap emblazoned with DJ MELO, his club name.

Court records show Melo has a prior criminal history.

In 2009, he was arrested and indicted on charges of first-degree kidnapping and unlawful possession of a weapon, according to state criminal records.

The next year, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated criminal sexual contact and was sentenced to four years in jail.

He was also ordered to register as a sex offender. His profile on New Jerseys registry states he threatened a woman with a box cutter and sexually assaulted her.

Attorney information for Melo was not immediately available in court records.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.
Most of New Jersey woke up to at least a dusting of snow Saturday morning from a quick overnight storm.

For the second time this week, Cape May County had the highest snowfall totals reported by the National Weather Service as of 11 a.m. That was the hardest hit area in Mondays more significant snowstorm.
Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost.

If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below.
This photo taken on Jan. 10, 2025 shows a view of the Port City Colombo in Sri Lanka. The construction of the marina in Port City Colombo will promote Sri Lanka to become a new hotspot for regional tourism and investment, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has said. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua)

COLOMBO, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The construction of the marina in Port City Colombo will promote Sri Lanka to become a new hotspot for regional tourism and investment, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has said.

At a groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday, Herath said the port city is an important platform for Sri Lanka to attract foreign investment and enhance its international image. The development of the marina will fill the gap in high-end maritime services in South Asia, and attract more high-net-worth tourists.

The construction of the port city will promote cultural and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and China, and help Sri Lanka achieve its tourism revenue goals, Herath said.

Harsha Amarasekera, chairman of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, said the port city will continue to inject new impetus into Sri Lanka's economy.

The commencement of the new project will not only help the port city create more employment opportunities, but will also more effectively attract international high-end brands to settle in, boosting Sri Lanka's economic recovery, said Amarasekera.

According to reports, the marina commercial project covers an area of about 20,400 square meters and has a construction area of about 49,000 square meters. 

This photo taken on Jan. 10, 2025 shows a performance during the groundbreaking ceremony of the marina commercial project at Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka. The construction of the marina in Port City Colombo will promote Sri Lanka to become a new hotspot for regional tourism and investment, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has said. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Jan. 10, 2025 shows the groundbreaking ceremony of the marina commercial project at Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka. The construction of the marina in Port City Colombo will promote Sri Lanka to become a new hotspot for regional tourism and investment, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has said. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Jan. 10, 2025 shows the groundbreaking ceremony of the marina commercial project at Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka. The construction of the marina in Port City Colombo will promote Sri Lanka to become a new hotspot for regional tourism and investment, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has said. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua)
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.
TEHRAN, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has unveiled a new underground missile base, state-run IRIB TV reported.

Footage broadcast by IRIB on Friday night showed the facility, described as a "missile city," being unveiled in the presence of IRGC Commander Hossein Salami and Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC's Aerospace Force.

The base houses advanced Iranian missiles, including the "Emad, Qadr and Qiam," all liquid-fueled, the state TV narrator said. The subterranean facility is one of hundreds of such bases belonging to the IRGC's Aerospace Force, the report added.

The footage indicated missiles from the base were used in Iran's second retaliatory military operation against Israel in October last year.

Salami, during a visit to the base, praised its forces for their involvement in the April 14, 2024, and subsequent October operations against Israel. He said Iran's defense systems and missiles were "increasing on a daily basis in different parts of the country."

He dismissed "enemy" claims that Iran's missile production capacity had been disrupted, asserting that the country's missiles were "increasing and improving every day in terms of quantity as well as quality, efficiency and design."

On Oct. 1, 2024, Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel, calling the attack retaliation for the assassinations of key resistance figures, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and senior Iranian commander Abbas Nilforoushan. 
This photo taken with a mobile phone on Jan. 11, 2025 shows rescuers working at the site of a road accident in Karak district in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Twelve people were killed and 11 others injured in a road accident in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, rescue officials said. (Str/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people were killed and 11 others injured in a road accident in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, rescue officials said.

The incident happened at a main highway in Karak district of the province where a trailer veered into several vehicles including a passenger van due to brake failure, Bilal Faizi, spokesperson of state-run Rescue 1122, told Xinhua.

He said the injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital, where several of them are in critical condition.

Road accidents in Pakistan are an alarming issue, with a significant increase in both frequency and severity over the years. Reckless driving, poor road conditions, and a lack of proper vehicle maintenance are among the main reasons for the high accident rate. 

This photo taken with a mobile phone on Jan. 11, 2025 shows people searching for victims at the site of a road accident in Karak district in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Twelve people were killed and 11 others injured in a road accident in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, rescue officials said. (Str/Xinhua)

This photo taken with a mobile phone on Jan. 11, 2025 shows people searching for victims at the site of a road accident in Karak district in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Twelve people were killed and 11 others injured in a road accident in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, rescue officials said. (Str/Xinhua)
When Romania this month annulled the first round of a presidential election won by a Moscow-friendly ultranationalist candidate, many in the West applauded what they hailed as a solution to a democratic process gone awry.

By ordering a redo of the election, however, Romanias constitutional court has handed a propaganda gift to Russia, which has long derided the Wests stated commitment to democracy as a sham that only applied so long as the wrong side did not win. Almost three weeks after the decision, a date for a new vote has yet to be set.

I am sure that all these games are perfectly understandable to any more or less objective observer, Russias foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, said after the Dec. 6 ruling by the Romanian court. Russias embassy in Bucharest posted Mr. Lavrovs mocking comments on its website.

Elon Musk, who has echoed Russian talking points on the Ukraine war, also weighed in, misconstruing the unanimous decision by a 10-member Romanian tribunal as the diktat of a single judge: How can a judge cancel an election and not be considered a dictator? he said on social media last week.
There is no shortage of speculation as to how much Elon Musk and his companies will benefit financially from his enthusiastic embrace of President-elect Donald Trump. Yet I believe that it is Mark Zuckerberg, Mr. Musks lower-key, more politically fluid tech-billionaire rival, who should be crowned Silicon Valleys wiliest operator in the halls of Washington.

Thats just wonderful for Meta, Mr. Zuckerbergs aging social media empire. It is bad news for the future of technology and the truth.

Mr. Zuckerberg burst on the national political scene a little over a decade ago to promote and fund left-leaning issues he cared about, such as drug legalization and reducing mass incarceration. When his platforms were accused of spreading misinformation that may have helped elect Mr. Trump, Mr. Zuckerberg vowed to grapple with the problem. He kicked Mr. Trump off Facebook and Instagram for two years in light of the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

So perhaps it isnt a total coincidence that President Bidens administration took some positions highly favorable to Mr. Zuckerbergs social media goliath. Congress has failed to pass any meaningful regulation to curb the behavior of the social media giants, despite increasing evidence of their harms. And Mr. Zuckerbergs sharp critiques of China, followed up by more discreet lobbying by Meta, helped persuade Congress and Mr. Biden to ban the video-sharing app TikTok, whose parent company is Chinese  and also just happens to be Metas most innovative and threatening rival.
A smelly substance had been released on pro-Palestinian students during a rally demanding the university divest from Israel. One student who was suspended in connection with the incident  and who subsequently sued the university  was identified as a former member of the Israel Defense Forces.

In the Democracy Now! interview several days later, Ms. Franke said that she and other professors at Columbia had been concerned about Israeli students coming to Columbia right out of their military service because they had been known to harass Palestinian and other students on campus.

Two Columbia colleagues filed a complaint against Ms. Franke, saying that her comments amounted to harassment of Israeli members of the Columbia community. An outside law firm hired by the university to investigate the complaint found last November that the remarks violated Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies, which Ms. Franke said she appealed.

The investigator also concluded that Ms. Franke had violated policy by disclosing the name of one of the complainants against her and reposting a social media post that made disparaging comments about him.

During a congressional hearing in April, Dr. Minouche Shafik, then Columbias president, was asked by Rep. Elise Stefanik, Republican of New York, what disciplinary actions had been taken against Ms. Franke. Ms. Stefanik misquoted Ms. Franke as having said that all Israeli students who served in the I.D.F. are dangerous and shouldnt be on campus.
Before Summer Marshall headed to her bakery job on Tuesday, she dropped off her daughter at school and picked up a few supplies from Trader Joes in case the Santa Ana winds knocked out power. She was headed back to the mobile home she shared with her mother in Pacific Palisades when she saw a huge plume of smoke over the Santa Monica mountains.

It looked closer than I ever remember seeing  most fires start up toward Malibu, Ms. Marshall said.

Within the hour, she and her mother were frantically loading vital possessions into their car. As they crawled along Pacific Coast Highway surrounded by other cars packed with people, luggage and pets, Ms. Marshall turned to take a video with her phone. You see all these cute little mobile homes and the sun going dark behind the smoke.

Their home, along with the entire Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates, was incinerated shortly after.

It looks like a bomb went off, Ms. Marshall said.

News media coverage of the Palisades fire has emphasized celebrities and wealthy Angelenos mourning the loss of their houses when they burned, like Adam Brody and Leighton Meesters $6.5 million home, and heaving sighs of gratitude when they were spared, including Ben Afflecks recently purchased $20 million spread. But amid the mansions and millionaires, there remained pockets of working-class residents, including food service workers like Ms. Marshall.

She and her family are safe at an aunts house, but all of the mobile home parks residents have been displaced.
The Supreme Court said on Friday that it would take up a challenge to a part of the Affordable Care Act that requires insurance companies to cover some kinds of preventive care at no cost.

The law, President Barack Obamas signature legislative achievement, has survived three major earlier encounters with the court.

The new challenge is directed at a task force that decides which treatments are covered. It has determined that insurers must pay for, among other things, screenings to detect cancer and diabetes; statin medications to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes; physical therapy for older adults to prevent falls; and eye ointment for newborns to prevent infections causing blindness.

The laws requirement of coverage for lung cancer screenings alone saves more than 10,000 lives each year, the Biden administration told the justices.
YAOUNDE, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Cameroonian President Paul Biya has called on the international community to strengthen solidarity and enhance cooperation in tackling global challenges.

Biya made the appeal on Friday in the presence of top government officials and the diplomatic corps during a traditional New Year ceremony in the capital city of Yaounde.

In addition to the ongoing sources of conflict and tension around the world, he also mentioned the looming threat of nuclear war, which could have devastating consequences for humanity's future.

"Clearly, what our world needs is more solidarity. If we want to survive, we have no choice but to determine our common priorities, to give us the means necessary to achieve them, and to unite our energies," Biya said.

He urged the international community to support a multilateral system that is fair, transparent and inclusive.

Biya said dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution, cooperation and strong solidarity should be the guiding principles in this effort. 
A big economic package, mass deportations, maybe even some invasions of other countries. Oh, and one more item. Ill do my little thing tomorrow, a busy President-elect Donald J. Trump mentioned the other night.

That little thing was the first criminal sentencing of an American president. That little thing was confirmation that Mr. Trump, just 10 days later, would become the first president to move into the White House with a rap sheet. That little thing is the latest shift in standards that once governed high office.

Mr. Trump does not really consider it a little thing, of course, given how strenuously he sought to avoid Fridays sentencing for 34 felony counts in his hush money case. But to a remarkable degree, he has succeeded in making it a little thing in the body politic. What was once a pretty-much-guaranteed disqualifier for the presidency is now just one more political event seen through a partisan lens.

After all, no one seemed shocked after Fridays sentencing in New York. While Mr. Trump was spared jail time or financial penalties, he effectively had the word felon tattooed on his record for all time unless a higher court overturns the conviction. But that development was already baked into the system. Voters knew last fall that Mr. Trump had been found guilty by a jury of his peers, and enough of them decided it was either illegitimate or not as important as other issues.
Originally flown by George Washingtons ships in the Revolutionary War as a symbol of rebellion against the British, the white flag with a green pine tree has since become associated with the Stop the Steal movement. Some rioters carried it as they stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, seeking to stop Joseph R. Biden Jr. from being certified as the winner of the presidential election.

Critics said Justice Alito should recuse himself from cases related to the Jan. 6 attack for displaying the flag, but he did not, saying his wife was the one responsible for flying it.

Mayor London Breed, who lost to Mr. Lurie in the November election, removed the Appeal to Heaven flag from the citys display in May and replaced it with an American flag. She said at the time that she would consider removing others that were provocative, but did not end up doing so before she left office.

Still flying under her watch  and again Friday, under Mr. Luries  was the Gadsden flag, a yellow banner with a coiled rattlesnake and the words Dont Tread on Me that has become associated with the conservative Tea Party movement and gun enthusiasts and is considered by some to have racist connotations.

Also still flying is the Betsy Ross flag, a Revolutionary War flag with 13 stars in a circle. That flag, too, has become controversial, adopted by some far-right groups to signify a time when white men held all power. Nike even pulled sneakers with the flag in 2019 at the urging of former N.F.L. quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who said the flag was linked to slavery.
Much of what the Civil Service does takes place behind the scenes instead of on center stage. Basic public goods that Americans take for granted, like clean air and safe drinking water, rely on a complex infrastructure of regulation and enforcement. The American way of making policy means that benefits, such as they are, are often channeled through the tax code. The political scientist Suzanne Mettler calls this invisible work the submerged state.

During the first decades of the 20th century, the rapid growth of the administrative state aroused suspicions. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt created new federal agencies and programs in the 1930s to address the Depression, small-government conservatives were outraged. A group of businesspeople created the American Liberty League to attack the New Deal on constitutional grounds, charging it with executive branch overreach  a strategic choice, says the legal scholar Gillian Metzger, who notes that any attempt to go after the New Deal for burdening elite economic interests would have been a hard sell to a suffering public. In the lurid rhetoric of one Liberty League pamphlet, The federal bureaucracy has become a vast organism spreading its tentacles over the business and private life of the citizens of the country.

Conservative denunciations of the administrative state have continued to couch objections in terms of the Constitution and bureaucratic treachery. In Unmasking the Administrative State (2019), the conservative political scientist John Marini warned that the growth of government bureaucracy had opened up the prospect of the greatest tyranny of all. Two years later, Trumps 1776 Commission published a report that compared President Woodrow Wilson to Mussolini: Like the progressives, Mussolini sought to centralize power under the management of so-called experts.

Fears of an undemocratic, overweening bureaucracy havent only served as a right-wing talking point. Some of the administrative states most pointed critics have been intellectuals on the left, like the anthropologists James C. Scott and David Graeber, each of whom has argued that a domineering bureaucratic state is hostile to local ways of living. But anarchist critiques like theirs are harder to marshal into a mass political movement. In 2015, a time when the Tea Party, a MAGA precursor, was already well underway, Graeber lamented that the right had figured out how to politicize antipathy toward the bureaucracy, deploying the rhetoric of anti-bureaucratic individualism to push through a free-market agenda that guts social services while bolstering business interests.

An Unrelenting, Fantastical Assault on Specialized Knowledge

The MAGA thrashing of bureaucracy, though, is of a different order. The political scientists Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum distinguish between critiques of government and Trumps vows to hobble it. Every modern state is an administrative state, they declare in their spirited new book, Ungoverning: The Attack on the Administrative State and the Politics of Chaos. They take a common complaint about bureaucracy  its inescapability  to highlight its necessity. A bureaucracy filled by professionals and experts who administer the day-to-day functions of governing is the price we pay to live together in a big, complex, populous society.
Prices of batteries, the most expensive part of an electric vehicle, are falling fast. Already, many electric cars cost no more to own than comparable gasoline models when savings on fuel and maintenance are taken into account.

Technology is improving rapidly. Batteries are becoming lighter and smaller while allowing faster charging and longer travel distances. And more than 12,000 high-voltage public chargers were added in the United States in 2024, a 33 percent increase from the year prior, according to Rho Motion, a research firm.

Automakers have a strong financial interest in promoting electric vehicles no matter who is in the White House. They need to earn a return on the investments they have made in production facilities. And failing to keep up with the technology could make them vulnerable to emerging Chinese competitors that are all-in on electric vehicles.

No matter what policy changes are brought forward by the new administration we will abide by them and will adjust accordingly, Randy Parker, chief executive of Hyundai Motor America, told reporters during a conference call last week.

Make no mistake about it, he added, were committed to electrification.

Hyundai recently began producing its popular Ioniq 5 car at a new $7.6 billion factory near Savannah, Ga. That car and a large electric sport utility vehicle are the first from the South Korean automaker that will qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit. The factory complex, which will employ 8,500 people including at Hyundais suppliers once it reaches capacity, is one of the biggest examples of the jobs and investment that electric vehicles have generated.
While the city has trumpeted the decline in the number of migrants it is housing, advocates have said the city needs to do more to help migrants integrate into the city. That means more intensive case management services to help occupants qualify for temporary protected status or other standing that would allow them to work and move out of shelter.

Mr. Adams has consistently called for allowing migrants to work, but watchdogs say that case managers are overloaded and that the movement to different shelters caused by the time limits imposed by the city leaves many migrants confused or having to start over.

What we really need to see is both the city and the state doing more to help families and individuals get out of the shelters and get into housing, said Dave Giffen, the executive director of Coalition for the Homeless. The best way to do that is to help them find jobs and integrate into the community.

Ms. Garcia, the mayors spokeswoman, said the new shelter in the Bronx will have a community-based organization to help migrants. The city is also doing more outreach and trying to connect more migrants with caseworkers.

On Friday, President Biden extended deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants, a move that New York had joined with other cities to push for.

We are definitely making strides to make sure that people can get out of our shelter system and make their own lives, Ms. Garcia said.
When he returns to the White House, President-elect Trump is widely expected to slash funding for womens health organizations around the world, and people on the left and the right alike are focused on what that means for abortions.

But the impact of any Trump cuts would go far, far beyond abortions, and would probably be devastating to millions of women and girls worldwide. Trumps approach would reduce the availability of contraception and likely increase maternal mortality and cervical cancer.

When he was president in 2017, Trump framed similar cuts as protecting life in global health. But a study published by The National Academy of Sciences estimated that over Trumps four years in office, this policy led to 108,000 deaths of children and mothers in poor countries.

So I wish Trump could meet some of the women and girls who will be collateral damage. They are people like a 16-year-old girl sitting forlornly on a hospital bed I met in Ambovombe, in the remote and impoverished south of Madagascar. The girl, Sambiasie (who has only one name), told me she and her boyfriend relied on an injectable contraceptive, costing her 40 cents every three months  and then she ran out of money.
Jimmy Carter was exactly where he wanted to be at his funeral on Thursday  at a deliberate remove from his fellow presidents. And slightly above them.

When Brian Williams asked Carter in 2010 about a striking Oval Office photo of him with President Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and the Bushes, in which Carter had separated himself, he conceded he felt superior to the others because of his stellar post-presidency.

The spectacle in Washington this week was extraordinary  a deceased president and a revived president at opposite ends of the moral scale. Here was Carter, the righteous, ascending to heaven, as Donald Trump, the felonious, ascended again to the Oval Office. Carters passion for honesty was as ingrained as Trumps addiction to lying.

Even as Carter was being praised at his state funeral at the National Cathedral for working tirelessly to eradicate diseases around the globe, Trump was hunting for a disease to pin on immigrants to justify sealing the border.
Many readers would agree. In fact, many did in June 1975, almost a half century ago, when James Reston wrote those words. But democracy did not founder then, and while there is no question that it is facing serious challenges today, it is another question whether they amount to a universal democratic backsliding or worse: liberal democracy in danger of collapse.

But as The Timess Berlin bureau chief Jim Tankersley suggested in a recent analysis of Germanys plight, not all malaise is the same. Popular discontent in Western democracies may have broadly similar sources, but the political consequences are as different as the leaders and systems in each country. And it is ultimately leaders who shape the outcomes, argues Larry M. Bartels, the author of Democracy Erodes From the Top. Public opinion, he suggests, is less an active wave than a passive reservoir to which leaders respond  or which the less principled exploit. I think theres always a tendency on the part of observers to see deep meaning in terms of shifts in public opinion, Mr. Bartels said in an interview. It turns out that its more country-specific than outside observers are likely to grant.

Scanning the global political storms separately reveals their unique characteristics and challenges, and the way many are rooted more in a backlash against incumbent leaders than in a new embrace of the far right.

In France, President Emmanuel Macron was first elected in 2017, determined to upend French politics, and so theyre upended. And if Marine Le Pen, the perennial far-right contender, has made inroads, it arguably owes as much to her success in detoxifying her National Rally party as to a growth of far-right sentiment. In Austria, the far-right Freedom Party finished first in elections on Sept. 29 in a reaction against the mainstream parties, but it also had to moderate its tone to get there, and it may yet fail to find the coalition parties it needs to form a government.

In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholzs decline reflects the failure of the three-party coalition he led to cope with the countrys economic funk. But thats politics, not democratic backsliding, and the much-feared, far-right Alternative for Germany remains officially branded as suspected extremist and shunned as a potential federal ruling coalition partner by all major parties. Up in Canada, voters largely grew tired of Mr. Trudeau and his progressive politics after nearly a decade.
My great-great-grandmother was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, and first saw the United States as a 10-year-old. My great-grandfather was an Irish Canadian who married a Maine girl. My wifes father was born in Ontario, descended from a long line of Newfoundlanders, and a print of skaters on Ottawas Rideau Canal decorates our pantry even now.

I offer these bona fides, proofs of a current of maple syrup running through my childrens veins, as a preface to a controversial claim: that Donald Trumps kidding-or-is-he suggestion that Canada belongs inside our union is not a threat but an opportunity, that Canada might be better off joined to our continental Republic, with the wintry 1775 defeat of Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold finally reversed.

Today Canadian sentiment is extremely cool to this idea, with polls showing, at best, about 10 percent of Canadians open to membership in a Greater United States. And for understandable reasons, since Canadian identity is so bound up in absolutely not being the U.S.A. that, Well, were not American is literally the first thing Justin Trudeau came up with to explain Canadian pride recently on CNN.

This has held true across multiple transformations in both countries. When the 19th-century United States was seen as a radical democratic power, Canada was the conservative, Anglo-Tory alternative, offering peace, order and good government. When the late-20th-century United States was seen as a land of libertarians, cowboys and evangelical preachers, Canada was the sensible, secular, socialist alternative.
J. Fraser Stoddart, a Scottish-born scientist who went from playing with construction sets as a boy to building molecular machines a thousand times smaller than the width of a human hair, known as nanomachines, for which he shared the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, died on Dec. 30 in Melbourne, Australia. He was 82.

Alison Margaret Stoddart, his daughter, said that he died of cardiac arrest in a hotel while visiting his other daughter, Fiona Jane McCubbin.

Dr. Stoddart and his co-laureates, Jean-Pierre Sauvage of France and Bernard L. Feringa of the Netherlands, first figured out how to build molecules with physical bonds instead of chemical ones. Those molecules could move freely and became the building blocks for nanomachines. The most basic ones, called catenanes, are interlocking molecules, like links in a chain. They were first synthesized by Dr. Sauvage in 1983.

In 1991, Dr. Stoddart and his team made the next big leap: They created molecules called rotaxanes, which have ring molecules wrapped around other molecules in the shape of a dumbbell. The ring molecule slides back and forth on the dumbbell, whose ends prevent the ring molecule from sliding off. (The word rotaxane comes from Latin roots meaning wheel and axle.)
Audience enjoy Chinese folk music performance at a concert celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year in Christchurch, New Zealand, Jan. 11, 2025. Chinese and New Zealand musicians played Chinese folk music and Western symphony to celebrate the Year of the Snake and New Zealand-China artistry. (Xinhua)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and New Zealand top musicians played Chinese folk music and Western symphony to celebrate the Year of the Snake and New Zealand-China artistry.

Musicians from the Yijing Chamber Ensemble of the Central Conservatory of Music and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra jointly staged the Chinese New Year celebration concert in Christchurch, the largest city of New Zealand's South Island.

"Music knows no boundaries, and I believe that the unique qualities of Eastern and Western music can truly resonate with one another," Chinese Consul General in Christchurch He Ying said in a speech at the start of the concert.

This concert beautifully blended the rich traditions of Chinese music, featuring traditional instruments like the pipa, erhu, and bamboo flute, with the timeless elegance of Western classical compositions, the organizer said, adding the performance showcased a harmonious exchange of traditions, creating a moving dialogue between two musical worlds.

The concert was hosted by China's Central Conservatory of Music, organized by the New Zealand Music Trust, and was supported by the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

The Year of the Snake will start on Jan. 29, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. 

Audience enjoy Chinese folk music performance at a concert celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year in Christchurch, New Zealand, Jan. 11, 2025.

Chinese and New Zealand musicians played Chinese folk music and Western symphony to celebrate the Year of the Snake and New Zealand-China artistry. (Xinhua)
Charles Person, the youngest of the 13 original Freedom Riders who traveled from Washington to Birmingham, Ala., in 1961 in an effort to integrate interstate bus terminals across the South  and who were nearly beaten to death for doing so  died on Wednesday at his home in Fayetteville, Ga. He was 82.

His daughter Keisha Person said the cause was leukemia.

Mr. Person was an 18-year-old freshman at Morehouse College, in Atlanta, when he first became involved in the civil rights movement, joining the thousands of students across the South who were marching against Jim Crow laws and sitting in at segregated lunch counters.

His first arrest, during a sit-in at an Atlanta restaurant, was in February 1961. When he returned to campus, he saw an ad from the Congress of Racial Equality looking for volunteers for a trip by commercial bus from Washington to New Orleans. Along the way, the ad said, they would test a recent Supreme Court decision banning segregation in bus terminals that served interstate travelers.

Because of his age, Mr. Person had to obtain his fathers permission to apply. (His mother flatly refused.) He was accepted, and after training in nonviolent techniques, he and the others  six other Black riders, including the future congressman John Lewis, and six white ones  left from Washingtons Greyhound station aboard two buses.
Angelenos woke up Saturday morning to find that the Getty Center, one of Los Angeless most renowned art museums, is now squarely in the mandatory evacuation zone as the Palisades fires footprint has grown.

Perched on a hilltop, the Getty Center is a popular attraction for locals, tourists and students from the nearby University of California, Los Angeles. The museum boasts master works from as far back as the 1400s, and Van Goghs irises and works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and Degas have long drawn people to it. Visitors often take day trips to Brentwood, the Westside neighborhood that houses the museum, for afternoons filled with European art, modern architecture and stunning views of the city.

The museum has also described itself as the safest place for art during a fire, detailing in a 2019 article the anti-fire engineering of the Getty Center, which opened in 1997. Late Saturday afternoon, Katherine E. Fleming, the chief executive of the J. Paul Getty Trust, said the Getty Centers galleries are safe and protected.

The Getty Villa, the Getty Centers sister museum in Pacific Palisades, has also been threatened by the fire throughout the week. In her statement, Ms. Fleming reiterated that aside from a few hot spots, the Villa remains stable.

In the article, the museum noted that its buildings are made of fire-resistant stone, concrete and protected steel. Surrounding it are travertine plazas and well-irrigated landscaping designed to slow down the spread of fire. The roofs are covered with fire-resistant stone aggregate.

Inside, the museum has walls of reinforced concrete or fire-protected steel and automatic fire doors that can trap fires in sealed-off areas. It has an air system designed to maintain a pressure flow to keep smoke from entering the building from outside. And there are sprinklers, but they are activated only as a last resort.

Claire Moses in Santa Ana, Calif., and Jonathan Wolfe in Los Angeles contributed reporting.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, met with wildfire survivors and emergency medical workers on Friday in Pasadena, Calif., as they suggested ways for people to help victims of the deadly blazes in Southern California.

The couple spoke with officials at a food distribution site where the World Central Kitchen charity was handing out meals. They met with the Spanish chef Jose Andres, who founded the organization, hugging him closely. The couple are longtime supporters of World Central Kitchen, which offers hot meals to people in crisis zones.

They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders, Victor Gordo, the mayor of Pasadena, told Fox 11 Los Angeles, which broadcast footage of their visit. The couple wore white masks to protect themselves from the smoky air.

The Eaton fire, the second biggest fire ravaging Southern California this week, has burned since Tuesday in the mountains north of Pasadena and prompted thousands of people to evacuate their homes. Mr. Gordo said that Harry and Meghan, the duke and duchess of Sussex, had met with families affected by the fires, served meals and visited a police and fire command post at the Rose Bowl.

People were very happy to see them, he said.

Harry and Meghan moved to California after a bitter rift with the British royal family prompted them to step back from official duties in 2020. They live in Montecito, Calif., about a 90-minute drive north of Los Angeles.

In a statement on their website, the couple urged support for agencies assisting in the fire response, including World Central Kitchen and organizations helping firefighters and animals.

If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do, the statement said. And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.
More than 900 prisoners are battling the deadly flames ripping through the Los Angeles area. Their presence provides much-needed manpower to depleted fire crews but has also revived criticism of the practice, including over their low pay for dangerous work.

The prisoners are working to cut fire lines and remove fuel to slow fire spread, according to the Californias prison agency, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The state has long relied on incarcerated people to help fight wildfires in California, which are burning hotter and faster as the climate crisis intensifies.

But prison reform activists have largely opposed the program. They note that the prisoners are often paid less, for a full day of work, than the states hourly minimum wage. And, because of their criminal records, many of the prisoners cannot get firefighting jobs after being released.

A report from the American Civil Liberties Union and the University of Chicago Law School in 2022 said that, in a five-year period, four incarcerated firefighters were killed and more than 1,000 were injured while on the job.

Here is an explanation of the program, which traces its origins to the 19th century.

How much are inmates paid?

Firefighting prisoners are members of Californias conservation fire camp program, which is operated by the corrections department, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

They earn a maximum of $10.24 per day, plus an additional $1 an hour during emergencies, according to the corrections department.

Criminal justice advocates say that Californias fire camp program  like other prison labor programs  exploits incarcerated people.

The incarcerated firefighters are paid less than minimum wage, which is $16.50 an hour in California. They also earn much less than the states seasonal firefighters, who can make a monthly base salary of more than $4,600, and the firefighters employed by the city of Los Angeles, whose salaries start at over $85,000 a year.

Most of the prisoners also earn time credits: Two days are removed from their sentences for every day they serve in a fire crew.

The A.C.L.U. report quoted an incarcerated firefighter who said that it felt like prison officials dangle that freedom in front of you like a carrot on a stick in order to get prisoners to work battling fires.

How do the camps work?

Prisoners participate in four days of classroom training and field training. They support emergency workers and the state and participate in service work. Unlike some other prison work programs in California, they volunteer and cannot be forced to do this work.

They have to be deemed physically and mentally fit for vigorous activity to participate, and cannot have been convicted of rape and other sex offenses, arson, and escape history, according to the corrections department.

Volunteers must have minimum custody status, or the lowest security classification, based on their sustained good behavior in prison, ability to follow rules, and participation in rehabilitative programming, the corrections department said.

Do they use different techniques?

Incarcerated firefighters wear distinctive orange firefighting gear and do not use hoses or water to fight fires.

Instead, they use hand tools to aid in fire suppression and also work as support staff for other emergency workers, the department said. Working as support staff, they earn a one-to-one time credit  a day off their sentences for each day spent helping crews.

Is fire camp seen as job training?

The corrections department describes the 35 camps as rehabilitation programs.

It says that participants have been employed as firefighters by government agencies and that the fire camps create paths to emergency response certifications after incarceration.

Some former prisoner-firefighters have told The New York Times that they learned useful skills, although they were frustrated by the low pay. Some told The Times that they did not expect to be hired as firefighters after they were released because of their criminal records.

In 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a law that sought to make it easier for some prisoners who worked as firefighters to get their records expunged.

The intent of that law was to help prison firefighters join fire departments after their release, and some have successfully petitioned to expunge their records. Still, many others have not, in part because there are a series of hurdles for the prisoners in order to qualify for the program and to actually clear their records.

This legislation, while a step in the right direction, still leaves unreasonable barriers in place, the A.C.L.U. report said, such as requiring the former prisoners to spend time petitioning a court.

Such draconian barriers take a toll on those denied work, the states they live in, and the U.S. economy as a whole, the report said.

Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs contributed reporting.
Los Angeles city fire officials had a similar view. The fire chief did everything she could with the resources she had, Patrick Leonard, a battalion chief with the Los Angeles Fire Department, said, referring to the citys fire chief, Kristin Crowley.

The question of resources will almost certainly arise in the weeks ahead as the fire response is analyzed. The Los Angeles Fire Department has said for years it is dangerously underfunded. A memo sent to city leaders in December by Chief Crowley complained that recent budget cuts had severely limited the departments capacity to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale emergencies, including wildfires.

But there are a host of other factors at play. Fire experts have long warned that climate change and more home-building outside of urban areas are straining firefighters ability to prevent and contain fires. As fires have grown in size and complexity, California has explored mitigation through thinning brush out of forests, safer power grids and shoring up home protection. But it has been far from enough, they say.

The fires in Los Angeles have also raised the critical question of how departments can battle so many powerful infernos at once. After the Woolsey fire burned more than 1,600 structures in the northern part of the county in 2018  at the same time that other major fires were raging across the state  Los Angeles County commissioned an assessment that found that the simultaneous outbreaks had slowed the ability of other fire agencies to fight the blaze because they were already busy.

Lori Moore-Merrell, the head of the U.S. Fire Administration, a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, who flew this week to Los Angeles to inspect the firefighting efforts and damage, said she believed that the reason for the widespread devastation was not the firefighting response.
The focus this week has been on how extreme winds have fueled the most destructive fires in Los Angeless history. But thats not the only concern.

On Friday, even as slowing wind speeds increased hopes that firefighters would contain the blazes, dry vegetation and steep terrain pushed the Palisades fire, the biggest, east, putting a new swath of Los Angeles under mandatory evacuation orders.

The blaze was burning along the tops of the ridges of Mandeville Canyon, said Kenichi Haskett, a division chief with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, on Friday night. The fire tore through a steep area full of dry vegetation and threatened the neighborhood of Encino in the north.

The spread was being driven by the landscape rather than wind, Mr. Haskett said. Were not getting strong winds the way we got on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Palisades fire has now burned more than 21,000 acres in five days.

The rains that usually fall in autumn and early winter did not come, leaving most of Southern California bone dry and leaving vegetation primed to burn. Most locations south of Ventura County have recorded about a quarter-inch of rain or less in the past eight months, while the Los Angeles area has received only sprinklings of rain since April.

That means the Santa Ana winds, the strong, dry gusts that have driven the wildfires, have had a particularly dramatic effect. Even as they have subsided, the parched vegetation has continued to fuel the Palisades fire, experts said. Stronger winds are expected to return to Los Angeles and Ventura counties Saturday afternoon, reaching the highest speeds overnight into Sunday morning and heightening the risk of rapid wildfire spread.

Wind speeds over the fire were light  under 15 miles per hour  on Friday night, said Dave Gomberg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. In comparison, Wednesday saw wind gusts of over 90 m.p.h. I think a big component is the fuels are exceptionally dry, Mr. Gomberg said of Fridays expansion.

The Palisades fire was following the terrain and the fuels, said Craig Clements, director of the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center at San Jose State University. Fires thrive in hilly terrain and move faster uphill than downhill, he said, adding, The steeper the terrain, the faster the fire can go.

The fire chewing its way through Mandeville Canyon is a plume-dominated fire, that is being fueled by its own wind, said Redondo Beach Fire Chief Patrick Butler, a former assistant chief for the Los Angeles Fire Department who has led the response to many Southern California fires. Such blazes often shoot upward and then collapse, scattering embers for miles in concentric patterns, he said.

On Friday evening, ash was falling in the Brentwood neighborhood to the south of the canyon.

Wildfires are notoriously hard to fight in Mandeville Canyon, which has poor radio communication and an extremely narrow road, Mr. Butler said: Theres basically one way in and one way out.
The top members of the Senate Armed Services Committee were briefed late Friday afternoon on the findings from the F.B.I.s background check of Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald J. Trumps pick to serve as defense secretary, according to two people aware of the briefings.

Senator Roger Wicker, Republican of Mississippi and the chairman of the armed services panel, and Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, its top Democrat, each huddled separately with transition team officials on Friday for over an hour, according to a person familiar with the briefings, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive proceedings. The transition team commissioned the background check.

It is traditional for only the chair and ranking member of panels to be briefed on the findings from an F.B.I. background check of Cabinet nominees. During the sessions, the senators were able to review the findings and ask questions about them, but were not given copies of a report to share with their colleagues.

Since the results of the F.B.I.s probe have not been shown to other members of the committee, several Democrats on the panel expressed concerns that they might not have relevant information for Mr. Hegseths confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
Representative Brittany Pettersen, a second-term Colorado Democrat, was not planning to have a second child at the age of 43.

As if our life wasnt complicated enough! she said with a laugh as she arranged herself on a couch in her office on Capitol Hill earlier this week, staring down at her pregnant belly just weeks from her due date. She blamed the mistake on the confusion of working in two time zones. It can make things hard with consistent birth control, she said. It was not part of the plan.

Congress has existed for 236 years, but somehow Ms. Pettersen is about to become only the 13th voting member to give birth while in office, and the first from her home state. As Ms. Pettersen tries to plan the next phase of her life, the reality is setting in that this job was not created with someone like her in mind.

There is no maternity leave for members of Congress. While they can take time away from the office without sacrificing their pay, they cannot vote if they are not present at the Capitol. So Ms. Pettersen has taken a lead role in a new push by a bipartisan group of younger lawmakers and new parents in Congress to change the rules to allow them to vote remotely while they take up to 12 weeks of parental leave.
Jack Smith, the special counsel who brought two failed federal prosecutions against President-elect Donald J. Trump, resigned this week, according to a footnote buried in court papers  a remarkably muted conclusion to a fight that redefined the nations legal and political landscape.

Mr. Smith, a former war crimes prosecutor who fought a bitter and protracted battle on two fronts with the Trump legal team but lost in both a district court and in the Supreme Court shaped by Mr. Trump, left his offices in Washington on Friday, according to a senior law enforcement official.

His departure was expected. Mr. Smith had signaled his intention to leave before Mr. Trump, who had threatened to fire and punish him, took office on Jan. 20.

In the end, Mr. Smith made no formal announcement. His spokesman had no comment.

The special counsel departed after his efforts in the courtroom were essentially rendered moot by Mr. Trumps political victory in November. Under a Justice Department policy prohibiting the pursuit of prosecutions against a sitting president, Mr. Smith was compelled to drop both of the cases he had filed against Mr. Trump in 2023  one in Florida, accusing him of mishandling a trove of classified documents, and the other in Washington, on charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 election.
On a Saturday last fall, a Mexican American teenager in Corpus Christi, Texas, had everything planned out for a coming-of-age party. It would have custom-made jewelry, a string quartet to play renditions of pop songs and a group of high school freshmen in black tailcoat tuxedos to perform a dance.

This may sound like a classic quinceanera for a 15-year-old girl marking her transition to womanhood. But on that day, the spotlight was on Javier Calderon, a 15-year-old boy celebrating becoming a man.

Mr. Calderon is part of a growing number of young Latin American boys embracing the centuries-old tradition that until recently has been reserved for girls  a trend that represents one way that Latinos are adapting the custom in the United States.

I wanted to show everyone what I wanted to be, Mr. Calderon said. Im turning into a teenager.

Some boys are asking their parents for a party of their own. Mothers without daughters are begging their sons to have a quinceanero, the name of the celebration for boys. At times, the idea that a boy should have his own party has been contentious, especially for older Latinos who deeply value tradition.
KAMPALA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's admission as a BRICS partner state presents an opportunity for the East African country to benefit from deeper ties with some of the world's largest emerging markets and to facilitate its own development, a senior official has said.

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Uganda officially became a BRICS partner state, along with eight other countries.

"We have joined a platform or an association of countries that are highly industrialized, some of which have evolved from similar circumstances to where we are now," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation John Mulimba told Xinhua on Friday.

"BRICS offers a significant opportunity to learn from their technological advancements and innovations, including the use of information and communication technology as a tool for societal transformation," he added.

He said that within the BRICS framework, Uganda positions itself as an investment destination, offering abundant resources such as energy and mineral resources sought after by member states.

If Uganda or Africa's natural resources undergo just five percent value addition, more than five million jobs could be created for the region's youthful population, Mulimba emphasized.

He said that Uganda's admission as a BRICS partner state provides an opportunity to seek financing alternatives outside Western credit institutions, which often come with numerous conditions.

BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the five major emerging markets with significant economic potential. The bloc's membership has expanded since its first summit in 2009. In Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Africa are the only full member states of the bloc. 
The Sudanese military recaptured a key city in Sudans breadbasket region on Saturday, chasing out a paramilitary group that the United States accused last week of genocide.

Sudans information minister said the army had liberated the city, Wad Madani, while the military said that its troops were working to clear the remnants of the rebels from the area.

If the army can hold on to the city, it would be its most significant victory since the war started nearly two years ago. Experts said it would most likely shift the focus of the war northward to Khartoum, the capital.

Videos circulating online showed the army entering Wad Madani, which lies about 100 miles south of the capital. Local media reported that fighters with the paramilitary group, known as the Rapid Support Forces, or R.S.F., were fleeing the city.
The flight recorder of the Jeju Air passenger jet that crashed last month, killing 179 people, stopped recording for its last four minutes, South Korean officials said on Saturday, a significant setback for investigators.

Data extracted from the so-called black box, consisting of the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder, is generally crucial in investigations of aviation accidents. Officials in South Korea, who have been working with the United States National Transportation Safety Board, have said that the flight data for the planes last four minutes would be especially important in this crash.

But on Saturday, South Koreas Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said that for reasons not yet determined, the black box of the Boeing 737-800 had stopped recording then.

We plan to investigate why the data was not recorded, the ministry said in a news release. It also said that other data and analysis would be used to try to understand what happened in last months disaster.
He understood that the government would have to preserve the house if it decided that was in the public interest, Loong wrote in a 2016 letter to Lawrence Wong, who was part of a government committee created to consider options for the property, and is now prime minister.

That panel concluded that the bungalow had historical significance, and that Lee Kuan Yew had been amenable to its preservation. But polls indicate that most Singaporeans want it torn down. In October, the government said it was again studying whether to preserve the circa 1898 house.

The Best Combination

For decades, Lee Kuan Yews family appeared to be as orderly as the state he ran. His wife, Kwa Geok Choo, was in charge of the household at 38 Oxley Road, in one of Singapores most expensive areas.

In the 1950s, Mr. Lee and a group of friends set up his political party, the P.A.P., in the basement dining room. Most of the house was spartan. The furniture was old and mismatched; the family bathed by scooping water from earthenware vessels. Even after the sons had married and moved out, they gathered every Sunday for family lunch.

Visitors were quick to notice that only one childs photographs were displayed: Loongs.

He got the best combination of our two DNAs, Mr. Lee would tell local journalists. The others have also combinations of both, but not in as advantageous a way as he has. Its the luck of the draw.
The Ukrainian authorities on Saturday announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia, saying they were the first to be taken alive since Pyongyang sent troops to assist Moscows war effort.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said the two soldiers, who were wounded, were captured in the Kursk region of western Russia, where Ukrainian troops have been fighting to hold on to territory seized during a surprise cross-border incursion last summer.

In a post on various social media channels, Mr. Zelensky said the soldiers had received medical care, as required by the Geneva Conventions, and had been taken to Ukraines capital, Kyiv, for interrogation.

Ukraines domestic intelligence service, the SBU, said one of the soldiers was captured on Thursday. It did not provide details on where, or say when the second was taken prisoner, but said they were the first North Koreans fighting against Ukraine in Kursk to be captured.
Israeli soldiers have raided Syrian border villages, prompting nervous residents to huddle in their homes. They have captured the countrys highest peak, have set up roadblocks between Syrian towns and now overlook local villages from former Syrian military outposts.

The stunning downfall of Syrias longtime leader, Bashar al-Assad, closed a chapter in the countrys decade-long civil war. But it also marked the start of an Israeli incursion into the border region, which Israel has called a temporary defensive move to protect its own security.

Thousands of Syrians now live in areas at least partly controlled by Israeli forces, leaving many anxious over how long the campaign will last. Israeli troops have detained some residents and opened fire during at least two protests against the raids, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an independent monitor.

At least some Syrians now say they fear the Israeli presence could become a prolonged military occupation.
In his first official visit to Syria to meet with the new government there, the Lebanese prime minister on Saturday called for a way for the two countries to enable masses of Syrian refugees in Lebanon to head home.

The prime minister, Najib Mikati, met in the Syrian capital of Damascus with Ahmad al-Shara, the leader of the new Syrian government, on Saturday afternoon, according to the Lebanese prime ministers office. Mr. al-Shara leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist group that spearheaded the lightning offensive that toppled the decades-long rule of Bashar al-Assad, the former Syrian president, last month.

At a news conference in Damascus, Mr. Mikati said both countries should quickly resolve the matter of the more than one million refugees that Lebanon took in as a result of the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011. While some have since returned, many others still remain in Lebanon.

It has become urgent today  in the interest of both countries  to deal with this issue as quickly as possible and return the displaced to a Syria that is thankfully recovering, said Mr. Mikati, adding that he believed Mr. al-Shara supported the effort.
M&A transactions in the PR and marketing communications sectors were up 10 percent in 2024, according to Davis+Gilberts newly released M&A Activity Tracker.

Overall, 2024 saw 99 completed deals, up eight from the 91 that were completed in 2023. While private equity firms accounted for 34 out of those 99 deals (35 percent), their share of the pie was down considerably from the year before (45 deals, 50 percent).

On the flip side, it was a bull year for independent deals, which went from 34 (37 percent) in 2023 to 46 (47 percent) last year.

The number of different buyers also saw a significant jumpfrom 73 in 2023 to 79 in 2024.

In terms of revenue, companies that pulled in from $3M to $6M saw a big gain, rising from 16 deals (18 percent) in 2023 to 25 (26 percent) in 2024. For the firms with the most revenue (more than $25M), there was a slight upturn as wellfrom nine deals (10 percent) in 2023 to 12 (11 percent). The only revenue sector to see a downturn was firms with between $6M and $10M in revenue, which dropped from 17 deals to 11.

North America solidified its position as the M&A hot spot, going from 43 deals in 2023 to 54 last year. The Middle East, which didnt even register on 2023s chart, saw five deals in 2024.

Sellers also had their top picks among the service offerings they wanted in the firms they bought. Digital & social media was cited by 41, followed by branding (35), content strategy & development (29) and media relations (27).

First-time buyers increasingly made their presence felt over the past year. The 43 first-timers accounted for close to half of all activity. About two-thirds of them (28) were independent firms and 15 were private equity or private-equity-backed firm.

Understanding who these new players are, what they are seeking to achieve, and what made them attractive to sellers is critical as we look to 2025, said Michael Lasky, partner and chair of Davis+Gilberts Public Relations Law Practice

The active M&A scene is reflective of an overall growth trend, according to Brad Schwartzberg, partner and co-chair of Davis+Gilberts Corporate + Transactions Practice. Supplementing an effective growth plan through strategic M&A has proven to be very successful, and there are no indicators that this trend will pause in 2025, Schwartzberg said.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (R) meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Wang Dongming, also vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 10, 2025. Wang attended here the inauguration of Maduro at the invitation of the Venezuelan government on Friday. Maduro met with Wang at the presidential palace after the inauguration. (Presidency of Venezuela/Handout via Xinhua)

CARACAS, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Wang Dongming attended here the inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at the invitation of the Venezuelan government on Friday.

Maduro met with Wang, also vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, at the presidential palace after the inauguration.

Wang conveyed cordial greetings and good wishes from Xi to Maduro and congratulated him on his re-election as president of Venezuela.

Wang said that in September 2023, Xi and Maduro jointly announced the elevation of China-Venezuela relations to an all-weather strategic partnership, leading bilateral relations into a new era.

Last year, the two sides solemnly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, and the friendship between the two countries has been more deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples, Wang said.

China is willing to work with Venezuela to continue to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate and develop the traditional friendship, and push forward bilateral relations for the benefit of the two peoples, Wang said.

Maduro asked Wang to convey his highest respect and sincere greetings to Xi, and extended his gratitude to Xi for sending a special envoy to attend the inauguration ceremony of his new term.

Venezuela attaches great importance to developing China-Venezuela all-weather strategic partnership, and firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests, Maduro said, adding that Venezuela stands ready to join hands with China to advance practical cooperation in various fields, strengthen the exchange of governance experience, and lift bilateral ties to a new level. 
ALGIERS, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Algeria said on Saturday that it has no intention of escalating tensions with France, despite a "vindictive" and "hateful disinformation campaign" led by "the French far-right," according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs.

Algeria "has no intention of pursuing a strategy of provocation or humiliation; on the contrary, it is the far-right and its supporters within the French government who are attempting to impose their agenda on Algerian-French relations through threats, intimidation, and confrontational tactics," the ministry said.

"This group views this campaign as an outlet for their resentment, frustrations, and historical grievances," it added.

The tensions stemmed from the controversial expulsion of an Algerian national from France, which Algeria condemned as arbitrary and a violation of the 1974 Algerian-French Consular Convention.

The individual is nicknamed "Doualemn," a 59-year-old influencer who was detained in Montpellier, France, after posting a controversial video on social media, allegedly calling for violence.

He was flown to Algeria on Thursday afternoon and returned to France later that evening, with Algeria reportedly "banning him from entry," according to France's Ministry of the Interior.

Algeria claimed that Doualemn's rights were overlooked during the "rushed expulsion," which prevented him from asserting those rights in French or European courts.

On Friday, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said that "Algeria seeks to humiliate France." He added, "By keeping our composure, we must now assess all the means at our disposal regarding Algeria." 
SANAA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said in a statement Saturday night that it had launched a new missile and drone attack against the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the northern Red Sea in the past 24 hours, claiming the attack lasted nine hours.

"This is the fifth time we targeted the aircraft carrier since its arrival in the Red Sea," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in the statement aired by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

"The operation achieved its goals successfully and forced the aircraft carrier to leave the theater of operations and flee to the far north of the Red Sea," he said.

The attack aimed to support the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and respond to the latest U.S.-British-Israeli airstrikes on Houthi sites in northern Yemen on Friday, Sarea said, vowing to launch more attacks against Israel until "aggression against Gaza stops and the siege is lifted."

On Friday afternoon, Israel said it launched a joint air assault with the U.S.-led naval coalition, targeting a power station and two ports in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa, Amran province, and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.

Al-Masirah reported one death and nine injuries in Friday's attack.

The Houthis have been controlling much of northern Yemen since late 2014, when they forced the internationally recognized Yemeni government out of the capital, Sanaa.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have been carrying out rocket and drone attacks on Israel and disrupting "Israeli-linked" shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians amid their ongoing conflict with Israelis.

In response, Israel has launched rounds of airstrikes on Houthi targets. In addition, the U.S.-led naval coalition stationed in the area has been conducting regular air raids and strikes on Houthi sites since January 2024 in a joint bid to deter the armed group, prompting the Houthis to expand attacks to include U.S. warships. 
Californians on Friday demanded to know who is at fault for the vast devastation caused by the raging Los Angeles wildfires, as a strict curfew went into force to prevent looting and lawlessness.

At least 11 people died as flames ripped through neighbourhoods and razed thousands of homes in a disaster that US President Joe Biden likened to a "war scene."

ADVERTISEMENT

While Angelenos grapple with the heart-rending ruin, anger has risen over officials' preparedness and response, particularly for a series of false evacuation alarms and after hydrants ran dry as firefighters battled the initial blazes.

Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a "full independent review" of the city's utilities on Friday, describing the lack of water supplies during the initial fires as "deeply troubling." "We need answers to how that happened," he wrote in an open letter.

ADVERTISEMENT

Residents like Nicole Perri, whose home in the upscale Pacific Palisades burnt down, told AFP that officials "completely let us down." "I don't think the officials were prepared at all," said James Brown, a 65-year-old retired lawyer across the city in Altadena. A flare-up late Friday prompted new mandatory evacuations from ritzy neighbourhoods along the fire's eastern flank, which include the famous Getty Center.

Built at a cost of $1 billion and constructed partly of fire-resistant travertine stone, the acclaimed museum boasts 125,000 artworks. Meanwhile, as fears of looting grew, a sunset-to-sunrise curfew took effect in evacuated areas. Around two dozen arrests have already been made across Los Angeles, where some residents have organised street patrols and kept armed watch over their own houses.

"If we see you in these areas, you will be subject to arrest," Los Angeles Police Department chief Jim McDonnell said. Violators face up to six months in prison or 1,000 dollars in fines, he said. The National Guard has been deployed to bolster law enforcement.

Five separate fires have so far burned more than 37,000 acres (15,000 hectares), destroying around 10,000 buildings, California's fire agency reported. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed an additional fatality on Friday, bringing the overall death toll so far to 11.
The U.S. Secretary of State has taken a break from demanding more weapons shipments to fuel the genocide in Palestine, to announce that he has "recognized" a genocide in Sudan.

Blinken says he has based his determination on the horrific killing of civilians in Sudan, without citing any evidence of intent to commit genocide. It is the voluminous evidence of that intent that distinguishes the genocide in Gaza from most wars, virtually every one of which in recent decades has amounted to a mass slaughter of mostly civilians -- and most of which have been more one-sided than the war in Sudan.

It is perhaps to Blinken's credit that he claims to oppose both sides of the war in Sudan, if only because it acknowledges the possibility of opposing both sides of a war. But Blinken has, in fact, been arming in particular one side, the very side he now accuses of genocide, and doing so largely by sending weapons to the UAE.

Blinken should read this fact sheet and report.

There has been a push in the U.S. Senate to cease arming the UAE and through it the war in Sudan. Or there was, anyway, until the Biden administration said it believed the UAE's claims that it would stop arming the war. This is, of course, the same administration that believes a genocide in Gaza is a slightly troubled humanitarian effort, when the government of Israel tells it so.

It's hard not to suspect that the worldwide denunciation of the U.S.-fueled genocide in Gaza is part of the reason for Blinken's claim to have spotted a genocide elsewhere. A right-wing talking point in U.S. media for months has been the claim that the world is full of genocides and that objecting to one in Palestine amounts to anti-Semitism.

But Blinken has now backed himself into a corner. If he is going to oppose both sides of every war that slaughters civilians, he's going to have to join us war abolitionists. And we will welcome him with open arms, as soon as he makes amends for his crimes and frees himself from all the conflicts of interest that surround revolving-door masters of war.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Last summer, I attended a barbecue with my husbands co-workers and their families. I was introduced to a co-workers wife, who was wearing a T-shirt commemorating her close relatives untimely death a year prior. My husband had told me what happened at the time, and how devastating it was to her and the rest of the family.

I am always careful to express condolences, but this time I was at a loss and ended up saying nothing. There were a number of reasons for this: I had never met the woman before, for one (I barely even know her husband), and the event was a casual and happy one, during which she and I only spoke briefly. And while I dont feel that my husband crossed any lines in telling me what shed gone through, I think it would have been odd for a stranger to comment on her personal tragedy out of the blue.

But she was wearing a shirt with his name and his birth and death dates on it! Did I do the right thing? Or should I have briefly mentioned her relative and how sorry I was for her loss?

She and her husband are such lovely people; I hope I didnt drop the ball.

GENTLE READER: T-shirt messages do not always convey immediate, mandatory instructions. Miss Manners has noticed that declarations such as Kiss me, Im Irish (or Italian or whatever) have largely disappeared, perhaps because the wearers found they did not actually want strangers to comply.

A year after the tragedy, this woman might have just grabbed the shirt because it was handy. Commenting on it, or not, was up to your discretion.

However, Miss Manners will take this opportunity to once again remind her readers why condolence letters are so important. Having formally expressed sympathies at the time the tragedy occurred, one can avoid the awkwardness of bringing it up later in a more cheerful setting. But as you are careful about expressing condolences, Miss Manners assumes that your husband already sent such a letter.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


Anna Bannanas coffeehouse established itself as a funky fixture of Northwest Portlands Nob Hill the first time the 90s were cool.

On Jan. 1, it shuttered after more than 30 years in business, first as a coffee cart in 1993 and then as a brick-and-mortar cafe in 1994.

Unfortunately, we had to make a really sad and tough call, said Rand Klemp, who took over the coffeehouse on Northwest 21st Avenue in 2015 after the original owner, Bryant Anderson, sold it in 2014. Were working through it. Its like a grief.

The cafe, with its grungy basement, served as a hangout for generations of Alphabet District denizens and visitors, including a young Ari Shapiro, the NPR host who went to Beaverton High School, filmmaker Gus Van Sant, who filmed a scene for 2007s Paranoid Park at the shop, and members of the The Dandy Warhols rock band. It was exactly as the owners then wanted it.

You can go in there and find movie writers, authors, people who just scrounged enough to get a cup of coffee, students who are cutting class, Bryant Andersons wife, Sarah Anderson, told The Oregonian/OregonLive in 2011.

The Portland Business Journal first reported the closure. Klemp, a 69-year-old former banking executive, said increasing costs and needed building repairs forced his hand. We werent willing to cut quality, he said.

Anna Bannanas had two other outposts  in St. Johns and the Alberta Arts District  that have both since closed or been renamed. Its sad for the neighborhood, said Bryant Anderson, who said he tried to maintain a living room atmosphere at Anna Bannanas when he ran it. I still think about a lot of the people.

The Andersons now run a coffeeshop on Key Peninsula, Washington, called Madrona Cafe.

 Beth Slovic is an editor on the public safety and breaking news team. Reach her at 503-221-8551 or bslovic@oregonian.com.

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com/subscribe.
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners unexpected vote Monday to terminate the lease of the areas central library has ruffled more than a few pages.

Library lovers hit the streets for a rally Thursday. Two commissioners now say they have zero plans to evict the Grants Pass branch from its home in a county-owned building in February, but merely want to renegotiate the $1-a-year lease.

But for public library leaders  still leery from a two-year closure of the library system back in 2007  distrust is thicker than air in the dusty stacks.

When you leap to termination and youre giving someone 30-days notice, I call that an eviction, said Library Director Kate Lasky. What else were we supposed to think?

Grants Pass, a town of 40,000 wedged between Interstate 5 and the Rogue River in southern Oregon, has faced library funding battles for decades.

But things came to a head Monday during a commission meeting featuring two newly-minted officials  County Chair Ron Smith and Commissioner Chris Barnett  who had been sworn in some four hours earlier, following their November election wins.

The third commissioner, John West, brought up the agenda item. He was recalled by voters during a December special election; by Mondays meeting, he had two days left in office.

City workers told the three-person commission of the 15,000-foot library buildings leaky roof and aging ventilation system, estimating the total repair bill at $120,000. The countys property manager said comparable downtown rents run about $1 a foot, not the lone buck the library has paid for the past seven years.

This has become a burden on the taxpayer, said West, describing how the library could be repurposed for other county departments.

But, he added, it doesnt mean theyre kicked out of the building.

Following Wests motion, the three commissioners voted unanimously to terminate the lease. Then came the backlash.

On Thursday, dozens of bibliophiles gathered outside the county courthouse, bearing books and placards reading literacy matters and respect for our library is long overdue.

Smith and Barnett say the vote is only part of a rent dispute that got blown out of proportion.

We just want to renegotiate the lease. Very simple, Smith, an electric sign businessman, told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Barnett, a real estate agent, went further: He said there were no plans to deliver the 30-day written notice required to terminate the lease. (Smith and Barnett are forming a two-person commission until next week, when theyll appoint a third member to replace West.)

The next step will be for lawyers for the county and library to meet, Barnett said.

Theyre trying to set a date to talk, and thats it, he said. Theres no padlock (on the door). There is no get out. There is no letter to say you have to be out of the building. Its nonexistent.

Neither he nor Lasky, the library director, knew when a meeting might occur. And Lasky declined to say if shed consider paying more for the space at 200 N.W. C St.

The Grants Pass branch of the Josephine Community Library District is shown here.Submitted

Josephine County has both a long and short history of disputing library funding. Just over a year ago, the commission let a conservative activist opt out of the librarys special tax district  prompting a lawsuit. The library prevailed on procedural grounds, though a new challenge is expected.

And library leaders with good memories still recall how tax reforms passed statewide in the late 1990s let Josephine County officials convert a special library levy charging $0.33 per $1,000 of assessed property value into a permanent tax hike going into county coffers.

But 33 cents doesnt go as far as it used to, and by 2007 the county was facing funding shortfalls due to declining timber revenue. The library shut its doors for the next two years.

Trauma is too hard a word to use, but we definitely still feel very bruised from that whole experience, said Jennifer Roberts, president of Grants Pass Friends of the Library.

It took volunteers, donor dollars and matching county funds to reopen the library systems four locations. In 2017, voters seeking to create a dedicated funding stream approved the Josephine Community Library District, which covers Grants Pass, Cave Junction and smaller communities.

The district has renovated several smaller libraries, and has big plans for a new central library on land purchased on Sixth Street, the main drag in Grants Pass.

In the meantime, the central branch offers plenty beside books  including childrens programming, canine reading buddies, a community room booked out well in advance, and free wifi thats so popular residents are known to log-on from their cars in the parking lot after hours.

Library supporters say the service has value beyond the financial realm.

I believe in the library, and I believe in a public entity that raises the consciousness of the entire community by being open, available and not partisan, said Bucky Dennerlein, a library volunteer who attended the Thursday rally. Weve got enough of that going on.

Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane.

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe.
Participants attend the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda on Jan. 11, 2025. African nations on Saturday adopted a new strategy to advance agricultural development and food systems, a key source of livelihood for the continent's population.

The 10-year strategy and action plan to implement the CAADP, along with a consensus document titled the Kampala Declaration, were announced on Saturday at the conclusion of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on CAADP in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

KAMPALA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- African nations on Saturday adopted a new strategy to advance agricultural development and food systems, a key source of livelihood for the continent's population.

The 10-year strategy and action plan to implement the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP), along with a consensus document titled the Kampala Declaration, were announced on Saturday at the conclusion of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on CAADP in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

Under the new framework, African countries committed to intensify sustainable food production by increasing agri-food output by 45 percent by 2035 and reducing post-harvest losses by 50 percent.

They also agreed to boost investment and financing in the agricultural sector, aiming to raise 100 billion U.S. dollars in public and private investments by 2035.

To achieve these goals, African countries urge collective commitment from governments, parliaments, food producers, the private sector and civil society to translate decisions into tangible results.

"Together, we can transform Africa's agri-food system into a sustainable and inclusive future," the Declaration said.

CAADP was established in 2003 to end hunger and fight poverty. At its inception, African countries pledged to allocate 10 percent of their national budgets to agriculture, with a focus on increasing investment in the sector.

Speaking earlier at the summit on Saturday, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni urged African nations to embrace commercial agriculture and value addition as a pathway to economic prosperity.

"Fully commercialize agriculture to achieve food security and homestead income by undertaking agricultural enterprises. For families with four acres or less, adopt an intensive agriculture strategy. For families with larger landholdings, use an extensive agriculture approach," Museveni said.

The three-day summit brought together over 2,000 delegates, including agricultural experts, ministers and heads of state from more than 40 AU members, to discuss the continent's challenges and future in the agricultural sector. 

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni speaks during the conclusion of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda on Jan. 11, 2025. African nations on Saturday adopted a new strategy to advance agricultural development and food systems, a key source of livelihood for the continent's population.

The 10-year strategy and action plan to implement the CAADP, along with a consensus document titled the Kampala Declaration, were announced on Saturday at the conclusion of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on CAADP in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

Participants attend the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda on Jan. 11, 2025. African nations on Saturday adopted a new strategy to advance agricultural development and food systems, a key source of livelihood for the continent's population.

The 10-year strategy and action plan to implement the CAADP, along with a consensus document titled the Kampala Declaration, were announced on Saturday at the conclusion of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on CAADP in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, about 11 people were lined up along the wall of the Salvation Armys newly reopened overnight womens shelter in Old Town. It was 43 degrees and dark.

Most of the women were huddled in big coats against the chill, hands in pockets, noses in collars. One lay on the cement sidewalk, her head propped on her backpack, her eyes closed. Another walked back and forth, presumably to keep warm, a blanket slung over her shoulders.
OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman has been accused of sexually abusing and raping his younger sister for years when they were still minors.

In a lawsuit filed in the US Eastern District Court of Missouri, Ann Altman said the abuse occurred from 1997 to 2006 at their family home outside St. Louis. The lawsuit claimed that Ann was three years old at the time the abuse began while Sam was 12.

The alleged abuse consisted of rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, molestation, sodomy, and battery, CNN reported. The incidents alleged led Ann to develop PTSD, severe emotional distress, and depression, per The New York Times.

Ann has previously made abuse allegations in a post on her X account in 2023.

What Has Sam Altman Said About the Allegations?

Following the filing of the lawsuit, Sam released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) where he adamantly denied the accusations, calling them "utterly untrue." The statement, which was also signed by his mother and younger brothers, also claimed Ann had been struggling with "mental health challenges" and has refused to undergo "conventional treatment."

Furthermore, Sam claimed Ann---who he called "Annie" in the statement---has continued to demand money from the family despite receiving monthly financial support.

My sister has filed a lawsuit against me. Here is a statement from my mom, brothers, and me: pic.twitter.com/Nve0yokTSX  Sam Altman (@sama) January 7, 2025

Ann is seeking $75,000 in damages and is requesting a jury trial. Ann's lawyer also said they are seeking punitive damages based on Sam's net worth.

Who Is Sam Altman?

Sam, 39, is one of the most prominent leaders and figures in the technology sector. He co-founded OpenAI, which developed the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT. His company had a valuation of $157 billion as of October 2024.

Sam was briefly fired from the position in November 2023 after board members accused him of "being not consistently candid in his communications." They added that the board was no longer confident that Sam could lead the company and that it needed a new leader moving forward.

His departure from the company led nearly all of OpenAI's 750 to threaten to resign unless he was brought back, and the board quit afterward. Sam was reinstated days later.
A 90-year-old man and his 66-year-old son were arrested after a renovation of their former home in California led to the discovery of old Polaroid photos depicting child abuse and sexual exploitation.

Theodore Smith, 90, and James Smith, 66, were promptly arrested and charged with committing forcible lewd acts upon a child. Theodore, who had 11 counts, was sentenced to 100 years in prison, while his son was sentenced to 23 years to life.

Both Theodore and James pleaded no contest to the charges, the Sacramento County District Attorney's office said in a statement on Tuesday.

Discovering the Polaroids

The pair lived in a home in Orangeville, California, for over 40 years. They moved out in 2020 to relocate to Texas.

In 2021, the new homeowner was renovating an outbuilding when video tapes and hundreds of Polaroid images featuring children believed to be under the age of 14 poured out of the building's walls. The images, which authorities said were taken from 1985 to 1995, showed the children being sexually abused by adults.

What Happened to the Victims?

Authorities were able to identify the children in the images. The victims, who were now adults, only told their spouses about the abuse. It was noted that the abuse began when the victims were under the age of five and continued for the majority of the first 10 years of their life.

The investigators never publicly disclosed how many children were featured in the images. It was also not immediately clear how Theodore and James knew their victims.

The Attorney General's office added that some materials showed proof of molestation. However, the statute of limitations prohibited charges related to any abuse that occurred before 1988. All charges filed against the pair were for molestation and abuse that happened after 1988.

Authorities noted that apart from the child abuse incidents discovered during the renovation, James had also been involved in the molestation of another individual after 2010. They did not release additional information about his victim in that case.

Theodore was arrested in their home in Texas. James was arrested while he was en route back to California with child sexual abuse materials in his possession.
The Los Angeles wildfires of January 2025 have left a heartbreaking trail of destruction across Southern California. Tens of thousands of acres have been scorched, over 10,000 buildings lost, and at least 10 lives sadly cut short. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, forcing more than 180,000 people to leave their homes and brace for the worst.

The financial impactestimated at a staggering $135 to $150 billionadds another layer of strain to this already overwhelming crisis.

But in the face of such tragedy, communities are banding together to help. There's a role for all of usincluding our childrento play in this recovery. Here's how your family can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by these devastating wildfires.

For Financial Donations

Financial contributions are often the fastest and most effective way to help. Even small donations can add up and make a big impact. Here is a list of trusted organizations accepting donations for the victims of the LA wildfires:

American Red Cross : Provides shelter, food, and health services for evacuees. Donate online, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text "REDCROSS" to 90999 for a $10 donation.

Provides shelter, food, and health services for evacuees. Donate online, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text "REDCROSS" to 90999 for a $10 donation. California Fire Foundation: This organization delivers direct assistance to fire victims through its Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund. Your donation helps cover everything from temporary housing costs to replacing basic necessities for families who lost their homes.

This organization delivers direct assistance to fire victims through its Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund. Your donation helps cover everything from temporary housing costs to replacing basic necessities for families who lost their homes. GoFundMe : A centralized hub features verified fundraising campaigns for individuals and nonprofits affected by the fires.

A centralized hub features verified fundraising campaigns for individuals and nonprofits affected by the fires. California Community Wildfire Recovery Fund: This fund focuses on long-term recovery efforts, especially in underserved communities. Your contribution goes toward rebuilding homes and infrastructure, as well as supporting educational and community programs that help families get back on their feet.

For Essential Supplies

Many families forced to evacuate had to leave almost everything behind. By donating essential items, you can directly help them replace what they lostand your children can help by sorting and packing these donations,.

YMCA Locations: Local branches, including the Anderson Munger Family YMCA in Los Angeles, are accepting unopened food, clothing, blankets, and emergency supplies. You can simply drop off your donations during business hours.

Local branches, including the Anderson Munger Family YMCA in Los Angeles, are accepting unopened food, clothing, blankets, and emergency supplies. You can simply drop off your donations during business hours. Baby2Baby : Focuses on collecting diapers, formula, hygiene products, and other necessities specifically for children and families. If you have kids, invite them to help pick out items like diapers or baby wipes to donate.

Focuses on collecting diapers, formula, hygiene products, and other necessities specifically for children and families. If you have kids, invite them to help pick out items like diapers or baby wipes to donate. Set Active: This athleisure brand is accepting clothing donations via direct messages on Instagram.

This athleisure brand is accepting clothing donations via direct messages on Instagram. Lagartijas Climbing Cru : This local BIPOC climbing club is helping connect fire victims to people who want to lend or donate gear, including sleeping bags, sleeping pads, clothes, fuel, and dehydrated meals.

For Food Assistance

Food donations are critical for evacuees. Here's where you can send food donations.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank : Accepts food donations and volunteers to distribute meals. They also accept monetary donations.

Accepts food donations and volunteers to distribute meals. They also accept monetary donations. World Central Kitchen: Provides meals to first responders and displaced residents. Donations help fund their efforts.

Read Also: 5 Things Parents Should Do When Talking to Their Children About Natural Disasters

For Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is a powerful way to show compassionand can be a meaningful, hands-on lesson in empathy for kids. If your children are old enough, here are some ways they could help:

American Red Cross: Offers various volunteer roles but requires training beforehand. From organizing shelter supplies to serving meals, there are plenty of ways for the whole family to get involved.

Offers various volunteer roles but requires training beforehand. From organizing shelter supplies to serving meals, there are plenty of ways for the whole family to get involved. Mutual Aid LA Network: This grassroots organization coordinates volunteer efforts at shelters, resource distribution sites, and more. They often need extra hands to sort donations and assist with community outreach.

This grassroots organization coordinates volunteer efforts at shelters, resource distribution sites, and more. They often need extra hands to sort donations and assist with community outreach. Project Camp: Runs pop-up day camps for children displaced by the fires. They're seeking volunteers to help with activities, provide emotional support, and ensure that kids have a safe place to just be kids again.

Support for Firefighters

Firefighters are on the front lines, risking their lives to protect our communities. Showing their support not only lifts their spirits but also helps them do their job more effectively.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Accepts financial donations to provide firefighters with much-needed gear, such as hydration packs and emergency shelters.

For Helping Animals

Pets and wildlife are often left vulnerable when wildfires break out. Here's how to help them.

Pasadena Humane Society: Takes in and cares for pets with burns or other injuries. Donations help cover medical treatments, food, and bedding for animals in need.

Takes in and cares for pets with burns or other injuries. Donations help cover medical treatments, food, and bedding for animals in need. Best Friends Animal Society: Offers free pet food, bedding, and supplies at two pet pantry locations in Los Angeles. You can donate directly to support their efforts or even volunteer if you have extra time.

Offers free pet food, bedding, and supplies at two pet pantry locations in Los Angeles. You can donate directly to support their efforts or even volunteer if you have extra time. Canine Rescue Club : The network is looking for volunteers who can offer temporary foster care for dogs displaced by the fires.

For Housing Assistance

One of the biggest challenges for displaced families is finding a safe place to stay. If you have extra space or want to help fund temporary housing solutions, this is a significant way to make an immediate difference.
Johann Hulsemann (1602-1661) was a German Lutheran theologian and one of the most eminent Lutheran scholastics. In 1646 he became professor of theology at Leipzig, and served as pastor of St. Nicholas Church in town. He was excellent in the field of systematic theology, and during his lifetime many regarded him as the leader of German Lutheranism. I will be critiquing many parts of his book, Extensio brevarii theologiae [Extension of the Brevarium of Theology, 555 pages, Leipzig, 1655], which is available online in Latin. For translation I use Google Translate, with a few of my own edits for clearer English. My two replies will be filed under Hulsemanns name on my Lutheranism web page. His words will be in blue. I use RSV for Bible citations.

*****

Traditions that are not written, either deliver a different and new object, not expressed in the Bible, or interpret and explain a dogma already delivered in the Bible. Insofar as they differ from the text which they explain, they are not an object of false faith, nor do they generate faith, divine, nor are they derived from divine faith, nor are they allowed to embrace them with the same affection of piety, which is necessary to embrace the dogmas revealed by God in the Bible.

This is too negative towards tradition, according to the Bible itself, which has many passages suggesting that tradition can and does pass down apostolic doctrine and truth alongside  and in harmony with  the written Bible. Here are eleven examples:

1 Corinthians 2:1, 4, 13 When I came to you, brethren, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words or wisdom. . . . [4] and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, . . . [13] And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, . . . 1 Corinthians 11:2 I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you. Philippians 4:9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 . . . stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth, or by letter. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is living in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 2 Timothy 1:13-14 Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me . . . [14] guard the truth which has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. 2 Timothy 2:2 And what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we must pay the closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 1 Peter 1:25 but the word of the Lord abides for ever. That word is the good news which was preached to you. 1 John 2:24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father.

***

Please Hit Subscribe! If you have received benefit from this or any of my other 5,000+ articles, please follow my blog by signing up (with your email address) on the sidebar to the right (you may have to scroll down a bit), above where there is an icon bar, Sign Me Up!: to receive notice when I post a new blog article. This is the equivalent of subscribing to a YouTube channel. My blog was rated #1 for Christian sites by leading AI tool, ChatGPT: endorsed by influential Protestant blogger Adrian Warnock. Actually, I partner with Kenny Burchard on the YouTube channel, Catholic Bible Highlights. Please subscribe there, too! Please also consider following me on Twitter / X and purchasing one or more of my 55 books. All of this helps me get more exposure, and (however little!) more income for my full-time apologetics work. Thanks so much and happy reading! ***

Hulsemann assumes, with no biblical warrant whatsoever, the notion of inscripturation, in which every true extrabiblical tradition must needs be and is in fact eventually incorporated into the Bible. Failing that, it would be invalid and illegitimate. The only problem is that the Bible nowhere teaches this principle. Its a Protestant tradition of men (hence fallible and not certain). In most cases, legitimate apostolic extrabiblical traditions further explain or develop ideas and doctrines that are implicit in Scripture or otherwise in harmony with it (or not contradictory to anything in the Bible).

As an example, take infant baptism (where Lutherans agree with us). St. Augustine said that this couldnt be found in the Bible, but was nevertheless true, because the Church fathers widely taught it, so that it was to be regarded as apostolic tradition. I maintain, on the other hand, that it is implicit in the Bible, in passages that describe the baptism of entire households, and in the analogy to circumcision, that St. Paul drew in Colossians. Either, surely nothing in the Bible totally prohibits the practice. So we can say that its in harmony with Holy Scripture.

Hulsemann cites Deuteronomy 12:32, which reads, Everything that I command you you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to it or take from it. I agree that this has primary reference to the Mosaic Law, in context. But I think it also can be interpreted as a broader statement: whatever God commands, period, whether in the written law or through a prophet or in a vision, etc., we must obey. Even if Im wrong, and it refers only to the Law, elsewhere, Gods commands extend further than the written law in the Bible:

1 Samuel 16:1, 4 The LORD said to Samuel, How long will you grieve over Saul, seeing I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons. . . . [4] Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. 2 Samuel 5:23-25 And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come upon them opposite the balsam trees. [24] And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then bestir yourself; for then the LORD has gone out before you to smite the army of the Philistines. [25] And David did as the LORD commanded him, and smote the Philistines from Geba to Gezer. (cf. 5:19) Jeremiah 1:7 But the LORD said to me [Jeremiah], Do not say, I am only a youth; for to all to whom I send you you shall go, and whatever I command you you shall speak. Jeremiah 26:8 . . . Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people . . . Ezekiel 37:1, 4, 7 The hand of the LORD was upon me [Ezekiel], and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; it was full of bones. . . . [4] Again he said to me, Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. . . . [7] So I prophesied as I was commanded; Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you . . . 1 Corinthians 14:37 If any one thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that what I am writing to you is a command of the Lord.

Nor is there any need for another new revelation, or miracle, to confirm that this spirit of the revealed word is true, and consistent with the mind of the Revealer. For the intrinsic power of the word, because it is divine, makes faith in the hearer or to the reader not foolishly probable, but also infallible.

It doesnt follow that there is no other infallible source of truth (not identical to revelation) besides the Bible, because the Bible is infallible. I just provided several examples of extrabiblical infallible commands directly from God. All such examples prove that sola Scriptura is false.

They did not understand what was said in the parable of the sower, but Jesus opened it to them, so that they might understand the scriptures.

Jesus told the parable of the sower (Mt 13:3-9), then He explained it to His disciples (13:18-23), who had asked him what this parable meant (Lk 8:9), which proves that they didnt understand it on their own. Then Jesus told the parable of the weeds (Mt 13:24-30), and afterwards his disciples came to him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field' (13:36) and He did so (13:37-43).

The parallel account in Mark states, when he was alone, those who were about him with the twelve asked him concerning the parables (Mk 4:10) and privately to his own disciples he explained everything (4:34). This expressly contradicts the notion of the perspicuity (clearness) of the Bible without authoritative interpretation. So Hulsemann makes our argument for us here.

No one can evangelize except and beyond what has already been evangelized, Apoc. XXII, 18; Nothing can be added to what is written. Against the pontifical enthusiasts.

That text says, I warn every one who hears the words of the prophecy of this book [i.e., Revelation alone, not the whole NT]: if any one adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. It doesnt address the completely separate issue that Hulsemann pulls out of a hat. This is what is called eisegesis: improperly extracting out of a biblical text what in fact is not there. No one can add words to the book of Revelation. Its complete. It doesnt follow from that, that no one can evangelize in ways that expand upon what is in Revelation, or even in the New Testament as a whole.

I stated in my most recent video, on sola Scriptura, that the use of YouTube in order to spread Catholic teachings  just like radio and TV before it  is not specifically in the Bible, but its perfectly consistent with it, and is an application of St. Pauls evangelistic principle, I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (1 Cor 9:22).

Whatever the prophets speak, and write, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit speak & write. Against the Pontiffs.

Just because popes are not inspired (papal encyclicals are not Scripture, in other words), it doesnt follow that they dont possess the far lesser gift of infallibility (and thats what sola Scriptura denies). So this proves nothing with regard to Protestant-Catholic disputes, since we never claimed that popes were inspired in the first place. They are equipped by the Holy Spirit to at times infallibly interpret the inspired revelation of Scripture, in a way that the layperson cannot do.

From the institution of God, and the condition of the Church after Christs birth, it was necessary that the Word of God should be set in writing, And whatever the prophets and apostles left written, was done by the help of God, Jer.XXXVI.2: The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying: Take the roll of the book, and write. Hab.II.2. And the Lord said to me, Write and set it upon a table, that all that pass by may read!

None of this proves that the entirety of the Word of God  which term in the Bible refers to oral prophetic or apostolic proclamation far more times than to the Bible  was committed to writing. He again simply assumes without proof in the Bible, the idea of inscripturation. If we want to be truly biblical, we cant simply assume that whatever we wish to be in the Bible (due to our prior man-made tradition) is present there, when in fact it is not. That makes a mockery of Gods revelation, to treat it in such cavalier fashion.

We know that the prophet Jeremiah survived the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC and that He was again told by God after that sad event (as in Jer 36: 2, cited by Hulsemann) to Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you (Jer 30:2). But of course that only applies to Jeremiah. It doesnt follow that all the prophets or other writers of the Bible like Moses and David and Solomon wrote down absolutely everything that God told them, so that no oral traditions remained apart from Scripture, in harmony with it.

The prophet Habbakkuk was told by God to Write the vision (2:2), but this refers to one oracle of God which Habakkuk the prophet saw (1:1). That tells us nothing about other possible visions that he saw, or revelations that he heard. We simply dont know if he wrote them all down. His book is only three chapters long. Its quite reasonable and plausible to presume that he proclaimed many more things than that, and that his lifes work as a prophet did not consist in writing three chapters of the Bible, which could have been done in one day. So this is  as always  a very weak proof of supposedly no oral tradition and inscripturation and sola Scriptura. The inspired Bible, after all, stated even about Jesus: about Whom we know a lot:

John 20:30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; John 21:25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

What is true about Jesus is almost certainly also true of the prophets and other writers of Scripture. Therefore, oral tradition is not at all disproven by what we know in Holy Scripture, and these two passages by themselves disprove inscripturation.

*

Photo credit: Johann Hulsemann: portrait by Jean-Jacques Boissard [public domain / Wikimedia Commons]

Summary: I critique arguments for sola Scriptura from the German Lutheran scholastic theologian, Johann Hulsemann (1602-1661), found in his 1655 book, Extensio brevarii theologiae.
ABU DHABI/BEIRUT, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced plans on Saturday to reopen its embassy in Lebanon following a phone call between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Aoun.

During the conversation, Sheikh Mohamed extended his congratulations to Aoun on his recent election as president of Lebanon, expressing hope for his success in steering Lebanon toward development and stability.

"Now that the presidential elections are over, work at the UAE embassy in Beirut will begin as soon as possible," Sheikh Mohamed said.

He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to supporting Lebanon, calling for strengthening bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Aoun thanked Sheikh Mohamed for his support and highlighted the UAE's significant role in assisting Lebanon at various levels.

He reiterated his commitment to fostering strong ties between the two countries and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The UAE closed its embassy in Beirut in October 2021. 
More than 100 people will be laid off at a retail store in Philadelphia that is closing.

Macys filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry informing the state that 128 people will be laid off at 1300 Market St. in Philadelphia.

The layoffs will take place between March 18 and March 31.

The store is the Center City Philadelphia location in the historic Wanamaker Building. The building provided a home for John Wanamakers flagship department store for decades. Macys opened the 13th and Market store in 2006 and has continued to present the popular Christmas light show in the Grand Court, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Wanamaker Grand Court Organ will be continuing its daily concerts until closing, a posting on the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ website said Thursday.

Macys announced on Thursday that the store was one of 66 locations it is closing. Four of the locations are in the Keystone State.

The other three Macys locations in Pennsylvania that are closing include the following stores:

Logan Valley Mall, 5580 Goods Lane, Logan Township, Blair County, near Altoona

Exton Square Mall, 245 Exton Square Mall, West Whiteland Township, Chester County, near Exton

Wyoming Valley Mall, 59 Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes Barre Township, Luzerne County

Macys says most of the 66 stores are expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.

The closings are part of a plan announced last year to close 150 stores over three years.

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing and covered-business mass layoff.
A Philadelphia hospital system is laying off 171 workers.

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry informing the state it is laying of the employees. Most of the affected employees work remotely across the hospital system although they officially report into offices located within the Philadelphia, Fort Washington, Willow Grove, Norristown, East Norriton and Abington areas, and in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

The Layoffs will take place on March 10.

The hospital system provided the following statement to PennLive on Friday.

Following a thorough review, we are transitioning a limited number of non-patient facing administrative functions to an external partner to enhance efficiency. We are providing resources to support impacted colleagues who do not secure new roles within the organization.

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing and covered-business mass layoff.
By MARGERY A. BECK, The Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  Dunkin dropped the Donuts from its brand name years ago. Now  at least across Nebraska, New Mexico and some other states  it doesnt have doughnuts on the shelves either.

Dunkin stores in Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island in Nebraska all had no doughnuts in their cases Thursday and Friday and put up signs on their doors and drive-thru kiosks informing customers that the pastries were unavailable due to a manufacturing error. Some locations did offer Munchkins, or doughnut holes, on Friday.

Tyler Raikar, of Omaha, stopped by a Dunkin in west Omaha early Friday after an overnight shift as a phlebotomist, seeking coffee and a chocolate cake doughnut.

What? No doughnuts! she exclaimed when told the location had none. Thats tragic!

The trip wasnt a total loss, she said, as she was more interested in the coffee. Still, she was a little disappointed that she couldnt get a doughnut.

Hopefully they have them soon, she said.

Throughout Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the surrounding suburbs, store after store confirmed theres a doughnut drought. Some employees chalked it up to a supply chain issue and others said simply that delivery trucks had been arriving without the cargo that the chain is most famous for. Employees said they hoped stocks would be replenished by next week.

A manager at the west Omaha Dunkin location said Friday that she could not give more information on the cause of the shortage, citing orders from Dunkins corporate headquarters. The manager, who did not give her name, said the shortage was a national problem.

But checks of locations in other regions, including St. Joseph, Missouri, and Boston  where Dunkin has a near cult-like following  found no shortage of the sweet treats.

Dunkin is one of the worlds largest coffee and doughnut brands, with more than 13,200 restaurants. The company, which was founded in Massachusetts in 1950, was purchased for $11.3 billion in 2020 by Atlanta private equity firm Inspire Brands, which also owns Arbys and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Jack DAmato, a spokesperson for Inspire Brands, said there was an issue with doughnuts from a single supplier that impacted stores in Nebraska and some other states, although he did not name the other states. About 4% of Dunkins U.S. stores were impacted, he said. Dunkin has more than 9,500 stores nationwide.

DAmato said the company was still looking into what the issue was and exactly how many stores were affected. But he said the company has already begun restocking some affected stores.

Previously known as Dunkin Donuts, the company announced in 2018 that it was dropping Donuts from its name as part of a rebranding effort to increase focus on its coffee and other drinks, which made up of a majority of its sales.
President Donald Trump casually and unintentionally threatened the security of the world, including the United States, when he talked about NATO countries not meeting the guideline of 2% of GDP for defense.

On Feb. 12,2024 a leader of a NATO country said to Trump Well sir, if we dont pay, and were attacked by Russia - will you protect us? Trump said: You didnt pay? Youre delinquent? No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay.

Although this remark is probably a negotiating ploy by President Trump it might encourage Russia to continue the war in Ukraine, and if it defeats Ukraine, continue and attack NATO countries. We should continue to provide military equipment and supplies to Ukraine.

The United States is a member of NATO, and by a treaty strengthened by Congress, required to come to the aid of any NATO country attacked by Russia. This would precipitate WW III.

We need all of our leaders to understand the geopolitical status of the world. President Trump should stick with his sound policies, which are essentially quite good, and refrain from making provocative statements about international matters.

Donald Moskowitz, Londonderry Nh.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
GAZA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded on Saturday in Israeli airstrikes on various areas of the Gaza Strip.

Eight Palestinians, including two children and two women, were killed, and more than 30 people, including 19 children, were wounded in an Israeli bombing on a school housing displaced people in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal told Xinhua.

In another attack, two Palestinians were killed and several others wounded in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a house in the Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City, according to Basal.

Three others, including a woman and a child, were killed and 10 wounded in a bombing that targeted an apartment in a residential building in the al-Rimal neighborhood, west of Gaza City.

In the east of Gaza City, an airstrike on a gathering of citizens in al-Nafaq Street killed four people, said Basal.

Three were killed by Israeli warplanes bombing a tent in the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Basal added.

Meanwhile, Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a press statement that its air force planes attacked Hamas "terrorists" who operated inside a command and control complex in an area previously used as a school in Jabalia.

Adraee added that Hamas members used the complex to plan and carry out attacks against Israel.

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 Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostages.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 46,537, the Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Saturday. 
En-Route to 2019 WSOP Main Event Glory, Was Hossein Ensan GTO?

GTO Wizard Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

In the latest GTO Wizard Hand Analysis, we dive into a massive pot that occurred during the 2019 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. Hossein Ensan clashed with Timothy Su on Day 7 of the tournament and the result was a 116 million-chip pot!

Ensan won the pot before going on to become poker's world champion. However, just because he raked in a mammoth-sized pile of chips doesn't mean he or Su played the hand like a Wizard. Our good friends at GTO Wizard have broken down the hand, examined equities, and decided if Ensan and Su's play was GTO Wizard-approved.

Preflop

Ensan raised twice the big blind from the cutoff with 1010, and Su decided to bump it up to 8.5 big blinds with AQ. In theory, Su should have a polarized three-betting range here mainly consisting of offsuit broadways, such as Kx10x and AxQx, etc, and suited air like K7, Q8, etc, as bluffs, and TT+, AJs+ for value. Ensan should call with most of his range, and only four-bet with pocket aces and bluffs.

Since both players have the largest stacks at the table, there is less incentive to play big pots against each other, as both players already have secured a good spot, and risking it to win slightly more is not worth the reward. This is why Su should often call a lot of premium hands and why Ensan should only fou-bet with the nuts or nothing.

We explained this concept in more detail in our analysis of the hand between Korzinin and Greenwood.

Both players played their hands perfectly standard preflop, so lets continue with the flop analysis.

GTO Wizard Review

Flop

The dealer fanned the Q107 flop, and Su bet his AQ for roughly one-third of the pot. Ensan just called with his set, which is fairly standard as well.

Su should be betting high frequency (~77%) for a small size with most of his hands since around two-thirds of his range has at least a draw or better.

Ensan, on the other hand, has a decision here; he can either click it back and double his opponents bet at a 10% frequency, mainly with good top pair or better draws. Specifically, with sets, he should raise around one-third of the time.

Turn

The turn was the 7, improving Ensan to a full house. On the turn, Su decided to slow-play with his top-pair top kicker. Interestingly, Ensan also slow-played his full house and checked back. Lets see if theres any merit to slow-playing here.

First things first: The 7 is a relatively neutral card, and although Ensan makes slightly more trips than Su here, its more favorable for Su because of the high density of good value hands in his range, which retain their equity on this card.

Since Su retains his advantage in equity on the turn, he should continue betting relatively often (~57%) with a small size within his range. Unless he holds exactly ace-jack, most of his hands can bet, including any pair (even under-pairs) and draws. Top pair top kicker should bet around two-thirds of the time here, with AQ specifically, mixing both options close to 50/50. Well played!

Ensan, when checked to, should slow-play his full houses often here because Su is still uncapped as he has the nuts still in his range, and, as we saw, the turn doesnt help his range all that much. Pocket tens should check half of the time here and choose a half-pot bet whenever it bets.

GTO Wizard: How to Play Pocket Jacks

River

After both players had checked the turn, Su threw a roughly two-thirds pot bet at Ensan with his top pair when the 6 completed the board. Ensan responded with a raise almost three times the size of Su's bet. Su went into the tank for five minutes before reemerging with a call.

Time ran out for slow playing, so betting AQ always for around two-thirds of the pot is the optimal play here for Su. He can still slow-play hands that want to go for all of the cookies by check-raising. Checking a hand like AQ that can go for value but cant check-raise wouldnt make much sense here, as its the last street before the showdown.

Ensans decision to raise roughly three times instead of all-in for five times is interesting. If the solver is given the option to raise 3x and 5x, the 5x raise is only rarely chosen (see below), which we therefore deem a redundant raise size. He shouldnt lose any EV by using that size, but for his overall range, it seems unnecessary and doesnt add value to the strategy. Bluff candidates for his line would be hands with decent blockers to Sus best hands, like suited queen-eight or ten-nine.

Ensan's raise strategy vs bet on river

Sus ace-queen facing the river raise is indifferent to calling and folding. The solution suggests folding roughly 40% of his bluff-catchers (including AQ) to make Ensans bluffs indifferent to betting or giving up. If Su would slightly overfold, Ensans bluffs would become profitable and vice versa.

Conclusion: Are they Wizards after all?

As we saw, both players did very well on all streets and its clear they understand how to play their value hands by using appropriate sizes. Ensan couldve raised the river larger in order to use a size thats consistent with his value hands, but this is just nitpicking.

Overall we saw a strong performance by both players, navigating the post-flop streets with ease. GTO Wizard definitely approves!

Hand analysis provided by Sotos in collaboration with GTO Wizard

Share this article
Three South Carolina General Assembly members heard about the need for tort reform in the Palmetto State on Jan. 10.

South Carolina Coalition for Lawsuit Reform President and CEO Russ Dubisky spoke about the need to the crowd gathered at Newberry Hall for the Aiken Chamber of Commerce First Friday event.

The coalition serves as a united voice of businesses and others seeking to change the state's tort laws.

Torts are acts or failures to act that harm others according to the Cornell Legal Information Institute. Tort laws govern how the injured parties are compensated in civil courts.

The major issue with the state's tort laws are joint and several liability, Dubisky told a crowd that included S.C. Sen. Tom Young Jr. and S.C. Reps. Bill Taylor and Charlie Hartz.

In theory, South Carolina law states that no tortfeasor  someone who commits a tort  can be held responsible  have their insurance carrier pay  if they're found to be less than 50% at fault, Dubisky continued.

There are several exceptions to the general rule, he added. These include sellers of alcoholic beverages, sellers of illegal drugs and what's known as the verdict form exception, Dubisky said.

In the verdict form exception, if multiple parties could be partially at fault for an injury, the parties without insurance or the ability to pay can settle with the injured person and sign documents leaving the remaining party complete at fault.

The coalition wants these exceptions reformed, Dubisky said.

If not, the state becomes less competitive, he said.
THE HAGUE, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Over 700 climate activists were arrested on Saturday during a demonstration on a motorway near The Hague as they blocked the road and refused to leave, Dutch police reported.

Among those detained, 12 individuals faced charges for criminal offenses such as sedition and assault and were taken to police stations. The remaining protesters were transported out of the city by bus and released later in the day.

The demonstrators were campaigning for an end to fossil fuel subsidies for oil, natural gas, and coal companies, according to Dutch media reports.

Despite a municipal ban on the blockade and measures such as screens and fences, hundreds of activists managed to access the highway. Some chained themselves to the road, resulting in hours of traffic disruption. Police ultimately used water cannons to disperse the crowd and clear the road. 
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 51F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 51F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
President of South Africa's ruling African National Congress Cyril Ramaphosa speaks during the party's 113th anniversary rally at the Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha of Cape Town, South Africa, Jan. 11, 2025. (Photo by Ntsika Ndzende/Xinhua)

CAPE TOWN, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- President of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) Cyril Ramaphosa said on Saturday that the renewal of the ANC remains the number one priority for the year of 2025.

He made the remarks when delivering the ANC's annual "January 8 statement" at the Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha of Cape Town, where thousands of supporters gathered on Saturday to celebrate the party's 113th anniversary.

In the statement, Ramaphosa, who is also president of South Africa, outlined six priority actions and tasks aimed at driving the country's progress in the year ahead. "Renewal of the ANC remains the number one priority, while resolving the water crisis, fixing local government and fixing the economy remain the top priorities in the six tasks for this year," he said.

The ANC, founded on Jan. 8, 1912, has governed South Africa since the country's first democratic elections in 1994, which ended apartheid. In the 2024 general elections, it failed to secure an outright majority, leading to the formation of the Government of National Unity.

"The 2024 elections results confirm that we face an existential crisis: this is a moment wherein the ANC should either renew or perish. We must do much more work, with greater urgency and determination," Ramaphosa told the crowd.

"The cornerstone of our renewal agenda therefore remains building our movement's capacity to discharge its historical mission," he said. "This includes strengthening the presence of the ANC in communities through strong ANC branches as centers of development, that engage and listen to citizens, and work with them to address challenges and grievances."

According to him, the other five priority tasks include: fixing local government and ensuring water and energy security; speeding up inclusive economic growth to create jobs; strengthening the fight against crime and corruption and building safe communities; building a South Africa that belongs to all through national dialogue; and build a better Africa and a better world.

"The ANC will renew and rebuild itself to unite all South Africans and to provide clear, decisive and ethical leadership in the achievement of these objectives," Ramaphosa said. 

President of South Africa's ruling African National Congress Cyril Ramaphosa greets supporters at the Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha of Cape Town, South Africa, Jan. 11, 2025. (Photo by Ntsika Ndzende/Xinhua)
General Hydrocarbons has provided more details on its legal dispute with First Bank of Nigeria in connection with some loans obtained by the energy firm from the lender.

We are in court and arbitration to resolve our differences and have obtained a court order securing our operations pending determination, the company said in a Friday statement signed by its chairman, Nduka Obaigbena.

We hope for a favourable outcome under our system of justice, the document said.

Mr Obaigbena, Global Hydrocarbons and First Bank have been embroiled in knotty legal conflicts over some credit facilities taken by the company, which the bank claimed has missed a number of repayment deadlines.

On 30 December 2024, First Bank and FBN Quest Limited, the joint plaintiff in the suit, secured an order from the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos blocking the accounts and assets the media mogul, his company and his two daughters who hold directorship roles on the board of General Hydrocarbons in all the commercial banks in Nigeria.

The order, granted by Justice Deinde Dipeolu, holds until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction, according to a court document obtained by PREMIUM TIMES.

First Bank and FBN Quest are seeking a claim of $225.8 million in all, which it said is the indebtedness on General Hydrocarbons account with the lender as of 30 September 2024.

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

General Hydrocarbons issued a statement on Thursday through Abiodun Layonu & Co, its solicitors, where it called First Banks obtaining of the court orders an abuse of court process.

The lawyers drew attention to a previous order granted by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa of the same court on 12 December 2024, prohibiting First Bank from hindering General Hydrocarbons from taking loan facilities or funding required for the exploration and operation of oil and mining lease (OML) 120.

Both parties had previously entered into a loan agreement requiring the lender to finance the running of OML 120 with an understanding that the two would share any profit from the investment on an equal basis.

General Hydrocarbons alleged that First Bank had variously breached some of the terms of the facility including not disbursing the credit on time.

According to a document seen by PREMIUM TIMES, General Hydrocarbons also obtained an injunction from the judge, restraining First bank from hindering the company from making any calls or demands, or taking any steps whatsoever to enforce any security, receivables, instrument, finance documents or assets of the applicant which have been charged as security for the facility agreements in respect of the applicants operation of OML 120.

In the Friday statement, General Hydrocarbons remarked that First Bank has persisted in ignoring and disobeying a persisting court judgement and has chosen to mislead the public.

We call on our valued partners to remain calm as we work through the courts, arbitration or mediation to seek solutions to our differences in strategy, not in form or substance, the statement said.

We willingly rescued First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FBN) from the abyss and are not about to throw away the baby and the bath water.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


When they announced that we had been kidnapped, at first, I was just laughing. I was busy looking for a hidden camera because I thought it was a prank. You know, the usual pranks on social media, Kemi Gbadamosi* recounted her ordeal at the hands of a criminal gang operating the one chance scheme and exploiting the weaknesses in Nigerias instant payment system.

Within one hour, she was beaten, sexually assaulted, and threatened with rape before her family paid a ransom of N2 million via a POS machine.

Ms Gbadamosi had left her house in the Gbagada area of Lagos State at around 5:30 a.m. on 10 October 2023. That morning, her major concern was to avoid the usual heavy traffic along the route to Lagos Island, where the bank she worked with is located. The events that followed left a scar and changed her forever. Her routine was simple: wake up before 5 a.m. and get to the bus stop before 6 a.m. Any deviation from that timetable could mean spending hours in traffic.

On that fateful day, she arrived at the bus stop on time, standing beside another lady.

She did her usual check when a Toyota Sienna vehicle pulled up beside her. The passengers inside were well-dressed and appeared to be in their mid-40s. Reassured, she and the other lady hopped in. She became more relaxed when the driver paid the agbero (park tout) at the bus stop. However, less than five minutes into the trip, one of the passengers announced to her, This is a kidnap.

They were well-dressed and in their 40s. Immediately the car was on the move, they started attacking us. They announced that they were kidnappers.

They asked me how much I had in my account. I told them, and they later asked me to start opening my bank accounts, she said during a phone interview.

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

Drawing from her experience as a bank worker, she attempted to lock herself out of her mobile app by intentionally entering the wrong password. She knew that after three failed attempts, she would be locked out. Unfortunately for her, the kidnappers were familiar with the tactic. On the second attempt, the gang leader warned her, If you try it again, we will rape you.

Because I was scared of being raped, I had no choice but to open all my mobile apps, she stated, pausing periodically as she narrated.

That was not the only time they would threaten rape. They found the threat an effective strategy alongside beating.

When the money in her bank account was insufficient, she was asked to call her family to send more money. In the end, the kidnappers collected N2 million from her and another N2 million from the second victim.

Ms Gbadamosi is just one of the hundreds of people who have been victims of kidnapping for ransom or one chance, where the abductors used mobile money transfers with the authorities unable to trace them.

For this report exploring how criminals are exploiting the vulnerabilities in the countrys instant payment system, PREMIUM TIMES interviewed several other victims whose stories are similar.

All these happen despite the mandatory linking of all bank accounts in Nigeria to the Bank Verification Number (BVN), a unique 11-digit identifier that links a persons financial accounts to their biometric data.

According to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), N2.2 trillion was reportedly paid as ransom to kidnappers within 12 months.

The Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) estimated that the average ransom collected was N2.7 million. This worrisome report paints a grim picture that threatens Nigerias fast-developing instant payment system.

According to Premier Oiwoh, CEO and Managing Director of NIBSS, 10 billion mobile transactions were carried out in Nigeria in 2023.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 SIPS (State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems) report in Accra, Ghana, Mr Oiwoh stated that the country is expected to have about 12 billion transactions in 2024.

Over the past couple of years, the instant payment system has grown exponentially in Nigeria. Experts traced this growth to the inclusion of fintech companies in the payment system. The redesign of the naira in 2022 and the attendant cash scarcity accelerated the adoption of mobile money. Even traders in markets now have POS machines.

However, enforcing regulatory compliance has been a major challenge in the sector, particularly on the part of Payment Service Providers who own the POS devices.

According to the 2024 report, this lack of regulatory compliance hinders the NIP system from achieving full maturity.

As for how inclusivity is likely to evolve at the system level, NIP in Nigeria currently has the highest likelihood of reaching mature inclusivity in the future. It has integrated all use cases, including G2P and cross-border payments, the latter through integration with PAPSS.

The only mature criteria it has not yet fulfilled involve providing additional recourse channels for end users who need to dispute a transaction. In fairness, recourse is a development area for all the other systems and is complex to implement, as it requires additional resources and monitoring, the 2024 SIPS report reads.

Experts say enforcing compliance rules would help address the challenges. Stanley Jacob, an expert in the fintech sector, told PREMIUM TIMES that criminals can be tracked easily if banks or operators are made liable for providing information about their customers.

It is not impossible to track the criminals. It is easier than a lot of us imagine. Banking is like a club. When you have a club, immediately you admit a bad player; the club is exposed to bad behaviour. As far as I am concerned, I think the Central Bank needs to do a lot more to protect the consumers.

That also follows for any settlement, be it electronic or paper. The question is, if I transfer money to a bad player in a bank, then the bank should also be held liable if they are unable to produce the customer.

The moment you admit them into the settlement system, they should also be subjected to the same stringent rules as other banks. They must be able to produce and present their customers. POS is just a device; the money is still being domiciled in a particular bank account, he said during a phone interview.

Another expert, Babatunde Obrimah, said some criminals use gaming and cryptocurrency platforms to make it difficult to track their transactions.

To address the challenge, Mr Obrimah said there is a need for interoperability efforts involving telecom regulators and anti-graft agencies.

The problem is that some money goes through gaming and cryptocurrency platforms. If money is moving from bank to bank, it is easy to track. This is why regulation is important. There has to be interoperability among the regulators. Some even use the money to buy airtime.

There must be collaboration among telecom operators, NCC, the EFCC, NFIO, the Central Bank and the banks. There is a lot of conversation going on. However, collaboration among regulators is not easy, he said.

Recent efforts by the CBN to curb criminal activities within instant payment system

Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has tried to curb the activities of these criminals by issuing strict circulars to regulate the activities of POS operators in the country.

Last September, the CBN issued a new directive requiring all Payment Service Providers (PSPs) to integrate their transactions through a Payment Terminal Service Aggregator (PTSA) to streamline and track electronic transactions in the country.

PSPs are required to submit monthly returns to the CBN, detailing the number of merchants and agents they manage, their POS terminal deployment, and the volume of corresponding transactions.

The report is expected to reach the CBN no later than seven days after the end of each month.

The circular also warned that noncompliance within 30 days of issuance would result in appropriate sanctions.

A source at the central bank, who did not want his name mentioned because he is not permitted to speak to the media, said some of the banks actions are expected to yield results by 2025. He added that POS operators had in the past operated with impunity, but most now comply or risk sanctions.

Last month, the House of Representatives also took measures to address the problem following a motion moved by Idem Uyime.

In the motion, the lawmakers resolved that the CBN should shut down platforms used by the one-chance operators.

Pending when the results are seen, victims like Ms Gbadamosi have resorted to lifestyle changes or even discontinued using mobile banking as precautionary measures.

One thing I learnt from the ordeal is that my account that has money inside, I dont have a mobile app for it and I dont even leave the SMS alert on my phone. I made some adjustments. It wised me up a bit. Even if I decided to have a mobile app, it would not be visible, she said.

*Kemi Gbadamosi is a pseudo-name created for the victim after she asked that her real name not be used.

This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.

Page planned and produced by: Aaron Cole

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has officially announced its annual fasting programme, which will begin on Saturday, 11 January, and conclude on 21 April 2025.

This spiritual exercise is a longstanding tradition within the RCCG community. It aims to deepen spiritual growth and seek divine intervention.

Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG, declared the 100-day fast, highlighting its importance and encouraging members to participate wholeheartedly. He described the fast as a time for both personal and collective transformation.

The cleric also explained that this years fasting can be done in several ways, including fourteen continuous fasting days, which will count as 28 regular fasting days. Twenty-one days of constant fasting will cover 63 regular fasting days, and Thirty days of continuous fasting will account for the full 100 days.

These options offer participants flexibility, allowing them to choose a fasting schedule that aligns with their spiritual goals and physical capabilities.

In preparation for this extensive fasting period, here are a few ways to survive.

1. Set Your Why

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

Why are you fasting? Is it for miracles, breakthroughs, or to strengthen your discipline? Whatever your reason, write it down. This purpose will be your guiding light when hunger strikes, keeping you focused and motivated.

2. Drink Water Like Your Life Depends on It.

Ensure you take enough water during this period.

Staying hydrated is crucial during fasting. Make sure to drink plenty of water to support your bodys needs. Sip and gulp water like a fish, especially if youre sure you wont be eating any food for a long time. Your body will thank you for this care and support.

3. Plan that break-time feast

Dont let hunger dictate your choices. Plan your meals carefully to ensure youre getting the right nutrition. This Will prevent you from overeating or breaking your fast with unhealthy options. Remember, discipline is key during fasting.

Note: Break with liquids before eating any solid food.

4. Pray: Pray at every opportunity you get( for tongue speaking brothers and sisters, mutter tongues at intervals especially if youre at work)

Prayer and worship also help to fend off hunger. Staying focused on God might be a struggle once your tummy starts growling louder than your worship playlist.

5. Find Your Fasting Squad

Misery loves company, right? (Laughs) Find friends who are also fastingits more fun to laugh (and cry) together.

Bonus: Theyll help keep you away from food when your body cries out for help.

So, seek support and engage with fellow participants for encouragement and shared experiences.

6. Run from Temptations

1 Peter 5:8 says

Be sober, be vigilant; your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Run from anything or anyone that can ruin your fast, such as Anger, quarrels, Food, and Sex ( especially if youre not married). If youre married, agree with your partner on how to exercise your conjugal rights during this period.

7. Dont be idle

If youre not at work, do something around the house or participate in church services, Bible studies, or worship sessions.

Dont just sit idle waiting for your break time.

Note: Constantly watching the clock can be discouraging, as time often feels slower when fasting.

8. Document your journey

While focusing on the spiritual benefits, write down your daily progress during the journey to stay motivated when the going gets tough.

For example, Day 1 down? Youre a champion! Day 10? Youre unstoppable! Celebrate every victoryGod sees your sacrifice!

Advice: As you embark on this journey through the 100 days, trust in Gods provision to sustain you during fasting. Because lets face it, this is not a battle of willpowerits Gods grace carrying you. So pray, laugh, and trust Him to get you through it!

Participants are encouraged to approach the fast passionately, seeking personal renewal and a deeper relationship with God.

Note: Individuals with health concerns should consult medical professionals before undertaking extended periods of fasting.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A lion dance is staged during a temple fair welcoming the Chinese New Year in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Jan. 10, 2025. As the Chinese zodiac Year of the Snake is approaching, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh jointly hosted the "Happy Chinese New Year Festival" Temple Fair here on Friday. Thousands of people from all walks of life in Bangladesh gathered together to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival and experience Chinese culture. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

DHAKA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- "I feel very nice to come to this program. I played some games and I am very happy today," Sohan Hossain, a Bangladeshi boy said, chanting "Happy Chinese New Year to all."

The "Happy Chinese New Year Festival" Temple Fair was held by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh.

During the event, Chinese and Bangladeshi participants enjoyed dragon and lion dances, martial arts, instrumental performances, and traditional Chinese dances, in addition to visits to Spring Festival cultural exhibition booths and New Year goods markets.

Writing Spring Festival couplets and making dumplings were among the most attractive activities.

"We really enjoy today's event. Bangladeshi people enjoy that," Sarwar Hossain, Sohan Hossain's father told Xinhua, adding "Chinese culture is creating huge influence in Bangladesh. Lots of people come to this event, reflecting Bangladeshi people know Chinese festivals. It's creating an increasing influence in Bangladesh."

"After coming here, I leant this year is the Year of Snake, and last year is Dragon in China. It's interesting," said Tahsin, who took her daughter to the temple fair. "I can feel fresh festival atmosphere here, so I like that."

Student from Dhaka University Sadia Khan has studied Chinese in China for one year, and experienced Chinese Spring Festival there. "I know that people will set off firecrackers, prepare sumptuous dinner and wear red cloths. To some extent, Chinese festival culture is similar with Bangladesh. So it's easy for us to understand."

"At the same time, I also introduced Chinese festival culture to my friends and relatives because I hope that more and more Bangladeshi people know, learn and understand that," Sadia said.

"We gather here to celebrate the most significant traditional festival of Chinese culture and kick off the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh and the "China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges," Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said.

"I hope that through today's 'Happy Chinese New Year Festival' Temple Fair, we can be as close as a family with all the guests and friends in Bangladesh, hang up lanterns and decorations, share the joy of the Spring Festival, and convey warmth and harmony."

Bangladeshi Cultural Advisor to the interim government Mostofa Sarwar Farooki expressed his love for Chinese Spring Festival culture and wished all Chinese citizens in Bangladesh a happy new year.

He also commended China for its firm support for Bangladesh's development, and hoped that the two countries would deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and open a new chapter in China-Bangladesh relations. 

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen delivers a speech during a temple fair welcoming the Chinese New Year in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Jan. 10, 2025. As the Chinese zodiac Year of the Snake is approaching, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh jointly hosted the "Happy Chinese New Year Festival" Temple Fair here on Friday. Thousands of people from all walks of life in Bangladesh gathered together to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival and experience Chinese culture. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

A child participates in a game during a temple fair welcoming the Chinese New Year in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Jan. 10, 2025. As the Chinese zodiac Year of the Snake is approaching, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh jointly hosted the "Happy Chinese New Year Festival" Temple Fair here on Friday. Thousands of people from all walks of life in Bangladesh gathered together to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival and experience Chinese culture. (Xinhua/Sun Nan)
The National Assembly joint committee on Solid Minerals, on Friday, rejected the budget estimates of the Ministry of Solid Minerals.

The committee said that the estimates presented were greatly inadequate.

The Chairman of the joint committee, Ekong Sampson, stated this after the Minister, Dele Alake, presented the ministrys 2025 budget estimate before the committee.

The call for the rejection of the budget followed a motion moved by Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) and seconded by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi), both senators.

Moving the motion, Mr Plang expressed displeasure that the ministry got just N9 billion out of the N539.7 billion it proposed for capital expenditure in the 2025 budget.

The chairman also expressed great displeasure over the ministrys budget because of the importance of solid minerals sector to the diversification of the Nigerian economy.

This is because of the potential in not addressing the key concerns in this sector at a time that Nigeria is in a grand need to diversify the economy.

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 estimates presented before us are grossly inadequate and will not help our economy at this critical period, when we have to invest in the future, consistent with what obtains in other economies.

Weve taken this position in the interest of this country and as a support item to the vision of government as it were that this budget clearly needs a review.

The need for this review clearly contemplates the peculiarities in the sector.

Time has gone by and you have to take a very bold step in exploration, in data gathering, in tackling major drawbacks that have put us in dire situations as a nation richly endowed but faced, as it were with the contradictions in abundance.

It is the view of the joint committee that the budget of this sector be reviewed upwards.

I think that is the spirit of the meeting, in the meantime, we will suspend further decisions on this budget unless those steps are taken.

The budget for this sector needs radical upward review. So the joint session rejects the estimate before us. We will step everything down, he said.

The co-chairman, Gaza Gbefwi, representing Keffi/Karu/Kokona Federal Constituency, also supported the move for the suspension of the budget defence.

I move that we suspend this budget screening for the Ministry of Solid Minerals for the fact that what is appropriated to them, if it is true, is beyond imagination.

Also, we are here to pass a budget not for the ministry, not for us, but for Nigerians and the progress of this country.

I, therefore, propose that we step down this screening of the budget presented to us and request that we invite the Minister of Planning and Budget to appear before this committee, he said.

Earlier, the minister, Dele Alake, said that the ministry in 2025, proposed N539.7 billion for capital expenditure and N2 billion for overhead cost, making it a total budget of N541.7 billion for the ministry.

In contrite distinction to the avowed objective of the economic diversification of Nigeria away from oil into green energy, into harnessing the solid minerals sector, the envelope that the ministry received was a far cry from our proposal.

We proposed N539.7 billion for capital in 2025, but the envelope that came is a paltry N9 billion, he said.

On the 2024 budget performance of the ministry, Mr Alake said that the overhead cost was 100 per cent performance while the capital was a dismal 18 per cent performance which was based on releases.

When I did a panoramic view of the entire budget from other ministries, it is a kind of a general problem.

The budget releases were not as expected which really hampered the capital budget in 2024.

READ ALSO: Minister urges National Assembly to pass law treating drug addiction as health issue

We rely on your support and effort to correct this anomaly, because if we are going to achieve all our objectives, there is no way we can achieve them, he said.

In terms of revenue generated, Mr Alake said that the ministry generated N37.8 billion in 2024, more than the N11 billion projected.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited Subomi Okoya and Wahab Okoya, the sons of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, for interrogation over alleged abuse of the naira.

In the invite, seen by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday, directed the duo to reprt to the head, special operations team at the 15A Awolowo Road office of the commission by 10am on Monday, 13 January 2025.

The invite was signed by Michael Wetkas, acting director of the Lagos directorate of the EFCC.

In a promotional video for a new song, the Okoya brothers were seen with a police officer holding wads of N1,000 notes. The video elicited outrage on social media.

On 10 January, Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), announced that the officer seen in the video had been arrested and detained.

The police said the officers actions were unethical, adding that he would face disciplinary action.

The policeman captured in the recent viral video shared by the sons of the Lagos businessman, Chief Okoya, where they were abusing the naira, has been identified and detained for disciplinary action, Mr Adejobi wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

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 involvement of the policeman has been condemned, as its unethical. We will always strive hard to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police.

In recent times, the EFCC has stepped up its enforcement efforts against abuse of the naira.

Last year, the anti-graft commission arrested some celebritries, citing Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act.

On 4 April 2024, the EFCC arrested Idris Okunneye, a popular crossdresser known as Bobrisky, for abuse naira notes. He was subsequently arraigned in court, convicted and jailed.

Few weeks after Bobriskys ordeal, another socialite, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, was arraigned in court by the EFCC. The agency later dropped the charges in exchange for his forfeiture of N10 million.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated a former senator, John Azuta-Mbata, on his emergence as the president-general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

The election

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Azuta-Mbata was elected 13th president-general of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation in Enugu on Friday.

The former senator replaces the immediate past president-general of the Igbo group, Fidelis Chukwu, whose tenure ended on Friday.

The new president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo hails from Ikwere Ethnic Nationality in Rivers State, South-south Nigeria.

The 65-year-old had served as senator for the Rivers East Constituency of Rivers State at the beginning of the Fourth Republic.

He served from 1999 to 2007 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Okey Nwadinobi, from Abia State, was elected as the national deputy president while a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Emeka Sibeidu was elected as the new secretary-general of the Igbo group.

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

Fourteen others were also elected into various executive positions of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Friday.

Exemplary leadership

In a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku congratulated other members of the executive on their elections.

He hailed Mr Azuta-Mbata, saying his experience as a lawmaker and administrator, together with the collective exposures of the new executive, put them in good stead to deliver on their mandate.

The former vice-president also hailed the peaceful and credible conduct of the election on Friday.

He said he acknowledges the exemplary leadership of the South-east Governors Forum in ensuring a free and fair election coupled with a smooth transition.

There are lessons to be learnt from the alliance forged by participants despite their political diversity, Atiku said.

The PDP candidate stressed that Mr Azuta-Mbatas victory marks a significant moment for the organisation and signals a new era of progress, unity, and development.

READ ALSO: Tinubu congratulates new Ohanaeze Ndigbo president

Not strangers

Atiku said the elected executives under Mr Azuta-Mbata-led Ohanaeze were not strangers to the divisions that had plagued Nigeria in recent years.

He urged the new executives of the Igbo group to not only unite Igbos, but also work in harmony towards enthroning unity among other socio-cultural organisations in Nigeria.

The former vice-president stressed the importance of the promotion of tolerance and inter communal relations to engender peace which he said is a condition for stability and development.

The promotion of unity and peace is inevitable in the fostering of a united front to combat the sorry state of our socio-economic conditions and improve the well-being of Nigerians, he stated.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) says fire gutted some shanties in Surulere area of the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

Following distress calls received through the 767 and 112 emergency toll-free lines at 01.18hrs, LASEMA activated its response team from Onipanu.

Upon arrival at 01.31hrs, a row of makeshift shanty structures erected beside the canal, was found to have been gutted by fire.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire, which started in one of the rooms had quickly spread to other rooms in the row.

It was brought under control by the combined efforts of emergency responders at the incident scene.

No casualties or injuries were recorded at the incident scene, he said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

The fire has been totally extinguished. Dampening down, search and rescue has been concluded, he said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Nigerian innovator and founder of FactCheck Africa, Abideen Olasupo has been selected for the 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Journalism Lab Leadership Cohort.

The programme is hosted by the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York (CUNY), United States.

According to a statement on CUNYs website, Mr Olasupo and 22 other journalists, strategists, and executives from across the globe will explore the transformative role of AI in journalism.

The programme, developed in partnership with Microsoft, brings together participants from diverse countries, including Germany, India, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States.

Scheduled to run virtually from 10 January to 3 April, the AI Journalism Lab started with an in-person session on Friday at the Newmark J-School in New York.

Trailblazers in media and technology

The organisers described the cohort members as trailblazers in media and technology, highlighting their potential to address AIs challenges while driving positive change in the global media landscape.

Our participants are trailblazers at the intersection of journalism and technology, the Executive Director of J+ at the Newmark J-School, Marie Gilot was quoted.

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

By fostering leadership grounded in ethics, innovation, and community impact, this programme is equipping them to navigate the complexities of AI while inspiring positive change in the media industry.

Also, the Journalism Director at Microsofts Democracy Forward, Noreen Gillespie said, with AI rapidly transforming the media landscape, the need for thoughtful, visionary leadership has never been greater.

Ms Gillespie said this programme offers participants the tools and frameworks they need to shape the future of journalism with innovation and integrity.

Olasupos innovations

Mr Olasupos selection underscores his impactful work in advancing fact-checking and media innovation in Africa.

Under his leadership, FactCheck Africa launched MyAIFactchecker in 2024, Africas first AI-powered fact-checking platform, designed to combat misinformation in multiple languages, including English, Swahili, and French.

The platform allows users to verify the authenticity of news, social media posts, and other online content quickly and conveniently.

The organisation has also pioneered initiatives such as a three-month AI Journalism Fellowship for West African journalists, a newsroom AI adoption toolkit, and media literacy tools like gamified flashcards for children.

Speaking on his selection for the 2025 AI Journalism Lab, Mr Olasupo said the programme perfectly aligns with FactCheck Africas mission to improve media literacy, promote critical thinking, and provide reliable fact-checking services to the African public.

He expressed his commitment to leveraging the opportunity to collaborate with global media leaders and bring back valuable insights to advance digital journalism and fact-checking across Africa.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday set aside a Federal High Court judgement nullifying the Kano State Governments last years steps and actions based on the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, including the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.

Delivering judgement, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal declared that the 20 June 2024 verdict of the Federal High Court in Kano was flawed as the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the suit.

In the lead judgement delivered by Gabriel Kolawole, the Court of Appeal held that Federal High Court judge Abubakar Liman acted without jurisdiction, holding that only the state High Court can exercise jurisdiction over chieftaincy laws and related matters.

The judgement is one in a series of decisions the court gave on a plethora of issues that arose from the dispute over the Kano emirate stool.

In another judgement by the same the same panel on Friday, the Court of Appeal ruled that found that the High Court of Kano State denied Aminu Ado-Bayero, who is laying claim to the Kano emirate throne, fair hearing in its hearing and determination of a case filed by the state government to enforce the new law.

Fridays decision overturning the Federal High Courts decision on the new Kano emirate law effectively validates the reinstatement of the Kano State Governments actions, including the repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law and the subsequent appointment of Mr Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.

Background

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State signed the Kano Emirate Council (Amendment No. 2) Law, 2024 on 23 May 2024, the same day the states House of Assembly passed its bill and repealed the legislations predecessor, the Kano State Emirate Council Law 2019.

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

Implementing the new law, the governor dissolved the four other emirate councils of Gaya, Karaye, Rano, and Bichi created by the old law enacted by the previous administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, reverting to a single Kano emirate as it had originally existed.

Consequently, Mr Yusuf dethroned the emirs of the four emirates and Aminu Ado-Bayero, as Emir of Kano who had ascended the throne following the dethronement of Mr Sanusi in March 2020 by the then-Governor Ganduje.

An aggrieved kingmaker, Aminu Dan-Agundi, challenged the law through a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on the same day, prompting Mr Liman to issue an interim order directing parties to maintain the status quo.

On 20 June2024, Mr Liman gave his final judgement nullifying the steps taken under the new law, citing violations of his earlier directive.

The judge ruled that the appointment of Mr Sanusi as Kano emir was null and void as the government failed to obey the court order restraining it from taking further actions on the new emirate council law.

Appeal courts findings

In the lead judgment delivered by Gabriel Kolawole, the Court of Appeal declared Justice Limans order null and void, stating that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Mr Kolawole explained that cases concerning traditional or chieftaincy matters, such as Mr Agundis claim, fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of state high courts.

Having held that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction, it necessary follows that any order made by the trial court including the annulment of the steps and actions taken by the appellants and others on grounds of disobedience of the order of the lower court has become null and void.

A court that lacks the jurisdiction to entertain a substantive matter also lacks the competence to make any order or grant any relief in respect of that matter.

The annulment order made by the trial court, which is the subject of this appeal, is not sustainable because the said order was made by a court that lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the substantive suit.

In view of the above, the order made by the Federal High Court, Kano judicial division by Justice A. M. Liman (now Justice of Court of Appeal) in suit number: FHC/KN/182/2024, which order was handed down on the 20th of June 2024 nullifying all steps and actions taken by the appellants and others in pursuant of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024 is hereby nullified and accordingly, set aside, Mr Kolawole held.

He further clarified that a court without jurisdiction cannot make binding orders or grant reliefs.

The panel also ruled that Mr Liman erred in assuming jurisdiction on 13 June to hear Mr Dab-Agundis fundamental rights enforcement suit.

Mr Kolawole noted that the suit did not pertain to any fundamental rights protected under Chapter 4 of the Constitution or the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights but instead dealt with chieftaincy issues.

Disagreement among justices

Two other members of the panel  Mohammed Mustapha and Abdul Dogo  agreed with the nullification of Mr Limans order, but disagreed with Mr Kolawoles directive to remit Mr Dan-Agundis suit to the Kano State High Court for determination.

The two justices argued that the case was improperly initiated, lacked merit, and would waste judicial time if remitted. Instead, they ordered that the suit be struck out entirely.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have, in the last week, killed 109 terrorists, apprehended 81 suspects and rescued 43 kidnapped hostages across theatres of operation in the country.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Buba, a major general, said the troops also nabbed six perpetrators of oil theft and denied oil thieves of an estimated sum of N618.7 million during the week.

According to him, troops recovered 21 assorted weapons and 124 assorted ammunition, comprising nine AK-47 rifles, five fabricated rifles, four dane guns, and locally made pistols.

He said the troops also recovered seven magazines, 97 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 22 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, five live cartridges, three baofeng radios, four vehicles, six motorcycles and four mobile phones amongst other items.

Mr Buba said the troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 10 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 12 boats, four storage tanks and 10 illegal refining sites.

Other items recovered include three pumping machines, 12 speedboats, 20 drums, two motorcycles, one mobile phone and four vehicles among others.

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

Troops recovered 631,709 litres of stolen crude oil, 3,140 litres of illegally refined AGO and 2,250 litres of PMS.

Troops are sustaining the winning ways of ongoing operational engagements.

Accordingly, citizens will continue to witness the incremental effectiveness and efficiency of the armed forces, he said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) has inducted 31 nursing science graduates, marking its 5th batch of professionals.

The induction ceremony, held on Thursday at the college auditorium, comes as LASUCOM transitions into a full-fledged university.

Once the process is complete, the institution will be renamed Lagos State University of Health and Medical Sciences.

In October 2023, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu confirmed that the process to fully establish the medical university was in the final stage.

The planned upgrade, according to Mr Sanwo-Olu, is part of efforts to tackle the brain drain in the health sector by producing more high-quality healthcare professionals.

Speaking at the induction ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, celebrated the graduates accomplishments, acknowledging their hard work and the sacrifices made by their families.

Mrs Olatunji-Bello urged the graduates to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and compassion in their practice, emphasising their critical role in shaping the future of healthcare.

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

Induction

Aminat Ijaodoro-Aina was recognised at the induction for emerging as the best-graduating nurse.

In his remarks, the newly elected provost of the college, Olufemi Idowu, encouraged the graduates to uphold the core values of LASU as they embark on their careers, whether in practice, research, education, or politics.

Please carry with you the core values of LASU: teamwork, respect for personal integrity, accountability, excellence in patient care, and academic research, he said.

Also, always show compassion in providing care to patients and their families with empathy, sensitivity, and understanding.

The Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Adetokunbo Fabanwo, commended both the College of Medicine and the University for reaching the milestone of producing the 5th batch of nursing graduates.

Mr Fabanwo expressed pride in the institutions graduates.

He said the quality of graduate nurses produced by the university has continued to improve over the years.

From my position as the CMD of LASUTH, I take pride in assisting graduates from LASUCOM and other universities seeking appointments with us, and with what we have observed over time, LASUCOM nurses are very good, he said.

Medical university

Mr Sanwo-Olu announced in January 2024 that his government would establish a medical university to enhance the states medical infrastructure and counter the emigration of doctors and other medical personnel abroad.

The governor who also stated that the university would be established before the end of 2024, noted that the medical university is targeting the admission of 2,000 to 2,500 medical students, along with 3,500 nurses, 500 physiotherapists, biomedical engineers, and other allied healthcare professionals.

The new medical university will increase the tally of the state-owned universities from three to four.

The other universities are Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).

The state had converted its polytechnic in Ikorodu, colleges of education in Ijanikin and another one in Epe to universities increasing the tally to three in the last three years.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a total budget of N126 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.

The Chairperson of the Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Friday during the budget defence session held by the National Assembly joint committee on electoral matters.

A total of N40 billion was approved for INEC in the 2024 budget. The exact amount was proposed in the 2025 budget before the National Assembly.

The N126 billion request by the chairperson of Nigerias electoral commission represents over a 200 per cent increase from the N40 billion.

Our proposal for the 2025 budget, the commission requires the sum of over N126 billion. We have the document that has provided details line by line on how we intended to spend the N126 billion, he said.

Mr Yakubu urged members of the National Assembly to consider the increment sought by the electoral body.

We would like the support of the National Assembly to enable us to achieve our responsibilities in the first line charge, and most of these responsibilities are constitutional, he said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

Appropriations not enough

Mr Yakubu said the N40 billion proposed in the budget could not sustain the commission to conduct bye-elections in different parts of the states and also prepare for off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

He also said it could not cover personnel costs of the commission due to the high number of bye-elections that would be conducted this year.

The INEC chairperson will conduct 11 bye-elections in different parts of the country this year.

He also said about 860 offices of the commissions across the country were dilapidated and needed rehabilitation funds.

How funds were utilised last year

Mr Yakubu stated that the N40 billion allocated for the commission last year was not enough to pay the allowances of its staffers.

We have over 14,700 personnel. Beyond the career offices in the commission, the commission has 51 political office holders, the chairman, 12 National Commissioners, 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners, and the Commission Secretary.

We cannot even pay the allowances of staff, so something has to be done about it, he said.

Lawmakers reactions

Many of the lawmakers agreed with the request of the INEC.

The House Committee on Electoral Matters Chairperson, Adebayo Balogun, said the electoral commission needs adequate funding to make it independent.

He who plays the piper dictates the tune, he said.

On her part, Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, urged her colleagues to provide the requested funds for the electoral body.

The Chairperson of the Joint Committee, Sarafadeen Ali, a senator, directed committee members to dissolve into a closed-door session to discuss the issue.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has decried workers poor performance due to an ongoing power outage at the hospital.

The Unions Chairman, Oladayo Olabampe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Saturday that the workers were not at their optimum capacity due to the outage.

Mr Olabampe recalls that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) disconnected the hospital on 25 November 2024, due to accumulated debts.

He lamented that the workers and patients had dark Christmas and New Year celebrations because of the disconnection.

Although the management had tried to install solar in some places, it doesnt cover everywhere and cant be compared to electricity light, he said.

Its obvious the debt of millions is beyond UCH; it cant afford the bills. It has reached a point where IBEDC brings up to N99 million as bill per month; UCH doesnt make such kind of money they think we are making.

He appealed to the government to consider the health of its citizens and come to the aid of UCH.

The government shouldnt allow a hospital such as the UCH to stay without light for more than one month. It is running to the second month now, yet nothing is being done, he said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

Mr Olabampe pleaded with the FG to improve the hospitals working conditions and patients healthcare by assisting to pay the accumulated debt.

The government can help pay 50 per cent of bills for government-owned hospitals as promised; this will serve as a support. The government can also increase the money allocated to government hospitals for power, water, etc, he said.

They can assist in generating more solar and turbine power to be extended to many other units at the hospital.

He said this is the toughest working time for workers at the facility.

The JOHESU boss also urged well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropists to come to the aid of the hospital.

We commend philanthropists such as Pastor E. A. Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who gave an amount of money for solar installations. We call on others to please join.

Meanwhile, patients relatives have continued to complain about their sick ones not getting enough treatment due to the power challenge.

According to them, the delay in obtaining medical investigation results is hindering patients prompt and accurate treatment.

A patients relative, identified simply as Tunji, says the results of tests to assess kidney function now take an average of 72 to 80 hours instead of six hours.

He said the results are no longer printed but handwritten, making it prone to more clerical errors.

This manual method also evades the check and balance in the laboratory information system for verification of results before release, he said.

The newborn unit has no power to cater for incubators and radiant warmers, so babies cannot be admitted as soon as possible, even if delivered in UCH. Despite the availability of manpower, most of it is wasted or underutilised.

Meanwhile, a UCH worker, who prefers to be anonymous, commended the hospitals management for installing solar inverters in the emergency unit, ICUs, and some wards.

READ ALSO: NASS building now accessible to PWDs Reps panel

However, the source said the inverters, which covered only about 50 beds, were only for lighting.

This is grossly inadequate considering the hospital has over 1,000 beds. The number of surgeries has grossly reduced, and many people cannot access emergency surgeries, the source said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


JERUSALEM, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday instructed a senior delegation to depart to the Qatari capital Doha to continue advancing a deal with Hamas to release the Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said the directive followed a situation assessment Netanyahu held Saturday evening with Defense Minister Israel Katz and U.S. negotiators from "both the outgoing and incoming administrations."

The Israeli delegation includes David Barnea, head of the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency, and Ronen Bar, chief of the Shin Bet internal security service.

Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a deadly conflict after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostages.

Indirect peace talks between Israel and Hamas have been on and off in the past months, with Qatar, Egypt, and the United States as the main mediators.

In recent weeks, the indirect negotiations on a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner swap deal have gained momentum. 
It is yet unclear why Akufo-Addo decided to severe diplomatic relations with Western Sahara in favour of the illegal occupation of parts of that country by monarchical Morocco. There are two possible reasons I can discern: either he acted at the behest of his Western masters, or due to the largess Morocco is sharing amongst African countries. Who knows, given his retirement, Akufo-Addo may be enticed by Moroccos subversive generosity.

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addos last day in office was 6 January. His countrys economy had crumbled at his feet. Even when newly sworn-in President John Dramani Mahama had not been adjudged an effective leader, Ghanaians see him as a sort of saviour. For them, anybody or group but Akufo-Addo and his cronies, was good enough for Ghana.

In a valedictory speech in parliament to signal the end of Akufo-Addos disastrous tenure, a parliamentarian, after cataloguing some of the woes Ghanaians went through under him, told the disgraced President: It is finished! So the parliamentarian thought. He did not suspect that for the larger African people, Akufo-Addo had a parting shot to deliver on behalf of his Western partners, who virtually ran Ghana with him as a figure-head and a spy.

In 2022, on the sidelines of the US-African Leaders Summit, Akufo-Addo snitched on neighbouring Burkina Faso to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. He reported that Burkina Faso and Mali had brought in the Russian Wagner mercenary forces to fight Islamic terrorists. He informed Blinken that the Burkinabe Prime Minister had been in Moscow for ten days and that a mine has been given to the Russians as payment. He further said that he was uncomfortable with the Russian presence in a neighbouring country, because Ghana supports Ukraine in the Russo-Ukrainian War.

I found it demeaning that an African President would stoop so low as to openly act as spy for a foreign country. Secondly, that an African Head of State would be reporting not to a fellow President or Vice President, but to the Foreign Minister of another country. Thirdly, I am not sure Akufo-Addo knew he was being filmed or that the video would be leaked.

It was quite tragic that rather than dialogue with his brothers across the border, the Ghanaian President flew all the way to Washington to report to foreigners. This is also despite the fact that Burkina Faso and Ghana have the same Mossi nationality on both sides of their colonial borders. Akufo-Addo claimed that all he was doing was to bring the issue of Russian presence in the region to the notice of the US. But was he so daft as to think that the Americans were unaware that the Burkinabes expelled the French and invited the Russians?

The Akufo-Addo culture of betraying the African dream and selling Ghana for cheap is a family tradition. His father, Edward Akufo-Addo, and his uncle, Joseph William Ofori-Attah, were part of the Group of Four Ghanaian elites who facilitated the 24 February, 1966 American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) coup against the principled Pan Africanist, Kwame Nkrumah. After that coup, the senior Akufo-Addo became the Attorney General of the new military junta. Four years into the coup, he was appointed President of Ghana.

Perhaps the most nauseating part of the report was Akufo-Addo claiming that his countrys concern was that it did not want the military of the big powers to operate in West Africa. He made this claim while being conscious that his government had permitted the US to operate a military base in Ghana.

Akufo-Addo is like a sex worker who shouts in public that she is a virgin and insists her customers accept this as the truth. Even after allowing the US military base, he told a blatant lie in April 2018 that Ghana had not offered and will not offer a military base to the US. A lawyer who is clever by half, he assumed that the African people are stupid; that since the US military base in Ghana has been baptised as the West African Logistics Network (WALN), it meant that the base did not exist.

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 opposition parliamentarian, Brogya Genfi, sued the government for eroding the countrys sovereignty by agreeing to the slavish Ghana-US Military Base Agreement, the Ghanaian Supreme Court on Tuesday, 5 May, 2020 ruled that the suit was unmeritorious.

When on 12 August, 2022, I wrote against the US Military Base in Ghana in my column titled: How Ghana surrendered its independence to the US, I got protest phone calls from the Ghana High Commission in Abuja. The embassy claimed I was unfair to President Akufo-Addo and that I had misrepresented facts. I was invited to a meeting on Monday, 15 August, 2022 with the High Commissioner in his office on Diplomatic Drive, Abuja. I agreed to the meeting but insisted the venue should be a public place like an hotel lobby. The High Commission picked Rockview Hotel, Wuse II, Abuja. The High Commissioner sent a representative to the meeting who tried to put the blame for the US Military Base on the previous administration. I pointed out that the parliament that approved the base was not under the past government and that in any case, if it is true that the Akufo-Addo government was opposed to the base, what has it done for the over four years it has been in power to repeal the Agreement, more so when it provides that it can be terminated by a one-year written notice by either side. The Ghanaian diplomat rambled and called for a second meeting which expectedly, never took place.

The Akufo-Addo culture of betraying the African dream and selling Ghana for cheap is a family tradition. His father, Edward Akufo-Addo, and his uncle, Joseph William Ofori-Attah, were part of the Group of Four Ghanaian elites who facilitated the 24 February, 1966 American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) coup against the principled Pan Africanist, Kwame Nkrumah. After that coup, the senior Akufo-Addo became the Attorney General of the new military junta. Four years into the coup, he was appointed President of Ghana.

We Africans in our tens of millions expect President Mahama to reverse this Akufo-Addo attempt to disunite our continent. We expect him to be on the same page as African leaders like Nigerias President Bola Tinubu and South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa who, in a joint communique on 3 December, 2024, reiterated their unwavering support for the inalienable right of our Saharawi brothers and sisters to freedom, self-determination and justice.

When 50 years later, Akufo-Addo, like his father, became President of Ghana, I knew the country was heading for disaster. Hence, I titled my 16 December, 2016 column, Ghana: An African Dream Deferred.

This Monday, the eve of his departure as Ghanaian President, Akufo-Addo tried to defer another African dream by purportedly suspending diplomatic relations with the sister African country, the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), better known as Western Sahara.

It is yet unclear why Akufo-Addo decided to severe diplomatic relations with Western Sahara in favour of the illegal occupation of parts of that country by monarchical Morocco. There are two possible reasons I can discern: either he acted at the behest of his Western masters, or due to the largess Morocco is sharing amongst African countries. Who knows, given his retirement, Akufo-Addo may be enticed by Moroccos subversive generosity.

We Africans in our tens of millions expect President Mahama to reverse this Akufo-Addo attempt to disunite our continent. We expect him to be on the same page as African leaders like Nigerias President Bola Tinubu and South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa who, in a joint communique on 3 December, 2024, reiterated their unwavering support for the inalienable right of our Saharawi brothers and sisters to freedom, self-determination and justice.

This is in accordance with the 16 October, 1975 decision of the International Court of Justice, the rulings of European Court of Justice, ECJ and the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights and, the Charters of the African Union and the United Nations.

Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Although I have never met Peter Mba in person or seen him outside the media, his actions in his brief time in office are notably commendable. I had several opportunities to meet his predecessor in the Lion Building, and the difference in their leadership styles is striking. With this new sheriff in town, the era of stakeholder handouts and Sunday-Sunday government house parties has come to an abrupt end, much to the dismay of political hangers-on.

With this new sheriff in town, the era of stakeholder handouts and Sunday-Sunday government house parties has come to an abrupt end, much to the dismay of political hangers-on. It may be the soft bigotry of low expectations but after eight locust years, Mbas approach is a refreshing departure from the uninspired leadership of the recent past.

My family and I recently returned to the United States after an event-packed, two-week visit to Nigeria. Initially, our journey was shrouded in apprehension, thanks to the grim security reports we received before departure. The narrative painted a picture of fear, uncertainty, and a populace confined behind fortress-like barricades, guarded by stern-faced men in full body armour. As our departure date approached, my wife and I questioned if the risk was worth it. Yet, as we have come to discover, the stark contrast between fact and fiction is sometimes astonishing.

We touched down in Enugu through Lagos on Christmas Day. As a proud son of 042 (the citys telephone code that doubles as its affectionate moniker), I cant help but feel an infectious pride whenever I speak about this storied city on the hill. For many of us, the love we harbour for Enugu is a profound, almost cult-like devotion that outsiders may find difficult to grasp. Enugus allure is magnetic, casting a spell that turns admirers into lifelong devotees. It is a charm that must be felt to be truly understood.

Enugu, also known as the Coal City, holds a unique place in Nigerias history, particularly for the Ndigbo people. A pivotal moment occurred on 18th November, 1949, at Iva Valley, where 21 coal miners were mercilessly executed while protesting the colonial regimes harsh working conditions. This tragic event ignited a chain of reactions that eventually compelled the British Crown to enact reforms, paving the way for Nigerias journey to self-rule.

This sombre chapter of history has inspired numerous literary works and theatrical performances worldwide. Today, solemn monuments stand in Enugu, commemorating those fallen heroes and symbolising the resilient spirit of our people in their struggles against imperial oppression. These monuments, once marred by neglect and defacement under the previous administration, have now been rejuvenated. Though Governor Mbas Tomorrow is Here slogan adorns various corners of the city, its a far cry from the overwhelming visual clutter left by his predecessor.

As we cruised through Bisalla Road, passing through Okpara Square onto Presidential Road, we couldnt help but marvel at the citys aesthetic evolution. The inner-city roads, long neglected, have undergone extensive resurfacing, their curbs gleaming in crisp white and black. The Otigba Junction and other iconic landmarks are adorned with festive Christmas lights, casting a radiant glow as dusk settles into night.

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 transformation is undeniable, and the prevailing sentiment among the Ndi Enugu I spoke with is one of optimism and confidence in Governor Mbas vision for the state, despite the burden of heavy taxation, amidst widespread economic hardship. Under Mbas leadership, taxes have increased significantly in an effort to boost internal revenues and finance his ambitious projects. We will come back that to that in a bit.

The transformation is undeniable, and the prevailing sentiment among the Ndi Enugu I spoke with is one of optimism and confidence in Governor Mbas vision for the state, despite the burden of heavy taxation, amidst widespread economic hardship. Under Mbas leadership, taxes have increased significantly in an effort to boost internal revenues and finance his ambitious projects. We will come back that to that in a bit.

Although I have never met Peter Mba in person or seen him outside the media, his actions in his brief time in office are notably commendable. I had several opportunities to meet his predecessor in the Lion Building, and the difference in their leadership styles is striking. With this new sheriff in town, the era of stakeholder handouts and Sunday-Sunday government house parties has come to an abrupt end, much to the dismay of political hangers-on. It may be the soft bigotry of low expectations but after eight locust years, Mbas approach is a refreshing departure from uninspired leadership of the recent the past.

Politicians and sycophants have quickly realised that frivolities have no place in his administration, and securing an audience with him is rare. When granted, legend has it that he meets his guests with a glass barrier between them. Career politicians, who have long relied solely on state resources to fund their lavish lifestyles, are now being forced to seek alternative means of sustenance. I couldnt be more pleased.

My initial perception of his rise to power was marred by distaste; I hated the unsavoury details of his emergence. Not that I am a member of the Labour Party, whose victory was stolen in broad daylight, nor do I belong to any other party for that matter. However, for decades, I have devoted significant time and energy to the civil society space, and that charade of an election felt like a slap in the face of everything I stand for. That said, fairness demands recognising the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Enugu, a state with economic indicators rivaling the most troubled regions in Nigeria, has long been plagued by mismanagement and abandoned projects. Successive administrations seemed more interested in initiating new projects than completing those of their predecessors, leaving billions of naira wasted in unfinished developments. It was disheartening to witness, especially as these incomplete projects drained the states meagre resources, often funded through compounding high-interest loans.

However, not all of the Governors initiatives have been met with unqualified approval. The proposed Smart School programme, while innovative and well-intentioned, raises concerns about cost and sustainability. The decision to construct new buildings, rather than rehabilitate, refurbish and possibly retrofit existing school infrastructure seems wasteful, especially in a country plagued by poor maintenance culture.

One such project is the Enugu International Conference Centre, initiated by the Chimaroke Nnamani administration. This ambitious edifice, intended to feature a 3,600-seat auditorium, a 1,500-seat conference hall, and a 500-seat banquet hall, was left incomplete when Nnamani left office in May 2007. Successive governments ignored it, allowing it to languish, despite the significant investment already made.

Thankfully, Governor Mbas government jumped in, reappraised the project and is now continuing it at a breakneck speed. The whole place has been totally transformed already, with Okpara Square and surrounding area skyline resembling that of a modern Western capital. His government also added a new element to the original plan by initiating the construction of a five-star hotel with over 300 rooms to complement the facility. This project is strategic, given Enugus position as a regional hub and the administrative capital of Ndigbo. Its economic potential is limitless.

The governor is also quite ambitious in road and other infrastructural projects. The recent commissioning of the 160-ton asphalt production plant at Emene is crucial for fulfilling his ambitious goal to construct 10,000 kilometres of roads during his administration. If he follows through with his promise to build 10 kilometres of road in each of Enugus 261 political wards, it could unlock significant economic opportunities in rural areas, facilitating the movement of goods and services.

From revitalising the Niger Gas plant in Emene to breathing new life into the Aluminium Smelting Company in Ohebe-Dim, Governor Mbas administration is laying the groundwork for an economic renaissance that could benefit not only Enugu and the South-East but the entire nation if well managed.

However, not all of the Governors initiatives have been met with unqualified approval. The proposed Smart School programme, while innovative and well-intentioned, raises concerns about cost and sustainability. The decision to construct new buildings, rather than rehabilitate, refurbish and possibly retrofit existing school infrastructure seems wasteful, especially in a country plagued by poor maintenance culture. One cant help but wonder if political patronage is influencing these choices, rewarding loyal party men at the expense of more pragmatic solutions.

To be continued.

Osmund Agbo is a US-based medical doctor and author. His works include Black Grit, White Knuckles: The Philosophy of Black Renaissance and a fiction work titled The Velvet Court: Courtesan Chronicles. His latest works, Pray, Let the Shaman Die and Maam, I Do Not Come to You for Love, have just been released.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Internal control systems are essential to corporate governance, ensuring financial accountability and efficiency. Yet, there are growing signs that such systems are becoming troubled, making it unclear if theyre still effective and pertinent in the ever-changing business landscape.

One of the most cherished aspects of my career as a Chartered Accountant is the rare privilege of working in virtually all areas of the accounting profession. An experience over two decades ago triggered the title of this article. When I was specifically asked back then how I would want my department to be designated, I was presented with two broad options. I chose the option that captured the essence of the role I was rigorously headhunted for. The two options were to name the department Internal Audit and Control or Internal Control and Audit. I opted for the latter, internal control and audit. When asked the rationale behind my choice, I gladly retorted that what is there to audit without robust systems in place?

As vital as auditing is to organisational processes and procedures, a robust internal control system is a solid foundation on which it functions well. Internal control systems explain and provide the proper and continuous evaluation of functionality. Suppose there is anything to audit to correct, improve, or even revise what may not be working. In that case, the internal control system should provide the essential platform for doing that.

Historical Context

Internal control systems date back to the ancient world when elites used checks and balances to thwart scams and be accountable. These systems gradually became refined and more complex when contemporary accounting systems were introduced. Internal controls became more institutionalised in the 20th century, as regulations like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the US called for strict internal control requirements for publicly traded corporations.

Key Issues

Even as historical practices, however, internal control systems suffer from problems:

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

1. No Segregation of Duties: Segregation of duties is one of the basic concepts of internal control, which avoids a single person controlling every facet of a financial transaction. However, most companies cant manage this effectively, causing the possibility of fraud and mistakes.

2. Management Override: Even the most robust in-house control mechanisms can be beaten out of existence if the management decides to abuse them. This is especially true in organisations that lack supervision and accountability at the top. The tone at the top always matters.

3. Collusion: Internal controls are designed to prevent individual misconduct, but they are often powerless against collusion between employees. When individuals conspire to bypass controls, it becomes challenging to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.

In the recent past, we have been inundated with monumental fraudulent practices or outright theft of our commonwealth, with some figures that are unbelievable to any discerning mind by some single individual. Do not get me wrong; this is not disputing some unabated corruption in the economys public and private sectors. There are sickening occurrences and reports of such. The situation is further exacerbated by the unparalleled impunity and lack of consequences for the celebrity thieves in our climes.

My hands-on experience as a fraud investigator also allowed me to witness and understand the undercut dealings in the polity. In those successful investigations, some elements of internal control compromise became glaring. These are a lack of segregation of duties, management override, and collusion, all finding expression within the triangular fraud pyramid. This is further heightened by the lack of appropriate lifestyle auditing as part of cultural evolutions required more than ever.

Returning to the unbelievability of many of the figures taunted around is a glaring disservice to the fact of fighting whatever war against corruption. It is rather amusing that we must throw out big figures to convince us that corrupt practices have already occurred. I do not think the amount alone should matter, but that stealing has indeed happened. It is as if the amount is too small, and we believe there is no big deal about that. I think stealing remains stealing, big or small.

Where internal control exists, one of its purposes is to prevent any actions injurious to the financial and other well-being of the organisation, either by individual or collective actions. On this premises, segregation of duties stands out, as no process should be initiated, vetted, approved, or implemented by a single individual. Different personnel are expected to handle each aspect independently of each other and act as checks and balances against each other. Yes, while hierarchical orders may be significant to the successful observance of this incredible control, they should, in an ideal situation, reinforce their workability.

One of the most dangerous threats to internal controls is managerial override. In this situation, those who should uphold the sanctity of such controls choose to abeyance the fiduciary duties imposed on them for pecuniary interests and gains. Akin to that is the most intricate onslaught on internal controls through collusion. The collusion can even be worse when it has full support with managerial override. In such cases, whatever internal controls system is in place may not be worth more than the paper it is written.

It belittles our collective wisdom when an individual in an organisation is said to have stolen more than 80 per cent of the budgetary allocation. In some ridiculous circumstances, we have heard of those accused of stealing more than what was available to the organisation. This undue exaggeration itself is an urgent issue we should address. Unfortunately, it gives the perpetrator an escape route, which has become the norm rather than the exception.

Where internal controls exist and are allowed to function as they should, all this unabated stealing should not occur.

Case Studies

To illustrate these issues, consider the case of the former CBN and similar others, with figures beyond imagination thrown around. Many past Ministers and Governors are in the same boats, including a former Accountant General who has reportedly pillaged resources in their care.

Technological Advancements

With the advent of new technology, there are new ways to improve internal control mechanisms. For instance, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchains can deliver real-time analysis and permanent records. These innovations can assist organisations in identifying anomalies earlier and keeping their financial data up to date.

Best Practices

Creating strong internal control systems requires some best practices, including:

 Segregation of Duties: No individual is responsible for everything in a transaction. Though this may not be a problem in large organisations, it may still be undermined by collusions and wrong tones at the top.

 Regular Audits: Internal controls should be regularly audited for proper functioning and areas for improvement. This is, however, meaningful if there are means and ways of enforcing recommendations for lapse corrections.

 Culture of Accountability: Establishing an organizational culture whereby internal controls are stressed and people are accountable. Again, this is primarily dictated by those charged with governance. Board oversight and management commitment can be the driving forces here.

Regulatory Frameworks

Regulatory environments are also the building blocks of internal control systems. For example, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act made the internal controls of public companies more robust and transparent. Such rules must be complied with to maintain investor confidence and avoid prosecution.

What Happened To Internal Control Systems, Then?

There are no simple answers to this question. I am sure no notable professional will stick out their neck to tell us what is going on with the functionality of internal controls, though they report on these things year in and year out. Of course, there is always the clause that auditors primary role is not fraud detection, but where their work triggers any suspicion, they must probe to the fullest extent possible. Such probing might draw the attention of management/board to the likelihood of unwholesome practices in the organization. This article intends not to debate the probity of such assertions but to ginger our thoughts to have a new reflective mindset about internal control systems.

Due process was established back then, with pomp and pageantry as the ubiquitous solutions to the identifiable patterns of managerial override and impunity. Unfortunately, it is doubtful that it achieves its taunted mantras intended purpose.

What Happened To the Internal Control Systems?

Can we detour and find a means of rejigging this essential tool so that it works for us at all strata? Can we wake it up from its seemingly deep and hopeless sleep?

Can we make the internal control system work for us again and bring sanity to our financial ecosystem?

If we want to, it is within our collective ability and willingness to recreate the internal controls that will serve practical purposes for us across the board. Impunity and lack of consequences do a disservice to effective internal control systems. As it stands, we have collectively, deliberately, or perhaps ignorantly disabled a veritable tool that should enhance financial integrity and probity, thereby leaving us to keep asking, what happened to internal control systems?

Bolutife Oluwadele is an author, chartered accountant, certified fraud examiner and public policy scholar based in Canada. Email: bolutife.oluwadele@gmail.com

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A former Nigerian Senator, John Azuta-Mbata, has been elected as the 13th president-general of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Mr Azuta-Mbata emerged as the new president-general of the Ohanaeze during Fridays election for the new executives of the Igbo group in Enugu.

The former senator replaces Fidelis Chukwu, the immediate past president-general of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, whose tenure ended on Friday.

The new president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo hails from Ikwere Ethnic Nationality in Rivers State, south-south Nigeria.

The 65-year-old had served as senator for the Rivers East Constituency of Rivers State from 1999 to 2007 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Azuta-Mbata expressed gratitude to the delegates for their trust and support.

He promised to work hard in uniting Ndigbo and addressing pressing issues of the Igbo race.

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

Other members of the executive

Apart from Mr Azuta-Mbata, 16 others were elected into various executive positions of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Okey Nwadinobi, from Abia State, was elected national deputy president, while Emeka Sibeidu, a former deputy governor of Anambra State, was elected new secretary-general of the group.

Others are Dan Okenyi (deputy secretary-general); Charles Kalu (national financial secretary); Jane Nwangele (assistant national financial secretary); Peter Aneke (national treasurer); Nnanna Nwakwo (assistant national treasurer); Okeagu Ogada (national legal adviser); Chizoba Iheka (assistant national legal adviser); Ezechukwu Ezechi (national publicity secretary); and Bismarck Orji (assistant national publicity secretary).

Five other persons were elected as vice president-generals for states which did not produce a president-general or deputy president of Ohanaeze.

They are Omeife Jideofor (Anambra), John Duru (Imo), Ngozi Olejime (Delta), Peter Mbam (Ebonyi) and Fred Eze (Enugu).

How the election was conducted

Before the election, Ben Obi, a former senator from Anambra State, moved a motion to dissolve the old executives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to allow for the election of new executives.

A former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, seconded Mr Obis motion.

A former governor of Anambra State, Chris Ngige, subsequently moved to temporarily suspend the Ohanaeze constitution to allow for the adoption of election modalities.

The contestants were later adopted as consensus candidates before they emerged winners through a voice vote.

The following South-east governors were physically present: Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Alex Otti (Abia), Charles Soludo (Anambra) and the host governor, Peter Mbah (Enugu).

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State was represented by his Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Echiegu.

Others included the Anambra Central Senator, Victor Umeh, a retired Anglican Archbishop of Enugu, Emmanuel Chukwuma and a prominent chieftain of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chekwas Okorie.

Ohanaeze soul of Ndigbo  Mbah

Speaking during the election, Governor Mbah stressed the importance of unity and urged everyone to prioritise the collective interests of Ndigbo above individual or partisan politics.

The governor said the socio-political circumstances that led to the creation of a pro-Igbo group in the 1970s remain relevant till now.

We may be gathered here for the crucial task of electing members into the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, but this epic event offers an opportunity for introspection regarding the noble vision that inspired our forebears to establish this organisation, he said.

The ties that bind us run deep and transcend geographical boundaries, for we share a common history and cultural heritage. Our forebears understood that unity is a formidable force.

Governor Mbah described Ohanaeze Ndigbo as the soul of the Igbo people, maintaining that for Ndigbo to witness progress, they must embrace unity.

Failing to unite leaves us vulnerable, but standing together gives us strength and resilience. Let us act collectively to achieve this goal, not merely through words but with our actions, he said.

Zoning principle in Ohanaeze

PREMIUM TIMES reports that the position of president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo rotates among seven Igbo-speaking states in south-east and south-south Nigeria.

The South-east has five states namely, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Abia and Imo while the south-south region has two Igbo-speaking states which are Rivers and Delta states.

Each state is to produce the president-general of Ohanaeze who would serve for a single tenure of four years, according to an existing zoning arrangement of the group.

READ ALSO: Tinubu congratulates new Ohanaeze Ndigbo president

A state which does not complete its tenure as a result of the death or resignation of the incumbent president-general is permitted to nominate another to complete such tenure subject to ratification by the Imeobi Ohanaeze.

Mr Azuta-Mbata will serve for four years to cover for the tenure of Rivers State before handing over to the next would-be leader from another state.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has continued his administrations push for the realisation of the Abia airport project.

On Thursday, Mr Otti had an enlarged meeting with the Nsulu Airport Communities Landowners Forum, where he commended the people of Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state for their commitment and sincerity in identifying with the administrations plans to kick start the airport in their community and complete it on schedule.

His Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, represented him at the meeting held at the Government House Umuahia.

The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu for his magnanimity in ensuring that the airport was brought to Abia and said that the host communities and major stakeholders were expected to make great sacrifices for the timely realisation of the project.

He said the meeting was necessary in order to carry the landowners along in the project.

Mr Otti appealed for stronger collaboration with the host communities to ensure uninterrupted work on the project. He reassured that greater opportunities would be given to the people of Abia, especially Nsulu indigenes, in the area of employment and other considerations.

We have agreed that the cutting of the traces must be completed to ensure that we identify the genuine landowners. We have agreed that after that is done, enumeration will continue, and adequate compensation will be paid.

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

We also agreed that Abia State indigenes, especially Nsulu people, will all have the right to work and benefit from that project, so the first right of employment would be extended to Nsulu sons and daughters, Mr Otti said.

The governor affirmed his administrations commitment to completing the airport project on schedule, adding that the government would continue engaging with the host communities until the project was completed.

Remarks by host communities

Speaking on behalf of representatives of the host communities for the airport project, Uzo Azubuike, a former member of the House of Representatives who led the delegation, expressed satisfaction with the meetings outcome.

He advised those whom he described as intruders to stay off the project so that the government could identify the real land owners for enumeration and compensation.

Mr Azubuike, who represented Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency, thanked the Abia State Government for considering reducing the size of the land mass already earmarked for the airport project. He said this would allow for the survival of the members of the communities, who are predominantly farmers.

He pledged the host communities support for the project.

We are happy with the way this meeting has gone today. We have seen government redirect itself from people that we consider intruders and pretenders who had no land in the affected area trying to distract the government from the real owners of the land, and people mistook that for the landowners resisting development, Mr Azubuike said.

The former lawmaker disclosed that a part of the key agreements reached during the meeting was the need for the government to unbundle some of the projects surrounding the airport and to clearly demarcate the affected area in collaboration with the landowners.

Mr Azubuike emphasised that the land belongs to individuals, not the Nsulu Community. He assured the Abia State Government that the landowners would provide maximum support, provided that the government fulfils its obligations.

Earlier, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing, Okorougo Aji, did a slide presentation to show the scope of the airport project. The presentation revealed that no building structures would be affected and that the size of the land has been reduced to a little over 1,300 hectares.

The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka Chukwumerije, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, and consultants and management of the Ministry of Lands and Housing were among those present at the meeting.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, is facing a challenge to its authority in the appointment of the new Alaafin of Oyo, the paramount traditional ruler of the ancient Oyo kingdom.

The government insists that its appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin remains final, despite vehement opposition from the traditional kingmakers (Oyomesi).

PREMIUM TIMES reported Fridays announcement by the governor appointing Mr Owoade as the new Oyo king following the death of the previous king in 2022.

On Saturday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, told PREMIUM TIMES that the government will not engage in further public debate on the matter for now.

We are going to make further comments when it is necessary. For now, the statement the government has put out will suffice, he said.

Kingmakers objection

Five prominent kingmakers have publicly rejected Mr Owoades appointment, claiming it violates the established tradition and legal procedures for selecting the Alaafin. They argue that the governor bypassed the proper process, which involves the kingmakers selecting the new Alaafin through a majority vote, according to the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.

The kingmakers assert that Lukman Gbadegesin, who they selected by majority vote in 2022, is the rightful Alaafin-elect. They claimed that Governor Makindes meeting with a few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs on 9 January is unprecedented and smacks of nothing more than executive recklessness.

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

We must emphatically state that the Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but in strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, which codifies the native law and custom governing the selection process for the vacant stool of the Alaafin.

Under the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, it is only the Bashorun of Oyo, the head of the Oyomesi and Kingmakers, that can summon a meeting of the Kingmakers for the purpose of selecting a candidate to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.

In this instance, the Bashorun did not summon any such meeting, nor was there any meeting convened in the Alaafins palace, as custom demands, where the said Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade was selected or appointed as the new Alaafin, the statement read.

Legal battle

However, in April 2024, an Oyo State High Court dismissed the kingmakers lawsuit against Governor Makinde and other officials regarding the vacant Alaafin of Oyo throne, citing administrative defects.

In response, the kingmakers, through their counsel, filed a notice of appeal and motion for injunction at the Court of Appeal and Oyo High Court.

There are two core issues of disagreement. The first is that the kingmakers argue that the governor overstepped his authority by interfering in a traditional selection process.

They emphasise the importance of adhering to the established customs and the Chieftaincy Declaration Act of 1961.

READ ALSO: Makinde appoints new Alaafin of Oyo

The second issue is about the governors role in choosing the new Alaafin. Mr Makindes actions raise questions about the extent of executive power in traditional matters. While the governor has the constitutional authority to appoint a new king, that can only be done after the kingmakers perform their role. The kingmakers argue that the governor violated the traditional process and the role of the Oyomesi, the rightful kingmakers.

Looking ahead

The dispute over the kingmakers original choice as Alaafin is still at the Court of Appeal.

They may file a fresh suit to ask the court to stop the state government from installing Mr Owoade as the Alaafin.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


This photo taken on Jan. 11, 2025 shows people celebrating the Sudanese army's retaking of Wad Madani, the capital city of Gezira State in central Sudan, in Omdurman, north of the capital Khartoum, Sudan. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Saturday recaptured Wad Madani, the capital city of Gezira State in central Sudan, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the office of the SAF spokesperson said in a statement. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Saturday recaptured Wad Madani, the capital city of Gezira State in central Sudan, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the office of the SAF spokesperson said in a statement.

"The command of the SAF congratulates our honorable people on the entry of our forces into Wad Madani this Saturday morning, where they are currently engaged in cleaning up pockets of resistance by the rebels inside the city," the statement said.

For its part, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry described the recapture of Wad Madani as an important victory.

"The victory signifies the beginning of the end of the nightmare which has burdened the Sudanese people for nearly two years, represented by the rebel militia," the ministry said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Sudanese army soldiers published video clips from inside the command headquarters of the 1st Division of the SAF in Wad Madani, which had been controlled by the RSF, while activists posted videos showing celebrations by citizens inside Wad Madani, chanting and waving to military units as they were entering the city.

Major Sudanese cities, including Atbara, Port Sudan, Omdurman and Kosti, witnessed popular demonstrations in celebration of the recapture of Wad Madani.

Since early January, the SAF had launched a major ground operation to regain control of Wad Madani, some 189 km from the Sudanese capital Khartoum.

In December 2023, the RSF took control of Gezira State after the SAF withdrew from Wad Madani.

The RSF has not yet commented on the SAF announcement of retaking the city.

Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which has claimed at least 29,683 lives and displaced nearly 15 million people, according to the latest estimates by international organizations. 

This photo taken on Jan. 11, 2025 shows people celebrating the Sudanese army's retaking of Wad Madani, the capital city of Gezira State in central Sudan, in Omdurman, north of the capital Khartoum, Sudan. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Saturday recaptured Wad Madani, the capital city of Gezira State in central Sudan, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the office of the SAF spokesperson said in a statement. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Jan. 11, 2025 shows people celebrating the Sudanese army's retaking of Wad Madani, the capital city of Gezira State in central Sudan, in Omdurman, north of the capital Khartoum, Sudan. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Saturday recaptured Wad Madani, the capital city of Gezira State in central Sudan, from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the office of the SAF spokesperson said in a statement. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)
BUTLER COUNTY, Pa., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oxford, Ohio resident Zhean Bai was convicted today of the deadly torture of Juliet the cat. Alley Cat Allies, the leader of the global movement to protect cats and kittens, provided support to the prosecution that was instrumental in achieving a conviction and jail time in Juliet's case.

Bai pleaded no contest and was convicted of committing cruelty to a companion animal, a fifth-degree felony. He is sentenced to 30 days in jail with seven days credit for time served, after which he is subject to deportation to China, his country of origin.

"The defense attempted to avoid a conviction and jail time, requesting dismissal of the case twice. Because of Alley Cat Allies' support, Juliet finally received justice," said DanaMarie Pannella, attorney, Alley Cat Allies. "However, we want Juliet's story to remain in the public conscience and will continue our fight for stronger punishments for animal cruelty that reflect the severity of these crimes."

On Monday, January 13, the day Bai was initially set to face a jury trial, Alley Cat Allies will hold a rally to remember Juliet's life, spread awareness of her story, and call for stronger sentences for all acts of animal cruelty.

One year ago, Juliet, an elderly community cat who lived in an apartment complex in Hamilton, was discovered with injuries so grave that she had to be humanely euthanized. Disturbing surveillance video revealed that Bai forced Juliet into a white garbage bag and then slammed the bag violently onto the ground.

Bai arrived in court on Friday with a packed suitcase and requested to self-deport. The request was denied. The judge said he was "appalled by the facts in the case" and that Bai committed "an extreme act of violence."

The felony conviction in Juliet's case was affected by last year's Ohio Supreme Court decision that Ohio's companion animal cruelty law protects all cats, including community cats who are unowned and live outdoors, as "companion animals." Alley Cat Allies filed an amicus brief that helped inform the Supreme Court's decision. Without that decision, Bai would have only faced a second-degree misdemeanor for his egregious actions.

The rally for Juliet will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday, January 13, in front of the Butler County Court of Common Pleas.

About Alley Cat Allies

Alley Cat Allies believes every cat deserves to live out his or her life to the fullest.

Founded in 1990, Alley Cat Allies is the leading advocacy organization for cats with a mission to transform and develop communities to protect and improve the lives of all cats and kittens. Together with our over 1.4 million supporters, we work toward a world where cats are valued and every community has humane and effective programs and policies to defend them.

Through our fearless advocacy, humane care, education and outreach, and law and policy activism, we equip and mobilize citizens, advocates, grassroots groups, shelters, veterinary professionals, and elected officials across the United States and around the world to improve their communities for cats through nonlethal, evidence-based approaches.

Our website is www.alleycat.org, and we are active on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Charlene Pedrolie is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Alley Cat Allies.

SOURCE Alley Cat Allies
// NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES //

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FRA: 5LB) ("BioVaxys" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the third tranche (the "Third Tranche") of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") with the issuance of 10,750,000 units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of $0.05 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $537,500.

Each Unit consists of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Share") and one (1) whole Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), whereby each Warrant is convertible into one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.15 until January 10, 2027, being the date that is 24 months from the date of issue.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Third Tranche for working capital. No finder's fees were paid in connection with the Third Tranche. All securities issued pursuant to the Third Tranche are subject to a statutory hold period expiring May 11, 2025, being the date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

The Company anticipates closing the fourth and final tranche of the Private Placement on or about, but no later, than January 24, 2025.

In addition, further to its news release of December 13, 2024, the Company reports that it has issued 5,000,000 unrestricted Shares at a deemed price of $0.10 per Share in settlement of an aggregate of $500,000 in debt that was owed to an arm's-length consultant of the Company (the "Debt Settlement").

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any securities in the United States. 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 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 laws or pursuant to available exemptions therefrom.

About BioVaxys Technology Corp.

BioVaxys Technology Corp. (www.biovaxys.com), a company registered in British Columbia, Canada, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patient lives with novel immunotherapies based on the DPX immune-educating technology platform and it's HapTenix 'neoantigen' tumor cell construct platform, for treating cancers, infectious disease, antigen desensitization, and other immunological fields. DPX is a patented antigen delivery platform that can incorporate a range of bioactive molecules to produce targeted, long-lasting immune responses enabled by various formulated components. The DPX platform facilitates antigen delivery to regional lymph nodes and has been demonstrated to induce robust and durable T cell and B cell responses in pre-clinical and clinical studies for both cancer and infectious disease. BioVaxys' common shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the stock symbol "BIOV", on the Frankfurt Bourse (FRA: 5LB), and quoted in the US on the OTC Markets. For more information, visit www.biovaxys.com and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "James Passin"

James Passin, Chief Executive Officer

Phone: +1 740 358 0555

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the Private Placement, including the expected use of proceeds from the Private Placement and the fourth and final tranche thereof, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys will be successful in developing and testing vaccines, that, while considered reasonable by BioVaxys, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the impact of any changes that may affect the anticipated use of proceeds from the Private Placement. BioVaxys does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2415135/5111126/BioVaxys_Technology_Corp_Logo.jpg

SOURCE BioVaxys Technology Corp.
CHICAGO, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - BMO announced today that it is continuing its support for people and communities affected by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area through donations to two organizations providing relief efforts on the ground. This is in addition to its ongoing annual support of the American Red Cross Emergency Relief Fund.

BMO is donating a total of $100,000 ($50,000 each) to the following organizations as it continues to monitor the situation:

United Way of Greater Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund: United Way of Greater Los Angeles is a critical relief agency when wildfires strike the Los Angeles area. It addresses urgent, ongoing needs, which include support for low-income individuals whose livelihood has been disrupted, people experiencing homelessness and those who provide services to support them, and disruptions to community organizations and small businesses. Anyone wishing to personally learn more or support wildfire relief efforts for United Way of Greater Los Angeles can do so at this link.

Direct Relief Wildfire Response: Direct Relief responds to wildfires by providing a wide variety of requested medical aid, from wound care to chronic disease treatments, and by distributing emergency grant funding. Direct Relief also supports local health organizations, improving resilience, and works to increase access to care in communities affected by wildfires and other emergencies. They deliver medical aid, emergency funding, solar and resilient power, and research and analysis to help governments and first responders make informed decisions about wildfires. Anyone wishing to personally learn more about Direct Relief or support their relief efforts can do so at this link.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. We remain committed to supporting our communities, customers and colleagues through this incredibly difficult time," said Darrel Hackett, CEO, BMO U.S. "These two organizations are providing critical resources and relief efforts on the ground in response to this disaster and we want to do our part to support their work."

"As we confront the heartbreaking devastation caused by the wildfires across Los Angeles communities and the long recovery efforts ahead, we are deeply grateful for the generosity of premier supporters like BMO. Their contribution to our Wildfire Response Fund helps address significant ongoing needs for Angelenos," said Elise Buik, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. "Together, we will rebuild our neighborhoods as one strong community."

"Direct Relief is thankful to BMO for collaborating on our wildfire response in Los Angeles and Southern California. BMO's generosity will help expedite Direct Relief's response and make it more impactful", said Tom Roane, Vice President of Corporate Engagement, Direct Relief.

BMO has long supported humanitarian and emergency relief appeals in the U.S. and internationally to help those affected by extreme weather, health crises and conflicts.

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.41 trillion as of October 31, 2024. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.

SOURCE BMO Financial Group
NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until February 21, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Capri Holdings Limited (the "Company") (NYSE: CPRI), if they purchased the Company's shares and/or sold Capri puts between August 10, 2023 and October 24, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.

Get Help

KSF (PRNewsfoto/Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC) KSF (PRNewsfoto/Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC)

Capri Holdings investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-cpri/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Capri and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On August 10, 2023, the Company and Tapestry, Inc. announced a merger agreement, pursuant to which Tapestry would purchase Capri for $57 per share in cash. On October 24, 2024, Judge Jennifer L. Rochon of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's motion to preliminarily enjoin the acquisition of the Company by Tapestry citing, among other things, that a "substantial body of compelling evidence" demonstrated that, in contrast to their public statements, defendants themselves believed that their brands were direct competitors in a well-defined "accessible luxury handbag market." On this news, the price of Capri's shares fell by nearly 50%.

The case is Hurwitz v. Capri Holdings Limited, et al., No. 24-cv-01410.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
ANAHEIM HILLS, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal) is taking meaningful action to support those affected by the devastating wildfires raging across Southern California. In line with its mission of Building Better Lives, CU SoCal has pledged a $10,000 donation to CU Aid, a fund dedicated to helping credit unions, their employees, and their communities during times of crisis. In addition to the $10,000 donation, CU SoCal is encouraging its team members to contribute to CU Aid. Helping Hands, CU SoCal's charitable foundation, will match all employee donations made through January 17, up to $5,000, doubling the impact of their contributions.

To further support recovery efforts, CU SoCal is making $1.25 million in interest-free loans available to assist those impacted by the wildfires. These loans are designed to provide financial relief and peace of mind, allowing individuals and families to focus on rebuilding their lives.

Relief Loan Options Include:

Emergency Essentials Loan: Those impacted by the fires can borrow $1,500 at 0% interest for six months with no payments for 60 days and no credit history requirement.

Those impacted by the fires can borrow at 0% interest for six months with no payments for 60 days and no credit history requirement. Wildfire Relief Loan: Members can access up to $5,000 per household at 0% interest for 12 months with no payments for 60 days.

Members can access up to per household at 0% interest for 12 months with no payments for 60 days. Loan Deferrals: Defer payments on existing loans are available to free up funds for urgent needs like temporary housing or other critical expenses.

"We are deeply committed to supporting our neighbors during this challenging time," said Dave Gunderson, President/CEO of CU SoCal. "Through our financial relief programs and our donation to CU Aid, we aim to provide immediate and meaningful assistance to those affected by the wildfires."

Additional Support for CU SoCal Team Members

CU SoCal is also taking proactive measures to ensure the health and wellbeing of its team members during this crisis. To address air quality concerns, CU SoCal is offering reimbursements of up to $100 for the purchase of a personal air purifier for team members. For those unable to upfront the cost of a purifier, CU SoCal will facilitate the purchase on their behalf.

Additionally, CU SoCal's Helping Hands program is available to assist team members and their families directly impacted by the fires.

For more information about CU SoCal's wildfire relief efforts or to learn more about available financial assistance, visit CUSoCal.org.

About Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal)

Founded in 1954 as Whittier Area Schools Federal Credit Union, CU SoCal is a credit union open to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. CU SoCal has a superior five-star financial rating from BauerFinancial, holds more than $2.8 billion in assets, and serves nearly 155,000 Members. For more information, visit CUSoCal.org.

SOURCE Credit Union of Southern California
WENTZVILLE, Mo., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the globally renowned retail chain offering affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first store in Missouri. The new store will open on January 25th, at Wentzville Crossings, located at 1905 Wentzville Parkway. This marks an exciting milestone as Daiso expands its footprint into Missouri for the first time.

"We are beyond excited to open our first Missouri location in Wentzville," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "Wentzville is a fantastic community, and we've seen growing demand for our distinctive and value-driven offerings. We look forward to offering local customers a wide variety of items at unbeatable prices."

The Wentzville store spans 7,000 square feet and features an extensive selection of products across multiple categories, including Japanese-inspired home decor, kitchenware, beauty products, stationery, and snacks. Known for its fun, treasure-hunt shopping experience, Daiso delivers unique products at affordable prices, making it a favorite for savvy shoppers.

"We're excited to bring the Daiso experience to Missouri," said John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA. "We've received strong interest from customers in this region, and we're eager to introduce more customers to our special and budget-friendly items. This opening is part of our broader expansion, with more locations planned across the U.S. in 2025. We invite everyone to come and Discover Daiso."

To celebrate the grand opening, Daiso will offer special promotions. On January 25th and 26th, the first 100 customers who make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive a special Daiso goodie bag as a thank-you for their support and a warm welcome to the Daiso family.

The Wentzville store will be located at:

Wentzville Crossings, 1905 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385

Store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daiso invites customers to visit the new location and explore the wide range of products.

About Daiso:

Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its wide selection of affordable, high-quality products. Daiso entered the U.S. market in 2005 and has since expanded into multiple states. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Anaheim, CA

SOURCE Daiso USA
Fast Guard Service: Delivering Security, Relief, and Hope Amidst California's Devastating Fires

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As devastating wildfires continue to ravage communities in California, displacing families and destroying entire neighborhoods, Fast Guard Service is stepping forward to provide critical disaster relief services. The latest updates from the fires in the Eaton and Palisades areas report widespread destruction, with countless residents facing the harrowing reality of loss and uncertainty.

With entire blocks of homes reduced to ashes and many forced to leave behind everything they own, the emotional and logistical challenges for survivors are immense. These events are a stark reminder of the increasing severity of disasterswhether natural or man-madeas technology and climate conditions evolve. The fires of Paradise in 2018 serve as a haunting precedent, showing how recovery can often feel insurmountable, leading some to abandon their communities altogether rather than risk reliving such trauma.

Adding to the chaos, local authorities have arrested at least 20 individuals for looting evacuated homes in the Palisades area. This underscores the critical need for security and logistical support during such crises.

Fast Guard Service: A Trusted Partner in Disaster Recovery

Fast Guard Service is dedicated to supporting affected communities with comprehensive disaster relief and restoration services. From supplying generators, potable water, and portable sanitation facilities to offering secure storage and waste management solutions, Fast Guard Service ensures rapid and effective recovery efforts in the face of catastrophic events.

Our specialized services include:

Generators: Reliable power solutions to keep essential operations running.

Fueling Services: On-site fuel delivery for equipment and vehicles.

Waste and Debris Removal: Roll-off trucks and vacuum trucks for efficient cleanup.

Security Services: Protection for evacuated homes and businesses against looting and vandalism.

Portable Toilets and Handwashing Stations: Maintaining hygiene in disaster zones.

Water Cleanup and Dehumidifiers: Essential for flood and fire-damaged properties.

To see the full range of services offered by Fast Guard Service, visit: https://fastguardservice.com/disaster-relief-services/.

Real-Time Fire Updates and Resources

For the latest information about the Eaton, Palisades, and other fires in California, visit NASA's wildfire monitoring resource at https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/usfs/map/#d:24hrs;@-118.52,34.25,10.78z.

Committed to Nationwide Support

Fast Guard Service operates across all 50 states, providing 24/7 emergency response and disaster relief services. Whether it's a hurricane, wildfire, flood, or other disasters, our team is equipped to deliver immediate assistance, ensuring safety, sanitation, and restoration for affected communities.

Contact Us for Disaster Relief Services

Fast Guard Service stands ready to assist those impacted by the California fires and other disasters. If you or someone you know needs support, don't hesitate to reach out.

About Fast Guard Service

Fast Guard Service is a leading provider of security, disaster relief, and restoration services across the United States. Founded with a commitment to safety and efficiency, the company delivers comprehensive solutions to safeguard communities and support recovery efforts during emergencies. From security and logistics to waste management and restoration, Fast Guard Service is trusted nationwide for its expertise, rapid response, and state-of-the-art equipment. With 24/7 availability and a proven track record, Fast Guard Service stands as a dependable partner for individuals, businesses, and organizations in their most critical times of need.

For more information, visit https://fastguardservice.com/.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Fast Guard Service
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The highly anticipated fourth edition of the Future Minerals Forum, set to take place from January 14 to 16, 2025, in Riyadh, is set to announce big agreements worth billions.

The Forum will feature the signing of major agreements and memorandums of understanding between local and international companies, government entities, and financial institutions, reinforcing the FMF's global status as a platform for driving collaboration and investment in minerals.

The agreements will cover key areas, such as exploration and mining, financing, research and development, innovation, sustainability, and mineral industries. These agreements reflect the Kingdom's dedication to developing the mineral sector as a foundation for sustainable economic growth.

Ali Al-Mutairi, the Executive Director of the Future Minerals Forum, said: "FMF is fulfilling its mission of becoming a global platform for businesses and investors to forge meaningful collaborations."

"The agreements to be signed during the conference will contribute to creating new job opportunities, strengthening value chains, driving innovation, and ensuring long-term sustainable developments," he added.





This year, the Forum, with its theme, "The Year of Impact," will convene 85 government representatives, 40 international organizations, 250 speakers, and delegates from over 170 countries to shape the future of minerals and push the agenda of creating a resilient supply of critical minerals to achieve the global energy transition.

Al-Mutairi reiterated that FMF is the largest global platform for minerals collaboration and action. "No other platform brings together government ministers and senior industry leaders at this scale," he stated.

Explore the detailed program agenda, sessions, themes, and speakers here.

About the Future Minerals Forum

The world's leading forum for shaping the future of minerals

The Future Minerals Forum (FMF) is the world's premier platform for minerals. FMF stands at the forefront of global industry connections, bringing together governments, international organizations, and stakeholders to collectively shape the future of minerals. With 14,000 participants from 178 countries, including 75 government representatives, FMF serves as a catalyst for global collaboration.

Through the (invite-only) ministerial roundtable, conference and exhibition, and specialized Mineral Technology and Exploration zones, the global conversation on minerals takes center stage, driving innovation and collaboration toward a sustainable future.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2314209/5111209/Future_Minerals_Forum_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Future Minerals Forum
LUANDA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Angola's Minister of Health Silvia Lutucuta announced on Saturday that emergency response plans have been activated to address the country's cholera outbreak, particularly in Cacuaco Municipality of Luanda province, the epicenter of the disease.

According to Lutucuta, health authorities have enhanced epidemiological and laboratory surveillance, mobilized resources, improved public health communication and ensured better access to safe drinking water.

"Everything we are doing is to fight this disease," she said.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Health convened a meeting of the Multisectoral Commission to combat cholera at the General Hospital in Cacuaco.

Adao Silva, director-general of the Public Water Company, said that 17 community water tanks previously used for drinking water have been cleaned, with their contents analyzed and drained. These tanks are no longer in use to ensure safer water supplies for the affected residents.

The cholera outbreak in Angola has claimed 12 lives and resulted in 119 active cases, according to a bulletin released by the Ministry of Health on Friday evening. 
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF) securities between August 16, 2023 and November 6, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until Friday, January 17, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. Captioned Zagami v. Wolfspeed, Inc., No. 24-cv-01395 (N.D.N.Y.), the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit charges Wolfspeed as well as certain of Wolfspeed's executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-wolfspeed-class-action-lawsuit-wolf.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected].

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Wolfspeed operates as a bandgap semiconductor company that focuses on silicon carbide and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies.

The Wolfspeed class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Wolfspeed's optimistic claims of potential growth of its Mohawk Valley fabrication facility and general demand for Wolfspeed's 200mm wafers in the electronic vehicle market fell short of reality; and (ii) Wolfspeed had overstated demand for its key product and placed undue reliance on purported design wins while the Mohawk Valley facility's growth had begun to taper before recognizing the $100 million revenue per quarter allegedly achievable with only 20% utilization of the fabrication, let alone the promised $2 billion revenue purportedly achievable by the facility.

The Wolfspeed class action lawsuit further alleges that on November 6, 2024, Wolfspeed announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, revealing that 20% utilization of the Mohawk Valley fabrication facility would result in 30% to 50% below the $100 million mark defendants had claimed, attributing the results and lowered guidance to "demand . . . ramp[ing] more slowly than we originally anticipated" as "EV customers revise their launch time lines as the market works through this transition period." On this news, the price of Wolfspeed stock fell more than 39%, according to the complaint.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Wolfspeed securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Wolfspeed class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases  over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

800-449-4900

[email protected]

SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 85 governments from key mineral-producing and consumer nations, including 16 countries from the leading G20 economies, and 50 ministers and 13 vice ministers  have confirmed they will join the 2025 FMF Ministerial Roundtable on January 14, 2025.

The Ministerial Roundtable, a multi-stakeholder, government-led initiative, is the traditional opener of FMF, spurring international action to increase investment in mineral supply and build capacity in the Super Region of Africa, Western and Central Asia, and other supply regions. It is set to be the largest and most senior gathering of mineral resources officials in the world

Discussion will cover progress made over the past year on the three Ministerial Roundtable initiatives:

Development of an International Critical Minerals Framework

Establishment of Centers of Excellence to build capacity in sustainability ( Morocco ), talent development ( South Africa ), and technology innovation ( Saudi Arabia ).

to build capacity in sustainability ( ), talent development ( ), and technology innovation ( ). Advancements in Certification Systems to ensure responsible mineral sourcing.

His Excellency Khalid Al-Mudaifer, the Vice-Minister for Mining Affairs of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, emphasizes that, "The meeting is an important step towards achieving sustainable development in the minerals sector globally. It is an ideal platform for delivering solutions, developing legislation on best practices in the field of sustainable mining, and exploring ways to invest in mining projects to achieve economic and social development in producing countries."

Joining him are high-profile leaders, including ministers from supplier and financing like Brazil, South Africa, DRC, India, Egypt, Italy, Nigeria, Qatar, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Morocco, Indonesia, France, USA and the United Kingdom, discussing opportunities for global cooperation.

"This year, discussions will seek to enhance collaboration between governments, industry, and communities to drive more investment in minerals, and development through value addition in supplier countries. We want to support the pressing need for sustainable mining practices, resilient supply chains, and value-driven partnerships in the minerals industry."

Importantly, the outcomes of the Ministerial Roundtable are not confined to the event itself but form an ongoing, year-round program. Regional Coordination Groups will continue to drive the implementation of key initiatives.

"FMF is emerging as the largest global hub for minerals collaboration and action  no other platform brings together government ministers and senior industry leaders at this scale." Al-Mudaifer concluded.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2314209/5111209/Future_Minerals_Forum_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Future Minerals Forum
NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 27, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Rentokil Initial plc (the "Company") (NYSE: RTO), if they purchased the Company's American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") between December 1, 2023 and September 10, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.

Get Help

Rentokil investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-rto/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Rentokil and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On September 11, 2024, pre-market, the Company provided an unscheduled "Trading Update," announcing that it now expected only 1% organic revenue growth in North America for the second half of 2024well below the Company's prior guidance, also disclosing that "While we saw some positive momentum in North America sales activity at the end of the second quarter, the trading performance in July and August was lower than anticipated. There has also been some modest disruption to organic growth from branch integration."

On this news, the price of Rentokil ADSs fell by over 21%, from a closing price of $31.60 per ADS on September 10, 2024, to a closing price of $24.95 per ADS on September 11, 2024.

The case is Laborers Local #235 Pension Fund v. Rentokil Initial plc, et al., No. 24-cv-2932.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and officers of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) in connection with Southwest Airlines' information technology infrastructure impacting the Company's business, operations, and stock price.

If you currently own shares of Southwest Airlines stock, please visit the firm's website at https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=10716 for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at [email protected].

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/.

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.

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.
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As devastating fires continue to ravage Greater Los Angeles, the Volunteer Ministers of Scientology Churches and Missions across L.A. County are providing critical support to those affected. From offering essential supplies to emotional support, the Volunteer Ministers are stepping up to assist individuals and families in their time of need.

Volunteer Ministers confront the unprecedented damage.

From their headquarters at the bright yellow tent at the Church of Scientology at 4810 Sunset Blvd., just west of Vermont, Volunteer Ministers deploy to deliver supplies and provide service to those requesting help. The tent is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Donations of essential supplies such as water, nonperishable food, blankets, bedding, and hygiene items are urgently needed and can be dropped off at the tent. With the magnitude of the disaster, anyone wishing to volunteer is welcome and needed.

A 24/7 hotline is also available: call (323) 953-3240 for resources and assistance or to volunteer. Individuals are encouraged to call the hotline or visit the site to learn how they can help.

Volunteer Minister Shares a Firsthand Account

Alberto trained as a Scientology Volunteer Minister by completing the 19 online Scientology Tools for Life courses, available free of charge in 19 languages.

He hit the ground running as soon as the fires began and shares his perspective about being a volunteer in times like these.

"I have seen the pain and heard people crying, heartbroken over the loss of their belongings. I've heard the frustration, but I have also witnessed the courage and bravery of people who, despite having lost absolutely everything, say 'I will rise from this.'

"It's important for people to help because it makes us more human and creates solidarity with those going through hardship," Alberto says. "Supporting each other in these moments helps us grow as a community. Standing together raises our consciousness to understand that misfortune doesn't discriminate based on race, color, or social status. It's important that people help not because they have excess to give, but out of humanity.

"For me, being a Volunteer Minister has helped me understand pain and connect with those who suffernot just by being a shoulder to cry on and listening to their stories, but by trying to find solutions to the problems they face. It has taught me that it's not enough to view the problem from the outside; you must become one with those who are afflicted and suffering.

"Being a Volunteer Minister has taught me not to simply say 'I'm sorry for what you're going through,' but rather 'count on me.' For me, being a Volunteer Minister isn't a job  it's responding to a calling in life."

How to Help

Learning of the unprecedented disaster affecting Los Angeles, Volunteer Ministers from around the world have been contacting the Volunteer Ministers international headquarters to help. One Volunteer Minister from France has just arranged to fly to Los Angeles to help for the next two months. But those wishing to help do not have to be trained Volunteer Ministers. Trained or not, everyone's help is welcomed and there is so much work to be done.

The bright yellow tent at 4810 Sunset Blvd., just west of Vermont, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for people to drop off supplies or simply show up to help. The Volunteer Ministers hotline at (323) 953-3240 is available 24/7 throughout this emergency for anyone needing assistance or wishing to help.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the world's largest independent relief forces.

A Volunteer Minister's mandate is to be "a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others." Their creed: "A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well." Their motto is no matter the circumstances, "Something can be done about it."

For more information on the technology used by the Volunteer Minister, watch Scientology Tools for Life and the documentary Operation: Do Something About It on the Scientology Network on DIRECTV 320 or at www.Scientology.tv.

The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. David Miscavige is Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. The first Church of Scientology was formed in Los Angeles in 1954 and the religion has expanded to more than 11,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries.

SOURCE Church of Scientology International
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sempra (NYSE: SRE) and Sempra Foundation today announced up to $1 million in charitable contributions to support those impacted by the California wildfires. Sempra Foundation, founded and solely funded by Sempra, announced up to $750,000 in charitable contributions. Sempra also announced up to $250,000 of shareholder contributions to further support those impacted.

"We are grateful for the work of first responders and utility workers who are doing all they can to protect communities, and we are deeply saddened that so many have been displaced or lost their homes," said Lisa Larroque Alexander, senior vice president at Sempra. "We are dedicated to supporting our communities and our people to help them recover."

Sempra Foundation is pledging up to $750,000 to support disaster relief efforts in the greater Los Angeles community. This includes donations to the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region and Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves communities before, during and after disasters and crises to support relief and recovery efforts, as well as matching employee contributions to eligible community organizations supporting fire relief as part of its continuous program to encourage employees across the Sempra family of companies to volunteer and support causes in their communities.

Sempra also intends to establish and contribute up to $250,000 to the Sempra Relief Fund, an assistance fund to support employees from within the Sempra family of companies directly affected by disasters.

"As we extend our hearts to all those impacted by the wildfires, we will pull from our collective strength to support one another," Alexander said. "Together, we can help our colleagues, neighbors and communities safely navigate this crisis, get back on their feet and begin to restore their lives."

About Sempra

Sempra is a leading North American energy infrastructure company focused on delivering energy to nearly 40 million consumers. As owner of one of the largest energy networks on the continent, Sempra is electrifying and improving the energy resilience of some of the world's most significant economic markets, including California, Texas, Mexico and global energy markets. The company is recognized as a leader in sustainable business practices and for its high-performance culture focused on safety and operational excellence, as demonstrated by Sempra's inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America and in The Wall Street Journal's Best Managed Companies. More information about Sempra is available at sempra.com and on social media @Sempra.

SOURCE Sempra
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CES 2025, one of the largest tech events globally, concluded with over 4,000 exhibitors showcasing breakthroughs in AI, digital health, and mobility. TVCMALL, a leading one-stop B2B wholesaler, made its second consecutive appearance at the event, delivering comprehensive solutions and introducing a new brand, LEMONDA. With a focus on eco-friendly products and AI-driven accessories, TVCMALL is redefining the wholesale experience for global entrepreneurs.

TVCMALL booth layout at CES 2025

Revolutionizing Wholesale with AI and Sustainability

TVCMALL is a one-stop platform offering over 1 million SKUs, including mobile accessories, smart tech, and consumer electronics. At CES 2025, the company presented a range of cutting-edge products, from biodegradable phone cases to AI-driven gadgets like Meta Quest 3 headbands, wireless chargers, power banks, and gaming accessories. As part of its innovative approach, TVCMALL launched LEMONDA, a lifestyle brand focused on sustainability. Featuring lightweight, corrosion-resistant resin smartwatch straps and eco-friendly packaging, LEMONDA aligns with the growing demand for green solutions in tech, further cementing TVCMALL's commitment to a sustainable future.

Comprehensive Solutions for Retailers

TVCMALL simplifies sourcing with an extensive catalog and AI-powered ordering systems, allowing businesses to streamline purchasing and make data-driven decisions. With no minimum order quantity (MOQ) on most products and a flexible dropshipping service, TVCMALL supports businesses with customized solutions tailored to their needs. Whether through personalized packaging or exclusive designs, TVCMALL helps entrepreneurs enhance their brand visibility and stay competitive. The platform also integrates with Amazon and custom APIs for a seamless experience.

Commitment to Quality and Global Growth

TVCMALL is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed in both established and emerging markets. By offering competitive prices, fast delivery, and in-depth market insights, TVCMALL empowers businesses to expand into regions like Europe, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. The company works with trusted partners like Dux Ducis, CaseMe, and Nillkin, ensuring the reliability and quality of its offerings. Additionally, TVCMALL provides value-added services like product photography, factory inspections, and certifications (CE, RoHS), assisting clients with smooth market entry.

"At TVCMALL, our vision is to build a more generous and thriving world," said Leo Chen, Founder and Chairman of TVCMALL. "CES 2025 is not just an exhibition for us; it's an opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and inspire a new era of retail and technology."

For more information, please visit www.tvcmall.com or contact [email protected].

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2593486/TVCMALL_booth_layout_at_CES_2025.jpg
NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 20, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Visa Inc. (NYSE: V), if they purchased the Company's securities between November 16, 2023, and September 23, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

Get Help

Visa investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-v/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Visa and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On September 24, the United States Department of Justice filed suit against the Company for four separate violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act alleging, among other things, that the Company leverages dual-sided network effects, afforded to it by its existing monopoly position on both sides of the payment processing market, to freeze out smaller competition and cement its market dominance and further abuses that power by coercing merchants to exclusively use its payments processing platform, thereby causing harm to consumers.

On this news, the price of Visa's shares fell $1.48, or 5.38%, to close at $26.03 per share on September 24, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The case is Cai v. Visa, Inc., et al., No. 24-cv-08220.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa has inaugurated a modern sewage treatment plant capable of treating 30,000 cubic meters of sewage per day.

The Bole Arabsa Sewage Treatment Plant, which has increased Addis Ababa's sewage treatment capacity to 233,000 cubic meters per day, was inaugurated on Friday in the presence of senior Ethiopian government officials and Addis Ababa city administration representatives, among others.

Addressing the inauguration event, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie said that the newly operational sewage treatment plant will provide a modern sewage treatment system for more than 240,000 residents of Addis Ababa.

She said the facility is "a critical infrastructure with an overarching impact on creating a modern, clean, and healthier city."

"This treatment plant will modernize our sewage disposal system, addressing the long-standing need to make our city free of pollution and more convenient for its residents," Abiebie said.

Highlighting the plant's advanced technologies, which include a three-stage sewage filtration and treatment system, the mayor commended the contractor for completing the project efficiently and with high quality.

According to the Addis Ababa city administration, the plant's environmental protection benefits will enhance the city's socio-economic and political significance in Ethiopia and strengthen its role as a key tourist attraction in the country.

Addis Ababa hosts the headquarters of major international organizations such as the African Union, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, and various other diplomatic missions. 
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
Gurugram, Jan 11 : Haryana Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh has visited the proposed Jungle Safari site in the Aravali range in Gurugram and gave necessary instructions to the concerned officials, officials said.

The Minister held a meeting with the departmental officials in Chandigarh on Thursday regarding the project and instructed them to work on the Jungle Safari at a fast pace and personally visit there to take stock of the situation.

As part of these efforts, he visited the proposed site on Friday morning along with the officials of the Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department.

During his visit, Minister Singh instructed the officials to move forward with this project by identifying about two-and-a-half thousand acres of land in the degraded area of aathe Aravali range in villages of Sakatpur, Gairatpurbas, Sikohpur and Norangpur in the first phase of the Jungle Safari project.

"Officers should take special care that the forest of Dhok in the Aravali range should not be disturbed in this entire process of identifying the land. While working towards eco-tourism, whatever basic facilities will be provided for the convenience of tourists will be established on the identified land in the first phase," he said.

The Minister added that due to this area being close to Delhi, there are immense possibilities of eco-tourism here.

The forest department officials should consider every possible plan to promote eco-tourism here, Singh said.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has now handed over the responsibility of this project in principle from the Tourism Department to the Forest and Wildlife Department.

Even before this, Minister Singh has observed the Green Wall project and has taken steps towards implementing this project in the Aravalli mountain range.

During this, PCCF Vivek Saxena of the Haryana Forest Department, Forest Conservator of Gurugram Subhash Yadav, Gurugram DFOs -- Rajkumar, Nuh Pradeep -- and other officers were present.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) in 2026, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said at the CSPOC Standing Committee Meeting in Guernsey, which will focus on the use of artificial intelligence and social media in parliamentary processes.

Birla on Friday also took an opportunity to present how India has transformed in various fields such as agriculture, fintech, infrastructure, etc. under the visionary and robust leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taking to the social media platform X, the Lok Sabha Speaker wrote: "Chaired the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth(CSPOC) in Guernsey today. Took the opportunity to present how India has transformed in various fields -- from agriculture to fintech and infrastructure -- under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

He also added: "It was decided in the meeting that the thrust of the 28th CSPOC to be held in India next year would be the application of AI and social media in the working of Parliaments."

In his address, Birla highlighted India's economic progress and technological advancements, including its growing role in sectors like agriculture, fintech, artificial intelligence, and research.

He invited attendees to experience the blend of India's cultural heritage with modern development during the upcoming conference.

Birla discussed the role of parliaments in tackling global challenges like climate change, terrorism, and cybercrime.

He emphasised the need for inclusive and transparent parliamentary practices and highlighted the importance of dialogue among parliamentary leaders to address shared issues.

He also stressed the importance of making parliamentary institutions more effective, inclusive, and transparent to foster good governance and promote sustainable development.

Birla said the CSPOC platform was an invaluable opportunity for member countries to exchange best practices, strengthen parliamentary cooperation, and collectively work towards building a just and equitable future.

The CSPOC platform was described as a space for enhancing cooperation and exchanging parliamentary practices among member countries.

Birla said that India's role as host is an opportunity to reflect the country's traditions and its focus on inclusivity.

Quoting Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a concept that means "the whole world is one family," Birla called for cooperation among nations to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and malnutrition.

He also discussed the role of Parliaments in shaping policies and allocating resources for sustainable development and governance.

Last year, the Lok Sabha adopted artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to enhance the accessibility of parliamentary proceedings to lawmakers.

These cutting-edge technologies are used to provide regional language translations for Members of Parliament and make available parliamentary papers in different languages.

The Standing Committee set the agenda for the 2026 CSPOC and discussed challenges facing Parliaments globally.

Birla highlighted India's history of hosting the conference in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010, and invited presiding officers from Commonwealth nations to join the 2026 event in New Delhi.
Mungeli : , Jan 11 (IANS) A day after one labourer was killed in a silo collapse at a smelting plant in Chhattisgarh's Mungeli district, an FIR was filed against the manager, in-charge and several others following the incident on Friday, police said.

Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Navneet Kaur Chhabra said that the FIR was lodged under sections 106 (1), 289 and 35 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

A rescue operation involving personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was underway for more than 33 hours to trace workers trapped under the debris at the spot.

Three to four workers were feared trapped under the debris in the incident, they said.

The FIR was filed against plant in-charge Amit Kedia and manager Anil Prasad under sections 106 (A) (causing death by negligence), 289 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a police official here said.

One labourer was killed and another injured after a silo collapsed at Kusum Smelters Private Limited, located near Rambod village in Sargaon area, the police said.

Regarding the silo structure collapse at the smelting plant in Sargaon, Mungeli Collector Rahul Deo said that site clearance is currently underway, after which the rescue operation will continue.

He further mentioned that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and rescue equipment were also present at the incident site.

"Some workers were trapped after a Silo structure of the smelting plant here collapsed yesterday. Right now, work is underway for site clearance, after which the rescue operation will continue. We have teams of SDRF and NDRF and rescue equipment here. After removing the Silo structure, the rescue mission will get underway. If things will be on our side, within 5-6 hours, we should be able to do the work here," he said.

The rescue operation is ongoing to save the trapped workers.

Further investigation into the case is underway, a police official added.

The rescue operation involving NDRF, SDRF, police and district administration officials was still underway as 3-4 workers were reported to be trapped under debris, he said.

The silo was cleared with the help of mega cranes and now a huge pile of fly ash dust is being removed from the site following which everything will be clear, he added.
Paris, Jan 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in France from February 10 to 11, said French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday.

While addressing the 30th Conference of Ambassadors, President Macron said, "France will be hosting the AI Summit on February 10-11. A summit for action, as we call it. This summit will allow for an international conversation on AI. There will be Prime Minister Modi, who will move up to a major visit in our country as we want to forge a dialogue with all powers on AI."

The French President emphasised the importance of AI as a global conversation, stating that it will include countries such as the US, China, and India, as well as, the countries from the Gulf, which have significant roles in developing and regulating AI technologies.

"The US, China, and major emerging countries such as India have a key role to play, as well as the Gulf," Macron said.

He also highlighted that the summit will focus on innovation, talent, and positioning France and Europe at the centre of the global AI landscape.

"Beyond that conversion, what we want to do for public interest with the foundation will be setting up... The summit's core for me will be innovation and the ability to attract talent and to have France and Europe at the heart of the AI battle," he added.

Notably, the French Presidency earlier confirmed India's invitation to the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in December, describing India as a "very important country".

During a press briefing about the summit, the French Presidency announced that 90 countries, including India, had been invited to participate.

"We have invited India and are working very closely with India in the run-up to the summit. Misinformation and misuse of AI are themes that will be addressed," the French Presidency said.

"India is a very important country, particularly in terms of its potential to make a concrete impact on people's lives. We look forward to India's contributions to the summit's various teams," it added.

The summit, to be hosted by France at the Grand Palais in Paris, will convene Heads of State and government, leaders of international organisations, CEOs from large and small companies, representatives from academia, NGOs, artists, and members of civil society.

The event will focus on five key themes: public interest in AI, the future of work, innovation and culture, trust in AI, and global AI governance.

The French Presidency further highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to disinformation and the misuse of AI, which are central topics for the summit's discussions.

On February 10, various stakeholders, including heads of state and government representatives, will participate in multiple sessions.

Macron will host a formal dinner for heads of state and other VIPs that evening.

On February 11, the summit will feature a dedicated leaders' session exclusively for heads of state.
Chandigarh, Jan 11 : Punjab ruling AAP's legislator Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, 58, from Ludhiana (West) died of bullet injuries under mysterious circumstances at his residence late on Friday night, police said.

Chandigarh, Jan 11 (IANS) Punjab ruling AAPas legislator Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, 58, from Ludhiana (West) died of bullet injuries under mysterious circumstances at his residence late on Friday night, police said.

Police said an autopsy report would confirm whether Bassi had committed suicide or if he had accidentally shot himself.

Confirming the death, Joint Police Commissioner Jaskaran Singh Teja told the media in Ludhiana that Gurpreet Gogi was brought dead at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH).

Teja said, "As per the family members, he shot himself accidentally and sustained bullet injuries to his head. Gurpreet Gogi was declared dead at the hospital, his body has been kept at the mortuary in the DMC hospital."

The incident occurred around 12 a.m. soon after his return from a public function.

His wife, who was in another room, heard the gun shots and found him lying in a pool of blood.

He was rushed to the hospital with the help of security personnel where he was declared brought dead.

Gogi is survived by his wife Sukhchain Kaur Gogi, a son and daughter.

Police Commissioner Kuldeep Chahal and Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, too, rushed to the DMCH.

The MLA's death was confirmed by district AAP President Sharanpal Singh Makkar and the Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh Chahal.

Gogi had joined the AAP in 2022 and defeated two-time MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu during the Assembly elections from the Ludhiana (West) Assembly constituency.

Gogi was a Ludhiana Municipal Corporation councillor twice before becoming a legislator in 2022.

Before joining the AAP, he was a Congress district (Urban) president.

Last year, Gogi had destroyed the foundation stone of a pipeline project in Buddha Nullah, for which he had laid the foundation stone in 2022.

He had expressed frustration over the delays in the project and Vidhan Sabha speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan had promised strict action against any hindrance to the clean-up project in response to the AAP legislatoras grievances.

Hours before his death, he had met with Sandhwan and AAP MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in Ludhiana for a cleanliness drive of Buddha Nullah.
Beirut, Jan 11 : Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani said that Italy will play a role in preserving the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

During his meeting on Friday with newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Beirut, Tajani said the election of the president is important not only for peace in Lebanon but also for stability across the Middle East, according to a statement released by the Lebanese Presidency.

Tajani stressed that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon must be strengthened. "Italy will have a role in this regard, especially through its soldiers within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)," he was quoted as saying.

He also emphasised that the election of the president would "strengthen bilateral relations on the economic and commercial level in a way that serves the interests of both countries," Xinhua news agency reported.

Calling Joseph Aoun "a friend of Italy," Tajani said Italy would work with the Lebanese president in the future.

For his part, Aoun thanked Italy for its continuous support for Lebanon, especially through its participation in the UNIFIL.

He stressed that Lebanon is taking steady steps to achieve security and stability in the south.

He noted that once constitutional institutions resume functioning following the formation of the new government, serious efforts will be made to revive Lebanon, enabling it to play a pioneering role in the region and strengthen its partnership with Europe and the Mediterranean countries.

Joseph Aoun, Lebanon's former army chief, was elected president on Thursday.

Earlier Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati demanded that Israel halt its violations of the ceasefire agreement as Israeli forces continued their withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Mikati reiterated "the demand to stop the Israeli security violations of the ceasefire, the ongoing attacks on southern towns, the systematic destruction of homes and facilities, and the violation of Lebanese airspace" during a meeting with visiting US envoy Amos Hochstein.

He also called for "setting a clear timetable to complete the Israeli withdrawal before the end of the 60 days" stipulated by the agreement.

Hochstein, speaking after meetings with Mikati and Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri, said that the Israeli withdrawal would continue until all Israeli forces had left Lebanese territory.
Beirut, Jan 11 : Newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun hosted Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, discussing bilateral relations and Lebanon's pressing needs.

During their talks on Friday at the presidential palace, Aoun said Lebanon insisted on the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories and the deployment of the Lebanese army along the southern border, according to a statement released by Lebanon's Presidency.

Aoun expressed his gratitude for the Cypriot president's visit on the second day of his presidency, considering the visit a message of hope for all Lebanese, Xinhua news agency reported.

Aoun outlined Lebanon's priorities, including support for the economy and the Lebanese Armed Forces. He also stressed the necessity of European Union backing for Lebanon's new government once it is formed.

Christodoulides affirmed Cyprus' support for Lebanon, pledging to advocate for greater European Union involvement in aiding the country. He invited Aoun to attend the European Council meeting in Brussels in March to present Lebanon's vision and needs to European leaders.

Joseph Aoun was elected president in the second round of the presidential vote held on Thursday, local media reported.

Aoun obtained 99 votes in the second round of the electoral session, which was attended by 128 members of parliament, Lebanese TV channel Al Jadeed reported. His victory marks the end of more than two years of presidential vacancy in Lebanon.

In the second round, Shibli Mallat, a prominent legal figure in Lebanon, got two votes. Of the rest, nine lawmakers cast blank ballots and 13 voted for "sovereignty and the constitution," whereas five invalid ballots were cast, Al Jadeed reported.

Aoun failed to win a two-thirds majority, or 86 votes, in the first round of the session held earlier in the day, compelling the parliament to adjourn for two hours before proceeding to a second round, where a simple majority of 65 votes was sufficient for victory.
KAMPALA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's Department of Meteorological Services has warned of an upsurge in malaria cases in the East African country in January.

The public weather department, under the Ministry of Water and Environment, issued its January weather update late Friday, urging the public to take precautions against malaria, one of the leading causes of death in the country.

The department called on health authorities to ensure sufficient stocks of malaria drugs in health facilities nationwide to combat the disease and related complications.

"Community health education, awareness campaigns, and inspections are advised. Increased surveillance of disease incidences such as malaria should be conducted and reported to the responsible authorities for immediate intervention," the statement said.

"Health units are encouraged to stock up in anticipation of increased disease cases, and communities are advised to sleep under treated mosquito nets," it added, highlighting the likelihood of significantly higher temperatures during the day and night.

January, one of the two hottest months in the country, is predicted to be dry and hazy.

Data from the Health Ministry shows that malaria kills between 70,000 and 100,000 people in Uganda annually, mostly pregnant women and children.

According to the ministry, for every 10 sick people in Uganda, three have malaria, and for every 10 children under five years old admitted to the hospital, six have malaria, with many at risk of dying. 
Seoul, Jan 11 : US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan portrayed impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid as "shocking" and "wrong," but voiced confidence that "structurally," the South Korea-US alliance is "incredibly healthy."

Speaking in a press meeting on Friday, he also noted that the Biden administration was not able to make "substantial" progress in the efforts toward the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula with the security trend moving in the "wrong" direction, but stressed America and its allies are in a "materially better" position to deter North Korean threats.

He also expressed concerns over the "risk" of North Korea using the ongoing political turmoil in South Korea to engage in provocative activities but underscored that Pyongyang "should make no mistake" given the strength of the bilateral alliance, reports Yonhap news agency.

"I think the declaration of martial law in early December was shocking. I think it was wrong, and now we are watching a constitutional procedure play out. We want to make sure that it does so without violence, that it does so in accordance with the ROK Constitution," Sullivan said, using the acronym for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

"I believe that the ROK will come out the other side of this with strong democratic institutions, with a continued deep commitment to the US-ROK alliance," he added.

South Korea has been thrust into a period of political uncertainty following Yoon's short-lived martial law declaration on December 3, 2024, and his subsequent impeachment on December 14, 2024.

The official painted a sanguine outlook for the Seoul-Washington alliance.

"I think structurally, when you look out over the long term, the US-ROK alliance is incredibly healthy, and that's for deep, fundamental reasons, and that is also because of the cultivation of these past four years," he said.

"I don't know where the new team will take that alliance, but I think it is still very much set up for success, notwithstanding what's happening in terms of the political turmoil inside the ROK."

On North Korea, he admitted to the absence of visible headway in long-elusive endeavours to denuclearise the recalcitrant regime.

"We, like our predecessors, going back to Clinton, we're obviously not able to make substantial progress on the issue of denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. The trend there continues in the wrong direction, as it has under multiple presidents," he said.

"I didn't come in with particularly optimistic views on what we would be able to accomplish, but that's an area that remains of considerable concern."

However, the top security official pointed to progress in efforts to bolster deterrence against North Korea in tandem with South Korea, Japan and other partners.

"We'll see what the new administration is able to do, but what I do think on the North Korea file is that we put ourselves and our allies in a materially better position to deter and deal with that threat, even if we were not able to directly abate the threat," he said.

Asked about the possibility of the North launching military provocations at a time of political uncertainty in Seoul, Sullivan noted a "risk" of the regime's potential sabre-rattling.

"I can't predict exactly what North Korea will do, but I certainly think that's a risk ... It's in the American national security interests that the political crisis there gets resolved in accordance with the ROK Constitution as rapidly as possible," he said.

"But I would just say even today, in the midst of the ongoing political turmoil in the ROK, the US-ROK alliance remains strong, our deterrent remains strong, our resolve remains strong, and North Korea should make no mistake about that."

Touching on the seriousness of the North Korean threat, the official said it remains "acute" as it has been under former presidents.

"The North Korean threat when President Obama left was acute. It was acute when President Trump left office. It remains acute today," he said.

He pointed to the growing partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow, and an alignment of Russia, China, North Korea and Iran as "the biggest thing that is distinct from four years ago," while noting he has discussed with the Trump team the North Korea-Russia relationship as something that the incoming administration will have to "contend with."

"My broad view of this is that this alignment is not uniform across those countries, and we shouldn't think of it as a single bloc at this point, and we have already taken steps to try to find gaps and seams in it, and I think the next administration should not treat it as a single, unified bloc," he said.

"Second, this alignment is not emerging because of the strength of our competitors and adversaries, but largely because of their weakness and the pressure they are under, and that doesn't mean it's not threatening, but we should honestly assess that these countries are looking to one another because they don't have a lot of other choices."

Highlighting that the Biden administration's Indo-Pacific strategy -- designed to beef up a network of US alliances and partnerships to confront shared challenges -- is working in a "big" way, Sullivan expressed hope that there would be policy continuity under the incoming administration.

"I hope that they will carry it forward. And as I said, if you look at prominent Republican voices, this is an area where I think there's more convergence than there is debate or critique," he said. "So that gives me some hope that there will be the kind of continuity."
Belgrade, Jan 11 : Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that the US has imposed stringent sanctions on NIS, a mainly Russian-owned energy company operating in Serbia, marking the most severe sanctions ever placed on a company in the country.

Vucic warned that these measures, imposed by the US Department of the Treasury on the same day, could have far-reaching consequences for Serbia and its relations with international partners, Xinhua news agency reported

"The US is demanding the complete removal of Russian interests from NIS Novi Sad, AD," Vucic said, adding that Serbia has only 45 calendar days, until February 25, to finalise agreements with the Russian side and conclude all operational processes.

The president noted that many details surrounding the sanctions remain unclear. "We have been offered the possibility of consultations, which we will take advantage of starting tomorrow," he said.

Vucic plans to meet with a visiting US delegation. They will be joined by Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and key ministers.

Serbia is not an adversarial country to Russia, he said, adding, "We do not wish to engage in hostile takeovers of foreign assets." He also announced plans to discuss the issue directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Vucic also highlighted the importance of upcoming negotiations regarding the renewal of Serbia's gas agreements with Russia. These discussions, he said, will be critical for Serbia's energy security.

In 2009, Russia's Gazprom Neft became a key shareholder in NIS, Serbia's major energy company, through a state-to-state agreement for the purchase of a 51 per cent stake.
United Nations, Jan 11 : An estimated 3.2 million children under 5 are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year in war-torn and famine-afflicted Sudan, a UN spokesman said.

"Of these children, over 700,000 will likely suffer from severe acute malnutrition," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at a regular briefing, adding that the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is sounding the alarm, Xinhua news agency reported.

Dujarric said Sudan is the site of the world's largest child displacement crisis, with 5 million children homeless because of the hostilities. Most children leave their homes with only the clothes on their backs, and their mothers often walk for days, sometimes up to 20 days, to reach a camp, looking for safety, food and basic shelter.

"And as the conflict rages on, families and communities trapped in the middle of it and in hard-to-reach areas are continuing to bear the brunt of the violence and the suffering," he said. "The lack of access to sufficient food and basic services in these hard-to-reach areas inside Sudan is likely to swell and the risk of destitution and death increases."

Dujarric said that UNICEF, working with humanitarian partners, continues to do its utmost to deliver safe and clean water and integrated health and nutrition services, including immunization, treatment of childhood illnesses and whatever possible to manage acute childhood malnutrition.

The spokesman reminded reporters that famine conditions are present in Zamzam, Al Salam, and Abu Shouk camps for internally displaced people and the western Nuba Mountains.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Committee has projected that famine could spread to five additional regions of Sudan, including El Fasher, by the middle of this year, with 17 other areas at risk unless urgent intervention is managed.

"Immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access is essential in order for us and our partners to deliver humanitarian assistance," Dujarric said. "And we continue to urge governments to prioritise funding, ensure safe relief routes, and press all parties involved to just stop fighting."
New Delhi, Jan 11 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday paid heartfelt tributes to India's second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, on his 59th death anniversary, remembering his remarkable contributions to the nation.

Kharge shared a quote from late PM Shastri on X, "I understand that the basic idea of the administration is to keep the society united so that it can develop and move towards its goals."

In his message, Kharge said, "We pay our heartfelt tribute to the inspiration behind 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,' the great Gandhian, our ideal, late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, on his death anniversary."

He highlighted Shastri's pivotal role in India's progress, stating, "From land reforms to laying the foundation of the milk revolution, from abolishing third class in railways to leading the nation during the 1965 war, Shastri ji became an inspiration to everyone. His simplicity and modest life exemplified his dedication to the country's progress."

Born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, Lal Bahadur Shastri hailed from a humble background. Tragically, he lost his father, Sharada Prasad Srivastava, at the age of one-and-a-half years but persevered through adversity to complete his education.

Shastri served as India's second Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966, succeeding the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru after his demise. Known for his honesty and integrity, he commanded respect across political spectrums.

On January 11, 1966, Shastri passed away in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, shortly after signing the Tashkent Agreement with Pakistan. His slogan, 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,' delivered in 1965 at Prayagraj (then Allahabad), remains a lasting tribute to the valour of soldiers and the importance of farmers in India's development.

Shastri's legacy as a leader committed to the people continues to inspire generations, marking him as one of India's most revered figures in both the Independence movement and post-Independence governance of India.
Chennai, Jan 11 : The Tamil Nadu Police has initiated an intense awareness campaign across schools and colleges in the southern districts of the state to combat caste discrimination.

The programmes will primarily target Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Kanniyakumari districts.

Director General of Police (DGP) Sankar Jiwal has instructed the Southern Range DIG, Pa Moorthy, to engage professional counsellors in these initiatives.

The move comes after a police study revealed deep-seated resentment between caste groups in the region, often resulting in violent confrontations.

These districts have witnessed numerous caste-based killings and retaliatory murders over the years, predominantly involving intermediary castes and Dalit groups.

While earlier awareness programmes have been conducted, recent assessments emphasised the need for more comprehensive interventions to address entrenched biases and foster harmony among young people.

Tirunelveli DIG stated that stringent actions will be taken against individuals inciting caste-based violence.

Special police teams have been formed to monitor pending cases related to caste conflicts, POCSO offenders, and habitual criminals to secure maximum convictions through courts.

The southern range police will also strengthen security at courts and hospitals to prevent crimes in these premises.

Notably, the region witnessed 176 murders in 2024 alone, many of which were caste-related.

Following the murder of S. Mayandi near the Tirunelveli district court on December 20, 2024, caste tensions have flared, especially on social media.

Superintendent of Police (SP) N. Silambarasan has warned against spreading hate posts online and urged the public to maintain communal harmony.

"The recent murder has led to posts aimed at creating societal friction. We will take strict action against those responsible," he stated.

The Tirunelveli Taluk police have registered three cases so far and are actively pursuing individuals behind the offensive posts.

In 2024 as many as 27 cases of similar nature were registered, with arrests made in every instance.

Private buses in the region have also been directed not to play caste-based songs, which were previously used to glorify certain groups and offend others.

Subramanian, a software engineer from Chennai who hails from Tirunelveli, remarked: "During our school days, private buses often played songs that glorified one caste while demonizing others. This decision to ban such practices is commendable as it fosters a more inclusive environment."

The southern districts, including Dindigul, have long been plagued by caste violence. In past years, incidents such as public beheadings and the display of severed heads shocked the nation.

In response, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin pledged decisive action to curb such atrocities.

During one such crisis, then-DGP C. Sylendra Babu directed local authorities to monitor shops selling potential weapons, like knives and axes, and ensure sales were restricted to verified domestic users.

The police are now focussed on fostering unity among various caste groups through mixed-community programmes and educational campaigns.

These initiatives aim to promote understanding and reduce caste-based animosities among school and college students.

The region's history of caste violence underscores the urgent need for such interventions. The Tirunelveli district police remain committed to maintaining peace and curbing caste-related tensions through vigilance, enforcement, and community-building efforts.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 11 : Parents can now monitor the academic progress of their children studying in 12,943 state-run schools in Kerala from anywhere.

The 12,943 state-run schools house 36 lakh children.

This has been enabled through the 'Sampoorna Plus' Mobile App, developed by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), the technology arm of the Kerala General Education Department, for State schools, now accessible to parents.

K. Anvar Sadath, CEO of KITE said the Sampoorna Plus App allows parents to easily monitor their child's academic progress through the app.

"Necessary cyber security and security features have been incorporated into Sampoorna Plus besides empowering parents to actively participate in their children's education," said Sadath.

This includes features like student attendance, academic performance, and evaluation of extracurricular activities to benefit teachers, students, parents, and the public.

Sampoorna Plus facilitates the recording of students' attendance, academic progress, and progress reports, thereby enhancing communication between parents and schools. These features are integrated into both the Sampoorna Online School Management System and the Sampoorna Plus Mobile App.

The official version of the App titled 'Sampoorna Plus' can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. After installing the app, users should select the 'Parent' role from the available 'HM/Teacher/Parent' options.

First-time users will be required to sign up using the OTP sent to their mobile number registered in the app during their child's admission.

Parents should contact the respective school authorities to ensure their mobile number is correctly updated in the app.

When a parent logs in to 'Sampoorna Plus' using their mobile number as the username and their password, they can only view the profiles of the children linked to that mobile number.

In the profile, parents can view messages from the school, attendance, mark lists, and more. The communication facility within the Mobile App enables seamless interaction between parents and teachers.

The government order mandating the use of Sampoorna online management software in all schools also directs the implementation of measures to enhance the software.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm wishes to the nation on Saturday on the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the temple in Ayodhya and remarked that the "Ram Mandir is a great heritage of India's culture and spirituality, built through centuries of penance and struggle." New Delhi, Jan 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm wishes to the nation on Saturday on the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the temple in Ayodhya and remarked that the "Ram Mandir is a great heritage of Indiaas culture and spirituality, built through centuries of penance and struggle."

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wrote in a post, "Heartfelt greetings to all countrymen on the first anniversary of Ram Lallaas Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya. This temple, built through centuries of sacrifice, penance, and struggle, is a great heritage of our culture and spirituality. I firmly believe that this divine and magnificent Ram Mandir will serve as a major inspiration for the realisation of a developed India."

The Prime Minister also shared a video on X featuring visuals from the Pran Pratishtha ceremony held in 2024, along with a powerful message underscoring the significance of the temple.

aThis is not just a date on the calendar; it marks the beginning of a new era. After centuries of waiting, sacrifices, and devotion, the Ram Mandir stands as a symbol of Indiaas vision, philosophy, and direction," PM Modi remarked in a video post.

"For centuries, we have repeated the pledge aSarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (May all be happy)', and today, that commitment has taken shape in the form of the Ram Mandir. This temple is not just a place of worship, it is a depiction of Indiaas ideals and collective consciousness," he added.

PM Modi described that the grand temple reflects the nationas spirit through Lord Ram. "It will witness and inspire the progress of India and the realisation of a developed Bharat. It reminds us that when a goal is based on truth and supported by unified effort, no ambition is impossible," he added.

PM Modi highlighted that the temple symbolises a nation that has broken free from a colonial mindset, learned from every chapter of history, and is now creating a new legacy.

A series of cultural and religious events in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya have been organised by the Ram Temple Trust to celebrate the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the temple.
Chennai, Jan 11 : The DMK has announced senior leader V.C. Chandhirakumar as its candidate for the Erode East bye-elections, scheduled to be held on February 5.

Chandhirakumar, the Assistant Propaganda Secretary of the DMK, was previously a legislator representing the DMDK before shifting allegiance to the DMK.

DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin made the announcement on Saturday.

He stated that since Erode East is a Congress party stronghold, discussions were held with the Congress leadership before deciding that the DMK would contest the bye-election.

The bypoll was necessitated by the recent demise of Congress MLA EVKS Elangovan, who himself became the MLA of Erode East following the untimely death of his son and former MLA Thirumagan Everaa, who passed away at the age of 46 due to a massive heart attack.

Chandhirakumar, a postgraduate in Public Administration and a businessman, began his political career as the Propaganda Secretary of the DMDK, a party founded by Tamil superstar Vijayakanth in 2005.

He first became an MLA in 2011 after defeating K.S. Thennarasu of the AIADMK in the Assembly elections held for the Erode East constituency following the delimitation exercise.

In 2016, Chandhirakumar joined the DMK and contested the Assembly elections the same year but was unsuccessful.

Since then, he has served as the DMKas Assistant propaganda secretary.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President K. Selvaperunthagai earlier stated that the 2026 Assembly elections in the state are just 10 months away.

Based on Chief Minister Stalinas request, the All India Congress Committee and TNCC unanimously decided that the DMK should field its candidate for the bye-election in the interest of the INDIA bloc.

Notably, Chief Minister Stalin attended Chandhirakumaras family wedding reception during his visit to Erode on December 19, 2024.

IANS had reported on December 21, 2024, that Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK Erode South District Secretary S. Muthusamy had conveyed to CM Stalin that DMK cadres were eager for the party to contest the seat.

According to DMK insiders, Muthusamy also informed CM Stalin that the Congress lacks prominent leaders in Erode East, making it strategically beneficial for the DMK to field a candidate in the interest of the INDIA bloc.

During his December visit to Erode, CM Stalin directed party functionaries to strengthen the DMKas presence in constituencies perceived as weak in the district, aiming for a strong performance in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Srinagar, Jan 11 : Two days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to inaugurate the Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, an impregnable blanket of security was thrown over Gagangir and Sonamarg areas on Saturday.

The venues where PM Modi will inaugurate the site and hold public meetings have been taken over by the Special Protection Group (SPG).

PM Modi is scheduled to land at Neelgrad helipad and then drive to Gagangir for the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel that will make Sonamarg an all-weather destination.

The outer layers of security are managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the security forces while the outermost layer of security, including mountain tops and farther away areas, are being looked after by the Army.

Every minute detail about PM Modi's security is being attended to. Electronic surveillance, access control and drones have been pressed into service to see that the VVIP security becomes flawless.

"No chances are being taken and even the minutest detail concerning PM Modi's security are being attended to," said a top security officer.

Scores of policemen in civvies have fanned out in Neelgrad, Sonamarg, Gagangir, Gund, Haknar, Sarfraw and other areas within a 20 km radius of the said venues.

Traffic on the Srinagar-Leh road, which passes through Gagangir and Sonamarg has been suspended for two days.

Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat, IGP Kashmir V. K. Birdi, IGP Security Sujit Kumar and all other senior officers will stay in Sonamarg till PM Modi's visit concludes.

A number of dry runs of the security arrangements have already been done and the same shall continue on a real-time basis till PM Modi arrives.

Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Jammu and Kashmir L-G Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will be present during the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel.

The tunnel will bypass the stretch of the road from Gagangir to Sonamarg. This troublesome stretch remains closed due to heavy snowfall and avalanches in winter months.

The Z-Morh Tunnel is a 6.5 km long 2-lane road tunnel between Gagangair and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district. It is named after the Z-shaped stretch of road that the tunnel has replaced (Z-Morh translates to 'Z-turn' in English).

The road used before was avalanche-prone and used to get blocked for several months, but the Z-Morh tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to the Sonamarg tourist town. It will take only 15 minutes to travel the 6.5 km long tunnel compared to hours over the zig-zag road up and down the hills.

The tunnel was built at a cost of Rs 2400 crore. Once operational, the tunnel will help employment, trade, Amarnath Yatra, travel to the Ladakh region and round-the-year tourism in Sonamarg hill station.
Mumbai, Jan 11 : Alia Bhatt recently kicked in the New Year 2025 with the Kapoor clan in Thailand and has been treating the netizens with sneak peeks into her family vacay on social media. Keeping up with the trend, the 'Gully Boy' actress took to her official Instagram handle and dropped a mesmerizing beach picture from Thailand.

Soaking in the sun, Alia Bhatt captioned the post, " POV: 'You came to relax, but now you're curating your 'effortless' beach photos."

Before, this, the stunner posted another set of holiday photographs on her IG. The stills featured the diva enjoying a couple of water sports. She can also be seen reading, chilling with sister Shaheen, and working out during her downtime. The 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' star also wrote along with the post, "If you didnat post a beach photo, did you even go on vacation? @anithailand thank you for the memories a.. and the tann."

Alia Bhatt was accompanied by her hubby Ranbir Kapoor, daughter Raha Kapoor, mother-in-law Neetu Kapoor, mother Soni Razdan, sister Shaheen Bhatt, and sister-in-law Riddhima Kapoor Sahni during the family holiday to Thailand.

Shifting our focus to Alia Bhatt's work commitments, she will next appear on the silver screen with the action-packed spy drama "Alpha". Made under the direction of Shiv Rawail, the project is the first female-led film in the Yash Raj spy universe. With Alia Bhatt in the lead, "Alpha" will also star Sharvari and Einar Haraldsson in prominent roles, along with others.

In addition to this, Alia Bhatt has also joined forces with ace filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for his forthcoming drama, "Love and War". The 'Jigra' actress will be seen accompanied by Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor in her next. The makers made an official announcement about the movie in January 2024. Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt previously worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in the 2022 blockbuster "Gangubai Kathiawadi".
CAIRO, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his visiting Eritrean counterpart, Osman Saleh Mohammed, reaffirmed their opposition on Saturday to any unilateral interference in Somalia's domestic affairs.

Speaking at a televised joint press conference alongside Mohammed and Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, the foreign minister of Somalia, Abdelatty emphasized, "Egypt and Eritrea will provide all possible support for Somalia to regain control of its entire territory."

The ministers outlined plans to cooperate in strengthening Somalia's military capabilities, particularly in combating terrorism and maintaining national unity.

In addition, the three diplomats discussed enhancing cooperation among Red Sea states, including Egypt and Eritrea, to bolster security in the vital maritime corridor.

Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's stance on Red Sea security, stating, "Security in the Red Sea should remain the responsibility of the bordering countries. We do not accept any foreign military presence in the region," underscoring Egypt's firm opposition to the involvement of non-Red Sea nations in regional security arrangements.

The trilateral talks also covered efforts to preserve Sudan's unity and to intensify initiatives aimed at boosting security and stability across the Horn of Africa. 
Caracas, Jan 11 : Nicolas Maduro, who has been sworn in as the Venezuelan President for a third term, has pledged to ensure "peace, prosperity, equality and the new democracy" in the country after taking the oath before National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and on the Constitution on Friday.

"I swear it on history, I swear it on my life, and I will fulfill it," said Maduro, who then received the presidential sash and the Order of the Liberators, symbols of Presidential authority in Venezuela.

In his post-oath speech, Maduro called for a broad dialogue process in the country "to advance together toward a major constitutional reform that will further democratise Venezuela."

The reform, he said, aims to update "the principles of the Constitution based on the new economy and society," and "to defend the country from new technological threats."

"Today, I will sign the decree to create a broad national commission for drafting the constitutional reform project, aiming for a process of democratisation and defining Venezuela's new society and economy," Maduro said.

On July 28, 2024, Maduro won the presidential election with 51.95 per cent of vote, according to figures from the National Electoral Council, Xinhua news agency reported.

Maduro was the 24th vice president of Venezuela from 2012 to 2013, the minister of foreign affairs from 2006 to 2012, and the third president of the National Assembly of Venezuela from 2005 to 2006.

Beginning his working life as a bus driver, Maduro rose to become a trade union leader before being elected to the National Assembly in 2000. He was appointed to a number of positions under President Hugo Chavez, serving as President of the National Assembly from 2005 to 2006, as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2012 and as the vice president from 2012 to 2013 under Chavez.

After Chavez's death was announced on 5 March 2013, Maduro assumed the presidency. A special presidential election was held in 2013, where Maduro was declared the winner with 50.62 per cent of the vote as the United Socialist Party of Venezuela candidate. He has ruled Venezuela by decree since 2015 through powers granted to him by the ruling party legislature.
Juba, Jan 11 : South Sudan's health ministry said that it has rolled out a week-long campaign aimed at vaccinating more than 300,000 people against cholera in Rubkona, a hotspot county in Unity State.

The ministry said the campaign, backed by the World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, Medecins Sans Frontieres and various other partners, is an important step to curb the ongoing outbreak and brings the total number of counties where the vaccination campaign has been conducted to four nationwide.

South Sudan's Vice President for Service Cluster Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, who spoke during the launch, expressed the government's commitment to fully combat the outbreak and ensure effective measures are implemented to stop the spread of the disease.

"The rollout of the cholera vaccine nationwide is part of the broader government efforts aimed at combating the cholera outbreak and saving lives," Akol said in a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

According to the statement, Rubkona County is one of the 31 hotspot areas experiencing cholera outbreaks, accounting for 50 percent of reported cases. The campaign also aims to protect vulnerable populations from severe diarrheal disease.

Minister of Health Yolanda Awel Deng called on all health sector stakeholders to enhance their efforts and provide essential support by timely implementing effective preventive measures under the leadership of the government, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The vaccine we are introducing is lifesaving, and I encourage the community to get vaccinated and adhere to all precautionary measures to minimise the risk of contracting cholera," she added. Since South Sudan declared a cholera outbreak in October 2024, more than 17,581 cases have been reported nationwide with a case fatality rate of 1.5 per cent as of January 7, according to UN agencies.

With support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, over 1.3 million doses of vaccines have been secured to tackle the cholera outbreak in hotspots nationwide.
Ayodhya, Jan 11 : Ayodhya is witnessing a massive influx of devotees as the city gears up to celebrate the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple.

The consecration ceremony was originally held last year on January 22, during Shukla Paksha, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the rituals. This year, the anniversary falls on January 11, in alignment with Shukla Paksha as per the Hindu calendar.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to visit Ayodhya on Saturday to oversee arrangements at the temple. The city is hosting a three-day series of cultural and spiritual programmes to mark the occasion.

Speaking to IANS, devotees expressed joy over the construction of the Ram Temple and the grand arrangements made for the celebrations.

Many praised the efforts of the Yogi Adityanath-led state government and the Central government under Prime Minister Modi for fulfilling the long-cherished dream of the temple.

A group of 22 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh shared their excitement, saying, "We are thrilled to be here. We missed attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony last year, but this time, we made sure to visit with our entire family."

A devotee from Delhi said, "PM Modi is doing remarkable work. The development in Ayodhya is impressive. It's an amazing experience to be here."

Arun Kumar from Chandigarh, a member of the Adiyogi group that performs Ramleela, expressed his emotions, saying, "I've been part of Ramleela for 12 years, but visiting the Ram Temple is unparalleled. We also visited Hanuman Garhi and urged everyone to visit the temple at least once. The arrangements for darshan are excellent."

To commemorate the occasion, various spiritual and cultural events are being held. The day began with an Agnihotra ceremony, accompanied by mantras from the Shukla Yajurveda, conducted from 8 am to 11 am and will continue from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Chanting of six lakh Shri Ram Mantras, recitation of the Ram Raksha Stotra, and Hanuman Chalisa are also part of the day's events.

At the temple's ground floor, Rag Seva was held and a unique highlight was nine-year-old Vedika Jaiswal from Maharashtra, dressed as Lord Ram.

Her mother, Diksha Jaiswal, said, "Last year, people remarked how much my daughter resembled Lord Ram. She is deeply spiritual, and I decided to dress her as Lord Ram for this special occasion."

Other activities included a musical recitation of the Ramcharitmanas on the first floor of the passenger convenience centre, Ram Katha at Angad Tila, and a discourse on the Ramcharitmanas alongside cultural performances.

The Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust reported that over 200,000 devotees visited the temple on January 1, the first day of the year, to offer prayers. The ongoing celebrations continue to draw large crowds, reflecting the devotion and enthusiasm of the faithful.
Jerusalem, Jan 11 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that "Yemen's Houthis are paying and will continue to pay a heavy price for their aggression (on Israel)," describing them as a proxy of Iran and "a threat to Israel and the entire region."

Netanyahu's remarks came after Israel's military announced that its warplanes targeted the Hezyaz power station in Yemen's capital Sanaa, as well as the Yemeni ports of Hodeidah and Ras Issa. The military claimed it targeted infrastructures used by Houthi forces for military operations.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who observed the airstrikes from the Air Force command centre in Tel Aviv, said, "The port of Hodeidah is paralysed, and the Ras Issa port is ablaze," adding the strikes sent a message to the Houthi group that "no one will be immune."

Katz vowed to "hunt down" Houthi leaders, saying, "Israel's long arm reaches and will continue to reach anywhere that threatens us -- even in Yemen."

This marks the fifth massive attack on Yemen by Israeli forces, according to Israel's Army Radio.

Figures released by the military on Thursday indicated that Houthi forces have launched about 40 surface-to-surface missiles and 320 drones toward Israel since October 2023. Most of them were intercepted, the figures showed.

The Houthis began sporadic attacks on Israel following the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, citing solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, Xinhua news agency reported.

In response, Israel had also launched rounds of airstrikes on Houthi targets. In addition, the US-led naval coalition stationed in the area has been conducting regular air raids and strikes on Houthi sites since January 2024 in a joint bid to deter the armed group, prompting the Houthis to expand attacks to include US warships.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has urged the clean energy sector to become self-sustaining and independent of the government as production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes were meant only to help kickstart projects.

Unveiling the 'Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform' at an event here, the minister asked the participants to think innovatively and increase manufacturing scale in the country, according to an official statement issued on Saturday.

The platform, launched at the 'Bharat Climate Forum 2025', is an initiative designed to enhance India's cleantech value chains in the solar, wind, hydrogen and battery storage.

Goyal said that the platform will provide an opportunity for the Indian firms to collaborate, to co-innovate and serve as a platform for financing, sharing ideas, technologies and resources.

This will help India become an attractive business case and a global leader in the sustainability and cleantech sector.

He highlighted that subsidies are detrimental to long-term growth and development of the clean energy sector and the companies must strive to become self-sustaining.

The minister hoped that the participants at the forum would be able to achieve the target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of setting up 500 gigawatt of clean energy sources by 2030 in the country.

He pointed out that India has been one of the best performing countries in terms of meeting the Nationally Determined Contributions (NCDs) submitted in 2015 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

"We are well ahead of our targets. We have achieved the target of installing renewable or clean energy by 2022, 8 years ahead of schedule. Having achieved the milestone of setting up 200 Gigawatt of clean energy we are well poised to achieving 500 Gigawatt. India also has the largest interconnected grid in the world," Goyal added.

The minister also highlighted that taking on the challenges of climate change is not new to India, stating that Gujarat was one of the first states to adopt solar power.

He attributed the affordability of solar power in the country to the Prime Minister and his adoption of transparency, conducting honest auctions and providing equal competition and increasing the scale of implementation significantly.
Kolkata, Jan 11 : The Kolkata Police have intensified efforts to track the current status of non-resident Indians (NRIs) with permanent addresses in West Bengal, suspected of working abroad using fake Indian passports.

According to sources, the city police have sent official communications to the Embassies and High Commissions of several countries, including three European nations, where these fake passport holders are reportedly employed.

The objective is to ascertain their current whereabouts and legal status.

Investigations suggest that many of these individuals, claiming West Bengal origins, are illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. They allegedly entered India unlawfully and secured fake Indian identity documents, including passports to travel abroad.

To prevent further evasion, the Kolkata Police have also issued lookout notices for identified persons suspected of holding fake passports linked to West Bengal addresses.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Police sources have highlighted the role of organized fake passport rackets operating primarily in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Nadia districts. These areas share porous land and coastal borders with Bangladesh, making them hotspots for illegal activities.

South 24 Parganas, in particular, poses a heightened risk due to its coastal proximity to Bangladesh.

The investigating officials have identified a structured pattern in the operations of such rackets engaged in arranging fake Indian passports for the illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Upon illegally crossing into Indian territory, infiltrators connect with local agents and pay significant amount to acquire fake Indian identity documents. Initially, they are provided with safe shelters in border villages.

The first step involves obtaining fake ration cards, which serve as the foundation for acquiring other identity documents such as Voter IDs (EPIC), PAN cards, and Aadhaar cards. These documents are then used to secure fake Indian passports, enabling the infiltrators to leave the country under false pretenses.
Mumbai, Jan 11 : Shiv Sena (UBT) has unilaterally announced that the party will go solo in the upcoming nagar panchayat, nagar parishad, zilla parishad and municipal corporation elections. Party MP Sanjay Raut announced this here on Saturday.

"We will fight on our own from Nagpur to Mumbai. We have to see for ourselves, whatever happens, happens. It is our decision. When will the workers be given a chance in Mumbai, Thane and Nagpur? Not giving a chance to the workers will hurt the party's growth," Raut said.

He also said, "all parties should contest the local body elections on their own and give a chance to their workers."

"In the alliance, the workers do not get a chance to fight the Lok Sabha and the Assembly elections. This is affecting the party, in fact, the growth of the party. We should fight in the municipal corporation, district council and Nagar Panchayat on our own and strengthen our party," said Raut indicating that the party is ready for revival and stay relevant despite drubbing in the state assembly elections.

He told reporters that the party chief Uddhav Thackeray has given his consent for fighting ensuing local and civic body elections independently. Thackeray had recently interacted with the party cadres from across the state and during those meetings the workers had made a strong case for going solo.

Raut's announcement is being seen in the Maharashtra political circle as a beginning of the disbanding of the Maha Vikas Aghadi which contested together the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

Raut on Friday had dared the Congress to announce that the INDIA bloc does not exist any more, especially after its move to take on Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi assembly elections. For Shiv Sena, its supremacy over India's richest civic body, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation with a budget of almost Rs 40,000 crore is important to remain in reckoning. Besides, the party sees an opportunity to rejuvenate and revive going solo in the elections to other civic and local bodies.

Raut's statement comes a day after former chief minister Eknath Shinde hinted that the Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP will together fight the upcoming local and civic body elections in a bid to retain the MahaYuti's victory march and its dominance.

Reacting to Raut's announcement, the NCP-SP legislature party leader and former Minister Jitendra Awhad said, "If the Thackeray group has made a decision, who are we to stop it? Raut should have discussed and later taken the decision."

Shiv Sena UBT's move is crucial as the party was not comfortable with the Congress party's arrogance and its successive steps to undermine the regional parties. Raut and state Congress chief Nana Patole had differed over seat sharing that delayed the Maha Vikas Aghadi to seal the seat sharing agreement and jointly decide the poll strategy to take on the MahaYuti.

NCP-SP MP Dr Amol Kolhe on Thursday had targeted the Congress and Shiv Sena UBT over their style of functioning. "The Congress party's broken back is not ready to straighten out yet, while the Thackeray group is not ready to wake up from its slumber. Shiv Sena and Congress have not yet shaken off their stagnation, so we (NCP-SP) will have to work from now on with new enthusiasm to revive and win the local and civic body elections," he had told the party workers.

On the other hand, veteran Congress legislator Vijay Wadettiwar had commented, "Had the stalemate over the seat sharing resolved in two days, the MVA partners would have got poll planning and campaigning. We could not plan a joint program for the elections with all three parties. There were many reasons for this. So this is one of the main reasons, the mess in seat allocation and the time spent on it definitely affected the MVA's poll prospects badly."
Bhopal, Jan 11 : A video of a senior woman police officer in Madhya Pradesh offering advice to teenage schoolgirls on dos and don'ts for bearing bright babies, has gone viral and drawn flak. However, the cop is unfazed by the noise over it and has clarified that the circulated video clip "lacks context." Bhopal, Jan 11 (IANS) A video of a senior woman police officer in Madhya Pradesh offering advice to teenage schoolgirls on dos and don'ts for bearing bright babies, has gone viral and drawn flak. However, the cop is unfazed by the noise over it and has clarified that the circulated video clip "lacks context."

The 'advise' was given by the senior police officer of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) rank to schoolgirls during an awareness campaign in Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol district.

The matter came to light after a video went viral on social media, showing DIG of Shahdol, Savita Sohane talking about 'conceiving' to the girls in the classroom.

During a discussion with the girl students in a government higher secondary school, Sohane offered specific guidance on conception.

"Don't conceive on Purnima. Bow down before the Sun and do salutation by offering water to bring forth 'ojaswi (bright)' offspring." Shahdol DIG Savita Sohane was heard saying.

The DIG, who is unmarried, also spoke to students about the importance of planning for future generations, asking, "You will bring forth a new generation on Earth. How are you going to go about it?"

Sohane gave this advice to the students during the 'Mai Hun Abhimanyu' programme of the Madhya Pradesh government.

The campaign 'Mai Hun Abhimanyu' has been launched with the aim to prevent crimes against women and children, and to create a safe environment for them.

As part of the campaign, school administrations along with local police organise various types of programmes to raise awareness about women's safety.

The campaign evolves activities such as panel discussions, community participation and guest lectures etc.

After the video went viral on social media, Sohane told reporters that she frequently speaks at schools as part of the 'Mai Hoon Abhimanyu' programme, an initiative aimed at creating a safe environment and promoting respect for girls.

She explained that the lecture was based on her personal spiritual pursuits, including reading scriptures and listening to sermons.

Regarding her comments on avoiding conception during a full moon, she noted its significance as a holy period in Hinduism.

Sohane, who taught at a government school before joining the police force 31-years-ago, emphasised that her hour-long talk focussed on respecting girls, particularly considering crimes against women and children.

She believes the circulated video clip lacks context.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 11 : Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, has written to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, urging the government to adopt a unanimous resolution opposing the draft University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations of 2025.

This request comes two days after the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, passed a unanimous resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of the draft regulations.

In his letter, Satheesan expressed concerns over provisions in the draft regulations related to the selection and appointment of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) and the qualifications required for the appointment and promotion of academic staff in colleges and universities.

He warned that granting such powers to the Chancellor (Governor) could severely impact Kerala's higher education sector.

"If this becomes law, the Governor will have unfettered authority to implement the Centre's agenda, which could dismantle our esteemed higher education sector. It is imperative for us to find a way forward and adopt a unanimous resolution against this in the Assembly," Satheesan wrote in the letter.

The Kerala Assembly, with its 140 members, is set to convene later this month for the budget session. Given that the BJP has no representation in the Assembly, any resolution proposed by the Vijayan government is likely to pass unanimously.

The draft UGC regulations propose granting the Governor/Chancellor the authority to form a three-member search-cum-selection committee for appointing V-Cs. This committee would include nominees from the Chancellor, the UGC Chairman, and the university's apex body, such as its syndicate or senate.

Satheesan's letter comes amid speculation about the role of the new Kerala Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who recently succeeded Arif Mohammed Khan. The latter frequently clashed with the Vijayan government over higher education policies.

All eyes are now on the Kerala government and the upcoming Assembly session to see how this issue unfolds.
Islamabad, Jan 11 : The Indian Foreign Secretary's meeting with the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister in Dubai earlier this week has been giving sleepless nights to Pakistan's political and military leadership with several top analysts suggesting that Islamabad should urgently reassess its aggressive approach towards Kabul.

On Wednesday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai where both discussed various issues pertaining to bilateral relations, as well as "regional developments".

The meeting took place only two days after New Delhi had severely condemned the recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan that resulted in the death of 46 people, including several women and children.

Calls for a thorough review of Afghan strategy have grown in Pakistan after the Afghan side termed India as a "significant regional and economic partner".

Sources told IANS that closed-door meetings are being held in Islamabad as top officials delve deeper on the country's future approach towards its much-volatile neighbour.

There's plenty on their plate considering the worsening situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and the growing mistrust between the two countries, coupled with Taliban leaders reaching out to other regional states for collaborations, especially India.

"For Pakistan, this should be a wake-up call. We should not forget that India was a major player in Afghanistan before the Taliban takeover. New Delhi had invested about $3 billion in Afghanistan for reconstruction projects and even the northern alliance members have good relations with New Delhi," said Amir Rana, a strategic analyst.

"Even though the Indians are acting cautiously with the Taliban, things are actually moving forward. This is happening at a time when Pakistan is on the offensive against Afghanistan and our bilateral relations have nosedived tremendously," he added.

Pakistan has called the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) a "red line" for the country and repeatedly urged the Taliban-led Afghan interim government to take decisive action against the group.

"Pakistan cannot afford a hostile neighbour to its West. One view is that instead of communicating with the people in Kabul, Islamabad can raise the TTP issue with the Taliban leadership in Kandahar as that's where the real power originates from," said Rana.

"A reference can be taken from a fatwa that the Taliban issued in 2023, stopping its cadres from waging a jihad inside Pakistan. The same can be used to convince the Taliban to move and relocate TTP and other anti-Pakistan groups away from its borders," suggests the strategic expert.

It is also important to note that Pakistan's current policy towards Afghanistan, focusing on fewer talks and a more aggressive approach, has certainly not yielded any positive result, so far.

In the past, Pakistan has had serious reservations against what it termed as Indiaas influence and presence inside Afghanistan. And the same concerns can quickly re-emerge if Islamabad continues with its current strategy.

"The doors of negotiations are not closed. Pakistan can work through regional states to put pressure on the Taliban to act swiftly on their counter terrorism measures. If relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan sour further, it would add to the already volatile security situation and give more maneuvering room to other countries," said Rana.
NEW DELHI, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- A 10-month-old child has been detected with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in India's northeastern state of Assam, the first such case in the state, officials said Saturday.

According to local health officials, the child was undergoing treatment at Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh and was in stable condition.

Reports said recently four cases of HMPV were reported from Gujarat, three each from West Bengal and Maharashtra and two each from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Following the detection of HMPV cases in the country, the federal health ministry has asked states to strengthen and review influenza-like illness and severe respiratory infection surveillance.

The health ministry said there was no cause of concern for the public from HMPV which has been present globally since 2001. It said the country was well prepared for any potential surge in respiratory illness cases.

HMPV is one of many respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages, particularly during the winter and early spring months. The virus infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition and most cases recover on their own.

Doctors say vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems may develop more severe symptoms. 
New Delhi, Jan 11 : The findings of alleged irregularities and lapses in Delhi government's now-scrapped excise policy leading to a staggering loss of Rs 2,026 crore to the exchequer has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

BJP President JP Nadda on Saturday tore into the AAP government over the damning report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and said that it gives enough evidence of a 'power drunk' dispensation, marked by high levels of misgovernance.

Citing loss of Rs 2,026 crore to the exchequer, he said that the CAG report on 'liquorgate' has exposed Arvind Kejriwal as well as the AAP government.

He also took to X to slam the city government over 'intentional lapses' in policy implementation and said, "AAP'DA model of loot in full display and that, too, on something like liquor."

The government auditor's report has created a flutter in political circles and is set to trigger a war of words as it has flagged several 'lapses' in the excise policy of the AAP government and put on record, a loss of Rs 2,026 crore, for the first time.

The CAG report has also pointed out that many bidders were running losses, still licences were allotted by the then Kejriwal administration. It claimed that the decisions were taken arbitrarily, overlooking the recommendations of Delhi LG.

In an ominous warning to the AAP ahead of Delhi elections, Nadda also said that it was just a matter of few weeks before they are voted out and punished for their misdeeds.

Other BJP leaders have also mounted attack on the AAP and its supremo's clean politics pledge and termed the CAG 'expose' as a glaring example of a corrupt party led by 'Kattar Beimaan'.

They alleged that AAP government has looted the hard-earned money of innocent taxpayers and termed it 'shameful betrayal of public trust.'

Meanwhile, the AAP has questioned the veracity of these claims, with the party's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh asking from where this so-called CAG report was getting 'leaked'.

"Where is this CAG report? Where are these claims coming from? The CAG report has not been tabled, and they are making such claims," he said.
Mangaluru, Jan 11 : Tamil Nadu BJP State President K. Annamalai, who served as an IPS officer in Karnataka, said on Saturday that the process of surrender of six Maoists before the Chief Minister "raises doubts" and should be probed.

Addressing media in Mangaluru, Annamalai said, "I am observing developments in this regard in the media. I am telling all this as I was part of the Naxal surrender process in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. The surrender of Naxals before the CM in the state is a matter of investigation."

"The surrender of Naxals in Karnataka is raising doubts. The encounter of Naxal Vikram Gowda before the surrender also raised doubts," Annamalai said.

"It is said that Vikram Gowda was shot by authorities when he had approached the house to collect supplies. The residents have given interviews to the media after the encounter. They revealed that the police had arrived early and cleaned the house. Suddenly, the encounter news was flashed. Following the encounter, within no time, the surrender of six Naxals took place," he claimed.

"Our party senior leaders have already spoken and stated that the complete process of surrender of naxals is doubtful. It doesn't appear that someone has negotiated with them. Whether the Congress had used internal bickering among the Naxals is to be seen. Otherwise, overground workers who work in naxal-infested areas must have influenced the government. There are many doubts," he underlined.

"When we worked at Chikkamagaluru, the Naxals had surrendered. It is a long process. In Karnataka, the Naxal surrender policy exists and it is active. There will be a civil society and negotiations. Talks have to be held continuously. The Naxals will gather information on what they get before surrendering. They will know about the availability of bank loans and skill-based training and finally, they will surrender. While surrendering, there are certain conditions. They will have to face the cases against them and attend courts," Annamalai stated.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday welcomed the surrendered Maoists into the mainstream by offering them roses and copies of the Indian Constitution at his home office, 'Krishna', in Bengaluru.

With the surrender of the six Maoists, the Congress-led government declared Karnataka free from the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).

Karnataka BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra on Friday said that the surrender of six Maoists before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his home office Krishna on Thursday was a "sheer act of drama".

Mundagaru Latha from Mundagaru in Sringeri; Vanajakshi from Balehole in Kalasa; Sundari from Kutluru near Mangaluru; Marappa Jayanna Aroli from Raichur; Vasantha T. aka Ramesh from Tamil Nadu; and T.N. Jeesha from Kerala surrendered in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Chandigarh, Jan 11 : Gurpreet Gogi, a legislator of the ruling AAP in Punjab, died under mysterious circumstances from a gunshot wound in the head as his licensed pistol went off accidentally at his home in Ludhiana, a police official said on Saturday.

Gogi, 58, a legislator from Ludhiana (West), was hit by a bullet at his home in the Ghumar Mandi area around midnight on Friday soon after he returned from a public function, police said.

His wife, who was in another room, heard the gunshot and rushed to his room to find him lying in a pool of blood, police said.

Joint Commissioner of Police Jaskaran Singh Teja told the media the bullet pierced Gogi's forehead. However, he said, the exact cause of death would be determined once the post-mortem report is received.

Soon after the accidental firing, the legislator was rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) where he was declared dead on arrival, police said.

Police Commissioner Kuldeep Chahal and Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, too, rushed to the DMCH.

Former Congress leader Gogi, who joined the AAP in 2022, defeated two-time Congress legislator Bharat Bhushan Ashu in his maiden Assembly election.

Gogi, survived by his wife Sukhchain Kaur Gogi, a son and daughter, had diverse commercial interests in a private hostel, gun house and taxi service.

He contested his first election as a councillor on a Congress ticket in 2002 and won four Municipal Corporation in Ludhiana elections thereafter.

When he switched loyalties, Gogi had said he decided to switch to the AAP because "hard work wasn't paying in the Congress and there was no promotion of dedicated workers".

He loved to ride his Porsche and went to file his nomination for the Assembly election on an old scooter gifted to him by his mother.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed shock over Gogi's death. "Got the sad news of the demise of our party's respected MLA from Ludhiana West Gurpreet Gogi-ji. I am very sad to hear this, Gogi-ji was a very good person. Heartfelt condolences to the family in this hour of grief," said Mann in a post on X.

State AAP president Aman Arora also condoled the death of Gogi. "My deepest condolences to the grieving family during this difficult time. May they find the strength to endure this painful loss. I pray to the Almighty that his noble soul rests in eternal peace," he said.

State Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also expressed grief. "I am short of words after hearing about this tragic news. My sympathies are with the family members and supporters. May Waheguru-ji grant eternal peace to the departed soul," Warring said in a post on X.
Sydney, Jan 11 : Steve Smith equaled the record for most centuries in the Big Bash League (BBL) history, playing for Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers on Saturday. The 35-year-old Australian maestro scored an unbeaten 121 off just 64 balls, hammering 10 fours and seven towering sixes to equal the feat.

His innings propelled the Sixers to an imposing total of 222/3 in their 20 overs, laying the foundation for a thrilling contest.

Smithas century came off 58 deliveries, marking his fourth T20 century and his third in the history of the BBL. With this feat, he equaled Ben McDermottas record for the most centuries in the competition. Notably, Smith achieved this milestone in just his 32nd BBL innings, a stark contrast to McDermott, who has played 100 matches in the league.

This was Smithas first appearance in the current BBL season, having joined the Sixers after playing a pivotal role in Australiaas 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph over India earlier in January. His return to the T20 circuit was nothing short of sensational, silencing any doubts after his solitary BBL outing last season ended in a golden duck.

Smithas brilliance on Saturday added to his illustrious T20 record, which began with his maiden T20 hundred in the 2016 Indian Premier League (IPL). Playing for Rising Pune Supergiants, he smashed a 54-ball 101 against Gujarat Lions.

Despite his exploits, Smith has been absent from the IPL since 2021 and went unsold in the 2024 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Smithas availability for the Sixers in this BBL edition is limited due to national commitments. He is slated to play only two more league games on January 15 and 17 before leaving to lead Australia in their two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on January 29. His absence from the playoffs, which begin on January 21, will be a significant loss for the Sixers.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday paid a visit to the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya and sought blessings of the Ram Lalla.

CM Yogi's visit to the Ram Mandir assumes significance as it comes on a day when the nation is celebrating the first anniversary of Ram Lalla's Pran Pratistha (consecration ceremony).

Yogi Adityanath also shared his elation on being in the holy town, on the special occasion.

"Blessed to be in Avadh which is famous for Ram on the occasion of first anniversary of the Pran-Pratishtha of Lord Shri Ramlala Sarkar in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Hail Lord Ram!" he posted on X.

The one-year anniversary celebrations will continue till January 13, featuring various rituals, prayers and cultural events and will see participation of hundreds of devotees and saints in paying obeisance to Lord Ram.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm wishes to the nation, on the first anniversary of Pran Pratishtha ceremony and remarked that the "Ram Mandir is a great heritage of India's culture and spirituality, built through centuries of penance and struggle."

The grand Ram Temple was inaugurated on January 22, 2024 in a grand ceremony and was attended by many esteemed guests and saints besides a large gathering of devotees.

The first anniversary celebrations would have fallen on January 22 but the reason behind its celebration on January 11 was 'adjustment' in dates because of the Hindu calender.

Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust clarified that the Hindu festivals and rituals are traditionally observed based on the Hindu calendar.

"As the Pran Pratishtha ceremony was performed on Paush Shukla Paksha Dwadashi, also known as Kurma Dwadashi. In 2025, this date is falling on January 11, hence it was decided to celebrate the anniversary on this day," it explained.

The Ram temple in Ayodhya was set to be completed by June 2025. However, some reports suggest the same is expected to be completed now by September 2025 due to 'unforeseen delays' in construction.
Chennai, Jan 11 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday hit out at Governor R.N. Ravi, alleging that he was unable to accept the progress made by the state.

Responding to the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address, Stalin remarked, "As the incumbent Chief Minister, I may be an ordinary person. But the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has a century-old history, built on the sentiments of crores of people."

CM Stalin continued his criticism of the Governor, particularly for refusing to deliver his speech in the State Assembly and protesting the rendering of the national anthem at the conclusion.

The Chief Minister accused the Governor of politically motivated behaviour that insulted the dignity of the State Assembly and was unbecoming of his office. "By disrespecting the dignity of the House, the sentiments of the people, and daring to insult the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu (Tamil state song), the Governor has demeaned his official position with political intent. The House has never witnessed such acts, and it must not witness them again," Stalin said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has been subjected to unusual incidents in recent years. "The Governor visits the House and leaves without delivering his speech. That is why I described his behavior as childish," he said.

Citing Article 176(1) of the Constitution, Stalin reiterated that the Governor must read the speech prepared by the state government. He alleged that the Governor deliberately violates established rules.

Referring to the incident on the opening day of the Assembly session, Stalin pointed out that Speaker M. Appavu had to read the Tamil version of the Governor's address after the Governor left the House without delivering the speech.

Stalin also recalled that the Governor, in previous years, had omitted and added portions to the prepared speech. "This time, he left without reading it altogether. It is childish behaviour," Stalin said, questioning the Governor's actions.

"It is unbecoming of someone in such a high office to repeatedly insult the people of Tamil Nadu, the government they elected, and the centenary Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly," Stalin stated.

He further posed a question that he said resonated with the public: "Why should someone unwilling to discharge their Constitutional duties continue to remain in office?"
Bengaluru, Jan 11 : Karnataka BJP Chief B. Y. Vijayendra on Saturday slammed the Siddaramaiah government in the state, saying its leaders are busy with their "midnight meetings" over power-sharing, leaving people in "distress".

Speaking at the BJP Legal Cell's special meeting in Bengaluru, Vijayendra remarked, "Some within the ruling Congress view CM Siddaramaiah as an outsider. He served as Chief Minister for five years once, and now, after completing two years in his second term, discussions have started within the Congress about him relinquishing power."

"About 25 years ago, the then Chief Minister did not induct Shivakumar into the cabinet. At that time, his mentor reportedly said, 'If power is not given, snatch it.' Following this, Shivakumar succeeded in seizing power. Now, after Siddaramaiah has completed two years as CM, Shivakumar appears to be recalling the "snatch power" mantra," the state BJP chief said.

"On one side, CM Siddaramaiah seems unwilling to relinquish power even after completing his term. On the other, Shivakumar, who tends to stay up late, has started late-night meetings, while ministers loyal to CM Siddaramaiah have begun dinner meetings in his absence. This reflects the current political situation," he added.

He took a jibe at the Congress, alleging that agreements within the party revolve around power-sharing, not development.

Criticising the government's mismanagement, he stated, "Due to the government's irresponsibility, there have been a series of maternal and newborn deaths in state-run hospitals. Corruption has crossed all limits, and even after two years of this government, there is no visible development."

Vijayendra accused Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar of limiting their visits to Bengaluru and ignoring the rest of the state.

"They are intimidating opposition leaders and filing cases against Hindu activists who raise their voices against anti-Hindu policies. This cannot be called a democratic system," Vijayendra added.

He declared that protecting BJP workers and Hindu activists is the Legal Cell's top priority, which is why the meeting was convened.

State Legal Cell Coordinator Vasanthkumar gave an overview of the cell's activities, while State Convenor S. Dattatri, Co-Convenor N.V. Phaneesh, Joint Coordinator Lakshman C. Kulkarni, committee member Vishwanath, and other officials and district representatives participated in the meeting.
Chitradurga : , Jan 11 (IANS) Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, criticised the state government, claiming it has surrendered to Naxals rather than the Naxals surrendering to the government.

Speaking to the media in Chitradurga city after visiting Guru Madara Channaiah Mutt on Saturday, Narayanaswamy stated, "The Naxals have not surrendered to the government. Instead, the government has surrendered to the Naxals. How were these Naxals, who had remained elusive for so many years, suddenly found?"

He pointed out that the Naxals surrendered without arms or weapons, raising questions about the whereabouts of their weapons.

"Where did their weapons go? Are there more Naxals, and have these weapons been handed over to them? Such questions naturally arise," he said.

According to sources, Karnataka police have tracked the cache of weapons belonging to surrendered Maoists in Meguru forest in Chikkamagaluru district of the state. Sources confirmed on Saturday that the police have seized guns including AK-56, rifles, revolver, pistols and live bullets following continuous search for two days.

However, there has been no official statement on it yet, giving ammunition to the Opposition party in the state.

Narayanaswamy further criticised the manner of the surrender, stating, "Naxals should surrender before the police or the court. It is inappropriate for their surrender to take place at the Chief Ministeras office."

The surrendered individuals included Mundagaru Latha from Mundagaru in Sringeri, Vanajakshi from Balehole in Kalasa, Sundari from Kutluru near Mangaluru, Marappa Jayanna Aroli from Raichur, Vasantha T. (aka Ramesh) from Tamil Nadu, and T.N. Jeesha from Kerala. They surrendered in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Meanwhile, attacking the state government, Narayanaswamy stated, "This government is protecting corrupt individuals and is itself mired in corruption. Leaders within the party are fighting over the Chief Ministeras post. They don't even have the freedom to organise a dinner meeting. A divide-and-rule policy has been implemented in the state. There is also a mafia operating against Dalits, and the government is working against Dalit interests."

He further alleged, "The Congress party is controlled by a few families, including those of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister for Food K.H. Muniyappa, and Minister for Social Welfare H.C. Mahadevappa. There is no space for other Dalit leaders within the party. A mafia is working to ensure that no one else becomes Chief Minister apart from them."
Bogota, Jan 11 : At least 10 people have died after a small aircraft crashed in northwestern Colombia, authorities confirmed.

The plane, operated by Pacifica Travel, was reported missing on Wednesday en route from Jurado to Medellin and crashed on Friday in a rural area of Urrao, a municipality in the northwest Colombian department of Antioquia. Two crew members and eight passengers were on board at the time, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Unfortunately, there are no survivors. We have 37 personnel working at the site, and we are expediting the second stage, which involves recovering the bodies and coordinating with judicial police," said Carlos Rios Puerta, director of Antioquia's risk management department.

Adverse weather conditions, he said, are complicating the recovery process, as it must be conducted on the ground without the support of helicopters.

"We are making efforts to ensure this process is as swift and efficient as possible," he added.

Pacifica Travel released a statement expressing its commitment to supporting the victims' families. "We will be with them at all times, providing assistance and meeting every need arising from this tragic event."

The transport ministry and the civil aviation authority also extended condolences to the victims' families, who have gathered at Medellin airport. The civil aviation authority has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Earlier, a Mi-17 transport helicopter of the Colombian Aerospace Force crashed during a training flight, reported official Twitter page of the Ministry of Defense of Colombia.

During a training exercise to transport personnel, a Mi-17-1V helicopter began to lose control and crashed in a village near Anori, Antioquia. Five soldiers and two civilians were injured and hospitalised.

The Colombian army aviation uses a total of 22 Mi-17 helicopters in the 1V, MD and V-5 versions, which are used by mobile units and air assault units.
Chennai, Jan 11 : Around 14 lakh people are expected to leave Chennai for their native villages across Tamil Nadu to celebrate Pongal, one of the state's biggest festivals for which the state government has made elaborate transport arrangements, an official said on Saturday.

Nearly 14,100 government buses, 370 trains, 8,000 private bus trips, and numerous private cars are likely to ply to handle the festival rush.

With the government declaring January 17 as a public holiday and two weekends aligning with the official Pongal holidays from January 13 to 16, the festival stretch this year spans nine days.

The exodus began on Friday and over 13 lakh people are projected to leave the city in the next four days, despite ticket prices rising across all transport modes.

For example, a one-way trip to Coimbatore from Chennai on an air-conditioned private sleeper bus cost Rs 5,000 on Friday and Monday nights.

In many cases, bus operators demand full fare even if passengers disembark midway.

For instance, a bus bound for Thiruvananthapuram charges Rs 3,000, whether passengers alight in Salem or travel to the destination.

R. Perumal, an office-bearer of the Bus owners' association, defended the steep fares, saying, "People cannot expect us to charge the regular weekday fare of Rs 600 per head for buses to Coimbatore during peak festive seasons. The government should regulate fares to ensure fairness during such times."

K. Radhakrishnan, a private company employee traveling with his wife and two daughters to Salem, criticised the operators for fleecing passengers.

"I had to pay Rs 3,000 per head for a bus bound to Kerala, even though we are getting down at Salem," he said.

The Tamil Nadu Transport Department has faced criticism for conducting only limited checks and taking minimal action against complaints of overpricing.

To meet the festival rush, the Tamil Nadu Transport Department has arranged special bus services from key terminals in Chennai, including Chennai Moffusil Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu, Madhavaram, and Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam.

From January 10 to 13, 14,104 buses (comprising 2,092 regular services and 5,736 special services) are operating daily, with an additional 7,800 special services running from other towns. This brings the total to 21,904 services during the four-day pre-Pongal period, an official said.

Similarly, from January 15 to 19, post-Pongal, 22,676 bus services will be operated, including 10,460 daily services and 5,290 special services from Chennai, with 6,926 services from other towns. Special services will cater to destinations such as Puducherry, Cuddalore, Tiruchy, Madurai, and Salem, among others.

Similar arrangements are in place at the Madhavaram and KCBT terminals, connecting Chennai to cities across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.

The authorities have urged travellers using personal vehicles to avoid congestion-prone routes like Tambaram and Perungalathur. Alternative routes via Tirupporur, Chengalpattu, and Vandalur are recommended.

Additional police personnel will be deployed at toll plazas to ensure smoother traffic flow, an official said.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (R) and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attend a press conference at the presidential palace in Bogor, Indonesia, Jan. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

JAKARTA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Saturday, with the two leaders agreeing to enhance cooperation in various sectors.

Subianto told a press conference that Indonesia opened up to the possibility of Japanese companies participating in Indonesia's future economic development, including in the downstream programs of natural resources.

The Indonesian president invited the Japanese government to contribute to Indonesia's economic development, particularly in achieving food and energy self-sufficiency, industrializing natural resources and eliminating hunger for under-nourished communities.

Ishiba expressed Japan's commitment to foster cooperation in resource development and infrastructure to maintain energy security and advance decarbonization efforts. He also reiterated Japan's support for Indonesia's industrialization initiatives, particularly in downstream natural resources. 

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (R) and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba review the guard of honor during a welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace in Bogor, Indonesia, Jan. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)
Kochi, Jan 11 : The ongoing tensions surrounding the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly in Kerala took a dramatic turn on Saturday when police forcefully removed protesting priests near the bishop's house.

Kochi, Jan 11 (IANS) The ongoing tensions surrounding the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly in Kerala took a dramatic turn on Saturday when police forcefully removed protesting priests near the bishopas house.

The protest, involving at least 21 priests, had been going on for three days. The protesters were demanding the reversal of the suspension of four priests and the withdrawal of contentious documents issued by the diocesan administration.

The priests staged their protest outside the bishopas house in Angamaly, voicing opposition to decisions related to the celebration of the liturgy.

Tensions escalated as police moved in to disperse the protesters. Several priests were carried away by officers amidst chaotic scenes. A large number of laity supporting the priests also gathered there, leading to a heated confrontation. The situation worsened when attempts were made to force open the gates of the bishopas house, resulting in verbal altercations that turned violent briefly.

Meanwhile, hectic talks are underway to resolve the impasse. Supporters of the priests removed by the police have stated that the priests have refused to take bail and are prepared to go to jail in protest.

A conciliation meeting involving representatives of the protesters, Church higher-ups, and Ernakulam district authorities is being organised to defuse the tension. Reports suggest that Bishop Bosco Puthur, the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese, is likely to be replaced as part of efforts to restore calm.

Eventually, the immediate conflict subsided, but the atmosphere remains tense. Similar disputes have arisen intermittently over the past few years, reflecting deep divisions within the community.

At the heart of the controversy lies the celebration of the liturgy -- a central aspect of Catholic worship, which includes rites, prayers, and sacraments commemorating the Paschal Mystery -- Christ's passion, death, resurrection, and ascension.

This specific dispute dates back to 2021, when the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church decided to implement a uniform mode of celebrating the liturgy. Under this directive, priests are to face the congregation during the Liturgy of the Word, turn towards the altar during the Eucharistic prayers, and face the congregation again after communion.

While most dioceses have adopted this practice, the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, the largest Syro-Malabar jurisdiction, has opposed the move. Clergy and laity there argue that facing the congregation throughout the Mass aligns better with the liturgical reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council (1962a"65).

As the standoff continues, the dispute highlights the broader challenges of balancing tradition and reform within the Syro-Malabar Church.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : The Maha Kumbh 2025 will witness the installation of a 52-foot-long and 52-foot-wide Maha Mrityunjaya Yantra. This yantra, the first of its kind globally, will be set up on the sacred sands of the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.

Designed based on the 52 letters of the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, its dimensions, length, width, and height, all measure 52 feet. The yantra will be consecrated by renowned scholars and is expected to radiate positive energy across the world.

Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, the head of the Maha Mrityunjaya Yantra Institute, said, "The world's largest Maha Mrityunjaya Yantra is set to be established on the holy land of Prayagraj in 2025. This extraordinary divine event will be a historic moment for humanity. Saints and spiritual leaders from across India and the globe are coming to witness this grand occasion."

He further explained that the yantra's dimensions symbolise the 52 Siddha Peeths (sacred sites) of Hinduism. Furthermore, aligning with the Prime Minister's call for a clean Kumbh, hundreds of thousands of eco-friendly bags will be distributed to ensure cleanliness during the event.

Earlier on Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed preparations for the Maha Kumbh Mela. CM Yogi extended an invitation to PM Modi for the spiritual event.

The Prime Minister's Office shared the information on social media platform X, stating, "Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has met with PM Narendra Modi."

The Maha Kumbh, one of Hinduism's most revered gatherings, takes place every 12 years and will be held from January 13 to February 26, 2025. It will commence with the Paush Purnima Snan at the Triveni Sangam.

Millions of devotees, including spiritual leaders, sants, and pilgrims, are expected to attend, making it a monumental occasion in India's spiritual calendar.
Mumbai, Jan 11 : Amid raging controversy over the brutal killing of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh from Beed district, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is investigating the case, booked all eight accused under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) on Saturday.

Sudarshan Ghule, Prateek Ghule, Sudhir Sangle, Krishna Andhale, Vishnu Chate, Siddharth Sonawane, Mahesh Kedar and Jayram Chate, who have been so far arrested in the case, will be tried under the MCOCA.

Interestingly, Walmik Karad, a close confidant of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, who has been under arrest after his surrender in a dramatic manner in connection with extortion, has not been booked under the MCOCA.

Karad, the "mastermind" behind the killing of sarpanch, has been booked for extortion.

According to MCOCA, organised crime is defined as any unlawful continuing activity by an individual, singly or jointly, either as a member of a crime syndicate or on behalf of such a syndicate, by the use or threat or violence, terrorism, coercion, intimidation, insurgency or other means intending to gain undue economic gains or advantage of himself or a group.

According to Section 3 (1) of the MCOCA, the accused can be punished with imprisonment for a minimum of five years to life. It also provides for confiscation of the property of the accused.

The SIT's move comes at a time when all-party protests are being held across the state demanding justice for the family of Santosh Deshmukh and the execution of the accused involved in the murder.

The protestors are also demanding that Karad be booked for murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further, the protestors are also demanding the resignation of NCP Dhananjay Munde in the wake of his proximity with Karad.

NCP legislator Prakash Solanke has demanded that Munde should resign or be kept as minister without a portfolio until a fair investigation into the case is completed.

On the other hand, Suresh Ramchandra Dhas, BJP legislator from the Ashti Assembly seat in Beed district, has been quite vocal in this case demanding stern action against the accused.

He has repeatedly targeted Dhananjay Munde for the deteriorating law and order in Beed district during his tenure as the District Guardian Minister.

Dhas said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government will not spare anyone and the accused will be booked under MCOCA.

Although Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Ajit Pawar announced that strict action will be taken against those found guilty, regardless of party affiliation, he has ruled out Dhananjay Munde's resignation citing that CID, SIT and judicial commission probes in the case were underway.
Bogota, Jan 11 : At least 10 people have died after a small aircraft crashed in northwestern Colombia, authorities confirmed.

The plane, operated by Pacifica Travel, was reported missing since Wednesday after it took off from Jurado for Medellin. It reportedly crashed in a rural area of Urrao, a municipality in the northwest Colombian department of Antioquia. Two crew members and eight passengers were on board at the time, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Unfortunately, there are no survivors. We have 37 personnel working at the site, and we are expediting the second stage, which involves recovering the bodies and coordinating with judicial police," said Carlos Rios Puerta, director of Antioquia's risk management department.

Adverse weather conditions, he said, are complicating the recovery process, as it must be conducted on the ground without the support of helicopters.

"We are making efforts to ensure this process is as swift and efficient as possible," he added.

Pacifica Travel released a statement expressing its commitment to supporting the victims' families. "We will be with them at all times, providing assistance and meeting every need arising from this tragic event."

The transport ministry and the civil aviation authority also extended condolences to the victims' families, who have gathered at Medellin airport. The civil aviation authority has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Earlier, a Mi-17 transport helicopter of the Colombian Aerospace Force crashed during a training flight, reported official Twitter page of the Ministry of Defense of Colombia.

During a training exercise to transport personnel, a Mi-17-1V helicopter began to lose control and crashed in a village near Anori, Antioquia. Five soldiers and two civilians were injured and hospitalised.

The Colombian army aviation uses a total of 22 Mi-17 helicopters in the 1V, MD and V-5 versions, which are used by mobile units and air assault units.
Kolkata, Jan 11 : A fresh controversy has erupted over the competence of the West Bengal health department following the death of a pregnant woman at Medinipur Medical College and Hospital, allegedly due to the administration of expired Ringer's Lactated (RL) saline. The BJP has strongly criticized the state government over the incident.

Kolkata, Jan 11 (IANS) A fresh controversy has erupted over the competence of the West Bengal health department following the death of a pregnant woman at Medinipur Medical College and Hospital, allegedly due to the administration of expired Ringeras Lactated (RL) saline. The BJP has strongly criticized the state government over the incident.

According to reports, five pregnant women fell critically ill on Friday after they were administered the expired saline. One of them, Mamoni Ruidas (25), passed away the same day, while the other four remain in critical condition as of Saturday afternoon.

Among the four, two are on ventilation, one is in the Critical Care Unit (CCU), and another is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. Reports indicate that their conditions have not yet stabilised.

The incident has raised serious concerns, especially as the expired RL saline allegedly came from Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Limited, a company earlier banned by the Karnataka government and later by West Bengal.

Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has claimed that the firm was responsible for supplying the expired saline.

The state health department has formed a 13-member inquiry committee to investigate how expired saline was administered to these patients.

Adhikari has demanded a thorough investigation by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). He has also called for an inquiry into whether the firm bypassed regulations and gained access to state-run facilities due to alleged links with the ruling party in West Bengal.

This incident has revived concerns over similar cases in the stateas healthcare system. Notably, in a recent case of financial irregularities at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, its former principal, Sandip Ghosh, was accused of encouraging the use of expired and ineffective drugs on patients for personal financial gains.
Seoul, Jan 11 : The black box of a passenger jet that crashed in South Korea's southwestern airport late last month failed to work for the last four minutes, the transport ministry said Saturday.

The result of analyzing the ill-fated airplane's Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) by the US National Transportation Safety Board showed that data storage in both the FDR and the CVR stopped about four minutes before its crash into a localizer, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The ministry's aviation railway accident investigation committee planned to identify the cause of the data not being stored.

The localizer refers to a part of the instrument landing system providing aircraft with runway centerline guidance.

On December 29 last year, a Jeju Air passenger jet carrying 181 people from Bangkok landed without heels, skidded off the runway and hit a concrete mound equipped with the localizer at the end of the runway at Muan International Airport, some 290 km southwest of the capital Seoul.

The accident killed 179 people aboard the aircraft. Two crew were rescued.

Six minutes before the crash, an air traffic controller at the airport warned the plane of a bird strike.

Four minutes before the accident, the plane's captain shouted a Mayday and announced the return to the airport, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ministry said an investigation into the accident can be conducted through analysis of various data, except the FDR and the CVR, vowing to make best efforts to get to the bottom of the incident.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon the youth to embrace their potential and align their aspirations with India's journey towards becoming 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

Addressing the convocation ceremony of IIMT University, Meerut, the Defence Minister underscored the decisive role that young, ignited minds of the country can play in realising the national resolve of making India a developed nation.

"The dreams, commitment and thinking of the youth will give India a new identity in the world," he said, adding that the strength of a nation lies in the knowledge, skills, and determination of its young minds.

Citing the adage 'Every age has its own heroes', Rajnath Singh described the youth as the heroes of the country's future.

He told the students present on the occasion that the biggest strength of youth is their optimism, which provides the power to see opportunity in every difficulty.

The Defence Minister highlighted the nation's growing stature on the global stage under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said "Today, when India speaks, the whole world listens."

He added that India has made giant strides towards becoming a strong, secure and self-reliant nation, which is manufacturing state-of-the-art defence equipment on its own soil and even exporting to other countries. He added that India has secured its place as the third-largest start-up hub, and with over 100 unicorns, it is shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Emphasising that the youth have the potential to take the country to greater heights, Rajnath Singh asserted that young minds need to make best use of the environment of opportunities created in the country due to the government's efforts.

He urged the students to always remember three things to deal with any challenges in life -- faith in God, confidence in one's own abilities and hope for the best results.

"Today, India is establishing itself as one of the strongest nations. Our youth can represent the country with new confidence and energy. If you possess an idea and skillset and are ready to work hard, you will have no shortage of opportunities or resources. Today, India is witnessing transformation, innovation and dynamism," the Defence Minister told the students.
Accra, Jan 11 : Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the country's police to investigate the deaths of eight Ghanaians during the 2020 and 2024 general elections to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

In a letter issued by the president's office, Mahama instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to establish a dedicated task force within the Criminal Investigations Department to focus exclusively on the election-related murder cases.

"The task force should also review electoral security arrangements and investigate the role and actions of security personnel deployed at the affected polling stations to determine their involvement or oversight," the letter said.

The president requested that the committee provide periodic updates to the government at various stages of the investigation to maintain transparency and public trust, Xinhua news agency reported.

Mahama took the oath of office Tuesday after winning the presidential election in December last year.

A large crowd of Ghanaians from all walks of life, along with party supporters, gathered at the Black Star Square in Accra, the country's capital, to witness the grand ceremony.

The event was also attended by African heads of state and other foreign dignitaries.

At the inauguration, Mahama said that the event marks a new chapter in Ghana's history and presents a rare opportunity to reset the country in various ways.

"We have been through severe economic hardships as we moved from one crisis to another in recent years. But there is hope on the horizon, and today marks the beginning of a new opportunity, an opportunity to redefine our governance and economic strategies. Together, we can reset our beloved nation," Mahama said.

He pledged that his government would address youth unemployment by fostering strong partnerships with the private sector to create decent and well-paying jobs.

"In this resounding victory, I see a clarion call, particularly from the youth of Ghana, and this moment is a powerful affirmation that your voices matter and that your future must be our priority," he stated.

Mahama was born in 1958 in Ghana's Savannah region and previously served as Ghana's president from 2012 to 2017.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said on Saturday that quality of work, not the quantity, is the key towards realising the 'Viksit Bharat' goal, as he touched upon the ongoing debate on the work-hour balance triggered by the country's top corporate leaders.

Speaking at the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025' event in the national capital, Mahindra told a packed house that this debate is going in the wrong direction.

"I have huge respect for Narayana Murthy and other corporate leaders. My point is that we have to focus on the quality of work, not on the quantity of work. So it's not about 70 or 90 hours at work," quipped the business leader.

Anand Mahindra further stated that it depends on the output of the work and "you can change the world in 10 hours."

When asked about how many hours he puts in at work, he said: "I don't want it to be about the time. I don't want it to be about quantity. Ask me what's the quality of my work. Don't ask me how many hours I work".

According to him, his source of renewable energy is to "recharge my batteries by interacting with young people".

"Today, I lived up to all my hope, so my batteries are fully charged. It was a wonderful event," he said.

The controversy over work-life balance erupted this week after L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan suggested employees to work 90 hours a week, including Sundays.

After facing backlash, the company said the Chairman's remarks reflect the larger ambition of nation-building, "emphasising that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort".

From Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone to Harsh Goenka, Chairperson of the RPG Group, top celebrities condemned Subrahmanyan's remarks.

Meanwhile, the Department of Youth Affairs is organising the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue' from January 10-12 at Bharat Mandapam here. The event, which is a reimagination of the National Youth Festival, aims to provide a unique platform for youth to present innovative solutions for 'Viksit Bharat'.
Freetown, Jan 11 : Sierra Leone has recorded its first case of monkeypox, also known as Mpox, since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health emergency of international concern in August last year, the country's health authorities have announced.

According to a statement by Sierra Leone's National Public Health Agency (NPHA), the infected individual is a 27-year-old man from the Western Area Rural District.

Swift actions are being taken by health teams to conduct thorough contact tracing and investigations to identify potential exposures and prevent further transmission of the virus, the statement said.

Health authorities have activated the incident command system to effectively manage and contain the outbreak. Measures include isolating the patient and providing necessary medical care in a secure environment, conducting extensive contact tracing, and monitoring identified contacts for 21 days.

Moreover, the statement said that Sierra Leone is partnering with international organisations, including the WHO, for technical and logistical support, Xinhua news agency reported.

The NPHA urged the public to remain calm, stay vigilant and adhere to established health guidelines, emphasizing that collective efforts are crucial to controlling the outbreak and safeguarding the nation's well-being.

In August, 2024, the WHO declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), sounding the alarm over its potential for further international transmission.

The ongoing global outbreak of clade II monkeypox has caused more than 100,000 cases in 122 total countries, including 115 countries where monkeypox was not previously reported.

Mpox, it is an infectious disease that can lead to symptoms such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and fatigue. While most people recover completely, some may experience severe illness.

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family.

This family also includes variola, cowpox, vaccinia, and other viruses. The virus exists in two main clades: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb).

It primarily spreads from person to person through close contact with an infected individual, including within households.

Close contact can involve skin-to-skin interactions (such as touching or sexual activity), as well as mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact.

It can also spread through face-to-face interactions, where breathing or talking close to one another may generate infectious respiratory particles.
KABUL, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have implemented 13 projects in six provinces to preserve the rich historical sites and cultural facilities in the war-torn country, Khubaib Ghufran, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture, said Saturday.

"The Ministry of Information and Culture has undertaken 13 projects for the preservation and restoration of historical monuments in six provinces, including Kabul, Ghor, Herat, Kandahar, Bamyan, and Ghazni in the year 1403 of the solar calendar," local media Tolonews quoted Ghufran as saying.

Over the past two years, international visitors primarily traveled to Herat, Bamyan, Kandahar, Nuristan, and Ghazni provinces.

The nation's economy benefits from foreign visitors, prompting authorities to enhance the services and amenities available to them.

According to the Ministry of Information and Culture, over 8,000 foreign tourists have visited Afghanistan to explore its historic sites over the past two years. 
Mumbai, Jan 11 : Actor Sharib Hashmi, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming movie 'Sangee', has said that the film celebrates the ups and downs of friendship.

The trailer of the film has finally been unveiled, and it presents a heartwarming tale of friendship, moments of light humor, and plenty of laughs.

Talking about the film, Sharib Hashmi said, "'Sangee' is a beautiful story that celebrates the ups and downs of friendship in the most heartwarming way. Playing a part in this film was an absolute joy, and I'm sure the audience will connect deeply with the emotions and humor it brings. It's a film that will make you laugh, reflect, and cherish your own friendships".

His co-actor in the film, Vidya Malvade said that 'Sangee' is more than just a film about friends; it's a reminder of the bonds we form and the challenges we face together.

She said, "The story is lighthearted yet profoundly meaningful, and working on it has been an incredible experience. I truly believe audiences of all ages will love this unique take on friendship and life's twists".

The story of Sangee follows three childhood friends as they navigate life's quirky twists and turns. The trailer teases a playful yet compelling narrative of friendship and money, hinting at the unexpected dilemmas and emotional depth that come with it.

Director Sumit Kulkarni shares, "Sangee isn't just about fun and games among friends, it delves into the essence of true friendship. Through humor and relatable moments, we aim to present a narrative that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. I believe this story of three friends will resonate with viewers across all age groups, and I encourage everyone to experience it in cinemas".

Produced by Armoks Films & Yantrana Films, and presented by Supreme Motion Pictures and Satyam Jewellers, the film is set to release on January 17.
Beirut, Jan 11 : Lebanon's newly-elected President Joseph Aoun announced Saturday that he will visit Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

The Saudi Crown Prince extended the invitation during a phone call with Aoun, according to a statement by the Lebanese presidency. Aoun accepted the invitation and said the visit would be his first foreign trip as President, highlighting the kingdom's pivotal role in supporting Lebanon.

During the phone conversation, the Saudi Crown Prince congratulated Aoun on his election as President. The two leaders also discussed recent developments and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

Aoun, Lebanon's former army chief, was elected the 14th President of Lebanon on Thursday, with 99 out of 128 parliamentary votes in the second round of the presidential vote.

His victory marked the end of more than two years of presidential vacancy in Lebanon.

Aoun failed to win a two-thirds majority, or 86 votes, in the first round of the session, compelling the parliament to adjourn for two hours before proceeding to a second round, where a simple majority of 65 votes was sufficient for victory.

Following the election, Aoun entered the parliament building in downtown Beirut to swear his oath before lawmakers and deliver an inaugural speech.

According to the official National News Agency, Aoun acknowledged "the need for change in Lebanon's political system," and underscored "the importance of legal and judicial reform."

"Interference in the judiciary is forbidden, and there will be no immunity for criminals or corrupt individuals. There is no place for mafias, drug trafficking, or money laundering in Lebanon," he said.

Political division in Lebanon resulted in a vacant presidential position following the end of former President Michel Aoun's term on October 31, 2022. The parliament had failed to elect a president for the country in 12 electoral sessions. A caretaker government has been running the country during the presidential vacuum.

Joseph Aoun, 60, who is not related to Michel Aoun, is widely considered the preferred candidate of the United States and Saudi Arabia, whose support will be crucial for Lebanon's reconstruction following a 14-month conflict between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, according to analysts, reports Xinhua news agency.
Chikkamagaluru, Jan 11 : BJP MLC C. T. Ravi on Saturday claimed that he has received an anonymous letter asking him to apologise for the alleged derogatory remark against state Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar or else he will be executed.

Following the development, the Police Department has arranged additional security for the BJP leader.

Chikkamagaluru SP Vikram Amte stated that anonymous persons wrote a threatening letter to Ravi and a case has been registered in this regard.

"We will heighten the security for Ravi against this backdrop," he said.

In the threat letter, Ravi was asked to arrive in Belagavi and apologise to Hebbalkar within 15 days. The miscreants warned that if Ravi failed to do so, they would kill him and his son.

Meanwhile, reacting to the development, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar criticised Ravi, and called him a "big drama master".

Speaking to the media in Sringeri on Saturday, Shivakumar said: "Ravi is a big drama master. I considered him a national leader and an important BJP functionary. I never expected him to stoop to such a low level. In this case, he doesn't need to listen to anyone else - he should listen to his conscience."

"Many leaders from his party have told me that Ravi should not have spoken like that. If he would have admitted his mistake and apologised, the matter would have ended. But instead, he is continuously telling lies. His accusations are false," Shivakumar slammed.

The row erupted on December 19 during a heated debate in the Karnataka Legislative Council. Ravi allegedly referred to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as a "drug addict".

This provoked strong reactions, with Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar calling Ravi a "murderer". Ravi reportedly responded with an obscene remark directed at Hebbalkar.

The alleged comment led to Ravi's arrest on charges of using derogatory language against Hebbalkar. However, following a High Court directive, Ravi was released.

The Congress government has handed over the case to the special wing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) even as the Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti had stated that the case is a closed chapter and the police interference is unacceptable.

Hebbalkar challenged BJP MLC to swear before Lord Manjunatheshwara at the famous Hindu pilgrimage centre in Dharmasthala in Karnataka, regarding his alleged use of derogatory words against her in the Legislative Council.

Meanwhile, Ravi has complained to Governor Thawarchand Gehlot about alleged police highhandedness against him. The Governor has asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to consider the case and initiate action against erring.
Jammu, Jan 11 : Security forces said on Saturday that a major anti-terror operation has started along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K's Akhnoor sector of Jammu district.

"After reports of movement of three to four suspected terrorists in the Jogwan forest area of Akhnoor sector of the LoC in Jammu district, a massive anti-terrorist operation was started by the security forces. Some locals had reported to police having seen armed suspects moving in the area on Thursday. The area was cordoned off and anti-terrorist operation started there," officials said.

Security forces have started an aggressive campaign against terrorists, their over ground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers. Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha has directed the security forces to go all-out against the terror ecosystem to wipe it out completely from J&K.

The orders from the Lt Governor came after the terrorists carried out some dastardly attacks immediately after the peaceful, people-participative Lok Sabha and legislative Assembly elections in the Union Territory.

On October 20, 2024, two terrorists, a foreign mercenary and a local terrorist fired indiscriminately inside the workers camp of an infrastructure company in Gagangir area of Ganderbal district. Seven civilians including six non-local workers and a local doctor were killed in the attack.

On October 24, three army soldiers and two civilian porters were killed after terrorists ambushed an army vehicle in Botapathri area of Gulmarg ski resort.

On November 2 last year, terrorists hurled a grenade at the busy Sunday Market near the tourist reception centre (TRC) in Srinagar. A woman, mother of three children, was killed and nine other civilians were injured in the attack.
Mumbai, Jan 11 : Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan, who has been basking in the success of his movie 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3', visited his alma mater.

On Saturday, the actor took to his Instagram to share a video of himself as he paid a visit to DY Patil University where he studied engineering.

He expressed his gratitude to his gurus as he rekindled his memories from his academic days. He wrote in the caption, "From sitting on the backbench to standing on the stage for my convocation - what a journey it's been DY Patil University, you gave me memories, dreams, and now, finally, my degree (only took over a decade!). Thank you, Vijay Patil Sir, my incredible teachers, and the young dreamers here for all the love- this feels like coming home".

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kartik has bagged a Dharma Productions project after his fallout with Bollywood multi-hyphenate Karan Johar.

Recently, KJo took to his Instagram to reveal the upcoming romantic film, captioning it, "Wrapped in romance, here comes the best Christmas gift ever from us to you! Starring Kartik Aaryan, Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri is coming to cinemas in 2026. Directed by Sameer Vidwans".

In a quirky promotional video, Kartik introduces his character, Ray as a self-proclaimed mama's boy with a tumultuous dating history. He admits to having had three girlfriends, each of whom faced a tough time after their breakups. Determined to break the cycle, Ray vows to make his fourth relationship succeed, no matter what.

The makers of 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' and 'Satyaprem Ki Katha' have come together to present 'Tu Meri Main Tera'. The film will be presented by Dharma Productions and Namah Pictures. Directed by Sameer Vidwans, the film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Shareen Mantri Kedia, and Kishor Arora.

The fallout between Kartik and Karan became one of the most talked-about controversies in the industry, especially after their much-anticipated film 'Dostana 2' was shelved. However, after a period of tension and distance, the two decided to reconcile and collaborate on a new project.
Chennai, Jan 11 : Tamil superstar and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay has accused the DMK of misleading the people of Tamil Nadu with false promises of scrapping the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

In a post on social media platform X, Vijay criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, saying that the DMK leader has now admitted that only the Union Government has the authority to abolish NEET.

Vijay argued that this revelation underscores the DMK's "deceit" during the 2021 Assembly elections when the party promised to scrap the exam if voted to power.

He expressed disappointment, saying, "How long will they deceive us in our own country?"

He accused the DMK of making false assurances as a tactic to gain votes and then failing to fulfil their promises once in power.

He emphasised that NEET was a major campaign issue in the 2021 Assembly elections, and the DMK had claimed they plan to abolish it.

Vijay questioned, "Now the DMK government says that only the Centre can cancel NEET. Isn't this a betrayal to people who trusted and voted for the party based on its promises?"

On Friday, CM Stalin told the Tamil Nadu Assembly that NEET would have been abolished had the INDIA bloc formed the Central government. However, he admitted that only the Union Government can scrap the exam.

CM Stalin also reminded the Assembly that during the regimes of Kalaignar Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa, NEET was not implemented in Tamil Nadu.

He alleged that the exam was introduced during the tenure of AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS).

Meanwhile, Vijay's public rally at Vikkaravandi attracted over 300,000 attendees, marking a significant moment in Tamil Nadu politics.

During the event, Vijay labelled the BJP as his ideological adversary and the DMK as a political rival.

He accused the DMK of being a family-centric party that exploits the "Dravidian" identity for personal gains while condemning the BJP for engaging in "divisive politics".
Guwahati, Jan 11 : Government-owned NLC India Ltd on Saturday announced that its renewables arm has entered into a joint venture agreement with Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) for developing 1000 MW solar power projects in the state.

According to the agreement, NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL) will have an equity shareholding of 51 per cent in the joint venture while APDCL will hold a 49 per cent stake.

NIRL will bring its expertise in renewable energy project development. APDCL will facilitate land acquisition, regulatory approvals, and power evacuation infrastructure. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) will be signed with Assam DISCOMs for the sale of 100 per cent of the generated power for 25 years, according to the NLC statement.

"This initiative will not only ensure energy security for Assam but also catalyse socio-economic development by creating green jobs and enhancing the state's sustainability index," NIRL Chairman Prasanna Kumar Motupalli said.

The joint venture aims to address Assamas growing energy demands by developing renewable energy projects, ensuring affordable and reliable power supply, and contributing to the Stateas long-term energy security. The partnership aligns with the Government of Indiaas focus on increasing renewable energy penetration in the countryas energy mix to combat climate change and support sustainable development, the statement added.

The Joint Venture Company is set to play a pivotal role in addressing the energy needs of Assam in an environmentally responsible manner and also to meet the Renewable Purchase Obligation. It will focus on the deployment of innovative technologies to maximise efficiency and minimise the carbon footprint, thereby paving the way for a greener future.

This JVA represents a significant collaboration to promote green energy and sustainable development in Assam, addressing the Stateas energy needs while aligning with Indiaas renewable energy targets.

NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), as the renewable energy arm of NLC India Limited, is focused on consolidating the renewable assets of its parent organisation and spearheading future renewable energy projects. Established to enhance operational efficiency and streamline renewable energy investments, NIRL plays a pivotal role in advancing NLC Indiaas vision of contributing to the nationas energy transition while maintaining environmental sustainability, the statement said.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : Union Minister Amit Shah met the head of slum clusters on Saturday, in a mega outreach to the slum dwellers ahead of Delhi Assembly elections and launched a tirade at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its supremo Arvind Kejriwal, accusing them of metamorphosing into 'AAP'da for Delhiites in the past 10 years.

Amit Shah, referring to PM Modi's recent 'AAP'da' jab at the city's AAP dispensation, told the crowd that the polling day (February 5) was a day when they can get rid of 'AAP'das' from their lives.

"I have come here today to tell you that you can become the liberator of Delhi. You can free Delhi from many 'Aapdas' (disasters). Remember my words -- 5 February is the day of Delhi's freedom from 'AAP'da," said Amit Shah, eliciting strong cheers from the audience.

Further, addressing the heads of slum clusters, the Home Minister said that the AAP and its top leaders have 'deceived and duped' the city residents with its false promises for 10 years and sunk the city with its poor and corrupt governance.

"Today, I am telling the AAP party members that you have become AAPda of Delhi, you have become AAPda for the people of Delhi. Not only this, Kejriwal has become AAPda for the AAP party as well," he said in a direct attack.

He said that AAP rode to power, capitalising on the anti-corruption crusade by a saintly figure like Anna Hazare but went to break all records of corruption during its 10 years of governance.

Drawing a comparison between the AAP and BJP manifesto, he said that their poll promises are a bunch of lies while party's Sankalp Patra is about the resolve that sees the light of day.

"We promise what we do and we do what we promise," he said.

"AAP has been a disaster for Delhi in past 10 years. While the country reached new heights, the capital sunk deeper into a hole. If you open the tap, there is dirty water, if you open the window, there is foul smell, if you go out, there is a broken road and if you celebrate Chhath, you cannot take a bath. This government has turned the city into a hell," Amit Shah remarked.

Amit Shah's public address, the first after announcement of election dates, has given a fresh fillip to BJP's poll pitch and infused fresh vigour in party ranks.

Notably, the Home Minister's outreach to the slum clusters via Slum Dialogue Conference in Delhi's JLM stadium marked a new and unique campaign as the political parties deploy innovative means in the run-up to 2025 Assembly elections, to woo and lure the electorate.
Kolkata, Jan 11 : Bangladeshi smugglers continued their efforts to breach the international border with India in the districts of Malda and Murshidabad in West Bengal, for the second day running, on Saturday, forcing the Border Security Force (BSF) to open fire in self-defence, an official said.

The latest incident was reported by the 119 Battalion of the BSF from the Nawada Border Outpost in Malda.

"This happened around 2.10 a.m. on Saturday. The BSF jawan on duty spotted 15-20 Bangladeshi nationals in Indian territory. They were rapidly moving towards the border fence (150 metres from the zero line). There was also some movement on the other side of the barbed wire fence. After alerting his colleagues, the jawan rushed forward and ordered the Bangladeshis to get back beyond the zero line.

"This had no effect on the smugglers who focussed their high-beam torch on the face of the jawan to disorient him. Some of them even moved towards him in an aggressive manner. This was when the jawan fired two blanks from his service rifle," said N.K. Pandey, DIG and spokesperson, BSF, South Bengal Frontier.

According to him, the blanks failed to dissuade the criminals who proceeded to surround him with the intent to attack with sharp-edged weapons. By then, another BSF jawan had rushed to the spot.

Realising that his life was in danger, the first jawan fired two live rounds at the smugglers. This had the desired effect and they fled into the darkness, taking advantage of a mango orchard. Pandey said that any injury to a member of the group cannot be ruled out.

A search of the area led to the seizure of 572 bottles of banned cough syrup, a 'dau' (sharp-edged weapon) and a high-beam torch.

Similar attempts were made at the Harinathpur and Churiyantpur BOPs in Malda and the Nandanpur and Farjipara BOPs in Murshidabad.

At these locations, attempts were being made to smuggle out cattle and illegally cross the border into India.

Five cattle heads were seized along with drugs and other illegal items.

All of these were handed over to concerned authorities. At all these locations, the jawans had to use stun grenades, pump action guns and regular weapons to drive back the Bangladeshis. All firing incidents have been reported to the police.

"Such incidents are happening on a regular basis but our jawans are continuing to perform their duties and are ever vigilant. Regular flag meetings are held with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to address these issues but to no avail. This inaction on the part of the BGB has emboldened the criminals and illegal infiltrators. Nevertheless, BSF personnel remain steadfast in protecting the borders and ensuring the nationas security under all circumstances," Pandey added.
Jerusalem, Jan 11 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday that it has killed three militants in the northern Gaza Strip.

These militants were killed while attempting to fire at the IDF's Givati infantry brigade troops in the city of Jabalia.

"With reconnaissance drone, the soldiers identified the three terrorists who approached and hid in a nearby structure," read the statement. "The terrorists then tried to attack the soldiers, using a shaft inside the structure."

The IDF also released video footage showing the presence of an armed militant inside the structure.

According to the IDF, the troops gunned down two of the militants who were hiding, and the third was killed in a targeted operation by Givati soldiers.

Also on Saturday, a rocket was fired from southern Gaza towards the Israeli kibbutz of Kerem Shalom. Israeli air defence system intercepted it, and no casualties took place, reported Xinhua news agency.

Earlier, a White House spokesperson said on Friday that a deal that would secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza is "possible" to be reached before January 20, the day when US President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated to succeed incumbent President Joe Biden.

John Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, told reporters during a press gaggle that he was unable to give "a percentage" indicating the precise possibility of such a deal being ultimately struck, hence paving the way for the release of 100 hostages -- among whom seven are Americans.

"The question is, do I think it's possible?" Kirby said. "Yes, we think it's possible, but not without a lot of hard work still ahead of us. "

Biden's Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk, is currently leading a US delegation in Doha, Qatar, in what is the administration's last-minute effort to try to get the hostage deal over the finish line, according to Kirby.

Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, is in the delegation for the negotiations. "I'm really hopeful that by the inaugural, we'll have some good things to announce on behalf of the president," Witkoff said of Trump during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday.
SYDNEY, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- One man has died and two more have been hospitalized after a knife fight at a park in Melbourne's southwest in Australia.

Police in the state of Victoria said on Saturday that officers were called to reports of a group of youths fighting in a park in the suburb of Wyndham Vale - about 30 kilometers southwest of central Melbourne at 11:30 pm local time on Friday.

Officers arrived at the scene and found one man with a stab wound. He received medical treatment but died at the scene,

Two other males were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Victoria Police said that officers arrested four males nearby who were assisting with inquiries.

A crime scene was established at the park and detectives from the homicide squad have commenced an investigation. 
Kampala, Jan 11 : Uganda's Department of Meteorological Services has warned of an upsurge in malaria cases in the East African country in January.

The public weather department, under the Ministry of Water and Environment, issued its January weather update, urging the public to take precautions against malaria, one of the leading causes of death in the country.

The department called on health authorities to ensure sufficient stocks of malaria drugs in health facilities nationwide to combat the disease and related complications.

"Community health education, awareness campaigns, and inspections are advised. Increased surveillance of disease incidences such as malaria should be conducted and reported to the responsible authorities for immediate intervention," the statement said.

"Health units are encouraged to stock up in anticipation of increased disease cases, and communities are advised to sleep under treated mosquito nets," it added, highlighting the likelihood of significantly higher temperatures during the day and night.

January, one of the two hottest months in the country, is predicted to be dry and hazy.

Data from the Health Ministry shows that malaria kills between 70,000 and 100,000 people in Uganda annually, mostly pregnant women and children, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the ministry, for every 10 sick people in Uganda, three have malaria, and for every 10 children under five years old admitted to the hospital, six have malaria, with many at risk of dying.

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.
Damascus, Jan 11 : Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati arrived in Damascus on Saturday for talks with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first visit by a sitting Lebanese premier to Syria in over a decade, Syrian Al-Watan Online newspaper reported.

Mikati, accompanied by a senior delegation including Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and top security officials, landed at Damascus International Airport aboard a Lebanese commercial flight. The visit follows a formal invitation from al-Sharaa, extended during a phone call last week.

The meeting takes place as Syria navigates a political transition following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad last December. Al-Sharaa, who led the coalition that toppled al-Assad, is now overseeing efforts to stabilise Syria and rebuild its regional relationships.

Relations between the two neighbouring countries have grown tense in recent weeks. Syria recently imposed restrictions on cross-border movement following security incidents along the shared border. Previously, Lebanese citizens could enter Syria visa-free using only identification documents.

The border region has also seen a series of clashes between Syrian armed groups and Lebanese forces, resulting in casualties among Lebanese military personnel.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's newly-elected President Joseph Aoun announced Saturday that he will visit Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

The Saudi Crown Prince extended the invitation during a phone call with Aoun, according to a statement by the Lebanese presidency. Aoun accepted the invitation and said the visit would be his first foreign trip as President, highlighting the kingdom's pivotal role in supporting Lebanon.

During the phone conversation, the Saudi Crown Prince congratulated Aoun on his election as President. The two leaders also discussed recent developments and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

Aoun, Lebanon's former army chief, was elected the 14th President of Lebanon on Thursday, with 99 out of 128 parliamentary votes in the second round of the presidential vote.

His victory marked the end of more than two years of presidential vacancy in Lebanon.

Political division in Lebanon resulted in a vacant presidential position following the end of former President Michel Aoun's term on October 31, 2022. The parliament had failed to elect a president for the country in 12 electoral sessions. A caretaker government has been running the country during the presidential vacuum.

Joseph Aoun, 60, who is not related to Michel Aoun, is widely considered the preferred candidate of the United States and Saudi Arabia, whose support will be crucial for Lebanon's reconstruction following a 14-month conflict between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, according to analysts, reports Xinhua news agency.
Raipur, Jan 11 : Chhattisgarh's Deputy Chief Minister, Arun Sao on Saturday criticised the INDIA bloc, reiterating his belief that it was an 'opportunistic alliance' from the outset.

Speaking to IANS, Sao remarked, "When the INDIA bloc was formed, we had said this is an opportunistic alliance. They tried to unite against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but there is no ideological similarity or coordination among them. This alliance is not going to work."

He emphasised that the lack of cohesion within the bloc was becoming more apparent, stating, "This was an opportunistic alliance, and now it is being reflected again and again."

Sao's remarks came amid growing discontent within the alliance, as parties like Shiv Sena (UBT), RJD, and National Conference have recently called for disbanding the INDIA bloc, questioning its relevance.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said his party will contest the upcoming local body elections alone. Talking to reporters, the Rajya Sabha MP said the INDIA bloc and Maha Vikas Aghadi alliances were for the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. "In an alliance, workers of individual parties don't get opportunities, and it hampers organisational growth. We will contest polls in Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur and other municipal corporations, zilla parishads and panchayats on our strength," he said.

Arun Sao also responded to controversial remarks made by Azad Samaj Party leader and Nagina MP, Chandrashekhar Azad, about the Maha Kumbh. Azad had suggested that only people who have committed sins would attend the Kumbh. Sao condemned these comments, calling them unfortunate and disrespectful to the faith of millions of people.

"Maha Kumbh has been an eternal and mythological symbol of faith and devotion. If someone does not believe in it, that's fine, but it is wrong to belittle the beliefs of others," he said.

Sao further addressed concerns over religious conversions in Chhattisgarh. He confirmed that the state government is taking significant steps to curb conversions, stating, "Our government is serious about conversion. After forming our government, we've taken action continuously on this issue. In the future, we are looking into making a strong and effective law on this matter."
Mumbai, Jan 11 : Months after the Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA) Maharashtra Assembly polls defeat, tensions are rising within the opposition alliance after Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut announced that his party will contest the upcoming municipal corporation elections in Mumbai and Nagpur independently, and Congress leader Bhai Jagtap, in response, also pitched for his party to follow the same course.

Raut contended that the lack of opportunities for party workers within the alliance and the necessity for organisational growth were the main reasons behind Shiv Sena-UBTas decision to contest independently, raising questions about the unity of the opposition alliance.

In a conversation with IANS, Bhai Jagtap, citing Rautas comments, said: "Sanjay Raut holds daily press conferences, so he needs something to say. But this is a serious issue. We fought together in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi. The opinion of (SS-UBT chief) Uddhav Thackeray on this matter is crucial."

Jagtap, reflecting on his tenure as the President of the Mumbai unit of the Congress, said: "I always believed that local elections should be fought based on the situation. I advocated the Congress to contest alone at the regional level. The Congress leadership, however, did not voice any opinion on this."

He acknowledged that, historically, both the Congress and the Shiv Sena-UBT had contested regional elections independently.

However, he emphasised that the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections are different due to their prominence, garnering widespread attention.

While Jagtap noted that the INDIA bloc has always supported the stance of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he stressed the importance of hearing Uddhav Thackeray's viewpoint.

However, he reiterated his personal stance, stating: "Congress should fight independently, as our workers have been working tirelessly. Looking at past results, Congress has performed well in these polls. It means a lot to our workers, and I have always believed that the Congress should go alone."
Patna, Jan 11 : Two persons were killed while five others were injured on Saturday morning when an unidentified vehicle rammed into a Creta SUV in Bihar's Nalanda district.

The accident took place near the Dhobi Bigha Bridge in the Chero Sahayak police station area on NH 30.

Poor visibility due to fog is believed to have been a contributing factor to this fatal accident that occurred at 8 a.m. The victims were en route to Rajgir for a picnic in a newly purchased Creta SUV when the accident occurred.

The deceased have been identified as Munni Devi (55), wife of Lal Babu alias Tuntun, a resident of Sakri Gali under Alamganj police station, Patna district, Anshi Kumari (10), daughter of the car owner Ranjit Kumar, a resident of Mahendrusudi Gali under Pirbahor police station, Patna district.

The injured were rushed to a hospital in Patna for treatment, with serious cases referred to a higher medical centre. Chero Police Station Incharge Vikas Kumar stated that the police promptly reached the accident site upon receiving information.

"We recovered the dead bodies and sent them to Sadar Hospital for post-mortem. Efforts are underway to trace the unidentified vehicle, believed to be a truck, using CCTV footage. The truck driver fled the scene after the collision," Kumar said.

According to family members, the car driver Ranjit Kumar had recently purchased the SUV. There was low visibility due to heavy fog. This incident underscores the dangers of road travel during foggy conditions and raises concerns about road safety and the accountability of unidentified vehicles involved in such mishaps.

Earlier on December 23, five persons were killed and six others were injured after a speeding pick-up van hit them in Bihar's Purnea district. The pickup van driven by one Sonu Kumar rammed into a group of 11 people standing near the Panchayat Bhawan in Dhakwa village, Purnea district, Bihar, around 9:30 p.m. on that day.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : The BJP has launched a scathing attack on former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), asserting that he has no ground left to defend himself following revelations from a leaked CAG report on the Delhi liquor scam.

Speaking to IANS, BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Sudhanshu Trivedi said: "The so-called staunch honesty of Kejriwal ji has been exposed. The CAG's report has made several revelations regarding the Sheesh Mahal and the liquor scam. Sheesh Mahal is no longer just a building for Arvind Kejriwal, it has become a monument symbolising his true character -- a monument of corruption."

Trivedi further lambasted the AAP chief, stating: "Sheesh Mahal has exposed Kejriwal on all three fronts -- political, moral, and legal. Earlier, there were moral questions he couldn't answer, then political ones. Now, with the CAG's legal findings, there is no scope for defence left -- neither for Kejriwal nor the AAP."

The BJP leader also responded to critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent podcast, emphasising the PM's leadership and innovative approach.

"In the challenging circumstances under which the Prime Minister is leading the country, his efforts deserve praise," Trivedi said, mentioning the deteriorating situations in neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. "If even then someone questions the Prime Minister, it is deplorable," the BJP leader told IANS.

Trivedi pointed to PM Modi's focus on technology and innovation in governance, saying: "From using audio bridges during the 2014 elections to implementing 3D holography, the Prime Minister has brought digital evolution to Indian politics. His use of podcasts is yet another example of his creativity and commitment to reaching the public through innovative means."

Addressing critics, Trivedi remarked in poetic Hindi, "To those blaming us, I have one response -- we have steered this boat with great skill and courage, even lighting lamps in the fiercest of storms. This reflects the unwavering determination of the Prime Minister and his vision for the nation."
Varanasi, Jan 11 : As Varanasi prepares for the much-awaited Makar Sankranti festival, a growing fear surrounding Chinese Manjha - the dangerous synthetic kite string - has gripped locals. With a series of fatal accidents and injuries caused by the sharp, unregulated kite string, residents are taking precautionary measures, such as tying mufflers around their necks, while others are living in constant fear.

In the past weeks, two tragic deaths have been reported, and over a dozen people have been injured due to Chinese Manjha, leading to mounting concerns. In response, the district administration has stepped up its efforts to control the sale and use of Chinese Manjha. Authorities have announced that any individual found selling or buying the harmful string will face severe action, including the possibility of FIRs being filed in cases of injury or death. Despite these efforts, residents continue to express their fears.

Rakesh, a resident, voiced his concerns, saying: "I think Varanasi police should take strict action regarding this matter. People are using mufflers, but that's not a long-term solution. We're paying road taxes, and if someone gets hurt or loses their life, itas a huge loss for their family. The authorities must act decisively."

Vachashvapati Mishra, another concerned citizen, added: "We must oppose Chinese Manjha completely. We've heard about serious incidents, including injuries and fatalities. People are now wearing mufflers to protect themselves, but it's not enough. It should be banned altogether."

Satya Prakash, another Varanasi resident, called for the administration to take strong measures. "The authorities should arrest anyone responsible, whether it's a shopkeeper or a person selling the dangerous string. We are all living in fear, and I even tell my family to wear 'Gamcha' or mufflers for their safety."

Responding to the growing concerns, Additional Commissioner of Police S. Chanappa assured that the police were taking the matter seriously.

"We have already arrested several individuals involved in the sale of Chinese Manjha, and strict action will be taken against anyone responsible. If minors are found involved, we will hold their parents accountable."

Makar Sankranti, the annual festival that marks the sun's transition into Capricorn, will be celebrated on January 14 this year. Known for its kite-flying traditions, the festival has now become a point of contention due to the dangers posed by Chinese Manjha. The festival holds cultural significance across India, where it's celebrated under different names such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayana in Gujarat, and Maghi in Punjab, among others.

As the Punya Kaal (auspicious period) falls on the same day, from 9.03 a.m. to 5.46 p.m., marking the time for rituals and prayers, authorities are urging citizens to celebrate the festival safely - without the shadow of fear looming over the joy of kite-flying.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has guaranteed that the BJP will provide each Delhi slum dweller with a permanent house, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday.

Addressing a 'Slum Basti Pradhan Conference', organised on Saturday at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here, HM Shah said the Modi government has delivered every welfare scheme on the ground which it promised.

The Modi government provides 5 kg of free foodgrains to 80 crore poor people, houses for 3.5 crore poor families, gas cylinders for more than 10 crore poor, electricity to 2.62 lakh homes in 6 lakh villages, and constructed toilets in 12 lakh homes, he said.

Around 1,000 slum cluster leaders attended the event, which was welcomed by Delhi BJP's Election Incharge, MP Baijayant Panda.

HM Shah mentioned that last year, on this very day, there was the victorious chant of Ram Lalla's Pran Pratishtha (consecration), and today the BJP has given the war cry for forming the Delhi government.

He said Delhi BJP has engaged with slum residents for 26 weeks, listening to their woes, anger over unfulfilled promises, and even listed out their concerns to initiate solutions.

"When our manifesto comes, it will address every pain you face. The BJP's manifesto is not like that of the AAP, where they take votes and return after five years with new false promises. The BJP's manifesto is Modi's guarantee, and it will be fulfilled on the ground," said Shah.

He encouraged the slum dwellers to be the liberators of Delhi, helping to free it from "AAP-da" or calamity.

"On February 5, a day of liberation from corruption, dirty water, and insensitive, lying government will be marked," he said.

He cited Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement which was misused by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal to mislead Delhiites and formed government, only to break all records of corruption later.

He criticised the AAP for being the disaster for Delhi and said that Arvind Kejriwal is the disaster for AAP itself. Wherever Kejriwal and Sisodia go, all they show is bottles of alcohol to the people.

He said Kejriwal is a liar, betrayer, corrupt, and insensitive person.

His government has been insensitive to the poor and has lied to the people of Delhi who get filthy water

The highest number of failures in Class 9 and 11 are seen in Delhi and there are 5.25 lakh children with no access to schools, and many still buy water from tanks and bottles, said Shah.
Damascus, Jan 11 : Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, pledged neutrality in Lebanon's affairs during a joint press conference with visiting Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Saturday.

"We will remain equidistant from all Lebanese," al-Sharaa said at the press conference. He noted the two sides had also discussed issues such as smuggling between the two countries, border challenges, and Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks.

"We're envisioning strategic, long-term relations built on solid foundations," he added.

Mikati echoed this sentiment, highlighting the intertwined destinies of the two nations.

"As long as Syria is well, Lebanon is well," he said, expressing hope that efforts by Damascus to tackle the Syrian refugee crisis could alleviate the strain on Lebanon. Mikati also commended the interim Syrian authorities' willingness to engage, noting his discussions with al-Sharaa covered regional challenges and ways to bolster bilateral ties.

The two sides did not announce any formal agreements, Xinhua news agency reported.

Relations between the two neighbouring countries have grown tense in recent weeks. Syria recently imposed restrictions on cross-border movement following security incidents along the shared border. Previously, Lebanese citizens could enter Syria visa-free using only identification documents.

The border region has also seen a series of clashes between Syrian armed groups and Lebanese forces, resulting in casualties among Lebanese military personnel.

Mikati's visit to Damascus is the first by a sitting Lebanese premier to Syria in over a decade.

He is accompanied by a senior delegation including Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and top security officials. The visit follows a formal invitation from al-Sharaa, extended during a phone call last week.

The meeting took place as Syria navigates a political transition following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad last December.

Al-Sharaa, who led the coalition that toppled al-Assad, is now overseeing efforts to stabilise Syria and rebuild its regional relationships.
Ankara, Jan 11 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday urged the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to surrender its weapons, signalling a potential breakthrough in the country's most intractable conflicts.

Speaking in the Kurdish-dominated city of Diyarbakir, Erdogan described what he called a "new and important window of opportunity" to resolve a struggle that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since the 1980s. "We do not think it is right that this should be wasted," he said.

His government has recently enlisted support from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party, whose members visited Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned PKK leader, to explore possibilities for disarmament.

Local media reports suggest that Ocalan may soon urge PKK militants to lay down their arms, potentially marking a major turning point in the decades-long struggle.

The push for peace comes as Turkey seeks to strengthen its domestic unity amid regional turbulence, Xinhua news agency reported.

Erdogan emphasised the urgency of ending what he called "half-century-long separatist terrorism" and burying it "in history with all its dimensions."

Even as diplomatic overtures continue, Turkish security forces maintain pressure on the organisation.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that police operations across 41 provinces in the past 10 days had resulted in the detention of 147 suspected PKK members.

The PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been in rebellion against the Turkish government for over three decades.
YANGON, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- As power outages continued, people in Myanmar were turning to solar energy. One of them was 70-year-old U Kyaw Min from Yangon, who visited a solar energy expo here.

U Kyaw Min shared that he had already used solar products at his office last year. "Now, I'm here to find farming solar solutions for my brothers in rural areas in Ayeyarwady region," he said.

"Fuel prices are high, so the cost of farming is high with fuel. I came here to look for solar products for them," said the man.

He said as power outages continued, using fuel generators is not a good option because of rising fuel prices. "Solar energy is the best option. While the initial cost is high, it's very beneficial in the long run. Solar energy has many advantages," he said.

According to a recent statement released by Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation, due to a decrease in electricity production, electricity was being distributed proportionally to regions and states across the country.

In Yangon region, areas have been divided into three groups, with electricity supplied for four hours and cut for eight hours alternately, the statement said.

To meet an increased demand for electricity, the government was working to utilize resources like water, sun and wind for power generation, the statement added.

Ko Kyaw La Min, 44, from Nattalin in Bago region, also visited the expo. "I came here to learn about solar products for my kitchen use and water pump," he said.

"I already used solar for lighting and electronic devices like phones, televisions and laptops," he said.

He said that at the expo, he was looking for solar products for his five-member family to meet their needs for water, lighting and Internet. "I'm looking for a solar set with higher wattage for my kitchen, water pump and freezers," he said.

He added that one of main challenges for using solar energy for most people was cost. "If the prices of solar products are affordable, more and more people will use solar in the future," he said.

U Myint, a man in his 60s from Yangon, attended the expo to explore solar products. "We live in a multi-storey apartment, and installing solar panels is not easy. But I came here to find out how to use solar energy. Right now, I use inverters and batteries during power outages," U Myint said.

"As power outages continue in Yangon, we need to find more alternatives for electricity." "If I can figure out how to install solar panels in my apartment, I will definitely install them," he added.

Exhibitor, Blue Carbon Technology Inc., was showcasing lithium solar batteries, solar panels, freezers, air conditioners, and smart power stations.

Diana Zhu, executive director of Blue Carbon, said, "The most popular products here are lithium batteries for homes, smart power stations, and air conditioners."

She said that Myanmar was a good market and now facing power issues, and solar solutions will help solve these problems.

When asked about the future of solar energy in Myanmar, she said, "if the products are good and affordable, more people will use solar products to solve their power problems."

The expo, which opened on Friday and will run through Sunday, attracted more than 70 local and international companies. 
Jakarta, Jan 11 : Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Saturday, with the two leaders agreeing to enhance cooperation in various sectors.

Subianto told a press conference that Indonesia opened up to the possibility of Japanese companies participating in Indonesia's future economic development, including in the downstream programs of natural resources.

The Indonesian president invited the Japanese government to contribute to Indonesia's economic development, particularly in achieving food and energy self-sufficiency, industrializing natural resources and eliminating hunger for under-nourished communities.

Ishiba expressed Japan's commitment to foster cooperation in resource development and infrastructure to maintain energy security and advance decarbonization efforts.

He also reiterated Japan's support for Indonesia's industrialization initiatives, particularly in downstream natural resources, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the Japanese Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Ishiba visited the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery and offered flowers.

Afterwards, he attended a welcome ceremony and held a summit meeting with Subianto, followed by a joint press occasion.

In the afternoon, Ishiba attended a luncheon hosted by Prabowo before speaking with the press regarding his visit to Malaysia and Indonesia.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : Ending suspense over names of candidates, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released its second list for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

The second list, comprising 29 candidates, has a couple of big names which include Delhi BJP Vice-President Kapil Mishra, Delhi BJP Secretary Harish Khurana.

Kapil Mishra has been fielded from Karawal Nagar constituency while Harish Khurana will contest from the Moti Nagar Assembly seat.

Both have been loud and vocal in criticising and calling out the aflawed policies and failed promisesa of Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Other prominent names include Abhay Verma, the incumbent legislator from Laxmi Nagar. He has been retained on account of good performance.

According to reports, the party has dropped some serving legislators from key constituencies like Chandni Chowk, Shakur Basti on account of apoor public connect'.

With the announcement of 29 names in the first as well as second list, there are 12 more nominees yet to be announced for election to the 70-member Assembly.

According to party insiders, the rest of 12 names will also be announced in the next few days after the BJP brass gives the go-ahead on their proposed candidature.

For the hotly contested battle, Kejriwalas AAP is the only party which has declared the names of all 70 candidates. Congress has released three lists of candidates, comprising a total of 48 candidates.

With the BJP releasing its second list, its tally of candidates has reached 58.

Some constituencies which will see high-stakes poll battles include New Delhi constituency where AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, BJPas Parvesh Verma and Congressa Sandeep Dikshit will lock horns.

Kalkaji is another constituency, which will be keenly watched by pollsters and political watchers.

Congress' Alka Lamba and BJPas Ramesh Bidhuri are pitted against AAP CM Atishi, seeking a fresh election from the constituency.
Imphal, Jan 11 : Curfew was clamped in a sub-division in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Saturday following tension between the Naga and Kuki-Zo community people while in a separate incident in Kamjong district, a mob on Saturday destroyed a makeshift camp of the Assam Rifles, officials said

Officials in Imphal said that tension has been prevailing for the past three days in the Kangchup Geljang sub-division of Kangpokpi after the villagers of Naga-dominated Konsakhul village and Kuki-Zo-inhabited Leilon Vaiphei village engaged in bickering over a territorial dispute.

Konsakhul villagers are claiming that the Leilon Vaiphei village is their area but the claim was strongly opposed by the villagers of Leilon Vaiphei.

Amidst the territorial dispute, there was an allegation that a Naga woman was assaulted by a few people on January 7.

As the tension escalated in the areas and some minor clashes took place between the villagers of the two villages, District Magistrate Mahesh Chaudhari imposed an indefinite public curfew in the sub-division under the BNSS, 2023.

However, no injury was reported in the clashes.

The DMas order prohibited the movement of persons in and around areas along the Konsakhul and Leilon Vaiphei villages with immediate effect and until further orders.

In another incident, a mob on Saturday destroyed a makeshift camp of the Assam Rifles in Kamjong district over alleged harassment and restrictions on the transportation of timber for constructing houses.

Police said that the troubles started when the Assam Rifles troopers reportedly imposed restrictions on transporting timber intended to construct houses in Kasom Khullen village. Assam Rifles personnel used tear gas shells and fired in the air to disperse the mob, a police official said, adding that no one was injured in the incident.
Patna, Jan 11 : Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor was discharged from Jaiprabha Medanta Hospital following an improvement in his health on Saturday.

He was admitted to the hospital on January 7 after his condition deteriorated due to a hunger strike, which he began on January 2. Despite his hospitalisation, the hunger strike continued during his stay.

After his discharge, a spokesperson from his party announced that the next phase of the Satyagraha would be revealed on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, a seven-member delegation from the Jan Suraj Party, led by partyas working president Manoj Bharti, visited Raj Bhavan to meet the Governor. The delegation included Manoj Bharti, Kishore Kumar, Sarwar Ali, Sitaram Yadav, Lalan Yadav, N.P. Mandal, and Arvind Singh.

After the meeting, Manoj Bharti addressed the media and shared details about their discussion with the Governor.

He stated: "We informed him about all the aspects of the students' movement. He listened attentively and thoroughly read our memorandum from start to finish. The first question the Governor asked was about Prashant Kishoras health. We informed him that Prashant's fast is still ongoing. He was discharged from the hospital after his health improved."

Manoj Bharti further added that the Governor acknowledged the legitimacy of their and the students' demands, suggesting that a meeting between the students' delegation and the Chief Minister could be arranged.

However, expressing concern over Prashant Kishor's health, the Governor appealed to him to end his fast.

The controversy of the BPSC exam began on December 13, when candidates at the Bapu Examination Centre boycotted the BPSC Preliminary Test due to delayed question papers. Videos of mobile phone use and lack of security inside the examination centre during the test further fuelled the protests.

BPSC cancelled the examination at the Bapu Centre rescheduled it for January 4 and successfully conducted the examination. The candidates however demanded the cancellation of the entire examination and still continue Dharna at Gardanibagh.
Seoul, Jan 11 : South Korea placed an import ban on German pork on Saturday ,following an outbreak of highly contagious foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease in the European nation, the agriculture ministry said.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said the decision was made after Germany reported its first FMD case since 1988.

FMD is one of the most infectious diseases for cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle and pigs, and can spread rapidly if uncontrolled, reports Yonhap news agency.

The ministry said it will conduct FMD virus tests on German pork products shipped to the nation since December 27.

Currently, approximately 360 tons of German pork, shipped between October 26 and November 17, is awaiting quarantine inspection.

The ministry said it will proceed with clearance procedures for the products through the normal process as the maximum latent period for the FDM virus is 14 days.

Meanwhile, South Korea reported two additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) Monday, bringing the country's total number of outbreaks this season to 23, authorities said.

The new cases were detected at a broiler breeder farm in Dangjin, 79 kilometers south of Seoul, and a meat duck farm in Buan, 204 kilometers south of Seoul, according to the central disaster management headquarters for AI outbreaks.

Authorities are monitoring 69 poultry farms located within the quarantine zones of the two infected farms to prevent further spread, the anti-disaster office said, according to the report.

a"IANS

na/
Jaipur, Jan 11 : Emphasising that women and child development forms the bedrock of a nation's progress, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Saturday said that ensuring their empowerment paves the way for building strong families, a cohesive society, and a prosperous nation.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government is diligently working to uplift women and children with sensitivity and commitment.

"We are ensuring the effective, transparent, and quality implementation of schemes and programmes aimed at their welfare, with the vision of achieving a 'Developed India, Developed Rajasthan'," he said.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Chintan Shivir, organised by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in Udaipur, Sharma described the event as an important platform to deliberate on enhancing the future of women and children.

"This Shivir will help chart a new direction for women and child development. Together, we must brainstorm to make their future more empowered," he added. The Chief Minister lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for driving unprecedented development in the country since 2014.

"The Prime Minister's dedication to the overall development of women and children reflects his belief in empowering women, youth, farmers, and labourers as the pillars of national progress," he said.

Sharma also highlighted the innovative initiatives launched by the Central Government under the Prime Minister's leadership.

He also outlined key measures undertaken by the state government, including the Chief Minister Amrit Aahar Yojana, which provides children aged 3 to 6 years with hot milk thrice a week along with nutritious food at Anganwadi centers.

He also mentioned the development of 2,000 Anganwadi centers into Adarsh Anganwadis.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of recognising local community members who contribute to the functioning of Anganwadi centers.

Additionally, the state government is closely monitoring and assessing the implementation of schemes to ensure benefits reach the intended recipients.

Highlighting the government's commitment to inclusive development, Sharma shared that the incentive amount under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,500.

Additionally, Rs 10,000 assistance is being provided for disabled pregnant women.

Initiatives such as the Lado Protsahan Yojana and Kalibai Bhil Udaan Yojana have been launched to empower girls, while financial aid is being provided to over 6 lakh children under the Palanhar Scheme.

He reiterated the government's focus on health, nutrition, safety, education, skill enhancement, employment, entrepreneurship, and social respect for women and children.

"Through various schemes, we are realising the concept of Antyodaya -- uplifting the last person in the line," he remarked.

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi praised Prime Minister Modi's vision of empowering women and children to create a developed India.

She described the Chintan Shivir as a pivotal platform to address challenges and find solutions for the holistic development of women and children.

Discussing Central initiatives like Mission Saksham Anganwadi, Poshan Abhiyan 2.0, Mission Shakti, and Mission Vatsalya, she highlighted their importance in achieving integrated progress.

Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur added that the Shivir serves as a crucial platform for transforming ideas into actions and actions into tangible results.

"The Prime Minister's vision is to empower every woman and child, ensuring the nation's holistic development," she stated.

Deputy Chief Minister and Women and Child Development Minister Diya Kumari emphasised the state government's resolve to ensure women's respect, education, and health, alongside the development of a capable and empowered new generation.

She mentioned the increase in honorarium for Anganwadi workers and reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering concrete results through departmental schemes.

The event was attended by ministers from various states, senior officials from the Central government, and representatives of different state governments.
New Delhi, Jan 11 : The future of regional cooperation in South Asia is currently at a pivotal juncture, shaped by its historical context. While initiatives such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) have largely failed to achieve the anticipated pan-regional free trade, another important forum, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), risks facing a similar fate unless significant intervention occurs from its largest member states, namely India and Bangladesh.

These concerns have been exacerbated by the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh in August 2024, which followed a prolonged student-led mass movement that resulted in the removal of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

This development has been widely interpreted as indicative of a major shift in Bangladesh's domestic and foreign policy, particularly regarding its bilateral relations with India.

As Bangladesh navigates this new political landscape within the broader regional geopolitical context, it becomes essential for the country's new leadership -- regardless of its interim status -- to leverage Dhaka's strategic importance and continue contributing to regional cooperation grounded in mutual respect.

Despite the destabilising effects of the political upheaval in August 2024 and the external pressures on Dhaka to adjust its regional strategic relationships, potentially leading to a distancing from New Delhi, the Indo-Bangla relationship seems to be weathering these challenges with a notable degree of resilience.

As highlighted by Bangladesh's Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, this relationship is characterised by a "give-and-take" dynamic, where Dhaka's dependence on India aligns with New Delhi's vested interests in maintaining stability in Bangladesh, alongside a growing convergence of their regional and global strategic objectives.

Furthermore, the ongoing alignment of mutual interests, particularly in promoting regional economic integration through frameworks such as BIMSTEC and SAARC, continues to strengthen this bilateral engagement.

These platforms not only have the potential to spark an economic revival across the region but also promise transformative socio-economic benefits, improving the livelihoods of millions in both nations.

Thus, this bilateralism emerges as a fundamental pillar for regional stability and prosperity, emphasising its vital role in shaping the geopolitical and economic landscape of South Asia.

BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is an interregional cooperative framework involving seven countries from South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Originally conceived as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation) in 1997, the initiative aimed to enhance intra-regional trade, investment, and economic integration within the Bay of Bengal area.

Following the later inclusion of Myanmar, Bhutan, and Nepal, the organisation was officially renamed BIMSTEC during its inaugural summit in 2004. The primary goal of this grouping is to foster economic collaboration among its member states while addressing various sectors of mutual interest.

As of 2023, the BIMSTEC member nations collectively have a population exceeding 1.73 billion and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of around $5.2 trillion.

Within this framework, India and Bangladesh, ranked as the first and third largest economies based on nominal GDP, play crucial roles.

Their economic dominance provides them with a level of strategic autonomy that facilitates the advancement of regional cooperation, allowing these countries to engage in multilateral initiatives with relative independence from external influences.

This dynamic highlights BIMSTEC's potential as a platform for establishing a restructured, regionally focused economic framework in the Bay of Bengal.

Major ports of BIMSTEC countries in the Bay of Bengal

The establishment of a permanent secretariat in Dhaka in 2014 marked a significant institutionalisation of BIMSTEC's operational framework, aimed at enhancing technical and economic collaboration among its member states.

Initially, the organisation delineated 14 priority sectors for cooperation, each overseen by a designated lead country to ensure focused management and effective execution. India assumed leadership in strategic domains such as Transport, Tourism, and Counter-Terrorism, while Bangladesh took the initiative in Trade and Investment.

However, recognizing the necessity for a more streamlined and outcome-oriented approach, the 2022 Colombo Summitconducted virtually in response to the COVID-19 pandemicembarked on a comprehensive restructuring of these cooperation sectors.

The summit aimed to "reduce, reconstitute, and construct" the cooperation framework by consolidating the original 14 sectors into seven core areas, with each member state entrusted with leadership over one sector.

Under this reconfiguration, Bangladesh now leads initiatives in Trade, Investment, and Development, whereas India has been assigned responsibility for Security and Energy Cooperation sectors.

The strategic positioning of the BIMSTEC member countries endows the bloc with considerable potential to facilitate economic integration through enhanced terrestrial and maritime connectivity.

For both India and Bangladesh, active engagement within this regional framework represents a significant opportunity to realise substantial economic gains.

For India, which boasts an annual trade volume exceeding $1,100 billion, BIMSTEC serves as a conduit to access the emerging markets of Southeast Asia, thereby aligning with its broader 'Act East Policy' and its aspirations to expand its economy to a $5 trillion threshold in the forthcoming years.

Furthermore, this platform provides a vital avenue for promoting the development of India's eastern and northeastern regions, which have historically been perceived as economically underutilised.

BIMSTEC's connectivity initiatives provide Bangladesh, which has an annual trade volume exceeding $120 billion as of 2023, with a new cost-effective mechanism to diversify its export portfolio by accessing the Southeast Asian and broader ASEAN markets.

This is particularly crucial for the country's rapidly growing ready-made garment sector, which consistently seeks to expand its market reach beyond traditional western partners.

Consequently, BIMSTEC's integrative potential can significantly enhance Bangladesh's economic presence within regional and global value chains, thereby reinforcing its role as a key player in the economic landscape of South Asia.

Despite the significant economic potential inherent in the BIMSTEC framework, the failure to operationalise the 2004 Framework Agreement on Free Trade has considerably impeded intra-bloc economic integration over the years.

The Agreement, which is ambitious in scope, sought to establish "effective trade and investment facilitating measures, including the simplification of customs procedures and the development of mutual recognition arrangements, among others".

However, notwithstanding this comprehensive mandate, member states have been unable to achieve a consensus on the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), thereby constraining the bloc's economic synergy.

This stagnation is reflected in the asymmetry of trade flows within the bloc.

For example, while annual trade between India and Bangladesh, as well as between India and Thailand, was recorded at over $15.83 billion and $17.29 billion respectively in 2023, trade among other member states has remained suboptimal.

This underscores the imperative for BIMSTEC member countries to re-engage in substantive negotiations, resolve outstanding issues, and operationalise the FTA to unlock its economic potential and promote deeper economic interdependence and shared prosperity throughout the Bay of Bengal region.

In the context of stagnation within regional cooperation frameworks, the recent advocacy by Bangladesh's Chief Advisor, Professor Muhammad Yunus, for the revitalisation of regional blocs such as SAARC presents a timely impetus for recalibration.

However, it would be judicious for Dhaka and New Delhi to prioritise the revitalisation of BIMSTEC, given its relatively lower friction points among member states, as a precursor to re-engaging with more contentious organisations like SAARC.

Despite the prevailing strains in India-Bangladesh relations, enhanced bilateral engagement between these two nations could exemplify to other BIMSTEC member states the feasibility of regional cooperation aimed at collective benefit and socioeconomic development.

Such a strategy could motivate other member states to strengthen bilateral trade relationships, thereby fostering an enabling environment for the eventual operationalisation of the long-stalled Free Trade Agreement within the BIMSTEC framework.

Nevertheless, the onus rests with India and Bangladesh to navigate the current tensions, which are exacerbated by external factors and actors, and to determine whether to permit these disruptions to impede progress or to reaffirm their commitment to advancing cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally.

BIMSTEC, with its established institutional framework and shared regional aspirations, offers a viable platform for initiating this renewed trajectory of collaboration.
Patna, Jan 11 : Leader of the Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav has sparked a fresh controversy in state politics by bringing up the term "DK Tax" in his statements.

On Saturday, Yadav escalated his claims, alleging that "DK is the super CM in Bihar", and promised to soon make a significant revelation about the matter. This comment has fuelled speculation and debate in the stateas political circles, with opponents demanding clarity and supporters rallying behind Yadav's statement.

The RJD leader has intensified his attack on the Nitish Kumar-led government by alleging the existence of a shadow power figure referred to as "DK Boss."

Speaking to media persons in Bagaha, West Champaran, Yadav accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of losing control over the administration, stating, "The Chief Minister of Bihar is not in his senses; he is not able to run Bihar."

Yadav claimed that widespread corruption at the block and police station levels in Bihar is linked to the "DK Tax," suggesting that all illicit activities benefit this mysterious "DK." He alleged that "DK" is the real authority in Bihar, calling him the Boss of the government and asserting that the state is being run under his influence.

Yadav announced that he would soon expose the identity of "DK Boss" and provide evidence of corruption and illegal recoveries. He said, "In the coming time, I will reveal who is DK Boss, how the recovery is being done, and what deeds are being carried out. We will put all these things in front of the public."

Tejashwi Yadav visited Bagaha in West Champaran for and event and dismissed any prospect of an alliance with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

Yadav categorically stated, "There is no meaning in it. We will not hit the axe on our foot," ruling out the possibility of alliance with Nitish Kumar politically. This comment comes amid ongoing speculation about shifting alliances in Biharas dynamic political landscape.

The statement highlights the RJDas focus on charting its course independently, emphasising its stance against any association with Nitish Kumaras leadership, which Tejashwi has consistently criticised for administrative failures and corruption allegations.
Chandigarh, Jan 11 : Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij on Saturday said the Ambala Cantonment domestic airport is a significant achievement for the region and would be operational by February.

He said the airport would enhance connectivity for Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, the airport would support the landing of large aircraft and operate efficiently in all weather conditions.

During an inspection of the airport, Vij said almost all preparations for the domestic airport are complete. During the inspection, Vij discussed the progress with the Superintendent Engineer and reviewed the security arrangements.

He was informed that security equipment "is arriving soon and will be installed at gates and other designated areas". The minister instructed officials to properly level and clean the premises to enhance the airport's aesthetics.

Speaking to the media, Vij emphasised that the domestic airport at Ambala Cantonment would be highly beneficial for the public. Vij highlighted that Ambala is an old railway junction connecting multiple states, and the new airport will further increase its significance and beautify the cantonment.

He said he had discussions with the Union Civil Aviation Minister in Delhi, which expedited the airport's development.

Initially, central police forces were to be stationed at the airport, but he advocated for Haryana Police instead.

"Police personnel have been trained, and robust security measures are in place. The deployment of airport staff will also be voluntary," the former state Home Minister said.

Vij said the state government has reached agreements with airlines for flights connecting Ambala and Hisar. He sought the inclusion of major airlines like Air India and IndiGo to facilitate flights to other states.

He assured that the airport could handle large aircraft and operate in all weather conditions. Among others present during the inspection were Superintendent Engineer Harpal Singh and Executive Engineer Ritesh Aggarwal.
Chennai, Jan 11 : Actor Vishal on Saturday said that he was fine and back on track, even as he debunked rumours on his health condition that were doing the rounds on social media.

The star actor and producer, who addressed mediapersons who had gathered for the press screening of his upcoming film 'Madha Gaja Raja' during the film's intermission, expressed gratitude to the media for their support.

"I have got to know one thing. I have realised how many people love me and how many have blessed me with all their heart. I still haven't replied to 425 messages. All of them had said, "Recover and come back soon," he began.

The actor then went on to say, "I only had a viral fever, which everybody gets. Only thing was it was on the higher side. My parents asked me not to go for the Madha Gaja Raja programme because I was really unwell. But when I saw the mirror, I could only see director Sundar C sir's face. I thought that I shouldn't miss this as this was a function I had been waiting for years. So, I came for the event."

He then pointed to the mediapersons who were present for the press show of Madha Gaja Raja and said, "This is the true media. To those others who pretend to be media, you cannot be the media just because you write titbits. Those here are the true media."

He then told the mediapersons who had gathered there, " I am truly indebted to you for your love. I am even a slave. I did not expect this kind of love. After I left the event (the Madha Gaja Raja press meet) , many of you had messaged and called. There were enquiries if I had become well. I have survived for 20 years because of your love. I am fine and back on track."

Trashing rumours that had been spread stating that he had been admitted to Apollo, Vishal said, " I only received treatment and that was at Kauvery hospital. I was never admitted to any hospital. As I said in my film 'Mark Antony', 'You thought I would fall? I won't'. That is what I want to recall now. As for me, my self-confidence and my dad's self-confidence is my strength. Together, both these strengths enable me to overcome any hurdles. Why I am saying this now is because there were people saying that I won't turn up for shooting for three months or six months. I am fine and back on track."
BELGRADE, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- A group of 100 Serbian youths departed Friday night from Belgrade for Shanghai, kicking off a 10-day cultural exchange program in China.

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarovic, and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming attended a ceremony at the Chinese Cultural Center in Belgrade.

Recalling his last visit to Shanghai, Vucevic voiced confidence that the youths will return enriched with new knowledge and perspectives.

The exchange program, Li said, is part of a broader initiative to invite 300 Serbian youths to study in China over three years.

Depicting the program as significant for strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations, he said that this group will have a rewarding and enriching experience.

Ajna Buhic, one of the participants in the program, shared her excitement with Xinhua. "Like many young people in Serbia, I am fascinated by Chinese culture, and I believe this journey will be an unforgettable experience that I will remember for the rest of my life."

The first exchange program under the initiative to invite Serbian youths to China was held in August 2024, during which 100 Serbian youths visited China. 
Agartala, Jan 11 : The drug peddlers, whom the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is now investigating and has raided in Tripura, maintained an interstate network facilitating drug trafficking across various other states, including Assam, Bihar, and other parts of India, officials said on Saturday.

The ED sleuths conducted coordinated search operations across multiple locations in Tripura on Friday under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, targeting inter-state drug cartels involved in the trafficking of narcotic substances, including ganja and phensidyl.

Sources said that the ED initiated an investigation in three different money laundering cases on the basis of multiple FIRs registered by Tripura Police under various sections of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985, against Kamini Debbarma, Bishu Tripura, Aup Ranjan Das and others for the offence of trafficking narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

"The accused persons maintained an interstate network facilitating drug trafficking across various states, including Tripura, Assam, Bihar, and other parts of India," an official statement said.

It said that this operation is part of the ongoing efforts by ED to combat the illegal drug trade and to trace and attach Proceeds of Crime (POC) generated from illegal drug trafficking.

The statement said that ED investigation revealed that the POC generated through drug trafficking, received via hawala and deposited in benami accounts, was invested in purchasing various movable (fixed deposits, bank balances, etc.) and immovable properties in the names of family members and 'benamidars' (proxy owners).

During the search operations, substantial amounts (around 66 kgs) of high-quality ganja (marijuana) along with other incriminating evidence, including financial records, details of benami properties, and electronic devices, suggesting the generation of significant amounts of POC were seized.

Further investigation is under progress.

Another Tripura government source said that during Friday's search operation in three Tripura districts -- West Tripura, South Tripura and Sepahijala, the ED sleuths have identified seven persons, including Dhruba Majumdar, an Assistant Sub-Inspector of Tripura Police, in the drug peddling racket.

Majumdar is presently posted at the Crime Branch section under the office of the Superintendent of Police, South Tripura district and a resident at Baikhora.

The source said that the Tripura Police was contemplating suitable legal and administrative action against Majumdar.

The ED sleuths as part of their investigation also summoned some Tripura Gramin Bank officials and questioned them early on Friday.

Though Tripura has become the most important producer of ganja and a corridor for synthetic drugs including highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, this is the first time in Tripura that such major raids were conducted by the Central agency against the key drug players.
Mumbai, Jan 11 : BJP on Saturday appointed Ravindra Chavan, former minister and party legislator from Dombivli Assembly constituency, as the working president of the Maharashtra unit.

Chavan, who was appointed in December last year as the Sangathan Parv campaign in-charge aimed at expanding the party's membership drive in the state, will take over at a time when the BJP is gearing up for the upcoming local and civic body elections especially after the MahaYutias landslide victory in the Assembly election.

BJP President JP Nadda appointed Ravindra Chavan as the working president ahead of the state BIPas meet at Shirdi on Sunday to celebrate its stellar performance in the Assembly election and discuss the roadmap for the upcoming local and civic body elections.

By appointing Chavan as the working president, the BJP has indicated that the incumbent state unit Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who is the revenue minister, will remain on the post until the upcoming local and civic body elections. Bawankule led the party during the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Chavan, who was the public work minister during the Eknath Shinde-led council of ministers, was denied ministerial berth in the Devendra Fadnavis-led cabinet which was expanded on December 15. It was partyas calculated move to hand over the responsibility of the organisation to Chavan to use his expertise to further consolidate partyas strength in the state.

Chavan is a close confidant of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his poll management tactics helped BJP win the Ratnagiri Sindudurg seat during the Lok Sabha elections and later bag majority of seats by the party from the Konkan region which earlier used to be the stronghold of the united Shiv Sena.

Chavanas appointment comes when the BJP aims to enroll 1.5 crore people to the party through member registration in Maharashtra. The Mahila Morcha and Yuva Morcha are targeting registration of 25 lakh members each across the state. Other fronts of the party have to register 5 lakh members each, while party cells have the responsibility of registering at least two lakh members.

The enrolment of more and more people as party members is part of BJPas move to form government on its on in 2029 in Maharashtra. The party is in the midst of firming up a strategy for Shat Pratishat (winning majority and forming government on its own without the support of allies).
Kolkata, Jan 11 : The West Bengal Health Department on Saturday immediately sought report by the probe committee on the death of a pregnant woman at Midnapore Medical College & Hospital in West Midnapore district in West Bengal on Friday allegedly due to the administration of expired Ringer's Lactate (RL) saline.

Sources from the state health department said that the 13-member probe committee has been asked to submit the report to the department headquarters by Sunday evening or latest by Monday morning.

Thereafter, the report will be presented to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also in charge of the health department, for her to study that and direct the next course of action.

While one pregnant woman, Mamoni Ruidas (25), passed away on Friday evening, four other pregnant women, who were also allegedly administered with expired Ringer's Lactate (RL) saline, are under treatment under critical condition, two at the critical care unit (CCU) and two at intensive care unit (ICU) of the same hospital.

Meanwhile, following the mishap, the state government has banned the use of ten medicines including Ringer's Lactate (RL) saline, manufactured by the entity, Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Limited, at all state-run hospitals in the state with immediate effect.

"The specimens of these medicines will be sent to the laboratories for proper examination. Till the report comes, their usage will be banned," said a state health department official who said that necessary instructions have been issued to all hospitals in the matter already.

However, the members of the deceased pregnant woman have questioned the late hyperactive approach of the state government after the mishap has already happened.

They have also questioned how Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Limited, which has been already blacklisted by both West Bengal and Karnataka government some time back, could continue to supply medicines to state-run hospitals.

The leader of the opposition in West Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari has demanded a thorough investigation by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

He has also called for an inquiry into whether the firm bypassed regulations and gained access to state-run facilities due to alleged links with the ruling party in West Bengal.

This incident has revived concerns over similar cases in the state's healthcare system.

Notably, in a recent case of financial irregularities at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, its former principal, Sandip Ghosh, was accused of encouraging the use of expired and ineffective drugs on patients for personal financial gains.
Kolkata, Jan 12 : Security arrangements for a number of Trinamool Congress leaders in two districts of West Bengal have been enhanced in the wake of the brutal murder of a party councillor, Dulal Sarkar a.k.a. Babla, in Malda district on January 2.

The two districts where the security arrangements for the local ruling party leaders have been mainly enhanced include Malda and East Burdwan districts.

Sources from the state administration said that the security for the local ruling party leaders has been enhanced mainly in those pockets of these two districts where there are more reports of clashes between two factions of the Trinamool Congress rather than factions between two rival political parties.

As part of the enhanced security arrangements, armed police personnel will be deployed at their residences on a 24x7 basis.

The armed police personnel will also be escorting these ruling party leaders while they will be on the move.

Sources in the state administration said that in the coming days, security arrangements will be enhanced for some local leaders in some other districts of the state.

In fact, the security aspect of the local Trinamool Congress leaders came under focus as hours after the information about the murder of Sarkar surfaced.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held the Malda district police responsible for the mishap and questioned why the security arrangement that Sarkar was entitled to earlier was withdrawn later by the district police.

Sources claimed that the internal rivalry in the Trinamool Congress was the reason behind the murder of Sarkar.

It became evident after the police arrested Trinamool Congress' Malda town president and the chief of the party's Hindi cell in the entire district, Narendra Nath Tiwari, and identified him as the 'main brain' behind the murder.

The chairman of the Malda Municipality, Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury, thereafter made it more evident as he claimed that Tiwari was determined to finish Sarkar for quite some time.
Kolkata, Jan 12 : The tower locations of two persons involved in the murder of Dulal Sarkar alias Babla, the Trinamool Congress councillor from English Bazar municipality in Malda district, on January 2, who are still absconding, are frequently changing, which is making the task of the investigating officials to track them at the earliest even more difficult, officials said.

For further investigation, the state police have not revealed the identities of the two alleged accused, and state police insiders said that their identities will be revealed only after the duo is arrested and presented before the court.

The investigating police officers are enlisting the help of the cyber crime unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of state police to locate these two absconding accused as soon as possible.

Sources aware of the development said that initially the tower location for a day after the murder was at the Siliguri town in Darjeeling district, which is not far away from Malda.

Thereafter for a few days, their mobile phone tower locations were in Nepal, which is again not far from Siliguri.

However, sources added, during the last couple of days the tower locations are frequently changing between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and the investigating officials suspect that the absconding accused are frequenting in areas close to the inter-state borders between these two states.

The main accused behind the murder of Narendranath Tiwari, the Trinamool Congress Malda town president and the party's Hindi cell district unit chief, is in police custody.

The investigation officials have also revealed that the deal for the murder of Sarkar was fixed at more than Rs 10 lakh and contract killers were hired for that purpose.

Sarkar was attacked on January 2 morning while standing at a busy crossing in the area when three helmet-clad assailants arrived on a motorcycle, and one of them opened fire at the TMC councillor.

The first two bullets missed, but the third struck Sarkar in the head.

The TMC councillor was immediately rushed to the Malda Medical College and Hospital where he died.
Bhopal, Jan 11 : After a fight erupted between two Indore-based BJP corporators, one of them was expelled from the party's primary membership for six years under a disciplinary action taken on Saturday.

The BJP had to face an embarrassing moment and criticism for a fight between two leaders -- Kamlesh Kalra and Jitu Yadav.

Both are sitting councillors in Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC).

Recently, Kamlesh Kalra had accused the party's fellow corporator Jitu Yadav's aides of storming into his house, stripping his teenage son and misbehaving with his wife before his 70-year-old mother.

Kalra, who hails from the Sindhi community, among the staunchest BJP supporters in Indore, has alleged that the entire incident, which was filmed by the accused before making it viral, was carried out at Yadav's behest.

Kalra had also complained against Yadav at a police station in Indore, demanding that Yadav and his aides must be booked in the matter.

Talking to media persons, he had also said that he would be forced to end his life by committing suicide if punitive actions were not taken against Yadav.

According to sources, Kalra had also given a letter to BJP's Madhya Pradesh unit chief V. D. Sharma and had requested intervention in the matter along with action against Yadav.

The matter was put before the disciplinary committee of the state unit BJP.

A notification issued by State General Secretary Bhagwandas Sabnani (MLA from Dakshin-Paschim Assembly constituency in Bhopal) on Saturday, said, "Corporator from Indore Municipal Corporation's ward no. 24, Jitendra Kumar (Jitu Yadav) had a dispute with a corporator of his party. Subsequent indecent acts have tarnished the party's image, which comes under the purview of indiscipline."

Corporator Jitendra alias Jitu Yadav has been expelled from the BJP's primary membership for six years.

The action came within 24 hours after Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered action against criminals involved in the incident.

On Friday, Chief Minister Yadav condemned the incident, saying that police have registered an FIR and identified nine accused by examining CCTV footage and questioning other people, of which six accused have been arrested.
Bengaluru, Jan 12 : Thousands of students, NCC cadets and youth had a thrilling experience as the Indian Army, to celebrate the 77th Army Day, organised a "Know Your Army Mela 2025" in Bengaluru.

The event, held on Saturday at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground, allowed the people to touch and experience rare weaponry first-hand.

The event was hosted by the headquarters of the Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area in Bengaluru.

Major General V.T. Mathew, General Officer Commanding, Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, inaugurated the programme by releasing tricolour balloons and felicitating the 'Veer Naris'.

A large number of people, including students, NCC cadets, and civilians of all ages, attended the Mela and gained first-hand insights into the life of Indian soldiers.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to interact with soldiers and learn about the weaponry on display.

Activities included horse riding and rope climbing, which added to the excitement.

Children and elderly attendees were particularly thrilled to hold a rocket launcher on their shoulders.

The manoeuvres of army motorbikes and para-motor demonstrations provided a spectacular visual treat.

Visitors could climb into tanks and explore their interiors, witnessing the equipment used by soldiers.

Displays included tanks with mine-clearing capabilities, bulletproof vehicles, missiles, NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) warfare suits, drones, and communication systems.

The highlight of the event was the performance by the Shwet Ashwa Motorcycle Display Team of the Corps of Military Police, holders of a Guinness World Record.

The Khukri dance, symbolising the courage and warrior spirit of the Gorkhas, performed by 4/8 Gorkha Rifles, also captivated the audience.

Major Deep Chandra from the 4/8 Gorkha Rifles, told IANS, "This event is organised to celebrate Army Day. The main purpose of displaying weapons is to give people a first-hand experience of weapons they usually see on television, in films, or games. It's a big moment for them. As budding soldiers, we used to dream of holding our weapons. Today, civilians are lining up at the weaponry stalls to experience this themselves. The event conveys that the army is accessible and welcomes everyone. The goal is to create awareness and provide civilians with an opportunity to connect with the Armed Forces."

He added, "This is a significant step in creating awareness among civilians about the Armed Forces. Events like this allow them to understand a soldier's life and how weapons are used in defence."

Ankit, a student from Saint Joseph University, said, "It was an amazing experience to see weapons up close. It helps me prepare for my upcoming exams and motivates me to join the Indian Army. Special thanks to Major General V.T. Mathew for taking the initiative to showcase the weapons. My father is in the army, and I've been familiar with army life for 20 years."

NCC Cadet Abhishek shared, "I feel inspired to join the army and serve the country after attending this event and experiencing the weapons. I've always wanted to join the army, which is why I joined the NCC. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to serve India."

Another visitor, Aditya, said, "My father recently retired from the army. I have always been inspired to join the forces and have already taken the necessary exams."

Vinay Kedar, a serving traffic policeman from Bengaluru, encouraged others, saying, "I want to convey to all youth to visit events like this and pursue their dreams. These events motivate individuals to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force -- wherever they aspire to serve. It's a fantastic event, and I'm delighted to be here."

His daughter, Kavalavi Kedar, added, "I am proud of the Indian Army. Holding rifles gave me goosebumps, and I feel inspired to join the army."

Rissa Cauvery commented, "The NCC trains you to join the Army, which is incredible. Army life is extraordinary."

"It's quite interesting. The most fascinating part is that they are allowing us to get up close and personal with all the weapons. Usually, such events are more restrictive. I had applied to join the Army, but unfortunately, I wasn't selected. This event is definitely engaging," said Aditya, who works in a sales company.

Raksha shared her thoughts, saying, "It's a great feeling to be here and realise how soldiers carry such heavy guns to protect our nation. It's truly inspiring. The experience motivates us to consider joining the Army. The Army personnel are very welcoming and explain everything in a detailed and friendly manner. Some of the weapons weigh seven to eight kilos! Women should also come forward and participate in all sectors, including the Armed Forces."
Is this boom a rebound after the pandemic years?

Women were particularly hard hit by the pandemic, with no time for reading. Now, were seeing a fulsome return to our core audience: Christian women who want to learn about the Bible and make their lives better. They are engaging with books again. They are looking for practical life help, and Revell doesnt just serve one demographic or one line of religious thought.

So, what makes these books Christian?

Our authors may not use Bible quotes, but they are all informed by their faith perspective. Our spring list is full of titles that tell a reader, Heres something for you. Our fiction titles aim at two different audiences: we have the very traditional readers who look to fiction to see themselves in the storythose books will have more faith elements, like characters who pray; and we have readers who want to learn something they dont already know, maybe about a new culture, or maybe even to have their beliefs challenged little. But a Revell book will always end on hope.

What happened to finding hope and spiritual guidance at church?

People are leaving the pews, and thats not going to change. For a lot of people, its because there is a lack of trust. This is the challenge to religion publishers. We have the opportunity to find voices that can be shepherds, that are trustworthy. Readers still need them, and we will help find them.
Kristen Arnetts earliest experience as a writer came during church. I grew up very evangelical, she says. Southern Baptist. So, I was in church with my family most days of the week. Theyd hand out these church bulletins with a space where you could write down notes on the sermon. I would act like I was very diligently taking notes, but I was actually writing stories where I inserted myself into the Baby-Sitters Club.

Arnett, a 44-year-old lover of dad jokes, tells this story over Zoom from her overgrown backyard in Orlando, Fla. She looks relaxed in a cozy blue and white flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, her long brown hair hanging loose around her smiling face. A New York Times bestseller, shes the author of the novels With Teeth (Riverhead, 2021) and Mostly Dead Things (Tin House, 2019), both of which were finalists for Lambda Literary Awards. Now Arnetts gearing up for the publication of her third novel, Stop Me If Youve Heard This One, a tragicomic kunstlerroman about a down-and-out gay Floridian clown, coming from Riverhead in March.

Despite her mainstream success, Arnetts road from church pew fanfic to the bestseller list was, as she puts it, nontraditional.

Arnett had a son at 18 and dropped out of college to raise him. As a single mother, newly estranged from her conservative family, she started working full-time at local libraries to make ends meet and went back to school at night to earn her BA in literature and eventually her masters in library science. I was always writing, she says. But I would just think of it as, like, Kristens hobby time.

Then, in 2012, a professor encouraged her to apply for an internship with Rollins Colleges Winter with the Writers festival. Though she initially resistedI didnt want to take up space from a real writer who deserved to be there, she saysthe internship offered her a first taste of the workshop environment. Through sharing her work with peers and visiting artistsincluding Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who took all the interns out for drinksshe realized, Oh, no, I am a writer. This is being a writer.

From there, Arnett went on to Lambda Literarys Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices, where she found community and began to determine where she fit into the larger literary landscape. We all learn to write by reading and emulating the writers we like, she says. When I first started out, I thought I was going to be the queer Flannery OConnor. It was all very serious, very grotesque. But then people would read my stories, and theyd be like, Oh, youre so funny, though. I thought your writing would be funnier.

Arnetts reputation for comedy was bolstered by posts on Twitter, where shes attracted an audience of 71,000 followers through running gags about punny pet names (gonna get a pet fish and name it Tuna Thurman) and what foods could technically be considered ravioliPop-Tarts, pizza rolls, and hot dogs all make the cut. Twitter is one of the things that first got me thinking about clowning, she says. It feels like performing, becoming a clown for somebody.

Still, the pressure to carry that performance over into her more formal writing was great. Eventually I just thought, Oh, you want me to be funny? she says, riffing on one of Joe Pescis lines from Goodfellas. I amuse you?

The other spark of inspiration for Stop Me If Youve Heard This One came during a panel on humor writing that Arnett participated in at AWP in 2020. There were five of us on this panel, she recalls, and I just slowly realized that we all had completely different ideas about what was funny and how we would present those things on the page.

A birthday party clown, a persona that Arnett conceives of as all id, seemed like the perfect lens through which to explore the concept of performance, artistic hierarchies, and her personal theory of humor. Though her heroine, Cherry, is stuck working underpaying birthday parties and demeaning haunted house gigs, she thinks of herself as an artist devoted to perfecting her craft, often waxing philosophical on why certain jokes land while others dont.

Once Arnett hit upon this concept, she says her librarian brain kicked into high gear and she entered research mode. She spent a full year reading up on the history of clowning and watching performances on YouTube before even beginning to write. Luckily, she says, I live in Orlando, which is a place for performers. You could throw a rock and hit a clown here.

Born in 1980 and raised in Orlando, Arnett expresses great affection for the city both in conversation and in her forthcoming novel. Though she established her reputation as a central Florida writer from her first long-form publicationthe 2017 story collection Felt in the Jaw, for which she held a book launch at her local 7-Eleventhis is her first book explicitly set in Orlando, and a large chunk of the narrative is devoted to Cherry meditating on what it means to love a city that seems increasingly not to love her back.

Like her heroine, Arnett is quick to bemoan gentrification and local politics, but she also rhapsodizes over Orlandos resilient queer community and immense natural beauty. Everything here feels alive, she says. Everything feels connected and very green and very special. As if on cue, while she talks the sun comes out from behind a cloud and bathes her face in a golden light.

Anyway, I was like clown central for a solid year, she says, then adds with a laugh, It had to be so annoying for my wife. Arnett dedicates Stop Me If Youve Heard This One to anyone whos ever been called funny as an insult, and she counts herself among that number. Im someone who is on all of the time. I know that about myself. Im not everyones cup of tea.

Arnett attributes her sense of humor largely to her very funny father. My dad and I are estranged, she says. But I say all the time that I think the reason I am the way I am is that Ive patterned my

mannerisms after him. He was the guy who would show up somewhere and people would be like, Hey, this guys here! I think, subconsciously, for a long time, and especially when I first came out, I was like, Thats the kind of funny I want to be. But the thing is, thats just a persona, right? Someone can be really funny and also a total dick.

Here she pauses. Sorry. This has turned into a real therapy session.

Humor as a way to feel close to someone whos gone is a central theme of Stop Me If Youve Heard This One as well. Cherrys late brother was always considered the funny one in the family. Her clowning is, at least partially, an attempt to step into his shoes.

I asked myself how much of clowning or making jokes is an attempt to deal with trauma or loss, Arnett says, versus a way of not having to deal with it at all. Like, Ill give you a show and a performance instead of actually having to sit and think about this thing thats too hard to touch. I was really interested in the ways in which performance can be a way to move through and process grief.

Despite this heavier strain, Arnett still asserts that this book was the most fun shes ever had writing, including those early days in the church pews. It was like a honking clown nose of joy for me, she says.
Wait, what? Indie publish after being published by the Big Five? Who does that? Isnt it the dream of indie-pubbed authors to write a successful book or series that leads to discovery by an agent or big publisher? From there on out, its easy streetright?

Its an often-heard aspiration. And sometimes, it works. The indie to big-time traditional publication trajectories of authors E.L. James (Fifty Shades of Grey), Andy Weir (The Martian), and Lisa Genova (Still Alice), among others, are well documented.

For me, things moved in the other direction.

In the summer of 2013, shortly after I landed an agent, my debut standalone psychological suspense novel, The Bookseller, sold to HarperCollins in a pre-empt. With two HarperCollins editors competing for the manuscript, I was permitted to choose my editor and imprint. Harper, the imprint I chose, put its full marketing and PR resources into the novel, and buzz began building six months before the books spring 2015 publication. The Bookseller made the Indie Next list, becoming a favorite among independent booksellers. Trade reviews were overwhelmingly positive, and my agent sold international rights in 18 countries. Ill never forget the day when she called to say Julia Roberts wanted to option the book for her production company, Red Om. Just as exciting was seeing The Bookseller hit the New York Times bestseller list.

I didnt quit my day job, but as a freelance writer and editor, I cut back my hours so I could write my next novel, The Glass Forest. By the time it was complete, however, my editor at Harper had retired. The editor assigned to take over the reins for The Bookseller was a lovely person, but nonfiction was her jam, and she passed.

Soon thereafter, my agent sold rights for The Glass Forest to Touchstone, an imprint of Simon & Schusterleading me to believe Id found a new, permanent publishing home. Touchstone did a fine job with The Glass Forest, which hit the USA Today bestseller list and received solid reviews. Rights were sold in seven countries.

But later that same year, Touchstone abruptly folded. The Glass Forest, along with other Touchstone titles, was farmed out to another Simon & Schuster imprint. The editors at that imprint, stretched thin like everyone in publishing, put no resources toward my year-old novel. In publishing, this is known as being orphaned. Although aware that it happens frequently, I hadnt expected it to happen to me. Twice, no less.

Undaunted, I began writing another noveljust as Covid was about to change the world. Isolated like everyone else, I accepted a wonderful opportunity: editing Denver Noir, part of Akashic Books celebrated Noir series of location-specific mystery anthologies. Granted, Denver Noir, which published in spring 2022, wasnt a novelbut it got my name on the cover of another book, and I was grateful for the opportunity and experience.

By then, my third novel, Anyone but Her, was complete, and my agent took it out on sub that summer. While surprised by the passes from Big Five and midsize houses, I concluded that despite my street cred, the novel wasnt the best it could be. I completely rewrote it, top to bottombut my agent didnt share my enthusiasm, and we parted ways.

I was fortunate to quickly sign with a new agent. She loved the book, but she was unable to submit it to any of the editors who had previously passed. Why? Thats simply the way the business works. After an editor has passed on one version of your book, rarely will they give it a second look. My new agent put together an alternative list, but again the passes arrived. Many editors said they loved the book but couldnt determine how to break it out in this market.

Both indie- and trad-pubbed authors can likely relate to the notion that, while breakout would be wonderful, what most of us aspire to is simpler: respectable sales and a developing fan base. But editors at Big Five and midsize houses see it differently. Generally, they take on a book only if they can convince their sales teams that major sales are possible. Those numbers apply mostly to big-name authors, along with the occasional debut.

If, as an author, you have an ongoing relationship with a house or editor, the equation is slightly different: the publisher is often willing to accept more modest sales projections in exchange for working with a known quantity within their organization.

As a twice-orphaned author, where did that leave me? Time to give up, right?

Nope. Instead, I hired the developmental editor Id worked with on The Bookseller. A former agent, she has a spot-on editorial eye, and I trust her completely.

I told her I was thinking about indie publishing the novel but would only do so if I could release a book that was as high quality as my Big Fivepubbed titles. Before fully committing to going indie, I wanted her editorial take on the manuscript. Her assessment resulted in a subtle yet important shift to the storyline. I made that shift, and Anyone but Her is significantly stronger for it.

So, I decided to forge a new, indie path. In September 2024, Anyone but Her was published in print and e-book under my own imprint. My agent sold audio rights, and in November, Tantor Media released an audiobook. That same month, Anyone but Her won the Indie Author Project contest in the mystery/thriller category.

As all indie authors can attest, this path is not for the faint of heart. Ive never worked harder to get a book into the world as I did in 2024. But Im as proud of Anyone but Her as I am of my trad-pubbed titles. Im thankful that I decided to trust my gut and keep going.

This year has taught me two important lessons. First, qualityin both content and productionwill always be my top priority. If for any reason I cant put out a quality book, then Im better off shelving the manuscript, working on something else, and seeing where that takes me.

Second, while I might return to traditional publishing, Im not restricted to it. Indie publishing has come a long way, and Im excited to have joined the ranks of successful indie authors. Going forward, I see indie as an effective publishing option.

I truly feel the skys the limit. I hope you do, too.

Cynthia Swanson is the author of the psychological suspense novels The Bookseller, The Glass Forest, and Anyone But Her.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (2nd L) speaks during a ceremonial sendoff for Air Serbia's inaugural direct flight from Belgrade to China's Shanghai at the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, Serbia, Jan. 10, 2025. Air Serbia's inaugural direct flight from Belgrade to China's Shanghai departed early Saturday morning, following a ceremonial sendoff at Nikola Tesla Airport on Friday night.

Vucic, who attended the ceremony, highlighted the significance of direct connectivity with China in light of growing trade and tourism ties. (Xinhua/Shi Zhongyu)

BELGRADE, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Air Serbia's inaugural direct flight from Belgrade to China's Shanghai departed early Saturday morning, following a ceremonial sendoff at Nikola Tesla Airport on Friday night.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who attended the ceremony, highlighted the significance of direct connectivity with China in light of growing trade and tourism ties.

The president noted that Serbia's trade with China reached nearly 7 billion euros (7.18 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, with about 147,000 Chinese tourists visiting the country.

Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming said in his address that the new flight is a significant step to further expand exchanges and cooperation, facilitate personnel exchanges, and bring tangible benefits to the two peoples.

The first flight departed from Belgrade at 00:45 a.m. local time (2345 GMT Friday), carrying over 100 young participants in a student exchange program between Serbia and China.

This is Air Serbia's third direct flight route to China. The airline announced that the route will operate twice a week during winter, with departures from Belgrade on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and from Shanghai on Wednesdays and Sundays. 
This seasons offerings explore well- and lesser-known religious histories, tackle timely social issues, and advise readers on how to boost their faith in an increasingly cynical world.

Top 10

Four Red Sweaters: Powerful True Stories of Women and the Holocaust

Lucy Adlington. Harper Paperbacks, Mar. 18 ($19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-337513-0)

The Dressmakers of Auschwitz author provides a moving account of four Jewish girls whose fates became intertwined with a simple article of clothing during the Holocaust, according to PWs starred review. 150,000-copy announced first printing.

The Girl Who Baptized Herself: How a Lost Scripture About a Saint Named Thecla Reveals the Power of Knowing Our Worth

Meggan Watterson. Random House, July 22 ($30, ISBN 978-0-593-59500-8)

Recovering the story of Thecla, a first-century teenager who risked death to follow the apostle Paul, theologian Watterson explores Christianitys radical founding principles and calls for their renewal.

Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future

John Kasich. Zondervan, Apr. 8 ($29.99, ISBN 978-0-310-36882-3)

Religious institutions play a vital role in fortifying communities by bridging interfaith divides, providing social services, and more, according to former presidential candidate Kasich.

Lower Than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity

Diarmaid MacCulloch. Viking, Apr. 15 ($40, ISBN 978-1-9848-7867-0)

NBCC award winner MacCulloch covers 3,000 years of Christian views on sex, gender, and marriage, highlighting diverse and often contradictory perspectives and those who espoused them.

Melting Point: Family, Memory, and the Search for a Promised Land

Rachel Cockerell. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, May 6 ($32, ISBN 978-0-374-60926-9)

Cockerell recounts how her great-grandfather helped found a temporary homeland in Galveston, Tex., for Jewish refugees fleeing antisemitic violence in early-20th-century Eastern Europe, underscoring how the community struggled between retaining its identity and assimilating into American culture.

Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice

Isaac Samuel Villegas. Eerdmans, Mar. 13 ($22.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8028-8443-5)

By advocating on behalf of migrants, Christians can build a beloved community where people of all sexes, races, and identities are cared for, minister Villegas suggests.

Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus

Elaine Pagels. Doubleday, Apr. 1 ($30, ISBN 978-0-385-54746-8)

National Book Award winner Pagels digs through scripture to reconsider contested elements of Jesuss life, arguing that many were embellished or papered over in the gospels by disciples eager to gain new followers. 200,000-copy announced first printing.

Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table

Brandan Robertson. St. Martins Essentials, May 27 ($30, ISBN 978-1-250-32134-3)

Sketching out an inclusive theology, pastor Robertson debunks scripture-based arguments against homosexuality, celebrates queer figures throughout Christian history, and offers support to those who feel alienated by their church communities.

Shamanism: The Timeless Religion

Manvir Singh. Knopf, May 20 ($30, ISBN 978-0-593-53754-1)

New Yorker contributor Singh traverses the globe to uncover the origins, traditional healing practices, and modern relevance of the ancient spiritual tradition.

A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage: Quick, Practical Insights Every Couple Needs to Thrive

Gary Chapman, with John Hinkley. Moody, Feb. 4 ($16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8024-3406-7)

The Five Love Languages author explains how improving conflict management, intimacy, and communication can make for more godly marriages.

Religion & Spirituality Longlist

Fiction

Bethany House

Green Pastures by Patricia Johns (Mar. 18, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-7642-4417-9). Three sisters in Lancaster County, Pa., grapple with professional and romantic trials while struggling to uphold their Amish communitys traditions.

Shattered Sanctuary by Nancy Mehl (Mar. 18, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-7642-4336-3) follows an expolice officer as she reluctantly joins the search for a cunning serial killer and unpacks the trauma of her former partners murder.

Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey (Apr. 15, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-7642-3849-9). An idyllic New Mexico spa becomes

the chilling backdrop for an undercover investigation when a guest vanishes after a fight with her boyfriend.

Kregel

The Dreams We Knew: A Novel of the Roaring Twenties by Rachel Scott McDaniel (Feb. 25, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8254-

4814-0) centers on a private investigator with secrets of her own who teams up with a former flame to solve a fashion models murder in New York City.

Written in Secret (The Art of Love and Danger #1) by Crystal Caudill (Mar. 11, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8254-4907-9). A Cincinnati crime novelist gets entangled in a murder investigationand an unexpected romance with its lead detectiveafter her latest thriller appears to predict a series of grisly murders.

Revell

Across the Crying Sands by Jane Kirkpatrick (May 20, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8007-4609-4). A woman mourning a miscarriage finds hope and fulfillment in taking over a demanding postal route.

Break My Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn (Mar. 18, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8007-4537-0). The latest Gossamer Falls suspense novel sees a good-hearted dentist become the unwitting target of a vast criminal network.

Midnight on the Scottish Shore: A Novel of World War II by Sarah Sundin (Feb. 4, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8007-4186-0). This pulse-pounding tale of divided loyalties follows a double agent whose life is imperiled when her Nazi contacts start to suspect shes hiding something, according to PWs review.

Tyndale Fiction

As Sure as the Sea by Jamie Ogle (Feb. 11, $32.99, ISBN 978-1-4964-7971-6). In the Eastern Roman Empire, 20-year-old Demitria struggles to deliver aid to Christian communities persecuted by Emperor Diocletian. An unexpected crisis forces her to accept help from a handsome stranger.

WaterBrook

Hopes Enduring Echo by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Mar. 25, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-60083-2). Romance blooms between a resourceful pipeline maintenance worker and a paleontology student as the pair hunt for dinosaur bones buried alongside the Arkansas River.

Nonfiction

Baker

Jesus Revealed in the End Times: Hope for Today from the One Who Holds Our Future by Robert Jeffress (Mar. 4, $28.99, ISBN 978-1-5409-0050-0) unpacks the biblical prophecy for the end-times with a focus on Christs role in those events.

Balance

Ask Your Spirit: Receiving Life Changing Wisdom from Your Elevated Intelligence by Christine Lang (June 10, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5387-7391-8) explains how readers can use their inner spiritual compass to navigate lifes challenges.

Bantam

The Year God Died: Jesus and the Roman Empire in 33 AD by James Lacey (May 20, $32, ISBN 978-0-593-35522-0). Bestseller Lacey contextualizes Jesuss life against the backdrop of a politically volatile first-century Roman Empire, shedding new light on Christianitys beginnings.

Beacon

A Lamp unto Yourself: A Beginners Guide to Asian Spiritual Practices, from Advaita and Buddhism to Yoga and Zen by C. Pierce Salguero (Apr. 22, $24.95, ISBN 978-0-8070-2039-5) discusses the historical and philosophical foundations for such practices as tai chi and insight meditation, and provides basic guidance for new practitioners.

BenBella

God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah Is True by Mark Gerson (June 3, $39.95, ISBN 978-1-63774-617-2).

The Hebrew Bible offers trenchant answers to modern questions about happiness, personal transformation, diversity, and peer pressure, according to the author.

Brazos

The Anti-greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money Is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward by Malcolm Foley (Feb. 11, $21.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-58743-630-7) analyzes how the pursuit of profit has fueled racism in America and how Christian values can counteract such forces.

Becoming the Pastors Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Womans Path to Ministry by Beth Allison Barr (Mar. 18, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-58743-589-8) argues that the rising importance of the pastors wife has provided women with a new area of influence in the church, while also reducing their independent leadership opportunities and solidifying rigid gender hierarchies.

Broadleaf

Church Camp: Bad Skits, Cry Night, and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation by Cara Meredith (Apr. 29, $26.99, ISBN 979-8-88983-100-6) contends that Christian summer camps inculcate campers with toxic ideas of God while exploiting their faith for money and power.

The Secret Despair of the Secular Left: Our Fraying Connections with Our Communities, Our Bodies, and the Earth by Ana Levy-Lyons (June 10, $26.99, ISBN 978-1-5064-8625-3) posits that the gradual weakening of religious institutions has created a spiritual emptiness in modern society and outlines alternate forms of connection to fill it.

The Wounds Are the Witness: Black Faith Weaving Memory into Justice and Healing by Yolanda Pierce (Feb. 4, $25.99, ISBN 978-1-5064-8533-1) draws on scripture to probe the historical wounds sustained by Black Americans and consider how they might be repaired.

Cambridge Univ.

Silence of the Gods: The Untold History of Europes Last Pagan Peoples by Francis Young (July 31, $39.99, ISBN 978-1-009-58657-3) uncovers how pagan communities like the Sami and Finno-Ugri covertly practiced their religious traditions for centuries after Christianity became the official religion of all European countries.

Chosen Books

When Women Support Women: Embracing Gods Call to Be Yourself and Build Ladders for Others by Jessika Tate (Mar. 25, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8007-7301-4) encourages Christian women to forge supportive relationships through which they can help reform their churches and communities.

Convergent

The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage by Richard Rohr (Mar. 4, $27, ISBN 978-0-593-73581-7) mines the writings of Jewish prophets for advice on navigating todays divided world by prioritizing such values as human connection and divine love.

Eerdmans

The Fearless Christian University by John W. Hawthorne (Feb. 13, $24.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8028-8456-5). Todays Christian colleges are fueled by a philosophy of fearof culture wars, public relations crises, demographic shifts, and morethat leave their students unprepared to navigate an increasingly secular world, according to the author.

Judeophobia and the New Testament: Texts and Contexts, edited by Sarah E. Rollens, Eric M. Vanden Eykel, and Meredith J.C. Warren (Apr. 24, $44.99, ISBN 978-0-8028-8288-2), details how Christian scripture has been weaponized to spread antisemitism and supersessionismthe idea that Christians have replaced Jews as Gods true peoplefrom the churchs early days to the present.

Pilgrim: A Theological Memoir by Tony Campolo, with Steve Rabey (Feb. 25, $23.99, ISBN 978-0-8028-8494-7), recounts the late evangelical church leaders life and theological evolution as he grappled with questions about capitalism, racism, and politics.

The Experiment

The Jewish Way to a Good Life: Find Happiness, Build Community, and Embrace Lovingkindness by Shira Stutman (Mar. 25, $22.95, ISBN 979-8-89303-017-4) shares how ancient Jewish values can help those of all faiths to live more meaningful, joyful lives.

Fair Winds

Sacred Ceremony for a Sacred Earth: Indigenous Wisdom for Healing and Transformation by Aniwa Council of Elders (May 6, $39.99, ISBN 978-0-7603-9212-6). Indigenous elders from various traditions share ancient teachings, stories, and practices for connecting with nature and ones community.

Faith Words

The Keys to a Happy and Healthy Marriage by Joyce Meyer (June 17, $12, ISBN 978-1-5460-4697-4) explains how couples can use scriptural insights to build successful relationships that prioritize God.

Farrar, Straus and Giroux

The Last Supper: Art, Faith, Sex, and Controversy in the 1980s by Paul Elie (May 27, $33, ISBN 978-0-374-27292-0) traces the origins of todays postsecular age to artists who renegotiated notions of religiosity in 1980s popular culture in individualized, noninstitutional ways, from Martin Scorsese in The Last Temptation of Christ to Madonna in Like a Prayer.

Fordham Univ.

Grace of the Ghosts: A Theology of Institutional Reparation by Jeannine Hill Fletcher (May 6, $29.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5315-0987-3) discusses how Catholic institutions can repair harms wrought by their historical ties to white supremacy, including slaveholding at Georgetown University and forced assimilation at Indian Boarding Schools.

Harvard Univ.

For I Have Sinned: The Rise and Fall of Catholic Confession in America by James M. OToole (Mar. 4, $35, ISBN 978-0-674-29452-3) charts the rites rise in the early 20th century through its 1970s decline (thanks in part to decreased trust in the Catholic church and the growing popularity of counseling) and speculates on its future.

Herald

God Looks Like Jesus: A Renewed Approach to Understanding God by Gregory Boyd (May 27, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5138-1551-0) suggests that Gods true nature is embodied by Christs self-sacrificial, other-focused life and ministry.

Hodder Faith

Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood by Chine McDonald (July 8, $22.99, ISBN 978-1-3998-1463-8) studies depictions of the Virgin Mary in art and literature to debunk notions of the ideal mother that permeate Christianity and popular culture.

Inner Traditions

Return with Elixir: Four Maps for the Souls Pilgrimage Through Death and Rebirth by Miles Neale (Apr. 1, $29.99 trade paper,

ISBN 978-1-64411-843-6) integrates Tibetan Buddhist philosophy with the work of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung to help guide readers on a path to self-realization.

IVP

Black Woman Grief: A Guide to Hope and Wholeness by Natasha Smith (Feb. 25, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5140-0964-2) frames faith as a source of healing for Black women whove endured racism, oppressive social systems, and other traumas.

You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World by Alan Noble (July 8, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5140-1095-2) posits that the burden of determining ones purpose creates an individualistic and disordered society, and suggests that people instead find their meaning in God.

IVP Academic

Global Christianity and Islam: Exploring History, Politics, and Beliefs by Wafik W. Wahba (Feb. 4, $40 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8308-5195-9) traces the faiths intertwined histories and the narratives that have shaped them.

Jewish Publication Society

Planting Seeds of the Divine: Torah Commentaries to Cultivate Your Spiritual Practice by Yiscah Smith (June 1, $24.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8276-1571-7) provides scriptural excerpts and commentaries designed to help foster ones ability to seek the divine in the everyday.

Knopf

Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church by Philip Shenon (Feb. 11, $35, ISBN 978-1-101-94641-1) chronicles the history of the modern Catholic church and its shifting attitudes toward mercy and forgiveness, its sex abuse scandals, and its ties with other faiths.

Kregel

Brave Woman, Mighty God: 30 Things You Can Do by Laura L. Smith (Mar. 11, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8254-4892-8) spotlights 30 biblical women who persevered through difficult circumstances thanks to Gods help, and promises that readers can do the same.

NavPress

Befriending God: How We Are Undone, Changed, and Made New by Tanya Godsey (Feb. 11, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64158-867-6) recommends that readers cast aside performative religious rites and seek intimacy with God in lifes challenges and complexities.

Stop Trying to Be Successful: The Seemingly Illogical and Sometimes Completely Baffling Call of God by Pete Portal (Feb. 18, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64158-962-8) encourages Christians to discard individualistic notions of professional success and find value in God.

New York Univ.

Black Religion in the Madhouse: Race and Psychiatry in Slaverys Wake by Judith Weisenfeld (Apr. 29, $35, ISBN 978-1-4798-2978-1) reveals how, in the decades after emancipation, white psychiatrists pathologized Black modes of religious practice like embodied worship, shaping damaging theories of Black mental health that were harnessed in racist ways.

Paulist

Why I Remain a Gay Catholic: A Spiritual-Sexual Journey by Paul F. Morrissey (June 3, $32.95, ISBN 978-0-8091-5725-9) recounts how the author embraced his identity as a gay priest thanks to a renewed understanding of Gods character.

Princeton Univ.

American Maccabee: Theodore Roosevelt and the Jews by Andrew Porwancher (June 10, $35, ISBN 978-0-691-20366-9) examines the presidents complicated relationship with the Jewish people, including how he garnered early support from immigrant Jews and contended with an influx of European Jewish immigrants and the xenophobia it engendered.

Reaktion

Light on Darkness: The Untold Story of the Liturgy by Cosima Clara Gillhammer (June 16, $25, ISBN 978-1-83639-043-5) details the Western European history of religious liturgy, highlighting its influence on art, music, and literature.

Red Wheel

Naturally Modern Magick: The Essential Compendium of Spells and Rituals for Health, Happiness, and Prosperity by Lacey Burbage (Mar. 3, $22.95, ISBN 978-1-59003-584-9) gathers charms, spells, and practices that utilize such ingredients as crystals,

flowers, and water to harness the power of the natural world.

Revell

Am I a Better Christian on Zoloft? And Other Questions About Faith I Should Probably Keep to Myself by Mark Tabb (June 3, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8007-4628-5) invites Christians to get curious about their faith and tackles some uncomfortable questions (If I believe God is in control, why am I upset about politics?).

Shambhala

How Confucius Changed My Mind: And What He Can Teach You About the Art of Being Human by Charles B. Jones (May 20, $19.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64547-299-5) considers how Confucianism sheds light on lifes most enduring questions, including what it means to be human.

In This Body, in This Lifetime: Awakening Stories of Japanese Soto Zen Women by Sozen Nagasawa Roshi, trans. by Kogen Czarnik, edited by Esho Sudan (June 17, $24.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64547-358-9), illuminates the personal and spiritual lives of 30 Japanese nuns and laywomen who practiced under female Zen master Roshi in WWII-era Japan.

Sourcebooks

How to Be a Saint: An Extremely Weird and Mildly Sacrilegious History of the Catholic Churchs Biggest Names by Kate Sidley (Apr. 29, $19.99, ISBN 978-1-7282-7741-7) takes a comedic jaunt through Catholicisms history, highlighting the saints who shaped the church and the doctrinal quirks it developed along the way.

St. Martins Essentials

The Bible Says So: What We Get Right (and Wrong) about Scriptures Most Controversial Issues by Daniel McClellan (Apr. 29, $30, ISBN 978-1-250-34746-6) corrects common scriptural misconceptions about abortion, monotheism, modesty,

and more.

Tuttle

The Spirit of Shinto: Finding Nature and Harmony on Japans Sacred Path by Hector Garcia, trans. by Russel Andrew Calvert (May 20, $15.99, ISBN 978-4-8053-1840-9), overviews Japans indigenous religion, touching on its history, influences on Japanese and Western societies, and present-day applications.

Tyndale Elevate

Why Im Still a Christian: After Two Decades of Conversations with Skeptics and Atheiststhe Reason I Believe by Justin Brierley (Apr. 22, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4964-6693-8) explores how the authors conversations with Philip Pullman, Richard Dawkins, and other atheists have reinforced his faith.

Tyndale Momentum

If the Ocean Has a Soul: A Marine Biologists Pursuit of Truth Through Deep Waters of Faith and Science by Rachel G. Jordan (June 3, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-4005-0584-3). Studying the natural world through a spiritual lens, the author considers what the sea reveals about Gods power and how humans might heal a damaged environment.

Univ. of Notre Dame

Women in the Orthodox Tradition: Feminism, Theology, and Equality by Ashley Marie Purpura (Apr. 15, $55, ISBN 978-0-268-20922-3) deconstructs the patriarchal traditions and values that uphold orthodox Christianity, and offers in its place a theology that centers womens perspectives and voices.

Univ. of Pennsylvania

Longing and Belonging: Jews in the Modern Islamic World, edited by Nancy Berg and Dina Danon (Feb. 25, $64.95, ISBN 978-1-5128-2711-8). Contributors explore the rich history of Jews in Islamic countries during the first half of the 20th century, revealing complex forms of connection and exchange.

Univ. of Wisconsin

Chai Noon: Jews and the Cinematic Wild West by Jonathan L. Friedmann (June 3, $42.95, ISBN 978-0-299-35210-3) unpacks how Jewish filmmakers have shaped the Hollywood Western, often by imbuing the films with a distinctly Jewish sensibility despite the absence of characters who are recognizably of the faith.

Upper Room

Sacred Tension: Embracing Dissonance and Dialogue in the Old Testament by William P. Brown (Mar. 1, $24.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8358-2080-6) contends that the apparent contradictions in the Hebrew Bible are an invitation into an ongoing debate about scriptural issues and ethics.

Verso

Citizens of the Whole World: Anti-Zionism and the Cultures of the American Jewish Left by Benjamin Balthaser (July 22, $26.95, ISBN 978-1-80429-137-5) connects some Jews support of Palestinian liberation in the wake of the October 7 attack on Israel and the war in Gaza to a broader progressivist Jewish history in America.

W

Before You Climb Any Higher: Valley Wisdom for Mountain Dreams by Jonathan McReynolds (Feb. 18, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4003-3887-0). The gospel artist issues an upbeat invitation for burned-out believers to find comfort in their true, core identity as a son or daughter of God,  per PWs review.

Jesus Doesnt Care About Your Messy House: He Cares about Your Heart by Dana K. White (Feb. 11, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4003-4437-6). Untangling false links between cleanliness, morality, and faith, the author reassures readers that Gods love transcends earthly issues like disorganization.

WaterBrook

Here Be Dragons: Treading the Deep Waters of Motherhood, Mean Girls, and Generational Trauma by Melanie Shankle (Feb. 18, $26, ISBN 978-0-593-60120-4). Reflecting on her childhood with a verbally abusive mother, Shankle recalls how faith helped her to heal her emotional wounds and raise a daughter with a stronger sense of self-worth.

Wayne State Univ.

East End Jews: Sketches from the London Yiddish Press, edited by Vivi Lachs, trans. by Vivi Lachs and Barry Smerin (Apr. 22, $34.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8143-5134-5). Selections from 26 Yiddish writers open a window into the Jewish East End Community from 1850 to the 1950s, capturing interactions between Jews and their British countrymen while probing other challenges and debates of the time.

Weiser

The Tarot Architect: How to Become the Master Builder of Your Spiritual Temple by Lon Milo DuQuette (May 5, $24.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-57863-854-3) provides a holistic introduction to tarot, including the practices history, its role in Western mysticism, and the spiritual significance of specific cards.

Worthy

Your Pain Has a Name: A Therapists Invitation to Understanding Your Story and Sorting Out Who You Are from What Hurts by Monica Dicristina (May 13, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5460-0642-8) shows how readers can harness their faith to dismantle false narratives that are holding them back.

Zondervan

Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious by Ross Douthat (Feb. 11, $29.99, ISBN 978-0-310-36758-1) constructs a stimulating but flawed argument for religious belief that touches on supernatural phenomena and the complexities of human consciousness, according to PWs review.
Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale

Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada.

Search Real Estate
Saturday Night Live announced its first hosts of 2025 on Friday. Comedian Dave Chappelle and actor Timothee Chalamet will host the show's first two episodes in January.

ADVERTISEMENT

Chappelle will host the Jan. 18 episode, marking his fourth time as host. The actor and comedian is promoting his latest Netflix standup comedy special, Dave Chappelle : Dreamer.

GloRilla is the musical guest on Jan. 18.

Chalamet will serve as both host and musical guest on Jan. 25. He can be seen in theaters playing Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, for which he learned to play guitar and harmonica while singing Dylan songs.

In a press conference for the film, Chalamet said he still finds Dylan unknowable even after playing him.

The Jan. 25 episode of SNL will mark Chalamet's third time as host.

In addition, SNL50: The Anniversary Special airs Feb. 16. A docu-series, SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night, is also coming to Peacock.
Glenn Close disclosed that her favorite onscreen kiss was the one she shared with Robert Redford.

ADVERTISEMENT

The iconic actress, 77, appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen Thursday, ahead of her upcoming films Back in Action, starring Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx , and Knives Out 3, starring Daniel Craig

Cohen invited Close to play a game titled "Plead the Fifth," where the player can opt not to answer one of three questions.

"I'm very nervous," Close admitted as Cohen explained the rules.

When asked about her favorite kiss, however, the answer came easily.

Robert Redford , In the Natural. I only got to kiss him once," she said, adding that they may have done two takes.

That film premiered in 1984.

Cohen also asked which of Close's eight Academy Award nominations should have resulted in an Oscar.

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS!

Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!

"All of them!" she said.

She did opt not to answer when Cohen asked her if she'd ever taken a role "simply for the paycheck."

Close shared that "it was the most wonderful experience to work with everyone" in Wake up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.

"There is definitely a group chat," Close said. "And I have to say it's a lot about the fires right now."

That movie also stars Josh O'Connor, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church.

Close also revealed that she was 32 when she starred in The World According to Garp opposite Robin Williams, marking her movie debut, and that she hangs onto her movie costumes.

"You stand there and you have the costume built around you, and as you are having the costume built around you, you are building the character, so it becomes something that you create together," she said.

Back in Action streams on Netflix beginning Jan. 17, while a release date for Knives Out 3 has not yet been shared.
Late producers Lynda Obst and Paula Weinstein will be honored at this year's Producers Guild of America Awards.

ADVERTISEMENT

The organization said in a press release Friday that Obst and Weinstein will be recognized with a posthumous Trailblazer Award at the PGA Awards on Feb. 8.

Nominations for the PGA Awards were originally to be announced Friday, but were postponed to Sunday as the Los Angeles wildfires continue to overwhelm the region.

The Trailblazer Award is meant to acknowledge Obst and Weinstein for advancing women in their field.

Weinstein, who died at age 78 in March, produced films such as Analyze This and The Perfect Storm, and television shows like Grace and Frankie. She was just 33 years old when she was made vice president at 20th Century Fox in 1979, and went on to hold positions at United Artists and Tribeca Enterprises. She also oversaw the Tribeca Film Festival.

Obst was 74 when she died in October. She produced iconic films such as Sleepless in Seattle, Contact and Interstellar, as well as Good Girls Revolt, Hot in Cleveland and other TV series.

PGA presidents Stephanie Allain and Donald De Line praised both women in a statement Friday.

"Lynda Obst and Paula Weinstein have made a lasting impact on the industry with their trailblazing work and steadfast commitment to amplifying women's voices," the pair said. "Lynda and Paula embody the spirit of women who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of producers."
People pose for photos at "Hello, China!" booth in Norway's largest travel fair TravelXpo in Lillestrom, Norway, on Jan. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)

OSLO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Norway's largest travel fair TravelXpo opened on Friday, with "Hello, China!" booth drawing many visitors.

The booth, featuring distinctive Chinese cultural elements, showcases China tourism facilitation policies and measures to local visitors.

Anniken Arntsberg, a girl from Nordland, a county located in the northern part of the country, told Xinhua that she will go to China soon and she came here to gather some last-minute tips.

"China is a country that I've always dreamed of visiting. When I heard about the visa-free policy for Norway, my friends and I immediately added China to our travel wish list," she said.

"The visa-free policy has greatly increased Norwegian tourists' interest in China," said Zhang Liming, an exhibitor specializing in arranging trips for Norwegian travelers to China.

Since November last year, a notable rise in group tours and inquiries about travel to China has been witnessed, Zhang said.

Ola Roneid, senior advisor at Innovation Norway's tourism division, said the resumption of Hainan Airlines' direct flights between Beijing and Oslo in March, coupled with China's visa-free policy, will significantly enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two nations. 
Porterville, CA (93257)

Today

Steady light rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low around 40F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Steady light rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low around 40F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
Porterville, CA (93257)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 44F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 44F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Aam Aadmi Party leader and Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi has died of gunshot injuries, with police saying on Saturday it could be a case of 'accidental fire' from his own licensed pistol.

IMAGE: Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. Photograph: Courtesy @gurpreetgogiaap/X

Joint Commissioner of Police Jaskaran Singh Teja said the bullet pierced Gogi's temple and he was rushed to the local Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where doctors declared him dead.

The incident occurred around 11:30 pm on Friday at Gogi's house. Teja said the bullet was fired from Gogi's licensed pistol.

"According to his family members, it was an accidental fire," the JCP said.

Gogi (58) is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

The police said the body has been kept at the mortuary of DMCH. The case is under investigation and a post-mortem will be conducted to know more details, they said.

Several political leaders including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed shock over Gogi's death. Some of them are reaching his residence in Ludhiana to express condolences.

'Got the sad news of the demise of our party's respected MLA from Ludhiana West Gurpreet Gogi ji. I am very sad to hear this, Gogi ji was a very good person. Heartfelt condolences to the family in this hour of grief,' said Mann in a post on X.

Punjab AAP president Aman Arora also condoled the death of Gogi.

'My deepest condolences to the grieving family during this difficult time. May they find the strength to endure this painful loss. I pray to the Almighty that his noble soul rests in eternal peace,' Arora said in a post on X.

Hours before his death, Gogi had held a meeting with Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and AAP MP Balbir Singh Seechewal over the issue of cleaning of 'Buddha Nullah' (a drain of polluted effluents).

He had also visited the Prachin Sheetla Mata Mandir in BRS Nagar where a theft had taken place a few days ago and had assured justice in the matter.

Gogi joined the AAP in 2022 after quitting the Congress. He had been with the Congress for almost 22 years.

Gogi defeated two-time MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu in the 2022 state assembly poll from the Ludhiana West seat. His wife Sukhchain Kaur Gogi unsuccessfully contested the municipal corporation elections last month.

Gogi last year had demolished the foundation stone of the Buddha Nullah rejuvenation project after being upset over the delay in carrying out the project by the departments concerned.

Gogi served as municipal councillor twice in Ludhiana before becoming a legislator in 2022. He also served as the chairman of the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation during the previous Congress regime. Gogi was Ludhiana district Congress (urban) president from 2014 till 2019.

He had caught the attention when he came on a scooter to file his nomination papers for the 2022 assembly polls.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also expressed grief over Gogi's death.

'Saddened to learn about the unfortunate demise of @AAPPunjab MLA from ludhiana west @gurpreetgogiaap ji. I am short of words after hearing about this tragic news. My sympathies are with the family members and supporters. May Waheguru ji grant eternal peace to the departed soul,' Warring said in a post on X.

Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said, 'Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic and untimely demise of @AAPPunjab MLA @gurpreetgogiaap. His passing is an immense and irreparable loss, not only to his family but also to the countless people he represented and served with dedication in the assembly.'

'His contributions will always be remembered. I pray to the Almighty to grant strength and courage to his family and loved ones to bear this profound loss. May his soul rest in peace,' Bajwa said.
Divers on Saturday fished out bodies of three workers from a flooded coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district, where they had been trapped since January 6, an official said.

IMAGE: A rescue operation is underway at the Umrangso coal mine, in Dima Hasao. Photograph: ANI Photo

With this recovery, bodies of four out of the total nine workers stuck in the flooded quarry were found. The first one was recovered from the mine in Umrangshu, around 250 km from Guwahati, on Wednesday.

"The rescue operations resumed this morning and three bodies were recovered six days after the incident, the official said.

The three were identified as Ligen Magar (27) of Dima Hasao district, Khushi Mohan Rai (57) of Kokrajhar district and Sarat Goyary (37) of Sonitpur district. The body of one labourer hailing from Nepal was found on January 8.

The bodies were found floating on accumulated water in the mine after two days of dewatering. Divers of the army, navy and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) brought them out, the official said.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said about the recovery of the bodies in a post on X.

"Rescue efforts in Umrangsu continue with unwavering resolve Our hearts go out to the grieving, as we hold on to hope and strength in this difficult time," he added.

Dewatering of the quarry was continuing with the help of five pumps throughout the day, the official said.

The water level of the mine has gone down to 12 metres from 26 metres on Friday, he said.

Currently, a search operation is being conducted with the help of an underwater Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV), the official added.

The chief minister on Friday night said that the mine was abandoned 12 years ago and was under the Assam Mineral Development Corporation till three years ago.

'It was not an illegal mine but an abandoned one. The workers had entered the mine that day for the first time to extract coal," Sarma had said.

He said that the leader of the workers has been arrested and the police are conducting investigations into the case.

On the alleged involvement of a family member of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council's Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa in the incident, the chief minister said, 'This is a human tragedy and we should not politicise it".

Altogether nine workers were trapped inside the coal mine in Umrangsu district on Monday after a sudden gush of water flooded the quarry.

Meanwhile, Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday said he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an SIT probe into the mining tragedy.

He also alleged that "illegal mining continues unchecked" due to "weak law enforcement and local complicity" in the northeastern state.

Gogoi urged the prime minister that the proposed secial investigation team (SIT) should not only look into the "illegal" operation of the mine and identify those responsible for this tragedy but also address the broader issues at play.

"This includes the failure to enforce the NGT's (National Green Tribunal) ban on rat-hole mining, the complicity of local authorities-including the district administration and district police - who have enabled these illegal activities to persist, despite repeated accidents and warnings," the Congress leader alleged.

Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed rat-holes, as each just about fits one person.
In a recent operation, Bihar Police busted a fraudulent scheme operating under the guise of 'All India Pregnant Job Service', which deceived men with promises of substantial payments for impregnating childless women.

Image only for representation. Photograph: Pexels/Pixabay.com

The scam, centered in Kahuara village within Nawada district's Nardiganj subdivision, led to the arrest of three persons, according to media reports.

The perpetrators -- Prince Raj, Bhola Kumar, and Rahul Kumar -- utilised Facebook to advertise their deceptive services, luring unsuspecting men with the prospect of earning up to Rs 10 lakh for fathering a child.

Interested individuals were instructed to provide personal documents, including Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Aadhaar cards, along with selfies, under the pretense of registration.

Subsequently, the scammers extracted money from these men, citing fees for registration and hotel bookings.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Imran Pervez elaborated on the modus operandi, stating, "They provided 'All India Pregnant Job Service' and also ran a 'Playboy Service'. They put advertisements on Facebook and in the name of registration, they collected personal information and money from the callers."

Authorities confiscated six mobile phones containing WhatsApp chats, customer photographs, audio recordings, and bank transaction details from the arrested perpetrators.

Another such incident had come to light in November 2024, where unemployed men were targeted with promises of easy money in exchange for fatherhood.

These schemes involved fake social media posts offering hefty sums and property shares to men willing to impregnate women within a specified timeframe.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday described Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane's alleged "EVM" remark as "shocking".

IMAGE: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Photograph: Mohd Zakir/ANI Photo

Stating that targeting any particular community is wrong, Tharoor asserted that everyone is an equal citizen of the country and that's the only way for the country to progress.

Maharashtra's Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane, addressing a Hindu Garjana Sabha in Sangli on Friday, reportedly made derogatory remarks saying, "EVM means, Every Vote against Mullah."

"This is quite shocking. In our country, we really have to understand the basic lesson of the freedom struggle, which is that when one set of people said that religion is the basis of their nationhood, they went away and created Pakistan," Tharoor said.

Tharoor added, We are all equal individual citizens of India, and that is the only basis on which our country can progress.

"I must say that people picking on any one community, whether it's against Muslims, Hindus, Christians, or any caste, that is all wrong. We are all equal individual citizens of India, and that is the only basis on which our country can progress," he added.
LAS VEGAS, the United States, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- With a videographer and an assistant at his side, Spanish YouTube tech influencer Nikias Molina demonstrated an innovative electric toothbrush at a bustling Consumer Electronics Show (CES) booth.

The device's standout feature -- an up-and-down oscillating motion recommended by dentists -- had captured his attention.

"It makes sense and is easy to use," said Molina, who has amassed a following of 343,000 subscribers on the video-sharing platform.

"The toothbrush industry is very crowded, and there's a lot of competition ... but I think they've really differentiated themselves a lot," Molina told Xinhua.

The toothbrush, manufactured by Chinese company Laifen, attracted many social media content creators to its exhibition space.

Shili Shao, Laifen's vice president for international sales and marketing, was particularly pleased that these influencers discovered the booth on their own.

"The interest from social media influencers has been remarkable," he said. "After experiencing strong growth in the Chinese market, we're now looking to expand our presence in the United States."

According to a recent report by the market research firm Grand View Research, the global digital health market is expected to reach 946 billion U.S. dollars by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.9 percent from 2024 to 2030.

The report identifies multiple factors driving this expansion, including widespread smartphone adoption, enhanced internet connectivity and improved IT infrastructure.

At this year's CES, which concluded Friday, Chinese companies emerged as dominant players in the digital health and wellness sector, garnering substantial attention with their innovative offerings.

David Hogan, vice president of Chinese smart hearing aid company Elehear, was "busy" with media requests.

"Within the first hour of the exhibition, we'd already conducted three video interviews, far exceeding our expectations," Hogan told Xinhua.

Elehear produces over-the-counter hearing aids that blend wellness functionality with lifestyle features, including music streaming and AI-enabled language translation.

"When you look at health and wellness, people are always trying to improve their life," he said, adding that their product is positioned as "an affordable solution for the masses."

"A conventional prescribed hearing aid can cost from 4,000 to 8,000 U.S. dollars; our device is just 399 dollars," said Hogan.

Even established players like BOE Technology Group, a leading Chinese display panel manufacturer, have ventured into digital health.

The company's exhibit featured an intelligent steering wheel capable of monitoring drivers' heart rates as part of their "intelligent cockpit technologies."

Su Ning, chief executive officer of BOE Varitronix, the group's automotive display and system business platform, highlighted how increased computing power in smart cabins, alongside advanced sensors and displays, will enable more health-related features in vehicles.

"Our decade-long investment in healthcare initiatives has focused on integrating medical expertise with technological capabilities," he explained.

Su said the computing power, sensors and displays of the automotive systems can support features like online hospitals and remote medical consultations.

Cars can provide consistent health monitoring and data collection, serving as valuable touchpoints for long-term preventive healthcare management, he added.

Looking ahead, the company plans to enhance the smart steering wheel's capabilities to include blood pressure monitoring. Using AI technology, the company could develop further applications, such as conducting heart health analysis and integrating hospital systems to provide users with additional services, Su said.

Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, expressed optimism about applying technologies to the car cockpit.

"Imagine if every day when people are driving around, we could get early signals of who might be at risk for atrial fibrillation or having a stroke," she told Xinhua at the CES. "That's very exciting and very promising." 
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Description

Get ready to take the plunge for an amazing cause!

Join us for the Town of Huntington 2025 Polar Plunge and show your support for the incredible athletes of the Special Olympics!

Date: Saturday, January 11th

Location: Crab Meadow Beach, Northport, NY

This event is about more than just a chilly dip, its about coming together as a community to celebrate and empower these remarkable athletes. Grab your friends, bring your courage, and join the fun! Lets make a difference together.

For more details and to register, visit: www.polarplungeny.org/Huntington

See you there!
Tamkin Mehrabuddin and her sister were preparing lunch in their home in Tajikistan when police officers knocked on their door.



The two Afghan women were ordered to accompany them to a police station in Dushanbe, the Tajik capital. Instead, they were driven for nearly three hours to the border and forced back to their homeland.

My sister was crying, and we pleaded with the officers not to send us back to Afghanistan, said Mehrabuddin, whose brother was also deported from Tajikistan.

The 24-year-old said she and her sister both had valid visas to reside in Tajikistan, adding that their residency documents were confiscated by the police the day before their deportation.

Mehrabuddin and her sister are among the scores of Afghans who have been deported in recent weeks from neighboring Tajikistan, which is home to some 10,000 Afghans. Her brother, who lived separately from them, was also deported.

The deportations have triggered anger in Tajikistan, an authoritarian country where criticism of the authorities is rare.

No Official Reason



Many of the deportees were abruptly summoned by the police and expelled without any due process, despite having temporary visas or documents showing they have been registered as refugees.

The move has triggered fear that they could face possible retribution in their homeland, which has been under the Talibans repressive rule since 2021, although no country has formally recognized the extremist group's government.

Afghanistans consulate in Tajikistans eastern city of Khorugh, which represents the Taliban-led administration in Kabul, said that around 60 Afghans were expelled from Tajikistan in December.

They had their documents in order, and I dont know what the reason for their expulsion was, said a consulate officer who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Nusratullo Mahmadzoda, a spokesperson for Tajikistans Interior Ministry, said he was not aware of the deportations, adding that foreigners are deported if they do not follow immigration rules.

But the Dushanbe office of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said at least 37 of the Afghans deported had refugee status.

Police Harassment



Tajikistan, which shares a border of around 1,300 kilometers with Afghanistan, is home to documented and undocumented Afghan migrants and refugees.

Some have lived in the Central Asian country for decades, while others fled there after the Western-backed Afghan government collapsed and the Taliban seized power in 2021.

Most of Tajikistans Afghan community live in the town of Vahdat, which is on the outskirts of Dushanbe.

Tajikistan is seen by many Afghans as a transit country from where they hope to reach the West.

My sister and I lived in Dushanbe for two years before moving [abroad], said Leena, a 25-year-old Afghan who only gave her first name.

Leena worked as a waitress in a coffee shop but said she did not see any future for herself in Tajikistan.

"Tajik police often harass Afghans to extort bribes," she said. "A police officer in our neighborhood in Dushanbe knew where I lived and would blackmail me with a deportation threat to get money."

Roya Hafizi moved to Tajikistan with her husband and five young children in 2020. Last month, her husband and several other Afghans were taken to a police station.

Later my husband called me from the border to say that he was being deported, said Hafizi. My husband is an ordinary worker. We dont harm anyone and havent committed any crime.

Hafizis husband was the familys sole breadwinner, and his deportation has left the family with no source of income to buy food or pay rent.

Tajikistan usually does not provide income support and welfare benefits to refugees and migrants.

Possible Retribution

In a statement issued on December 7, the UNHCR office in Dushanbe expressed grave concern over the forcible return of Afghans and urged the Tajik government to halt the deportations and uphold its obligations to protect those fleeing persecution.

Some Tajik have taken to social media to criticize the move.

Tajikistan and Afghanistan have deep linguistic, cultural, and historical ties, and Tajiks have called on the authorities to better protect Afghans.

Social media users have been particularly critical of the deportation of Mehrabuddin, a graduate of the Technological University in Dushanbe.

On social media, Mehrabuddin had recently complained of psychological abuse at the hands of her husband, an Afghan who was living in Tajikistan. Her allegations prompted the Tajik authorities to launch an investigation.

Some Tajiks on social media said Mehrabuddin could face torture or death in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has severely curtailed womens rights.

Other Tajik social media users recalled how tens of thousands of Tajiks took refuge in Afghanistan during Tajikistans civil war in the 1990s.

Taliban officials did not respond to RFE/RLs request for comment.

Tajikistan had previously come under criticism by the UNHCR for deporting scores of Afghans in 2021 and 2022.

The latest expulsions come as Afghan migrants and refugees are under increased pressure in neighboring countries.

Iran has vowed to deport millions of Afghans in the Islamic republic. Pakistan, meanwhile, has deported nearly 800,000 since late 2023.
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."
Wildfires raging around Los Angeles, California have destroyed an estimated 10,000 buildings and forced many thousands of people from their homes. With official resources stretched thin, community groups representing the large Armenian-American diaspora in the region are stepping forward to assist their neighbors in need.
A self-confessed veteran of Russia's Wagner paramilitary group arrested for crossing into the United States from Mexico was honored as a combat veteran weeks earlier by an organization established by Russian President Vladimir Putin, RFE/RL has found.

Timur Praliev, 31, was detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents on January 4 near the border town of Roma, Texas, after crossing the Rio Grande River into the United States and told the agents he was a citizen of Kazakhstan, U.S. federal court records show.

At a January 7 court appearance before a federal judge in McAllen, Texas, a federal prosecutor said Praliev was in possession of both Russian and Kazakh passports, cash, and a drone he carried in his backpack, a local television channel reported.

Praliev also admitted to being a member of Wagner, the channels website, Valley Central, cited Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan as saying.

Wagner has fought among Russian ranks in the Kremlins all-out war on Ukraine and elsewhere in the world. The paramilitary group has been designated a "transnational criminal organization" by the U.S. Treasury Department.

After pleading guilty to unlawful entry into the United States, Praliev was convicted and sentenced to time served. His current whereabouts are unclear.

Online records reviewed by RFE/RL show that less than a month before his detention, a man of the same name had been honored at an event held by an official government veterans organization in Russias Bashkortostan region.

An account of the December 12, 2024, event was published on Russian social media by the Bashkortostan branch of Defenders Of The Fatherland Foundation. The group was established by Putin in April 2023 to support combat veterans of Russias war against Ukraine.

Attempts to reach the foundation for comment were unsuccessful.

Photographs from the event show a man identified as Timur Praliev receiving his certification as a combat veteran. The post identified the Timur Praliev shown in the photograph as a former employee of Wagner who has ties to Iglinsky, a municipality east of the regional capital, Ufa.

Interviewed outside his home in Almaty, Pralievs father, Galymzhan Nakybekov, told RFE/RLs Kazakh Service that he had poor relations with his son and lost contact with him after Praliev's mother died a decade ago.

Nakybekov said Praliev took the last name of his mother, who had relatives in one of the villages in Bashkortostan. Shown a photograph of Praliev being honored at the December 12 event in the Russian region, Nakybekov said the man resembled his son.

Nakybekov also confirmed the month and year of his sons birth  November 1993. U.S. court records list Pralievs birth year as 1993.

RFE/RL also located a profile for a user named Timur Praliev on the Russian social-networking site VKontakte with the birth month and year listed as November 1993.

A Kazakhstan-based acquaintance of Praliev's confirmed to RFE/RL that the VKontakte account was that of the man shown being honored at the event. An RFE/RL inquiry sent via direct message to the account went unanswered.

Nakybekov told RFE/RLs Kazakh Service that he was unaware of his son's detention in the United States but that he hopes he remains there.

"I would like him to stay in the United States. Because if he came here, he would be arrested. If he were there, I would go, too. And what is here? Poverty?" he said, pointing to the dilapidated dormitory on Almatys western outskirts where his apartment is located.

During Pralievs court appearance, McColgan said the U.S. government is concerned about [the] safety of the community when this defendant is released because of his affiliation with Wagner, a group associated with political violence, Valley Central quoted the prosecutor as saying.

A U.S. magistrate judge ordered Praliev to remain in federal custody, Valley Central said.

Neither the U.S. attorney office for southern Texas nor the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol regional office overseeing that section of the U.S.-Mexican border immediately responded to e-mails or voicemails from RFE/RL seeking further details.

Founded by St. Petersburg chef Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Kremlin confidant, Wagner grew to be one of Russias most notorious private military companies. Its soldiers were deployed in Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, and more recently Ukraine, where Wagner fighters played a key role in the capture of the city of Bakhmut.

In August 2023, two months after staging a brief, but serious coup attempt, Prigozhin died in a mysterious plane crash north of Moscow. U.S. intelligence officials have said they believe Prigozhin was assassinated.

With reporting by RFE/RLs Tatar-Bashkir and Kazakh services
By Daniel Wiessner

(Reuters) -A federal judge in Texas on Friday said American Airlines violated federal law by basing investment decisions for its employee retirement plan on environmental, social and other non-financial factors.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor appeared to be the first of its kind amid growing backlash by conservatives to an uptick in socially-conscious investing.

O'Connor said American had breached its legal duty to make investment decisions based solely on the financial interests of 401(k) plan beneficiaries by allowing BlackRock, its asset manager and a major shareholder, to focus on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) factors.

"The evidence made clear that [Americans] incestuous relationship with BlackRock and its own corporate goals disloyally influenced administration of the Plan," wrote O'Connor, an appointee of Republican former President George W. Bush.

A BlackRock spokesperson said: "We always act independently and with a singular focus on what is in the best financial interests of our clients. Our only agenda is maximizing returns for our clients, consistent with their choices."

The judge ruled after holding a four-day non-jury trial in June, in a class action by American pilot Bryan Spence on behalf of more than 100,000 participants in the retirement plan. O'Connor said he would decide later on whether class members suffered financial harms and American must pay them damages.

American said in a statement that it was reviewing the decision. Lawyers for Spence did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

BlackRock, which on Thursday said it was leaving an environmentally focused investor group under pressure from Republican politicians, is not involved in the lawsuit.

In November, BlackRock and two rival asset managers were sued by 11 Republican-led states who claim the firms violated federal antitrust law through climate activism that reduced coal production and caused energy costs to increase. BlackRock called the claims baseless.

Spence sued American in 2023, saying it had violated the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) by failing to remain loyal to 401(k) plan participants and to prudently oversee their assets.

O'Connor last February rejected American's claims that the lawsuit should be dismissed because Spence could not show that the 401(k) plan had underperformed, paving the way for a trial.

On Friday, the judge said that American had breached its duty of loyalty to retirement plan participants. But the company's decisions did not violate its duty of prudence, O'Connor said, because it was acting according to prevailing industry standards.
Eva Osborne

Emergency services are dealing with a fire onboard a ship at the Port of Cork.

A fault with a piece of cargo handling equipment is believed to have been the issue onboard a bulk vessel at Ringaskiddy Deep Berth.

Fire units from Cork City and County are on scene, along with a critical care doctor, gardai, and paramedics.

All personnel are said to be safe, and the fire brigade has the situation under control, Newstalk has reported.
Ludhiana MLA Gurpreet Gogi Cremated With Full State Honors

Thousands Gather for Final Farewell to MLA Gurpreet Gogi in Ludhiana

Ludhiana MLA Gurpreet Gogi Cremation Latest News Today: Ludhiana bid an emotional farewell to Gurpreet Gogi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Ludhiana West, whose sudden demise due to a gunshot wound shocked the state. The cremation ceremony was held on Sunday at the Model Town cremation ground, with thousands of mourners, including political leaders, supporters, and locals, gathering to pay their last respects.

A Solemn Ceremony

The cremation, held amid a sea of teary-eyed supporters and family members, was marked by heartfelt tributes. Senior AAP leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Cabinet Ministers, and other party members, were present to honor Gogis contributions to public service.

Advertisement

The last rites were performed by his son, amidst a profound atmosphere of grief. Floral wreaths and tributes poured in from across the state, reflecting the widespread respect Gogi commanded as a leader and social worker.

Tributes from Leaders and Locals

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his condolences, stating, Gurpreet Gogi was a dedicated leader and a voice for the people of Ludhiana West. His untimely demise is a great loss to the state.

Residents of Ludhiana remembered Gogi as a compassionate leader who tirelessly worked for the betterment of the city. Many locals recounted his involvement in various development projects and his approachable nature.

Advertisement

A Leader Remembered

Gogi, a first-time MLA, had a long-standing career in public service. Before joining AAP, he served as a four-time Congress councillor and district president of the Ludhiana Congress (Urban). His decision to switch to AAP in 2022 marked a turning point in his political career, leading to his victory in the Ludhiana West constituency.

Gogi was not just a politician but also a businessman and collector of antiques, including vintage cars and rare books. He was widely respected for his dedication to social causes and his efforts to resolve civic issues in Ludhiana.

An Unanswered Tragedy

The circumstances surrounding Gogis death remain under investigation, with authorities yet to determine whether the gunshot wound was accidental or self-inflicted. The sudden loss has left his family, friends, and supporters grappling with unanswered questions and immense grief.

Advertisement

As Ludhiana laid Gurpreet Gogi to rest, his legacy as a people's leader and a passionate advocate for his constituency will continue to inspire those who knew him.

(For more news apart from Ludhiana MLA Gurpreet Gogi Cremation Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Punjab MLA Gurpreet Gogi Death News: Ludhiana MLA dies of tragic gunshot while cleaning firearm

The autopsy report is expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances of his death.

Punjab's Ludhiana AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi Death Latest News Today: Ludhiana AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi, aged 58, tragically died of a gunshot wound to the head at his residence in the Ghumar Mandi area late Friday night. Preliminary investigations suggest the incident might have occurred while Gogi was cleaning his licensed firearm, though the possibility of suicide has not been ruled out. The MLA was rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Ludhiana Police Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine whether the fatal gunshot was accidental or intentional. Deputy Commissioner of Police Shubham Aggarwal stated that Gogi was reportedly handling his 25-bore pistol when the weapon discharged, leading to a fatal injury. The autopsy report is expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances of his death.

Advertisement

Gurpreet Gogi was a prominent political figure in Punjab, having previously served as a four-time Congress councillor in Ludhiana Municipal Corporation. In 2022, Gogi left Congress after a 22-year association to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), citing dissatisfaction with the lack of recognition for hard work within his former party. A first-time MLA, he had won the Ludhiana West seat by defeating two-time Congress MLA and former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu by a margin of over 7,000 votes.

Hours before his death, Gogi had been actively engaged in public duties. He met with Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal to discuss the cleaning of Buddha Nullah. He also visited a temple in BRS Nagar following a theft incident, where he assured local residents of justice. (Punjab's Ludhiana AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi Death Latest News Today)

Beyond politics, Gogi was a businessman with interests in private hostels, a gun house, and a taxi service. He was also a passionate collector of antiques, including vintage cars, guns, coins, postal stamps, and books.

Advertisement

His untimely death has left his family, supporters, and the political community in Punjab shocked and grieving. His wife, Sukhchain Bassi, recently contested the Municipal Corporation elections but faced defeat.

(For more news apart from Punjab's Ludhiana AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi Death Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Apple has formed a new data-processing venture in Shanghai, according to business registry information, as the US tech giant's bid to bring artificial intelligence (AI) services to iPhones in mainland China remains in limbo.

Established on Friday with a registered capital of US$35 million, Apple Technology Development (Shanghai) will focus on software development, big data services, storage services and data processing, according to Chinese business registry platform Tianyancha.

Tejas Kirit Gala, who heads Apple's multiple entities in the country, serves as the legal representative of the new firm, which is wholly owned by Apple South Asia, according to Tianyancha.

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.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.

The Cupertino, California-based company's latest move comes amid growing challenges in China, the world's biggest smartphone market, where it faces increased competition from domestic handset vendors including a resurgent Huawei Technologies.

Apple is also awaiting regulatory approval to roll out its Apple Intelligence suite for iPhone users on the mainland.

Apple in October 2024 released the first set of its Apple Intelligence features across iPhones, iPads, and Macs used outside China. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Apple in October 2024 released the first set of its Apple Intelligence features across iPhones, iPads, and Macs used outside China. Photo: Shutterstock>

Last month, Apple was said to be in early-stage talks with Tencent Holdings and ByteDance to introduce Apple Intelligence in China, where releasing generative AI products requires a local partner, according to a report by Reuters.

Earlier in December, Apple was said to be working with internet search giant Baidu on a local AI partnership. But disputes over access to user data and inaccurate responses to user queries contributed to slow progress, according to a report by US tech news outlet The Information.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook last year made at least three visits to China, where he met the company's key mainland suppliers and industry regulators to discuss topics including data security and cloud services.

The company earlier this month started offering fresh price cuts on iPhones and other products via its China website and bricks-and-mortar Apple Stores to help boost sales on the mainland.
January 11, 2025

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsflash

Newsroom, 11.01.2025, 14:18

A roundup of local and international news.

ENERGY  Electricity and thermal energy production is expected to register a 2% decrease this year compared to 2024, but will go up in the next three years, according to the autumn forecast of the National Strategy and Forecast Commission for 2024-2028. Thus, in 2026, electricity and thermal energy production is estimated to increase by 1.4%. In 2027, it will increase by 1.5% and in 2028 by 1.3%.

TRANSNISTRIA  The regime in Transnistria, an autonomous region part of the Republic of Moldova, has extended the state of energy emergency until the beginning of February. Since January 1, the Transnistrian region has no longer received natural gas from Russia, and more than 50,000 households have been left without gas and almost 1,500 blocks of flats have had no heat or hot water. The authorities in Tiraspol refused the help offered by the Chisinau administration, which so far has managed to ensure the supply of natural gas and electricity to the right bank of the Dniester. Since the beginning of the year, more than half of the electricity needed has been ensured thanks to imports from Romania. Meanwhile, Chisinau has started the steps to connect several localities in the security zone to the energy system on the right side of the Dniester, which are now connected to the gas and electricity networks of Transnistria.

CATHEDRAL  The construction of the National Cathedral in Bucharest will be completed this year, in fall. On October 26, it is to be consecrated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church. According to the Patriarchys press agency, the event will also mark the 140th anniversary of the Romanian Orthodox Churchs recognition of its status as an autocephalous church and 100 years since it was elevated to the rank of patriarchacy. The works on the cathedral are almost complete. This year, the cross on the main spire is to be installed. Other works are also needed, such as completing the interior installations or installing the exterior stained glass windows. At the same time, over 200 painters are working on the completion of the mosaic icons. In fact, the mosaic iconostasis on an area of over 400 square meters is the largest of its kind in the Orthodox world.

CULTURE  The President of the Romanian Cultural Institute and of the European Union National Institutes for Culture, Liviu Jicman, is in the United States, from January 10 to 17, for a series of meetings, in New York and Washington DC, with leaders of the cultural sector, the American administration and technology. Jicman will convey the message of the importance of culture and the arts in international relations, including transatlantic ones, and will advocate for the intensification of cultural-artistic partnerships between cultural institutions and personalities located in Europe and the United States. Liviu Jicman will also open, together with the Romanian Ambassador in the US, Andrei Muraru, the New York and Washington performances of the North American tour of the show inspired by Marin Sorescus novel Vision of the Burrow, performed by Simona Macanescu and Mircea Florian. The show is performed on the occasion of National Culture Day both in the United States and in Canada, in Vancouver, with the support of the Romanian Embassy in the US and the Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver.

LEGISLATION  The Bucharest Government will adopt, next week, the necessary legislation for the presidential elections, according to the calendar agreed on by the PSD-PNL-UDMR ruling coalition, with the first round on May 4 and the second on May 18. It is one of the priorities announced by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu in the most recent meeting. Another priority, Ciolacu said, is the completion and approval of the draft budget for this year by the end of the month, so that the document is debated and voted on by Parliament in the very first week of the Parliaments session. The third major priority mentioned by Marcel Ciolacu is establishing the best way to continue supporting the population through capped prices for energy and gas, after April 1. At the end of March, the current support scheme expires, and its short-term extension  three or six months  was also mentioned by the Minister of Energy as an option. There are, however, other options to be considered, and the decision must be made by February 1.

WILDFIRE  The American authorities have requested the evacuation of the Consulate General of Romania in Los Angeles, in the context of the severe wildfires that have mainly affected Los Angeles in the State of California, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest has announced. Thus, the consular office temporarily suspends its activity. Emergency consular services continue to be provided for Romanian citizens through a mobile consular team, which can be contacted at the emergency phone number of the Consulate General of Romania in Los Angeles: +13107210474. The MFA advises Romanian citizens who are in Los Angeles to follow the instructions of local authorities and to call the single emergency number 911 in case of imminent danger. So far, there are no reports of deceased Romanian citizens, and, at the consular office level, no requests for consular assistance have been received.
January 11, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsflash

Newsroom, 11.01.2025, 20:00

A roundup of local and international news.

ENERGY  Electricity and thermal energy production is expected to register a 2% decrease this year compared to 2024, but will go up in the next three years, according to the autumn forecast of the National Strategy and Forecast Commission for 2024-2028. Thus, in 2026, electricity and thermal energy production is estimated to increase by 1.4%. In 2027, it will increase by 1.5% and in 2028 by 1.3%.

TRANSNISTRIA  The regime in Transnistria, an autonomous region part of the Republic of Moldova, has extended the state of energy emergency until the beginning of February. Since January 1, the Transnistrian region has no longer received natural gas from Russia, and more than 50,000 households have been left without gas and almost 1,500 blocks of flats have had no heat or hot water. The authorities in Tiraspol refused the help offered by the Chisinau administration, which so far has managed to ensure the supply of natural gas and electricity to the right bank of the Dniester. Since the beginning of the year, more than half of the electricity needed has been ensured thanks to imports from Romania. Meanwhile, Chisinau has started the steps to connect several localities in the security zone to the energy system on the right side of the Dniester, which are now connected to the gas and electricity networks of Transnistria.

CATHEDRAL  The construction of the National Cathedral in Bucharest will be completed this year, in fall. On October 26, it is to be consecrated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church. According to the Patriarchys press agency, the event will also mark the 140th anniversary of the Romanian Orthodox Churchs recognition of its status as an autocephalous church and 100 years since it was elevated to the rank of patriarchy. The works on the cathedral are almost complete. This year, the cross on the main spire is to be installed. Other works are also needed, such as completing the interior installations or installing the exterior stained glass windows. At the same time, over 200 painters are working on the completion of the mosaic icons. In fact, the mosaic iconostasis on an area of over 400 square meters is the largest of its kind in the Orthodox world.

CULTURE  The President of the Romanian Cultural Institute and of the European Union National Institutes for Culture, Liviu Jicman, is in the United States, from January 10 to 17, for a series of meetings, in New York and Washington DC, with leaders of the cultural sector, the American administration and technology. Jicman will convey the message of the importance of culture and the arts in international relations, including transatlantic ones, and will advocate for the intensification of cultural-artistic partnerships between cultural institutions and personalities located in Europe and the United States. Liviu Jicman will also open, together with the Romanian Ambassador in the US, Andrei Muraru, the New York and Washington performances of the North American tour of the show inspired by Marin Sorescus novel Vision of the Burrow, performed by Simona Macanescu and Mircea Florian. The show is performed on the occasion of National Culture Day both in the United States and in Canada, in Vancouver, with the support of the Romanian Embassy in the US and the Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver.

LEGISLATION  The Bucharest Government will adopt, next week, the necessary legislation for the presidential elections, according to the calendar agreed on by the PSD-PNL-UDMR ruling coalition, with the first round on May 4 and the second on May 18. It is one of the priorities announced by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu in the most recent meeting. Another priority, Ciolacu said, is the completion and approval of the draft budget for this year by the end of the month, so that the document is debated and voted on by Parliament in the very first week of the Parliaments session. The third major priority mentioned by Marcel Ciolacu is establishing the best way to continue supporting the population through capped prices for energy and gas, after April 1. At the end of March, the current support scheme expires, and its short-term extension  three or six months  was also mentioned by the Minister of Energy as an option. There are, however, other options to be considered, and the decision must be made by February 1.

WILDFIRE  The American authorities have requested the evacuation of the Consulate General of Romania in Los Angeles, in the context of the severe wildfires that have mainly affected Los Angeles in the State of California, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest has announced. Thus, the consular office temporarily suspends its activity. Emergency consular services continue to be provided for Romanian citizens through a mobile consular team, which can be contacted at the emergency phone number of the Consulate General of Romania in Los Angeles: +13107210474. The MFA advises Romanian citizens who are in Los Angeles to follow the instructions of local authorities and to call the single emergency number 911 in case of imminent danger. So far, there are no reports of deceased Romanian citizens, and, at the consular office level, no requests for consular assistance have been received.

VISAS  Romanias inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program is seen in Romania as a formidable gesture of friendship from the United States, a gesture that comes to strengthen our common commitment to transatlantic security and prosperity. The statement was made by the Romanian Ambassador to Washington, Andrei Muraru, during the ceremony organized on Friday at the headquarters of the US Department of Homeland Security. According to a statement published on Saturday on the Embassys Facebook page, the US Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, congratulated Bucharest for this successful journey and hailed the consistency and remarkable effort of the Romanian side.

COVID  January 11 marked five years since the first officially confirmed death in China from COVID-19. The BBC reports that the first confirmed death from the pandemic was a 61-year-old man who visited a fish market in Wuhan, where the first outbreak occurred. The pandemic has since claimed over seven million lives globally. In Romania, over 3.5 million people have been infected and nearly 70,000 have died from COVID-19.
THE WEEK IN REVIEW

6-10 January 2025

The Week in Review

Corina Cristea, 11.01.2025, 13:00

Calendar of the new presidential elections in Romania

The political parties that make up the ruling coalition in Romania, together with representatives of national minorities, agreed on Wednesday the calendar of the new presidential elections. The first round will take place on May 4, and the second round on May 18, with the decision to be legally implemented next week through normative acts adopted by the Executive. The decision comes after the Constitutional Court annulled the presidential election process last year due to foreign hybrid interference, and the undeclared financing of the electoral campaign of one of the candidates. Specifically, the independent candidate Calin Georgescu, an ultranationalist and admirer of Vladimir Putin, who surprised everyone by managing to collect the most votes in the first round of the elections on November 24. In its first meeting this year, the governing coalition also established that former PNL president Crin Antonescu would be validated, in February, in the leadership forums of the component parties as a common presidential candidate. Until then, an opinion poll will be organized to find out the mood of the population and its real problems. Announced, on December 23, as the sole representative of the coalition in the race for president, a few days ago Crin Antonescu had suspended himself from the agreement, citing the lack of a concrete date for the presidential elections, as well as the lack of support from the political forces that proposed him. Wednesday was also the day when the Bucharest Court of Appeal published the reasoning for the decision by which the legal action opened on December 31 by Calin Georgescu and the Coalition for the Defense of the Rule of Law against the Central Electoral Bureau in connection with the annulment of the presidential elections was rejected. The decisions of the Constitutional Court of Romania are final and binding, therefore they cannot be analyzed in court  writes the Bucharest Court of Appeal in its argumentation document, which also specifies that, by annulling these elections, no civil and fundamental rights of citizens were violated, as provided for in the Constitution.

Visit to Bucharest of the Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy of the European Commission, Stephane Sejourne

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu received, this week, the Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy of the European Commission, Stephane Sejourne, with whom he discussed the status of the European economy, and the need to continue investing in common recovery and development. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu believes that, despite the current European and global economic challenges, the Romanian economy will develop, counting on the support of the European Commission in increasing the absorption of European funds and in protecting the living standards of Romanians. The European Commissioner also met with the President of the Senate, Ilie Bolojan. Also, together with the Minister of Economy, Bogdan Ivan, he visited the Romanian factory Prime Batteries Technology, which produces state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries and customized energy storage systems. The two also visited aerospace and jet engine research institutes, where they discussed the use of drones for civilian and military purposes, as well as the impact of global competition in this field. Commissioner Stephane Sejourne stated that Bucharest is the first European capital he is visiting as part of a tour, the purpose of his visit being to support Romanias industrial development and to underline the strategic importance of this sector.

Event organized in Washington to mark Romanias inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program

An event to mark Romanias entry into the US Visa Waiver Program was prepared on Friday at the headquarters of the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, in the presence of the Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States, Alejandro Mayorkas, and the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Andrei Muraru. In Bucharest, Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu previously announced that Romanians will be able to travel without a visa to the United States starting in March, after the US authorities will update the ESTA electronic travel authorization platform. Thus, Romanian citizens will no longer have to undergo interviews at the US consulate. The travel authorization will be valid for two years, with an unlimited number of entries or exits from the US. The authorization can be used for visits of up to 90 days, and the cost is 21 US dollars, unlike the cost of issuing visas, which is 185 dollars. Romanians can still apply for American visas, which have the advantage of being valid for 10 years, and the duration of a trip is a maximum of six months. The head of diplomacy from Bucharest also highlighted the economic advantages of Romanias inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program. Beyond the improvement in the number of tourists, there will be more business trips, investors who travel more easily, which will lead to an increase in trade  says Emil Hurezeanu. As a result of the decision of the US federal government, Romania becomes the 43rd participant in the American visa waiver program.
At Unlimit India event held in Chennai, Mahindra unveiled their latest creations  BE 6 and XEV 9e to the world. At the same stage, we got to see base Pack 1 price of both vehicles. The company recently organised Unlimit India Tech Day at their Chakan plant in Pune, revealing Pack 3 prices of both eSUVs and showing a few crucial tech behind their new world-class products.

This event was also a great way to show the world their new state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility in their 700-acre Chakan plant. This is where Mahindra manufactures their world-class products like BE 6 and XEV 9e. In this post, we will take you through Mahindras new EV manufacturing facility and innovative practices the company follows to position themselves as a world-class EV manufacturer.

Mahindra Chakan eSUV Plant Visit

Mahindra has a 700-acre facility at Chakan near Pune, Maharashtra. This is a strategic and well-planned facility that incorporates dedicated units for MHEL (Mahindra Heavy Engines Ltd), Construction Equipment, Supplier Park, Body Shop, Press Shop, Paint Shops, Aggregates Shops, Vehicle Assembly Shops, EPT (where battery manufacturing happens), a finished goods storage with 14,000 units capacity and even a Vehicle Test Track.

This facility is in abundant supply of water including a few natural water bodies. Theres a 100K m RWHC (Rain Water Harvesting Catchment) on site too. Mahindra has incorporated many water treatment systems to be water efficient. Returning 131 L of water for every 100 L used. The company is environmentally sustainable and lays emphasis on usage of clean energy and has a goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions.

The company has established a robust supply chain that will keep the production running without hiccups. There is a high degree of automation and man-less operations seen at Mahindras new EV manufacturing facility. This facility was built in record time, starting from July 2023 and commencing operations from January 2024.

Mahindra is proud of the many first-in-India operations that this facility boasts of, showing its profound capabilities and capacity for innovation. On the Unlimit India Tech-Day, Mahindra gave us a tour of BIW, Paint Shop, EPT and TCF facilities that are tasked to manufacture companys new Electric Origin SUVs.

1. BIW Shop

Manufacturing of a car always starts with sheet metal side of things, which happens in BIW section. In Mahindras BIW section, we have the Press Shop and then Body Shop. Press Shop where it all starts for BE 6 and XEV 9e. This massive production unit is tasked with making cars exoskeleton. Mahindra is quite proud of the level of automation achieved at this facility.

This high-tech facility encompasses robots for most work, ensuring high-level of precision and consistency. Sheets of metal are pre-cut and treated to be pressed. These pre-cut sheets are transferred onto the dyes by robots, where they are stamped or pressed to form various shapes. These panels are then scanned for mm-level precision and are stored in a massive site for further operations or discarded, if there are any abnormalities.

At the companys Body Shop, these pressed body panels arrive and there are multiple dedicated assembly lines like front floor assembly, rear floor assembly, and underbody assembly lines. There are a total of two main lines that are fed by four sub-assembly lines. An overhead conveyor transfers the assemblies from Main Body Line 1 to Main Body Line 2. Individual panels are assembled into sub-assemblies which are then transferred to the docking station.

Mahindra has incorporated Laser Brazing techniques to seamlessly join the roof to exoskeleton. This method provides more aesthetic joining than what can be achieved from spot welding. Traditional joining processes are also present, including robotically controlled spot welding and MIG welding. From here, the docked structure moves into CFL (Closure Fitment Line) where doors, bonnets, tailgate and other closures are fitted by robots with best fit algorithm.

We can see extensive use of AMRs (Automated Mobile Robots) that transfer BIW from one stage to another. Lastly, these BIW structures go through MFL (Metal Finish Line). This is where cleaning of body structure and finishing processes happen, prepping the BIW to be sent to Paint Shop via an automated overhead conveyor.

2. Paint Booth

Once BIW exoskeletons are prepped at Body Shop, they arrive at Mahindras state-of-the-art Paint Shop. This is a zero-discharge facility and Mahindra ensures all faculty and visitors (including ourselves) wear anti-static clothing when inside this facility. Mahindra uses the dipping process to ensure an even coat of pre-paint treatments. All BIWs are dipped and then rotated inside massive tanks to ensure all surfaces get an even coat.

Before the paint, all BIW go through sealing stations where automated robots apply PVC sealants wherever required, ensuring a sealed structure for better isolation and AC performance. These sealed structures go through a pre-paint cleaning process where they are dusted using Emu feathers connected to a powerful vacuum suction, cleaning the surface for contaminants and other foreign objects.

Mahindra employs a 3-coat, 1-bake process for the Electric Origin SUVs and uses high-solid, high-quality paints in line with global standards. All these stations are monitored via cameras using intelligent AI algorithms via the CCR room. Automated robots completely handle paint process and is a man-less process. These robots can even open and close doors to paint hard-to-reach areas. For painting the roof, Mahindra is using a spillage-free Pixel Painting technology like an Inkjet printer that ensures there is no over-painting.

After the painting is done, these exoskeletons now head to polishing line for post-paint surface treatments. Body is thoroughly buffed under an effective reflection dome with high-tech lighting for inspection. After a thorough inspection, painted body is now sent to TCF Shop (Trim, Chassis & Final Shop) or stored in a massive stacked storage system that consists of 7 levels vertically!

3. Battery Assembly Shop (EPT)

At the other end of Mahindras 700-acre Chakan facility is EPT, where electric powertrains of Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs are assembled. EPT plant boasts 98% automated operations and has highest ratio of female workforce at 40% as EPT plant is ergonomically safer than others. Because this is a crucial stage, Mahindra cleverly uses AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) to train faculty at the highest level.

Blade battery cells are transported to EPT plant from external sources, following a strict zero touch cell handling philosophy. The company has a 2 million (20 lakh) cell storage capacity at Chakan facility. These Blade cells go through Cell Stacking process, which is the most critical stage in battery assembly. Mahindras INGLO electric platform has multiple modules and each module is made of 16 Blade cells.

Mahindra uses laser welding for many joining processes and this entire battery assembly process is man-less operation. A data log is created at every step in this EPT plant including miniscule operations like torque on every bolt and the person monitoring this operation. Mahindra strictly follows a No Fault Forward philosophy and there are multiple AI-powered cameras that monitor all operations and algorithms are trained to stop battery assembly if there is a flaw detected.

Every single battery pack assembled at EPT plant is thoroughly tested in a multi-stack testing chamber against temperature, vibrations, rapid charge and rapid discharge. Theres an IP67-rated battery pack cover developed in-house by Mahindra and that is also put to test. After assembly, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) bring this battery pack to the end of the assembly line. Temp sensors are everywhere in EPT plant and can trigger automated fire suppression systems without any human intervention.

4. TCF Shop

This is a final facility in the production of Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs and encompasses a multitude of processes. TCF shop is filled with high-tech equipment and has clever touches like a wooden platform that reduces fatigue for faculty. These faculty are thoroughly trained for fault finding and they undergo rigorous troubleshooting training. There are two main trim lines in TCF shop.

Powertrain unit complete with battery and motor arrives at TCF shop. With the help of automated robots powered by AI, marry the exoskeleton and powertrain. Multiple precision cameras monitor this process and video footage is logged for future reference. Doors trims are prepped on 1st floor and are sent below to be installed on the doors. Cockpit and seats arrive as fully-built units and are only installed on the vehicle.

Headlights, tail lights, underbody and other parts are installed next. All necessary components are placed in a portable storage unit that also moves along with that particular vehicle on the assembly line. All consumables like brake oil, AC gas, and windshield fluid are filled here too. Glass roof with signature ambient lighting, wheels and brakes, suspension components and other crucial components are fitted here.

After wheel installation, vehicle is almost at the end of line, where automated wheel alignment and wheel balancing, headlight levelling, acceleration and brake test on a roller, and high-speed and low-speed testing on a high-tech roller along with radar calibration happens here. Next, the car is sent through a shower test where water jets squirt on the car from all sides at 2 bar pressure to check for any leaks. Lastly, they are sent to a short track for dynamic testing. After the track test, these vehicles are either stored or directly transported to showrooms.

Final Thoughts

Mahindras state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility at Chakan stands as a testament to the companys commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality. With advanced automation, eco-friendly practices, and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, the facility is not only setting benchmarks for the industry but also redefining the production of electric vehicles in India.

From the precision-driven BIW and Paint Shops to the highly automated Battery Assembly and TCF processes, Mahindra has showcased its ability to deliver world-class products like the BE 6 and XEV 9e. By leveraging AI, IoT, and sustainable manufacturing, Mahindra is not just building EVs but also shaping the future of mobility. This facility is a clear indication that Mahindra is ready to lead the way in Indias transition to electric mobility.
The sub-compact SUV segment (3.8 to 4 meters) witnessed robust growth in December 2024, with total sales of 89,008 units compared to 76,811 units in December 2023, marking a significant 15.88% year-on-year growth. Heres how individual models fared:

Sub 4m SUV Sales Dec 2024  YoY Comparison

Maruti Brezza retained its dominance, leading the segment with 17,336 units sold, a remarkable 34.97% YoY growth compared to 12,844 units in December 2023. Tata Punch, including its EV variant, secured the second spot with 15,073 units, registering a 9.33% growth over last years 13,787 units. Recently updated Tata Nexon, including its EV model, slipped to the third position with 13,536 units, reflecting an 11.44% decline from December 2023s 15,284 units. Maruti Fronx showed consistent growth, selling 10,752 units, up 10.94% from last years 9,692 units. Hyundai Venue maintained its steady position with 10,265 units, a marginal decline of 1.14% compared to 10,383 units sold last December.

Mahindra XUV3X0 recorded an impressive 97.18% growth, selling 7,000 units in December 2024 against 3,550 units in December 2023. On the other hand, Hyundai Exter saw a significant drop of 29.88%, selling 5,270 units compared to 7,516 units last year. Kia Sonet witnessed an extraordinary jump with 3,337 units sold in December 2024, compared to just 10 units in December 2023, reflecting an astronomical 33,270% growth. Toyota Taisor with 2,628 units sold, further boosting the segment.

Meanwhile, Nissan Magnite saw a minor decline of 1.53%, selling 2,117 units compared to 2,150 units last year. Maruti Jimny showed notable growth with 1,100 units sold, a 50.68% increase from 730 units in December 2023. Renault Kiger, however, struggled with sales of 594 units, a 31.33% decline compared to 865 units sold last December.

Sub 4m SUV Sales Dec 2024  MoM Comparison

Maruti Brezza continued its dominance in December 2024, with a significant 16.21% month-on-month (MoM) growth. Sales increased from 14,918 units in November to 17,336 units, showcasing its strong market position. Tata Punch, including its EV variant, witnessed a marginal dip of 2.35%, with December sales at 15,073 units compared to 15,435 units in November.

Tata Nexon, including the EV variant, recorded an 11.70% decline MoM, with sales dropping from 15,329 units in November to 13,536 units in December. Maruti Fronx experienced a notable decrease of 27.75%, with sales falling from 14,882 units in November to 10,752 units in December.

Hyundai Venue showed resilience with a 5.24% growth MoM, as sales rose from 9,754 units in November to 10,265 units in December. On the other hand, Mahindra XUV3X0 sales decreased by 8.57%, with December sales at 7,000 units compared to 7,656 units in November. Hyundai Exter also recorded an 8.30% decline, with sales dropping from 5,747 units in November to 5,270 units in December. Kia Sonet faced the steepest drop in the segment, with sales declining by 63.94%, from 9,255 units in November to 3,337 units in December.

Toyota Taisor also witnessed a significant drop of 27.40%, with sales falling from 3,620 units in November to 2,628 units in December. Nissan Magnite registered a 9.61% decline, with sales reducing from 2,342 units in November to 2,117 units in December. However, Maruti Jimny saw an 11.34% growth, as sales rose from 988 units in November to 1,100 units in December. Renault Kiger, meanwhile, dropped by 23.75%, with sales decreasing from 779 units in November to 594 units in December.
With ambitious plans for the Indian market, Vinfast is building a massive EV factory in Tamil Nadu, involving an investment of around Rs 4,000 crore

Vinfast has recently posted a teaser video, confirming its participation at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo. The Vietnamese multinational automotive company will be showing two of its electric SUVs  VF7 and VF9. The event offers Vinfast an excellent opportunity to gather feedback from enthusiasts, potential buyers and other stakeholders.

Vinfast VF7  5-seater electric SUV

One of the brands sportiest creations, Vinfast VF7 is 4,545 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,635.75 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,840 mm. Some of the key highlights include the signature full-width LED DRLs, trapezoidal housings for the lighting elements and a curvy bonnet with distinctive grooves. Side profile is even more captivating with its glossy black fender, thick body cladding, door moulding and large 20-inch alloy wheels.

Other highlights include flush door handles, blacked-out pillars and dual-tone ORVMs with integrated turn signals. The sportiness is further enhanced with the tapering roofline. At the rear, Vinfast VF7 has a heavily raked windshield, a prominent roof mounted spoiler, shark fin antenna and layered tailgate design. Lighting elements at the rear are similar to that seen at the front.

There are two variants of VF7 on offer in international markets  Eco and Plus. While dimensionally both are same, the differences are in the powertrain and equipment list. Both variants have a 75.3 kWh battery. But the Eco variant has a single motor setup in comparison to the dual electric motors used with the Plus variant. Power output is 201 hp / 310 Nm and 348 hp / 500 Nm, respectively.

The Eco variant is offered in FWD format, whereas the Plus is an AWD model. ADAS features such as highway assist (Level 2), lane centering assist, adaptive cruise control and emergency lane keep assist are common to both variants of Vinfast VF7. The top-spec Plus variant has a range of 431 km (WLTP).

Vinfast VF9  7-seater premium electric SUV

Measuring 5,119 mm in length and with sporty exteriors, the Vinfast VF9 has a powerful road presence. Some of the key features include sleek LED headlamps and LED DRLs, sculpted bonnet and a large closed-off grille. Side profile has sporty alloy wheels, flush door handles and blacked-out pillars. The curvy, aerodynamic design is a real treat for the eyes. This is especially true with the vibrant colour options such as Crimson Red, Vinfast Blue and Jet Black.

Vinfast VF9 packs in premium features such as a 15.6-inch infotainment system, keyless entry, air quality control, heated steering wheel and a panoramic fixed glass roof. Safety kit includes a comprehensive range of ADAS features. Users can also access a wide range of connectivity options.

Talking about performance, Vinfast VF9 utilizes a 123-kWh battery pack. With a dual motor AWD setup, the output is 402 hp and 620 Nm. These specs are the same for both the Eco and Plus variants of VF9. However, the Eco variant has a higher range of 531 km, as compared to 468 km of the Plus variant. Both variants can achieve 10% to 70% charge in around 35 minutes.
By Suzanne McGee and Ross Kerber

(Reuters) -BlackRock has asked the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to extend its deadline to reach an agreement on how the agency would oversee the giant asset manager's investments in FDIC-regulated banking organizations from Friday until March 31, according to a letter the firm sent to regulators on Thursday and obtained by Reuters.

The letter is the latest move in a months-long tug of war between the FDIC and the biggest managers of index-based mutual funds and exchange-traded funds over the rules governing their passive investments in FDIC-regulated banks. In late December, Vanguard Investments hammered out terms of such a passivity agreement with the FDIC, which immediately afterward asked BlackRock to sign a very similar agreement by the Friday deadline.

"We are not aware of any imminent or ongoing issues that would warrant hastening the finalization of a completely new regulatory framework in a two-week period," wrote Ben Tecmire, head of U.S. regulatory affairs at BlackRock, in the letter to the FDIC.

That is especially true, he added, since "all the banks that would be covered by your proposed agreement with BlackRock are subject to regulatory oversight by the Federal Reserve."

In the letter, Tecmire said BlackRock wants to avoid "inconsistent and uncertain requirements" that might result from the firm's bank holdings being overseen by multiple bank regulators.

He said in the letter that BlackRock's understanding is that the agreement between the FDIC and Vanguard was reached only after several months of negotiation. An individual familiar with the matter said BlackRock's attempts in the final months of 2024 to meet with FDIC officials had been rebuffed.

The FDIC did not respond to a request for comment on the letter or the negotiations.

GETTING TOO BIG?

BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street now collectively control some $26 trillion in assets. Since the financial crisis of 2009 investors have poured money into their low-cost index funds, catapulting the three firms into the ranks of the largest owners of most large U.S. corporations.

But their size and clout have raised worries the holdings could diminish competition among the companies they commonly own. Even Vanguard's late founder Jack Bogle voiced concern. Because of the firms' influence on corporate governance, they also have faced political attacks on issues like their treatment of greenhouse gas emissions or workforce diversity. On Thursday, BlackRock said it plans to leave the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative.
Raging wildfires in Southern California are an early, high-stakes test of new regulations designed to shore up the states spiraling homeowners insurance market.

Rules that aim to lure insurers back to the fire-prone state were finalized by the states insurance commissioner in December and take effect this month. The regulations allow the companies to consider climate change risks when setting rates. Over time, insurers will also have to increase their coverage offerings to high-risk areas.

The changes are an effort to align Californias insurance rules closer with other states and stem a statewide crisis thats deepened as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires and other natural disasters.

Thats on grim display now as five wildfires have burned through 29,000 acres across Los Angeles and surrounding areas gripped by a months-long drought. Nearly 180,000 people remain under evacuation orders, and the fires already rank as the most destructive in the citys history.

Its unprecedented, and its unbelievable how many fires we actually have going on, Karl Susman, president of Susman Insurance Services, told Yahoo Finance on Wednesday. There are literally fires in almost every corner of Southern California.

Read more: What does homeowners insurance cover?

An insurer exodus and an effort to lure them back

Southern Californias fires illustrate why insurers have been fleeing in recent years.

January isnt typical wildfire season in the state, but a drier climate has extended the risks into the colder months. The blazes have ripped through wealthy neighborhoods of Los Angeles, including Pacific Palisades where the median home price is $3.5 million.

Insurers will likely be on the hook for a large percentage of whats lost.

The Eaton Fire burns a structure Jan. 8 in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

Facing mounting losses from paying out California claims, insurance giants, including Allstate, State Farm, and Farmers, have either pulled out of the state entirely in recent years or limited the new policies they'll write. The exodus left millions of residents scrambling to find alternative coverage in a shrinking market.

It also prompted the new rules taking effect this month, which, in addition to allowing underwriters to account for climate change risks, also let insurance companies pass on the cost of reinsurance to consumers. Thats the insurance that insurers buy to spread their own risk. All other states already allow reinsurance costs to be reflected in consumers premiums.

Because the new regulations mean many Californians will see higher premiums, they have drawn ire from some consumer groups. But experts say such increases are needed as the planet warms and natural disasters mount.
(Reuters) -China's Zijin Mining said on Friday it was in talks with Zangge Mining's top two shareholders to buy a potential controlling stake in the company.

Zijin is in talks with Tibet Zangge Venture Capital and Ningbo Meishan Bonded Port Area Xinsha Hongyun Investment Management, which collectively own about 40% stake in the 46.63 billion yuan ($6.36 billion) miner, according to LSEG data.

The potential deal would allow Zijin to consolidate its ownership over the Julong copper project in Tibet, its joint venture with Zangge.

Last year, Zijin had won government approval to expand the Julong mine's output to about 350,000 metric tons per day, making it the largest single copper mine in China.

The talks further underline Zijin's attempts to cash in on growing demand for battery metals, as it prepares to start production at its first lithium exploration project in the Democratic Republic of Congo next year.

($1 = 7.3319 Chinese yuan)

(Reporting by Aaditya Govind Rao in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza and Subhranshu Sahu)
Chinese enterprise software company Yonyou Network Technology has named Huang Chenhong - former global executive vice-president at German rival SAP - its new president, as the mainland's tech sector scoops up talent from multinational firms that are scaling back operations in the country.

Beijing-based Yonyou, a leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and cloud services provider in China, said in a statement that Huang's leadership would help the company "capture strategic opportunities in digital transformation, the rise of domestic technology solutions and the global expansion of Chinese enterprises".

Huang, who had also served as president of SAP Greater China, left the German firm last October after the enterprise software giant announced plans to restructure its operations in the region. That entailed a merger of SAP's Greater China business and Asia-Pacific and Japan unit to form a new Asia-Pacific regional operation from January 1 this year.

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.

Yonyou's appointment of Huang reflects a growing trend in China's technology industry, where domestic companies recruit highly experienced executives from multinational firms to bolster their industry expertise.

Earlier this month, Hua Hong Semiconductor - China's second-largest chip foundry - signed up ex-Intel global vice-president Bai Peng to a three-year contract as its new president, while Beijing Electronic Digital and Intelligence named former IBM Greater China chief technology officer Xie Dong in a similar role in the state-owned cloud computing firm.

Yonyou Network Technology last year was ranked by tech research firm Gartner as one of the world's top-10 enterprise resource planning software providers. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Yonyou Network Technology last year was ranked by tech research firm Gartner as one of the world's top-10 enterprise resource planning software providers. Photo: Shutterstock>

Huang also previously served as chairman and president of Dell Greater China, president for Greater China at APC by Schneider Electric, a manufacturer of uninterruptible power supplies, and president at network technology firm Tellabs China. He earned his PhD in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University in the US, after receiving his bachelor's and master's degrees from Fudan University in Shanghai.
By Marc Jones and Chris Mfula

LONDON (Reuters) -Zambia's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sanctioned Standard Chartered for mis-selling a Chinese property company's bonds to one of the bank's local wealth clients at the height of the Asian country's real-estate crisis, according to a source.

The source familiar with the matter told Reuters that the UK-headquartered bank, which is currently looking to sell its wealth and retail banking businesses in Zambia, was facing "enforcement action" for two breaches of SEC rules following a months-long investigation.

The first was that it had failed to disclose "material information" about the bonds it sold in March 2022. Those bonds, issued by state-backed Chinese developer Sino-Ocean, defaulted just over a year later and are now, like many in the sector, almost worthless.

In addition, the SEC found Standard Chartered had also used "exclusionary" contract clauses, which meant the client held all responsibility for the risks, which goes against Zambia's securities rules.

In a statement to Reuters, Standard Chartered said: "We respect the outcome of the Securities Exchange Commission in Zambia, however, in accordance with appropriate local procedures we will respectfully be exercising our right to appeal."

"We are fully aware of this matter, and we are reviewing the necessary details to clarify the situation. It is our priority at the Bank to ensure compliance with regulatory standards across all of our markets."

The SEC, which started its investigation of the case in April, said it was not able to comment on the matter when asked by Reuters. Under Zambia's Securities Act, Standard Chartered now has 30 days to lodge its appeal.

Zambia's SEC has the power to fine, or publicly or privately "censure or reprimand" lenders, although it can't formally order them to compensate customers for mis-selling.

Reuters wasn't able to establish what penalty the regulator is planning to impose on Standard Chartered.

The lender announced in November it was looking to sell its Zambian wealth and retail banking businesses alongside those in nearby Botswana and Uganda.

It has operated in Zambia for nearly 120 years making it the country's oldest bank.

It is currently reducing its overall footprint in Africa, however, having also sold its Tanzania business and subsidiaries in Angola, Cameroon, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone in the last couple of years.

(Additional reporting by Chris Mfula in Lusaka. Editing by Elisa Martinuzzi and Mark Potter)
India is set to host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) in 2026. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the event during the CSPOC Standing Committee Meeting in Guernsey, highlighting the central themes of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media's role in parliamentary processes.

Addressing the Standing Committee on Friday, Birla showcased India's advancements in various sectors, including agriculture, fintech, and infrastructure, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sharing this on social media platform X, Birla wrote, Chaired the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in Guernsey today. Took the opportunity to present how India has transformed in various fields from agriculture to fintech and infrastructure  under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Birla emphasized that the upcoming conference will focus on leveraging AI and social media to make parliamentary institutions more effective, inclusive, and transparent. He also highlighted Indias advancements in adopting AI and machine learning technologies to enhance parliamentary accessibility, including real-time regional language translations and multilingual parliamentary papers for lawmakers.

During his address, Birla discussed Indias economic and technological progress, inviting attendees to experience the nation's unique blend of cultural heritage and modern development during the 2026 conference. He also reflected on the historical significance of India hosting CSPOC events in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010.

Birla underlined the role of parliaments in addressing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and cybercrime. He stressed the importance of dialogue among parliamentary leaders to foster good governance and sustainable development. Quoting the ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), Birla urged nations to collaborate in addressing poverty, inequality, and malnutrition.

The Standing Committee meeting also explored strategies to strengthen parliamentary cooperation, share best practices, and tackle global challenges. Birla described the CSPOC platform as an invaluable opportunity for member nations to exchange ideas and collectively build a just and equitable future.

support sustainable development. He called for parliaments to play a proactive role in resource allocation and policy-making for addressing pressing global issues. The Speaker highlighted Indias commitment to fostering inclusive and transparent parliamentary practices and shaping policies that. He called for parliaments to play a proactive role in resource allocation and policy-making for addressing pressing global issues.

With preparations underway for the 2026 CSPOC, India aims to demonstrate its leadership in innovation, inclusivity, and global cooperation. The event will bring together presiding officers from Commonwealth nations to discuss contemporary challenges and solutions, reinforcing the role of parliaments in creating a harmonious global order.

India's hosting of the 28th CSPOC reaffirms its commitment to parliamentary excellence and collaboration on global issues, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue and transformative action.
In a significant step towards reducing India's dependency on imports for advanced electronic materials, indigenous silver nanowire-based conductive ink technology was transferred to startups M/s Chematico Technologies Private Limited (IIT Ropar) and M/s Vasanthbala Functional Materials Pvt Ltd (NIT Warangal) at an event held at NIT Warangal.

The technology, developed under a project funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, was a joint effort by Prof. Sarang Gumfekar of IIT Ropar and Prof. Shirish Sonawane of NIT Warangal. The global market for silver nanowire-based conductive ink is projected to exceed $16.87 billion by 2032, driven by increasing demand from sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, solar photovoltaics, and RFID. India currently imports conductive ink worth $15.72 million annually, primarily from the US, China, the Netherlands, the UK, and Taiwan.

The ink, commonly used to repair circuits on printed circuit boards, has diverse applications in flexible electronics, RFID tags, wearable devices, sensors, solar panels, and display technologies. Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, IAS, Additional Secretary and CEO of UIDAI, MeitY, presided over the event, emphasizing the transformative potential of this indigenous technology for Indias semiconductor ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kumar urged the startups to scale up manufacturing of silver nanowires and conductive ink to meet domestic and global demands. He lauded the efforts of the researchers and noted that the technology could significantly curb Indias reliance on imports for advanced electronic materials.

The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Smt. Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator, MeitY; Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar; Prof. Bidyadhar Subudhi, Director, NIT Warangal; and Shri Surendra Gotherwal, Scientist, MeitY.
The debate over work-life balance was reignited recently after Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan advocated for a 90-hour work week, drawing sharp criticism from industry leaders and netizens. Subrahmanyans controversial comments, in which he suggested that employees should even give up Sundays and asked, "How long can you stare at your wife?", sparked outrage online. His statement, along with his remuneration package of Rs 51.05 crore in 2023-24 - 534.57 times the median salary of L&T employees added fuel to the fire.

Industry leaders such as Harsh Goenka, Harsh Mariwala, and Rajiv Bajaj have expressed their strong opposition to the idea, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance. RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka, known for his wit, criticized the suggestion on X (formerly Twitter), writing, 90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to Sun-duty and make day off a mythical concept! Goenka stressed that hard work should be balanced with personal well-being, adding, 'Work-life balance isnt optional, its essential', He advocated for working smarter, not harder, for success.

Marico Ltd Chairman Harsh Mariwala echoed similar sentiments, stating that success is not about the number of hours worked but about the quality and passion brought to the job. He highlighted the importance of aligning roles with employees interests and fostering a culture of growth, transparency, and trust. He emphasized that when young professionals find purpose in their work, the need to 'balance' becomes a seamless integration of personal and professional fulfillment, rather than a separate entity.

Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, added his perspective in a TV interview, suggesting that if a 90-hour work week is to be implemented, it should start from the top of the organization. He also criticized the outdated notion of measuring success by hours worked, calling it 'archaic and regressive'.

This debate is not new. Last year, Infosys Co-founder Narayana Murthy stirred controversy by suggesting that Indias youth should be prepared to work 70-hour weeks, a view supported by Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal. On the other hand, billionaire Gautam Adani recently framed work-life balance as a personal choice, stating, Your idea of work-life balance should not be imposed on me, and my idea shouldnt be imposed on you. He also added a humorous remark, saying, 'Spend eight hours with your family, and your wife will leave you', which sparked mixed reactions.

The backlash against Subrahmanyans comments highlights a growing sentiment that long work hours do not necessarily lead to success or satisfaction. Many social media users pointed out the irony of a highly compensated executive suggesting such practices, arguing that they only lead to burnout instead of productivity.
H Lakshmanan, a veteran of the TVS Group and former Executive Director of Sundaram-Clayton, passed away on Friday at the age of 92 due to age-related ailments. A pivotal figure in the growth of India's largest auto components group, Lakshmanan's career spanned nearly seven decades. He is survived by his wife, a son, and two daughters.

Starting his career at the age of 20, Lakshmanan worked closely with TVS Motor founder TS Srinivasan, gaining expertise in technical and legal contracts, as well as labor relations. Together, they laid the groundwork for the TVS Group's ascent as a leader in the automotive sector.

Following the untimely demise of TS Srinivasan, Lakshmanan played a critical role in guiding a young Venu Srinivasan, now Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor, through turbulent times. "He was my rock of Gibraltar", Venu Srinivasan remarked. "His dedication, wisdom, and tireless efforts have shaped TVS into what it is today".

.Lakshmanans strategic acumen was instrumental in transforming TVS Motor from a moped manufacturer into a global two-wheeler powerhouse. Simultaneously, he played a vital role in building Sundaram Clayton into a leading entity in the industry.

Renowned for his negotiation skills and ability to foster relationships, Lakshmanan commanded respect across all levels from shop floor workers to government officials and bankers. His word was regarded as sacrosanct, underscoring his impeccable reputation for honesty and reliability.

Lakshmi Venu, Managing Director of Sundaram-Clayton Ltd, lauded his mentorship, stating, He guided me with the same patience and enthusiasm he had shown my father. He had a remarkable ability to simplify complex challenges.

Lakshmanans contributions extended beyond corporate achievements. He played a key role in preserving and passing on the TVS Groups core values of trust, integrity, and service. Having worked across three generations of the TVS family, he embodied fairness, respect, and dignity in every interaction.

Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director of TVS Motor, noted, To the younger generation, he imparted lessons in values that have endured since my grandfather's time. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

non-banking financial company (NBFC) serving millions of customers. Lakshmanans legacy also includes the turnaround of TVS Credit into a thrivingserving millions of customers.

As the TVS Group mourns the loss of a stalwart, his contributions to the organization and the automotive industry remain unparalleled, reflecting a lifetime of dedication and service.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If youre in the market for a new job, you might want to search outside New York City. According to a new study, the metro is one of the worst U.S. cities for employment opportunities  ranking 139 out of the 182 locales measured.

Its important to look at more than just the number of jobs available or the unemployment rate when determining the best place to find employment, noted Chip Lupo, an analyst for WalletHub, the personal finance website that sponsored the study. Quality matters just as much as quantity, from the average salaries and benefits to job security and overall satisfaction.

And WalletHubs findings revealed that NYC has none of that: The average commute time is too high, housing affordability is through the roof and annual transportation costs do not balance with salary. In other cities across the country, however, the numbers are much better.

Scottsdale, AZ, is the best city for jobs in 2025, in large part because it boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and ranks first when it comes to the prevalence of paid internship opportunities, Lupo continued. In addition, Scottsdale has one of the highest median household incomes in the country, at over $102,000, adjusted for the cost of living.

Pittsburgh, Pennyslvania, is the second-best city for jobs, receiving high marks because of the number of available roles and the quality of its companies. Columbia, Maryland, the third-best city for jobs, was lauded for its high median household income, which reaches $124,000.

But there are some cities that measured worse than NYC. According to the data, Newark, New Jersey, is among the cities with the fewest job opportunities, followed closely by Las Vegas, Nevada, and Detroit, Michigan. New Haven, Connecticut, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are among the cities with the lowest employment growth.

Heres a look at the nations 10 best cities for jobs, as measured by WalletHub:

Scottsdale, Arizona Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Columbia, Maryland South Burlington, Vermont Portland Maine Charleston, South Carolina Chandler, Arizona Washington D.C. Temple, Arizona Orlando, Florida

And these are the worst 10 cities for jobs:
Wu-Tangs Raekwon recently chewed the fat with Joe Rogan on his popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, discussing everything from his plans for a Wu-Tang Clan movie to the new music hes working on.

During the interview, available on most major streaming platforms, Raekwon recalled a story about how Wu-Tangs RZA, Q-Tip, and he teamed up to pitch a Wu-Tang movie to movie star, A-lister Leonardo DiCaprios team.

Unfortunately, the film never took off, although RZA did end up bringing their story to life in the Hulu series Wu-Tang: An American Saga.

* * * WATCH WU-TANG: AN AMERICAN SAGA ON HULU

In the Joe Rogan podcast, Raekwon said: I wish we could have been able to sit down with [DiCaprio] because the way I had him looking at it  I said, This would be, like, a slash of Goodfellas and Menace II Society, mixed in one. He was super open.  But at that time, RZA was already in pocket with what he already wanted to do.

Notably, Raekwon said he is in fact still interested in producing his own version of Wu-Tangs story and rise to their icon status.

One day, maybe I might get to show my version of it, he said. It could still be made.  God willing, we will really give you guys another taste of how we really see it.

ABOUT WU-TANG CLAN

For those unfamiliar, Wu-Tang is an acronym that stands for Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game. The group first formed in 1992 on Staten Island and coinsisted of: three cousins, de facto leader and producer RZA, GZA, and Ol Dirty Bastard; Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Method Man, U-God, Masta Killa, and Inspectah Deck.

In 1993, Wu-Tang emerged and left an indelible mark on hip-hop and the music industry as a whole. Inspired by their love for martial arts, they named themselves Wu-Tang Clan, taking inspiration from the 1983 film Shaolin and Wu-Tang.

Their sound was groundbreaking  raw, gritty and infused with kung-fu movie samples, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and dusty, distorted soul beats. Unlike anything heard before, Wu-Tang Clans music helped ignite an East Coast hip-hop resurgence at a time when the West Coast dominated the airwaves.

Wu-Tangs debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), is widely celebrated as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Today, Wu-Tang is recognized as one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history, with their legacy even commemorated by a street named in their honor in New York City.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New Yorkers have more than a dozen chances to turn five bucks into one million dollars.

The New York Lottery has various $5 scratch-off games with top-prizes ranging from $250,000 to $1 million.

As of Friday, there were 13 tickets across eight different $5 scratch-off games with guaranteed top prizes of $1 million.

Here are the $5 scratch-off games with top-prize tickets of $1 million still in circulation as of Friday, Jan. 10, according to New York Lottery data:

MULTIPLIER MONEY

Top prizes remaining: 1

Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 3,082,100

HIT IT BIG

Top prizes remaining: 2

Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 3,804,233.33

$1M GOLDEN FORTUNE

Top prizes remaining: 2

Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 2,590,025

$1M GRANDE

Top prizes remaining: 1

Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 3,705,900

$1M LUCKY DOG

Top prizes remaining: 1

Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 2,591,250

BONUS 20X

Top prizes remaining: 4

Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 3,397,625

PLATINUM POWER

Top prizes remaining: 1

Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 2,969,166.67

XTREME WINNINGS

Top prizes remaining: 1

Odds of winning top prize: 1 in 4,536,400

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the New York Lotterys scratch-off games, visit the New York Lottery website.

The New York Lottery continues to be touted as North Americas largest and most profitable lottery, contributing $3.8 billion in Lottery Aid to Education for fiscal year 2023-2024 to help support education in New York state.

New York Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education. It takes into account both a school districts size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of lottery school funding.

New Yorkers struggling with a gambling addiction, or who know someone who is, can find help by calling the states toll-free, confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (467369). You can also contact your regional Problem Gambling Resource Center directly for a referral to treatment services (state-certified or private) in your area, or contact a Recovery Center for a referral to treatment services (state-certified or private) in your area.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Congestion pricing, composting bin regulations and improvements to a South Shore playground are just some of the topics that will be tackled this week by Staten Islands three Community Boards during public meetings.

Heres a look at what each of the Islands Community Boards has planned:

Community Board 1

Community Board 1 will hold a meeting of its full board on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held in St. Marys Episcopal Church, 347 Davis Ave., West Brighton. There is no specific presentation planned and regular board business will be conducted.

Community Board 2

Community Board 2 has no meetings this week. A meeting of the Community Board 2 Public Service and Traffic and Transportation joint committee, originally scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. has been canceled.

Community Board 3

Community Board 3s Parks and Recreation and Environmental Committee will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

At the meeting, a new spray shower at Lenape Playground in Conference House Park will be discussed by representatives of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

The meeting will take place in the board office, 1243 Woodrow Rd., Woodrow, on the second floor.

Open to the public

All Community Board meetings and meetings of their committees are open to the public. They provide an excellent opportunity for residents to learn about happenings in their neighborhood and surrounding areas. Below is more information about the Islands three Community Boards:

Community Board 1

Arlington  Castleton Corners  Clifton  Concord  Elm Park  Fort Wadsworth  Graniteville  Grymes Hill  Livingston  Mariners Harbor  New Brighton  Port Richmond  Randall Manor  Rosebank  St. George  Shore Acres  Silver Lake  Stapleton  Sunnyside  Tompkinsville  West Brighton  Westerleigh.

The board chairman is Nicholas Siclari. The district manager is Joan Cusack. The telephone number is 718-981-6900.

Community Board 2

Arrochar  Bloomfield  Bulls Head  Chelsea  Dongan Hills  Egbertville  Emerson Hill  Grant City  Grasmere  High Rock  Lighthouse Hill  Midland Beach  New Dorp  New Springville  Oakwood  Ocean Breeze  Old Town  Richmond  South Beach  Todt Hill  Travis.The phone number is 718-568-3581. The fax number is 718-568-3595. The chairman is Fred Guinta. The district manager is Debra A. Derrico.

Community Board 3

Annadale  Arden Heights  Bay Terrace  Charleston  Eltingville  Great Kills  Greenridge  Huguenot  New Dorp  Oakwood  Pleasant Plains  Princes Bay  Richmond Valley  Richmond  Rossville  Tottenville  Woodrow.The office phone number is 718-356-7900. The board chairman is Frank Morano; the district manager is Charlene Wagner.
(Reuters) -Big companies from Wall Street to Silicon Valley are pledging donations to Donald Trump's inaugural fund before his Jan. 20 return to the White House, hoping to establish a positive rapport with his new administration. The companies include:

ADOBE

Adobe has donated $1 million to the fund, a company spokesperson said.

BP AMERICA

Energy major BP's U.S. business is contributing $500,000 to the inaugural committee and making additional contributions to other groups celebrating the inauguration, a spokesperson said.

CHEVRON

U.S. oil and gas major Chevron will donate to the inaugural fund, a company spokesperson said, declining to specify the amount.

ALPHABET

Alphabet's Google has donated $1 million, a company spokesperson said.

AMAZON.COM

Amazon is donating $1 million. The company will broadcast the inauguration on its Prime Video service, an Amazon spokesperson said.

BANK OF AMERICA AND GOLDMAN SACHS

Bank of America, the second-largest U.S. lender, and investment bank Goldman Sachs plan to contribute to Trump's inaugural committees, but have yet to decide on the amount, spokespersons for each bank said.

META PLATFORMS

Meta Platforms has donated $1 million, a company spokesperson told Reuters.

OPENAI

CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a personal donation of $1 million to the inaugural fund, an OpenAI spokesperson said.

"President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead," Altman said in a statement.

ROBINHOOD MARKETS

Retail trading platform Robinhood Markets donated $2 million, a company spokesperson said.

UBER TECHNOLOGIES

Uber Technologies and its CEO Dara Khosrowshahi donated $1 million each, a company spokesperson said.

(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh, Deborah Sophia, Harshita Mary Varghese and Rishi Kant in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai, Howard Goller, Diane Craft and Shilpi Majumdar)
According to the New York Post, power ball winner Edwin Castros $3.8 million Malibu home has been destroyed, with only concrete pillars to show for it. Following Castros $2.04 billion prize back in November 2022, he had taken a trip to Fiji, expanded his car collection, and bought several Malibu homes all in the Los Angeles area.

The 1,541-square-foot property was one of several homes Castro purchased after his historic lottery win. Among these was a $25.5 million mansion near the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, a $47 million Bel Air mansion, and a $4 million Japanese-style pad in Altadena, according to the New York Post.

The devastation of the Palisades Fire is seen in the early morning in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/John Locher)AP

Several A-list celebrities, including Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore, and others have also faced the despair of losing their homes.

Castro and 150,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes as the blaze spreads across the Los Angeles area.

At least 10 people have been killed and more than 10,000 homes and other structures destroyed, according to the Associated Press. The two largest fires  the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena  have since been joined by other fast-moving destructive fires, including the Sunset Fire and the Kenneth Fire. The fires have consumed about 45 square miles, which is roughly the size of San Francisco, noted the Associated Press, and the Palisades Fire is already the most destructive in Los Angeles history.

RELATED:
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for those heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), urging visitors to exercise increased caution due to potential threats.

The advisory highlights that militant groups based in Yemen have threatened neighboring countries, including the UAE, with missile and drone attacks.

According to the warning, such attacks could occur with little to no notice and may target areas such as tourist attractions, transportation hubs, shopping centers, places of worship and government buildings. Travelers are encouraged to remain vigilant and stay informed about local conditions.

Residents and visitors generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE, but regional tensions have aggravated the risk of attacks on U.S. citizens and interests, said the warning. Across the region, terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, places of worship, and government facilities.

The advisory warns that residents and visitors should be aware that the UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations and financial crimes. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest and/or an exit ban.

U.S. citizens should review the country information page for the UAE to learn about local laws and special circumstances.

If you decide to travel to the United Arab Emirates:
Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe!

Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions.

Premium Subscription

As low as $8.25 per week

Premium Includes:

-- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time.

-- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content

-- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community

-- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week!
Id seen the haka on television, but when it actually happens in front of you, to you, and you are the focus of that, that was very moving, Margolyes says. I didnt know anything about Maori people, but I do now, and I felt so honoured. I felt ashamed, also, when they did me that honour. It was really something.

It wasnt while meeting a member of the Mongrel Mob bikie gang in a Wellington cafe. Nor while watching rugby, an ugly, violent sport she has long loathed. It was the students at a Maori-language high school in Panguru, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, performing the haka at morning assembly, that so affected her.

There is a moment in Miriam Margolyes two-part tour of New Zealand, on which the British-born Australian actor embarked to understand more about the country where she is filming Holy Days  a movie about three road-tripping nuns co-starring Judy Davis and Jacki Weaver  that she found heart stopping.

The famously outspoken, and by her own admission potty-mouthed, 83-year-old is furious about New Zealand MP David Seymours proposed changes to the Treaty bill: What an arsehole! While she believes the Commonwealth has, on the whole, been a force for good, she is a Republican, something she would have no issue telling King Charles III, whom she knows and believes is a wonderful man.

I feel that its time for Australia and New Zealand to be independent countries, says Margolyes. [The King] would listen. He is an immensely driven servant for the future and for the wellbeing of his nations around the world, just as his mother was  but I think he has more heart than she did.

As with her three series about Australia (the most recent, Impossibly Australian, is nominated for an AACTA award), her mode of transport in the ABCs Miriam Margolyes in New Zealand is a campervan, despite her aversion to van life. Traversing both islands  visiting protesting cattle farmers; a refugee centre; the scene of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings; the birthplace of the nations union movement in Blackball; a patriotic pavlova queen; and the Hobbiton village  Margolyes, whose mobility issues require a walker, walking poles and a scooter, is seen cheerfully at the wheel, her feet barely reaching the pedals.

That is really a kind of a fiction because I dont live in the van, she says. I would live in it if I could reach the beds, but theyre up ladders. I dont drive more than two hours a day. One of the things that really pisses me off is that they never acknowledge that there is a camera crew with me. There are six people with me and I get help, so its slightly unreal, that part of it  But I think its good for other disabled people to see that you can climb up into the car if youve got your stool and your sticks.
By Jody Godoy

(Reuters) -U.S. antitrust enforcers weighed in on Friday on Elon Musk's lawsuit seeking to block OpenAI's conversion to a public company, pointing out legal doctrines that support his claim that OpenAI and Microsoft engaged in anticompetitive practices.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice were not expressing an opinion on the case, but offered legal analysis on aspects of the case ahead of a Tuesday hearing in Oakland, California. Musk co-founded OpenAI and owns AI startup xAI.

A spokesperson for Microsoft declined to comment.

A spokesperson for OpenAI referred to a court document where the company said the lawsuit lacks evidence and amounts to harassment.

Musk's lawyer Marc Toberoff said, "the participation of the DOJ and FTC is a sign of how seriously regulators take OpenAI and Microsofts misconduct.

The FTC is separately looking into partnerships in AI, including between Microsoft and OpenAI, investigating potentially anticompetitive conduct at Microsoft and probing whether OpenAI violated consumer protection laws.

Musk alleges OpenAI violated antitrust law by making investors agree not to invest in rival artificial intelligence firms, and by sharing board members with Microsoft, which is also a defendant in the lawsuit.

OpenAI has said the board member claims are moot, because Microsoft board member Reid Hoffman, who was on OpenAI's board, and Microsoft executive Deannah Templeton, who had an observer seat, are no longer affiliated with it.

But even after they leave boards, directors could still have sensitive competitive information, the FTC and DOJ said. Board members who only have observer status are not exempt from the law, the authorities said in their brief.

Musk also claims that OpenAI facilitated a group investor boycott against its rivals. Such claims are viable even when the organizer of the boycott is not a member, the FTC and DOJ said.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy in California; Editing by Rod Nickel)
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 In the refined and polished corridors of the Federal Court, a quiet change has occurred that could flip financial crime prosecutions on their head. In June 2024, the court received new powers to hear criminal cases brought against people accused of breaking laws overseen by the corporate watchdog, including allegations against dodgy company directors and fraudsters. For over a century, criminal matters have been conducted only in the Supreme Courts of each state, or in the District Courts of Sydney and Brisbane, and in Melbournes County Court, before juries. Now those cases will be heard in a court that has  to borrow a line from one of Australias most famous fictional lawyers, Dennis Denuto  a very different vibe. While most Australians  and large cohorts of the legal community  are unaware of the change, the court is already at work. Last year, two men  former Berndale Capital Securities bosses Stavro DAmore and Daniel Kirby  were committed to stand trial in the Federal Court before a jury for dishonesty and misuse of client funds offences. The court has also taken its first-ever guilty plea, from Kirby. The new power for the Federal Court to hear criminal matters marks a considerable change for a court that is usually the home of the countrys biggest civil cases  often between companies, and sometimes their regulators  based on pointy issues of law relating to commercial matters, competition and taxation, as well as a small but extremely high-profile defamation list. The jurisdictional shift has split opinions in legal circles. Some experts and criminal law practitioners are concerned about the courts readiness to hear such important cases due to a lack of depth in the current bench  which is geared towards the courts current focus on commercial law  and the risk of forum shopping.

Advertisement

The Federal Court itself does not hold such reservations, according to Chief Justice Debra Mortimer, who tells this masthead her court stands ready to hear such cases. The court has the experience and expertise to handle any cases committed to this court, says Mortimer. Federal Court Chief Justice Debra Mortimer. There are a number of judges with extensive criminal expertise (including one of the new appointments), and many judges with subject-matter expertise, she says, referring to the eight new judicial appointments announced in December. She says appropriate judges with criminal expertise and subject-area specialists will hear appeals. So far as state courts are concerned, many judges in state courts conduct criminal proceedings, although they may never have practised in that area, nor have subject-matter expertise. Many such judges become well-regarded by the profession and their judicial colleagues as trial and appellate judges in criminal jurisdiction. Its not a view that is widely shared in the legal community.

Advertisement

Leading criminal defence lawyer Bill Doogue says the changes seem unnecessary and could cause unforeseen problems. Theres obviously some very smart people in the Federal Court, but theyre not people who have spent decades standing in front of juries and criminal trials, and they dont understand that, Doogue says. They might be able to grasp it in an intellectual sense, but setting up parallel systems and having one thats already really doing its job well just seems unnecessary. Bill Doogue is one of Victorias leading criminal lawyers. Credit: Chris Hopkins The reality is that most of the commercial judges might have dabbled with a bit of drink-driving when they first went to the bar, but they havent spent decades running big cases, and they dont understand the nuances. Increasing the Federal Courts powers has been on the agenda of the court and legislators for more than a decade. In 2009, the court won the power to hear criminal cartel cases brought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Anticipating a wave of cases, jury rooms were built in every Commonwealth courthouse. The ACCCs spectacular run of losses with its criminal cartel cases, however, left many of those jury facilities underused.

Advertisement

Following the bruising Hayne banking royal commission in 2018, the Morrison government decided to beef up the courts powers further in expectation of a wave of criminal cases being brought against bad bankers in the years that followed. Yet, the flurry of criminal cases against bankers and their employers expected after the royal commission did not eventuate. Loading By the time the Albanese government passed the changes in the discreetly titled omnibus legislation, the Attorney-Generals Portfolio Miscellaneous Measures Bill 2023, there was so little trumpeting about the changes that the consultation on the draft laws drew just a handful of submissions. One of these submissions came from the Law Council of Australia, which listed a range of concerns, including: The nondescript title of the bill, which does not make reference to the Federal Court, may mean that interested stakeholders are unaware of the bills potential implications. The powerful body and the voice of the legal profession was also concerned about the uncertainty surrounding how the measures would operate in practice, including the depth of the bench in terms of criminal-court experience and the potential for differences in practices and procedures at the Federal Court to create the risk of forum shopping by prosecutors or defendants looking for a preferred system and a desired outcome. Council president Greg McIntyre, SC, says it is closely monitoring how the changes will work in practice. McIntyre says the council had previously identified a risk of there being insufficient numbers of Federal Court judges with experience running complex criminal jury trials.

Advertisement

This challenge is potentially exacerbated if there are criminal appeals within the existing full Federal Court system, he says. Law Council of Australia president Greg McIntyre says the organisation is keeping a close eye on how the Federal Court handles its expanded role hearing criminal cases. We understand that the Federal Court is alive to this concern and has sought to address this in recent appointments, and we will continue to monitor how this potential limitation is managed in practice. McIntyre also says the Law Council of Australia recognises that the final form of the 2024 reforms includes measures to limit forum shopping. This includes a requirement that the court must have regard to the interest of justice in considering whether to make an order to transfer proceedings to another court. At the time, we were concerned that insufficient thought had been given to ensuring that the intended policy objectives of greater efficiency would be realised in practice, McIntyre told this masthead. The courts chief justice also plays down the risk of forum shopping. The Federal Court shares jurisdiction with the state courts in relation to many areas of practice, such as defamation, commercial and corporations work. This is no different, Mortimer says when asked about the risk.

Advertisement
The company that operates NSWs firefighting aircraft had deficient safety procedures and an organisational failure that prevented it from properly assessing safety incidents, a report from the aviation safety regulator has found.

Coulson Aviation, which was granted a 10-year extension of its contract to operate the states fleet of water bombing aircraft last July, was investigated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority after the crash of a tanker aircraft while fighting fires in Western Australia in 2023. It was the second time in five years that a large firefighting aircraft operated by the company had crashed in Australia.

The tail section of a C-130 Hercules aircraft operated by Coulson Aviation that crashed north-east of Cooma in 2020. Credit: Getty Images

According to the 2023 CASA report, obtained under freedom of information laws, Coulson Aviation had inadequate investigation, hazard identification and mitigating action procedures, which meant the company may have missed the underlying causes of hazards or led to another accident.

CASA said the companys reviews of its own procedures have been inadequate in identifying and addressing operational hazards.
Peter Dutton will hold his first election campaign-style rally on Sunday, launching a pitch to lead the nation with an attack on weak Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and a warning that Australia has become less safe, more pessimistic and divided under Labor.

Declaring that the nation faces its last chance to reverse the decline which he believes has occurred during Albaneses term, Dutton will promise strong leadership and a return to the prosperity that previous generations of Australians knew.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will brand Anthony Albanese as weak and Australia as in decline on Sunday. Credit: Glenn Hunt

The speech will be delivered to a campaign rally in the Labor-held electorate of Chisholm in Victoria, a state where the Coalition needs to gain ground to win the election that is due by May but could be held much sooner.

Weak leaders create hard times  but strong leaders create better times, Dutton will say, according to an excerpt of the speech seen by this masthead.
Loading English jockey Harry Davies was thankful for the faith of trainers Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald after breaking through for his first win in Australia with his 30th ride on Saturday at Wyong. The 20-year-old, who has had 178 winners at home, including multi stakes victories up to group 2 level, led on first-starter Kujenga in the 1200m two-year-olds race. The $11 Sportsbet chance held on by a head from the fast-finishing Damien. Davies, who is halfway through a first two-month stint in Australia, had five placings from 29 rides before Saturday. Its taken a bit of time, but its here now and Im delighted to have done it, Davies said.

Weve been hitting the crossbar, but when its like that its just a matter of time and you just have to trust what youre doing. Annabel and Rob have kept their faith, which Im so thankful for because theres been times where they havent had a winner and Ive had quite a good book of rides. Freedmans get one for Sam An emotional Richard Freedman had mixed feelings after Magnatear won his first race since the death of his former trainer, Sam Kavanagh. Magnatear, run down by Emmadella in a Midway Handicap two weeks earlier at Randwick, held on narrowly from Aix En Provence in the same grade at Wyong.

The five-year-old came to Richard and Will Freedman after Kavanagh lost his battle with cancer at age 38 on December 14. Its sort of mixed feelings, Richard said. Its nice that that horse was able to win, but I miss Sam. Its just lovely to win with that horse, and Im particularly pleased for [Kavanaghs partner] Kelly [Fawcett] and the family. But we miss Sam and Id rather Sam had been here unsaddling this horse. When Sam knew the end was near, I think he sort of directed horses where he thought they should go, and Im just so pleased that this one came in great condition from him and weve kept him going.

Sam Kavanagh lost his long battle with cancer last month. Credit: Getty Images The win was also special for Welsh jockey Ash Morgan, who said Kavanagh helped him early in his career in NSW. I copped my fair share of sprays off Sam for this horse, so Im sure hell be up their laughing and hed be delighted, Morgan said. Morgan grabbed a double when taking Bjorn Baker-trained Sandpaper to victory in the ninth. Baker also won with Bonita Queen. Rain stalls Magic Millions

The Magic Millions meeting on the Gold Coast was halted after three races on Saturday and the rest of the program postponed until next Friday night after strong storms hit the already heavy track. Queen on the rise Jockey Adam Hyeronimus expects Bonita Queen to progress to stakes grade after she led and won first-up at Wyong on Saturday despite racing greenly. After two wins and two seconds in four benchmark grade starts last preparation, the Bjorn Baker-trained four-year-old resumed with a three-quarters of a length victory in 1100m 78 fillies and mares grade. She trialled well. I expected her to win today, Hyeronimus said.

She was a little bit fresh and wanted to get on with it a bit today. It will be a different horse next start. Every preparation shes improved, which has been very nice, in her mannerisms and whatnot. She was obviously a sharp filly, but after todays run shell be a lot more relaxed, but I think she can get to stakes grade. Pride pair on the way up Trainer Joe Pride will head to the Australia Day Cup on January 27 with Bullets High and he expects Headley Grange to win better races after the pair gave him a double at Wyong. Headley Grange bucked the trend of leaders winning, coming around the field in the 1300m benchmark 72 to claim his first Saturday city victory by a half-length.

Loading Bullets High then raced on speed and hung on late to break a run of close losses in the 2100m benchmark 88. Hes a little ripper, Pride said of Headley Grange, which now has five wins and five placings in 13 starts. And Im sure thats not the best race hes going to win. He was sold to Hong Kong as a three-year-old, but failed the vet so I can thank them for that.
Washington: US President Joe Biden has lashed out at Meta boss Mark Zuckerbergs decision to eliminate the use of independent third-party fact-checkers, describing the move as anti-American and shameful.

In broad-ranging remarks at the White House as he prepares to leave office this month, Biden also insisted that he could have beaten Donald Trump at the November election; admitted that new US sanctions on Russia could push up petrol prices in America; and ruled out pre-emptively pardoning himself in case Republicans, who have long questioned his son Hunters business links, tried to pursue him in future.

What would I pardon myself for? he said. I didnt do anything wrong.

President Joe Biden speaks in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington. Credit: AP

The comments come 10 days before Trump is sworn in again as president and Biden leaves Washington after a political career spanning half a century.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina, celebrates the overwhelming success of the Third Annual Crew Years Eve Fireworks Show, which lit up the skies over the Lagoon last night, January 9th, 2025. The event, in collaboration with The Yacht Club at Port de Plaisance, IGY Marinas, Palapa Marina, and Skyport Marina, along with partners within the industry such as the St. Maarten Marine Trade Association and its members, brought together the people of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin to honor the hardworking individuals in the marine and hospitality sectors.

What a magnificent night for Sint Maarten! said Prime Minister Mercelina. The dazzling fireworks display and the energy of the festivities captured the essence of our communitys resilience, collaboration, and gratitude. This event was more than just a celebrationit was a tribute to the marine sector professionals and yacht crews who have made invaluable contributions to our economy and global reputation.

The Prime Minister emphasized the critical role of the marine industry in shaping our countrys success, particularly as a leading tourism and yachting destination in the Caribbean. He reaffirmed the governments commitment to supporting this pivotal sector:

This government fully recognizes, supports, and appreciates the marine industry as a cornerstone of our economy. From creating jobs to attracting visitors who boost local businesses, the marine sector is integral to the sustainable development and prosperity of Sint Maarten.

The event provided a platform to thank the many yacht crews, hospitality professionals, and marine industry workers who dedicate themselves to ensuring exceptional service during the high season, often sacrificing personal celebrations to do so. Prime Minister Mercelina commended their efforts, stating: The dedication of these individuals enhances our standing as a premier yachting and tourism destination. Their hard work benefits not only our economy but also our communitys global reputation for excellence.

From families enjoying the spectacle by the Lagoon Causeway to lively gatherings at our Simpson Bay restaurants and marinas, the evening was a true celebration of unity and collaboration. Prime Minister Mercelina praised the organizers for their vision and execution in creating such a memorable occasion, saying, This celebration was a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. It is moments like these that remind us of our strength as a community and the boundless potential of Sint Maarten.

Looking ahead to 2025, Prime Minister Mercelina encouraged the continued support and growth of the marine industry while fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose:

The fireworks last night were not only a spectacular display of light and color but also a symbol of the vibrant future we envision for our island. Together, with the continued success of the marine industry and the collective efforts of our community, we can achieve remarkable progress in the year ahead.

The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina extends his congratulations to all who contributed to the success of the Third Annual Crew Years Eve Fireworks Show, a shining example of Sint Maartens unity, gratitude, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
~ Gang war begins among certain youths, Grand Case Shooting termed as mistaken identity. ~

Grand Case: --- One day after a double homicide was registered on the Saint Martin, a third was registered around midnight Friday.

Residents in Grand Case were bombarded with the firing of gunshots, which claimed the life of a young man who is well-known in the community. However, several persons who know the youth who was killed said it was a case of mistaken identity because the attackers were looking for his brother.

The family who now reside in Concordia are devastated by the loss of their youth.

Residents on the French side of the island are frustrated with the spike in criminal activities on Saint Martin; they said authorities need to nip this in the bud because it will destroy the island and the tourism industry.

Something must be done with the level of delinquency in Saint Martin. Also, there needs to be a ban on scooters. There are too many robberies throughout the island using unregistered scooters. The current trend is not a good one, and it's time the authorities step up and take control of the increased violence around the island. Clearly, there is a gang war that has just begun, and this is not the end; people on Saint Martin need to brace themselves for what seems to have taken over the island.

French Prosecutor Xavier Sicot said early Saturday morning that the information he received late Friday night was that three persons were injured in the Grand Case shooting. All three were transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment. Sicot has since confirmed that one of the victims died while two remain in hospital. He said an investigation into the murder and attempted murder are ongoing. The French Prosecutor has since called on all persons with information on the latest shooting to contact the Gendarmerie.

A week ago, an American judge was robbed and shot; gendarmes arrested two persons for that act, and the suspects have been transported to Guadeloupe, where they will be tried. Lieutenant Colonel Hugues LOYEZ further stated that the case of the robbery and shooting of the American tourist has since been closed, and the suspects are awaiting trial.

He explained on Friday evening, gendarmes also heard gunshots while passing on RN7 in the vicinity of Grand Case.

He explained that three men were arrested near the Sandy Ground Lagoon as they were suspected of stealing boats. The three suspects are also in preliminary detention.

In the meantime, Kemoy Gumbs, a well-known figure on St. Martin, was gunned down around midday on Thursday; moments after that shooting, a second shooting took place in the vicinity of Fishpot Road, which claimed the life of another youth identified only as Ashton.

French Prosecutor Xavier Sicot said in a statement on Thursday that two men were shot dead Thursday midday in QUARTIER D'ORLEANS. Both men are over 18 years of age. The investigation has been entrusted to the research section of the SAINT-MARTIN gendarmerie brigade.

A flagrant investigation for

- organized murder,

- criminal conspiracy to commit a crime, and

- possession of category A and category B weapons.

The Basse-Terre public prosecutor's office has relinquished responsibility for the case to the specialized inter-regional court in Fort-de-France, Martinique.

Delinquency: Gendarmerie Commandant Hugues Loyez reviews the latest incidents

American tourist shot in Grand-Case: robbers jailed

The two perpetrators of the armed robbery, including the gunman, have been remanded in custody after being arrested by the research unit. They were imprisoned in Guadeloupe last night.

Three arrests for theft in flagrante delicto in Sandy Ground

Last night, in parallel with the two-stage shootout in Grand Case that claimed the life of one man and injured two others, Gendarmerie officers arrested three men on the Sandy Ground lagoon, committing thefts from boats. Caught red-handed, they were arrested and taken into custody.

Action reaction by the Gendarmerie

According to Commandant Hugues Loyez, the Saint-Martin gendarmerie is reorganizing internally to move into a combat posture: Investigations are moving forward, the gendarmerie is not suffering, all personnel is mobilized, and you can count on us to ensure that each killer is arrested and imprisoned under the authority of the Basse-Terre public prosecutor's office.
Biden slams 'really shameful' Meta decision to end US fact-checking



Washington, Jan 10 (AFP) Jan 10, 2025



US President Joe Biden on Friday condemned tech giant Meta's "shameful" decision to end its third-party fact-checking program in the United States.

"I think it's really shameful," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked about the announcement. "Telling the truth matters."

Biden added: "You think it doesn't matter that they let be printed, or millions of people read, things that are simply not true? I mean, I want to know what that's all about.

"It's just completely contrary to everything America's about. We want to tell the truth."

Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had refused to comment on the decision.

Meta founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg triggered alarm on Tuesday when he announced his tech company was ditching fact-checking on its platforms in the United States.

The tech tycoon said fact-checkers were "too politically biased" and the program had led to "too much censorship."

As an alternative, Zuckerberg said Meta's platforms, Facebook and Instagram, would use "Community Notes," similar to the Elon Musk-owned platform X.

Community Notes is a crowd-sourced moderation tool that X has promoted as the way for users to add context to posts, but researchers have repeatedly questioned its effectiveness in combatting falsehoods.

Meta's decision comes after years of criticism from supporters of President-elect Donald Trump, among others, that conservative voices were being censored or stifled under the guise of fighting misinformation, a claim professional fact-checkers vehemently reject.

AFP currently works in 26 languages with Facebook's fact-checking program, including in the United States and the European Union.
Musk, ex-EU tech chief Breton spar over Germany



Brussels, Belgium, Jan 11 (AFP) Jan 11, 2025



Elon Musk escalated a spat Saturday with the ex-EU digital chief Thierry Breton, describing him as a "tyrant of Europe" as the two men traded barbs online.

An ally of incoming US president Donald Trump, the tech billionaire has long criticised the European Union's rules regulating the digital space, accusing Brussels of censorship. This week Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg echoed that charge.

Musk has recently angered Europe with repeated insults of the continent's leaders and his open support for the far-right German AfD party ahead of elections next month.

His latest outburst against Breton came after he said Europe could take action to avoid interference in elections.

An account shared an excerpt of Breton's interview with French broadcaster BFMTV/RMC claiming he said "the EU has mechanisms to nullify a potential election victory of the AfD", prompting Musk to rail at what he termed "the astounding absurdity of Thierry Breton as tyrant of Europe."

Breton rejected the claim in an X post.

"Tyrant of Europe? Wow! But No Elon Musk: the EU has NO mechanism to nullify any election anywhere in EU. Not at all what is said in the video below related only to the application of the DSA and its moderation obligations. Lost in translation... or another fake news?"

The DSA is the landmark EU's Digital Services Act, which demands platforms clamp down on illegal content online.

In Thursday's interview, Breton said Europe should "keep our cool and enforce our laws in Europe when they risk being circumvented and when they can, if not enforced, lead to interference.

"We did it in Romania and we will obviously have to do it if it is necessary in Germany," he said.

The EU last month opened a probe into TikTok under the DSA, following allegations the platform was used by Russia to sway the result of Romania's presidential election, later annulled by a top Romanian court.

European regulators have also been probing X since December 2023, but Musk's close ties to Trump have raised questions about how the EU will handle his platform and its suspected DSA violations, which could lead to fines.

raz/cw

Meta
By John Revill

ZURICH (Reuters) - Holcim has named its chairman and former chief executive Jan Jenisch as chairman and CEO of its North American company following its multi-billion dollar spin-off, the Swiss building materials maker said on Friday.

Jenisch, who was CEO at Holcim from 2017 to 2024, has been in charge of steering the 100% separation of the company's North American business into a separate U.S.-listed entity with a potential market valuation of $30 billion.

Holcim also named nine other members for the board of directors for the North American company, which is expected to complete its spin-off by the end of the first half of 2025.

The cement and roofing maker announced the separation of the North American business last January, a move designed to capitalise on the region's infrastructure and construction boom, as well as capture a higher valuation.

The separation is one of the biggest changes in the global construction market this year and is being closed watched by rivals including Germany's Heidelberg Materials.

Holcim also on Friday nominated board member Kim Fausing to replace Jenisch as chairman of the remaining business which is not being divested.

Fausing, the CEO of Danish engineering group Danfoss, will take over from Jenisch following the company's AGM in May, when Jenisch will step down.

Jenisch, who was CEO at Swiss construction chemcials maker Sika before Holcim, said the board appointments were a "milestone" on the North American business's path to becoming a separate company.

The business, which had sales of roughly $11 billion in 2023, has been a star performer in recent years, increasing its sales by an average of 20% per year.

Holcim, which is considering a new name for the North American operation, now wants to increase annual sales to $20 billion by 2030, mainly through organic growth and small acquisitions.

(Reporting by John Revill; Editing by Miranda Murray)
Mexico's president formally launches campaign to get guns off streets



Mexico City, Jan 10 (AFP) Jan 10, 2025



Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday officially launched a campaign to crack down on the number of weapons on the country's violence-wracked streets.

The plan, called "Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace," will offer cash to those who anonymously leave weapons at designated drop-off locations, including churches.

Gun owners will get 8,700 pesos ($430) for a revolver, 25,000 pesos ($1,200) for an AK-47 rifle and 26,450 pesos ($1,300) for a machine gun. The firearms are then to be destroyed.

The disarmament plan is part of the government's "integral strategy" for fighting crime.

"Why must we teach our children anything about violence?" Sheinbaum said at a launch event, which featured the symbolic destruction of a weapon by soldiers.

Children attending the event with their parents were able to trade in toy guns for other toys.

The scheme, first floated last month, was published in the country's official government gazette earlier this week.

It has existed in Mexico City since 2019, but now will apply nationwide, and be carried out by the defense, interior and public safety ministries, with support from Mexican religious authorities.

Mexico is plagued by violent crime linked to the multibillion-dollar illegal drug trade.

In 2023, the country recorded 31,062 homicides, 70 percent of which were caused by firearms, according to preliminary data from the national statistics institute.

Mexico tightly controls gun sales, making them practically impossible to obtain legally, and has repeatedly urged Washington to tackle arms trafficking across the border from the United States.
France hands over second army base in Chad amid withdrawal



Abeche, Chad, Jan 11 (AFP) Jan 11, 2025



France on Saturday handed over its second army base in Chad as part of an agreement with the country's authorities to withdraw its military forces.

The central African country in late November abruptly ended military cooperation with its former colonial ruler, and French troops began leaving the country in late December.

"Today... marks the handover of the Abeche base," Defence Minister Issaka Malloua Djamouss said during an official ceremony.

He called it a key step "leading to the final and total withdrawal of this army in our country".

Around 100 troops left the Abeche base on Saturday, after equipment convoys departed Friday evening.

The French army had around 1,000 personnel in Chad.

Djamouss added that the January 31 deadline for France to remove forces for good was "imperative", "irreversible" and "non-negotiable".

French soldiers and fighter aircraft have been stationed in Chad almost continuously since the country's independence in 1960, helping to train the Chadian military.

The planes also provided air support that proved crucial on several occasions in stopping rebels moving to seize power.

Mid-December, the jets were the first to go, followed by a contingent of 120 soldiers and the handover of the Faya base in northern Chad.



- 'Friendship remains' -



"Partnerships evolve but the friendship remains between our two nations, as does the solidarity between two sovereign nations that will continue to move forward side by side as they always have," French embassy representative Fabien Talon said at the event.

The central African country, one of the poorest in the world, was the last Sahel nation to host French troops.

Paris at one point had deployed more than 5,000 soldiers as part of its anti-jihadist Barkhane operation.

Chad had been a key link in France's military presence in Africa and its last foothold in the wider Sahel region after the forced withdrawal of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in the wake of military coups.

The military authorities in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have pivoted towards Russia in recent years.

Chad's leader General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has also sought closer ties with Moscow in recent months, but talks to strengthen economic cooperation have yet to bear concrete results.

Deby described the agreement as "completely obsolete" and no longer aligned with the "political and geostrategic realities of our time".

His election in May brought an end to a three-year political transition triggered by his father's death in clashes with rebels in 2021.

Longtime ruler Idriss Deby Itno had received support from the French army to quell rebel offensives in 2008 and 2019.
LONDON (Reuters) - The most destructive wildfires ever for Los Angeles may cause billions of dollars in insured losses, ratings agencies said on Thursday, though many homes are likely uninsured.

The wildfires burning in the Pacific Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and other Los Angeles neighbourhoods may lead to insured losses of more than $8 billion, analysts at Morningstar DBRS said in a note. This surpasses the 2018 Woolsey fire in California, which caused more than $6 billion in losses, Morningstar said.

Jasper Cooper, senior credit officer for Moody's Ratings, expected insured losses to amount to billions of dollars given the area's high values of homes and businesses.

Homeowners have found it tough to buy insurance in catastrophe-prone states as several firms have pulled out of the market.

"These events will continue to have widespread, negative impacts for the states broader insurance market," said Denise Rappmund, senior analyst at Moody's.

"Increased recovery costs will likely drive up premiums and may reduce property insurance availability.

Morningstar DBRS also said a larger than usual portion of the losses could be uninsured or covered under the California FAIR plan, designed to help homeowners where standard insurance is not available.

JPMorgan on Thursday estimated insured losses at $20 billion, Thomson Reuters publication The Insurer reported, double its estimates of a day earlier due to an escalation of the damage.

(Reporting by Carolyn Cohn; Editing by Rod Nickel)
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
She went on: Choosing not to engage with China is therefore no choice at all. The UK must engage confidently with China in areas of trade that benefit the UKs national interest and be equally confident in expressing our real economic and trade concerns to the Chinese, including market access and wider market-distorting practices.
They whipped up hundreds of individual meals for so many firefighters, volunteers, first responders, and we could not be more thankful. Thank you for putting your lives on the line for all of us, she wrote on her Instagram story.
By Andy Sullivan

The Pacific Palisades area ravaged by wildfires in Los Angeles is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the U.S., home to Hollywood A-Listers and multimillion dollar mansions. And ahead of this week's disaster, its insurance costs were among the most affordable in the country, according to a Reuters analysis of insurance and real estate industry data.

That may be about to change. The scale of losses anticipated in the wildfires now ringing Los Angeles, as well as regulatory changes enacted late last year, could spell an end to relatively cheap homeowners' insurance in areas like the Palisades that are at elevated risk for wildfires, four analysts told Reuters.

A structure is burned by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

"One sees relatively low premiums in high-risk markets in California, but that might be starting to change," said Philip Mulder, a University of Wisconsin professor who studies the industry.

Measured against home values, insurance costs are cheaper in the Palisades than in 97% of U.S. postal codes, according to a Reuters analysis of a national database of price data collected by Mulder and University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School professor Benjamin Keys as well as home-value data calculated by Zillow, a real-estate firm.

The fires raging around Los Angeles could be the most damaging in state history, officials say. The flames have devoured thousands of homes and businesses from the Pacific Ocean beaches to hills north of Los Angeles, and as of Thursday morning were 0% contained. At least five people have died, and initial estimates of the damage range from $10 billion to more than $50 billion.

The relatively low cost of insurance in the Pacific Palisades reflects the vagaries of a homeowners' insurance market in the United States where prices can vary widely because of differing regulatory polices from state to state. Consumer-friendly regulations in California have kept a lid on prices, even in high-risk areas, but have prompted many insurers to scale back coverage.

Sangmin Oh, a finance professor at Columbia Business School, and other researchers found that homeowners in more loosely regulated states effectively subsidize homeowners in states like California, where the industry has been more tightly regulated - despite higher levels of risk.

Compared to home values, the average statewide premium in 2023 was the lowest among all 50 states, according to the Reuters analysis. California's high property values may make that insurance seem relatively cheap, but even on an absolute dollar basis residents the average annual premium of $2,200 was less than residents paid in 30 other U.S. states.
By Wen-Yee Lee

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan only expects a small impact from any tariffs imposed by the incoming government of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on semiconductor exports given their technological superiority, Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei said on Friday.

Home to the world's largest contract chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the island is a key link in the global technology supply chain for companies such as Apple and Nvidia.

But Taiwanese policymakers have warned new U.S. tariffs against all countries from the Trump administration could curb economic growth this year for the export-dependent economy.

Trump has pledged a blanket tariff of 10% on global imports into the United States and a far higher 60% tariff on Chinese goods. In late November, he specifically pledged a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico when he takes office on Jan. 20.

Asked at a news conference about the impact on Taiwan's export orders of Trump's tariffs, Kuo said it would not much affect the chip sector.

"For our semiconductors and advanced processes, there is an advantage of technological leadership and that cannot be replaced, and so the impact will be small," he added.

Taiwan will also help companies relocate supply chains to the United States as needed, away from where there might be high import tariffs, Kuo said.

"Now we see that we should be able to develop the aerospace supply chain industry in the United States, and do some joining up with the U.S. aerospace companies, so that some of Taiwan's aerospace research and development centres can be moved to there."

Taiwan will also set up an office in Japan in the first half of this year to help Taiwanese businesses invest there, and cooperate with the country on AI and drones, he added.

(Reporting by Wen-Yee Lee; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Saad Sayeed)
Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sept 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sept 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (17) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sept 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (134) Jun 2013 (203) Jul 2013 (292) Aug 2013 (350) Sept 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (347) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (437) Jan 2014 (543) Feb 2014 (472) Mar 2014 (525) Apr 2014 (526) May 2014 (470) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sept 2014 (440) Oct 2014 (471) Nov 2014 (496) Dec 2014 (535) Jan 2015 (535) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (578) Apr 2015 (657) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (672) Jul 2015 (727) Aug 2015 (803) Sept 2015 (922) Oct 2015 (919) Nov 2015 (798) Dec 2015 (789) Jan 2016 (781) Feb 2016 (834) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (864) May 2016 (945) Jun 2016 (1042) Jul 2016 (880) Aug 2016 (1034) Sept 2016 (965) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (884) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (895) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sept 2017 (999) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1045) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (808) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sept 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (934) Jul 2019 (949) Aug 2019 (936) Sept 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (848) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (787) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sept 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (811) Dec 2020 (781) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sept 2021 (790) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (692) Jan 2022 (694) Feb 2022 (654) Mar 2022 (740) Apr 2022 (745) May 2022 (748) Jun 2022 (701) Jul 2022 (704) Aug 2022 (702) Sept 2022 (699) Oct 2022 (737) Nov 2022 (718) Dec 2022 (692) Jan 2023 (662) Feb 2023 (611) Mar 2023 (692) Apr 2023 (652) May 2023 (696) Jun 2023 (701) Jul 2023 (742) Aug 2023 (737) Sept 2023 (732) Oct 2023 (749) Nov 2023 (751) Dec 2023 (732) Jan 2024 (746) Feb 2024 (687) Mar 2024 (738) Apr 2024 (723) May 2024 (750) Jun 2024 (712) Jul 2024 (756) Aug 2024 (797) Sept 2024 (772) Oct 2024 (778) Nov 2024 (771) Dec 2024 (710) Jan 2025 (776) Feb 2025 (683) Mar 2025 (324)
TAIPEI (Reuters) - TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, reported on Friday fourth-quarter revenue that easily beat market forecasts and hit its own expectations as it reaped the benefit of artificial intelligence demand.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, whose customers include Apple and Nvidia, has been at the forefront of the march towards AI that has helped it weather the tapering off of pandemic-led demand of chips used in consumer electronics like tablets.

Revenue in the October-December period of 2024 came in at T$868.42 billion ($26.36 billion), according to Reuters calculations, compared with an LSEG SmartEstimate of T$853.57 billion ($25.90 billion) drawn from 23 analysts.

That represents growth of 34.4% year-on-year, and compares with revenue of $19.62 billion in the year-ago period.

It is not a direct comparison as TSMC provides monthly revenue data only in Taiwan dollars, but gives quarterly revenue figures and its outlook on its quarterly earnings calls both in U.S. dollars.

On its most recent earnings call in October, TSMC forecast fourth-quarter revenue in a range of between $26.1 billion to $26.9 billion.

For December alone, TSMC reported revenue jumped 57.8% year-on-year to T$278.16 billion.

The company did not provide details in its brief revenue statement.

Other Taiwan companies have also reported strong fourth-quarter revenue due to the AI boom. On Sunday, Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker and which makes AI servers for Nvidia, beat expectations to post its highest-ever revenue for the final three months of 2024.

TSMC will report full fourth-quarter earnings on Jan. 16, when it will update its outlook for the current quarter and full year.

The company's Taipei listed stock leapt 81% last year, compared with a 28.5% gain for the broader market.

It closed flat on Friday ahead of the release of the revenue numbers. The benchmark index ended down 0.3%.

($1 = 32.8850 Taiwan dollars)

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Faith Hung; Editing by Tom Hogue and Jamie Freed)
Romania's inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program is seen in Romania as a formidable act of friendship on the part of the United States, which comes to strengthen the two countries' shared commitment to transatlantic security and prosperity, Romania's ambassador in Washington Andrei Muraru told a ceremony organized on Friday at the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to mark this moment, Agerpres reports.

"On behalf of my country, of the Romanian institutions and of all those who believed in this dream, we welcome today's success and the exemplary way in which our teams have made it come true," Muraru said as cited in a statement released on Saturday on the embassy's Facebook page.





"The way we worked together with our Romanian colleagues has set a model for the partnerships we will establish in the future within the Visa Waiver Program. Romania's joining the program benefits both countries and we are very proud of the success of this effort," Mayorkas said, as cited in the statement.
President of the Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR) and of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) Liviu Jicman is on a U.S. visit January 10 to 17 for a series of meetings in New York and Washington with cultural and technology leaders, as well as with representatives of the American administration, the ICR Promotion and Communication Department said, noting that Jicman will convey a message on the importance of culture and arts in international relations, transatlantic ones included, and will advocate boosting cultural & artistic partnerships between European and U.S. cultural institutions and personalities.

The ICR head will address, as keynote speaker, the global gathering of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) and the congress of the International Society of Performing Arts (ISPA).





Also, the ICR president is scheduled to meet with New York City's Commissioners for International Relations and Cultural Affairs, the EU ambassador to the United States, the leadership and members of the EUNIC clusters in New York and Washington, the president of the New York Public Library - the second largest after the U.S. Library of Congress and the fourth largest in the world.
A house at its best is a container of collective memories, a sheltering space that reflects the lives and personal journeys of its inhabitants. The two-story brick century home Air Force veterans Heather and Jim Tomaszewski purchased in Benton Park speaks volumes about their story in every room.

In todays parlance the two met cute in Europe. I was a nurse and I met Jim when we were both stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. We had the utter delight of dating in wonderful places. It was sure, lets go see that castle. Lets stop at this bierhall  I hear they have great beer  it was magical, Heather says.

They married on their next assignment at Griffith Air Force Base in Rome, New York. Heather left the Air Force shortly after. My job as a nurse was more portable than Jims, and we wanted to start our family. Ive been able to work part time ever since. Its been a real blessing everywhere weve lived, she says.

Jims career took them next to Woodbridge, Virginia, where he worked at the Pentagon. They would move next to Omaha, Nebraska, to Edmond, Oklahoma, to the Netherlands with NATO, and then to Scott Air Force base in Belleville.

Our home in Belleville was in a neighborhood called the Orchards, Jim says. I grew up in upstate New York in Schenectady. Heather grew up in Ballwin. We had a dream of a living in a diverse neighborhood, and wanted more of a city environment.

They looked at a lot of homes in many of the citys walkable neighborhoods before settling into a rehabbed two-family brick home that had been converted to a single-family dwelling in Benton Park. This house fit one of our criteria  of not having to do a lot of work when we moved in, Heather says. I love the color scheme because the colors are bold, and warm, I could see can us living comfortably in the home. In 2018, they moved in.

They two purchased their furniture and art during their time overseas. Heather developed relationships in Europe with Willie, a gentleman who restored all the antique furniture pieces Heather found. They mix modern and antique furniture throughout the house. I have such special memories of this awesome Belgian man and his skills, she says.

Theres lots of wall space to hang the art theyve collected from all over the world. Heathers really expanded our collection and incorporated a lot of St. Louis art, like the Soulard Mardi Gras posters, and a great photo of the Arch taken from the Illinois side by Emily Knowles, Jim says.

Every artwork and object has meaning for the two of them  a small sketch of Wiesbaden where they met, a painting of cherry blossoms from a trip to visit their son, Zach, in Okinawa, and an artwork of the castle where their daughter, Jaime, had her 10th birthday party.

When they moved, Jim took time off from his job at Scott to attend St. Louis University using the GI bill. He earned a degree in philosophy with a minor in French, but he also took some classes each semester for fun.

SLU offered a brewing science and operations certificate, which consists of six hours credits, so I pursued French and philosophy and got my brewing science and operation certificates as well. I thought I might slide into retirement, so I applied at Anheuser-Busch as a tour guide and now work there part-time, but Im still working at Scott as well.

The brewing certificate led the Tomaszewskis to make room in the house for a bar and for Jims home brewery. Heathers big thing was the garage, which we knocked out right away, Jim says. The bar took a bit longer.

We had talked about doing an addition, but that was a little cost prohibitive, Jim says. Then we hit upon the idea of lowering the basement floor to use that low-ceilinged space. We didnt realize what a huge challenge that would be. It was a lofty aspiration, but these Air Force vets thought big. In order to aim high we had to dig low, Jim says.

LU Design Build drew up the plans, but they needed to hire a contractor first to dig out the basement. When the contractor abandoned the job midway through, Jim got to work.

I completed the work all in one long summer, Jim says. It was a good weight loss program, and now I have my bar, and a brewing area, which was built by LU.

Heather and Jim have integrated their lives and their pursuits in their home in meaningful ways by making space for the friends, activities and memories still to come. Theyve walked to their favorite spots and participated in neighborhood activities like Tunes on Tap, a neighborhood house tour with bands at each stop. Theyve put down roots in fertile ground.

Heather and Jim Tomaszewski Family: They have two grown children, a son Zach and a daughter, Jaime. Ages: Heather and Jim are both 61. Their birthdays are just five days apart Home: Benton Park Occupations: Jim works full-time at Scott Air Force base and holds down a fun part-time job as a tour guide at the Anheuser-Busch Tour Center, which jives perfectly with his hobby of home brewing beer. Heather works part-time as a nurse at SSM St. Marys Maternal Fetal Care Center.

Photos: At Home with the Heather and Jim Tomaszewski, in the Benton Park area of St. Louis
The Coast Guard Cutters Tybee, Sanibeland Hammerhead idle together near Nobska Lighthouse in Falmouth, Mass., in 2023. (Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Noel/U.S. Coast Guard photo )

Veterans who were found by a judge to have been illegally retired from the Coast Guard have now accused the service of using a process to determine their backpay and retirement benefits that shortchanges how much is owed to them, according to federal court documents.

Jenn Rehberg was forced to retire in 2014 after 22 years in the Coast Guard and said the services method of calculating her backpay and new retirement benefits is about $400,000 less than she expected.

It was almost like being stabbed in the back again, the 53-year-old said Thursday. As if the first time wasnt enough for me and my shipmates.

A federal court decision finalized in May determined the Coast Guards use of what it called performance-based panels to thin the upper enlisted ranks violated federal law and the due-process afforded troops when separated from the service. The use of the panels began in 2010.

At the time, senior enlisted members could reenlist indefinitely, and many were planning to stay in the service for a full 30-year career. Service leaders felt this limited promotion opportunities for lower enlisted members, so the Coast Guard held Active Duty Enlisted Career Retention Screening Panels from 2010 to 2014 and removed more than 800 members as a reduction in force, according to court documents.

Attorney Nathan Mammen filed the suit in 2018 on behalf of Rehberg and five other veterans named in the litigation. An additional 237 veterans signed onto the lawsuit and Judge David Tapp with the Court of Federal Claims ordered all of them should receive backpay and benefits as determined by the Coast Guard.

Most of those veterans were on indefinite orders and determining how long each member theoretically would have continued to serve on active duty has created disagreement in calculating how much is owed to them.

The Coast Guard used a regulation known as high-year tenure to calculate payments, according to court documents filed last month. The regulation means service members must move up in rank within a certain time or leave the service.

Of the 243 veterans in the lawsuit, the regulation was used on 232, according to court documents. Eleven of the veterans were master chiefs and exempt from high year tenure. Eight were given retroactive promotions that they had earned prior to their forced retirement.

We are disappointed to see the government continuing to injure plaintiffs by trying to retroactively use high-year tenure to replace the illegal Career Retention Screening Panels, Mammen said. This shortchanges plaintiffs from what they are owed.

The Coast Guard said in a statement Friday that it is working with the Justice Department, which will respond to the court concerning the application of high-year tenure.

However, during a November hearing, Douglas Edelschick, an attorney for the Justice Department, told the judge that the Coast Guard has set up a team to address the courts order that has gone above and beyond to do everything it can.

What the plaintiffs are asking for is that a regulation, which applied to every single member who wore that uniform, should not apply to them, he said.

When service members are faced with high-year tenure while on active duty, there is a process available to waive the requirement, according to court documents. Denying that appeal for a waiver is again forcing a retirement process onto these troops that is cutting their service short of what was possible, the veterans argued in court documents. The process assumes each veteran would not have promoted upward within appropriate timelines or had their waiver denied, if requested.

For Rehberg, high-year tenure changes her years of service to 24 instead of 22, so she received about $112,000 after taxes.

She was a chief petty officer and had been twice named sailor of the year when she learned she was on the list to be forced into retirement. She was on an indefinite enlistment and fully expected to reach master chief and 30 years of service before her career ended.

Based on my record, based on my performance, there was nothing that should have been assumed that I wouldnt have reached my 30-year goal, Rehberg said.

If the Coast Guard used the 30-year marker for Rehberg, she said her payment would have been about $500,000.

It was never about the backpay or the allowances, or any of that. It was for me, about validation, she said. I need you to tell me, Im sorry. Im sorry, thank you for everything you did for us, but Im sorry that we did this to you. Unfortunately, that is not something that we have yet received.

As a sixth-grader living in Corpus Christi, Texas, Rehberg said she went out to South Padre Island with her parents and saw a Coast Guard patrol boat doing training maneuvers with a helicopter.

I just thought it was the neatest and coolest looking thing, she said.

Enlistment became her dream, and she did so right out of high school. She married a fellow Coast Guard member and loved every minute of her military service.

When she got the call that she was being forced to retire, it shattered her life plans and her sense of who she was. She attended therapy to work through the various stages of grief the retirement triggered, particularly the anger she felt for having no say or control of the matter. Rehberg didnt even tell her parents about it until the lawsuit seemed to be going in favor of the veterans.

This process has been unfair to us. Every time we go to court, and we hear what they say about us, or try to twist and turn the case to put themselves in a good light. Theres a lot of us just shaking our heads and the anger just comes rushing back, she said.

Tapp, the judge on the case, asked an attorney for the Justice Department during a November hearing if there was any intention of issuing an apology to the veterans wronged by the service.

Theres never anything which prevents the United States of America, when they have violated a statute, a rule, to the detriment of its citizens, from saying we messed up and Im sorry. And maybe that wouldnt make a bit of difference for the nickels and dimes that were going to be focused on ultimately in a judgment, Tapp said. It is helpful. It goes a long way, many times, in assuaging the sense of hurt that plaintiffs feel.

Edelschick, from the Justice Department, responded the Coast Guard was fulfilling its court-ordered obligation to set new retirement dates for all veterans in the lawsuit and begin paying out backpay.

So it is exactly whats required and nothing more, correct? Tapp said.

Your honor, Im not in the apology business, Edelschick said.
A Marine assigned to the Corps Air Ground Combat Center in California, known as Twentynine Palms, faces a murder charge in the death of his wife, according to local police. (Defense Department )

A Marine assigned to the Corps Air Ground Combat Center in California, known as Twentynine Palms, faces a murder charge after arriving at a local hospital last weekend with his injured wife, who died later that night, according to authorities.

Cpl. Carlos Zamudio, 23, was arrested early Sunday at the Hi Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree, where he had arrived with his severely injured wife, Savannah Encke, 21, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. The Marine faces an official charge of murder with an aggravating circumstance of using a deadly weapon.

Hospital officials called county deputies when Zamudio, who they reported as having injuries to his head, brought Encke into the emergency room. Deputies arrived at about 1:35 a.m. When Encke died shortly after, police arrested Zamudio on the murder charge. He was booked into the Morongo jail.

The Sheriffs Department declined to describe the type of injuries Encke suffered or how Zamudio might have inflicted them on his wife.

Zamudio was arraigned Wednesday at the San Bernardino Superior Court in Joshua Tree and pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. He was being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Bail was set at $1,050,000. His next scheduled court date is Tuesday.

Zamudio is assigned as a transmission system operator with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division at Twentynine Palms, according to the Marine Corps. The base is a major desert combat training site about 140 miles east of Los Angeles.

Lt. Colton Martin, a Marine spokesman at Camp Pendleton, Calif., the headquarters of the 1st Marine Division, said military officials are assisting civilian authorities in the investigation.

Zamudio enlisted in the Marine Corps in California and began boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in January 2020, Martin said. He graduated from the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School at Twentynine Palms in September 2020.

Zamudio deployed to Australia with the Marine Rotational Force  Darwin in 2022 and Japan under the Unit Deployment Program in 2024. He was promoted to corporal in April 2022 and received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.
U.S. businessman Donald Trump Jr. looks on after arriving in Nuuk, Greenland on Jan. 7, 2025. Donald Trump Jr. made a private visit to Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory coveted by Trump Sr. and which hopes to one day be independent but remains dependent on Copenhagen for now. (Emil Stach/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Donald Trumps obsession with Greenland has put the worlds largest island in an unexpected position of power.

While Trumps 2019 bid for the Arctic territory was dismissed as little more than a joke, the president-elects timing is better this time around  Greenlanders are intensifying their push for independence from Denmark. Within the next three months, they will hold a general election that will take the temperature of that relationship.

Greenland is not for sale. But its new position gives it the ability to play the U.S. and Denmark off of each other  a dynamic that might ultimately see it come out on top.

The territorys geopolitical importance is rising as its vast ice sheet melts. Located in the far north between the U.S. and Europe, the island is home to an American military base that monitors space and detects missile threats, and it holds large reserves of gold, diamonds, uranium and rare earth metals used in electronic devices. It is also expected to be a key part of global shipping routes in the coming decades.

The Trump transition team has been in discussions with people in the private sector since November about potential business prospects in Greenland, according to a person familiar with the conversations. Rare earths mining projects and a new hydroelectricity facility are among the top projects that have been floated.

The previously unreported discussions come after Trump threatened to slap tariffs on Denmark on Tuesday if the European nation doesnt cede control of Greenland. The president-elects remarks were unexpected, forcing his team to quickly devise a more constructive approach.

Greenlands new international prominence is helping drive its independence movement, which has grown alongside resentment toward Denmark. While Copenhagen has controlled Greenland for more than three centuries, Denmarks colonial-era misdeeds have increasingly come to light in recent years. Revelations about Danish doctors forcing birth control on teenage girls in Greenland in the 1960s and 1970s were made public in 2022, while Greenlanders still report facing racial discrimination from Danes.

The forthcoming election offers Greenland an opportunity to reevaluate these ties, with independence likely to be in focus. Under the territorys current governance structure, adopted in 2009, Greenland controls domestic issues including education, health care and the judiciary, while ceding matters of foreign, monetary, security and constitutional policy to Denmark. Premier Mute B. Egede, who is running for reelection, urged Greenland to remove the shackles of the colonial era in a speech on New Years Day, expressing a widely held view on the island.

This hasnt been lost on the U.S. president-elect.

Trump is absolutely capitalizing on Greenlands push for independence, said Jacob Kaarsbo, independent foreign security adviser and former chief analyst at the Danish Defence Intelligence Service. I can easily see a scenario where Greenland moves away from Denmark after the upcoming elections.

The biggest obstacle to the territorys independence is an economic one. Today, Greenland receives about $600 million a year from Copenhagen to pay for, among other things, its health care and education systems, both of which are free for citizens. As of 2021, the islands entire economy was estimated to be around $2.4 billion. If Greenland were to declare independence, it would need to find new partners to support it economically.

Which is where Trump might come in.

If you want to have control over Greenland or have them closer to the U.S., it must be done by offering them more money than they currently get from Denmark in subsidies, said Peter Viggo Jakobsen, professor at Center of War Studies at University of Southern Denmark and a lecturer at the Royal Danish Defence College.

If Trump can offer the Greenlandic people a better deal, I can easily imagine that a majority of the population will declare independence.

So far, like with many of the president-elects ideas, theres nothing concrete on the table.

One avenue is deepening investment in the islands critical mineral sector, which the U.S. views as crucial to countering Chinese dominance in the global rare earth market.

Speaking at an event in Copenhagen on Thursday, Egede said Greenland is about to enter a new future and needs to be united.

The Greenlandic people want to be treated equally, he said, whether its in Denmark or anywhere else in the world.

Power dynamics already appear to be shifting in Greenlands favor. On Wednesday, just a day after Donald Trump Jr. paid a surprise five-hour visit to the Greenlandic capital of Nuuk, Denmark agreed to help the territory finance a new hydropower project. And last month, as Trump proclaimed his interest in Greenland, the Danish government unveiled new investments to improve Arctic defense.

Denmarks King Frederik X also changed the countrys royal coat of arms to feature Greenland more prominently, and the government has taken steps to further integrate the territory into the commonwealth union. Greenlandic interpreters have also been brought into the Danish parliament to improve communication during lawmaking and debates.

Denmark is also giving Greenland a bigger say in foreign policy and made it clear that Greenlanders are free to choose their own way. It is their country, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told local broadcasters this week, and only Greenland can determine and define Greenlands future.

Should it secede, the most obvious path for Greenland would be to align itself with another state through free association, a political arrangement in which a territory voluntarily enters into a formal partnership with another nation. The Cook and Marshall Islands both have such deals with the U.S., and if Greenland were to strike something similar, it would be able to act as an independent nation and gain full control over its natural resources while still receiving financial support for public services.

Yet any such arrangement is still a ways away. For Greenland to gain independence, it would first require the Danish and Greenlandic governments to negotiate a deal stipulating the terms, which Greenlands 57,000-person population would have to approve in a binding referendum. That would need the blessing of both the Greenlandic and Danish parliaments.

In the run-up to Greenlands general election this spring, politicians will have to be much clearer about what exactly they want from independence, said Ulrik Pram Gad, a Greenland expert at the Danish Institute for International Studies. So far, Greenlands politicians have been vague about what an independent territory might look like, which countries it would rely on, and how.

For once, they need to be more specific about what they mean by independence, Gad said.

2025 Bloomberg News.

Visit at bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Kenyan police officer, part of a UN-backed multinational force, runs to take cover from an exchange of gunfire between gangs and police at the Kenyan base in the Delmas neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Odelyn Joseph/AP)

(Tribune News Service)  When Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier announced on the 221st anniversary of Haitis independence that the countrys most powerful gang coalition would soon become a political party, the New Years Day announcement by the ex-cop who became a warlord didnt go unnoticed  but it also didnt generate the kind of political debate Haitians are used to.

Now it just may.

The powerful gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm  Live Together  which has been launching deadly coordinated attacks all across Port-au-Prince since February of last year, is among several organizations listed on a document sent to the 15-member Caribbean Community bloc that suggests ways the countrys troubled political transition can be saved.

The document was sent to CARICOM this week and signed by several high-profile Haitian politicians representing three different political groups the December 21 Agreement, the Collective of Political Parties of January 30 and the EDE party. The document is a joint proposal on what to do about the Transitional Presidential Council, the nine-member ruling panel that has been engulfed in a bank bribery scandal involving three of its members. The council members, who insist they are innocent, have dismissed pleads to step aside in order to save the transitional government, which is tasked with returning democratic order to Haiti with elections some time this year.

In arguing for a reconfiguration of the ruling panel, the groups presented several scenarios to CARICOM. Among them is reducing the council to three members, with a member of Haitis highest court serving as president, alongside a representative of civil society and one from the political class. To show the idea has widespread support, the proposal to CARICOM included a mention of Viv Ansanm, saying that even though the gang did not sign the April political accord that created the transitional government, it supports the idea of reconfiguration.

The inclusion was immediately seen as giving legitimacy to Cherizier and his band of gang leaders, whom the United Nations said this week were responsible for more than 5,600 deaths last year  1,000 more than the year before.

While confirming the groups inclusion in the document during a radio interview on Port-au-Prince Magik 9 on Friday morning, Line Balthazar, the president of the PHTK political party that is also part of the Collective of January 30 parties, defended mentioning the gang.

Lets not lie to each other, said Balthazar. All of the international organizations involved in humanitarian aid in Haiti, when they want to access Cite Soleil or Croix-des-Bouquets, ask them with whom they interact to give humanitarian aid in those areas. Lets suspend the hypocrisy.

Embassies interact with armed groups, he added. There is a phenomenon of illegal armed groups in the country. We must resolve this problem in an adult and pragmatic manner. No one is going to do it for us.

Balthazar said he personally isnt in contact with gangs but is simply listening to what is being said in society.

He expressed doubts when asked if he saw a possible amnesty for gangs in the future. But he didnt dismiss the idea of a possible alliance with gangs heading into elections, which are supposed to take place sometime this year in order for Haiti to put a president in office by Feb. 7, 2026.

The gangs inclusion in the proposal received immediate backlash in some political circles. At the same time it has reigniting a debate about what role gangs, which control large swaths of the capital and parts of the nearby Artibonite region, should play in a crisis they helped create. The violence has led to a humanitarian crisis not seen since the devastating Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake that left more than 1.5 million homeless.

Andre Michel, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Democratic and Popular Sector, which is part of the December 21 Agreement, said no documents were signed with Viv Ansanm nor is there any ongoing dialogue with the armed group.

There is no place at the negotiating table. They are criminals and should be destroyed, he told the Miami Herald.

In a post on his X account, he went further: The Viv Ansanm gang coalition represents a criminal organization that has murdered, impoverished and humiliated tens of thousands of citizens.

Still, the question about what role that armed gangs and their leaders should play in helping solve Haitis ongoing crisis remains.

Last year, as Caribbean leaders worked with Haitians to set up the political transition, several CARICOM leaders suggested the gangs should be included. Both the United States and France objected.

But the idea that gangs should be included is not novel and has long guided some foreign embassies approach in Port-au-Prince, Some political observers have been quietly wondering if the government is seeking ways to negotiate with armed gangs based on certain appointments that were recently made for local mayors offices.

Neither the government nor the ruling council has said they are interested in negotiating with gangs, although others close to the leadership have been accused of having close ties to gang leaders.

For the most part, Haitians in general have shown no interest in amnesty for the gangs, and in many instances communities have fought back against gang invasions by killing suspected gang members rather than letting them be arrested.

In no instances will gangs ever help resolve the security crisis, said Pierre Esperance, a human-rights advocate. Involving gang leaders in a political accord is reinforcing impunity and legitimizing them.

Esperance said the mere fact that members of Haitis political class would even mention Viv Ansamn in their proposal shows they have relations with the gangs and that they have failed in their mission. Its a lack of respect for human lives, normalization of the violence and it shows that a lot of people in the political class are comfortable with what is taking place in the country.

Samuel Madistin, a lawyer and former presidential candidate, said he is just as bewildered as others as to what is driving the inclusion of Viv Ansanm in the political debate. Like Esperance, he rejected the notion that those responsible for the instability and worsening humanitarian crisis can offer peace and stability.

They are spitting on the memories of a lot of people, people who have been made victims by these terrorists, thousands whom they have assassinated, women whom they have raped, people who have lost their homes, their businesses, thousands who have been forcibly displaced, Madistin said. The people whom they massacred  its an abuse, disrespect they are showing to all of these victims.

Madistin said the idea that Haitian politicians believe that a group of terrorists can lend a voice to the political crisis is unacceptable.

It is the governments role to give itself the means to neutralize the gangs; they have to reinforce the army, the police, Madistin said. There cannot be negotiations with the gangs. There cannot be impunity.

2025 Miami Herald.

Visit miamiherald.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornets fly overhead during the Kaneohe Bay Air Show in Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. (Arianna Lindheimer/U.S. Marine Corps)

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII  Navy pilot Lt. Cmdr. Lilly Montana has a brief bit of advice for anyone planning to watch the Blue Angels flight demonstration team as it performs this August at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Theres a couple surprises, one or two sneak passes, Montana, a member of the team, told reporters Friday morning at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

I wont spoil the surprise, but folks that come to K-Bay and come to the air show, bring your hearing protection, she said.

Montana and fellow Blue Angels team member Marine Corps Maj. Scott Laux were in Hawaii this week to lay the groundwork for the squadrons performance at the Kaneohe Bay Air Show Aug. 9-10.

The visit was also part of the teams country-wide publicity blitz for the 32 air show demonstrations scheduled for 2025, kicking off March 15 with the Naval Air Facility El Centro Festival of Flight in California.

The team last performed at the Kaneohe Bay Air Show in 2022.

The stated mission of the Blue Angels, established in 1946 by Adm. Chester Nimitz, is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Lilly Montana and Marine Corps Maj. Scott Laux, aviators with the Blue Angels demonstration flight team, pose at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Jan. 10, 2025. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)

Laux said that the Blue Angels team is one of the most effective tools the Defense Department has in executing that mission by performing at localities across the nation each year.

Our aircraft are painted blue and gold, not gray, he said. We want to be seen. We want to be in the publics eye. We want the public to know what the Navy and the Marine Corps are doing for the country.

He pushed back on those who question whether funding the team  roughly $37 million a year  is worth the expense.

[H]aving the ability to put members of the active-duty Navy, the Marine Corps, in front of the public to promote that culture of excellence and service to country, I would challenge anyone who asked that question to find a better resource than the Blue Angels to execute that mission, he said.

Obviously, were all the way out here in Hawaii right now, he said. Weve got Key West on the schedule as well, so the exact opposite corner of the country. Weve got Portsmouth, New Hampshire, other places in the South, the Midwest, the Northwest, the Southwest.

There is also a human cost to performing precision aerial maneuvers, which at times bring the F/A-18 Super Hornet jets within 18 inches of each other and as low as 50 feet above the ground.

Twenty-six team members have died during practice or performance since 1946, a relatively large number given that there have been fewer than 300 demonstration pilots during that time.

The pair of pilots heads back to the West Coast on Saturday to continue visiting upcoming air show sites.

Most places we go are excited to see us, Laux said. Air shows are exciting things so the energy is always high. And were excited to bring a pretty awesome product to each of these towns.
Italian authorities have advised people near a U.S. Navy base and housing area to limit outdoor activity due to an explosion and chemical leak from an industrial business. (Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes)

NAPLES, Italy  Air quality tests following an explosion and chemical leak at an industrial business near a U.S. Navy base were negative for dangerous levels of toxins, allowing people to safely go outdoors, service officials said.

The multiple tests conducted by Italian authorities throughout Saturday returned negative results, Naval Support Activity Naples said in a text message the same day sent to the military community using an alert system. As a result of the air sampling, normal activities can resume with no further action needed.

On Friday, Italian officials had advised people in the area to take precautionary measures to protect their health and minimize exposure to potential air pollutants. Those actions included limiting outdoor activities, wearing masks and cleaning external surfaces, the base said.

The advisory was scheduled to last through 7 p.m. Saturday and included families living at or near NSA Naples Support Site, which is about 15 miles southwest of where large amounts of ammonia were released.

Earlier on Saturday, base officials said the leak had been contained but the health advisory would remain in effect until the evening.

The ammonia leak occurred at about 4 p.m. Friday during maintenance work on a tank at a company offering cold storage for perishable products, according to the Ansa news agency.

Three workers were able to escape but a fourth, a 19-year-old man from Naples, was killed. It was the second fatal accident at the business in less than two weeks, Ansa said.

Three firefighting teams responded to the chemical leak and nearby homes and businesses were evacuated, Ansa reported.

Anhydrous ammonia can be corrosive to the skin, eyes and lungs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Depending on the circumstances, a leak can cause an explosion, the EPA said.

Anhydrous ammonia is used in agriculture, refrigeration and manufacturing, among other applications.

Earlier, Italian authorities also advised residents to keep their windows and doors shut, and to close forced air ventilation systems. It wasnt clear Saturday if those precautions were still needed.

NSA Naples Support Site is near the town of Gricignano di Aversa, about 14 miles north of the bases Capodichino site at Naples airport.

The bases housing, schools, lodging, recreational facilities, commissary and other facilities are on Support Site. It is surrounded by a mix of industrial complexes, farmland and housing.
Rep. George Latimer (D-New York) and McBride speak in the cafeteria of the Longworth House Office Building. (Marvin Joseph for The Washington Post)

Sarah McBride arrived at the Capitol on Monday in running sneakers, her feet sinking in the snow, because she forgot her boots back home in Wilmington, Delaware. The Uber dropped her off a block from her office because the area was fenced with metal - a reminder of a previous, violent Jan. 6. McBride then watched Vice President Kamala Harris certify her own loss to Donald

Trump, the leader of a party thats often been hostile to McBrides mere existence, and the existence of her fellow transgender Americans.

And yet McBride, 34, was chipper about her new life as a Democratic congresswoman, elected in November to represent all of Delaware in the House. Congresswoman? No. Call me Sarah, she said to a visitor in her suite, on the third floor of the Longworth House Office Building.

If Congress was high school, McBride would be the theater kid whos always running for student-body president: sunny, over-prepared, greeting every new colleague she sees. Like a typical, excited new freshman, I was like Aw, I want everyone to be there today, and it not be a snow day! she said, standing by the coffee carafes in the Longworth cafeteria at lunchtime. Cream. Three Splendas. Five-plus cups a day isnt unusual.

She does not eat breakfast or lunch, she says; her dinner order at her Taco Bell/KFC in Wilmington is insane (Nachos and cheese, four hard tacos, one soft Taco Supreme, three crispy drumsticks and an eight-piece chicken tender thing).

For McBride, the first out transgender member of Congress, this week has been  a lot. On Jan. 2 she rounded up family and friends to take the Amtrak to D.C. from the Joseph R. Biden Jr. station. On the commute, her best friend from middle school worried, for the first time ever, that someone could really harm her now that shes assuming a national role. The next day McBride picked up the keys to her office and went to the House chamber for the speaker vote, where C-SPAN cameras caught her chatting with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (New York) and a couple of other Democrats, and fretting that shed clumsily mess up Jeffriess name during the roll-call vote. At one point Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) came over to update Jeffries on his prospects for reelection.

According to McBride, Johnson said to her and the others, with wry awareness of the mild chaos: Welcome to Congress.

Some Republicans have been aggressively unwelcoming, for weeks now. In late November, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) introduced a resolution to amend the House rules so lawmakers and staff couldnt use single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to the biological sex of the user. Other Republicans piled on, misgendering her.

Johnson, for his part, declared that a man cannot become a woman, but added that everyone deserved to be treated with dignity; he would later be warm and welcoming, McBride says, at her ceremonial swearing-in photo with family. (Maces office did not respond to a request for comment on this story; Johnsons office reiterated his statement announcing the policy.)

In the middle of new-member orientation, two days after Mace volleyed her resolution, Johnson said that hed effectively be adopting it as House policy.

Welcome to Congress.

So, in one of her first official statements as a congresswoman-elect, McBride had to announce that shed be following rules that she disagreed with. She says she didnt run for Congress to be a symbol, or a spokesperson, or the first anything. She believes that being a good legislator will take care of the naysayers.

Ask McBride what that means and shell speak in soaring terms about improving the lives of workers and retirees in Delaware, and having a serious willingness to work across the aisle.

Im here to be a serious person, she said, during a series of interviews in her office. And if there are people here who dont want to be serious, then they can answer to their constituents.

Sarah McBride is serious.

Sarah McBride is also funny. Sorry, she said at one point, when her voice cracked because of a lingering head cold. I sound like Im going through puberty. She snorts when she laughs.

She had the desk in her new office hauled out, because its a ridiculous power move to make visitors to sit across from one. Im a millennial so, of course, if I am on my computer, its a laptop, and Im laying on this couch, you know? So, no need to be at a desk.

Feed the memoirs of Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton into an A.I. bot and ask it to generate a peppy millennial politician, and you might get Sarah McBride.

She worked for Beau Biden when he was Delawares attorney general, and got to know the Biden family (Joe would write the foreword to her 2018 memoir). She came out as trans in a 2012 op-ed in American Universitys student newspaper on her final days as - you guessed it - student-body president. And she began being the first: first trans speaker at a major-party convention, first trans state senator in the nation.

When she was working at the Center for American Progress, in 2016, one of her social media posts went viral when, in protest, she took a selfie in a womens bathroom in North Carolina that she wasnt legally supposed to be in. Shes since come to believe that pushing back isnt always the best course, even when the attacks get personal.

The older I get, the more practical I get about the necessity for grace and patience, she said Tuesday, pouring another cup of coffee after a virtual briefing on trans kids in sports, from the Congressional Equality Caucus. I just dont think that getting personally hurt or demoralized or upset does anyone any good.

McBride holds fast to the Bidenesque belief that theres no policy issue on which she cant find compromise, no person she cant try to build trust with.

Does that mean she would make time for Nancy Mace?

After the caucus meeting, while heading to the House floor for her first vote - against a bill that would require the detention of any undocumented immigrant charged with theft-related crimes - McBride climbed a set of stairs to a marbled hallway on the ground floor of the Capitol. Mace rounded a corner and the two nearly brushed elbows, but they didnt stop or acknowledge each other.

What did it feel like to run into Mace?

McBride flashed a grin. Who?

She continued: It must be weirder for her than it is for me. Shes the one doing it! Shes the one making a thing about it.

McBride doesnt mention transgender rights when asked about her legislative priorities. When she talks about representing LGBTQ people, she makes it clear that, first and foremost, shes representing Delawareans. Her official House bio online does not include the words trans or transgender; it does mention green technologies, mental health, Medicaid and her work for the Human Rights Campaign. Shes most passionate about reforming care infrastructure, such as passing paid family and medical leave - which she helped do in the Delaware state senate.

And McBride capped her first full week in office by introducing legislation, with Rep. Young Kim (R-California), to crack down on fraudulent practices in the credit repair industry.

This makes McBride the first freshman Democrat to introduce a bill this Congress. First, again.

You want to ask a congresswoman where she relieves herself? Is that really your most pressing question?

Fine. Theres a private restroom in her Longworth office, but thats at least a 10-minute walk from the House chamber. So she will use the facilities in the Capitol suites of Jeffries and the Democratic whip, Katherine Clark.

Thats been the plan since before her election.

When she was running, people kept asking which bathroom she was going to use. McBride didnt think it deserved a lot of thought, but as the election drew near, she realized: People are going to film me. People are going to film me and post it online. So she decided she wouldnt be using any of the public womens restrooms and made arrangements with the Democratic higher-ups to use theirs.

If Mace or Johnson had asked McBride, they wouldve known. But then Mace began her crusade, and McBride had to build this issue into her portfolio somehow. She heard from people who wanted her to fight back. Was that the right move?

The goal of what was happening was not just to bar me from a restroom, McBride said, sitting on her couch. It was to caricaturize me, to turn me into a caricature of a self-obsessed, angry, trans-focused-to-the-exclusion-of-everything-else activist. That was as much, if not more, of the goal than anything else.

Her face was absent any anger, or even irritation. This is deliberate. On the table, her coffee was going cold.

And if I had responded that way, it would have given them exactly the response they sought. My job is to be a good member of Congress. Any other response would have undermined that.

She spoke slowly, calmly, like she was examining each word before saying it.

I think people misunderstand what I am here to do. I think also people misunderstand what the civil disobedience is. In this case, the disobedience is not claiming a toilet seat. The disobedience is claiming a seat in Congress and being in an institution where some people dont want me here simply because of who I am. Thats the disobedience. The civil part is taking the indignities that come with that with my chin up.

But Johnsons policy doesnt affect just her. It affects trans staffers who have been on the Hill since before she arrived. McBride tried to find out whether the ban could be limited to just lawmakers. She wasnt spoiling for a public fight; she wanted to have a conversation.

Yet a conversation didnt seem to be the point of the Republicans exercise. On Tuesday, CNNs Wolf Blitzer asked McBride about working with Republicans who attack her identity, and McBride referred to professional provocateurs parading as public officials.

Mace responded on X by misgendering McBride and writing: You will never be our equal.

Sticks and stones, right? McBride has armor. Yet even a position of strength can feel lonely. Whether she likes it or not, she keeps being the first - and the first is always among people who cant fully understand. And so, to feel less alone, she thinks of her husband, Andy, who died in 2014 of cancer. For over a decade now, shes asked herself: What would Andy do?

So much has happened since he died. So much has changed. Its become harder to hear him, even as its become easier to hear herself.

What would Andy say in circumstances that neither he nor I, when we were together, could have conceived of? McBride said this week. And so this is - 

She searched for the words.

Its just - 

What, exactly?

Its uncharted territory.

But thats where shes been headed, all along.
Andrew Thomas appeared at Dublin District Court on Saturday, charged with assault causing harm at the Apple Green shop on Swords Road in Santry, north Dublin on September 28 last year

A young Dublin man has been denied bail after being accused of striking another male from behind with a hurley several times, causing severe head injuries during a feud-related attack.

Andrew Thomas, 18, of Wad River Close, Ballymun, appeared at Dublin District Court on Saturday, charged with assault causing harm at the Apple Green shop on Swords Road in Santry, north Dublin on September 28 last year.

He was also charged with possessing a knife as a weapon during an incident at St Mary's Abbey in Dublin 7 on September 20, 2024.

He faced court after investigating gardai spent months searching for him, believing the teenager had "gone to ground" and may have left the country.

However, Mr Thomas was spotted and arrested at Dublin Airport on Friday while getting a haircut.

Judge Treasa Kelly refused bail and remanded him in custody.

Garda Sean Clyde alleged the incidents were connected to an ongoing feud, which has already involved gun attacks on the accused and his home.

He stated that during the assault, the injured party was at the till area when he was attacked from behind by the accused. The officer maintained, "Mr Thomas struck the male with a hurley on three occasions to his head."

A contested bail hearing revealed claims that the male sustained severe injuries, including a broken nose, swelling to his right eye.

It was alleged the attacker, wearing a black ski mask, took 20 from him, and fled. The court heard that gardai recovered an identical ski mask two days later during a search of the defendant's address.

Garda Clyde maintained that the accused also got involved in an altercation at St Mary's Abbey.

Youths were verbally abusive to each other, and it was claimed the accused produced a knife, and a more serious charge could arise from that incident.

The court heard there were independent witnesses and CCTV evidence.

Mr Thomas's passport had been seized earlier.

However, Garda Clyde suggested the accused "disappeared" and was gone for three months after the violent incident in the Applegreen shop.

The officer believed he could have left the country by ferry.

He said the accused had been in a feud with another individual in Ballymun, which had caused serious concerns, and it was maintained that shots were fired at his home and the accused himself had once been shot in the arm.

The garda feared there would be more incidents and that "members of the public could be dragged into this".

Defence solicitor Edward Bradbury highlighted that his client had no prior convictions.

In cross-examination, the garda agreed that Mr Thomas did not have a passport or a ticket on him when found at the airport, and "there was nothing to suggest he was going anywhere".

He also acknowledged that the accused had been identified solely by gardai, not by external witnesses.

Pleading for bail, Mr Bradbury asked the judge to consider his client's young age, he had just turned 18, and that there was no evidence of drug addiction.

The accused, who did not address the proceedings, was supported in court by family members. His solicitor emphasised that his client had the presumption of innocence and he argued that the court could set bail with specific conditions.

However, the application for bail was denied, and Judge Kelly remanded the teenager in custody.

He is scheduled to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Friday via video link. Legal aid was granted.
Officers seized small bags of white powder later confirmed to contain cocaine, quantities of tablets, deal bags and scales.

A Belfast man convicted of involvement in a social media cocaine-selling racket has avoided being sent to jail.

Andrew John Matthews was handed a five-month suspended sentence for offences linked to price lists said to have been put up on Instagram.

The 23-year-old, of Glenluce Drive, was found guilty of possessing Class A and B drugs with intent to supply, along with being concerned in the supply of Class B substances.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard police carried out searches at his home on October 3, 2023.

Officers seized small bags of white powder later confirmed to contain cocaine, quantities of tablets, deal bags and scales.

As Matthews was escorted from the property he attempted to hand a mobile phone to a neighbour, prosecutors said.

District Judge Anne Marshall pressed for more details on the level of illicit activity.

Reminding myself from all of these messages on his phone, (on) Instagram he was putting up price lists I believe for drugs, she observed.

They included one that says ketamine and goes on to offer prices for pure cocaine.

Matthews was found guilty of the offences in his absence at a previous hearing.

His lawyer said the charges had been defended on the basis that someone else allegedly controlled the social media account and put him under pressure to provide access to the codes.

She also told the court that Matthews, who has no previous record, intends to appeal the convictions.

Judge Marshall imposed a five-month prison term, suspended for two years, and ordered all of the seized drugs to be destroyed.

She warned the defendant: If you reoffend in the next two years you will go into custody and serve that sentence.
Gagandeep Kaur was granted bail after an in-camera hearing.

A woman has been charged in relation to an alleged hit and run incident involving a cyclist outside Dundalk last Monday.

Gagandeep Kaur of Adamstown, Dunleer appeared before Judge Stephanie Coggans at Ardee District Court on Friday morning.

The 37-year-old was brought to court in custody, but was granted bail after an in-camera hearing.

Garda Conor Hegarty provided evidence of charging Kaur at 9.16pm on Thursday, January 9 at Drogheda Garda Station, contrary to section 106 of the Road Traffic Act.

Garda Hegarty testified that the accused replied, I agree with the charge.

The alleged incident occurred at approximately 6.25pm at Mooretown, Dromiskin, Co. Louth on Monday, January 6.

The cyclist, a man aged in his 40s, was brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda with serious injuries and remains in a critical condition.

Judge Coggans granted bail in the accuseds own bond of 5,000 and an independent surety of 10,000, with 5,000 to be lodged.

She was remanded to appear before Ardee District Court again on March 14.
Previous incidents in other countries have the force on high alert

A major garda operation is continuing this weekend as armed officers monitor a meeting of the Hells Angels biker organisation, with over 300 members of the club present at a Dublin hotel.

Gardai have carried out a risk assessment of the event because of previous violent incidents that have broken out at similar club meetings in other countries in the past two decades.

Of particular concern to gardai is that some attendees wear patches on their jackets that indicate that they have used extreme violence, including against police.

Apart from armed garda units, public order gardai have also been deployed on occasion to the location since the event started on Thursday.

Sources told the Sunday World no violent incidents have been recorded, but there is absolutely no room for complacency here.

Read more Man (32) arrested on suspicion of murder of Belfast man John George released on bail

With this in mind, there has been an increase in garda patrols at all airports and ports because of previous international incidents between Hells Angels and rival biker gangs at airports.

These include the murder of a man at Denmarks Copenhagen Airport in 1996, another murder at Sydney Airport in Australia in 2009 and an attempted murder at Canadas Vancouver Airport in 2015.

Senior members of the Hells Angels have travelled to Dublin from all over the world for the meeting, which is the first time a meeting of club officers has happened on this scale in Ireland.

MMA fighter Conor McGregor posted a photo on his social media accounts of him enjoying a pint with five Hells Angels members in his Drimnagh pub on Thursday.

The Hells Angels established its first chapter in Ireland in April 2011 and one of its leading members is Matt Kelly, the nephew of Dublin gangland criminal Eamon Kelly who was shot dead by dissident republicans near his north Dublin home in December 2012.

It is understood Mr Kelly, who is not involved in crime, runs the Hells Angels clubhouse in Dublin 15 where a number of events took place during the week that were also monitored by gardai.

Sources said the vast majority of attendees are not involved in organised crime. However, some of those present have been involved in a serious catalogue of crimes, including drugs trafficking and murder.

Violence between biker gangs is rare in Ireland, but there have been some serious incidents over the years.

Senior members of a separate biker gang whose base is in the Crumlin area of Dublin are heavily involved in drugs trafficking on an international scale and have been the subject of a number of organised crime and Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) investigations.

Separately, in October 2017, Alan Cookie McNamara from Murroe, Co Limerick, was sentenced to life in prison for the biker feud shotgun murder of Andrew AOD ODonoghue at the gates of the Road Tramps motorcycle club at Mountfune, Co Limerick, on June 20, 2015.

McNamara, who is aligned with the Caballeros motorcycle club, shot Mr ODonoghue in a revenge attack after he was humiliated by the Road Tramps in an altercation outside a pub in Doon.

The Texan biker gang the Bandidos, which has worldwide chapters, was backing McNamara while he was up on murder charges and even produced T-shirts in support of him.

In October 2016, there was a significant armed garda presence in place when a motorcycle club in Limerick held an initiation event that led to the formation of a new chapter of the Bandidos in Ireland.

In some countries, the Bandidos are a feared biker gang and reports state they are involved in the worldwide distribution of drugs as well as organised crimes such as people smuggling and murder.
During the video, he told his followers: Were very lucky to have a man of that calibre here in Ireland.

An Irish People Party election candidate, given a three-month-jail sentence over a violent attack on a 'drag story' event for children in Tralee, was among the protestors who turned up to support Enoch Burke on his return to Wilsons Hospital School on Monday.

Ross Lahive, from Shandon, Cork who has appealed the sentence handed down to him in December for assaulting four people at Tralee library, did a livestream from outside the school in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath in which he praised Burke as a staunch man.

During the video, he told his followers: Were very lucky to have a man of that calibre here in Ireland 

My impression of Enoch is a very humble, down to earth man and is it any wonder the people of Ireland, the vast majority of us, stand behind him.

He puts it very simply in his interviews.

He really believes in that, and hes being persecuted for that.

Ross Lahive was filmed supporting Enoch Burke outside school

Mr Lahive was one of 20 protestors to show up at a special event outside the school to show support for the teacher.

The protestors held signs which read: Enoch is not a criminal. He is a Christian and a teacher and Please drop all charges against Enoch Burke.

Burke resumed his daily protest outside the school on Monday in defiance of a High Court order that he keep his distance from his former place of employment.

The transgender row teacher now owes the state 193,000 in unpaid fines for breaching court orders.

Burke was suspended in August 2022 and later dismissed by the board of management of the school after publicly clashing with its then principal over a request that teachers address a transgender child by a new name and they/them pronouns.

Mr Burke, who is from a family of well-known evangelical Christians, refused to do so on religious grounds.

Mr Burke has now served three terms of imprisonment for contempt of court for his repeated refusal to comply with various court orders to keep away from the secondary school where he taught German and History.

During these three terms since August 2022, he has spent a total of 512 days in prison.

Each time he has been released; he returns to the school.

The judge who released him last month despite the teacher not purging his contempt, said it was his opinion that Mr Burke was exploiting his imprisonment for his own ends.

Enoch Burke outside Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath. Photo: Gerry Mooney.

But, addressing the media outside the school on Tuesday evening, the teacher said: I was told to do something wrong, to call a young boy by the they pronoun 

Theres only one reason Im outside the door, pushed out in the cold, and its because I said I would not accept transgenderism 

I should be in a classroom today, in a heated classroom doing the job I love and teaching the children I love. Theres only one reason I was pushed out into the cold and its because I said I would not accept transgenderism. Its not the first day I have been out in the cold. I am not protesting; I am reporting for work.

Mr Burke was warned by Mr Justice David Nolan when being released last month that he would be fined 1,400-a-day, double the 700 fine previously imposed on him by another judge, if he chooses to continue breaching the court order and entering the grounds of Wilsons Hospital School when it reopened today.

Lawyers for the school previously raised concerns that there was no mechanism to collect the fines from him.

In his ruling last month, the judge directed that representatives of the Attorney General and the Department of Finance come before the court to advise on what mechanism is available to use Mr Burkes salary to pay the fines.

The case is listed for mention again in the High Court later this month.
A sawn-off shotgun, a handgun, cannabis with an estimated street value of 20,000 and a quantity of cocaine were found during a search in Monksland, Athlone, Co Roscommon, on Wednesday, January 8.

Cannabis with an estimated street value of 20,000 was found at a property in County Roscommon. Photo: Galway An Garda Siochana Facebook.

Gardai investigating an incident of aggravated burglary in Co Galway seized guns and drugs worth over 20,000 during a search in Co Roscommon.

A sawn-off shotgun, a handgun, cannabis with an estimated street value of 20,000 and a quantity of cocaine were found during a search in Monksland, Athlone, Co Roscommon on Wednesday, January 8.

The haul comes as gardai from the crime office in Ballinasloe  supported by the Athlone crime office and Eastern Region Armed Support Unit  searched a home on Wednesday.

The search was in relation to an incident of aggravated burglary at Garbally Demesne, Ballinasloe, Co Galway on December 27, 2024.

The items were found in the undergrowth during the search.

A sawn-off shotgun was found at a property in County Roscommon. Photo: Galway An Garda Siochana Facebook.

The items were found in the undergrowth during the search.

Three men, two aged in their 40s and one in his 30s, were arrested and detained at a garda station in County Galway under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

They were subsequently released without charge, pending further investigations.

Cannabis with an estimated street value of 20,000 was found at a property in County Roscommon. Photo: Galway An Garda Siochana Facebook.

The firearms were made safe and will now be sent on to the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau to undergo analysis.

The drugs seized will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

Gardai confirmed the incident and a spokesperson said, Gardai arrested three men and seized two firearms as well as quantities of cocaine and cannabis at Athlone, Co Roscommon, on Wednesday, 8th January.

"As part of investigations into an aggravated burglary at Garbally Demesne, Ballinasloe, Co Galway on 27th December, 2024, gardai from the crime office in Ballinasloe  supported by the Athlone crime office and Eastern Region Armed Support Unit  searched a residential property on Wednesday in Monksland, Athlone.

Three men (two aged in their 40s and one in his 30s) were arrested and detained at a garda station in Co Galway under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. They were subsequently released without charge, pending further investigations."
The bureau says it leads the US Department of State in the whole-of-government effort to counter terrorism abroad and to secure the US against foreign terrorist threats

A scene from the Dublin riots on November 23 last year. Photo: Mark Condren

The US Bureau of Counterterrorism has described the Dublin riots of 2023 as three days of white supremacist rioting fuelled by disinformation from Irish white supremacists and ultranationalists in its latest reports on terrorism internationally.

The bureau says it leads the US Department of State in the whole-of-government effort to counter terrorism abroad and to secure the US against foreign terrorist threats.

It included the Dublin Riots in its Country Reports on Terrorism 2023 which was published last month.

Ireland was included in a category titled White-Identity Terrorism/Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism.

The report states: In November [2023], Irish white supremacists and ultranationalists online spread disinformation regarding the nationality of a stabbing suspect arrested after stabbing two adults and three children. This anti-immigrant disinformation led to three days of white supremacist rioting in Dublin, inuring police and bystanders.

The bureau said the it includes all credible information about white-identity terrorism (WIT), including relevant attacks, the identification of perpetrators and victims of such attacks, the size and identification of organizations and networks, and the identification of notable ideologues.

The rioting, fuelled on-line by far-right agitators, broke out on November 23rd, 2023, after three children and a care worker were stabbed outside a primary school and creche on Parnell Square East.

Some 20 million worth of damage was carried out during the riots with garda vehicles, buses and a Luas set on fire while several people including gardai were injured.

Opportunistic looting also broke out in the city centre on the night.

Gardai have arrested 65 people to date in relation to serious public disorder events in the city on the night and are expected to make further arrests.

A separate part of the report includes analysis of dissident republican organisations the Continuity IRA and the New IRA who they say cooperate.

They described CIRA as having been active in Belfast and the border areas of Northern Ireland, where it has carried out bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, extortion operations, and robberies.

They say the last attack claimed by the CIRA was in 2021 when they claimed responsibility for an attack on a police station in Fermanagh.

Last year Desmond Smith, from Kilnavara Crescent, Co Cavan and , Stephen Hamill (52), of Willow Ridge, Gortnakesh, Co Cavan were described as surprising candidates" for helping the Continuity IRA in the bizarre attack on Enniskillen PSNI station.

They were both given suspended sentences at the Special Criminal Court after they pleaded guilty to knowingly rendering assistance to an organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA in the performance or furtherance of an unlawful object in March 2021.

Neither man was alleged in court to be members of CIRA and both took to the stand to vow that they would disassociate themselves from criminal organisations and Republican paramilitaries. They swore that they repudiated unlawful organisations and all their acts.

Mr Smith, who has no previous convictions for any offences, told the Sunday World he wanted to move on with his life when we called to his home after the sentencing.

Its in the past, he said before saying he was not interested in being interviewed about the bizarre case.

The case revolved around a supposed attack on Enniskillen PSNI station in March 2021 which was subsequently claimed by the CIRA but went unnoticed by police at the time. A call made to the media about the supposed attack led to a search during which an improvised slam gun was found close to the station.

The Us Bureau on Counterterrorism report described the CIRA as a small organisation.

CIRAs membership is small, with possibly fewer than 50 members, the report said.

It said the organisation supports its activities through criminal activities, including bank robberies, extortion, and smuggling.

The report estimates the New IRA as having around 100 members and noted it had claimed responsibility for a number of attacks in 2023.

In February [2023] the New IRA was suspected of shooting a senior police officer in Northern Ireland, and a statement purportedly from the group claimed responsibility for the attack. In April, police in Northern Ireland disrupted a New IRA bomb plot meant to coincide with President Bidens visit to Belfast.

In terms of New IRA funding the report says: The New IRA receives funds from money laundering, smuggling, and other criminal activities, is suspected of receiving funds from sympathizers in the United States, and has attempted to buy weapons from gun dealers in the United States and the Balkans.
It is very worrying and very distressing to hear the phone calls from him

A WOMAN fears for her partners safety in prison claiming he has not been given access to his psychiatric medication but can easily get illegal drugs.

She also said she has got phone calls from him asking for money to be sent to a Revolut account to allow him buy drugs.

Sharing a cell with four other men and sleeping on a mattress on the floor he has been infected with scabies and left with a rash all over his body.

His physical appearance has deteriorated noticeably after just one month behind bars, she told the Sunday World this week, after a prison visit.

Now in his mid-30s the man has a history of drug addiction, mental illness and is serving time for a minor offence and is due for release in April.

He has told me on the phone he hasnt received any medical attention.

Thats going to be dangerous for him and perhaps other people around him because when he is in psychosis hes not in touch with reality.

It is very worrying and very distressing to hear the phone calls from him.

The prisons are just over-packed with people with minor offences. My partner needs to be in a rehabilitation facility or linking in with mental health services.

He had been due to carry out community service but was sent to prison for failing to do so despite claims that a back injury sustained in a fatal car crash several years ago would make him unable to carry out certain work.

Now the woman fears her partners health is suffering unfairly after a period when he was working and engaging with medical and addiction services.

She feels, despite repeated attempts to raise the issue with the Prison Service and the Department of Justice, her concerns are not being taken seriously enough.

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said they cannot comment on an individual case.

It was stated, however, that each prisoner is seen for assessment by a primary care nurse and doctor with appropriate referrals made to mental health services if required at that stage.

They also work with the National Forensic Mental Health Service to provide services to inmates with a psychiatric diagnosis such as schizophrenia, psychosis and major mood disorder.

The Irish Prison Psychology Service employed by the IPS are continually working to be more effective are currently treating 350 people.

The IPS said on Friday there were 5,006 in custody across the prison estate or 111 per cent of the overall capacity and there are 212 prisoners sleeping on mattresses.

The Prison Service still has to accept people sent to them from the courts and there are plans to create 1,100 new prison places between now and 2030.

Gardai are also co-operating in Operation Throwover in bid to curb drugs being smuggled in to prisons by various means including drones.

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.

In a report on mental health care last year the Office of the Inspector of Prisons described the conditions as degrading in seven prisons it inspected.

The inspection was carried out by a team including two international experts in forensic psychiatry.

Low staffing numbers, inadequate environmental conditions, deficiencies in treatment within prison, and lack of system-wide clinical care pathways were identified as the four main issues.

It found that there are large numbers of prisoners "with serious mental illness, some of whom present significant behavioural and management difficulties".

It said that prisoner-patients whose conditions are so severe they need transfer to hospital can face long delays.
The Czech national has been bailed amid rumours the alleged killer has gone on the run

The Czech national is produced to court on Friday. Photo: www.solarpix.com

The man arrested after the discovery of Belfast man John Georges body in a Costa Blanca orchard has insisted he has nothing to do with the killing.

The bearded 32-year-old from the Czech Republic was held on suspicion of murder on Tuesday just hours after the gruesome discovery.

He was bailed by a judge on Friday after being told he is being investigated as an alleged accomplice.

The decision appeared to confirm earlier reports police were planning to make more arrests with the suspected killer still on the run.

The suspect told a court in Torrevieja, near Alicante, he was being scapegoated because Johns family had named him on social media.

Defence lawyer Manuel Ramon Rives also said the decision to detain his client was due to his recent friendship with the main suspect in the murder.

The lawyer told local news outlet Informacion there was no evidence incriminating his client and insisted: He isnt involved in this.

The whereabouts of the other man police are said to be hunting is not known although speculation is rife that he has fled Spain for the far east.

The Guardia Civil has so far only made one official statement since Johns body was found hidden under lemon trees around five miles from the town of Rojales, north of Torrevieja.

The Czech national is produced to court on Friday. Photo: www.solarpix.com

Watch: Father of John George says he will never return to Benidorm

A source close to the investigation said the Czech suspects detention is the only arrest that has taken place so far.

Any formal charges would only be laid shortly before trial, as is customary in Spain.

Paying tribute to her brother on Facebook on Saturday, John Georges sister Courtney spoke of her anguish.

She said: Four weeks today to the date I know my brother was murdered. How has it been four weeks with not hearing your voice. I cant even listen to your voice notes it just hurts so much.

This pain is something else. I will never understand why this happened to you. Why these people thought they could take your life away and no one would care.

When people say they feel robbed, thats me, Ive been robbed of a big brother who loved all us to death. His sons have been robbed of a daddy. John was adored by many and with every inch of my body I will make sure he gets justice.

The murder investigation is expected to take several months at least to conclude and potentially longer if the Spanish courts have to resort to issuing international arrest warrants.
Sark Kennedy was eventually jailed for five years and nine months by a judge who told him he was up to his neck in the filthy trade

Weeks after he was released in 2022, Sark was arrested again when police caught him dumping wraps of cocaine outside a school

The 29-year-old was a key member of the gang that flooded the streets of South Worcestershire with 25kg of cocaine

The dramatic moment world-famous violinist Nigel Kennedys son was busted running cocaine for a multi-million-pound county lines drugs gang has been released in police video.

Sark Yves Amadeus Kennedy was one of 15 gang members jailed for a total of 96 years following a four-year undercover investigation by West Mercia Police officers.

The 29-year-old was a key member of the gang that flooded South Worcestershire with 25kg of cocaine, worth more than 1.5million, which was delivered to dealers from Birmingham.

In June 2021, he was detained when authorities intercepted the 'stash car' he used to distribute drugs to dealers.

Police discovered nearly 400 wraps of cocaine, valued at 15,000, concealed within disposable gloves.

The 29-year-old was a key member of the gang that flooded the streets of South Worcestershire with 25kg of cocaine

Kennedy was jailed for 33 months after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine.

At the time he was caught he was wearing an expensive Rolex watch and gold chain, and officers his drug dealing was a one off.

But just weeks after he was released in 2022, he was arrested again when police caught him dumping wraps of cocaine outside a school in Malvern.

Kennedy was eventually jailed for five years and nine months by a judge who told him he was up to his neck in the filthy [drug] trade.

The court was told how Kennedy was a member of the gang targeted by West Mercia Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Officers had attempted to arrest the gang's leaders, Ameeth Mudhar and Syed Alom several times before they were brought to justice.

They were eventually caught on undercover footage supplying drugs to a network of street dealers.

On one previous occasion when officers tried to stop Alom and his 'lieutenant' Shakir Ali they rammed a police car before speeding away.

In footage released by police the pair can be seen throwing drugs out of the car windows as they are being chased.

They then narrowly miss running over a child as he crosses the road with his family before they stop in a pub car park and flee on foot.

In December 2020, Alom was arrested at his home in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, and remanded in custody.

Mudhar, who fled to Dubai, sent taunting phone messages claiming he was ten steps ahead of the authorities.

In one message, he said: Business will never go down. How many times do you think we've been nicked?

We've got brothers, we've got cousins, we've got boys. The lines will always come back on, let me tell you that.

Weeks after he was released in 2022, Sark was arrested again when police caught him dumping wraps of cocaine outside a school

In April 2021, he returned to the UK where he was arrested by police at his home in Malvern.

He was jailed for 14-and-a-half years while Alom was sentenced to ten years in prison last February.

However, according to police, Alom was released last month due to his time spent in custody and made subject of a serious crime prevention order.

Over the course of the four-year operation, police seized around 750g of cocaine and 2kg of cannabis worth over 80,000.

Sarks father Nigel has spoken previously about how he believes his son's first prison sentence had done him some good.

It's made a man out of him, he's not an overgrown boy,

He told MailOnline in August last year. It's like being in the Army, I suppose. It toughens you up.

He was moved around a lot in the prison system and I didn't see him until his term was finished.

It felt like a weird position. I was completely powerless and worried for his life. I prayed he would come out of it in one piece, and luckily that's how it transpired.
Robert Dawes, who denied organising the murder after being charged in 2021, was found guilty after a trial in Amsterdam in November

A notorious drug lord has been jailed for ordering the doorstep shooting of an innocent Dutch school teacher more than 20 years ago.

Gerard Meesters (52) died in the hallway of his home in Groningen, the Netherlands on November 28, 2002 when he was targeted by a gunman sent by Nottinghamshire-born Robert Dawes.

It was later established that Dawes had arranged for the 52-year-old to be shot dead over suspicions his estranged sister had hidden money or drugs.

Daniel Sowerby was jailed for life in 2006 for shooting Mr Meesters, but it took nearly another two decades for justice to be served after prosecutors in the Netherlands said he had done so on the orders of Dawes.

Dawes is currently serving a 22-year jail term handed down in 2018 for trafficking more than a tonne of cocaine from Venezuela to France.

Yesterday, he was further sentenced to a life imprisonment by a Dutch court for his involvement in Mr Meesters' murder on Friday, January 10.

Dawes, a petty criminal who became an "international drugs kingpin", was described by the Public Prosecution Service (OM) North Netherlands as the "intellectual mastermind" behind the killing.

They added the "ruthless criminal" had targeted the innocent father after sending gang members to his home days before.

Mr Meesters had no connection to the criminal organisation led by Dawes, according to the OM, and he was killed "solely to instill fear in others, a fact apparent from the case file," it added.

"The suspect allegedly led a criminal organisation involved in drug trafficking, of which the gunman was a member," said the OM.

Dutch prosecutors described how, on November 28, 2002, five men showed up at Mr Meesters' door and made it "unmistakably clear" that he must call a Spanish number to report his sister's whereabouts.

The gang threatened to return if he did not comply .

He followed their orders and called the number despite having no idea where his sister was.

Mr Meesters then went to police suspecting the threat might relate to his sister's involvement in hiding money or drugs.

"Beyond that, he, like the police at the time, had no idea who these persons were," said the OM.

"A few days later, two men returned, and one of them shot him dead.

"Following thorough investigative work former Dawes foot soldier Sowerby was jailed for life in the Netherlands in 2006 for shooting Mr Meesters.

But prosecutors suspected Dawes had ordered the killing - and the investigation reopened in 2017 at the urging of Mr Meesters' children and through the work of a Dutch journalist.

"It's fair to say that, without the relentless urging of Gerard Meesters' children, this case against the suspect likely would not have come to court," added the OM.

Dawes, who denied organising the murder after being charged in 2021, was found guilty after a trial in Amsterdam in November.

Prior to his sentencing the OM said: "Although the suspect has not previously been convicted of murder, the OM deems life imprisonment fitting, partly because the suspect has lived his entire life as a ruthless criminal, amassing significant wealth.

"Since 2002, Gerard Meesters relatives have been trapped in a horrific ordeal. They have witnessed how their completely innocent father was murdered by a criminal organisation."
Many of those ordered to evacuate lived in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighbourhood.

It was the setting for Faye Dunaways famous post-Oscars poolside shoot, the inspiration behind The Eagles classic song Hotel California, as well as the place where Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned six times.

But now the pink hotel has taken on a very different role  transformed into a temporary evacuation station for the citys most affluent refugees. The record-breaking fires raging through Los Angeles have led 130,000 people to evacuate their homes. The official death toll is 10, but is expected to rise.

Many of those ordered to evacuate lived in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighbourhood.

Celebrities including Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal and Adam Brody have reportedly lost their homes.

While many of those forced to evacuate sought shelter at the homes of relatives or public shelters, those who can afford it have flocked to the five-star Beverly Hills Hotel.

Dog bags and laundry baskets replaced designer suitcases on the luggage carts lining the entrance to the hotels lobby on Thursday, as guests dressed in tracksuits walked their pets in circles around the hotel, known to locals as The Pink Palace.

Among those who escaped to the hotel hideaway was actor Jamie Lee Curtis, who emerged from the labyrinth of exclusive bungalows wearing all black, with her white dog.

Read more Man (32) arrested on suspicion of murder of Belfast man John George released on bail

The night before, the Oscar winner (66) fought back tears on TV as she described the devastation being caused by the Pacific Palisades fire, which tore through her neighbourhood.

Ms Lee Curtiss home is thought to be intact, but she and her family pledged $1m (976,000) to help those impacted by the blaze.

Acclaimed Hollywood executive Erik Feig, the former co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, was also among those who had flocked to the hotel. Mr Feig, his wife Susanna, their children Ellie (20) and Alex (15) and their three dogs decamped to the Beverly Hills Hotel on Tuesday after seeing smoke billowing near their Pacific Palisades home. They grabbed their passports, birth certificates, a bag of photographs and some dog food before bundling into the car.

Mr Feig, who helped create the Oscar-winning film La La Land, The Hurt Locker and the Hunger Games series, was glued to their residences security cameras that night to check if their home was safe.

They could see a flicker of fire in the background, but were unaware if it had survived the night after the power cut out at around midnight. Still unsure if his house had survived, Mr Feig decided to revisit the property on Wednesday. While nearby houses had been burnt to a crisp, his sprawling white mansion was still intact.

It kind of feels apocalyptic... its such a beautiful neighbourhood, he said, still in his workout clothes after visiting the hotel gym. Ive lived there for about 11 years and as soon as I crest the hill and see that view of the hills, honestly, even after 11 years, theres like a stop in my heart. Im just like, wow. I cannot believe I live here. This is so beautiful.

Its a real kind of pinch-me moment... and so you see this now, and its destruction, I mean, just clouds of smoke all over the place.

Mr Feigs seven-bedroom home is still standing. But just a few doors down the ashes of one destroyed home were still burning, the only thing left standing was a washing machine and a fireplace.

Their friends who live five doors down, who were also staying at the hotel, lost their entire home. Mr Feig said he knows 57 families who have lost their homes.

Celebrity make-up artist Sarah Maxwell (44) and her daughter Olivia (12) also said they felt guilty about their home surviving when so many of their friends houses were destroyed. The family have also been holed up at the Beverly Hills Hotel since Tuesday while their Pacific Palisades home was under evacuation orders.

As of right now, its still standing, but all my friends have lost their homes, said Ms Maxwell, who has her own beauty line.

It was really scary, because I could tell that it [the fire] was close to my house. When we thought our house was gone, I was really, really sad, but I found out last night that it was still there, and I just want to go home, Olivia said as she and her mother walked their two dogs.

I also feel guilty because my friends cat died in her house, in the fire. I really havent told them that my house is still up, because I know shes gonna get sad because she lost everything.

My future high school burnt down and I really wanted to go there. And then all my best friends homes burnt down, except for one, but her backyard is gone, and Im just really sad.

Those who had lost their homes returned to the rubble in a bid to salvage some mementos from the ash.

Brendan Ward (27) walked several kilometres from Santa Monica to his family home in the Palisades only to find the house his grandfather built in the 1970s completely destroyed.

My parents watched on our security cameras as the entire house went up. There was a small bit of hope coming back that maybe it was just partial, it wasnt completely destroyed, but out of 15 homes on our street, there were only three left standing, he said.

The only thing he was able to salvage from the home was some pieces of broken pottery.

My dad went to Palisades Elementary, right here, said Mr Ward as he gestured at a burnt-out building in front of us.

Clutching a torch and wearing a mask to protect from the black smoke, he added: That is now burnt to the ground. He went to Pali High, like I did.

Its devastating, and the destruction is unbelievable. But I still dont think any of us have really processed the fact that our childhood home, the place that we made so many memories, the place that we lived for most of our lives, doesnt exist.

Since it opened in 1912, the Beverly Hills Hotel has been a refuge for the rich and famous, but never like this before, as many of its current guests have fled for their lives.

Its not the only LA landmark that looks remarkably different amid the worst fires on records. Bulldozers are driving down a deserted Sunset Boulevard. The Dolby Theatre has been evacuated. The citys museums are all dark and shuttered. A blaze that broke out on Thursday night is now perilously close to the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign.

The destruction from the wildfires is so catastrophic it may mark the end of an era for Los Angeles.
Lawyers for ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, went before the Supreme Court yesterday, days before the ban is set to begin.

People protest the TikTok ban outside the US Supreme Court in Washington yesterday. Photo: Reuters

US Supreme Court justices slammed First Amendment arguments made by TikTok as the popular social media app tries to avoid a US ban in the coming days.

Lawyers for ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, went before the Supreme Court yesterday, days before the ban is set to begin.

The government passed a ban on the app, unless it is sold, citing national security concerns and its ties to Chinas communist party.

TikTok has argued that the app should be able to exist in the US under free speech claims.

It is one of the most popular social media applications in the US with more than 170 million monthly users and more than half are under the age of 30.

Read more Man (32) arrested on suspicion of murder of Belfast man John George released on bail

Congress doesnt care about whats on TikTok, Chief Justice John Roberts said during oral arguments.

They dont care about the expression. Thats shown by the remedy. Theyre not saying TikTok has to stop. Theyre saying the Chinese have to stop controlling TikTok.

Many of the apps Gen-Z users are not happy facing a potential ban.

We are starving, we are dying, people are in jail for f**king marijuana charges, were in a war that we should not be in in the first place and TikTok is our most pressing concern? I dont think so, YouTuber and make-up artist James Charles said in an interview with NBC in March.

The law, Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, was passed by Congress in April with bipartisan support  something that justices found compelling.

Politicians were concerned that the Chinese government could obtain Americans data and covertly manipulate what US users see or spread misinformation and propaganda.

One example, used yesterday, outlined the possibility of the Chinese government collecting the data of a young TikTok user who eventually grew up to become a member of the military or federal government.

Now, a foreign adversary knows about this person who could hold an important position.

That seemed to get justices attention.

But First Amendment proponents agree with the people of TikTok, its a massive platform with a highly unique algorithm that essentially functions as a public square.

Muting it would restrict Americans speech, they argue.

TikToks lawyers made that point during arguments, saying the platform could add a disclosure on its app  essentially informing people everytime they go on it that their data could be used by the Chinese.

The government believes thats not good enough because its not specific enough and thus people would just ignore it.
The new year has kicked off with several active worksites throughout the region.

With good weather forecast for the next few weeks its perfect timing for crews to get stuck back into the huge chip-sealing programme, says Andy Oakley, Waikato system manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

Our programme for the remainder of the summer is ambitious. It means a lot of roadworks and disruption, however, planning ahead will ease the frustration.

Using the NZTA Journey Planner, which provides real-time updates of network conditions including traffic delays, will help road users plan their way around the most disruptive worksites. Our Summer Journeys page will also be available in the lead-up to long weekends, helping holidaymakers choose the best time to travel to their destination, says Oakley.

This work forms part of the Governments $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund.

Bay of Plenty

Tauranga

 SH2/Fifteenth Ave: Major works to build the connection from Fifteenth Ave to SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road are under way. Works involve the building of a 120m-long retaining wall and earthworks, prior to the Fifteenth Ave bridge construction. One lane at SH2/Fifteenth Ave near Edgecumbe Rd is closed while the construction of the 120m retaining wall takes place prior to the construction of the Fifteenth Ave Bridge. This is likely to remain in place until mid-2026.

 SH29 Kaimai Range: A programme of night work continues on SH29 Kaimai Range, now under way near Old Kaimai Rd. Crews are back on site after the Christmas break; when work is under way there will be stop/go traffic management in place. Over the coming six months there will be several significant worksites to complete. More information

 SH29 McLarens Fall Rd: The Lower Kaimai passing lane from Poripori Rd will be closed and reduced to one lane from Monday, January 13 to Wednesday, January 22, while drainage maintenance work takes place near McLarens Fall Rd. For the duration of the work there will be a 24/7 temporary speed limit through the SH29 site.

 SH29 Tauriko West between Redwood Lane and Cambridge Rd: A short section of the northbound lane on Cambridge Rd, from the SH29 intersection to 563 Cambridge Rd, is closed 24/7 until early February, with no entry into Cambridge Rd from SH29. All Bethlehem-bound vehicles are required to detour via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road or SH29A and Cameron Rd. The free detour for heavy vehicles is via SH29A, Fifteenth Ave to SH2. The southbound lane of Cambridge Rd remains open for the duration of the works. A 60km/h speed limit applies on SH29 on all approaches to the intersection, and a 30km/h speed limit around the work site on Cambridge Rd. Crews are working Monday to Saturday, between 7am and 6pm. Access for Cambridge Rd residents from SH29 is via the detours. In addition, temporary safety barriers have been installed on SH29 (between 841 SH29 and 782 SH29) to allow for retaining wall construction in this area. People are advised to expect delays. More information

 SH29/Redwood Lane: Shoulder closures, reduced speed limits and mobile operations are in place. Motorists and cyclists are urged to drive and ride with extra care, especially in the areas between Redwood Lane and Belk Rd, and adhere to the reduced speed.

 SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TELTR): The Tauranga City Council-led project continues. A 2km section of SH2 just past the Kaituna River Bridge continues to be reduced to a single lane in each direction to allow construction of the Papamoa East Interchange to progress. This closure will remain in place for the duration of construction, with a temporary 70km/h speed limit in place. More information .

 SH2 TELTR: The Quayside Properties Ltd-led Rangiuru Business Park Interchange project continues. More information

 SH2 TELTR: On Saturday, January 18, the Tauranga Half Triathlon takes place, and from 5.30am to 1pm the eastbound lane of the toll road from Domain Rd (including the Domain Rd eastbound on-ramp) to the intersection with SH33 will be closed. The alternative route for motorists during this time is via the Te Puke Highway. The westbound lanes will remain open.

Western Bay of Plenty

 SH2 Katikati: The annual Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival takes place on Saturday, January 11, from noon-6pm at the Uretara Domain in Katikati. About 4000 people are expected to attend, so motorists should expect more people and cars in the area.

 SH2 Apata Station Rd to Wainui South Rd: Road construction works are under way in preparation for the new roundabout. Lane shifts are in place along with speed restrictions. There will be intermittent stop/go traffic management in place that may cause longer delays. Follow the temporary signs and directions of the traffic management team and watch for layout changes. Expect minor delays.

 SH2 Omokoroa Rd: Road construction and service relocation works are under way in preparation for the new roundabout. Lane shifts are in place along with speed restrictions. There will be intermittent stop/go traffic management that may cause longer delays. Follow the temporary signs and directions of the traffic management team and watch for layout changes. Expect minor delays, especially during peak times. More information

 SH2 Snodgrass Rd, Te Puna: Night work will start on a road rebuild on Sunday, January 12, taking about six weeks to complete near the Snodgrass and Te Puna Quarry Rds intersection. While the work is taking place, the entry into Snodgrass and Te Puna Quarry Rds will be closed at the state highway end. Alternative roads are available to the south via Munro Rd and to the north via Armstrong Rd or Borrell Rd. Work will start at 8 each night and finish at 5.30am, Sunday to Thursday; there will be stop/go in place and a temporary speed limit of 30km/h during the day.

 SH2 Minden Rd  Takitimu North Link Stage 1: Shoulder closures and stop/go traffic management will continue from Monday, January 13. Please take direction from staff on the ground and slow down through the worksite.

 SH2 North chip seal programme: Several chip seal sites on SH2 north of Tauranga start on Sunday, January 12, at night taking 10 nights to complete all nine worksites. Kicking off at Te Mete Rd and finishing near Aongatete. There will be a temporary speed limit in place the day after the chip sealing has been completed to allow the chip seal to bed in.

Rotorua

 SH30 Te Ngae Rd, Rotorua: Resurfacing works on Te Ngae Rd between Iles Rd to Owhata Rd have started and will take 10 nights to complete. While the work is taking place the road will be closed and traffic detoured. All traffic travelling north, including heavy traffic, will be required to turn left at Vaughan Rd and follow detours to Owhata roundabout. All southbound traffic will turn right at Owhata roundabout and follow detours to Marino Rd/SH30 Te Ngae Rd intersection.

 SH5 Rotorua: Those travelling between Rotorua and Tirau on SH5 will encounter two major road rebuilds and are advised to allow extra time when planning their journeys through this section of highway. The first is an approximate 2km stretch of SH5 just west of Oturoa Rd Mamaku, with the second just east of Tapapa. Both are expected to take three months to complete and will have stop/go traffic management and temporary speed restrictions in place during this time. More information.

 SH38 Kaingaroa Forest: Tree felling will take place for a week from January 21 on SH38 near Dun Rd, there will be a temporary speed limit in place of 30km/h while work is happening.

Waikato

 SH1 Atiamuri to Wairakei: All work and traffic management has ended on this stretch of SH1, with final surfacing south of the Waikato River Bridge to be done later in summer.

 SH1 Tirau to Waiouru overall programme:

Keep up to date  sign up to the e-newsletter

SH1 between Turangi and Waiouru: The Desert Road will close from 5am on Monday, January 13, for about two months.

As well as reconstructing 16 lane km (three sites) of road, improving drainage, and clearing about 15km of shoulders, the deck of the Mangatoetoenui Bridge will be replaced.

The detour (from north to south) is via SH41, SH47, SH4, SH49 and back to SH1 in Waiouru. It is the usual recommended detour route whenever the Desert Road is closed and adds about 30-40 minutes to journeys. To encourage safe driving on the detours, the speed limit near and through Ohakune will be reduced to 50km/h while the detour is in place. Additional billboards and signage will be in place, and police have indicated they will have an increased presence on the detour roads.

South of Tirau to north of Putaruru: Final asphalt surfacing is scheduled to start on Sunday, January 19, subject to final testing. More information.

East Waikato

 Various pre-chip-seal sites on SH25, SH27, SH26, SH29 and SH2 in the Waikato have started and will continue until Saturday, February 15, weather permitting. The work will take place between 6am and 6pm each weekday. While the work is taking place there will be traffic management and speed restrictions in place.

 SH25 Tairua: Repairs to a large underslip at Pumpkin Hill near Sailors Grave Rd just north of Tairua are under way. Work at this site will take about six months to complete and is due to be completed in April. There are temporary speed restrictions and a shoulder closure through the worksite. Stop/stop traffic management will be required at times. More information.

 SH25 between Waihi and Whangamata: Resurfacing repairs have started and will continue until Friday, January 24. While this work is taking place there will be stop/go traffic management in place, delays are to be expected.

 SH25 Whangapoua Hill: Until Friday, January 17, asphalt repairs will take place between Coromandel and Te Rerenga on SH25. While this work is taking place there will be stop/go traffic management, delays are to be expected.

 SH25 between Whiritoa and Whangamata: Asphalt repairs will start on Sunday, January 12, until Friday, January 24, between 6pm and 6am each night. There will be stop/stop traffic management in place due to the location of the worksite. Delays of up to 30 minutes can be expected. There will be no work on January 17-18.

Central Waikato

 SH41 Tokaanu: Works to fix an underslip are complete and SH41 is now open. Further finishing works will continue from Monday, January 13, and will require a single lane closure for two days.

West Waikato

 SH3 Melville, Hamilton: Resurfacing will begin on SH3 Ohaupo Rd between Collins Rd and Mahoe St at the Normanby Ave intersection, taking five nights to complete from Sunday, January 12, between 8pm and 6am each night. While this work is taking place SH3 will be closed to through traffic, a detour will be available via Collins St, Prisk St, Mahoe St to rejoin SH3 and then left on to SH1C Lorne St. HPMV, heavy and over-dimensional vehicles will be stacked and released.

 SH21 Narrows Bridge: Resurfacing on SH21 on the Narrows Bridge will start on Sunday, January 19, from 8pm to 5am, taking two nights to complete. While the work is taking place the road will be closed between SH3 intersection and the Tamahere Interchange, residents and businesses will have access at all times. The detour available is via SH1 northbound, southbound will use SH3 and SH1C to rejoin SH1.

 SH1/SH29 Piarere intersection: Two out of three permanent approach roads have now opened on the SH1/SH29 roundabout in Piarere, with the new SH1 (from Tirau) and SH29 approaches opened in December. The temporary Hamilton approach road remains in use while work continues on the permanent configuration, which is expected to be finished in early 2025. NZTA thanks motorists for their patience and asks drivers to stick to temporary speed limits and take extra care when travelling through the area while people adjust to the layout. View a map here.

 SH1 Karapiro: SH1 will be closed to all traffic between Karapiro Rd south to SH1/29 Piarere for maintenance work from midnight on Sunday, January 19, to midnight on Thursday, January 23. During the works, contractors will lay 42,000sq m of chip seal and apply a second seal on barrier areas and shoulders. Following the resealing, the road will reopen with a 70km/h temporary speed limit. A detour will be in place and traffic is urged to use alternative routes. All properties within the closure and sideroads leading to it will have access maintained. More information.

 SH3 Ohaupo township: A road rebuild has started on SH3 on Ohaupo Rd in the Ohaupo township and will take seven weeks to complete. While the work is taking place, northbound light vehicles will be detoured 24/7 via Ryburn Forkert Rds, adding about eight minutes to the journey; heavy vehicles, including buses, overweight and over-dimension vehicles, will be stacked and allowed through the worksite with delays of up to 30 minutes. The southbound lane will remain open to all traffic. More information

 SH3 Te Kuiti: Waitomo District Council has started work to replace a large watermain, from Carroll St along to Duke St. This work is expected to continue until Wednesday, January 19. There will be a single road closure in Carroll St, with eastbound light vehicles being diverted along Taupiri St and Te Kumi Station Rd, heavy vehicles will detour via Esplanade and Te Kuiti Rd, northbound traffic will use the single lane in Carroll St.

 SH30 Bennydale: A second road rebuild site near Kiwi Place will start on Tuesday, January 14, and take six weeks to complete. Enabling works will be done first between 7am and 7pm each day with stop/go traffic management in place. Once the site has been prepared the road rebuild will start, with stop/go traffic management in place and a temporary speed limit of 30km/h. Delays of up to 20 minutes can be expected.

North Waikato

 SH1 Pokeno Interchange to Mercer Interchange: There will be a full southbound closure on Monday, January 13, and Wednesday, January 15, between 9pm and 5am for resurfacing. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the northbound lanes. Pokeno southbound on-ramp will also be closed between 9pm and 5am. Please use alternative on-ramp at Nikau Rd.

 SH1 Mercer Interchange to Island Block Road: There will be a full southbound closure on Wednesday, January 15 and Thursday, January 16 between 9pm and 5am for resurfacing. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the northbound lanes.

 SH1 Island Block Rd to Dragway Rd: There will be a full southbound closure on Wednesday, January 15 and Thursday, January 16 between 9pm and 5am for stormwater maintenance. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the northbound lanes. Please slow down and follow traffic management instructions. Dragway Rd southbound off-ramp will also be closed. Please use alternative off-ramp at Springhill Rd or Hampton Downs.

 SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link: There will be a full southbound closure on Sunday and Monday, January12-13 between 9pm and 5am for stormwater maintenance. Please stay on SH1 and turn around at the next interchange at Pokeno to travel back via SH1 northbound to SH2 eastbound link.

Tairawhiti Gisborne/Hawkes Bay

 SH5 Napier to Taupo: Recovery alliance Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) continues to progress safety improvements, as well as repair, recovery and maintenance activities at multiple sites on SH5 between Eskdale and Waipunga. More information

Taranaki

 SH3 Tongaporutu: A road rebuild has begun between Pilot and Rapanui Rds, taking one month to complete, Monday to Saturday between 7am and 7pm each day. While the work is taking place there will be stop/go traffic management in place with a 30km/h speed limit, delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected.

The above information is accurate at the time of release. Many of the above works are dependent on several factors, particularly weather, and may be postponed at short notice. For up-to-date information on roadworks, traffic, detours and delays, motorists are encouraged to visit the NZTA Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz ) . NZTA thanks motorists for their patience while we complete this essential work to keep the state highway network safe, accessible and resilient.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey.

Keep up to date with:
Daniella Bejarano Madrid Wednesday, 8 January 2025, 20:28 Compartir

Spain continues to be a favourite destination for Hollywood stars, who fall in love not only with its lifestyle and scenery but also its people. From the shores of the Mediterranean to bustling Madrid, Spain's vibrant culture has won over some of the biggest names in international cinema. In recent years, the likes of Richard Gere and Brad Pitt have been connected by a common denominator: Spain.

The actors have found in Spain a refuge both professionally and personally, and have taken important steps in their love lives, taking their bond with Spain far beyond the professional.

Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva

Pretty Woman' actor Richard Gere (75) has found his place in Spain with Spanish businesswoman Alejandra Silva (41). The couple, who have been married since 2018, have shared their love for the country on several occasions. During the 'Elle Eco Awards 2024' gala, Gere and Silva showed their love of the country with Gere admitting, "We love Spain, yes, I love Spain and our children love Spain."

After several years in Connecticut, the couple made the decision to move to La Moraleja, an exclusive area of Madrid. The purchase of a mansion valued at 3.5 million euros is just the latest step in their integration into the country. In fact, Alejandra, in a recent interview, revealed how Spain had influenced her life: "We were watching the 'Dana' news in New York and I said to Richard... yes, we are going to the right place, Spain."

Zoom GTRES

Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon

Another big Hollywood name who has fallen for the charm of Spain is Brad Pitt (60). After his split with Angelina Jolie in 2016, the actor met Ines de Ramon (32), a young woman from New Jersey with Madrid roots. Their relationship was confirmed in 2022 when they were photographed at a U2 concert in Barcelona, but since then their public appearances have been limited.

Although their relationship is still discreet, the couple have been spotted on several occasions in Madrid and Barcelona. In 2016, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie purchased a villa in Mallorca and although not much is known about the property, it is known that it was a retreat for the family during their relationship. Following their split, Pitt has continued to frequent Spain, and although he currently resides in Los Angeles, his ties to the country remain strong.

Zoom GTRES

The surprise: Johnny Depp

And the latest celebrity to have fallen in love with Spain is Johnny Depp (61). The Pirates of the Caribbean actor has recently been linked to Jess Martinez-Bordiu, a young influencer and filmmaker who comes from a well-known Spanish family.

Although rumours of their relationship have been denied by his spokesperson, who claims that Depp is enjoying single life, several indications point to the fact that there is something more than just a friendship between the two. Jess, who has shown admiration for Depp on her social media, shared a video on his birthday with the message "Happy birthday Johnny Depp", sparking speculation. Jess has also been known to accompany Depp on several recent trips, including film festivals in Seville and San Sebastian.

As well as being a prominent figure on Instagram, the young influencer has worked with brands such as Dior, the same firm for which Depp is the face of its Eau Sauvage fragrance, which reinforces the theory that the two share more than just professional projects. Whether this relationship is confirmed or not remains to be seen, but what is certain is that Depp, along with fellow celebrities Richard Gere and Brad Pitt, could have found in Spain not only a refuge, but also love.

Zoom GTRES

In short, Hollywood stars continue to be attracted to Spain. While Richard Gere and Brad Pitt have already settled here, Johnny Depp seems to be following in their footsteps. A destination that undoubtedly continues to work its magic on the great figures of cinema.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A man has been arrested after his vehicle hit and killed a woman attempting to cross an Auburn city street Friday afternoon, police said.

Christopher G. Dewitt, 31, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated by drugs and various traffic tickets, Auburn Police Department Captain Kyle Platt said in a news release today.

Dewitt was driving a mid-sized 4-door sedan south on North Street at a high rate of speed around 1:28 p.m. Friday, Platt said.

Dewitt had crossed into the opposite lanes of traffic while failing to stop for a stop signal and the pedestrian crossing the street, Platt said.

Dewitts sedan collided with the woman who had been in the Lansing and North streets intersection crosswalk, he said.

At this time, police are not releasing the name of the woman.

Dewitt may face more charges as the investigation progresses, Platt said.

As of Saturday, Dewitt was being held in the Cayuga County jail.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
Canajoharie, N.Y.  An Albany man was charged this week with criminally negligent homicide and lying to police after a fatal crash that killed a Central New York man on the Thruway last weekend.

At around 11:50 a.m. on Jan. 4, David Bonaparte, 61, stopped on the shoulder of the Thruway near Canajoharie due to a brake issue and got out of his vehicle. Canajoharie is a small village between Utica and Albany.

As Bonaparte, who is from Rome, was standing outside the vehicle he was struck by a westbound car driven by Jose M. Prieto Cole, according to a news release from State Police. Bonaparte was declared dead at the scene.

Troopers said Prieto Cole, 24, of Albany, was distracted by using a cell phone while driving at the time of the crash.

During the investigation, Prieto Cole provided a written statement that falsely represented his actions leading up to the crash, troopers said. Prieto Cole stopped and called emergency services immediately after the crash.

Prieto Cole was charged Thursday with criminally negligent homicide, second-degree offering a false instrument and multiple traffic violations.

He was arraigned and held in the Montgomery County Correctional Facility on $10,000 cash bail and $100,000 bond.

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.
Syracuse, N.Y.  On the third day of a rare racketeering trial Friday, two defendants expressed their frustrations in court that they were not being allowed to face their accuser.

Carl Newton Jr., 38, and Synike White, 32, are accused of acting as members of a Syracuse gang called Uptown, prosecutors said in an indictment filed in Onondaga County Court. They are charged under a New York state law similar to the federal RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act) law, which is rarely used in the state

The case stems from a murder and attempted murder case that was headed for trial in December 2023 but ended in a mistrial after allegations of jury tampering.

On Thursday, prosecutors and the mens defense attorneys planned to agree that the victim of the attempted murder, Donta Albert, was unfit to testify due to his mental and physical health.

Newton, however, repeatedly objected to the victim being absent from the proceedings. He told the court that he has been in jail for years awaiting trial and it is his right to face his accuser. Newton addressed the court against the advice of his attorneys Graeme Spicer and Nicholas DeMartino.

I am literally getting screwed over by the system, Newton said in court Friday. There is no other way to put it.

After a brief series of questions from Judge Matthew Doran and Whites attorney Patrick Hennessy Friday, the judge expressed serious concerns about the victims competence to testify. Doran cited the mans confusing answers regarding what an oath was.

Doran also expressed concern that if a jury were to see Albert in his diminished state after being shot, it would make the jury sympathetic to Albert and prejudice them against Newton and White.

Newton told the court that one of the instructions the judge gives to the jury is that they should not allow sympathy for victims to influence their decisions.

He also told the court Albert was able to testify before the grand jury and should therefore be able to testify at trial.

White echoed Newtons arguments and said he also wanted the chance to face his accuser.

Both men are charged with trying to kill Albert during a shooting on the 200 block of Allen Street on July 28, 2021.

Both defense teams agreed with the judge that Alberts testimony could prejudice the jury against him. Hennessy echoed the judges concerns that Albert was incompetent.

Ultimately, Doran ruled that Albert would not testify. He said that legal precedent supports a judge siding with defense attorneys over the objection of their clients when it is a strategic decision as clear as this one.

Instead of hearing from Albert, the jury heard a statement read by District Attorney William Fitzpatrick that was agreed upon by all the attorneys.

The statement explained Albert would not be testifying because of his health. It also explained that Albert has never been able to identify the person who shot him that day.

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.
Central Square, N.Y.  A former Central New York fire chief was arrested this week on charges he forged an FAA license to operate his departments drone, troopers said.

Michael J. Leonelli, 46, of Central Square, was arrested Wednesday following a complaint from the Caughdenoy Fire Department this summer, troopers said Friday.

While working at the fire department, Leonelli operated the fire departments drone, troopers said. Leonelli was asked by the department to provide them with his FAA Part 107 UAS Certificate, or drone license, troopers said.

Leonelli gave the fire department a forged document that represented himself as having a Part 107 certificate, troopers said.

He was charged with second-and-third-degree forgery and criminal possession of a forged Instrument.

The volunteer fire department operates two stations that serve the communities of Hastings, Central Square and Schroeppel in both Oswego and Onondaga counties, according to the departments website.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
H. Rose Schneider, Times Union, Albany, N.Y.

Albany, N.Y.  A 42-year-old Albany man has been charged with possessing dozens of ghost guns and using 3D printers to manufacture them, allegedly creating hundreds of 3D-printed parts.

State Police said they found miscellaneous gun parts and manufacturing devices as well as computers, documents and other electronics Demetrio Daga used to make firearms during a search of two homes Wednesday in Albany. It is not clear if either home was Dagas own residence. Police found 13 handguns and 22 assault rifles  all privately made  according to a news release Thursday. The searches follow a yearlong investigation into the gun-manufacturing case, police said.

More than 200 3D-printed lower handgun receivers and rifle frames were found alongside multiple 3D printers  one of which was actively printing a lower receiver, police said. Another 18 serialized assault rifles (not ghost guns), two pump-action shotguns, body armor, high-capacity magazines and thousands of rounds of ammunition were also allegedly found. Police said Daga also had a ghost handgun on him.

Daga was using higher-end 3D printers that are available for anyone to purchase, as well as completion jigs, or fixtures used to put together a gun, State Police spokesman Beau Duffy told the Times Union. He is currently the only suspect in the case, but the investigation is ongoing.

Daga was charged with first-degree and second-degree felony criminal possession of a firearm. Police said he could face more charges. An arrest report shows he was arrested on Krumkill Road in Bethlehem and was also issued violations for tinted windows.

Daga was arraigned in Albany City Court Wednesday afternoon and sent to Albany County jail without bail. He was released the next day on probation and under electronic monitoring after being granted bail in Albany County Court and posting a $350,000 bond. Daga is due back in Albany City Court at 10 a.m. Monday.

Daga appears to work for a local real estate agency, and until recently was listed on their website. The agency has not yet returned a call for comment. A call to his attorney has not yet been returned, and a Times Union reporter was hung up on after calling a number associated with him.

In a statement Friday, Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon commended the recent arrest and seizure.

As district attorney, my first priority is to get guns off the streets, he said. I applaud the hard work of the men and women of the New York State Police on this seizure, as well as their steadfast commitment to public safety.

Shootings in Albany increased from 44 in 2023 to 51 in in 2024 as of Oct. 29, but are nowhere near the numbers from 2020, and officials have said crime is trending back toward prepandemic levels. Police have not confirmed if Daga was selling or otherwise distributing guns. Duffy said certain aspects of the case remain under investigation.
The Syracuse City School District displays an alarming lack of urgency when it comes to ensuring drinking water in schools is not contaminated with lead, a neurotoxin that permanently harms young childrens brains.

A recent syracuse.com investigation found that lead levels exceeded the states safety limit in fixtures at nearly every one of Syracuses 33 schools. One of every 10 fixtures failed the lead test, staff writers Maggie Hicks and Michelle Breidenbach reported.

When sinks or drinking fountains fail, the district replaces the plumbing once, twice, even three times until it passes. The problem is that the state only requires testing every three years. Sometimes fixtures that pass the lead test one year fail it three years later. Its impossible to know if kids are drinking lead-contaminated water in between tests.

Rob DiFlorio, the school districts chief operations officer, brushed off concerns about outrageously high lead levels at Delaware Primary School. I wouldnt have a problem drinking [the water], DiFlorio said. I wouldnt have a problem with my children drinking it.

But why expose children to any risk of lead exposure  especially if there is a simple solution at hand?

Installing central water dispensers with filters in every school would ensure the water is safe to drink. The recommended ratio is one filling station for every 100 students. They are common in public buildings, gyms and airports, and cost about $3,000 each, plus the nominal cost of replacing filters each year. That has to be cheaper than testing and retesting the water and changing out plumbing multiple times.

DiFlorio said he has not proposed the filtration method for Syracuse schools, and he believes it is not necessary. Parents with kids in city schools might disagree. Three years is a long time for a child to be ingesting water with high lead levels.

Installing filtered water dispensers in every school would be a prudent and proactive step. We urge the Syracuse City School District to take it.

About Syracuse.com editorials

Editorials represent the collective opinion of the Advance Media New York editorial board. Our opinions are independent of news coverage. Read our mission statement. Members of the editorial board are Tim Kennedy, Trish LaMonte and Marie Morelli.

To respond to this editorial: Submit a letter or commentary to letters@syracuse.com. Read our submission guidelines.

If you have questions about the Opinions & Editorials section, contact Marie Morelli, editorial/opinion lead, at mmorelli@syracuse.com
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
HDx440Life BHPian

Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: Bangalore Posts: 38 Thanked: 139 Times

Solo Harley-Davidson X440 ride from Bangalore to Goa



I had to then decide on which route to take and finalized Bangalore - Chikmangaluru - Gokarna - Goa - Davanagere - Bangalore. I intentionally kept the first day short since it's been a long time since I went on a long ride. I wanted my body to get used to it. Below is the route I planned:







Next came the stage of planning my stay during the bike ride. I wanted this ride to be an experience I will never forget, so I went ahead and booked an Airbnb in Chikmangaluru and a hostel in Gokarna! I've never stayed in a hostel and so was looking forward to the experience, especially since it was a mixed dorm with capacity to sleep 8 people! The plan was to spend 1 night in Chikmangaluru, Gokarna and 4 nights in Goa plus 1 night in Davanagere on my way back.



All set and I went about the task of buying the required gear. Got a GUARDIANGEARS Wolverine Magnetic Tank Pouch with Rain Cover, GUARDIANGEARS Rhino Mini 50L Tail Bag with Rain Cover, and some bamboo socks since I hate smelly feet. I already had the following: clan riding boots, Fly Butane Pants, Fly Terra Trek II Jacket and cramster waterproof gloves. I noticed all the armour had dry rot just like my old Alpinestar shoes and so bought knox elbow and shoulder ce level 2 armours (set of 4) plus royal enfield ergo pro-tech shoulder protectoryellow. They fit my riding gear well and I have to say their quality is very good.



Finally the night before my ride came, and I packed my stuff. Got up the next day and had the task of attaching my tailbag on the bike and then getting into my riding gear. Below is a pic of the bike all ready for the ride:







The first part of the ride was pretty uneventful as the roads were good, and I rode at a steady pace (70km - 80km speeds) and reached the Airbnb in Chikmangaluru. The place was lovely and just as described on the listing. Had light lunch and took out my DJI drone for a video and taking pictures. See pic of the loaction below:







Drone shot of my stay:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eLnFzMkmRU



I got up early the next day and started my ride around 7 am. The roads were wonderful, and I reached Gokarna by 1 pm. I really had fun riding on the winding roads in the mountain and was looking forward to my hostel stay. The room was lovely and much better than I expected. Attached is a pic below.







An Insta 360 X3 video of my ride through the jungle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAlkG7iZo6M



My hostel room, which I ended up sharing with another guy and 3 girls:





I had fun in Gokarna would be an understatement. I went to the main beach, Paradise Beach, and Om Beach. Loved the vibe and made a short video compilation of my drone videos there:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ9k9QelXEQ



My roommates (the girls) woke up early the next day (I guess around 4 am) and so I too woke up at that time. Was busy till 5:30 and left for Om Beach to see the sunrise. It's a sight to behold. You should try seeing the sunrise there if you ever visit Gokarna.



Next I returned to my hotel by 7am and got ready and left for Goa by 8am. I have to say the roads are smooth as butter and on the way I had the sea to my left and a river on the right. Attaching my drone shoot of the place below.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtI5br3ENIE



I kept riding and eventually reached the end of the road- both figuratively and literally. Just see for yourself in the pic below:







Google took me to a narrow road (with no option to turn my bike midway), and the road ended in the sea! I was shocked and started wondering what to do next . Fortunately, someone local came on a bicycle and, upon checking, informed me we need to take a boat across the sea! See pic below of the route and my bike going on a boat ride:











I finally reached Goa, checked in to a boutique hotel I booked, and went to the airport. Did I forget to mention my wife wanted to go to Goa so I booked a flight for her and my 5 years old. Here are two pics from Goa as I am sure everyone is bored of looking at photos from Goa:











With all the fun over in Goa, my family flew back, and I left for Davanagere. An interesting thing happened on the way. Google took me off the highway and into a reserved forest. The road was in good shape for the most part, but not one vehicle was on it, except my bike. I stopped my bike at a point and took a photo in the middle of the jungle without a worry in the world. See pic below:







Started my bike, and then I came across a sign asking not to stop since there are cheetahs in the jungle!. Well, anyways, I continued to ride and stayed in a decent hotel that night. The ride back to Bangalore was smooth the next day and I was happy to have finally completed a ride I will remember for the rest of my life! Looking forward to the next adventure ride this year I usually save leaves for the end of the year and have always dreamt of going on a coastal bike ride. I bought the Harley Davidson X440 end of 2023 and felt too scared of the unknown to go on a ride that year. Jump to 2024 and I was finally more confident in my bike and my handling skills on it. I finally applied for 1 week of leave and started to plan for a solo ride in Nov of 2024.I had to then decide on which route to take and finalized Bangalore - Chikmangaluru - Gokarna - Goa - Davanagere - Bangalore. I intentionally kept the first day short since it's been a long time since I went on a long ride. I wanted my body to get used to it. Below is the route I planned:Next came the stage of planning my stay during the bike ride. I wanted this ride to be an experience I will never forget, so I went ahead and booked an Airbnb in Chikmangaluru and a hostel in Gokarna! I've never stayed in a hostel and so was looking forward to the experience, especially since it was a mixed dorm with capacity to sleep 8 people! The plan was to spend 1 night in Chikmangaluru, Gokarna and 4 nights in Goa plus 1 night in Davanagere on my way back.All set and I went about the task of buying the required gear. Got a GUARDIANGEARS Wolverine Magnetic Tank Pouch with Rain Cover, GUARDIANGEARS Rhino Mini 50L Tail Bag with Rain Cover, and some bamboo socks since I hate smelly feet. I already had the following: clan riding boots, Fly Butane Pants, Fly Terra Trek II Jacket and cramster waterproof gloves. I noticed all the armour had dry rot just like my old Alpinestar shoes and so bought knox elbow and shoulder ce level 2 armours (set of 4) plus royal enfield ergo pro-tech shoulder protectoryellow. They fit my riding gear well and I have to say their quality is very good.Finally the night before my ride came, and I packed my stuff. Got up the next day and had the task of attaching my tailbag on the bike and then getting into my riding gear. Below is a pic of the bike all ready for the ride:The first part of the ride was pretty uneventful as the roads were good, and I rode at a steady pace (70km - 80km speeds) and reached the Airbnb in Chikmangaluru. The place was lovely and just as described on the listing. Had light lunch and took out my DJI drone for a video and taking pictures. See pic of the loaction below:Drone shot of my stay:I got up early the next day and started my ride around 7 am. The roads were wonderful, and I reached Gokarna by 1 pm. I really had fun riding on the winding roads in the mountain and was looking forward to my hostel stay. The room was lovely and much better than I expected. Attached is a pic below.An Insta 360 X3 video of my ride through the jungle:My hostel room, which I ended up sharing with another guy and 3 girls:I had fun in Gokarna would be an understatement. I went to the main beach, Paradise Beach, and Om Beach. Loved the vibe and made a short video compilation of my drone videos there:My roommates (the girls) woke up early the next day (I guess around 4 am) and so I too woke up at that time. Was busy till 5:30 and left for Om Beach to see the sunrise. It's a sight to behold. You should try seeing the sunrise there if you ever visit Gokarna.Next I returned to my hotel by 7am and got ready and left for Goa by 8am. I have to say the roads are smooth as butter and on the way I had the sea to my left and a river on the right. Attaching my drone shoot of the place below.I kept riding and eventually reached the end of the road- both figuratively and literally. Just see for yourself in the pic below:Google took me to a narrow road (with no option to turn my bike midway), and the road ended in the sea! I was shocked and started wondering what to do next. Fortunately, someone local came on a bicycle and, upon checking, informed me we need to take a boat across the sea! See pic below of the route and my bike going on a boat ride:I finally reached Goa, checked in to a boutique hotel I booked, and went to the airport. Did I forget to mention my wife wanted to go to Goa so I booked a flight for her and my 5 years old. Here are two pics from Goa as I am sure everyone is bored of looking at photos from Goa:With all the fun over in Goa, my family flew back, and I left for Davanagere. An interesting thing happened on the way. Google took me off the highway and into a reserved forest. The road was in good shape for the most part, but not one vehicle was on it, except my bike. I stopped my bike at a point and took a photo in the middle of the jungle without a worry in the world. See pic below:Started my bike, and then I came across a sign asking not to stop since there are cheetahs in the jungle!. Well, anyways, I continued to ride and stayed in a decent hotel that night. The ride back to Bangalore was smooth the next day and I was happy to have finally completed a ride I will remember for the rest of my life! Looking forward to the next adventure ride this year Last edited by libranof1987 : 10th January 2025 at 16:12 . Reason: Thanks for sharing! Two smileys/post
Forward-looking: While commercial aviation has made incredible strides in safety and efficiency over the decades, passenger jets have stubbornly adhered to the same fundamental tube-and-wing configuration for nearly a century. While this architecture has proven reliable, it is reaching the limits of its potential. With aviation contributing approximately 2.5% of global carbon emissions, many startups are now exploring radical alternatives.

One such company is JetZero, which, in partnership with engineering giants Siemens and Northrop Grumman, is developing a revolutionary passenger jet design that seamlessly blends the wings into the fuselage.

This concept, known as the "blended wing body," isn't entirely new. It was first proposed over a century ago by Russian aviator Nicolas Woevodsky. However, it has largely remained theoretical, appearing only in a handful of military drone designs.

Once conventional tube-and-wing airliners became the standard, the industry resisted change due to the challenges of certifying a new aircraft shape for passenger use. But JetZero believes the potential benefits of the blended wing body design are too compelling to ignore.

The biggest perk of a blended wing body is its wider, shorter fuselage, which transitions smoothly into the wings to create a single lifting surface. The startup says this reduces aerodynamic drag by up to 30% compared to a traditional tube fuselage. When combined with lighter weight and improved engine integration, JetZero claims their design could slash fuel consumption by 50% compared to today's jets. That's massive.

The blended shape also allows for more interior space. JetZero's concept seats 250 passengers while maintaining a smaller overall footprint than existing single-aisle planes like the Boeing 737, which holds 215. Noise levels are expected to be significantly lower as well.

Perhaps most importantly, JetZero's design is fully compatible with sustainable aviation fuels and has the potential to run on hydrogen, achieving zero emissions as that technology matures.

JetZero plans to conduct its first test flight by 2027 and aims to enter commercial service by 2030. However, the company acknowledges that this is an ambitious timeline for bringing such an unconventional design to market. Notably, JetZero has yet to establish a manufacturing facility for the aircraft.

This is where Siemens comes into play. Announced at CES 2025, the partnership with Siemens will leverage the company's automation hardware, software, and services to create a "Factory of the Future," where the aircraft will be designed, tested, and iterated upon before final production.

In parallel, JetZero is collaborating with Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force to develop a subscale prototype called "Pathfinder." This 23-foot test aircraft has already validated key aerodynamic principles and begun real-world flight control testing. Data from Pathfinder will inform the development of the full-scale aircraft, which will be eight times larger.
Cutting corners: Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly the hottest topic in tech right now. For Big Tech companies, securing top talent for their AI teams is critical. It's no surprise, then, that Microsoft is pulling out all the stops to make sure their talent doesn't get poached by rivals.

An internal Microsoft document obtained by Business Insider sheds some light on how the company is ramping up efforts to retain key AI employees.

Managers at Microsoft can request retention bonuses and special compensation packages for employees they deem essential to the company's AI initiatives. These forms include sections asking managers to assess the potential harm to AI projects if the individual were to leave.

A notable addition to the process is a field specifically addressing the employee's contributions to AI development. Managers must indicate whether the individual qualifies as "critical AI talent" and explain the risks to Microsoft's AI projects if that person isn't retained.

Internal data shows that AI teams were largely insulated from recent layoffs, whereas other groups, such as Azure, were more affected.

"In the context of AI transformation as a key priority, please indicate if this individual is critical AI talent and share the risk to the AI initiative/s if talent is not retained," reads the document. Business Insider notes that this requirement appears in forms for a specific, large group at Microsoft, though it's possible the approach will be expanded company-wide.

But read between the lines, and it's clear AI has shot to the very top of Microsoft's list when it comes to hanging onto talent. Previous leaks showed that the average pay for an AI software engineer topped $377,000  about $120,000 higher than Azure engineers.

The prioritization of AI talent has also influenced the company's approach to performance-based layoffs. Internal data shows that AI teams were largely insulated from recent layoffs, whereas other groups, such as Azure, were more affected.

Microsoft's Chief Technology Officer, Kevin Scott, even pledged in 2023 to match pay for any OpenAI employees they hired away amid leadership chaos at the AI company. This was right as Microsoft was implementing cost cuts and salary freezes, so the move irked some staffers.

The fierce battle for AI expertise is certainly driving this increased focus. Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, Meta, and others are scrambling to build the most powerful AI models and apps powered by generative AI. Having developers and engineers who deeply understand the tech behind these capabilities is crucial. It's led to bidding wars and AI specialists getting showered with multi-million dollar pay packages.

On a similar note, Microsoft is also prioritizing security at the company following a string of cybersecurity incidents by binding employee bonuses and promotions to security performance.
AI weapons are still a big no for OpenAI, and the company already made it clear before that it does not want its technology to be used for creating or powering machines that can harm humans or other forms of life, yet an engineer did so. There was once a viral post circulating on social media that ChatGPT was used to power a sentry gun, up to a point where its Advanced Voice Mode was used to fire off the weapon and respond to user commands.

OpenAI has since shut down the use of ChatGPT for the said weapon, and the company reiterated its stance against this misuse of its technology, slamming the engineer and content creator for their actions.

OpenAI Shuts Down ChatGPT-Powered Sentry Gun

OpenAI is not standing by for its technology to be used as weapons, and the company shut down the recently viral video that showed how ChatGPT was used to power a sentry gun, using its iconic features and capabilities. The said video uploaded on various social media platforms, including TikTok, was already taken down by its uploader, but it already gained massive fame and attention worldwide.

This video was created by an engineer who goes by 'sts_3d,' and browsing their social media accounts, including YouTube, it is revealed that he is an innovator with many developments in robotics and the like.

However, OpenAI did not approve of his latest invention where he used ChatGPT to power a sentry gun and even went as far as to use the chatbot's Advanced Voice Mode to command the weapon to fire volleys of bullets, and then respond to the engineer.

OpenAI Still Says 'No' to AI Weapons

According to OpenAI (via Futurism), the engineer has violated its policies on the use of their technology with the creation of this sentry gun AI weapon, and they also gave him a notice to cease this kind of activity. With this, OpenAI reiterated its stand against AI weapons, particularly with the use of its artificial intelligence models, as well as their API, for these kinds of developments.

AI-Powered Weapons Are Dangerous

AI-powered weapons have been slammed before when the advancement was being applied to modern warfare tactics by different private companies and countries, but the dawn of generative AI made it a more serious call for all. The United States is known for pleading with China and Russia to ban the use of artificial intelligence for nuclear weapons forever and wants them to avoid this technology in their developments.

However, it is not only in the United States or among the top AI companies who want this technology to be avoided, particularly as the international community is also going against this misuse of AI. The United Nations has already regarded this use of AI for creating weapons of mass destruction as dangerous, and they are now calling for international regulations to help impede its development.

There is no doubt that artificial intelligence evolved significantly to already great heights and that it is beneficial in many industries to help make them more efficient and capable of providing their service. However, many governments and companies draw the line on its use for weaponry, with OpenAI among those who uphold this rule to avoid using artificial intelligence technology to harm humans and other forms of life in its use.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has expressed condolences to the United States regarding the forest fires in California, Azernews reports, citing a post shared by Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on X social network.

The post reads:

"We are deeply saddened by widespread devastation caused by the wildfires in California, United States. We express heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the United States, and to the families of the victims. We wish for a speedy recovery for all the injured and quick recovery from this tragedy."




Cyclone-ravaged Mayotte on red alert as it braces for new storm



Mamoudzou, Jan 11 (AFP) Jan 11, 2025



Residents of the French territory of Mayotte braced on Saturday for a storm expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain less than a month after the Indian Ocean archipelago was devastated by a deadly cyclone.

Mayotte was placed on a red weather alert from 1900 GMT on Saturday in anticipation of the passage of Cyclone Dikeledi to the south of the territory.

Authorities called for "extreme vigilance" following the devastation wrought by Cyclone Chido in mid-December.

Meteo-France predicted "significant rain and windy conditions", saying that very heavy rain could cause flooding.

Residents were advised to seek shelter and stock up on food and water.

The storm hit the northeastern coast of Madagascar on Saturday evening around 1630 GMT and was heading straight for the tourist island of Nosy Be.

It is expected to pass to the south of Mayotte on Sunday morning, according to forecasts.

"Nothing is being left to chance," Manuel Valls, France's new overseas territories minister, told AFP, referring to forecasts of "heavy and continuous rain" and winds of up to 110 kilometres per hour.

As it hit Madagascar, average winds were estimated at 130 kms an hour, with gusts up to 180 kms.

The most devastating cyclone to hit France's poorest department in 90 years caused colossal damage, killing at least 39 people and injuring more than 5,600 in December.

"We need to be seriously prepared for the possibility of a close passage of the cyclone," the Mayotte prefecture said on X.

Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the top Paris-appointed official on the territory, said Mayotte would be placed on a red weather alert from 1900 GMT on Saturday

"I have decided to bring forward this red alert to 10:00 pm to allow everyone to take shelter, to confine themselves, to take care of the people close to you, your children, your families," Bieuville said on television.

Messages in French and two regional languages were broadcast on radio and television to alert the population.

Bieuville told reporters earlier Saturday that the cyclone was forecast to pass within 110 kilometres (70 miles) of the archipelago's southern coast.

"We even have systems telling us 75 kilometres. So we have something that is going to hit Mayotte very closely", he said.



- 'Very worried' -



The storm intensified trom a tropical storm to a tropical cyclone Saturday morning but forecasters are not expecting it to further intensify.

More than 4,000 personnel have been mobilised in Mayotte, including members of police and the army, said the interior ministry.

The prefect has requested that mayors reopen accommodation centres such as schools and gymnasiums that sheltered around 15,000 people in December.

He also ordered firefighters and other forces to be deployed to "extremely fragile" shantytowns in Mamoudzou and elsewhere.

Potential mudslides were "a major risk", the prefect said.

"Chido was a dry cyclone, with very little rain," he added.

"This tropical storm is a wet event, we are going to have a lot of rain."

Mayotte's population stands officially at 320,000, but there are an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 more undocumented inhabitants living in shanty towns that were destroyed by the cyclone in December.

In Mamoudzou, Camelia Petre, 35, said she would be sheltering in her house, which "held up during Chido".

She told AFP that she would be "taking in friends and colleagues who have lost their homes".

She was "very worried about the vulnerable population", she added.

cor-rr-jvi-aje-sm-as/gv/ju
Kent Thiry of Unite America spoke in favor of passing Proposition 131 during the Oct. 24 debate at the University of Denver.
She was so anxious, the facultys HR director offered to call her during the dinner so she could claim there was a family issue and leave. When the manager called during the dinner, the woman said she was having a good time. At the end of the dinner, Owczarek clasped her hands and said, I love you, shocking the woman, the Fair Work Commission was told. She said she did not reciprocate his feelings, which he disputed. The University of Melbourne Credit: Penny Stephens The day after the dinner, Owczarek sent the woman a text: As I have potted around an empty house this morning kept company only by a sleepy furball until a few moments ago and during a slow meditative run I have been supremely serene and a feeling of utter happiness has pervaded my existence. I am extremely grateful to be alive. Thank you so much for the most wonderful evening. Yours always, Aleks. P.s who needs white powder when you have this. The woman waited two days to reply, the tribunal heard, and apologised for the slow response in a bid to keep the peace while she worked out what to do.

She didnt attend work that week, explained to HR what had happened and was told to tell Owczarek she didnt feel the same way. While she was off work during that week, Owczarek sent the woman nine messages which went unanswered. Seven days after the dinner, the woman sent the professor a text telling him she was unable to attend work because what he said at dinner made her very uncomfortable. Thank you so much for the most wonderful evening. Yours always, Aleks. P.s who needs white powder when you have this. Part of a text message Alexsander Owczarek sent his colleague in September 2019 Her text read: We are friends but no more than that. I need to establish more space between work and personal life and I hope our working relationship can continue. Im not able to talk to you about this at the moment. Owczarek responded with a text that day: I am very sorry to have made you feel at all uncomfortable and will work with you to make sure you feel right.

He also sent another message, telling her he wanted to apologise in person and get their working relationship on track. He wrote in that message: As you may appreciate I am struggling to undertake my work understanding I have so deeply hurt you I am cognizant of the number of issues in my inbox and of course PBC [planning and budget conference] next week I do understand your need to have some time as a breather. Loading Owczarek told the HR manager he hadnt meant to upset his colleague but wanted to hear her voice. The manager told the professor he needed to stop, and when Owczarek said he didnt understand, the manager told him: You do. At a meeting between the professor and the woman, she told him their relationship was one of colleagues, and he assured the woman he didnt have feelings for her, the commission was told. When the University of Melbourne investigated Owczareks conduct, the HR manager said the professor was like a teenage boy with a romanticised view of what life is like and what women are like.

He is a disaster waiting to happen because he romanticises friendships, the manager told the universitys investigator. The university argued to the Fair Work Commission that Owczarek was motivated to pursue a romantic relationship with the woman, and that for 18 months after the dinner, his text messages and actions amounted to sexual misconduct. In that time, he repeatedly sent texts and reached out to the woman, despite him returning to the mathematics department in December 2020. Over several months, he asked to catch up for coffee or lunch, and the woman said each time she was too busy. Owczarek also messaged her about new years celebrations, sent her photos of his new puppy and about a workplace issue. The woman did not respond to the messages. On March 10, 2021, when Owczarek texted the woman asking to catch up over lunch, she replied: Your perceived closeness to me makes me feel uncomfortable, and I do not wish to catch up. That will not change, and I would appreciate it if you stopped asking me to meet. And please stop enquiring after me through my colleagues.

Loading Owczarek told her he would comply, and later apologised to her in a formal letter. I had no idea how this has been affecting you, and I am mortified that this has had such an effect. I humbly apologize for any distress that I have caused you, he wrote. The tribunal heard there was no suggestion of additional contact from that point. In February 2023, Owczarek applied for a position in the University of Melbourne science faculty, which prompted the woman, who still worked there, to file a formal complaint against him. The woman later told the tribunal she did so to stop him getting the role, but not for him to lose his job.

The university launched an investigation in March 2023 and dismissed the professor in December that year. Loading Fair Work Commission deputy president Andrew Bell, in a decision published late last year, said Owczarek clearly crossed a professional boundary, and his actions at the September 2019 dinner constituted sexual harassment. Bell said the professor lost all sense of personal and professional objectivity at the dinner, when with a younger female colleague. Bell also slammed Owczareks decision to send the text the day after the dinner, and found the message difficult to read.

It must have been difficult for the [woman] to receive, and I have no hesitation in accepting her evidence that this text message confirmed in her mind that Dr Owczarek had deeper feelings for her than friendship. But the Fair Work Commission deputy president found the universitys sacking of Owczarek was harsh, unjust and unreasonable. Although there was misconduct, he found it was not to the extent that Owczarek should be dismissed. Dismissal was disproportionate in circumstances where there was no credible evidence of any ongoing misconduct or similar conduct since March 2021 and the complaint was not lodged to have Dr Owczarek dismissed but to preclude his reappointment to a faculty level position. Bell said the university had a legitimate concern about Owczareks profound lack of insight about appropriate workplace boundaries. But Bell ordered the professor to be reinstated at the university.

The university said in a statement it was considering an appeal. Loading We are pleased that the Fair Work Commission confirmed the view of the university that Dr Owczarek engaged in serious misconduct in the form of sexual harassment and that he failed to provide a respectful, safe, rewarding and environmentally sustainable learning and working environment, a university spokesperson said. Within that context, the university is concerned that the Fair Work Commission has ordered Dr Owczarek to be reinstated to his employment.
Elon Musk is everyman. The ordinary or typical protagonist who encounters a challenge or situation any of us might confront and whose response is not initially heroic but, eventually, demonstrates how ordinary people find conviction and courage. Just like the rest of us, everyman is far from perfect. He gets things wrong.

Elon Musk is not God. He is, however, everyman  and this has been his power. Credit: AP

That might seem a strange characterisation of a billionaire who is known for daring and disruptive ideas. But there is a very normal and relatable narrative arc behind Elon Musk becoming the worlds loudest commentator on international politics. He has realised, perhaps later than others, that for a number of years, politics, institutions, polite society and sections of the media considered some aspects of the truth too dangerous or uncomfortable for the masses to safely consume. And it has put him into crusade mode.

Where this everyman is decidedly superhuman is in the number of crusades he can take on simultaneously. He has infinite voice, thanks to his social media platform, X. And he seemingly has infinite time to pursue numerous passions with equal vigour. He heads up SpaceX and Tesla (he even found time to scoff at an article in this masthead which suggested that after constant controversies and distractions he might be forced to hand over the reins). Hes taking his former partner in AI to court and actively fathering  both senses intended  a flock of children.
London: An official Palestinian tally of direct deaths in the Israel-Hamas war likely undercounted the number of casualties by around 40 per cent in the first nine months of the war as the Gaza Strips healthcare infrastructure unravelled, according to a new study.

The peer-reviewed statistical analysis published in The Lancet journal was conducted by academics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Yale University and other institutions.

Fatma Abu Awad and her daughter Malak pray in a graveyard where their relatives who were killed by an Israeli airstrike are buried, in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Thursday. Credit: AP

Using a statistical method called capture-recapture analysis, the researchers sought to assess the death toll from Israels air and ground campaign in Gaza between October 2023 and the end of June 2024.

They estimated 64,260 deaths due to traumatic injury during this period, about 41 per cent higher than the official Palestinian Health Ministry count. The study said 59.1 per cent were women, children and people over the age of 65. It did not provide an estimate of Palestinian combatants among the dead.
NEW GLOBAL STUDY FROM MCCANN WORLDGROUP TRUTH CENTRAL FINDS 91% OF PEOPLE GLOBALLY SEEK TO ESCAPE FROM DAILY LIFE, UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL BRANDS TO GET INTO THE BUSINESS OF ESCAPE

"The Truth About Escapism" Study, Released at the Consumer Electronics Show, Reveals That Technology Plays a Crucial Role in This Reality, With 1 in 2 People Going Online to Find Moments of Escape

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2025 -- McCann Worldgroup Truth Central, the global intelligence unit of McCann Worldgroup, today released "The Truth About Escapism," a new global study which found that 86% of people think distractions can be a healthy way to cope with the stress of everyday life. A full 60% of respondents find themselves craving distraction more today than in the past. As a result of these and other findings, brands across every category have immense opportunities to tap into the nearly $10 Trillion and growing "Escape Economy."

The research reveals that what people define as their "escape mode" can incorporate everything from a run, listening to music, going out to lunch, snacking, shopping, scrolling through videos on social media platforms and playing video games, among a host of other activities. And while the travel and tourism category unsurprisingly claims the largest share of the Escape Economy ($3.2 Trillion), categories like Luxury Goods ($460 Billion), Alcohol ($1.8 Trillion), Health & Wellness ($220 Billion), Casinos & Gambling ($372 Billion), Gaming ($106 Billion), Theme Parks ($50 Billion), and Beauty ($66 Billion) all play significant roles in people's methods for taking a break from their daily lives. The Escape Economy is predicted to grow to $13.9 Trillion by 2028, making it imperative even for brands not traditionally marketed as part of this new world to quickly become part of it.

McCann Worldgroup Chief Intelligence Officer and President of McCann Worldgroup Truth Central Laura Simpson said: "Every brand will have to be in the business of escape, even if they don't know it yet. From immersive travel experiences to fleeting daily distractions, escapism offers a spectrum of opportunities for relief, renewal, and reinvention. In so many ways, technology plays a key role in how people take a well-needed break from their daily lives, which is why we are launching this study from the Consumer Electronics Show. Although a balance needs to be found  technology is also one of the things we're finding people wish to escape from. Brands that get this balance right and tap into this massive market will drive deeper emotional connections with their audiences, foster brand loyalty, and unlock new possibilities in an evolving consumer landscape."

The Truth about Escapism is a global study that combined a robust research methodology, including a quantitative survey of over 16,000 respondents across 16 markets conducted in April 2024, with qualitative depth with over 50 sources of academic literature review, and interviews with 15 experts across 10 disciplines (spanning psychology, gaming, tourism, and more). It also features industry valuations that have been provided by GlobalData.

The study explores the Escape Economy through the following four areas, each with implications for how brands can play a key role in this fundamental human need:

Escape Mode : Escapism is no longer confined to annual holidays or major events; the ideal escape can range from big occasions like immersive travel experiences to everyday moments that permeate daily life. Escape Decoded : The research reveals significant differences in how people view escapism around the world. For example, while people in the U.S. often seek to escape the "State of the World," those in France are more likely to disconnect from "the news." In China , the focus shifts to escaping "parents and older relatives," whereas in India , it's about stepping away from "social media." Escape Frontiers : While technology remains a key driver, new forms of escapism are emerging, such as "sleep tourism," offering luxury sleep-enhancing experiences; "day guesting," providing quick, local retreats at hotels and spas; and "psychedelic reinvention," leveraging psychedelics for personal growth and identity exploration, are redefining how we disconnect. For younger generations, mainstream fantasythrough cosplay, fantasy fiction, and daydreamingand other imaginative activities  are increasingly popular. Escape Designed : The study details the new landscape of escapism brands need to play in and the three ingredients to a great escape:

Elevate Anticipation : Harness the excitement of planning and looking forward to an escapebecause sometimes, the build-up is as rewarding as the experience itself.

: Harness the excitement of planning and looking forward to an escapebecause sometimes, the build-up is as rewarding as the experience itself. Shift Perspectives : Help people step outside their routines and gain fresh viewpoints. Whether physical or emotional, a change in scenery can redefine how they see their lives.

: Help people step outside their routines and gain fresh viewpoints. Whether physical or emotional, a change in scenery can redefine how they see their lives. Choose Freedom: Deliver experiences that provide a sense of joyous liberationwhere "airport rules" apply, and people feel free to break routines and embrace spontaneity.

Jess Francis, Research Director, McCann Worldgroup Truth Central, added, "For brands with credibility in escapism, the question is: 'Are you doing enough?' And for brands that are not traditionally in the business of escape, the question is: 'Where might you start?' In a modern world filled with ever-increasing stresses, what is not in question is whether a brand should become part of people's various modes of removing themselves from them. Because if people aren't escaping with your brand, they are escaping with someone else's."

Among its many counterintuitive findings, the research revealed that 82% of people say that sometimes looking forward to an experience is more enjoyable than the experience itself. Additionally, people also admit to a bit of fiscal irresponsibility, with 2 in 3 respondents saying that "buying myself things even when I shouldn't makes me happy."

The executive summary containing more key findings and insights derived from the study can be found here.
IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025 -- Our thoughts and sympathy go out to all those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires, including our employees and dealer partners. We also offer our sincere gratitude to the brave firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to contain the fires and protect our communities. In support of the recovery efforts, Mazda will be donating $100,000, split between the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation.

Mazda Financial Services (MFS) is also offering payment relief options to our customers in designated disaster areas. For more information, click here.

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.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations
Hyundai and Genesis Donate $200,000 for Southern California Relief Efforts

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025 -- In response to the devastating wildfires affecting Southern California, Hyundai and Genesis Motor America have launched a comprehensive wildfire relief program to provide immediate humanitarian aid and financial assistance to those impacted. This initiative includes targeted support for current Hyundai and Genesis owners, prospective customers, and community relief efforts.

"Hyundai and Genesis are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the wildfires across Los Angeles and everyone impacted," said Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the heroic first responders and fire departments working tirelessly to protect residents, their homes and loved ones. Southern California is more than just our homeit's the heart of our North American operations, including our headquarters, design studios, and many Group partners. During this challenging time, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our team members, retailers, and community partners in the affected areas."

As part of its commitment, Hyundai and Genesis Motor America are donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross and $100,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation for immediate disaster relief and recovery efforts supporting evacuees and first responders. This donation underscores Hyundai's long-standing Assurance program, which is dedicated to safeguarding the safety, health, and well-being of its customers, employees, dealers, and the communities it serves.

Hyundai Capital America, which includes Hyundai Motor Finance and Genesis Finance, will also offer financial hardship support to eligible customers, providing payment relief solutions for those directly affected by the fires.

Through this multifaceted relief effort, Hyundai aims to support recovery and provide meaningful assistance to those in need.

Southern California Wildfire Relief Buyer and Owner Assurance

$1,000 toward the purchase of a new 2025 Hyundai*

toward the purchase of a new 2025 Hyundai* $2,000 toward the purchase of a new 2025 Genesis**

toward the purchase of a new 2025 Genesis** Hyundai Motor Finance and Genesis Finance will provide financial hardship support options for affected customers living and working in designated evacuated areas. If you are affected, please contact: HMF: (800) 523-4030 or GF: (844) 363-7477

Extended availability of towing/roadside assistance***

*The $1,000 SoCal Wildfire Relief Buyer and Owner Assurance must be applied towards the purchase or lease of a new 2025 model year Hyundai vehicle from a participating Hyundai dealer. Customer must be the current registered owner or lessee of a vehicle that sustained damage as a result of the Southern California Fires that began January 7, 2025, and must provide a letter from their insurance company clearly identifying the vehicle make and model, the amount of damage the vehicle incurred and proof that the damage was a result of a Southern California wildfire. The new Hyundai vehicle must be purchased or leased between 1/7/2025 and 3/1/25. $1,000 SoCal Wildfire Relief Buyer and Owner Assurance must be applied to the amount due at signing. Limit of one per damaged vehicle and applied once to new vehicle purchase or lease. Customer must take delivery of new vehicle from dealer stock by March 31, 2025. See your participating Hyundai dealer for full details. Offer ends 3/31/25.

**The $2,000 SoCal Wildfire Relief Buyer and Owner Assurance must be applied towards the purchase or lease of a new 2025 model year Genesis vehicle from a participating Genesis retailer. Customer must be the current registered owner or lessee of a vehicle that sustained damage as a result of the Southern California Fires that began January 7, 2025, and must provide a letter from their insurance company clearly identifying the vehicle make and model, the amount of damage the vehicle incurred and proof that the damage was a result of a Southern California wildfire. The new Genesis vehicle must be purchased or leased between 1/7/2025 and 3/1/25. $2,000 SoCal Wildfire Relief Buyer and Owner Assurance must be applied to the amount due at signing. Limit of one per damaged vehicle and applied once to new vehicle purchase or lease. Customer must take delivery of new vehicle from retailer stock by March 31, 2025. See your participating Genesis retailer for full details. Offer ends 3/31/25.

***Hyundai Roadside Assistance services are provided through the American Automobile Association, Inc., Heathrow, FL, and its affiliated motor clubs, which are independent contractors of Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America makes no guarantee or warranty regarding the services provided by the American Automobile Association, Inc. and its clubs, and is not liable for the actions of their employees or subcontractors. The Hyundai Roadside Assistance program does not include reimbursement for any costs/charges for repairs, parts, labor, property loss, or any other expenses incurred as a result of accident/collision, vehicle abuse, racing, vandalism, or other items not covered by the Hyundai New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Also excluded are services for snow tires, repairs to studs, mounting or demounting of snow chains, any fines, fees, or taxes associated with impound towing as a result of any actual or alleged violation of any law or regulation. Hyundai Motor America reserves the right to limit services or reimbursement to any owner or driver when, in Hyundai Motor America's judgment, the claims are excessive in nature, frequency or type of occurrence. See www.HyundaiUSA.com/assurance for full Hyundai Roadside Assistance program details.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.
Colorado's Access to Justice Commission has started creating a legal self-help portal and secured a grant to help address "legal deserts" in rural Colorado, the commission recently announced in its 2023 year-end report.
 Impact is felt at Kia America's Headquarters in Southern California and across the region

 All donations to American Red Cross will help people affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 11, 2025 -- Kia America announced a donation of $250,000 will be made to American Red Cross to support relief efforts for those affected by 2025 California wildfires.

In the wake of active wildfires across Los Angeles County, Kia is making a donation to the American Red Cross to support those impacted by the fires.

"Kia is deeply committed to supporting communities in need, especially during times of crisis," said Seungkyu (Sean) Yoon, president and CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. "As the Los Angeles wildfires continue to impact families and neighborhoods, we stand alongside American Red Cross in providing vital aid to those affected. Through this $250,000 donation, we hope to bring relief, resources, and a sense of hope to those who need it most. At Kia, we believe in the power of coming together to rebuild and strengthen the communities we call home."

In addition to the primary donation, Kia will be providing financial hardship support to impacted customers who are eligible for payment relief solutions. This includes a $1,000 cash rebate on select new 2024-2025 Kia models. Customers can contact a Kia dealer for details. Some restrictions apply.

Furthermore, Kia Finance will offer financial hardship support to eligible customers, providing payment relief solutions for those directly affected by the fires and for customers living and working in designated evacuated areas. If you are affected, please contact: 866-331-5632.

American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood supply; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.

The donations are a part of the brand's "Accelerate the Good" charitable program, which includes both national and local initiatives and has provided more than $30 million to those in need since 2019. Donations made by Kia's "Accelerate the Good" charitable initiative include ones to organizations that help treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases; help end childhood hunger; provide shelter to youth facing homelessness; provide natural disaster relief for recovering communities; offer support for military families; help shelter animals find forever homes; and assist with environmental cleanup projects nationwide.

Kia America  about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

*Certain 2025 EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV/PHEV), Sorento (excludes HEV/PHEV), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

SOURCE Kia America
Some members of the legislature's powerful budget committee cautioned Chief Justice Monica M. Marquez on Tuesday that it would be difficult to justify a spending increase for new judgeships in light of substantial cuts to be made elsewhere.
From Free Luigi memes on social media to a national poll indicating that most Americans think insurance profits and coverage denials are partly to blame for Luigi Mangione allegedly gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in midtown Manhattan on Dec. 4, a chunk of public sentiment has favored the 26-year-old suspected killer.

Not startling given the miserable state of medical insurance in this country, says Loring Wirbel, acting chair of the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission, a Colorado Springs nonprofit that for nearly 50 years, has promoted social justice through nonviolent action.

But also not acceptable, say he and others who weigh in on the topic of whether renegade outlaws are usurping the long-standing tradition of deploying civil resistance to effect change.

In surveys in the aftermath, people were saying violence is justified because health care is so bad, Wirbel said. He (Mangione) wasnt even a UnitedHealthcare customer, and for people to think we should shoot executives, that is bizarre beyond measure to me.

Has passive protest become so unpopular that destructive behavior is becoming the norm for addressing cultural grievances?

Wirbel thinks so.

We find a lot of people  particularly younger generations but also older as well  who arent familiar with nonviolent communication, he said. The notion of active listening and collaboration is just not taught, and Im starting to see widespread acceptance that people are fed up and feeling that violence is justified.

Others disagree that the practice of nonviolence is crumbling like other social constructs.

My moral code and the moral code of practically everyone on the planet does not support murder  most people dont, said Evan Weissman, who for decades has taught a course on nonviolence at Colorado College.

In the case of Mangione, Weissman said, The reality is that insurance companies commit violence every day; their actions do kill people, but we only call that violence when an individual does that back to them.

People can feel like they're being bullied and are powerless against large government or private systems that seem to perpetuate systemic violence, he said. Theres a natural reaction to a bully being hit back, and I think thats what were seeing.

But Weissman doesnt think people are turning their backs on nonviolent resistance to oppose oppressive societal ills.

As examples, he points to ongoing demonstrations locally and nationally calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza-Israel war, public pushback on shortages and high costs of diabetes medications, workers in health care, trucking and education going on strike, student-led actions including classroom-walkouts spotlighting climate change and gun violence, local tenant rallies for affordable, safe housing and the Colorado Springs Homeless Union clamoring for rights for homeless people as proving to be successful.

Also, In prisons you do not have the luxury to use violence  it is quashed immediately, Weissman noted. Over the past decade there have been so many coordinated strikes in prisons, and theyve been quite effective, but you dont really hear about that.

Most people choose nonviolence a lot, he said. Its the only tool you have for people most affected by something.

In their book, Why Civil Resistance Works: the Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict, authors Maria J. Stephan and Erica Chenowith conclude that from 1900 to 2017, large nonviolent resistance campaigns, such as succession movements to overthrow dictators, have grown across the world and demonstrated increasing success, largely due to number of people participating in essentially what is a form of warfare.

'Fed up with civility'

But if personal harms arent addressed, an apparent problem for Thompsons suspected murderer, people can turn to the extreme  vigilantism  which also has played out with school shootings by perpetrators who had been bullied by classmates.

The car bombing and suicide death in Las Vegas on Jan. 1 by Colorado Springs resident Matthew Livelsberger evidently was orchestrated to send a wake-up call to the masses about his political and military concerns, according to messages he left behind.

Another unfathomable incident that added to the nations destructive end to 2024 and shaky beginning of 2025 happened in New Orleans, when Texan Shamsud-Din Jabbar allegedly killed 14 people and injured dozens more by ramming a truck into revelers on Bourbon Street before New Years Day dawned. He then was killed during a shootout with police. Evidence suggests he was inspired by the Nation of Islam.

The events seemed random and confusing, Wirbel said, asking, What does this accomplish?

I think the polarization in society has lasted so long that people are totally fed up with discussions and civility, he said. There are people they have decided are enemies  folks that dont agree with them  and they dont have any interest in finding common ground. There is no good that comes out of either lone wolf or mass violence.

While most people usually do not agree with murder, many can relate to the Thompson suspects objections, said Jay Coakley, sociology professor emeritus at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

They have social support for what theyre saying; one of the issues with health care is its a part of our daily conversations, and when things dont go right  an unexpected bill or denial of coverage  that gets integrated into their everyday conversations, and they receive support for their dissatisfaction and agreement that health care needs to change.

For Mangione, whom police apprehended in a McDonalds restaurant in Pennsylvania five days after the fatal shooting and is facing charges of murder as an act of terrorism, the top executive emerged as the problem.

People agree with the message attached to the murder, Coakley said. Its not that theyre saying they would support that kind of violence in the future; what theyre saying is that something needs to be done. And hopefully this particular incident will lead to changes in the health care system.

Weissman said he thinks its fair to ask why these insurance companies are not responsible for the harms they cause people every day, while not cheering on the violence.

Violence has become such a part of American society that people can become desensitized, experts say, as children grow up playing video and virtual-reality games where killing a character is the goal, and they must enter school through metal detectors and practice drills for active shooters almost as regular as fire alarm tests.

Among the details that emerged in Mangiones high-profile case is that a spinal condition caused chronic pain, which led to problems with his medical insurance company. That affected his mental state, Coakley said.

Featured Local Savings

It influenced the way he thought  the perspectives he used to view the world  and that was a key part to his motivation to shooting that gun and killing that person, he said. Initially we thought this was a normal person wanting to make a political statement because he was upset about health care. It was a more complex situation.

Thats why Coakley doesnt see social contagion or copycat actions to follow.

Social contagion primarily occurs in crowds, when people panic at large events. When there is no crowd involved, social contagion can break out if there are existing organizations that pick up a particular message and communicate it simultaneously, and members provide social support for certain kinds of action, Coakley said.

It's possible that activists will demonstrate in front of corporate health care offices, Coakley believes. But the privatization of health care in the United States makes it very difficult to impact change across multiple corporations, when our health care system is so spread out, fragmented and disjointed.

Moral code in mind

Nonviolent response take cues from the reform movements of Baptist pastor and American civil rights champion the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Indian lawyer and political ethicist the Mahatma Gandhi and South African Anglican bishop and anti-apartheid leader Desmond Tutu.

Over the centuries, activists have used civil resistance to call attention to numerous perceived injustices: suffrage, apartheid, civil rights, labor disputes, wars, nuclear proliferation, school shootings, religious freedoms, womens rights, climate change, energy development, pay equality, affordable housing, capitalism and LGBTQ+ issues.

Peaceful methods include speaking at public meetings, contacting elected leaders, protesting with signs and chants, boycotting businesses, tree-sitting, striking and picketing, and civil disobedience.

The latter is a tactic to break laws in a nonviolent way  for example seen locally as trespassing on a military base to deliver a message. Instead of fighting with police, activists passively resist arrest by making their bodies limp or remaining in a sitting, standing or prone position.

Around the nation, some demonstrations have turned violent in recent years, with rioting, pillaging, looting, incapacitating traffic and full-court police immobilization tactics.

Violence erupted during protests opposing the Bush administrations decision to invade Iraq following the terrorist strikes on U.S. soil on Sept. 11, 2001, Black Lives Matter opposition to police brutality, President-elect Donald Trumps first White House victory in 2016 and the U.S. Capitol breach four years ago over objections to the 2020 election results.

Civil disobedience differs from criminal disobedience, Weissman, the Colorado College professor, notes.

Theres a long history of people breaking laws or destroying property or trespassing because they say this is for a reason or this shouldnt be a law or this is a system that is unjust, he said. Martin Luther King talked about why would people riot in their own communities, with the idea that if people feel so unheard and so disconnected from whats in their community, this is an extension from these power structures that are keeping people down.

Weissman said the question becomes: Do we teach people how they can fight systems, how they can get real change, but know where your moral code is while keeping the light on the systems of injustice and daily power?

One issue is that nonviolent methods can take years to produce results, said Coakley, the sociology professor from UCCS who now works as a consultant. And younger people dont necessarily want to wait decades to see their work produce results.

The sense of powerlessness in the face of massive social institutions and corporations lead young people to feel they dont have the power to make a difference, and they havent experienced it, he said.

Historically, younger generations have fought injustice nonviolently because activism was promoted throughout society, and people became immersed because they believed their involvement would matter, Coakley said.

The civil rights movement, the womens movement, the LGBTQ movement all have been effective, eventually creating the change people wanted, but its taken 20-40 years, he said. If Im an 18-year-old, am I going to be attracted to protests that might lead to changes being made when Im 50 years old?

Hunt for new ideas

Thats one of the questions leaders of the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission have, as the organization surveys its membership of 300 active participants and a mailing list of 1,000.

The governing board decided in the fall that the organization only would initiate programs that members clearly had an interest in, Wirbel said.

Survey results to date show that nonviolent communication and peacemaking is the second-highest category of what people would like to learn more about or would support, said Matt Jones, director of member engagement and co-director of Youth Activist Training, which the organization offers as a teen day camp in the summer.

People think theres a lot of divisions in the country and people who think differently than they do. A lot want to build a bridge and work with people; others think weve gone as far as we possibly can, and we need new ideas.

Nonviolent communication involves all-in listening when someone is speaking, asking questions to validate understanding of what that person is saying and finding some common ground through sharing ones own perspective in a way that is not confrontational, Jones said.

I feel a lot of these issues in the violence are rooted in alienation, inequalities, despair and hopelessness, said Jones, a 33-year-old and part of the millennial generation. To do an extreme act of violence, a person must not have seen any hope. There are groups creating a pathway to positive change.

The Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission plans to offer speakers, events such as film nights and workshops on nonviolence throughout the year, Jones said, to inspire people. More information is available at the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PPJPC/.

In recent years, the organization has shrunk to having no paid staff and no office space. Wirbel said 2025 will be telling in determining its fate.

Because, Wirbel said, its one thing for people to express on a survey that they would support training and informative events focusing on nonviolence, but its another matter to see how many people embrace the approach and choose to become involved.
BSF jawans attacked by cattle smugglers at India-Desh border





KOLKATA

BSF jawans were attacked by Bangladeshi cattle smugglers on the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengals North 24 Parganas district on Thursday night, a statement from the paramilitary force said. In a retaliatory action carried out in self-defence, the jawans successfully foiled the smuggling attempt and recovered 10 bulls, it added. The incident took place at Khutadah border outpost (BOP), where BSF personnel saw smugglers approaching the border fence from the Indian side with cattle. Simultaneously, smugglers from the Bangladesh side crossed the international border into India. When the BSF jawans challenged them to stop, the smugglers ignored the warning and advanced aggressively, wielding sharp-edged spears

while attempting to cut the border fence. In response to the threat, a BSF jawan fired a blank round as a warning. Taking advantage of the darkness and uneven terrain, the smugglers fled back to Bangladesh. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of 8 bulls of Haryana origin, the statement by BSF South Bengal Frontier said. Previous incidents of similar smuggling attempts and assaults have been reported at Pipli BOP (Kolkata sector) and BOPs HC Pur and Nawada (Malda sector), where BSF jawans were forced to defend themselves using stun grenades and other weapons, the statement added. A BSF spokesperson said despite frequent flag meetings with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to raise concerns about these attacks, no concrete action has been taken by Bangladeshi authorities. Despite these challenges, our jawans continue to perform their duties with unwavering courage and vigilance, the spokesperson said.
Ex-MP of Balaghat Munjare granted bail after 12 days





Staff Reporter Former

Member of Parliament of Balaghat Kankar Munjare, who was jailed for allegedly assaulting staff during paddy procurement, has been granted bail by the sessions court after 12 days. On his release from Netaji Subhash Chandra Central Jail in Jabalpur, Munjare dismissed charges as baseless and termed the incident a political conspiracy. In an informal talk with the media, the former MP stated that allegations related to dispute during paddy procurement are false. Munjare said he would continue his protests in support of farmers rights. The incident took place on December 27, 2024, at a paddy procurement centre in Dhapera Mohgaon, Lalbarra Tehsil, Balaghat district. Munjare was accused of assaulting the center in-charge and a computer operator, disrupting the procurement process. A complaint was filed at Lalbarra police station regarding the dispute.

Later, an FIR was registered against Munjare and four others for obstructing official duties and assaulting staff. The entire incident was captured on the centers CCTV cameras. All accused were arrested and presented before the special MP-MLA court in Jabalpur on December 30, where their bail applications were initially rejected and they were sent to judicial custody. After his release, Munjare expressed concern over widespread paddy theft and alleged that Balaghat district alone had witnessed a theft of paddy worth Rs 7 crore, while Jabalpur faced a loss of Rs 3 crore. The former MP demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter and said if the Government fails to address the issue, he would knock the doors of the High Court.
Pensioners delegation calls upon FM; demands Rs 7,500 minimum monthly pension under EPS-95





NEW DELHI

A DELEGATION of EPS-95 pensioners met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday to press for their long-pending demand for a minimum monthly pension of Rs 7,500 along with dearness allowance (DA). Under the EPS-95 or Employees Pension Scheme 1995 run by retirement fund body EPFO, the existing minimum monthly pension is Rs 1,000. According to a statement issued by EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, the Finance Minister has conveyed to the delegation that their demands would be reviewed and addressed in a sympathetic manner. Commander Ashok Raut, National President of the committee, highlighted the plight of over 78 lakh pensioners from Central and State Government PSUs, private organizations, and factories across the country. Pensioners have been agitating for over 7-8 years for an increase in the minimum pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,500, along with DA and free medical treatment for both the pensioner and their spouse.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the demands of pensioners will be considered with great empathy. This assurance gives us hope, but the Government must act decisively by announcing Rs 7,500 as the minimum pension with DA in the upcoming budget. Anything less will fail to provide the dignity that senior citizens deserve, Commander Raut stated. He criticized certain labour organizations for demanding a lower minimum pension of Rs 5,000, calling it inadequate and unfair to the pensioners basic needs. He emphasized that Rs 7,500 is the minimum amount required for a dignified life. Despite the Governments 2014 announcement of Rs 1,000 as the minimum monthly pension, over 36.60 lakh pensioners still receive less than this amount, the body claimed.
Four Colorado Springs firefighters are on their way to Southern California to fight the growing wildfires that have caused hundreds of thousands to evacuate the region.

Three of the four-person team used to call California home, making the mission all the more special to them.

With 18 hours of driving ahead of them, the crew, made up of personnel from stations four, nine and three, left Colorado Springs around 12:45 p.m. Friday.

The team includes firefighters Guillermo Zavala and Ryan Morris, Lt. Aaron Holslag and driver/engineer Nick Cruz. All four volunteered for the assignment, the department said.

"I lived in Orange County and the hills back there burned every year," Morris said. "We saw the crews walking up in there and it was just something I always wanted to help out with."

Both Zavala and Cruz also lived in California before moving to Colorado Springs and joining the city's fire department. All three still have family in California facing smoky skies as a result of the nearby flames.

"I'm really excited to get them out there because I know they want to get to their friends and family and be able to help," Holslag said.

The four plan to drive the fire engine Friday until 10 p.m., waking up before the sun Saturday to finish the journey to Southern California.

The crew received the heads-up Thursday to get crews ready for a resource order that would send them west.

They heard nothing Thursday, but 9 a.m. Friday the team got the call. They left just hours later.

Each member of the team is specifically trained in wildfire suppression, meaning they typically have a bag packed full of camping gear and protective equipment at all times.

Featured Local Savings

The firefighters do get to bring some extra clothing, but not much. They packed an extra pair of pants, a shirt and a few pairs of socks to last them through the two weeks, or longer, they will be gone.

In addition to the local fire crew, Peterson Space Force Base in the Springs is sending an Air Force Reserves Unit to help fight the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, according to Gazette news partner KOAA.

That unit will be equipped with an aircraft designed to fight fires, the TV station reported.

Lt. Drew Cahill told said the Colorado Springs Fire Department sent personnel to assist in fires and other national disasters outside of city limits around 20 times in 2024.

In September, four members of the Colorado Springs Fire Department and one with Fort Carson were deployed to Florida to assist with Hurricane Helene as the storm ravaged the East Coast.

In July, several firefighters, including two from Colorado Springs, deployed to Oregon to help their crews fight wildland blazes.

"It feels really good to go out and represent our community while helping other people in the country going through crisis," Holslag said of the California deployment. "With the large-scale destruction, there is definitely a feeling of 'I don't know what I'm getting into.'"

The crew won't know their specific assignments until they arrive alongside other agencies from across the country who are also responding to resource orders. The hope is the team will bring back additional training from each of their assignments to the department to aid in their continuous education.

Cahill said the fires in Southern California are some of the largest and most extensive the department has ever assisted with.

The large-scale fires started Tuesday, growing quickly due to the powerful Santa Ana winds. The Associated Press has reported at least 11 deaths as of Friday night, with 153,000 residents are still under evacuation orders.

The flames have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area. AccuWeather, a private firm that provides weather data, estimated the toll to be about $135 billion-$150 billion as of late Thursday night, a number that is expected to continue to rise.
Address: 570 Grand Street, #H1405

Price: $1,150,000

Maintenance: $1815.00

Open House: Sunday, January 12th from 12:00  1:00 pm

**All showings  including Sunday Open Houses  are by appointment only. If you are working with another agent, that agent needs to reach out to make the appointment and is required to be present.**

Rare to Market! High floor, true 3-bedroom/1.5 bath apartment with beautiful views of the downtown skyline including the Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge and Freedom Tower! This large apartment (approx. 1,250 sq. ft.) has a flexible layout that allows for removal of the wall between the windowed kitchen and living room for a more open and airy feel. And with double exposures (East & West) youll have light all day long!

The Master Bedroom, with a windowed half bath en-suite (easily convertible to a full bath with shower stall), can accommodate a king-sized bed and multiple dressers. Facing East there are additional views of the co-ops private park with peak of the Williamsburg Bride and East River. A windowed full bath with bathtub, two additional well-proportioned bedrooms, 7 closets (2 walk-in) and original hardwood parquet flooring throughout. Dont miss this opportunity to make this beautiful space your own!

**Assessment: $144/month through March 2028** Co-op amenities (additional fees and wait lists may apply) include 24-hour attended lobbies, 2 large private parks, childrens playroom (plus access to neighboring Hillman co-ops park and playroom), community room, and fully equipped fitness center. 1 block to supermarket, 24hr deli/convenience store, dry cleaner and more. Short walk to Trader Joes, Target & Regal Cinemas!

M14A, M21 & M22 bus stops outside your door, and short walk to M14D providing direct access to Chinatown, Little Italy, East Village, SoHo, West Village, Financial District, Battery Park City, Union Square, Chelsea, Meat Packing and Kips Bay. J, M and F trains at Delancey & Essex Streets. F train at East Broadway & Rutgers Streets. Citibike stations nearby.

Offered by LoHo Realty Inc.

See floor plan, additional details and more photos here.

See a 3D tour here.

For information on 570 Grand Street, #H1405 contact

Jacob Goldman

Founder, Principal Broker

listings@lohorealty.com

212-388-1115

* This is a paid advertisement.
Wildlife officers have begun the operation to capture gray wolves in British Columbia, Canada, and bring the apex predators to Colorado, where they will be released in a region at the center of a fight over the states reintroduction campaign.

Colorados wildlife commission this week denied a petition to delay the next round of wolf introductions, paving the way for the capture operations to proceed. The state said the wolves will be released on the Western Slope  in Garfield, Eagle or Pitkin counties.

Colorados agreement with the Canadian province allows the capture of up to 15 wolves and to relocate them to the American state, according to the Polis administration. British Columbia has between 5,300 and 11,600 wolves, officials estimate.

The operation is expected to last up to two weeks, officials said.

Colorados wolf reintroduction program has strained the relationship between the state and livestock growers, who, along with state legislators, have accused the state of botching the reintroduction rollout. They argued that the programs deficiencies have not been cured and many of the proposed tactics are not in place, even as the calving season approaches.

In addition to killings, ranchers said the presence of the wolves has begun to modify the behavior of their cattle  they do no longer spread out into the pastures and they are constantly stressed and the change in feeding habits has resulted in lower birth weights.

Officials insisted they are following the mandate of voters to reintroduce the wolves in Colorado and maintain a viable, self-sustaining wolf population in Colorado while balancing the need to manage interactions between wolves, people and livestock.

Officials also said adding the wolves from British Columbia to the current population in Colorado will increase the likelihood of pairing, breeding and pack formation.

We remain committed to working with all parties as we continue to implement the law as passed by the voters, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis said in a statement. We have been working all year in preparation to have more wolves on the landscape with an improved Conflict Minimization Program, the addition of new staff to work alongside producers, strengthened partnerships, and guidelines for producers as it relates to chronic depredation and lethal management considerations.

Featured Local Savings

The state plans to capture and release up to 15 gray wolves on the West Slope per year over three to five years.

The reintroduction campaign has strained the relationship between the state and ranchers, who recently submitted nearly $600,000 in claims, an amount that would more than bankrupt the states wolf depredation compensation fund, which received $350,000 in the 2024-25 budget. Over three years, the wolf reintroduction program has cost the state more than $5.1 million.

Between April and September, more than two dozen confirmed attacks on livestock in Jackson, Routt and Grand counties drew only two paid claims through the compensation fund. Those claims were small, with the largest paid claim of $1,514 for a calf in Jackson County. More are pending, with at least one waiting to be paid since last April, according to the states wolf depredation website.

Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, who sponsored the compensation legislation, noted that livestock are highly bred and valuable. Ranchers have been working on their genetics for generations, he said last month.

House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, who was the other House sponsor, said that while she hasnt seen the claims, she trusts the process would be followed and the ranchers would be compensated.

Wolf reintroduction has been very challenging for our ranchers, not just on depredation but the emotional toll its taken on producers, as well, she said.

The loss of livestock is not just dollars and cents. This is their livelihood, their family tradition. They have an attachment to these animals Ive grown to appreciate.

Denver Gazette reporters Marianne Goodland and Scott Weiser contributed to this report.
South Korea placed an import ban on German pork Saturday following an outbreak of highly contagious foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease in the European nation, the agriculture ministry said, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said the decision was made after Germany reported its first FMD case since 1988.

FMD is one of the most infectious diseases for cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle and pigs, and can spread rapidly if uncontrolled.

The ministry said it will conduct FMD virus tests on German pork products shipped to the nation since Dec. 27.

Currently, approximately 360 tons of German pork, shipped between Oct. 26 and Nov. 17, is awaiting quarantine inspection.

The ministry said it will proceed with clearance procedures for the products through the normal process as the maximum latent period for the FDM virus is 14 days.
Education minister Bratya Basu today lauded chief minister Mamata Banerjee for her unparalleled contributions to the development of north Bengal, asserting that no other chief minister in the state has achieved as much since Independence.

Highlighting the chief ministers dedication, Mr Basu said her relentless efforts to uplift the people of north Bengal through proper development and the recognition of their languages have been both historically significant and crucial for fostering literature in local dialects.

Advertisement

Mr Basu was speaking at the inauguration of the Sahitya Utsav O Little Magazine Mela, titled Uttorer Haoa, this evening. The fair, organised by the Pashchimbanga Bangla Academy in association with the information and cultural affairs department and supported by the Siliguri Municipal Corporation and Siliguri College, will run from 10 to 12 January.

Advertisement

During the inaugural session, Mr Basu emphasised the states commitment to decentralise cultural activities, shifting them from the state capital, Kolkata, to districts across West Bengal. He said: West Bengal is home to 64 languages, including dialects. The goal of this fair is to celebrate linguistic diversity, foster connections among communities, and promote the development of literature.

Mr Basu also highlighted north Bengals rich linguistic diversity, noting that the region is home to numerous languages and dialects. Nearly 400 poets, writers, and editors of little magazines are expected to participate in the three-day event, making it a vibrant platform for literary exchange and cultural celebration.

Several ministers and notable personalities, including writer Abul Bashar and poet Subodh Sarkar, attended the event. Minister Sabina Yeasmin raised a pertinent question: Is North Bengal progressing or lagging behind?

On this issue, former minister Rabindranath Ghosh advocated for greater development in the region. He remarked: Poets and writers from North Bengal receive far less recognition compared to their counterparts in South Bengal. Writers in Kolkata and its surrounding areas are highlighted more.

Addressing the gathering, Abul Bashar said, When we think of north Bengal, we think of Amiya Bhushan Majumdar, Debashis Roy, and Samaresh Majumdar.
One person was killed and several were wounded after a Howrah-bound minibus mounted a pavement on Mahatma Gandhi Road allegedly breaking through railings in the wee hours today.

According to police, a minibus packed with passengers, heading towards Howrah was running at a break-neck speed, allegedly lost control and mounted the pavement in MG Road, knocking down several pedestrians on the move before ramming into the railings.

Advertisement

The impact was so severe that the front wheels of the bus came off on impact.

Advertisement

Police sources said one woman lost life after she took the blow from the killer bus and was rushed to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, where she was declared brought-dead.

The wounded persons, according to police, were from the same family. They had been rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. A child, who was nearby was saved by a whisker.

The driver of the killer bus was arrested by the police and the vehicle had been seized.

Police sources at Lalbazar said that an investigation is underway as thorough scanning of the CCTV footage was on to identify the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, officials of the state transport department held a meeting with the private and bus operators of the city today. The bus operators are said to have been directed to have location tracking devices for real time monitoring of buses mandatorily.
The West Bengal police investigating the murder of Trinamul Congress councillor Dulal Sarkar, also known as Babla, have recovered the firearms used in the crime.

Sarkar, who represented Ward 22 of the English Bazar Municipality in Malda district, was killed on 2 January.

Advertisement

State police sources revealed that a 9 mm pistol and two country-made single-shot pistols were recovered on Friday afternoon.

Advertisement

In addition, seven live cartridges and the clothes worn by the assassins during the murder were also seized. The recovery of these items is crucial for building a strong case, a senior police official stated.

The Malda district police have been under immense pressure since Sarkars murder to solve the case.

Shortly after the incident, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had criticised the district police, particularly district superintendent Pradeep Kumar Yadav, for their failure to prevent the attack. Babla had security cover earlier, which was later withdrawn. There are clear lapses on the part of the district police. Babla was with me from the beginning, Mamata Banerjee had said on the day of the murder.

Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged that Sarkars security was withdrawn following telephonic instructions from a senior state cabinet member to the district superintendent.

Sarkar, a long-time aide of the chief minister, was shot on 2 January while standing at a busy intersection in English Bazar. Three helmet-clad assailants arrived on a motorcycle, and one of them opened fire. While the first two shots missed, the third struck Sarkar in the head. He was rushed to Malda Medical College and Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The attackers had been following him for a few days.

Seven individuals, including Narendra Nath Tiwari, the Malda town president of the Trinamul Congress and the district president of the partys Hindi cell, have been arrested in connection with the murder.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal has said that the Product Linked Incentives (PLIs) and subsidies are detrimental to long-term growth and development of the clean energy sector.

He said that the PLI scheme can only help kickstart the sector, but the clean energy sector must strive to become self-sustaining. The Cleantech sector must become independent of the Government, he added.

Advertisement

He said this while unveiling the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform, an initiative designed to enhance Indias cleantech value chains in the solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage sectors here yesterday.

Advertisement

He urged the participants at the event to think innovatively, and increase manufacturing scale in the country.

He said that the launch of the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform will provide an opportunity for the Indian firms to collaborate, to co-innovate and will help provide a platform for financing, to share ideas, technologies and resources.

This will help India become an attractive business case and a global leader in the sustainability and cleantech sector, ne added.

The Minister hoped that the participants at the Forum would be able to achieve the target set by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of setting up 500 Gigawatt of clean energy sources by 2030 in the country.

He noted that India has been one of the best performing countries in terms of meeting the Nationally Determined Contributions (NCDs) submitted in 2015 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. We are well ahead of our targets.

We have achieved the target of installing renewable or clean energy by 2022, 8 years ahead of schedule. Having achieved the milestone of setting up 200 Gigawatt of clean energy we are well poised to achieving 500 Gigawatt, he infomed. He further added that India has the largest interconnected grid in the world.

Respecting the challenges of climate change is not new to India, he pointed out, stating that Gujarat was one of the first states to adopt solar power.

He attributed the affordability of solar power in the country to the Prime Minister and his adoption of transparency, conducting honest auctions and providing equal competition and increasing the scale of implementation significantly. He emphasised that 3S  speed, scale and skill was adopted for the renewable energy programme by the Government led by PM.
Ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Delhi, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Saturday accused the saffron party of orchestrating electoral fraud by creating fake votes to manipulate the electoral outcomes.

Addressing a press conference at the party office, he said, Today, I am here to expose the BJPs electoral fraud and scams, revealing how the party manipulates elections. This is not an ordinary revelation, the individuals involved are no ordinary citizens. This fraud involves Central ministers, BJP MPs, and other influential figures whose names are shocking.

Advertisement

He asserted this revelation will make clear how the BJP leaders are blatantly undermining the Election Commissions credibility, committing electoral fraud and deceiving them.

Advertisement

Referring to BJP candidate from New Delhi, Parvesh Verma, Singh said, He is a former MP. Yet, since May, he has been occupying an MPs official bungalow illegally. From May through January, he has misused this government accommodation. Not only that, but he has also filed applications to register 33 votes using the address of this bungalow.

The AAP MP also accused Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary of filing applications to register 26 votes at his address.

Pankaj Chaudhary, a Union Minister of State for Finance filed applications to register 26 votes at his address. Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan too has filed an application to get 26 votes registered at his official address, he said.

The AAP parliamentarian further said, Along with this, BJP MP Jai Prakash, who represents Hardoi in UP, has applied for 25 voter registrations from his official address at 13, Teen Murti Marg. Similarly, a former BJP MP, Rebati Tripura, who resides in guest accommodation on 51, South Avenue, has also applied for 25 voter registrations.

Singh claimed that votes have been registered at addresses that either do not exist or provide no traceable information about the supposed voters, and called it electoral fraud.

BJP is committing electoral fraud to manipulate voter lists. They are engaged in deleting votes, adding votes, and shifting votes to win elections. The Election Commission must immediately take note of this issue and file cases against those involved in this electoral fraud, he said.
Ahead of the Delhi legislative assembly elections, the poster war amongst the BJP and AAP is intensifying day-by-day with new campaign material in the form of posters and slogans being brought out, while the saffron party on Saturday released its Aap-Da-E Azam, poster alleging various irregularities in the Sheesh Mahal construction.

The BJP also released a poll song in line with Sheesh Mahal controversy Aapda failaane walo ka adda.

Advertisement

In the ensuing poster-war the BJP has been pointing out at the alleged irregularities of the ruling dispensation, highlighting citys civic woes, and governments alleged irregularities and other allegations on AAP chief over the Sheesh Mahal bungalow at 6 Flag Staff Road, while AAP is also not stepping back from its claims and allegations against the saffron party.

Advertisement

The recent in the row is also BJPs poster over Kejriwals alleged comments insulting Purvanchalis.

Similarly, AAP also shared on Friday morning on social media platform X, a poster accusing saffron party leaders of allegedly disrespecting women , Purvanchalis, Baba Saheb Ambedkar and former Delhi CM, while it also released another one depicting party leaders in a poster Galibaz Danav.

Amid the run up towards the forthcoming assembly polls, that are going to be crucial for the city, the parties that are being considered as the top two players, the AAP and BJP have also come up with campaign songs or poll anthems to step up their election canvassing, in a bid to connect with the voters.

The poll atmosphere is heating up in Delhi, despite the cold weather conditions, as the parties shoot posters out back -to-back, like a series of satirical attacks at their political opponents.

The posters, sometimes take inspiration from bollywood comedy flicks, while some present cartoon and animation, to mock the political opponents.

Be it saffron partys Chunavi Hindu poster mocking AAP chief or the AAPs poster, where the saffron party giving out a clear message that he is a Hindu for poll purposes, allegedly trying to use religion for gains during election.

The BJP had on January 5 released a poster targeting AAP, while it also released its song which says that this time Delhi wants a change, while the AAP recently came up with its poll anthem Phir Layenge Kejriwal.

Previously, the saffron party has released several posters over Kejriwals different promises, that were ye to be fulfilled, while the AAP condemning the BJP-led centre allegedly neglecting citys law and order, which centres responsibility.

AAP on the other hand has released posters with claimed numbers, statistics trying to show as to how the saffron party is allegedly manipulating voter lists to gain advantage.
The Southern Range of Special Cell has arrested four persons for supplying opium in Delhi-NCR, following the seizure of 30 kilograms of narcotic material valued at over Rs 30 lakh in the international market.

Additional Commissioner of Police (SR) Manoj C said the smugglers were arrested in Guwahati and later in Delhi while transporting a consignment of opium from Manipur to supply the same in the national capital and Rajasthan.

Advertisement

Acting on specific information, two persons, identified as Ajay and Kailash, were nabbed from Sarai Kale Khan Bus station on December 31 while en route to deliver the drug consignment, Manoj added.

Advertisement

During the investigation, it was revealed that another consignment was en route from Guwahati, Assam, leading to the arrest of another peddler, Annda Ram, he said.

Another lead revealed that a third consignment was arriving in Delhi in a truck, which was intercepted. During the operation, a total of 30 kg of opium was seized, the officer said.

A further investigation into the matter has been launched and the operation is in line with Home Minister Amit Shahs directive to curb illegal drug suppliers in the national capital, he added.
The BJP on Saturday announced its second list of 29 candidates for February 5 Delhi Assembly polls. The list features prominent faces including Kapil Mishra and Harish Khurana.

Former AAP leader Kapil Mishra has been fielded from Karawal Nagar constituency while Harish Khurana, son of former Delhi chief minister Madan Lal Khurana, will contest from Moti Nagar.

Advertisement

The party has also fielded Priyanka Gautam from Kondli (SC) constituency. She has recently joined the BJP from the AAP.

Advertisement

The second List of BJP candidates for the Delhi Assembly polls was finalised at the partys Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting, which was held on Friday night.

With the release of the second list, the BJP has announced the names of 58 candidates for the total 70 seats in Delhi.

The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.

On January 4, the BJP released its first list of 29 candidates, setting the stage for multi-cornered contests on several seats in the capital with AAP leaders, former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Atishi, in triangular contests on their seats.

Parvesh Verma, a former MP and son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, will give a fight to Kejriwal on New Delhi seat. Congress has fielded Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit from the seat.

The BJP also fielded its former MP Ramesh Bidhuri from Kalkaji against Atishi. Congress has fielded former MLA Alka Lamba from here.
Ahead of the assembly elections in the National Capital, AAP National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday challenged BJP CM candidate for an open election debate.

Addressing a press conference here, he claimed, In BJPs CEC meeting, from credible sources we have come to know that BJP has decided to make Ramesh Bidhuri its CM candidate.

Advertisement

When BJP formally declares Ramesh Bidhuri as its CM candidate, then he should debate with me as AAPs CM candidate in front of the media and public of the entire country, the AAP leader added.

Advertisement

Commenting on the data released by police showcasing a drop in crime rate, he alleged that the data can show anything and was prepared at the behest of the saffron party. If you go to the ground and ask the residents of Delhi, then you will know the reality of crime in the city, the former CM remarked.

Furthermore, he claimed, Fake votes are being made from the bungalows of BJP MPs and ministers as applications were given to make 30 new votes each. Our workers have caught their dishonesty and exposed the saffron party.
The Republican Party of India (Athawale) on Saturday announced its list of 15 candidates for February 5 Delhi assembly elections.

The party has fielded candidates in several constituencies.

Advertisement

The key candidates include Laxmi from Sultanpur Mazra constituency, Asha Kamble from Kondli, Deepak Chawla from Timarpur and Shubhi Saxena from New Delhi.

Advertisement

Talking to a news agency on his partys entry in Delhi politics, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale affirmed his partys support for BJP, its key ally in the NDA and said their primary objective is to make BJP victorious in the ensuing polls.

The Republican Party of India is a registered political party and partner in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). While we fully support the BJP, we have decided to contest on 15 seats in Delhi. Our candidates will represent various communities, including Dalits, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Brahmins. However, our focus remains on ensuring that BJPs prospects are not harmed. Our primary goal is to bring BJP to power in Delhi, Athawale said.

He further said, Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, the country is progressing at an unprecedented pace. Delhis development is also linked to his vision. It is time for the people of Delhi to vote for BJP and reject the Kejriwal government.
Following regular bail, the Nampally court in Hyderabad has granted several relaxations to Allu Arjun in connection to the Pushpa 2 stampede case. The fatal incident has been under heavy scrutiny with Allu Arjun finding himself in the centre of the case. The police arrested the actor over the case and placed him in a 14-day judicial custody. Following this, the Hyderabad court granted him regular bail and now the court has announced relaxations for the star.

As per reports, on Saturday, the court exempted Allu Arjun from appearing at the Chikkadapally police station every Sunday. This came after the actors legal team requested an exemption citing security concerns. Moreover, the court granted Allu Arjun permission to travel abroad.

Advertisement

For those unaware, a fan met her demise during the December 4 premiere of Pushpa: The Rule in Hyderabad. A 35-year-old woman, Revathi, died in a stampede incident while her eight-year-old son required hospitalisation. Meanwhile, the boy, Sri Tej was put on ventilator support and suffered from brain damage. Fortunately, the boy is recovering well now. The incident occurred as Allu Arjun attended the premiere with co-star Rashmika Mandanna and his wife, Allu Sneha Reddy. His attendance caused havoc among fans, creating a stampede.

Advertisement

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Allu Arjun (@alluarjunonline)



Following the tragic incident, the police arrested three personnel from Sandhya Theatre, where the Pushpa 2 stampede occurred. Subsequently, on December 13, the Hyderabad police arrested Allu Arjun against the complaint by the victims family. The lower court ordered the actor 14-day remand, however, the HC granted him interim bail for 4 weeks on a personal bond of Rs 50,000. Arjun returned home the next day. On December 27, the actors judicial custody came to an end following which Allu Arjun made a virtual appearance in court. After hearing postponements, the court granted the Pushpa 2 actor regular bail on January 3.

Also Read: Farah Khan reveals how fate turned overnight after fathers film tanked
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from the Ludhiana West constituency in Punjab, Gurpreet Gogi Bassi, was declared dead after being shot with bullet injuries late Friday and was declared dead upon arrival at the DMC hospital, police said.

However, the family of the MLA claims he accidentally shot himself and sustained bullet injuries resulting in several head injuries.

Advertisement

Speaking to the media, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskaran Singh Teja said, As per the family members, he shot himself accidentally and sustained bullet injuries to his head. Gurpreet Gogi was declared dead at the hospital, his body has been kept at the mortuary in the DMC hospital.

Advertisement

Additionally, the DCP mentioned that the cause of death would be determined once the post-mortem report is received.

Cause of the death will be clear once the post-mortem reports come.. the DCP further added.

The incident occurred around Friday midnight, and the MLA was declared dead upon arrival at DMC hospital, according to officials.

The MLAs death was confirmed by district AAP President Sharanpal Singh Makkar and the Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh Chahal.

The incident happened around midnight, and he was declared dead when he was brought to the DMC hospital said DCP Jaskaran Singh.

Further investigations are underway.

Gogi joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2022 and defeated two-time former Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu during the Ludhiana Assembly elections.

His wife Sukhchain Kaur Gogi was also a contestant in the Municipal Corporation elections but lost to Congress candidate Inderjit Singh Indi.

In August 2024, Gurpreet Bassi Gogi destroyed the foundation stone of a pipeline project in Buddha Nullah, for which he laid the foundation stone in 2022.

Gogi had expressed frustration over the delays in the project and Speaker Sandhwan had promised strict action against any hindrance to the clean-up project in response to the AAP MLAs grievances.

Before his death, on Friday, he also visited Prachin Sheetla Mata Mandir and promised devotees that he would take action against a gang of burglars who had stolen silver from the temple two days ago.
Independent MP Pappu Yadav filed a petition in the Patna High Court on Saturday, demanding a re-examination and a high-level probe into alleged irregularities in the 70th Combined Competitive Exams (preliminary) conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13, 2024.

Yadav has also called for a Bihar Bandh on Sunday (January 12). Earlier, he met Governor Arif Mohammad Khan to discuss the alleged irregularities and submitted a memorandum demanding a high-level inquiry into the matter.

Advertisement

This marks the second petition submitted to the Patna High Court regarding the exam. The Jan Suraaj Party had filed a petition on Friday, seeking the cancellation of the exam.

Advertisement

The partys legal counsel, Pranav Kumar, informed the media that the High Court has admitted the petition, which is scheduled to be heard on January 15.

The Jan Suraaj Party had previously approached the Supreme Court of India with their plea. However, the apex court declined to hear the case, stating that the Supreme Court cannot be the court of first instance. The petitioners were directed to approach the Patna High Court instead.

Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishors indefinite hunger strike continued for the 10th consecutive day on Saturday. Kishor began his hunger strike on January 2 in solidarity with civil services aspirants protesting the alleged irregularities.

He has put forward five demands, including a re-examination of the 70th Combined Competitive Exams and a high-level investigation into the alleged discrepancies.

As his health deteriorated, Kishor was admitted to the Jay Prabha Medanta Super Speciality Hospital in Patna.

According to a health bulletin released by Dr Ravishankar Singh, Medical Director of the hospital, Kishor has been moved from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to a private ward. Despite repeated requests from the medical team, Kishor has refused to take food.

The student protests gained momentum when Union Minister Chirag Paswan assured the aspirants that the government would address their concerns.

Speaking to the media after meeting Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Friday, Paswan emphasized that the NDA government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is committed to ensuring justice for the candidates and incorporating suggestions to resolve the issue.

Paswan also condemned the police lathi charge on the protesting students and stressed the need for open dialogue. He urged the government to listen to the students grievances and accept their genuine demands.
In a horrifying incident, an 18-year-old Dalit girl has been sexually abused by more than 60 people over the past five years in Keralas Pathanamthitta.

The deeply disturbing incident came to light when volunteers from the Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society, during a routine visit, encountered the girl and learned about her ordeal.

Advertisement

Acting swiftly, they alerted the district Child Welfare Committee (CWC) members, who in turn informed the police. Following this, the Sub-Inspector of the Womens Cell at Elavumthitta recorded the statement of the victim and registered two FIRs on Thursday.

Advertisement

Those accused of the abuse are primarily the womans classmates, friends and neighbours. Some of them are minors, while others are aged between 20 and 40, representatives from the district Child Welfare Committee said.

According to the police, the initial investigation indicated that there are more than 60 accused, as stated by the girl.

As many as 15 persons have been held in connection with the case so far. The arrested included  Subin, 24, S Sandeep, 30, V K Vineeth,30, K Anandu, 21, and Sreeni alias S Sudhi Sreeni, 24, all residents of Chenneerkara in Pathanamthitta.

The girl identified 40 others who abused her from the photos on the mobile phones of the arrested persons. Nine more people were taken into custody on Saturday

According to the police, when the girl, who is an athlete, was 13, the son of her fathers friend named Subin, lured her by showing obscene visuals on his mobile phone. He also took the girls nude pictures on his phone.

When the girl was 16, Subin took her to a secluded place in their locality and assaulted her sexually. He also recorded videos of the act on his phone. This was followed by regular sexual abuse, said the police.

The accused face charges under multiple sections, including Section 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which prescribes life imprisonment and a fine for non-SC/ST individuals who commit offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishable with imprisonment of ten years or more against SC/ST members, knowing the victims caste.

Additionally, they are charged under IPC Sections 376(2) (aggravated rape), 376(3) (rape of a woman under sixteen years), 376(n) (repeated rape of the same woman), 376(D) (gang rape), and 354A (sexual harassment).

Provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have also been invoked, including Sections 3(a) (penetrative sexual assault), 5(g) (aggravated penetrative sexual assault by a person in a position of trust or authority over the child), 11 (sexual harassment of a child), and 12 (punishment for sexual harassment of a child).

Furthermore, Sections 66E (violation of privacy) and 67B (depicting children in sexually explicit acts) of the Information Technology (IT) Act are applicable.

The case has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals in Kerala.

Responding to the incident,Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala said that the news that a minor Dalit girl was gang-raped by more than 60 people in Pathanamthitta is shocking.

The incident that took place in Pathanamthitta is something that should not have happened in Kerala. Chennithala also demanded that strict action be taken against those responsible for such incidents that humiliate the entire people of the state.
As rescue operations intensify at the waterlogged coal mine in Umrangso, Assam, personnel recovered a fourth body on January 11, leaving five miners still unaccounted for.

The latest recovery adds to the growing death toll, with three bodies retrieved earlier. The search teams, comprised of Army divers from the 21 Para Special Forces and other emergency responders, are working tirelessly to locate the remaining trapped miners.

Advertisement

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the identity of the second body recovered earlier today as Ligen Magar, 27, a resident of 1 No. Umrangshu in Dima Hasao district. Meanwhile, the identity of the last two bodies retrieved is pending verification.

Advertisement

The first victim, Ganga Bahadur Srestho, hailing from Udayapur district, Nepal, was found on January 8.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by waterlogging, but with water levels receding, authorities are ramping up operations to uncover signs of life or recover the remaining miners.

This tragedy has drawn calls for accountability, with MP Gaurav Gogoi demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the incident.

Rescue efforts are ongoing as families and communities anxiously await updates.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday paid heartfelt tributes to Indias second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, on his 59th death anniversary, remembering his remarkable contributions to the nation.

Kharge shared a quote from late PM Shastri on X, I understand that the basic idea of the administration is to keep the society united so that it can develop and move towards its goals.

Advertisement

In his message, Kharge said, We pay our heartfelt tribute to the inspiration behind Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, the great Gandhian, our ideal, late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, on his death anniversary.

Advertisement

He highlighted Shastris pivotal role in Indias progress, stating, From land reforms to laying the foundation of the milk revolution, from abolishing third class in railways to leading the nation during the 1965 war, Shastri ji became an inspiration to everyone. His simplicity and modest life exemplified his dedication to the countrys progress.

Born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, Lal Bahadur Shastri hailed from a humble background. Tragically, he lost his father, Sharada Prasad Srivastava, at the age of one-and-a-half years but persevered through adversity to complete his education.

Shastri served as Indias second Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966, succeeding the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru after his demise. Known for his honesty and integrity, he commanded respect across political spectrums.

On January 11, 1966, Shastri passed away in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, shortly after signing the Tashkent Agreement with Pakistan. His slogan, Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, delivered in 1965 at Prayagraj (then Allahabad), remains a lasting tribute to the valour of soldiers and the importance of farmers in Indias development.

Shastris legacy as a leader committed to the people continues to inspire generations, marking him as one of Indias most revered figures in both the Independence movement and post-Independence governance of India.
Kerala BJP leader P C George has been booked for alleged hate speech. Erattupetta police registered a case against George days after he made some comments against a minority community.

George reportedly made a remark about the minority community during a TV debate earlier this week. The police have filed the case against George on Friday based on a complaint filed by the Muslim Youth League Erattupetta Municipal Committee.

Advertisement

The case was registered after the statements of the complainants were recorded. It is under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further proceedings would be initiated soon, a police officer said

Advertisement

PC George has clarified that his intention was to oppose extremism, not target a community. Kerala stands united against extremism, he said.

Hitting back at Keralas ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition, the BJP alleged that the FIR against PC George is political vendetta by the LDF government.

Criticizing the Pinarayi Vijayan government for registering the case against George , BJP state chief K Surendran said the party would face the case legally and politically.

He also alleged that the government registered the case against the senior leader under the pressure of communal forces.
Nilamburs Independent MLA PV Anvar, who snapped ties with the CPI-M -led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in September, joined the Trinamool Congress(TMC) led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday.

Anvar joined the TMC in the presence of the party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Advertisement

His dedication to public service and his advocacy for the rights of the people of Kerala enrich our shared mission of inclusive growth. Together, we will strive for a progressive India where every voice matters and every dream is realised, Banerjee wrote on X.

Advertisement

Anvar joined the TMC a year ahead of the assembly elections in Kerala. A two-time CPI-M-backed legislator, Anvar had a falling out with the party after he openly revolted against the Pinarayi Vijayan government, particularly about the functioning of the chief ministers office and his political secretary, P Sasi. In September, the party announced it had snapped ties with Anvar

It is after getting clear indication that he will not be allowed entry into the UDF that PV Anvar has joined the TMC .

There were opposition within the UDF against Anvars entry into its fold, who was once a bitter critic of Rahul Gandhi and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan. Several Congress leaders, including Aryadan Shoukath, questioned Anvars attempts to find a place in the UDF.

Earlier, Anvars efforts to join the DMK in Tamil Nadu were reportedly blocked by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He then floated the Democratic Movement Kerala and contested Chelakkara assembly by-election. Anvars outfit had supported the UDF in the Palakkad bypoll.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has appealed to Naga community leaders, church authorities, and other influential figures to take a proactive role in resolving the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.

Speaking at an event in Maram, Senapati districta Naga-majority areaSingh emphasized the importance of involving a third party to mediate and restore peace between the Kuki and Meitei communities.

Advertisement

Since May 2023, clashes between Kukis and Meiteis have claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands. While the Nagas have not been directly involved in the conflict, Singh sees their role as critical to fostering dialogue and reconciliation.

Advertisement

I appeal to the Naga communities to take responsibility and initiative. All grievances can be addressed under the Constitution and state laws, Singh said, reiterating his New Year message of forgive and forget.

He urged attendees, including elected officials and church leaders, to work collaboratively toward peace and assured the governments full support.

Reflecting on past communal conflicts like the Kuki-Naga clashes of the 1990s, Singh expressed optimism about collective efforts to resolve the crisis. We overcame those challenges, and we can overcome this too, he said.

Singh also highlighted ongoing efforts to address indigenous concerns, such as combating narcotics and identifying illegal immigrants, to safeguard Manipurs 34 recognized tribes.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to peace, stating, I am available 24/7 to assist in this endeavour.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development inaugurated a two day Chintan Shivir in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

The event brought together Union and State Ministers, senior government officials, and stakeholders to discuss key welfare initiatives for women and children across the country.

Advertisement

The Chintan Shivir will focus on crucial initiatives like Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, and Mission Saksham Anganwadi, addressing key themes of womens safety, child nutrition, and strengthening Anganwadi Centres.

Advertisement

The event aims to foster the exchange of best practices, innovative solutions, and collaborative strategies for accelerating women and child welfare in India, further contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, inaugurated the event, highlighting Indias shift from womens development to women-led development under its G20 presidency. Devi emphasized the importance of global collaboration, with Brazils support in 2024 furthering this vision.

In her special address, Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, discussed ongoing initiatives and their impact on empowering women and ensuring child welfare, stressing the importance of collaborative dialogues for scaling successful practices.

The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma, expressed pride in hosting the transformative event, underscoring the states commitment to supporting national efforts for the welfare of women and children.

Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, also shared insights into the states dedicated initiatives and the significance of the Shivir as a platform for learning and collaboration.
Vishal Das, the son of Odishas former minister Naba Das, along with 27 others, was detained by Chhattisgarh police on Thursday night. The detainees, including sarpanchs and panchayat committee members, were reportedly held across multiple police stations, allegedly to prevent their participation in a no-confidence motion scheduled for Friday.

The matter escalated when an FIR was filed against Vishal Das and others for vandalising a BJP leaders hotel. However, hours later, they were all released. The incident has sparked allegations of political interference, with Das accusing authorities of orchestrating the detentions to obstruct the democratic process.

Advertisement

The detention occurred just before a no-confidence vote against the Kirimira block president in Odisha. Vishal Das, who was on a tour with local leaders in Mahasamund in Chhattisgarh, claimed the police action was deliberate. This is an attack on democracy. We were detained illegally to prevent our participation in the vote, Das stated in a video message from custody. He further alleged threat to his life and called for intervention against what he termed as undemocratic actions by the BJP governments in Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Advertisement

The situation intensified in Jharsuguda as Vishals sister and former MLA Deepali Das led a massive protest, demanding his release. Hundreds of supporters besieged the district collectorate, chanting slogans against the BJP.

Odishas former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, stepped in, writing an urgent letter to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Patnaik demanded the immediate release of Vishal Das and his associates, highlighting that several women members of Panchayati Raj Institutions were also detained. The letter read, Sarapanch and committee members were scheduled to participate in a no-confidence motion at 10:30 am on Friday but were detained overnight. I urge you to ensure their release and provide adequate security during their return to Odisha.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh police stated that the FIR was filed based on a complaint from the manager of a BJP leaders hotel. The FIR named 12 individuals and mentioned 10-15 unidentified persons for the alleged vandalism. However, all detained individuals were released by Friday evening.

The entire episode has drawn sharp criticism, with political observers questioning the timing of the police action. Vishal Dass video from custody, where he appealed for support and alleged democratic suppression, has further fuelled tensions.

While the group returned to Odisha, one of the detained sarpanchs, Tapi Marai from Vanpali, narrated the ordeal. We were on a tour when police from Laykara detained us at midnight, intimidated us, and handed us over to Chhattisgarh police. We were unaware that this was a detention to prevent our participation in the no-confidence vote.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi will address a Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan public meeting in Delhi on January 13 to start the campaign for his party for the forthcoming Assembly elections, a party leader said on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference at the partys city office here, Delhi Congress in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin said that the party workers from across the capital and general public will attend the rally to be held under the Seelampur Assembly constituency in East Delhi.

Advertisement

He claimed that Congress is on a strong footing in Delhi after Gandhis constant interaction with all sections of people in the capital, and Delhi Congress Committee president Devender Yadavs month-long Delhi Nyay Yatra.

Advertisement

Recalling Gandhis Bharat Jodo Yatra, he said, The yatra from Kanyakumari to Srinagar had witnessed massive public participation. He had interacted with all sections of people, which gave him a deep insight into the struggles of the common people in their everyday life.

Nizamuddin said Gandhi has been speaking up for the common people, raising their voice, expressing their concerns, protecting the Constitution and democracy, and the massive public rally to be addressed by him at Seelampur will set the tone and tenor of Delhi Congress aggressive campaigns in the assembly elections.

The Congress party, which is eyeing to return to power by ousting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, is contesting the elections alone. The party has, so far, fielded candidates from 48 of the 70 assembly constituencies in Delhi.

To woo the voters ahead of the Assembly polls, the Congress party announced the Pyari Didi Yojana and Jeevan Raksha Yojana to be implemented if the party came to power in Delhi. Under the Pyari Didi Yojana, the party has promised Rs 2,500 allowance to every woman per month and Rs 25 lakh health insurance for all the residents under Jeevan Raksha Yojana.

In the 2020 Assembly polls, the AAP won 62 assembly seats against BJPs eight while in 2015 polls, AAP bagged 67 seats and BJP won only three seats.Congress drew a blank on both these occasions.

Elections to the 70-member Assembly will be held on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh told a Goa court that he would refrain from making defamatory statements against BJP leader Sulakshana Sawant, the wife of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, until January 24 or till he files a reply to the defamation plea against him, whichever is later.

The submission was made in response to a defamation suit filed by Sulakshana Sawant, who accused Singh of making defamatory comments during a press conference, where he alleged that she was involved in a cash-for-jobs scam.

Advertisement

In her plea, Sulakshana Sawant requested an injunction to prevent Singh from making further public statements about her and sought Rs 100 crore in damages. She also asked the court to stop Singh from sharing or republishing the video and transcripts of the press conference in which the allegedly defamatory remarks were made.

Advertisement

Sanjay Singhs counsel, Advocate S. Bodke, told the court that no further defamatory statements would be made by Singh against Sawant until the next hearing or the filing of his reply to the temporary injunction application. Singh also requested time to submit a written statement and respond to the injunction plea. The case is scheduled for the next hearing on January 24.

The cash-for-jobs scam, which has led to at least 32 FIRs and 44 arrests, involved hundreds of people allegedly being lured into paying large sums of money with promises of jobs in various government departments, facilitated by the accuseds supposed connections.

Meanwhile, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya on social media platform X said, Aam Aadmi Partys Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Singh, has found himself embroiled in a case involving false allegations against Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and his wife, Sulakshana.

Sanjay Singhs lawyer has filed an appeal in the Bicholim Court in Goa, stating that his client will not make any offensive statements against the Chief Minister in the future. The Chief Ministers wife, Sulakshana Sawant, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Singh, seeking Rs 100 crore in damages, with the next hearing scheduled for January 24, Malviya added.

Sanjay Singh had made allegations of a job scam during a press conference in Delhi, but he failed to present any evidence to support his claims. It is not new for Aam Aadmi Party leaders to make false accusations and later apologize in court. Earlier, Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders had issued apologies to Nitin Gadkari and the late Arun Jaitley, Malviya said in the post.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday called for cooperation between the Centre and the states to fight the drug menace.

He vowed to eradicate the drug menace from the nation and pledged that not a single kilogram of narcotics will either enter India or be smuggled out of the country.

Advertisement

He was addressing a regional conference on Drug Trafficking and National Security aimed at addressing the growing concern of drug trafficking and its impact on national security, with the special focus on eight states and Union Territories of northern India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Advertisement

Mr Shah said the conference for the northern states is called to take stock of the situation of drug trafficking and national security.

For the last two years, he said it has been a routine that in the regional conference, we review our fight against drugs, discussions also take place and later the Home Ministry makes a new strategy on this basis and shares it with the states.

Noting that the country has made remarkable progress in its fight against drug abuse under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he emphasised that over the last decade, the efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse have strengthened significantly, with data pointing to a clear trajectory of success.

In the last 10 years, the fight against drugs has become very strong under the leadership of PM Modi, he said, adding if we look at the figures, we come to know that we are very close to success in the fight and moving in the right direction.

Highlighting the substantial increase in drug seizures, he compared the figures from 2004-2014 and 2014-2024. In the last 10 years, the fight against drugs has become very strong under the leadership of PM Modi. If we look at the figures, we come to know that we are very close to success in the fight and moving in the right direction. From 2004 to 2014, about 3 lakh 63 thousand kg of drugs were seized, he added.

The conference was attended by the Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Chief Ministers and senior officers from eight participating states and UTs.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena will fight the forthcoming Maharashtra civic bodies elections alone, the partys Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut announced in Nagpur on Saturday.

Shiv Sena (UBT) has unilaterally announced that the party will go solo in the upcoming nagar panchayat, nagar parishad, zilla parishad and municipal corporation elections. Party MP Sanjay Raut announced this here on Saturday.

Advertisement

We will fight on our own from Nagpur to Mumbai. It is our decision. When will the workers be given a chance in Mumbai, Thane and Nagpur? Not giving a chance to workers will hurt the partys growth. All parties should contest local body elections on their own and give a chance to their workers, Raut said.

Advertisement

When they are part of the alliance, party workers do not get a chance to fight Lok Sabha and assembly elections. This is affecting the partys growth. We should fight the elections to municipal corporations, district councils and Nagar Panchayats (town councils) on our own and strengthen our party at the grassroots level, Raut said, adding that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has given his consent to fight the forthcoming Maharashtra local and civic body elections independently.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena also sees its hegemony over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) which has a budget of around Rs 40,000 crore, as crucial to its political survival in Maharashtra. The party has often been criticised for using the cash-rich BMC as its cash cow.

Recently, Thackeray had interacted with his party cadres from across the state where his party workers had made a strong case for fighting Maharashtra civic polls independently.

Rauts announcement is being viewed as the beginning of a probable disbanding of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance which had contested Lok Sabha and 2024 Maharashtra state assembly elections together.

The latest development has come after Raut had dared the Congress to openly announce on Friday that the INDIA bloc no longer exists, especially after the decision of the Congress to fight against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi assembly elections.

On Friday, Sanjay Raut had openly expressed concerns about the INDIA bloc, echoing Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullahs sentiments about the lack of coordination within the opposition alliance.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah had called for clarity on the opposition INDIA alliance, particularly given tensions between Congress and Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the Delhi assembly elections. Abdullah had said that if the INDIA bloc was only for the Lok Sabha elections, then it must be wound up and opposition parties should start working separately.

As far as I remember, there was no time limit set on this. Unfortunately, since no meeting of the INDIA bloc has been called, there is no clarity on thisneither regarding leadership, nor the agenda, nor whether we will continue as an alliance or not. Perhaps the elections in Delhi will happen and after that, it would be good if all the stakeholders of the INDIA bloc are called, so that there is clarity on whether this alliance was set up only for the parliamentary elections, Omar Abdullah had said.

Echoing Abdullah, Raut had spoken about the absence of any strategic meetings within the INDIA bloc after the Lok Sabha elections to chart the alliances future path.

We fought Lok Sabha elections together and the results were good as well. After that it was the responsibility of all of us, especially the Congress, to keep the INDIA alliance alive, sit together and show the way forward. However, so far, not a single such meeting has taken place after the Lok Sabha elections. This is not right for the INDIA alliance. Leaders like Omar Abdullah, Mamta Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav and Arvind Kejriwal, all say that the INDIA alliance has no existence now, Raut had said on Friday.

Raut had held the Congress responsible for the state of affairs and said that the INDIA bloc lacks coordination, discussion and dialogue.

If such a feeling arises in the minds of the people, then the Congress, which is the biggest party of the INDIA alliance, is responsible for this. There is no coordination, no discussion, no dialogue. This means that people have doubts about whether everything is fine or not within the INDIA alliance. If this alliance breaks down, then the INDIA alliance will never be formed again, Raut had said on Friday.
The first anniversary of Ramlalas consecration is being celebrated in Ayodhya on Saturday.

Special worship of Ramlala started in the early morning with priests performed Panchamrit Abhishek of Ramlala anointed with milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar, then mixed Ganga water.

Advertisement

After this Ramlala was decorated. He was dressed in yellow clothes and it has been woven with gold wires. There is a diamond studded in his crown.

Advertisement

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Ayodhya on the first anniversary of the consecration of Lord Rams idol at the Ram Mandir.

After landing at the helipad at Ram Katha Park, the Chief Minister proceeded directly to the Ram Mandir. Upon arrival, CM Yogi offered his prayers to Lord Shri Ram and performed the aarti.

During his journey along the Janmabhoomi Path, the CM greeted devotees standing along the route. At the temple, he conducted a formal darshan and pooja of Lord Rams idol. He also met with Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, Chief of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, to seek his blessings.

CM Yogi also shared a meal with saints and ascetics as part of the spiritual observance. Notably, this visit comes after his previous trip to Ayodhya on January 4, where he held meetings with BJP workers and reviewed developmental projects with officials.

CM Yogi also honoured a six-year-old boy named Mohabbat during a program held after the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla idol.

Mohabbat arrived at the Saryu riverbank in Ayodhya on Friday, having traveled from Abohar town in Punjabs Fazilka district near the Pakistan border.

Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust, shared on stage that the boy began his journey on November 14, running approximately 1,200 km and covering 19-20 km daily.

The Chief Minister presented Mohabbat with a shawl, chocolates, and words of encouragement, also inquiring about his well-being.

Meanwhile , devotees from several states including Delhi and Himachal have come to have a darshan of Ramlala on the first anniversary.

Ram temple has been decorated with flowers. The temple trust has installed German hangar tents at Angad Tila where over 5000 devotees will listen to Ramkatha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the countrymen on this occasion. He said- Ram temple will help in fulfilling the resolve of developed India. According to the temple trust, today 2 lakh devotees will have darshan of Ramlala. There will be celebrations from 11 to 13 January on the first anniversary of the consecration. There will be no VIP darshan in these 3 days. General darshan will continue from 6.30 am to 9.30 pm.
The renewed ambition to acquire Greenland reflects an intriguing blend of geopolitics, national aspiration, and economic strategy. Championed now by US President-elect Donald Trump, this idea has resurfaced with remarkable seriousness, raising questions about sovereignty, international relations, and global security. Greenland, the worlds largest island, is far more than an icy expanse. Its immense natural resources, strategic military importance, and proximity to emerging Arctic trade routes make it a geopolitical prize. With the Arctic becoming a stage for global competition, nations like Russia and China have amplified their influence in the region.

For the US, acquiring Greenland could reinforce its Arctic foothold and counter these rival powers. For Mr Trump, who views territorial expansion as part of his legacy, Greenland represents both a strategic asset and a potential historical achievement. US interest in Greenland is not new. In 1946, President Harry Trumans administration offered $100 million for the island, only to be rebuffed by Denmark. While the world has changed dramatically since then, the appeal of Greenland remains. Its reserves of oil, gas, and rare earth minerals, combined with its strategic location for missile defence and Arctic shipping, make it an undeniable asset. However, the idea of purchasing Greenland raises significant questions about ethical governance and respect for sovereignty. Greenlands 57,000 residents, mostly of Inuit descent, govern their own domestic affairs under Denmarks oversight.

Advertisement

Any attempt to acquire the island would need to respect their autonomy and cultural identity, a principle that aligns poorly with the optics of unilateral land acquisition in todays interconnected world. Mr Trumps approach reflects a desire to leave a legacy akin to historical territorial expansions like Alaska. Yet, the 21st century is a far cry from the 19th, when imperialist ambitions defined global politics. Todays international order relies on alliances, shared goals, and the inviolability of borders. Pursuing Greenland risks destabilising US-European relations, particularly with Denmark, while setting a controversial precedent. Proponents argue that Greenland would enhance US geopolitical standing and economic potential. However, the financial and diplomatic costs of such an acquisition would be immense. Developing Greenlands infrastructure, addressing environmental challenges, and managing international fallout would demand unprecedented resources. A more pragmatic approach would involve strengthening ties with Greenland and Denmark. Economic partnerships, scientific collaboration, and agreements like the Compact of Free Association could secure American strategic interests without undermining sovereignty.

Advertisement

Such arrangements foster mutual benefits while respecting autonomy, presenting a viable alternative to outright ownership. Ultimately, Greenlands allure underscores timeless questions about the limits of power and the ethics of expansion. For Mr Trump, the pursuit of Greenland may seem like a bold legacy move. But in an era that demands cooperation over competition, the US must prioritise partnerships over acquisition, respecting Greenlands right to self-determination while navigating the complexities of global diplomacy.
The EU climate watchdog confirmed Friday that 2024 was the warmest year globally since records began in 1850, underscoring the intensifying impacts of climate change and the urgent need for decisive global action.

According to the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the year shattered multiple climate records, driven largely by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions and amplified by a strong El Nino event.

Advertisement

C3S reported that the global average temperature for 2024 reached 15.1 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set in 2023 by 0.12 degrees Celsius and exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.6 degrees Celsius. For the first time, global temperatures crossed the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold  a key marker in the Paris Agreement aimed at limiting global warming.

Advertisement

Throughout 2024, 11 out of 12 months recorded average temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. On July 22, the global average temperature peaked at 17.16 degrees Celsius.

Sea surface temperatures also hit record highs, with extra-polar ocean water averaging 20.87 degrees Celsius, while atmospheric water vapor increased by about 5 percent over the 1991-2020 average.

The melting of sea ice in both the Arctic and Antarctic added to the alarming trends, with Antarctic sea ice extent remaining near record lows for much of the year, and Arctic sea ice levels significantly reduced, particularly after July.

Friederike Otto, senior lecturer at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, said: The climate is heating to levels weve spent years trying to avoid because countries are still burning huge amounts of oil, gas and coal.

In his New Years address, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described 2024 as deadly heat, warning of a climate breakdown in real-time and urging immediate action to dramatically reduce emissions and support the transition to renewable energy.

The extreme temperatures in 2024 fueled widespread heatwaves, wildfires, and floods, particularly in Southern Europe.

Countries like Italy, France, and Spain endured prolonged heatwaves, while Greece battled nearly 9,500 wildfires. These extreme conditions significantly strained public health systems and prompted large-scale evacuations.

Flooding in Spain and Germany caused extensive economic damage and displaced thousands, while severe drought emptied one of Bosnias largest lakes, Lake Jablanicko in December.

According to the World Weather Attributions (WWAs) annual report, the record global temperatures of 2024 directly intensified rainfall events, with 15 out of 16 floods studied linked to climate change.

The WWA report revealed that climate-related disasters in 2024 claimed at least 3,700 lives, displaced millions, and caused catastrophic damage to ecosystems. Coral reefs experienced unprecedented bleaching, threatening marine biodiversity and the industries reliant on these ecosystems.

The Valencia floods, U.S. hurricanes, Philippines typhoons and Amazon drought are just four disasters last year that were worsened by climate change. There are many, many more, Otto told Xinhua news agency.

Looking ahead, climate experts warn that the extreme weather patterns witnessed in 2024 are likely to persist. Julien Nicolas, climate scientist at C3S, explained that while global temperatures may slightly decline in 2025 due to a transition from El Nino to La Nina conditions, the long-term warming trend remains intact.

There are ups and downs in global temperatures due to natural processes, like El Nino, said Joeri Rogelj, research director at the Grantham Institute of Imperial College London. But a small dip doesnt change the clear upward trajectory were on.

Recognising the urgency, Carlo Buontempo, C3S director at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, stressed the importance of taking action now: The future is in our hands  swift and decisive action can still alter the trajectory of our future climate.

The World Meteorological Organizations forecast in December 2024 indicated a greater than 50 percent chance of La Nina conditions developing in the next three months.

We are loading the dice  toward these extreme climate events, Nicolas said, warning that heat waves and extreme rainfall events are likely to hit almost all continental regions.
Heavy snow hit Sea of Japan coastal areas in northern, central and western Japan on Friday, disrupting bullet train operations and forcing the closure of some sections of expressways and national roads.

In the morning, snow forced the temporary suspension of Yamagata Shinkansen bullet train services between Fukushima Station in the northeastern prefecture of Fukushima and Shinjo Station in another northeastern prefecture of Yamagata, affecting 12 inbound and outbound trains and some 1,600 people, according to East Japan Railway.

Advertisement

Trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line ran at reduced speeds between Nagoya and Shin-Osaka stations and delays were experienced also on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line, the train operators added.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, part of the Hokuriku Expressway was closed from the early hours of Friday through to around noon following an accident, leaving roughly 100 vehicles stranded, Xinhua news agency reported.

A section where the Tomei and Meishin expressways merge between Aichi and Shiga prefectures was also temporarily closed.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) urged residents in the affected areas to stay vigilant, as snow will continue to fall in the mountainous regions facing the Sea of Japan toward Saturday morning.

The JMA forecast that the northeastern, central and western regions will have up to 60 centimeters of snow in the 24 hours through 6 a.m. local time Saturday.

Earlier this week, the JMA had revealed that the countrys average temperature in 2024 was the highest on record, driven by global warming and westerly winds.

The average temperature from January through December was 1.48 degrees Celsius higher than the mean temperature for the 30-year period through 2020, marking the biggest difference since comparable data became available in 1898 and surpassing the previous years record of 1.29 degrees Celsius, the JMA said on Tuesday.

Record-high average temperatures were observed in autumn last year after the country already witnessed its hottest summer, tying the previous record logged in 2023.

By month, April, July and October set record highs, the JMA said.

Japan has seen a trend of consistently high temperatures in recent years, with 2019 to 2024 ranking as the top six hottest years.
The sales were very low, said Mangala Devi Chakma, as she neatly folded each item before placing it into a large, brown carton, packing up her stall on the final day of Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025. Chakma, like many other exhibitors, blamed limited outreach for the low footfall.

Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025, an initiative of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), was organised in Hall No. 14 of Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The six-day event, from January 4 to 9, was aimed at strengthening rural growth, and featured a wide array of exhibitions from rural and tribal artisans from across the country.

The event, with the theme Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047, provided a platform for farmers and artisans, youth skill development, womens empowerment and financial inclusion for marginalised communities. The fest also featured many panel discussions, workshops and cultural shows, including a Kuchipudi performance by Ayana Mukherjee and group, and a Kashmiri folk music show presented by Noor Mohammad Shah, among others.

Tarkashi (also known as Mainpuri Tarkashi), an artform hailing from the Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh, uses tar or wire to draw detailed patterns on woodtypically, on rosewood or pinewood. Mainpuri Tarkashi was conferred the GI (Geographical Indication) tag in 2023.

Nemi Chandra Shakya is a third-generation crafter of the art. The government has helped us revive this craft, he said, pleased with the NABARDs initiatives.

While many artisans found the event notably beneficial, for others, the show ended on a tepid note as the turnout was low. I would have preferred the event be hosted in a place that draws better public attention, said Manta Sharma, member of a Haryana-based self-help group.

A few craftsmen mentioned that NABARD will reimburse their travel expenses while also offering the exhibition space free of cost.

On the successful conclusion of Grameen Bharat Mahotsav, M. Nagaraju, secretary to the Department of Financial Services (DFS), stated, With over 53 crore Jan Dhan accounts, primarily held by women and rural communities and 14.4 million self-help groups (SHGs), fostering financial inclusion, the event played a critical role in grassroots innovation, and entrepreneurship

To maximise the outcome, he said, the focus is on the creation of export linkages for SHGs. By supporting MSMEs that employ over 50 million people and ensuring loans of up to Rs. 100 crore for key sectors, we aim to catalyse rural economic growth.

To boost rural development, NABARD seeks to establish an innovation laboratory to oversee and implement new projects. The organisation is also aiming to develop a comprehensive portal to house all relevant information regarding various schemes available to rural endeavours, and incorporate all banking institutions in the creation of value chains for rural products.
How long is too long when it comes to working hours? Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of software exporter Infosys, stoked a debate months ago when he suggested youth should work for 70 hours. That debate hadnt fully died down when this week, Larsen & Toubros chairman SN Subrahmanyan kicked off a social media storm with his 90-hour work week remark.



When Narayana Murthy first raised this issue, he cited his own rigorous work schedule in his years at Infosys, the tech giant that put India firmly on the path towards being the largest software services exporter.

Murthys belief was that there is no substitute for hard work, and therefore, had called on the youth to work 70 hours and boost the productivity of the country.

Subrahmanyan, who heads the countrys largest engineering and construction company, goes a step further in advocating 90 hours of work and work even on Sunday.

In an undated video where someone asks why L&T is making employees work on Saturdays, he says he regrets he is not able to make people work on Sundays.

If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays also, he replied.

If that wasnt enough, he wondered how long one could stare at his wife or a wife staring at the husband. Come on, get to the office and start working, hes heard saying.

After the video sparked widespread criticism, L&T issued a statement trying to set the context of Subrahmanyans remarks, stating it reflected the larger ambition of nation-building. It was Indias decade and demanded collective dedication to drive progress and realise a shared vision of becoming a developed nation, it said.

In a way, the statements of Narayana Murthy as well as Subrahmanyan are not different; both advocate people to put in more hard work at a time when India, as a developed nation, has a long way to go.

There is no doubt that hard work and collective effort are needed if we are to become a developed nation and compete with the best of the best. But, does hard work mean you only work? Isnt a balance between work and life necessary for ones well-being, too? This is the crux of the ongoing debate.

Undeniably, hard work is the backbone of success, but its not about the hours clocked in. Its about the quality and passion one brings to those hours, opined Harsh Mariwala, the chairman of FMCG major Marico.

He says when individuals see a path where hard work translates to a promising future, they are naturally inclined to give their best.

The ultimate objective should be to make work so invigorating and rewarding that the paradigm of work-life balance seamlessly integrates, he adds.

Others like Harsh Goenka, the chairman of RPG Enterprises, too believe in working hard and smart. But, turning life into a perpetual office shift is a recipe for burnout, says Goenka.

Work-life balance isnt optional, its essential, he stresses.

Radhika Gupta, the CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, also chipped in with her thoughts. Gupta says hard work is important, and she believes the person who works harder will rise faster. However, she also feels that hard work is a choice and that hard work is not important to productivity or hours worked.

She cited her own example where she had worked 100 hours a week for four consecutive months on the first project in her first job. It was 18 hours a day, with one day off on a Monday and 90 per cent of the time she was miserable, she recollects.

Many developed nations work 8-to-4, but ensure those hours are productive. Come in on time, bring your best to work, have only necessary meetings and use technology to be effective, says Gupta.

Weighing in on the debate, Rajiv Bajaj, the managing director of Bajaj Auto, said let the 90-hours start from the top, and if it proves to be fruitful over 3-4 years, then one can talk about implementing down the line.

Importantly, speaking on the TV channel CNBC TV18, he said companies must move away from measuring hours or rigid working hours, which he termed archaic and regressive, to moving more towards speed.

In recent times, we have seen several examples of burnout at work. In September last year, a young chartered accountant died nearly four months into her first job at one of the big four consulting firms, with her mother alleging that the girl was physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted after being overburdened with excessive workload.

COVID-19 changed the way we work completely. Work from home gained traction. Even today, many companies still operate in a hybrid mode. In an increasingly digital world, new technology is speeding up many processes, leading to quicker outcomes. So, as top CEOs have pointed out, this may well be a time to rethink how we work and how many hours we put in to complete the given tasks.

Of course, in core engineering and manufacturing, not everything is possible digitally or remotely. But, companies must think of the emotional well-being of employees. Eventually, if getting the work done on time is key, how that is achieved, setting a balance between work and life may be key to the happiness of employees and the success of companies.
Organisations in India believe that there are way too many skill gaps in the labour market while hiring new talent, according to the Future of Jobs 2025 report from the World Economic Forum (WEF).



Among the surveyed companies, 65 per cent said that skill gaps are expected to hinder their growth and transformation going forward.

Around half of the organisations also believe that the organisational culture and resistance to change could pose a significant hurdle to their goals. Forty per cent of the companies also expect that their inability to attract the right talent in the industry would pose a problem.

With employers, on the one hand, saying that they cannot find the right talent and, on the other hand, struggling with skill gaps in the market, it seems like a problem arising from the lack of efficient human resources and hiring processes.

According to many jobseekers on LinkedIn, many HR departments have resorted to lazy hiring with the help of AI tools. Many candidates allege that such AI tools used in HR processes focus on whether a CV is machine-friendly and not on whether the candidate is the right fit for the role.

These statements are clearly validated by the latest findings in the WEF jobs report, where companies seem to not be able to attract quality talent.

While Indian companies battle this dichotomy of skills and jobs, they projected technology to take over 34 per cent of all tasks by 2030, up from 22 per cent presently. The human share is expected to drop to 31 per cent from the current 48 per cent.

As Indian companies look to reduce human dependencies in running their organisations by involving large learning models and AI-powered systems, it is quite ironic that they also complain about not being able to attract the right talent, especially in India where there is no dearth of human resources.

Back in 2023, the Mercer Mettl India Graduate Skill Index put the employability of fresh Indian graduates at 45 to 50 per cent. This meant that more than half were not employable. The study also noted a grave mismatch between skills acquired through education and those that employers wanted. Indias unofficial class system for colleges and educational institutes also plays a major factor in employability, with HR at some organisations turning a blind eye to talent unless the candidates are from tier-1 or tier-2 institutes.

While employees voluntarily resigning inched down to 10.8 per cent in 2024 from 11 per cent in 2023 according to WTW Salary Budget Planning Report, it is still more than 10 per cent, a significantly high number for the country. In contrast, the average salary increase in 2024 was much lower, at just 9.5 per cent.

As India battles lower salary levels, the search for employable talent, and an allegedly inefficient hiring process on the back of AI, it remains to be seen as to how 2025 will shape up the job market in the country.
Pakistan has been enhancing its defence capabilities along certain sections of the Line of Control that divides India and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir by laying anti-personnel mines and increasing the presence of Special Service Group commandos, latest intelligence reports have revealed.

The strengthening of positions comes at a time when terror training camps are being reactivated, and it is learnt that outfits like the Hizbul Mujahideen are back in operation, this time with volunteers from ex-TTP (Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan) factions. The strategy is being tweaked, security sources said, by not trying too hard to engineer fresh incursions, instead asking Pakistan-origin militants who have been lying low in the valley to reactivate themselves.

In recent months, terrorists who infiltrated from across the border took advantage of the tough terrain and dense forests to target security forces in the Jammu region. "The planting of landmines to damage army troops patrolling along the fence is not new. But with improved technology and quicker access to border areas, fresh attempts are being made to plant anti-personnel mines in certain stretches," said a security official in the state.

Senior security officials said there is an attempt to reignite local militancy but keep it on a low flame to avoid a repeat of an overreaction by Indian forces, but at the same time, be prepared by strengthening their positions.

The changing global dynamics, a senior official said, have also changed the cross-border strategy of the Pakistan Army, which is not only focused on provoking Indian forces with mock firings but also trying to attract international attention to alleged violations from the Indian side.

The inputs suggest that the ISI has more or less regained a certain degree of control over the jihadi forces, which they had lost over the last decade. There is a section within the ISI, an official said, which has been allowed some autonomy to try out a new counter to what they see as a TTP-Baloch offensive in their region.

However, aware of their limitations, the mining along the LoC is also to ward off the possibility of preemptive action by Indian security forces.
India has made major leaps towards becoming a strong, secure and self-reliant nation, which is manufacturing state-of-the-art defence equipment and even exporting these to other countries, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

Addressing the convocation ceremony of IIMT University, Meerut in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, Singh said the youth has the potential to take India to even greater heights.

Today, India is establishing itself as one of the strongest nations. Our youth can represent the country with new confidence and energy. If you possess an idea and skill-set and are ready to work hard, you will have no shortage of opportunities or resources."

ALSO READ: Amid Tejas delivery delay, Indian Air Force worried about China's sixth-generation fighter jets?

Noting that the youth can play a major role in realising the national resolve of making India a developed nation, the defence minister said the strength of a nation lies in the knowledge, skills, and determination of its young minds.

With over 100 unicorns, India is shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship, Singh said, adding, "Today, India is witnessing transformation, innovation and dynamism. It is innovation and dynamism and ability for transformation that distinguishes between a leader and a follower.

Further, he urged the youth to stay connected with the countrys history, culture and values, as these can provide valuable lessons in times of challenges and doubt.
The US, over the past quarter of a century, has been closely following China's attempts to build a modern military, and during the ongoing strategic competition with Beijing, there has been several major enhancements in the military capabilities of the US.

According to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, this strategic competition between the US and China does not mean conflict. During a keynote address at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, titled 'Outpacing the PRC: Lessons Learned for Strategic Competition' Hicks pointed out that staying focused on top priorities and appreciating that execution or delivery is paramount for the US defences.

She said the US has focused relentlessly on driving changes needed to outpace the People's Republic of China and ensure the Pentagon's military advantage. This resulted in a more more modernised, lethal, agile force across capabilities, operational concepts, and posture.

ALSO READ: Chinese troops getting more oxygen than Indian soldiers in high-altitude areas? Here's the reason

She noted that the US has strong competitive advantages it must leverage in the competition against China and said decision makers must rigorously align ends, ways and means to ensure the strategy itself remains right and the department of defence can deliver on it.

"We want the (the PRC) leadership to wake up each day, consider the risks of aggression and think to themselves, 'Today is not the day'; and for them to think that  today and every day  between now and 2027, in 2035, 2049 and beyond," she said.

The US isn't however, interested in needlessly provoking China into starting a war, she said, adding, We don't believe conflict is inevitable, but it's our job to prevent war by always being ready for war if it comes. So, where Beijing might see department of defence anticipating a potential conflict, that's because we're concerned Beijing will instigate one."
Like-minded countries should strive together for collective actions for peace in view of the state of "flux" triggered by multiple conflicts across the world, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday.

In an address at an 'Ambassadors' Round-Table', he observed that aerospace power is the "new frontier of military dominance" which acts as strategic deterrence and said the 'Aero India' aerospace exhibition in Indiascheduled to be held from February 10 to14 in Bengalurupresents an opportunity for nations to jointly explore strengths and capabilities and address "strategic" as well as "tactical needs".

Singh said the Indian aerospace and defence sector represents an attractive opportunity for foreign companies seeking to establish new ventures and partnerships. "It is of paramount importance that the like-minded countries should strive together for collective actions for peace and prosperity."

"Without these, our future generations will not be able to take advantage of economic growth or technological innovations that we are experiencing in today's era," Singh told envoys of several countries.

ALSO READ: A new challenge for Indian Air Force? Pakistan eyes Turkey's TAI Kaan fifth-generation stealth fighter jets

The defence minister said India is emerging as a leading voice for the Global South, and it advocates for a multi-aligned policy approach, which ensures that diverse views are considered in the collective pursuit of prosperity. "In today's geopolitical landscape, fostering unity among like-minded nations is essential for ensuring mutual prosperity and peace, while addressing contemporary challenges."

He said India has always championed shared prosperity and shared responsibility based on the fundamental principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family), and described Aero India as one such event, where "nations come together and form bonds beyond boundaries."

He defined Aero India as a forum to form strategic partnerships towards increasing opportunities for business, transfer of technology, joint development and co-production.

Singh emphasised that India now possesses one of the largest defence industrial ecosystems in Asia and cited the "significant milestone" of setting-up of a production facility for C-295 transport aircraft in in Vadodara.

READ MORE: Aero India 2025 to showcase India as defence powerhouse



The defence minister asserted that India has emerged as an attractive destination for investment, and Aero India presents an opportunity for friendly nations to jointly explore strengths and capabilities in the defence sector.

He added that the event will facilitate industry captains, technology leaders, intellectuals and entrepreneurs with new avenues for collaboration in defence industrial enterprises.

"Aero India 2025 will serve as a vital forum for exploring partnerships that will from the base for future challenges. Together, we can create pathways for growth that are inclusive and sustainable," the minister said.

He noted that air and space power have become pivotal elements in shaping strategies as such assets, with artificial intelligence and machine learning can provide an unprecedented advantage in battle-field scenarios.

Highlighting India's focus on self-reliance through strategic partnership and technological collaborations in defence and aerospace sectors, Singh said: "In recent years, the government has brought about several transformative policy reforms aimed at bolstering a robust defence industry ecosystem."

At the Round-Table, ambassadors and high commissioners of various countries were briefed on the major events of Aero India 2025.
Ahead of the upcoming Delhi election, Arvind Kejriwal's AAP is looking to woo the city's Resident Welfare Associations. He has promised to provide them financial aid to hire security guards if his party comes back to power. He agreed that while the police can not be replaced, RWAs can provide basic security to colonies.

Kejriwal, who resigned from the post of Delhi chief minister and spent over six months in jail, is on the path of reinventing himself by promising a slew of schemes to gain the support of the electorate.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Kejriwal also took a swipe at the BJP saying it did not care for the people of Delhi which is why they are out of power for 27 years. The AAP supremo also blamed the BJP for rising crime in Delhi. "BJP turned Delhi into a crime capital," he said.

The announcement, however, may have resonance among the RWAs as the hired security guards are paid the bare minimum. They have been demanding the attention of the government to address security concerns in colonies and the new announcement can be a step forward.

Meanwhile, many have also raised concerns over the announcement. Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman of the Central Association of Private Security Industry, expressed his doubts about the move. In our eyes, Kejriwal holds zero credibility and so do the promises he makes, he said.

Singh highlighted the discrepancies in the hiring of security guards who are often unverified as per the protocols.

He explained, "Most RWAs often skip proper verification when hiring guards. Out of almost four thousands security offices in Delhi, only some 1500 are verified." He said there are financial challenges as well and accused the AAP of using the issue for electoral gains.

However, critics are accusing Kejriwal of ignoring the issue for the last ten years. Now with corruption charges and anti-incumbency at its doorstep, the new promises of AAP are making Delhiites sit up and take notice, but with a pinch of salt.
Two days after six Naxals surrendered before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his home office in Bengaluru, the Chikmagalur police have recovered the arms and ammunition that were hidden in the Kittaleguli village in Jayapura police station limits.



The six Naxals had handed over only the letter of surrender and their uniforms to the chief minister on their surrender, but not the weapons. This triggered the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, which demanded to know if it was a "fake surrender" and questioned the intent of the Congress government in according a "warm reception" to the surrendering Naxals. The chief minister had handed over flowers and a copy of the Indian Constitution to the surrendered Naxals.

"Have the Naxals surrendered before the government or the Siddaramaiah government surrendered before the Naxals? The people who supported the Naxals and helped them to stage the surrender should be booked," demanded BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, adding that the Naxals did not surrender their weapons and that had paved the way for the suspicion.

Chikmagalur SP Dr Vikram Amathe, in a press statement, said the PSI Jayapura had seized the hidden weapons in a forest near Kittaleguli based on information gathered from the surrendered Naxals.

According to police, the following arms and ammunition were seized: one AK 56, three .303 rifles, one 12-bore SBBL, one countrymade pistol, 11 7.62mm AK ammunition, 133 .303 rifle ammunition, 24 12-bore cartridges, eight countrymade pistol ammunition and an empty AK 56 magazine.

Jayapura police station has registered a case under sections 3, 25(1B), 7 & 25(1A) of the Arms Act, 1959.
A purported report of the Comptroller and Audit General (CAG) pegging a revenue loss of Rs 2,026 crore to the government due to irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy has brought the excise scam to the centre stage of the electoral battle between the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP.

The findings of the alleged leaked report are now being used by the BJP to corner the ruling party. At a press conference on Saturday, BJP leader and former minister Anurag Thakur targeted AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal over the CAG report.

Arvind Kejriwal is the kingpin of the whole scam," said Thakur. Who will be the CM face from the AAP? There isnt a single face who is clean of charges of corruption, and who is not enjoying profits from the scam.

Thakur also questioned the AAP on why they had not allowed the report to be presented in Parliament.

Meanwhile, the AAP has rubbished the alleged CAG findings, terming them as fake. AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh asked at a press conference, Was it drafted in the BJP office?

Singh dismissed the report, calling it another propaganda of the saffron party.

The purported loss and allegations are likely to keep the atmosphere charged in the run-up to the assembly polls scheduled for February 6. The charges highlight irregularities, lack of transparency, and policy violations among the reasons for the whooping loss.

The liquor policy was introduced in 2021 by the AAP government aiming to simplify trade and increase revenue. But, soon, the policy was scrapped due to financial irregularities and corruption charges.

During the investigation, then chief minister Kejriwal along with former deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh was arrested by the CBI and the ED but released on bail later.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the Delhi liquor scam case is still underway.
All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference(AJKPC) has asked the government and State Election Commission to hold panchayat elections within 90 days or face repercussions. The organisation has also demanded that swift action be taken for ensuring representation for the rural population, fostering development and strengthening democratic values in the region.

Criticising the Lieutenant Governor and the state poll body for delaying the elections, Anil Sharma, the president of the AJKPC, said the term of the Panchayat Halquas in J&K ended on January 9, 2024 and the J&K government appointed block development officers as administrators of the panchayat.

For over a year now, the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have been defunct, and there seems to be no sincere effort by the government to hold these elections. Even the State Election Commission appears to be silent on the matter, Sharma said.

While demanding elections, Sharma highlighted that several panchayats have raised demands for delimitation of Halqas and mobilization of voters from one panchayat to another. However, neither the poll panel nor the government has taken any action to solve the issue, he said .

Sharma cautioned the J&K government and poll bodies against further delay. AJKPC is setting 90 days deadline to hold Panchayat elections with delimitation, after that a mass agitation would be launched for formation of new PRIs. He argued that prolonged delay in the panchayat election has not only hindered growth but also left rural population with no representation to voice their concerns.

The AJKPC has decided to create a dialogue with key stakeholders. He said teams from the AJKPC will be sent to meet the Lieutenant Governor, the chief minister and the State Election Commissioner to press for immediate action.
As the campaigning for the assembly elections gathers steam in the national capital, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will address a public meeting in northeast Delhi's Seelampur on Monday.

The gathering, titled 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan,' would be Gandhi's first public meeting before the assembly elections scheduled for February 5.

"Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will address a public meeting 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' on Monday at 5.30 pm in northeast Delhi's Seelampur area. A large number of people, including Congress party workers and leaders, will participate in it," Nizamuddin said, addressing a press conference at the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee office.

Nizamuddin said Gandhi had emerged as the voice of the people of the country. Wherever there was an issue, Gandhi reached there and raised people's voices, he added.

The capital state is witnessing a triangular contest with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party looking for another straight term and the BJP and the Congress aiming at a strong comeback.

In the 70-member Delhi Assembly, the AAP has 62 members while the BJP 8. The Congress drew a blank in the last assembly elections.

The grand old party, which ruled Delhi for 15 years until it was reduced a nonentity in the 2013 assembly elections, is hopeful of riding on the corruption allegations against the AAP leaders and forming its government after 12 years.

The counting of votes will take place on February 8.

The party had held a month-long 'Delhi Nyay Yatra' in November to connect with voters and boost the morale of the party cadre. The yatra, which was organised along the lines of Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' and 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', concluded on December 7.
In 1978, the worst riots in Sambhals history broke out leaving nine dead according to the official version, which is now being questioned, after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that hundreds of Hindus were burned alive in the violence.



Though the police have denied any formal re-investigation of the riot, the Uttar Pradesh CM, during the winter session of the state legislature drew attention to them, blaming the opposition of selective memory.

The opposition had hammered the Sambhal issue, where violence broke out on November 24 last year as a team reached to survey the 500-year-old Jama Masjid, the nature of which is now being disputed. Five people died and dozens were injured while Sambhal has remained in the news as, among other discoveries, a step well has been found in a house which is set to be demolished.

In 1978, violence erupted on March 29, after news broke out that a Hindu man had murdered a cleric. Shops and houses were burned in the mayhem that followed and a two-month curfew was imposed. Over three dozen Hindu families had also left Sambhal after that.

A relook at the investigation into the riots seeks, among other things, to assess the actual death toll, identification of unnamed victims, examining if there were any lapses in the investigation, and if peoples names were taken out of FIRs under any influence.

However, before there can be a new investigation, the administration has to find the original inquiry report, which it has been asked to submit to the states home department. This report has not been found as yet.

Among the key questions that this original report will answer is how were all 82 people against whom cases were filed, let off by the courts. Was this because the government took back the cases or that all accused, witnesses and victims were dead. The search at the district court has also not yielded any records yet.
Madhya Pradesh police have arrested a youth for allegedly murdering his live-in partner and stuffing her body in refrigerator for over eight months. The foul smell that emanated after the power to the fridge was cut off led to the arrest.



Dewas police recovered the decomposed body of a woman in her 30s, from a refrigerator in a house located in Vrindavan Dham Colony on Friday. According to police, the saree-clad woman, was wearing jewellery and her hands were tied along with a noose around her neck. Police said the murder could have happened almost a year ago.

Puneet Gehlot, Dewas Superintendent of Police said, "The woman is in her 30s. We suspect she was killed in June 2024. After a foul smell started emanating, neighbours called the landlord who opened a portion of the house. The woman's body was found in the refrigerator, the shelves of which had been removed. He then alerted police.

According to police, the house was owned by one Dhirendra Shrivastava and he had rented the place to a person named Sanjay Patidar of Ujjain in June 2023. Pattidar vacated the house a year later but continued to keep his belongings in a study room and the master bedroom. He told Shrivastava he would vacate this portion later. Patidar used to visit the house once in a while, the SP said.

The current tenant had recently asked the landlord to unlock this portion of the house. The landlord showed this portion of the house to the tenant but then locked it again. The houseowner also switched off the power supply on Wednesday, police said. Foul smell started emanating from that portion of the house after the refrigerator stopped functioning, police said. Police have taken custody of Patidar and they are investigating.
Lashing out at Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi for walking out of the assembly without reading his customary speech at the beginning of the session, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said the governor did so since he is unable to stomach Tamil Nadus growth.



Replying to the governors address at the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Stalin said the house has been witnessing strange scenes ever since Ravi took over as governor of the state. The governor comes to the assembly but returns without addressing the house. That's why I had said that his actions were childish," Stalin said addressing the assembly.

As per Article 176 of the Constitution, the governor has to deliver his address to the legislative assembly at the commencement of the session, but he appears to be keen on violating the rules in a planned manner," the chief minister said. Stalin added though Ravi delivered the address in 2022, he avoided delivering his customary address citing 'absurd' reasons during the next three years.

Stalin said the governor refused to accept the clarification given by the state that as per convention, Tamil Thai Vazhuthu is played at the beginning of the governors address and the national anthem is played at the end. By daring not to respect the dignity of the house and the feelings of the people and insulting the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, he has sought to denigrate the post he is holding with political motives. The assembly has not witnessed it in the past and should not witness it in the future, The Hindu reported quoting the chief minister.

The governors address became a flashpoint between Ravi and the Tamil Nadu government this year as well and the former walked out of the assembly accusing the state government of brazenly disrespecting the Constitution and national anthem. In a statement issued by Raj Bhavan, the governor said despite request, the chief minister and speaker refused to play national anthem at the beginning of his speech.
Customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi recently arrested a Brazilian passenger for attempting to smuggle cocaine worth approximately 13.45 crore. The passenger who arrived on December 26, 2024, was apprehended after crossing the Customs Green Channel at Terminal 3.

The individual, travelling on a Brazilian passport, had arrived in New Delhi via Flight AF453 from Sao Paulo to Paris and then Flight AF226 from Paris to New Delhi.

He had swallowed the capsules right before the flight landed in India said a customs official in Delhi. The attempt could have been fatal. The official said that such persons are often "used as mules, and paid to carry the drugs".

Upon interception, a personal search of the passenger led to the recovery of 34 capsules, suspected to contain narcotics. During the investigation, he confessed to ingesting additional capsules containing prohibited substances and was subsequently taken to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, for medical examination. The offender expelled 57 more capsules over the course of his stay. In total, 91 oval-shaped capsules were recovered, containing a white, powdery substance. Tests confirmed the substance to be cocaine, with a total weight of 897gm.

A security official reported that December saw the highest number of drug seizures this year, with 7 to 8 incidents occurring during the month.

Around 80-90 per cent of cases are linked to Africa, the official told THE WEEK. Cocaine usually comes from Thailand, whereas the hydrophobic weeda lab-grown variety is sourced from Africa.

The seized cocaine, valued at Rs 13.45 crore, has been confiscated along with the material used for its concealment under Section 43(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The passenger was arrested on January 6 under Section 43(b), while reportedly violating provisions of Sections 8, 21, 23, and 29 of the act.

Further investigation into the case is ongoing, with authorities trying to uncover the network involved in this smuggling attempt.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has set up an online Right to Information (RTI) portal to make the government more open and responsible.



With this new system, people in J&K can now file RTI requests online, just like in a few other Union Territories. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) designed the portal to make submitting and tracking RTI requests easy.

Applicants can now send their requests, track their status, and get responses without visiting government offices; this saves time and cuts down delays. Once a request is submitted, applicants receive a registration number through SMS or email to help them track their applications.

The portal is connected to 61 government departments, 272 nodal officers, 720 First Appellate Authorities, and 3,419 Public Information Officers, covering all major departments.

To help the system work well, nodal officers have been assigned in each department to assist with the platform. During the launch, M. Raju, the Secretary of the General Administration Department, talked about how this portal will enhance accountability, save money, and speed up responses.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the new portal as a significant step toward better governance. He highlighted that it will make it easier for people to access information and called on officials to raise awareness.

The launch was held at the civil secretariat and was attended by important leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, cabinet ministers, and senior government officials.

This online portal is a significant achievement for Jammu and Kashmir. It uses technology to make the government more accessible and transparent, allowing citizens to get information quickly and easily. This is a big move towards cutting red tape and building trust between the government and the people.
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena will contest upcoming municipal and zilla parishad elections on its own, said senior party leader and MP Sanjay Raut.

Raut said that INDIA bloc and MVA were meant for Lok Sabha and assembly elections respectively.

He further pointed out that when there is an alliance, the growth of the party gets affected as party workers do not get opportunities to contest from the seats that are given to alliance partners. Hence, Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur and other local body elections alone without an alliance.

#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut says, "It is the responsibility of the Congress party to save the INDIA alliance. Congress is the biggest party. It is true that the INDIA alliance was formed for the Lok Sabha elections and after the elections not a pic.twitter.com/n39NcOFGiJ  ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2025

Party chief Uddhav Thackeray has been meeting party activists to analyse its humiliating defeat in assembly elections. Party leaders and activists suggested that Shiv Sena (UBT) should go it alone in the upcoming local body elections so that new and young leadership can be created at the grassroots and municipal corporation and council level.

Shiv Sena (UBT) won only 20 seats of the 90 it contested in the recent assembly election in Maharashtra, as part of the MVA alliance

Many former corporators of the Shiv Sena (UBT) have, reportedly, expressed displeasure over being sidelined in the party and they are in touch with BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Uddhav Thackeray has taken a stand that those who want to leave the party are free to go and no effort would be made to stop them.

Raut also blamed the Congress leadership, saying no meeting was held to analyse the reasons for the defeat and the Congress, which claimed to be the big brother, should have taken the initiative to hold a meeting.

Efforts to reach senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar for a comment did not succeed as he did not answer the call. With Shiv Sena (UBT)'s decision to contest municipal elections on its own, political observers are wondering if it is the end of the MVA experiment.

In fact, within the Congress, there appears to be a tussle going on between Wadettiwar and state Congress president Nana Patole about who should be the leader of the Congress legislature party.

NCP's Sharad Pawar faction MP Dr Amol Kole has criticised both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), saying the latter has not yet woken up from deep sleep.
November saw the arrival of cold wave in Telangana for the year 2024 along with two key political developments. It was in the initial days of the month that Telanganas Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) sought Governor Jishnu Dev Varmas consent to investigate and prosecute KT Rama Rao (KTR), Working President of BRS and son of former Telangana CM, K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR).

The case pertains to the Formula E race event held in 2023 in Hyderabad when BRS was in power and KTR was the minister for municipal affairs and urban development. The allegation against him is that he was instrumental in transferring Rs 55 Crores to the organisers to secure the next edition, which was done through oral orders and without seeking the necessary official clearances.

As the file lay waiting at the Governors office, in the last week of November, the winter chills set in subjecting northern parts of Telangana to single-degree temperatures. It also brought out MLC K Kavitha out of hibernation. The daughter of KCR, who was also an MP, was lodged in Tihar jail in Delhi liquor scam from March to August of 2024. Post her release, she was missing from action until November. In the same month, she was seen in public championing the case of the Backward Classes (BCs) by meeting with stakeholders and also demanding reservations in the local body polls.

In December, Kavithas visibility ran parallel to the movement of the Formula E case. The fag end of the year saw the Telangana Governor giving the clearance to ACB to investigate KTR followed by the latter being named Accused no. 1 by the ACB who registered the case. The ED (Enforcement Directorate) also entered the scene and booked a case against KTR.

Even as KTR was knocking on the doors of the courts looking for some relief, his sister stepped up attacks against the Congress party. She was seen criticising the ruling party on the Music riverfront project, farmers issues and the Telangana Talli issue, a cultural symbol of Telangana which was altered by the Congress.

December was a busy month for Kavitha politically as she became more vocal and assertive. Political analysts feel that her moves are not coincidental which has come at a time when her brother is staring at a possible arrest and jail time, given that he has already been through a round of questioning with multiple investigating agencies high on his heels. According to sources, KCR who is confined to his farmhouse, may not venture out immediately and spend his energy and novelty in case of his sons arrest. Since the BRS campaign against Congress is spearheaded by his son KTR and nephew and senior leader, Harish Rao, it would leave the latter in complete control of the party affairs and tilt the power balance away from Kalvakuntla party.

Though Kavitha may not be given a formal post that would undermine her brother, it is understood that she is being projected as a powerful voice who would take off from where her brother left in case he is behind bars. The party insiders feel that activating Kavitha will also give an impression that the party is internally strong with many important players willing to defend it. It goes without saying that for Kavitha, the new innings will serve her an opportunity to get her feet back up in electoral politics and prove her mettle in public life.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray held a press conference on Friday at the party headquarters at Shivaji Park to announce the setting up of a national memorial in the memory of his father and founder of the Shiv Sena, Balasaheb Thackeray. The memorial will be constructed in Dadar at the Mumbai mayor's official residencethe Mayor's Bungalowwhich is close to the Arabian Sea, and is a heritage building.

Thackeray said that phase one of the memorial, which will be energy efficient and promote sustainability, has been completed, and added that the second phase will begin soon.

"Those who believe in Balasaheb's ideology can visit the memorial. But those who have abandoned Balasaheb's principles cannot take any credit for the memorial," Thackeray said.

What will be the highlights of Bal Thackeray's memorial?

The memorial will include an administration building, entrance block, a heritage enrichment and preservation centre, and an interpretation centre, among others. A large portion of the memorial will be underground, and comprise a state-of-the-art museum, archive, auditorium, buffer tank, underground tank, sewage treatment plant and rain water harvesting tank.

As per the press statement, the memorial which is constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) at a cost of Rs 400 crore, will also depict Bal Thackerays life and political journey through laser shows, digital mapping and augmented reality (AR) and interactive experiences, including a 270-degree projection and audiovisuals highlighting Thackerays cartoons and speeches.

Uddhav Thackeray added that no trees were cut for the project. "In fact, more trees were planted. The number of trees has gone up from 211 to 233 at present. There is lot of greenery on the premises."

Aaditya Thackeray, the late leader's grandson and a member of the trust helming the memorial project, said, His life was an open book and the memorial should reflect that."

Bal Thackeray was born on January 23, 1927 and died on November 17, 2012. The centenary year will start on January 23, 2026.
Union home minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Shah launched an attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday, terming it an AAPda (disaster) for Delhi. Shah made the remark in his address to the slum dwellers in Delhi in the run-up to the Assembly polls on February 5 for which the contest between AAP and BJP has become intense.

ALSO READ | BJP, AAP in war of words after CAG report claims Rs 2,026 crore revenue loss

As part of the BJPs slum outreach programme, party workers have been visiting the JJ clusters and staying with families there. We have made a list of all your issues and handed it over to JP Nadda ji and (Narendra) Modiji, Shah said. He assured them their issues would be reflected in the partys manifesto and would not be mere promises like AAPs.

Addressing the slum dwellers, he said: You have the power to be Delhis muktidatas' (liberators)  mukti (liberation) from AAPda on February 5".

With Assembly polls just days away, BJP is increasingly trying to make inroads into this voter base that has for long been AAPs stronghold, especially due to the partys welfare schemes such as free electricity up to 200 units, free water, among others. This voter base is said to decide the results for up to 20 out of the 70 Assembly seats.

ALSO READ | Delhi polls: Rahul Gandhi to hit campaign trail on Monday

In his address, Shah further attacked AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal. The party which came to power over its fight against corruption has broken all records of corruption. Speaking on the issues like contaminated water, polluted air and poor road infrastructure, he asked: What has Kejriwal done in these 10 years?

The polling for Delhi Assembly elections will take place on February 5 and results will be declared on February 8.
US President-elect Donald Trump managed to avoid jail or any other punishment in the case related to hush money paid to a porn star, as a judge ended the case on Friday with an unconditional discharge sentence.

It is a major relief for Trump, 78, who is set to be sworn in as the next US president on January 20. Justice Juan Merchan's sentencing of Trump means he will be the first president to assume office with a felony criminal conviction. Trump was spared the jail time, fine or probation because, as Merchan said, the US Constitution protects presidents from criminal prosecution.

But, the judge categorically added that it does not reduce the seriousness of a crime or justify its commission in any way". The jury verdict cannot be erased, unless the conviction for falsifying business records is overturned some day. As a result, it will affect some of Trump's rights. Here's how:

Can Trump be the president, despite the felony conviction?

According to federal law, he can be convicted of a crime but still hold office. The state laws, however, differ on whether a convicted person can contest state and local offices. A pardon or expungement may be necessary in some cases. But there are no such restrictions to run for federal office.

Can Trump travel outside the US?

Trump's diplomatic passport as president will allow him to travel abroad for official trips. He can also have a regular, or tourist passport. There are countries, however, such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Israel, which have the right to deny visits by people with felony convictions.

Can Trump vote?

Trump will be able to vote in Florida, where he is registered. He was convicted in New York, a state which restores the voting rights of a convicted person once he or she is released. For people convicted of felonies in other stateslike TrumpFlorida bars a person from voting only if he or she has lost the voting rights in the state where convicted.

Can Trump own a gun?

Under federal law, people convicted of felonies are not allowed to own firearms. So, Trump cannot possess a gun.

Does Trump have to give his DNA sample?

By law, every person convicted of a felony in New York must provide a DNA sample for the state's crime databank.

Will the conviction affect Trump's businesses?

Trump would be able to re-enter the casino business, because people convicted of crime cannot get gaming licences. He had three casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but not anymore.

His felony conviction could also bar him from holding liquor licences. However, his properties are all owned through corporate entities, his company clarified, and since he is not officer or director of any entity that holds liquor licences, it would not be affected.

Can Trump get a pardon, or can he pardon himself as president?

Presidential pardons apply only to federal crimes. Trump violated the state law and his case was tried in state court; so, he can only be pardoned by the New York governor. Gov. Kathy Hochul is a Democrat.
With the wildfires that erupted in Los Angeles on Tuesday amid powerful winds and dry conditions, at least 11 people have been killed so far and thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed.

Why was the Pacific Palisades reservoir offline?

The Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Pacific Palisades was shut for maintenance and repair since February 2024, according to LA Times. This left the 117-million-gallon water storage facility empty when the wildfires broke out.

The revelation comes as firefighters said emergency response was hindered due to water shortage in the fire hydrants, a claim that Governor Newsom acknowledged on Friday. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power claimed that if the reservoir in Pacific Palisades was operational, the water supply could have been increased for firefighing.

Los Angeles Fire: A Community on Edge



The recent fire in Los Angeles, California, has shaken everyone. With strong winds and a relentless heatwave, the blaze spread rapidly, forcing evacuations. Fire crews are battling tirelessly, but this inferno is a fiery reminder of climate pic.twitter.com/EoBvLuNbsP  Kusumo Arief Atmojo (@ariefatmojo_) January 11, 2025

Several Republicans, including President-elect Donald Trump, have blamed the Democrats ruling California over lack of preparation for such a severe calamity. Trump slammed California Governor Gavin Newsom for LA's struggling water supply while LA mayor Karen Bass was criticised for reducing the city's fire department budget.

This is by far the craziest video from the fire in Los Angeles. This guy is filming huge walls of fire surrounding a house they're in, and there's another person and a dog. I have no idea why they didn't evacuate or what happened to them. Let's hope they're okay. #PalisadesFire pic.twitter.com/QYtsBSKvdl  Sia Kordestani (@SiaKordestani) January 8, 2025

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has an overall budget of around $820 million. Mayor Bass reportedly reduced the budget by $17.6 million.

Several fire hydrants located in high-altitude parts of the Palisades went dry on Wednesday, leaving firefighters struggling with water pressure.

Gavin Newsom has ordered a probe by the LA Department of Water and Power (DWP) to investigate the loss of water pressure.

System not designed to handle wildfires

On the other hand, the DWP said its primary job is to supply water throughout Los Angeles city, pointing out that its system was not "designed for a wildlife scenario".

1/ Lets talk about collapse. Fires rage in Los Angeles, and no one can put them outa clear symbol of a civilization unable to solve even its most basic problems. Joseph A. Tainter's "The Collapse of Complex Societies" provides a framework to understand why this happens. pic.twitter.com/4mHUwPpLSE  Chad Crowley (@CCrowley100) January 9, 2025

The DWP said the repair was necessitated due to a ripped cover, adding that if the reservoir carried water, it would have been undrinkable legally.

The Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Pacific Palisades is expected to be reopened next month.
Im going to tell you a story no more than five people in the Indian fashion industry know. In 2015, as part of Lakme Fashion Weeks advisory board, I had suggested keeping the opening show for a Mumbai designer instead of one of the celebrity names from Delhi. These were the days when Lakme and Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) had split, and the industry was cleaved into two. A month before the show, the Mumbai designer callously called saying he wanted to opt out. The organisers were in a fix. Who would they find to create 50 spectacular garments in 30 days and put together a theatrical show? They called Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

The dream is to become a $2 billion-dollar brand by 2030. Thats a billion with a B. And I am being conservative. Indians are very intelligent shoppers, you cant fool them. I have grown into a business of consequence because I give value to my customers. My customers know that wearing Sabyasachi means they are on par with international brands. When I speak to different business schools abroad, I tell them not to mistake India for a third-world country, we are a first-world civilisation. Luxury will return to India as it originated from us. Our crafts people will be the new IT people. I started working when I was 14. I became a parent to my parents and my sister when I was 20. Eventually a master tailor came along, a finishing girl came along, now a CFO and CHRO come along too. But on my birthdays, when I am hiding in private, every department cuts a cake and sends me a video singing the birthday song for me. Thats a real family.

Those days the fashion week would offer a designer Rs25 lakh to put together the show. Mukherjee added Rs40 lakh of his own, and gave Mumbai the most beautiful fashion show it had ever seen. The old Richardson & Cruddas foundrywhere it was heldwas decorated like a luxurious red-gold Mughal canopy with a 200-foot runway (a regular size is 50 feet), had antique chairs for seats, and used a drone camera for the first time.

This generosity is unarguably what has made him Indias most successful luxury brand today, going by revenue alone. To call Mukherjee just a designer is a bit of a short-change; he has successfully annexed newer businesses such as jewellery, leather goods, and home interiors. His company will have a turnover of Rs500 crore this year, his 25th year in the business.

I would even say if you need to understand how to create a fine luxury business, out of India or anywhere in the world, look at Sabyasachi. If you need to grasp how magnificent Indias fashion industry is, and how gorgeous and artistic its retail environment can be, look at Sabyasachi.

His 2015 show at Byculla for Lakme Fashion Week | Getty Images

To understand Mukherjees success is to also understand a bit of Indias history, geography, and economics. A young man from Kolkata took the Indian fashion scene by storm right from his debut year, and went on to become the industrys template. Everything Mukherjee does, the others follow: from his bridal-wear, photo-shoots, jewellery and handbags, to massive social media spends and selling stake to corporate houses. Talking to the man himself is like getting a business school education.

In good company: Sabyasachi with Priyanka Chopra at the Los Angeles launch of Saks Fifth Avenue

The numbers are mind-boggling if you consider that his was a self-owned business (he owned 97 per cent and his father owned 3 per cent) until 2021, when Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited (ABFRL) purchased 51 per cent of his business for a whopping Rs398 crore. This means, according to EBITDA calculations, his turnover was roughly at Rs275 crore in 2020.

Mukherjees revenue from jewellery was Rs150-175 crore last year, with handbag sales alone just above Rs60 crore (more than most big designers annual turnover). The rest is from his clothing line. My next 25 years will be about building the business globally, he says. The dream is to become a $2 billion brand by 2030. Thats a billion with a B. And I am being conservative.



It took three months after he agreed to this interview to finally sit down at his Mumbai flagship. It is a four-storey behemoth, a British neoclassical building in the citys historic Horniman Circle. The pin code is 01; it marks the citys oldest centre. He has Hermes and Christian Louboutin for neighbours.

Mukherjee has just arrived from New York, after wowing the American audience with his ready-to-wear debut at Bergdorf Goodman, the shiny luxury departmental store that dominates the citys Fifth Avenue. He has been selling jewellery here for three years now, modern enough to appeal to the spoilt-for-choice American customer.

Retail therapy: Sabyasachis Mumbai store is a four-storey, over 25,000 sq.ft behemoth that has more art and antiques than a museum | Amey Mansabdar

New Yorks fashion grapevine is abuzz that Sabyasachi outsold Chanel one November day at Bergdorf, with sales of over $1 million. Im going to refute the Chanel gossip, but Ill tell you it isnt the first time we have made a million dollars at Bergdorf, he says. Our first million-a-day was three years ago. It was a big deal. In India, I dont have to move too many muscles to move a mountain, but in the west Im at the bottom of the table. They couldnt even pronounce my name.

According to Linda Fargo, senior vice president, Womens Fashion, and director of Store Presentation at Bergdorf, Mukherjees brilliance knows no bounds. It was on a trip to India several years ago that I discovered the world of Sabyasachi, where opulence, craftsmanship and sublime taste intersect, and knew instinctively that this was something rare, she says. Its an honour to count him as a collaborator and friend.

Mukherjee opened his own boutique, a celebrated maximalist destination, on Manhattans Christopher Street in 2022. Despite selling at Londons Selfridges and Browns in his early years, opening a shop in New York was a mission. Twenty per cent of my business was already coming from America. I wanted to have more control over how India was being showcased. I knew if I built a store like the ones in Mumbai or Delhi, Indians from all over America would come to push me forward. I also wanted to show the west the art of retail, he smiles. How do you sell luxury without showing your might? I wanted to build the best store in New York. The American press lapped it up.

Mukherjee stopped doing fashion weeks in India or abroad several years ago. But every top store began wooing him. When Saks Fifth Avenue opened in Los Angeles in 2023, he was given the top floor with only Chanel as his neighbour, even though it was a risk and Roopal Patel, senior vice president, Saks, was worried as it was a week to the Oscars. We did close to $2 million with them, says Mukherjee. When you build a business with integrity, the world will come to find you. Im a hard negotiator. When I negotiate with the west, I do it on behalf of India.

Sabyasachis Mumbai store | Amey Mansabdar

Patel says that India is at the heart of everything Mukherjee does. You see his deep love for India in everything he creates, from his exquisite embroideries to the unique craftsmanship in his saris and jewellery, she says. He has a master painters sense of colour, and the attention to detail when you step into one of his stores transports you to another world. It has been incredible to see Sabyasachi become part of the global fashion scene over the past 25 years.

For his 25th anniversary celebrations in Mumbai, Mukherjee is flying down his top customers and the international press in a fashion show that will rival Diors show at the Gateway of India in 2023. I was among the first ones to jump on to social media, but now I find that canvas too small, he says. It is important for us to be closer to the customer. The celebration will be a very India-proud show, almost like an interface between the east and the west.

Class act: Sabyasachis ready-to-wear debut at Bergdorf Goodman

Talking to Mukherjee about his journey is a little bit like being in F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby, where you are Nick Carraway and the designer is the mysterious millionaire with a life of adventure and serendipity. In Standard 4, I was asked by my drama teacher to write a play based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, he says. I wrote it with lights, costumes, and set design. She asked me to be the plays director, and allowed me to work with dresses, makeup, sets, and music. I knew then I would be doing some ground-shifting in India in the arts. In a way, you know, I am destinys child.

He goes on: I also pick up clues from the universe. I think success comes to those who can read the signswhether it is shifting consumer behaviour, or a certain change in politics, or a certain movie thats shaping the way people are going to dress, or who is the big musician now. The most successful designers are those who catch the zeitgeist. Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent mirrored the emergence of society even before society began to emerge. I think that has been my gift, too.

Mukherjee shies from calling himself a great businessman. People dont need another product, he says. Their consumption depends on what they want to achieve. Sometimes it is not even a product, but a value system. Offering an example, he says, We make it very tough for a consumer to shop with us. We never go on sale. We dont customise. People probably have to give up a little bit of their identity to imbibe our brand. And we only accept white money. People buy from us because they admire our values. You can have the greatest product, but if you dont have the greatest policies you are only selling a commodity, you are not selling luxury.

He is right. Even brands like Chanel, Goyard and Hermes have very strict codes about what you can buy and under what conditions. They have financial and manufacturing discipline, he explains.



The Sabyasachi store in New York city | Namrata Zakaria

Designers in India traditionally came from Delhi where NIFT, the first fashion school, opened, or then Mumbai, the big, bad land of Bollywood. Kolkata is small, far-off, and has no interest in fashion, thanks to its reverence for handloom textiles. It makes the finest cotton in the worldthe jamdani. And several other types of saris like Tangails, Balucharis, Nilambaris, and the humble Dhaniakhalis that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee flaunts regularly. It is ironic that it gave India its biggest luxury label.

Not so sari: Aishwarya Rai became the only LOreal ambassador to wear a sari for its campaigns

All of Mukherjees storytelling is based on his beloved Calcutta. Calcutta was the British capital, and for the longest time, it was a city that had the biggest thought leaders, whether they were in politics, policy, literature, arts, or filmmaking, he says. Think of Satyajit Ray and Rabindranath Tagore. All of them have contributed to building India. So, why not fashion? Calcutta has its own ecosystem, like Antwerp that produced Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester. Mukherjee has long been a follower of the deconstructionist Van Noten, inspired by his eccentric layering. For this interview, he wore trousers by Van Noten with one of his own sleeveless jackets.

Sabyasachis sari for H&M.

What distinguished Sabyasachi is his understanding of combining various techniques and crafts in a single piece. This, and his understanding of what the market desires, especially the contemporary bride, are unparalleled. He is the architect of modern India, says Sunil Sethi, chairman, FDCI.

Mukherjees is most certainly an India story. His clothes and jewellery pay the finest homage to Indias artisanal crafts, and he sees his company as an Indian legacy brand. He always says he isnt working for himself, he is working for India.

Is he trying to restore India to its rightful place as a luxury superpower? My grandmother was a refugee from Bangladesh. She had five children without ever getting married, he says, in Gatsby tone again. She was progressive but had the angst of a refugee and understood the dignity in identity. We all know what the British and multiple invasions have done to India. When people destabilise your country and your culture, they destabilise your confidence. When your confidence gets destabilised, your economy breaks down.

This is why his stores are created like palaces, brimming with chandeliers, luxurious carpets, wall textiles, art and antiques. They are living museums, he says. They exist to tell every Indian not to forget where we come from or how great India is.

Mukherjee is most certainly at the right place at the right time. There is a wave of cultural nationalism now with India being counted among the worlds largest economies. A growing number of young Indians proudly wear homegrown brands in support and showmanship. Like Zerodhas Nikhil Kamath, who in a podcast with actor Ranbir Kapoor, stated he prefers wearing Indian labels. This is why we started making accessories, explains Mukherjee. I think accessories became a true marker of how much people are willing to punt on you. Sporting western brands used to be a mark of social status once. But when I saw Natasha Poonawalla carrying one of my handbags to meet Prince Charles at the Buckingham Palace in 2020, I realised I needed to grow my accessory business. And that we have a beautiful logo. Mukherjee has since removed his first name as his insignia; he uses the now instantly recognisable Bengal Tiger motif.

Design delightS: The revenue from Sabyasachi jewellery was Rs150-175 crore last year | Amey Mansabdar

During the pandemic, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan and I had initiated a fashion fundraiser for weavers called Baradari. Designers would donate clothes they couldnt sell in the lockdown and the sales proceeds would be given to artisans. But Mukherjee insisted on donating two of his signature handbagsthe Calcutta Sling and the Nani Bucket. He said he had a six-month wait list for his handbags, and they would be grabbed. Both purses sold within three minutes of opening the sale.

The handbags are made in my atelier in Kolkata, but with the intervention of the finest craftsmen in Italy and France, he says. Our hardware is not Zamac (an alloy) but brass, and plated with 1 to 2 micron gold. These are international standards in building an accessory brand. Indians love wearing Indian clothes and jewellery. But when they start buying handbags from an Indian brand, you know the winds are changing.

Mukherjees confidence is not braggadocio. In the 25 years I have known him, he has accomplished all he set eyes on. When he said he was going to be Indias greatest luxury brand, and opted out of an offer that LVMHs L Capital made him a decade ago, he did it on his own steam. When he launched his jewellery saying he wanted to be Indias Cartier, he did it within a year. He had told me then that he made more money selling jewellery in one year than he did in a decade of fashion.

The entire jewellery industry was worried they would have to pack up shop since I had done such revolutionary work with bridal-wear, he says. A big nexus of jewellers began to say that my price was too high and quality was low grade. But we are on par with everyone else, and our repeat customers prove that our quality is good. Indians are very intelligent shoppers, you cant fool them. I have grown into a business of consequence because I give value to my customers. They know that wearing Sabyasachi means they are on par with international brands.

Design delights: The revenue from Sabyasachi jewellery was Rs150-175 crore last year | Amey Mansabdar

Ashish Dikshit, managing director, ABFRL, says that their investment in Sabyasachi reflects their belief that the brand is uniquely positioned to build the first truly global luxury brand from India. This requires a systematic and long-term approach to investing in brand building, category extension, international expansion as well as deepening its organisational capabilities, and we are quite committed to that journey, he says. The brand is also one of the most profitable businesses in our portfolio and is an important part of our value creation journey.

Sethi adds that Mukherjee removing himself from the public eye takes away accessibility, but makes him more sought after.



Handbag sales alone touched Rs60 crore | Amey Mansabdar

There are 1,200 people employed with Sabyasachi Couture. We also support a lot of artisans across India, and now the world, says the designer. We work with Mongolia for our cashmere, Peru for our alpaca, France for tweeds and Scotland for tartan and wool. These are all artisanal companies which make important couture fabrication for the biggest brands in the world. They are excited to partner with us. There is this person in Prato, Italy, from whom I wanted to source boiled wool (a type of cloth from there). He would not supply it to me until I visited his farm and had a meal with his family. Then he flew down to India to see what we do. Finally he agreed, saying he considered me to be a designer of integrity. These are small-batch suppliers, they consider themselves artists. I think we are now creating a great synthesis in craft between India and the world. If we want to be a global brand, we need to include global players.

Handbag sales alone touched Rs60 crore | Amey Mansabdar

He sees India as the biggest hub for craft. When you look at Anamika Khanna, Rahul Mishra, Raw Mango or Swati & Sunaina, you see they have maintained craft at its highest level, he says. You will certainly see exploitation of craftsmen at the lower end of the market, but at the upper end the communities are thriving. If you want your work to succeed at an international level, you have to level the playing field. You see, now there is a direct link to the consumer. A crafts person has enough incentive to set up his own business on digital portals like Swadesh. I want to start a Sabyasachi Universe of Saris, too, to help craft communities. What sets India apart is its soft power. When I speak to different business schools abroad, I tell them not to mistake India for a third-world country, we are a first-world civilisation. Luxury will return to India as it originated with us. Our crafts people will be the new IT people. Theres always a short-term derailment, but my middle name is long term.

Kumar Mangalam Birla | Reuters

Among the greatest contradictions is that even though Mukherjee was among the pioneers in social media, his website is mere months old and sells no products. I find it difficult to understand why someone would actually want to buy off the internet, there is so much tactile beauty in a product, he says. When my bridal business became big, it developed a shadow market. Even my handbags have an accessories market which is 500 times the size of my own market. I could have sought franchisees, but my goal was never quick money. Ecommerce is great for quick services like food or supplies, but not luxury. Im not saying Ill never do ecommerce; maybe for more standardised products like beauty, sunglasses and footwear. Right now I am obsessed with building legacy, but the internet generation cant remember what happened even 20 years ago. This is why I am so keen on building beautiful stores. We are such a sensory brand, we want people to fully engage with us, to understand our intricacies. Sales can happen later.

Investor Kumar Mangalam Birla has a lot of respect and trust in him, says Sabyasachi.

According to Nina Garcia, editor-in-chief, Elle USA, Mukherjee has dreamed up a new vision of luxury. Stepping into his store in the West Village is like being transported to another world where no fashion fantasy is out of reach, she says. His designs are as much high art as they are high fashion. No one does maximalism quite like Sabyasachi.

Mukherjees penchant for intangible experiences is seen at his launches too. His fashion shows are historic events. He is known to fly down his premier customers across cities, host them in luxury hotels, entertain them with sit-down dinners with Dom Perignon and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and Shubha Mudgals private concerts. His now-legendary grazing table (styled by top wedding planner Devika Narain) has cakes flown in from England and caviar from Russia.

Does his new investor Kumar Mangalam Birla ever tell him its a bit much? He doesnt say much but he thinks deep, Mukherjee reveals. He has a lot of respect for and trust in me. The only question he asks is whether I am convinced. I think it takes great trust to build great partnerships.

Amit Syngle

Another fan of Mukherjees exuberance is Amit Syngle, MD and CEO of Asian Paints. Mukherjee has been designing a line, Sabyasachi for Nilaya, for the paint company since 2015, for which he receives 40 crore a year. Ive built a damn good business with Asian Paints, he says. Its an equitable partnership thats given them a lot of recognition. Amit Syngle is a visionary. I think I have pushed him to make Nilaya larger than life. They have astounding sales.

Not all his collaborations are about money, Mukherjee insists. Sometimes I have not taken a fee to be able to do bigger advertising around it, he says. When I do collaborations, I do it for the country, too. He gives the example of working with LOreal and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. He wanted them to feature her in a sari in front of the Eiffel Tower. They said their ambassadors dont wear saris. But he insisted on it if they wanted to work with Indias biggest designer.

Even when retail behemoth H&M announced Mukherjee to be the first Indian designer to design a capsule line for them in 2021, he had conditions. Fifty per cent of the collection would be made in India, use Indian designs (tongue tightly in cheek, he would make one inspired by chintz, which Europe had taken from India and passed off as its own), and finally, a sari would be part of it. It was the only time H&M had sold a sari.

Sabyasachi receives Rs40 crore a year as design fee from Asian Paints; (above) Amit Syngle, its MD and CEO.

What has Mukherjee done with his Rs398 crore all-cash investment from ABFRL? I was struggling with the fact that Ive built something this large. I needed to think about what would happen to the brand after me, he says. I dont say my brand, or I am Sabyasachi. There are a lot of us.

ABFRL has given him the back-end operations a business of this scale would require, like a CFO and an HR system. ABFRL does blood donation camps and eye tests, provides life insurance for employees and medical insurance even for their families, says Mukherjee. Thats the beautiful thing about working with a good corporation. I consider them to be nation builders. I did things the way a family-run business would, a little haphazardly.

Dikshit chronicles Mukherjees four years since the investment. The brand has grown significantly in the last few years along multiple dimensions by doubling its revenue, foraying into a large international market, expanding its presence beyond apparel through category extension and building a robust infrastructure for sustained brand growth, he says. The accessory business is growing rapidly, while Sabyasachi jewellery is now increasingly seen as an important emerging global player. The Mumbai flagship store is often counted amongst the best stores in the world. The brand has not only re-established its preeminent position as Indias most important luxury brand, it has also created multiple new long-term growth platforms in line with its vision.

Mukherjee says he decides on the spends and sits in on every meeting, whether it is finance, HR, or infrastructure. Not that he has not paid a price for building this business. He barely has a personal life or a long-term partner. He travels only for work. He chooses not to have children even as a single man. I started working when I was 14. I became a parent to my parents and my sister when I was 20, he says. Eventually a master tailor came along, a finishing girl came along, now a CFO and CHRO come along, too. But on my birthdays, when I am hiding in private, every department cuts a cake and sends me a video [of them] singing the birthday song for me. Thats a real family, he smiles. Im not territorial, I even choose to live on rent. But Ill tell you this: even if I had a child, I would give my company to someone who deserves it.
New York, Jan 11 (AP) Timothee Chalamet will return to Saturday Night Live for his third stint as a host  but this time, he'll be pulling double duty.

NBC announced Friday that comedian Dave Chappelle will host the sketch show January 18, with musical guest GloRilla, while Chalamet will be the host and musical guest on January 25.

It's Chappelle's fourth time hosting. The trio of announced performers are all in the thick of awards season. Chappelle and GloRilla, one of The Associated Press' Breakthrough Entertainers of 2024, are each nominated for Grammys at the February 2 show.

Chalamet has been nominated for a slew of acting awards for A Complete Unknown and is considered a contender for the Oscars, whose nominations will be announced January 19.

For A Complete Unknown, Chalamet sang and learned to play the guitar and harmonica to embody Bob Dylan. It's not clear what the actor will sing during the live show (he also sang in Wonka and dedicated fans may be hoping for a Statistics reprise), but he did previously identify to which Dylan songs he was drawn.

I like the more intimate songs like Girl From the North Country' or Boots of Spanish Leather' or One Too Many Mornings' or Tomorrow Is a Long Time,' he told the AP late last year. But then I also liked North Country Blues' and Rocks and Gravel' or Ballad of Hollis Brown'  things where you hear the iron ore in Bob's voice, the North Country in Minnesota, the Hibbing.

Dylan himself has appeared on SNL  once, as the musical guest, in 1979. Current cast member James Austin Johnson, who portrayed Dylan in a skit earlier this season, briefly appears in A Complete Unknown.

SNL is in the midst of celebrating its 50th season. The show will return in the middle of February to celebrate its anniversary over a weekend, including a Sunday night live broadcast of SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16. (AP)

RB

RB
Paris, Jan 11 (AP) President-elect Donald Trump has tossed expansionist rhetoric at US allies and potential adversaries with arguments that the frontiers of American power need to be extended into Canada and the Danish territory of Greenland, and southward to include the Panama Canal.

Trump's suggestions that international borders can be redrawn  by force if necessary  are particularly inflammatory in Europe. His words run contrary to the argument European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are trying to impress on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But many European leaders  who've learned to expect the unexpected from Trump and have seen that actions don't always follow his words  have been guarded in their response, with some taking a nothing-to-see-here view rather than vigorously defend European Union member Denmark.

Analysts, though, say that even words can damage US-European relations ahead of Trump's second presidency.



A diplomatic response in Europe



Several officials in Europe  where governments depend on US trade, energy, investment, technology, and defense cooperation for security  emphasised their belief that Trump has no intention of marching troops into Greenland.

I think we can exclude that the United States in the coming years will try to use force to annex territory that interests it, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pushed back  but carefully, saying borders must not be moved by force" and not mentioning Trump by name.

This week, as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy pressed Trump's incoming administration to continue supporting Ukraine, he said: No matter what's going on in the world, everyone wants to feel sure that their country will not just be erased off the map.

Since Putin marched troops across Ukrainian borders in 2022, Zelenskyy and allies have been fighting  at great cost  to defend the principle that has underpinned the international order since World War II: that powerful nations can't simply gobble up others.

The British and French foreign ministers have said they can't foresee a US invasion of Greenland. Still, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot portrayed Trump's remarks as a wake-up call.

"Do we think we're entering into a period that sees the return of the law of the strongest?" the French minister said. Yes."

On Friday, the prime minister of Greenland  a semiautonomous Arctic territory that isn't part of the EU but whose 56,000 residents are EU citizens, as part of Denmark  said its people don't want to be Americans but that he's open to greater cooperation with the US.

Cooperation is about dialogue," leader Mute B. Egede said.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the US "our closest ally and said: We have to stand together.



Analysts find Trump's words troubling



European security analysts agreed there's no real likelihood of Trump using the military against NATO ally Denmark, but nevertheless expressed profound disquiet.

Analysts warned of turbulence ahead for trans-Atlantic ties, international norms and the NATO military alliance  not least because of the growing row with member Canada over Trump's repeated suggestions that it become a US state.

There is a possibility, of course, that this is just ... a new sheriff in town," said Flemming Splidsboel Hansen, who specialises in foreign policy, Russia and Greenland at the Danish Institute for International Studies. "I take some comfort from the fact that he is now insisting that Canada should be included in the US, which suggests that it is just sort of political bravado.

But damage has already been done. And I really cannot remember a previous incident like this where an important ally  in this case the most important ally  would threaten Denmark or another NATO member state.

Hansen said he fears NATO may be falling apart even before Trump's inauguration.

I worry about our understanding of a collective West," he said. "What does this even mean now? What may this mean just, say, one year from now, two years from now, or at least by the end of this second Trump presidency? What will be left?



Security concerns as possible motivation

Some diplomats and analysts see a common thread in Trump's eyeing of Canada, the Panama Canal and Greenland: securing resources and waterways to strengthen the U.S. against potential adversaries.

Paris-based analyst Alix Frangeul-Alves said Trump's language is all part of his Make America Great Again' mode.

In Greenland's soils, she noted, are rare earths critical for advanced and green technologies. China dominates global supplies of the valuable minerals, which the US, Europe and other nations view as a security risk.

Any policy made in Washington is made through the lens of the competition with China, said Frangeul-Alves, who focuses on US politics for the German Marshall Fund.

Some observers said Trump's suggested methods are fraught with peril.

Security analyst Alexander Khara said Trump's claim that we need Greenland for national security purposes reminded him of Putin's comments on Crimea when Russia seized the strategic Black Sea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.

Suggesting that borders might be flexible is a completely dangerous precedent, said Khara, director of the Centre for Defence Strategies in Kyiv.

We're in a time of transition from the old system based on norms and principles, he said, and heading to more conflicts, more chaos and more uncertainty. (AP) AMS
Mumbai, Jan 11 (PTI) Twenty-three persons from Maharashtra, including five from Mumbai, have been invited as special guests to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi.

The invitees are among 10,000 special guests from across the country who will witness the parade at Kartavya Path, a release stated.

Of the five special guests from Mumbai, Atul Hanumant Jadhav from Antop Hill and Vaibhav Nitin Patil from Vasai (west) in Mumbai have been invited under the PM Yashasvi Scheme.

As per the release, Brahmdeo Pandit (Shilpguru and Padmashree) and Abhay Brahmdeo Pandit (National awardee), both from Kalakar Niwas, Bhayander (east), were invited under the Maharashtra textile (handicrafts) and Ujwala Sadashivrao Patil, assistant commissioner, Anganwadi from Badlapur (west) has been invited under the Maharashtra WCD (Handicrafts) category.

The special guests are invited from across India and are from different walks of life. They include the best performers in various fields and those who have made the best use of the schemes offered by the government, the release said.
Ludhiana, Jan 11 (PTI) Aam Aadmi Party leader and Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi has died of gunshot injuries, with police saying on Saturday it could be a case of "accidental fire" from his own licensed pistol.

Joint Commissioner of Police Jaskaran Singh Teja said the bullet pierced Gogi's temple and he was rushed to the local Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where doctors declared him dead.

The incident occurred around 11:30 pm at Gogi's house. Teja said the bullet was fired from Gogi's licensed pistol.

"According to his family members, it was an accidental fire," the JCP said.

The police said the body has been kept at the mortuary of DMCH. The case is under investigation and a post-mortem will be conducted to know more details.

Several political leaders expressed shock over Gogi's death. They are reaching his residence in Ludhiana to express condolences.

"My deepest condolences to the grieving family during this difficult time. May they find the strength to endure this painful loss. I pray to the Almighty that his noble soul rests in eternal peace," Punjab AAP president Aman Arora said in a post on X.

Hours before his death, Gogi held a meeting with Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and AAP MP Balbir Singh Seechewal over the issue of cleaning of 'Budha Nalla'.

Gogi joined the AAP after quitting the Congress in 2022. He defeated two-time MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu in the state assembly poll that year from the Ludhiana West seat.

His wife Sukhchain Kaur Gogi unsuccessfully contested the municipal corporation elections last month.
The Prime Ministers Office announced on Motzei Shabbos that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had ordered a senior delegation to travel to Qatar to advance negotiations for the release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

The statement from the Prime Ministers Office said: Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu held an assessment meeting this evening with the Defense Minister, heads of the security establishment, and negotiators on behalf of the outgoing and incoming American administrations on the topic of hostages and missing persons.

At the end of the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed the chiefs of the Mossad and Shin Bet, Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, and diplomatic advisor Ofir Falk to travel to Doha to continue advancing a deal for the release of our hostages.

Earlier, Netanyahu met with Trumps incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff after he arrived in Israel for a quick visit following his meetings in Doha on hostage negotiations.

Ynet quoted sources familiar with the details as saying that approximately 90% of the terms for the hostage deal have already been agreed on following days of discussions in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Hamas has continued to refuse to provide a list of hostages and expressed doubts about the fulfillment of U.S. promises under the incoming U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps administration. However, according to a Kan News report, Qatar conveyed a positive message to Israel about Hamas intentions to advance a deal.

Trump has threatened Hamas that all hell will break out if the hostages are not released by his inauguration on January 20.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
A senior Israeli official says the government is working with allies in a renewed push to win the freedom of an Israeli-Russian researcher who is believed to have been kidnapped in Iraq nearly two years ago.

The official said Thursday that the matter was raised in a meeting of special envoys for hostage affairs in Jerusalem this week.

He said the envoys met the family of Elizabeth Tsurkov and that Israel asked the representatives  from the U.S., U.K., Germany, Austria and Canada  to have their embassies in Baghdad lobby the Iraqi government and search for a way to start negotiations. Israel and Iraq do not have diplomatic relations. He said he hopes other countries will help.

We are counting on our allies, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was discussing closed-door discussions. And I hope that other nations will suggest assistance in helping us release Elizabeth. Many nations have embassies and contacts with the Iraqi government.

Israeli media reported last week that Tsurkovs relatives met on Wednesday with Gal Hirsch, Israels coordinator for captives and missing persons.

Tsurkov, a 38-year-old student at Princeton University, disappeared in Baghdad in March 2023 while doing research for her doctorate. She had entered the country on her Russian passport. The only sign she was alive has been a video broadcast in November 2023 on an Iraqi television station and circulated on pro-Iranian social media purporting to show her.

No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. But Israel believes she is being held by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Iraqi terror group that it says also has ties to the Iraqi government.

The Israeli official said that after months of covert efforts, Israel believes the changes in the region have created an opportunity to work publicly for her release, including the commitment of Iranian-backed militias in Iraq to end their attacks against Israel.

(AP & YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
The IDF on Motzei Shabbos announced that four IDF soldiers were killed battling Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip on Shabbos morning.

A reserve officer and a soldier were seriously wounded in the same incident and four other soldiers were moderately and lightly wounded.

The soldiers were identified as Sgt. Maj. (res.) Alexander Fedorenko, Hyd, 37, from Bat Yam, who served in the 14th Armored Brigades 79th Battalion; and three soldiers from the Nachal Brigade: Sgt. Yahav Maayan, Hyd, 19, from Modiin; Staff Sgt. Danila Diakov, Hyd, 21, from Maale Adumim; and Sgt. Eliav Astuker, Hyd, 19, from Ashdod.

An initial investigation of the incident revealed that the soldiers were caught in a Hamas ambush in Beit Hanoun, with terrorists first throwing an explosive device at the soldiers and then opening fire.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
GREENSBORO  Just after noon on Thursday, four black steeds slowly drew the caisson that held the casket of fallen Greensboro Police Officer Michael T. Horan along Muirs Chapel Road.

The caisson, operated by the North Carolina State Troopers Caisson Unit, joined the funeral procession a quarter-mile from Westover Church where Horans funeral was held at 2 p.m.

Just before the horses arrived, bagpipers played dirges and marched in white spats through bitter cold to the church.

The cold underscored the solemnity of the day, which honored the former patrol officer who was fatally shot Dec. 23 while responding to a report of an armed man inside the Food Lion at 4709 Lawndale Drive. Tarrell Isaac McMillian, of Greensboro, has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting and faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole if convicted.

The 100-yard driveway to the church was flanked by hundreds of Greensboro Police officers and members of an honor guard who stood at attention as a quartet of uniformed officers on motorcycles led a motorcade of family members and officials who arrived at the packed church at 505 Muirs Chapel by limousines and black and silver SUVs.

Draped with the American flag, Horans casket was escorted by five North Carolina State Troopers with the caisson unit, who donned dress uniform. Each of the four Percheron/Morgan horses that pulled the caisson  part of a team that once served the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry at Arlington Cemetery  wore law enforcement badges on their forehead straps.

A riderless horse with boots reversed in the stirrups followed behind the Amish-built black wagon that measures 24 feet long and 7 feet wide.

As the procession passed, Shirley Castle, a retired Guilford County sheriffs deputy, looked on from the edge of Muirs Chapel Road. She had waited in the cold with a folding stool in order to pay her respects to Horan.

Whenever I hear about an officer losing his life, I want to come and show support, she said.

An 18-year member of the U.S. Coast Guard, who will be given the rank of chief warrant officer posthumously on March 1, Horan, 44, defined himself through acts of service, his friends, colleagues, and clergy echoed during the funeral service.

He gave his life for this community. He gave his life for me, for you. I could easily have been in that place (Food Lion grocery) that morning .... He stood in my place, our place...., said the Rev. Don Miller, who offered Horans eulogy. He answered that call for us.

Tiesha Mercer, Horans patrol partner, jokingly referred to Horan as the Old Guy and knew he expected excellence from Mercer, with whom he had attended the local police academy.

After graduation in 2017, Horan became a sworn officer the following year.

Horan treated the academy like it was boot camp, Mercer joked. He was always pushing us to do better. Through work, we became an unbreakable family.

Horans immediate family issued their first statement via the police departments Facebook page on Thursday after the funeral.

On behalf of our family, we want to express our deepest gratitude to Chief (John) Thompson and the entire Greensboro Police Department, the United States Coast Guard, law enforcement agencies of N.C. and across the country, our extended family, dear friends and the community for the outpouring of support, love and kindness shown during this incredibly difficult time, the statement said.

The loss of Mike has been beyond heartbreaking, but knowing he was surrounded by such a strong network of colleagues, friends and loved ones, brings us comfort, the statement said.

...your prayers, messages and acts of kindness have helped us endure these days of sorrow, the statement continued.

Representatives from law enforcement agencies from the farthest reaches of the state made the trip to Horans funeral  coastal Currituck County to name one. In their statement, the family thanked law enforcement across the state and nation. We are deeply moved by the solidarity and compassion you have shown.

During her remarks at the funeral, the longtime friend who officiated at Horans 2019 wedding to wife, Courtney, called him the brother I never had and a constant in her life since high school days.

Horan has always been a part of my story, said Nicole Freiler.

When I told my daughter about Uncle Mikes passing, she said to me, Did Uncle Mike save everyone else? And without hesitation, I said, Yes, Maya, Uncle Mike saved everyone like he always has,  Freiler said. Thats the kind of man he was. He saved people.

Freiler asked Horans friends and coworkers to trade favorite stories of Mike and keep him alive. Mike showed friends real strength lies in kindness, Freiler said. Lets all be someones Mike.

A Yankees fan, Horan was ribbed in the Coast Guard with the nickname Fenway, a reference to Fenway Park, the Boston home of rival team the Boston Red Sox, Senior Chief Dustin Daniels of the USCG told funeral guests.

In the Coast Guard, I wanted Mike with me, Daniels said. Mike was my right hand man. And no matter what the task, hed find a way. Hed get it done.

Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson described Horan as someone with heart and soul he brought to everything he did.

He never once hesitated to put the safety and well-being of others above his own, Thompson said. He never saw his service as a job. He saw it as a calling.

Selfless by nature, Horan in September volunteered to come out of light duty after an injury in order to assist Hurricane Helene victims in the N.C. mountains, the chief said.

Let us remember the true measure of a life well-lived, Thompson said. Rest in peace, brother. You will never be forgotten.
()

Editors note: Guams beauty is steeped in history. So get out and explore the island and educate yourself on why things look the way they do. And when you do, tell us about it and well post it on this site and run it in our weekly community newspaper Stripes Guam. You can file your story on this site or send it to Guam@Stripes.com.

Ritidian

There were thriving villages in Ritidian, on the northwest coast of Guam, 600 years before the arrival of the Spanish. A 3,300 year-old fishing camp was discovered at Ritidian. Ritidian now preserves 371 acres of coral reefs and 832 acres of terrestrial habitats. Red, white, and black drawings in caves have been found in the caves here.

Pagat

Pagat is one of four recorded latte sites on the northeastern side of Guam. The archaeological site contains remnants of a large latte village. Local healers still come to the area tadvice from the spirits and gather herbs and plants for medicine. Teachers often take students there for field trips. The site continues to be a good archaeological resource as well.

Pago

According to a Chamorro legend, Pago Bay was formed by a giant fish that ate the center part of the island. Eventually the giant fish was caught by a group of Chamorro women who captured it with a net woven from their hair.

Recently archeologists discovered artifacts indicating that people lived on the shores of Pago Bay before the Spanish arrived. Latte Era artifacts were recovered that include pottery fragments and shell ornaments. There was a village at Pago Bay during the Spanish Era (1668-1898) until most of Pagos population was killed in a small pox epidemic in 1856.

Talofofo

The interior lands of Talofofo are believed to have been occupied since 364 AD (1,700 years ago). There are numerous latte sites in the area and other remains of human habitation such as stone tools, slingstones and pottery sherds.

A group of islanders from the Caroline Islands arrived at Talofofo Bay, Guam in 1788 on a mission to get iron. A 135-foot bridge was built in 1931 over Talofofo river. Talofofo bay was one of the landing points for Japanese forces in WWII. Talofofo was considered part of Inarajan during the US Naval Era of Guam (1898-1941).

Tarague

Tarague, located at the northern shore of Guam, provided an excellent locale for ancient Chamorros with its coastal plain, cliffline, lagoon, coral reef and open sea providing a rich habitat for a variety of life. People lived at Tarague from the earliest time that Guam was settled, some 3,700 years ago.

There was a thriving village of Chamorros at Tarague during the Spanish Era (1668-1898) located on the coastal plain near the Tarague Channel. A Spanish church was constructed there, noted in an 1819 report, though no trace of it has been found to date. There are pictographs inside a limestone cave in Tarague discovered in the 1920s. During the US Naval Period of Guam history (1898-1941) much of the land at Tarague was used for copra production. Atkins Kroll (AK) operated a copra plantation there from 1918 to 1930. By 1930, the price and demand for copra had dropped and it was no longer profitable for AK to continue its copra business in northern Guam.

During the brief period of Japanese occupation of Guam (1941-1944) Tarague was of both military and civilian significance. A Japanese regiment was stationed at Tarague. Ships were ordered to head to Guam from Saipan and land at Tarague Beach during the battle to take Guam by the US.

After World War II Tarague was taken by the US military and is now a part of Andersen Air Force Base, named in honor of Brigadier General James Roy Andersen (1904-1945).

Fena

Rock shelters in Fena Valley, located off Cross Island Road in central Guam, were used by Chamorros some 2,000 years ago. Some of the cave walls are still covered with cave art (petroglyphs).

The Fena wetlands in central Guam are home to a variety of plants and animals. These wetlands have the largest population of common moorhens on island, and were at one time essential habitat for the Marianas Fruitbat (fanihi).

There is a herd of feral water buffalo (carabao) at Fena that have trampled and overgrazed some of the land and caused erosion. Pigs (babui), deer (binadu), brown treesnakes and other creatures inhabit some of the more forested regions of the valley. There is very little non-military activity in Fena Valley because of the safety zone required for the ordnance stored there.

Toward the end of the Japanese occupation of the island during World War II, Fena Valley, in central Guam, became the site of one of the most horrific massacres in Guam history when more than 30 young men and women were tortured and killed in the caves. Just before the arrival of American forces in July 1944, nearly 200 people from Agat and Sumay were forced into labor for the Japanese, who set up sleeping areas in the open grasslands and rock shelters of Fena. The atrocities by Japanese soldiers included rapes, beatings and massacres of Chamorros prior to the American bombardment of Guam.

Manenggon

In the Spanish Era of Guam history (1668-1898) the Manenggon Hills area was used to graze cattle. Farmers kept ranches in the area but no village existed there. Manenggon valley was used as a site for a large concentration camp in World War II in 1944. The Manenggon camp was the largest concentration camp and was occupied by as many as 15,000 people. After World War II the US military opened up a refugee camp in Manenggon. Many Chamorros stayed there before returning to their farms after the war was officially over.

Haputo

Early historic accounts from the Spanish Era (1668-1898) mention that the village of Haputo (sometimes spelled Apoto) was burned in 1678 by Spanish soldiers as the newly appointed Governor Captain Juan Antonio Ruiz de Salas tried to make his way to Tarague on the northeast coast to inflict punishment on the rebellious villagers there during the Spanish-Chamorro Wars.

Archeologists believe Haputo was occupied almost 2,000 years agoceramics from the area date in the range of 100 to 400 AD. An interesting feature of this area is a sinkhole that leads to a chambered cave with a fresh water pool. The walls of the chamber are slick limestone, but have impressions of hand and footholds to access the pool  the first observed case of such prehistoric construction to reach water.

Jati

There are remains of an ancient Chamorro village known at Jati at the north shore of Cetti Bay. The Jati site, on the southern west coast of Guam, contains two latte structures, each consisting of eight latte stones, all hidden from view by sword grass (sakati).
The Greens will return to Government in the future, party leader Roderic OGorman has predicted despite a disastrous General Election result.

Mr OGorman told his annual party convention at the Castleknock Hotel in Dublin on Saturday that the Greens had a very successful period in government but acknowledged the subsequent hugely disappointing election result.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are in the process of forming a new government without the Greens, with the parties expected to rely on several independents to secure a stable majority.

Mr OGorman, the outgoing childrens minister, revealed to the convention that he had assured his erstwhile coalition partners that he was going to be a bollocks in opposition.

As we move from governing to campaigning, its a great time to be a Green Party member. Our focus now turns to grassroots organising, taking action at local authority level and holding the next government to account. Join us!https://t.co/tDhwFI6xtr#GPAC2025 pic.twitter.com/VFx7Qaq337  Green Party Ireland (@greenparty_ie) January 11, 2025

I know what questions ministers fear and Ill be asking those questions and holding the government to account across a broad range of areas.

He was returned as the partys only TD following a near wipeout in the General Election. The party is now in the middle of a campaign for the upcoming Seanad elections.

Senior party figures were buoyed by the attendance at Saturdays convention as they noted that Greens had recovered from catastrophic election results in the past, with one official noting that the conference was being held in the Phoenix Room of the hotel.

The Greens lost all their Dail seats in the 2011 election, before climbing to a high of 12 seats in 2020.

Mr OGorman, who was chairman of the party between 2011 and 2019, said the party could rebuild again.

Speaking during his first leaders speech at the convention, he tried to paint an optimistic picture of the party while being realistic about the near-term future.

The next number of years are going to be challenging. Were going to have significantly fewer resources, less staff, much less money, and were going to find it harder to get our message across.

However, he said his key message was: We know how to do this. Weve done this before, and weve done it from a far more challenging position.

We know how to do this. Weve done this before and weve done it from a more challenging position. Resilience is in the very make-up of our party.  Party Leader @rodericogorman #GPAC2025 pic.twitter.com/gx3tFeNS9I  Green Party Ireland (@greenparty_ie) January 11, 2025

Mr OGorman expressed concern that the next Government would be scared of tackling difficult issues, retreat from social policy, see climate action watered down.

He said there was a risk that the conservative politicians would be focused on implementing a patchwork of local deals rather than looking for the national interest.

He said he was really worried about anti-climate independents being included in formation talks.

Mr OGorman also took aim at Labour and Social Democrats for not using their higher seat count as leverage and entering into Government.

The speed with which these parties have dropped the mandate that they were given by the electorate is genuinely shocking.

I have to ask, what is the point in chasing the vote if youre afraid to do anything with it.

Mr OGorman said there was always a risk for smaller parties in coalitions but cautioned: The alternative were about to witness here in our country now is to cede power to the ultimate status quo arrangement: Fianna Fail and Fine Gael propped up by a group of independents  who all used to be in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

He was among party figures who said the Greens must be prepared to repeat that risk again and spend political capital to enter into Government, even if it results in a boom and bust cycle for Dail seats.

Deputy leader Roisin Garvey told the Green convention that one of the lessons from the election was that the party needed to stop being so bloody nice.

We have to stand up and be counted. We have the solutions. We deserve clean water. Our kids deserve to walk and cycle safely. We have to keep fighting.  Deputy Leader @RoisinGarvey #GPAC2025 pic.twitter.com/TVakJXV91w  Green Party Ireland (@greenparty_ie) January 11, 2025

Weve nothing to apologise for, nothing. we are on the right side of history because the climate is absolutely screwed.

She added: We have to have balls. Okay, this is what happens if you dont have balls, we get annihilated.

Ms Garvey also said that if the climate was important to Labour and the Social Democrats, they would have entered into government.

The convention has invited intense introspection for the party, with some members even proposing the removal of the role of cathaoirleach.

The position is currently occupied by outgoing senator and the partys director of elections Pauline OReilly.

Asked about her reflections on the election, Ms OReilly said the partys challenges date back years to a negative reaction to the Greens in Government.

I dont think we ever kind of recovered from that. And I think thats going to be the challenge for us now over the next few years, tackle that earlier, tackle that more head on.

Senior party figures stressed that there was only a percentage point difference of 1.7% between the Greens and Labour, while the latter secured 10 more seats.

Mr OGorman said: Those margins mean a lot, and because of the particular position we were in coming out of government  those margins, we were punished there.

The Green Party is obliged to hold leadership elections within six months of the appointment of a taoiseach.

Asked if he felt safe, Mr OGorman said: Its obviously open to anyone to contest the leadership, but Ill certainly be putting my name forward.

Ms Garvey interjected: There mightnt be a challenge.
These Friday overnight posts are more popular than they seem and our most loyal readers always seem to appreciate the overnight check-in.

Accordingly . . .

For night owls & early birds we check pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Foodie Friday Review

Local restaurants hoping to bounce back from winter weather this KC Restaurant Week Many Kansas City restaurants hope Restaurant Week helps them bounce back after winter weather slowed business.

The Dotte Digs Out

With delayed progress from city plows, KCK residents dig themselves out of remnants of blizzard Residents in one Kansas City, Kansas neighborhood are breathing a sigh of relief after a city plow came through their neighborhood Friday afternoon after what they say felt like slow plowing progress.

Snail Mail Comeback?!?

USPS mail deliveries slowly returning after weekend blizzard in Kansas City metro Trimble, Missouri, postal workers started delivering the first mail on Friday after last weekend's blizzard. That was welcome news to residents in the southwestern corner of Clinton County after a week of missing packages and letters.

Golden Ghetto Gives Honors

Johnson County leaders recognize workers for large response to weekend snowstorm Johnson County leaders and officials thank workers for their efforts to keep everyone safe.

Community Threads Debut

Score a high-end 'Kingdom Coat' in time for KC's love story with the Chiefs "It's already nerve wracking being a Kansas City Chiefs fan," said Christian Shuster. "But now it's even more nerve wracking for me, because I am really kind of banking on the fact that they go far into the playoffs and maybe even make the Super Bowl."

Even Hottie Suffers Inferno

Brooke Burke 'heartbroken' has to evacuate $12M mansion The former Dancing With The Stars co-host has evacuated her home with her family - she has four children - DailyMail.com has learned. Now she waits to learn if it will burn.

MAGA Moment Soon To Arrive

Trump is planning 100 executive orders starting Day 1 on border, deportations and other priorities President-elect Donald Trump is preparing more than 100 executive orders starting Day One of the new White House.

Prez Denounces META Policy

Biden rails against Meta's fact-checking change, suggests it's un-American: 'Really shameful' President Biden slammed Meta on Friday for ending its third-party fact-checking program, arguing that the change goes against American values and is "shameful."

Lost Angeles Aftermath

5 looming questions about California's devastating wildfires An infernal barrage of blazes continues to ravage the Los Angeles metropolitan region, where the death toll has now risen to at least 10 individuals. While authorities have yet to identify precise causes for most of the fires, the Los Angeles Police Department apprehended one individual accused of sparking one of them.

Ceasefire Coming Soon?!?

U.S. ambassador to Israel makes his final push for release of U.S. hostages from Gaza "We are going to do everything we can in this round to get all the American hostages, living and dead, out," Ambassador Jacob J. Lew tells NPR. His tenure as President Biden's envoy ends this month.

MAGA Meeting To End Fighting In Europe Coming Soon

Trump says Putin meeting being set up to end 'bloody mess' of Ukraine war The Kremlin said Friday that it welcomed the president-elect's willingness to talk and that there would likely be progress on the subject after he is sworn in later this month.

Family Affair Exposed

I've been sleeping with my boyfriend's dad for years - the sex is addicting A woman has opened up about having an affair with her boyfriend's dad - and admitted that she's 'addicted' to cheating on him with the older man who is 28 years her senior

Savor Local Dive . . .

New Mexican seafood restaurant brings the sea to Southwest Boulevard A new brick-and-mortar restaurant docked along one of Kansas City's popular dining corridors is sailing into the blustery Midwest market this winter - with the young entrepreneur behind the counter offering her family's fresh take on Mexican seafood cuisine.

Celebrate Weekend Chill . . .

Kansas City weather: Chilly weekend with flurries possible Saturday night into Sunday It will be a cold weekend with lows in the mid-teens on Saturday and some fog possible in the early morning.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Right now hottie Kylie inspires another quick peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Cowtown Winter Cost Cutting

Renters: How to Weatherize Your Home to Reduce Energy Costs High energy costs can be a burden, but learning to weatherize your home can help mitigate some of those expenses. Find out what you can do as a renter.

Local Pile-Up Reported

Trash pickup, delays in Kansas City metro following snowstorm Multiple cities in the metro are delaying trash pickup for the week as city crews continue working to clear the roads.

Golden Ghetto Farming Future

Downtown Overland Park farmer's market and pavilion to get new name City council members will vote to determine whether to name the new area "Clock Tower Landing."

Even More Driving Advice

Friendly reminders for drivers on how to stay safe on ice, snowpacked roads Roads in Kansas are still being plowed ahead of another potential snowfall, drivers still need to use caution.

Local Artsy Invitation

"Guess Who's Invited to Dinner," 3West Gallery - KC STUDIO "Guess Who's Invited to Dinner" continues at 3West Gallery through January 4.

Billionaire Big Heart Debate

Kylie Jenner fans say she's 'only' Kardashian-Jenner to donate to LA fires Kylie Jenner recently took to social media to share that she was donating to the California Fire Foundation, and encouraged her millions of followers to do the same

MAGA Guilt Of No Consequence

Trump to be sentenced for New York "hush money" crimes, a historic first as he prepares to retake office Trump was found guilty in May of 34 felonies in authorizing a scheme in 2017 to falsify records in order to cover up reimbursements for a "hush money" payment.

Fact Check: White House Dictates Social Media Policy

Biden officials 'screamed' and 'cursed' at Meta execs to take down vaccine posts, Mark Zuckerberg tells Joe Rogan Zuckerberg said the Biden team wanted Meta to remove posts that correctly stated that the vaccines could induce side effects.

Rudy Runs Into More Drama

Judge holds Giuliani in contempt for defaming Georgia election workers A federal judge on Friday held Rudy Giuliani in civil contempt for skirting an agreement not to make new false claims about two Georgia election workers he was ordered to pay $146 million for defaming. It was the second time in less than a week a judge found Giuliani in contempt in matters involving the...

Tragic Inferno Toll Worsens

Los Angeles fires: More than 10,000 homes and businesses destroyed, at least 10 dead Multiple wildfires, including the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, are raging across Southern California Friday, leaving at least 10 dead and burning more than 10,000 homes across 27,000 acres, officials say. Police have arrested 20 suspected looters.

Latest Social Crackdown

Supreme Court considers whether to allow TikTok ban to take effect The court is hearing oral arguments on TikTok's bid to block a law that would lead to its ban in the U.S. starting Jan. 19 if it isn't sold by its Chinese owner.

American Inferno Testimony

'I have nothing to go back to' - LA fires heartbreak Lucy Sheriff had covered fires before for the BBC - now, one was in her backyard.

Fighting Terror On U.S. Streets

Harrowing moment terrorist fires at police in shootout after Nola ramming attack PULSE-POUNDING bodycam footage shows the moment a domestic terrorist opened fire on police officers after ramming a pickup through a group of New Year's revelers in New Orleans. The shocking ...

Fight Against Vlad Cont'd

US hits Russian oil with toughest sanctions yet in bid to give Ukraine, Trump leverage U.S. President Joe Biden's administration imposed its broadest package of sanctions so far targeting Russia's oil and gas revenues on Friday, in an effort to give Kyiv and Donald Trump's incoming team leverage to reach a deal for peace in Ukraine.

Holy Land War Totals Argued

Gaza war death toll could be significantly higher, researchers say A study in The Lancet suggests Gaza ministry of health figures over a nine-month period might be too low.

Recruiting For European Grind

Ukraine's highest profile combat unit to recruit English-speaking soldiers Azov, a volunteer brigade, plans to form international battalion to boost numbers as Ukraine heads into fourth year of war

Far East NextGen Fights Again

China: Violent protests after Pucheng student falls to his death Protesters and police clash after a boy is found dead at his school dormitory.

Bounty Against Strongman

U.S. increases reward for capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro to $25 million The U.S. government increased the rewards Friday for the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro and his number two, Diosdado Cabello, to $25 million each, minutes after it said the dictator was "fraudulently" sworn in for a third presidential term.

Bump & Grind For Better Life

The number of times men need to have sex to 'slash risk of heart disease' MOST men likely don't need much extra motivation to get intimate with a partner. But a new study has found having regular sex can do more than keep them satisfied - it's good ...

Toast To Local Dry January

Raise your glass: Kansas City's ultimate zero-proof celebration is happening this weekend The Pitch archive photo of Dry Vibes 2023 // photo by Samantha Levi Sip Steady, a zero-proof creative agency, aims to redefine the way we celebrate. Dry Vibes: A Zero Proof Experience will be held on January 12 at The Station by 28 Event Space.

More Deets On Mildred's

Mildred's new South Plaza spot serves brothers opportunity to scale brand's cozy legacy It already has one of downtown Kansas City's best breakfast sandwiches. Now Mildred's is opening another home-spun spot in the South Plaza neighborhood - a move that should keep the owners' mother smiling at her sons' success.

Local American Symbolism

Bald eagles love Kansas City's man-made lakes. Here's your chance to see them in the wild Hosted by the Kansas City District of the U.S. Army Corps, several upcoming Eagle Days events celebrate how man-made lakes helped reverse the decline of the bald eagle. The birds come through the Kansas City region every winter.

Celebrate Rotisserie Rescue In Golden Ghetto

18 chickens safe after fire destroys their coop in southern Overland Park More than a dozen chickens are safe after a fire in the southern part of Overland Park demolished their coop.

More Weather Rolling In . . .

First Warn: Snowy and sunny today, another winter mix Saturday Once we move into the late morning, the storm system should pass and partly sunny conditions should take over as temperatures increase between 29 and 32 this afternoon.

Teddy Swims - Are You Even Real (feat. Giveon) is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
At the end of week and betwixt weather cycles . . . We pose a question to the most diehard local news junkies . . .

DID KANSAS CITY MAYOR Q STAY WINNING AGAINST BLIZZARD 2025?!?



From our perspective . . . We feel like we've been fair and acknowledged some improvement against historic snowfall . . . Our estimation was a B+ grade.

However . . .

Per ushe . . .

The Mayor was a bit more generous with his estimates and we're sharing this important quote for context and so VOTERS & RESIDENTS CAN HAVE THE FINAL SAY . . . Check-it:



The mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, applauded city staff for their efforts to plow snow following Sunday's storm.



KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas gave the city an A-minus grade for the job, even if the job isnt totally complete. Drivers continue working in 12-hour shifts clearing the nearly one foot of snow which fell.



"Nobody is ever perfect," Lucas said. "I think we continue to pursue getting every street addressed. But I think it was a really darn good response. I'd give an A-minus."

Addendum . . .

Highlighted by BEST & BRIGHTEST TKC READERS . . . Check today's ask from the city hall honcho which signals more work to do . . . Here's the word . . .



"As folks continue to traverse our city, please do your part and clear sidewalks in front of your businesses and residences. Given the temps, the snow may be with us for a while. We want to make sure all can make their way through Kansas City and surrounds.



"If you can help, please consider joining our Snow Angels program at the City! If you need help, let us know too."



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KSHB: Mayor Quinton Lucas grades Kansas City's snow response as A-minus -- "Working to change the narrative that city's surrounding Kansas City, Missouri, do a better job clearing snow after winter storms."

Developing . . .
A bit of free advice . . .

Don't EVER joke about anything related to government officials and their safety.

They, justifiably, don't have a sense of humor about that kind of thing.



Whilst a random hobo having a bad day could end most of us . . . Politicos are pushing for more protections. Again, we don't blame them as the world grows more dangerous and the populace is less connected with their own humanity . . . Never mind anyone else's life.

And so . . .

Here's a sign of the time and very real concern for the biz of Democracy . . .



Lawmakers are not only worried about the inauguration ceremony and governors ball but also the everyday operations of the Capitol Police.



President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate Cindy OLaughlin read a statement on behalf of herself and House Speaker Jon Patterson asking for greater transparency between police and legislative leaders.



These concerns stem from numerous occasions of threats, including bomb threats, being made against the Missouri State Capitol building without leadership of either legislative body being notified, OLaughlin said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Common misconceptions about the complexity in robotics vs AI

So now that the International Conference on Robotics and Automation(ICRA) 2024 is over, maybe its finally time to finish up my thoughts around the difference of the problems we are faced with in robotics vs AI research and to shed light to that difference and some misconceptions. This post is mostly catered to tech-people, but I kept it light-hearted and general so I can send it to my friends. I will mention a little bit about the current (2024) advancements later in the text, and that part might be a bit more technical.

Background

As I work in robotics research, Ive often had to explain the difference between Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The two fields have obvious overlaps, but as things have developed, especially recently, theres more difference even in the methods of automation. In the public perception, those two fields are often seen as equivalent.

When people talk about AI threats, this is the face they often imagine.

With the reignited discussion surrounding AI due to the recent advancement in large language models (LLM) such as ChatGPT, Ive had to explain the difference more often. A recurring question has been While AI(LLM) have made such rapid progress, why havent robotics? How hard can it be to create a brain for a robot now that we have ChatGPT? My face after getting that question for the 26th time

The main point I have to repeat is the argument that sensorimotor task is harder than what you think, and that the advancement in LLM does not directly transfer to some robot sensorimotor task performance(yet). In laymans terms, I always have to start by saying Everyone equates the Skynet with the T900 terminator, but those are two very different problems with different solutions. while this is my personal opinion, the latter one (T900) is a harder problem.

So I decided to write down my thoughts and some arguments for it so that I can just refer to this post later on. This post will be aimed mostly towards people with more tech/science leaning. The specific perception I want to address can be summarized in this (now deleted) reply on Twitter to a professor in robotics posting his work LLM-bro on Twitter replying to a professor in robotics that tweeted his new research paper.

This post will be divided into 3 sections. First Ill describe the (relevant part of) how current AI solutions works, then explain the difference in the problem setting for robotics and why the methods(solutions) in AI/LLM might not be enough to solve this, and finally I touch briefly about why I think many people have had hard time wanting to even accept a central point being made with some insights that come from this.

Keep in mind that a lot of things mentioned here are still something actively debated, with fair disagreements. So I might soon be proven wrong. Also, when I say the word robot in this post, Im talking about a general-purpose robot, and not everything mentioned here applies to special-purpose robots.

How do the AI solutions right now work?(briefly)

Since the breakthrough of the group of algorithms/methods called Deep Learning around 2009-2012 in image and pattern recognition, a lot of the subsequent methods that have been developed fall into the same group methods. This includes the Generative AI class of algorithms, such as the now famous ChatGPT, all the AI synthesized voices and Image generation tools such as StableDiffusion, Midjourney, etc.

Without going into the technical details, there are a couple of factors that underpin these groups of methods. The first one is the computing power. The breakthrough in 2011 (AlexNet, DanNet) happened when people used Graphic Processing Units (GPU), a specific type of chip to dramatically speed up the training process of those deep learning models. The other is requirement for the massive amount of data. It started with tens of thousands of cat pictures to train a model to distinguish cats in the early 2010s to most of the freely available data on the internet to train the model to generate images or text. Richard Sutton wrote in his essay The Bitter Lesson [5] about how the rise in computing power is the driving factor of AI advancement.

Those two factors are important in our context. Compute and data are the main pillars of such methods. These are not the only factors, but the computation(power) and data requirements, especially the latter, are something to keep in mind in the context of robotics.

What is hard? What is complex?

Let me start by quoting Jacob Browning from this debate (timestamp 56:21) [3]:

In 1966 MIT Summer Vision project aimed to teach a computer to see in a three-month program. There was a broad assumption that getting a computer to use language and reason was the hard problem of AI. Perceiving, by contrast was thought to be simple, and nothing more than putting input into a cognitive system. This project failed. It turns out vision is really hard  the historical background assumption underlying the vision project was the idea that cognition was essentially linguistics, and the corresponding assumption that non-linguistic processes like perception, action and motion and so on are all non-cognitive and easier to solve.

In layman terms, what he said was that people had the assumption that reasoning about things (such as cats) in a picture is a harder problem than finding out what part (pixels) of the picture are things (cats). However, it wasnt until 2011 that we could somewhat reliably know what part of the picture are cats (and it still produces funny gotchas as below)

The point I want to emphasize with the above quote is that, our general intuition about the difficulty of a problem is often a bad metric for how hard it actually is. And we might be only partially wiser than what they were in 1966.

Known since the 80s

The above observation is not mine. In fact, it has been known since 80s and has a name: Moravecs Paradox:

Moravecs paradox is the observation by artificial intelligence and robotics researchers that, contrary to traditional assumptions, reasoning requires very little computation, but sensorimotor and perception skills require enormous computational resources. The principle was articulated by Hans Moravec, Rodney Brooks, Marvin Minsky, and others in the 1980s.

Moravec was saying that when you want to reverse-engineer (replicate) a skill, those skills that are below the level of conscious awareness are the harder problems.

Imagine trying to teach a kid to ride a bicycle, and compare it to teaching the same kid how to do a matrix multiplication. The first skill is something taught to a kid, sometimes before entering elementary school. The latter is taught in High school or above. When teaching, you probably start by breaking down each task to a set of steps to follow, or concepts to learn. But most likely, the steps or concepts you break it down to are not that helpful for the bicycle, but easy to follow for the latter case, even for a computer. The former has way more unconscious processes involved than the latter and often requires more trial & error from the kid to finally grasp or get how to balance the bicycle, push the pedal and steer the wheel, for no better term. Meanwhile, matrix multiplication can entirely be taught with sheets of paper (albeit a lot of papers, if you think how much math you need to learn to understand it).

Lets think about how it would work for a common and daily task, like making a cup of coffee/. Lets try to break down the task: Pick up the coffee mug on the table and take a sip. You can assume that you know where the cup is. You have to break down each step into movements, such as move the right hand forward, with speed X or Y cm. Move index finger and thumb Z cm. Its a task you most likely can do even without paying attention to it (you can do it while reading this). Its tedious, but to picking up should be quite straightforward to break down. Now, how would your solution change if I added other objects in the way to pick it? How would you grab it if it was empty vs filled to the brim (without spilling the content)? What if there was something on top of the cup? What if something sticky, such as honey spilled on the table was gluing it to the table? Your subconscious process can quickly and easily adjust to those settings, but you probably have to rewrite your sheet of move commands entirely each time the task is slightly altered. If you have a programming background, you might think you can add if and while loops in the mix and keep the rest of the sheet mostly unchanged. And that might work for a while, in controlled environments, but in the real world, the amount of variation quickly becomes overwhelming.

Now I asked you to break down that task into movement component. But in reality, to make a robot (with a similar shape to a human) do that task, we actually need to break it down to Contraction&extension and effort on each muscle in your arm. It might not seem like a big difference, but unconsciously all your movements are also somehow transferred to some form of desired force output in your muscles. Move right hand forward, how would you express it in muscle movement and strength? Robots dont have muscles but joints and actuators, so instead of contraction & extension we express this in Force/Torque. When this force gets wrong, we can sometimes see funny behavior such as this robot falling over due to thinking it is holding the doorknob and applying the required force to turn it, expecting resistance.

Robot trying to open a door

The thought exercise also had one gotcha; You could assume you know where the cup is. This might seem easy, but if I asked you to estimate where the cup is on the table, relative to you, with millimeter or centimeter precision, that is quite a hard task!

Keep in mind that all this computation has to be done very quickly, and all the edge cases have to be identified (estimated) and then reasoned in a timely fashion. Pouring the coffee into the mug mentioned above, for example, if not done promptly, will lead to an overflow of coffee! And just as in case of bicycle vs matrix multiplication, doing this entire process with just language is underspecified.

I havent even touched upon the requirement to also design the mechanical system, only on the software side of the problem. So a common rebuttal to this (especially from Machine Learning people) is

The hardware is just not there yet

This is another argument Ive heard multiple times, albeit a bit less recently, from Machine Learning folks: the hardware capacity is not there yet to actually utilize the AI advancement. Definitely, the number one excuse youll hear from machine learning practitioners joining a robotics company. (Disclaimer: this argument is something Ive had to debunk multiple times in my professional career when certain professionals tried to relieve themselves of responsibility, so this section might come off as a rant).

Heres a video of a human controlling a robot.

Human remotely controlling a upper-torso robot for a convenience store application. Filmed around 2020

This is a teleoperated robot I used to work with. Its a very simple (and cheap) setup at its core. The robot targeted mass production so a lot of sensors were stripped and some parts replaced with less reliable but cheaper components. But even on this platform, automating the task below with AI is a very complex thing. Yet humans can do this effortlessly; with only vision feedback, a complete VR novice could do this task in a couple of minutes without damaging the robot. And more impressively, we can adapt to slight deviations without many issues.

This robot was available 5 years ago. Now there are even more complex teleoperation setups and robots such as 1X technologies (formerly Halodi Robotics) or Teleoperation with haptics feedback by Shadowhand, and at time of this writing the Tesla-bot, Unitree H1 and Agility robotics Digit, etc. On the academic side, a cheap yet efficient setup such as Mobile-Aloha can (with teleoperation) conduct quite dexterous tasks. So the hardware has already shown its capacity to do things, when operated by a human brain. Its hard to claim that the hardware isnt there yet, when you have this setup, with a limited set of sensors & cheap hardware yet it can conduct complex tasks when operated by humans. (Whether it is economically viable or not, is a different question)

Two robot hands trying to apply contact lenses on a toy frog (I think its a frog?) 7x speedup from original, Teleoperated. Source: ALOHA

So heres what they actually mean when they say the hardware is not there yet:

We do not have the hardware that has already collected a gigantic dataset the size of the internet with all the possible thinkable human tasks that are perfectly executed by a human, that have been labeled and collected noise-free, with high precision. Oh, and also computational hardware that can run a ChatGPT-sized model in less than 1 millisecond.

This is true, and the closest thing we have is probably the Ego4D dataset by Meta. But if thats the requirement for a functioning solution to be provided by machine learning then most of the work has already been done for you. Collecting data in robotics is hard. Hardware not being there yet is a convenient excuse. When multiple different (cheap) hardware platforms have shown to be capable of doing precise tasks when controlled by humans, but not with AI, it is a weak one.

Tangent point: do we need better hardware to learn?

The above point is that even with a limited hardware setup, when operated by humans it can perform useful & complex tasks. So the hardware limitation to execute a task is not the problem. However, it does not answer the question if the hardware is limiting what AI can learn. The above-mentioned humanoid robot, for example, doesnt have the sense of touch, or when operated by a human, a sense of weight when objects are picked up. But we humans have learned those things through our lives, and when operating the robot through VR headset, can substitute those sensations and still control the robot just fine.

This is a question we dont really know the answers to yet[3]. Some researchers believe we wouldnt require any complex hardware (sense of touch, etc) and simply videos will suffice, while others believe that to learn a physical grounding, a useful understanding of how the physical world works, we need data from a physical embodiment (a robot) and interaction with the world, not just observation.

Opinion shared by Head of Meta research during a Facebook disscussion 20-12-2021

Personally, Im skeptical of the stance that video or internet data would suffice. But this also depends on what the aim of learning is. For a humanoid robot that can do what we expect from a healthy adult, Im skeptical. But for a simple robot that can walk around in a factory and do predefined tasks, maybe.

The factors that underpin AI advancement cant be expected (yet) in robotics

As youve seen from the above hardware examples, there are real efforts to create hardware platforms for teleoperation. The assumption here is that just like Deep Learning worked thanks to scaling up data (internet-scale) of human demonstration (videos, images, texts, sounds), if we collect enough data of the robot doing a certain task, label it with a textual description, we can train a model that can learn abstract actions so that we can skip the movement component process we pondered on before, and the model can robustly perform tasks it hasnt originally been trained on. The effort to create this model called Large Behavior Models (LBM)[8] is happening at different labs. I think Russ Tedrake and Toyota Research Institutes work is worth a mention, along with Google (previously Everyday Robots). The academic effort to create a dataset to train these models (RT-X) should probably also be mentioned.

I believe that these methods will get us far, and we will probably see more versatile & dexterous robots coming out from both industry and academic labs.

But this will probably fall short of the expectations that we have of robots. A System failure by a robot is often not tolerated to the same degree as LLM models. We can all laugh and still keep using ChatGPT or Midjourney when it gives the wrong answer or an image with a human having 6 fingers. But a slight failure of a self-driving car or robot electrician cutting the wrong wire and putting the house on fire is unacceptable.

Imagine having a robot like this with the failure rate of ChatGPT

The world is a more dynamic & chaotic place than the internet. Edge-case failures we see for language models are tolerable for use-cases on the internet, but those failure-cases are more prevalent in the dynamic real-world, and for robotics not ignorable. Replicating all those edge cases would be an arduous and long task for data collection.

Even at the current stage of things, it seems like the quality of the data collected matters more than the quantity for robotics. Which contrasts with the case of LLM models. For robotics, before we even discuss hardware, The data is the bottleneck. By bottleneck, we dont just mean the quantity of it which is in the process of being addressed by companies & LBM efforts like above. The content of the data, in its variety and preciseness, also matters.

The other thing is the computation factor. ChatGPT and Midjourney can write you a letter, solve coding problems, paint you a picture incredibly fast, compared to humans. Yet the speed those models output their results are magnitudes too slow for what is required to dexterously traverse and interact with the real environment. Even if we could collect precise data for robots, at the speed of about 250 milliseconds (average reaction time for humans, our reflexes, are even faster[6]), can we with the current models deploy that at the required speed?

For example, lets see the case: Youre holding a lunch tray at the cafeteria queue and someone bumps into you from behind. The entire process from recognizing what happened, to steadying your balance while holding that lunch tray horizontally so the content doesnt fall out or tip over, is happening fast. This is a requirement that is currently quite hard to achieve for the LBM or LLM models.

Robots are probably amazed by our ability to keep a food tray steady, the same way we are amazed by spider-senses (from spiderman movie)

Its worth mentioning that this kind of balance problem is something some robot solves very elegantly. Youve probably seen Boston Dynamics bullying their robots to show this capacity. These robots use entirely different methods, so it might be unfair to ask an LLM model to do this, and instead, we can figure out how to connect those methods. But that again is a tricky problem to solve, and probably outside of what we can expect from Deep Learning alone. How to connect that is also ambiguous. From the lunch tray example, we know that theres some higher-order reasoning directly affecting the lower-level control of balance; if you bump into a toddler holding a lunch tray, he might over-focus on balancing his stance with his legs and drop/tilt the tray in favor of balancing his stance.

A lot is going on in your brain

Meanwhile, your balancing system understands that holding the plate horizontally is also a high-priority goal. You will adjust your reaction very fast.

We take this for granted, but a robot that cant address these surprises and gotchas in the real world will struggle to survive on the streets. Right now, there are enough obstacles to a street-ready general purpose robot

We need a more gangsta robot yknow? (generated with Stable Diffusion 2.1. The prompt did not include specifications about color of the robot, only the drip)

Why do we resist the idea that sensorimotor might be harder than abstract reasoning?

Ok so this section is all my personal non-expert speculation and I want you to take this with a bucket of salt. I added it for potential fun discussions.

When I mention that complex motor coordination tasks are harder than playing go/chess or writing code/math or even creative endeavors such as digital art, most people instinctively reject this idea. It is sometimes quite frustrating, reminding me of the comedy sketch The Expert because theres often a bias that because I dont need to think about it when I do it, it must be easy. The weird thing is that, even when Im surrounded by people with expert knowledge, who understand the complexity of the problem Im trying to explain, this point seems to not quite sit right!

My speculation is that the idea that some motor tasks are harder than what we as a society consider high intelligence tasks is an uncomfortable idea because it questions our belief in human exceptionalism.

Illustration by Bill Sanderson, New Scientist, 13 May 1976

Motor coordination after all, to a certain level, can be done by animals. (Moravec hypothesized around his paradox, that the reason for the paradox could be due to the sensor & motor portion of the human brain having had billions of years of experience and natural selection to fine-tune it, while abstract thoughts have had maybe 100 thousand years or less.) Saying that these are more complex than abstract reasoning, for quite obvious ideological and religious reasons, doesnt sit well with many.

It might not just be about human exceptionalism but also how our society justifies certain hierarchies. A white-collar desk worker typing in a spreadsheet is somehow seen as a more respectable and often high-paying job than trades jobs such as electrician, carpenter, farmer, etc. Theres an obvious economic reason for this, guided by supply & demand and other factors. But anyone that has worked at some corporate white collar desk job, with some form bullshit job must have thought at some point Gosh, a monkey can do this while being paid multiples of trade workers while effectively only doing menial tasks. Usually, these jobs also require a college degree from the worker (if not more). At some level, we need to create a cognitive dissonance to justify this. The point of sensorimotor tasks being harder than those years spent in college doesnt really sit right.

Even early socialists thought domination distributed according to shares of intelligence was ok; from Socialism 1.0: The First Writings of the Original Socialists, 1803-1813:

I realize my friends, how entirely frustrated you are; but note that the possessors, although inferior in number, possess more enlightenment than you, and that, for the general good, domination must be distributed according to the share of intelligence.

Just for the record Im not taking any moral stand on this. The reason why a society works a certain way is beyond my expertise. Im just trying to point out examples of biases we inevitably have and when it comes to judging how hard a task is, might come to conflict; not so different from the mistaken observation researchers had in 1966 about reasoning vs perception.

It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it. - Upton Sinclair

I should also add that the complexity and utility of a problem/solution are not the same thing. Quite often in engineering and science, a very simple solution ends up having way more value than a complex one.

Final words

My thoughts around this subject first arose when I started to apply models from LLMs after some promising results I saw at the Conference of Robot Learning 2021. The result was promising, but like every roboticist can attest, the more you test a system the more you think about the limitations of it and the right conditions required to run it. The real world, unlike the internet where you and I mainly interact through text, voice, videos, is so varied, chaotic, and complex. But this is nothing new to someone who has tried to make a robot do something useful, so I didnt bother to write it down much later, and the first take (2022) was way more tech-jargon heavy as it was for my own and often used as a base material to discuss with my coworkers, whose background was not robotics but machine learning and often neuroscience.

But after the release of Stable Diffusion (Image generation AI) and subsequently ChatGPT I started to get messages from friends like the following:

A message I got from a friend on instagram back in 2023 after ChatGPT was released

So I thought maybe this point of view is worth sharing, at least with some of my friends. After ICRA 2024 I also felt like this is a sentiment shared by a lot of robotics researchers. If you find it useful, or just fun, Im glad it did but take it with a grain of salt. If you have constructive criticism Im all ears.

To also add in case someone got the impression that Im downplaying recent AI advancements, Im not. I think the advances are remarkable, and I do think the impact they will have on our society will be big, both in positive and negative. My point is only that due to our skewed understanding of what is a hard problem to solve, people might extrapolate the current impact of AI development in the wrong direction and therefore get anxious more than needed for different reasons. Personally, I think the effect of Deep Fake and LLM-bot-based fraud, and the scale and ease of it will cause a profound change to the internet, society, and our culture. But my stance is similar to this post [4], that our culture will adapt to this new technology, just as it did before. But just as the 2013 self-driving hype didnt live up to its promises (yet), Im not sure the current hype will either.

As my ex-coworker, now a humanoid-robotics industry researcher said: The progress in (humanoid) robotics is remarkable, it reminds me of the speed of development of CPU. But a lot of it is driven by hype and an optimistic expectation of how AI advancement will transfer to (humanoid) robotics, and therefore I think the majority of the companies doing humanoid will not succeed in what they promised. But some might, and it might lead to iterative improvements that will slowly see them implemented more widely in society. Exciting times to be a robotics researcher!

Unitree presentation ICRA2024.

Thank you Rousslan Dossa for helping me proofread it, it wouldve probably looked like an unreadable rant full of spelling errors otherwise.

If you want a more technical, serious (better) post with a solution oriented point to make, Ill refer you to Eric Jangs post [1]

References

[1] Eric Jang - How Can We Make Robotics More like Generative Modeling?

[2] Sarah Constantin - What does the cerebellum do anyway? (Note: Ive been told by my neuroscientist coworker to take the claims in this post with a grain of salt, so you should probably too!)

[3] Debate: Do Language Models Need Sensory Grounding for Meaning and Understanding?

[4] AI: Markets for Lemons, and the Great Logging Off

[5] The bitter lesson - Rich Sutton

[6] Know your spinal cord  The reflex pathways

[7] Debate3 Generative AI will make a lot of traditional robotics approaches obsolete.

[8] EI Seminar - Siyuan Feng & Ben Burchfiel - Towards Large Behavior Models

[9] Automation and Anxiety

Appendix

Sidenote: Our brains and the division of conscious/unconscious tasks

As an example for us humans, we know that the brain is divided into regions with different purposes.

But on top of this cerebellum weve also developed an entirely different process for situations that require even faster sensorimotor coordination: reflexes. When you step on a lego (ouch), with your reflexes you withdraw your leg, without even thinking about it. But at the same time as you withdraw your leg, another reflex also tells your opposite leg to help stabilize yourself, so that you dont lose your balance and fall over [6]. This sensorimotor coordination requires such a quick motion that your unconscious process in the brain is even too slow, and it happens in the spinal cord.

For people that are familiar with the work of Daniel Kahneman, known for his book Thinking, fast and slow he suggests a framework of dividing thinking processes into System 2 for slower, more deliberate & logical thinking, and System 1 for faster, instinctive, subconscious & emotional thinking. Most problems so far that have been solved with AI methods are from System 2. In Kahnemans framework, one could explain Moravecs paradox by stating that System1 processes are harder to figure out.

Another analogous concept is in the conscious process of becoming an expert. Magnus Carlsen, world champion in chess said in an interview that most of the time, he just knows what to do, and doesnt need to figure it out. If youve learned how to bicycle, or drive a car, or mastered any other skill, youve done this too. In the beginning you need to focus more, put a conscious effort, using your System 2, in Kahnemans terms, until after enough repetition, it becomes effortless.

We might not have to design things according to how a biological brain does things. The solution for robots might look drastically different. Nevertheless, we need a solution to address those problems that will inevitably happen in the real world. Thinking that an AI model that can mimic parts of the human cognitive process, with all the aforementioned factors required to make it work, to be able to also solve these hard tasks, is an unanswered question.

For an interesting read about the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls movement, I refer you to this piece (my neuroscience ex-coworker did tell me some of the results are exaggerated, though) What does the cerebellum do anyway?
Welcome Guest! You are here: Home

GST is of the rich, by the rich and for the rich: TS Singhdeo

India's GST (Goods and Services Tax), system is disproportionately benefiting the wealthy while burdening the middle and lower-income groups, says TS Singhdeo, former Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh

Sunday January 12, 2025 0:11 AM , Pervez Bari

Bhopal: India's GST (Goods and Services Tax), system is disproportionately benefiting the wealthy while burdening the middle and lower-income groups, TS Singhdeo, former Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, said.

Addressing a press conference at the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee office Headquarters in Bhopal, Singhdeo said the current GST which has been implemented in the name of one nation one tax in the country is of the selected rich, by the rich and for the rich.

"It is affecting the pockets of the common people and making the rich people richer", he said.

"GST needs to be revised"

Singhdeo demanded the current GST system should be revised to relieve financial strain on common citizens and increase revenue by reducing tax evasion.

He argued that the country's 10% rich are paying 3 per cent to 4 per cent GST, while the lower 50 per cent income group population is bearing the burden of 64 per cent GST.

"Due to this, the money they can spend for their home and family is being taken away by the govt in the form of GST", he said.

More GST is being taken from the middle and lower income groups while corporate houses of the country are being given an annual exemption in corporate tax. It is completely impractical to take GST from the lower income group. One can understand why exemption was given in corporate tax. ", he added.

"Abolish GST on food items"

Singhdeo also demanded that GST on food items should be abolished.

"While imposing GST on items like pencils is unjustified and citizens who take insurance for health security are paying 18 per cent GST, Singhdeo said.

He, however, claimed that businessmen and traders are facing lot of difficulties in paying taxes and the prevailing GST is 9 per cent.

"Simplification is essential, and there should be a maximum of 2 or 3 per cent GST slab rates," he said.

Singhdeo said that the government is increasing GST on commodities to create sources of income.

"Giving the example of popcorn, he said that there are three impractical rates of GST levied on popcorn at 5 per cent, 12 per cent and 18 per cent", he said.

He also alleged that while the middle and lower-income groups are paying more GST, the corporate houses are being given an annual exemption of Rs. 2 lakh crore in corporate tax.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
Welcome Guest! You are here: Home

Maharashtra Class 12 (HSC) 2025 Hall Ticket released

Maharashtra HSC Class 12 (General and Bifocal) exam 2025 will begin on February 11 and end on March 12, 2025, as per the time table released by the Maharashtra board

Saturday January 11, 2025 7:57 PM , ummid.com News Network

[Representative image]

Maharashtra HSC Hall Ticket 2025: Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) released today on its official website mahahsscboard.in the Hall Ticket (Admit Card) of the students who have registered for HSC (also known as Class XII and Class 12th HSC) 2025 exams.

Maharashtra 12th students should however note that they are not required to download the Hall Ticket or Admit Card of Maharashtra board 2025 exams.

As per the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) directives, the respective junior colleges will download the Hall Tickets and Admit Cards, and distribute them to their students.

"The Principal of junior colleges should sign and put their stamps on the Maharashtra HSC 12th 2025 and issue them to students", the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) said.

Maha HSC Time Table 2025

Maharashtra HSC Class 12 (General and Bifocal) exam 2025 will begin on February 11 and end on March 12, 2025, as per the Maharashtra 12th Time Table released by the state board.

Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Examinations are conducted by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) through its nine Divisional Boards, which are primarily located at Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Latur, Nagpu, Amravati and Ratnagiri.

Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) is an autonomous body constituted under the provisions of the Maharashtra Act No. 41 of 1965. The office of the board at present is in Pune.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
Welcome Guest! You are here: Home

U.S. President-elect Trump sentenced in porn star hush-money case

A New York Court Friday January 10, 2025 sentenced U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the porn star hush-money payment case but spared him a jail term or penalty owing to his current status

Saturday January 11, 2025 10:27 AM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

New York: A New York Court Friday January 10, 2025 sentenced U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the porn star hush-money payment case but spared him a jail term or penalty owing to his current status.

Had he not been President-elect, Donald Trump would have been sentenced to at least a four year jail term because of his conviction in the case.

But because he has won the 2024 U.S. Presidential Elections and now set to move to the White House, he has been spared a jail term and penalties.

Judge Juan Merchan sentenced President-elect Trump to unconditional discharge, releasing him without fine, imprisonment, or probation for his 34 felony convictions of falsifying business records.

Donald Trump will be sworn in as new U.S. President on January 20, 2025. The court ruling has made Trump first U.S. President to be a sentenced felon.

The case against Trump

The case invovles porn star Stormy Daniels who it was claimed received $130,000 in hush money one month before the 2016 election to keep quiet about her sexual encounters with Donald Trump.

Trump later won the 2016 U.S. President election but lost the 2020 elections. He was found guilty in May last year on 34 counts of falsifying business documents related to the bribing case.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing and said he plans to appeal his conviction.

Appearing virtually at Fridays sentencing hearing, he said his criminal trial and conviction had been a very terrible experience and insisted he committed no crime.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 11th Jan, 2025) Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, emphasised that the UAE is making significant strides inspired by the vision and philosophy of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, for building a comprehensive content creator economy. This involves creating an optimal environment for creators, fostering related businesses, and promoting partnerships and economic opportunities within the sector.

Al Gergawi remarked: The philosophy of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum represents a proactive approach, bold decisions, and forward-looking ambitions. Over 25 years ago, specifically in 1998, His Highness foresaw the future relationship between media and technology, and ordered the creation of a dedicated internet City in the middle of Dubais desert. Shortly afterward, he launched Dubai Media City. Today, we witness how digital media has become the communication platform for over five billion people globally.

This statement was made during Al Gergawis opening address at the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2025, the worlds largest summit dedicated to the content creator economy. Organized by the UAE Government Media Office, the summit is being hosted in the UAE from January 11 to 13 at the Emirates Towers, DIFC, and the Museum of the Future in Dubai under the theme "Content for Good." The third edition of the summit is seeing unprecedented momentum, with over 15,000 content creators, more than 420 speakers, and 125 CEOs and global experts in attendance.

Al Gergawi welcomed the gathering by highlighting the UAEs vision, inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to establish a thriving economic sector for content creation.

The minister emphasised the UAEs ambition to transform this sector into a sustainable economic force that provides opportunities for youth and drives global progress. "The greatest gift humanity can offer is the ability to inspire, motivate, and create meaningful change," he stated, underscoring the transformative potential of storytelling in shaping a better reality.

He outlined the government's role in fostering an environment where individuals can pursue their passions, innovate, and contribute to their communities. Investing in content creation, he noted, builds a generation of responsible youth, smarter children, and a more humane society. Empowering content creators, he said, is about creating positive impacts that elevate communities, echoing the philosophy of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: "The strength and influence of media are measured by its ability to create tangible, positive change."

Acknowledging the rapid evolution of content creation, Al Gergawi described a future where technology will revolutionize how content is consumed and created. Innovations like virtual reality and thought-driven content will allow individuals to engage with tailored, immersive experiences and preserve their knowledge for future generations.

Despite these advancements, the minister cautioned about the growing crisis of misinformation, fuelled by deep-fake technologies and the rapid spread of fabricated content. He highlighted that in 2024 alone, fake content surged by 245%, spreading six times faster than factual information on platforms like X. "In todays media landscape, illiteracy is not about reading and writing but about distinguishing truth from falsehood," he warned.

Addressing content creators, Al Gergawi said: This is where your responsibility liesthrough your inspiring stories, valuable information, and enlightening ideas. That is why we chose Content for Good as this years summit theme. He pointed out that meaningful content impacts education, health, the economy, family dynamics, personal wealth, and social relationships.

Al Gergawi concluded with a message to content creators: Your values are your compass. Your humility is your success. Your focus on serving people is your legacy. Creating better content is about creating a better life and a brighter future, and the best is yet to come.


(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jan, 2025) The Consortium for Asia Pacific Studies (CAPS) held a candlelight vigil here on Friday, at National Press Club (NPC) to honor the victims of the Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash and express solidarity with the people of South Korea.

The vigil, which took place, was a solemn gathering where attendees paid their respects to the 179 lives lost in the tragic accident at Muan International Airport on December 29th, 2024, said a press release.

The event provided an opportunity for members of the community to offer condolences and support to the South Korean people during their period of national mourning.

"We gather here tonight, at the National Press Club, with heavy hearts, united in solidarity and grief," said Dr. Muhammad Shoaib, Senior Vice President of CAPS, during his speech at the vigil. "On behalf of the Consortium for Asia Pacific Studies, Pakistan, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of all those who perished in this tragic accident. Our vigil tonight is a testament to our solidarity. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends in South Korea as they navigate this difficult time."

The event served as a platform to remember the victims and reflect on the importance of international cooperation and safety in the aviation industry. "This tragedy reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of global compassion," Dr.

Shoaib added. "Let us remember the victims of this tragedy, and let their memories inspire us to work together for a safer, more compassionate, and more unified world."

"This tragedy underscores the interconnectedness of our world," Dr. Shoaib stated. "It is during times of grief and hardship that it is crucial to come together in empathy and offer our support to one another."

Kashif Zaheer, a passionate public activist, and Chairman of the Global Youth Association, also addressed the vigil. "As someone who deeply values human life and dignity, I share in the grief for the lives lost in the Jeju Air tragedy and the ongoing violence in Palestine," he said. "This vigil is a powerful statement of solidarity, and our voices can help drive meaningful change. We are committed to advocating for peace and working towards a future of hope and healing."

South Korea has also stood beside Pakistan in times of calamities. People of South Korea have extended support during Earthquake of 2005, Floods of 2010 and recent disastrous floods of 2022. They have also contributed to the development of M1 Motorway and transportation facilities. Hundreds of students from Pakistan are already studying in the best universities of South Korea and students from South Korea are studying in Pakistani institutions.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jan, 2025) Coordinator to Prime Minister on Ministry of National Health Services Regulations & Coordination (NHSR&C), Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath on Saturday stressed the urgent need for collective action to combat Hepatitis C, a significant public health challenge facing Pakistan.

Addressing at the Health Foundation Seminar on Hepatitis Elimination, Dr Bharath opened his speech by expressing gratitude to the seminar organizers for the opportunity to discuss one of the most pressing health concerns in Pakistan, emphasizing the countrys critical position in the global Hepatitis C landscape.

He further highlighted the dire consequences if action is not taken, If we do not act, Pakistan will face over 11 million HCV cases by 2035, leading to 500,000+ liver cirrhosis cases, 100,000+ cases of liver cancer, and 130,000 HCV-related deaths. The economic impact would be a loss of $285+ million annually.

Dr Mukhtar pointed out that as of 2021, only 16 percent of Hepatitis C cases in the country had received treatment, with testing and treatment access being the key challenges. To address these challenges, the present government in collaboration with provincial governments, has launched the Prime Ministers Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C (HCV) infection, which is allocated Rs 34.15 billion over the next three years. In addition, the provincial governments will contribute Rs 33.61 billion, bringing the total funding for the initiative to Rs 67.

77 billion. Pakistan has made significant strides toward Hepatitis elimination, he added.

He shared, including establishing a National Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for Hepatitis control, developing national and provincial strategic frameworks, ensuring the availability of affordable generic Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs), and advocating for nationwide scaling up of vaccination, screening, testing, and treatment efforts.

However, he stressed that further support and technical assistance are needed to scale up efforts. We seek support in developing detailed plans for Hepatitis elimination, strengthening monitoring and healthcare systems, training healthcare workers, and expanding national software and logistics. We also call for international collaboration to help us achieve our targets, he added.

The Prime Ministers Programme aims to reach 50 percent of the eligible population for screening, testing, and treatment within three years. Dr Bharath urged international partners to help Pakistan achieve 100 percent coverage, thus ensuring that the country meets the global HCV elimination targets before 2030.

In closing, he emphasized the importance of collective action. Hepatitis elimination is a national priority, but it requires the combined efforts of the government, international partners, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Together, we can overcome this challenge and work towards a healthier, prosperous future for all Pakistanis.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jan, 2025) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi chaired a series of high-level meetings on Friday at the Central Police Office (CPO) late at night, attended by senior officers including DIG Syed Ali Raza, DIG Headquarters Muhammad Jawad Tariq and DG Safe City Shakir Hussain Dawar.

A police spokesperson told APP that during these meetings, the IGP Rizvi reviewed the performance of all divisions and the progress reports of their departments. Rizvi issued orders to the officers to make Islamabad crime-free in 2025, ensuring the full protection of its citizens. IG emphasized that officers should effectively use modern technology to safeguard the public and eliminate criminal elements in accordance with contemporary requirements.

IGP Rizvi also set new targets to enhance the performance of the Dolphin Squad. IG urged officers to further improve the squad's effectiveness by ensuring efficient patrolling and a prompt response to emergency calls across Islamabad.

Additionally, he assigned important tasks to the officers, providing them with specific time frames.

Furthermore, the IGP Rizvi reviewed the performance of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and the Anti-Riot Unit (ARU). IG issued orders to align the CTD and ARU with modern technology and counter-terrorism strategies, aimed at maintaining law and order. IG Rizvi stressed that all officers should perform their duties diligently to ensure the protection of public life and property while maintaining peace throughout the city. The protection of citizens' lives and property is the top priority of Islamabad Police, he added.

IGP Rizvi also assessed the performance of the Capital Police College (CPC) Islamabad and issued orders to SP Tahir Khan to include IT and modern technology training courses as part of various police training programs, along with a focus on the moral training of officers.

/APP-rzr-mkz
Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jan, 2025) Nicolas Maduro's inauguration on Friday for a third term as Venezuela's president drew widespread admonishment from countries that have accused him of stealing the July election.

The defiant 62-year-old leader, who has shrugged off allegations of electoral fraud and insisted he won another six-year term, was also congratulated by states that have maintained support for his controversial government.

Here are the main reactions to Maduro taking the oath of office in Caracas.

- United States -

Washington hiked its reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $25 million on Friday.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that Maduro "clearly lost" last year's election and called the swearing-in ceremony "an illegitimate presidential inauguration."

In a separate announcement, the US Treasury Department said it was sanctioning eight senior officials who lead "key economic and security agencies enabling Nicolas Maduro's repression and subversion of democracy in Venezuela."

On Thursday, incoming US president Donald Trump defended Venezuela's opposition party leader and its exiled presidential candidate as "freedom fighters."

- European Union -

The EU said Friday that Maduro was not Venezuela's legitimate president.

Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said "Maduro lacks all democratic legitimacy," as Brussels announced sanctions on a further 15 officials from Venezuela's National Electoral Council, judiciary and security forces.

- Britain -

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Maduro's "claim to power is fraudulent," as London also announced further sanctions on individuals associated with the Caracas government.

"The outcome of July's elections was neither free nor fair and his regime does not represent the will of the Venezuelan people," Lammy said.

- United Nations -

UN chief Antonio Guterres called Friday for Venezuelan authorities to release all those who have been "arbitrarily detained" since the elections.

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the detention of a large number of persons, including opposition figures, journalists and human rights defenders since the July 28 presidential elections," spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

- Russia -

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Maduro on his swearing-in, according to the lower house of parliament.

Lower house speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, who attended Maduro's inauguration in Caracas on behalf of Putin, "conveyed congratulations from Russia's head of state", it said in a statement.

- Regional states -

In a sign of Maduro's pariah status, only two leaders -- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Nicaraguan president and ex-guerrilla Daniel Ortega -- attended his inauguration.

Traditional left-wing allies, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, pointedly stayed away from the ceremony.

burs-bs/mlm
Strasbourg, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Jan, 2025) Two trams collided in a tunnel in the eastern French city of Strasbourg on Saturday, injuring at least twenty people, the authorities said.

The trams collided near Strasbourg's main train station, one of the busiest in France outside of Paris.

In 1994, Strasbourg was the first major French city to re-introduce trams, after the service closed in 1960.

Since the re-introduction, there have been no major accidents.

"Twenty people" have been injured, said a spokesman for the prefecture, citing a preliminary estimate. He added that the cause of the accident had not yet been established.

A large security perimeter was set up in front of the station, where numerous ambulances have taken up position, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.

Paramedics and firefighters were loading injured people secured on stretchers into ambulances.

Strasbourg's Mayor Jeanne Barseghian and other top officials rushed to the station, where a video posted by a witness on social media showed a chaotic scene with the two trams significantly damaged in a tunnel near the station.

One of the trams appears to have derailed as a result of the impact.

Located in the historic region of Alsace, Strasbourg is the official seat of the European Parliament.


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.
Jake Sullivan, the outgoing U.S. national security adviser, is urging the incoming Trump administration to continue President Joe Biden's strategy of bolstering ties with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter adversaries that include China and North Korea.

"The case we will make to them is that the American position in the region is incredibly strong right now," Sullivan said in response to VOA's question during a roundtable with journalists on Friday.

"There should be more continuity than significant change with respect to our Indo-Pacific strategy," he said. "But I don't know what the incoming team will actually end up doing."

Sullivan, considered one of the main architects of the Biden administration's Indo-Pacific strategy, said the president's approach is "working in a big way," and he warned that straying from that will "bring risk."

Sullivan acknowledged, however, that the administration failed to make substantial progress on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

As the threat from Pyongyang remains as acute as it has ever been, Sullivan highlighted key distinctions: closer cooperation between North Korea and Russia and a "broader alignment of competitors and adversaries  Russia, China, North Korea, Iran."

He repeated the administration's warning against reducing U.S. support for Kyiv, something that President-elect Donald Trump has signaled he would do. What happens in Ukraine really matters for the Indo-Pacific, Sullivan said, because "China's watching."

Biden's aides have often voiced concern that the West's reluctance to bolster Kyiv's defenses could embolden China to follow Russia's lead and invade its smaller democratic neighbor, Taiwan, or act even more aggressively on its disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Bonnie Glaser, managing director of German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific Program, said that cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has developed quickly, with North Korea sending its troops to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and is likely to expand.

"We have yet to see what weapons systems or military technologies Putin has promised to deliver to Kim," she told VOA, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "Beijing has refused to apply leverage to stop this trend."

Sullivan expressed confidence that the administration has "set up a great opportunity for the next team" to enhance the U.S. position and has "shifted the balance of power" in the Indo-Pacific.

He outlined Biden's approach of creating a network of alliances and partnerships, including enhancing cooperation with the Quad, an informal grouping with India, Australia and Japan, as well as rolling out the AUKUS security deal with the United Kingdom and Australia to provide Canberra with nuclear-powered submarines to better patrol the waters of the region.

Sullivan also highlighted trilateral cooperation among the U.S., Japan and South Korea, with the two former adversaries now working together to deter North Korea's nuclear threat, and among the U.S., Japan and the Philippines to push back against Beijing's aggression in the South China Sea.

Continuity or change

Because relations between Washington and Beijing will likely remain adversarial, the region could see more continuity on U.S. policy toward China under the incoming administration.

Trump has selected two well-known China hawks for key roles in his "America First" Cabinet: Senator Marco Rubio, Trump's pick for secretary of state, and Representative Mike Waltz, the man Trump is eyeing to become Sullivan's successor.

However, Waltz earlier this week announced a sweeping directive to terminate all national security staffers loaned from other departments and agencies who serve in apolitical, nonpartisan senior staff roles. Waltz said the firings were meant to enforce absolute alignment with Trump's policy agenda.

Aside from staffing the National Security Council with Trump loyalists, its unclear whether the president-elect will employ the same approach of leveraging alliances to deter China.

The first Trump administration saw that "multilateral alliances are more a burden than a reality, said Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. During his first term, Trump terminated U.S. membership in organizations and agreements that included the Paris Climate Accord, the U.N. Human Rights Council and the World Health Organization.

"If you do form alliances, they're going to have to be based on clear, specific, quid pro quo transactions," he told VOA.

During his first term, Trump also focused more on bilateral ties, and he may fall back on that approach.

"He might emphasize ties with strong conservative leaders like [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi in India but de-emphasize groups like the U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilat[eral], particularly if a new government in Seoul drifts a little away from Washington," said Zack Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

"What remains unclear is whether Trump will be confrontational with China outside the economic arena," Cooper told VOA. Key uncertainties include whether the U.S. will pursue a less robust response to Beijing's moves in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

"Trump personally seems more open to engagement with [Chinese President] Xi Jinping and focused on trade issues, but many in his administration will be pushing for a hard line on security and technology issues," Cooper said.

Change of trade strategy

Trade is one area where analysts expect a significant change in strategy as Trump appears set to enact protectionist measures, threatening to wield tariffs as a weapon of punishment not only on adversaries but also on regional partners, particularly those with large trade surpluses, including Japan.

Trump is expected to undo the Biden's administration's effort to revitalize trade with the region. During his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to kill the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, Biden's 2022 deal with countries in the region, saying that it will hurt American manufacturing and workers.

IPEF was Biden's attempt to bolster economic ties with Indo-Pacific countries five years after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Obama administration's most important trade initiative, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, immediately upon entering his first term.

The framework pursues nontrade priorities such as supply chain resilience, secure digital infrastructure and sustainable clean energy transition. It has been criticized by many in the region for not offering market access measures as Beijing aggressively expanded its economic clout, including through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world's largest regional free-trade pact that covers almost one-third of the world's population and GDP.

VOAs Steve Herman contributed to this report.
France starts 2025 with a further drawdown of its military presence in its former African colonies, and fresh tensions ignited this week with controversial remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Chad, Senegal and now Ivory Coast have followed Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso in asking France to withdraw its troops from their soil. The reasons vary  from growing anti-French sentiment to calls for greater sovereignty and strengthening ties with other foreign powers. But the impact is the same.

There is a clear collapse of French policy in Africa, said Thierry Vircoulon, a researcher at the French Institute for International Relations Africa Center. The withdrawal of the French troops and basically the end of the French military presence in Africa is a symbol of that collapse.

French-African relations havent improved in recent days. On Monday, Macron suggested some Sahel countries had forgotten to thank French troops for spearheading a decadelong fight against Islamist insurgencies.

That drew sharp criticism from leaders in Chad and Senegal. French authorities say Macrons remarks were taken out of context.

Jean-Pierre Maulny, deputy director of the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs think tank, said he believes France needs to be less focused on the immediate fallout and instead concentrate on longer-term ties with francophone African countries.

France should think more about development and sharing the future of Africas security, he said, and less about adopting a big brother attitude.

Macrons government announced plans last year to reduce its military presence on the continent  where it also has troops in Gabon and Djibouti  and make it more responsive to countries demands.

France has also expanded ties beyond francophone Africa. Its two biggest trading partners, for example, are Nigeria and South Africa.

But analyst Vircoulon predicts Frances long-term influence in Africa will remain limited, at best.

Theres very little that the French government can do, and its playing in favor of Russia and other countries that are not Western, he said.

He said he believes Frances strategic priorities will shift to potential conflicts in Europe.
The death toll from Israels war against Hamas militants in Gaza is far higher than official figures, according to an analysis by researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine published in The Lancet.

The analysis, published Thursday in the medical journal, estimates that between October 2023 and June 2024, there were more than 64,000 Palestinian deaths caused by violence in Gaza, suggesting that the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in the territory underreported the death toll by 41%. The official figure for that period was 37,877 deaths.

Some 59% of the dead were women, children or the elderly, according to the peer-reviewed Lancet report, which is roughly in line with other estimates. The analysis did not identify the number of Hamas fighters among the dead.

A separate United Nations analysis of more than 8,000 verified deaths between November 2023 to April 2024 concluded that 44% of victims were children and 26% were women.

Sources

The researchers in the Lancet report used a scientific technique called capture-recapture analysis, whereby three different sources were cross-referenced. The less overlap between the sources, the more likely it is that many deaths have gone unrecorded.

This method  uses multiple data sources (lists) with sufficient identifying information to accurately link records, identify overlapping cases, and infer the true number of cases (deaths), including those not featured within any list, based on statistical models, the report said.

The first source was the Palestinian Ministry of Healths list of bodies identified in hospitals and morgues; the second source was an online survey distributed by the Ministry of Health asking relatives to record deceased family members; and the third list was compiled from obituaries posted on social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook.

Indirect deaths

The data did not include Palestinians who had died from causes indirectly related to the war.

So in reality, the number of mortalities might be higher if we also include the issue of not accessing health care, heart attacks  infectious diseases, maternal care, pregnant women not being able to get access to proper delivery, and so on, said report co-author Zeina Jamaluddine of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

The analysis also excluded missing people. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that 10,000 Palestinians are missing under rubble and presumed dead.

The capture-recapture technique has been used to estimate deaths in other conflicts, Jamaluddine said. It has been used in Sudan and Yemen. It has also been used in Kosovo  and some of this evidence has been used in the ICJ [International Court of Justice].

Israel offensive

Israel launched its war on Hamas in Gaza following the militant groups cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians. More than 240 hostages were taken back to Gaza. There are still almost 100 hostages being held by Hamas, with about one-third of them believed dead.

Israel accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields in Gaza.

In a statement, Israels embassy in London told VOA, As has already been proven countless times before, any information that derives from Gaza cannot be trusted, nor can you ignore the Lancets history of anti-Israel bias. For this reason, we would strongly encourage readers to question their source and validity. We urge that the continual spread of misinformation about Israel is stopped. Such activity only serves Hamas, is irresponsible, and dangerously contributes to rising anti-Jewish hatred.

Reuters quoted an unnamed senior Israeli official saying, "No other army in the world has ever taken such wide-ranging measures. These include providing advance warning to civilians to evacuate, safe zones, and taking any and all measures to prevent harm to civilians. The figures provided in this report do not reflect the situation on the ground.

VOA was unable to independently verify the figures. Israel does not allow foreign journalists to enter Gaza.
Housing is famously cramped in the Asian financial hub of Hong Kong, thanks to sky-high property prices, but a single toilet and kitchen shared by four families would make for a challenging home situation anywhere.

"It's so small here; it's really inconvenient to live in," said retired 60-year-old Xiao Bo, as she sat on her bed, eating homemade dumplings off a folding table in a tiny space adorned with pink wallpaper and a rack of colorful tote bags.

Single and opting to give only her first name, she said she had nothing but "painful" memories of the partitioned, cluttered walk-up where she has lived for three years, but could not afford a better flat.

More than 200,000 people in Hong Kong live in sub-divided flats like hers, often cloaked in a musty odor and plagued by bedbugs during sweltering summers.

The former British colony, ranked as the world's most unaffordable city for a 14th consecutive year by survey company Demographia, has one of the world's highest rates of inequality.

In October, Hong Kong vowed to adopt new laws setting minimum space and safety norms for sub-divided flats, where each resident lives in an area of about 6 square meters on average, or half the size of the parking space for a sedan.

"We just want to regulate ... so the market will be providing flats of what we think will be a reasonable and liveable standard," its leader, John Lee, said at the time.

Hong Kong aims to eliminate subdivided flats by 2049, a target set in 2021 by China's top official overseeing the city. Beijing sees the housing woes as a serious social problem that helped fuel mass anti-government protests in 2019.

Authorities plan to boost the supply of public housing to shorten waiting times from as much as 5-1/2 years now, saying they have identified more than enough land to build 308,000 public housing units in the next decade.

Hong Kong's housing problem is the top agenda item for the government, the Housing Bureau said in a written response to Reuters, and it is "determined to eradicate sub-standard sub-divided units."

Since July 2022, about 49,000 applicants have been housed in public rental housing, and around 18,400 units of transitional housing have been made available for immediate and short-term accommodation, the Bureau said.

Tiny homes

Still, Hong Kong's roughly 110,000 sub-divided flats have become notorious for high rents, with a median floor rate of HK$50 ($6.43) per .3 meter, a survey by non-government body the Society for Community Organization (SoCO) showed in 2022.

For so-called "coffin" homes, each roughly the size of a single bed, the rate is even higher, at HK$140, exceeding a rate of about HK$35 for private homes.

"All I hope for is to quickly get into public housing," said Wong Chi-kong, 76, who pays HK$2,900 ($370) for a space smaller than 5 square meters. His toilet sits right beside his bed and under the shower head.

"That's all I ask for. Amen," added Wong, who stores all his belongings on the other side of the bed to keep them from getting splashed whenever he takes a shower.

Wong, who uses a walking stick to get around while contending with deteriorating eyesight, spends most of his summer afternoons in a public library to escape the scorching heat trapped in his home.

Yet some may consider Xiao Bo and Wong to be among the more fortunate, as tens of thousands of so-called "coffin" homes fall outside the scope of the new laws.

These windowless spaces are still more cramped, but just big enough, at 1.4 square meters to 1.7 square meters, for people to sleep in and store a few personal items.

But lack of ventilation forces them to leave open the small sliding doors to their homes, denying them any vestiges of privacy.

They also share washrooms with up to 20 others.

"Because the beds are wooden, there are a lot of bedbugs here," said 80-year-old Leung Kwong Kuen, adding, "Insecticide is useless," in eradicating them.

Leung used to manage a factory in mainland China before the Asian financial crisis of the 1990s, but now, estranged from his wife and two grown-up children, lives in a "coffin" home in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

"I believe in Buddhism; letting go, the past is the past," he said. "The most important thing is I can still manage to have two meals and a place to sleep for now."

The sub-divided flats and "coffin" homes are usually located in outdated residential buildings in old business areas, allowing affordable access to workplaces and schools.

'Shame of Hong Kong'

About 1.4 million of Hong Kong's population of about 7.5 million live in poverty, with the number of poor households rising to 619,000 in the first quarter of 2024, to account for about 22.7% of the total, says non-profit organization Oxfam.

SoCO called for the new regulations to extend to "coffin" homes.

"This kind of bed homes is the shame of Hong Kong," said its deputy director, Sze Lai-shan.

The Housing Bureau said the Home Affairs Department takes strict enforcement actions against unlicensed bedspace apartments.

Sum, a 72-year-old bachelor, has lived in a "coffin" home for three years, paying HK$2,500 in monthly rent. A Chinese New Year poster on the door to his home reads "Peace and safety wherever you go."

Personal items, such as a television on the platform where he sleeps, take up half of Sum's living space. He was formerly homeless and slept under a street flyover for a year.

"The most important thing is having a roof over my head, not worrying about getting sunburnt or rained on," said Sum, who gave only his last name.

Chan, 45, who pays rent of HK$2,100 a month for his 2-square-meter home, said he hoped public housing would finally enable him to escape the bedbugs.

"I applied in 2005," he said, providing only one name. "I have been waiting for 19 years."
Iran was holding air defense exercises Saturday, state media reported, as the country braces for more friction with arch-enemy Israel and the United States under incoming U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

The war games take place as Iranian leaders face the risk that Trump could empower Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attack Iran's nuclear sites, while further tightening U.S. sanctions on its oil industry through his "maximum pressure" policy.

"In these exercises...defense systems will practice the fight against air, missile and electronic warfare threats in real battlefield conditions... to protect the country's skies and sensitive and vital areas," Iranian state television said.

Saturday's drills are part of two-months-long exercises launched on January 4 which have already included war games in which the elite Revolutionary Guards defended key nuclear installations in Natanz against mock attacks by missiles and drones, state media said.

Iran's military has said it was using new drones and missiles in the exercises and released footage of a new underground "missile city" being visited by Guards Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami.

Iran has recently suffered setbacks in Lebanon after Israeli attacks against Iranian-backed Hezbollah and the toppling of Tehran's ally President Bashar Al-Assad in Syria last month.

But Salami warned, in a speech carried by state TV about a "false sense of delight" among Iran's enemies, saying Iran and particularly its missile forces were stronger than ever.

While Iranian officials have downplayed Iran's setbacks, an Iranian general, Behrouz Esbati, who was reportedly based in Syria, said in a speech circulated on social media that Iran had "badly lost" in Syria.

Reuters could not verify the recording.

Trump in 2018 withdrew from a deal struck by his predecessor Barack Obama in 2015 in which Iran agreed to curb uranium enrichment, which can yield material for nuclear weapons, in return for the relaxation of U.S. and U.N. economic sanctions.
Analysts say that rising anti-China sentiment in Myanmar reflects widespread frustration with Beijing's perceived support for the country's military junta in the conflict-torn Southeast Asian nation.

Since the Myanmar military seized power in February 2021, critics have accused Beijing of backing the junta to safeguard its Belt and Road Initiative projects and maintain regional stability.

Public distrust of China also stems from its long-standing ties with Myanmar's military, according to analysts and activists.

"There's a widespread perception that China is stalling progress in the anti-coup revolution," said Lin Htet, a Myanmar activist who fled the country after the coup because of his outspoken opposition to the regime.

According to a survey by the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar, or ISP-Myanmar, released in mid-2024, 54% of key stakeholders in Myanmar held a negative view of China as a neighbor. That figure rose to 72% among civil society organizations, with respondents describing China as either "not good at all" or "not a good neighbor." Similarly, 60% of ethnic armed organizations and 54% of the People's Defense Forces, the armed wing of the National Unity Government, or local defense forces  formed after the 2021 coup to oppose the military regime  reported the same sentiment.

"Many believed China supported the military takeover at the time," said Nan Lwin, head of the Myanmar China studies program at ISP-Myanmar, an independent think tank. "While those sentiments initially subsided by mid-2021, they resurfaced later as Beijing began high-level engagements with the regime."

Htet Min Lwin, a Myanmar expert at York University in Toronto, Ontario, highlighted the growing anti-China sentiment in Myanmar since Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Naypyitaw in August, where he met with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.

"Historically, Myanmar's political stakeholders have rarely been united," Htet Min Lwin said. "Yet, during Wang Yi's visit, all revolutionary forces opposed to the military regime expressed unanimous anti-China sentiment. From political leaders to analysts, many view China's actions as interference."

Protests, public sentiment

In recent months, anti-military activists have staged protests and boycotts of products to draw attention to Beijing's perceived interference in Myanmar.

In November, there was a call to boycott products "Made in China."

Lin Htet recently organized a demonstration outside the Chinese Embassy in Washington. He said the protest was to call on China to stop meddling in Myanmar's affairs and to change its policies while emphasizing a desire to remain good neighbors.

"This is not about racial hatred," Lin Htet told VOA.

During the protest, he recalled two Burmese-born ethnic Chinese individuals, Kyal Sin and Khant Nyar Hein, who were killed during the early days of the anti-coup demonstrations in 2021.

"Our Chinese brothers and sisters gave their lives on the streets for democracy. We have not forgotten them to this day," he said, citing Kyal Sin's burial in a Chinese cemetery and quoting Khant Nyar Hein's mother's plea to "please don't hate Chinese in Myanmar."

Chinese Embassy responds

In a written reply to VOA, the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar said, "The current situation in Myanmar is of great concern," and it urged all relevant parties "to adhere to dialogue and consultation, and to cease fire as soon as possible."

"China is Myanmar's largest neighbor. No other country wants Myanmar to restore stability and realize development more than China," the embassy said. "On the Myanmar issue, China is committed to respecting Myanmar's sovereignty, independence, national unity and territorial integrity, non-interference in its internal affairs, and the Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led peace process."

"It is hoped that all relevant parties in Myanmar will effectively safeguard the safety of Chinese enterprises, projects and personnel in Myanmar, create a secure environment for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, and better benefit the people of both countries," the statement said.

Call for diplomacy

According to ACLED data research, which specializes in conflict analysis, resentment among Myanmar's local population is expected to grow in 2025 amid China's increasing public support for the military. However, experts warn that alienating China could backfire.

"We can't do anti-China sentiment. We can't just demonize China. It is no longer the 15th century," said Sai Kyi Zin Soe, a Myanmar analyst. "We're neighbors, so we must maintain some diplomacy. We have to understand China's concerns and their political stance."

Htet Min Lwin also emphasized the need to engage with Beijing constructively.

"China's influence can slow the Myanmar resistance's revolutionary war [against the junta]," he said. "Rather than simply criticizing China, the opposition should engage its policymakers and clarify Myanmar's situation. Lobbying is vital. If the advocacy approach is effective, the revolutionary forces can maintain their momentum."

Michael Martin, a senior adviser at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the National Unity Government (NUG), Myanmar's opposition, lacks a coherent strategy to engage China.

"They don't have an idea how to work with China," Martin said. "They talk about, you know, 'Why won't you recognize us as a state actor?' That's not going to go very far with China. China recognizes the SAC [the military's State Administration Council] as the state actor. They can't have two."

A path forward

As Myanmar's conflict grinds on, analysts stress the importance of balancing public dissatisfaction with pragmatic engagement.

"China's strategy is to hedge its relations with multiple stakeholders in the country, whether it's the SAC or the NUG," Enze Han, an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong, said in an email to VOA.

For those seeking democracy, the challenge lies in finding a strategic approach that acknowledges China's regional interests while advancing Myanmar's aspirations for democracy and equality.

"We have absolutely no need to hate China or Chinese people," Lin Htet said. "But if the Chinese government continues interfering in Myanmar's affairs as it does now, it could face even more resistance, further alienating itself from the Burmese people."
Russia accused Ukraine of conducting a deadly missile strike Friday on a supermarket in the Moscow-controlled city of Donetsk, while Kyiv reported a massive wave of Russian drone attacks on several regions and fierce fighting near the strategic logistics hub of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.

The fighting on Friday came a day after the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Ramstein, Germany, where Kyiv's allies vowed no letup in aid to bolster Ukraine's air defenses amid Moscow's relentless assaults, including attacks on civilian and infrastructure sites.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who traveled to Rome following the Ramstein gathering, also praised new actions by the United States and Britain to sanction Russia's oil producers, a major liquefied natural gas project, and more than 100 tankers in its "shadow fleet" as the West looks to deprive Moscow of funds needed to carry on its war.

Russian state RIA news agency said investigators were looking into the supermarket attack early Friday, claiming a U.S.-supplied HIMARS missile hit the supermarket, killing two people, in the occupied city.

Video on social media, which has been verified by RFE/RL, appears to show a massive explosion in an area where a small market is located.

Ukrainian officials have not commented on the Russian accusation.

The Ukrainian Air Force, meanwhile, said Russia attacked Ukraine with 72 Shahed-type strike drones in the Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskiy, Vinnytsia and Kherson regions.

In Kyiv, bright flashes and explosions were seen as defense systems intercepted several drones in the sky. No deaths were reported, though some damage from debris was seen at a high-rise residential building, military officials said.

The Ukrainian General Staff said several small towns east of Pokrovsk and an important highway a few kilometers south of the area had been the site of intense battles on Friday.

Pokrovsk has been the target of Russia's brutal drive in recent months, mainly destroying the city with a prewar population of about 64,000 people.

As intense attacks and fighting on the front lines continue, diplomatic efforts to stop the conflict appear to be picking up momentum.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it expects Kyiv to have high-level talks with the White House once President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

"We are waiting for a meeting between our presidents because for us the main thing is to work together with America. ... We are preparing for contacts at the highest and high levels immediately after the inauguration," ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhiy said.

The Kremlin said it remains willing to meet with Trump and that there has been progress in setting up a meeting after the new president is inaugurated on Jan. 20.

"No conditions are required for this, just a mutual desire and political will to conduct a dialogue and resolve existing problems through dialogue is required," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow a day after Trump said a meeting was being set up between him and President Vladimir Putin, though he laid out no timeline.

At Ramstein, hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid was pledged -- including $500 million from Washington as part of the outgoing President Joe Biden's goal of sending as much support as possible before Trump returns to office.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, thanked Washington and London for their "synchronized action" in sanctioning Russian energy firms and ships operating the Kremlin's so-called "shadow fleet" of sanctions-busting vessels in the Baltic Sea -- which are also suspected of sabotaging communications and electrical cables in the body of water.
On Monday, the United States accused Russia at the U.N. Security Council of fueling civil war in Sudan by funding both warring parties.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council, "Russia chose obstruction: standing alone as it voted to imperil civilians while funding both sides of the conflict."

Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia's first deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, disputed the U.S. accusations, saying that the "Western nations" were the "external sponsors of instability" in Sudan and were using the crisis "to undermine" the African nation's "sovereignty and territorial integrity." Hunger, he said, was one of the issues exploited by the West for political gains.

Polyanskiy questioned the Famine Review Committee's credibility and the accuracy of its 2024 report on Sudan.

"Let us emphasize right away that Sudan is not experiencing nor can experience a severe famine. Upon examining the FRC report we couldn't but think that the issue of hunger in Sudan is being politicized and exploited to exert pressure on the Sudanese government. We have an impression that someone is desperate for famine to eventually begin in Sudan," Polyanskiy said.

That claim is misleading.

The Famine Review Committee is a U.N.-supported independent international organization headquartered in Rome. FRC employs internationally recognized experts on food security, nutrition and public health.

The 2024 FRC report said at least five areas of Sudan were suffering from famine and projected it would spread in five additional areas between December 2024 and May 2025.

U.N. agencies UNICEF, the World Food Program (WFP) and the Food and Agricultural Organization corroborated the FRC report.

"More than 24.6 million people across Sudan are now experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity," UNICEF reported in August 2024.

WFP Director Jean-Martin Bauer described the situation as a "protracted famine."

"People are getting weaker and weaker and are dying as they have had little to no access to food for months and months," Bauer said in December.

Armed conflict, forced displacement and restricted humanitarian access are the leading causes of famine in Sudan, following a civil war that started in April 2023 between two factions locked in a power struggle: the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF.

The Sudanese government protested the latest FRC report that declared famine and pulled out of the global hunger-monitoring system on December 23.

Last June the U.N. Human Rights Office accused the "Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF of using starvation as a weapon of war."

The experts warned that the warring parties were blocking ''humanitarian aid, and the harvest season has been disrupted due to the armed conflict, making widespread famine imminent in the coming months."

In November, Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council draft resolution on Sudan that called "for a comprehensive, nationwide ceasefire; for increased protection of civilians; and for unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into and across Sudan."

The U.S. and others believe Russia benefits from hostilities in Sudan, a spokesperson for the U.S. mission to the U.N. told Reuters, stating that Washington was aware of Russia's "ongoing interest in Sudan's gold trade" and condemns any material support for the warring parties  "whether it be through illicit gold trading or the provision of military equipment."

In 2022, a CNN investigation estimated that Russia may have gained up to $13.4 billion worth of gold from Sudan in exchange for weapons.

On Wednesday, the U.S. accused the Rapid Support Forces of committing genocide and imposed sanctions on its leader, Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, also known as Hemedti.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "The RSF and allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys, even infants, on an ethnic basis, and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence."

The war in Sudan has caused the world's largest humanitarian crisis, according to the U.N., leaving 638,000 Sudanese experiencing famine, over 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, and tens of thousands dead.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Ethiopias capital on Saturday, exactly a month to the day since the two countries leaders reached an agreement aimed at ending a bitter, yearlong dispute.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said he received Mohamud at the Addis Ababa airport.

The Somali presidents office earlier published a statement confirming Mohamuds visit to Addis Ababa at the invitation of Ethiopias leader. The discussions with the Ethiopian leadership aim to strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared priorities, the statement said.

Ethiopia and Somalia reached a diplomatic agreement on Dec. 11 called the Ankara Declaration following a heated diplomatic dispute ignited over a controversial maritime access deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway Somalian region of Somaliland.

Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding on Jan. 1, 2024, with Somaliland allowing it to lease 20 kilometers of seafront for 50 years in return for diplomatic recognition, Somaliland officials said.

The Somali government rejected the deal, calling it "null and void," and accused Ethiopia of "blatant violation" of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Under the Ankara Declaration, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia reaffirmed their respect and commitment to one anothers sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity.

In addition, the two sides also agreed to work together to finalize "mutually advantageous commercial arrangements through bilateral agreements, including contract, lease and similar modalities, which will allow the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to enjoy reliable, secure and sustainable access to and from the sea, under the sovereign authority of the Federal Republic of Somalia."

In the streets of Addis Ababa, photos of the Somali leader were posted on electronic boards on major streets, according to a VOA reporter in Addis Ababa.

"Welcome President Sheikh Mahmoud, was written under one of the photos. The flags of Somalia and Ethiopia were flown.

The roads leading from Bole Airport to the palace were guarded by Ethiopias Federal Police.

Somalia said Mohamuds visit, which is his first since alleging he was prevented from entering the African Union headquarters in February 2024 by Ethiopian security forces, builds on the Ankara agreement.

In April, Somalia expelled Ethiopian Ambassador Muktar Mohamed Ware, alleging "internal interference" by Ethiopia.

In October, Somalia declared a counselor working at the Ethiopian Embassy in Mogadishu persona non grata and ordered him to leave.

Somalia also ordered the closure of Ethiopian consulates in Hargeisa, Somaliland; and Garowe, Puntland  although both remained open.

In a joint communique issued Saturday evening, the two leaders said they agreed to restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals.

The leaders reaffirmed that the stability of the region requires strong cooperation between the two countries based on mutual trust, confidence and respect, the communique said.

Prior to the trip to Addis Ababa, Mohamud visited Kampala, Uganda, for a continental summit on agricultural development, where he met with President Yoweri Museveni and Kenyan President William Ruto, two leaders who at one point attempted to mediate between Somalia and Ethiopia before the Ankara Declaration emerged.

The presidents diplomatic engagement are part of a broader regional tour, which includes recent productive visits to Eritrea and Djibouti, the statement from Villa Somalia said.

Commenting on the meeting with Mohamud, Ruto said relations between the two countries have progressively deepened since Somalia joined the regional economic bloc East African Community last year.

Our two countries are doing more business than before, with Somalia buying goods worth KSh5 billion [$38 million] in the first nine months of 2024, he posted.

On peace and security, Kenya, and indeed the region, will continue to be engaged in collaborative efforts to ensure stability in Somalia, Ruto said.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has begun producing advanced 4-nanometer chips in Arizona for U.S. customers, a milestone in the Biden administration's semiconductor efforts, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told Reuters.

In November, the Commerce Department finalized a $6.6 billion grant to TSMC's U.S. unit for semiconductor production in Phoenix, Arizona.

"For the first time ever in our country's history, we are making leading-edge 4-nanometer chips on American soil, American workers  on par in yield and quality with Taiwan," Raimondo told Reuters in an interview, saying it had begun in recent weeks.

"That's a big deal  never been done before, never in our history. And lots of people said it couldn't happen," Raimondo said of the previously undisclosed production start.

A spokesperson for TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker and a major supplier to Apple and Nvidia, which reports earnings next week, declined to comment Friday.

In April, TSMC agreed to expand its planned investment by $25 billion to $65 billion and to add a third Arizona production facility by 2030.

Congress created a $52.7 billion semiconductor manufacturing and research subsidy program in 2022. Commerce persuaded all five leading-edge semiconductor firms to locate production facilities in the United States as part of the program.

Raimondo told Reuters earlier that Commerce had to persuade TSMC to boost its U.S. plans.



"It didn't happen on its own. ... We had to convince TSMC that they would want to expand," Raimondo said.

TSMC will produce the world's most advanced 2-nanometer technology at its second Arizona factory, expected to begin production in 2028. TSMC also agreed to use its most advanced chip manufacturing technology, called "A16," in Arizona.

The TSMC award from Commerce also includes up to $5 billion in low-cost government loans.

Raimondo wants the United States to make 20% of world's leading-edge logic chips by 2030  up from the 0% before TSMC began production in Arizona.

In April, Commerce said TSMC expects to begin high-volume production in its first U.S. fab by the first half of 2025.

Last month, Commerce finalized an award of $407 million to help fund Amkor Technology's planned $2 billion advanced semiconductor packaging facility in Arizona, which is set to be the largest of its kind in the U.S.

When fully operational, Amkor's Arizona plant will package and test millions of chips for autonomous vehicles, 5G/6G and data centers. Apple will be its first and largest customer, with the chips produced at a nearby TSMC facility.
The Vaticans secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on Friday consecrated a new church at a place on the banks of the Jordan River that the Catholic Church officially recognizes as the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.

Parolin inaugurated and consecrated the Church of the Baptism of the Lord at Al-Maghtas, known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, before thousands of Jordanians, Palestinians, other Arabs and diplomats.

My presence here today, according to the wishes of the pope, is meant to be a tangible sign of the closeness of the whole Church to the Christian communities of the Middle East, Parolin said in his homily, read on his behalf in Arabic by the Rev. Jihad Shweihat.

At a time in history when this region is experiencing serious upheaval, it is important that Christians also make their contribution to the building of a just and peaceful society, he said.

Parolin celebrated Mass, accompanied by Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The ceremony also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Catholic Churchs annual pilgrimage to Jesus purported baptismal site.

Parolin also anointed the churchs altar, dedicating it as where the relics of Pope St. John Paul II and the recently canonized Holy Martyrs of Damascus and others will be placed.

Parolins three-day visit to Jordan coincides with a new exhibition of 90 Jordanian artifacts of the nation's history at the start of Christianity.

The exhibition, Jordan: Dawn of Christianity, is to debut at the Vatican next month. It celebrates Jordans biblical roots through the centuries and commemorates 30 years of diplomatic ties between Jordan and the Holy See.

Jordans tourism and antiquities minister, Lina Annab, described the exhibitions importance to journalists on Wednesday in Amman, saying many people outside the country do not realize that there are Jordanian Christians.

This exhibition celebrates and sheds light on the origins and heritage as well as the enduring legacy and presence of Christianity in Jordan, Annab said. The origins of Christianity are here. Jordan is an integral part of the Holy Land. We are more interested in really showcasing the importance of Jordan as far as the faiths that have lived on this land, whether the Islamic faith or the Christian faith.

Three popes have visited the believed site of Jesus baptism on the Jordanian banks of the Jordan River: John Paul II in 2000, Benedict XVI in 2009 and Francis in 2014. Pope Paul VI first visited Jordan in 1964.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday amid a push to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, Netanyahu's office said.

After the meeting, Netanyahu dispatched a high-level delegation, which included the head of the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency, to Qatar to "advance" talks to return hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, a statement from Netanyahu's office said.

Earlier on Saturday, an Israeli official said some progress had been made in the indirect talks between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, to reach a deal in Gaza.

The mediators are making renewed efforts to reach a deal to halt the fighting in the enclave and free the remaining Israeli hostages held there before Trump takes office on Jan. 20. A deal would also involve the release of some Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Families of Israeli hostages welcomed Netanyahu's decision to dispatch the officials, with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters describing it as a "historic opportunity."

Witkoff arrived in Doha on Friday and met Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatars Foreign Ministry said.

Egyptian and Qatari mediators received reassurances from Witkoff that the U.S. would continue to work toward a fair deal to end the war soon, Egyptian security sources said, although he did not give any details.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed across its borders in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, more than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, with much of the enclave laid to waste and gripped by a humanitarian crisis.

Attacks in Gaza

On Saturday, the Palestinian civil emergency service said eight people were killed, including two women and two children, in an Israeli airstrike on a former school sheltering displaced families in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military said that the strike targeted Hamas militants who were operating at the school and that it had taken measures to reduce the risk of harm to civilians.

Later on Saturday, the Gaza Civil Emergency Service said five people were killed and several others were wounded in two Israeli strikes. One of the two strikes killed three people in a house near the Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City.

The Israeli military said it struck a Hamas militant "in that area" at that approximate time.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed across its borders in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, more than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, with much of the enclave laid to waste and gripped by a humanitarian crisis.
President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced Friday to no punishment at all in his hush money case. He says the case was politically motivated and maintains his innocence. We speak with Mark Sedlander, a trial attorney and litigator whose practice consists of white-collar defense and government investigations. Earth recorded its hottest year ever in 2024, with such a big jump that the planet temporarily passed a major climate threshold. Experts say the trend may lead to more severe climate disasters. We spoke with Erica Fleishman, director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute at Oregon State University.
A delegation from one of Turkey's biggest pro-Kurdish political parties met a leading figure of the Kurdish movement in prison Saturday, the latest step in a tentative process to end the country's 40-year conflict, the party said.

Three senior figures from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) met the party's former co-chairperson, Selahattin Demirtas, at Edirne prison near the Greek border.

The meeting with Demirtas  jailed in 2016 on terrorism charges that most observers, including the European Court of Human Rights, have labelled politically motivated  took place two weeks after DEM members met Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned head of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

While the PKK has led an armed insurgency against the Turkish state since the 1980s, the DEM is the latest party representing left-leaning Kurdish nationalism. Both DEM and its predecessors have faced state measures largely condemned as repression, including the jailing of elected officials and the banning of parties.

In a statement released on social media after the meeting, Demirtas called on all sides to "focus on a common future where everyone, all of us, will win."

Demirtas credited Ocalan with raising the chance that the PKK could lay down its arms. Ocalan has been jailed on Imrali island in the Sea of Marmara since 1999 for treason over his leadership of the PKK, considered a terrorist organization by Turkey and most Western states.

Demirtas led the DEM between 2014 and 2018, when it was known as the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and he is still widely admired. He said that despite "good intentions," it was necessary for "concrete steps that inspire confidence  to be taken quickly."

One of the DEM delegation, Ahmet Turk, said: "I believe that Turks need Kurds and Kurds need Turks. Our wish is for Turkey to come to a point where it can build democracy in the Middle East."

The armed conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state, which started in August 1984 and has claimed tens of thousands of lives, has seen several failed attempts at peace.

Despite being imprisoned for a quarter of a century, Ocalan remains central to any chance of success due to his ongoing popularity among many of Turkey's Kurds. In a statement released on December 29, he signaled his willingness to "contribute positively" to renewed efforts.

Meanwhile, in an address Saturday to ruling party supporters in Diyarbakir, the largest city in the Kurdish-majority southeast, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for the disbandment of the PKK and the surrender of its weapons.

This would allow DEM "the opportunity to develop itself, strengthening our internal front against the increasing conflicts in our region, in short, closing the half-century-old separatist terror bracket and consigning it to history ... forever," he said in televised comments.

The latest drive for peace came when Devlet Bahceli, leader of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party and a close ally of Erdogan, surprised everyone in October when he suggested that Ocalan could be granted parole if he renounced violence and disbanded the PKK.

Erdogan offered tacit support for Bahceli's suggestion a week later, and Ocalan said he was ready to work for peace, in a message conveyed by his nephew.
Nearly all of the world's 35,000 online pharmacies are being run illegally and consumers who use them risk getting ineffective or dangerous drugs, according to the U.S. Trade Representative's annual report on "notorious markets." The report also singled out 19 countries over concerns about counterfeit or pirated products.

The report also named about three dozen online retailers, many of them in China or elsewhere in Asia that it said are allegedly engaged in selling counterfeit products or other illegal activities.

The report says 96% of online pharmacies were found to be violating the law, many operating without a license and selling medicines without prescriptions and safety warnings.

Their websites often look like legitimate e-commerce platforms, often with false claims that they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, said the report, released Wednesday. The FDA and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration have both issued warnings about risks of buying prescription medicines from such sources.

It cited a survey by the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies' Global Foundation that found nearly one in four Americans who have used online pharmacies reported having encountered substandard, fake or harmful medicines.

Last year, federal prosecutors reported that a network of illegal drug sellers based in the U.S., the Dominican Republic and India had packaged potentially deadly synthetic opioids into pills disguised as common prescription drugs and sold millions of them through fake online drugstores, federal prosecutors said Monday. At least nine people died of narcotics poisoning between August 2023 and June 2024 after consuming the counterfeit pills, the indictment said.

Apart from the risks of using drugs that may contain inert ingredients or those that could cause allergies, the medicines are sometimes made in unsanitary conditions, said the report, which did not give annual statistics for those who may have died or otherwise been harmed.

Progress in fighting counterfeit and pirated goods

The USTR's annual report cited examples from inside the United States, but and also mentioned risks of imported ingredients including fentanyl from China. Many of the illicit online pharmacies are based outside the U.S.

The "Notorious Markets List" did laud progress in fighting counterfeit and pirated goods.

In one case, U.S. authorities, industry groups and the police collaborated in shutting down a Hanoi, Vietnam-based piracy ring, Fmovies, and other related piracy sites, in July and August.

The report said the world's then-largest pirated movies site had drawn more than 6.7 billion visits from January 2023 to June 2024.

In another Vietnam-linked case, two people operating pirate television platform BestBuyIPTV were convicted and ordered to pay fines and forfeit property.

The report also cited crackdowns on online piracy in Brazil and the United Kingdom and busts of sellers of counterfeit purses, clothing and shoes in Kuwait.

But problems remain with cyberlockers that thwart efforts to restrict piracy of movies and other content and of so-called "bulletproof" internet service providers, or ISPs, that promise people using them leeway for using pirate sites, it said.

One such ISP is Avito, a Russian-based ad platform that allegedly lets sellers advertise counterfeit products.

Baidu Wangpan, a cloud storage service of China's largest search engine provider, Baidu, was named for allegedly failing to enforce or being slow to act on copyright protection.

The report also pointed to social-commerce site Pinduoduo and to Douyin Mall, a Chinese online platform owned by Tiktok owner ByteDance. It said the shopping platforms have sought to build up protections but that they still host many counterfeit goods.

It also named Shopee, a Singapore-based online and mobile e-commerce site, saying some country-focused platforms serving Southeast Asia and South American had better track records in fighting piracy than others.

IndiaMART, an big business-to-business marketplace in India, still offers a slew of counterfeit products, it said.

While a large share of theft of intellectual property has moved online, the report also highlighted real world locations notorious for selling counterfeit products, including markets in Turkey, bazaars in the United Arab Emirates and Saigon Square Shopping Mall in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City.

The report said Bangkok's MBK Center, a huge mall of about 2,000 stores, had actively cracked down on counterfeiting, though such products still can be found there.
The URL has been copied to your clipboard

The code has been copied to your clipboard.

The Luke Commission, a nonprofit by Echo and Harry VanderWal, is making a huge difference in Eswatini! Leaving Ohio in 2004, they set up a free healthcare service to help combat HIV/AIDS. Now, they assist over 300k patients annually. #HealthcareHeroes #EswatiniAIDSHelp
Photo: Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images

Alec Baldwin is ready to go back to court over Rust. The actor filed a lawsuit accusing New Mexico prosecutors and investigators of malicious prosecution over the dismissed manslaughter case against him, the New York Times reports. Baldwin claims prosecutors attempted to manufacture a case against him, arguing the evidence issues in the manslaughter case amounted to a violation of his rights. The trial over Baldwins on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins had begun last July when a witness revealed evidence about ammunition that had not been disclosed to Baldwins attorneys. The judge dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it could not be retried, saying at the time, There is no way for the court to right this wrong.

Prosecutors have long defended their case against Baldwin, but in December, special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey withdrew an appeal of the case. At the time, she blamed a lack of support from the state attorney generals office. Morrissey previously conceded that the evidence was withheld but argued it was not essential to Baldwins team. We look forward to our day in court, she told the Times of Baldwins lawsuit.

Baldwin, who has long said the shooting was accidental, is accusing prosecutors and investigators of following a shaky case against him based on personal agendas or professional ambitions. Defendants must now be held accountable for their malicious and unlawful pursuit of Baldwin, his attorneys wrote. Although no verdict in this civil case can undo the trauma the states threat of conviction and incarceration has inflicted, Alec Baldwin has filed this action to hold defendants responsible for their appalling violations of the laws that governed their work.
Its unlikely that American Primeval is trying to make each episode more uncomfortable than the last, but sometimes it feels that way, doesnt it? On the one hand, the series fourth episode features no sexual assault or throat slitting, so in that sense it is milder than the episodes preceding it. On the other hand, its bookended by scenes of horrific injuries. So maybe American Primeval isnt trying to top itself with each episode but attempting to offer the broadest possible array of horrible things that could happen to someone in the American West.

If you didnt already have getting your toes sliced with a dirty shovel on such a list, this episode should put it there. It opens with a sermon that doubles as a war cry as Brigham Young tells his people that, after being persecuted wherever they tried to settle before, theyd found their Zion. This last phrase tellingly plays over the image of Fort Bridger, where an unhappy Jim Bridger is determined to maintain possession of the pigs he picked out for purchase in the previous episode. But Bridger has not paid in full and he cant match the price offered by Wild Bill Hickman, so it seems like his hands are tied. Wild Bill is confident enough in this to threaten to take everything Bridger owns. Bridgers counterpoint: the aforementioned shovel to the foot. This solves his pig problem but leaves the threat of a Mormon takeover looming.

The overlapping edits between Young and Fort Bridger arent the only significant bits of juxtaposition in the episodes early moments. While Dellinger writes in his journal about the intense, sometimes conflicting feelings his time in the West has inspired, we see images of Abish witnessing a Shoshone ceremony and looking unsure what to feel. Her conversation with Winter Bird the next day confirms this. Told by Winter Bird that shell be taken to her people, she replies that she doesnt know who her people are anymore. This leads to a conversation about why Abishs people  and here Winter Bird clearly means the settlers  hate the Native Americans. Fear, Abish replies, which seems like a charitable, or at least incomplete, assessment given the history being discussed. Winter Birds own reply suggests as much without calling Abish out for it, recalling all the suffering and loss her people have experienced before suggesting that the stains on Abishs dress represent her life, even those that arent so good. Winter Bird has a way of making herself understood, whoever shes talking to.

Will she ever get a chance to talk to Jacob? That remains a bit unclear. Its an eventful episode for Jacob, who remains fixated on Cooks stolen watch even as he watches Virgil slaughter the remaining adults in the French Canadian camp where Sara, Isaac, and Devin were held captive. (Tilly, the meanest of Virgils companions, even takes the doll away from the girl who lured them to the camp whos now left with no one to care for her. Hes not a nice man.) Lucas (Andrew P. Logan), one of Virgils men, is not onboard with this.

Lucas is also the member of the gang most sympathetic to Jacob and his singing. But will he tolerate an angry, violent Jacob? Pushed too far by Tillys taunts, he attacks him. Hes taken away to cool off by Cook, a decision Cook lives just long enough to regret. Enraged by the pocket watch he knows to have been lifted from the scene of the massacre, Jacob drowns Cook in the river and takes the watch as evidence. Jacob explains himself to Virgil but Virgil makes the (kind of understandable) decision to part ways with Jacob and let him find his own way.

In an even less hospitable part of Utah Territory, an injured horse prompts Isaac to stop for the night, the rest of which is spent getting to know his companions a bit better. With Devin he has a discussion about the morality of killing bad men, a matter relevant to both Isaac and Sara, both of whom Devin has seen killing bad men. Later that night, Sara awakens from a nightmare in which shes being captured and begins talking to Isaac, who tells her a bit about his past. The Shoshone called him Spotted Hawk because they knew him first as a freckled young boy after he was traded to them. Sara finds it hard to imagine how he could bring himself to leave such a kind and safe environment. Why would you leave that? she asks. Isaac has no answer, but he does agree to stay by her side during the night.

At the Shoshone camp, Red Feather returns with Dellingers spy, Grey Fox (Jeremiah Bitsui). This leads to a string of more moral debates, this one between Red Feather and his mother, Winter Bird. Red Feather defines himself as a warrior for his people, even showing hes willing to bleed for them by cutting himself. Later, Abish more or less picks up where Winter Bird left off, conversing with Red Feather by way of Grey Foxs translation, asking where the killing in the name of God ends and does he really want his son, Young Elk (Mosiah Crowfoot), to be a part of this cycle of violence. By her estimation, all the Shoshone deserve to live a long life  even Red Feather, she replies when he asks.

This leads Red Feather to rethink his position and concoct a strategy: Hell take a war party to the soldiers camp, but with Abish, who can explain what happened and whos really behind the massacre, thus, ideally, preventing the need for a battle. With Abish serving as his spokesperson and Grey Fox as translator, this ends up working out pretty well (all things considered, and perhaps just for now). After Abish reveals her identity, she confirms what Dellinger already suspects. He also tells Abish that Jacob is still alive and they can bring her to him. But as Red Feather rides off, Abish doesnt look any less conflicted about where she belongs than before, especially after Dellinger tells her that the peace will not hold due to Red Feathers past attacks, even if hes innocent of the massacre. Both Dellinger and Abish agree the Shoshone deserve better. Neither seems capable of doing anything about it.

When Dellinger brings Abish to the Mormon camp, hes greeted, none too warmly, by Wild Bill and Wolsey, who are visibly shaken by a living witness to the Mountain Meadows Massacre, despite their expressions of relief. Abish has no intention of staying with them and confirms Wolseys identity to Dellinger as they ride away, prompting Dellinger to write a letter making the accusation to his superior. This seems like the right course of action except for two things: (1) Abish feels like shes been used, put in harms way so she can identify a killer who now knows shes alive and has reason to want her dead. And (2) he gives the message to one of his trusted officers, Pepper (Kip Weeks), but Pepper is a traitor who takes the letter to Wild Bill instead, and Abish flees for parts unknown (but presumably the Shoshone camp.)

Meanwhile, Isaac leads his party through the snow the best he can, but that injured horse isnt making it easy. Their goal is to make it as far as a hunting lodge Isaac knows. They do, but only after Devin is thrown from the injured horse and suffers a badly injured leg. This forces Isaac to engage in some truly grisly acts of field medicine, and the episode ends much as it began, on the sickening sound of crunching bones.

Bullets and Arrowheads

 The other lingering question with American Primeval, beyond whether every episode is designed to be even more uncomfortable than its predecessor, is whether it has a vision of the American Westand America as a wholebeyond depicting the violence and awfulness at the root of its history. The depth of the historic detail and richness of the characters and performances have suggested it does from the start, and one starts to emerge with this episode. Abishs ability to see beyond what shes been taught about Native Americans, Red Feathers reconsideration of warfare as a way of life (which may prove short-lived), Dellingers reflectiveness, and the friendship between Devin and Two Moons (which is less evident in this episode) all point toward ways of living beyond factionalism, constant struggle, and violence. Whats also clear is that the path to that is as difficult as the journey from Fort Bridger to Crooks Springs.

 This series is really good at depicting harsh conditions, particularly the journey through the snow in this episode. By all reports, thats in no small part because it was shot under some pretty trying circumstances. When the cast looks cold, its apparently often because they were cold.
When Dellinger penned a letter to his superiors describing his faith that the Mountain Meadows Massacre was committed by members of the LDS church and not Shoshone warriors, he hoped it would have consequences. In American Primevals fifth episode, we see that it did, just not the consequences Dellinger hoped for. Thanks to bribery and betrayal, the letter found its way to the perpetually angry Wild Bill Hickman, who decides to take his anger out on Wolsey by whipping him in front of the rest of the Nauvoo Legion. (Once again, American Primeval opens its episode with some heretofore-unseen unpleasantness.)

When Lt. Pepper returns to camp, Dellinger tells him theyll wait for reinforcements and, failing their arrival, attack the Nauvoo anyway. Thats an iffy proposition made even iffier by the possibility Pepper will tell Wild Bill whats going on, but the cover-up has another problem. Pepper soon learns of Abishs disappearance, another loose end that will need to be tied up. Returning to the Shoshone camp, Abish immediately tells Winter Bird whats going on. Winter Birds not terribly surprised to see Abish again, even when Abish tells her shes learned Jacob is alive and still looking for her. As they did for Sara, Winter Birds place and people provide a sense of safety offered nowhere else. Its doubtful that a glimpse of Jacob, who now looks more than a little unhinged, would change her mind.

Then again, everyones looking more than a little worse for wear in this episode. Devin remains in bed and in agony as his leg worsens. Isaac recognizes that drastic actions, like amputation, might have to be taken to save the boys life. Ultimately, that does not prove necessary, though its hard to imagine it being more painful than the cauterization Isaac performs, even if this does save Devins leg. Later, Sara gently tries to renegotiate their arrangement. Maybe, she asks, Isaac might want to take them to California? Crooks Springs might not be the best idea after all. Of Devins father, the best she can say is, Hes a decent enough man. Well  Ive known worse. Isaac, however, she knows to be better than decent enough. Whats unspoken is her sense that he might want to come with them, an issue Isaac tables by leaving to check on the horses (but not without inspiring Two Moons to give Sara a knowing look).

Unlike Dellinger, Bridger has a pretty good sense of one of the consequences awaiting him after the events of the previous episode, namely a visit from Brigham Young. Young arrives, in Bridgers description, all smiles and Jesus, ready to discuss the misunderstanding that led to Wild Bills grievous foot injury. To smooth things over, Young makes Bridger an offer for the fort he thinks is fair. Bridger disagrees. The stalemate continues, but the threatening undercurrent suggests this may not last.

Elsewhere, a different sort of apparent stalemate comes to an end when the Nauvoo Legion attacks Dellingers camp before Dellinger can attack them, a result, once again, of Peppers betrayal. The series most eloquent character, Dellinger doubles as the episodes narrator, first with his intercepted letter and, as the attack unfolds, with a lyrical journal entry that attempts to capture the possibility and wonder beyond the Wests brutality.

I am hopeful that the beauty I see in these lands has a power greater than darkness, Dellinger writes, shortly before Pepper assassinates him. There are two ways to read this: as a testament left behind in hopes of a better future or misplaced optimism. Does Dellingers death suggest that Utah Territory, and by extension America itself, will always be driven by primeval conflict? That question might be too big for the series to answer.

Theres little cause for optimism in the aftermath of the attack. After Pepper takes a sack of coins for his betrayal, Wild Bill and Wolsey realize they still have to deal with Abish. But Pepper proves to be an easier loose end to tie up. A bullet to the head takes care of that.

The next day, Young shows up with a warrant for Bridgers arrest (but only after confirming that he doesnt want to sell the fort). The accusation: Bridger has sold guns to Native Americans. If theres any validity to the accusation, it will have to be addressed at another time. Bridger has a lot of friends, at least locally, with guns of their own. As politely as possible, Bridger suggests Young find another location for a fort of his own. Crisis averted? Not by a long shot, Sammy, Bridger tells a companion.

At the hunting lodge, Sara and Isaac get real. When Sara expresses regrets for the hard choices shes had to make (including murder), Isaac tells her, We do what we have to do. Dont we? Thats another line that could almost double as the series tagline, but moments later, Sara challenges him to reassess what what we have to do means for him. She learns, as she suspected, that Isaac lost a son of his own. She also learns that this happened after Isaac went looking for a safer spot even after Winter Bird decided to keep her people in the same place. (And we learn, thanks to a flashback, that it happened violently, though the details remain unclear.) When Isaac admits hes retreated from the world to avoid caring about anyone, and thus being hurt, ever again, Sara essentially tells him this is no way to live.

As this unfolds, Winter Bird learns her people face danger once again when Red Feather returns with Abish and explains that her enemies will stop at nothing to take her. Though Abish volunteers to leave, Winter Bird tells her to stay. Whats more, the development has tipped her over to Red Feathers side of the fight-or-flight choice. Theyll stay and theyll fight. Though the warriors seem genuinely excited by the possibility, Abish looks less sure.

Its becoming increasingly clear Sara would like Isaac to consider starting a new life with her and Devin. But first they have to get away from the hunting lodge, which is being threatened by wolves and, not far behind them, Virgil and his men, who waste no time attacking. In turn, Isaac wastes no time laying into the first man he encounters. Then he kills the second, foiling his attempt to hold Devin and Two Moons hostage. Sara, however, isnt so lucky. And with her kidnapping, we head into the credits, and whats sure to be an intense series finale.

Bullets and Arrowheads

 It seemed inevitable that wed get Isaacs backstory at some point, but the brief glimpses we see of him as a younger (and less hairy) man are fairly elliptical. Theyre also the only flashbacks the series has offered so far. Its an interesting choice given that Saras story remains blurry and has felt like it was leading to a flashback revealing the full details. Maybe next episode? Not that the series needs it, but this flashback would seem to open the door for others.

 Things dont look so good for many of our characters as we head into the finale, but it would be surprising if everyone came to an unhappy ending. For all the miserable developments, there are also sparks of hope. Of course, sometimes, like Dellinger and his journal, those sparks get snuffed out. Its rough out there, and though everyone believes theyre doing what they have to do, sometimes doing what they have to do means hurting others who are also trying to survive.
Moore at the Grammys in 2019. Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Sam Moore, formerly of the musical duo Sam and Dave, died at the age of 89, reports the New York Times. Moore died in the hospital after receiving surgery, his wife and manager, Joyce Moore, told the outlet. As Sam and Dave, he and Dave Prater were the creators for hits like Soul Man, Hold On, Im Comin, and I Thank You. First meeting in 1961 at the King of Hearts Club in Miami, Sam and Dave were both discovered by music producer Henry Stone and signed to Roulette Records before eventually moving on to Atlantic Records just three years later, where their hits were born. Throughout their music partnerships, they experienced multiple breakups, the first one being in 1970. They would eventually get back together before formally ending their duo in 1981 with one final performance in San Francisco.

As a solo act, Moore lived in the shadows of Sam and Dave; Prater hired Sam Daniels so he could continue some version of the Sam and Dave act, limiting Moores opportunities as a solo artist. He eventually pursued legal action against Prater and Moore, created the Artists and Others Against Imposters organization, and testified before Congress. The Blues Brothers performed a cover of Soul Man on SNL in 1978, reigniting interest in the song; another resurgence came when Nickelodeons Drake and Josh covered the song on their show. More recently, Moore performed at the inauguration of President Donald Trump in 2017. At the time he explained his reasoning as to performing as a way to unify the country: I honestly believe that if we can accomplish this, the best is yet to come. We all as Americans need to unite behind our new president and give him a chance. He needs everyones support to make America greater, stronger and an even better country.

See tributes from Bon Jovi, Chuck D of Public Enemy, and more below.

I dont know if yall reading this even know how Sam Moore ( Sam and Dave) part of my life soundtrack. Rest In Beats Mr Sam . pic.twitter.com/2KpbMxSsPw  Chuck D (@MrChuckD) January 11, 2025

RIP Sam Moore. One of the last of the great Soul Men. Him and Dave Prater were the inspiration for me and Johnny to start Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. An important righteous wonderful man. https://t.co/MZ65OgDsqV  Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) January 11, 2025
Photo: Michael N. Todaro/Getty Images

Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon will pay the price for his payouts  and in this case, the price is $1.7 million. The Securities and Exchange Commission announced on Friday that it has settled its charges against McMahon related to alleged hush-money payments made on behalf of himself and the WWE. The SEC found that McMahon did not properly disclose to his then-company that he had made payments to two women ($3 million to a former WWE employee and $7.5 million to a former WWE independent contractor) in exchange for their agreement not to file claims against him. According to the SEC, this made the WWE overstate its net income in 2018 and 2021.

McMahon agreed to pay a $400,000 civil penalty and a $1.33 million reimbursement to the WWE without admitting to or denying to the SECs findings, the SEC said. In a statement shared on social media, McMahon chalked the case up to minor accounting errors with regard to some personal payments that I made several years ago. His statement also suggested that Fridays resolution marked the end of nearly three years of investigation by different governmental agencies, noting that he was thrilled that he could put all this behind him.

However, as a community note on X was quick to point out, McMahon still faces a lawsuit for sexual assault and trafficking from former WWE employee Janel Grant. Her attorney, Ann Callis, said in a statement to NBC News that Grant plans to continue pursuing her civil suit against McMahon, WWE, and former WWE exec John Laurinaitis. The SECs charges prove that the NDA Vince McMahon coerced Ms. Grant into signing violates the law, and therefore her case must be heard in court, Callis said, claiming that Grants legal team is ready to bring forward new evidence for her lawsuit as prosecutors for the Southern District of New York continue their criminal investigation. McMahon, who stepped down from WWE parent company TKO in January 2024 after years of misconduct allegations, has denied wrongdoing and claimed that Grants lawsuit is replete with lies.
Order of Malta

A huge thanks to our volunteers in Order of Malta Ireland Ambulance Corps Tramore Unit who were busy over the festive period. Our ambulance corps members were on duty on Christmas Day swim and New Years Day races as well as assisting with patient transfers over the same period. The community first responders have been available to assist national ambulance service and the people of Tramore and the surrounding areas 24 hours a day all across the holidays, as well as throughout the year.

SVP Tramore

The shop is currently accepting donations of your pre-loved good quality furniture. For further information or to arrange a collection call 085 8706332, Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm. Thank you for all your donations to date. The money we generate from the sale of your donation makes a huge difference to people needing support in our local community.

Coastguard Centre

Dylan-mania is sweeping the country with the release of the new biopic, 'A Complete Unknown', starring Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan. Riding this wave, Waterfords Derek Flynn kicks off 2025 with 'The Life & Songs of Bob Dylan', at the Coastguard Cultural Centre on January 25. Derek, a musician and writer, began his 'Life & Songs' series in 2023 with a Leonard Cohen tribute. Since then, hes honoured Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel, and Abba, alongside performers like Lauren Cardiff, Paula Weldon, and Dean Flynn. Bob Dylan was always a requested name, and now Derek is bringing his songs and story to life. The recent biopic has reignited interest in his legacy. Dereks show will blend Dylans classic hits with stories from his life, making for an unforgettable evening. Tickets are available on the Theatre Vamps page at eventbrite.ie.

Slimming World

Danny Colbert is celebrating his success after receiving his 2st 7lbs (15.9kg) certificate recently at Tramore Slimming World. He couldnt be prouder of his achievement and said: From the moment I walked through those doors, I knew it was the best decision I had ever made. Everyone made me feel completely welcome, and I instantly felt I was in the right place.

You can follow in his footsteps and achieve lasting results by joining one of the warm and friendly groups with Tracey ODonoghue. The classes are held in Tramore Community Care Centre, Pond Road, on Tuesdays at 5pm or 6.30pm and Fridays at 7.30am or 9am. Classes are also held in Carrick-on-Suir in the Nano Nagle Community Care Centre on Wednesdays at 5.30pm or 7pm.

Tramore Park Run

Tramore Parkrun recently celebrated nine amazing years of parkrun. A huge thank you to everyone who joined then  visitors, first-timers, and our wonderful volunteers who make it all happen. They are grateful to everyone who has been part of our Saturday mornings over the years. Special thanks to those who volunteer and keep things running smoothly. A big shoutout to Tadgh for the delicious biscuits at the finish, and happy birthday to Lesley. Congratulations to Kim on completing his 250th parkrun recently. Heres to many more years ahead.
Three research projects aimed at developing new technologies to reduce and account for agricultural greenhouse gas emissions are to receive funding of 5.2 million as part of the Ireland-New Zealand Joint Research Initiative (JRI).

The projects were announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, and Minister of State with special responsibility for Research and Innovation, Martin Heydon TD, together with the New Zealand Minister for Agriculture, Todd McClay MP.

Making the announcement, Minister McConalogue stated: The agricultural sector has been to the forefront in implementing actions to mitigate its impact on climate change, including through the implementation of technologies and practices arising from research funded by my Department. The three projects being announced, with combined Ireland-New Zealand funding of 5.2 million, will contribute to advancing our mitigation efforts, building on the progress achieved last year where a reduction in emissions from agriculture of 4.6% was achieved.

In recognition of the strong existing research connections and the common challenges facing the agri-food sectors in both Ireland and New Zealand, the JRI was established in 2022 to strengthen cooperation and collaboration between funders and researchers on a bilateral basis, align research priorities and activities, and exploit synergies where they exist.

The 2024 projects will be coordinated in Ireland by researchers from Teagasc and University of Galway in collaboration with University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin.

Marking this investment, Minister Heydon said: I am pleased to announce the continuation of our strong investment in agriculture and climate change research through the Joint Research Initiative between Ireland and New Zealand.

"The funding of 2.3 million for the Irish partners involved will go towards mitigation measures for greenhouse gases, inventory refinement, and technologies to improve methane emission estimates. Our partnership with New Zealand over the last three years has seen us jointly invest almost 20 million in ground-breaking research and I am confident this will serve us into the future in improving the sustainability of our common pasture-based livestock farming systems.

Echoing these remarks and acknowledging the success of the pilot programme, New Zealands Minister for Agriculture Hon Todd McClay said, This pilot has provided valuable opportunities for scientists to expand research links and tap into international expertise and equipment.

"Their work has boosted understanding of rumen microbiology and low emissions livestock breeding, improved greenhouse gas inventories, and developed new tools and techniques for farmers and researchers to understand and mitigate on-farm emissions.

"I would like to commend the Ireland and New Zealand research communities for getting behind this important initiative. Together we can make a step-change in research efforts to drive down agricultural emissions, grow value through climate-friendly products, and help ensure the long-term wellbeing of our environment and people.
An application for planning permission was recently submitted to An Bord Pleanala for a 15-turbine wind farm on Scart Mountain, approximately 4km northeast of Cappoquin in Waterford.

Once constructed, the wind farm would be able to provide energy for between 45,598 and 65,661 Irish households, the planning application documentation claims.

The 12 individual turbines would have a blade tip height of between 179.5 and 185 metres tall

The wind farm would require the construction of 15 wind turbines, a 110kV substation and other works. In conjunction with this application, Futurenergy Scart Mountain DAC is also applying for permission to connect the requested wind farm to the substation in Dungarvan via 16km of electrical cabling.

FuturEnergy Ireland is a wind power development company established in 2021 by Coillte and the Electrical Supply Board. The company is aiming to deliver 1 gigawatt of renewable energy by 2023 through the development of onshore wind projects in order to decarbonise the Irish electrical grid.

FuturEnergy Ireland said that the Scart Mountain Wind Farm would save between 61,350 tonnes and 77,694 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

"Scart Mountain Wind Farm would support the local economy by contributing annual rates and providing a Community Benefit Fund," the company said when it announced the application.

"If consented and constructed as designed, the project would contribute a minimum of 540,000 per annum to a Community Benefit Fund for 15 years and a further 270,000 per annum for the operational lifetime of the wind farm.

"The lifetime fund is an exclusive FuturEnergy Ireland initiative that brings the total contribution to the local area to approximately 12 million during the operational period."

Emer Campbell, Project Manager at FuturEnergy Ireland, said of the Scart Mountain Wind Farm that this planning application marks an important milestone in our commitment to delivering renewable energy solutions that support Irelands transition to a more sustainable future."

If you consider that a single rotation of one turbine would power a typical home for 12 to 16 hours, the Scart Mountain Wind Farm has the potential to contribute significantly to national renewable energy targets," she said

"The project would also create local opportunities through a substantial community benefit fund, local rates payments and employment.
A warm November in the Arctic Circle may have delayed the building of the ephemeral parts of Swedens Icehotel, but it is now complete, open and celebrating its 35th anniversary. The seasonal offerings took six weeks to build, using 454 tonnes of ice, 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools of snis  a mixture of snow and ice  and the imaginings of 30 or so artists.

The original inn, which has spawned many other ice hotels and ice bars, Icehotel, dates back to 1989 when, thanks to a local inspired by Japanese ice sculpting, the Arctic Circle town of Jukkasjarvi began hosting winter displays of art made from the frozen waters of the Torne River. This evolved into Icehotel when some travellers asked to stay in the igloo gallery housing the pieces.

Cool dreaming  a bed inside the Icehotel. Credit:

Since 2016, Icehotel has included warm rooms and other permanent, year-round amenities, including structures made of ice that are kept frozen.

But its the winter Art Suites that have made it famous.
London: In Rome, there is a famous saying: He who enters a conclave as pope, exits as a cardinal.

Its become a proverb among so-called Vaticanologists, indicating one should never be too sure of oneself. For when it comes to predicting what happens next, nothing can ever be certain.

At the age of 88, Pope Francis  born Jorge Mario Bergoglio  is now the oldest pontiff in over a century and is in increasingly frail health. He has his good days and bad days, those who monitor him closely say, but after almost 12 years in the Catholic Churchs top job, Vatican watchers agree he is closer to the end of his reign than the start.

The cinematic release of Conclave, a Hollywood film adapted from the novel by British author Robert Harris, has once again thrown the spotlight on one of the most arcane, storied and secretive events in human history: the election of a new pope.
China builds comprehensive innovation platform system for traditional Chinese medicine

Xinhua) 09:15, January 11, 2025

People wait to see doctor at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic in Qiaoxi historical and cultural block along the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 12, 2024.(Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has established a three-tiered innovative system for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) covering national, industrial and local levels, showing new progress in the inheritance and innovation of the ancient Chinese treasure.

Yu Yanhong, director of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, told a national conference on TCM technology that the administration is responsible for the TCM modernization national key R&D program with more than 1,200 provincial-level TCM research platforms established nationwide, People's Daily reported on Friday.

China has strengthened its efforts on TCM research as seven national key laboratories, five national engineering research centers, and four national medical research, production and education integration innovation platforms are under construction, with 46 TCM inheritance and innovation centers in development, said Yu.

In parallel with technological innovations, research on original TCM theories have deepened, yielding important outcomes, particularly in the areas of cardiovascular, metabolic and digestive diseases.

Since 2023, China has defined 50 disease categories where TCM treatment has advantages, 52 integrated Chinese-Western medical treatment plans and 100 unique medicinal herb varieties.

Researchers also made new discoveries from previous achievements with a total of 324 ancient classic TCM prescriptions released. Since 2021, 43 TCM products have been approved for marketing, including 19 compound formulations based on ancient classic prescriptions, thereby, accelerating the research and development process for new TCM drugs, according to the report.

In addition, China has also made significant advances in the protection and innovative research and development of TCM resources. It has set up 28 seed and seedling breeding bases for medicinal herbs, standardized the cultivation of over 120 commonly used or authentic medicinal materials, and initiated ecological planting for more than 100 types of herbal medicine.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
China is poised to implement a clear-cut fiscal policy in 2025 that aims to intensify countercyclical regulation and will be "highly proactive," officials said Friday.

As part of the policy, the size of China's fiscal deficit will increase significantly in 2025, Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min told a press conference.

Noting that the fiscal deficit ratio will be increased in 2025, Liao said considering the increasing size of China's GDP, the total fiscal expenditure will further be expanded, and countercyclical adjustment efforts will also be stepped up to provide solid support for the sustained recovery of the economy.

The policy also takes fiscal sustainability in the medium and long term into consideration, so that it is prudent at the same time. Specific policy measures must go through statutory procedures before being launched, Liao said.

The ministry will increase transfer payments to local governments to enhance their fiscal capacity, while allocating a larger scale of government bonds, including ultra-long special treasury bonds and local government special bonds, the vice minister said.

Specifically, efforts will focus on expanding the scope of special bonds in the country's property market to drive effective demand, said Lin Zechang, head of the comprehensive department of the ministry.

Within the limits of newly issued special bond quotas for 2025, local authorities will be able to allocate funds as needed for special bond projects aimed at land reserves and the acquisition of existing commercial housing for affordable housing purposes, Lin said.

As policy measures take effect, multiple indicators of the property market have shown improvement. In December 2024, the transaction area of new commercial housing in 100 major cities nationwide increased by some 17 percent month on month and 18 percent year on year, Lin said.

"We believe that as policy measures continue to strengthen and a new model for real estate development is being developed, the market will further stabilize and improve," Lin said.

Emphasizing the optimization of the country's fiscal expenditure structure in 2025, Liao said that the focus will be more on improving livelihoods and stimulating consumption.

Accordingly, the ministry will provide greater support for stabilizing employment and boosting consumption by increasing income, strengthening the social security system and developing new consumption sectors.

Regarding employment, Lin said that the ministry will further support key sectors such as the cultural and tourism industry, other modern service industries, and foreign trade.

While promising more investment in stabilizing employment and ensuring people's livelihoods, Lin said that efforts will be made to further promote employment in small and micro businesses.

Looking ahead, Liao said the ministry will deepen reforms in the fiscal and tax systems and continue to strengthen efforts to prevent and resolve risks in key sectors.

Given the new situations and challenges in both domestic and international environments, there is ample fiscal policy space and a variety of tools available, Liao added, stressing that further measures will be gradually unveiled to provide robust support for economic and social development.
When America sets a headline (the wisdom goes) in jig-time Europe tends to follow. Not in everything, thank God. While the United States looks forward to beatifying Donald Trump as president in a few weeks time, the Taoiseach-elect, Micheal Martin, cut from a very different cloth, will assume political leadership here at home. Thank God for that too.

The wisdom of the more sophisticated Irish electorate was clear in that Trump-alikes, invariably wandering in the foothills of the recent election, failed spectacularly to register any serious vote. The perceived immigrant threat hovering on the verge of racism thankfully disappeared from sight in Ireland.

But that said the Irish Catholic Church seems set to follow a recent trend in the Catholic Church in America  the closing of churches and its inevitable consequence, offering them for sale.

The US, with its short history coupled with an unapologetic business ethic, takes change very much in its path. That go-to culture was exemplified some years ago when a returned Yank was asked for a contribution to an ambitious church refurbishment and replied: In the States when things are not working, we close them down!

Ireland with longer memories isnt quite that lethal in its reactions, particularly in regard to religion, wrapped as we are in a lively heritage of social and family memories. But inevitably, in regard to a clear reality that many churches are becoming surplus to requirements, theres a gathering sense that we have little or no hope of avoiding the particular path America is taking.

Someone told me recently that there are eight Catholic churches in Achill. As with many places in rural Ireland, the number of churches was directly connected with a lack of transport which once made other churches effectively inaccessible particularly to the elderly. The result was a campaign to build churches within walking distance and thus, parishes like Achill, finds itself with more churches than is necessary at a time when almost everyone has adequate transport.

It's a dilemma now facing most Irish parishes. How to decide what church (or churches) remain open and what churches remain closed. Its a dilemma too facing  though not in the immediate future  town parishes as well. In Ballina, for example, there are two churches (St Muredachs Cathedral and St Patricks Church) either of which could cater on its own for the total congregations at weekend Masses.

Even the decision to build St Patricks almost 50 years ago was based on the perception of the inaccessibility of the cathedral to people at the other end of Ballina town.

While clearly we live in different times, transitioning (as the Americans call it) to a more realistic downsizing of church numbers will demand not just a recognition of the financial imperative of closing churches but the difficulty of taking decisions that will bring considerable grief to everyone involved  those charged with proposing possible solutions and those who simply cant even begin to contemplate the reality of selling a building that has been for generations a sacred space that acted as a repository of treasured memories of baptisms, First Communions, confirmations, weddings and funerals.

This is not a road that church authorities are anxious to embrace. Or that the church faithful want to face. It is clearly divisive in that while most congregations would be agreeable if other congregations were to join their church, most practising Catholics want to remain in their own church. This predictable dilemma was clear in a comment some years ago of a priest who was given responsibility for rationalising the number of Masses in neighbouring parishes: Nobody is objecting, he said, if everyone could have Mass at 11am in their own parish church every Sunday.

Clearly, however, despite the almost universal reluctance to bell this particular cat, this is a situation that isnt going to go away and will be exacerbated with time. Priest numbers are not just declining but disappearing over a cliff-face. Numbers attending church and paying for its upkeep have declined significantly and are expected to decline even further as the age level of worshippers increase with a growing percentage among what Americans call the sunset years of life.

The clear and unavoidable consequence is that the resources available in the future wont measure up to present demands, not least the excessive numbers of churches that have to be insured, heated, lit and maintained.

The difficult and unavoidable truth is that unless the number of churches is rationalised, our churches will gradually become more and more neglected. Spreading a progressively smaller budget will end inevitably in more decrepit churches.

In America church buildings deemed surplus to requirements are being shut down and sold for business or residential use; in some cases for luxury real estate development; for others, as in one sale that will lead to the building of 3,000 square foot condominiums; in another to build hundreds of apartments in a high-rent city  most of which will become affordable housing.

There is no simple solution to the problem that emptying churches represents and the multiple challenges involved for church and people. Irish people have a great loyalty to their church building and, as is expected, will fight to retain a place with so many memories and associations over the decades and even the centuries.

There is a huge price to be paid for the kind of sensible rationalisation that is becoming more and more obvious and necessary. But theres a price to be paid too for not doing anything. No can be the easier word to say but saying it wont solve the problem.
(Chico Saraybas work is featured on the front cover of Pacific Tattoo Magazine.)

Chico Sarayba

Q. Can you describe the tattoo culture in the Philippines?

A. The tattoo culture in the Philippines is getting better and continues to grow. Our elders are starting to accept it and realize its art.

Q. What can you say to U.S. military personnel who come down to Palawan on TDY looking to grab some ink?

A. Tattooing military personnel is awesome. I have learned good things from them and have become friends with many. Some of them have become like family. If they are looking to grab some ink, I will say this is the right moment to get it. I will surely recommend getting some ink because for me, its like a souvenir. Getting a I love Palawan t-shirt is cool, but getting a tattoo in Palawan is quite an experience.

Q. What is the most rewarding thing about being a tattoo artist?

A. The most rewarding thing about being a tattoo artist is it keeps me alive and its how I make a living.

Q. If you could change one thing about the tattoo industry, what would it be?

A. Maybe instead of competition, lets make a collaboration so tattoo artists can share ideas, learn new techniques from one another, and be friends with respect.

Q. What is it like traveling to different countries to give tattoos?

A. I learn new things, but not just about tattoos. Its awesome meeting new tattoo artists and sharing ideas. I do miss my family though, but sometimes if you wanna see more, you have to go outside. Its a blessing to be able to travel.

Q. What inspired you to become an artist and eventually open a tattoo parlor?

A. When I was young, I always loved to draw. I dropped out of school after 8th grade. My big brother had a tattoo booth in my Grandmas resort. I would work there every summer. We did temporary tattoos, and it was fun. I really loved it. One day, we ran out of material, so we went to visit my brothers friend, Onat Buenaventura, who owns a tattoo shop. We went there to buy materials for tattoos, and we became friends. Onat is a Master in tattoo, so I asked if I could be his apprentice. Master Onat and my big brother, Harry Sarayba, were my inspiration to become a tattoo artist. I opened my tattoo shop when my son Dylan was four months old. I decided to leave my hometown in Cavite and flew to Palawan to start a new humble beginning in June 2015. I need to make sure that my kids will be okay when Im gone, so I decided to open a tattoo studio.

(Tatto work by Chico Sarayba) (Tatto works by Chico Sarayba) (plaque)

Chico Sarayba is a tattoo artist who owns Dylans Tattoo Shop in Palawan, Philippines. In 2021 while on TDY to the Philippines, Chico tattooed my left rib cage with my favorite anime character. It was a great experience as he made me feel at home and really made sure my tat was drawn the way I wanted. I reached out to him recently to chat about being a tattoo artist in the Philippines.  Luis Samayoa

View Pacific Tattoo
BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for high-quality audit-based oversight to provide safeguards for the country's high-quality economic and social development.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction on the audit work, which he underscored as an important part of the oversight systems of the Party and the country.

In recent years, audit authorities have played a positive role in promoting the healthy development of the economy, safeguarding economic security of the country, revealing risks and potential dangers, and advancing the fight against corruption, Xi said.

Highlighting the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee on audit work, Xi said audit authorities should focus on their primary responsibilities and core business, deepen reform and innovation, and strengthen self-improvement. He also called for building a centralized and unified audit oversight system that is comprehensive, authoritative and efficient.

Xi's important instruction was conveyed by Wu Zhenglong, state councilor and secretary-general of the State Council, at the national audit work conference held in Beijing from Friday to Saturday.

At the conference, 80 audit institutions and 45 individuals were honored for their excellent performance.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Lei Yang
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. &&
On Friday, Hosyar Saryldz and Nuriye Arslan, Co-Mayors of the Akdeniz Municipality in Mersin, which is governed by the Peoples Democracy and Equality Party (DEM Party), were detained along with four municipal council members. A trustee is expected to be appointed to this municipality by the Ministry of Interior in violation of the Constitution.

The removal of elected mayors and the appointment of trustees is a clear attack on basic democratic rights. The Socialist Equality Group condemns this anti-democratic, police-state repression and demands the release and reinstatement of the elected mayors and councillors.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara, Turkey, Monday November 6, 2023. [AP Photo/Jonathan Ernst]

On March 31, many mayors of DEM Party elected in local elections were dismissed and replaced by trustees. The Republican Peoples Party (CHP) mayors of Esenyurt, a municipality of 1 million people in Istanbul province, as well as the CHP mayors of Ovacik district in Dersim, have been subjected to the same arbitrary measure. The governments recent escalation of police-state repression has included the arrest of May Day and Gaza genocide protesters, as well as numerous journalists, the linking of a left-wing political party to a fabricated terrorist organisation, and the closure of many media websites and X/Twitter accounts.

The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been using this unlawful practice intensively since 2015, mainly to effectively abolish the Kurdish peoples right to vote and be elected. The latest operations against DEM Party mayors come amid his governments attempt to force Kurdish forces to lay down their arms through the imprisoned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan.

On December 28, a delegation of DEM Party deputies met with Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on Imral Island in the Sea of Marmara since 1999. The same delegation then held talks with Erdogans Justice and Development Party (AKP) and parliamentary political parties, including the CHP, and a rosy picture was painted.

The appointment of trustees and other attacks on democratic rights by the government show that the renewed negotiations between Ankara and the PKK, which Ankara has been trying to suppress for 40 years, have nothing to do with the claim of peace and democracy. These negotiations are essentially part of the war in the Middle Eastwhich has escalated with the genocide committed by Israel in Gaza, the struggle for the division of Syria, and the efforts of US imperialism to reshape the region.

On the one hand, Ankara wants the PKK to lay down its arms on Ocalans initiative, and on the other it wants the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syrialed by the Kurdish nationalist Peoples Protection Units (YPG)to be liquidated.

Mustafa Karasu, a member of the executive council of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), to which the PKK belongs, and the Democratic Union Party (PYD), to which the YPG belongs, said in an interview with Medya Haber TV: We support the efforts of our leadership [Ocalan], but he stressed, Of course, when it comes to the Turkish state, especially when it comes to the Kurdish question, there is nothing wrong with a cautious approach to state policy.

The Kurdish question, which is inherently an international problem due to the presence of the Kurdish people in Turkey, Syria, Iran and Iraq, has become an integral part of the imperialist struggle to divide the Middle East, especially after the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the war for regime change in Syria in 2011.

The position of the SDF, which leads a de facto entity in Syria called the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria, is critical because of the regions oil reserves and its alliance with the United States, which continues to occupy the country with a force of 2,000 troops. Ankaras initiative therefore requires an agreement not only with the Kurdish leadership, but also with the United States, once again under the presidency of Donald Trump, and with Israel, which is expanding its occupation of southern Syria and has declared the SDF its ally.

Ankara is also trying to use its influence with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has seized power in Damascus, to impose the dissolution of the Kurdish forces without any status and their subordination to the Damascus regime. While the HTS has decided to liquidate the armed groups in Syria and subordinate them to the central army, it remains unclear what will happen to the autonomous administration led by the SDF and its armed forces. However, the HTS, which does not want to confront the US and Israel, is postponing solving this difficult equation through dialogue with the SDF for now.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in an interview on Wednesday that the PKK and the YPG had been given ultimatums through Washington and Damascus and that Ankara or the HTS would take military action if non-Syrian PKK members did not leave the country: When we say ultimatums or conditions, we are saying that if you dont want military action in the region, either by us or by the new government in Syria, the conditions are clear.

In response, Washington had previously threatened Ankara with sanctions and increased its military presence in the region. During a visit to Paris on the same day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signaled that the US military presence in Syria would continue under the pretext of fighting ISIS, saying: an even more acute danger would be if the more than 10,000 foreign terrorist fighters who are being detained under the vigilance of our Kurdish friends in Syria were to get out and reconstitute the very potent force that was Daesh in Syria, in Iraq, before it was defeated.

Blinken stated the following about Ankaras operation against the SDF: Weve been working very closely as well with our ally, our partner, in Turkiyewhich has very legitimate concerns of course about the PKK and about terrorismto navigate this transition, to navigate it in a way that I think leads to a resolution of many of those concerns, including over time with the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into Syrian national forces, including with the departure of foreign members of that force to their own countries, including with a resolution of questions around oil, around borders, et cetera, but thats a process thats going to take some time.

French President Emmanuel Macron also said on Monday that France would not abandon freedom fighters like the Kurds who are allies of the West in the war on terror in Syria.

Speaking recently to Frances TV5 Monde, SDF foreign affairs officer Ilham Ahmed called on France to send troops to the region, saying, The US and France can indeed secure the entire border. We are ready for this military coalition to assume such a responsibility.

In Syria, which has been ravaged by a war for regime change since 2011, Ankara may find itself clashing not only with its NATO ally Washington or the SDF, but also with Israel.

On 6 January, the Nagel Commissions report, which was presented to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, stated that Turkey has become the most influential power in Damascus and that the Sunni-Turkish axis has replaced Irans Shiite axis.

Turkeys interests in turning Syria into a client state and thereby increasing its regional influence are clear. It should be prepared for actions on the ground and potential threats that could escalate rapidly, the report said, arguing that military capabilities should be strengthened in preparation for a possible conflict with Turkey.

The Trump administration, which will take office on January 20, will play a decisive role in the deepening US-led divide in Syria and the Middle East. In his speech on January 7, Trump avoided answering the question of whether the US would withdraw its troops from Syria, saying, I wont tell you that because thats part of a military strategy. But I will say it was Turkey.

Trump, who recently announced his own annexation and global hegemony plans for the Panama Canal, Greenland and Canada, mentioned Erdogan with praise and stated the following: President Erdogan is a friend of mine. Hes a guy I like, respect. I think he respects me also.... if you look at what happened with Syria, Russia was weakened, Iran was weakened, and hes a very smart guy. And he sent his people in there through different forms and different names, and they went in and they took over [in Damascus].

He [Erdogan] is the one that didnt go after certain people after I requested that he not. You know who Im talking about? The Kurds. I dont know how long thats going to be, because theyre natural enemies. They hate each other, Trump also said, suggesting he could rein in Erdogan as he has in the past.

While Ankara hopes to advance its plans in the region by reaching an agreement with the new Trump administration, the Kurdish leadership is turning to the imperialist powers with the same bankrupt bourgeois nationalist perspective. In an interview with The Guardian on Friday, SDF leader Mazlum Abdi addressed Trump, saying, the key factor for stability in the region is the US presence on the ground and calling for continued cooperation against the ISIS threat and the possibility of an attack by Ankara.
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Asia

India: Karnataka Accredited Social Health Activists on strike in Bengaluru

Thousands of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers began an indefinite strike at Freedom Park, Bengaluru on January 7 to demand better conditions and monthly wages increased to 15,000 rupees ($US175). Other demands are for an additional 2,000 rupees in urban work areas, which is proportionate to their workload, and provision of basic amenities, such as toilets at workplaces.

Additional demands are 500,000 rupees as retirement benefits, recognition of workers as permanent employees with health insurance, accident insurance while at work, equal pay for equal work, an honorarium of 7,500 rupees for facilitators, three advanced wage payments in case of serious illness and all wages paid on time.

The workers have won additional support from writers and former justices saying that the government should immediately grant the demands of the ASHA workers who are a healthcare lifeline for the community. The All-India United Trade Union Centre claimed the ruling Congress government in Karnataka promised a raise of 3,000 rupees for ASHA workers during the election, a pledge that is yet to be fulfilled even after 15 rounds of talks.

Punjab Roadways contract workers union ends strike

Around 8,000 contract workers from Punjab Roadways (PUNBUS, PEPSU and PRTC) ended a three-day strike on Wednesday after the Aam Admi Party Chief Minister Bhagwat Mann agreed to meet with them on January 15. Union leaders threatened that if their demands were not met, they would re-start their strike on January 16.

Workers want higher wages, permanent jobs and all other related benefits. Nearly 2,800 buses in 27 bus depots remained off the road during the strike.

Punjab midday meal workers threaten to widen their strike

Punjab public school midday meal workers have been on strike since December 7 to demand the ruling Aam Admi Party (AAP) increase their meagre 3,000 rupee ($35) honorarium, which workers say is not enough to sustain their families. The midday meal workers, who have not been paid for December, have threatened to broaden their action to a state-wide strike on January 12 during the Lohiri religious festival.

Workers complained that the ruling AAP had promised during the election to double their wages, which was not fulfilled.

Telangana Civil Supply Hamali workers union closes down strike

The Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU) called off the seven-day strike by Telangala Civil Supply Hamali (unskilled, low paid) workers on January 7, claiming it had received assurances from the government that their demands would be addressed within two to three days.

Workers want the state government to issue a Government Order (GO) to implement revised wage rates. A CITU spokesperson said the government had promised to increase the bonus from 6,500 rupees to 7,500 rupees, implement new wage rates and other assurances. Three months later, the government has not fulfilled these commitments.

Assam health department workers strike for permanent jobs

Assam Public Health Department temporary workers have been on strike since December 3 to demand permanent jobs. The workers were also protesting the death of a water distribution worker whilst on duty, which they said was due to the miserable plight of health department workers. Although the striking workers have been issued show cause notices, this has only made them more determined to maintain their strike.

Sri Lankan water and drainage utility workers protest

Hundreds of Income Assistance Officers from the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), marched to the NWSDB head office on Wednesday in Ratmalana, Colombo suburb where they demonstrated to call for the expedition of internal promotions and other demands.

Water Supply Trade Unions members held placards saying, Stop issuing meter reading contracts immediately, Abolish conditions for compensatory leave and Immediately begin issuing bills to consumers. Workers continued the protest within NWSDB premises where a spokesperson from the Income Assistant Officers Union condemned the NWSDB and the government for the poor economic situation.

Australia

St Vincents Private hospital nurses in Victoria escalate industrial action

About 800 nurses and midwives at four Victorian hospitals of St Vincents Private escalated current industrial action this week to include bed closures. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) members at St Vincents Private hospitals in Kew, East Melbourne, Werribee and Fitzroy instituted work bans on November 18 and began four-hour rolling stoppages on December 13 in opposition to managements proposed enterprise agreement.

Their ongoing action includes overtime bans, taking the full meal break, bans on redeployment between wards, wearing ANMF t-shirts and not collecting administrative data. On Tuesday they began closing one in three beds on their wards (apart from life-threatening cases), refusing to undertake food services related duties, and charges refusing to take a patient load. St Vincents management have attempted to intimidate nurses by falsely claiming the bed closures are illegal.

ANMF members rejected St Vincents latest pay rise offer of 4 percent. ANMF said the offer failed to address safe patient workloads and ratios, improved allowances and did not contain improvements that were recently included in the 202428 public sector nurses and midwives agreement.

ANMF members want pay parity with public sector nurses and midwives, including new and improved allowances and more than 40 improved entitlements and working conditions.

Qube offshore logistics workers in Western Australia strike again

Six stores/logistics workers employed by contractor Qube Offshore Services on Shells Prelude floating LNG processing plant, in Western Australia, stopped work for 48 hours on Monday in response to Qubes refusal to pay them while work bans are in place.

They are members of the Australian Workers Union (AWU), which is in dispute with Qube over its low pay offer in its proposed enterprise agreement. The workers action followed a 48-hour strike on December 20 and a three-day strike on November 23.

Industrial action includes administrative data entering and labelling, restrictions on loading and unloading equipment, a ban on issuing equipment from the stores and other bans. Qube has transferred logistics workers from onshore LNG plants to the Prelude to act as strike breakers.

The Offshore Alliance (OA), which covers the workers and is comprised of the AWU and the Maritime Union of Australia, claimed Qube recently picked up the contract to provide logistic services on the Prelude. The Alliance has accused the company of wanting to employ the workers on less than 50 percent of the salaries and conditions previously paid to the Shell workforce.

Smit Lamnalco Gladstone tug workers announce 15 days of industrial action

Members of the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU) and Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers (AIMPE) employed on Smit Lamnalco Towage tugboats at the Port of Gladstone, North Queensland, announced this week that they will begin 15 days of protected industrial action on January 14. This could include unlimited work stoppages of 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 hours and seven days, along with bans on working longer than 12 hours, working outside of rostered hours, plus 13 other bans.

AMOU and AIMPE are in dispute with Smit Lamnalco over its proposed enterprise agreement. An AMOU spokesperson said the current agreement expired on December 31 and members have only received a 4 percent increase over the last eight years. Smit Lamnalco has offered pay increases in line with the minimum award, which is only 3.75 percent.

The unions want a pay increase that compensates for eight years of real wage cuts and for the new agreement to include a term preventing Smit Lamnalco from scheduling masters and engineers up to 17 hours in any 24 and a roster that provides tug ownership and maintenance opportunities.

New South Wales public hospital psychiatrists threaten to resign over staffing crisis

The New South Wales (NSW) branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has informed the state Labor government that 190 of 295 salaried psychiatrists in the NSW public hospital system are currently threatening to resign on January 21 over chronic workforce shortages and low pay.

The Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF), who represent the doctors, claimed that one-third of specialist psychiatry positions across the NSW public hospital system are unfilled, forcing hospitals to fill vacancies where they can with temporary and locum staff. NSW Health is currently attempting to plug the staff shortages with temporary workers, offering rates of more than $3,000 per day, but even this is not enough to fill the gaps.

NSWs Campbelltown Hospital Mental Health Intensive Care Unit currently has just two beds out of six available for patients because of understaffing, and likewise only 12 of the 20 beds at Campbelltowns High Dependency Unit (HDU) could be used for the same reason.

Media reported that the crisis is statewide, saying that the Shellharbour Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Unit was forced to stop admissions for a week after a single staff member took unplanned leave over the New Year period. The $10.8 million Freshwater Mental Health Unit high-security five-bed unit, completed in August 2023, has still not opened for use due to staffing and funding shortages.

A spokesman for the specialist psychiatrists said the resignations are for a 25 percent pay rise, which he says would improve patient care to an acceptable level through improved staff retention and recruitment. According to the ASMOF, public hospital psychiatrists working in other states and territories can earn up to 30 percent more than those in NSW.
A touring exhibition, I.G. Farben and the Buna-Monowitz Concentration Camp. Business and Politics in National Socialism, opened its doors in Bonn on Tuesday. The exhibition from the Fritz Bauer Institute starkly illuminates the fact that fascism is not the result of morally corrupt individuals but arises from the profit-driven character of the capitalist economy.

The travelling exhibition originated at an international meeting of Buna-Monowitz survivors in 1998. It has already been on display in Frankfurt, Dortmund, Cologne, Berlin and several other cities. Most recently, it was shown in Nuremberg from June to September 2024 on the grounds of the Palace of Justice, the site of the 1945-46 Nuremberg trials.

View of the exhibition I.G. Farben and the Buna-Monowitz Concentration Camp 2024 in Nuremberg, Cube 600 on the grounds of the Palace of Justice

The exhibition consists of two parts. In each case, two large panels in the middle of a room form the framework, on which the essential information, facts and figures are soberly presented and placed in context. Around these are further panels that use photos, quotations and eyewitness reports to illustrate the path to the camp and the horrific conditions there.

I.G. Farbenindustrie AG, founded in December 1925 by six chemical companies (Agfa, BASF, Bayer, Hoechst, Chemische Fabrik Griesheim-Elektron and Chemische Fabrik vorm Weiler-ter-Meer), was a leading German industrial conglomerate. Its board of directors was known as the Council of Gods. Originally specialising in the production of dyes, the companies made enormous profits during the First World War by producing explosives and poison gas.

After Hitlers takeover in 1933, I.G. Farben quickly came to terms with the new regime and also provided financial support to the NSDAP (Nazi Party). The company aligned its research and investments with the Nazis rearmament plans, particularly in the areas of explosives, chemical weapons, light metals and synthetic rubber. Finally, I.G. Farben became directly involved in the Holocaust by producing and supplying the SS with the poison gas Zyklon B for the mass killing of people in concentration camps.

Layout and expansion of the various Auschwitz camps, with Buna-Monowitz at bottom right

In 1941, I.G. Farben decided to build a large chemical plant in Auschwitz, in German-occupied Poland, because of its convenient location, the availability of raw materials and (particularly important) access to forced labourers from the nearby Monowitz concentration camp, part of the Auschwitz complex. The main product to be manufactured was Buna, a synthetic rubber for tyres.

The Auschwitz concentration camp, established in 1940 by order of Heinrich Himmler, became the largest Nazi extermination centre in the 1942-1944 period. It was here that the Jews, Sinti and Roma, political prisoners, homosexuals and other minorities were industrially exterminated. In addition to the extermination camp, Auschwitz was also the largest Nazi forced labour camp, where thousands of prisoners were forced to work, often to the point of death.

In addition to employees of the company, German and foreign subcontractors as well as thousands of civilian and foreign workers were used to build the I.G. Farben factory. In particular, however, forced labourers from the Auschwitz concentration camp were used. Their exploitation was particularly profitable, as the cost of prison labour was considerably lower than the wages paid to free workers.

From April 1941, the prisoners had to be transported daily from the camp to the construction site, which was a considerable burden for I.G .Farben. The plant management therefore pushed for the construction of a subcamp of its own, and this was set up in the autumn of 1942 on the site of the previously displaced village of Monowice (Monowitz). In August 1944, 11,500 forced labourers from Auschwitz were working for I.G. Farben.

Where did these workers come from? From autumn 1941, Jews, Sinti and Roma from the German Reich, the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia and annexed Austria were deported to ghettos in Central and Eastern Europe and, from March 1942, also to Auschwitz. The transports, known as special trains, were organised by the so-called Jewish Department of the Reich Security Main Office under Adolf Eichmann. The victims were first rounded up and interned in provisional collection camps (such as synagogues or exhibition halls) before SS and Gestapo officers brought them to Auschwitz in freight cars.

From spring 1942 until May 1944, the deportation trains arrived at the Old Ramp near Auschwitz. After that, the SS used the New Ramp in the Birkenau extermination camp from May 1944. Upon arrival, the people were driven out of the wagons with shouts and blows, subject to selection by SS officers or doctors (children, the elderly and the weak were sent directly into the gas chambers), and those that survived this process were then robbed of their valuables, registered and assigned to forced labour. If someone was no longer able to work, the SS also sent them to the gas chambers.

The exhibition panels on the walls show numerous testimonials from people who had to experience this horror themselves. They describe their odyssey to the camp, their arrival and the martyrdom they suffered during slave labour in the concentration camp and for I.G. Farben.

Those who were able to work were brutally exploited. The prisoners were deployed both within the camp (in the administration, organisation of work, infirmary and sorting of the millions of stolen clothes and valuables, among other things) and outside the camp as forced labourers for I.G. Farben or other companies.

At I.G. Farben, they were subjected to brutal violence and life-threatening conditions, particularly in the dreaded transportation, earthworks and cable-laying detachments. At the construction site of I.G. Auschwitz, prisoners were exposed without protection to the weather and suffered from lack of clothing, accidents, and illnesses, with the result that their average survival time was only three to four months.

Barracks in the Buna-Monowitz concentration camp

Imo Moszkowicz, a German film director and writer, wrote in his memoirs:

The first detail we were assigned to was the cement detail. The railway cars, which looked exactly like those that transported us to Auschwitz, were loaded with cement sacks. In each wagon there were two prisoners who lifted a cement bag, placed it on the shoulders of a prisoner standing in front of the wagon, who then ran with his load to a cement storage area, where the cement bag was taken from him by two other prisoners to be stacked. Then it was back to the wagon at a run. Everything had to be done at a run. Im Laufschritt, dalli-dalli (Run, at the double!) My memory refuses to recall how many perished from this hard labour in the first few days. It seems to me like a testing ground: those who survive here have a certain chance of getting ahead, of living.

In Buna-Monowitz, the conditions established by I.G. Farben created a constant atmosphere of fear and brutality. The SS guard units, supported by kapos (prisoner-functionaries), were free to brutalise and murder prisoners at random, while the SS henchmen either tolerated or even actively encouraged this violence. Some of the I.G. Farben employees also contributed to the worsening of the situation by reporting the slightest offence to the SS, provoking harsh punishments or selections for the gas chamber.

The factory management relied on draconian methods such as goading, beating and punishing to increase prisoners work output. The rations were miserable and usually consisted of a nutrient-poor soup that tasted like rubber and consisted only of nettles, grass and the occasional potato. This inadequate nutrition led to significant weight loss and severe health problems, as the prisoners lost up to four kilograms per week and quickly found themselves in a state of total exhaustion and malnutrition. In the language of the camp, these people, who often soon fell victim to a selection, were referred to as Muselmanner (Muslims).

These merciless conditions and the systematic abuse illustrate the inhuman brutality and cruel system that I.G. Farben and its employees maintained in Buna-Monowitz.

The writer Primo Levi

Primo Levi, an Italian writer and chemist, described everyday life in the Auschwitz concentration camp in his book If This Is a Man? (1947) as a contemporary witness; here is a quote used in the travelling exhibition:

Buna is hopeless, dull and grey through and through. This sprawling jumble of iron, cement, mud and smoke is the negation of beauty par excellence. Its streets and buildings are named with numbers and letters, like us, if they dont have inhuman and ominous names. No blade of grass grows in this area, and the earth is saturated with the toxic juices of coal and petroleum. Nothing lives here, only machines and slaves: and the latter more than the former.

On 27 January 1945, the Auschwitz camps were liberated by the Red Army.

At least 1.1 million (other sources speak of 3 million) Jews, political prisoners, Sinti and Roma or homosexuals had been murdered in the Auschwitz camps by then. At least 25,000 of them fell victim to the catastrophic working and living conditions in the I.G. Farben camps and plants.

Between 1940 and 1945, around 8,000 members of the SS were deployed in Auschwitz and its satellite camps. In the immediate post-war period, only four of them were convicted. Another 22 were not brought to trial until 19 years later, in the Frankfurt Auschwitz trials, and their sentences were disproportionately lenient compared to their crimes.

As for I.G. Farben, only those plants located in the territory of the former East Germany (GDR) were expropriated. In the West, the Allies initially confiscated the companys assets, after which they divided the company into three parts: BASF, Bayer and Hoechst A.G.

Nuremberg I.G. Farben Trial 1947-1948, View of the defendants

Twenty-three senior executives of I.G. Farben were put on trial in a Nuremberg successor trial in 1947, but only 13 of them were sentenced to prison terms of a few years; ten were acquitted. Most of those convicted were released from custody early and were later able to continue their business and political careers, such as the chemist and defence industry leader Otto Ambros.

Ambros had played a key role in organising the companys exploitation of concentration camp prisoners. He was convicted in 1948 of participation in the slave labour programme and the genocidal policies of the Nazi regime, but was released from prison in early 1951. In the post-war period, he was employed as a consultant and supervisory board member of several chemical plants and was also an advisor to Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and the arms industrialist and war criminal Friedrich Flick.

Letter from Otto Ambros to board members Fritz Ter Meer and Ernst Struss, dated 12 April 1941. As he writes, [...] our new friendship with the SS is having a very beneficial effect. He also writes about the involvement of the truly excellent operation of the concentration camp in favour of the Buna works [...].

The exhibition is highly topical in view of the resurgence of fascism and provides a clear impression of the inmates living conditions and the brutality with which they were daily confronted. At the same time, the links between business and politics are insufficiently presented, and the focus is sometimes more on individual destinies. The word capitalism is not mentioned once.

The exhibition does not address the question: How could this horror have happened?which would have required, first, an analysis of German imperialism and its crisis and, second, a critical examination of the politics of the German Communist Party (KPD) under Stalins influence. To this day, there is only one valid analysis of this, that of Leon Trotsky. The following lecture, for example, is highly recommended: How could fascism triumph?

There is a close connection between capitalism and fascism. Hitler was installed as Reich Chancellor in 1933 by a conspiracy of German big business, the military and state officials to enforce the profit interests of the German ruling class and break the resistance of the working class.

Many German conglomerates were supporters of the Nazis. Their wealth today is based on the plunder of the Second World War and on the slave labour of forced labourers that the Nazis provided from the concentration camps. In return, the corporations proved to be grateful supporters of Hitlers regime: they produced weapons, ammunition and other goods for the Wehrmacht (Armed Forces) and donated large sums to Nazi mass organisations.

The chemical concern IG Farben played a particularly perfidious role, but it was by no means the only German company to collaborate with the Nazi regime and profit from the Holocaust. Here are just a few of the best-known corporations and banks:

Deutsche Bank : It financed Auschwitz by providing credit to the companies involved in the construction and operation of the concentration camp; it maintained direct business relations with the IG Farben complex. It financed rearmament and the war and participated in the plundering of occupied states. It held the accounts of the Berlin Gestapo, into which the expropriated and aryanised Jewish assets were paid, and it also processed the transfers of plundered gold, including gold from the dental fillings of concentration camp victims, into the vaults of Swiss banks.

: It financed Auschwitz by providing credit to the companies involved in the construction and operation of the concentration camp; it maintained direct business relations with the IG Farben complex. It financed rearmament and the war and participated in the plundering of occupied states. It held the accounts of the Berlin Gestapo, into which the expropriated and aryanised Jewish assets were paid, and it also processed the transfers of plundered gold, including gold from the dental fillings of concentration camp victims, into the vaults of Swiss banks. Deutsche Bahn : Its predecessor, the Deutsche Reichsbahn, was instrumental in the Holocaust by organising the deportation trains that took Jews, Sinti and Roma to the concentration camps. (See, for example, the SWR documentary: Eisenbahner im Widerstand (Railway Workers Resist).

: Its predecessor, the Deutsche Reichsbahn, was instrumental in the Holocaust by organising the deportation trains that took Jews, Sinti and Roma to the concentration camps. (See, for example, the SWR documentary: Eisenbahner im Widerstand (Railway Workers Resist). Deutsche Telekom (formerly Reichspost): The Reichspost also played an important role in the administration of communications during the Nazi era. Although less involved in the direct war economy, it was part of the state apparatus.

(formerly Reichspost): The Reichspost also played an important role in the administration of communications during the Nazi era. Although less involved in the direct war economy, it was part of the state apparatus. Daimler-Benz : During the Second World War, the company was a major supplier of vehicles and equipment for the Wehrmacht and employed forced labourers, prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates.

: During the Second World War, the company was a major supplier of vehicles and equipment for the Wehrmacht and employed forced labourers, prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates. Siemens : During the Third Reich, Siemens was deeply involved in the war economy and used forced labourers in its factories. The company profited directly from the exploitation of thousands of forced labourers, including people from concentration camps.

: During the Third Reich, Siemens was deeply involved in the war economy and used forced labourers in its factories. The company profited directly from the exploitation of thousands of forced labourers, including people from concentration camps. Volkswagen, or the Porsche and Piech families : the founding and financing of Volkswagen GmbH (via the German Labour Front, DAF) was based on the assets of the trade unions that were broken up and expropriated by Hitler. During the Second World War, Volkswagen and Porsche profited both from armaments production and the extensive use of forced labour.

: the founding and financing of Volkswagen GmbH (via the German Labour Front, DAF) was based on the assets of the trade unions that were broken up and expropriated by Hitler. During the Second World War, Volkswagen and Porsche profited both from armaments production and the extensive use of forced labour. Allianz insurance : Allianz insurance was involved in the policies of the Nazi regime. Among other things, it insured property that was expropriated by the Nazis, including Jewish property.

: Allianz insurance was involved in the policies of the Nazi regime. Among other things, it insured property that was expropriated by the Nazis, including Jewish property. Continental and Schaeffler : Both companies owe the origins of their wealth to the Nazi regime. They made a profit producing for the arms industry and the war effort and benefited in the most terrible way from the forced labour of concentration camp prisoners.

: Both companies owe the origins of their wealth to the Nazi regime. They made a profit producing for the arms industry and the war effort and benefited in the most terrible way from the forced labour of concentration camp prisoners. BMWs main shareholders Quandt and Klatten are among the richest people in Germany today: they owe this to their close ties to the Nazi regime, the profits from the military build-up and the exploitation of forced labourers. See also: The Silence of the Quandts.

are among the richest people in Germany today: they owe this to their close ties to the Nazi regime, the profits from the military build-up and the exploitation of forced labourers. See also: The Silence of the Quandts. None of these corporations was expropriated and held to account in West Germany after the end of the Second World War. Today, the German bourgeoisie is once again building upon the crimes of the Nazis by fully supporting the genocide in Gaza and escalating NATOs proxy war against Russia.

Even if it is not explicitly stated, the exhibition clearly establishes that capitalism, in its decline, needs and produces fascism. The crocodile tears shed today by some CEOs of large German companies over the election successes of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) are hypocritical. The German ruling class, together with the media and the establishment parties, has systematically built up the AfD, and is now in the process of implementing its programme.

This makes one thing clear: anyone who wants to fight fascism, war and the associated crimes must on principle also fight capitalism, because it is the root of these evils.

* * *

I.G. Farben and the Buna-Monowitz Concentration Camp

Touring exhibition of the Fritz Bauer Institute

January 7 - March 27, 2025 in Bonn

Gustav Stresemann Institute, European Conference and Education Centre Bonn

Langer Grabenweg 68
Stellantis Vauxhall workers in Luton, England face the immediate threat of the van plant closure as a consultation period comes to an end.

Stellantis announced the closure November 26, threatening 1,100 jobs. The Luton plant is to be scaled down to a single shift this year, with production ceasing from the second quarter and future production based on electric vans concentrated at Ellesmere Port in the north west of England. The Luton plant which was to switch EV production this year will have the production of its petrol and diesel vans transferred to France.

The knock-on effect on jobs for the regions supply chain could be up to 5,000 jobs.

When Stellantis announced the closure, workers were given an HR1 redundancy notice period. It began a 45-day consultation period between the Unite union, Stellantis and Sir Keir Starmers Labour government, due to end on January 10. Unite entered this fraudulent process to prevent industrial action, enabling management to begin the closure process. Workers report that the night shift has already been cut, going from three shifts to two. Also reported is the fact that workers returning to work after the Christmas shutdown had to contact management first.

The potential for a powerful fightback to defend workers jobs against the profit dictates of billionaire shareholders was shown in a mass meeting at the plant on December 16. Up to 500 workers refused to accept closure as a fait accompli in a challenge to Unites and the Labour governments corporatist collaboration with Stellantiss global restructuring plans.

In response to growing opposition from the rank and file, Unite saw the need to make a show of opposition and sanctioned an official protest on December 17-18 outside the Luton factory. This was designed to have no impact on production whatsoever, taking place during the Christmas shutdown. Unite mobilised between 50 to 100 protesters, bolstered by Unite officials, members of the Labour Party, Green Party, Socialist Workers Party (SWP), SWP offshoot Counterfire, the Socialist Party (SP) and the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSNfounded by the Rail, Maritime Transport Workers union and backed by the SP.)

The few workers who did attend sought to block lorries entering the plant to take away newly manufactured vans, fearing this was part of the plant closure strategy. The protest was stifled by a constant loud music system punctuated with short speeches from Unite officials making bankrupt appeals to the Labour government to rescue the plant. Unite senior representative Paul Geary said, The government have to step up... We need to all work together and closing plants isnt the way.

The sparsely attended second day of the Unite protest outside the Luton plan, December 18, 2024

The Labour government have stepped up: accepting the job losses at Luton and thanking Stellantis for keeping any EV van production in Britain, at Ellesmere Port. The Department for Business and Trade issued a statement trumpeting their corporatist partnership on the announcement of the Luton closure, stating, We have a longstanding partnership with Stellantis and we will continue to work closely with them, as well as trade unions and local partners on the next steps of their proposals.

Local Labour MP Rachel Hopkins attended the 48-hour protest to plug her meetings with Labour Party ministers. Hopkins has since published a letter sent by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to Stellantis asking for a pause in the closure process. This showed that our government supports our town, she claimed. It did nothing of the sort. Reynolds actually said, should Stellantis proceed with a closure his department would assist those facing redundancy and work with Luton Borough Council on developing options for the land.

Days before the announced closure, Ford in the UK also announced 800 job cuts, 15 percent of its 5,300 UK workforce. This follows the announcement of 1,300 job cuts at Fords Dunton, Essex research plant in March 2023. Labour is pledged to assist Ford management in its plans, with a government spokesperson telling the BBC that had asked the company to urgently share its full plans so we can help mitigate the impact in the UK.

Seeking to drown out rank-and-file opposition to Unites collaboration with tens of thousands of job cuts across the industry, the union bureaucracy is on a propaganda blitz. General Secretary Sharon Graham has spent the weeks since the closure announcement bragging about her claimed achievements as union leader, declaring, Collective bargaining with employers reaps rewards for working people, day in, day out. Graham often includes the hashtag #JobsPayConditions on her X postings and had the gall to post an animated gif on November 27the day after the announcementreading Fighting for Jobs. The fact is that Unite has prevented a fight against job losses at Luton, with no industrial action called either there or at the Ellesmere plant.

Grahams gripe is that the closure makes no sense as the factory is profitable for the company and has just been made ready to produce electric vehicles from 2025. Her only demand is for Stellantis to withdraw the deadline for redundancies that was imposed under [previous CEO] Carlos Tavaress regime and allow for proper negotiations between workers, management and government over the future of the plant.

For Unite, the content of such talks would be on how to ensure costs were kept down in order to maintain profitability. As Unite rep Geary said during the protest on the critical role played by the union in shoring up Stellantis profits at workers expense: Its a plant that makes a lot of money for the organisation. Its made some significant changes over the last 12 to 18 months. I mean at one point we were 1,600 euros a vehicle, now weve cut that by 600 euros. So the membership out there have been working hard, working with Stellantis management to secure a future only for them to pull the rug from under our members feet.

Grahams strategy has been provided a political cover by the United Leftan amalgam of various pseudo-left forces. Their slogan is to Keep Unite Left, while rubber-stamping one sellout after another carried out by the union. On the 48-hour protest, United Left echoed Unites and Grahams opposition to industrial action, calling on Stellantis to withdraw the deadline for redundancies to allow for proper negotiations between Unite, Stellantis and government.

Unites political allies in the SP, SWP and Counterfire are also providing a political cover for Unite bureaucracy on the pages of their own papers and websites.

The SP reported Unites 48-hour protest entirely uncritically. A December 18 article in The Socialist reported that Socialist Party national trade union organiser Rob Williams had poured demoralisation on the protest, telling them about his experience of being a Unite convenor when, despite a massive battle, his plant closed 14 years ago. Williams advocated the same bankrupt demand of Unite: The demand should be put on Starmers government to take the plant into public ownership to save jobs and communities.

The SWP advise the Unite bureaucracy in a December 18 piece to organise a ballot for industrial action, with the helpful caveat for Graham and her local officials that the trade union laws put up a plethora of hoops for workers to jump through before they can strike. At no point do they expose Unites delaying tactics as direct collaboration with Stellantis. Instead they urge Vauxhall workers to follow the example of the 2009 struggle of Ford parts suppliers Visteon, again without any exposure of Unites treacherous role. The SWP wrote, In 2009, for example, Visteon factory occupations forced improved redundancy packages from multinational giant Ford which had tried to sack workers on the spot.

In that year, all 610 UK Visteon workers were sacked at a moments notice. In response, workers occupied the factories in London, Essex and Belfast in defiance of Unite officials. The conflict between union members and Unite officials was so sharp that workers set up their own pickets separate from pickets dominated by union officials. Their powerful action was isolated and betrayed by the Unite bureaucracy. While workers were able to secure better redundancy arrangements, Unite officials played a critical role in shutting all the Visteon plants and all jobs were lost. Workers ended up in a rearguard legal fight to rescue their pensions.

Counterfire are acting as loyal advisors to Unite. Opposed to the creation of rank-and-file committees of workers taking democratic control of the fight against closure, their December 19 report of Unites protest was a warning to the unions officials that their treachery could lead to a rebellion against the union leadership. It advised The union needs to up its game, and that Unite should call mass demonstrations and arrange for protests.

World Socialist Web Site reporters have discussed with veteran assembly workers at Luton what happened the last time Unite conducted a struggle similar to the one advocated by Counterfire, back in 2002. That year General Motors announced the closure of its car manufacturing plant at the Luton site with the loss of 1,900 jobs. Unite held a few token protests while keeping their focus on ensuring a trouble-free shutdown for the company, and the plant closed against the demands of union members.

Left in the hands of Unite and their pseudo-left apologists, the Luton plant will close according to Stellantiss timetable. Unites refusal to initiate any industrial action and its silence for weeks since the December protests only assists the closure, which is part of a brutal global restructuring by Stellantis. The WSWS and International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) opposes Unites peddling of illusions that the Starmer Labour government will come to the rescue at Luton.

There is a powerful sentiment amongst Stellantis workers at Luton and internationally for a fight against job cuts and speed ups. They must launch an urgent fightback to stop the plant closure. The IWA-RFC urges union members to take control of the struggle from the union bureaucracy and build action committees tasked with initiating a joint struggle with workers at Ellesmere Port as part of a new international strategy, anathema to the nationalist Unite bureaucracy.
President-elect Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk in Boca Chica, Texas, November 19, 2024. [AP Photo/Brandon Bell]

Multi-billionaire and Trump confidant Elon Musk is continuing his campaign of support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD). After announcing on X that only the AfD could save Germany and calling on people to vote for the far-right party in the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, he held a long conversation with AfD Chairwoman Alice Weidel on X on Thursday evening, which was followed by an audience of up to 210,000.

Musk and Weidel showered each other with compliments for 75 minutes, chatting and giggling and cheering each other on with admiring shouts of Yeah. The obscene spectacle showed that the two agree on all major political issues: deportation of migrants, deregulation of the economy, tax cuts for the rich, rejection of COVID-19 protection measures, return to nuclear energy, massive rearmament, support for the Israeli genocide in Gaza and so on.

Musk emphatically repeated his appeal to vote for the AfD. He recommended to the people of Germany:

If you are unhappy with the situation, you must vote for change, and that is why Im really strongly recommending that people vote for the AfD. Thats my strong recommendation. As I have said publicly, I think only the AfD can save Germany, and I just want to be very clear about that: Only the AfD can save Germany, end of story! People really need to get behind the AfD, otherwise things are going to get very very much worse in Germany.

With a fortune of more than $400 billion, Musk is the richest man in the world. He is one of the closest confidants of future US President Donald Trump, for whom he is to head an Department of Government Efficiency with the declared aim of slashing the budget by more than a quarter and cutting hundreds of thousands of jobs. Musk uses the social network Twitter, which he bought for $44 billion and renamed it X to promote far-right movements around the world.

The fact that Alice Weidel is now one of Musks favorites alongside Argentinian President Javier Milei, Italian head of government Giorgia Meloni and the British Reform UK party sheds a clear light on the class character of the AfD. It has won votes by exploiting the anger in the working class at the established parties, which have overseen only social decline and redistribution in favor of the rich, and steering them in an ultra-right direction. It is now openly identifying with the most parasitic representatives of capital.

Donald Trump, who made his fortune in the criminal milieu of property speculators and casino operators, is forming a government of oligarchs to pursue a policy of social austerity, military conquest and fascist dictatorship.

The re-election of the would-be fuhrer is an expression of a fundamental realignment of politics in the United States and around the world, the WSWS wrote in its New Years statement. The new government will be a government of the rich, by the rich and for the rich. On a scale unprecedented in American history, the oligarchy will exercise direct control over the state. The wealth of Musk and other billionaires in Trumps administration is estimated at almost a half trillion dollars.

Trump is pursuing a policy of internal repression, culminating in the threat to forcibly deport millions of immigrants and military expansion. He has threatened to annex Greenland and the Panama Canal by force and to make Canada the 51st American state.

He is demanding that European NATO members increase their military spending to 5 percent of their gross domestic product. For Germany, which currently only reaches 2 percent thanks to the special fund of 100 billion, this would mean a quadrupling of the regular military budget to 200 billion per year. This would correspond to around half of the entire federal budget.

Alice Weidel supports this goal, which could only be achieved by abolishing almost all social spending. She told ZDF television that spending above the 5 percent mentioned by Trump would also be conceivable if necessary: I think that is possible and very likely if they are really serious about strengthening the Bundeswehr [German Armed Forces] and also about our national defense.

One of the most bizarre parts of Weidels conversation with Musk was a passage in which the two referred to Adolf Hitler as a socialist and communist, attacking the Nazi dictator from the right, so to speak.

When asked by Musk to comment on the accusation that the AfD was far right and somehow associated with Nazism, Weidel replied that the National Socialists were in fact, as the name suggests, socialists. Yeah, yeah, they nationalized industries like crazy, Musk added. Weidel continued:

Yes, absolutely. Hitler was a Communist and he considered himself as a Socialist. They state-funded private companies and then they asked for taxes, huge taxes. And then they also nationalized the entire industry. The biggest success after that terrible era in our history was to label Adolf Hitler as a right-winger and conservative. He was exactly the opposite, he wasnt a conservative, he wasnt a libertarian, he was a communist, socialist guy. We are exactly the opposite, we are a libertarian conservative party.

Every school child knows that Hitler was a fanatical anti-communist. The Nazi paramilitary gangs brutally persecuted communists and killed many even before Hitler came to power. As soon as he came to power, Hitler banned the Communist Party and soon afterwards also the Social Democrats and the trade unions. The first concentration camps were not built for Jews but for communists and social democrats.

The leading representatives of business, the military and politics made Hitler Reich Chancellor and, with the Enabling Act, dictator because they needed him to crush the organized working class and prepare for war. Hitler therefore had many international admirers, including in the US. One of the most famous was Henry Ford, who, like Elon Musk today, ran a large, internationally active car company.

During the Second World War, the Nazis then escalated exploitation to unprecedented levels of brutality. Twenty-six million people from all over Europe were compelled to perform forced labor for the economy in Germany and the occupied territories. Concentration camp prisoners were literally worked to death. Hitler did not touch capitalist private property. The only expropriation carried out by his regime was the Aryanisation of Jewish property, which was distributed to his minions.

The state only influenced production to the extent required by the war economy. It did not cut the profits of the capitalists. To this day, the fortunes of many German billionaire familiesthe Klattens and Quandts (BMW), the Porsches and Piechs (Volkswagen), the Schaefflers (Schaeffler and Continental) or August von Finck (Degussa), who donated millions to the AfDcan be traced back to the crimes of the Nazis.

Leon Trotsky wrote in his excellent article Portrait of National Socialism in 1933:

German fascism, like Italian fascism, raised itself to power on the backs of the petty bourgeoisie, which it turned into a battering ram against the organizations of the working class and the institutions of democracy. But fascism in power is least of all the rule of the petty bourgeoisie.  National Socialism raises itself over the nation as the worst form of imperialism.  The compulsory concentration of all forces and resources of the people in the interests of imperialismthe true historic mission of the fascist dictatorshipmeans preparation for war; and this task, in its turn, brooks no internal resistance and leads to a further mechanical concentration of power. Fascism cannot be reformed or retired from service. It can only be overthrown. The political orbit of the regime leans upon the alternative, war or revolution.

The conservative, libertarian program that Weidel claims to represent is based on the Nazi program. It is the programme of subordinating all social needs to the unrestrained enrichment of the oligarchs and to the requirements of imperialist war, as well as the removal of all barriers that stand in the way of this goal. The state is to be reduced to its repressive tasks - police, secret services and military - in order to suppress social resistance and wage imperialist wars. Social tasks such as education, health and infrastructure, on the other hand, are to be privatised orlike social welfare, care, pensions and environmental protectioncut altogether.

This program is supported in one form or another by all established parties.

Free Democratic Party (FDP) leader Christian Lindner called for more Musk and Milei after the break-up of the coalition government with the Social Democrats and Greens, and begged Elon Musk via X to work with him instead of Weidel.

Leading Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politician Juli Klockner posted on her social media channels on Thursday the quote: You dont have to vote for the AfD to get what you want. There is a democratic alternative: the CDU. She only removed it again after protests.

BSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht, who herself debated with Weidel on Welt-TV in October and did not rule out political cooperation, merely accused the AfD leader of getting involved with a US billionaire instead of representing German imperialist interests. In a video statement, Wagenknecht declared: Now the AfD has also found its US godfather. Anyone who is fed up with the subservience of German politicians to the US establishment can only vote for BSW. We stand for a self-confident policy that puts the interests of our country at the center.

The established press is now also openly campaigning for the AfD for the first time. Following protests and resignations at the Springer publishing house due to the publication of Musks election appeal for the AfD on the front page of Welt am Sonntag, it is now clear that publishing boss and owner Mathias Dopfner was personally behind the decision.

Dopfner, who bought the US media outlets Politico and Business Insider, is an admirer of Musk, to whom he presented the Axel Springer Award four years ago. He maintains a direct line of communication to Musk. According to research by news magazine Der Spiegel, Dopfner is said to have recommended Musk to buy Twitter and offered to manage the social network for him.

Der Spiegel has also learnt that conservative daily Die Welt has invited Musk and Weidel to its economic summit at the end of January, which Chancellor Olaf Scholz, CDU lead candidate Friedrich Merz as well as Robert Habeck (Greens) and Christian Lindner (FDP) also want to attend. This has not yet been confirmed.

The so-called firewall, which the established parties and media have previously invoked against the far-right AfD, is in reality a crumbling ramshackle wall. Ruling circles across Europe are reacting to Trumps return to the White House and the associated intensification of international and social tensions with a sharp lurch to the right.

In Italy and the Netherlands, fascist parties are already leading the government, in France the far-right Rassemblement National is on the threshold of the presidential palace, and in Austria the OVP, the sister party of the German CDU and CSU, is negotiating with the far-right FPO to form a government under the leadership of Herbert Kickl, who has close ties to the neo-Nazi camp. It is only a matter of time before the AfD is included in a government.

This can only be prevented by an independent movement of the working class that combines the fight against social cuts, fascism and war with the fight against their cause: capitalism.
National Steel Car gate [Photo: USWA 7135]

The following statement was sent to the World Socialist Web Site by the National Steel Car Rank-and-File Committee (NSCRFC), which represents militant workers at National Steel Car, whose Hamilton, Ontario plant is one of North Americas largest producers of rail cars.

To join or contact the NSCRFC fill out the form at the end of this article.

Brothers and Sisters,

We know workers at National Steel Car are going through a rough time right now. These massive layoffs, affecting some 1,200 workers or approximately three-quarters of our workforce, are happening at the worst possible time and are obviously causing a lot of stress. We have been there and we understand.

However, some things need to be clarified, so that we all understand what is really going on. A recent supplemental newsletter was handed out by the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 7135 executive. While it had important information on SUB pay, benefits, tool and equipment return, etc., there was something in the very first sentence that needs to be addressed. It stated, Unfortunately National Steel Car is experiencing a downturn in the market.

This is a superficial and deliberately insufficient explanation. Downturn in the market could include anything that relates to a diminishing of the construction of railcars within North Americas capitalist economy.

On the website Progressive Railroad, Richard Kloster tells a different story. Kloster has been predicting freight railcar production across North America for a while now and is pretty good at being close on his estimates. He is predicting total railcar output to be up to 38,749 cars for the entire continent in 2025.

This is down from his prediction of approximately 41,000 and 43,000 cars produced for 2024, but such a reduction in output should not have triggered over 1,200 layoffs right before Christmas. We also know, as does the Local 7135 executive, that before November 5, 2024, there were potential orders on the books (although not signed) that would have maintained employment levels as they were at the end of October.

What happened?

On November 5, Donald Trump was elected president of the United States and the potential of 25 percent tariffs against imports from Canada became a real possibility. This has thrown many things, as it relates to industrial production on the continent (including railcar production), into chaos.

No one really knows what will happen until Trump is inaugurated on January 20, 2025. However, he has pledged more than once to enforce the 25 percent tariff on Day One, and reiterated and amplified such threats this week. We know that NSC has at least three signed orders, but call-backs for those probably wont start until the end of January or the middle of February due to the lead time needed to acquire materials.

Why was the Local 7135 executive reluctant to call out what is clearly going on in the supplemental update? We think it is because the USW apparatus, like all other union bureaucracies, is seeking a corporatist accommodation with Trump and is a vehement supporter of economic tariffs in support of the agenda of the economic and military warfare waged by North Americas twin imperialist powersthe US and Canadaagainst their global rivals.

At the international level, the United Steelworkers President David McCall (upwards of $290,000 USD a year salary) and United Steelworkers National Director Marty Warren (upwards of $230,000 USD a year salary) stated on November 26, as it relates to the potential of 25 percent tariffs, If applied, these extraordinary tariffs levelled on Canada would dramatically harm workers in both our countries. There is no question we must address the holes in our global trading system, but Canada is not the problem.

For his part, Warren said, There is absolutely no doubt that working families are the first to get hurt by unfair trading practices, including global overcapacity in key sectors. The answer, however, is to work together as allies on sensible trade policies that will allow us to contain bad actors like China. In other words, the USW bureaucracy has no problem with tariffs and economic warfare in alliance with the would-be Fuhrer Trump, just so long as they are directed against someone else, and specifically workers in other countries.

What we are seeing in real time are the consequences of the dead end of economic nationalism and the pro-nationalist, pro-capitalist, and frankly pro-military grovelling nature of the labour bureaucrats. We have discussed the nationalistic nature of the USW bureaucracy before, but this latest development lays it bare for all to see.

While attempting to ease concerns over tariffs, the USW bureaucracy wants to use flag-waving and militarism to justify a Canadian exemption for these tariffs. The USW bureaucrats claim that Canada is a unique national security partner of Washington shows where the USW is going, in terms of how it will approach this. To save jobs in Canada, it will tout the production of steel and products made with steel, continent-wide, as essential to the arming of the US-NATO war machine, which is being readied by the imperialists in Washington, Ottawa and across Europe to wage World War III.

That is to say, and its spelled out in the Nov. 26 statement, the USW wants to keep the Canadian and US economies deeply integrated within that militaristic, capitalist framework. The USW is not opposed to tariffs (another name for taxes to be paid by the working class in both countries), so long as it maintains industries they are organized in (see: dues) and so long as it serves the interest of national security.

Former USW President Leo Girard made this case in 2018 as it related to Trumps tariffs on aluminum and steel. It needs to be said that these protectionist ideas never end well for workers as prices always go up, while our wages do not. Tariffs also have a long history of inflaming economic tensions that end in war.

Steelworker officials and federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh gave a token show of support for National Steel Car workers when they struck for six weeks in the summer of 2023 [Photo: Sarah Jama/X (Twitter)]

So much for Trump being the anti-war candidate. Another issue that the economic nationalists of the political establishment and labour bureaucracies need to answer, and this is not just in relation to railcar production, is: What precisely is a US/Canadian/Mexican/etc. product?

Just looking recently at the rail cars built all over the plant, we see parts from Mexico, the US, China, Canada, and steel from all over Eastern Europe all coming together in a railcar built and assembled in Hamilton, Ontario. The device you are reading this on has minerals and elements traced from a few continents on the planet, built in Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Korea, and shipped all over the world for sale to the consumer. Not exactly a product native to any specific country.

And for those reading this who think these tariffs are designed to bring back jobs to the US and that we should do the same thing here, a few things need to be stated bluntly. Its impossible to defend jobs and workers rights and wages on a national basis under conditions where the production process has been globalized over the past four decades. The ruling class scours the globe to find the cheapest commodities for its operations, including labour power. If we want to defend jobs, we, the workers, must advance a global strategy that corresponds to the realities of daily economic life.

The last four decades of social misery have been the ruling elites reaction to the decades in the mid-20th century, when they were forced to make concessions to us within a national economic framework due to our militant struggles and because they feared the emergence of a revolutionary movement like the one in Russia in 1917. They always deemed us, the working class, unworthy of these concessions, which they worked to take back at the first available opportunity.

Revolutionary developments in technology, such as the emergence of the microchip and the advent of containerized shipping, allowed transnational corporations to offshore production beginning in the 1980s. The unions, rooted in the capitalist nation-state and viciously hostile to socialism, could do nothing against this onslaught. In short order, the bureaucrats in unions across the world transformed themselves from workers organizations that could achieve limited reforms, to open partners of corporate management and the state.

The right-wing bureaucrats that lead the unions constantly argue that the ruling class can voluntarily return to a national form of socioeconomic development they have spent five decades deliberately escaping from. You may as well ask water to run uphill against gravity because the results will be the same. Some companies may return based on massive government subsidies and tax breaks, but those high paying jobs of yesteryear will not. The corporations, profit centres of the ruling class, will continue to scour the world and employ emerging technologiesthat could be used to provide us improved living standards, a shorter work-week, and eliminate the type of dangerous, sweatshop conditions that exist at NSC and many other companiesto lower their labour costs and increase their profits.

What we are up against is this: an antiquated nation-state system that has long since served any progressive purpose, coming up against the private control and ownership of a globally interconnected economy. US imperialism, a dying superpower with Canadian imperialism in tow, is in its death throes attacking anyone and anything to maintain its fading global dominance. The nationalistic and pro-capitalist union bureaucracies fulfill an important role in keeping the working class tied to this dying system.

What is the way out of this?

Firstly, the working class must understand that it is an international class, connected by the process of production and similar living conditions. Even more than 25 years ago, the working class spans the entire globe, facing the same class enemy in the capitalist ruling class and their lapdogs in the social democratic parties, like the NDP, and union bureaucracies. This global interconnectedness speaks to the need to unite our struggles across national boundaries, with a common political perspective and program of socialist internationalism.

Workers must understand the class nature of the union bureaucracies and what their purpose is. It is not to protect the working class or raise the living standards of their members. The purpose of the labour bureaucracies is to maintain their seat at the table and remain a useful appendage of the ruling class they truly work for.

They may harken back to the era when the unions were associated with important, but limited gains for workers within national economies (the mid-1930s to the end of the 1970s), like the photos we saw in the calendar our executive handed out before the holidays. They do this to claim they are exactly what they were during that period.

But we all know that is not the caseand weve had one concession contract after another that shows that. Since the late 1970s to the present period, all the bureaucracies of the AFL-CIO and CLC unions have transformed themselves into junior partners in the corporate capitalist profit game and become a corporate police force. To conceal this reality, they resort to empty nationalism and militarism to obscure the essential class nature of their existence now. Their unstated purpose is to keep us in line to maintain the profits of their ruling class paymasters, and help them advance their predatory interests on the world stage.

Why else would the various unions (CUPE, the Teamsters, Unifor etc.) constantly collaborate with the federal government to impose pro-employer contract demands through open strikebreaking and an entirely pro-employer arbitration process, as just happened to the Canada Post workers? Why else would the USW leadership resort to mimicking the economic and military sabre-rattling demands of the American and Canadian ruling class as it relates to China?

The working class in North America has no interest in a massive global military conflagration to maintain its jobs. We know we would end up being cannon fodder for the 1 percent and, assuming there was a planet left to rebuild, have to work under them all over again.

We have occasionally heard how the collaboration of unions in Germany is a much better set up. Union bureaucrats there sit on corporate boards and have a serious role in the directions of companies. However, Volkswagen recently announced layoffs where one in four jobs will be destroyed at VW (a total of 35,000) and tens of thousands of spin-off jobs in related industries.

All the while the IG Metall union, which boasts that its the largest union in the world, claims this is a Christmas miracle and was on the inside going along with these decisions. If that is not Exhibit A that these bureaucracies are in the business of keeping corporations profitable at the expense of its members and the society at large, what is? With trade union friends like this, who needs enemies?

The working class must gain the consciousness of its own power within this system to end this system. It must break with the AFL-CIO and CLC labour bureaucracies that keep us tied to the system of profit, and use nationalism to divide the working class and prepare the ground for another world war.

It must realize this needs to be done internationally, because the ruling class organizes production internationally and pursues its global interests on the basis of a global strategy. That is where the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees comes into play as the spearhead organization to make this a reality and thats why the National Steel Car Rank-and-File Committee is affiliated to it. We encourage all National Steel Car workers who agree with us to contact the Committee and build it as the organization we need to defend our livelihoods.
A revealing incident took place at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter on Thursday. Former President Barack Obama and President-Elect Donald Trump were filmed publicly laughing and joking with each other for several minutes during the proceedings.

When asked about the exchange in an interview Friday, Trump commented, I didnt realize how friendly it looked... I said, Boy, they look like two people that like each other. And we probably do... we just get along.

Former President Barack Obama, from left, speaks with President-elect Donald Trump as his wife Melania Trump looks on before the casket of former President Jimmy Carter arrives for a state funeral at the National Cathedral, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via AP, Pool]

Trump and Obama were laughing at a public mourning for a man who held the highest office in the country. While they laughed, the second-largest city in America was engulfed in flames, with hundreds of thousands of people evacuated as thousands of buildings burned to the ground.

The two men shared their jokes as two members of Americas financial oligarchy. Obama, with a net worth of a quarter-billion dollars, maintains three mansionsin Washington D.C., Chicago and Marthas Vineyardand regularly vacations with Americas leading oligarchs. Trump, the embodiment of the financial aristocracy, has a net worth of over $6 billion. To men like them, a fire that burns down one of their houses means nothing but a lucrative insurance payout. They simply cannot understand why anyone would expect them to pretend to be sad at such a moment.

But beyond the inappropriateness, poor taste and distance from social reality that the exchange expressed, it has a deeper objective significance. As with US President Joe Bidens invitation to Trump to the White House on November 13, in which the two shook hands and promised a peaceful transfer of power, Obamas friendly exchange with Trump sent a signal that dominant sections of the state are prepared to accept as president a man who, just months earlier, they had correctly identified as a fascist and would-be dictator.

In an interview with journalist Bob Woodward, Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Trump, called Trump a total fascist and the most dangerous person to this country A fascist to the core.

In an interview with The Atlantic, John Kelly, Trumps former chief of staff, recalled that Trump wanted US generals to be loyal to him in the way that Hitlers were loyal to himi.e., by swearing an oath of personal loyalty. Do you mean the Kaisers generals? Kelly recalled, saying, Surely you cant mean Hitlers generals? And he said, Yeah, yeah, Hitlers generals.

Citing these statements, two months ago Obama said at a rally:

In Donald Trumps mind, the military does not exist to serve the Constitution or the American people. He does not see being commander-in-chief as a solemn, sacred responsibility. Just like everything else, he thinks the military exists to do his bidding, to serve his interests We do not need four years of a wannabe king, a wannabe dictator.

Obama was speaking not merely as a former president, but was rather articulating the official position of the White House. In multiple instances over the past year, President Joe Biden said that Trump would act as a dictator on day one.

In October, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre was asked, Is the president aware of John Kellys assertion that Donald Trump meets the definition of a fascist and that Trump wanted the kinds of generals Hitler had?

To this, the White House spokesperson replied, Youve heard from the former president himself saying that he is going to be a dictator on day one. This is him, not us. This is him. She added, Do we agree... Do we agree about that determination? Yes, we do. We do.

No one should conclude from the warm response given by US President Joe Biden, and now Barack Obama, to Trump that they were not serious about their warnings. Rather, they, together with the broader financial oligarchy they represent, have concluded that the form of government Trump is seeking to establish is acceptable.

Obamas first task upon taking office was to implement and extend the bailout of major banks and institutions in the aftermath of the 2008 market crash, making Americas financial oligarchy, Trump included, vastly richer. Obama vastly expanded the powers of the presidency, including the 2011 killing of an American citizen through extrajudicial assassination.

He initiated the massive expansion of the US nuclear arsenal that was continued under Trump, who withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and then Biden, who likewise massively expanded the funding of the US military.

In 2016, as he was leaving office, Obama said of the incoming Trump presidency, Were actually all on one team. This is an intramural scrimmage.

What he meant by this was that Americas billionaires and its political establishment are all on one team, lined up against the vast and exploited working class. This oligarchy has decided to place its affairs in the hands of a man who has pledged to rule as a dictator.

This weeks episode should serve as a reminder that no opposition to fascism and dictatorship will come from any faction of the US political establishment. The opposition to Trumps attacks on democratic rights will come from the working class.
Wednesday marked two years since the attempted coup of January 8, 2023 led by Brazils former president Jair Bolsonaro and a section of the military.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his wife Rosangela da Silva attend a pro-democracy event marking two years since the alleged coup attempt when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro invaded government buildings and called for military intervention, in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. [AP Photo/Luis Nova]

Since the last anniversary of the fascist uprising in Brasilia, critical revelations have emerged about the dictatorial conspiracy and the wide participation of military forces that far exceeded Bolsonaros most radical supporters.

The response of the Workers Party (PT) government to these developments was to organize a ceremony on Wednesday that only differed from last years Democracia Inabalada (Democracy Unshaken) event in that it was even more reactionary, deceitful and politically cowardly.

The main point of the event was welcoming as guests of honor the three Armed Forces commanders, who were reportedly uncomfortable in making their appearance and remained silent afterwards. Lula initiated his speech explaining that they had been invited to show this country that it is possible to build the Armed Forces with the purpose of defending national sovereignty.

Lulas attempt to ingratiate himself with the military on the basis of a nationalist appeal is absolutely reactionary. On the one hand, it aims to deliberately conceal Brazils massive social antagonisms under the banner of national unity, the same slogan invoked by the 1964 CIA-backed military coup to violently suppress social and political opposition. The military dictatorship famously used the slogan Brazil, love it or leave it as it tortured, assassinated and exiled tens of thousands of workers and students.

At the same time, Lula seeks to contain and gloss over the acute political crisis in the country by aligning himself with the same military apparatus implicated in the coup plot. This strategy corresponds to the broader agenda of the Brazilian ruling class, which seeks bury the lessons of the January 8 episode by turning reality on its head, presenting the military as the saviors of democracy.

This narrative is completely absurd in the face of conclusive evidence that the whole of the Armed Forces command participated in discussions with the former president about the plot to overthrow the elected government and install a dictatorship. Less than a month ago, Bolsonaros vice-presidential running mate, Gen. Walter Braga Netto, and a number of high-ranking officers were arrested for their involvement in an advanced plan to assassinate Lula, his vice-president and the head of the Supreme Electoral Court (TSE).

Completely falsifying this episode, which mobilized essential forces of the Brazilian bourgeois state, Lula claimed to have escaped from an assassination attempt by a bunch of irresponsible people, I would say, a bunch of lunatics.

Alexandre de Moraes, the Supreme Court judge and former head of the TSE, also spoke at the event, fraudulently attributing responsibility for the coup attempt to freedom of speech on the internet. Promising to advance his campaign to censor the internet he announced: The great cause of it all hasnt been overcome, it hasnt been regulated.

In what was perhaps the most politically significant section of his speech, Lula counterposed the defense of abstract (bourgeois) democracy to a vicious attack against the legacy of social revolutions, in particular, that of the 1917 Russian Revolution. He said:

Its impossible to imagine a better form of governance  outside of democracy. Its so good that it allowed a lathe operator, without a university degree, [Lula himself] to become President it cant happen in any other regime.  Take a photograph of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and there isnt a worker in the picture. You take a photo of the Cuban Revolution and there arent any workers either, because they were intellectuals  because historically it was always thought that workers were good for nothing except working.

Developing on this point, he referenced the major strike movements of the Brazilian working class from 1968 to 1978 that challenged and brought down the military dictatorship four decades ago. Lula, who emerged on the political scene alongside his Workers Party in the midst of this process, concluded: the Brazilian working class has a lot, a lot to do with the conquest of democracy in this country.

The profound political contradictions in Lulas statement were laid bare by the fact that he is unable to mention any significant conquest of the Brazilian working class other than having himself, a rotten ex-trade-union bureaucrat, elected president for the third time. In fact, the governments event on Wednesday was notable for its failure to draw any audience outside of the black-tied state bureaucracy.

Lulas denunciation of the Russian Revolution is a gross slander. It is an established fact that the October 1917 Revolution was the product of the conscious support of the majority of the Russian working class for the program of socialist revolution defended by the Bolshevik Party of Lenin and Trotsky. The October uprising, the only successful taking of power by the working class in history, was based on the soviets and factory committees that directly represented virtually all Russian workers.

While it is the case that guerrilla movement led by Fidel Castro was led by petty-bourgeois nationalists and never founded upon such organs of workers powerand, therefore, was not a socialist revolution giving origin to a workers statethe 1959 Cuban Revolution did win support from the popular masses in putting an end to the US-backed Batista dictatorship.

When Lula speaks of democracy he is simply referring to the bourgeois electoral system and its rituals that disguise the rule of capitalism over the entire society. It is highly revealing of the historically treacherous role played by the PT that Lula gave such a speech as his government is being cornered by the same financial elite that promoted his return to power and now demands that it implement ever more brutal austerity measures against the working class.

Despite Lula and the PTs insisting that democracy prevailed in order to numb popular consciousness, the social, economic, and political contradictions that underpinned the January 8 coup attempt are only being aggravated.

At the international level, the return to the White House of Donald Trump, an open ally of Bolsonaro, exacerbates the tensions in Brazils political system. The Brazilian coup plotters were openly inspired by Trumps fascist political strategy that led to the January 6, 2021 invasion of the US Capitol.

To mark the second anniversary of the fascist coup attempt in Brasilia, Bolsonaro announced that he was officially invited by Trump to the US presidential inauguration, demanding the release of his passport currently held by the Federal Police amid ongoing coup-related investigations. Trumps move is a deliberate provocation against the Brazilian government. Whether its authorities refuse Bolsonaros request or bow to US pressure, diplomatic and internal political tensions will only escalate.

This provocation is linked to the Trump administrations brutal imperialist agenda that aims to exert total and ruthless control over Latin America. Furthermore, it is in direct continuity with the previous attempts of billionaire Elon Musk, now a leading member of Trumps cabinet, to destabilize Brazilian politics and promote the fascist forces claiming the legacy of the January 8 coup attempt.

In response to the growing US imperialist pressures and the global economic crisis, the burning question facing the Brazilian ruling class is preparing the suppression of the coming struggles of the working class. The nationalistic appeals of the Workers Party to the military not only pose no resistance to imperialism and resurgent fascism but rather constitute direct collaboration with their aims.

If the fascists failed two years ago, they are already looking to their next and better prepared attempt under more favorable domestic and international conditions. This danger can only be answered by a struggle in Brazil, in the United States and in every country to disarm the bourgeois state and transfer political power to the hands of the working class.

In other words, it requires that workers take up and develop the strategy of international socialist revolution that animated the October 1917 Russian Revolution and that is today represented by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI).
On December 27, 2024 and January 2, 2025, hundreds of public employees belonging to the Government Workers Association union (Asociacion de Trabajadores del Estado, ATE), were joined by the mothers of victims disappeared under state terror of 1972-1981 (Madres de la Plaza de Mayo) and other human rights and left organizations in marches and rallies at various memorial museums in Argentina, demanding that they not be shut down, in the name of Memory, Truth, and Justice.

ESMA, the former Navy School of Mechanics, a notorious detention, torture and execution center turned into a memorial museum [Photo by Camilo del Cerro / CC BY-SA 4.0

When the government of President Javier Milei and Vice President Victoria Villarruel took power in December 2023, it began the process of dismantling the Human Rights Secretariat and shutting down dozens of museum sites in former clandestine torture centers across Argentina, with the intention of erasing the record of the torture, disappearances and murder of tens of thousands of militant workers and youth in the 1970s and 80s. They also began ending ongoing trials against those involved in the reign of state terror.

In a warning to workers internationally, since the fascist Mileis government has been glorified as a model by the ruling elites internationally, the dismantling of memory sites is now accelerating in a transparent effort to lay the groundwork for repeating the crimes of the dictatorship against mounting opposition from below to his far-right policies.

The last wave of state terror began with the return of Juan Domingo Peron for his second presidency in 1972, and became more serious under his widow Isabel Peron following his death in 1974 and her overthrow by the military in 1976. Between 1974 and the end of the military dictatorship, precipitated by the debacle of the Malvinas War in 1982, leftists and working class opponents of the regime were disappeared in military centers across the country, first at the hands of the Triple A (Argentine Anticommunist Alliance)an alliance of fascist Peronists, the trade union apparatus and the military. It was modeled on the fascist corporatist Somaten Armado created in 1945 by Spanish Dictator Francisco Franco to supplement his Guardia Civil (Civil Guard).

Following the 1976 military coup, the armed forces and police, backed by the CIA and US imperialism, launched an all-out dirty-war of torture and mass murder against leftists, in the the so-called Proceso de Reorganizacion Nacional (Process of National Reorganization). Two hundred detention and torture centers were established across the nation, mostly in military installations and police stations.

Between 2000 and 2017, under mass popular pressure around the Memory, Truth and Justice movement and the mothers of the disappeared prisoners (Madres de Plaza de Mayo), 35 of these torture centers were transformed into Sites of Memory, in honor of the 30,000 victims of state terror who had been disappeared, never to be seen again (see map). Many of these victims, innocent of any crime, were thrown out of airplanes in twice-daily flights over the Plata River and the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, monuments and plaques in memory of the victims of state terror exist across the country.

When it came to power in December 2023, the Milei government began shutting down these sites and firing the workers, including the establishments operating in the former Mechanical Navy School (ESMA), and the Virrey Cevallos (Air Force) extermination and torture centers, as well as the Olimpo (Federal Police) concentration camp, in Greater Buenos Aires, and the Navy Light House (El Faro) detention center in the city of Mar del Plata. These memorial museums have received thousands of visitors since they were established, from schools and other institutions from across the world, including the United States.

The Human Rights Secretariat is a branch of the National Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. It was established in December 2003 under the presidency of Nestor Kirchner (Peronist). It was set up in the ESMA school, which was transformed into a Memory, Truth, and Justice site (The Harold Conti Cultural Center) that, in addition to museum exhibits, includes an archival collection of documents available to the public and to researchers and public television programs: the latter have been exhibited in sites and across the country. The ESMA, the largest of all the detention, torture and disappearance centers during the dictatorship, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Most recently, 600 workers were summarily dismissed from the Human Rights Secretariat, which administers the memorial museums, virtually dismantling it.

On January 2 sacked ESMA and Human Rights workers and their supporters surrounded the ESMA building, chanting, Without memory there is no future, and Do not mess with Memory.

The Virrey Ceballos Site of Memory is now a shade of its former self, emptied of exhibits. Its only two remaining employees will be laid off soon. Ricardo del Valle, one of the laid-off Virrey Ceballos workers told the Buenos Aires daily Pagina 12: What the government wants is that we stop reporting on what happened during those years; but we will not give in  we intend to keep this site open to continue transmitting what happened during the dictatorship and also to reveal the reality that we face as workers in all the Sites of Memory, not just in Cevallos. ... Following the pandemic we received visits from many elementary and high schools, and also from universities, from here and other countries. For example, from [the state of] Georgia, in the United States  It is not a simple job for us to tell students and other people about what took place during the dictatorship but we wish to be there to transmit our memory.

The Virrey Ceballos torture center, nominally in the hands of the Air Force, was also used by the Army and Federal Police. It was shut down following the escape of Osvaldo Lopez, one of its prisoners, after a week of torture. Scores of workers and youth were imprisoned there.

Like the other, larger, Sites of Memory, Virrey Ceballos was a center of community, educational and fund-raising activities, in part to support the sacked employees.

President Milei, Vice President Villarrual, and their party, Libertad Avanza, insist that, while there were excesses in the Armed Forces treatment of dissenters, the country was at war with the Peronist left, the Montoneros and clandestine workers organizations. In the eyes of Milei, Villarruel, and the Peronist right wing, the military saved the nation from terrorism and communism.

Milei and Villarruel, whose career had been as a defender of military officials accused of state terror, have repeatedly declared that the Sites of Memory have concocted lies prepared by the left. Both have repeatedly denied that the Videla dictatorship disappeared 30,000 workers. Mileis number, picked out of thin air, is 8,753. Milei and Villarruel refer to their narrative as the Complete Truth.

Like ESMA and Virrey Ceballos, the Olimpo concentration camp was also hit by a wave of layoffs. Among the services shut down were education, community links, maintenance, and research and development at the memorial museums archives and library. It received over 25,000 visitors in 2023, and more in 2024.

The Faro lighthouse torture center in the port city of Mar Del Plata was also the scene of protests on January 2. In 2014, it was established as a memorial museum with hundreds of experienced employees, from Olimpo and other museums, charged with teaching, organizing debates and distributing information. Most of these employees have now been sacked.
California National Guard line up along the Pacific Coast Highway as a plume of smoke rises from the Palisades Fire on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles [AP Photo/John Locher]

The six fires raging across Los Angeles have now claimed more than 12,000 homes and other structures, and at least 11 lives. An estimated 180,000 people remain under evacuation orders and another 166,800 face evacuation warnings as firefighters continue to combat the blazes which have so far consumed about 56 square miles (145 square kilometers) of the city.

The buildings that have burned down include homes, churches, schools, libraries, a synagogue, small stores, banks, restaurants and local landmarks. The total economic losses are currently projected to be as high as $150 billion. More bodies are expected to be discovered as cadaver dogs continue to comb the burnt out husks of former neighborhoods.

On Thursday, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom deployed 400 California National Guard to various neighborhoods, setting up checkpoints and blockades to ostensibly stop looting. According to the Los Angeles Country Sheriffs Department, They will be assisting us with traffic control and critical infrastructure protection.

In practice, the impact has been to stop those who evacuated from checking on their homes and retrieving keepsakes. An Altadena resident told the WSWS, The fires havent reached my house yet, and my wife and I, along with several other couples, tried to go back to our homes to rescue our belongings, but we were stopped by the National Guard.

The sheriffs department keeps saying they are worried about looters, but what looters? The news just keeps reporting about the same 20 arrests. Weve been lucky that our home hasnt burned down and we want to rescue what we can while we can.

A curfew order has also been in effect, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., during which anyone in the burned areas can be arrested.

The two largest fires, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, are still only eight percent contained and three percent contained, respectively. The high sustained winds from earlier this week have abated somewhat, dropping to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 miles per hour, aiding the firefighting efforts of the 6,200 firefighters on the ground. The National Interagency Fire Center predicts that environmental conditions will continue to improve over the weekend.

One difficulty in dealing with the fires is the fact that the 117 million-gallon (440 million-liter) Santa Ynez Reservoir in Pacific Palisades is currently drained and out of service, taking away water resources which could have been used to fight the blazes. This is compounded by the fact that Democratic Mayor Karen Bass cut the budget of the Los Angeles Fire Department by $17.6 million, while increasing the Los Angeles Police Department budget by $126 million.

In addition to the direct threat the fires pose, the smoke produced by thousands of burning buildings and vehicles is enormously toxic and dangerous. Materials including microplastics, mercury and leadas well as the chemicals carbon monoxide, benzene and dioxinsare very common in urban fires.

The particulate matter which millions are now breathing are small enough to reach the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of cardiac arrests, heart failure, asthma, strokes and other issues related to the inflammation of the lungs and particulates in the heart. Masks are now strongly recommended for Los Angeles, especially those that stop the smallest PM2.5 particles, but there is no mass coordinated effort to get appropriate masks to the population.

The Cedars-Sinai medical campus has already had to offer more pulmonary appointments for patients exhibiting respiratory issues from the smoke, particularly asthma and pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring which is largely incurable). Moreover, multiple clinics have been forced to close outright as a result of the fires, further stressing the local healthcare infrastructure.

The ongoing fires also highlight the impact of capitalist-induced climate change on modern society, particularly the increased devastation caused by extreme weather events. In 2007, the Fourth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change showed evidence linking rising global temperatures to extreme weather, including heatwaves, droughts and conditions conducive to wildfires.

In 2021, the Sixth Assessment Report directly linked climate change to to an increased risk of wildfires. It highlighted record-breaking wildfires, including the deadly Camp Fire in 2018, and emphasized the role of climate change in driving these wildfires.

The climate trends warned about in the assessment reports have continued unabated. On Friday, the European Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record and the first full calendar year in which the average global temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above its pre-industrial level. The year was also 0.12 degrees Celsius hotter than 2023, the previous warmest year on record.

The records Copernicus uses go back to 1850, and it uses the temperatures recorded from 1850-1900 as its baseline. Since then, the burning of fossil fuelscoal, oil and natural gashas steadily increased the concentration of carbon dioxide in Earths atmosphere, causing a corresponding increase in the global average temperature.

The last 10 years have seen the sharpest of these temperature increases. The years 2015-2024 were the 10 warmest on record. Last year was the warmest year for all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It was also the warmest year in significant parts of the North Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.

The sharp increase in the air temperature has also caused a temperature increase of 0.51 degrees Celsius in the equatorial and mid latitude oceans. The increase in ocean temperatures has in particular caused mass coral bleaching, which threatens both critical oceanic ecosystems, but the entire ecology of Earth as a cascading effect.

In Los Angeles, one impact of these higher temperatures has been an ongoing eight-month drought. Typically the region has a rainy season starting around November, which has yet to begin. As such, the city is currently suffering especially dry conditions which have fueled the ongoing fires.

The dangers posed by such a rapid increase of the global temperature are immense, as evidenced by the Los Angeles fires as well as the recent hurricanes Milton and Helene that ravaged the US Southeast late last year. These include longer heatwaves, more intense droughts, heavier rainfall, more powerful hurricanes and cyclones, larger wildfires, more severe storms, polar vortexes, coastal and tidal flooding and glacial and permafrost melting, all of which capitalism has proven incapable of abating, much less resolving.
Blue flame coming out of a gas stove burner. [Photo by Ervins Strauhmanis/Flickr / CC BY 4.0

The transit of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine has ended following the expiration of a five-year agreement on January 1. This marks the end of Ukraines long-standing role as a key energy route to Europe.

Following the outbreak of the ongoing NATO proxy war against Moscow in February 2022, the EUwith the full backing of the United Statesworked rapidly to lower its energy use from Russian sources.

According to a recent Energynews report, Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine had already dropped from 117 billion cubic meters in 2008 to just 14.65 billion in 2023, underscoring the decline of this historical corridor for Russian gas to Europe. The EU has reported that Russian sources have come to constitute just 10 percent of its gas imports compared to 40 percent in 2021 prior to the war.

While Brussels claims that its member states are prepared for the now total cutoff of Russian gas, Moldova, which is not part of the EU, is experiencing shortages following Gazproms refusal to offer the country an alternate delivery route. The Russian energy company claims it did so due to Moldovas failure to make payments.

As a result of the energy conflict, 51,000 apartments and 1,500 buildings have been left without heat in the Russian-backed breakaway Transnistria region of Moldova. Moscow and Chisinau are trading accusations as the crisis unfolds.

President Maia Sandu, who won a controversial election last November after EU officials publicly intervened against the pro-Russian candidate Alexander Stoianoglo, accused Moscow of blackmail.

'To call things by their names, this is an opportunity for them to create an energy crisis in Moldova, she said, adding, This is another lesson for usnot to have one source of energy supplies that blackmails us every time.

Just prior to the end of the agreement, speculative reports appeared in both Ukrainian and Western media suggesting that Azerbaijan would attempt to take up Russias role as a gas supplier to Europe via Ukraine or that a last-minute extension would be negotiated between the EU and Moscow.

Despite Russias assurances that it was more than willing to conclude a deal with the imperialist powers and continue sending gas to Europe, those reports have yet to come to fruition, as NATO moves forward with its long standing plans to decouple Russia from European energy markets.

In October of last year, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal publicly ruled out an extension of the now-expired gas transit agreement, when he met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Western Ukraine. Ukraine once again says it will not continue the transit agreement with Russia after it expires, Shmyhal told reporters, adding, Ukraine's strategic goal is to deprive the Kremlin of profits from the sale of hydrocarbons which the aggressor uses to finance the war.

Previously, in 2020, Ukraine and Russia were able to reach a last-minute deal after five days of non-stop bilateral talks in Vienna led by European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic.

At that time, Russia supplied Europe with 40 percent of its natural gas and was nearing completion of the now-destroyed Nord Stream 2 pipeline but had momentarily paused the latters construction due to the imposition of US sanctions included in the massive $738 billion 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.

Without those sanctions, it is unlikely that the deal that has now ended between Russia and Ukraine would have ever been signed. Moscow was previously only willing to offer one-year agreements, while Ukraine sought one that would last for 10 years.

Under the terms of the old arrangement, Russia sent 65 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas through Ukraine in 2020 and 40 bcm of gas from 2021 to 2025. In exchange, a cash-strapped Ukraine received around $7 billion in much-needed transit fees.

Prior to that deal, gas supplies to Europe had already been interrupted twice in the previous 13 years, as tensions escalated between Moscow and Western-backed governments in Kiev.

While the majority of EU countries have already significantly cut their use of Russian gas , the Ukrainian transit route still met 65 percent of demand in 2023 in Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, according to the European think tank, Bruegel.

In November of last year, Russia cut off its supplies to Austria, a move which the countrys leader claimed would have no impact. No home will go cold ... gas-storage facilities are sufficiently full, Karl Nehammer told reporters at the time.

Hungary no longer receives significant natural gas through Ukraines pipeline and has shifted its Russian natural gas deliveries to the TurkStream pipeline that runs along the bed of the Black Sea.

Slovakia alone continued up to now to receive Russian gas via Ukraine, but has likewise switched to receiving Russian gas supplies via the TurkSteam pipeline. It has said, however, that it would prefer an alternate route through Germany that has yet to be used.

The fallout from the ending of the gas agreement continues to exacerbate already existing tensions between the Ukrainian government and neighboring Slovakia, which is both a NATO and EU member.

In addition to using Russian gas for its own needs, Slovakia also served as the main gas entry point to the EU from Ukraine and earned transit fees from sending the resource along to Hungary, Austria and Italy.

The Slovakian government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, has warned that the end of the agreement between Ukraine and Russia will have drastic consequences for EU countries. He has threatened to shut off electricity supplies to Ukraine, which is already suffering from rolling blackouts due to the war.

Earlier in December, Fico, one of the most vocal opponents of the Ukraine war within the EU, pledged that Ukraine would never be welcomed to NATO, a central goal of the Zelensky government. Ukraine wont be invited to NATO. It will lose a third of its territory. There will be foreign military forces there,' Fico said while addressing Slovakia's Parliamentary Committee for European Affairs.

He later made a surprise visit to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, contradicting the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy, by which all member states are expected to abide.

Last year, Fico survived an assassination attempt by 71-year-old Juraj Cintula, who was angered over the leaders opposition to continued military aid to Ukraine.

In response to Ficos criticisms of the gas deals termination, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Fico of dragging Slovakia into Russia's attempts to cause more suffering for Ukrainians.

On the military front, the situation continues to be going poorly for Ukraine. The one remaining active metering station, located at Sudzha, of Russian gas to Ukrainian pipelines was taken by Ukrainian forces during Zelenskys incursion into Russias Kursk incursion in August. However, Russian forces are continuing to advance in the Donbass, where the Ukrainian military is facing manpower and ammunition shortages.

Russia just claimed the strategically important town of Kurakhove in the Donetsk region. While Ukraine has yet to acknowledge the fact, a well-known right-wing Ukrainian military blogger, Yury Butusov, confirmed the town has been effectively lost.

Aware of the impending loss in Kurakhove, on Sunday the Ukrainian army launched another offensive in the Kursk region. Russia reports that in response it has destroyed, four tanks, two infantry combat tanks, 16 armored combat vehicles and a mine clearance vehicle.

As is typical of the PR-driven Zelensky government, the attack on Russian territory was timed to coincide with and counter the breaking news of the loss of Kurakhove and demonstrate to incoming US President Donald Trump that Kiev can wage an offensive, no matter how minor to the overall trajectory of the war or how many of its own troops it loses.
This is the first of a three-part series. Part Two was published on January 13, 2025 and Part Three was published on January 14, 2025.

One hundred and forty years ago, the imperialist powers gathered in Berlin to formalise rules for the annexation and plunder of Africa. The Berlin Conference, held from November 1884 to February 1885, resulted in the ratification of the General Act, accelerating European colonial expansion in what is known as the Scramble for Africa. This violent process redrew Africas borders, fractured ethnic, cultural, and linguistic landscapes, and entrenched capitalist exploitation and plundering by imperialist powers which continues to this day.

The conference of Berlin, as illustrated in Illustrirte Zeitung, 1884. [Photo: Adalbert von Role]

The conference, intended to regulate inter-imperialist tensions, instead intensified rivalries that culminated in the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, resulting in over 40 million deaths. Within two decades, the Second World War would erupt, claiming 70-85 million lives.

The mass anti-colonial movements that developed in the aftermath of the Second World War, together with the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, forced the major powers to retreat from direct colonial forms of rule. However, far from providing the impetus for economic development and social equality and revitalising the bankrupt capitalist nation-state system, as promised by the bourgeois nationalist forces backed by Stalinists and anti-Trotskyist Pabloite tendencies, the decades since have shown that this independence has failed to bring meaningful or lasting improvements to the lives of Africas workers and rural masses.

The experiment with formally independent capitalist states over the past six decades has paved the way for a new Scramble for Africa as part of a re-division of the whole world between the imperialist powers.

The struggle for control of vital mineral and oil reserves, raw materials and markets, as a component part of a global struggle for hegemony between the major powers against the emerging capitalist powers: Russia, and above all China, their foremost economic competitor. The confrontation threatens to ignite a global conflict that carries the threat of nuclear war.

Todays imperialist conferences of the 21st century, in the different names of G-7, G-20, the United Nations and their ilk, are no more capable of a peaceful division of global resources among the capitalist and imperialist states than they were at Berlin 140 years ago. The only politically viable answer to the nightmarish imperialist scenario of inevitable war is the revolutionary mobilisation of the international working class on the basis of socialist policies.

The Berlin Conference

On November 15, 1884, Otto von Bismarck, chancellor of the newly-created German Empire, opened the Conference of Berlin on West Africa at his official residence in the city.

The relatively free competition which had characterised capitalist development in the 1860s was supplanted by an enormous concentration of production in the hands of factory owners, bankers and big business. The age of finance capital had arrived. Colonialism, which had been on the wane, underwent an explosive revival as the need arose for new areas in which to invest and the establishment of protected markets to consume the vast output of commodities produced by the advanced capitalist countries.

This process intensified following the economic crisis of the 1870s, marked by the Long Depression, which drove European powers to expand into new territories as a means of alleviating mounting class tensions at home. Thirteen years before the Berlin Conference, the Paris Commune of 1871the first instance in history where the working class seized power and formed a workers statehad terrified the European ruling class.

Declining industrial profitability and falling agricultural prices spurred a search for alternative markets, raw materials, and investment opportunities. Africa, with its abundant resourcessuch as rubber, gold, and ivoryand its potential as a market for European goods, was an attractive target. Amid rising competition among imperial powers, colonisation became a strategy to secure trade routes, establish economic dominance, and assert political influence in the face of rival imperialist ambitions.

Despite the veneer of civility and diplomacy, the Berlin Conference centered on a ruthless and predatory struggle among rival groups of national capitalists for the strengthening of their world economic and strategic position. It was attended by representatives from every major European imperialist power, alongside the United States, Tsarist Russia, and the Ottoman Empire.

Despite 80 percent of Africa remaining under traditional rule at the time of the conference, no Africans were present at the negotiating table. European-recognised sovereign nations like Morocco, Liberia, and Ethiopia were not invited. The Sultan of Zanzibar, who had become a pawn of British imperialism in its efforts to control the East African coast and the Western Indian Ocean against French rivals, pleaded for an invitation but was ignored by London.

Initially, the aim of the conference was not the immediate partition of Africa, but as Nigerian historian Godfrey Uzoigwe states in , It nevertheless ended up disposing of territory, passing resolutions pertaining to the free navigation of the Niger, the Benue, and their affluents; and laying down the rules to be observed in future with regard to the occupation of territory on the coasts of Africa. [ 1 ]

Comparison of Africa in the years 1880 and 1913 [Photo by Somebody 500 / Wikimedia / CC BY-SA 4.0

The conferences proceedings, discussion and conclusions made clear that the continents rich resources and human labour were to be exploited for profits. Its mountains, lakes, rivers, canals and coastlines were now geostrategic enclaves in the competition for world hegemony. Even the most remote regions acquired a strategic significance which often outweighed their immediate economic importance.

British Prime Minister Lord Salisbury cynically admitted, We have been engaged in drawing lines up maps where no white mans foot ever trod; we have been giving away mountains and rivers and lakes to each other, only hindered by the small impediment that we never knew exactly where the mountains and rivers and lakes were. [ 2 ]

The imperialist powers adopted the General Act of the Berlin Conference. Two of its articles were to play a devastating role in the carve up. Article 34 was the doctrine of spheres of influence, which stipulated that any European nation which wanted to take possession of an African coast or declared protectorate must notify other signatories of the Berlin Act to have this ratified.

Article 35 was the doctrine of effective occupation which stipulated that the imperialist occupiers had to demonstrate possession of a territory, or authority to protect existing rights, and as the case maybe, freedom of trade and of transit under the conditions agreed upon. This principle was to become the catalyst for military conquest of the African continent.

The agreement was signed and ratified by 13 of the 14 nations presentexcluding the United Statesestablishing the framework for the conquest, partition, and exploitation of Africa, a continent of over 28 million square kilometres. The US chose not to sign the Act, preoccupied with its own continental expansion and ethnic cleansing of the Native American population, addressing the challenges of industrial expansion following the post-Civil War Reconstruction period, and upholding the Monroe Doctrine across South Americasoon to become a tool to impose its own form of semi-colonial dominance in the region.

Washington, however, was deeply involved in the proceedings. It attempted to push for an open door policy of free trade that would secure its access to markets controlled by othersa strategy of imperialist exploitation that would later be imposed on China. The US also played a pivotal role in supporting Belgiums establishment of the Congo Free State under King Leopold II, whose brutal regime resulted in the deaths of an estimated five to eight million Congolese through forced labour and systematic terror.

In popular presentations, the Berlin Conference initiated the Scramble for Africa. However, the conference did not begin the partition of Africa but only laid down a few rules to govern the plunder process already in full swing. France occupied Tunisia in 1881 and Guinea in 1884. In 1882, British troops invaded Egypt, which at that time was officially part of the Ottoman Empire. Italy subdued parts of Eritrea in 1870 and 1882. In April 1884, the German Reich annexed German Southwest Africa (today Namibia), moving into Togo and Cameroon in July of the same year.

In less than three decades after the conference, with the sole exception of Liberia and Ethiopia, 90 percent of the continent, a fifth of the planets surface, was carved up into around 40 colonial territories by five major imperialist powers. France held a dominant position in West Africa, Britain predominated in eastern and southern Africa, while Belgium secured the vast territory of the Congo. Germany took over what today is Namibia, Cameron, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda. The Portuguese established themselves in todays Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Angola. Spain, which had lost most of its dominions in South America, secured parts of Morocco and Equatorial Guinea.

Uzoigwe describes the unprecedented consequences of the Conference: what is most remarkable about our period is the co-ordinated manner, speed and comparative easefrom the European point of viewwith which this was accomplished. Nothing like that had ever happened before. [ 3 ]

A week before the conference closed after 104 days on February 26, 1885, Nigerias Lagos Observer declared, the world had, perhaps, never witnessed a robbery on so large a scale. [ 4 ]

To be continued
Picket line at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah [Photo: Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA)]

The two-week strike by 204 ski patrollers at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah came to an end this week after workers unanimously voted to ratify a tentative agreement, according to a statement from the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association.

Highlights of the contract released include a $2 an hour wage increase to the base pay from $21 to $23 (the main demand of workers), as well as an average increase of $4 an hour for more experienced workers, up to a $7.75 wage increase for the most experienced workers. The contract will also add access to two weeks of paid parental leave and restructure the wage growth scheme to allow for more pay for workers with longer tenures at the resort. The new contract will last through 2027.

Union officials said that negotiations with the company had stalled before the strike, with management refusing to meet or respond to communications for weeks on end. Workers unanimously voted to strike and issued a strike notice on December 16 before beginning the strike on December 27.

The strike garnered national attention after wealthy patrons of the world famous ski resort took to social media to complain of hours-long wait times at the small number of ski lifts still open. Skiers complained of spending tens of thousands of dollars only to get a few minutes on the slopes. Expressing the self-absorption of the upper middle class and wealthy clientele of the resort, skier Christopher Bisaillon filed a class action lawsuit against Vail Resorts, which owns Park City Mountain, for defrauding customers by not disclosing the impact of the strike.

While the wealthy roiled at having their luxury vacations inconvenienced, the striking ski patrollers won widespread support from working people around the country. A strike fund set up by the union on GoFundMe raised over $300,000 with donations from thousands of people. The fund was started to cover the lack of financial support from the Communications Workers of America (CWA), which the PCPSPA is affiliated with, which would only offer $300 a week of strike pay after 15 days on strike.

The strike encapsulated an essential feature of labor struggles around the world: a direct confrontation with the financial oligarchy. Park City Mountain Resort is one of 41 ski resorts around the world owned by Vail Resorts, which is worth nearly $10 billion and is owned by a number of the most powerful financial firms in the world, including Blackrock and Vanguard. Along with other large corporate resort companies, Vail has consolidated a commanding grip over ski towns. With 37 resorts in the US, the company controls 36 percent of the ski resort market. Second place Alterra owns 15 percent.

This corporate domination has been a disaster for local residents. According to the Park City Community Foundation, 70 percent of the housing stock in Park City is unoccupied or is owned as a second home. Just 20 percent of homes are owner-occupied. Despite an average household income of over $150,000 a year, average worker wages in the city and surrounding county are $4,000 a year less than the Utah average and $10,000 less than the national average of $74,153. The average house costs more than $2 million.

This makes living in town virtually impossible for workers, with over 85 percent of workers commuting from out of town to work. There are more workers in the city (11,000) than the official population (8,500).

The result is the conversion of ski towns into expensive playgrounds for the super rich, while workers are forced out of town.

This is one expression of the broader cost-of-living crisis gripping the United States, as working class and especially young people struggle to afford housing. For most, home ownership is an impossibility.

The courageous fight of the Park City ski patrollers against a powerful corporation was a revealing struggle of the fierce resistance of the financial oligarchy to the demands of workers to even modest demands.

Despite winning their demands, the patrollers union admits that the living wage in Park City is $27 an hour for a single adult, still above the new starting pay for patrollers. The contract also includes a pay parity clause with non-unionized resorts. While this means that pay increases at other resorts will translate to Park City, it also implies that the strike did not win a significant advantage over non-union resorts.

Nevertheless, the Park City strike will likely inspire workers to struggle at other ski resorts and tourist towns across the country. Workers are already seeking an avenue to fight against the companies, with unionization of ski workers doubling since 2021, according to the United Mountain Workers, the umbrella union that the PCPSPA is part of under the CWA. The PCPSPA claims to represent 1,100 members.

However, the demands of ski workers will quickly run into conflict with the pro-capitalist orientation of the trade union bureaucracy.

Expressing the class collaborationist politics of the trade unions, Ryan Anderson, vice president of the ski patrol union at Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado, also owned by Vail, said the strike could lead to the end of extractivism in our mountain towns, adding that I hope that this strike has the effect of announcing that these communities must be taken as serious partners in successful ventures rather than simply a source of labor that can be exploited.

Workers must not fall into this political trap. Workers can never be partners with the same financial oligarchy that has a vested interest in the immiseration of the working class and the desolation of mountain communities in the pursuit of profit.

The outcome of this strike must be taken soberly. The ruling class is preparing attacks on social services, jobs and the rights of workers. As new and deeper struggles of the working class erupt, including of ski resort employees, they will crash against an intransigent bureaucracy, one that would not even offer strike pay to its members.

As these struggles develop, the rank-and-file workers must organize themselves to take power out of the hands of the trade union bureaucracy and return it to the shop floor. This is the task of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), which is fighting to build an independent movement of the international working class against capitalist exploitation, austerity and war.
Composite image of National Party leader Christopher Luxon and Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins. [Photo: Christopher Luxon Facebook September 21/Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins Facebook September 7]

New Zealands right-wing National Party-led coalition government, with the support of the opposition Labour Party, is pushing through draconian legislation against so-called foreign interference, which will be used to significantly curtail freedom of speech and other basic political and democratic rights.

The Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill passed its first reading in parliament on November 19 and was referred to the Justice Select Committee for discussion.

The former Labour Party government, which lost the election in 2023, first proposed the law change, following a campaign by the intelligence agencies and the corporate media, which have repeatedly made lurid and unsubstantiated claims about Chinese and Russian influence or interference.

The new legislation is part of the drive to integrate New Zealand more closely with US imperialism and its alliesincluding Australia and Canada, which passed their own foreign interference laws in 2018 and 2024as Washington escalates its far-advanced preparations for war against China.

The ruling elite has been alarmed by the eruption of mass protests over the past year against the US-Israel genocide in Gaza, which New Zealands government supports. The Foreign Interference Bill creates a mechanism for the criminalisation of opposition to militarism and war in the working class and among young people.

The Crimes Act already includes laws against espionage and treason. Treasonous actions include overthrowing the government by force, conspiring to do so, and providing assistance to any armed forces against which New Zealand forces are engaged in hostilities.

The Foreign Interference Bill goes much further. Under the draft law, someone who owes allegiance to New Zealand (e.g. a citizen) commits an offence if they engage in improper conduct for or on behalf of a foreign power in order to compromise a protected New Zealand interest. The maximum punishment for someone found guilty is 14 years in prison.

The definition of improper conduct is extremely broad and open to interpretation. It includes behaving in a corrupt, coercive, deceptive or covert manner, such as concealing ones identity, obscuring the existence of an association or relationship, and collecting or sharing information about a person without their knowledge or consent.

Corruption is defined as using a position of authority to exert undue influence or control over someone to oppose New Zealand interests.

The bill states that these definitions exclude conduct such as the protection of trade secrets, commercially sensitive information, journalists sources, or legally privileged communications. But the legislation could clearly be used to criminalise political activists and organisations deemed to be acting in the interests of a foreign power.

It could also be used to accuse teachers and academics of using their position to exert undue influence over students, for instance by criticising New Zealands military alliances or the governments support for Israels mass murder of Palestinians.

The Security Intelligence Service, the domestic spy agency, asserted in a 2023 report that New Zealands academic sectorencompassing institutions, employees and students was being targeted by foreign states to exert influence using deceptive, corruptive or coercive means. No evidence was provided to substantiate this claim.

Acting against a protected New Zealand interest is defined in a very broad manner. It includes undermining the countrys security, its economic well-being and international relations, as well as interfering in the conduct of elections and jeopardising the safety and rights of the population.

The law could be used to criminalise strikes and protests, including anti-war rallies, which might be deemed harmful to New Zealands international alliances, national security and the economy, i.e. corporate profits.

During World War I and II this is precisely what happened. Strikes were outlawed as damaging to the war effort and providing aid to the enemy. Sedition laws were used to suppress anti-war and socialist publications and to imprison hundreds of socialists and pacifists.

In prosecuting someone for foreign interference, the state would not be required to prove any actual connection to a foreign state. The bill says that a person commits an offence if the person knows, or ought to know, that they are engaging in the [improper] conduct for or on behalf of a foreign power (emphasis added).

Nor would the state have to prove any intent to harm a protected New Zealand interest. A person can commit an offence if they are reckless as to whether [their conduct] is likely to compromise a protected New Zealand interest.

The government is also seeking to amend the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 to expand warrantless search powers to enable the police and other agencies to spy on people suspected of foreign interference. This will mean a further increase in state surveillance of workers, students and young people who become politically active.

Thomas Beagle, chair of the NZ Council for Civil Liberties, told journalist Mick Hall that the Foreign Interference Bill obviously risks being in breach of the governments obligations under the NZ Bill of Rights Act to protect freedom of expression and freedom of association. New Zealanders clearly have the right to differ with the government of the day on what New Zealands interests are.

Beagle said the bill could be used against people working internationally with members of political parties that are aligned on issues of interest to New Zealanders. He noted that environmental activists, who often work with overseas groups, are already accused of harming New Zealands economic interests.

In 2023 Hall was the target of a McCarthyite campaign by politicians and media pundits, who smeared him as a Russian agent because of his factual reporting on the origins of the war in Ukraine and the extreme right-wing character of the Zelensky regime. He was forced to leave his job at state-owned broadcaster Radio NZ. In future, such reporting could trigger prosecution for foreign interference.

The bipartisan support in parliament for the Foreign Interference Bill is a warning that there is no constituency in the New Zealand ruling class for the maintenance of basic democratic rights. There has been no critical reporting on the bill in the corporate media, which agrees with its contents.

Speaking on November 19, senior Labour MP David Parker suggested that the bill should go further by including provisions to control speech on the internet. Social media, he declared, was being used by foreign powers to influence people and to influence opinions.

The Green Party was the only party that voted against the bill. Its MP Teanao Tuiono noted in parliament that New Zealand was already subject to foreign influence by the United States through its membership in the Five Eyes intelligence sharing network, which also includes the spy agencies of Australia, Canada and the UK. He also criticised the anti-China AUKUS military pactwhich the government has indicated it is prepared to joinand said New Zealand should have an an independent foreign policy focused on the Pacific region.

All of this is thoroughly hypocritical. The Greens were a coalition partner in the 2017-2023 Labour government, which strengthened ties with US imperialism and called for the military to be equipped and prepared to join a war against China. The Greens explicitly supported a major spending increase on the military to defend New Zealands neo-colonial interests in the Pacific region.

As is the case in Europe, the US and internationally, the militarisation of society will be paid for through further attacks on public healthcare, education and other social programs, which are already being subjected to drastic funding cuts. This agenda cannot be implemented democratically.

The Foreign Interference Bill and the whole police state apparatus must be opposed as part of the mobilisation of the working class in defence of democratic rights and against war. This can only be done on the basis of a socialist program to put an end to the capitalist system, which is the source of unprecedented levels of social inequality and is plunging the world into war.
In this photo released by the Jasper National Park, smoke rises from a wildfire burning near Jasper, Alberta, Canada, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 [AP Photo/Jasper National Park/The Canadian Press]

The 2024 wildfire season and many other capitalist-induced climate change disasters that battered Canada last year highlight once again the serious dangers posed by the accelerating climate crisis and the criminal indifference of capitalist governments to the basic needs and protections of the population.

Although the year saw average rates of fire ignitions, 2024 proved the worst year this century in terms of area burned, outside of the unprecedented 2023 wildfire season. Over 5.3 million hectares (13 million acres), an area the size of Nova Scotia, were incinerated. Swaths of Western Canada, suffering from extreme heat and prolonged drought conditions, were particularly hard hit. Roughly 70 per cent of firesmost caused by dry lightningwere located in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories.

British Columbia faced its fourth largest wildfire season on record. The BC Wildfire Service documented more than 1,688 wildfires over 1.08 million hectarescomprising almost a fifth of the countrys total area burned. In total, 51 evacuation orders affecting more than 4,100 properties were issued. In the Northwest Territories, just under 1.7 million hectares burned, the third-highest amount in a season since 2005. Over 300 residents were evacuated out of a total population in the territory in Canadas far north of just over 40,000.

Alberta experienced its worst season on record in terms of fire ignitions, surpassing the historic 2023 season, despite less area burned. According to the Alberta Wildfire status dashboard, firefighters responded to more than 1,210 wildfires, which burned more than 705,000 hectares. Included in these figures is the Jasper wildfire, which swept through the northern tourist town in a matter of hours, forcing over 20,000 residents to flee on a moments notice in the dead of night. At least one-third of the towns structures were destroyed, making it one of the most expensive natural disasters in Canadian history.

In Manitoba, over 266,000 hectares of forest burned last yearover 60,000 hectares more than the previous yearand only slightly fewer ignitions, 291 as compared to 300. The first major fire of the year was in early May, when a massive 37,000-hectare blaze tore through the area near Cranberry Portage, forcing the evacuation of 675 residents.

In the Atlantic province of Newfoundland and Labrador, a fire burned more than 24,000 acres and forced 7,000 residents to evacuate Labrador City, the largest-ever evacuation in Newfoundland and Labradors history.

The unprecedented early start to the 2024 wildfire season in Canada was due to continuous drought in parts of Western Canada, which created conditions for overwintering fires from the previous season to reignite. By February, at least 100 holdover wildfires, known as zombie fires, were still smouldering underground, primed for re-ignition. By early May, large wildfires had broken out in Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba, followed by significant fires in Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Wildfires continued at high intensity throughout the rest of the summer and by the end of the typical fire season Canada had recorded the second-highest wildfire carbon emissions since measurements began in 2003trailing behind only 2023. Smoke from fires reduced air quality through the United States and Canada, reaching as far as Mexico and Europe.

For decades, scientists have been sounding the alarm of the snowballing effects of the capitalist-induced climate crisis, which is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels. In Canada, due to its size and northern location, climate warming has been developing at twice the global average and in the Canadian arctic, the warming has been about three times higher. In October, federal climate scientists determined that of the 37 hottest heat waves in 17 regions across Canada between June to September 2024, human-caused climate change made twenty-eight of them much more likely to occur.

Last week, Canadian scientists published a study which identified widespread increases in high-burn severity days from 1981 to 2020. Xianli Wang, the studys co-author, made the striking point that Canadas historic 2023 season was not simply an aberration, but a glimpse into the future, citing last summers devastating wildfire in Jasper, which grew rapidly to a shocking 60 square kilometres in a matter of hours.

The social and economic damage caused by the 2024 wildfires was but one tragic event in a barrage of climate-related crises, escalating in intensity and frequency as the Earth rapidly warms. The summer of 2024 was the Earths hottest on record, fuelling conditions for extreme weather phenomena that impacted millions across North America and around the world.

In Toronto, Ontario, nearly 10 centimetres of rain fell in three hours last July, leading to massive flooding across the city. The following month, in Quebec, 55 communities were inundated with record-breaking flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Debby, leading to the most costly weather event in the provinces history. In October, a bomb cyclone battered the coast of British Columbia downing trees and leaving tens of thousands without power.

Beginning in March, a deadly heat wave swelled over the Eastern half of the United States, followed by Hurricane Heleneone of the deadliest hurricanes to strike the mainland in the last 50 years. Currently, California is facing its most devastating wildfire in history, as fast-moving wildfires quickly overwhelmed inadequate emergency resources and engulfed residential areas of Los Angeles County.

In line with the homicidal response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, capitalist governments at all levels, dedicated to the enrichment of the corporate and financial elite no matter the social costs, have done nothing to prevent wildfires and assist those already devastated by them.

Funding to prevent and fight wildfires, under both Conservative and Liberal federal governments, has been systematically eroded for decades. Since 2019, an NDP/union-backed Liberal government dedicated to militarism, imperialist war, and corporate enrichment, has invested just $800 million for initiatives that support wildland fire response, prevention, and mitigationa miserable pittance when compared to the $650 billion corporate bailout package issued during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the $41 billion for military expenditure in 2024-2025, or the $8.5 billion in fossil fuel subsidies in 2024.

A study by the Great Canadian Fire Census determined there were over 2,000 fewer firefighters mobilized last year than in 2022. Of the 123,608 active firefighters, 71 per cent (90,000) were volunteers. Moreover, the census revealed that almost 50 per cent of departments across the country are using out-of-date apparatus and nearly one-third feel they do not have adequate training to respond to wildfire threats.

In this context, the installation of AI-powered wildfire detection systems planned for later this year for ten towns throughout Alberta and British Columbia will be undermined by the inadequacy of preventive and emergency measures and will ultimately be used to impose further cuts on fire departments and their skeleton crews.

The growing dominance of the far right in official politics, which represents the direct control of the financial oligarchy over the capitalist economy in terminal crisis, is creating the conditions for the destruction of what remains of social welfareincluding nominal environmental protections.

Alberta premier and far-right ideologue Danielle Smith has recently pledged to triple down on her climate denial and opposes any regulation on the oil and gas industry, and in British Columbia, Conservative Party leader, John Rustad, who gained a significant amount of seats in the recent provincial election, has called global warming due to carbon emissions a lie.

Such figures, on the political fringes in the past, can operate and speak ever more brazenly, because of the utter bankruptcy of the left political parties, whose orientation to the ultra-wealthy and upper middle class is detached from the social concerns afflicting the vast majority of the population.

Smith and Rusted are acolytes of Conservative Party leader and frontrunner for the prime ministership, Pierre Poilievre, who has spearheaded the dismantling of COVID-19 protections and promised to tear up nominal environmental regulations.

In the United States, the second victory of the would-be dictator Trump, who has appointed fracking magnate and climate change denier Chris Wright as Energy Secretary, is the outcome of the political bankruptcy of the Democratic Party, which is hell bent on escalating war against Russia in Ukraine and backing the Gaza genocide to the hilt.

This massive social retrogression taking place in Canada and globally, spearheaded by the far right and taken up by all the official political parties, prevents any progressive approach to the climate catastrophe and all other vital social issues. What is urgently needed is the independent mobilization of the international working class against the capitalist system itself, the source of the climate catastrophe and all other forms of social misery, and its replacement with a rational and scientific plan for the world economy based on socialist principles.
China has allocated 30 million yuan (about 4.17 million U.S. dollars) to fix quake-damaged roads in the Xizang Autonomous Region, the Ministry of Finance said on Friday.

The funds, jointly allocated by the ministry and the Ministry of Transport, will also help find hidden dangers on roads and bridges, prevent secondary disasters, and guarantee the smooth transportation of emergency relief and livelihood materials, according to the ministry.

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in Xizang on Tuesday morning. The earthquake has left 126 dead. Telecommunications, roads and power have been restored in the quake-hit areas.
The Los Angeles wildfires continue to wreak havoc, with celebrities among those affected by the devastating blazes.

From Malibu to Pacific Palisades and Altadena, stars have taken to social media to share their heartbreak over losing homes or witnessing the destruction in their neighborhoods.

Nearly 180,000 people were under evacuation orders in Los Angeles County as of Thursday, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. NBC News reports that an additional 200,000 residents are under evacuation warnings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, Ricki Lake shared a timeline of the day we lost our home  from the time they saw early signs of smoke at around 11:24 a.m. on Jan. 7 to when we finally surrendered our efforts and left our home at 8:02 p.m.

Grateful to have made it out alive and uninjured, Lake wrote. No doubt had we stayed, we would not have survived.

Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins also reportedly lost his home to the flames. Taking to Instagram for the first time, he wrote, As we all struggle to heal from the devastation of these fires, its important we remember that the only thing we take with us is the love we give.

Actor and director Mel Gibson revealed on NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas Reports that his Malibu home was also destroyed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gibson was in Austin, Texas, appearing on Joe Rogans podcast when the fire initially broke out: I thought, Eh, I wonder if my place is still there. When I got home, sure enough, it wasnt there, he explained. Its emotional. I had my stuff there. Ive been relieved from the burden of my stuff because its all in cinders.

Actress Keleigh Teller and husband Miles Teller also lost their home. In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, Keleigh thanked her fans and loved ones for all the support.

"To everyone reaching out I cant thank you enough, your kind hearts have meant the world, Ill never forget them," she wrote alongside before and after photos of the destruction.

She added, "I wish I grabbed my wedding dress .. wish I did a lot different but it doesnt matter, stay safe, get out. there are no words. THANK YOU to the first responders fighting."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This Is Us star Milo Ventimiglia appeared on CBS Evening News to share that, unlike his co-star Mandy Moore, whose home was severely damaged, his home was destroyed completely in the flames. Standing amidst the destruction, Ventimiglia described feeling heavy emotions.

It hits you so quick, he said, holding back tears. You start thinking about all the memories in different parts of the house  [and] your heart just breaks.

In an instance of life imitating art, Ventimiglias character from This Is Us, which he starred in alongside Moore, also experiences his house burning down.

Paris Hilton, who previously posted about her Malibu home being destroyed by the flames, continued to share footage of the destruction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable, she shared on Thursday. When I first saw the news, I was in complete shockI couldnt process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces.

Hilton continued, What breaks my heart even more is knowing that this isnt just my story. So many people have lost everything. Its not just walls and roofsits the memories that made those houses homes.

Comedian Pete Lee appeared on The Tonight Show last night and shared that he too lost his Palisades home in the fire.

My house burned down yesterday, he told the studio audience before acknowledging that his modest home has been turned to ashes. Still, the comedian reflected on his loss with a bit of humor, later sharing a photo of himself backstage in a robe: Lost my home in the #palisadesfire, and then I lost my pants, he quipped.

Tatum ONeal revealed in comments on social media that her late father Ryan ONeals home was among those destroyed. Meanwhile, Matthew Perrys former Pacific Palisades home was spared despite initial reports of its destruction..

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Former child star Haley Joel Osment shared on his Instagram Stories that his Altadena home was largely destroyed, telling his followers that pets and people were saved but family and friends and neighbors lost everything  I did too.

My heart would be so full every time I drove home  it was such a special place  I loved living there  our forest and our mountains and our homes  all gone, he wrote. I am so sorry for the losses that thousands of people are suffering and Im trying to etch in my mind the unique details of this lovely town that are gone forever.

Others, like Rainn Wilson and his wife, Holiday Reinhorn, confirmed that their home was spared despite rumors to the contrary.

Wilson noted that their house in Northern Los Angeles had suffered fire damage months ago, unrelated to the current Palisades fire. There are people who have it way worse than we do right now, Wilson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Married actors Bryan Greenberg and Jamie Chung, known for their roles in How to Make It in America and Lovecraft Country, respectively, shared heartbreaking photos of their neighborhood and family home reduced to ashes.

It was all a dream, Greenberg shared Thursday on Instagram. Thankfully the family is safe. Thank you to all of the firefighters risking their lives. Stay safe out there.

Not long after the couple evacuated their home, Chung posted a message on Instagram to thank the brave firefighters for their service.

Thank you to all of our brave firefighters and fire responders, she wrote. If youre in red alert areas, have your bags ready to go. Safety first. Praying for all the families impacted by the fires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Harvey Guillen, best known for What We Do in the Shadows, shared emotional footage of his childhood neighborhood, now completely destroyed.

My sweet beautiful little town that made me feel like I was in another world ... my neighbors .. all that matters is that you are safe .. the kindest people .. most welcoming . we will rebuild .. we will do it one day at a time, he shared alongside a series of clips showing the destruction.

CSI: Miami and The West Wing actress Emily Procter appeared on CNNs The Lead to share that she too lost her Pacific Palisades home in the fires.

All of those houses are not structures, theyre actually microcosms of peoples lives, she told host Jake Tapper, noting that the loss is about much more than material things.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im so grateful to have survived  it is my home, she said. It is my neighborhood. It is my community. And so when you see it burn, its not the things.  The things on those level have been survivable. But what we mourn is our lives.

The wildfires have also impacted structures with deep cultural and cinematic significance. Reports indicate that Palisades Charter High School, a location featured in films like Carrie, Freaky Friday and Crazy/Beautiful, was severely damaged in the fire.
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Espanol editors. Check out this weeks picks below.

Kapo, ALOH ALOH (Sony Music Latin/La Industria Inc.)

More from Billboard

Kapo kicks off the year with his new single ALOH ALOH, following the feel-good sound and uplifting lyrics that have made him a household name. Penned by the Colombian newcomer and co-produced by Gangsta and Jeyjenm, the track is charged with a certain charm that will make anyone feel beautiful and confidentsimilar to his 2024 Billboard hits Ohnana and UWAIE. Youre more than a kiss/ More than a few hours/ More than two caresses and a coffee, he chants in the chorus, backed by his signature Latin Afrobeat sound. Aloh Aloh is about capturing the moment, the joy, the rhythm, and the vibe, he said in a press statement. I wanted a name and a sound that felt alive, effortless, and uniquely me.  JESSICA ROIZ

Adriel Favela & Octavio Cuadras, Esquizofrenico (Fonovisa/UMG Recordings)

Adriel Favela and Octavio Cuadras team up on Esquizofrenico to deliver a happy corrido that combines the vivacity of Mexican music with bold storytelling. It portrays the intense and extravagant lifestyle of a rock star, touching on themes of mental strain, sleepless nights, and the daunting side of fame. Musically, the track captivates with a vibrant horn section and requinto melodies. The music video may cause initial backlash among those concerned about propagating mental health stigmas by featuring images of a person in a straitjacket. However, Favela himself has openly dealt with bipolar disorder, which adds layers to the videos interpretation and suggests personal reflection. His deep delivery of the song and compelling narrative bode well for Favelas upcoming album, Origen, to be released on Jan. 23.  ISABELA RAYGOZA

Paulo Londra feat. Luisa Sonza, Itamambuca (Paulo Londra/DALE PLAY Records)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It may be winter in most parts of the world, but Paulo Londra and Luisa Sonza are heating things up and transporting us to the beaches of Brazil with Itamambuca. Produced by Mr. Naisgai, the euhphoric track kicks off with a slowed down baile funk rhythm that later transitions into more uptempo, powered by a sped-up reggaeton beat. Londra and Sonza sing about fate bringing them together and set the scene for what could be an idyllic rendezvous. Just imagine, you and I kissing in Itamambuca .. dedicating you to the moon  Caipirinha with ice and hookah, they propose. According to a press release, the Argentine hitmaker traveled to Itamambuca where he was introduced to the world of surfing and decided to turn his trip into a musical project, joining forces with Brazilian star Sonza.  GRISELDA FLORES

Alfredo Olivas, Noche De Enciclopedia (Fonovisa/UMG Recordings)

Alfredo Olivas starts off 2025 with his new single titled Noche de Enciclopedia (Encyclopedia Night). This song highlights his unique lyrical style, telling a poignant story about someone who rises from the depths of despair after being disappointed by a loved one. The imagery in the lyrics compares this transformation to that of a vampire who, after a long period of darkness, is finally ready to embrace the light again. Musically, Noche de Enciclopedia features a lively polka melody, enriched by soulful harmonica tones and the powerful sounds of an accordion.  INGRID FAJARDO

Guaynaa & Tropikal Forever, QNPLC (Guaynaa Records)

Guaynaa begins the new year with QNPLC, a catchy preview of what he calls the most important project I have worked on so far. The song, performed with the Mexican group Tropikal Forever and whose title is the initials of Que No Pare la Cumbia (Dont let cumbia stop), honors the genre originated in Colombia that has gained strength throughout Latin America. Time will pass and fashions come and go/ But dont let cumbia end when you dance, says part of the lyrics, also saluting icons of the genre such as Los Angeles Azules from Mexico, Los Wawanco from Argentina, Armonia 10 from Peru and Los Corraleros and Carlos Vives from Colombia, among others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With a lot of dedication, with love, and with a lot of respect, we bring you #cumbiayamor, added the Puerto Rican musician on an Instagram post, implying that Cumbia y Amor would be the title of the album (which means Cumbia and Love). A new chapter begins in my career, in the search to highlight the greatness and beauty of the Latin American identity, especially giving visibility to new generations. As a Caribbean, from the tropics, and with a lot of flavor, we prepare this for you to enjoy!!!! Guaynaa also released an Intro in which a female voice explains the relevance of this tropical genre. It is a solid and exciting sample of what promises to be an album that will make you dance and rejoice.  SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:

Best of Billboard

Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ludacris, born Christopher Brian Bridges, is a well-known rapper, actor, and entrepreneur. While his professional achievements have garnered significant attention, his personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Eudoxie Bridges, has also been a topic of interest. In this article, well delve into who Eudoxie Bridges is, her background, and her life with Ludacris.

Eudoxie Bridges, born Eudoxie Mbouguiengue, hails from the West African nation of Gabon. She moved to the United States as a teenager, knowing only three English words. Despite the language barrier, Eudoxie was able to adjust to her new environment and learn English, eventually pursuing a career in fitness modeling.

Ludacris and Eudoxies Relationship and Marriage

Eudoxie and Ludacris first crossed paths in 2008 at Ludacris annual charity event, LudaDay, in Atlanta. The couple quickly hit it off and began dating shortly after. Their relationship was marked by a shared passion for philanthropy and giving back to the community. After several years of dating, Ludacris decided to propose to Eudoxie in December 2014 during a vacation in Costa Rica, where he had the words will you marry me projected onto the ground. The couple married that same day, making it a spontaneous and memorable event. Since then, they have been happily married and have built a strong foundation based on mutual respect and love.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ludacris and Eudoxie have two daughters together Cadence Gaelle, born in 2015, and Chance Oyali, born in 2021. Eudoxie is also a stepmother to Ludacris two daughters from previous relationships, Karma and Cai.

Ludacris and Eudoxie Support Community Involvement

Both Ludacris and Eudoxie are passionate about philanthropy and giving back to the community Eudoxie, in particular, has been vocal about her commitment to various charitable causes. She often participates in events and initiatives aimed at supporting underprivileged communities and promoting education and healthcare.

Ludacris LudaDay charity event, which brings together celebrities, athletes, and fans for a day of fun and fundraising, demonstrates their dedication to making a positive impact on society. The couples shared passion for philanthropy has strengthened their bond and allowed them to make a difference in the lives of many.

Ludacris has had a successful career in both music and film. Known for his hit songs and memorable performances, Ludacris has also made a name for himself in Hollywood with roles in movies like the Fast and Furious franchise. His dedication to his craft and his family has earned him respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.

Fun Facts About Eudoxie Bridges

Eudoxie is not just a fitness model; she is also a dedicated mother and a loving wife. She often shares her experiences and insights on social media, providing a glimpse into her life as a public figure and a private individual. Eudoxie is proud of her Gabonese heritage and frequently visits her home country, sharing her love for her roots with her followers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Eudoxie Mbouguiengue decided to pay it forward in 2013 and began a nonprofit called the Unspoken Angels Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to supporting and educating young women who have endured some form of abuse in their lives, including mental, verbal, or sexual. Eudoxie also furthered her education and graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a masters degree in global management. With this degree under her belt, Mbouguiengue was able to pursue causes that were close to her heart.

Eudoxie Bridges is more than just Ludacris wife; she is a fitness model, philanthropist, and loving mother. Her journey from Gabon to the United States and her dedication to making a positive impact on society are truly inspiring. Together, Ludacris and Eudoxie have built a strong, loving family and continue to be a force for good in their community.







The post Who is Ludacriss wife, Philanthropist and Model Eudoxie Bridges? appeared first on 21Ninety.
When it comes to roasting a turkey, preparation is key. Turkey meat tends to be dryer and more bland than other meat types, so if you can give it a moisture boost and enhance its flavor, it will make the meat more palatable. Beyond the meat, there is also turkey skin, which, when nice and crispy, is the best part of the whole bird. If you want the crispiest skin possible -- as well as a turkey that's not too dry or flavorless -- then you have to add some butter into the mix.

Butter makes everything better. In the turkey's case, the fat from the butter helps to crisp up that turkey skin while the bird cooks, similarly to how hot oil helps fried foods get a crispy coating. Next time you're planning to cook a turkey, don't be shy with the butter. Lather softened butter all over the turkey's skin, as well as underneath it. The butter under the skin is what will be absorbed by the meat, while the top layer of butter creates that skin's crispy texture. It's truly a do-it-all ingredient.

Read more: 15 Myths About Cast Iron Skillets, Debunked

Add Butter To Your Turkey For Optimal Flavor And Texture

Roasted turkey with vegetables - SYED IBAD RM/Shutterstock

Salted butter is best here only because it has more flavor than unsalted butter (unless you used a lot of brine and your goal is to avoid adding any more salt.) For the richest flavor, use traditional butter rather than a lower-fat alternative. Instead of just rubbing the turkey with plain old butter, enhance the butter with various herbs and ingredients that will infuse into the turkey meat as it cooks. Freshly chopped parsley, some minced garlic, and even lemon zest are all great add-ons to softened butter. Just make sure anything you add into the butter also complements the other flavors cooked with the turkey, including if you've placed anything inside the bird's cavity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It's also smart to flavor the butter because as the turkey cooks, some butter will melt and roll off into the bottom of the pan with the turkey drippings. Then, when you baste the turkey during cooking, that flavored butter will end up infusing flavor into the basting liquid and even into the turkey gravy later on.

Read the original article on Chowhound.
A treasure trove of 11th-century coins has emerged from the Suffolk soil, offering archaeologists "a rare and fascinating" look into Suffolks rich history and political landscape.

Oxford Cotswold Archaeology was carrying out excavations at Sizewell C, the site of a future nuclear power plant on the Suffolk coast when archaeologist Andrew Pegg discovered a collection of silver coins.

The archaeology team unearthed an impressive hoard of 321 coins in mint condition. Dating back to a time of political upheaval and instability, the coins offer clues as to why they were stashed away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This rare assemblage provides stunning information about the monetary system and political landscape of the time, acting like a snapshot of the past.

Close-up of coins (left) and the lead casting that they were found in / Oxford Cotswold Archaeology

A small 11th-century fortune

The historically significant coins were discovered at the intersection of two early medieval field boundary ditches. According to Oxford Cotswold Archaeology, they appear to have been deliberately hidden.

Unearthed within a small lead bundle, the coins were found in a remarkably well-preserved state. The coins were likely placed in a purse or similar object and then further protected by a lead sheeting wrapping.

Since the coins date back to 1036-1044, archaeologists believe the owner buried them for safekeeping after Edward the Confessors coronation in 1042 due to political instability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Oxford Cotswold Archaeology explains that the amount, while impressive, does not represent an upper-class fortune. Rather, it seems to be the life savings of someone with moderate wealth, perhaps a wealthy farmer with local status.

It was known that Edward the Confessor could confiscate property. This may have caused widespread fear, prompting the owner to hide their savings. Evidently, they never recovered their wealth, for reasons unknown to archaeologists.

319 pennies bought a herd of cattle in the 11th century

With a contemporary value of 320 pence (319 full pennies and two cut halfpence), the sum might seem insignificant today. However, in the 11th century, this amount was substantial enough to purchase a small herd of cattle.

The hoard contains coins from 30 different mints, including London, Thetford, Norwich, and Ipswich. Some represent a broader reach across eastern England, with northern mints from Lincoln and Stamford, and a few from as far as Axbridge in Somerset.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The coin designs reflect a time when coins were frequently reissued to prevent forgery, with changes every few years. The hoard contains four sets of iconography: the "Jewel Cross" and "Fleur-de-Lys" coinages of Harold I, and the "Arm-and-Sceptre" and "PACX" types minted at the beginning of Edward the Confessors reign.

A time capsule

Archaeologists aptly described the coins as a time capsule. They offer a unique perspective on British history. The "tails" side of each coin bears the name of the moneyer who made it, ensuring traceability, explained Oxford Cotswold Archaeology.

While the reason for the hoard's concealment may remain a mystery, the coins provide a rare and fascinating window into this period of history, deepening archaeologists' understanding of Suffolks rich history, Andrew Pegg concludes to BBC.

"This project provides a rare and fascinating glimpse into Suffolk's rich history, deepening our understanding of this part of Britain."
Brandon Allen was found not guilty of homicide in the drive-by shooting homicide of Kristen Barfield, a local grandmother.

Brandon, the driver of the vehicle, was charged along with his teenage codefendants, Tyriq Moss and Juan Worthey.

Allen was found guilty of criminal attempted homicide and conspiracy to commit homicide.

Worth will go to trial next, while Moss made a deal with prosecutors to testify against his codefendants in order to have his charges dropped.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators say the three of them and a fourth teenager randomly met up at a gas station in May 2022, got into Allens car and 80 seconds later opened fire on a front yard, allegedly aiming for the victims son.

>> Trial for 1 of 3 men charged in drive-by shooting that killed Washington grandmother gets underway

The case came down to pointing fingers, was it Allen who fired one shot from the drivers seat or Moss from the back, before Worthy leaned Across Moss and fired multiple times. The fourth teen testified he didnt see Allen shooting his gun, but did see him rack it.

In closing arguments, both attorneys talked about how Allen was caught on camera swerving at the time of the shooting. The defense said that is was because he was shocked by gunfire erupting from the back seat. The prosecutor said it was Allen shooting his gun, and the gun jamming.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And more surveillance video seen after the shooting that showed Allen visibly angry after the shooting.

The defense said he was upset the two teenagers opened fire from the backseat of his car, in his neighborhood, around the corner from his moms home where everyone knows his vehicle. Prosecutors said he was angry because he missed his intended target.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
A brand-new coalition is working to restore the Amazon rainforest  here's what it plans to do.

The group recently launched the Brazil Restoration and Bioeconomy Finance Coalition with a solid plan to preserve and restore the rainforest in that country. Coalition members are expected to invest in a combined $10 billion by 2030. President Joe Biden announced the coalition in Manaus.

Business Wire covered the extensive details of the BRB Finance Coalition's launch, which aims to "support projects with the aim of conserving and restoring at least 5 million hectares [around 12.4 million acres] of Brazilian forests, contributing to Brazil's efforts to halt and reverse deforestation."

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

Working in concert with other conservation initiatives, like the Brazilian Ecological Transformation Plan, the BRB Finance Coalition hopes to have results ready to announce at the United Nations climate summit this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Amazon rainforest is our planet's largest rainforest. It spans over eight countries and is around two times the size of India, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Millions of people and animals call the Amazon rainforest home. Despite this, it is at risk. Deforestation, fires, and warming global temperatures have already claimed a huge chunk of what the forest used to be  an area as large as France, says the WWF.

Its preservation is of monumental importance for preventing a climate-related crisis and for ensuring the livelihoods of the people and animals that live there  along with those who depend on products from the Amazon. For instance, many modern medicines contain ingredients that can only be found in the rainforest.

The Nature Conservancy, the World Economic Forum, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, Conservation International, re.green, and Banco do Brasil are among the founding members of the BRB Finance Coalition, and they had much to say about the momentous occasion.

Patricia Zurita, the chief strategy officer for Conservation International, highlighted the importance of the Amazon, said, per Business Wire: "The Amazon functions as our planet's central nervous system  regulating global weather patterns, impacting the supply of food and fresh water, and safeguarding an extraordinary diversity of life on Earth. Protecting its health is protecting our own."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thiago Picolo, the CEO of re.green, added that "the restoration of tropical forests has a key role to play in addressing the climate crisis, reversing biodiversity loss, and generating sustainable economic opportunities for surrounding communities. Brazil has the potential to be a leader in this sector, and re.green is proud to join the BRB Finance Coalition as a founding member."

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.
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  Baton Rouge police detectives and the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force arrested a 15-year-old male suspect connected to a shooting that happened at the Baton Rouge Christmas Parade.

According to the police, the shooting stemmed from a verbal dispute between two groups, which escalated into gunfire on Dec. 14, 2024, on the levee in the 200 block of South River Road. One victim sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot injury during the altercation.

Baton Rouge Police looking for 3 teens accused of shooting at Christmas parade

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The juvenile suspect has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile, and illegal use of a weapon.

He is currently being held at the East Baton Rouge Juvenile Detention Center. Authorities said that the suspect had been previously arrested earlier in 2024 on a first-degree murder charge.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are working to identify additional suspects involved in the shooting. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at 225-389-4869 or Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867.

The identity of the suspect was not immediately 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 Louisiana First News.
On Friday, launch spectators gathered at Port Canaverals Jetty Park to see SpaceXs fourth launch of the year from Floridas Space Coast.

The Starlink mission launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and was the third SpaceX launch of the week.

Space Florida CEO and President Rob Long told WFTV to expect more of the same as we enter 2025.

Read: Light rain, clouds expected early this weekend as winter storm sweeps the country

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think were just going to continue to accelerate our pace. I think the projection right now is about 150 on the schedule, Long said.

That launch manifest includes both government and commercial launches.

Blue Origin has scheduled the first flight of its New Glenn rocket no earlier than this Sunday.

Read: Citrus production holds steady despite low projections following Hurricane Milton

The three-hour launch window opens at 1 a.m.

Floridas Space Coast could also see four crew missions this year with the launches of NASAs SpaceX Crew-10 and Crew-11.

The private Axiom Mission 4 will also liftoff to the International Space Station and the FRAM-2 Mission will take its private crew on a journey to explore the earths polar regions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thats in addition to a ULA Vulcan Centaur launch that will carry Sierra Spaces Dream Chaser space plane and a series of lunar payload missions.

Read: Liftoff! SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted from Cape Canaveral Friday afternoon

Watch Blue Origin Glenn Rocket Preview Story Below:

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




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: Captain Randolph A. Guzman, U.S. Marine Corps. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

We want to remember Captain Randolph A. Guzman, U.S. Marine Corps, 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.
JANESVILLE, Wis. (WFRV)  An 18-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested on Friday after a three-month investigation into allegations of child exploitation.

The Janesville Police Department reports that Nathaniel Rapson was taken into custody in the 2000 block of North Sumac Drive. The investigation began in November 2024, following an anonymous tip claiming Rapson had shown sexually explicit photos of a juvenile female on his cell phone.

Wisconsin man arrested after high-speed pursuit on U.S. Highway 12

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Detectives pursued the lead and, during the arrest, deployed K9 Maui, an electronic storage detection canine, to search for devices linked to the case. A cell phone in Rapsons possession was examined, revealing images of child pornography.

Global company to lay off 54 Wisconsin-based remote workers in March

Rapson reportedly admitted to having sexual contact with a juvenile female. He faces charges including five counts of possession of child pornography, second-degree sexual assault of a child, and a probation violation.

No further details were 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.
Back in 2006, the remains of a Black woman were discovered in Detroit, Mi. After nearly two decades of trying to make out the identity of the woman, we finally have an answer. However, authorities also made another grisly discovery as to how she died.

In June 2006, the body of a Black woman between the age of 20 and 30 years old was found in an abandoned house, per the Detroit Police Department. She was an estimated five feet in height. However, those are the only things they could gather about who she was. Authorities determined she died days prior to her body being found and her death was ruled a homicide, Othram Inc said in a statement.

Over the next few years, a forensic composite produced by the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System displaying how the woman might have looked while alive was published, Othram stated. However, no one came forward to identify the face. It wasnt until 2022 that the DPD joined forces with Othram to attempt DNA testing combined with forensic genetic genealogy. Luckily, a DNA profile was developed and researchers used that to help police track down potential family members, the research company said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators were then finally able to rename Jane Doe as Darylnn Washington, a woman born in June of 1959. Though, the question still remained of how she died or, rather, who killed her.

Throughout follow-up investigations, authorities said Washingtons family believed one of their relatives was killed by a serial killer but they could never locate her body. Othram stated Washington was most likely the victim of Detroit-based serial killer Shelly Brooks who is alleged to have confessed to her murder.

Photo: Michigan Department of Corrections

Brooks is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted in the killings of two women, per The Associated Press. Its unclear how the two would have met each other. However, the Michigan Court of Appeals wrote in a 2008 ruling, he taunted women by paying them for sex and stashed their remains in vacant residential buildings, garages and fields.

Of the two victims he was found guilty of slaying, its unclear if one of them was Washington.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Though coming to a heartbreaking conclusion, Washingtons family can finally have closure after nearly two decades of wondering if the cold case would ever be solved.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A 19-year-old Milwaukee man who was shot by a police during his arrest Monday has been charged with child sex crimes.

Emilio A. Arner-Ortiz was charged Friday by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office with using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, abduction of a child, child enticement, second-degree sexual assault of a child under 16, and intentionally pointing a firearm at law enforcement.

According to prosecutors, Arner-Ortiz had been chatting online with a 13-year-old Illinois boy for three years and recently Arner-Ortiz drove to Illinois to pick up the boy in the middle of the night and returned to Milwaukee to have sex with him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to a criminal complaint:

The boy's father woke up at his residence in Alsip, Illinois, on Nov. 7 and discovered that the boy was not home. In an effort to locate him, the father examined the boy's laptop and discovered chats in the Discord app between the boy and someone named "Tres" arranging for him to be picked up shortly after 3 a.m.

The father was able to contact his son through Discord and then call him. The boy said he was with a friend who took him to a party in the West Dundee area. The boy didn't share his exact location and told his father he would be home by 3 p.m. But the father called the number back and an adult male answered so he went to the Alsip Police Department to report his son missing.

While filing a missing person report, the boy's mother made contact with her son. The boy said he with a 16-year-old friend in the Oak Lawn area. The mom said she would come pick him up, but the boy called back saying he was actually in Milwaukee and that his friend ran out of gas at the intersection of South Sixth Street and West Oklahoma Avenue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Milwaukee Police Department officers discovered the boy inside a McDonald's on Oklahoma Avenue, where the boy declined to talk to police about his relationship with "Tres." The mother then drove to Milwaukee to pick up the boy.

Originally the boy's parents declined to give authorities consent to search the Discord app, but the boy's mother and the boy returned to police on Dec. 1 to file a report about her son and an adult male communicating online and having sex in the adult's residence, prosecutors said.

The boy's family discovered photos on the boy's laptop on Thanksgiving, including one of Arner-Ortiz and the boy cuddling, the complaint says. The boy said that was his boyfriend "Tres" and he was 16 years old.

Upon examining the Discord chats and talking to her son, the mother learned that "Tres" was actually "Emilio Arner," he is 19 years old, and had been chatting almost entirely in a sexual nature with her son, according to the complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Arner-Ortiz had been teaching the boy about pederasty, the Ancient Greek practice of a man having sex with young boys and that "Tres" felt love for the boy in a way that a father loves a son, the complaint states.

The mother eventually began chatting with Arner-Ortiz, pretending to be the boy.

According to the complaint, the mother said the boy's parents were understanding of the relationship and wanted to meet him. Arner-Ortiz responded, "she will not like that I am 19."

The complaint says the mother continued to press to have "Tres" meet the parents and Arner-Ortiz began responding with threats: "If you sabotage me, Ill be forced to sabotage you" and "by revealing this (the relationship) to her they will go through your messages and electronics and find everything youve done and it will ruin both of our lives."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When the subject of pederasty was brought up, the mother decided to call "Tres" and reveal she was actually chatting with him the whole time, the complaint says. She told Arner-Ortiz that what he was doing was disgusting, while Arner-Ortiz denied having sex with the boy, prosecutors said.

The mother then turned over the boy's cellphone and laptop to police and consented to searches. Police traced the boy's route while with Arner-Ortiz and pinpointed a residence in the 2500 block of South Seventh Street, which is tied through records to Arner-Ortiz.

Police conducted an interview with the boy, where he disclosed that he only met "Tres" once, that he snuck out of his home at about 3 a.m. to meet up with "Tres" and the two went to a church parking lot and played tag and drank alcohol, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors said it was clear that the boy was attempting to protect "Tres." One of the main reasons an adult engaging in sexual activity with a minor is considered abusive is because of psychological and physical harm the youth can endure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Within the chats are messages from the boy to Arner-Ortiz that state, "you're free because I lied for you," the complaint says. The two discussed committing suicide together and at one point the boy pulled the trigger of an unloaded gun while pointed at his head, according to the complaint.

Arner-Ortiz told the boy that the age difference between the two is "only marginally wrong" and the two discuss being in love.

On Jan. 6, two Milwaukee police officers responded to Arner-Ortiz's residence.

Arner-Ortiz's mother answered the rear door and confirmed her son was inside the residence sleeping, police said. The officer asked the mother to get him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Moments later, the mother returned to the back door and Arner-Ortiz can be heard saying, "They cannot enter without a warrant." An officer responded, "I have a warrant for him."

According to the complaint, at this moment, Arner-Ortiz pulled a gun from his waistband and raised it at the officers. One officer swiped Arner-Ortiz's arm to the side and a struggle ensued. During the encounter, an officer yelled commands before firing a shot into Arner-Ortiz's abdomen, the complaint says.

After being shot, Arner-Ortiz yelled, "It's unloaded" and "Suicide by cop," according to the complaint. He was transported to a hospital.

If convicted on all charges, Arner-Ortiz could be sentenced to 126 years in prison.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 19-year-old Milwaukee man charged with child sex crimes
A pair of Grover Beach businesses will close this month after ongoing construction along West Grand Avenue caused a significant decline in business, their owners told The Tribune.

And they arent the only ones struggling.

Rib Line by the Beach, the sister location of the San Luis Obispo-based Rib Line barbecue restaurant, will close its doors this weekend after about five years in Grover Beach, according to owner Brian Appiano.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Just a year removed from a significant renovation of the space, Appiano said Rib Line by the Beach is closing for a number of reasons  including the strain of operating multiple restaurants and a changing restaurant landscape based on takeout  but most importantly, the impact of continued street, residential and business construction on West Grand Avenue.

In July, the Grover Beach City Council approved a final design plan for the $4.2 million West Grand Avenue Streetscape Fourth-Eighth Street Project, which makes significant improvements to the road between Fourth and Eighth streets, but required the partial closure of the citys central road.

That coupled with ongoing construction of large housing projects in the area to create regular traffic delays through that stretch.

Appiano said construction routinely cut off his parking lot from street and foot traffic, essentially cutting out his lunch business entirely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weve definitely seen a big hit in our numbers since the construction started, Appiano said. We definitely didnt think it was going to go on quite as long as it has, but it is what it is. Hopefully down the line itll be great for Grover Beach.

The slowdown in traffic prompted Appiano to cut hours down at the Grover Beach restaurant. In recent months, the business has only been open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, he said.

But even that has not been enough. Now, the restaurant is slated to serve its last Grover Beach meal Sunday.

Owners Krystal and Brian Appiano of the Rib Line by the Beach in Grover Beach renovated the Grand Avenue space in 2023.

Meanwhile, staff at the Grover Beach location have been offered roles at the San Luis Obispo location or in the Rib Line catering business, Appiano said. On the bright side, hell be able to spend more time at the San Luis Obispo Rib Line and will have more time to work on the business catering side, Appiano said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is a sad loss, however, after investing so much into the Grover Beach space, he said.

We love that location and put all of that into it  but I think the writing is on the wall for that location, Appiano said. I think a whole facelift is going to happen in that area.

Rib Lin by the Beach will close Jan. 12 after business slowed down due to construction on West Grand Avenue in Grover Beach that started in the summer of 2024, pictured Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The $4.2 million West Grand Avenue Streetscape Fourth-Eighth Street Project will makes significant changes to the road between Fourth Street and Eighth Street, with construction projected to last until the spring or summer of 2025.

Long-standing Mexican restaurant closing as businesses struggle to turn profit

The closure comes at a pivotal time for that stretch of Grover Beach.

Appiano told The Tribune hes heard that other West Grand Avenue business owners are experiencing similar issues keeping their traffic up amid the construction. Though businesses have been open while construction moves up and down the street, customers are down across the board, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

El Taco De Mexico is one such restaurant heading for closure, owner Angelica Hernandes told The Tribune.

Speaking through her son as an interpreter, Hernandes said El Taco De Mexico, which opened at the corner of West Grand Avenue and North 8th Street in 2016, will close on Jan. 23 due to a significant decline in business during the roadwork.

Hernandes said business started to fall off in August and September as the road repair reached her shop, cutting it off from its front side street parking and some of the foot traffic.

She also said the restaurant was facing financial pressures with the high cost of energy, gas and water bills  culminating in a perfect storm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Everything is very bad, she said.

El Taco De Mexico will close Jan. 23 after business slowed down due to construction on West Grand Avenue in Grover Beach that started in the summer of 2024, pictured Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The $4.2 million West Grand Avenue Streetscape Fourth-Eighth Street Project will makes significant changes to the road between Fourth Street and Eighth Street, with construction projected to last until the spring or summer of 2025.

More Grover Beach businesses in precarious situation due to roadwork

Just across the street, another Mexican restaurant was also struggling to stay afloat for similar reasons.

El Taco Del Mar Mexican Grill owner Gabino Gomez told The Tribune since construction started last summer, hes seen business dip by as much as 90% in a given month, with only pedestrians and loyal regulars keeping him going.

Gomez said his business relies heavily on in-house dining and customers making use of the drive-through on the side of the business. That, however, has been blocked off by construction equipment doing work on the eastbound side of the street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While his bills arent high, theyre piling up without any customers to keep everything running, leaving him uncertain of his business future should construction extend into this summer.

El Taco Del Mar Mexican Grill has seen a 90% drop in business since construction on West Grand Avenue got underway in Grover Beach in the summer of 2024, pictured Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The $4.2 million West Grand Avenue Streetscape Fourth-Eighth Street Project will makes significant changes to the road between Fourth Street and Eighth Street, with construction projected to last until the spring or summer of 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Divine Thai owner Peter Leng said in his 17 years on West Grand Avenue, hes never had a worse season than last summer.

The sales (were) less than half of what we usually do, Leng said. People couldnt get through  even a regular customer would come and call in an order, but they couldnt figure out how to get into here.

Leng said without his extensive background in Grover Beach, Divine Thai likely would have closed several months ago as their lot was cut off by roadwork.

Like Gomez, Leng said the current level of business was unsustainable and he did not know if he could stay open if the roadwork extends into the summer.

Divine Thai has seen a significant decline in business since construction on West Grand Avenue got underway in Grover Beach in the summer of 2024, pictured Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The $4.2 million West Grand Avenue Streetscape Fourth-Eighth Street Project will makes significant changes to the road between Fourth Street and Eighth Street, with construction projected to last until the spring or summer of 2025.

The issues with construction arent isolated to restaurants, said Michael Jenne, owner of The Planted Parlour.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When he first launched his plant shop in January 2024, business was good, and even stayed strong in the late summer and early fall as construction approached, Jenne said.

However, just before Thanksgiving, his shop was blocked in by construction equipment on both sides of its corner on West Grand Avenue and North 6th Street.

Weve had a lot of customers call and stop in just to kind of see if were doing OK, but the holidays were just completely miserable, Jenne said. Right about the beginning of December  when I kind of thought like, maybe theyd kind of clean it up for the holidays and take a break  they closed Fourth (Street).

Since the closures, Jenne has not even remotely been able to keep up with bills and rent, to say nothing of the hundreds of live plants that he maintains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said hes concerned that customers both new and old are avoiding the construction area altogether, and that it may take some time to regain the level of business he saw before the work started, leaving him uncertain of the business future.

Because were so new, this was all sort of a gambling venture  are we in the right spot? Do we have enough customers?  but it definitely showed that people were interested, Jenne said. I felt like we were going to make it at least for another year, and now were just hemorrhaging money so fast.

The Planted Parlour has seen a significant drop in business since construction on West Grand Avenue got underway in Grover Beach in the summer of 2024, pictured Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The $4.2 million West Grand Avenue Streetscape Fourth-Eighth Street Project will makes significant changes to the road between Fourth Street and Eighth Street, with construction projected to last until the spring or summer of 2025.

When will Grover Beach road construction be completed?

West Grand Avenue has been no stranger to extensive construction work in recent years.

The long-gestating West Grand Avenue Master Plan, which was approved in 2021, is one of the largest drivers of construction work in the city.

Most recently, in July, the Grover Beach City Council approved a final design plan for the $4.2 million West Grand Avenue Streetscape Fourth-Eighth Street Project, which makes significant changes to the road between Fourth and Eighth streets.

Planned improvements include a landscaped center median, decorative crosswalks with enhanced safety features, sidewalk and curb improvements, painted Class II bike lanes and pavement rehabilitation, with Papich Construction handling most of the roadwork.

Other improvements include new curb ramps, bulb-outs, pedestrian beacons and sidewalk improvements at select locations, pedestrian-level streetlights, storm drain installation, drought-tolerant trees and landscaping in medians, and new crosswalks at Fourth and Sixth streets.

Developer Coastal Community Builders broke ground on Encore, a 59-unit mixed-use condo complex on West Grand Avenue Thursday, June 27, 2024. The project is located at the end of streetscape improvements currently in progress starting at the intersection of West Grand Avenue and 4th Street.

After breaking ground last summer, the most recent phase was projected to take six to eight months  but now its looking like it will be on the longer end of that timeline.

Grover Beach community development director Megan Martin said the construction on West Grand Avenue should be complete in mid-March, barring any delays.

Newly elected Mayor Kassi Dee said the incoming City Council hopes to make the concerns of businesses affected by the street closures a priority and that the work will be worth it in the event of future wet winter weather.

She also added that weather would be a huge factor in determining the timeline for when the work is completed.

We have to just hope that we will have good weather and we wont run into problems, Dee said. I know that part of the reason why it has taken so long is the investment that the city is putting into the underground part of it with new sewer lines.

On top of the streetscape work, business and residential development along the western end of West Grand Avenue has kicked into motion starting in late 2024.

Between the two multi-story, mixed-use Coast Community Builders projects at 401 and 402 West Grand Ave.  which are projected to provide a total of around 100 new housing units and retail space  and now the redevelopment of 197 West Grand Ave. from an ATV rental shop to a 23-condo mixed-use project, construction has never been busier in Grover Beach.


Jaleel Stallings mug shot after arrest and beating by Minneapolis Police.

Stallings was found not guilty after firing at police in self defense.

Jaleel Stallings mug shot after arrest and beating by Minneapolis Police. Stallings was found not guilty after firing at police in self defense.

A paper published in the Psychology of Violence is interesting because of what it did not find. The paper did not find any correlation between legally carrying a gun and four psychopathic measures. The four facets are "affective" (lack of empathy), "interpersonal" (manipulative), "lifestyle" (impulsive), and "antisocial". "Carry a weapon sometimes for protection" is defined in the four measures as "antisocial". When carrying a gun for protection is defined as "antisocial", it is unsurprising the paper found correlation between illegally carrying a gun and the "antisocial" trait. This is an example of circular reasoning.

The paper found carrying a gun, both legally and illegally were correlated to firing a gun in self defense. Carrying a gun illegally was more strongly correlated to firing a gun in self defense.

The paper is titled: Psychopathy, Gun Carrying, and Firearm Violence. it was published by the American Psychological Association (APA) in the publication, Psychology of Violence. It was published for the first time online on August 22, 2024. The authors are Sophie L. Kjrvik and Nicholas D. Thomson. The paper is seven pages long. .....
If you were programming ESPN's The Ocho  the annual "Dodgeball"-inspired block of programming that showcases somewhat obscure, rarely televised sporting events  you could do worse than Texas Roadhouse's National Meat Cutting Challenge.

The event pits Texas Roadhouse meat cutters from across the country against each other in a timed butchery skills showcase. The second round of the Qualifier Meat Cutting Challenge will take place on Jan. 16 in Dallas, and two Minnesotans have made the cut.

Justino SanchezCourtesy of Texas Roadhouse

Justino Sanchez of Coon Rapids and Dan Willeck of Duluth will take on 24 other professional butchers who advanced through regional competitions across eight central U.S. states, attempting to qualify for the finals in March.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Each competitor is given 20-30 pounds of beef from which they must carve out a sirloin, filet, and ribeye. They'll be stationed on an ice rink to simulate the 35-degree cooler where they each cut up an average of $1 million worth of meat annually for their restaurant.

March's finale, which will crown the Meat Cutter of the Year, offers up a grand prize of $25,000. The group that Sanchez and Willeck will compete against includes four contestants from Iowa, representing Davenport, Cedar Falls, Coralville, and Council Bluffs; and two from Wisconsin, hailing from Eau Claire and Green Bay.

The qualifier will be held at the Childrens Health Star Center in Dallas at 11 a.m. on Jan. 16.

Related: Klondike Dog Derby canceled for second year in a row due to lack of snow
Jan. 10BEMIDJI  Two men have been sentenced for their roles in a homicide that took place in August 2023 near downtown Bemidji.

Forty-two-year-old Joseph Eason, of Little Falls, was initially charged with first-degree manslaughter, however, this charge was later dropped and he was convicted of aiding an offender/accomplice after the fact. He was sentenced on Jan. 2 to 69 months at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud with 476 days of credit for time served.

Thirty-seven-year-old Daniel Eason, also of Little Falls, was initially charged with aiding an offender after the fact, but this charge was dropped and he was convicted of second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony. He was sentenced on Jan. 7 to 165 months at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud with 419 days of credit for time served.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the initial release

from Bemidji Police Captain David LaZella, at 11:10 a.m. on Aug. 12, law enforcement responded to the request for a welfare check on a resident in the 1200 block of Minnesota Avenue Northwest.

Upon arrival at a residence in that area, officers discovered a deceased male, later identified as 29-year-old Jared Eason. After extensive investigation, detectives believed that Eason died of homicidal violence, the initial release said.

Reports from the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office document the cause of death as blunt force injuries. Bemidji police detectives, along with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, processed the scene for evidence and interviewed several people.

As a result of the investigation, then 40-year-old Joseph Robert Eason and 36-year-old Daniel James Eason were arrested for their involvement in Jared's death, according to a release from Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Over 40 personnel from Las Vegas valley fire departments were deployed to the Los Angeles area to help fight the wildfires that have burned thousands of acres and destroyed over 1,000 structures.

The two strike teams from Clark County that were deployed were assigned to separate wildfires.

The first, a 24-person strike team deployed on Wednesday, Jan. 8, was assigned to the Pacific Palisades fire. Their work consists of putting out spot fires in local neighborhoods. Around 2 a.m. Friday, they fought a two-story house fire with resources from the LA County Fire Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The team included five engines, two battalion chiefs, one mechanic, and one logistics team member.

As of Friday night, the Palisades fire is over 20,000 acres and 6% contained, according the Clark Countys latest report. There are over 3,000 firefighters working on the fire.

Las Vegas organizing strike team to help battle devastating Southern California wildfires

46 personnel from Las Vegas valley fire departments deployed to fight wildfires in Los Angeles Area (CCFD) 46 personnel from Las Vegas valley fire departments deployed to fight wildfires in Los Angeles Area (CCFD) 46 personnel from Las Vegas valley fire departments deployed to fight wildfires in Los Angeles Area (CCFD) 46 personnel from Las Vegas valley fire departments deployed to fight wildfires in Los Angeles Area (CCFD) 46 personnel from Las Vegas valley fire departments deployed to fight wildfires in Los Angeles Area (CCFD) 46 personnel from Las Vegas valley fire departments deployed to fight wildfires in Los Angeles Area (CCFD) 46 personnel from Las Vegas valley fire departments deployed to fight wildfires in Los Angeles Area (CCFD)

The second strike team consisted of 21 people and left the Las Vegas valley on Thursday, Jan. 9. The team was assigned to the Easton Fire near Pasadena. Friday morning the team was assigned to Division Zulu with an Arizona Task Force with the objective of extinguishing spot fires in the neighborhood where they are working.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fire has burned 14,000 acres and is 0% contained as of Friday night, according to Clark County. The team consisted of our engines, one water tender, two battalion chiefs, one mechanic, and one logistics team member. There are 1,500 personnel on this fire as of Friday night.

Both teams are working 24-hour shifts starting at 7 a.m. briefings where they receive their orders for the day.

A total of 46 personnel from Las Vegas valley fire departments, including, Clark County Fire Department, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and Henderson Fire Department, are providing support and resources.

The teams are anticipated to be deployed for one to two weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: Illustration by Stephen Kelly / Getty Images

The United States and Iran may face a confrontation soon after President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Officials around the world "expect Trump to face an Iran crisis in 2025," said Axios .

Iran's nuclear advances mean Trump will have to choose whether to "neutralize the threat" using diplomacy and pressure tactics  or whether to order a military strike. Trump arguably brought this situation upon himself: His decision in 2018 to abandon an Obama-era nuclear deal in favor of a so-called "maximum pressure" campaign "prompted Tehran to accelerate its nuclear program." Iran does not yet have nuclear weapons, but its progress makes it a "nuclear threshold state," said Axios.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tehran is making preparations. Iran's military has "nearly doubled" the number of winter training exercises to "project strength" ahead of Trump's inauguration, said the Financial Times . The exercises feature "new weaponry and expanded participation of brigades engaged in realistic operations," said Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini, spokesman for Iran's Revolutionary Guards. But Iran is under "mounting strain," with its proxy forces in Lebanon and Syria suffering humiliating defeats since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023, said FT.

What did the commentators say?

The second Trump administration should implement a "Maximum Pressure 2.0" campaign against Iran, said Janatan Sayeh and Saeed Ghasseminejad at The Washington Examiner . Such a pressure campaign would include "economic, diplomatic, military, intelligence, and political measures"  including cooperation with Israel's covert campaigns inside Iran, as well as support for "antiregime Iranians" inside the country. Such efforts would build a foundation "for a future where a liberated Iran stands as a steadfast ally to the U.S.," the duo said. Iran's current weakness makes 2025 a "year of opportunity" for Trump.

Attacking Iran would be "wrong and illegal," said Daniel Larison at his Eunomia Substack. Iran's nuclear program has now advanced so far that an attack on its facilities "makes it more likely" that Tehran would make the final push to develop weapons, as a deterrent against outside forces. American leaders should "reject a military option that gives Iran an even bigger incentive to cross that line." American policymakers have talked about attacking Iran "for decades," Larison said. "The mindset that made the Iraq war possible is still very much with us."

What next?

Some observers see Trump as uniquely positioned to strike a deal. "Only Trump can go to Iran," said Sina Azodi at Foreign Policy . Trump is "widely known to be hawkish" where Iran is concerned, but has also claimed he is "not seeking a regime change." In his second term, Trump no longer has hard-liners like John Bolton and Mike Pompeo around to urge toughness against Iran. That presents a "unique opportunity" to improve U.S.-Iran relations, Azodi said.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  As another winter storm arrives in Northeast Ohio, road crews with the Ohio Department of Transportation are on-duty around the clock.

We will have 250 crews out in Northeast Ohio, said Brent Kovacs, with ODOT District 12.

Tiny Lucy defies odds after complex heart surgery

Crews are working 12 hour shifts into the weekend, and with widespread snow expected all across Northeast Ohio, ODOT is spreading their crews out so they can keep up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We expect the snow to hit evenly. We arent planning on shifting any crews. Its going to be all hands on deck with crews on their normal routes, said Kovacs.

ODOT has certainly been busy.

Wayne Dawson overwhelmed by support during cancer journey

Last year, they used about 27,000 tons of salt for the winter season.

This year, ODOT has almost doubled that already at 41,000 tons of salt. And its only January.

Meanwhile, ODOT is reminding drivers to slow down while snowplows are clearing roads.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Deputies have identified the victim who was killed during a deadly shooting Friday night that closed part of Interstate 29 in Platte County.

The shooting was reported just after 7 p.m. on the off-ramp of I-29 and Northwest 72nd Street.

According to initial reports of the incident, Kansas City police officers were dispatched to the area after a vehicle was seen running off the roadway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When officers arrived on the scene, they found a car south of Northwest 72nd Street. It was off the highway on the southbound side and down an embankment against a barrier fence on the outer road.

Officers approached the car and found a man, later identified by the Platte County Sheriffs Department as 50-year-old Liberty resident Dennis A. Sharkey, who appeared to have been shot and unresponsive inside.

He was taken to a hospital for treatment but was later pronounced dead.

Sharkey was a sports reporter at a local newspaper, The Platte County Citizen. On Saturday afternoon, the paper issued a statement on Facebook saying, The Platte County Citizen staff are saddened by the loss of Dennis Sharkey, the Citizens sports reporter, who died by homicide Friday night.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dennis was our high school sports reporter and also covered some news as needed. He was likely covering high school sports Friday night when this happened. Were all in shock, and our condolences go out to his family. They have set up a GoFundMe to help cover expenses.

Personally, I can say that were shocked and saddened by this horrific event. Dennis was a hard worker and long-time contributor to the Citizen and he will be missed.

Since the shooting, investigations have been ongoing and taken over by the Platte County Sheriffs Office. However, according to initial reports, it is believed that the shooting likely happened while the victim was driving south on I-29, north of Northwest 72nd Street.

However, the Platte County Sheriffs Office claims information is still scarce.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We dont know what led up to it. Apparently, both vehicles stopped on the interstate. The suspect got out of their vehicle and apparently fired a single shot into the victims vehicle as the victims vehicle attempted to drive off, said Capt. Jeffrey Shanks with the Platte County Sheriffs Office.

The victim almost immediately left the roadway and drove down through the snow into the barrier fence just north of 70th and Prairie View road.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

KCPD detectives are currently working to determine what may have led to the shooting.

Were also asking the public if anyone was in the area and saw anything at all that they think is relevant to the investigation to please reach out, Shanks explained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were centralizing everything through the TIPS hotline, through the Crimestoppers program.

Shanks also went on to explain that the TIPS Hotline is available for anyone with information.

Were hoping those individuals will contact the sheriffs office or contact us through the TIPS hotline. We would greatly appreciate whatever information they have, Shanks said.

We really just need assistance from the public in moving forward with this investigation.

The Platte County Sheriffs Office asks that if you or anyone you know was in the area of I-29 between Barry Road and Northwest 72nd Street and heard or saw anything to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Platte County Sheriffs Office requested the Metro Squads assistance in investigating the incident, and a Metro Squad was convened on Saturday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LITTLE TORCH KEY, Fla. (WFLA)  Three people were arrested Thursday after deputies said a bullet fired at a makeshift target range went into a couples home in the Florida Keys.

The couple was reportedly in the upstairs bedroom at their home on Pirates Road in Little Torch Key with their dogs when the bullet entered the room, breaking a window and a glass door.

Tampa man found with gunshot wounds: police say

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deputies with the Monroe County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call from the couple around 4 p.m. reporting that shots had been fired.

While at their home, authorities said they heard several active gunshots coming from down the street on Kings Cove Road.

Investigators traced the gunfire to a makeshift target range that had been set up facing Pirates Road.

(Credit: Monroe County Sheriffs Office)

(Credit: Monroe County Sheriffs Office)

Three people were at the range: Robert Andrew Mayette, 51, Jessica Ellen Rene Hargrove, 25, and Nathan John David Charter-Kimberly, 24.

According to the sheriffs office, Charter-Kimberly was holding a Smith & Wesson AR-15 rifle and a handgun.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deputies said all three suspects admitted to shooting the rifle at the homemade target range.

While no injuries were reported, they each were charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and culpable negligence.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Three people have been charged in connection to a kidnapping earlier this week on St. Paul's East Side that prosecutors say is linked to a drug cartel in Mexico.

Richar Sanchez Mujica, 30, and Kendra Sue Johnson, 39, have each been charged with two counts of kidnapping, while Erling Soren Holdahl, 48, is charged with two counts of kidnapping, one count of 1st-degree drug possession and one count of illegal firearm possession, according to Ramsey County court records.

All three were arrested on Tuesday following a standoff in St. Paul on Tuesday after an informant called police telling them a victim was being held against his will, and was set to be tortured and killed.

From left: Erling Holdahl, Kendra Johnson, and Richar Mujica.Ramsey County Jail

According to the criminal complaint, authorities were notified with information in December that connected Mujica to drug trafficking. Police were able to ping his phone in the area of the 700 block of Payne Avenue between 7:45 p.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A warrant had already been issued for Mujica's arrest, as he failed to appear in court for a DWI charge in August, according to court records.

Police responded to a residence in the area on Tuesday, along with St. Paul SWAT, around 2 p.m. after being alerted to a possible kidnapping. Authorities received a tip from a person working with a Mexican drug trafficking organization that someone was to be killed for owing the cartel money.

"The contact in Mexico told the cooperating defendant to meet Richar Sanchez Mujica and to bring chains and weights and to help take care of it," court documents state.

Officers were able to track down Mujica just before 10 a.m. Tuesday and later made a traffic stop that resulted in his arrest. Mujica admitted to police he owed money to a Mexican cartel and was working for the cartel. Police learned a victim was handcuffed and being held against his will at a property in the area, which was the destination on Mujica's GPS at the time of his arrest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After a two hour standoff, Holdahl and Johnson exited the home on Payne Avenue and were arrested.

The victim who was being held against his will said he had a pending drug case in Hennepin County and a friend told him he knew a lawyer that could help him. The friend told the victim to go to the address on Payne Avenue, where he went between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Monday.

According to the complaint, he was greeted by Johnson, who led him down the hallway to a man "pointing a rifle or shotgun at him." Another man then hit the victim in the head with a heavy object from behind and a third man joined the others and repeatedly assaulted the victim.

The victim said he blacked out during the event and didn't remember anything after that. He said he was handcuffed to a chair during the assault and had an orange blanket over his face.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mujica denied his involvement in the kidnapping but admitted to being at the Payne Avenue location. Johnson told investigators she lived at the location and was aware of the victim being there but also denied involvement in the kidnapping. She claimed a group of masked men were there the night before. Surveillance video reviewed by police at the location doesn't show anyone wearing masks.

As for Holdahl, he admitted he held the deed for the Payne Avenue address but also claimed he wasn't aware of the kidnapping. However, he admitted to police he owed money to someone in Mexico and was trying to get himself out of financial trouble. Holdahl claims he was being forced "into stuff he didn't want to be involved in," charges allege.

All three suspects made their initial appearance in court on Friday morning. Mujica's next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, while Holdahl has an appearance set for Jan. 31 and Johnson will next appear in court on Feb. 4.
GOSHEN  Three suspects in a November robbery-murder have been given a May trial date.

Ashley Seabolt, 41, Stephonn Sutton, 36, and Sami Hussen, 38, are all charged with the murder of Toby Ray Fisher on Nov. 26. Police found the 32-year-old Elkhart man outside River Run Apartments with a gunshot wound to the neck.

Fisher died at the scene despite attempts to give him medical help. Seabolt, Sutton and Hussen were charged last week in connection with the killing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators believe the incident was a drug deal and robbery that turned fatal.

Police say Seabolt and Fisher had arranged the plan ahead of time, to rob Hussen and another woman of the drugs they were selling and to take other valuables from them. Sutton was in the same vehicle at the time and had been picked up in Michigan along with Fisher, according to police.

Hussen is suspected of actually pulling the trigger, which the other woman told investigators was an act of self-defense. Homicide detectives were led to the three suspects based on witness testimony, security camera footage and text messages between Seabolt and Fisher.

During their initial court appearances Thursday in Elkhart County Circuit Court, Judge Michael Christofeno entered a not-guilty plea for them and appointed the public defenders office to represent each of them. He remarked that with three co-defendants, the office will have to ensure there are no conflicts of interest before assigning attorneys.

The judge informed them that murder carries a prison term of up to 65 years. He set a preliminary jury trial date of May 5 for each of them.
CHICAGO  Four Chicago residents have been arrested on federal drug and firearm charges as result of a drug trafficking investigation.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Illinois said the Chicago Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations centered their investigation on the citys Northwest Side and used undercover surveillance operations, undercover drug purchases and wiretapped communications to shut down an open-air drug market in Humboldt Park.

Lakeview man wanted for child sex abuse after removing electronic monitor

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As part of the investigation, law enforcement officials on Wednesday executed a search warrant at a home and found multikilogram amounts of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine packaged for distribution, according to investigators.

Authorities said the following individuals, all of Chicago, have been charged with federal drug crimes:

Jauan Brown, 38

Briuanna Moore, 26

Eyanna Ross, 21

Brown has also been charged with illegal firearm possession, along with 38-year-old William Davis, also of Chicago.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

The four suspects appeared in federal court Wednesday in Chicago.

In addition to the federal charges, 20 people were charged in state court as a result of the investigation, according to officials.

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.
Four individuals were indicted this week after being found with nearly $50,000 worth of stolen Nike shoes from a BNSF train in northern Arizona, according to Arizona's Family.

This comes after The Arizona Republic reported in October what may have been the state's first recorded train robbery in more than 100 years. The attempted robbery took place near the town of Seligman, in Yavapai County, and resulted in two arrests made after officers from multiple law enforcement agencies chased the suspects for miles in the desert.

This newly reported Wild West-like heist took place in December in Mohave County, with arrests made after nearly $50,000 worth of Nike shoes were found hidden near tracks in the desert.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In November, similar reports came from Southern California, where the California Highway Patrol recovered more than $300,000 in Nike Jordan shoes in Anaheim, resulting in multiple arrests.

The robbery method in cases from both Arizona and California follows a similar pattern: Criminals scout trains carrying high-value goods and force them to stop in remote areas. While the exact method isn't entirely clear, court records suggest that robbers jump onto moving trains and trigger an emergency stop by disabling the primary brakes.

Some of these trains have boxcars stretching for miles, and the darkness and isolation of the desert at night provide cover for criminals to quickly steal and stash goods nearby. They later return to retrieve the hidden items, load them into trucks, and sell them on platforms like eBay and Amazon.

"Train burglaries have skyrocketed over the last year, resulting in millions of dollars in goods being stolen," Paul Wick, a spokesperson for the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, told The Arizona Republic after the first train robbery in October.

Rising crime: Arizona train robbery in Seligman may be first reported in over 100 years

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 4 people indicted after another train robbery in Arizona
Edgars Platonovs, a 41-year-old Latvian volunteer soldier fighting for Ukraine, was killed in action in December on the eastern front, the Latvian Armed Forces reported on Jan. 10.

Platonovs was fighting in the areas near the village of Novoiehorivka in the largely Russian-occupied Luhansk Oblast as part of the Ukrainian military's International Legion, composed of mostly foreign volunteers, according to the Latvian Armed Forces. The military said that the volunteer was killed on Dec. 25, 2024.

Platonovs' death is among the huge costs that Ukraine and those helping the country have had to pay to fend off the relentless Russian offensives since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many foreign fighters  like Platonovs  were killed and wounded in Ukraine, but Kyiv has not disclosed the casualty figures.

"Another of our volunteer soldiers has died defending the freedom and independence of Ukraine. Our deepest condolences to the relatives and comrades of Edgars Platonovs," Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said on social media platform X, adding: "Eternal memory to the hero!"

Unlike many other foreign volunteers, Platonovs had not served in the Latvian Armed Forces before arriving in Ukraine. His family praised him as a "loving son, our older, strong and caring brother, who always did everything with all his heart and conviction," as cited by Delfi news website.

"Edgars was a kind, sincere and always positive person who never lost faith in himself and his principles," his family said, according to Delfi.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Earlier in October 2023, a Russian drone attack had killed another Lithuanian  28-year-old Vitalijs Smirnovs  in the Lyman area of Donetsk Oblast.

Read also: Irrefutable evidence of North Koreas involvement  Ukraine says it captured 2 North Korean POWs in Kursk Oblast

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
DENVER (KDVR)  A statewide grand jury found enough evidence in December to indict five employees of two Denver-area construction companies on 34 counts of fraud and theft, the Colorado Attorney Generals Office announced Friday.

The charges are related to what the AG called a widespread home remodeling contractor fraud scheme from July 2021 through December 2024.

Inside DIAs lost and found: Bags, electronics and even a bag of dried fish

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The contracting companies named in the affidavit were Schwalb Builders and Avis Remodeling and Contracting. The companies are affiliated with each other. Named in the grand jury indictment were the two companies owners  Sean Schwalb and Avi Schwalb  as well as three employees: Kevin Allbritton, Michael Stein and Blanca Dominguez.

According to the Colorado Attorney Generals Office, the five had collaborated to find home remodeling contracts, collect customer deposits and then failed to complete any work on the projects.

In some instances, Schwalb Builders abandoned the projects after starting demolition or performing faulty work on the homes, leaving the homes damaged and uninhabitable, the AGs office continued in a press release.

The indictment alleges that in all instances the members of the perceived criminal ring never returned customer funds for incomplete or defective work. Under Colorados construction trust fund law, companies are required to keep customer funds in a trust for the designated project. Violations of this law can result in theft charges, the AGs Office stated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the indictment, bank account records for the Schwalbs and their businesses showed the two companies had received over $1.145 million in customer funds that were not used to fund projects, or returned when customers asked for refunds. Additionally, prosecutors alleged that the construction companies used deceptive tactics to defraud their clients.

All five of the defendants are charged with racketeering and conspiracy under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act in addition to 32 counts of felony theft to various degrees.

Man shot, killed after seeing suspicious vehicle in Aurora neighborhood near Gaylord resort

The Schwalbs were booked into the Denver jail on Jan. 5, the AGs office shared. According to court records, Sean was given a $1.1 million cash bond on Dec. 13, 2024, and Avi was given the same bond on Dec. 13.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, Avi received a new, $50,000 cash, surety or property bond on Jan. 6. Neither Schwalb had posted their bond as of Jan. 10, according to online court records. The Schwalbs are scheduled to next appear in court on Jan. 13.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 state of California encompasses a large area of approximately 100 million acres. Within the states borders, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as CAL FIRE, serves and safeguards the people and protects the property and resources of California. In order to reach remote fires in the State Responsibility Area, CAL FIRE maintains a fleet of firefighting aircraft, many of which were converted from or originally designed as military aircraft. With more than 60 fixed and rotary wing aircraft, the department has the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the world.

1. Grumman S-2T Tracker

(Marsh Aviation Company via Facebook)

Introduced in 1952, the S-2 was the U.S. Navys first purpose-built anti-submarine warfare aircraft. A versatile platform, the Tracker was developed into the E-2 Tracer, the Navys first purpose-built airborne early warning aircraft. While the S-2 and E-2 saw extensive use until the mid-1970s, the C-1 Trader carrier onboard delivery variant remained in service until the mid-1980s. In 1996, CAL FIRE acquired 26 S-2E/G planes from the Federal Excess Personal Property program, which were subsequently converted by Marsh Aviation. In addition to firefighting equipment like the internal tank, which holds 1,200 gallons of long-term fire retardant, the conversion included modern, powerful turboprop engines. CAL FIREs S-2Ts are used for rapid initial attack delivery of fire retardant on fires. These air tankers are strategically located throughout California and can respond to the most remote State Responsibility Areas within approximately 20 minutes.

2. Bell UH-1H Super Huey

(CAL FIRE)

Entering service with the U.S. Army as the UH-1 Iroquois in 1959, the helicopter quickly earned the nickname Huey and became synonymous with the Vietnam War. Designed as a utility helicopter, the Huey served in a variety of roles, including troop transport, MEDEVAC, and even close air support as a gunship. The Huey even served as the platform for the AH-1 Cobra gunship which went on to be used in firefighting operations. While the Huey was retired from service with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Marine Corps continues to fly the upgraded UH-1Y Venom, also known as the Super Huey. CAL FIRE acquired 12 UH-1F helicopters through the Federal Excess Personal Property program in 1981 but replaced them nine years later with the modified UH-1H Super Huey. The helicopters primary mission is responding to initial attack wildfires and rescue missions. When responding to wildfires, the Super Huey can quickly

deliver a 9-person Helitack Crew for ground firefighting operations and quickly transition into water/foam-dropping missions. With a sling load bucket, the UH-1H has a payload of 324 gallons of water/foam. Using a fixed tank increases the payload to 360 gallons of water/foam with pilot-controlled drop volumes.

3. Sikorsky S-70i FIREHAWK

(Lockheed Martin)

Sikorsky developed the S-70 in the 1970s to replace the UH-1 Iroquois as the U.S. Armys medium-lift utility helicopter. It entered Army service as the UH-60 Black Hawk in 1979 and was also adopted by the U.S. Air Force and Navy in service-specific variants. A versatile platform, Sikorsky marketed the S-70 to civilian agencies; it has been adapted for different missions including law enforcement, search and rescue, and VIP transport. In 2018, CAL FIRE received approval from Governor Gavin Newsom to purchase up to 12 S-70i helicopters from United Rotorcraft and replace the fleets 12 Super Hueys. Additional funding was later approved to purchase an additional four FIREHAWKs. With a payload of 1,000 gallons of water/foam and an external hoist, the S-70is primary mission is responding to initial attack wildfires and rescue missions. It can also carry and deliver a 9-person Helitack Crew for ground firefighting operations and quickly transition into water/foam dropping missions.

4. North American OV-10A/D Bronco

(U.S. Air National Guard photo)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The OV-10 was developed in the 1960s to serve as a light attack and observation aircraft. Powered by two turboprop engines, the Bronco excels in counter-insurgency operations and as a forward air control aircraft. Capable of long loiter times, the OV-10 replaced older and slower observation aircraft like the Cessna O-1 Bird Dog and Cessna O-2 Skymaster. Flown by the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, the Bronco served from the Vietnam War through to the fight against ISIS in Iraq. In 1993, CAL FIRE acquired 15 OV-10As from the Federal Excess Personal Property program. These Broncos were converted to air attack platforms and replaced the departments Cessna O-2As. In 2009, CAL FIRE also acquired three OV-10Ds, one of which was converted and is in use. Another four OV-10s were acquired from NASA in 2022. The Bronco serves as the primary command and control platform for aerial missions. The air attack officer, a highly trained and experienced fire officer, coordinates with the incident commander on the ground, providing a unique aerial perspective on fire conditions, anticipated resource needs, and potential threats to life and property.

5. Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules

The venerable C-130 is an icon of military transportation. Having entered U.S. military service in 1956, the Hercules has been upgraded over generations and continues to serve as the militarys primary tactical airlift platform. In July 2018, California received approval to acquire seven C-130H planes from the U.S. Coast Guard. The transfer was approved by Congress with the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2023 and signed into law by President Biden the same month. CAL FIRE uses the Hercules, with its payload of 4,000 gallons of long-term fire retardant, for rapid initial attack delivery of fire retardant on wildfires. The first C-130H was put into service at McClellan Airtanker Base on Monday, August 26, 2024.
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO)  Friday marks the 50th anniversary of one of winters worst natural disasters to strike the Midwest.

On January 10th, 1975, a snowstorm began battering South Dakota along with Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, taking a deadly toll on people and livestock, while also creating amazing stories of survival.

What had been a mild start to winter heading into 1975 had skiers rejoicing at this early January snowfall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Contractor working on light pole when it fell on I-229

DOUG LUND: Its hard to find anybody in the Sioux Falls area and southeast South Dakota thats not happy for the snowfall activity for today.

But that happiness turned into horror later that week, when more than a half-foot of snow, super-charged by 70-mile-an-hour wind gusts created massive drifts, burying homes and farm fields while stranding drivers caught in the storm.

I was on my way back to Sioux Falls and the wind was blowing so badly and the snow, that visibilityand I intentionally went into the ditch, Dick Bielski said in 1975.

Dick Bielski was trapped inside his car from Friday night into Sunday afternoon when he was rescued by passing truckers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

LEO HARTIG: Any special survival gear in the car with you?

Yes, I had a fifth of bourbon. And from Friday night until Saturday night, I kept nipping off of that a little bit to try and keep me warm, Bielski said.

KELOLAND News interviewed Bielski on the 10-year anniversary of the blizzard. By then, one of his feet that froze during that brutal weekend had to be amputated.

I was so cold, the third day, really, I didnt give a damn whether I lived or not, Bielski said in 1985.

Farmers lost thousands of head of livestock in the storm. Many of the animals simply froze in place.

STEVE HEMMINGSEN: You say you saw them in the fields, you mean they were dead on their feet?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theyre dead on their feet.

State and federal officials surveyed the widespread damage by helicopter after the storm had passed.

We just talked to people whove almost been wiped-out so far as their livestock herd, U.S. Senator Jim Abourezk said in 1975.

Yet storm-battered farmers and ranchers remained defiant, in spite of the devastation.

Were not going to get out of the cattle business just because of one storm. We live in Dakota. And we figure if we live in Dakota, well take more than one storm.

The blizzard also toppled KELOLANDs 2-thousand foot tower near Rowena. Engineers switched to a backup tower at Shindler and the station returned to the airwaves later in the day. A winter storm that brought so much destruction has left behind vivid images of nature at its worst, a half-century later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wind chills during the blizzard reached minus-70 degrees.

More than three dozen people in the Midwest died during the storm, including two Augustana College students who died from exposure after leaving their car east of Sioux Falls.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
The companies turning away from DEI

comapnies that stopped DEI programs including Google Target and McDonalds

Sundry Photography/shutterstock; Tada Images/shutterstock; rblfmr/shutterstock

(L-R) Google headquarters in Silicon Valley with the "double o's" of the logo decorated in rainbow colors to honor of LGBTQ Rights, Target logo as seen at its store in Sunnyvale, California, McDonalds restaurant in the Chelsea neighborhood of NYC displays the progress pride flag with company logos.

Companies scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion programs have started a trend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Right-wingers have been railing against DEI for a while now, and one of the loudest is Robby Starbuck, a failed filmmaker and failed congressional candidate. He objects to companies sponsoring Pride events, supporting transgender employees, taking action against climate change, and more. Oh, and he thinks toxic chemicals turn people queer and that the COVID-19 vaccine is what killed Matthew Perry.

But the anti-DEI movement is bigger than just Starbuck. Business experts have told CNN that Starbucks activism alone does not fully explain these decisions, and some companies commitments to diversity and inclusion were thin to start, the news channel reports.

Many businesses are also looking to gain favor with President-elect Donald Trump, whose MAGA movement has been notoriously going after diversity initiatives.

Heres a look at some of the major companies turning away from DEI.

Google

Google app

mundissima / Shutterstock.com

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Google app and logo on phone screen

Google announced in February that it would be purging its DEI initiatives, including its efforts to hire more employees from underrepresented backgrounds, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal.



NBC also reported that Google changed its diversity website in week prior, including by renaming an executives position from Chief Diversity Officer to VP, People Operations.

Hard hiring quotas for workplaces are already illegal in the United States under the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972.

Aldi's

Aldi's supermarket

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Aldi's supermarket

Aldi's quietly removed all evidence of its DEI programs from its websites in January without making a public statement, as first reported by Fortune.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The grocery chain removed its "Aldinclusive" section, which claimed diversity strengthens us" and outlined the companies initiatives, including resources and internships for employees, as well as its decades-long support for the United Negro College Fund and its $5.5 million DEI Philanthropic Fund.

Target

The front of a Target store.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock

A target store at 704 W Lancaster AveDevon, PA

The company issued a memo January 24, available to read on social media, announcing the conclusion three-year diversity, equity and inclusion goals. The company also said it will end its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) program sometime this year.

The corporation also specially said it will be stopping all external diversity-focused surveys including HRCs Corporate Equality index.

The company memo also said target will be evolving a Supplier Diversity program to instead focus just on Supplier Engagement, a move intended to better reflect our inclusive global procurement process across a broad range of suppliers, including increasing our focus on small businesses.

Amazon

Amazon logo

Amazon quietly removed several policies from its public websites aimed at protecting workers, including "solidarity" pledges with its Black employees and health care benefits for transgender workers, according to The Washington Post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The changes include several to policy, as well as department titles. A section previously called Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is now Inclusive Experiences and Technology, and the section advance DEI through technology is now a pledge to advance the employee experience.

One of the removed policies includes an outline of the gender-affirming care benefits provided to employees under Amazon's health care plan, which it said were "based on the Standards of Care published by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Also removed was the company's pledge that it is working at the U.S. federal and state level on legislation that would provide anti-discrimination protections for transgender people.

Though Amazon previously stated that it stood "in solidarity" with its Black employees, the company also removed that section, as well as one claiming to support legislation to combat misconduct and racial bias in policing, efforts to protect and expand voting rights, and initiatives that provide better health and educational outcomes for Black people.

Meta

smartphone meta logo with apps listed below

Melnikov Dmitriy/shutterstock

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meta slammed for 'disturbing' AI profiles, including a fake Black queer mother

Almost immediately after announcing new content rules that allow users to abuse LGBTQ+ people, Meta announced that it would be ending all of its major DEI programs effectively immediately. The company behind Facebook, Instagram, and Threads sent out an internal memo obtained by Axios, which will affect both hiring and training practices, as well as its decisions on which suppliers to work with.

The changes include completely axing Meta's DEI team  the company's chief diversity officer, Maxine Williams, will enter a new role focused on "accessibility and engagement." Instead of prioritizing partnering with diverse businesses, Meta will "focus our efforts on supporting small and medium-sized businesses that power much of our economy."

Instead of inclusion-based efforts, the company would be creating programs "that focus on how to apply fair and consistent practices that mitigate bias for all, no matter your background." Meta will also be ending its representation goals, which vice president of human resources Janelle Gale claimed "can create the impression that decisions are being made based on race or gender," adding, "While this has never been our practice, we want to eliminate any impression of it."

McDonald's

Annie's Studio / Shutterstock

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mcdonald's announced that it will be making several changes to its practices, including "retiring setting aspirational representation goals," ceasing DEI requirements for its suppliers, and "pausing external surveys" focused on inclusion, including the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The company also said it will be changing the name of its diversity team to the Global Inclusion Team, which it said it "more fitting for McDonalds in light of our inclusion value."

McDonald's stated that it was motivated to make the changes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action, Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, as it "assessed the shifting legal landscape to anticipate how this ruling may impact corporations such as McDonalds."

The company also said that it considered the actions of other corporations that have cut DEI efforts, some of which include Walmart and John Deere, and "benchmarked our approach to other companies who are also re-evaluating their own programs."

Walmart

Walmart LGBTQIA pride parade contingent 2018

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shawn Goldberg/Shutterstock

Walmart rolls back DEI and reviews Pride funding. Far-right extremist says he spoke with execs to get it done

Walmart announced it will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaigns Corporate Equality Index, will make changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, and will monitor its marketplace to ensure inappropriate sexual and/or transgender products are not marketed to children, USA Today reports.

Walmart confirmed changes to its policies in a statement provided to the media, and conservative activist Robby Starbuck claimed responsibility for the changes in a post to social media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The far-right extremist claimed on social media that he reached out to Walmart himself and that the announcement came after he met with Walmart representatives.

Molson Coors

Coors Light Beer Cases Stacked Store

The Toidi via Shutterstock

Molson Coors beer company abandons DEI after fringe online conservatives complain

The company sent a notice to employees in early September that revealed it will no longer have specific representation goals for its employees and suppliers, nor will it be participating in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, in which it previously had a perfect rating. It will also no longer be sponsoring events such as Pride celebrations.

Ford Motor Co.

Ford

Tada Images/Shutterstock

An internal memo was leaked the last week in August that said Ford, which has nearly 200,000 employees, will back away from commenting publicly on the many polarizing issues of the day, although there may be times when its necessary, and that executives had already decided not to participate in external surveys such as the Human Rights Campaigns Corporate Equality Index. The memo said the company remains committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace but has more work to do in this area. We are mindful that our employees and customers hold a wide range of beliefs, and the external and legal environment related to political and social issues continues to evolve, it stated.

Starbuck tweeted a copy of the memo and celebrated it, saying, Sanity is coming for corporate America.

HRC President Kelley Robinson condemned the move. Today, Ford Motor Company abandoned its commitment to hundreds of thousands of employees by cowering to internet troll Robby Starbuck, and signaling that inclusion and other core values are no longer a priority in the workplace, her statement said.

After decades of commitment to inclusion and top ratings on the HRC Foundation Corporate Equality Index, the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Disability:INs Disability Equality Index as well as their longstanding philanthropic record funding scholarships for Hispanic students, the Human Rights Campaign could not be more disappointed to see Ford Motor Company shirking its responsibility to its employees, consumers, and shareholders. By failing to support women leaders, employees of color, and LGBTQ+ employees, Ford Motor Company is abandoning its financial duty to recruit and keep top talent from across the full talent pool. In making their purchasing decisions, consumers should take note that Ford Motor Company has abandoned its commitment to our communities.

HRC also noted that the organization evaluates every Fortune 500 company on issues of equality, whether or not that company submits additional information to HRC about its priorities and progress.

John Deere

Deere & Co.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

John Deere, one of the nations leading farm equipment manufacturers, announced in July, We will no longer participate in or support external social or cultural awareness parades, festivals, or events. Business Resource Groups will exclusively be focused on professional development, networking, mentoring, and supporting talent recruitment efforts. Auditing all company-mandated training materials and policies to ensure the absence of socially motivated messages, while being in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Reaffirming within the business that the existence of diversity quotas and pronoun identification have never been and are not company policy.

Starbuck celebrated Deeres decision, while HRC called it a direct result of a coordinated attack by far-right extremists on American business.

Lowe's

Lowe's

Mahmoud Suhail/Getty Images

An internal memo from home improvement retailer Lowes, obtained by multiple news outlets in August, informed employees that the company will no longer participate in the HRCs Corporate Equality index and that its internal employee support resources for those belonging to minority groups will all be combined into one umbrella program. The company also said it would end its sponsorship of and participation in community events such as parades, festivals, or fairs  referring to LGBTQ+ Pride parades.

Again, Starbuck praised the move and HRC denounced it. "Hasty, shortsighted decisions contrary to safe and inclusive workplaces will create a snowball effect of negative long-term consequences for companies, cutting them off from top talent, turning off LGBTQ+ and other consumers, and impacting companies' bottom line," said Orlando Gonzales, HRCs senior vice president of programs, research, and training.

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson

vedpku/Shutterstock

Harley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle company, also issued a memo in August, saying it was pulling out of the HRC index and that it would ensure that employee training will remain "absent of socially motivated content."

We are saddened by the negativity on social media over the last few weeks, designed to divide the Harley-Davidson community, company officials wrote. As a company, we take this issue very seriously, and it is our responsibility to respond with clarity, action and facts.

We remain committed to listening to all members of our community as we continue on our journey together as one Harley-Davidson, they added. United We Ride.

"Putting politics ahead of workers and consumers only hurts the same folks that these businesses rely on," said Eric Bloem, HRC vice president of programs and corporate advocacy. "Harley-Davidsons choice to back away from the Corporate Equality Index is an impulsive decision fueled by fringe right-wing actors and MAGA extremists who believe they can bully their way into dismantling initiatives that help everyone thrive in the workplace."

Brown-Forman

Brown-Forman

SOPA Images/Getty Images

Brown-Forman, the maker of Jack Daniels whiskey and other beverages, told its employees in an August email that it would no longer participate in initiatives like the HRC index and that it would end "quantitative workforce and supplier diversity ambitions."

"We will continue to foster an inclusive work environment where everyone is welcomed, respected, and able to bring their best self to work," the message from executive leadership stated. "We know it will not be easy to navigate the road ahead, but please know our deep belief in, and respect for, each of you remains constant."

Tractor Supply Co.

Tractor Supply

Ken Wolter/Shutterstock

Tractor Supply Co., the Tennessee-based animal feed and farm retailer, announced in June  LGBTQ+ Pride Month  that it was abandoning all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives following a barrage of pressure from far-right activists.

The changes include halting data submissions to the Human Rights Campaign, refocusing Team Member Engagement Groups on mentoring and networking, eliminating DEI roles, retiring current DEI goals, and shifting environmental focus from carbon emissions to land and water conservation. The company will cease sponsoring nonbusiness activities like Pride festivals and voting campaigns.

Starbuck had posted a lengthy critique of the company on X earlier in the month. Its time to expose Tractor Supply, Starbuck began, listing grievances such as LGBTQIA+ training for employees, funding pride/drag events, a DEI Council, funding sex changes, climate change activism, Pride month decorations in the office, DEI hiring practices, and LGBTQIA+ events at work. He accused the companys CEO, Hal Lawton, of promoting woke priorities that do not align with Tractor Supplys customer base.

Tractor Supply Co. is turning its back on their own neighbors with this shortsighted decision, HRCs Bloem said. LGBTQ+ people live in every zip code in this country, including rural communities. Companies from every industry work closely with us to be sure their employees and customers are respected, valued and can get the job done for their workforce and shareholders. Caving to far-right extremists is only going to hurt the same folks that these businesses rely on.

Toyota Motor Corp.

Best Auto Photo via Shutterstock

Toyota Motor Corp. announced in early October that it was refocusing its DEI programs and ceasing sponsorship of LGBTQ+ events. In a letter to Toyota's 50,000 U.S. employees and 1,500 dealers, company leaders cited a "highly politicized discussion" about DEI and said the automaker would narrow our community activities to align with STEM education and workforce readiness, as first reported by the Bloomberg news service. They also said Toyota would no longer participate in the HRC Corporate Equality Index.

The announcement came a week after Starbuck initiated a social media campaign against Toyota's sponsorship of LGBTQ+ events. Corporate officials said LGBTQ+ employee groups were responsible for these activities, not the company itself. But nevertheless Toyota has ended these relationships. An spokesperson told Bloomberg that Starbuck's campaign prompted some questions from employees, dealers, and customers, but said that did not figure significantly in Toyota's decision.

Short-sighted decisions to abandon DEI initiatives will have a lasting, negative impact on business success in a future where more people than ever are identifying as LGBTQ+, Eric Bloem, a vice president at HRC, told Bloomberg in response to Starbuck's campaign.

Then on October 7, HRC President Kelley Robinson posted an online essay clapping back at the suggestion that DEI and LGBTQ+ inclusion are political in nature. "There is nothing political about supporting LGBTQ+ people and our families in the workplace  its just good business," she wrote.

"Workers need to know that no matter who is in the statehouse or in the White House, they can trust that their employer wont discriminate against them in their health insurance benefits or employee handbook. They need to know that they can be protected against harassment whether theyre on the factory floor or at HQ. With more polarization than ever, its critical for LGBTQ+ employees, customers and our allies to know that a company has inclusive policies and practices. And the CEI delivers that clarity  with 93% of LGBTQ+ Americans looking to the CEI as a measure of support for the community.

"The facts are clear. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just moral imperatives; they are essential for business success in the 21st century. The LGBTQ+ community represents $1.4 trillion in buying power. Thirty percent of Gen Zthe future workforceidentifies as LGBTQ+. Eighty percent of LGBTQ+ consumers would boycott companies that roll back inclusion initiatives. A third of LGBTQ+ employees say their productivity would suffer in a less inclusive environment, and 20% would consider quitting. These aren't just statistics; they represent real people, real livelihoods, and real business impacts."
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The new legislative session started earlier this week in Rhode Island, and lawmakers have a host of issues ahead theyll be working on until the budget is passed in June.

Whether its the expected budget deficit, unfinished business or future work on legislation approved last year, there are multiple things to watch closely on Smith Hill.

Here are six things to keep an eye on during this years session.

1. The states budget amid an estimated deficit

Its the biggest bill each year that lawmakers craft throughout the whole session, being the last item voted on and coinciding with the start of their summer break.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This session will see tightening of belts as theres no more federal money from the pandemic available and lawmakers have an estimated $250 million to $300 million deficit to work around.

RELATED: RIs $300M budget deficit top of mind this legislative session

Acknowledging the tough decisions ahead, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi told 12 News the state must live within our means, adding that, all options are on the table.

Senate President Dominick Ruggerio told his colleagues in a November caucus that they are expecting a tighter budget cycle than we have experienced in years.

We have been through difficult budgets before  and these goals are possible, Ruggerio added. Rhode Island residents and businesses depend upon the relief we have provided in recent years  from elimination of the car tax to the new tangible tax exemption championed by Senator Melissa Murray.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the same time, we need to continue investing in job training and improving our career pathways, such as through Senator Hanna Gallos CTE Pipeline legislation, he continued.

Gov. Dan McKees budget proposal will soon be released, which is typically the first step in the process. Thats expected to be unveiled shortly after his State of the State address on Tuesday.

2. More movement to address the housing crisis

Last session saw a package of 15 bills put forth by Shekarchi aimed at fixing the states housing crisis.

Shekarchi said during his remarks on the first day that this session will focus on ensuring that the significant investments theyve made in recent years are executed in a way that delivers maximum benefit in the least amount of time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We will be closely watching progress made by our state Housing Department, which has yet to become the driver of consistent housing policy, Shekarchi explained. In particular, many of us are deeply concerned that resources directed to address homelessness have not been deployed as quickly or effectively as we had intended.

ALSO READ: Providence councilors urge McKee to declare homelessness a public health emergency

A new housing secretary, Deborah Goddard, was recently selected by Gov. Dan McKee. Goddard appeared before the Housing Affordability Commission, and Shekarchi said hes hopeful shell make the needed adjustments to achieve the departments mission.

Senate spokesperson Greg Pare pointed to a proposal highlighted by the new Senate Majority Leader Valarie Lawson in the November caucus. The idea is to make a tax-free savings account for first-time homebuyers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pare said its similar to a 529 college savings plan that is currently done in 14 states.

The program is designed to provide prospective buyers with a means to save for a home purchase and receive a tax incentive on those contributions, Pare explained. Buyers can be first-time home buyers or someone purchasing a home after a divorce.

According to Pare, the funds could only be used for down payment and closing costs.

Newsmakers 1/10/2025: Reps. Shekarchi & Blazejewski

3. Is it the year for an assault weapons ban?

Legislation for an assault weapons ban has backing from McKee, but stalled in previous sessions because Ruggerio doesnt support it at the state level, previously saying it should be done federally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, Ruggerio, who has received high ratings from the National Rifle Association, signaled in a December interview with the Boston Globe he may have a change of heart.

MORE: Could RI ban assault-style firearms next year?

The fate of an assault weapons ban this year is to be determined, but Pare said Ruggerio does not plan to sponsor or co-sponsor that bill.

He will review how the language is crafted once it is introduced, and it will go through the usual public hearing and review process, Pare added.

4. Does Providence regain control of its school district?

During a briefing with reporters Monday, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said he wants the city to regain control of the school district by July 1. This goal is one of Smileys priorities for this legislative session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

BACKGROUND: Smileys legislative priorities include tax hike, ending school takeover, new parking tax

In August, a state panel voted to extend the state takeover, which started in 2019, for three more years.

Pare and House spokesperson Larry Berman said, The Senate President and the Speaker will wait for the committee hearings and review the testimony on this anticipated proposal. City officials previously told 12 News a plan will be released by the spring.

Majority Leader Chris Blazejewski, who represents a district in Providence, said Friday on Newsmakers, We need to take a look at the bill. We need to figure out what the benefits are to having the schools go back early, whether the benefits are to having them go back later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And at the end of they day, the decisions not going to be based on the adult. Its going to be whats in the best interest of the children, Blazejewski added.

Infante-Green: State will continue to follow our process with Providence schools

5. Oversight hearings on the Washington Bridge

Its been a little over a year now since the closure of the Washington Bridges westbound portion.

The legislature held a joint meeting in February, with members of both chambers oversight committees questioning R.I. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti.

READ MORE: Oversight committees hears testimony on Washington Bridge closure

As for whether there will be additional oversight hearings, Pare said the Senate is working to schedule them. He also mentioned there will be hearings on the data breach that happened in December.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Details of those hearings have not been determined yet, Pare said.

In his remarks on Tuesday, Shekarchi said they will continue to utilize our power of oversight into the management of some immediate crises such as the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge, which will require immense resources.

The effectiveness of the states response to this crisis impacts so many Rhode Islanders, Shekarchi added. In turn, our constituents deserve timely and accurate information, and we will be asking tough questions as we embark on funding and rebuilding this vital thoroughfare.

6. Ruggerios health

The senate presidents health and political future has been an ongoing topic since last session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ruggerio, 76, was absent for extended periods as he battled cancer and other health challenges. The concerns about his health led to an internal battle with then-Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson, D-Cumberland, who unsuccessfully challenged Ruggerio during Senate Democrats leadership election in November.

BACKGROUND: RI Senate Dems back Ruggerio, Lawson after leadership fight

During the leadership election, Lawson was elevated to the number-two position, and Ruggerio announced state Sen. David Tikoian, D-Smithfield, is the new majority whip, succeeding Lawson.

On Tuesday, Ruggerio won another term as senate president, but in a closer vote than past years. The margin this time around was 26-12. During that vote, he also mistakenly voted present.

As for Ruggerios current prognosis, Pare said its very good.

Ruggerio, who has been in the Senate since 1985 and its president since 2017, is eligible to seek another two-year term in 2026, and senate president again if reelected.

NEXT: Infante-Green: State will continue to follow our process with Providence schools

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Nesi's Notes

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
(WKBN)  A 71-year-old Ohio woman has been sentenced to prison for selling stolen U.S. Treasury Bonds worth nearly $300,000.

Toni Laverne Smith, of Cleveland, remained a fugitive for over a decade and was captured on unrelated charges in June 2024.

Court documents say Smith stole the bonds from an elderly female in 2011.

According to a new release from the U.S. Attorneys Office Tuesday, Smith was sentenced to 32 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to transport and sell stolen U.S. Treasury bonds across state lines, forging treasury bonds, and using a false social security number.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An investigation by the United States Secret Service found Smith and a co-conspirator transported the stolen U.S. Treasury bonds across state lines and used fake IDs with the name of the victim to negotiate the sale of more than 350 forged Series E and EE, U.S. Treasury bonds.

The sale made about $299,364, including interest on mature bonds.

Smith and her co-conspirator also used the social security number of the victim to open several bank accounts as far away as Michigan and Illinois.

The crimes happened approximately from September 2011 to April 2012.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Healy for the Northern District of Ohio.

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.
Getty Images.

This story was originally published by The 19th.

Tens of thousands of young people  single people, in particular  have left states with near-total abortion bans.

A new paper by the National Bureau of Economic Research, a nonprofit economic research organization, estimated population changes by analyzing address-change data collected by the United States Postal Service. It found that since the 2022 fall of Roe v. Wade, the states with near-total abortion bans  13 at the time of the analysis  appear to have lost 36,000 people per quarter. Single-person households, which typically skew younger, were more likely to move out of states with bans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Our results show that reproductive rights policies can significantly affect where people choose to live, the researchers wrote.

Prior to Roes overturn, states that would eventually ban abortion were actually losing fewer residents than states that would continue to protect it, a gap that grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the difference began to narrow in 2021, it wasnt until Roe fell  and states began to enforce abortion bans  that people started leaving anti-abortion states in larger numbers. If the measured impact of abortion bans continues over another five years, the researchers found, it would have the same effect on migration as a 10 percent increase in crime.

The data also suggested that states with perceived abortion-hostile policies  a term the researchers used to classify states that had enacted bans that were blocked by courts, such as Ohio and Utah; those with strict bans, such as Florida and Georgia, which have six-week bans, and Arizona, which had a 15-week ban; and Pennsylvania, which is listed as hostile by the Center for Reproductive Rights, a legal advocacy organization  also saw a population loss.

The loss of young people has particular implications for a states economic trajectory.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

States with abortion bans may face challenges in attracting and retaining workers, especially younger workers who represent future economic potential, the paper said. These population flows and demographic shifts could affect a wide range of economic factors from tax bases to housing markets to the availability of workers in key industries.

Anecdotal evidence has already shown people reconsidering where to live, work and study based on abortion bans  particularly health care providers who have left states with bans and restrictions that could affect their ability to provide care, and college students who have indicated a preference for studying in places where abortion is protected.

Research has shown that people with higher education levels are more likely to support abortion rights and have the resources to move. If these trends persist, states could become increasingly unequal, the researchers wrote, with more educated and affluent people clustering in states with abortion protections, and those with less education and lower incomes staying in places with bans.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Jan. 11GRAND FORKS  Accessing more information about a fatal shooting carried out by a police officer on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in northern North Dakota has proven difficult, continuing a trend the Grand Forks Herald has observed with all Native American reservations in North Dakota.

On Dec. 29, a Belcourt man was fatally shot by a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer during a confrontation on a highway near the Sky Dancer Casino. Although the identity of the man killed was released, a Turtle Mountain Band attorney told the Grand Forks Herald the following day that "we don't have a lot of information, because it's under investigation."

Two weeks later, no further details appear to have been released.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Herald sent records requests Monday to the BIA and Rolette County Dispatch. Dispatch referred the Herald to the BIA, but the BIA made its own referral  to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which will be handling the investigation. The Herald now awaits a response from the FBI.

Accessing information is commonly difficult when North Dakota tribes are involved. A Herald audit late last year highlighted the challenges to access criminal court documentation when it involves Indigenous people living on tribal lands.

"The problem, when you're looking for information, is it depends on how much," said Grand Forks County Assistant State's Attorney Rachel Egstad, who has years of experience in tribal court systems. "(There are) jurisdictional issues that reservations go through  you have all those layers."

State, tribal and federal jurisdiction all could be at play in any given case, depending on where it happened, who was involved and whether those involved are Indigenous. If a case reaches the level of an FBI investigation, it seems more likely that information will be inaccessible, as was evident when looking into

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jemini Posey's disappearance

from the Spirit Lake Reservation.

In that case, the FBI told the Herald it could release no information other than what was already made public  information about Posey's appearance, birthday and when/where she was last seen.

"The FBI's investigations are a lot more close-knit than, say, a state investigation would be," Egstad said.

This has also been the case across the five tribal court systems located across North Dakota. The Herald requested criminal court documentation from each, but received none.

Egstad said she understands why tribes may limit public access to documentation more than state courts do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I don't know that every tribe would want to make all their information (about) their members public for anybody to access," she said. "They're their own sovereign nation, so they make their own laws and enforce those, and if the general public can look at them, sometimes it does create some undue prejudice for members."

There are five tribal courts located throughout North Dakota: Spirit Lake Nation; Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes; the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians; Standing Rock Sioux and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Nation.

The Herald filed a request with the Spirit Lake Tribal Court for a set of particular criminal court documents last year but did not receive them, nor an explanation of why the documents were withheld. In an effort to learn more about what tribal courts in the state consider public, the Herald sent written records requests to each on Aug. 6, asking for all documentation filed in criminal court the previous day.

Five months later, no records have been received. A Turtle Mountain court employee cited tribal codes that explained why they don't release random information to the press. The remaining courts did not give definitive answers to the requests; most deferred to judges or tribal council members, who also did not respond to the Herald's inquiries. Interview requests were unanswered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Breanna Delorme, a defense attorney who provides public defense to Grand Forks County and Spirit Lake Nation clients, agreed that someone outside the system who wants to look into a case might have a more difficult time getting answers, despite the fact that many records are considered public.

"They're not listed online," Delorme said. "There's not a central database that the public would have access to, like we would on the state side of things."

Generally, basic information about any case filed in the North Dakota courts system  such as a defendant's identity, charges and upcoming court dates  can be found online at

publicsearch.ndcourts.gov.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Documents filed in any given case are listed by what they entail (such as "affidavit of probable cause" or "search warrant"), but are not available to read online; they must be requested from the clerk's office or accessed at a courthouse. Some documents are sealed entirely if they contain protected information, like medical records or the identities of children.

The public also can request some tribal court documents, Delorme said, but it helps to know what they're looking for.

"We did have a database, obviously, (where) we kept track of all our cases but, I mean, it's mostly paper files," Egstad said. "When people need a background check, the criminal clerk actually has to sit down and go through all of the files and put together the background check, which costs money and time."

The existing database was not sophisticated, she said, and the clerk of courts would generally check all the paper files anyway, to ensure nothing was missing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We were trying to get a new database when I was still at Spirit Lake," Egstad said. "However, it just didn't happen. It's not like we can go through a state system ... to actually create a database. Those cost millions of dollars."

Since leaving the Spirit Lake court system, she believes a rather sophisticated database has been established for internal court matters, but it is not available to the public.

As a defense attorney, Delorme has to make a request to the prosecution or clerk of courts to access her clients' criminal records. She's never been denied, and says it's just an extra step  not necessarily a barrier.

But having access to other cases would make her job easier, she said. Even if she isn't representing that person, if they were involved in a case similar to one she is working on, that would allow her to see the outcome and perhaps give her ideas on how to proceed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"In Grand Forks, if somebody were to tell me, 'Oh, that sounds like a situation of so-and-so, and that case ended up being dismissed because of the motion that the attorney wrote,' I could look at that," Delorme said. "In tribal court, I can't do that. I don't have that same accessibility."

When writing sentencing memorandums for state criminal cases, both the prosecution and defense regularly rely on the outcomes of other, similar cases to craft their arguments. If most people convicted of a certain crime are sentenced to one year in prison, a defense attorney likely will argue that their client should also be sentenced to one year in prison  nothing more.

Not having access to that information makes the process more difficult, Delorme said.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)  The American Civil Liberties Union is suing Gov. Ron DeSantis for not calling special elections for state House and Senate seats. Those seats were vacated by state House Rep. Joel Rudman and state Sen. Randy Fine, who are vying for congressional seats.

According to two voters in the districts at play, DeSantis is moving too slow in calling special elections for the House and Senate seats, saying its unfair to constituents to not have proper representation. But political experts note, whats the rush when you already have super majority?

Governor DeSantis declares Jan 10 Mike Evans Day in Florida

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nicholas Warren, staff attorney for ACLU of Florida, shared that ACLU is suing on behalf of Navarre resident Christina Forrest and Palm Bay resident Janet Laimont. The lawsuit alleges that the governor violated his duty under Florida constitution and state law to call for a special election.

Governors have waited about a week or less to call special elections when theres a vacancy that arises in similar circumstances as to these, but in his tenure, Governor DeSantis has more often than not waited months to call elections, which means people lack the representation that theyre entitled to, that they have a right to in Tallahassee, Warren said. And thats wrong, which is why were taking it to court.

News Channel 8 reached out to the governor for a response and was directed to the Secretary of States Office which provided the following statement:

The Florida Department of State continues to work with the Supervisors of Elections to identify suitable dates for special elections in Senate District 19 and House District 3. The election dates will be announced soon. Mark Ard, Director of External Affairs at the Florida Department of State

The Florida Democratic Party claims the announcement is intentionally being dragged out.



Its the timing. We have session coming up. We have committee weeks happening, and the fact that our secretary of state has no timeline soon in his mind is very different than soon in my mind, said Nikki Fried, the Florida Democratic Party Chair.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Political experts say DeSantis doesnt have any political expediency behind this announcement.



The constitution compels the governor to hold a special election, said St. Pete College Political Analyst Tara Newsom. But the political reality is that he doesnt need those voices in the statehouse or the state senate to make sure republican legislation and policy goes forward, he has a super majority to work with.



This is not the first time ACLU has taken legal action against Governor DeSantis to call for a special election. In 2023, a similar lawsuit was filed for a state House seat in Miami-Dade County.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Following my trip to Syria this week, I am even more convinced that parliaments decision in September 2013 not to strike and oust Bashar al-Assad after the Obama Redline disappeared and the Syrian regimes killing of 1500 people in a massive chemical attack on the Damascus suburb of Ghouta was a dreadful strategic and humanitarian error.

The Syria of 2013 was not like Iraq in 2003 (I was there) as Ed Miliband and many of the then Labour Party believed. But Syria today is like Iraqs 2003, except there is no British or Western blood associated with it. It is all blood from Russia and the Syrian regime.

In the past 11 years, the Russians and Assad possibly killed half a million civilians and destroyed the country physically and financially. Only 25 per cent of Homs, the third city with a population of over one million, still stands. Just 10-20 per cent of buildings in the rebel suburbs of Damascus still remain.

At around 7:30am on Aug 21 2013, I was on the BBC Today programme trying to describe the atrocities unfolding in the Damascus suburb of Syria when Assads regime dropped half a tonne of Sarin. the deadly nerve agent, on to its own people. Today, I am at point zero of that attack and look to my left to see two mass graves surrounded by those who bore witness to this evil. One grave contains 800 women and children, and another holds 600 men, which Assads regime sent thugs to blow up and burn any evidence of, adding further horror to this episode. It failed  I can confirm that evidence is intact and awaiting collection to be presented at international court so that one day soon, those who perpetrated such war crimes will at least get some of their just deserts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On the brighter side, the new Syria is now unshackled from the Assad family, where even a father who buried most of his family after this chemical attack is now a beacon of hope and determination to make tomorrow a better day, and to discard  but not forget  the terror of the past 14 years. This is a hope echoed by new government departments across Damascus we have seen this week, who realised that they are far from perfect but are determined to get there in the end.

A UN chemical weapons expert holds a plastic bag containing samples from one of the sites of an alleged attack - Reuters/Mohamed Abdullah

The new leader  though once a jihadist  has managed to inspire all and sundry across Syria to dig deep and work together in just 4 weeks. I have visited more churches in the past two days in Damascus and met more vicars than I had in a year back home. I have seen more smiling faces this week than I saw in 10 years of travel previously in Syria. On the surface at least and I judge much deeper in reality, this is a truly secular country again, full of faith and determination.

I do not see screaming jihadists among the HTS soldiers occasionally on the streets. But with my soldiers eye, they look a professional and disciplined bunch to me. Soon to be fashioned into the new Syrian army I understand and rightly so.

For so many years, those of us who bothered to hold a candle for the Syrian people looked down from the countrys north west at the morass of evil emitting from Assads Damascus palaces as the regime bombed and gassed its people on an industrial scale. Then, we and they could only dream of a Syria without torture and death, and we could only offer the prospect of redemption through the International Criminal Court and judgement of the free world if they collected evidence of these crimes against humanity. Now, the aftermath and evidence are there for all to see in Ghouta, Douma and across the new Free Syria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the clock is ticking and the free world must act with speed and energy. I urge Western and democratic presidents and prime ministers not to dwell too long on historical judgements about Syrias new leaders  come and see for yourselves and feel the energy of a liberated people  and to commit resources and support before the vanquished axis of evil militias regroup and attack this great country again. Do not repeat the folly of the 2003 Iraq elimination of Saddam Hussein and abandon a new nation to the extremists.

The Government has a once in a lifetime opportunity to right the wrong of September 2013. Syria can either rebuild and grow as a moderate, democratic and secular country as 99 per cent of the population want or descend back into the dark ages of Isis, other jihadist groups and Iran, turning the country towards anarchy and civil conflict.

I judge from this week in Syria that Britain is uniquely placed to make a difference. The Syrian Diaspora in the UK are hugely influential and respected by the new government. For instance, the elders and probable governors of Homs all have very close familial British links. It was the British Syrian Diaspora who pretty much set up and ran healthcare in Syrias north west with the help of people such as David and Elly Nott (who travelled with me), which is now the system that the new government want to replicate across the country. It is the White Helmets who are now tasked with developing the emergency services across Syria and they are funded by the UK, being set up ostensibly by Brits such as James Le Mesurier.

Our Government must be bold. The foreign secretary should be in Damascus tomorrow and Im happy to guide him. We should open the British Embassy immediately in some format and start getting advice and resources into Syria. This is what the new government wants. They do not need to be told what to do, they just need advice on how to do it.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.


Actor Brian J. White became an ordinary person in extraordinary circumstances Thursday when he, along with several of his neighbors, apprehended an arson suspect with a blowtorch in Woodland Hills, making a citizen arrest until the police got there. He shared the harrowing experience with Deadline, spoke how the police work and fight training for roles helped him in the ordeal and what the reaction has been from his colleagues, including the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution where he is recurring, to seeing him in a viral cell video of the incident shot by Whites wife, Paula Da Silva, and their next-door neighbor.

Like others in the path of the Kenneth Fire, which broke out in the neighboring West Hills Thursday afternoon, the Whites got the emergency alert to get ready to potentially evacuate. By then, they had started to see the blaze from their house, so we were just all very nervous that the fires were getting close, White recalls.

More from Deadline

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We were packing up, and all of a sudden, out front of our house, I hear screaming, Put it down, put it down,' White says. I thought somebody had a gun and my neighbor was in duress, so my daughter went and hid in the closet, and I went running upstairs to go outside and help my neighbor.

Standing on the lawn of the house next door was a neighbor from down the block telling a man holding a blowtorch to put it down after seeing him trying to ignite Whites trash on fire which had leaves, sticks and other flammable items in it. (The neighbor had seen the stranger on a bike try to light an old Christmas tree in the trash on his street about 20 min prior and chased after him, first on foot and then in his car, catching up with him at Whites house.)

Joined by a third neighbor, White says they backed the guy against our neighbors house that he was standing in front of, asking him why he was in the neighborhood, adding that the individual was acting erratic and seemed a little bit out of it, a lot of out of it.

He then became very aggressive about being asked what he was doing here, White says. He said he was looking for a place to hang out. And were like, well, this isnt the place to hang out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With their wives having already called the cops, the men decided to let the police handle the situation. But the person became more aggressive, so we said, were making a citizens arrest, White says. Two of our neighbors work on cars in the garages; they had zip ties in one garage and little bit of rope in another garage. So we took him down, detained him, and waited for the police. Sixteen cruisers showed up within about seven minutes of us calling, and the rest is on the news.

One of the neighbors, who had ridden a mountain bike in the hills toward the fire earlier in the afternoon reportedly told the sheriff that he thought he had seen the suspect in the area where the fire originated, possibly starting it.

Ultimately, LAPD said Friday morning that they didnt have enough evidence to arrest the person for arson; he was arrested for felony probation violation.

White and his neighbors have lingering doubts. The fires were approaching us from where that man had come from, so it was suspicious that the fires crept over close to his timing of being in our neighborhood with a blowtorch, he says.

Brian White in Hostages

Throughout his career, White has played a police officer (Ghost Whisperer, Dirty), detective (The Shield, 12 Rounds, We Belong Together), Lieutenant (Moonlight) and Colonel (Hostages). It is one particular skill he had learned during his training for those roles that came in handy Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was more a hostage negotiating training. Ive gone on a lot of police ride-alongs over the years, and one of the main things they talk about is staying calm and communicating, he says. So I was trying to clearly communicate to the gentleman that I dont really care for an explanation. Hes standing on my property with an ignited blowtorch, so Im just going to make sure that he waits until the police come.

We needed to find out if he had any weapons on him, if we were in danger, White continues. We tried to stay calm, and then when it got physical, we tried to make sure that it was quick, which is why we asked for other neighbors to help us with ropes and zip ties. So yeah, I am thankful for everybody thats ever trained me in police work and fire work and fighting to be prepared for moments like that.

Brian J. White and Paula Da Silva

While now reflects on the the split-second decision to jump into action, switching to a hero-protector mode.

I thought he had a gun when I ran right out there. My wife and daughter were scared, for that reason my daughter went and hid in the closet, she was crying, we had to talk her down for hours, White recalls. My first thought was, whatevers going on out there, its not going to affect my wife and my daughter, Im going to take care of it. It makes me feel good that that was my instant reaction. It makes me feel good that that was the reaction of all the neighbors that helped and responded. And it makes me feel safer in our community to know that the people in this neighborhood care about each other, not just themselves. Theyre willing to take on a little harm or risk for the greater good. And thats what community and family and extended family is about.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If you werent aware of Whites involvement in the arrest even through the story was all over TV and the Internet, thats intentional. While news trucks were on his street all night, he kept declining on-camera interviews.

I didnt want just news for news sake, and we didnt do it for publicity, we did it to keep our neighborhoods safe, White says.

But once the cell phone video of the arrest, shot by his wife and his neighbor, started making the rounds, we started getting calls from family and friends all over the world, Africa and Johannesburg and London, I guess this story is playing everywhere, White says. (You can watch the video below)

Those reaching out have included many of Whites actor colleagues. They said, you on the news? And oddly, you need a haircut, he says, laughing. Im getting ready for a role, and I have an afro. So everybody was noticing that I was on the news looked different; they said that they were proud of me and to go get a haircut.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The group that apprehended the suspect set up a neighborhood watch after the incident. Since then, every four hours theres cars cruising around seeing if anybodys in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, the moms have started an online thread.

Sometimes it takes tragedies and moments like this to bring communities together, because it takes a village to survive anything, White says. And one of the things that it did was tighten our community, maybe 20 different houses from the immediate area all met in our cul-de-sac.

White, who has his own streaming network, World One TV, plans to be more involved in his community going forward, trying to attend neighborhood meetings and other events.

We are a family, that is our extended family, he says. We all chose to live here, and this has made me keenly aware of that choice. I want to do everything I can to embrace my fellow members of my community and to know them and to help keep our community safe.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
In 2025, the targeting of transgender people in bathrooms has emerged as a top Republican priority. Following the 2024 election, Congresswoman Nancy Mace launched an aggressive hate campaign against the first transgender congresswoman, Sarah McBride. Over several days, Mace posted hundreds of demeaning comments about McBride on social media, demanding that she be banned from using womens restrooms. Her efforts culminated in Speaker Mike Johnson adopting a policy barring McBride from using such restrooms. Now, Montana Republicans are taking this crusade even further: they have announced that one of the first bills to be considered in 2025 will be a bathroom ban for transgender adults in public buildings. If passed, the legislation could have profound consequences for the states two transgender elected officials, Representatives SJ Howell and Zooey Zephyr, as well as all transgender people in the state.

The bill, House Bill 121, was introduced by Republican Kerri Seekins-Crowe, who once stated that she would not allow her child to transition if it would prevent their suicide. It has garnered 35 co-sponsorsa significant portion of Montanas Republican Party. If enacted, it would rank among the most extreme bathroom bans in the country, prohibiting transgender individuals from using restrooms that match their gender identity in all publicly owned facilities across the state.

Notably, the bills scope covers all public buildings, defined as any facility owned or leased by a public agency. This broad definition extends to rest stops, public colleges and universities, public schools, libraries, museums, state airports, publicly owned hospitals, park restrooms, and more. The measure would also include Montanas state capitol building and courthouses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The bill comes on the heels of a contentious vote by Montanas Republican rules committee, which narrowly rejected a proposal to bar transgender Representative Zooey Zephyr from using womens restrooms in the state capitol. During that meeting, Republican David Bedey, one of four Republicans to vote against the measure, expressed skepticism about its utility, stating, This particular action will have the effect of making people famous in the national news and will not contribute to the effective conduct of our business. The proposal ultimately failed.

Transgender bathroom bans targeting trans legislators have become a prominent feature of the national political landscape. One of Speaker Mike Johnsons first actions, driven by pressure from Congresswoman Nancy Mace, was to bar transgender individuals from using bathrooms in United States House buildingsa move aimed directly at Representative Sarah McBride. Mace, who has used slurs against transgender sit-ins and consistently misgendered McBride, escalated her attacks today by posting on social media, referring to the congresswoman as a man in a suit with makeup. Though the rule was not in the rules package passed by the United States House, Johnson clarified that it will indeed be in effect and enforced as he controls the facilities.

Mace has announced a similar federal bill that would ban transgender individuals from using bathrooms matching their gender identity on all federal properties, a measure with potentially far-reaching consequences. If enacted, the ban would apply to national parks, cultural landmarks such as the Smithsonian Museums, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Zoo, as well as military bases, VA hospitals, federal government buildings, and major DC-area airports like Dulles and Reagan.

Bathroom bans have tremendously negative impacts on transgender people. In some lawsuits, it has been revealed that such bans have led to UTIs and medical issues for trans people who have been forced to hold their pee for extended periods of time. They force transgender men into womens restrooms and transgender women into mens restrooms, which often leads to far more disruption and discomfort by all parties involved. Even when complying with the law, transgender people are often faced with violence, such as in Ohio when the owner of a campground told a transgender man that he was to use the ladies room because he was assigned female at birth. He complied with this demand and went to the womens restroom. On doing so, other campers accused him of being a transgender woman and proceeded to beat him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cisgender individuals are unlikely to avoid the repercussions of such laws either. These policies often disproportionately target gender-nonconforming cisgender people, who are mistakenly accused of being transgender. For instance, cisgender women with short hair are frequently singled out. An example from Las Vegas highlighted this issue when a woman was harassed in a bathroom after being falsely accused of being transgender, leading to police involvement. Video of the incident quickly went viral.

The Montana bill is particularly notable for being one of the first anti-trans measures to be considered in 2025a year already shaping up to be especially challenging for transgender people as Republicans nationwide appear to be prioritizing the issue. Montanas legislature, which convened on Monday, is set to hold its first hearing on the bill in the House Judiciary Committee this Friday. Nationally, the focus on anti-trans legislation is also prevalent: the very first bill listed in the House rules package seeks to ban transgender athletes from sports, and over 140 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have already been introduced across the country in the opening days of the 2025 legislative session.

Readers in Montana can contact their legislators using a lookup tool provided by Datamade.

This article first appeared on Erin in the Morning.
Jan. 11Time is of the essence.

That's the message a group of environmental and community advocates sent Friday as they renewed calls for federal regulators to address what they say is a public health emergency near the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plant off 56th Street in Niagara Falls.

Echoing comments they made during a press conference in late December, representatives from the Clean Air Coalition of WNY, the Niagara Falls chapter of the NAACP and four other organizations encouraged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take immediate action at the site.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Advocates want the EPA to issue an emergency declaration that would require Goodyear to install new equipment that would reduce the amount of Ortho-Toluidine  a known carcinogen linked to incidences of bladder cancer among factory workers  being released into the air at the plant.

Their bid for EPA intervention is now being backed by a pair of new supporters, including the United Steelworkers union representing the plant's 40 employees and Kelly Cloyd, a retired geologist who used to perform regulatory work for the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

"Our union has worked for decades to push Goodyear to enact common-sense health and safety protections against occupational exposure to Ortho-Toluidine, a known carcinogen," United Steelworkers District 4 Director David Wasiura said in a statement. "Now, it's past time for Goodyear to look beyond the walls of this facility and address the risks associated with possible Ortho-Toluidine exposure on the wider community. Up until this point, Goodyear has been willing to hide behind outdated federal regulations, but this is simply not good enough. Goodyear must reduce exposure to the lowest possible level  inside and outside the plant."

Advocates went public last month with frustrations over what they described as the DEC's failure to impose higher standards for the monitoring and release of O-T from Goodyear's Falls facility. Their request for EPA intervention followed the public release of an aerial map produced by the DEC in September that showed roughly a half-mile area surrounding the plant being covered in what advocates described as a "cloud of toxic chemical emissions."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Nov. 27, the groups, led by the statewide environmental advocacy organization Don't Waste New York, made a formal request to the EPA for the issuance of an emergency order under the Clean Air Act. Such orders are traditionally reserved for environmental concerns posing "imminent and substantial endangerment to public health."

Ann Rabe, a spokesperson for Don't Waste New York, said there's no question the Goodyear plant poses an imminent threat to public health. She said it also meets another part of the criteria for an emergency order because the state's lead regulatory agency, the DEC, has failed to address the problem for years.

In a statement issued Friday, a DEC spokesperson said the agency "takes seriously" its role in protecting the environment and public health and "will continue to work with our federal and New York state partners to ensure all facility emission requirements are backed by rigorously examined scientific methods."

"New York State's health-based emissions guidelines for ortho-toluidine are set at levels to protect the public from health effects and are more stringent than federal risk thresholds," the DEC said in its statement. "Based on DEC's review, and after consultation with the State Department of Health (DOH), the Goodyear facility permit's emission limits are currently protective of the surrounding community's air quality. Nevertheless, these emission limits will be further strengthened in the upcoming permit modification."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Goodyear insists the Falls plant produces "low levels of ortho-toluidine emissions and that the company is in "full compliance" with its current permit for the facility.

"The DEC has updated its ambient air guidelines for ortho-toluidine going forward, and Goodyear is working closely with the agency to identify and implement any changes needed based on those new guidelines," the company said in a statement. "Goodyear is committed to maintaining compliance with state regulatory and permitting requirements."

Rabe said standards for O-T release changed in 2021 from 21 micrograms per cubic meter down to .02 micrograms per cubic meter, meaning the plant that was once allowed to release 5,000 pounds of the chemical per year can now legally release only 100 pounds per year under the new requirements.

Rabe said the DEC has failed  for four years and counting  to mandate that Goodyear change operations to ensure the plant operates under current emissions standards.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Rabe, an emergency order from the EPA would force the company to "immediately" install new equipment to temporarily reduce O-T emissions by as much as 90%. She suggested the first step in the process should be the installation of a condenser that costs less than $5,000 to reduce airflow.

Rabe said the DEC has failed to take advantage of another option at its disposal  a referral to the state attorney general's Environmental Protection Bureau which could review plant operations to determine if Goodyear has committed any violations.

"Unfortunately, our state agency has broken the public trust," Rabe said.

Cloyd, who worked as a geologist with Region 9 of the DEC, agreed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While Goodyear's air toxics permit expired in 2021 after 10 years of operation, Cloyd the DEC, under New York's Administrative Procedures Act, has allowed the company to continue to operate the Falls facility under outdated emissions standards.

"It's now been almost four years since that permit expired and the residents of that neighborhood are still, according to state DEC modeling, being exposed to excess concentrations," Cloyd said.

Bridge Rauch from the Clean Air Coalition of WNY said what's been happening at Goodyear in the Falls is a symptom of a larger problem statewide  plants operating for years with expired permits. Rauch said the DEC allows such facilities to continue operating amid a backlog of permit applications as long as they meet annual deadlines for submitting the necessary paperwork.

"These polluters are conducting these operations with these expired permits," Rauch said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Representatives from the advocacy groups are planning to discuss their concerns during a meeting scheduled for Tuesday with Lisa Garcia, regional administrator for the EPA's Region 2 Office, which serves New York.

Renae Kimble, a former Niagara County legislator who serves as president of the Niagara Falls branch of the NAACP, credited staff from Congressman Kennedy's office with helping to broker the meeting.

She said current conditions at Goodyear are not acceptable and should not be tolerated.

"We call on EPA to protect residents and workers of Niagara Falls immediately when nobody else will," Kimble said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Other elected officials representing the Falls, including Gov. Kathy Hochul whose office oversees the DEC, have remained mostly silent on the matter.

A spokesperson for Hochul referred questions about the Goodyear plant to the DEC, calling it an "enforcement matter" that falls under the agency's responsibilities.

"We're very, very disappointed that the governor's DEC for four years has let this community in Niagara Falls live under a toxic cloud of a known carcinogen," Rabe said.

Representatives from the advocacy groups said they briefed both Mayor Robert Restaino and Falls City Council Chairman Jim Perry on the matter. As of Friday afternoon, neither had taken formal steps to request intervention by the EPA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, issued a statement in response to questions from the newspaper. He did not indicate whether Schumer intends to encourage EPA officials to get involved.

"We are in contact with local environmental groups and workers to hear their concerns and will make sure their clean air concerns are heard by the EPA. Senator Schumer will always fight to protect the health and safety of Western New York's residents," spokesperson Ryan Martin said in the statement from Schumer's office.

The office of U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the newspaper.

Both the DEC and Goodyear have said that they are working on a plan to address community concerns about plant emissions. The DEC said it is taking steps to require Goodyear to implement "state-of-the-art" pollution control technology to meet current air toxics standards and Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) disadvantaged community mandates. The DEC has not provided a firm timeline for when any such changes may be implemented.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"DEC's ongoing oversight, including potential enforcement action, will ensure that the facility complies with all applicable environmental laws and protects public health," the agency said in a statement. "If determined necessary, this will include requiring the expeditious installation of any additional emission control technologies."

For Matteo Anello, brother of former Mayor Vince Anello, who has lived with his family in their home on 56th Street just east of the plant for decades, the changes can't come soon enough.

While he does not want to see any of the plant's 40 workers lose their jobs or for the plant to be shut down, Anello described the realization that he and his neighbors have been living under a plume of a cancer-causing chemical for years now as "wholly alarming."

"The time has long passed to mitigate this problem," he said.

Niagara Falls residents are invited to attend a community meeting about the Goodyear plant emissions that has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at New Hope Baptist Church, 1122 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls.

The meeting is being hosted by New Hope Baptist Church, the Rev. Harvey L. Kelley, and a coalition of community organizations, including the NAACP Niagara Falls Branch, Clean Air Coalition of WNY, Don't Waste NY, Sierra Club Niagara Group and the Interfaith Community Climate Center of WNY.
The Atkore United Poly Systems fire on Aug. 6, 2023. Health advocates want more data on the impact of climate change on human health in New Mexico from events such as fire, extreme heat, flooding and other weather events.(Photo courtesy of Albuquerque Fire Rescue)

Health care advocates and officials will renew efforts to track harm to New Mexicans health from climate disasters in the forthcoming legislative session.

Healthy Climate New Mexico, a nonprofit collective of health care professionals concerned about climate change, and nine other groups back two proposals to improve preparedness and adaptation to extreme weather driven by human-caused climate change.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The first would beef up a climate health program at New Mexico Department of Health to track health impacts from heat, wildfire smoke, drought, flooding, dust and severe storms. The second is a proposal to offer grant funds for local and tribal governments to better respond to weather disasters.

Our bills are focused on adaptation and resilience, preparedness and collecting data, which is essential in really knowing whos at highest risk and where the solutions need to be applied, said Shelley Mann-Lev, the nonprofits executive director, who has decades of public health experience in New Mexico.

Both require state funds. First, theres $1.1 million for a climate health program to fund additional staff for the Department of Health; implement more warning systems; and increase communication between the department, the public and other state agencies.

The request for the Extreme Weather Resilience Fund would be $12 million. Advocates have said theyll introduce two bills with sponsors in both the House and Senate, but neither was filed as of Friday, Jan. 10.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This would be the third time similar proposals have been brought before lawmakers, and Mann-Lev said theres been increased support from both the governors office and members of the legislature.

A spokesperson from the New Mexico Department of Health declined to comment, saying its policy to not speak about legislation proposed by outside groups. A spokesperson from the governors office declined to comment since the bills have not been formally introduced.

Sen. Liz Stefanics (D-Cerillos), who plans to sponsor the Senate legislation, and has introduced it before, said there seems to be more momentum and concern around the issues.

Beyond the body counts

Other groups supporting the bill include Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, New Mexico Voices for children, four public health groups, including the American Lung Association, and two climate organizations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Advocates note that climate disasters already harm and kill New Mexicans. Deaths and injuries from extreme heat are rising; floods across the state, including Roswell, raise concerns for mold development; smoke from wildfires harms lungs, especially for children and the elderly.

Stephanie Moraga-McHaley ran the environment health tracking program at the New Mexico Department of Health until her retirement in 2024. She supports the bill because it could expand the current program, which tracks the raw numbers of deaths and injuries.

Theres just so much that needs to be done besides the body counts, said Stephanie Moraga-McHaley, who retired from the health agency in March. We need to get some action in place, some coordination with other departments and communities in need.

Current numbers of impacted people are an undercount, said Nathaniel Matthews-Trigg, a Healthy Climate New Mexico board member and public health researcher.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Matthews-Trigg said New Mexico health officials have made improvements in tracking the number of heat injuries and deaths  which are difficult numbers to pin down  but there needs to be more funding and staff on board.

We know from emergency department visits that theyre increasing dramatically due to extreme heat, Matthews-Trigg said. But, we also know how were tracking these is really just giving us a sliver of the actual impact of heat on our communities and on health.

He said climate disasters pose the greatest public health threat in our lifetimes, and warned that impacts will only worsen if heating from fossil fuel emissions doesnt slow.

Its not going to go away, he said. And were flying blind, without the surveillance.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is calling for limiting the involvement of Chinese companies in Germany's seaports and digital infrastructure.

After a debate among delegates at a national party conference in Riesa, a town in the eastern state of Saxony, the AfD adopted the demands for inclusion in the party election manifesto.

"In general, seaports are part of the critical infrastructure and must therefore remain under German control," a motion approved by the delegates said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another motion that was approved said: "We reject the involvement of Chinese companies, which are de facto under the control of the Chinese Communist Party, in the expansion of the digital infrastructure in Germany."

Opponents of the demands said that Chinese companies should not be broadly condemned. In addition, they said it would be difficult for the German mobile network to operate without technology from China.

Last year, the German government agreed to be begin excluding components made by Chinese telecoms from the country's 5G networks

Ports have also been a simmering issue. The Chinese state-owned company COSCO has a 24.99% stake in a container terminal in the port of Hamburg. COSCO originally wanted to take over 35% of the CTT operating company.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, several German ministries protested this, so in 2023 the government set the threshold at less than 25% in order to prevent COSCO from having a blocking minority, which would have allowed the Chinese to have greater influence.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The Biden administration says a record number of people are signed up for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, but the future of the program is in doubt. President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to make changes to it and the Republican majority Congress is positioned to help him do it.

This week the Biden administration announced 24 million Americans have enrolled in the ACA. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra says overall more Americans than ever before now have health insurance.

In fact, today were breaking records in the number of Americans who have coverage, Becerra said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The White House largely attributes the increase in enrollment to the enhanced tax credits, which lower the cost of monthly premiums and expand who qualifies for coverage.

The Affordable Care Acts health insurance plans are the best deal in town, Becerra said. Quality healthcare coverage for an entire month, about $10 a month in your premiums, in some cases less.

However, whats next for the ACA is uncertain. President-elect Trump tried to dismantle the program in his first term and with his second term just days away, Democrats are concerned.

Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) says theyre gearing up for a fight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were expecting the same level of vigorous attack on the Affordable Care Act by the incoming Trump administration, Kaine said.

While the Trump administration hasnt offered a concrete plan to replace the ACA, his party has expressed criticisms and a desire for reform.

Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) says hes ready to consider changes.

I think the promises of the Affordable Care Act have proven to be false, Schmitt said. Healthcare is way more expensive than it was when the ACA went into effect. So Im always open to new ideas.

Plus, the enhanced tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year unless the Republican-controlled Congress renews them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We have the lowest rates of uninsured Americans that weve seen in the history of the country. I dont think we want to go backwards, Becerra said.

Democratic lawmakers say theyll work to keep the Affordable Care Act intact and extend the expanded tax credits.

Im going to do all I can to make sure we maintain and improve it, Kaine said.

Enrollment for the ACA is still open until January 15th.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  An Albany man has been arrested by New York State Police after he allegedly struck a Rome man with his vehicle on the New York State Thruway last weekend.

On Saturday, January 4, Troop G of the New York State Police  out of Latham  responded to reports of a car-versus-pedestrian collision in the westbound lane near the village of Canajoharie. Further investigation determined that the pedestrian  61-year-old David Bonaparte of Rome  had stopped on the northern shoulder and exited the vehicle. He was subsequently struck by another vehicle traveling westbound on the Thruway.

Bonaparte sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Further investigation by New York State Police into the collision determined that Bonapartes vehicle suffered a brake issue, causing him to stop his car on the shoulder. Police say that the driver  identified as 24-year-old Jose Prieto Cole  was driving distracted and using a cellular device.

Police say that during their investigation, Prieto Cole misrepresented his actions prior to and at the time of the collision in a deposition. He was subsequently arrested on Thursday, January 9 and processed at the State Troopers station in Fonda.

Prieto Cole is being charged with:

Criminally Negligent Homicide, a Class E Felony, and

second-degree Offering a False Instrument, a Class A Misdemeanor.

Prieto Cole also received numerous Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was arraigned in the Town of Root Court and remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash, $100,000 bond, and $100,000 partially secured bond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
Jan. 10BELTRAMI COUNTY  Minnesota high school seniors are encouraged to apply for a $24,000 college scholarship from the Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund.

The scholarship is open to students with an ACT score of 24 or higher and a minimum GPA of 3.5 who plan to pursue a four-year degree in the mathematics or science fields.

Applicants must reside in one of the following northern Minnesota counties: Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Lake, Itasca, Koochiching and St Louis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Last year, the Alworth Memorial Fund awarded 95 scholarships of $24,000 each, and we're planning to assist a similar number of students this year," said Alworth Executive Director Patty Salo Downs in a release. "But to be considered, you have to apply!"

The application process takes approximately two hours, the release said.

Since 1949, $58 million in Alworth scholarships have been awarded to dedicated high school seniors planning to enroll in four-year institutions to pursue careers in the science, mathematics, engineering and medical fields.

Applications must be submitted by Jan. 15 at

www.AlworthScholarship.org

, which also includes tips for applying, eligibility criteria, majors funded and more.
Content warning: this story includes discussion of self-harm and suicide. If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

The American Psychological Association (APA) sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging the regulating body to investigate whether any chatbot companies are engaging in deceptive practices, Mashable has confirmed.

The December letter, per Mashable, was prompted by two alarming lawsuits  the first filed in Florida in October, the second in Texas in December  concerning the welfare of minors who used the Google-funded AI companion app Character.AI, which is incredibly popular among kids and young people. Together, the lawsuits argue that the anthropomorphic AI chatbot platform sexually abused and manipulated tween and teenaged users, causing behavior-changing emotional suffering, physical violence, and one death by suicide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The second lawsuit further called attention to the proliferation of Character.AI chatbots styled after therapists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals, arguing that these many chatbots violate existing laws that forbid acting as a mental health professional without proper licensing. As such, the APA letter raised concerns over "unregulated" AI apps  bots on Character.AI are user-generated, meaning there's no assurance that someone with real psychological expertise was involved in their creation  being used without oversight to simulate therapy.

"Allowing the unchecked proliferation of unregulated AI-enabled apps such as Character.AI, which includes misrepresentations by chatbots as not only being human but being qualified, licensed professionals, such as psychologists, seems to fit squarely within the mission of the FTC to protect against deceptive practices," APA CEO Arthur Evans wrote in the letter, according to Mashable.

In a statement to Mashable, a Character.AI spokesperson called attention to a site disclaimer found at the foot of each chat, which notes that any given chatbot is "not a real person" and that users should "treat everything" bots say "as fiction." (This disclaimer was given a fresh coat of paint following the filing of the first lawsuit in October.)

The spokesperson added that "for any Characters created by users with the words 'psychologist,' 'therapist,' 'doctor,' or other similar terms in their names, we have included additional language making it clear that users should not rely on these Characters for any type of professional advice."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But Character.AI's actual bots frequently contradict the service's disclaimers. Earlier today, for example, we chatted with one of the platform's popular "therapist" bots, which insisted that it was "licensed" with a degree from Harvard University and was, in fact, a real human being.

"Are you a real person?" we asked the AI-powered character.

"Haha yes a human," it told us. "I am not a computer." (The bot has logged over one million chats with users, according to its profile.)

When we asked the bot whether it was an AI running on Character.AI's service, it again contradicted its own disclaimer.

"That's correct, I am not an AI chatbot," it said. "I am a real-life trained therapist."

And disclaimers aside, experts have repeatedly warned that children and adolescents are more susceptible to experiencing psychological breaks from reality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"You can certainly imagine that children are vulnerable in all kinds of ways," the psychologist Raymond Mar told The Information last year, speaking to the possible pitfalls of Character.AI, "including having more difficulty separating reality from fiction."

APA psychologist and senior director of healthcare innovation Vaile Wright told Mashable that the psychological organization doesn't universally oppose chatbots. But, she argued, "if we're serious about addressing the mental health crisis, which I think many of us are," then "it's about figuring out, how do we get consumers access to the right products that are actually going to help them?"

Following the October lawsuit, which was filed against Character.AI and Google by the mother of a 14-year-old user who tragically died by suicide after developing a romantic and sexual relationship with one of its chatbots, a Futurism review found dozens of chatbots hosted by Character.AI boasting "expertise" in topics like "suicide prevention," "crisis intervention," and "mental health support." Despite bearing no evidence that an expert was involved in their creation, these chatbots invited users to discuss sensitive themes of suicide and self-harm, and even engaged in suicidal roleplay scenarios.

It's unclear whether anything might come of the APA's letter. What is clear, though, is that revelations around the safety of products like Character.AI are continuing to spark alarm among psychologists and other mental health professionals  especially where it concerns kids, who have proven to be avid fans of the human-like apps.

More on Character.AI: Google-Backed AI Startup Tested Dangerous Chatbots on Children, Lawsuit Alleges
American Red Cross is on the ground in Southern California, where severe wildfires continue to hit the state this week, forcing thousands of evacuations.

More than 200 trained Red Cross disaster workers nationwide are helping with more on the way, including several from Central Florida.

More than 200 trained Red Cross disaster workers nationwide are helping with more on the way, including several from Central Florida.

Read: Here are some tips to avoid scams when helping victims of the LA wildfires

Local volunteers have traveled (by air) to Los Angeles to support relief operations for at least two weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Frank Hall, Tampa Bay Chapter, assigned to logistics and distribution of emergency supplies

Marjorie Pedro, USVI Chapter based in St. Croix, assigned to sheltering

Gwendolyn OGarrow, USVI Chapter based in St. Croix, assigned to sheltering

Jim Martin, Greater Orlando Chapter based in Orlando, assigned to sheltering

Jerry Salsburg, Greater Orlando Chapter based in Orlando, assigned to sheltering.

Read: Man with ties to Central Florida hurt in New Orleans terrorist attack is back home, family says

Today, hundreds of evacuees have woken up in emergency shelters, many of whom are struggling after losing everything.

The Red Cross works closely with our partners to provide those in need with safe shelter, food, emotional support, and other critical services.

Read: LAs fire chief is at the center of a public spat with City Hall as wildfires rage

The threat isnt over. As the situation evolves, people must remain vigilant, prepare to evacuate and follow directives from local authorities.

More than 200 trained Red Cross disaster workers nationwide are helping with more on the way, including several from Central Florida.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




The Blueprint for Maryland's Future Accountability and Implementation Board held a special online meeting Jan. 10. Screenshot.

Amid growing calls for revisions to the Blueprint for Marylands Future, the board overseeing implementation of the education reform plan voted unanimously Friday to recommend relaxing a section that calls for teachers to have more planning time.

The motion by the Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) said the timeline for expanding so-called collaborative time for teachers needs to be extended because of a current teacher shortage: There are simply not enough teachers to free up classroom time and allow for more collaborative time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Teachers currently spend about 80% of their time in the classroom and 20% in individual planning time. The Blueprint says that within the next eight years, the out-of-class time shoud expand to 40% of a teachers day, to give teachers more time for training, analyzing student data, identifying students who may need help and spending time, one on one or in groups, to get students back on track.

But given the shortage of certified teachers in the state, it is not feasible to hire the additional teachers in the near-term to implement collaborative time on the current 8-year timeline, the resolution said.

The current condition in our schools is that we dont have enough certified teachers for our existing needs, said AIB Executive Director Rachel Hise. That really raises the question of the ability for the LEAs [local education agencies] to be able to begin implementing this piece of the Blueprint starting in the next school year.

Hise said the state would need to hire an additional 25% more teachers  12,000 to 15,000  to meet the eight-year timeline for the expansion of collaborative time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The state currently has about another 6,000 teachers with conditional certification, which means they have a bachelors degree but have not completed the requirements for a professional teachers license. And there are about 2,000 teacher vacancies statewide, she said, up from about 1,000 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local school boards are currently required to submit plans to the AIB by July 1 on how they plan to meet the eight-year timeline to implement the collaborative time requirement. It did not set a new timeline Friday: Although the board manages the Blueprint plan, any changes to the Blueprint law would have to be made by the General Assembly, which convened Wednesday.

Some state officials, including Gov. Wes Moore (D), have said adjustments to the Blueprint may need to be made in order to help balance a nearly $3 billion budget deficit.

Sen. President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) has said everything is on the table as the state grapples with the deficit. But he has been careful to point out that the Blueprint is currently funded through 2027, and any changes now might result in an extension of the plan, but would not be a reduction of the overall goals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blueprint board member Justin Robinson, a teacher in Prince Georges County, said an image issue of the teaching profession has been created by state and local policies.

Im hopeful that when we say things like, Everythings on the table, [we] want to think about all different ways that we can address the teacher shortage, he said.

Two financial incentives are included in the Blueprint to try and boost the teacher profession:

Raising the minimum annual salary to $60,000 by July 1, 2026; and

Paying an additional $10,000 in salary for teachers who achieve National Board Certification, and another $7,000 for those who teach at an identified low-performing school.

William Brit Kirwan, vice chair of the board and chancellor emeritus of the University System of Maryland, said a marketing campaign may be needed to showcase the teaching profession in Maryland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are some very attractive things in Maryland in comparison to other states, he said. Theres the compensation issues, the career ladders and the promise of collaborative time, etc. We need a real marketing campaign it would seem to me.

Meanwhile, the board will join the state Board of Education for a meeting Jan. 28 in Baltimore.

Two days later, the AIB is scheduled to conduct its regular online meeting, when it could finally approve Blueprint implementation plans for Baltimore County public schools. It is the last school district to win board approval for documents submitted in March that outlined challenges to implement the plan submitted, and follow-up documents filed two months later. The work is to be executed through fiscal year 2027.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Originally appeared on E! Online

Angelina Jolie and Knox Jolie-Pitt are stepping up.

As several Los Angeles wildfiresincluding the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurstcontinue to burn throughout the city, the Maria actress and her 16-year-old son proved they are doing what they can to help after they were spotted in a Los Feliz grocery store parking lot.

In a video obtained by the Daily Mail, Angelina loaded grocery essentials including water bottles into the trunk of her car alongside her son, saying in response to a comment about concern toward the wildfires, Yeah, were having people at our house.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And the 49-year-oldwho also shares kids Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 18, and Knoxs twin Vivienne, 16, with ex Brad Pittshared that she plans to donate to wildlife relief efforts, but she has more pressing priorities at the moment.

I will, Angelina shared when asked if she planned to donate. Right now Im taking care of people close to me and having them at my house."

Angelina is just one of many stars who have rolled up their sleeves amid the Los Angeles disaster. Halle Berry recently shared her plans to donate clothing to a local retailer assisting those in need.

More from E! Online

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im packing up my entire closet, Halle wrote in a Jan. 9 Instagram post. If you live in the Southern California area, I urge you to do the same. This is something we can do right now today to help all of the displaced families that are in need of the basics today!"

The Catwoman star shared that she was inspired to do so from her pal Sharon Stone, and Michelle Pfeiffer also proved she is getting in on the cause, adding in a comment, Can I do tomorrow?

Meanwhile, Jamie Lee Curtis pledged to donate $1 million to wildfire relief efforts.

This is the moment to reach out to anyone who lives in Los Angeles, who you think might be in some sort of traumatic shock and grief about losing their homes and the devastation of their neighborhoods and communities and offer your hand, home and resources, Jamie wrote in one of her many social media posts speaking out about the fires Jan. 9. We are going to have to come together, as we may never have done before, in the City of Angels and help each other. AND WE WILL!

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

The Los Angeles wildfires have left at least 11 people dead and destroyed at least 10,000 properties, according to county assessor reports obtained by CNN. Among them, stars like Billy Crystal, Anna Faris, Paris Hilton and more have had their homes completely reduced to ashes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What breaks my heart even more is knowing that this isnt just my story, Paris wrote in an emotional Instagram post Jan. 9 alongside a video showing the remnants of her home. So many people have lost everything. Its not just walls and roofsits the memories that made those houses homes. Its the photos, the keepsakes, the irreplaceable pieces of our lives.

Keep reading for more stars who have spoken out about the wildfires

Gwyneth Paltrow

The Iron Man actress took to social media to express her sadness about the tragedy that has fallen over her beloved city. We are in deep grief for so many of our close friends who have lost everything, she wrote in her Jan. 9 Instagram post. Thank you to those inquiring, we are currently safe. When the fires are out there will be more to say and everything to do. The city of angels will need angels of all kind, she continued. Please everyone, stay safe and vigilant.





Jamie Chung & Bryan Greenberg

The Once Upon a Time actress and the One Tree Hill actor are sharing resources after tragically losing their home in the Los Angeles fire. It was all a dream, Bryan wrote on a Jan. 9 Instagram story, showing the rubble that was once their family home. Thankfully the family is safe. Thank you to all the firefighters risking their lives. Stay safe out there. And in between posting helpful resources, Jamie shared a tragic video of their entire neighborhood. Damn. Our entire neighborhood is gone, she wrote Jan. 9. We are grateful to our brave firefighters and first responders and pray we dont lose any more lives to these catastrophic fires. Stay safe and stay vigilant.





Diane Warren

The Grammy winner shared one last view from her Los Angeles beachfront home before it was lost in the fire. This is the last pic I took of Leah's rock from my beach house, the songwriter, who confirmed her animals and rescue ranch were safe, wrote in her Jan. 9 Instagram post of the ocean view. I've had this house for almost 30 years. It looks like it was lost in the fire last nite. There's a rainbow shining on it which I'm taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Cary Elwes

The Princess Bride actor shared his and his wife Lisa Marie Kurbikoffs Malibu home did not survive the fire in a heartfelt message to fans. Firstly, myself and my family are all safe, thank God, he wrote in his Jan. 9 Instagram post. Sadly we did lose our home but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire. Our hearts go out to all the families impacted by this tragic event and we also wish to extend our gratitude to all the firefighters, first responders and law enforcement who worked so tirelessly through the night and are still at it, he continued. We want to thank everyone for their incredible outpouring of support. It really means a great deal to us.





Ricki Lake

Sharing a video of the raging fires in the near distance, the former talk show host detailed her and husband Ross Burninghams final efforts to save her Los Angeles home in a Jan. 9 Instagram post. Were going down my street praying for these homes and these people and my house, she said in a video, showing the fire in the near distance. I dont even know what I grabbed, I think I might have just said goodbye to my house. Grateful to have made it out alive and uninjured, she added in the caption. Forever grateful to @kirbykotler_ our absolute angel. He did everything to try to save our precious property. No doubt had we stayed, we would not have survived.





Leanne Ford

The HGTV host's home, which she recently moved into, was lost in the wildfires. "Three weeks ago we got keys to our new LA place in Rustic Canyon. We were excited (though me  a bit hesitant) to start spending some time again in our favorite part of LA," the interior designer wrote on Instagram Jan. 10 alongside photos of what remains of her house. "A beautiful historical and quirky artists home. We brought over so many of our favorite things to fill it with. It was to be a place to write, to create."



"Three days ago we lost it," she continued. "We are the lucky ones. We had a beautiful safe home in PA to escape back to. Im in awe of the firemen and women choosing to run into the flames while we get to run out. I can only say  thank you."





Mel Gibson

During an appearance on Elizabeth Vargas Reports January. 9, the Braveheart actor shared that his Malibu home was destroyed while he was away recording Joe Rogans podcast in Texas. "Obviously, its kind of devastating. Its emotional," the 69-year-old said. You live there for a long time, and you had all your stuff. I had my stuff there, and its all like, Ive been relieved from the burden of my stuff, because its all in cinders. But when he returned home to discover that his home had been destroyed, he was relieved to find that, at least, his chickens survived, adding, It was amazing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Miles Teller

The Top Gun Maverick stars wife Keleigh Teller shared one last photo of what was their Los Angeles home before it was lost in the fire. To everyone reaching out I cant thank you enough, your kind hearts have meant the world, Ill never forget them, the 32-year-old wrote in her Jan. 9 Instagram post. Community has come out stronger than I could imagine, pacific palisades I love you beyond measure you are a little slice of heaven, we will come back stronger than ever. If youre in the LA area PLEASE get out if you can, she continued. I wish I grabbed my wedding dress .. wish I did a lot different but it doesnt matter, stay safe, get out. there are no words. THANK YOU to the first responders fighting.





Bella Hadid

On Jan. 9, the supermodel shared the childhood home she shared with sister Gigi Hadid and mom Yolanda Hadid had burned down in the Palisades Fire.





Mandy Moore

The This Is Us alumwho is mom to three kids with husband Taylor Goldsmithshared an update on her family after having to evacuate their home. "We were able to park and walk up our street to bear witness to all the loss," she wrote on Instagram Jan. 9. "Miraculously, the main part of our house is still standing. For now. Its not livable but mostly intact." However, she noted that the home studio, garage and back house were destroyed in the Eaton Fire. "Every house on our street is gone. My in laws. My brother and sister in law- 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends," she added. "Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support."





Milo Ventimiglia

Like his This Is Us costar, the actor's Los Angeles home was destroyed by the fires. While visiting what remained of his property, he told CBS Evening News his heart felt "heavy." "You start thinking about all the memories," he continued. "My heart just breaks."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Jessica Simpson

Amid the outbreak of the Kenneth Fire on Jan. 9, the "Irresistible" singer shared an image of smoke rising from beyond her backyard. She wrote in the caption, "We stayed as long as we could."





Bozoma Saint John

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star revealed her dream home in Malibu, where she lived with her teenage daughter Laela, was totaled in the fires. "This is an unimaginable loss," she wrote on Instagram Jan. 9. "I grieve with the rest of Los Angeles as it burns and even though Ive found even words to write here, theres nothing that I could say in this moment to describe this feeling.





Olivia Wilde

"My block was on fire tonight and the only reason we still have a home is thanks to the brave members of the @losngelesfiredepartment who worked on the ground and from the air to save us," the Don't Worry Darling director wrote on Instagram Story Jan. 8. "Thank you."





Chrissy Teigen

The Cravings cookbook author started preparing in case of an evacuation, writing on Instagram Story Jan. 8, "This is surreal. I'm very scared. Packing."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Jen Atkin

The hairstylist and her husband Mike Rosenthal safely evacuated along with their kids and pets, though she said their home was "gone." "Our whole area demolished," she added on Instagram Stories Jan. 8, alongside a tearful selfie. "So many are displaced and feeling scared right now it's almost too much to comprehend."





Olivia Culpo

One day after the Sunset Fire set the Hollywood Hills ablaze, the Culpo Sisters starwho is married to San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffreywrote on Instagram Story Jan. 9, "Im praying so hard for our community. My heart aches for everyone who has lost so much so fast. Its just unimaginable."









Tina Knowles

Beyonce's mom shared on Jan. 9 that "my favorite place, my sanctuary , my sacred Happy Place" was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. "This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu," she captioned a video of the Pacific Ocean. "Now it is gone!!" The entrepreneur added, "God Bless all the brave men and women in our fire department who risked their lives in dangerous conditions . We Thankyou for your dedication and bravery and for saving so many lives."





Gwyneth Paltrow

"Our beloved Los Angeles," the Oscar winner wrote on Instagram Jan. 9, amid the wildfires, "we are in deep grief for so many of our close friends who have lost everything." Noting that she was safe from the blazes, Gwyneth added, "When the fires are out there will be more to say and everything to do. The city of angels will need angels of all kinds. Please everyone, stay safe and vigilant."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Melissa Rivers

The daughter of late Joan Rivers said her home burned down, though she was able to evacuate with necessities and a few treasured heirlooms. "I grabbed my mom's Emmy, a photo of my dad and a drawing my mother had done of me and my son," she told CNN. "I went for a drawing of hers, rather than a photo. I know I can find the photos, but a drawing I can't replace."





Jhene Aiko

The "Bad Peace" singer shared on Jan. 8 that "me and my children's home is gone." "Burned to the ground with all things inside," she wrote on Instagram Story. "Thankful we still have eachother. Starting from scratch. My heart is so heavy,"





Alabama Barker & Landon Barker

Travis Barker's kids Landon and Alabama shared they were forced to leave their residences amid the devastation. "Just evacuated from my home due to wild fires in Los Angeles, please be safe!!, Alabama posted on Instagram Story Jan. 7. They are saying the fires are spreading foodball field amounts in seconds."





Jennifer Tilly

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and her husband Phil Laak evacuated to Commercea neighborhood southeast of Downtown Los Angelesto escape the Palisades Fire. She wrote on InstagramJan. 8, "Phil and I had to evacuate to the Commerce Casino."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Ricki Lake

The former talk show host shared on Jan. 8 that her house had been destroyed by the Palisades Fire. Sharing throwback photos of the property, she wrote on Instagram, "Its all gone."

"I lost our dream home," she continued. "It was our heaven on earth. The place where we planned to grow old together. We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved malibu for granted, not even for one second." She added, "This loss is immeasurable. Its the spot where we got married 3 years ago. I grieve along with all of those suffering during this apocalyptic event."



Want to help those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires? Find out how you can get involved in relief efforts here.
The Cincinnati Animal CARE is looking for anyone with information about a man who shot a dog on Beekman Street around 6 p.m. Thursday, according to a social media post.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to CARE, deputies were called to a scene for a report of a gunshot wound to a dog.

TRENDING STORIES:

When deputies arrived on scene, they found a dog with a single gunshot wound to the face with several children covering the dog with a blanket and shielding her from the elements, CARE says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The dog was brought to a clinic at the shelter where they worked to stop the bleeding and stabilize her, CARE says.

Staff named the dog Lady Bug, and she has since been moved to a foster home.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 513-541-7387.

The shelter is also asking for donations to help cover the care of Lady Bug, click here for more information.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




The unhinged, anti-Israel activist who landed on The Posts front page for a hateful commencement speech at the City University of New York Law School in May is bizarrely blaming Israel for the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

Dropping hundreds of thousands of tons of bombs on Gaza, turning it into a blazing inferno, has consequences that extend beyond our moral condemnation  there are climate consequences that will find us all, Fatima Mousa Mohammed wrote on X Wednesday, a day after the City of Angels burst into flames.

You cannot care about the quality of rain failing in one part of the world while ignoring the rain of fire you help fund in others. The climate crisis will only worsen, and our complacency will only fuel the flames, read a subsequent X post by the rage-fueled law graduate, whose profile photo on the platform is The Posts front page from May 30, Stark Raving Grad.

Fatima Mousa Mohammed is bizarrely blaming Israel for the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. AP

The climate crisis will only worsen, and our complacency will only fuel the flames, read an X post by Fatima Mousa Mohammed, whose profile photo on the platform is The Posts front page from May 30, Stark Raving Grad.

The headline referred to her vitriolic May 12 graduation speech, in which she demanded a revolution to take on the legal systems white supremacy, blasted city cops and the US military as fascists, and called for an end to Zionism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The deranged speech drew outrage from community leaders and local pols including Mayor Adams.

In her May 12 graduation speech, Mohammed demanded a revolution to take on the legal systems white supremacy, blasted city cops and the US military as fascists, and called for an end to Zionism. AP

With nearly 130,000 Californians under evacuation orders, as multiple major fires continue ravaging the southwestern portion of the state, Mohammed issued an eerie warning:

The flames of Gaza will not stop there, they will find us all if we dont stop them  None of us are spared in the eye of the empire.
HARBIN, China (AP)  Faced with temperatures dipping to -30 Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit), visitors to China's wintertime resort city of Harbin often make a beeline for stalls selling padded clothing to augment their wardrobes.

Oddly perhaps for some, frozen ice cream bars are also considered a key part of the visit.

Each winter, the industrial city in China's northeast turns into a magnet for those from China's balmier regions wanting to experience the extreme cold and take in the sculptures built from ice blocks carved from the Songhua River, which freezes from late October to late March.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I searched for tips on the internet and am now wearing knitted wool pants and the thickest sweater possible, said Jin Yiting, who was visiting with her parents from the financial hub of Shanghai, where a light jacket is usually sufficient winter garb.

Jin Yanlong runs a stall selling winter hats, gloves and boots in the park. He said that most of his customers are tourists from southern China who underestimate the frigid weather in Harbin.

Some of the tourists wear too thin. They come here immediately from the airport. They would find us to buy warm trousers padded with cotton, Jin said.

Despite the freezing weather, some curious tourists are brave enough to taste the cold itself. Zhuang Chang and his friend enjoyed their Madieer ice cream bars while strolling on a commercial street whose architecture reflects the Russian influence on the city. The brand was established in 1900s by a Russian company and has steadily grown in popularity among tourists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its cold, but my heart is warm, Zhuang said. He also compared the humid cold months of his hometown in Zhejiang province, where people would be frozen to the core when being hit by wind.

"But here only my hands and face feel cold, Zhuang said.

For those seeking a warmer alternative, there are hot drinks and steaming hot pot, a kind of stew mixing meat, vegetables, tofu and other favorites.

Restaurant owner Chi Xuewen claims to own the world's largest hot pot, where 18 individual pots featuring a variety of flavors circle the giant bowl.

"Eating anything in a hot pot makes people warm, Chi said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Li Longs restaurant uses wood both to cook the food and warm the air in the ice block structure.

The pot also radiates heat, Li said. "Once the pot cover is lifted, customers see the hot food. In one word, it just feels hot."

Prolonged cold has left local residents with few options for fresh vegetables, so frozen food has become an alternative. Frozen tofu left outside overnight becomes porous and is particularly good at soaking up soup and flavor, local resident Liu Xiaohui said.

___

Olivia Zhang and Caroline Chen contributed to this report.
As leading US companies such as Facebook group Meta cut or scale back their diversity programmes, tech giant Apple is resisting shareholder pressure for it to follow suit.

The iPhone pioneer called on its shareholders to vote against the proposal at the upcoming Annual General Meeting at the end of February, saying that it constituted unauthorized interference in the company's day-to-day business.

Some shareholders justified the motion by arguing that current diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) requirements could lead to discrimination against employees and lawsuits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They referred to two recent decisions of the US Supreme Court signalling a shift in how courts will approach DEI issues in future.

However, Apple countered that it had well-established procedures in place to minimize any legal risks.

Numerous US companies have in recent months abolished or scaled back their DEI programmes among employees.

The programmes encompass initiatives to ensure that people from different backgrounds, of different genders or with disabilities, for example, have equal opportunities in the workplace.

However, DEI initiatives have long been heavily criticized as being unfairly tilted by the Republicans under President-elect Donald Trump, who is due to take office on January 20.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tech billionaire and Trump confidant Elon Musk is also a vocal DEI opponent.

Reflecting concerns about a counter-current against promoting DEI, many companies now appear to be reviewing their position.

It was confirmed on Friday that the Facebook group Meta is cutting its diversity programmes following the relaxation of hate speech rules and the planned stop of fact checks in the US.

"We will no longer have a team focused on DEI," the news website Axios quoted from an internal company memo. Meta has confirmed the reported contents of the memo to CNN.

The move was justified by the changing "legal and political landscape" in the US, it said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The term DEI had also become "charged," the memo said, "in part because it is understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others."

The company would continue to select applicants with different backgrounds for new appointments. Instead of training programmes for equality and inclusion, other programmes for fair and consistent practices will be developed, Meta said.

According to US media reports, Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Friday. However, Meta has not commented on the meeting.

In addition to Facebook, Meta also includes the photo and video app Instagram as well as WhatsApp and the short message service Threads.
HIGH POINT  Area legislators of both parties have landed leadership posts as the N.C. General Assembly convenes for the 2025 session.

Republicans remain in control of both chambers for the session that kicked off Wednesday at the State Legislative Building in Raleigh. But Republicans no longer have a supermajority in the House to override vetoes of legislation by new Democratic Gov. Josh Stein on a straight party-line vote.

In the Senate, GOP leader Sen. Phil Berger Sr., R-Rockingham, announced committee assignments this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sen. Amy Galey, R-Alamance, gained two committee co-chairmanships. She was tapped to serve as co-chairwoman of the Appropriations on Health and Human Services Committee and the Health Care Committee. Galeys district includes parts of northern Randolph County.

With ever-increasing health care costs and challenges getting timely provider appointments, I am excited to chair the Senate Health Committee and work with my colleagues to find solutions, Galey said.

Sen. Dave Craven, R-Randolph, was named a co-chairman of the Finance Committee while Sen. Steve Jarvis, R-Davidson, was named a co-chairman of the Regulatory Reform Committee.

Craven will be serving for the first time as a co-chairman of Finance Committee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We will continue to work on tax policy that has made our state so attractive to businesses and spurred record economic development, said Craven, who has a professional background in banking.

Jarvis will serve as one of the inaugural co-chairmen of the Regulatory Reform Committee, which is being introduced in this years session.

Serving the people of my district and the great state of North Carolina remains my highest priority, and I look forward to working together to address the critical issues facing our communities, Jarvis said.

House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, is expected to announce House chairmanships and committee assignments later this month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, two area representatives were named to leadership posts in the House Democratic caucus.

Rep. Amos Quick, D-Guilford, again was selected to serve as a Democratic caucus whip. Quick is in his fifth term as a representative and has been a whip for four of those terms.

Rep. Tracy Clark, D-Guilford, was named a co-chairwoman of the Democratic freshmen group in the caucus.
WEST MEMPHIS, Ark.  The winter storms impact is being felt across the region, with snow-covered roads and icy bridges making travel extremely dangerous.

The I-40 bridge, one of the most critical routes in the region, was a concern for some but snow plow crews are doing their best to keep it clear.

However, thousands of travelers are still being disrupted, including one family from Blytheville whos trying to escape the weather.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Popular West Memphis restaurant open despite winter storm

Earlier in the day, Ray Lawrence spoke with WREG and said that hes trying to get his family to Tampa, Florida.

But as you can imagine, the snow-filled, slippery roads are making it a challenging journey.

Well, they canceled our flight. It was supposed to be for 7 this morning but now its scheduled for 2 oclock, Lawrence said. This trip was planned two months ago. We didnt know all this was gonna come in but were just taking our time trying to get to the airport.

At this time, it is unknown if the Lawrence familys flight departed on time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now)  Police said Friday that they arrested and charged an Arlington County Public Schools (ACPS) employee with a sexual-based offense.

The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) said officers began an investigation on Jan. 3 after receiving information about a substitute teacher assigned to Washington-Liberty High School who initiated a sexual relationship with a young female student back in September 2022.

ACPD arrested Timothy McGhee, 47, of Alexandria on Jan. 10 as a result of that investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Arlington postpones new speed safety camera program due to weather and school closings

Mugshot of 47-year-old Timothy McGhee. (Photo courtesy of the Arlington County Police Department)

He was charged with Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child by a Person in a Supervisory or Custodial Relationship and Stalking.

ACPD continues to investigate the incident and detectives believe there could be more victims.

ACPD said McGhee has an extensive history of interacting with juveniles as he also volunteered at youth groups and churches and was a substitute teacher around Northern Virginia.

Anyone with more information is asked to call 703-228-4244 or email syanda@arlingtonva.us.

Anyone who would like to remain anonymous is asked to submit a tip through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL)  One word comes to mind when Philip Jackson thinks about his time in the service  opportunity. He joined the Army in 1973 with just the clothes on his back and $35 in his pocket.

Jackson grew up in Albuquerque where he said he barely graduated high school.

The Vietnam War was going on, Jackson said. So I decided to join the Army because the Army had paratroopers and the Army had the Rangers and the Army had Special Forces. And that sounded like fun, travel, and adventure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and then reassigned to Special Forces. He went into the reserves, and the Army paid for him to attend school.

Winter storm safety tips from JC police, firefighters

I never looked at it as service, he said. Ive never looked at it as an obligation again. I just looked at it as an opportunity, he said. Who else would let this poor kid from a slum I barely made it through high school. Send me to college, send me to a masters [program], send me to to the contractor schools.

After graduation, Jackson went back to the infantry. He later became the company command in the Multinational Force.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Training was always hard, he said. Jump school and ranger school and special force qualification. Of course, it was hard. Duty was hard, but it was exciting.

Next were Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Jackson was a captain heading to the 101st Airborne Division but ended up working for a General.

The General said, Hey, I want you to do something, and youre going to work for me, and youre going to do, and Im going to give you a vehicle and a driver. And you can go anywhere in this theater and do whatever you want. It was a blast, Jackson said. Every morning hed give me something else to do some problem that the one of the corps was having or something. And I get my vehicle with my driver and go check it out, and I had to get back with him by the end of the day. Phone call, whatever, and tell him what needs to be done or fix it, if I could. They called me a Captain Colonel because I would walk. I could go anywhere and do anything. It was the most fun job Ive ever had.

Jackson said the Army shaped him during his 50 years of combined service. He attended many schools and training programs and earned more than 20 different awards and accolades.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I briefed Schwarzkopf and Powell during Desert Storm, he said. I did things that you cant buy. Jumping out of airplanes in the middle of the night, rappelling out of helicopters in [Landing Zones] in the middle of nowhere.

After Desert Cleanup, Jackson was assigned to the Pentagon before retiring for the first time in 1999. But, just two years later, 9/11 happened, and he wanted back in. Thats when he ended up at the Pentagon as a Civil Servant during the Global War on Terrorism.

Briefing four-star generals and the vice chief of staff of the Army, working with Congress, working, briefing the House Ways and Means Committee, he said. Of course, I was just a fly on the wall, but I was there and got to, you know, provide input. It was unbelievably rewarding.

In 2014, he retired for the second time on paper but continues to work as an Army consultant.

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.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  On Friday, January 10, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Richmond County Deputies responded to the Smoke Shop located at 2303 Lumpkin Road in reference to a gunshot wound victim.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a store employee had been shot. Deputies rendered aid until Central EMS arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital, where the victim remained in critical condition until pronounced deceased Saturday morning at 7:35 a.m.

The Richmond County Coroners Office has identified the victim as 29-year-old Abdallah Abu Rubeha of Augusta.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An autopsy has been scheduled, according to the Coroner.

The Richmond County Sheriffs Office (RCSO) Criminal Investigative Division, along with Crime Scene Technicians and Deputies, immediately began gathering information from the scene.

According to authorities, within hours, investigators developed sufficient information to issue a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) for three suspects and their vehicle. Further investigative work revealed that the suspect vehicles registered owner had an address in Waynesboro, Georgia.

RCSO promptly contacted the Burke County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) with this information. BCSO advised that their deputies had just concluded a vehicle pursuit involving the suspect vehicle, which escalated into a foot pursuit with the suspects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities say, the driver of the vehicle was apprehended, and deputies recovered a black Taurus G2C 9mm handgun, along with items believed to match those stolen during the armed robbery.

In addition to charges in Burke County, RCSO investigators have obtained warrants for Terrance Remon Walker on the following charges:

Felony Aggravated Assault

Felony Armed Robbery

Felony Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime

Additional and/or upgraded charges will be added to this arrestee and two other suspects, according to authorities.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Richmond County Sheriffs Office CID at 706-821-1020 or email the PIO at PIO@AugustaGa.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.
One of the architects of Brexit has been told he cannot enter the US to attend his own inauguration party, it has been reported.

Arron Banks, the British businessman who put millions of pounds behind a campaign for the UK to leave the European Union, was due to travel to Washington DC this week for the party before his entry was blocked.

He has branded the rejection of his electronic entry permit, or ESTA, a political decision made by President Joe Bidens administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The party, said to have cost 150,000 to organise, was due to go ahead without him in the US capital on Friday night as a celebration of Donald Trumps inauguration, set to take place the following Monday.

Three hundred guests have been invited, including president-elect Donald Trump, X boss Elon Musk and former prime minister Liz Truss.

The Hay-Adams hotel near the Whiter House - Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Members of the Trump family were also invited to the lavish event, booked for the roof of the Hay-Adams hotel near the White House.

The event was organised with Gerry Gunster, the president of Washington-based lobbying firm Gunster Strategies Worldwide.

Mr Banks, who has met Mr Trump and is close with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, in an interview with The Sunday Times, said: I am shocked that the US embassy have blocked our visa to the US. This is a political decision and revenge for the failed Russia Hoax [attempt to help elect Hillary Clinton and defeat Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election] perpetrated on both sides of the Atlantic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Banks business partner and fellow Brexit backer Andy Wigmore is also understood to have been denied entry to the country. They were due to fly out on Thursday.

Mr Banks said: With my visa blocked, I guess Andy and myself will have to cross the Rio Grande from Mexico into the US, along with the hundreds of thousands of gang members and bad hombres on the border, and claim our free hotel room and mobile phone in DC when we arrive.

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who was due to attend the party, has accused the Biden administration of blocking internationally known leaders of the Populist Nationalist Movement from gathering in the imperial capital.

A spokesperson for the US Embassy in London said: Visa records are confidential under US law. Therefore we cannot discuss the details of specific visa cases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Farage is due to attend the inauguration of president-elect Trump. Sir Keir Starmer was not invited to the event, but the UK will be represented by current ambassador Dame Karen Pierce.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
As the temperatures dropped and the snow turned to ice, Atlanta city crews worked to treat the roads and get those with no home, inside.

We knew we were going to get snow and sleet and in order to handle that we need people off the streets, so our trucks can do the work, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens told Channel 2s Audrey Washington on Friday.

Weve been doing outreach to the unsheltered population, going to the hotspots and saying, hey come inside. We have three shelters open and were about to open a fourth, Dickens added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

City trucks treated the roads with salt and brine, still some people chanced it and drove Friday morning.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

Atlanta police said they were forced to respond to several crashes along the interstate and side roads.

Fortunately, there hasnt been any serious accidents but that could happen. So, if you dont have to be out, stay home, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said.

Friday Midtown Atlanta resident, Sexton Stevens spent the morning cleaning off snow from his home and laying salt over his front steps.

Well put out salt or sand to melt it and make sure everything is safe and not slippery, Stevens told Channel 2 Action News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He also made sure to get the snow off of his trees earlier in the day..

Its going to be heavy after a while with all of the ice on it, resident Sexton Stevens told Channel 2 Action News. Over time it bends, they break, he said about the branches.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Auburn Cafe, a longtime favorite Downriver family-owned restaurant caught fire Friday evening and suffered significant damage.

The restaurant at 3520 W. Jefferson in the Downriver city of Ecorse is well-known for its many Greek-style dishes, and has been in business more than four decades.

Multiple reports that Auburn Cafe's roof was on fire came in after 7 p.m. Friday evening, according to Daniel Wright, City of Ecorse Fire Chief.

The Auburn Cafe has been serving up taverna-style Greek fare in Ecorse since 1982.

A video in posted within the comments on a popular downriver group's Facebook page showed flames shooting from the roof of the Auburn Cafe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More: Popular downriver restaurant catches fire Friday evening

Heavy smoke and flames were noted coming from the kitchen hood vent area and the "fire rapidly progressed through the void space between the ceiling and the roof," Wright stated.

At the time of the fire, the restaurant was occupied and all guests and staff got out safely.

Ecorse fire crews battled the blaze for four hours, Wright said, with assistance from Downriver's River Rouge, Lincoln Park and Wyandotte fire departments. Wright said "no firefighters were injured in its extinguishment."

A late night Facebook post from the owner, Kosta Callis, said they were "completely devasted by the fire."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This restaurant has been a part of our family and the community for 44 years, and seeing it damaged like this is truly heartbreaking," Callis wrote.

Callis noted that they are grateful that staff and customers got out safely and thanked first responders and firefighters for their efforts and support.

Efforts now are on, Callis wrote on "supporting our staff and assessing the damage."

"Auburn Cafe has always been more than just a restaurant  its a gathering place built on love, tradition, and community." Callis wrote. "We are committed to rebuilding and coming back stronger."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hundreds of comments followed the post starting Friday evening on Downriver and Friends Facebook Group about the fire, most expressing heartbreak and sadness adding prayers for the staff and that the restaurant is a downriver favorite.

JJ's Pizza in Wyandotte posted on Facebook "Prayers for Auburn Cafe."

Auburn Cafe's is a well known downriver restaurant noted for its Greek specialties including its popular lamb chops and sides of lemon potatoes plus a selections of salads and gyros, grape leaves and desserts of custard pie and rice pudding.

In 2019, Auburn Cafe was featured as one of the "9 definitive Downriver restaurants," by the Free Press' then restaurant critic, Mark Kurlyandchik, noted for its fresh takes on "staples like flaming saganaki, garlic-laden skordalia and shish kabab  prepared out of a tiny bar kitchen that long predates the "open kitchen" trend  remain fresh to this day."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on X (formerly Twitter.) Support local journalism and become a digital subscriber to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Downriver Greek restaurant Auburn Cafe devasted by Friday fire
AUSTIN (KXAN)  An Austin goose is flying high after animal control officers and local wildlife rescuers helped remove an arrow from its body.

The goose was discovered at Mueller Lake with an arrow puncturing just beneath his skin, according to Jules Maron, executive director of Austin Wildlife Rescue. A team comprising members of the Austin Animal Center, AWR and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rescued the goose, according to an Austin Animal Center spokesperson.

It was  no pun intended  a wild goose chase as pool maintenance crews got into kayaks and tried to pursue the goose from the water. Eventually, animal control officers caught him via a net gun in the evening and transferred him to AWR for treatment.

Austin Animal Control officers and the Austin Wildlife Rescue helped save and treat a goose shot with an arrow at Mueller Lake. (Courtesy Austin Animal Center) Austin Animal Control officers and the Austin Wildlife Rescue helped save and treat a goose shot with an arrow at Mueller Lake. (Courtesy Austin Animal Center) Austin Animal Control officers and the Austin Wildlife Rescue helped save and treat a goose shot with an arrow at Mueller Lake. (Courtesy Austin Animal Center) Austin Animal Control officers and the Austin Wildlife Rescue helped save and treat a goose shot with an arrow at Mueller Lake. (Courtesy Austin Animal Center) Austin Animal Control officers and the Austin Wildlife Rescue helped save and treat a goose shot with an arrow at Mueller Lake. (Courtesy Austin Animal Center) Veterinarians at Austin Wildlife Rescue helped remove an arrow from a goose found at Mueller Lake. (Courtesy Austin Wildlife Rescue) Veterinarians at Austin Wildlife Rescue helped remove an arrow from a goose found at Mueller Lake. (Courtesy Austin Wildlife Rescue)

The Egyptian goose isnt native to Texas, and typically AWR isnt able to treat non-native wildlife. Texas Parks and Wildlife granted AWR permission to rehabilitate the bird given the circumstances, Maron said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After conducting x-rays and examining the goose, they found he didnt have any infections or damage, and they were able to cut and remove the arrow from his body, she added. He returned to the lake the following morning and was released.

I was with the animal protection officers the evening that he was captured, so I was able to take him to our facility immediately, and our veterinarian arrived quickly to examine him, Maron said. This was one extremely lucky bird!

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Two employees who were involved with a petition to reinstate a work-from-home policy at Auto-Owners Insurance have been fired.

The policy was put in place at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, most employees worked from home but came into the office once a month as per policy.

However, according to employees, in December of last year, the company announced that employees would have to come in at least two days a week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Employees at the time told 6 News that the change was misleading and that the company told them there werent any plans to move back to the office. They were also concerned about the potential of increased workloads if employees were laid off or fired as a result of the policy.

As a result, some employees got together and created a petition. However, two employees involved with the petition have recently been fired.

6 News reached out to the company for comment, and they provided the following statement:

The associates were not terminated because of the content of the petition to continue to work from home. We made the decision to terminate regarding violations of company policy, including but not limited to those relating to the misuse of computer equipment and resources. Auto-Owners Insurance  Jan. 9, 2025

6 News reached out to the employees who were fired to get their side of the story but we have been unable to speak with them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Topeka Police Department is investigating an incident from 2024 as a new homicide case.

Rosie Nichols with the City of Topeka said in a press release on Jan. 10 that officers are now investigating the death of Ocelopanhuetzi Texotic-Martinez, 43, of Topeka, as a homicide. The investigation comes after police were called to a local hospital around 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 13, 2024 on reports of a man with life-threatening injuries.

Officers learned medical personnel recovered the man in the 1200 block of Northwest Central Avenue and hospitalized him due to the extent of his injuries. He later died on Sept. 1.

Former Kansas wrestling coach sentenced for having sex with teenage students

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

TPD investigators determined in December 2024 his cause of death was a homicide with evidence collected from an autopsy report. No arrests have been made yet in connection to this investigation.

People who have any information to share with police regarding this investigation are encouraged to reach out to law enforcement by emailing telltpd@topeka.org or by calling 785-368-9400. You can leave anonymous tips with Shawnee County Crime Stoppers by calling 785-234-0007 or by clicking here.

For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, left, and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, right. (Photo by Morgan Trau, WEWS.)

Following our reporting on a proposal by Republican leadership in Ohio to cut public school spending, which resulted in the lawmakers facing backlash, half a dozen GOP legislators personally reached out, vowing to protect K-12 education.

Those six, and at least 15 others we have spoken to in recent weeks, say that one of their main priorities is supporting public schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This comes as Gov. Mike DeWine would not commit to supporting the current bipartisan funding formula, telling us that difficult choices will need to be made.

Recap

Ohios history with school funding isnt the brightest. The Ohio Supreme Court ruled in 1997 that the way the state funds schools is unconstitutional, relying too much on property taxes.

Throughout the next three decades, lawmakers went back and forth on policy in an attempt to fix the unconstitutionality. The Ohio Education Association, as well as lawmakers on each side of the aisle, have deemed that it has been unconstitutional since then. However, some Republicans argue that because they are no longer using the struck-down policy, and since nothing else has been deemed unconstitutional in court, they argue that, by definition, it cant be considered unconstitutional.

Either way, there has been a bipartisan effort for years to fix the funding system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

House Bill 1, introduced by state Reps. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) and Jamie Callender (R-Concord), in 2021, required $333 million additional dollars a year for K-12 education funding  or about $2 billion overall. It is called the Cupp-Paterson Fair School Funding Plan.

Their bill mirrored the policy that passed the House but not the Senate in the General Assembly prior, which was created by former Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima) and former state Rep. John Patterson (D-Jefferson). House Bill 1 was finally passed and signed into law.

The rollout was supposed to take six years and is meant to change how public dollars are provided to K-12 schools. It would give additional support to local districts so they can rely less on property taxes.

The first two years were partially fully funded, the second two years were fully funded, and there are just two years left to go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But that may not happen.

Tuesdays story

It was comments made by new House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) that angered viewers, readers, parents and education leaders across the state.

I dont think there is a third phase to Cupp-Patterson, Huffman told reporters Monday evening. As to the expectation that those things are gonna go in I guess the clear statement I can say is I think those increases in spending are unsustainable.

The G.A. from four years ago shouldnt be able to bind what the future lawmakers can do, he said.

Huffman explained that this years budget is going to have significantly less money due to the federal COVID dollars drying up. And for him, public education is on the chopping block.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thats often how a lot of projects go  early on it doesnt cost very [much] money  but some other governor or General Assembly will have to figure out how to pay for it, he continued. As it turns out, I am the other General Assembly years in the future, or possibly am, and I dont think the spending is sustainable.

In short, Huffman proposed cutting at least $650 million in public education spending in this G.A.s budget.

After we aired his comments  and Parma City Schools Superintendent Charles Smialeks frustration  Ohioans started calling their lawmakers.

The next day, half a dozen Republicans reached out to us to share they would fight for school funding  and they didnt want to be lumped in with leadership trying to take it down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theyre hearing from their constituents, theyre hearing from their residents that Hey, listen, we dont want our teachers taking pay cuts; we dont want class sizes of 32, 33; we dont want to go back to pay for play of $700 and $800 for extracurricular opportunities,' Smialek said.

Apparently, residents have been leaving angry messages, posting on social media, and calling offices.

I think the more that you can spotlight this issue and the importance of funding public education It shows that the people understand that we have to have a thorough and efficient means of educating all of our students, the superintendent said. Im very heartened to hear that people have had the reaction that they have.

However, the legislators who reached out had or said they would have supported H.B. 1 if they had been in the legislature at that time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Within the Statehouse, there seem to be three types of lawmakers. Some prioritize public school funding, others prioritize private school vouchers or school choice, and then there is a mix of the two.

One of the only Republicans to go on the record and speak out against Huffmans comments was, unsurprisingly, Callender.

Fully funding the Fair School Funding Plan  it is a rising tide that will lift all ships, Callender said.

In the FSFP, the formula supports not just public traditional education but all sectors, whether its vouchers, charters or districts.

To not fully fund the plan could cause the schools to rely heavily on property taxes, which will then lead to more levies, which will then be shut down due to already having high enough property taxes. Callender said this would be detrimental to families and schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Former House Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati) may have been termed out this January, but at the Statehouse Wednesday, he said not following the funding plan was a bad idea.

In an interview Thursday, he said he wasnt sure how Huffman didnt know that the FSFP had three tranches, considering that was the whole point and that it was so widely advertised, plus there is abundant evidence to prove that.

Seitz, who is credited for being the most efficient lawmaker at getting each chamber to agree or for bringing two parties together, explained that the House had already done its due diligence.

As we reported in 2023, the House passed its budget with a fully-funded public education system. The Senate refused, instead being adamant that they wanted universal school vouchers, Seitz continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We were equally adamant that we thought we had a moral obligation, not a legal obligation  a moral obligation  to follow through on the second tranche of funding, he said.

To get a bill passed, the House and Senate collaborated and both wishes were granted.

Seitz continued that the best way to preserve or even expand the speakers voucher program would be to implement the third phase of the FSFP.

You would have achieved what people did not think was possible  namely, for once and for all, a school funding formula that whether you are on the left or on the right, you have agreed that that is fair and constitutional, he said. So if you do that and if you pass that, then you can smile very sweetly at the public school advocates and say, Okay, you got yours, so please do not bother us because we believe in school choice.'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We called Cupp, of the Cupp-Patterson plan. He declined to comment at this point but did say that he would speak with his Lima neighbor Huffman.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Budgeting

Its not just the lawmakers who have a say in the budget.

During a press conference Wednesday, we questioned DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted on if they wanted to fully fund education.

Sometimes these are very, very difficult, difficult choices, the governor responded, noting that the states budget isnt as plentiful this time around.

There are many factors he has to take into consideration, including two very expensive issues: mental health and drug problems.

He added that education, including colleges, is important and that those discussions will take place. He said something has to give, but he doesnt know what.

It would be unfair of me at this point to come out here and say we need to do this, this, this and this, the governor responded.

Husted jumped in, giving a more straightforward answer.

Funding for the education of children will continue to be a huge budget priority going forward as Hes made sure of in the past, the LG said.

Superintendent Smialek sighed with relief at the Husteds response.

To hear, especially the lieutenant governors comments is absolutely encouraging to us, he said, noting that the LG has previously visited Parmas schools.

He also understands what DeWine was saying about mental health and drug addiction.

If we think about brain development and when the brain develops, were talking about early childhood education, Smialek said. We want to be the preventative antidote to those issues and to those societal plagues that we all deal with.

But Richmond Heights School District Treasurer Cooper Martin doesnt believe the lawmakers. He criticized Huffman for his championing of the private school voucher system, with the state spending nearly $1 billion in public money to send kids to nonpublic schools.

You cant say that public education is unsustainable when youre spending that money, Martin said.

Huffman and many GOP politicians believe spending that much on private school vouchers is necessary in order to have the money follow the child or have the students avoid poor-performing public schools.

Theres no educational system where one size fits all works for everyone, Husted said, addressing different types of schools.

But for public schools, the voucher program is siphoning money from them.

Every dollar that goes to a voucher, its a dollar thats taken from public education, Martin said.

Smialek said this sets districts up for failure.

It absolutely becomes sort of that downward spiral where you defund us, and then somehow expect us to meet expectations and parameters that only continue to increase, the superintendent said, adding that public schools are graded much harsher than nonpublic.

Several GOP lawmakers, such as Callender, all said they would look at other institutions to cut funds from before directly going to education.

For the Northeast Ohio Republican, he thinks that legalized marijuana may solve the problem.

Why dont we look at all the folks that are in our state prisons and jails that are there solely or primarily because of marijuana offenses  which are no longer illegal, Callender, the marijuana enthusiast lawmaker who helped lead the charge of recreational use, said. We could have a 20% savings.

Callender wants to work together with Huffman to find a way to support public education while making sure the budget is balanced. And Smialek hopes that Ohioans will continue to share their voices with state representatives and senators.

This is really resonating with the population, the superintendent said.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Jan. 10Despite attorney Kari Morrissey's widely criticized handling of the criminal case against Alec Baldwin, the District Attorney's Office has appointed her special prosecutor again in another high-profile case.

District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies signed paperwork Thursday naming Morrissey special prosecutor in a DWI case against state District Judge Francis Mathew, which is technically a closed case dismissed by the District Attorney's Office Dec. 18, just days after it was filed.

However, the case was dismissed "without prejudice pending further investigation," meaning it could be refiled, and Morrissey's appointment seems to suggest it will be.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New Mexico State Police filed a probable cause statement charging Mathew  who is a civil judge in the First Judicial District Court  with drunken driving on Dec. 16, a few days after the judge admitting to an officer at a checkpoint on Old Pecos Trail that he'd had a glass of wine and a cocktail with dinner prior to passing through the checkpoint on his way home.

The officer wrote in a probable cause statement that the 72-year-old performed poorly on field sobriety tests, but he was released on his own recognizance after two breath tests measured his blood alcohol level as 0.04% or 0.05%, below the legal limit of 0.08%.

Mathew remains on the bench; his attorney Ben Ortega has said the judge is "not guilty of DWI" and plans to fight the case.

Carmack-Altwies did not respond to an email and text message seeking comment for this story after close of business Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ortega said in a text message he became aware of the appointment Thursday and plans to attempt to contact Morrissey "to determine what her intentions with the case are.

"Even though the case is technically dismissed I am not taking any chances," Ortega wrote in a text message. "I am preparing to fight the case and thus am assuming, for the time being, that the case will be re-filed."

Administrative Office of the Courts spokesperson Barry Massey referred questions about whether Mathew is facing discipline over the charge to the Judicial Standards Commission, which was closed Friday evening.

Carmack-Altwies wrote in a response to the state Supreme Court in another matter in October that "Judge Mathew filed a disciplinary complaint against me," and stated she saw the filing of the complaint as "retaliatory conduct."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Disciplinary board complaints are generally confidential unless and until they result in official action.

Ortega wrote in a text message Friday he wasn't aware of the complaint, so he couldn't comment on whether it had any bearing on the way the District Attorney's Office was handling the criminal case against the judge.

"But if there was such a complaint it may or may not have a bearing," Ortega wrote. "It depends on what the complaint was about, how it was resolved as well as other factors."

Morrissey and Carmack-Altwies were named as defendants in a lawsuit Baldwin filed this week that alleges prosecutors lost sight of their duty to seek the truth in their handling of the investigation into the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of his movie Rust after becoming fixated on him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hutchins died after being struck by a bullet that came from a gun the actor wielded as a prop during the making of the film in 2021. The film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is serving a prison sentence after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter after investigators determined she'd loaded a real bullet instead of a dummy round into the gun.

Baldwin also faced a charge of involuntary manslaughter, which District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed mid-trial after finding the state withheld evidence from the defense.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Barriers will be installed on platforms at subway stations in New York City starting in 2025, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

The barriers will be installed as a safety measure to prevent people from being pushed onto the subway tracks, the governor said.

More Local News

We are putting up barriers. I have come up with a plan. Ive committed the money to make sure that when youre standing there waiting for your train to come through that you dont have that deep-rooted fear of someone pushing you onto the tracks, Hochul said during an interview on PIX on Politics this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hochul said she authorized funding to begin installing the subway barriers. She said the barriers will eventually be installed at every subway station in New York City.

I want it done as soon as possible, the governor said. Well start with the ones that have been high-profile, most-used transit hubs, but well get everywhere.

This week, Mayor Eric Adams said he supports the installation of subway barriers.

I think its long overdue that we have some form of gates that are up to prevent people from being shoved to the tracks. I spoke with the governor and the governor even mentioned that over the weekend when the two of us were communicating, Adams said Tuesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  A lot of people have been taking advantage of the warming shelter Bay County officials opened on Monday.

The shelter is located at the A.D. Harris Learning Village.

Friday is its fifth day of operation. Theyve been serving around 60 people a day, providing a hot meal, water, cots, blankets, sheets and pillows.

Its a joint effort between Bay County Emergency Services and Rebuild Bay County. The county is providing a generator and cleaning supplies. The Red Cross is also donating items.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Warming shelter opening in Bay County ahead of freezing temperatures

There are about 30 volunteers a day whove put in around 100 volunteer hours total, but they need more.

We still need help. Our volunteer sign-up has been amazing. But we also need some folks to help service shift leads. And so in sign up. So we use a sign-up genius and we just ask that you visit our Facebook page also the the county emergency services Facebook page, Rebuild Bay County Executive Director Donna Pilson said.

The warming center lost water pressure last night. Panama City Utility workers restored it this Friday morning. The shelter opened early at 1:00 p.m. Friday because of the rain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theyll be open all day Saturday, and close at 11:00 a.m. Sunday 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 mypanhandle.com.
WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (PIX11)  A shocking new video has emerged, capturing a child being struck by a cyclist while exiting a school bus on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, highlights the ongoing safety concerns that have plagued this busy thoroughfare for months.

The footage shows the child leaving the bus with its flashing lights activated when a cyclist in the bike lane fails to slow down and collides with the young pedestrian.

More Local News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This latest accident comes on the heels of several similar incidents, intensifying the communitys calls for urgent action.

One anonymous father, whose 8-year-old son was previously struck in a similar incident, shared his harrowing experience: There was a high-speed moped that was driving down the street coming down about 45 mph and he hit my child. He added, After I saw the scene of my child lying on the ground and crying in pain after he got hit, that is just stuck in my mind.

Since November 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has implemented several safety measures, including new signage, repainting bike lanes, adding rumble strips, and creating loading zones. The DOT has pledged to continue improving Bedford Avenues safety by integrating community input and collaborating with the NYPD.

However, many parents and community members feel these efforts are insufficient. One specific proposal from residents is to reroute the bike lane. The anonymous father suggested, For the last three blocks of this bike lane stretch just reroute it and protect the bike lane on Willoughby and Classon avenues, youll avoid the highly condensed area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New York City Councilman Lincoln Restler issued a statement: We worked with DOT on a series of new safety interventions on the Bedford Ave Bike Lane, including new school bus drop off and pick up zones. We have requested DOT expand the hours of these school bus parking spots and that NYPD enforce against all illegally parked vehicles to ensure safety for all.

Bus driver Menachem, who witnesses these dangerous incidents firsthand, observed the impact on children: The kids are paranoid themselves the way they get off. They get off the bus, they just stand there, they look, they are like petrified.

As the community awaits more concrete action, the anonymous father expressed his frustration: What we as parents have gotten in the past few months that we were asking and begging them to do something about this issue was basically empty promises and just statements that didnt help anything and didnt make our children safe.

The recurring incidents on Bedford Avenue continue to raise alarm, leaving residents demanding immediate and effective solutions to protect their childrens safety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For more information and if youd like to help, 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 PIX11.
Fayetteville, Arkansas  Behind every great teacher there is a great mentor who long ago kindled a passion for education.

For science teacher Clay Morton, that guiding light was Dr. Walt Manger.

"There was nothing he wouldn't do for his students," Morton told CBS News. "He's just one hell of a man, you know. There's my parents, and there's Walt."

Manger was Morton's geology professor at the University of Arkansas. Morton took a geology class to fulfill a science requirement, never imagining it would become his major, and ultimately his profession. The professor that sparked that passion was Manger, a celebrated geologist who became his thesis adviser and mentor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I took every class he taught," Morton said. "I was a lab instructor. I just really admired him. He was passionate and engaging and the kind of teacher who'd do anything to help you. If you were sick, he'd pay for your doctor's appointment. He was always there to help you with anything you needed."

After leaving college, Morton says they stayed close for a while, but eventually lost touch.

That is, until a few years ago, when Morton learned that Manger had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The thought of all that genius and gentleness going to waste was more than Morton could bear. So, he set out to save as much of his brilliance as possible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The plan was to meet monthly at Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where Morton teaches. Manger is driven to the school by his wife, Peggy, where they go over his treasure trove of geological knowledge.

"He doesn't remember where my room is," Morton said. "He doesn't remember what we talked about last time. But he knows that we do this."

What they do is look at Manger's old geology slides. In the beginning, Manger could explain each picture in great detail and Morton would take notes.

However, three years on, Manger doesn't even remember taking most of them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It's so hard seeing him," Morton said. "But it's still the best week of the monthbecause he's still Walt. He still laughs. He's still funny, he's still willing to help you do anything. Yeah, I can't even imagine where I'd be without Walt."

Which is why Morton plans to continue these sessions for as long as Manger is able. And why he will always end each one with the same words of gratitude:

"Almost everything I learned about teaching was from you," Morton tells Manger.

And although Manger will soon forget that compliment, Morton says that's actually fine by him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It's nice to be able to tell it to him over and over again," Morton said.

California authorities give update on L.A. fires and announce school closures

Blue Origin to launch New Glenn rocket after 10 years of development

4 injured after Delta Air Lines flight aborted during takeoff in Atlanta
Beijing will implement six major initiatives and 51 measures aimed at ensuring a strong start to the city's economic development in 2025. These initiatives will focus on improving the business environment, enhancing public services, and stimulating consumption and innovation.

One of the first major reforms of the year has already been launched in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, where submissions for 77 types of documents and certificates were exempted across 139 administrative processes.

This reform is part of the city's plan to optimize the business environment in the first quarter, which will include the release of a report on Beijing's business environment improvements and the formulation of 2025 reform tasks.

The city also aims to expand the application of certificate-free processing and integrate multiple administrative services into streamlined "one-stop" solutions.

Efforts will also be made to enhance public services. These include implementing policies to promote high-quality employment, ensuring timely and full payment of wages for migrant workers, and strengthening the supply of coal, electricity, oil, and gas during the winter season. Additionally, measures will be taken to secure the supply and stabilize the prices of staple goods, as well as enhance safety inspections for natural disasters and production risks.

In 2024, Beijing's trade-in policies for consumer goods significantly boosted key industries, including personal vehicles, home appliances, and senior-friendly home modifications. In the January to November period, the city saw a 17.4% year-on-year growth in automobile manufacturing, with new energy vehicle production increasing by 250%.

A new round of trade-in policies is currently being developed and will be announced soon, according to a person in charge of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform.

To press ahead with critical reform tasks in key areas, Beijing will focus on bolstering both supply and demand. On the supply side, the first quarter will see the launch of pilot reforms for cultural and heritage institutions, the release of funding guidelines for high-tech industrial development projects, and measures to support advanced manufacturing.

On the demand side, policies like extending visa-free stay for inbound tourists to 240 hours will promote tourism. Beijing will also launch the "Hello, Beijing" promotional campaign, increase international flights, and position itself as the first-stop destination for travelers from countries such as those in Southeast Asian, European, and along the Belt and Road route.

In order to boost consumer confidence, Beijing plans to host 141 Spring Festival-themed activities integrating culture, commerce, tourism, and sports, with full tourist infrastructure in place, from restaurants and hotels to attractions, to welcome visitors. The city will also organize major project financing activities and exhibitions, such as the China International (Beijing) Automotive Service Supplies and Equipment Exhibition.

Beijing is well-positioned for a strong first quarter, supported by national policies, a continued recovery in major industries, and the city's large consumer market. An official from the city's development and reform commission said that all districts and departments are working together to implement these initiatives, aiming to deliver tangible results quickly.
We recently resolved a complex peer review case involving a surgeon in a Midwestern state. The case arose as the hospital began transitioning to an employed-physician model, seeking to phase out its non-employed, voluntary medical staff. Our client, a non-employed surgeon with privileges to treat patients at the hospital, was among those targeted in what appeared to be a strategic effort to remove voluntary non-employed physicians from the medical staff through sham peer reviews. In 2022, our client criticized the hospital for having weaponized the peer review process against the non-employed staff, including him. This multi-year campaign cost the hospital millions in settlements with the surgical staff, including a six-figure settlement with our client.

Our client had surgical privileges at the hospital for more than 20 years, had been the medical staff president for two years, and had privileges at several other smaller facilities in the region. In retaliation for his criticism of the hospitals peer review processes, the administration instructed the MEC to re-review a dozen of his cases dating back to 2020, in which the department had previously found no deviations from the standard of care. The hospital selected and paid for biased outside reviews which wrongfully alleged standard-of-care deviations using critical and inflammatory language. The MEC then recommended the termination of our clients medical staff privileges following a slanted peer review of the identified cases. Prior to this peer review, our client had no peer review cases in his approximately 20 years of practice at this hospital or any other facilities where he had privileges.

Our client pursued his due process rights afforded by the medical staff bylaws and requested a fair hearing. The pre-hearing process that ensued was complex and consumed the better part of a year, during which our client continued practicing at the hospital until he was summarily suspended.

The NPDB requires hospitals and health care entities to report certain actions, including professional review actions that adversely affect a physicians clinical privileges for more than 30 days. Summarily suspending a physicians privileges often falls within these criteria, particularly if the suspension is due to an adverse action related to the physicians competence or conduct. To avoid being reported to the NPDB, our client sought and obtained a preliminary injunction against the hospital. The preliminary injunction prevented the hospital from making an NPDB report but did not reverse the suspension or stop the not-so-fair hearing from proceeding.

Preparing for the hearing

Both the MECs legal counsel and my firm conducted extensive pre-hearing preparation, including written discovery and obtaining expert opinions. Defending against allegations in over a dozen cases required meticulous effort, as peer review cases often present complexities far exceeding those of typical medical malpractice claims. Despite these challenges, we secured expert testimony that our client adhered to the standard of care. That said, the hearing officer denied our request for discovery depositions of the hospitals experts. This was a major blow to our case given that such depositions were crucial to understanding and being able to cross-examine the hospitals experts intelligently before they testified at the hearing. We then utilized AI to strategically prepare our case, including preparation for the examination of the hospitals expert witnesses in the dozen cases.

Resolution through settlement

A couple of weeks before the hearing commenced, the hospital requested and the parties entered into mediation discussions, and soon after that, the case was resolved. According to the terms of the settlement agreed to by the parties, our client relinquished his privileges at the hospital while maintaining privileges at the community surgical center and a couple of other hospitals. The parties agreed to an NPDB report, which included the hospitals position and a full-throated response from our client. He also received a six-figure settlement. Today, our client continues to practice at the area surgical center and other hospitals where he has strong relationships and ongoing privileges.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of making the most of the due process accorded physicians challenging an adverse peer review action, along with thorough preparation for a fair hearing, a clear understanding of the cases strengths and weaknesses, and strategic conciliation negotiations. While no settlement leaves either side completely satisfied, our client emerged with financial compensation, preserved professional opportunities, and an NPDB report incorporating his strong response to the hospitals reporta testament to the power of skilled advocacy.

Barney Cohen is a native of Miami, Florida, and has resided in Cincinnati, Ohio; Washington, DC; and Chicago, Illinois. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and DePaul University College of Law. As a health care law insider, Barney brings to his clients more than 30 years of experience as general and senior counsel with renowned health care organizations. He can be reached at Concierge Healthcare Attorneys and LinkedIn.
US President Joe Bidens administration has not managed to use nearly US$4 billion of the aid package for Ukraine approved by Congress in April.

Source: Sabrina Singh, Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of Defense, at a briefing, cited by Ukrinform

Details: The White House has not spent the entire amount of the aid package for Ukraine and will transfer nearly US$4 billion to the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump. This money will be available under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Quote from Singh: "So, it will be just under US$4 billion that will be left in the authority (PDA) that the next administration will get the opportunity to use for Ukraine."

Details: Singh was responding to journalists' questions about the amount of aid left for Ukraine after the US announced its most recent military aid package for Ukraine this week.

Background:

On Monday, 30 December, the US announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine totalling almost US$2.5 billion.

On 9 January, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a US$500 million military aid package during a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein format, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Support UP or become our patron!
President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis with a Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction during a phone call on Saturday, according to the White House. It is the only Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction that Biden has awarded.

"Pope Francis, your humility and your grace are beyond words, and your love for all is unparalleled," Biden posted on X. "As the People's Pope, you are a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world."

PHOTO: In this photo posted to his X account, President Biden is shown presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to His Holiness Pope Francis, on Jan. 11, 2025. (President Biden/X)

During the call, Biden expressed his regret for having to cancel his visit to the Holy See. Biden and Francis also "discussed efforts to advance peace around the world, including Pope Francis' work to alleviate suffering for vulnerable communities," according to the White House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The award is the highest civilian honor a president can award and is given to "individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors," according to the White House.

Francis' commitment to "serving the poor" and his life with the Jesuits made him deserving of the medal, according to the citation of the award from the White House.

PHOTO: In this June 14, 2024, file photo, President Joe Biden meets with Pope Francis on the second day of the G7 summit at the Borgo Egnazia resort, in Savelletri, Puglia, Italy. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters, FILE)

MORE: Biden cancels trip to Italy, meant as final foreign visit, amid California wildfires

"A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet," the citation added. "A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different faiths. The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis is unlike any who came before. Above all, he is the People's Pope -- a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The award comes on the day that Biden was set to meet with the pope in Italy. The president canceled the trip to focus on the fatal wildfires in Los Angeles. The trip was incredibly personal for Biden, who is Catholic, and was set to be his last international trip while in office.

Biden awards Pope Francis with Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden will deliver a farewell address to the country next Wednesday, the White House announced on Friday.

His speech will be delivered from the Oval Office, a location typically reserved for momentous occasions and major news.

The White House did not release additional details about what the president would discuss.

Joe Biden delivers an address from the Oval Office at the White House on July 14, 2024.

Biden's speech will come less than a week before his political rival, President-elect Donald Trump, is inaugurated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

NBC News previously reported that Biden planned to deliver two major speeches  including a farewell address about his legacy before he leaves the White House.

His farewell address, according to sources familiar, is expected to reflect on his time in various political offices and will include a message to Americans about the country's future.

During farewell addresses, presidents have traditionally run through their proudest achievements, wished the incoming administration luck and reflected on the state of the country.

Trump delivered his farewell address four years earlier, though it was pre-recorded. During his speech, he said he extended our best wishes to the then-incoming Biden administration, saying that the country would "pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Former President Barack Obama during his 2017 speech discussed the state of democracy, noting that "our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President Joe Biden extended the legal status of hundreds of thousands of immigrants to the United States by 18 months on Friday, throwing a wrench in President-elect Donald Trump's plan for mass deportations in his second term.

Biden's administration extended the legal period that immigrants from Ukraine, Sudan and Venezuela under the Temporary Protected Status program can stay in the country by a full 18 months. While their authorization was set to expire in the spring, the incoming Trump admin will now find it difficult to remove the over 800,000 people covered by the program.

TPS allows immigrants from countries believed to be unstable to stay in the country and obtain work permits. It does not provide a path to citizenship. President-elect Trump has been a vocal critic of the program and unsuccessfully attempted to remove the protected status from nearly 400,000 Venezuelans in the country during his first term.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These designations are rooted in careful review and interagency collaboration to ensure those affected by environmental disasters and instability are given the protections they need while continuing to contribute meaningfully to our communities, Department of Homeland Security Director Alejandro Mayorkas shared in a statement.

Trump and Vice President-elect Vance have both railed against TPS on the campaign, notably spreading conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants in Ohio who were in the United States legally under the program. Their focus on the town of Springfield led to weeks of bomb threats and a pervasive fear among the area's Haitian immigrant community.
President Joe Biden indicated Friday that hes still mulling preemptive pardons for some high-profile critics of Donald Trump, saying his decision will depend on whether the president-elect telegraphs plans to seek retribution when he returns to power.

It depends on some of the language and expectations that Trump broadcasts in the last couple days here as to what hes going to do, Biden told reporters at the White House. Theres still consideration of some folks, but no decision.

Biden did not specify who is under consideration for a pardon, calling it outrageous that he even has to consider the possibility Trump would punish his political enemies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But he did rule out pardoning one well-known Trump antagonist: himself.

What would I pardon myself for? Biden said when asked if hed thought about shielding himself. I had no contemplation of pardoning myself. I didnt do anything wrong.

Bidens discussion of possible preemptive pardons came during a brief back-and-forth with reporters following a speech on the economy, in which he touted another month of job gains  guaranteeing that he would go his entire term without suffering a month of net losses.

Biden also insisted to reporters that he still believes he couldve beaten Trump had he stayed in the 2024 presidential race, but opted to drop out in the wake of his disastrous June debate performance for fear of dividing the Democratic Party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I thought I could win again. I thought it was better to unify the party, he said, adding that he also thought that Vice President Kamala Harris stood a good chance of defeating Trump. I was confident shed win.

Biden later demurred on whether Harris should run for president again, saying that while I think shes competent to run again in four years, thats a decision for her to make.

The presidents remarks came at the tail end of a week that hed previously planned to spend in Rome, where he was slated for a private audience with the Pope. Biden, a devout Catholic, canceled that trip after devastating wildfires broke out in southern California, a decision that he acknowledged was disappointing, but necessary.

He also spoke earlier Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying he came away from the conversation confident that Ukraine could win its war against Russia as long as its western European allies remain united.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The White House imposed sweeping new sanctions on Russia, targeting the countrys lucrative oil industry, in a move that Biden predicted would have a profound effect on the countrys economy. The sanctions are likely to have some consequences for the U.S. as well, he cautioned, raising gas prices as much as four cents per gallon.

Still, he argued, it was a worthwhile trade-off to weaken Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. And he expressed hope that Trump would keep up the U.S. support for Ukraine, urging lawmakers to resist any attempts to cut off funding for its defense.

I know that there are a significant number of Democrats and Republicans on the Hill who think we should continue to support Ukraine, Biden said. It is my hope and expectation that they will speak up if Trump decides to cut off funding.

As for his own future after he leaves office, Biden offered no specifics. But he signaled an eagerness to find some way to stay publicly involved in politics.

Im not going to be out of sight, out of mind, he said.
US President Joe Biden has stated that Kremlin's leader Vladimir Putin is in a "tough shape" following the imposition of extensive sanctions against Russian oil.

Source: French news agency AFP, citing Bidens statement, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Earlier, the US and the UK announced large-scale sanctions against the Russian energy sector, targeting companies such as Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Quote: "Putin is in tough shape right now, and I think it's really important that he not have any breathing room to continue to do the god-awful things he continues to do."

More details: Biden also noted that there is a "real chance Ukraine can prevail" if it continues to receive support from the West.

Background:

The day before, the US announced new sanctions that will hit the Russian oil refining industry. In particular, Russian oil giants Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas were hit by the restrictions.

Following this, the UK government announced sanctions against Russian companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas.

Support UP or become our patron!
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?
By Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday he did not believe his decision to run for re-election paved the way for President-elect Donald Trump to win in 2024 and indicated he is still considering pre-emptive pardons for people whom Trump has targeted.

Trump, a Republican who will return to the White House on Jan. 20, beat Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, last year and repeatedly called for the prosecution of his perceived enemies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I think I would have beaten Trump, could have beaten Trump, and I think that Kamala could have beaten Trump," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if he regretted his initial decision to run for re-election.

Biden, 82, stepped aside after a disastrous debate against Trump, 78, sparked worries within the Democratic party that he could not win in November or serve out a second term.

"I thought it was important to unify the party," Biden said about his decision, adding it was the honor of his life to be president but he did not want to cause a party that was not unified to lose an election.

Regarding pardons, Biden suggested he was taking into account what Trump was saying about his intentions for retribution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The idea that he would punish people ... is outrageous," Biden said. "There's still consideration ... but no decision."

Asked whether he was considering a pre-emptive pardon for himself, Biden said no. "I didn't do anything wrong."

Biden rarely held news conferences during his four years in the White House but took several questions from reporters on Friday.

He said that new sanctions imposed on Russian oil could raise gasoline prices by three or four cents per gallon but would have a profound effect on Russia's economy.

Biden, who canceled a trip to Italy to stay in Washington to oversee the federal response to the fires in California, said he was disappointed that he would not be able to visit Pope Francis at the Vatican, but said it was more important for him to remain in town.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Leslie Adler)
President Biden opted Friday to voluntarily take a host of questions from the press after delivering remarks on the days job report, a speech that had been put on the White House schedule last minute.

The White House has been peppered with questions recently over whether Biden would hold an end-of-term press conference but would not confirm as much. Biden seemed to hold such a mini-press conference after remarks from the Roosevelt Room around 6 p.m. Friday; he told the small press pool gathered that hed take some of their questions.

One inquiry Biden fielded involved his decision on pardons. He was asked whether he would pardon himself ahead of an incoming Trump administration in which Biden responded: Why would I pardon myself for?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No, I have no contemplation of pardoning myself for anything. I didnt do anything wrong, Biden said.

The question over pardoning himself comes weeks after the president issued a full and unconditional pardon for his son Hunter Biden. He spent more than a year insisting he would not pardon his son and then, in announcing it, he said he was issuing the pardon because Hunter Biden had been subject to a political prosecution.

Biden has spoken about preemptive pardons with members of his senior team for a number of President-elect Trump critics, like Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and former White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci. He told USA Today in a recent interview that he has not yet decided to issue such pardons before leaving office.

Biden has about one week left to his presidency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The president, in his remarks Friday, also remained adamant that he could have beaten Trump if he stayed in the 2024 race, despite polling showing him increasingly trailing then-candidate Trump and a disastrous debate performance that was the beginning of the end of his candidacy.

Biden said he made the decision to drop out because he didnt want to risk fracturing the Democratic Party. He threw his support behind Vice President Harris, who ultimately lost the race to Trump.

I think I would have beaten Trump, could have beaten Trump, and I think that Kamala could have beaten Trump and would have beaten Trump, Biden said Friday from the White House.

Even though I thought I could win again, I thought it was better to unify the party. And it was the greatest honor of my life to be president of the United States, but I didnt want to be one who caused a party that wasnt unified to lose an election, he continued. And thats why I stepped aside. But I was confident she could win.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Asked if Harris should make another White House run in 2028, Biden left it up to his vice president.

I think thats a decision she should make, Biden said. I think shes competent to run again in four years; thatll be a decision for her to make.

Some Harris allies have pointed the finger at Biden over her election defeat in November, arguing that had he dropped out sooner than July, it would have given her a better chance to build a successful campaign.

Bidens appearances before the press have been scant in his final months, including on foreign visits where reporters have tried to engage with him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Biden is expected to deliver his final farewell address to the nation Wednesday from the Oval Office.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Some of the biggest banks and wealthiest investment firms are abandoning earlier commitments to engage in climate-friendly investing as Congress cracks down on socially conscious investing and Donald Trump prepares for his return to office.

The Guardian reported that JP Morgan announced earlier this week that its leaving a U.N.-sponsored initiative called the Net Zero Banking Alliance. Basically, the group represented a commitment to prioritize investments that help countries reach net zero emissions (the point at which the amount of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere is equal to the amount being removed from the atmosphere).

JP Morgans announcement means that the U.S.s six biggest banks have now all reneged on their commitments  and all of them waited until December to do so. Needless to say, with climate crises mounting  raging fires on the West Coast; more frequent, potentially deadly cold spells; and intensifying hurricanes  its ominous to see companies retreating from these organizations in the fight against climate change.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition, the investment firm BlackRock, which manages around $11.5 trillion in assets and is reportedly the worlds largest asset manager, announced this week it is leaving a similar initiative known as the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative. Reuters reported that it had reviewed a client letter about the change (which has not been verified by MSNBC or NBC News), in which the firm says our memberships in some of these organizations have caused confusion regarding BlackRocks practices and subjected us to legal inquiries from various public officials. That may be a reference to the probes that House Republicans have launched last year, alleging that companies engaged in climate-conscious investing might be guilty of illegal collusion of some sort. BlackRock suggested at the same time that leaving the initiative is not a change in strategy and that its money managers continue to assess material climate-related risks. (Despite its leaving the U.N. group for banks, JP Morgan told Reuters that it was still a member of the asset managers initiative.)

All of this corporate cowardice is happening as the Republican Party wages war on socially conscious investing, also known as environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing. Conservatives are working to deter companies from considering moral and ethical practices when they pick where to park their money. Republicans have fought such programs at the federal and state levels. Now, they have a sympathetic ear in the incoming Trump administration. Trump, as Ive reportedly, has mocked the idea of net zero emissions while admitting he doesnt even know what it means.

And rather than face off against MAGA on this point, corporate America is doing what capitalism always does: abandon principles in pursuit of profit and power.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
In one of his last official acts before Gov. Jay Inslee retires from state leadership, he approved the Wautoma Solar Project proposed for a remote corner of Benton County.

It is one of nine planned or already operating solar projects in the county.

Weve made tremendous progress in the state of Washington in the last 12 years, Inslee said in a video that recorded his signing approval of the Wautoma project six days before his third term as governor ends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

... And today Im thrilled to yet again take another big step for the state of Washington in developing the worlds best clean energy economy, he said.

Innergex Renewable Development, based in Canada, is proposing a 470-megawatt solar generation project with a four-hour battery energy storage system.

Outgoing Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has signed off on approval for the the Watouma Solar Project, a 470-megawatt solar generation project with battery storage, for a remote corner of Benton County.

Inslee said the project could provide power to 300,000 homes.

It is clean energy, it is economic development and it is helping us fight climate change, he said as he signed off on the project.

It would be the states largest solar farm to date, Inslee said, although the Department of Energy plans what could be the largest solar farm in the nation on unused Hanford nuclear site land.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Construction on the Wautoma Solar Project could begin in the spring of 2028, with the project operating in early 2030, according to Innergexs site certification application, as updated in October.

The Washington Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) voted unanimously in November to recommend that Inslee approve the Wautoma Solar Project.

A Benton County representative had a seat on the council for the project and voted in favor of recommending approval, even though the county restricts solar projects on agricultural land.

A map provided by Innergex to Washington state officials shows the location of leased land for the Wautoma solar generation project in Benton County.

The project is proposed at a 9-square-mile site in the northwest part of the county, about 12 miles northeast of Sunnyside.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It would be about 1 mile south of the intersection of Highways 24 and 241 and stretch west to east from the Benton County line with Yakima to the edge of the Hanford Reach National Monument.

The developed portion of the land would cover about 4.6 square miles and include 1.3 million solar panels.

The project will create up to 50 jobs while the site is being prepared and then an average of 225 construction jobs for two years, Overall Management Co. said.

Over the 30 to 50 years the project operates, it would employ three to four technical workers and have a maintenance contract, Innergex said.

The company, which operates in Canada, France, Chile and the United States, strives to hire contractors and purchase locally, it said.

Farmers want solar project

Wautoma Solar Project will be developed on land with irrigated agriculture, rangeland, undeveloped areas and electrical utility infrastructure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Farming in the area has historically been risky financially and provided uncertain revenue for owners, said Overall Management Co., representing landowners working with Innergex, in a public comment to EFSEC.

Lease payments farmers receive for the solar development would provide a more reliable source of income and help subsidized farming on adjacent vineyards, said the owners.

Innergex has leased 35 privately owned parcels of land known as Robert Ranch for the project.

Currently it is very difficult to keep the ranch afloat with less water to irrigate and higher prices for fuel, fertilizer and equipment costs, said Robin Robert of Robert Ranch, in a comment on the project. This project will enable the family ranch to stay in the hands of our future generations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The ranch has only a few neighbors to the west and most have no problem with the project, said Dave Robert of Robert Ranch.

Innergex Renewable Energy is proposing the Wautoma Solar Energy Project, a 470 megawatt project in northwest Benton County.

Our deep irrigation well water level is constantly lowering every few years, he said. In the near future, we may not have enough water to maintain many irrigation crops. The solar project could be a great benefit to help the water level increase with 80% less irrigation water usage.

Overall Management Co. said groundwater levels below portions of the properties to be leased have been declining since the mid 70s.

Likely contributors to the issue have been aquifer withdrawals from prolonged irrigation for farming, climate change resulting in warmer temperatures, drought conditions and less snowpack, it said.

Some solar project concerns

Concerns were raised during public comment periods about Eastern Washingtons shrinking shrub steppe habitat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society said it was critical that the project not impact the biological, geological and cultural resources of the Hanford Reach National Monument.

Innergex Renewable Energy has proposed the Watouma Solar Project, a 470-megawatt solar generation project with battery storage, in northwest Benton County, about 12 miles northeast of Sunnyside.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Innergex said it plans to minimize impact to the shrub steppe habitat, including by having corridors without fencing to allow big game to move north-south and east-west through the project. Fencing will be designed with a four-inch gap at the bottom to allow passage of small game and no barbed wire on top.

Innergex has been in discussions with the Yakama Nation and has implemented most of its requested measures to mitigate impacts on traditional cultural properties, Innergex said in a document submitted to EFSEC.

EFSEC recommended that before construction starts, Innergex be required to submit a plan on the steps it will take to avoid archaeological resources that are discovered during work to build the solar project.

Proposed, operating solar projects

Benton County now has about nine proposed or operating solar projects, including two others under consideration by EFSEC.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those include the Hop Hill Solar and Storage Project about five miles south of the Wautoma Solar Project and Wallula Gap Solar in southern Benton County just north of the Columbia River off Highway 14. An EFSEC application for another project, Benton Solar, is pending.

Inslee already has approved the Horse Heaven Clean Energy Project, which includes wind turbines and also some solar panels, along the Horse Heaven Hills just south of the Tri-Cities.

Energy Northwest, which operates the Northwests only commercial nuclear power plant near Richland, already has two solar developments and has the opportunity to site another solar project on some former Department of Energy Hanford nuclear site land.

In addition, the Department of Energy has proposed what could be one of the largest, if not the largest solar and battery project in the nation, for unused Hanford nuclear reservation land near the southeast edge of the Hanford site near Richland.
Jan. 10SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP  After discussions, debates and deliberations stretching back more than four years, efforts to bring a more than 2,000-acre, 300-megawatt solar farm to Allen and Auglaize Counties came to an end Thursday after Birch Solar 1, LLC filed an application with the Ohio Supreme Court to dismiss its appeal of a ruling by the Ohio Power Siting Board denying approval for the project.

The text of the application put the end of this project in plain terms, with the reason for the filing being that Birch Solar 1 "has elected to suspend further development of the solar facility at issue in the appeal."

The genesis of this project goes back to October 2020 when LightsourceBP, the company behind the Birch Solar project, announced it was reaching out to stakeholders in Allen and Auglaize County about the project, initially estimated to cost $337 million. However, the project was quickly met with resistance from area residents, with concerns ranging from the impact on property values to infringing on the rights of property owners and the loss of valuable farmland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"That's some of our best farm ground in Shawnee Township," Shawnee Township Trustee Clark Spieles said. "But one of the worst things was [the idea of] telling someone what they can and can't do with their land."

That resistance soon made its way to the Power Siting Board, with objections coming from impacted citizens as well as local government representatives, including township trustees and the Boards of Commissioners for both Allen and Auglaize Counties.

In October 2022, the siting board unanimously denied LighthouseBP's application, citing a lack of "public interest, convenience and necessity as required by Ohio law," according to previous Lima News coverage.

After Thursday's filing, Allen County Commissioner Beth Seibert said the position of her board has not changed throughout the process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We agree with the original ruling of the Ohio Public Works Commission Power Siting Board," she said. "Beyond that, we don't have any comment on the filing for withdrawal."

An appeal filed with the siting board was denied the following June after LightsourceBP argued that the board was overreliant on public sentiment and did not conduct its own analysis of the project's potential benefits. The siting board repeated its emphasis on public interest, convenience and necessity as the primary factors in its decision.

With the project now suspended indefinitely, Spieles expressed gratification at the board's willingness to take public concerns into account in its decisions.

"It played out that the residents got to speak," he said. "It's a good thing that everyone was involved."

A message was left with LightsoureceBP requesting comment, but that message was not returned Friday.

Featured Local Savings
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  The black boxes of a Boeing jetliner that crashed in South Korea last month stopped recording about four minutes before the accident, South Korean officials said Saturday, possibly complicating investigations into the cause of the disaster that killed 179 people.

After analyzing the devices, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board concluded that both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders stopped working about four minutes before the crash, the South Korean Transportation Ministry said.

The Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air skidded off a runway in the South Korean town of Muan on Dec. 29 after its landing gear failed to deploy, slamming into a concrete structure and bursting into flames, killing all but two of the 181 people on board.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After initially analyzing the black boxes, South Korean officials sent the devices to the NTSB for closer examination after discovering that some of the data was missing. The transportation ministry said it wasnt immediately clear why the devices failed to record data in the last four minutes.

Data from the CVR ( cockpit voice recorder) and FDR (flight data recorder) are crucial in investigating accidents, but such investigations are conducted through the examination and analysis of various sources of information, and we plan to do our utmost to determine the cause of the accident, the ministry said in a statement.

South Korean investigators have said that air traffic controllers warned the pilot about possible bird strikes two minutes before the aircraft issued a distress signal confirming that a bird strike had occurred, after which the pilot attempted an emergency landing.

South Korean officials have also pledged to improve airport safety after experts linked the high death toll to Muan airport's localizer system, the structure hit by the aircraft as it crashed. The localizer, a set of antennas designed to guide aircraft during landings, was housed in a concrete structure covered with dirt on an elevated embankment. This has raised questions about whether the structure should have been built with lighter materials that would break more easily upon impact.
The race to lead the Democratic National Committee following the partys bitter losses has so far brought all the excitement of watching a euchre tournament, full of Midwestern niceness befitting its two frontrunners but short on big ideas or disagreements over how to salvage their fortunes.

At least thats the state of things as Democrats head into the first forum on Saturday, which includes a face-off between Wisconsin Democratic Party boss Ben Wikler and Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Chair Ken Martin.

The race reflects an unsettled party with no putative leader at a time when it is still diagnosing what went wrong in November. And its lack of traditional ideological lines points to a party frozen amid existential questions about where it goes from here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So far, though, the contest over Democrats top job has not drawn some of the bold-faced names once bandied about, from outgoing Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel to former Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, nor has it produced a meaningful difference of opinion on where the party should go from here.

Instead, the debate has centered on technocratic squabbles over party mechanics and the individual candidates resumes rather than some of the larger ideological and policy debates. The candidates are more likely to point to their endorsements  Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz backed Martin, while Sen. Chuck Schumer is behind Wikler  than serious differences in visions.

Of the four major candidates, the only place youre going to see some daylight is in personality, said Jennifer Holdsworth, a Democratic strategist who managed Pete Buttigiegs DNC bid in 2017.

Ahead of Saturdays southern-focused forum, Martin notched endorsements from 19 Democratic leaders in nine states across the South, news shared first with POLITICO ahead of the forum on Saturday. They included party chairs of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia  on top of backing from eight full elected state delegations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wikler and Martin, who lead the pack of eight declared chair candidates, are both state party chairs from the upper Midwest who are calling for year-round organizing and a 50-state strategy. In a memo released on Saturday, Wikler also called for an after-action review after every campaign, including of 2024.

I think that the key question is [who has the] track record for figuring out how to break out of the the box that Republicans put Democrats into, Wikler said in an interview. The work that weve been able to do in Wisconsin is to have unrigged a state that the GOP had rigged and broken out of the communication bubble Democrats can find themselves strapped in.

Wikler got a bit of a boost in his bid this week after the Association of State Democratic Chairs, a body that focuses on the needs of state parties, declined to endorse in the chairs race. It was perceived by some as a snub to Martin, who has shepherded the organization for years, though a joint endorsement of both Martin and Wikler also failed.

Its difficult for us to rally behind one candidate because all of the candidates are saying theyre going to support state parties and put state parties at center stage, said Jane Kleeb, an ASDC member and chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The DNC job itself has changed over time, now less concerned with setting a vision for the party than the blocking and tackling of organization.

Its very much a COO kind of job, said Caitlin Legacki, a Democratic campaign veteran. Its making sure that the bills are getting paid, making sure people have what they need. But much more functional than it used to be. If youre an elected official who wants to have a bigger role in the party, the way to do that is not necessarily by taking this job that is very much focused on, like, making the bureaucracy work.



But while both candidates came up through the state party infrastructure, their allies are squabbling over their track records and relationships. Backers of Martin argue that Wikler is overly cozy with top Democratic donors, though Wiklers team pointed to his strength with small-dollar donors. Martin supporters also note that Wikler, even though he was backed by a robust fundraising program in 2024 and lives in the closest battleground state, wasnt able to help Vice President Kamala Harris win.

Martin, for his part, has led Democrats in Minnesota, a less competitive state that a Republican presidential candidate hasnt won in decades. But further down the ballot, Minnesotas DFL stumbled in a state legislative race, where they fielded a candidate who lost their seat over residency issues. Now, Republicans hold a temporary one-seat majority in the state House until a special election later this month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, there is a sense within the party that the field  even as it careens through a series of four officially sanctioned forums that culminate in a vote on Feb. 1  is missing both candidates and high-minded debates that could improve the partys fortunes.

I guess it feels blah? But that doesnt mean blah is a bad thing, said one DNC member, granted anonymity to discuss the issue candidly. I keep hearing criticisms that no ones talking to get to the root of why we lost. Well, the DNC doesnt determine the message anymore. So, yeah, it feels a little blah, but the job is blah, so who can do blah the best?

The ideological schisms that existed in 2017 are also gone: This time, there is no candidate from the Hillary Clinton wing or Barack Obama wing or Bernie Sanders wing  a feature of the race that is indicative of the partys larger leaderless moment.

The forums in 2017 were a bit more exciting. I dont say that as a knock on anyone who is running this year, but resistance to [Donald] Trump was a novelty in 2017. Now, its a slog, Holdsworth said. The conversation has moved on from resistance to how are we going to put Humpty Dumpty back together again? Thats not as sexy but its just as important.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, Lavora Barnes, who serves as ASDC secretary, this week threw her support behind Wikler, calling him a uniter and someone who knows how to win.

Ben can raise money and this is a national party that is going to need to raise money thats not going to have the power of a White House to help, Barnes said in an interview.

A handful of unsanctioned candidate forums took place this past week, including separate virtual gatherings of the DNCs Ethnic Council and Labor Council. Largely candidates have thus far shied away from attacking each other directly.



Former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley, who appears to be a distant third in the race at the moment, with more than 60 members backing him according to an adviser, unveiled a string of endorsements this week, including from some former and current members of the Congressional Black Caucus and from more than 50 current and former mayors. They include Shirley Franklin, the first Black woman elected mayor of Atlanta, and Mitch Landrieu, who served two terms as mayor of New Orleans and most recently was co-chair of Harris presidential campaign.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

OMalley is touting his experience as the only candidate to be elected statewide who has run a national group, the Democratic Governors Association.

Some Democrats will be looking for more than humdrum when the chair candidates square off in their series of forums. Longtime DNC member Maria Cardona said the party cant just fight the small battles, and that candidates need to know how to come up with the winning way forward.

The winning way forward has got to include how do you put together another winning coalition that includes Black people, Latinos, women, LGBT, young people  who decided to either sit it out or to take a chance with Donald Trump, she said.

And New York State Sen. James Skoufis, who is running as an outsider, said he has 23 votes and is positioned to overtake OMalley.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The message is resonating in some ways in an even surprising, amazing way, but really cutting deep into the sentiment that is held by the majority of DNC members, and that is that we need significant, wholesale reform, and that someone who has not been part of the apparatus is best positioned to deliver it, said Skoufis.

The competition could take on new contours and definition starting Saturday afternoon, at the virtual forum focused on the Southern region.

Over the next three weeks, as the forums get under way, this race will be coming into focus, said Donna Brazile, a two-time former interim DNC chair. I cant wait to watch it on Saturday. I dont know if Ill have the popcorn or just go straight for the hard stuff, but I have enormous faith in the future of the Democratic Party. Its down, but its not out.
EXCLUSIVE: The filings are flying fast and furious again in the battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over the actress claims of sexual harassment and an online smear campaign.

However, while Baldoni is expected to go after Lively directly after hitting the New York Times with a $250 million libel complaint on New Years Eve, the latest filings are from neither of the It Ends With Us stars, but from the PR Chief who has become a pivotal figure in this sordid saga.

More from Deadline

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Three weeks after Stephanie Jones sued Baldoni, Crisis PR boss Melissa Nathan, Baldonis Wayfarer Studios and flack Jennifer Abel for defamation and breach of contract, the Jonesworks founder is going after half a dozen tech companies for more info on who said what about what to whom, Ive learned.

In practical terms, thats third-party subpoenas being served on the corporate entities of WhatsApp, Signal, website hosts Hostinger and Name Cheap, digital publishing platform AnyFlip, and chatbot company Gab AI. The subpoenas to WhatsApp and Signal are focused to gather account information, including account deletions. The subpoenas to website hosting services and social media handles are about finding who was behind anonymous websites and posts.

Disclosure is being sought because, upon information and belief, You possess documents and communications material and necessary to the prosecution or defense of this Action, including (but not limited to) information related to the allegations in the Complaint in the above-captioned action, all the subpoena filings in New York state court say.

As Hollywood has overwhelmingly sided with Lively, and Baldoni has been dumped by their mutual agency WME, seen IEWU distributor Sony back Lively in broad strokes, had podcast co-hosts quit on him and feminist ally awards taken back, the whole affair has expanded the gulf between private and public personas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In her Christmas Eve action, Jones eight-claim complaint filed by her Quinn Emanuel lawyers turned an even brighter spotlight on her fellow publicists and Jane the Virgin vet Baldoni after Livelys explosive December 20 complaint to the California Civil Rights department pulled back the veil on the way the Hollywood messaging sausage is made. Defendants Abel and Nathan secretly conspired for months to publicly and privately attack Jones and Jonesworks, to breach multiple contracts and induce contractual breaches, and to steal clients and business prospects, said Jones 52-page text message illustrated paperwork.

Accusing Abel and others of late night document downloads galore in anticipation of corporate exits, Jones insists she had no idea of what was going on with Baldoni and Lively on IEWU, the friction and the Initiative to drag the Gossip Girl alum through the digital dirt if dirty laundry came out on then Jonesworks client Baldoni.

On the other side, the Bryan Freedman represented Abel has said repeatedly, in deleted Facebook posts and elsewhere, that Jones was fully read in on what was going on.

Abel has contended that while conversations of a sophomorically nature were had, the anti-Lively campaign was never executed because we didnt have to implement anything, because the internet was doing the work for us. Now running her own PR firm RWA Communications, Abel also has made it clear she thinks Jones handed over to Livelys lawyers the cherry picked text messages and other communications that make up the guts of the actress A-lister supported CRD complaint and her subsequent December 24 lawsuit against Baldoni, Nathan, Abel and others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jones has said in her own complaint that the text messages and other internal communications Lively got were provided from Abels phone, email, etc in compliance with court order subpoenas from the actress legal team and not any resentment about Abel leaving Joneswork  though Abel taking clients like Baldoni with her makes up a not-insignificant portion of Jones suit.

Appearing on the likes of The Megyn Kelly Show and Chris Cuomos NewsNation show in the last two weeks, the savvy Freedman has promised that he intends to sue Lively Into oblivion for Baldoni, Abel, Nathan and others. Freedman even threw down the legal gauntlet on Livelys blockbuster Merc with a Mouth spouse, who has had cameos in almost all the flings form all sides so far. Theres a number of different defendants here Ryan Reynolds for sure, the attorney earlier this month told Kelly, who he scored a more than $25 million payoff from NBC for back in 2019.

With all that, Jones lawyers basic flex is bring it on.

We know that Mr. Freedman would far prefer to try this case on television shows hosted by his own clients than in a courtroom, Maaren Shah said to Deadline this evening. However, that doesnt give him the right to wantonly disparage our client with wild claims that have nothing to do with the case he is allegedly defending, the Quinn Emanuel partner went on to say. We understand its hard to follow given how many defendants he is representing in various suits, but to remind him, one or more of his clients stole Stephs confidential documents, breached her contract and plotted to sabotage and end her business.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We plan to argue that case, in court, in front of a judge and jury whether or not television cameras are allowed.

With that and more to come, lets not pretend this isnt a trial by media from all sides as much as it is on the docket and eventually in court  thats just good PR.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Blue Origin ran into problems trying to send up its New Glenn rocket on its debut launch from the Space Coast early Monday and ultimately scrubbed the attempt.

Teams reset the countdown clock several times during the 1-4 a.m. window with the 321-foot-tall rocket looking to fly on the NG-1 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Stations Launch Complex 36.

We are standing down todays launch attempt to troubleshoot a vehicle subsystem issue that will take us beyond our launch window, said Blue Origin commentator Ariane Cornell a little after 3 a.m. We are reviewing opportunities for our next launch attempt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No exact explanation of what issues were causing the resets.

The team is continuing to work through a few anomalies before we can proceed into terminal count, said Blue Origin commentator Maggie McNeece earlier in the broadcast. So weve got the engineers looking at all that data. Weve got the controllers working through workarounds.

Crowds in the hundreds began to fill up Jetty Park just 5 miles south of the launch site on the south end of Port Canaveral late Sunday evening. Blue Origin employees gathered at KARS park in Titusville about 6 miles away to the west of the launch pad.

Were looking forward to the rumble of the BE-4 engine, said employee Eddie Seyffert during Blue Origins broadcast ahead of launch. Were looking forward to the blue streak across the dark sky. And weve got, you know, the flags, the emblems, the swag. Were very proud to be here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It had been targeting an early Sunday launch, but the company called that off noting poor weather in the Atlantic where it intends to try a booster recovery after launch, similar to how SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket boosters make their landing. Blue Origin had already delayed its original early Thursday launch target this week because of high seas.

Billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos created Blue Origin back in 2000, but has to date only launched the smaller suborbital New Shepard rockets from its facilities in West Texas.

The New Glenn rocket, manufactured at Blue Origins massive Rocket Park campus adjacent Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island, is Bezos foray into the heavy-lift rocket game to compete with SpaceX and United Launch Alliance.

Bezos was sitting in at mission control from Rocket Park, shown during the broadcast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The payload for NG-1 is pathfinder hardware for Blue Ring, the satellite distribution apparatus the company will eventually use to transport customer payloads to desired orbital locations after deployment from the rockets second stage. The pathfinder wont leave the second stage for NG-1, but will test out communication and telemetry.

New Glenns debut launch was originally targeting last fall for a NASA mission to send a pair of satellites to Mars, but NASA opted to delay that mission as New Glenns readiness for the required launch window was cutting it close.

Blue Origin then pivoted to fly up their own hardware, but the mission will also satisfy a Space Force requirement of two successful certification launches before the company would be allowed to fly nationals security missions.

The flight profile has the rocket lifting off from LC-36 powered by seven of Blue Origins BE-4 engines using the blue flame-burning combination of liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas. Combined, they produce 3.9 million pounds of thrust, which is more than twice the power of a Falcon 9.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After separating from the first stage, the second stage powered by two of the companys hydrogen-powered BE-3U engines will head to a highly elliptical, medium-Earth orbit with an apogee of about 12,000 miles altitude.

After the mission, the second stage will be made inert and remain in space as orbital debris.

Blue Origin tests out New Glenn rocket recovery crane at Port Canaveral

The first-stage has been dubbed So Youre Telling Me Theres a Chance, referencing a classic line from Jim Carrey comedy Dumb & Dumber. It will attempt its landing at 9 minutes, 28 seconds after liftoff on the ship named Jacklyn, named after Bezos mother, located several hundred miles downrange, after which it will be brought back to Port Canaveral to be lifted off and sent back to the Rocket Park for refurbishment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The New Glenn boosters are designed for 25 flights.

This is our first flight and weve prepared rigorously for it, said Jarrett Jones, senior vice president for the New Glenn program. But no amount of ground testing or mission simulations are a replacement for flying this rocket. Its time to fly. No matter what happens, well learn, refine, and apply that knowledge to our next launch.

Bezos invested more than $1 billion to refurbish LC-36, which was previously used for government launches from 1962-2005 including lunar lander Surveyor 1 in 1967 and some of the Mariner probes. The complex has enough room to process three New Glenn rockets at once.

Its entry into the heavy-lift market features the largest cargo space available for customers using a 23-foot diameter fairing, the encapsulating part of the rocket that forms the cone at the top. SpaceX and ULA use 17- to 18-foot-diameter fairings, so New Glenns cargo space is roughly double, able to fit up to three school buses, or 28 Tesla roadsters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New rocket, new spacecraft and new moon landers on tap for 2025

While Blue Origin has already been approved to bid for future Department of Defense missions under the National Space Security Launch program, it needs to be certified first, but the company already has several government and commercial launches booked.

That includes a contract for 12 launches, with an option for an additional 15, for Amazon to send up hundreds of satellites for its Project Kuiper internet constellation that aims to compete with SpaceXs Starlink.

NASA is also relying on Blue Origin for future launches of its human space landing system Blue Moon for the Artemis moon program, which will launch on New Glenn.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has addressed Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin using some typically colourful language to emphasise that he should give up his imperial ambitions.

Source: Johnson in an interview with Baltic news website Delfi, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Johnson said the most essential message to get across to Putin is that Russia is no longer an empire.

He pointed out that while Britain used to have an empire, it is now almost entirely gone. He noted that the British Empire was seven times the size of the Roman Empire and the largest empire in history, but said the UK was happy with its post-imperialist role.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He stressed that there is no need to control other countries, saying: "If you love someone, let them go."

"What Putin is doing is archaic and barbaric, and he needs to understand that Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania  none of these countries are part of the Russian imperium anymore, and nor is Ukraine. It's over," Johnson said, adding emphatically: "No more empire, Vladimir, you f**king idiot!"

Johnson immediately apologised for swearing but added: "That's the way it is."

Background:

In November, Boris Johnson urged the international community to provide Ukraine with a US$500 billion loan to help it end the war and to announce a date by which Ukraine would join NATO.

He also said he believes British troops could be deployed in Ukraine if US President-elect Donald Trump cuts military aid to Kyiv.

Support UP or become our patron!
In the wee hours of an October morning, dozens of dogs chased the hulking figure of an animal scrambling through a forest in northwestern China as a thermal drone whizzed overhead.

The dogs caught it! Just stab it! Stab it! a drone operator shouted into his walkie-talkie to the hunter, in a video report by a state-linked news outlet.

The hunter rushed to the spot where the dogs had cornered the 125-kilogram beast, and thrust his spear into it, killing the animal and securing a reward of 2,400 yuan ($330).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He works with one of six bounty hunting teams hired by Xiji county in Chinas northwestern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region this fall.

Their prey? Wild boars.

In recent years, China has authorized teams of bounty hunters to kill wild boars as part of a pilot program to control a pest thats wreaking havoc on crops and causing accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. In February, the program was expanded to a nationwide cull.

The hunters are not allowed to use firearms or poison, but the cull has surprised the public in a country where wildlife protection is tightly regulated.

Animal protection groups have criticized the measure as experts debate whether the rise in wild boar attacks justifies killing large numbers of animals, and if hunting is the right solution to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the worlds second most populous country.

Wild boar attacks

Chinas problem with wild boars dates back over two decades, when people hunted so many of the animals to eat that they became extinct in some areas, according to the state broadcaster CGTN.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In response, the government added them to a national protection list in 2000, allowing licensed hunting only in areas where there were too many boars.

Over time, almost free from natural predators, the animals population surged from some 10,000 to about 2 million, and so did reports of wild boar attacks.

Boars caused damage to property or people in all but eight of Chinas 34 provincial-level regions, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) said last January.

In Xiji county, where six official bounty hunting teams killed 300 wild boars this fall, the animals inflicted economic losses of over 2 million yuan ($276,200) in 2023 alone, mainly through tearing up farmland, a local official told The Paper, a state-run newspaper.

A cornfield devastated by wild boars in central Henan province. - @xiangru/Douyin

People have also lost their lives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In December 2023, a 51-year-old villager from central Hubei province died from blood loss after being bitten by a wild boar, The Paper reported. Three years earlier, a village official suffered a similar fatal boar attack in southwestern Sichuan province, according to the newspaper.

Boars have also been seen in urban areas more frequently as their numbers rise and habitat shrinks from Chinas rapid urbanization.

A wild boar burst into the lobby of a four-star hotel in Nanjing in late October, struggling to escape on the slick floor before security captured it, according to state media reports.

Two days earlier, another boar, weighing 80 kilograms, ran amok through a downtown street in eastern Hangzhou, overturning vehicles and rampaging in a local shop.

Is hunting the right solution?

Wild boar huntings popularity plummeted after the species came under national protection, though some poachers still risked jail time to kill them for sale in wildlife markets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But demand for boar meat slumped when Beijing imposed what it called an unprecedentedly strict ban on wildlife consumption in early 2020.

At the time, the coronavirus pandemic was spreading worldwide and many scientists linked it back to a food market in central China that sold wild meat.

One year after the consumption ban, reports of wild boar attacks exceeded 100 for the first time, according to a tally of human-boar conflicts from 2000 to 2021 published in Acta Geographica Sinica, a leading Chinese geographic journal.

As social and state media reports of wild boar attacks continued to mount, the central government removed the species from its national protection list in 2023, waiving the need for a license to hunt them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While many welcomed the policy shift to control the pest, recent high-profile bounty hunting initiatives by local authorities have faced some pushback, igniting debate among experts about how the country should tackle this growing public menace.

A screengrab from thermal drone footage posted by a bounty hunting team in Ningxia, showing dogs cornering a boar, with a hunter (lower right) approaching. - @Chengshilierenquanshe/Douyin

Arent we supposed to protect animals? Why are we back to hunting again? said a user on Douyin, TikToks sister app in China.

An animal protection group active in fighting wildlife poaching for over a decade called the nationwide culling a brutal farce, on Chinas X-like platform Weibo.

Officials have defended the policy. Sun Quanhui, a member of the Wild Boar Population Management Expert Group at Chinas top forestry administration, told the state-run China Daily that hunting was the only way to manage the wild boar population, given the absence of natural predators.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yet, Zhou Jinfeng, secretary general of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, a Beijing-based conservation organization, told CNN that hunting, as a form of human intervention, is only justifiable when the animals population truly overwhelms the local ecology.

And based on open data, he said, it was way too early to say the boars were running rampant in China.

He added that wild boar attacks are precisely a fallout of humans disrupting the natural balance.

On one hand, weve driven their natural predators, like tigers, to the brink of extinction. On the other, while were becoming more aware of the need for conservation, many of our efforts are one-sided.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Among those who agree on the need to curb the wild boar population, opinions vary on how to cull them and what to do with the carcasses.

Members of the state-backed expert group suggested hunters should be allowed to use guns to improve hunting efficiency, as reported by The Paper.

They also proposed changing Chinas laws to allow people to consume captured wild boars, but only after a quarantine process to ensure the meat is safe to eat. However, the group didnt provide further details on how this would work.

Both proposals have raised safety concerns among experts outside the group.

Chinas top forestry authority said it was working to optimize firearms and ammunition management to facilitate professional hunting, according to the state-owned Peoples Daily.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

CNN reached out to the authority for more details on possible use of firearms and a response to the advice to legalize the consumption of wild boars.

Wild boar damage has become a disaster which actually reflects a certain imbalance in the ecological environment, the deputy head of the expert group told CCTV.

Therefore, no matter what methods we use, we ultimately need to restore the flow and balance of the ecological chain to achieve true harmony between humans and nature.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A New Jersey man has been charged after a woman's body was found last month in a refrigerator left in a forest, according to multiple outlets.

As previously reported, the New Jersey State Police alerted the public to human remains found in a refrigerator on Dec. 22 in Cape May County's Belleplain State Forest  asking for help in identifying the woman by sharing a look at her tattoos.

The body was discovered by troopers shortly before 3 p.m. inside the forest in Dennis Township.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Christopher Blevins, 45, has since been charged with desecrating human remains and hindering apprehension after authorities say they believe he transported the refrigerator to Belleplain State Forest in July before fleeing to Mexico, according to an affidavit of probable cause for his arrest obtained by NJ.com and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The woman has since been identified as Laura Hughes, 50, who the outlets report was in a relationship with Blevins. According to reports, no one had been charged in causing her death.

A spokesperson for the New Jersey State Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Saturday, Jan. 11.

Related: Boy, 4, Killed, Allegedly After Asking Dad to Leave During Christmas Eve Argument with Mom: 'Never Got to Open Presents'

New Jersey State Police/Facebook New Jersey State Police vehicle New Jersey State Police vehicle

Per the Inquirer, NJ.com and CBS News, Blevins fled to Mexico in August. He crossed the border through Brownsville, Texas, and remained in hiding for multiple weeks, according to the Inquirer, before telling Mexico City authorities on Aug. 27 that he left the U.S. after he "panicked" following a violent incident in Runnemede, potentially killing someone in a bar fight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the Inquirer, which cites the affidavit, the refrigerator was found wrapped in a sleeping bag, covered in carpet, and secured with blue ratchet straps. Blevins green pickup truck was seen with a refrigerator-shaped object in the back in late July, as picked up by license plate readers, per CBS News, the Inquirer and WPVI-TV.

While searching the pair's shared home, authorities later discovered blue ratchet straps and a calendar with the days until July 24 marked with an x," per the Inquirer. The Inquirer and CBS News state that the couple had a history of domestic violence.

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.

Blevins reported charges come after a 46-year-old man was charged with fourth-degree obstruction and failure to be fingerprinted after telling police he took property from the refrigerator in the forest before returning the next day to find the woman's remains, per NJ.com. He was released late last month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: Man Allegedly Hid Dad's Body in Fridge, Then Impersonated Him on Ring Camera When Cops Came Looking: Police

Google Maps Belleplain State Forest, New Jersey Belleplain State Forest, New Jersey

A GoFundMe has since been launched on behalf of Hughes' family in an effort to "honor Laura's memory and find a small sense of peace amid this tragedy." It noted that Cornel Alston, the father of her two children, was informed on Dec. 30 that the remains discovered were of Hughes. Her daughters are 18 and 13 years old.

"This unimaginable loss has left Cornel's daughters facing a difficult journey filled with grief and a whole lot of uncertainty. We are raising funds to assist with the cremation expenses and to plant a tree in her memory, providing a lasting tribute to her love," the fundraiser reads. "Any remaining funds will be directed towards supporting the girls education and school needs, ensuring they have the resources they need during this challenging time."

The campaign has since raised nearly $2,000 of a $10,000 goal as of Saturday.

Read the original article on People
SAO PAULO (AP)  Brazilian police were investigating the deaths of two men in an attack on a workers settlement in Sao Paulo state, authorities said Saturday.

Brazils Landless Workers Movement, known as MST, said 10 people invaded a settlement in Tremembe, a city about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northeast of Sao Paulo, and fired on members of the group late Friday.

Gleison Barbosa de Carvalho, 28, and Valdir do Nascimento, 52, were killed, and six others were hospitalized with injuries, state police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said one man was arrested and that the case was being investigated for possible charges of homicide, attempted homicide and illegal possession of a firearm.

Testimonies from the victims indicated that suspects in cars and motorcycles opened fire on them, local police said in a statement.

The Landless Workers Movement, one of Latin Americas largest and most influential social movements, was founded in 1984. Its primary political tactic is promoting encampments on l and it claims is unproductive.

The MST said the targeted settlement has been under pressure from real estate developers because of its strategic location near tourist areas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For years, the settled families have suffered constant threats and coercion, despite numerous complaints made to state and federal authorities, the group said.

Paulo Teixeira, Brazils minister of Agrarian Development and Family Agriculture, called it a very serious crime in a post on X on Saturday afternoon. He said President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva instructed him to travel to Tremembe to monitor the case.

A Justice Ministry statement Saturday said the federal police will also investigate.

A thorough investigation is essential to hold the criminals accountable, Attorney General Jorge Messias also said on X.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI)  The Bristol County District Attorneys Office is investigating after a 27-year-old man was killed in a triple shooting early Saturday morning.

Officers responding Morna Lounge on Acushnet Avenue around 1:30 a.m. for a report of a shooting found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Cristiano Macedo, of New Bedford, was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time after his arrival, the DAs office said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The two other victims, only identified as women in their 20s, were also brought to the hospital to be treated for their injuries. Both are expected to be OK.

In a statement, Mayor Jon Mitchell said theres no place in our city for brazen acts of violence like this mornings shooting.

New Bedford Police is working diligently with the Bristol County DAs Office to apprehend the perpetrator and bring him to justice, Mitchell added. Chief Oliveira and I will urge the Citys licensing board to hold accountable any establishment where there has been a pattern of police incidents, including the bar where this mornings incident took place.

No word on any arrests or what led up to the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

NEXT: Elderly woman dies after being struck by vehicle

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.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  China and Britain restarted economic and financial talks on Saturday after a six-year hiatus during a visit by Britains Treasury chief to Beijing, as the U.K.s Labour government seeks to reset strained ties with the worlds second-largest economy.

Accompanied by a delegation of British business executives and finance officials, Chancellor Rachel Reeves met with Chinese leaders, including Vice Premier He Lifeng and Vice President Han Zheng.

Reeves emphasized the need for a stable, pragmatic U.K.-China relationship as she wrapped up talks in Beijing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Our two countries can work together on areas of mutual interest in the interests of our citizens, whilst also being frank and open with each other when we disagree, she said.

The Sino-British ties have soured following a series of spying allegations from both sides, Chinas support for Russia in the Ukraine war and a crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong, a former British colony.

British officials said Reeves will also urge Beijing to stop its material and economic support for the Russian war effort in Ukraine and raise the issue of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

The two sides inked agreements on Saturday in areas such as finance worth 600 million pounds ($732 million) over the next five years for the U.K. economy, Reeves said without outlining the specifics of the deals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Overall, this governments re-engagement with China already sets us on course to deliver up to 1 billion pounds of value for the UK economy, she said.

Reevess three-day trip has been clouded by upheaval in the bond markets, which has pushed borrowing costs to their highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. The opposition Conservative Party has accused her of having fled to China, rather than addressing ease market concerns about inflation and economic stagnation.

In an op-ed piece in the Times of London, Reeves insisted that China offers Britain an opportunity to bolster growth. The nation cannot ignore the fact that China is its fourth-largest trading partner, with exports supporting close to half a million jobs in the UK, she said.

Choosing not to engage with China is therefore no choice at all, she wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Reeves visit marked the revival of the China-U.K. Economic and Financial Dialogue  annual bilateral talks that have been suspended since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and deteriorating relations. London hopes renewed dialogues will help bring down barriers that U.K. businesses face when looking to export or expand to China.

Britain seeks to improve exchanges in areas such as sustainable finance, capital markets connectivity, pensions and regulatory alignment, as well as trade and investment, Reeves added.

As part of this, it is important to prevent economic links weakening our national security and economic resilience, she said.

She said she welcomed Chinas plans to issue its first overseas sovereign green bond in London this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The meeting also focused on finding ways to lift market access barriers for goods and services, including unlocking a package in agrifood which is set to boost U.K. trade with China, Reeves added.

Vice Premier He said China and Britain agreed to remove barriers to investment in areas such as clean technology, life sciences, digital technology and financial services.

The delegation included Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and the CEOs of the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority and the London Stock Exchange Group. Senior executives from some of Britains biggest financial services firms, including the group chairs of HSBC and Standard Chartered, were also included.

Reeves visit comes after Foreign Secretary David Lammy traveled to China in October and Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil in November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its all part of a bid by Starmer, elected as leader in July, to strengthen political and economic ties with China, the U.K.s fourth-largest single trading partner, according to the Treasury.

Officials said Starmer wanted a pragmatic approach to working with Beijing on global stability, climate change and the transition to clean energy. But some in the opposition Conservative Party have criticized his stance and said trade ties should not come at the expense of national security and human rights concerns.

British political leaders and intelligence chiefs have repeatedly warned that China poses security threats. Calls to tackle the challenge grew louder last month when it emerged that an alleged Chinese spy had cultivated close ties with Prince Andrew and carried out covert and deceptive activity for Chinas ruling Communist Party, according to officials.

National security is the foundation of what any government acting in the national interest will prioritize, Reeves said. But we need to make sure that we have pragmatic and good relations with countries around the world. That is in our national interest.

___

Associated Press writers Sylvia Hui and Danica Kirka in London and video producer Caroline Chen in Beijing contributed to this report.
A leading British defence start-up is scrambling to cut ties with a Chinese investor that was last week blacklisted by the Pentagon.

Hadean, which makes artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation tools used by the Ministry of Defence and Nato, is urgently seeking new investors to replace Tencent.

The Chinese technology giant was last week placed on a Pentagon blacklist by US defence officials, which labels Tencent a military company.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The US said the designation was aimed at highlighting and countering the Peoples Republic of Chinas military-civil fusion strategy.

It blocks US officials from having dealings with Tencent from next year.

Hadean said it was in the process of replacing Tencent as a shareholder given the geopolitical-situation has changed since their investment.

Tencent holds a roughly 5pc stake in the business, according to Companies House documents.

Hadean previously raised $30m (24m) from investors including Tencent, the governments Future Fund and In-Q-Tel, an investment firm backed by Americas CIA.

Tencent invested at a time when Hadean was exploring using its simulation technology for gaming. However, it has since narrowed its focus towards military applications.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In December, Hadean signed a deal with the Ministry of Defence worth up to 20m for high-fidelity simulations, AI training and wargaming. A paper by the start-up outlines how its tools could be used to simulate and counter AI drone swarms.

Hadean said Tencent had previously made a minority investment several years ago when the company was focused on the gaming sector.

A spokesman said: Tencent has never held a controlling position nor a seat on our board of directors. Tencent does not have access to the companys technology, nor have they participated in any of the companys customer projects or business dealings.

None the less, given we are no longer operating within the gaming space and the geopolitical-situation has changed since their investment, we are currently in the process of replacing Tencent as a shareholder. They have been understanding and cooperative.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A Tencent spokesman said: We have a good relationship with Hadean and are supporting them with their current process.

Tencent, which owns the messaging app WeChat and a vast gaming empire, has invested in dozens of companies around the world.

In the UK, it has backed software business Sensat and AI drug company Oxford Nanopore. It sold a holding in digital bank Monzo last year.

While Tencent has been free to invest in Britain, it has been accused of facilitating Chinese censorship via WeChat, both in China and abroad.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative Party leader, claimed Tencent was a real threat and represented an organ of influence for Beijing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shares in Tencent, which is valued at more than 350bn, dropped by 10pc on news of the US blacklisting.

Tencent said its inclusion on the Pentagon list was clearly a mistake.

A spokesman said: We are not a military company or a supplier. Unlike sanctions or export controls, this listing has no impact on our business.

Hadeans rush to cut ties with Tencent comes even as Britain seeks to foster closer economic ties with China.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, this week flew to Beijing, along with Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, to renew economic links between the two countries.

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.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  The prosecutor who heads up Michigans Elder Abuse Task Force says he wont stop fighting to reform the states system for appointing guardians and conservators.

You can take control over another human beings life and their property and not have anything regarding certification or licensure, said Scott Teter, chief of the Financial Crimes Division within the Office of the Michigan Attorney General. Thats insane.  That systems broken.

Target 8 first sat down with Teter in 2020 after a Grand Rapids woman was charged in Muskegon County with embezzling from the vulnerable adults whose money she controlled as their guardian.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Crooked caretakers: Easier than you think to steal from the vulnerable

Teter heads up the states Elder Abuse Task Force, which was launched by the attorney generals office in 2019.

You could be stocking the shelves at Walmart yesterday  no offense to those folks  but today, you could be a guardian if the judge appoints you, Teter said in 2020. Thats it. Theres no training required. Theres no certification. Theres nothing.

At the time, Teter touted efforts underway to reform the states system for appointing guardians and conservators by plugging loopholes and beefing up safeguards.

Four years later, after Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker filed a criminal enterprise charge against public guardian Kimberley St. Onge, accusing her of embezzling from two of her wards, Target 8 checked back in with Teter to see if the Elder Abuse Task Force had succeeded in its mission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Neglect, exploitation by Kent County guardian prompt criminal enterprise charge

No. Were not done yet, said Teter in a Friday morning interview with Target 8 via Zoom. Weve presented legislation. I cant pass legislation. I can draft it. I can consult with the 110 members of that task force to make sure weve looked at every possible angle to come up with the best system we can present.

One such proposal would have required training and certification for guardians and conservators.

Right now, the rules vary from county to county, and the state dedicates no public funding for guardian and conservator programs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its pretty much been left up to the probate judges to sort of figure that out, said Teter on Friday. We proposed the Office of State Guardian (in 2023) that would step into this space and provide certification, oversight of public guardians and public funding at a cost of $10 million and could not get support for that.

Teter says reform advocates encountered pushback from the guardian and conservator industry, the probate section of the Michigan Bar and probate court judges.

Judge David Murkowski, chief judge of the Kent County Probate Court, was among those who criticized some proposed reforms.

The current legislation I do not believe, in its current form, provides meaningful, widespread protection to guarded individuals, Murkowski testified in June 2023 before the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety. It overregulates professional guardians, and the legislation, in essence I think, is going to reduce the number of available fiduciaries to serve as guardians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Murkowski argued that reform advocates failed to present empirical evidence to support the premise in the legislation that professional fiduciaries are responsible for  or are the perpetrators of  the lions share of exploitation and require additional regulation.

Murkowski pointed to published statistics showing family members are responsible for substantially more financial exploitation of elders than professional guardians.

So, when I consider who is committing financial exploitation and review the proposed legislation, things seem a little upside down, Murkowski testified. Because the legislation is not focused on whos committing the lions share of the exploitation, which is regrettably family members.

Battle Creek man accused of stealing money from elderly father

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Murkowski said he fears proposed reforms will make it even harder to recruit public guardians, a task thats already difficult.

The need for both family and professional guardians is great, and this need is not going to diminish, Murkowski told the committee. Almost every probate court has a waiting list to look for a guardian.  What will be the result if guardianship is more difficult to secure? One, were going to have an increase in homelessness. Two, were going to have a flooding of missions and shelters.

There has been some progress made in the reform effort, according to Teter.

In those five years, weve made banks and credit unions mandatory reporters for financial exploitation, Teter told Target 8. We redid the entire power of attorney bill.  We also just this past spring got adopted the bill to make financial advisors and security brokers mandatory reporters to try to figure out: Where are the piles of cash, and how do we get alerted if somebody tries to steal it? So those things were big wins.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Teter says reform advocates plan to reintroduce proposed reforms this legislative session, including the creation of the Office of the State Guardian.

The AGs office reports that more than 73,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse. If youre seeking resources or if youve experienced or witnessed elder abuse, youre urged to call 800.242.2873 or 855.444.3911.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BUCYRUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A Crawford County woman who has been censured and removed from meetings while serving with the Bucyrus City Council is under investigation on allegations of disabilities fraud in excess of $50,000.

According to the Crawford County Sheriffs Office, a complaint from the Crawford County Board of Developmental and Disabilities was received in October in reference to possible theft violations.

The complaint alleges that 71-year-old Carolyn Shireman, of Bucyrus, was misspending finances of a man with developmental disabilities, for whom she serves as a power of attorney. Shireman has also previously been charged with telephone harassment and was removed from a council meeting in July after a dispute with a citizen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Get out and do something this weekend

A case manager reportedly attempted to obtain checking account information on behalf of the victim on multiple occasions. The sheriffs office said that the case manager was only given a partial months report from the victims account and was unable to fully investigate the complaint.

Detectives obtained a subpoena for the victims bank account between December 2019 through October 2024 to analyze and organize all bank charges associated with the accounts.

The investigation uncovered multiple fraudulent withdrawals, along with purchases that were made by Shireman for her personal benefit. Those purchases included jewelry, clothing, among others, according to the sheriffs office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Additionally, it was also discovered that the victims 401k and life insurance accounts, which had an estimated value of over $50,000, were closed.

Deputies interviewed the victim Thursday and said he was unaware those accounts had been closed and he confirmed that he did not give Shireman permission for her purchases through his bank account.

In a separate interview, Shireman denied using the victims account without permission and told deputies that the victim knew about everything she spent money on. After consulting with the Crawford County Prosecutors Office, she was arrested and taken to the Crawford County Justice Center.

Fraud charges were pending but expected to be filed Friday, the sheriffs office said, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A case against Shireman was recently dismissed in Crawford County Municipal Court after she was charged with telephone harassment in October. She was also removed from a July 23 City Council meeting and censured in December for repeated interruptions and outbursts, prompting Law Director Brandon Gobrecht to at one point ask, Do you feel like youre all there? after Shireman voluntarily removed herself from all city council committees.

As of Friday, Shireman is listed as an at-large councilperson on the City of Bucyrus website and had no committees.

In September, Shireman wrote a letter to the editor to CrawfordCountyNOW.com to address disputes with fellow councilmembers and harassment accusations. Her letter did not mention fraud charges.

On Monday, Gobrecht released a statement on behalf of the city of Bucyrus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The City of Bucyrus is aware of the allegations against current sitting Councilwoman Carolyn J. Shireman. These allegations are incredibly troubling in nature. We ask the public to respect the privacy of the alleged victim in this matter, and remember that every man, woman, and child in this Country is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a Court of law. As this is an ongoing situation, we will be sure to keep the public updated with any developments involving the City of Bucyrus or its affiliates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BULLARD, Texas (KETK)  Bullard residents will soon see an increase in their water bill.

Jacksonville police chief relieved from duty after poor judgement, disrespect

The City of Bullard has increased expenses for residents and businesses due to increasing expenses and high demand in providing quality water and treated water. The rates will take effect beginning February and be reflected in the March billing cycle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The city said the topic has been in discussion over the last few years as residential water and sewer rates have not been adjusted since 2018 and the new rate will be similar or some cases lower than other cities their size.

A graphic comparing Bullards water billing rates with the billing rates of other cities. Photo courtesy of the City of Bullard.

A technical assistant consultant was contracted by the city to study the billing rates of their water systems. The city said this study showed them the revenue theyd need per customer to maintain their water system and how much theyll need for a future water reserve.

A Citizen Advisory Committee made up of local residents and business people was then formed to review the information from the rate study. The committee, the Bullard city manager, the city engineer, the utility director, the finance director and the public relations director all discussed how they should structure the rates to supply the Utility Fund which maintains the citys water system.

East Texas lawmaker files ethics complaint against GOP chairman after receiving political threats

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The committee reached a consensus and recommended a new rate structure to the city council. Bullard City Council accepted the new rates in a unanimous vote as a way to progress towards having a water system that operates self-sufficiently, building a necessary water reserve and replacing aging facilities.

A letter from Bullard City Manager, Pam Fredrick and Bullard Mayor, Shirley Coe said the decision to raise the rates was not made lightly.

No one ever wants to pay more for anything unless they see value in return. The City of Bullard staff, mayor and city council believe this is a major step to enhancing value to Bullard, its residents and businesses. Bullard City Manager Pam Fredrick and Bullard Mayor Shirley Coe

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, a non-profit focused on social and economic justice, is extending its Burlington warming shelter hours to seven days a week.

While the states threshold to open warming shelters is -20, the non-profit, which runs on a combination of state funds, grants and donations, is attempting to keep their shelter open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Just in December alone, we had over 350 people experiencing homelessness come to the warming shelter here, to the community resource center, and almost 300 of them were literally outside or in their cars, not sheltered in any way, said Adam Hall, CVOEO Homeless Outreach Services Coordinator.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A 2024 report from The Department of Housing and Urban Development, found that Vermonts rate of homelessness per capita ranks fourth in the nation, with 53 out of every 10,000 Vermonters being unhoused at the time of data collection.

Hall says with the need growing at an alarming rate, he and others at the organization are considering the possibility of opening another emergency shelter.

We are viewing this as a public health crisis at this point, he said.

The program coordinator says he is hoping to get more funding from the department of mental health next year to expand.

Ryan Fauci, a Homeless Outreach Service Provider, is one those working the new shelter hours on the weekends. He helps provide breakfast and support for those looking to get warm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fauci says in the future, he would like to see legislators provide more funding for a permanent overnight shelter and focus on affordable housing.

Were doing everything we can to help people and its still not enough, and I think thats the hard part, is we need state officials to step up and acknowledge that this is a crisis were experiencing in the area thats being felt by the entire community, he said.

While Fauci says their first weekend was slow, with only about 30 people visiting the shelter, the service provider says hes hopeful that word will spread.

CVOEO plans to keep their weekend hours until February 23.

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 ABC22 & FOX44.
Two Burnsville residents were injured, one fatally, in a Wednesday afternoon collision on U.S. 61 in southern Dakota County.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m. at Highway 61 and 190th Street in Marshan Township.

A Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was southbound on Highway 61 and a Hyundai Elantra sedan was eastbound on 190th Street. The vehicles collided in the intersection, which is controlled by stop signs on 190th Street only.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The driver of the Elantra, Ramazan Ali Rahmani, 38, of Burnsville, was killed. Passenger Mahdi Rahmani, 29, of Burnsville, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

The driver of the Silverado, Theresa Yvonne Fredin, 42, of Cannon Falls, Minn., suffered injuries that werent considered life-threatening. She was also transported to Regions.

The State Patrol reported that road conditions were good at the time of the collision, which didnt involve alcohol. Air bags deployed in both vehicles, and Ramazan Rahmani was wearing a seat belt.

The investigation into the crash is continuing.

Related Articles
Jan. 10BONESTEEL, S.D.  When it comes to running a successful business in rural America, customer service, community involvement, and a genuine commitment to local needs are key. This philosophy is what has driven Dan and Trisha Cahoy, owners of Cahoy's General Store, to win the Retailer of the Year Award from the South Dakota Retailers Association for 2025. T

his annual honor, announced at the beginning of the calendar year, recognizes businesses that demonstrate excellence in customer service and contribute positively to their communities.

"This incredible honor belongs to our employees and customers  the heart of our Cahoy's family," Dan Cahoy said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The journey in retail began in 1986 when Dan's parents, Steve and Kathy Cahoy, opened the first Cahoy's General Store in Bonesteel, a town in south-central South Dakota. However, it wasn't until 2011 that Dan and his wife Trisha took over the family business. With a renewed sense of purpose and passion for community, the couple has expanded the business, adding stores in Lake Andes, Tyndall, Spencer, Nebraska and most recently, a new restaurant venture in Burke  all within a 60-mile radius of their home base.

Cahoy's passion for the grocery business runs deep, rooted in a lifetime of experience.

"I grew up in the grocery business, and it's something that excites me every day," Cahoy said.

His enthusiasm shapes the way Cahoy's General Store operates, with a customer-first philosophy that prioritizes personal connections.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We're not just running a business; we're part of these communities," Dan Cahoy said. "Customer service is our top priority, but it's the relationships we build that make the difference. People want to feel valued, and that's what we try to do every day."

Each Cahoy's location is tailored to the specific needs of its community. The original Bonesteel store, situated near the Missouri River, caters to outdoor enthusiasts with a mix of groceries, convenience items, gas, and outdoor supplies for fishing and recreation. In contrast, when the Cahoys expanded in 2017 by acquiring the former Jones Food Center in Lake Andes, they focused exclusively on groceries, addressing a local need after residents had been forced to drive out of town for their shopping.

"Each community has its own character, and we tailor our offerings to match what people want," said Trisha Cahoy. "For example, we're close to the Missouri River, so in Bonesteel, we offer a lot of fishing supplies and bait because we know that's what people need and want."

The business philosophy extends beyond groceries. In 2021, they launched Mighty Mojo Coffee Co., a venture that began with a coffee truck in Minneapolis. What started as a mobile coffee business quickly grew into a regional brand, with permanent locations in Burke, Lake Andes, and Winner, with plans to open their first standalone coffee shop in Atkinson, Neb., later this year. The couple's dedication to quality led them to attend coffee school in Texas, ensuring they could provide a top-tier experience for their customers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Coffee is something people connect with, and we wanted to make sure we were offering something special," Trisha said. "We even attended a coffee school in Texas to make sure we could provide the best possible experience for our customers."

The business also has a charitable aspect: for every drink sold, the Cahoys donate 10 cents to local organizations, creating a positive impact within the communities they serve.

But despite their expansions, the Cahoys remain hands-on in their operations. Every Wednesday, Dan leads the meat-cutting crew at their Lake Andes location, which serves as the meat processing hub for all their stores.

"We've got a big meat slicer at that location, so we all get together to cut up a ton of meat to take back to the other stores," Cahoy said. "It's a lot of work, but it keeps us all connected and ensures we're providing the freshest products possible."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This commitment to staying involved with every aspect of their business is what makes Cahoy's General Store stand out. Whether it's Dan cutting meat or Trisha personally greeting customers, the Cahoys ensure their stores reflect the personal touch that larger chain stores often lack.

The Cahoys' success isn't just about meeting the current needs of their communities; it's about helping small towns thrive. Their expansion into Tyndall, where they stepped in after the local grocery store closed, is a prime example.

"It wasn't planned, but when the opportunity came to help out Tyndall, we didn't hesitate," Dan said. "It's about helping small towns thrive, not just running a business."

Their latest project, Cahoy's Kitchen in Burke, combines a marketplace, bakery, restaurant, and coffee shop, further solidifying their commitment to serving communities. The kitchen offers everything from fresh meats and deli items to a panini bar and smoked specialties. The idea came about after the only restaurant in Burke closed, and the Cahoys saw an opportunity to bring something back to the town.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We wanted to create a place where people can gather, enjoy good food, and feel at home," Trisha said. "We didn't have restaurant experience, but we knew we had to try to give them something."

As Cahoy's General Store continues to grow, the couple remains focused on their core values. They prioritize customer service, community involvement and personal connections over expansion for expansion's sake.

Nathan Sanderson, executive director for the South Dakota Retailers Association, believes the Cahoys' approach sets a standard for businesses in rural America.

"The Cahoys exemplify what is best about businesses in small towns across South Dakota," Sanderson said. "Dan and Trisha are creating opportunities and providing the high-level service that characterizes businesses in our rural communities."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They attribute their success to the strong relationships they've built with their employees, customers and communities.

"We're just doing what we love, and we're lucky to have the support of our employees, customers, and communities along the way," Dan said.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  A once-popular downtown Dothan eatery that shuttered during the pandemic is making its grand return to Foster Street.

Janna Holland, owner and operator of Blue Moon Cafe, says she is excited to reopen at 195 South Foster Street.

The New Orleans-style restaurant first opened its doors on Foster Street in 2008 and served customers for nearly a decade before shutting down near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the dream stayed alive by serving food through the kitchen at Folklore Brewery and Meadery on the outskirts of Dothan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This feels fabulous, said Holland. We are excited to be back down here.

While Holland is happy to serve customers on Foster Street once again, she says it has also been a great pleasure to give new life to a historic building in the heart of the Circle City. While renovating the nearly 100-year-old space, Holland and her team were able to save the original hardwood floors.

We wanted to keep the history of the building alive, Holland said.

Not only does the building hold history for Dothan, but for Holland herself. The restaurateur says she visited 195 Foster Street after school with her father as a child when the building housed a hardware and feed store.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Holland also told WDHN she is excited about the changes coming to downtown Dothan with the ongoing City Center Project, which is nearing the end of its first phase.

Blue Moon Cafe held a soft opening on Friday and will remain open through Saturday, January 11, serving a limited menu.

Holland hopes to open her doors to serving her full array of cajun food by Wednesday, January 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 WDHN - wdhn.com.
A California couple who lived in the Altadena area for most of their lives must now rebuild after deadly wildfires caused their home to completely burn down.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, Walter and Yalda Seace spoke to Los Angeles KABC about how they watched helplessly via Ring cam as their house on Altadena Drive became engulfed in flames during the Eaton Fire.

"It's overwhelming. I don't know how we're going to get through it, Yalda told the outlet while standing in front of what used to be her home. We will, it's just going to be a long process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The ongoing wildfires began Tuesday, Jan. 7 in the Pacific Palisades along the Pacific Coast Highway, but have since spread into multiple ongoing blazes throughout the L.A. area.

Related: Neighbor's 'Act of Love' Saved 83-Year-Old from Raging L.A. Fires: 'She Came Back to Help Me' (Exclusive)

Strong winds, coupled with dry vegetation have fueled the flames.

In a video from their Ring camera that was shared with the news station, extreme gusts of wind could be seen blowing flames and embers toward their home on Tuesday evening.

For Yalda, who has always wanted to live in the area, she and her husband plan to rebuild.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: L.A. Officials Blame Tremendous Demand for Fire Hydrants Running Dry During Fires

"It's going to be okay. We're going to get back. It'll be fine, she said. Unfortunately there are so many other people in the same situation it's devastating actually."

Walter also weighed in on the devastation.

"Here we are with nothing, 40 years of life gone overnight. It's unfathomable," he said.

gofundme.com Seace family loses home in Eaton Fire  Los Angeles wildfires 2025 Seace family loses home in Eaton Fire  Los Angeles wildfires 2025

In a GoFundMe organized by Yaldas sister Nicki Griswold, the sibling noted that the Seace family lost everything, including their sense of security in the blink of an eye.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They were only able to escape with a few cherished personal items, such as family photos and their beloved dogs, Griswold wrote.

The campaign has currently received more than $34,000, which Yaldas sister says will go towards essentials like clothing, food, temporary housing and the resources they need to begin again.

Related: Before-and-After Photos Show the Sudden Devastation from the L.A. Wildfires

According to Cal Fire, as of Friday, Jan. 10, the Eaton Fire is now 3% contained and has burned approximately 13,690 acres. In the Palisades, nearly 21,000 acres have burned.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME) also reported on Friday that the death toll had risen to 11, however, the situation was still under investigation."

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 wildfires were also linked to more than 750,000 properties in California being without power as of Thursday, according to PowerOutage.us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A recent report from The Wall Street Journal said the L.A. wildfires are expected to be the costliest in United States history.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.

Read the original article on People
A child in San Francisco who had red eyes and a fever had a probable case of H5N1 bird flu, according to the citys Department of Public Health.

The case was caught by routine surveillance. When the child developed symptoms, they were checked for RSV, Covid-19 and the flu, and they tested positive for influenza A.

Across the US, labs are sequencing all influenza A viruses to learn their subtypes. This enhanced testing is a safeguard to ensure that H5N1 is not spreading widely in humans. Sequencing of the childs sample determined that it was H5N1, and the sample will now go to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The child did not need to be hospitalized, and they have recovered from their illness. Disease detectives dont know how the child was exposed to the virus. They say theres no evidence that the infection spread to anyone else, and the risk to the general public remains low.

There have been 66 other human cases of bird flu reported in the US in an ongoing outbreak in wild animals, poultry and dairy cows, according to the CDC.

In December, a child in California tested positive for influenza A after drinking raw milk. They developed a fever and vomiting, but they recovered safely, and the infection was not confirmed to be H5 flu.

As bird flu continues to spread among dairy cows, officials recommend that people avoid drinking raw milk or eating products made from raw milk, like cheese.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Health officials also urge everyone to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, especially wild birds and poultry. Wild birds can be infected even if they dont look sick.

Symptoms of bird flu in humans may include red, inflamed eyes, fatigue, fever and headaches. Anyone who develops these symptoms after exposure to sick or dead birds is urged to contact a health care provider.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
As the Palisades fire began intensifying Tuesday evening, Los Angeles real estate executive Keith Wasserman sent out a plea on social media: Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades? Need to act fast here. All neighbors houses burning. Will pay any amount.

The now-deleted post sparked an intense blowback by social media users who felt the wealthy shouldnt be given special attention during an emergency.

Whose home gets saved shouldnt depend on their bank account, one TikTok user commented.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As multiple wildfires, powered by high-speed winds, have destroyed thousands of homes in the Los Angeles area, some residents have gone to great lengths  and often great expense  to try to shield their homes from destruction. Some have paid thousands of dollars to get their properties sprayed with fire-retardant gels to stem the damage, while others have invested in personal fire hydrants to help fight fires near their property.

Despite the intense reaction to Wassermans social media post, most private firefighters arent hired by wealthy individuals, Mike Stutts, a firefighter in Somerset, California, told CNN. Instead, most work with home insurance companies that are trying to save expensive homes to avoid costly insurance payouts.

According to materials on its website, insurance company Chubb offers Wildfire Defense Services to eligible clients. During a wildfire event, those services include sending certified professional firefighters to your home, removing combustible materials from around your home and spraying your home with a heat-absorbing fire-blocking gel.

Tim Bauer, a senior vice president at fire damage restoration service Allied Disaster Defense, said after the first three days of fire in Pacific Palisades, he had a waiting list of at least 200 people, all desperate for the companys services. Bauer said the company is spraying properties with the same fire retardant dropped by firefighting air tankers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Allied sprays down bushes, shrubs and other vegetation to prevent ashes and sparks from igniting a home.

During non-emergency times, the cost is about $1,000, but amid dangerous wildfire conditions, Bauer charges $5,000.

For many in the affluent neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, its a small price to pay to help protect multimillion-dollar homes. Bauer said one woman offered $100,000 to be moved to the top of his waiting list, but Bauer said he planned to stick to the original order on his list.

On Friday, Michael Owens, a real estate developer in the Los Angeles area, showed one of his newly built homes to a family whose own home was just destroyed in the Palisades fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The listed price of the home in Westlake Village, which sits on the Los Angeles-Ventura county line, is nearly $15 million. One of the homes main selling points is its built with fire-proof materials and comes equipped with a personal fire hydrant.

All in, the cost of the homes personal fire hydrant is about $100,000, Owens told CNN. That includes the installation cost and a one-time $35,000 fee to the municipal water company for access. Owens said he has one in front of his own Westlake Village home, as well.

Owens said he hoped the recent wildfires would convince more people to prioritize investing in fire-safe homes.

It will be interesting now, as you see homes built back in the Palisades, what people consider doing with their homes when theyre in an urban high-fire risk area, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Malibu, a type of personal fire hydrant that costs significantly less than $100,000 has grown in popularity, said Kevin Rosenbloom, a local resident who owns a healthcare device company.

Rosenblooms home was rebuilt after it was destroyed by a wildfire in 2007. In front of his home, he built a Hainy Hydrant, a personal fire hydrant developed by fellow Malibu resident Matt Haines to help the area combat wildfires.

Rosenbloom said the hydrant cost him about $2,500, and since it taps into a homes personal water supply, it can be installed by a plumber. Rosenbloom said his home hasnt been hit by the recent fires, but he plans to use his personal hydrant to keep his home cool and wet if one approaches.

People all over Malibu have been putting these hydrants in. Its a basic first step and its very inexpensive relative to other systems available, Rosenbloom said. This is really the next technology in fire suppression and fire protection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Even with extra investment in firefighting and suppression systems, though, there is no guarantee a home could survive a fire as strong as the one still raging in Pacific Palisades.

Wasserman, who sent out the plea for private firefighters, did not respond to CNNs request for comment.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Camille Grammer is no stranger to California wildfires.

It was seven years ago that the Woolsey Fire burned over 96,000 acres destroying 1,643 structures in its path, according to CBS News. Grammers home in Malibu was counted among those destroyed due to a lack of water, sounding eerily similar to the fires burning in the Palisades.

The Pacific Palisades fire and lack of water to distinguish it has brought up old memories for the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That's what happened to my house, and during the Woolsey fire, when the firefighters got to the house, it went to the hydrant and there wasn't enough water pressure, Grammer, 56, told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview remembering her home lost in 2018. So then they couldn't save the house.

Grammer remembers speaking with the fire chief who tried to save her home during the Woolsey Fire, he said, I'm sorry. There's nothing we can do. We just don't have water pressure. And they were very frustrated, and apologized, and they did the best they could.

Clint Brewer / BACKGRID Camille Grammer's Malibu home destroyed in Woolsey Fire Camille Grammer's Malibu home destroyed in Woolsey Fire

After discovering there wouldn't be enough water to save her home, Grammer said firefighters focused on saving belongings such as vehicles and art.

I didn't ask for that, Grammer told PEOPLE. They just did it themselves, which was really nice, because there's just, there was just no water pressure to save the house.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As her neighborhood in the Palisades evacuates, Grammer is reminded of losing her Malibu home, with winds reaching 100 mph.

Related: Fast Winds to Return to Southern California Over the Weekend and Threaten to Fuel Los Angeles Wildfires

I haven't really been able to sleep well, I keep thinking of my friends that have lost homes, Grammer said of recent phone calls with loved ones. My heart is broken over the loss of communities and lives. It's awful.

For now, her home is safe, but Grammer knows from experience that could quickly change.

But again, you never know if the winds kick up again and what direction they turn, just it's, you know, a wait-and-see game, Grammer said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As shes praying for the winds to slow, Grammer revealed shes also continuously praying for the safety of L.A.s fire department.

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.

These firefighters are amazing, Grammer told PEOPLE. They put their lives on the line all the time to save people and communities and homes, and they're trying their best under these awful conditions.

The infrastructure needs to be rethought, rebuilt. I mean water supply pumps to go to push the water up the hills, because some of these houses are on hills, right? It's a whole, it's a mess. It's really a mess, Grammer added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Visit Eaton Fire Victims, Distributing Food and Supplies

Grammer told PEOPLE her heart breaks for everyone affected, It's just absolutely devastating. And I've been getting phone calls and texts from my friends that are going through it now, that are experiencing the shock of losing their homes, and theyre besides themselves.

While speaking with friends, Grammer said theres a feeling of hopelessness, because what can they do? Having endured the loss of a home before, she finds herself in a unique position to offer encouragement.

For me, because I've gone through it, life is more important than your home, Grammer continued. If you're safe, it's your life, it's your health, it's being safe and sound with your family and your loved ones. Because you can replace material objects, you can rebuild a home or find a new place to live, but a life you can't replace a life.

And it's really important in times like these, when the neighbors come together and communities come together to help each other out, Grammer said.

Read the original article on People
CANAAN VALLEY, W.Va. (WBOY)  This winter, the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge began restoring one of the states unique natural resources: peatlands in the Allegheny highlands that conservationists say could have formed more than 18,000 years ago.

Example of a natural peat bog (Courtesy Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge)

Commonly found in other parts of the world like Scotland, Ireland and Canada, peat is mostly made up of non-decomposed or partially decomposed plant matter, usually moss. Water in peatlands prevents the moss from decaying naturally, and over thousands of years, the moss is compacted into peat.

Matt Boarman, a Wildlife Refuge Specialist at Canaan Valley, said that in 2019 the refuge purchased around 300 acres of land near the Blackwater River. As officials toured the new property, they noticed it didnt look quite right compared to the surrounding area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We noticed that the wetlands there were odd, really degraded and almost like ponds, Boarman said. We were kind of curious why it just didnt blend in with the rest of the environment.

Mined peatland area in Canaan Valley (Courtesy Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge)

Mined peatland area in Canaan Valley before a test scrape was dug (Courtesy Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge)

Why heavy snow in West Virginia is good for farmers

In previous years, acres of Canaan Valleys peatland had been mined to be used as turf or natural fertilizer. To restore parts of Canaan Valleys peatland (or at least help it along), the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge has begun digging scrapes or small water reservoirs to kickstart the formation of fresh peat to replace what had been mined before.

In West Virginia, freshwater peat wetlands can often serve as habitats for a variety of wildlife like the southern bog lemming, Indiana Bat and a number of bird and dragonfly species. But what makes peatlands truly unique is the amount of carbon these lands can store.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

JJ Yarley, a park ranger for the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge said in an interview with 12 News that although peatlands cover about 3% of the earths landmass, they store twice as much carbon as all the worlds forests combined. Reducing carbon, or more specifically carbon dioxide, has been a focus in the fight against climate change, so preserving these lands here in West Virginia can also help protect other regional ecosystems.

Were trying to set the stage for peat to form in the future as water continues to build and vegetation is unable to decompose in saturated areas, Yarley said. Over time well be building that carbon sink up again to help make the Allegheny Highlands more resistant to climate change.

Canaan Valley peatland test scrape (Courtesy Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two weeks after the scrape was completed, showing water retention (Courtesy Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge)

Due to the extreme timeline of peat formation, it goes without saying that these restoration efforts will take several years before Canaan Valley conservationists will consider the project complete. As the refuge monitors and digs new scrapes, it will work on other initiatives like the decommissioning of the many miles of unused logging roads spread throughout Canaan Valley.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
As major fires continue to rage in and around Los Angeles, help battling the blazes has come from across the country  and from across international borders, including from Canada and Mexico.

Five wildfires remained active in Los Angeles County on Friday, scorching more than 36,000 acres or about 56 square miles, an area about the size of Miami, according to Cal Fire.

The largest blaze, the Palisades Fire, which ranks as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, scorched over 20,000 acres, including picturesque coastal enclaves between Santa Monica and Malibu.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The blazes turned entire neighborhoods into ash, destroying over 10,000 structures and prompting officials to order the evacuation of more than 150,000 residents. At least 11 people have died in the two biggest blazes, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday that more than 10,000 personnel were on the ground fighting the fires.

Canadian leaders offer support to fire-ravaged Los Angeles

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office released a statement Friday saying Trudeau spoke with Newsom on Thursday to offer condolences for the lives lost.

Trudeau's Cabinet ministers were in touch with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and were standing by for any additional requests for support, according to the statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The statement said fire crews, aircraft and equipment from Canada, including from British Columbia and Quebec, were among the first on the scene to help battle the fires.

On Thursday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith posted on X that her province would be sending support to its good neighbours" in the U.S.

We are preparing to deploy incident command team support to California, as well as additional wildfire-fighting resources, including water bombers and night-vision helicopters, the post read.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Thursday held a news conference where he also pledged to send support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Our closest friend and our closest ally needs help, and were going to make sure were there supporting them, he said.

He later posted on X that he had directed every available water bomber to fight the fires.

In 2023, Canada had an extreme wildfire season, and the U.S. sent more than 2,000 firefighters to help, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. It was in June 2023 when smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted into the U.S., producing eerie images of orange skies over New York City.

The Canadian government on Friday issued a statement expressing its appreciation for that support and saying it was ready to reciprocate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Canadians are grateful for the support and solidarity extended to Canada by the United States during our own challenging wildfire season last year," the statement said. "Team Canada stands ready to reciprocate that support during this time of need."

Mexico offers support because 'many Mexican people' live in LA area, Sheinbaum says

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said in a news conference on Friday that Mexicos Secretary of Foreign Affairs had spoken with President Joe Biden and Newsom about sending support to Los Angeles.

The support team will include firefighters from Mexicos National Forestry Commission and the National Secretary of Defense.

But we are going to send support, not just because the people and government of Mexico have always been giving, but also because there are many Mexican people in this zone of the United States, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She added that her government was coordinating with the U.S. to get the team dispatched.

Newsom on Friday issued a statement on X saying California was "deeply grateful" for Sheinbaum's support.

NEW: Firefighters from Mexico are en route to the #EatonFire  joining more than 10,000 personnel already on the ground.



California is deeply grateful for President @ClaudiaShein's support as we work to suppress the Los Angeles wildfires.



Our partnership and shared commitment  Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 10, 2025

Offers of support come despite President-elect Trump's affronts

The offers of support from Canada and Mexico come days after President-elect Donald Trump, in Tuesday remarks at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, said the Gulf of Mexico should be renamed the Gulf of America and that his administration would use "economic force" against Canada.

Trump has threatened to hit Canada and Mexico, two important U.S. trading partners and allies, with punitive tariffs if the two nations don't crack down on illegal drugs crossing the border. Similarly, on one occasion last year, Trump said he would hit Mexico with tariffs of up to 100% if it doesn't crack down on immigration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump also has trolled Canada with suggestions that it should join the U.S. as the "51st state."

USA TODAY contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Canada, Mexico send firefighting help to Los Angeles: What to know
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  After President-elect Donald Trump floated the idea of making Canada the 51st state of the U.S., one Canadian leader offered a different proposal, impacting Oregons statehood.

Rather than using military force, the president-elect has said he would rely on economic force to make Canada the 51st state, as reported by The Hill. The idea comes amid Trumps threats to impose tariffs against the sovereign nation, among other countries.

However, Canadian Member of Parliament Elizabeth May  representing Saanich-Gulf Islands for the Green Party of Canada  has a different vision in mind.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In-N-Out Burger proposes first drive-thru in Portland

In a January 3 press conference for the Green Party, May criticized Trumps plans for U.S.-Canada relations.

When we approach a president-elect who has astonishingly decided that a first order of business is Canada bashing, May said, This is unique. Ive been thinking back over previous presidents [and] cant think of a single U.S. president who has ever thought a good way to start a relationship with their single largest trading partner is by insulting us.

We in Canada stand together, and were firm, and we must negotiate from strength. We recognize that this prelude of threats  of 25% tariffs on everything and some really quite bizarre talk about Canada bashing  that a president-elect would suggest hes going to seize parts of other sovereign countries, take the Panama Canal back or maybe buy Greenland. This is not serious stuff, yet we have to take very seriously that President-elect Donald Trump has Canadas crosshairs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Oregon Department of Forestry director resigns suddenly

But as much as Donald Trump has decided to throw out this  Ive mentioned, Panama Canal, Greenland, and this nonsense, and I think its time that some Canadian leadership stood up and said, Sorry, Donald Trump, as kind as your offer might be that we should be the 51st state, its a hard no on that.

May also  jokingly  had a counteroffer for the president-elect.

I dont want to belittle Mr. Trump, but on the other hand, have we got a deal for you, May said. Maybe California would like to become the 11th province, how about it? California, Oregon, Washington? May proposed. So, California and Governor Newsom, Washington State Jay Inslee and newly elected Governor of Oregon Tina Kotek, how about it? Want to put a referendum to your citizens?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Eye on Northwest Politics

May went on to promote Canadas universal health care, access to abortion, and strict gun laws, as reasons for the West Coast states to join Canada.

May also proposed other Democratic-leaning states could join Canada and taking Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders off your hands, before striking a more serious note about the president-elects ideas.

Enough kidding around  but honestly, President Trump  get used to it. Canada is a sovereign nation full of, guess what? Proud Canadians, May said. And we do not aspire to be a 51st state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Providence patient files $4 million lawsuit after contracting hepatitis C during surgery: Court docs

She added, If it was a joke, it was never funny and it ends now.

Other Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have also spoken out against Canada becoming a 51st state, saying, There isnt a snowballs chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.

KOIN 6 News reached out to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Washington State Governor-elect Bob Ferguson for comment. This story will be updated if we receive a response.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
(WFRV)  Northeast Wisconsin is kickstarting the new year with an urgent call for first responders.

Local agencies across northeast Wisconsin are actively recruiting firefighters, EMTs, cadets, and law enforcement officers to strengthen their teams. They are looking for passionate individuals to serve the community and embark on a career in public safety.

Wisconsin police looking for suspects who approached middle schoolers while walking to school

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Grand Chute Police Department is accepting applications for the 2025 Citizens Public Safety Academy. Theyre looking for people 17 years or older and note that you do not need to live in Grand Chute to participate.

The Manitowoc Police Cadets have several available openings for young men and women, ages 14 to 20, who are interested in a law enforcement career.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Carrie Johnson has said she was hospitalised for nearly a week with flu and pneumonia amid a surge in cases hitting the NHS.

The mother-of-three said she was admitted after struggling to breathe properly and urged her Instagram followers to get the bloody flu jab.

Sharing a photograph from her hospital bed on social media, Mrs Johnson, 36, told of how she was hospitalised after struggling with a chest infection for over two weeks at home over Christmas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The wife of Boris Johnson, a former prime minister, has since been discharged, but added that she had not yet fully recovered.

Her hospital stay comes nearly five years after her husband was hospitalised after becoming infected with Covid-19 and treated in an intensive care unit.

Carrie Johnson writes on Instagram that she will never not be enormously grateful for the NHS doctors and nurses who treated her for flu - CarriebJohnson/Instagram

Writing on Instagram, Mrs Johnson wrote: I didnt expect to spend the first week of 2025 in hospital.

After having a nasty chest infection for nearly 18 days at home over Christmas, it just got out of hand and I was struggling to breathe properly.

Hospital confirmed I had flu and pneumonia.

I was there nearly a week and Im still not recovered. It could take another few weeks until I feel like myself again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mrs Johnson went on to thank NHS doctors and nurses, who she described as the best people on earth.

She added: I say it a lot but they have looked after me and my family when weve needed it most and I will never not be enormously grateful.

They are the best of us.

Carrie Johnson keeps her sons favourite dinosaur toy Greenie and her daughters princess key ring on her hospital bedside

UK hospitals are currently treating soaring numbers of flu patients as the NHS faces what is on course to be the worst season for the virus in more than a decade.

There were an average of 5,407 patients in hospital with flu every day over a week earlier this month, a 21 per cent rise on the week before and almost four times higher than the same week last year, according to official data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The number was just 34 short of the peak recorded in 2022/23, which is expected to be surpassed. The previous high came in 2011/12.

Alongside flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)  a common cause of coughs and colds  have also been driving an increase in admissions.

MPs have written to Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, asking for his action plan to help the 14 hospitals that have declared critical incidents under winter pressure, according to the Guardian.

Mrs Johnson said one nurse at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where she was admitted, serenaded her when she was feeling particularly low.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Concluding her post, she wrote: Obviously check with your doctor but my strong advice is to get the bloody flu jab.

I really, really wish I had. It totally slipped my mind this year.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter smiles during a book signing event in 2018. While running for Georgia governor in 1970, Carter courted pro-segregation white voters, but surprised many at his inauguration in 1971 by saying that "the time for racial discrimination is over." (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

This story originally appeared on Georgia Recorder.

Jimmy Carter would chart a new course for the state at the start of his four-year term serving as Georgias governor when he used his inauguration address in 1971 to assert a public stand against the racial segregation that still maintained its popularity among many white Georgians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carters iconic speech that explicitly declared the end of racial discrimination against Black people and other minorities would become a symbol of Carters philosophy during and after a political career that saw him rise to the prominence of becoming U.S. president, before his presidency ended four years later when he lost his reelection bid to Ronald Reagan in 1980.

Carters civil rights legacy as governor includes his famous inauguration speech calling for the end of segregation, his efforts to significantly increase the number of Black people working in state government, and his decision to hang a Martin Luther King Jr. portrait inside the state Capitol.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Carter died Dec. 29 at his modest Plains home while surrounded by family. The 100-year-old was the longest-living president in American history and the only Georgian to lead the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As a candidate, Carter was able to successfully implement a campaign strategy to court votes from pro-segregationists in order to overcome the favored candidate for governor, Carl Sanders, in the 1970 Democratic primary.

Sanders was seeking a second term as Georgia governor, after previously winning the 1962 election. Sanders was a moderate who led the transition away from racial segregation. Carter campaigned as a populist while attacking Sanders as favoring integration and proclaiming the outgoing segregationist Gov. Lester Maddox as the beacon of the Democratic Party.

However, much to the surprise of many Georgians, Carters inauguration remarks on racial equality stood in stark contrast to Maddox, an outspoken white supremacist who infamously used the threat of violence to keep Blacks from dining at his Atlanta restaurant.

On Jan. 12, 1971, Carter delivered this line at his gubernatorial inauguration: The time for racial discrimination is over.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carters inauguration speech would place him under a new national spotlight, earning him a place on the cover of Time magazine and a prominent feature in the New York Times.

When he was actually inaugurated in January 1971, he shocked many people, many people that voted for him and in the previous election with his really clear, definitive statements saying that the time for racial separation, racial conflict is over, said Joseph Crespino, the Jimmy Carter professor of History at Emory University. Thats what put him on the national radar. The way he ran his gubernatorial administration, in appointing the most African-Americans of any governor of Georgia up to that point, made clear where he stood on on racial issues.

Carter would become governor of the Peach State on the heels of the Civil Rights Movement era as prominent Black Georgians like King fought to overturn the longstanding dominance of white supremacy. Carter would go on to deliver on the promise he made to civil rights leaders that he would take an anti-segregation stance if elected as governor.

During his four years as governor, Carter is credited with supporting several progressive policies advancing civil rights, including the appointment of several Black judges, expanded opportunities for women and minorities in state government, and working to eliminate racial discrimination in education and housing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Former Democratic state Rep. Calvin Smyre, who was the states longest-serving legislator until he stepped down in 2023, said he met Carter for the first time during his presidential campaign in 1975 and stumped for him in Mississippi and South Carolina as a 27-year-old freshman representative.

Jimmy Carter accepts the presidential nomination of his party at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 14, 1980. (Photo credit: Jimmy Carter Library)

In 1984, Smyre would become the first Black Georgia legislator elected to the Democratic National Committee and in 1987 would become the first Black floor leader at the state Capitol since Reconstruction after his appointment by Gov. Joe Frank Harris.

Its a sad day, said Smyre about Carters death. A giant pine tree has fallen in the Georgia forests, and President Carter, Gov. Carter, did much to lift the lives of so many people around the world.

Smyre said Carter will be remembered in Georgia for his role in advancing racial equality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When you think about Jimmy Carters upbringing and how he had a turnaround in terms of race relations, its a remarkable story, and the fact of the matter is he, once he did that, a lot of people shunned him politically, and it was not an easy task during his term as governor in the Georgia General Assembly.

When I was elected, there were 90 Black legislators in America, now there are nearly 800, he said. So we stand on the shoulders of courageous people like Jimmy Carter, who at the time, that was not a welcome message in the political terrain that we lived in in those days.

Georgia state Rep. Darshun Kendrick, a Lithonia Democrat, praised Carter for making the state government more inclusive.

Georgia state Rep. Darshun Kendrick, a Lithonia Democrat. (Georgia House of Representatives)

According to the Carter Center, there were only three African Americans serving on state boards and commissions when Carter took office as governor and 53 when he left. Carter appointed more women and minorities to his staff, the judiciary and major state boards and agencies than all of his predecessors combined.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One of the things that President Carter was able to do is to bring together people from different backgrounds around the state of Georgia and really put them in positions to be able to represent the state of Georgia, Kendrick said. The state is over 33.5% African American right now, and other nationalities, so you see that because of his efforts, there are a lot of people that are here in the state from different backgrounds. We need to always make sure that whoever our leaders are reflecting that, and he did a great job of starting that.

Prior to Carter becoming a state senator, he served as chairman of the Sumter County school board where he took the unpopular stance of supporting the desegregation of public schools.

Carters successful gubernatorial election would coincide with a couple other progressive Southern Democratic candidates winning elections in states like Arkansas and South Carolina.

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives file past the flag-draped casket of the late President Jimmy Carter in the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

Hanging the portrait of Martin Luther King was very much the opposite of what his predecessor, Gov. Maddox, had done, said University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock. Maddox hunkers down by saying he expects there to be all kinds of riots at the time of the King funeral. Carter countered by saying (King) is a great Georgian, and therefore were gonna put his portrait here in the Capitol.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bullock said while Carters time as governor was hampered because Georgia governors at the time were prohibited from serving consecutive terms, that restriction also made it easier for Carter to advocate for civil rights. Carter being a progressive Southern Democrat also paved the way for running a successful campaign on the national stage, he said.

At least in terms of his Georgia political ambitions, it wasnt like he was constrained by gee I better not do this because its going to cost me when I run for re-election, Bullock said.  He was free of that kind of consideration. And to the extent he was beginning to think about running for president, from the Civil War on, Southerners were essentially blocked from becoming president because of their stance on issues of race.

Carters dedication to civil rights and inclusive policies would play out during his four years as U.S. president and his humanitarian efforts that continued afterward for the rest of his life.

As a dark-horse presidential candidate Carter narrowly defeated incumbent Gerald Ford in 1976 and served one term as president before his loss to Reagan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During Carters presidency, he made significant civil and human rights achievements. Post-presidency, Carters humanitarian work, including efforts to eradicate guinea worm in Africa and promote democracy globally, was unprecedented for a former president, political experts said.

Crespino said Carters gubernatorial campaign strategy in his run for the Georgia governors mansion would be successful enough to get him elected, but was also an example of the political gamesmanship that often occurs. Carter would later express regret about trying to curry support from pro-segregationists.

It was a pragmatic decision that you cant do anything good if youre not in the office to gain, Crespino said. It was a very pragmatic, political decision of how can I best position myself to win this? This is what politicians do. Its not a pretty business a lot of times and having lost the race in (1966) he was determined to position himself the best way he could win.

Kendrick said she hopes to emulate Carters honesty as lawmakers gavel back into session Monday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His work around being honest and transparent when he speaks to constituents, I think thats something thats obviously very missing from our politics today, she said. In the past few days, Ive learned a lot about his promises he made to always tell the truth, even if it cost him an election, so I think Ill take that with me as session starts in the next few days.

Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Jan. 11The following stories from this week appeared on

www.jamestownsun.com

and in The Jamestown Sun.

The Jamestown City Council unanimously approved on Monday, Jan. 6, a proposal by Heartland Heating & Cooling in Jamestown

to purchase and develop property

at the Harold P. Bensch Addition.

The city attorney's office also was authorized to work with Heartland Heating & Cooling to prepare documents for City Council approval.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In related business, the City Council held the first reading of an ordinance to change the zoning of lots one and two on block one and lot one on block two of the Harold P. Bensch Addition.

The properties are located at 301, 401 and 402 11th Ave. SE.

The zoning on the properties will be changed from a general industrial and manufacturing district to a general commercial district.

Heartland Heating & Cooling's proposal includes building a 12,000-square-foot building.

The Stutsman County Commission unanimously approved on Tuesday, Jan. 7, submitting

a letter of support to the city of Jamestown

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

for a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant application for the third phase of the city's 96-inch storm sewer replacement project.

"As part of that grant application, they are just looking to make sure that it doesn't conflict with anything else in the jurisdictional area," said Travis Dillman, city engineer.

The letter that will be sent to Mayor Dwaine Heinrich says the county commission has found that the storm sewer replacement project in the city "would not conflict with any county comprehensive development plan for the area."

The winter so far in North Dakota has been

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

colder and drier than normal

, according to Daryl Ritchison, director of the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network and state climatologist.

"Very little snow across the state," he said. "Well below average with no snow or little snow in some areas."

The average maximum snow depth in December in Jamestown is 9 inches for the past 24 years, according to the National Weather Service report on statistics from the North Dakota State Hospital. This includes the winter of 2019-20 when the snow depth reached 30 inches in December and stayed at 32 inches for January and February.

The maximum snow depth in December 2023 was 3 inches, according to measurements taken at the State Hospital. Although the snow depth average was 1.3 inches that month, the Jamestown area was hammered with an ice storm in late December that caused millions in damage to power poles and power lines in the area.

This past December, the heating plant at the State Hospital reported a maximum snow depth of 2 inches.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  If you have an old couch or dining room table sitting around collecting dust, you can consider donating it to a family of refugees in the Lansing area.

Currently, Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties (CCIEC) is critically low on furniture donations for its Refugee Services program.

The organization says that 200 refugees will be arriving in Lansing between now and March, and they are currently short on furniture to help them get settled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They are in particular need of dining room tables and chairs, but CCIEC accepts loveseats, small sofas, and upholstered chairs.

Donations can be dropped off on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the St. Vincent Campus located at 2800 W. Willow St. in Lansing. However, pick-ups are also available in the Greater Lansing area.

For additional information, or to check in with the organization to see if you are eligible for pick-up, you can call 517-323-4734 ext. 1050.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Stanislaus County is no stranger to poor air quality. At a Wednesday community meeting in Riverbank, residents gathered to discuss the regions persistent air quality challenges and explore steps to safeguard public health.

Edgar Garibay, Project Manager of Valley Improvement Project and one of the meetings organizers, explained the unique geographic hurdles of the San Joaquin Valley.

We live in some sort of bowl, like a cereal bowl, and everything that surrounds us stays in our communities, he said. The Valleys topography traps pollutants from major highways, diesel vehicles, tractors, wood-burning stoves, and industrial facilities, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To tackle these challenges, VIP has partnered with the Central California Asthma Coalition, Central California Environmental Justice Network and the Central Valley Air Quality Coalition. These organizations are working to build an emissions reduction plan intended to help mitigate the impacts of local air pollution through the lens of environmental justice.

How to protect yourself from poor air quality

During the meeting, residents and advocates shared practical tips for mitigating the health risks of poor air quality.

These included wearing N95 masks, using air purifiers and limiting outdoor activities on smoky or high-ozone days. Residents were encouraged to download the Valley Air app to stay informed about air quality conditions in their communities.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control Districts Clean Air Rooms Program also offers free residential air filtration units to low-income households in disadvantaged communities. To qualify, applicants must live within the districts boundaries and have not previously received a unit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Martha Armas-Kelly, Program Coordinator at the Environmental Justice Project of Catholic Charities in Modesto, advised paying attention to indoor air quality as well, adding that basic measures like cleaning curtains can help reduce indoor pollutants.

We have a lot of fires right now that are going on down south, and the assumption is that theyre down south and theyre not affecting us, but all those carcinogens are traveling, and whether we want to recognize them or not, they do come into our topography, and it can go from basic things because indoor air quality is something that affects us as well, she said.

Leaving the Central Valley altogether was also listed as an option.

Its gonna be hard to move out of where were currently at and where we call home, Garibay said.

How to report poor air quality

Community members also discussed the importance of reporting air quality issues. Garibay urged residents to report odors or other signs of contamination that could affect their health.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Matt Holmes, North Valley Project Coordinator for VIP, explained that a sufficient number of public complaints about a facility could legally require the Air District to shut it down. He also stressed the importance of asking the air districts to have a technician certify the complaints.

Those are things that you dont have to live with if we use this power to report and coordinate with each other, Holmes said.

Gustavo Aguirre Jr., Kern County Director for the Central California Environmental Justice Network, suggested going further by asking to review investigation reports to ensure inspectors properly addressed the issue and documented any violations.

In cases of restricted pesticide use near residential buffer zones, complaints should be directed to the countys Agricultural Commissioner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Reports are our friends and the more reports we create, the better it is for us to really double down on these facilities that are causing a lot of pollution and problems in our communities, Aguirre said.

Grayson resident John Mataka shared his experience during the almond harvest when he noticed thick dust in the air early one morning as children walked to school. Concerned about the potential health risks, he reported the issue to the Air Pollution Control District.

Mataka said he was told that farmers have a right to farm but could suggest to the farmer that they sweep at a different time when children arent outside. He said he never saw any follow-up or action taken.

In the Valley, farmers have a super strong political hold and agencies are afraid to do too much, Mataka said.
A warrant has been issued for the suspect in Eries first homicide of the year.

The shooting killed a 20-year-old woman and according to witnesses it could be related to rival gang activity.

Police have been able to somewhat piece together what happened at a New Years Eve celebration with 50 people mostly thanks to area surveillance.

City of Erie police are searching for 27-year-old Shakeyah T. Barnes, of Erie.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police charge Erie woman in New Years fatal shooting of 20-year-old

Shes wanted in connection to a shooting that took place in the early morning hours of Jan. 1 outside of a New Years Eve party.

The incident took place in the 900 block of West 19th Street where 20-year-old Jalea Turner was killed and a male victim was injured.

Several charges were filed against Barnes on Thursday including criminal and attempted homicide and aggravated assault.

We treated this as a homicide from day one, said Deputy Chief Rick Lorah, City of Erie Police Department. There were some roadblocks. There wasnt cooperation from some people that you would have thought we would have got cooperation from, but the detectives handled it well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

During the investigation, the first witness, who is the property owner, told police that the party was going well up until individuals began to argue and fight.

He added that the suspect, who is also known as Red, went outside prior to the shooting and that she is involved in the east side versus west side beef.

Police have acquired footage of Barnes firing three shots and then running from the building to a vehicle.

Extensive efforts by investigators examining multiple surveillance videos led them to track the vehicle used following the incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Erie Humane Societys former director waives court hearing, accused of stealing more money

These guys worked late hours and watched surveillance and were able to piece together the movements of the suspect, Lorah told us. It was targeted. I do believe that these individuals were somewhat loosely known to each other.

According to the affidavit, the owner of the vehicle has since been in contact with Barnes.

The vehicle owner said that Barnes wanted to turn herself in but had fled outside of the area to Ohio.

Certainly, this is still an open investigation at this time. Its still active, we still have a lot of people to talk to, Lorah explained. We put a great deal of time and effort into making the city a safer place to live and were going to continue to do that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Again, this is still an ongoing investigation and Lorah said they still have a lot of people to talk to.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  A man serving federal time for the gun he used to shoot a New Mexico State Police officer has new charges in the case, this time at the state level. Caleb Elledge pleaded guilty to a firearm and was sentenced to nine years stemming from a shooting in February of 2022 of an NMSP officer. Last month, he was indicted locally.

In 2022, Officer Jeremy Vaughan was chasing a car driven by Alana Martienz with Elledge in the passenger seat. After the car was stopped, Elledge opened fire. Officer Vaughan survived.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Durning Elledges pretrial detention hearing Friday morning, the state asked that he be held behind bars until trial. His attorney argued that would be unfair. The state had filed it at the state level. They had nolled it, indicating the feds would take it. The feds did in fact take the case. Mr. Elledge entered into a plea and his understanding was that it would not be pursued at the state level, said Stefanie Gulley.

The prosecution responded with The federal government prosecuted the gun charge, the felon in possession gun charge. No other charges were prosecuted because they dont have jurisdiction.

They argued that Elledge was already locked up on federal charges. Judge Cindy Leos granted the states motion. As for the driver, Alana Martinez, she pleaded guilty to harboring or aiding a felon. Martinez was sentenced to six months probation which she completed in October.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 10The state's highest court is siding with a White supremacist group, affirming a superior court judge's decision to dismiss a civil rights action brought against the men for hanging a racist banner in Portsmouth.

The court's unanimous ruling agreed that the Attorney General's Office misapplied New Hampshire's Civil Rights Act when charging members of the Nationalist Social Club 131 after they unfurled a banner that read "Keep New England White" on a Portsmouth overpass on July 30, 2022.

In June 2023, Rockingham County Superior Court Judge David Ruoff granted a defense motion to dismiss the case, ruling that the state's interpretation of the Civil Rights Act in the case was "unconstitutionally overbroad."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The AG's office appealed the decision to the state Supreme Court. On Friday, the court issued a ruling affirming the lower court's decision, saying the state's construction of the Civil Rights Act is "unconstitutional."

A spokesman for the AG's office said in an email that while the department is "disappointed" by the court's decision, "we respect it."

"Our office remains steadfast in enforcing the Civil Rights Act to ensure all Granite Staters are free from discrimination, violence, and hate-motivated threats," the spokesman said. "We will continue to explore all options to protect the rights and safety of our communities."

The state's complaint charged that NSC-131 and two of its members  Leo Cullinan of Manchester and Christopher Hood of Newburyport, Mass.  violated that law by trespassing on public property, motivated by hate and in violation of Portsmouth city ordinances.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cullinan, who was 35, died in June 2024 from a fatal drug overdose, according to media reports.

New Hampshire's civil rights law protects people from being subject to "actual or threatened physical force or violence ... or by actual or threatened damage to or trespass on property" when such conduct is "motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, or disability."

In his June ruling, Ruoff wrote, "The conduct alleged in the complaints, while reprehensible by most civilized standards, does not fit any definition of 'trespass' other than the one the Court has concluded is unconstitutional (at least as to public property)."

The AG's office asked the court to reconsider its decision, but Ruoff denied that motion in October.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A subsequent motion asking him again to reconsider was also denied, and the AG's office brought its appeal to the state Supreme Court.

In May 2024, attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of New Hampshire in May submitted a friend-of-the-court brief to the Supreme Court in the state's appeal, raising concerns around viewpoint discrimination that both organizations warned could lead to the "chipping away" of the First Amendment rights of everyone, empowering the state to punish expressive activities on public property "motivated by" race, religion, or any other protected characteristic, including, for example, a Black Lives Matter protest on a public street or an abortion protest on the State House lawn.

The brief argued that "simply because speech is harmful  and it undoubtedly is here  does not mean that it can be prohibited because of its viewpoint."

In its ruling issued Friday, the state Supreme Court said to claim a violation of the Civil Rights Act predicated upon actual trespass on property, the state must establish that "the actor, with knowledge that he or she is not licensed or privileged to do so, enters land in the possession of another or causes a thing or a third person to do so," and that the trespass was "motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, or disability."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The ruling points out the state argued the defendants "took steps to conceal their identities, refused to identify themselves for police, attempted to conceal where they had parked, and other factual claims that would support the inference that the defendants knew their conduct was unlawful."

"We are not persuaded," the ruling states. "The complaint against Hood alleged that he was not wearing a mask, 'stepped forward and spoke with the officers,' and identified himself as the group's leader. NSC-131 allegedly 'took credit for the display of the banners' on its social media profiles. Furthermore, the group removed the banners from the overpass fence when they were apprised that they were trespassing on public property. The overbreadth of the state's construction of the Act creates an unacceptable risk of a chill on speech protected by Part I, Article 22 of our State Constitution."

pfeely@unionleader.com
CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA)  Charleston Fire Department wants to decrease its call volume after hitting a record-breaking number last year.

They received 6,091 calls in 2024, which was 416 more than in 2023. Fire Lieutenant Jordan Philpott said one of their main concerns was the rise in EMS and service calls.

In 2023, there was a 10% increase, and that rose another 11% last year. Philpott said most of those numbers come from the older generation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

80-year-old killed in Cumberland Co. house fire

The population is getting older. Obviously, America is not as healthy as it used to be. We just see things like the opioid epidemic, we do deal with a little bit of things from that, Philpott said. But just in general, more people are just feeling the need to call for an ambulance, for transport to the hospital to seek treatment.

He also said one of their goals this year is to educate the community more. The fire department will help people by creating new safety measures to decrease falls and assist families who want to learn first aid.

Phillpott said although the record-breaking call volume isnt horrible, the department still wants to do everything in their power to limit them. He said theyre always free to answer any questions the community may have.

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.
A west Charlotte dog is safe thanks to Charlotte firefighters.

Fifteen-year-old Tyson has arthritis and his owners told Channel 9s Joe Bruno he slipped down a hill off Pleasant Dale Drive Saturday morning.

ALSO: Shelby father and son rescue deputy and K-9 from burning SUV

The Charlotte Fire Department responded to rescue the dog and help get him to safety.

His owners said Tyson was shaken up, but was otherwise okay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Overnight snow, sleet, and freezing rain created slick conditions across the Carolinas Saturday.

>> CLICK HERE for the latest forecast from Severe Weather Center 9

The last time Charlotte saw measurable snow, at least one-tenth of an inch, was in 2022. Snow, along with ice and the power grid, were the major concerns for Duke Energy this week.

Prior to any major weather event, officials said they want to make sure residents are as prepared as possible.

ALSO: Team Coverage: Lingering weather impacts across the Carolinas

Duke Energy always encourages our customers to have a plan. You know, just have a plan in case you were to lose power because you know Mother Nature, we dont ever know what thats going to bring us, said Duke Energy Spokesperson Logan Stewart. Just having some supplies on hand, bottled water, or things like that.

(ARCHIVE FOOTAGE: 6-week-old poodle rescued after falling into Ballantyne sewer pipe)
As wildfires continue to blaze in the greater Los Angeles area, residents and visitors alike may wonder whether there are any steps they can take, however minor, to help prevent further destruction. Along with volunteering and donating money or goods, social media has presented Angelenos with a very simple action that they can take to conserve water: stop using ChatGPT.

But what exactly do ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools have to do with the water supply? Let us explain.

AI servers require large quantities of water to avoid overheating.

AI platforms cant generate content without the help of massive data center servers. These centers contain thousands of high-performance computer chips that process user queries, explained Daniel Kearney, the chief technology officer of Firmus Technologies, which focuses on creating sustainable operating solutions for AI companies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Because the computers and chipsets that power servers are so densely packed, they generate an incredible amount of heat. Running complex AI applications like ChatGPT requires immense amounts of computing power, which generate lots of heat 24 hours a day, explained HP Newquist, an artificial intelligence historian and the author of The Brain Makers: Genius, Ego, and Greed in the Quest for Machines That Think.

To prevent servers from crashing, cooling systems are put in place to help regulate data center temperatures. And, in many cases, water is used to physically cool AI servers, explained Mia Montoya Hammersley, an assistant professor specializing in environmental law and the director of the Environmental Justice Clinic at the Vermont Law and Graduate School.

So how much water are we talking about here? Many of these systems rely on water to absorb and dissipate the heat through cooling towers or evaporative cooling methods, Kearney told us. For some large facilities, this can mean using millions of gallons of water per year.

This high-rise office building in Los Angeles has been almost entirely converted into a server farm or data center. Demand for data centers is skyrocketing due to the use of artificial intelligence. Genaro Molina via Getty Images

Reducing AI usage may help free up water to fight the wildfires.

The current wildfires were caused in part by drought affecting much of Southern California. With California already experiencing an ongoing drought, the water necessary to fight these fires is further straining the states water supply, Montoya Hammersley said. Water is a finite resource, and cutting back on AI use will have direct impacts on the states water availability and ability to respond to this climate disaster.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fans of ChatGPT may roll their eyes at this, believing that their individual use of the technology cant have any real effect on local water availability  but Kearney urged them to reconsider.

Data centers that host AI services like ChatGPT continuously consume power and indirectly rely on water for cooling, he said. While a single query may seem insignificant, usage adds up quickly when millions of users are interacting with AI. By making small changes like delaying nonurgent AI tasks, Angelenos can contribute to ensuring that water and energy remain available where theyre needed most during these high-risk periods.

Companies can look into alternative cooling solutions and data center locations.

As long as data centers rely on water to regulate their temperature, AI will be a drain on water supplies, including in places with warmer and drier climates. Newquist told us that areas where water is scarce or droughts are occurring are especially prone to water depletion due to AI data centers, so many companies are building server centers near polar regions or in northern countries with low ambient temperatures.

In addition to relocating to colder areas, some AI companies are exploring cooling options that arent water-dependent. Kearney pointed to immersion cooling, which sees companies directly submerge the hardware in a special cooling liquid, as an approach that could lessen water consumption.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With AI showing no sign of slowing down in the future, more companies may look to find cooling options that dont deplete natural resources like water. But in the meantime, if youre in LA, hold off on your ChatGPT use until the wildfire threat subsides.

Related...
CHICAGO  Chicago police are issuing a warning to food delivery drivers after multiple drivers were recently robbed at gunpoint on the Near West Side.

Police said the robberies happened at the following times and locations

2100 block of West Van Buren St.  January 01, 2025 3:30 p.m.

2100 block of West Van Buren St.  January 04, 2025 8:20 p.m.

300 block of South Leavitt St.  January 05, 2025 6:00 p.m.

2100 block of West Gladys Ave.  January 05, 2025 11:00 p.m.

According to police, two to three male suspects dressed in all black clothing and wearing face coverings emerge from a dark alley or unlighted areas after requesting food to be delivered to the location via Door Dash, Uber Eats, and/or local pizzerias.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the robberies, one of the suspects pulls out a black handgun and threatens the driver while the other suspect(s) go through the victims pockets, removing personal items before running away.

The suspects are described as two to three males between the ages of 16 and 23, wearing black hooded sweatshirts, black ski masks and black pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com and use reference #P25-3-002.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Here are additional tips from CPD:

Plan your route in advance, and vary your routes whenever possible.

Get to know the neighborhood.

Be aware of this crime and alert family and friends who live and deliver food in the area

Pay special attention to any suspicious person(s) lingering around trying to make spontaneous conversation.

If you are confronted by an assailant, remain calm.

If you are a victim, try not to touch anything and contact the police immediately.

Call 911 immediately if you are a victim or witness to a crime and provide a detailed description of the offender(s) including any vehicle description and license plate information.

If approached by a witness to an incident, request they remain on the scene when possible or obtain contact 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 WGN-TV.
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates was criticized on social media for a comment she allegedly made at a recent union House of Delegates meeting comparing Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez to a student with a specialized education program.

Pedro is the terrible student in the classroom that cant get suspended because he should have an IEP and maxed out his days, Davis Gates allegedly said Wednesday night, using the abbreviation for individualized education program.

She did not respond to a request for comment from the Tribune. But she did apologize for the comment on X.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That is a paraphrase of my misspeaking, something I immediately apologized for (Im someone who takes accountability) in a larger conversation about Pedros position in the district, she wrote.

Davis Gates has in recent weeks frequently criticized Martinez for slowing down teachers contract negotiations. That criticism ramped up in late December after a Cook County judge granted Martinez a temporary restraining order against school board members for the obstruction of his job duties. Afterward, she said the judges ruling slowed down their progress at the bargaining table.

The union presidents comparison of Martinez to a student with disabilities who cant get suspended was framed in the context of that ongoing dispute.

Special education is generally underfunded in CPS, and Davis Gates on behalf of the union has consistently advocated for children with disabilities in her time as CTU president. In the current teachers contract proposal, there are asks for special education professional development and giving more voice to individualized education program team members  instead of district representatives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The teachers union reported over 265 special education job vacancies in CPS as of Sept. 9. Those vacancies give CTUs requests for special education support more urgency, the union said.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez claims that the district has improved resources for our students by allocating new positions, but the reality is that many of these positions exist on paper only, CTU wrote on its online Underfunded & Understaffed tracker.

But as the Tribune reported last month, CTU is also currently at odds with Service Employees International Union 73, the union representing special education classroom assistants, over special education jobs. The teachers union has proposed contract language to CPS that SEIU fears would allow classroom assistants, who are represented by CTU, to take over some of the special education classroom aides jobs.

Special education classroom assistants say CTUs proposals would lead to a watered-down version of their job and worse outcomes for students with disabilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To Terri Smith, a parent of a disabled child and special education advocate in Chicago for 15 years, Davis Gates comment  following the clash with SEIU 73  demonstrates that the teachers union president is not concerned with kids with special needs.

Nobody says something like that, by mistake. You would only say it if youre an ableist person, Smith said.

Other advocates for students with disabilities also called Davis Gates comments discouraging.

IEPs play an important role in ensuring access to equitable education for all students. Singling out students with IEPs this way can perpetuate harmful inaccurate stereotypes of students with disabilities, said Frank Lally, education policy analyst at Access Living.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I understand that Davis Gates has apologized for the comment and certainly hope that her comment does not reflect her actual view of students with disabilities. CTU members, especially Special Education teachers, are often our students greatest champions.

Celeste OConnor, a parent of a CPS high school junior with disabilities said she is pro-union and pro-teacher. She said her daughter has been fortunate to have had amazing special education teachers, including her current team.

But its painful when you see that publicly by the leader of CTU, OConnor said. (Davis Gates) touched on the fear that many parents have that thats how teachers truly feel about their students with disabilities.  To me, impact is more important than intent. Impact here was pretty strong.

When Laurie Viets phone lit up with the news of Davis Gates comments in the grocery store Friday morning, she said her jaw dropped. Viets has two CPS students with IEPs and one with a 504 plan. She said shes been on picket lines with the union.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I have been a supporter of (Davis Gates) for so long, but the more that this comes out, this comment today she said. It was hate speech. It was so absolutely ludicrous.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A chicken statue was returned to its coop after a good Samaritan learned it was stolen from a store owner.

The statue was reported missing on Sunday, Dec. 29 at around 5:30 p.m. on West 26th and Hamilton Street. A man allegedly cut the statue off its pedestal and sold it where the new owner was later told it was stolen.

FAFSA form submissions going smoother this year compared to last

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The owner of the chicken statue says they put barbed wire around the chicken pedestal and planted the chicken in commercial-grade cement to make it more secure.

The owner says she doesnt plan on pressing charges, as it all turned out okay and the chicken statue is back where it belongs.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 10Nambe native Kenneth Gonzales is the new chief judge for the U.S. District Court in New Mexico, and he plans to work out of Santa Fe come this summer.

Gonzales stepped into the role effective Friday due to former chief judge William Johnson's transition to senior status, according to a news release from the federal court. A Pojoaque Valley High School graduate, Gonzales was appointed a federal judge by President Barack Obama in 2013.

Gonzales has been stationed in Las Cruces, which is where Johnson was based, since becoming a judge. He "has spent considerable time presiding over a robust general criminal docket and a wide range of civil matters," the news release says. However, his duty station will move up to Santa Fe in August.

After graduating from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1994, Gonzales worked as a clerk to then-state Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph Baca and then as a legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingham before becoming an assistant U.S. attorney in New Mexico in 1999. He became the state's top U.S. attorney in 2010.
The set-up for President Joe Biden's visit to the Ford Motor Co. Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn in May 2021 included electric vehicle charging stations, classic trucks, and the electric F-150 Lightning, which will be produced at the factory. (Andrew Roth | Michigan Advance)

Michigan Republicans have renewed their assault on a planned electric vehicle battery plant in Calhoun County after the Chinese company affiliated with the $2 billion project was essentially blacklisted by the federal government.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) released its annual list of Chinese military companies determined to be operating directly or indirectly in the United States. On the list was Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), whose technology Ford Motor Co. plans to license in order to produce low-cost lithium-iron phosphate batteries at the plant near Marshall, which is under construction and expected to begin production in 2026.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The DoD said the list is a important continuing effort in highlighting and countering the Peoples Republic of Chinas (PRC) Military-Civil Fusion strategy, which supports the modernization goals of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) by ensuring it can acquire advanced technologies and expertise developed by PRC companies, universities, and research programs that appear to be civilian entities.

At the heart of the concern over Chinese companies operating in the U.S. is a requirement by the Chinese government that they provide access to all of its proprietary and customer data, which officials say could pose a threat to national security interests.

The same issue is at play in the ongoing dispute over TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform. In April 2024, President Biden signed a bipartisan bill into law requiring TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Friday morning on whether to overturn or delay the law.

CATL, the worlds largest maker of batteries for electric vehicles, also supplies Tesla, the EV manufacturer owned by billionaire Elon Musk, a top ally of President-elect Donald Trump who is leading his so-called government efficiency effort.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Companies that are included on the 1260H list, required by Congress since 2021, are barred from entering into Defense Department contracts. However, their inclusion also places those firms in the spotlight as potential threats to U.S. national security.

It is a further red flag against the Marshall project, known formally as the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, which initially received $1.7 billion in financial backing from the state through its Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) fund. The funding has drawn ongoing criticism from Republican legislators, including state Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport), who renewed her call for Michigan to seek the return of, or claw back, taxpayer subsidies awarded to Ford for the project.

These latest developments underscore what Ive been saying all along  projects like this require much stricter oversight, said Lightner. We must have safeguards in place to protect taxpayers from financial risks and national security threats. If a project is tanking, or it turns out to have ties to a questionable company, we need the ability to claw back those funds and redirect them to better uses.

A Ford Motor Co. spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by the Michigan Advance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

CATL, however, issued a statement, calling its inclusion on the list a mistake, claiming it never engaged in any military-related business or activities, and that it planned to proactively engage with DoD to address the false designation, including legal action if necessary, to protect the interests of our company and shareholders as a whole.

When asked about the listing during the Michigan Senates first day of session on Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) told reporters that it was just the latest in a long list of reasons that Republicans have opposed the project.

The end of the day, Im somebody that continues to oppose writing checks to some of the most profitable corporations in the world, said Nesbitt. If youre having to bribe the companies to come here, then that means youre not competitive in another area. I continue to oppose this kind of Whitmer giveaway, corporate welfare.

Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) takes questions from reporters after the Senate adjourned its first session of the year on Jan. 8, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

Nesbitt was referring to financial support by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Democratic leaders in the state House and Senate for EV-related projects during their two-year trifecta of controlling both chambers of the Legislature and the executive branch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, GOP opposition to the SOAR fund only began after Democrats took control of Lansing. The fund itself was created in 2021 through legislation sponsored by Republicans and passed by the then-GOP controlled House and Senate, largely in response to Fords announcement that it would invest $11.4 billion in battery and electric vehicle assembly plant investments in Tennessee and Kentucky.

In September 2023, Ford paused construction on the Marshall plant, but after resuming work on a scaled-down project several months later, Lightner introduced a $725.3 million negative supplemental appropriations plan to return previously allocated SOAR funds and related infrastructure funding for the Marshall project to the states general fund.

She also sought legislation to mandate annual audits of the SOAR fund and put forth proposals to establish automatic claw-back provisions requiring unspent funds to be returned to the general fund if a project was canceled or indefinitely paused.

This new federal action against CATL validates the concerns many of us have been raising for months, said Lightner. Michigan cannot afford to gamble with taxpayer money on a project linked to a company flagged for ties to the Chinese military. Its time to claw back these funds and protect our economic and national security.

Advance reporter Kyle Davidson contributed to this story.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Chinese embassies in Thailand and Myanmar have warned their citizens to beware of recruitment scams offering high pay overseas after the recent rescue of a kidnapped actor.

Wang Xing went missing near the Thailand-Myanmar border on January 3 after being lured there by human traffickers who posed as film producers offering three times the normal market rate.

He was rescued by Thai immigration authorities on Tuesday and has since returned to China.

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 incident prompted social media users to come forward with similar cases, saying their friends and relatives had also disappeared near the Myanmar border after being tricked into travelling to Thailand.

Wang's ordeal has also led some Chinese travellers to reconsider their travel plans to Thailand for the coming Lunar New Year holiday.

China's embassy in Bangkok on Saturday warned Chinese citizens to be alert to false job offers overseas promising "high salaries" and "free flights and accommodation".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It also reminded visitors to follow visa regulations and not work illegally.

Victims were encouraged to report threats to local police or seek help from the embassy.

Separately, the Chinese embassy in Myanmar said on Saturday that its citizens should stay vigilant to scams.

"Do not readily believe in so-called 'high-paying overseas jobs recruitment' information to avoid falling into the trap of telecoms fraud and having your life and property compromised," it warned.

Several Chinese nationals have reportedly been deceived by false job offers on social media and lured into crossing the Myanmar border illegally. After crossing they are forced to take part in telecoms scams from compounds in the Myawaddy region, which is notorious as a fraud hub.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wang arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport early on Saturday wearing a head covering and face mask.

According to Global Times, his captors shaved his head and forced him, along with at least 50 others, to undergo two to three days of typing training while in confinement.

There has been no word about the others being held with Wang, prompting questions on social media about their fate.

Wang later confirmed his safe return in an emotional message on Chinese social media platform Weibo. "I am Chinese citizen Wang Xing. At this moment, I have returned to the embrace of my homeland - a place that makes me feel warmth, security and freedom," he wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wang credited China's strength for giving him courage and hope during his ordeal. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported him, including strangers online and those who worked tirelessly for his rescue.

"I am just an ordinary person who feels fear and worry. When I was close to giving up, it was your encouragement that gave me hope, helping me hold on a little longer and find my way back to my beloved country and the people I love," he said.

Wang also thanked the Chinese government, the embassies in Thailand and Myanmar, and Chinese and Thai law enforcement agencies that coordinated his rescue.

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.
The Chinese and Indonesian coastguards held their first senior-level talks this week on boosting maritime security cooperation.

The two sides discussed topics such as setting up regular meetings at all levels, port calls and capability build-up, the China Coast Guard said on Saturday.

"Both sides believe that it is necessary to further deepen pragmatic maritime cooperation, jointly maintain the order of maritime security and properly deal with maritime emergencies," its statement said.

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 talks took place in Beijing during a visit by Vice-Admiral Irvansyah, chief of the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency, that began on Tuesday and ended on Saturday and took place at China's invitation.

"The meeting is not only a symbol of the close relations between both institutions but also a joint commitment to create a safe, peaceful and prosperous maritime region," he said, according to the Indonesian coastguard.

The delegation also visited the headquarters of a coastguard unit in the southern city of Guangzhou and inspected operational facilities and a patrol vessel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

China has in recent years stepped up its efforts to engage with Indonesia on the economic and security fronts amid its growing strategic rivalry with the United States and rising tensions with the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Indonesia is not a claimant in the South China Sea but its claimed exclusive economic zone in the North Natuna Sea overlaps with China's nine-dash line, which sets out its expansive claims in the South China Sea.

In recent years there have been a series of incidents involving ships from the two countries in the disputed waters, with Indonesia escorting a Chinese coastguard vessel away from the Nantua Islands three times in the space of a week just over two months ago.

On that occasion Indonesia accused the Chinese vessel of "disrupting" oil and gas exploration activity in its exclusive economic zone, but China said its ship was on patrol in waters that are under its jurisdiction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The two countries held their first senior-level "2+2" military and diplomacy dialogues in August last year to build strategic mutual trust.

The two countries will hold a round of ministerial-level talks covering these areas this year and both sides have agreed to step up coastguard cooperation and conduct joint exploration in the areas claimed by both countries following November's visit to China by President Prabowo Subianto.

Earlier this week Indonesia officially became a full member of Brics - a grouping whose initial core membership consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - amid speculation the country will play a bigger role in the Global South.

Jakarta has also said it is open to talks on issues such as maritime security, sea routes and fisheries with other countries and is looking to forge defensive partnerships.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Foreign Minister Sugiono said on Friday that his country will continue to push to finalise a South China Sea code of conduct between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China, according to Reuters.

Talks on the code, designed to reduce the risk of conflict in the disputed waters, have been going on for years, but progress has been slow despite Beijing's repeated calls to step up the pace.

Meanwhile, Indonesia and Japan held a meeting on Saturday to expand security cooperation, with Tokyo agreeing to provide high-speed patrol boats to Jakarta, according to Reuters. The two countries also set up 2+2 dialogue mechanism in 2015.

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.
This is an adapted excerpt from the Jan. 9 episode of All In with Chris Hayes.

Rumors, lies and hoaxes have always spread during times of disaster. That phenomenon is as old as humanity itself. Even in the best of circumstances, a crisis like the Los Angeles wildfires would be a vector for a lot of bad information.

Our polluted information environment is creating an absolute blowtorch of lies  lies being spread by the richest man in the world on the platform he owns and by the incoming president of the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For example, there is the false claim that the city of Los Angeles is out of water. Donald Trump himself posted a number of attacks against Gavin Newsom, Californias Democratic governor, including saying that Newsom refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water ... to flow daily into many parts of California.

However, as Newsoms office noted, There is no such document as the water restoration declaration  that is pure fiction. One local outlet also pointed out, Since Newsom has been in office, there has not been legislation that would do what Trump is describing.

Elon Musk and others boosted a similar claim that Los Angeles is out of water to fight the fires and that Karen Bass, the citys Democratic mayor, is to blame, with Musk attacking Bad governance at the state and local level that resulted in a shortage of water.

Thats just false. While firefighters are having trouble accessing water from hydrants, there is actually a very simple explanation for that and it has nothing to do with Bass. As the head of the citys water department told the BBC, Were fighting a wildfire with urban water systems, and that is really challenging.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Los Angeles has an urban water system designed, first and foremost, to get water to homes and businesses. It is not designed to fight massive wildfires. The BBC also clarified that firefighting crews were not without water, but rather faced issues with water pressure.

That is true for a number of reasons, including high altitude, droughts exacerbated by climate change, unprecedented demand for water to put out the blazes, and the fact that supply lines that feed the fire hydrants are being disrupted by the raging wildfires. None of that is the fault of Bass or Newsom.

The misinformation doesnt end there, though. Musk also claimed, without any basis, that the Los Angeles Fire Department prioritized DEI over saving lives and homes, which is a completely ludicrous statement.

Musk also shared a post targeting Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who is both the first female and the first LGBTQ fire chief in the citys history. The attacks against Crowley suggest she is unqualified and therefore somehow responsible for the fires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Crowley has served in the LAFD for decades, working her way up from a firefighter, all the way to fire chief. She received a special commendation back in 2020 for her work saving nine homes during the 2018 Woolsey Fire, alongside her wife, who also spent decades in the LAFD. It should go without saying Crowleys personal identity has nothing to do with department preparedness to combat wildfires.

Musk wasnt done with the gross attacks, though. He signed off on a post from conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, claiming that the Los Angeles Fires Are Part Of A Larger Globalist Plot To Wage Economic Warfare & Deindustrialize The Untied States Before Triggering Total Collapse. Musk replied, True.

The Los Angeles fires are not part of an intentional plot to deindustrialize the United States. This is the same level of nonsense as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene saying a Jewish space laser started the Camp Fire in 2018.

Jones  the guy who lied about the Sandy Hook shooting being staged  got Musk's message loud and clear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Elon Musk responded to a post from the first half-hour of my show today, where I laid out the basic evidence that the Democratic Party, with their policies, are 100% responsible, consciously, for the historic fire destroying much of Los Angeles in the last 48 hours, Jones said on his show.

The absolute barrage of garbage being pumped into the brains of people is unbelievable. It starts to feel like collective informational suicide  and it doesnt help when the guy who owns the digital town square is posting about globalist plots and blaming wokeness for the fires.

Allison Detzel contributed.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Jan. 11Two Danville buildings should be demolished sooner rather than later, pending funding, according to Director of Public Works, David Ruwe.

The facade of a city-owned building, located at 129 N. Vermilion in Downtown Danville, was partially demolished by the City in December when it was discovered that the roof had mostly fallen in, Ruwe said.

"During the inspection of a neighboring building, we found that the roof was collapsed quite significantly. We took care of the safety hazard at that point in time," Ruwe said, adding that the only delay on further demolition of the building comes down to a lack of funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another building, located at 17 N. Jackson, was previously home to Model Star Laundry. The building caught fire in the early morning hours of Oct. 31, 2024. The clean-up from that project is also delayed, pending funding.

Both projects depend on leftover funds set aside for the Bresee Tower demolition project. The City accepted a bid from Homrich Wrecking out of Carlton, Michigan, for the project on Dec. 3, 2024.

The Vermilion County Board must now draft and approve their own budget for their portion of the project, as laid out in the intergovernmental agreement between the City of Danville and the county.

Their first meeting of the year for the County Board will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 14, in the Vermilion County Administration Building at 201 N. Vermilion St., in Danville.
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  The City of Elmira now has shot detection cameras up and online.

According to Elmira Police Sergeant William Goodwin, the new cameras with microphones are now online and went up in late December. The installation of the cameras is to help Elmira Police pinpoint shooting locations.

This system can pinpoint that shooting to approximately 90 feet and it will also send an alert to officers or comm. center even in the event where we dont have a 911 caller and just within the last couple of days, that actually happened where we received an alert, but we had no 911 call on it, said Elmira Police Sgt. William Goodwin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gunshot detection system, other votes ahead for Elmira City Council

The system covers around one square mile and works hand in hand with Elmira Police Departments license plate readers.

So take for example, a shooting occurs on the east side, an alert goes off. It will also send officers license plates of vehicles that are in that immediate area. So, now we have evidence to act upon and hopefully come to a quick resolution and calm the violent crime here in the city, said Sgt. Goodwin.

It works based off of decibels and A.I., which means no people are actively listening to those neighborhoods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So the audio is only preserved and saved in the event of gunfire, so the device is not listening to conversations. You know, theres nobody live listening to the cameras so to speak. Theyre just there to pick up gunfire, said Flock Safety Public Relations Manager Connor Metz.

In September, the Elmira City Council approved the purchase of Flock Securitys Raven Detection System. The vote approved a two-year subscription for $66,553.85. All of it was paid for by LETECH Grant funds

Elmira Police said it has already assisted with one shooting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
A Meadville man has been sentenced in county court to up to two decades in state prison for sexual assaults involving two children between July 2016 and August 2020.

Christopher M. Young, 38, who resides in the 1100 block of South Main Street, was sentenced Thursday by President Judge John Spataro to a total of 10 to 20 years in state prison to be followed by three years of probation. Young was given 351 days of pre-sentence jail credit and was ordered to pay $1,500 in fines and court costs.

An assessment by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board found Young was a sexually violent predator and will be required to register with authorities for the rest of his life following release from prison.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In October, he pleaded guilty to one count each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault in a plea agreement with the Crawford County District Attorneys Office.

In January 2024, Young was arrested by Meadville Police Department and charged with a total of 41 counts involving two girls.

Police charged Young with raping a girl who was 10 when the assaults began and 13 when they ended. Young also had an additional 37 charges involving the same girl, according to court documents.

Young was charged with assaulting another child during the same July 2016 and August 2020 time frame.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He had four charges involving the second child, whose gender was not specified in court documents. The second child was age 6 when the assaults started and age 10 when they ended.

In addition to rape, the charges against Young with the older child included first-degree felony counts of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, unlawful contact with a minor, and 10 counts of aggravated indecent assault of a child.

Young had 21 third-degree felony charges of indecent assault on a person less than 13 years old, one third-degree felony count of corruption of minors, and a misdemeanor charge of indecent assault on a person less than 13 years old.

He had third-degree felony charges of unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors, and two counts of indecent assault on a person less than 13 years old involving the younger child.
Daviess County elections workers encountered mostly minor issues when voters went to the polls in November, according to a report the office submitted to the Daviess Grand Jury last month.

Where there were issues at voting centers Election Day, they were largely resolve quickly, the report say. The main issue on Election Day was wait times at some of the voting centers, which was a result of high voter turnout.

County clerk offices are required to send reports to grand juries after every election for review. The Daviess Grand Jury heard the report in December.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Messenger-Inquirer received a copy of the report after submitting an open records request. McCarty said the county elections board will also use the reports findings when planning for future presidential elections.

Because of the large turnout, many people waited in long lines at most of the locations, McCarty wrote in the grand jury report. Complaints included long lines, lack of a handicap line and the appearance of electioneering.

County Board of Elections and staff will review these events and the trainings to see where improvements can be made for the next election.

Turnout in Daviess County was 60%. The report says there were complaints of electioneering at the Owensboro Sportscenter during early voting and on Election Day  particularly that a write-in candidate for Daviess County School Board had parked her bus near the Sportscenter, and had covered the bus with her campaign materials. The report says the bus was parked more than 100 feet away from the voting center, and was not in violation of state electioneering laws.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During in-office absentee voting, one voter scanned their ballot and didnt get a confirmation from the voting machine that the ballot had been counted. McCarty said the machines vote count was tallied, and said the machines count matched a hand count of the ballots.

We only had to open one machine where a lady thought her vote wasnt counted, McCarty said. We had to get a court order, so we did that through the proper channels. County Attorney John Burlew obtained the order for the machine to be opened.

There were a few disturbances at the polls, such as a woman began trying to move the line during early voting by pushing other people waiting in line. The grand jury report says a sheriffs deputy stationed at the Sportscenter reprimanded the woman for her conduct.

The only other disturbance was on Election Day at the Sportscenter, where a voter became angry when he was denied being able to vote because of a felony conviction. The report says the clerks offices chief deputy called the State Board of Elections to check on the voters registration. While the voter had his right to vote restored, his application to register to vote was denied because of a missing signature, the report says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McCarty said having sheriffs deputies at the voting centers was an assurance.

For us, we were all just worried about all the rhetoric, McCarty said. Later, she said, There was a real fear of something happening at the voting centers.

Having the Daviess County Sheriffs Office there put minds at ease, McCarty said.

There were technical problems at voting centers on election day, such as voters not properly placing a ballot in a scanner, or a ballot not printing. The issues were corrected and the votes were verified to make sure the count on the machines was correct, the report says.

A representative from the company that made the voting machines was on-hand to deal with technical issues at the voting centers, McCarty said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There were some medical issues, such as people becoming ill or faint while waiting to vote. McCarty said a practice for future elections with expected high voter turnout would be to encourage people with health issues to vote with an absentee ballot. The state allows absentee voting for certain categories of people, including those with a disability or illness that would affect their ability to vote in person.

McCarty said she understands that people who could vote absentee might still want to vote in person.

I respect that, she said. But, its hard for people to stand for an hour while waiting to vote.

To reduce lines in the future, McCarty said the board of elections could expand the number of early voting sites.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That will mean having more voting equipment, which will have to be budgeted for by Fiscal Court, McCarty said.

But, even with the long wait, people were in good spirits, and were happy with the turnout, McCarty said.
Cleveland County reported the death of a jail detainee Friday.

It was the facility's first death of 2025.

Jacob Shane Dieball, 27, died on Friday morning, according to a news release from Cleveland County officials.

Dieball is the sixth detainee to die at the jail in the last year after five deaths were reported in 2024.

According to the news release, Dieball was lying on his bunk, breathing and moving his head and hands at about 9:21 a.m. during in-person sight checks. About 15 minutes later, detention staff were alerted for a welfare check for Dieball. He was found unresponsive but breathing. He was administered Narcan and Turn Key staff began life saving measures.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Paramedics were called at 9:53 a.m. and arrived at 10:02 a.m., but Dieball was pronounced him dead three minutes later. His cause of death will be determined by the medical examiners office, along with an investigation from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Dieball was arrested by Norman police in October. He was charged in Cleveland County with firearm possession after a felony conviction, obstructing an officer, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of paraphernalia.

The county hired a consultant in August to investigate deaths at the facility and the jails health care provider, Turn Key Health, according to The Frontier. An insurance company in March said it would not renew the county's policy, according to The Frontier. Cleveland County commissioner Rod Cleveland told the online news outlet he believed the deaths at the jail were partially to blame for the county losing its coverage.

The Board of Commissioners said in a news release, via its Director of Communications Storme Jones, they were saddened by Dieball's death and recognized that while acknowledging that detainee populations face higher risks than the general population, the Board considers any loss of life unacceptable.

More: Authorities investigating death of Cleveland County jail inmate

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Cleveland County officials say jail detainee Jacob Dieball died Friday
Phoenix Fire Capt. Todd Keller waited Friday afternoon for a call from FEMA. He stands ready to send 45 firefighters from Phoenix's Arizona Task Force 1 team to help quell the devastating destruction overtaking Los Angeles. If deployed, the search and rescue crew could spend up to 21 days in close proximity to some of the most toxic smoke and unusually brutal fire conditions the country has yet seen.

Meanwhile, politicians argue about who is to blame while scientists continue shouting the answer into the void.

At least 11 people have died and 10,000 homes and structures have burned as a half-dozen fires rage through dense Southern California neighborhoods. By Friday afternoon, the two largest, the Palisades Fire at nearly 20,000 urban acres and the Eaton Fire at nearly 14,000 urban acres, still had less than 10% containment.

Advertisement Advertisement

As the fires continue to spread, spurred on by abnormally strong Santa Ana winds, the economic toll of the disaster is set to become one of the costliest in U.S. history at an estimated minimum of $50 billion. Scientists are uncertain as to a link between climate change and the intensity of the current Santa Ana winds, which firefighters are struggling against.

What an overwhelming majority of climate scientists are certain about is that global warming  caused by humans burning fossil fuels for energy  has resulted in longer, more severe droughts and drier, more flammable vegetation, which create much greater risk for catastrophic wildfires across the Southwest, including Arizona and Southern California.

This clear expert consensus hasn't stopped president-elect Donald Trump, who has called climate change "an expensive hoax" while supporting more oil drilling, from claiming the fires are the result of water mismanagement by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and a statewide failure to adequately "clean the forest floors."

I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA!," Trump wrote Wednesday on social media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Hydroclimatologist Peter Gleick told The Los Angeles Times this week that these statements are "blatantly false, irresponsible and politically self-serving." With California reservoirs mostly full despite crushing drought worsened by climatic warming, the water shortages currently stunting firefighting efforts have more to do with the "massive immediate demands" of the climate-intensified fire, he said.

As Phoenix prepared to lend its own crews to the cause, The Arizona Republic connected with experts  including a wildfire ecologist, a climate policy adviser, a scholar of preventive burning practices and an air quality health professional  to examine the facts, nuance and implications behind this explosive blame game.

California fires: How to help those affected by the fires in California, no matter where you are

'Trump doesn't understand at all what this is'

Flames and smoke rise from structures as the Palisades fire burns during a windstorm on the west side of Los Angeles, California, on Jan. 8, 2025.

Trump's criticisms of California's wildfire management date back to at least 2019, when he said at a rally that you got to clean your floors, you got to clean your forests  there are many, many years of leaves and broken trees and theyre like, like, so flammable, you touch them and it goes up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Donald Falk, a tree ring scientist, wildfire ecologist and professor at the University of Arizona who studies forest regeneration after wildfire, how pre-fire forest conditions influence burn severity and lessons from fire regimes thinks the president-elect has missed the mark here by a mile.

"(Trump) doesn't understand at all what this is," Falk told The Republic Wednesday. "The idea of cleaning the forest is completely irrelevant to what is driving these fires. These are growing through the canopy of a chaparral ecosystem driven by high winds, and that is the classic southern California recipe for a big fire."

After wildfires: Forests often regenerate after wildfires. Why the climate crisis could change that

Coastal chaparral, the natural ecosystem in much of central and southern California, burns "with very high fire behavior" every 30 to 70 years as part of an evolved fire cycle, Falk said. The dominant plants in this system are various drought-deciduous woody shrubs that grow in dense, low clusters on dry soils.

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's not a forest that you can thin," he said. And even if you could, "the idea of thinning or cleaning in the face of a Santa Ana wind is a non-starter with these fires. This is just basic fire science."

In California's tree forests, Falk agrees that strategic thinning and prescribed burning helps contain wildfire risks. Over-zealous "cleaning" can deplete natural resources and ecosystem health. But if done "in the right place and in the right way," managing fuel buildup can help offset hazards posed by the warming, drying influences of climate change.

With only 3% of California state-owned, though, that responsibility may fall more on the federal government, even as state firefighters are often the first to respond to flames. Falk noted those management efforts have been under-resourced for years, with the fire community "asking for more and Congress has been unwilling to appropriate it."

Regardless, forest cleaning principles do not apply to urban infernos like the Marshall Fire in Colorado in 2021 or the modern blazes in Los Angeles, where the fuel built up is homes.

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is not a forest fire. This is a structure fire," Falk said, adding that he has sympathy for the people who have lost their homes. "This is about the collision of land use and climate change. The fire is passing from house to house, and it is because of dense development in flammable ecosystems. If we want to stop having fires like this, we need to stop building houses in the middle of flammable ecosystems. And we need to bend the curve on climate change.

"These are climate change fires," he said. "The scientific literature on this is unambiguous.

'It's not just climate and it's not just a policy problem. It is both'

Though scientifically accurate, diagnosing the devastation in Los Angeles as "climate change fires" may offer little comfort to residents with homes currently engulfed in flames or everyone else on a planet increasingly vulnerable to similar disasters. The pace of international action to slow climate change so far has brought too little relief.

Hannah Safford is associate director of climate and environment at the Federation of American Scientists, and recently served as director for transportation and resilience in Biden's White House Climate Policy Office. She has a doctorate in environmental engineering and says there is promise in fire technology and permitting reform. She's also a San Francisco native with family in Southern California.

Advertisement Advertisement

"As these fires have exploded, I've seen two narratives," Safford told The Republic. "One that this is a policy failure, that this is just a problem that, if (Los Angeles Mayor) Karen Bass had been in town and Newsom had done a better job and our federal government had their act together, we wouldn't have these explosive fires. Then I've seen another narrative from climate groups that 'this is a climate change problem. Fires have gotten worse and are going to keep getting worse. We need to stop burying our heads in the ground and fix the climate problem.'

"And the truth is that it's both of those things," Safford said. "It's not just climate and it's not just a policy problem. It is both."

Allowing people to build very dense homes constructed of flammable materials close to the wildland-urban interface in fire-prone ecosystems like Los Angeles has put properties at risk. And there has not been enough money dedicated to prescribed burning efforts to mimic nature's management of other fuel loads, she said, despite the fact that Biden prioritized it during his time in office and made funds available for wildfire mitigation through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and other sources.

More: 'We don't have a season anymore': How climate change has affected wildfire preparedness

Advertisement Advertisement

The federal wildfire management deficit goes back further.

"Theres only so quickly you can do all of this," Safford said. "Even if you throw all the money out there, you still need to get people on-boarded and that speaks to broader challenges in government. Government hiring can only go so quickly. Money just doesnt translate into people.

Some Los Angeles homeowners discovered this week that the country has a limited number of firefighters to cover these accelerated disasters, and that throwing money at the problem doesn't immediately resolve that.

Prescribed burning, which is sometimes opposed by neighbors who don't want to deal with the smoke and misunderstand how that choice endangers their homes, helps with staffing issues by doing preventative work with fewer employees over a longer period of time. But that practice is also strained by climate change compressing the window when burning can safely take place, Safford said.

Advertisement Advertisement

In Arizona, too, what used to be known as "wildfire season" has ceased to exist, limiting opportunities to do off-season management when ignition risk is lower.

After funding issues, environmental regulation thwarts wildfire containment. But new and old methods can help

To a lesser degree, conducting prescribed burns is also hampered by cumbersome permitting requirements through the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, as well as California's equivalent, CEQA, Safford said.

Even though prescribed burns are sometimes fast-tracked with Categorical Exclusions, the lowest threshold for a NEPA permit, an analysis by the Property Environment Research Center found that environmental review can still delay a burn project by an average of 3.6 years. If a more extensive Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement is required, the wait can stretch out to an average of 5.6 or 7.2 years, respectively.

These stats support demands to dispense with regulations when it comes to wildfire management. But Safford said those can get overstated, and that NEPA is less of a problem than funding and staffing shortages.

Advertisement Advertisement

In my mind its an obstacle thats real and not small, and also theres some people who love blaming everything on NEPA and environmentalists," she said.

Safford sees promise in up-and-coming "fire tech," including sensors that detect ignitions quickly, drone firefighters and tools to predict fire behavior and monitor fire conditions. Progress in this area has also been delayed by insufficient public funding, she said.

Cultural burning expert Nina Fontana is more focused on getting back in touch with ancient fire management techniques. She agrees NEPA should be revised to allow easier pathways for more preventative fires overseen by trained practitioners, and has nuanced views on how that should incorporate tribal knowledge.

Fontana is a research scientist at the University of California, Davis, works with the USGS Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center based at the University of Arizona and has contributed policy recommendations on land stewardship initiatives to mitigate wildfire risk to the Federation of American Scientists.

"One of the policy suggestions I wrote is that suppressing and taking fire off the landscape is what should require NEPA, rather than burning, because ecologically these are fire-adapted ecosystems, Fontana told The Republic.

Back to basics: 'Living with fire' may lead to less destructive wildfires, say Indigenous land stewards

If cultural divides could be overcome to facilitate better collaboration between tribal and non-tribal residents and governments in fire-prone landscapes, it would ease firefighter shortages and wildfire severity. That's because tribes in these places have been conducting small burns to manage that risk for as long as anyone can remember.

Fontana wants to see those management relationships grow so that unexpected wildfires don't. And she recently authored a paper on how California is actually leading the way on this.

"Its thousands and thousands of years of knowledge compressed into culture. That knowledge is embedded into the community and that is their regulation," she said. "Its a totally different worldview. And that conflict reverberates in relationships, which is where the work needs to be."

This week, Fontana has been scanning satellite imagery of the fires in Los Angeles. She noticed immediately where neighborhoods that had been spared overlapped with where burns in recent years had reduced fuel loads. She'd like to see more buffer zones, vegetation management and lower population density that more closely mimics how tribes once thrived in these ecosystems. But there's no getting around the fact that we live in a different age now.

"I think the point is there is no future without lots of fire and we have to advocate for all of these systems to work together," Fontana said. "Thats the only way we solve this multidimensional issue."

The human risk of lending a helping hand to a longer-term problem

In the short term, as Los Angeles mansions burn and California highways clog with evacuee traffic, the help that can be offered might be mostly limited to sending firefighters and first responders to the frontlines.

Tucson Red Cross volunteer: This volunteer and former firefighter to provide aid with California fires

Arizona already has, as of Thursday morning, about 80 fire personnel on the ground in California, from departments including Tucson Fire and the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority.

As Phoenix officials wait for FEMA authorization to send 45 more, the climate outlook raises questions about how to manage human firefighting resources for the long term.

.@PHXFire has been called on to help fight the devastating blazes in Los Angeles. Were still learning the details of whats needed, and I expect our teams will be on the ground in LA in the next few days. Im grateful our community can send help during this terrible tragedy.  Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) January 8, 2025

Laura Kate Bender, assistant vice president of healthy air advocacy and public policy for the American Lung Association, weighed in on what smoke from urban burns like in Los Angeles does to human lungs and the planet's atmosphere.

Wildfire smoke poses a serious health hazard," Bender said in a statement sent to The Republic. "And when structures and vehicles burn, that can add dangerous components to the smoke, like lead, plastics and hazardous household chemicals that can cause long-term health effects including cancer."

Fire Captain Keller told The Republic he's not worried about Phoenix Fire failing to maintain 100% staffing, even with extra trips to hazardous fires.

"What were going to do is exactly what we do on every fire, is were going to wear proper protective clothing and take every caution to protect ourselves from the carcinogens that are in the smoke," he said.

Climate series: Read the latest from Joan Meiners at azcentral: climate coverage from Arizona and the Southwest

Still, research on the toxicity of wildfire smoke, even from more natural sources, is turning up ever more evidence that it impairs respiratory, cardiovascular and mental health.

For Arizonans, that risk is layered on top of that posed by poor air quality linked to climate-warming pollution. In the ALA's recent 2024 State of the Air report, researchers found that 84% of residents are already breathing unhealthy air. They recommended that a "widespread shift to zero-emission transportation and clean energy" by 2050 could help avoid 1,360 premature deaths, 38,500 asthma attacks, 182,000 lost work days and $15.1 billion in health care costs.

It could also help spare Arizonans and others across the globe from what Los Angeles just endured.

"We know that climate change is making catastrophic fires and the associated air quality impacts from the smoke more likely," Bender said. "Continued actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are critical.

Joan Meiners is the climate news and storytelling reporter at The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Her work has also appeared in Discover Magazine, National Geographic, ProPublica and the Washington Post Magazine. Before becoming a journalist, she completed a doctorate in ecology. Follow Joan on Twitter at @beecycles or email her at joan.meiners@arizonarepublic.com.

Sign up for AZ Climate, The Republic's weekly climate and environment newsletter. Read more of the team's coverage at environment.azcentral.com. Support climate coverage and local journalism by subscribing to azcentral.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: As Arizona lends help to LA, experts assess the role climate plays
Jan. 10A former Clovis occupational therapist is facing new charges of creating child sexual abuse material and having inappropriate sexual contact with children, court records show.

Jared Cordum, 29, was arrested in July on charges of sexually assaulting three boys over about a year while working as an occupational therapist.

But an October grand jury indictment featuring several new charges allege Cordum's misconduct dates back further  and in some instances happened in his own recreational vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The new charges include criminal sexual contact of a minor, solicitation to commit criminal sexual penetration, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, manufacturing visual medium of sexual exploitation of children and voyeurism, according to court records.

The new charges were filed after three new victims came forward or were identified through further investigation, resulting in two additional cases. New Mexico Department of Justice spokesperson Chelsea Pitvorec said in a written statement that the total number of alleged victims in the July and October cases now totals six.

"The bravery of the children and the families that have come forward in these cases against Mr. Cordum is commendable, and their willingness to share their experiences will be paramount to holding Cordum accountable for the harms he has done to children," Attorney General Raul Torrez said in a written statement.

Albuquerque defense attorney Christopher Marlowe emphasized Cordum is still entitled to due process and that "we're still in the middle of the investigation on these cases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We are looking forward to a fair and just resolution for all the parties involved," he said.

A jury trial in Cordum's original case is scheduled for Feb. 24, but Marlowe said he expects that to be rescheduled.

Cordum surrendered his occupational therapy license Aug. 29, Regulation and Licensing Department spokesperson Andrea Brown said in an email.

Of the two new cases, Cordum is accused of having had inappropriate sexual contact twice with a boy he was tutoring during the 2021-2022 school year, according to a pretrial detention motion.

After the second incident, authorities allege, Cordum threatened he would tell everyone the boy was "gay" in an effort to keep the child from speaking out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"[The child] disclosed he was scared and felt sick about what happened, so he did not tell anyone," the motion reads.

That silence was only broken after Cordum's arrest in July, according to the motion.

In the second new case, the state Department of Justice served search warrants on Cordum's home and cellphone turned up several instances of child sexual abuse material he allegedly created using household surveillance cameras, according to the motion. The material captured two boys, authorities allege.

Esteban Candelaria is a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms. He covers child welfare and the state Children, Youth and Families Department. Learn more about Report for America at reportforamerica.org.
RALEIGH  Bryan Cohn officially took office as the representative for state House of Representatives District 32 at the beginning of the North Carolina General Assemblys long session on Wednesday.

Cohn defeated incumbent Frank Sossamon by 228 votes, as well as Libertarian Party challenger Ryan Brown, in the general election last year. What followed were several recounts and challenges from Sossamons camp that ultimately proved fruitless. The North Carolina State Board of Elections dismissed the protests and certified the results on Jan. 6.

Sossamons defeat means the Republicans have lost their veto-proof super majority in the NCGA  theyll have to negotiate with the other side of the aisle going forward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of District 32 in the North Carolina House of Representatives, said Cohn. This community has placed its trust in me, and I am committed to working tirelessly on behalf of all residents to ensure our districts voice is heard, and our needs are met.

Cohns next steps will be speaking to city and county managers around the district to set legislative priorities, he said. A ceremonial swearing-in, attended by family, friends and supporters, will take place at McGregor Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19.

The NCGA will reconvene on Jan. 29.

The electoral process demonstrated the resilience of our democracy, and I am proud to represent a district that values fairness and integrity, Cohn said. Now it is time to focus on what matters most  working together to create a brighter future for all North Carolinians.

Cohn brings extensive experience in public service and community leadership to his new role, the press release read. As a former city commissioner for Oxford and chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and community engagement.
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Matrix COC is offering Cold Weather Emergency Sheltering on Friday, January 10th for residents needing sufficient heating.

The DeFuniak Springs Community Center on 361 N 10th Street will open from 5 p.m to 7 a.m.

The Matrix COC can support transportation costs to the shelter through Uber or Taxi. The public is asked to call Candy Nowling at 850-307-8100 to receive this service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For those interested in supporting the CWES, whether volunteering in the shelter, providing meals, or donating complete this survey.

For more information about the DeFuniak Springs Community Center, call 850-865-6349.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
While many live through the devastating wildfires in California, a Colorado fire survivor shared their experience on social media to prepare victims for what's to come.

The Southern California wildfires that started threatening neighborhoods on Tuesday, Jan. 7, are the worst the state has ever seen, and as of Thursday afternoon, they continue to spread.

A self-described conservationist who uses the handle innocent bystander (@innoc_bystander) on X, formerly Twitter, said they were a victim of wildfire damage in Colorado  likely the Marshall Fire, Colorado's worst wildfire, at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. After the horrific fires in California began this week, they took to the platform to share their experiences.

-aftermath is going to happen painfully slow. From powerlines to gas lines to environmental remediation.

-there are going to be thousands and thousands of affluent displaced people. Demand for rentals and prices are going to soar in nice neighborhoods.  innocent bystander (@innoc_bystander) January 9, 2025

"Here are some things that are going to happen," they said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For one, they noted, the "aftermath is going to happen painfully slow."

Additionally, with "thousands and thousands of affluent displaced people  demand for rentals and prices are going to soar in nice neighborhoods." Nearby school districts will overflow, insurance battles will ensue, and many houses will not be able to be rebuilt the same.

The X user also had some advice. They warned that lowball offers will be made on land, but if you can wait, do so until it stabilizes.

Unfortunately, they said, pets will also be left behind, and to help when you can but not be a hero if it puts your life at risk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They suggested letting the blame game of how the fire started to play out. They warned that people will deal with the aftermath in their own way, and you should be kind.

While the situation will be bad for a while, the user ended with a glimmer of hope: "The community will be stronger in the end, and things will be rebuilt, often better."

The community will be stronger in the end and things will be rebuilt, often better.



But it's gonna big suck for a while.



Some people handle stress very poorly. Be kind and help where you can.  innocent bystander (@innoc_bystander) January 9, 2025

According to the Guardian and Cal Fire, as of Thursday, the wildfires have killed at least five people, destroyed about 2,000 homes and buildings, and forced 180,000 people to evacuate.

The Guardian also noted, "Early estimates of the wildfires' combined economic impact are in the tens of billions of dollars and could place the fires as the most damaging in U.S. history."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fires reached this intensity due to a unique mixture of "near-hurricane-force winds and drought."

Polluting gases are warming the planet. When this happens, the "hotter air evaporates water," intensifying droughts.

What would you do if natural disasters were threatening your home?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

As the Guardian said, all of this is "making big fires more common in California."

If you want to help, you can donate to climate causes that help victims or those working to reduce the polluting gases harming the planet.

X users appreciated the advice and the perspective.

One user said, "Great thread. Applies to almost any natural disaster situation."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another commented, "This is a great thread and a super pragmatic/sobering view of the aftermath."

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A day after Columbus police got into a shootout with a teenager, the chaos that unfolded could be seen in video from the officers body-worn cameras.

Officials are calling this incident unacceptable but are thankful no one was hurt. Chief Elaine Bryant said the suspect had no regard for officers or peoples lives.

In a news conference Friday, police showed multiple body camera angles from officers that responded to a domestic violence call about 11 a.m. Thursday in the 1000 block of Lockbourne Road, on the Southeast Side.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Justice Department sues landlords operating in Ohio for collaborating to keep rents high

The first video showed the two officers that were first on the scene. They quickly saw and made contact with the teenager, but a minute later, chaos ensued. In the video you can hear officers telling the officer to come here, followed by multiple shots.

Police said the teen fired at them with a rifle and ran away. The body camera footage showed officers running around searching for the teen.

Police chased him into an alley, where more gunfire was exchanged. No one was injured, but a police cruiser was hit. Police had to act fast, as the suspect could be seen carelessly firing shots.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police also shared a slowed-down video, and in it you can see the suspect running across the street, firing at officers. You can also see a bullet hit the ground, just missing an officer.

After this, police managed to arrest the suspect without incident. Lt. Brian Steel, whos president of the local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, said the footage was hard to watch.

Society failed him, schools failed him, parenting failed him. And I am so grateful that our officers were not killed, he said. I am grateful that this 17-year-old was not killed. Now he can face the justice that he deserves.

Police say the teen had a rifle that he later threw onto a roof. A stolen handgun was also recovered. The suspect has a lengthy criminal history, dating to when he was 12.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bryant said theyre working on improving the juvenile justice system, but a lot more needs to be done.

Hes a very violent and dangerous individual and he showed no regard not only to the officers but to the people in the community, Bryant said. If anyone thinks its OK to shoot at an officer or to put the community at harm the way this suspect did, we will come after you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.

Police say the victim suffered minor injuries after jumping from a second story window.

Police cannot solve this crisis for us. We all have to do our part to step up, to fight domestic violence. Our officers absolutely have a role to play, but they need us to step up, Mayor Andrew Ginther said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The teen is in custody and will face a felonious assault charge on an officer, with more charges expected.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Look, up in the sky. Its a bird, its a plane, its a Super Scooper water drop!

The most memorable battle scenes exist in the pivot  the moment when all appears to be lost and then, out of nowhere, the cavalry arrives. The fishing boats at Dunkirk. Union reinforcements at Gettysburg. Or, fictionally, the Riders of Rohan sweeping down on the besieged city of Gondor.

For Angelenos, the cavalry has arrived in the form of water drop videos.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For days, images from the horrendous series of wildfires that continue to consume huge swaths of Los Angeles have been devastating. People forced to flee their cars on Sunset Boulevard; sparks whipped by 80-mph winds igniting entire streets; firefighters hastening evacuations and confronting literal walls of flame; the smoking shells of homes and businesses.

These images shocked, terrified and aggrieved us. It was difficult not to feel helpless, hopeless, as the fires grew in size and number.

Then, as the ferocious winds began to die down on Wednesday, firefighters were once again able to take to the air, scooping up water from the ocean and reservoirs and dumping it on the fires. TV journalists caught some of the maneuvers on camera. Citizens filmed others on their phones. Everyone began posting and sharing them on social media.

Whether in Altadena, West Hills or Hollywood, the videos  call them firefighting fancams  depict firefighting pilots angling planes over flames that appear uncontrollable and releasing, with remarkable precision, gallons of water that douse raging infernos in a matter of seconds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is impossible not to cheer. And at this moment, Los Angeles needs something to cheer about.

For days, fire has been our worst enemy. Randomly killing and arbitrarily destroying, it has taken on near-supernatural dimensions, appearing at times to be laughing as it sped through brush and buildings, forcing thousands to flee.

Watching it be squashed into nothing but smoke and steam is an exhilarating thing. Thought you were unstoppable? Take that. Thought you were too big to be beaten? Yippee-ki-yay, motherf!

To a city reeling with loss, water drop videos are Battle of Britain and Snoopy beating the Red Baron. Theyre rebel pilots taking down the Death Star, Bill Pullmans speech in Independence Day, LeBron James hitting a final-second three. Gloria Gaynors I Will Survive and the Weather Girls' Its Raining Men.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The precision of the drops is astonishing, the impact heart-lifting, their moments of victory obvious and unquestionable.

The only thing missing are the job-done figures of the pilots walking away from their aircraft in vivid silhouette to a pounding bass accompaniment. For the simple reason that they are still hard at work.

But a grateful city sees them and has been offering viral shout-outs and admiration by posting water drop videos with the Top Gun soundtrack, sportscaster commentary and many, many applause emojis.

Two yellow Canadian Super Scoopers have been especially well-documented dropping water over the Palisades. One of them was grounded on Thursday after colliding with a civilian drone, and whoever was idiotic enough to illegally send one up during a firefight better hope the internet doesnt find them before the feds do. These planes, helicopters and Super Scoopers are our heroes, providing support for the fearless, stretched-thin firefighters on the ground, helping to quench the Sunset fire before it claimed more homes and offering hope that at some point Los Angeles will cease to burn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More important, the water drop videos have returned a feeling of control to the populace  and given us all something to root for.

Firefighters have been working nonstop since the Palisades fire exploded, and their efforts amid the smoke and flames have been lifesaving and heroic. It's satisfying to watch the fruits of that hard work in the form of a fire all but extinguished before it claims yet another acre or snakes its way toward any more homes.

In fact, it's the best thing any of us has seen in days.

Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Questions abound around the wildfires still burning their way across Los Angeles, obliterating entire neighborhoods with an unfathomable speed and ferocity. What started the fires? Could we have avoided the carnage we've witnessed so far? Will we ever trust the evacuation notification system again, with all its false alerts, non-alerts and inconsistencies from phone to phone?

But theres been one predominant question asked of us  the residents of L.A city and county: Are you OK?

Ive received dozens of inquiries since the flames engulfed the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, and they continue to pop up all over the map. The notes have come from friends and family, of course, but also casual acquaintances, distant work contacts and people Ive never even met. Theyve checked in via text, email, IMs, chats and every other way imaginable since the disaster made national and world news.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How are you? Im watching the news about the fires in L.A.

WhatsApp message

Angelenos Ive spoken to are also receiving a multitude of check-ins. The majority are grateful for the concern, a few others find the number of inquiries overwhelming. Im a member of the first group.

Ive never been more grateful to receive such a preponderance of unsolicited messages, and that says a lot since speed-deletion skills are a crowning achievement of my decades-long career in journalism.

Receiving those queries means were lucky enough to have people in or around our lives who give a toss, like a dear old friend from South Carolina who texted, Are you ok and not in the area that is getting this? A journalist in Turkey I'd fallen out of contact with for year who reached out via WhatsApp: How are you? Im watching the news about the fires in L.A. Im concerned about you. I hope everything is ok.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: Winds prolong fire risk as investigators probe electric tower as possible origin of Eaton fire

And an East Coaster I've worked with but never met face-to-face who emailed: Hey, thinking of you and your family as these fires rage. I hope you are OK and staying safe.

I havent answered everyone yet, but I will. They need to know were safe and that our home is still standing.

But to claim were OK isnt exactly the truth. Were frazzled, stunned and above all, mourning the destruction around us. We live on the edge of the Eaton fire zone, and its been terrifying. Deafening, violent gusts of winds felt as if they were going to tear our roof off. Dark plumes of smoke engulfed our neighborhood. The eerie glow of flames as they crested multiple hills across from our house.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Conflicting evacuation alerts, none of which was coordinated across the three phones in our household (or the dozens on our block), added confusion on top of panic. We received multiple, varying messages at different times, from evacuation warnings to a Leave Now! order, each accompanied by that brain-piercing alarm. Then came the West Hills blaze (labeled the Kenneth fire) with an equally unclear evacuation warning/order for our elderly parents. Terror compounded. Where do you go when everyones home is under threat?

George Cunningham on Wednesday walks through the rubble of his home in Altadena after it was destroyed in the Eaton fire. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Read more: Column: Millions of Angelenos haven't lived through a big quake. I have, and this is what it's like

As for the You OK? messages, there are Angelenos who find the numerous inquiries bothersome, like those relentless text chains that feed off any sort of communal event: a death, a loud neighborhood party, the disappointment of Squid Game Season 2.

I get it. Theres much to process and deal with right now, particularly for those who lost their homes or loved ones, and for communities facing new fire threats. Responding beyond a yes or no requires reflection, which many of us arent up for yet. Answering all the messages is like an obligation, and I just can't right now, one New York transplant who resides on the Westside told me. "And I'm getting more of them now than I did when the fire was raging."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another resident of L.A. said they feel that a lot of the concern is perfunctory, and worse, a disingenuous effort from folks theyve purged to "weasel back into their life." I know, it's harsh but try to reserve judgment. We all have different ways of coping, and most of us are beyond exhausted.

Something as simple as making coffee requires five times the energy and focus when youre transitioning from disaster-survival mode to post-disaster reality. In our house, theres still clothing strewn across the bedroom from packing and then unpacking "go bags." Our snail mail hasnt been opened since Tuesday. The Christmas tree is still up.

Houses destroyed in the Palisades fire smolder along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)

Terror takes a lot out of us, and were only just contending with the fallout. Survivors are sifting through the rubble of their homes, from smoldering apartments and bungalows off Lake Avenue to high-end properties around Sunset Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway.

Those of us who werent directly hit but were close enough to be evacuated are still contending with acrid thick air and charred chunks of debris on our doorsteps. And it feels wrong that some of the aftermath is deceptively pretty, like the delicate flurries of white ash accumulating on windowsills like fresh snow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For me, the queries from concerned people have been a bright spot peeking through unhealthy air quality alerts. A native Angeleno from Highland Park told me that she found inspiration in the national and global response to the L.A. fires.

The world is watching, and empathizing. Its so hard to get anyone to agree on anything right now, but this situation has erased a lot of that division. Im really moved by the response.

Ditto. Im grateful for all the check-ins and concern. I dont care how corny or naive that might sound. When the world around you is on fire, the simple act of connecting matters.

Are we OK? Sort of. But we're certainly better off knowing that folks out there care. Thank you.



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.
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  A longtime hospitality worker in Sunnyside, Queens died after a sudden bout with an undiagnosed and underlying illness. Now the community is coming together to help her family take her body to Mexico.

Yoselin Zoila Campos Mendoza, 31, was beloved by those who worked with her.

More Local News

The eldest of four, Yoselin was raised in Corona, Queens. She started working for Vortex Hospitality in 2017. Most recently, she was the general manager at Brookside Market.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The young woman died on Dec. 21.

She was not feeling well for a while and we found out it was more serious than she thought, said Carrie Longo, one of the owners of Vortex Hospitality. Sad. Its very tragic. Were all feeling just kind of stunned. It happened very fast. And we saw her every day. She was still coming to work.

She was an amazing young woman, very smart and passionate about anything she touched her hands on, Longo said.

Vortex Hospitality and her husband are asking for the communitys help in getting her body back to Mexico where much of her family still lives. The group has launched a GoFundMe page to do just that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is very important because these were her final wishes. She was able to tell her family members and husband that she wanted to go back to Mexico, so getting her back there is the most important because that is what she wanted, Longo said.

She said many people from the local industry have already donated, which is a testament to the kind of person Yoselin was.

She was a great woman, so everyone has supported and donated and its really nice, Longo said. She was just lovely. She really cared about other people. She was a great listener and really hard worker.

Vortex Hospitality said Yoselins family plans to take her body to Mexico by mid-January.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Strong Santa Ana winds, a dry winter and low humidity are some of the conditions that have been fueling the Los Angeles-area wildfires for the past week, destroying numerous structures, causing massive evacuations and killing, so far, 11 people.

Firefighters in the region have made progress, containing portions of the bigger fires. Now, four blazes are actively burning the area, according to Cal Fire. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the bunch, has burned over 22,000 acres with 11 percent being contained so far. The second biggest is the Eaton Fire, having burned more than 14,000 acres with 15 percent contained.

Authorities said the causes of the biggest fires are under investigation. The chief of police for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Jim McDonnell said during a Saturday press conference a task force, made up of multiple agencies, will probe the cause of the wildfires. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will lead the way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Earlier this week, the National Weather Service office in Los Angeles stated that widespread damaging winds and low humidities will likely cause fire starts to rapidly grow in size with extreme fire behavior.

An area of high pressure over the Great Basin combined with a storm in northwestern Mexico has created the conditions for strong winds over Southern California starting on Tuesday, AccuWeather Meteorologist Gwen Fieweger said.

According to some experts, climate change is a contributor, with high temperatures found in drier landscapes packed with vegetation that can speed up the wildfire spread.

Climate change has a way in which it dries the landscape out faster, keeping the landscape able to ignite and carry fire and that provides less resistance for a fire to spread, climate scientist with the University of California, Merced John Abatzoglou told The Hill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Abatzoglou added a spread not only aids the larger fires burning in the are, but it can also assist in overcoming some of the barriers and encroaching upon communities.

A postdoctoral research scientist at Columbia University, Jatan Buch, who studies wildfires told The Hill that although dry land is one of the factors for a devastating fire, the blaze requires an ignition.

One is the availability of fuel. Second, the fuel needs to be dry enough. And third, these driving factors, like wind  in this case, the Santa Ana winds  that make the fires  more disruptive.

Those dry conditions, come in part from, low humidity and rain deficit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nearly 84 percent of Los Angeles County was in a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  Two Conemaugh Valley Elementary School students and a district paraprofessional were honored at Thursdays school board meeting for their roles in saving the life of a choking student.

Kindergartners Zachary Corson and Luke Harbart and paraprofessional Karen Sumrada were asked to stand up and be recognized for coming to the rescue of a student during lunch Oct. 28.

The students recognized their classmate was choking on his food and immediately got Sumradas attention so she could help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As many of you already know, Im responsible for district training of life-saving medical for our staff, board President David Rykala said. I tell my CPR classes, Someday, youre going to be the last line of defense for somebody whos in need  the last resort. On Oct. 28, 2024, these three individuals were the last resort to turn a potentially catastrophic situation into a happy ending.

Sumrada, who has worked at the district for more than 20 years, is familiar with the Heimlich maneuver from taking Rykalas CPR class for the past 10 years.

She said she simply assumed the necessary hold and, with one forceful compression, expelled the food from the students throat before taking the youngster to the school nurse.

You know, you dont think anything of it, but it could have been tragic, Sumrada said. I feel humbled by the attention, but it could have been tragic, and Im just glad nothing came out of it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She added that the experience has been extremely emotional, including Thursdays recognition.

Rykala, who is also a first responder, submitted the story of the rescue to the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, the two organizations that coordinate CPR training in the country, and got a reply.

Rykala read the commendations aloud. They thanked the students and Sumrada for stepping up to save a life. Each of the honorees was given a framed letter for their efforts and a certificate for being an American Heart Association Heart Saver Hero.

As far as Im concerned, youre Conemaugh Valley Blue Jay heroes in our book, Rykala said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Michael and Michelle Harbart, Luke Harbarts parents, were thankful for the honor. Michael Harbart added that the acknowledgment means a lot to the children and his son wants to keep helping people because of it.

The fact that they recognized the people that saved the little kids life means the world, Michelle Harbart said.

All four parents said they were overjoyed their children stepped up and helped out.

It just made me super-proud of him, father Zach Corson said.

Allison Rager, Zachary Corsons mother, agreed.

I cried when I got the phone call, she said. He experienced me helping his little brother earlier that month from choking. Him seeing me do it helped him be able to find the courage to help his friend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For Michelle Harbart, knowing her son was brave enough to act is special.

Hearing my kid was involved in saving someones life makes me the proudest mom in the world, she said. He came home that one day and he said, Should I keep saving peoples lives? and I was like, Yeah. 
NEW YORK (PIX11)  One week into congestion pricing the MTA has announced the purchase of more than 200 new buses and a new bus depot coming to New York City.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber announced that the agency has purchased more than 200 zero-emission buses that will take to the streets of all five boroughs.

More Congestion Pricing News

Transit officials also have plans for a new Jamaica Bus Depot which they say will help bring jobs to the surrounding Queens community during its construction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Transit is what makes New York the greenest Cityand these new buses, along with all the infrastructure upgrades to bus depots across the five boroughs, mean New Yorkers all over will soon be breathing cleaner air, said Lieber.

More Local News

The Jamaica Depot is expected to be up and running by 2027, expanding charging infrastructure for the citys new zero-emissions bus fleet. MTA representatives say theyre also striving to recruit 20% of the workforce from Southeast Queens neighborhoods.

The new fully electric bus fleet will help eliminate carbon emissions associated with diesel fuel exhaust and will allow for cleaner air for city residents.

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.
House lawmakers are bracing for what could be a contentious battle over emergency spending in the wake of the wildfires that are tearing through Southern California  an unprecedented disaster thats already estimated to have caused more than $50 billion in damage in and around Los Angeles.

While both parties united quickly in December to provide more than $100 billion in emergency aid for hurricanes and other disasters, the wild card this time around will be President-elect Trump, who is already blaming California Democrats for the scale of the destruction.

The debate wont happen immediately. The fires are still raging; the ultimate price tag is yet unknown; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says it has enough cash on hand to respond to a number of disasters around the country, including the California wildfires, in the near term.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, those emergency funds will have to be replenished at some point in the not-too-distant future, when Trump is in the White House. Thats creating uncertainty because the incoming president has long-accused FEMA of mismanaging funds, including last year when he claimed falsely that the agency had redirected disaster aid to house migrants who lack permanent legal status. And some GOP leaders  who are already under pressure from their right flank to slash deficit spending  are also airing concerns about how FEMA manages its operations.

Theres some very patriotic people that work for FEMA on the ground, they do their dead-level best. But as with any organization: Its leadership, and there is some concern about it, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters Thursday in the Capitol.

I frankly have not had a lot of time to dig into whats happening in California at the moment because weve got so much going on, Johnson added. But Im sure Ill be getting a full brief.

Across the aisle, Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) say theyre prepared to provide whatever assistance is deemed necessary after the fires have been brought under control and the damage assessed. And Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered a similar message this week, noting that lawmakers will have to wait for requests from the administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The reality is, youve got to wait till the disaster is over, Cole said. Its clearly not yet, and youve got to give them time to do the estimates. He also said the matter likely will be something the Trump administration will have a lot to say about a little bit down the road.

Complicating the debate, Trump has yet to name the figure he wants to lead FEMA, although Johnson said he has faith in the presidents eventual choice.

We live in a dangerous time, there are disasters all the time now, and youve got to have steady, competent people at the top. So Im confident hell put the right people in place, Johnson said.

Complicating it further, Trump is already teeing off on California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and other California Democrats, saying its their incompetence thats led directly to the failure to contain the deadly fires even days after they began.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

Newsoms office responded in kind, accusing Trump of fabricating events to score political points.

There is no such document as the water restoration declaration  that is pure fiction, the governors office posted on the social platform X. The Governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need.

The tenor of the clash is nothing new. Trump has frequently used natural disasters to denounce his political enemies. And deep blue California  where Newsom is thought to have presidential ambitions of his own  has been a favorite target.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What remains unclear is the extent to which Trumps feud with Newsom  combined with his infamous penchant for retribution  will affect the congressional debate over wildfire aid.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) suggested this week that GOP leaders have been expecting to return to the issue of emergency aid as part of the effort to extend government funding beyond March 14, when its set to expire. That was true, he said, even before the wildfires hit Los Angeles.

Even the disasters and the hurricane response there  we knew there may be a second bite of that apple, he told reporters Thursday. At the end of the day, we knew that that was going to have to be revisited in the negotiations over government funding.

Attaching disaster aid to a spending bill, however, may be no easy lift in a Republican conference where conservative deficit hawks have demanded that new spending  even emergency aid  be offset by changes elsewhere in the budget. That means House GOP leaders are likely to face added headaches from those hard-line conservatives, who came out against emergency aid without offsets most recently in December as leaders on both sides negotiated the roughly $100 billion disaster package.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The debate arrives even as the fires surrounding the area continue to burn into the weekend, fueled by relentless winds that have stymied the efforts of firefighters to get them under control. At least 10 people have been killed. More than 10,000 structures have been destroyed. And while initial estimates have varied, multiple projections value losses from the blazes at more than $50 billion.

The most recent projection from AccuWeather estimates between $135 billion and $150 billion in total damage and economic loss, or roughly three times the preliminary estimate released by the weather forecasting company earlier this week. The company added that the estimate could be revised upward, perhaps even substantially, as the damage is assessed.

Not all of the emergency response will fall to Washington, D.C. State-level aid programs and private insurers will also pick up much of the tab, although the state was already facing an insurance crunch after a series of wildfires in 2017 and 2018, which caused a crisis of access and affordability for homeowners.

Scalise put that crisis at the feet of California officials, accusing them of adopting policies that have made it tougher for homeowners to buy fire insurance in the Golden State  a problem hes urging state leaders to address in the aftermath of the current wildfire tragedy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They did some very specific things in California that forced  it sounded good at the time  but it caused the companies to flee the state, Scalise said. Those were horrible policy decisions. And the people that made those policy decisions have to be held accountable.

A FEMA spokesperson told The Hill the agency has sufficient funding to meet Californias needs and respond to previous disasters. As of Friday, about $27 billion remains in its disaster relief fund.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has also been in contact with Newsom as response efforts continue. The agency said its regional office in California also has been in close communication with state officials, and a FEMA liaison was deployed to their office earlier this week.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
DES MOINES, Iowa  With the 119th Congress being put to work on Capitol Hill, Iowas Third Congressional District Congressman Zach Nunn is already looking into corruption. Nunn spoke with the media Friday about a package of bills he calls anti-corruption legislation.

Nunn is looking to pass the No Corruption in Government Act, which looks to prohibit members from insider trading, bans members from becoming lobbyists, and ends automatic pay raises.

Marshalltown mayor to recount inspirational story behind first African-American graduate of Marshalltown High

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nunn also introduced his Back to Work Act, requiring federal employees to return to in-person work.

Six agencies in specifically were absent 91% of the time. No one in Iowa doesnt show up for work 91% of the time. No farmer in Iowa gets to phone it in, no busy mom gets to say Hey, Im going to be absent from work 91% of my day, Nunn said.

Nunn went on to say that Washington could take a page out of Iowas book.

Run Washington like a family business or a family farm would do, he said. Weve done it in Iowa and have seen our economy grow. These are the types of proven practices that we can take to Washington, and we know they work because we have seen them work here in Iowa.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nunn said that while Washington has good people, these bad practices are keeping the focus off of what he called the important things  the voters and the American people.

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.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  As the first week of the 2025 legislative session drew to a close, two key coalitions renewed their efforts to secure funding in advance of Gov. Ned Lamonts highly anticipated budget address.

On Friday morning, the legislatures Arts, Culture, and Tourism Caucus met to discuss their priorities for 2025. The bipartisan group includes legislators from across the state  many of whom have tourism businesses in their districts.

Really the most important thing we can work on is our funding and keeping that conversation going, State Rep. John-Michael Parker, the groups co-chair said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Legislators at odds over electric rates after Energy and Technology Committee holds first meeting of the year

Parker represents a district that includes Durham and Madison, an idyllic town on the Connecticut shoreline that regularly draws summer tourists to Hammonasset Beach State Park.

Parker, a Democrat, leads the tourism caucus alongside State Sen. Heather Somers, a Republican. Somers district snakes up the southeastern corner of Connecticut and includes the waterfront village of Mystic  a top tourism destination.

I am really interested in investment for tourism, Somers said at the meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Parker and Somers bipartisan support for funding state tourism efforts echo the message of Anthony M. Anthony, Connecticuts chief marketing officer. Anthony helms the states tourism efforts and told News 8 that his department will be requesting a budget increase on top of their current allocation of $7.5 million.

We have requested an increase in that budget, Anthony said. For every dollar we spend, we get anywhere between six and eight dollars back.

That assertion that government investment in tourism  which often takes the form of paid advertising beamed into neighboring states  pays dividends down the road is shared by business owners who rely on tourists to help drive revenue.

Max Downtown, a popular restaurant in downtown Hartford, is one such business. Owner Steven Abrams told News 8 that events in the capital city frequently bring out-of-state diners, as well as patrons from the far reaches of Connecticut.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When there is the right event, its incredible. Whether its the theaters, Hartford Stage, Theater Works, the Bushnell  very impactful  obviously, games at the Civic Center, Abrams said.

Leaders react to Gov. Lamonts State of the State address

Abrams is on the board of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, an advocacy group that promotes the interests of the states multibillion dollar dining industry.

As a restaurant owner who has invested millions of dollars in the state  I have eight restaurants  I would like to ask our legislators to invest like we all have in Anthony Anthonys team and tourism, Abrams said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Abrams, Anthony and the bipartisan coalition of legislators promoting investment in tourism find themselves in a fight for funding during a state budget cycle when every additional dollar could face scrutiny.

In his State of the State address on Wednesday, Gov. Lamont commended Anthony by name. The specific subject of the governors praise was a campaign launched by Anthony that saw Connecticut place taunting welcome signs on each of the states borders.

Welcome to Connecticut  Home of the Pizza Capital of the United States, reads one sign welcoming travelers crossing the New York-Connecticut border. In the governors estimation, the signs represent a cost-effective way to promote the state.

We can always spend more money promoting tourism, but a little creative juice goes a long way, Lamont said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fight for more tourism funding is just one of numerous campaigns to secure coveted dollars in the state budget. A group of lawmakers led by State Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw, a Democrat from Avon, held a press conference on Friday afternoon pushing for a $33.5 million plan to address the issue of homelessness.

Connecticut lawmakers prepare to tackle energy costs in 2025 legislative session

The plan, supported by the nonprofit Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, focuses its efforts on prevention, crisis response, and housing.

This is not something that should only be on our cities, Kavros DeGraw said. This is all of us. This is our entire state. We should all care about each and every last of the nearly 5,000 people who are currently without a home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The governor is expected to outline his budget priorities in an address to the legislature 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 WTNH.com.
It was 20 days after the American election result that the countrys biggest employer announced it would be scrapping its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Weve been on a journey and know we arent perfect was Walmarts response to years of promoting DEI. We are willing to change alongside our associates and customers who represent all of America.

It was a blunt rejection of corporate Americas whole-hearted embrace of these programmes. While diversity and inclusion are certainly worthwhile values to strive for in any company, they lost practically all their meaning along the way. The pursuit of diversity pushed out diversity of thought. Inclusion meant ugly box-ticking exercises. Rather than uniting workforces, they alienated employees from each other.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Plenty more change is on its way. As Mark Zuckerberg said this week, It feels like were in a new era now. Donald Trump has already pledged an ousting of DEI programmes from federal agencies. He has got his sights set on universities, too.

After the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action at the university level in June 2023, a rise of anti-DEI lawsuits followed suit. This all suits Trumps agenda, who has pledged to weed out what he deems Leftist indoctrination at the university level, which will include going after the DEI programmes still running.

Expect every level of government and every institution that receives taxpayer funds to start feeling the pressure. While the wildfires in Los Angeles still rage, the Maga movement is pointing the finger of blame at none other than DEI policy, with Elon Musk posting on X that the local county prioritised DEI over saving lives and homes and DEI means people DIE.

DEI means people DIE https://t.co/f86ZXam5oz  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 9, 2025

With the X founder set to co-run the Department for Government Efficiency  tasked with finding $2 trillion (1.6 trillion) of savings  there is little doubt that these initiatives are unlikely to survive in areas he has remit over. And while he will not control local budgets, it is clear he will have plenty to say about how politicians are spending the money.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It would be easy for Trump, Musk and the Maga gang to claim this radical shift is their doing. McDonalds is another major company to announce this week that it would be removing DEI rules for recruiting into top leadership positions. But plenty of Americas most recognisable companies were making the shift away from DEI long before Trump won big.

Meta, Google, John Deere, Home Depot, Boeing  these are just some of the companies that started scaling back their own DEI initiatives before Washington turned to red again. When reasons are provided for the shift away from these programmes (plenty of companies arent drawing attention to the decision as Walmart did), the broad consensus seems to be that de-prioritising talent was  surprise, surprise  bad for business.

Yes, it has been shown time and time again that more diversity produces better decision-making  and often higher profits. But that is when real diversity is being promoted. The same cannot be said when politics and blatant ideology is attached to the meanings of DEI  a reality these companies learnt the hard way, by implementing policies that werent inclusive but Left-wing. The results spoke for themselves.

Walmart, the largest US employer, has announced it will scrap DEI programmes - Dado Ruvic/Reuters

Might British business follow suit?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are no signs of company-driven backlash as was so prominent in the United States last year. While there was speculation throughout 2024 that the corporate revolution in America might drift over to the UK, it seems  so far, anyway  that British attitudes remain broadly in favour of such programmes.

But not everyone is convinced. Then-trade secretary Kemi Badenochs damning report into DEI in March last year found such interventions to be counterproductive or even unlawful in some cases  and that despite British companies unsurprisingly desperate to engage in ethical hiring processes, these new, politicised versions of inclusion were often having the opposite effect.

The report was deemed controversial when it was published  and then quickly overshadowed by events. But the findings remain pertinent for the future of business in Britain, especially as American companies toss the politics out and get back to the basics of freely and fairly generating revenue.

Kemi Badenochs report last year describes DEI hiring practices as counterproductive or even unlawful - Eddie Mulholland

At the time, Pamela Dow, the operations chief of Civic Future, who chaired the panel looking into inclusion, pointed to LinkedIn data showing the UK employs almost twice as many EDI workers as any other country. Thats a serious uphill battle for any chief executive who is potentially considering a shift in direction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A Labour Government with a substantial majority is likely to take the opposite strategy to Trump when it comes to Whitehall reform. But can British businesses really afford to wait? Companies are already preparing to be hamstrung by the incoming National Insurance hike for employers  a tax on jobs that is going to hinder the hiring process.

Looming changes to employment law are also going to make the hiring process harder, as a bigger and earlier commitment must be made to an employee to bring them onto the payroll.

With DEI ideology hanging over all this, chief executives may find that their hands are not only tied behind their backs but that there is no way of freeing themselves. Better to tackle immediately, then, what not so long ago was deeply frowned upon: the unequal treatment of employees in the workplace.

Kate Andrews is economics editor at The Spectator.

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.
ORLANDO, Florida  Rep. Cory Mills, a central Florida Republican just elected to a second term in Congress, said he will run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Sen. Marco Rubio regardless of who Gov. Ron DeSantis picks for the post.

You can probably guarantee my hat is going to be thrown in the ring for 2026, Mills told reporters at the Florida Republican annual meeting being held in Orlando.

Rubio, who was elected to a third term two years ago, is stepping down because President-elect Donald Trump tapped him to become secretary of State. DeSantis will get to name someone to hold the position until 2026 when it will be on the ballot again. The 2026 winner will serve for two years before it goes before voters again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DeSantis said this past week that he has not decided who he will pick for the spot although on Friday he strongly ruled out any consideration of appointing himself to the job. One of the leading contenders for the appointment is Attorney General Ashley Moody, a strong ally of DeSantis.

DeSantis said he wants the next senator to support Trump, push for cutting the federal debt and take strong positions on immigration, including revising the H1B visa program.

Mills is a U.S. Army veteran who has worked for a defense contractor and also formed his own security consulting firm. He was first elected in 2022 in a crowded and contentious GOP primary for a central Florida seat that was reshaped following the once-a-decade redistricting process.

Mills was one of several Florida members of Congress who endorsed Trump over DeSantis, one of the early embarrassing moments for the Republican governor in his unsuccessful quest for president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mills name had been floated as a possible contender for the Rubio seat, but he acknowledged on Saturday that he has not discussed the position with DeSantis. Still, he touted himself as a good successor to Rubio because of his focus on foreign affairs  a topic that he has discussed on frequent appearances on Fox News.

The move by Mills to seek the Senate seat means that DeSantis' pick will not be guaranteed an easy path to reelection and may be a sign that the vacancy could spark a highly competitive and potentially expensive contest in the nation's third-largest state.

Mills gave what could be considered a warm-up speech for a potential run on Saturday during the annual gathering of the state party, where he hinted at his future aspirations. He revved up the crowd by talking about rescue missions he organized in Israel and Afghanistan, and said that generals involved in the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan should lose their command positions.

Mills also said the nation needs to focus on "G-O-D" instead of critical race theory, or diversity efforts in the military, and effusively praised Trump and the "America First" agenda. Mills also called the national debt an "existential threat" to the United States.
World War II may have ended 80 years ago, but its painful legacy has been brought to the surface once more in the Netherlands, after a large archive on suspected Nazi collaborators was made public for the first time.

A Dutch law restricting public access to the Central Archives of the Special Jurisdiction (CABR)  which contains information on about 425,000 people accused of collaboration during the German occupation of the Netherlands  expired at the start of this year.

Despite the lifting of the restriction last week, critics complain that the archive is still not truly open, as only the physical version in the Hague can be accessed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Online publication had been planned, but the process has been stalled because of concerns it would breach the data privacy of living people who appear in the files. As such, only a list of the names of deceased suspected collaborators has been made digitally available.

The developments have sparked a nationwide debate in the Netherlands, pitting the right to privacy against the need for transparency about the country's wartime past.

Rows of CABR files are shown at the National Archives in the Hague, the Netherlands. - Dutch National Archives

In interviews with Euronews, historians, archivists and descendants of suspected Nazi collaborators spoke about the case's complexity and the breadth of opinion it has generated.

Some of the children of the accused, for example, fear potential repercussions if the CABR is made fully searchable online. They recall their struggles during the post-war years, when they were often ignored and discriminated against by their compatriots.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, others believe that privacy concerns are less important than the publics ability to scrutinise all of the available evidence and to reckon, more fully, with the past.

This desire can be personal, including for the descendants of Jewish victims, who might want to see if their relatives plight is recorded in the archive. More than 102,000 Dutch Jews  three-quarters of the countrys Jewish population  were killed by the Nazis, following collaboration from the state and individuals.

Related

Martijn Eickhoff, the director of the NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, told Euronews that both views in the debate should be taken seriously.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"On the one hand, historical transparency is very important. But so, on the other hand, is the privacy of citizens. At the moment, we are looking for the right balance between these two ideals and that's an important ethical discussion," he said.

I expect that legislation in the end will follow these social debates on morality, he added.

Although Eickhoff urged caution, he mentioned that digitisation would allow the country to gain "an additional layer of knowledge about the past". It would help future research into Dutch citizens behaviour and experiences during World War II, he added.

We want to keep the memory of the Second World War alive."

The Netherlands' understanding of its own World War II history is now much more nuanced than in the past, when the heroism of the resistance was given more attention than collaboration with the Nazis. The CABR can further improve Dutch society's knowledge of the period, Eickhoff said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We expect that this digitised archive will allow us to develop new insights. That amid all the mass of information, you can ask questions about the role of gender, class, and region in the country," he added.

Complex historical context

NIOD is part of a collaborative project called Oorlog voor de Rechter (War in Court), which seeks to make the complete CABR widely accessible.

"The reason why we supported the [War in Court] project is because we want to keep the memory of the Second World War alive, with new digital research tools," Eickhoff explained.

The National Archives, one of NIODs partners in the War in Court consortium, aims to digitise the CABR in its entirety by 2027.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The process will take that long because, at 30 million pages, the CABR is the countrys largest archive on what took place during the German occupation from May 1940 to May 1945. The files vary from single pieces of paper to extremely large dossiers, and feature material such as witness accounts, photographs and diaries.

Related

Now, it remains uncertain when this trove of information might be shared online.

In an intervention last year, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) warned that publishing the archive's contents online would fall foul of privacy laws, which pertain to the living but not the dead.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The problem is that in this big archive there are not only the accused and the investigated, but also in the larger files hundreds of names that appear," said Charles Jeurgens, a professor of archival studies at the University of Amsterdam.

"And those people can be family members, witnesses, doctors. And we don't know which of these people are still alive and which aren't."

"We have to find a way to do it that is ethical, so that the children of [suspected collaborators] aren't hurt"

So far, only the names of deceased suspects from the CABR have been made digitally available. But their files have not, as it would be impossible to check the living status of everyone named in them.

The possibility for wider digital publication is made by Recital 158 of the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Jeurgens said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It allows members states to provide for the processing of archival data relating to information on "the political behaviour under former totalitarian state regimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, in particular the Holocaust, or war crimes."

To take advantage of this possibility, Recital 158 would have to be anchored in the Netherlands national legislation, something which is not currently the case.

Jeurgens said that if the CABR is opened up more fully, it is critical that people understand the complexity of its historical context.

Thousands attend a Remembrance Day ceremony in Amsterdam's Dam Square on 4 May, 2022. - Koen van Weel/AP

"The archive is very problematic and difficult. It's not easy to understand," he noted. That is because the CABR consists of records made by more than 200 local police departments, political investigation units, tribunals and courts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The files were consolidated in the early 1950s at the end of the "special jurisdiction", the legal system through which alleged Nazi collaborators were investigated.

Some of the original records are missing and the files are not all well ordered and well documented, owing to the chaos that followed the end of World War II, Jeurgens said.

Wide range of collaboration charges

Jeurgens and Eickhoff also stressed that the majority of the archives suspects were not found guilty of wrongdoing. Some would have been groundlessly accused in the months and years after the end of the German occupation.

Of the roughly 425,000 people accused in the CABR, only 66,000 were brought to court. About 35,000 suspects were given prison sentences from the 50,000 who faced a tribunal, while most of the 16,000 people whose cases were heard by the Special Courts of Justice were also sent to jail, according to the War in Court project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In total, 40 of the 152 people given the death penalty were killed by the state for their crimes. The rest had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

Michael Schuling, the chairman of Stichting Werkgroep Herkenning, a group that supports 300 descendants of the accused, said there is a real spectrum of collaboration charges within the CABR.

"There were people who did really bad things, who, for example, chose to betray the Jewish people," he said.

"And there were also those who were suspected because of their connections with the occupiers. One of them was my grandmother, who had a child with a German soldier."

An accused Nazi collaborator stands before the president of the Special Jurisdiction Tribunal in Den Bosch, the Netherlands, in July 1945. - Dutch National Archives

Schulings grandmother gave birth to this child  his father  in a Lebensborn clinic in Steinhoring, Germany, on 21 June, 1941.

As a result of her liaison with the soldier, she was taken to an internment camp in late 1944, after her part of the Netherlands had been liberated from the Nazis. She was released in January 1946, but her assets were seized, she was barred from holding a government position and she was made "stateless" for 10 years.

During her time in the camp, her two children were separated from her. Schuling said his father was mistreated in one of the childrens homes to which he was sent, and that he carried the trauma of that period into adulthood.

Ashamed by what had happened, Schulings grandmother told her family that she had been raped by the German soldier. The pair had actually had a romantic relationship, Schuling said, citing evidence he has read in her CABR file and a happy photo of the pair that was discovered among his grandmothers belongings.

Related

Schuling said the piecing together of her and her sons past allowed him to feel more empathy towards his relatives.

"You can better address what happened in your own life," he reflected. "This is why my father did this, this is why he was so angry, this is why he was so sad."

Sharing details about his family history was a personal choice, he said, something that other descendants might not feel comfortable doing. "There are, of course, different opinions among our members about these really sensitive files."

His organisation recently sent questionnaires to its members asking whether they were for or against the CABRs digitisation. Of the 153 forms returned to date, 16.3% believe the archive should be fully searchable online, while 26.1% of respondents are against any digitisation. The rest said they were somewhere in the middle.

People stand in the public gallery at the first session of the Tribunal for Special Jurisdiction in Den Bosch, the Netherlands, in July 1945. - Dutch National Archives

The older generation is less likely to be in favour, Schuling said.

"The grandchildren [of the accused] more or less always want to know [the truth]. They are curious about what happened and have more distance from it. But some of their parents are not ready to talk."

Four months ago, government-commissioned research found that a fifth of the Dutch population are uncomfortable with the idea of the children of collaborators holding public office. It also discovered that 8% do not feel comfortable if a friend or colleagues family has a history of collaboration.

Given the sensitivity around the subject, the right societal debate needs to take place about the archive before further digitisation, Schuling said.

"We have to find a way to do it that is ethical, so that the children of [suspected collaborators] aren't hurt," he said. "There are a lot of different perspectives to this situation. That's why I say it's better to make changes in phases."

A filmmaker's personal connection

Other descendants would like the files published online sooner.

One is Eline Jongsma, a documentary maker who, along with her partner Kel ONeill, made an animated film called His Name is My Name about the crimes committed by her great-grandfather, Gerrit Jongsma, who was the mayor of Krommennie, a small town north of Amsterdam, during the war.

Jongsma only found out about her great-grandfather and his crimes a decade ago, as her family had shrouded his life in secrecy. Many other families are in the same position, she said.

"A lot of people contacted us privately, and wanted to confess their tragic collaborator family member story that cast a shadow over their family," Jongsma told Euronews.

Eline Jongsma and Kel O'Neill, who made the documentary His Name is My Name. - Claudia Dibbs

"These confessions showed how the secrets of your ancestors can really weigh on people for generations. That's what you see with my father's generation," she added.

"My dad took on an attitude of silence and, I think, guilt and trauma. A lot of people are in that position."

This is the attitude she wanted to break by releasing her and ONeills "Instagram documentary", which consists of 10 chapters that last around three minutes each.

Her own familys secret began to unravel in the wake of a family dinner 10 years ago. "I don't know the exact words my dad used, but he casually asked whether I knew whether my grandfather was a Nazi," Jongsma said.

"How are you supposed to learn from the past if you don't know truly what it was like?"

Jongsma and ONeill later started to dig into the story, making use of the CABR with the help of the local historian Alex Dekker.

They discovered that Gerrit, who belonged to the Dutch Nazi party, the National Socialist Movement in the Netherlands (NSB), was responsible, among other war crimes, for sending at least one Jewish family to their deaths in the Nazis extermination camps.

After an anonymous tip-off, he ordered the search of a house where Esther and Benjamin Drilsma were hiding. Gerrit also ordered a hunt that led to the capture of their six-year-old daughter Adolphine. All three were later killed by the Germans.

Gerrit Jongsma as shown in the documentary His Name Is My Name. - Jongsma + ONeill, Jure Brglez

One of the films chapters looks specifically at the CABR itself, while other parts of it reflect on the importance of making the archive more widely accessible.

"Our experience with the archive was a very analogue one. It was a dusty set of boxes that we opened up. And there were typewritten reports in it and there were pieces of paper whose edges were dissolving in our hands as we were opening them up," ONeill said. "That is not the way research can be conducted long-term."

The documentary, which was released in 2022 and which is currently touring schools in the Netherlands, is narrated by Jongsma. Such first-person narratives are crucial for teaching people about Dutch collaboration during World War II, she said.

"It's such a dark and complicated part of history for the Netherlands. You really need projects like this to help people understand it," Jongsma added, before suggesting that more stories like hers would emerge once the entire archive was digitally available.

Related

Although Jongsma sympathises with the worries felt by some descendants of the accused, she thinks it is better for the truth to see the light.

It seems that there is fear around the archive being very searchable. A level of accessibility where you don't have to go to the archive and register yourself," she said.

"I understand it, but also, these people will, at some point, have to reckon with this part of the past."

Jongsma believes now is the time for a more collective and honest approach to what took place in the Netherlands between 1940 and 1945. "How are you supposed to learn from the past if you don't know truly what it was like?" she said.
After Fridays oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court, the justices appeared to be signaling a TikTok ban.

The court appeared to be leaning toward the federal governments suggestion that a national security threat was enough to make ByteDance, the apps parent company, sell it to an American company. Earlier this week Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary and billionaire Frank McCourt stepped forward as potential buyers. That deal would need to take place by Jan. 19, when TikTok is scheduled to go dark. Should the high court step in to block it, the fade to black on TikTok would be put off.

More from WWD

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Given how major brands like PacSun, Ralph Lauren and Nike use TikTok to connect with consumers, and how influencers tempt shoppers with hauls, freebies and new products, theres a lot at stake for the fashion industry. Never mind the amount of goods that are sold via the TikTok Shop.

A ban could also greatly impact its growing marketplace, including TikTok Shop, according to Darpan Seth, chief executive officer of Nextuple. Despite the uncertainty, the platform has demonstrated strong momentum in e-commerce, with TikTok Shop generating an estimated $1.5 billion in U.S. sales by late 2024. He also noted that TikToks demographics are extending beyond Gen Z to Millennials and Gen X, which could drive further marketplace growth. Seth said TikTok Shop could potentially dominate global digital commerce with its $25 billion projection.

Susan Scafidi, academic director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University, said, The loss of TikTok, even on a temporary basis, would upend the influencer economy in the U.S. and eliminate a key marketing channel for many fashion brands, especially those with Millennial and younger audiences. Social media adapts quickly, and much of the activity on TikTok could migrate to other platforms, but business as usual in the form of product promotion would be at least briefly chaotic.

Needless to say, quite a few influencer contracts would also have to be reinterpreted or renegotiated, should TikTok posts no longer be an option, she added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, brand protection teams may appreciate a respite from TikToks dupe culture, which recently caused the Walmart Birkin look-alikes to go viral, but the celebration of cheap copies preexisted TikTok and would survive its demise, Scafidi said. The U.S. may be prepared to go nuclear on TikTok if ByteDance insists on retaining ownership of its operations here, but like cockroaches, counterfeits will somehow survive.

Maryanne Grisz, president and CEO of the Fashion Group International, said, TikTok is a cultural driver for discovery. The platform has become a leader as a marketing and selling tool for many small businesses and creators. New restrictions imposed on the platform will force those who are dependent on it to seek other alternatives and open new systems of e-commerce and communication. This will create opportunity for other platforms to service a new need in the industry.

Trendalytics Michael Appler said, There are some brands whove already divested their marketing from TikTok, and the ones who have, obviously, have engineered a ready-made and diversified marketing strategy to take this potential ban in stride. But among those who engaged widely on TikTok, the brands who used the platform to make TikToks, not ads  who found ways to build connection and engagement with younger customers  will come out of this difficult transition with greater leverage to pivot.

While many political observers see the potential ban as an effort by the U.S. to be tough on China, President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to delay its implementation of the upcoming law and reportedly met with TikToks CEO Shou Chew last month. This is a notable change from 2020 when Trump issued a presidential executive order for ByteDance to divest from TikTok in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court to reject Trumps plea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He added, When we look back at the creator economy bubble spurred by TikTok over the last few years, the brands who pursued the former will find those budgets barely worth the squeeze  and the marketing shift excruciating.

Brands must act swiftly to diversify their digital marketing strategies, explore alternative channels, and strengthen direct consumer relationships. And if the court does order a stay  as the President-elect requested  or strikes down the law altogether? Take the lesson, and diversify your marketing channels anyway.

While Nicole Miller is happy to get a break from social media and sometimes finds herself going down a rabbit hole on TikTok, she said she feels badly for the people who make their living from it.

She added, Its not clear that a ban will be that effective as creative people always seem to find a way around it and new platforms are always popping up.

Best of WWD

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
A court has ruled that MP Nestor Shufrych, who is suspected of high treason and is an MP from the now-banned pro-Russian political party Opposition Platform  For Life, be allowed to exercise his parliamentary powers.

Source: court ruling, which is in the possession of MP Oleksii Honcharenko

Details: It is noted that Shufrych filed a petition stating that he wanted to exercise his parliamentary powers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The court refused to allow him to physically participate in the parliamentary meetings but ordered that he be allowed to exercise his parliamentary powers while staying in the detention centre.

Quote from Honcharenko: "The court sent the ruling to the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) for consultations.

I wonder how this issue will be resolved. According to the rules of procedure, an MP can only vote on bills in the session hall, which means that Shufrych will not be able to vote.

But in theory, he can participate online, for example, in committee meetings. Or submit bills and resolutions through his assistants."

Background:

Shufrych and his former assistant Viacheslav Cherepan are accused of financing actions to change and overthrow the constitutional order, seize state power and change the borders of the territory and state border of Ukraine. This includes the transfer of funds to pay for the work of a security firm in occupied Crimea in 2016. Both defendants deny the charges.

Shufrych is also accused of high treason.

On 3 September, prosecutors sent an indictment against Shufrych and his former assistant to court.

Support UP or become our patron!


Chinese scientists on Friday announced their discovery of two dinosaur track sites in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, including one containing the world's smallest fossilized sauropod footprint, which dates back over 166 million years.

The track sites are located in a village in Qamdo City. In July 2023, a team of geologists discovered a series of reptile-like tracks on both sides of a village road. They collaborated with paleontologists on in-depth analysis and identified tracks left by sauropod and theropod dinosaurs from the Middle Jurassic period.

Their findings were published online in the Historical Biology journal in late December.

According to the study, one site contains a trail of three consecutive large theropod tracks, each approximately 42 centimeters in length. These tracks can be classified as belonging to the Eubrontes and are not common in Xizang's Jurassic dinosaur track records. The presence of these tracks indicates that medium-sized carnivorous dinosaurs, which could have reached lengths of up to 6 meters, once roamed the region.

The second site consists mainly of small, isolated sauropod tracks ranging from 8.8 to 15.5 centimeters, which were likely left by more than six dinosaurs with body lengths of up to 2 meters.

"Such tiny sauropod tracks are quite rare," said lead author Xing Lida, an associate professor at the China University of Geosciences Beijing. He noted that in previous research, sauropod tracks measuring 12.2 centimeters were recorded in the Republic of Korea, and tracks ranging from 11.5 to 13 centimeters were found in north China's Inner Mongolia.

"This discovery in Xizang has expanded our understanding of sauropod track sizes in the Qamdo area," Xing said. "It suggests that there may have been smaller sauropods in this region, or that these magnificent creatures practiced age separation and were well-developed at birth."

There was a remarkable size difference between adult and young sauropods. While fully grown sauropods could reach lengths of 20 to 30 meters, hatchlings would have been less than half a meter long when they first emerged from their eggs. Such a difference led to distinct movement patterns and food sources for different age groups, resulting in many sauropod species forming separate communities based on age, Xing explained.

Although the region is remote and situated at a high altitude, scientists have visited the area regularly since the 1970s. They have documented a significant number of Early Jurassic and Middle Jurassic dinosaur fossils. In 2011, Xing's team found Jurassic sauropod tracks near the No. 214 state highway in Qamdo.

Scientists say that in regions such as Qamdo, marine sedimentation gradually diminished during the Early Jurassic period, eventually transforming into an inland basin by the Middle Jurassic period. The deepest Jurassic stratum exceeds 4,800 meters, facilitating numerous fossil discoveries.

These discoveries highlight the vast potential of dinosaur research in Xizang, Xing said, adding that further dinosaur studies will continue making contributions to scientific research and public education in the region.
The Canadian province of British Columbia has held firm in its stance against cryptocurrency, extending its restrictions against bitcoin mining into December.

According to CoinDesk, the BC Supreme Court upheld a ban early last year that the provincial government initiated in December 2022 after Conifex Timber  a forestry company that intended to begin mining operations in the province with the Tsay Keh Dene First Nation  challenged the moratorium.

"The total amount of megawatt-hours that would have been required to service all the interconnection requests from cryptocurrency operations in 2023 grossly exceeded the projections of BC Hydro," the judge wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A press release from the BC government following the initial ban stated that it paused 21 projects that requested 1,403 megawatts  equivalent to the energy needed to power approximately 570,000 homes in the region or charge 2.1 million electric vehicles.

Cryptocurrency advocates have pointed to the rising number of mining operations using renewable energy off the grid and to how the lucrative benefits of mining crypto flexibly can help to drive innovation, investment, and expansion of renewable energy and avoid wasting electricity. But for a region or country dealing with active threats to its energy grid, it may be harder to lean into that optimism until it is properly prepared to take advantage.

"The temporary suspension will preserve BC's electricity supply, while giving government and BC Hydro sufficient time to engage with industry and First Nations, and develop a permanent framework for any future cryptocurrency mining operations," the statement reads.

BC originally imposed an 18-month restriction to preserve its supply of sustainable and affordable energy provided by its largest electricity utility, BC Hydro, which produces over 90% of its power from hydroelectric sources, per CoinDesk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The provincial government also passed an update to the Energy Statutes Amendment Act in 2024 to allow the Cabinet to bypass the BC Utilities Commission, giving it direct authority over the energy allocation to the crypto industry.

While the government argued that "these amendments will enable the eventual implementation of a permanent policy," Conifex Timber contended in court that the ruling was "unduly discriminatory and unreasonable."

The ruling comes amid bitcoin's surging value and Vancouver, BC's most populous city, pushing to become a bitcoin-friendly city.

Bitcoin has been an extremely divisive issue, with detractors noting its immense energy demands and resulting environmental impact. Its profitability and popularity have overburdened grids and even allegedly come at the cost of human health.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, proponents have championed its creative potential in sustainability; for example, companies are utilizing the high temperatures its data centers produce to heat commercial and residential buildings.

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.
A Crawford County forester and environmentalist has been recognized as one of the states leading conservationists by a national nonprofit.

Troy Firth of Spartansburg, owner of Firth Maple Products and founder, with his late wife Lynn, of the Foundation for Sustainable Forests, received the 2024 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg on Wednesday.

The $10,000 award from the Sand County Foundation honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. The 77-year-old Firth is the first Pennsylvania forester to receive the award.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

54251606715_93f37f5cb9_k.jpg

Troy Firth speaks upon receiving the Leopold Conservation Award.

Given in honor of influential conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for a land ethic, a code of conduct based on the belief that people have a personal responsibility to care for the land and resources they own and manage.

Firths work demonstrates how such a code can be put into action, according to writer, farmer and activist Wendell Berry. One of Firths conservation idols, Berry nominated Firth for the Leopold Conservation Award. The two first met about 25 years ago when Firth was demonstrating horse logging at a field day event that Berry attended.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When Aldo Leopold was writing The Land Ethic and worrying about the apathy of private timber owners, he was thinking of the need for foresters like Troy, Berry wrote in his nominating letter.

Born into a family of loggers, Firth began working in sawmills and the woods early in life. He grew unsatisfied seeing forests left degraded by severe harvests, and efforts to take only the best trees. The prevailing practices of the time were threatening the local ecosystem and compromising the long-term health of the local timber economy.

D50A1933aa.JPG

Troy Firth (center) leads a tour of Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative Community Forest in Cambridge Springs during the annual field conference of the Foundation for Sustainable Forests last September.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At that same time, Firths conservation ethic was being influenced by reading both Leopold and Berry. He came to see that forestry done right is an observational science that attempts to mimic nature.

He acquired his first forest land in the 1970s and his holdings, located primarily in northwestern Pennsylvania, peaked at about 7,000 acres before sales of some properties and donations of others to his foundation lowered that figure. Over decades of work, Firths forests thrived as he built a business that provides rural jobs and a model for the timber industry.

In addition to lumber, Firth Maple Products is Pennsylvanias second-largest maple syrup producer. Its humble beginnings took shape when Firth began tapping maple trees while living on his familys dairy farm. The 160-acre farms rolling terrain proved better for growing trees than crops. Firth also found that logging and maple syrup pair well, both seasonally and for managing a workforce.

The emerging lessons learned shaped Firths own ethic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A bad logger goes to the woods thinking of what he can take out, he said. A good logger goes to the woods thinking of what he can leave.

Its an approach that has drawn attention, according to Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, who, along with Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman, presented Firth with the award during a luncheon reception in the PA Preferred Banquet Hall at the Farm Show.

Troy Firth is part of the reason that Pennsylvania is a national leader in conservation and sustainable forestry, Redding said. Troys care of soil, water and forest resources embody Aldo Leopolds vision and ethic of environmental stewardship, and business practices that respect the land and ensure that it will be there for generations to come.

In addition to his unconventional worst first approach to selecting timber for harvest, Firth removes trees by doing the least possible damage to others left standing. The same care is given to the forest floor to not disturb soil, vegetation and wildlife habitat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To foster tree species and age diversity, Firth uses an approach akin to the Femelschlag technique or gap silviculture. Small group selections, no larger than a few acres, are harvested to create canopy gaps where the forest understory stocked with native species allows for natural regeneration to occur. This approach attracted the attention of conservation biologists and avian researchers who conducted a multi-year study of songbird diversity in forests Firth manages.

Firth subcontracts with four teams of Amish loggers who use horses instead of mechanical skidders. This minimizes damage to the forest floor, allowing the understory to recover quickly.

Troy 1.JPEG

Troy Firth of Spartansburg, owner of Firth Maple Products and co-founder of the Foundation for Sustainable Forests, poses for a recent photo. Firth received the 2024 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award, which comes with $10,000, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg on Wednesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Troy and Lynn Firth founded the Foundation for Sustainable Forests in 2004 to protect forested ecosystems and highlight sustainable forestry practices. He hopes to see the organization serve as a regional model for other conservation-minded landowners. To date, Firth has had a hand in the conservation of 2,250 acres of working forests, with more gains on the horizon, including the generous bequest of his own lands.

Hoffman cited the influence of Firths business and conservation models in his remarks at the award presentation.

Troy has built a business that provides quality timber and maple syrup while adhering to the principles of stewardship and conservation championed by Aldo Leopold, Hoffman said, and like other past recipients of this award, has shown himself to be an innovator who is eager to share what he has learned with his neighbors and others seeking to replicate his success.

Some have criticized Firths approach as unrealistic, but his 45-year career suggests that forestry can be both economically profitable and ecologically nurturing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sand County Foundation presents Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. The nonprofit seeks to empower landowners as leaders in voluntary conservation efforts that produce benefits for business and the environment.

Collaboration, not litigation, leads to the most enduring environmental improvements, according to the organizations website.

Firth, previously a finalist for the award in 2019 and 2022, was joined this year by fellow finalists Jim Hershey of Elizabethtown and Maple Valley Cattle Company of Meyersdale. Nominations were reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders from Pennsylvania.

The 2023 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award was presented to Myers Family Farm of Spring Mills.

These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopolds land ethic is alive and well today, said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation president and CEO. Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil and wildlife habitat.
All over metro Atlanta, workers are making every effort to keep as many roads open as possible after snow and freezing rain created dangerous driving conditions.

For the first time in years, snow made many parts of Georgia impassable.

Between two and four inches of snow shut down many roads in Paulding County on Friday morning and made driving nearly impossible.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

In Gwinnett County, Andrea Holt and her husband were helping stranded motorists by offering free tows out of a tough spot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We pulled up 15 vehicles, she said. We got them out of there.

Even in areas where conditions were relatively good throughout the day, the night and dropping temperatures bring new challenges.

Whats going to happen is all this slush is going to turn to ice. Which is what we dont want, Coweta County Deputy Fire Chief Greg Shinkle told Channel 2s Michael Doudna. And people wont be able to see the ice, right you know, it turns to black ice, so theyre not going to see it, and they will get into a curve or theyre going too fast, and theyll hit another car, go off in a ditch and thats our concerns. "

Throughout metro Atlanta areas will see as much as a half inch of ice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities ask drivers to stay off the road if at all possible, for their own safety and so crews can do their jobs to keep roads safe.

TRENDING STORIES:

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A FOX21 News Photojournalist went to the scene of a fire that broke out near the FOX21 News station around 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11.

The fire was in the area of Edison Avenue, near Wooten Road, releasing black smoke that was visible from nearby Platte Avenue.

Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist

According to the FOX21 News crew on the scene, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) responded around 1:30 p.m. and quickly put out the fire.

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 FOX21 News Colorado.
DENVER (KDVR)  The University of Colorado Boulder Police Department requested an investigative review of a case where a man fought with officers, experienced a medical emergency while en route to a hospital and died days later at that hospital.

The agency said Thursday it requested the investigation of the Dec. 27 incident from the Boulder County Investigation Team out of an abundance of caution.

Man shot, killed after seeing suspicious vehicle in Aurora neighborhood near Gaylord resort

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The multi-agency BCIT investigates use-of-force incidents by peace officers wherein deadly or potentially deadly physical force was exerted. CUPD said that the incident on Dec. 27 did not meet the criteria for an investigation by BCIT, but requested the investigation anyway.

I appreciate the CU Police Department alerting the Boulder County Investigation Team and the District Attorneys Office to this tragic death, said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty in a press release. Although it is not required by law or policy, I fully support CUs request for the BCIT to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, treatment, and eventual death of this person. The BCIT will conduct an objective, independent, and thorough investigation. After the District Attorneys Office reviews the investigation, the findings will be shared with the community.

According to CUPD, the case began around 8:15 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at the Center for Innovation and Creativity on Exposition Drive. Officers were called to the area for a male suspect who was reportedly tampering with an external electrical box on the outside of the building and also attempted to break into a car in the area.

Officers reported the suspect was acting erratically when they arrived on scene. They said the suspect refused to follow commands and fought with officers. CUPD took the suspect into custody, where he continued to resist officers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

CUPD requested aid from the Boulder Police Department, which responded, as did American Medical Response, due to an injury to a CUPD officer and the continued erratic behavior of the suspect, according to a CUPD release. The AMR paramedics treated the suspect at the scene and transported him to Boulder Community Hospital.

During the transport, the suspect experienced a medical emergency and was subsequently admitted to the hospital. The suspect died on Sunday, Dec. 29, and police said methamphetamine was found in his possession. The Boulder County Coroners Office will determine the cause of death, CUPD reported.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
When the brother of a Fort Lauderdale man charged with killing his wife in Spain arrived at Miami International Airport this week, Customs officials pulled the sibling aside because they suspected he had stashed a ham in his baggage from an overseas trip.

But defense lawyers for David Knezevich said the real reason Customs and Border Protection officers detained his brother was to establish a pretext for seizing the siblings laptop and cellphone.

Now, Knezevichs lawyers have asked a federal judge to stop federal investigators from searching the brothers electronic devices, saying they include confidential attorney-client information because the sibling has been helping the defense team prepare for the trial in Miami federal court this year. Knezevich, a Serbian national and naturalized U.S. citizen, has been charged with kidnapping and killing his estranged wife, Ana Knezevich Henao, in Madrid last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a motion filed on Thursday, Knezevichs lawyers said both customs officials and federal agents detained, questioned, and seized electronics from U.K. [the brother] without a warrant or any reasonable suspicion.

They argued there is a real and legitimate concern that U.K. may have been stopped, detained, harassed, questioned, or had his electronics seized at the request of [federal prosecutors] in this case, for the sole purpose of obtaining evidence to be used in the pending criminal case against U.K.s brother.

A CBP spokesman said Customs officials can search a passengers luggage upon arrival from abroad as long as they have a justifiable reason.

We have the authority to search people, vehicles, baggage and merchandise at the border without a warrant or probable cause, CBP spokesman Michael Silva said, adding that as policy the agency could not disclose the reason for seizing the Knezevich brothers electronic devices at MIA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Knezevichs defense team, led by attorney Jayne Weintraub, asked U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams to prohibit investigators from searching the brothers laptop and cellphone until she has had an opportunity to review the basis for the seizure at MIA.

After clearing customs at MIA on Tuesday, three CBP officers detained the brother, his wife and their two children, all U.S. citizens, for several hours, according to the defense motion in Miami federal court.

The border agents told U.K. [the brother] and his family that they were looking to see if the family had brought a ham into the United States from Spain, the motion says. The border agents searched the familys carry-on bags and backpacks but did not locate a ham.

Knezevichs brother was further questioned by five Homeland Security Investigations agents, who asked him about his travels to Spain, and then told him that he was stopped because he was Serbian  contrary to the Customs officers suggestion that it was to look for a purported ham.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The [Homeland Security] agents asked U.K. questions about Serbia, whether he was aware of current events in Serbia, and whether U.K. had bought any cryptocurrency, which he had not, the defense motion says. The HSI agents then seized U.K.s electronic devices, including his cell phone and laptop.

When the Homeland Security agents asked Knezevichs brother to provide the pass code for his cellphone, he refused. One of the agents told the brother that the agency would be keeping his phone for months. The brother then asked the agent if he could have his phone back right away if he provided the passcode. The agent said that even if he did, Homeland Security would keep his phone for months.

Trial on horizon

Last month, David Knezevich, 36, pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and killing his wife last February.

Knezevich, who was initially arrested last May on a kidnapping charge, now faces a potential death penalty after being charged anew with kidnapping resulting in his wifes death. Hes also charged with foreign domestic violence resulting in death and foreign murder of a U.S. national, according to the amended indictment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Prosecutors in the U.S. Attorneys Office in Miami are still waiting for the Justice Department to decide whether they can pursue the death penalty, a decision that might come in January  one month before a scheduled trial that is likely to be delayed.

If prosecutors dont opt for the death penalty, Knezevich, if convicted, would face a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.

David Knezevich

The charge of kidnapping resulting in death marked a dramatic shift in the largely circumstantial case surrounding 40-year-old Anas disappearance from her Madrid apartment in early February. Before the Colombian-Americans presumed death, the couple was going through a difficult divorce while fighting over millions in Broward properties that they acquired during their 13-year marriage.

At a hearing last month before Judge Williams, prosecutors proposed postponing the trial to June, citing delays in receiving evidence  including crime-scene photos, fingerprints and other key information  from the Spanish National Police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Obenauf said shes still waiting for the most important information from Spain and that a Spanish judge said the evidence would not be delivered to federal authorities until February. Obenauf also said shes still working on arrangements for prosecutors and defense attorneys to travel to Madrid this month to visit Ana Knezevichs former apartment building and the apartment itself. Shes also scheduling depositions with foreign witnesses during the visit.

Ana Maria Knezevich Henao

Weintraub said her defense team, including Bruce Zimet and Christopher Cavallo, was ready to start trial as scheduled in February but suggested it could be delayed until late March.

Williams said she will soon decide on when to start the trial, but also expressed her frustration.

For months, the FBI has been coordinating its investigation with the Spanish National Police, gathering suspicious security-camera footage of David Knezevichs presence in a Madrid hardware store and at her apartment just before her disappearance, as well as fabricated text messages and stolen license plates on a rental car suggesting a cover-up. However, authorities found no evidence of blood traces or a struggle in the estranged wifes Madrid apartment after she was reported missing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In two consecutive detention hearings, a magistrate judge in Miami ordered that Knezevich remain in a federal lock-up because he considered him a serious flight risk.

READ NEXT: Husband of missing woman in Spain accused in Miami federal indictment of kidnapping her

Knezevich, who operated a tech business, owned millions of dollars in Broward County residential real estate with his wife, a native of Colombia. They were fighting over these and other assets when she left for Spain in late December 2023. Prosecutors have noted the defendant reported to the courts probation office that his estimated net worth was about $2.5 million after selling seven residential properties in Broward for about $6.7 million between December 2023 and February 2024, before his estranged wifes disappearance in Spain.

Knezevich is accused of leaving Miami in late January 2024 with a plan to track down his wife. She was reported missing by authorities on Feb. 2.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The FBI said it believes the husband carried Ana Knezevichs body in a suitcase out of her Madrid apartment building that evening, citing security-camera footage of him exiting the elevator.

In August, the FBI joined Spanish and Italian authorities in a search for her corpse in the woods north of Vicenza, Italy, where a GPS alert on the husbands rented Peugeot 308 suggested he took a detour there on his return trip from Spain to Serbia.

The wifes corpse, however, was not found.

READ MORE: Investigators comb Italy to find body of Fort Lauderdale woman who vanished in Spain
WAKEFIIELD, Neb. (KCAU)  Data of staff and families in the Wakefield Community School District in Nebraska may have been accessed and compromised in a recent cybersecurity incident.

Superintendent Matt Farup said on a post on the schools Facebook page that the school was informed Tuesday by PowerSchool, the software vendor, that there was a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to certain PowerSchool SIS (Student Information System) customer data. Some of that data belongs to the schools staff members, families, and alumni.

MercyOne Siouxland announces pause of open-heart surgical program, downgrade of trauma level

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Affected data includes contact information of parents and students contact information, including names and addresses. There was also some personally identifiable information, such as Social Security numbers and medical records, that may have been affected.

Farup said that even though the school district stopped collecting Social Security numbers years ago, profiles from previous years still included Social Security numbers.

No banking information or lunch account data were accessed in the incident.

PowerSchool is urgently investigating if the personally identifiable information of any students was compromised.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Protecting our students is something we take seriously. With PowerSchools help, more information and resources (including credit monitoring or identity protection services, if applicable) will be provided to you as they become available, Farup said.

Anyone with further questions is asked to contact Farup.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dallas police have released footage from a shooting incident on Tuesday, Jan. 7 that left a suspect critically injured, officials said in a news release on Friday.

Officers received six calls around 3:15 p.m. Monday about the suspect  later identified as 52-year-old Michael Alonzo  pointing a gun at passing vehicles on Joaquin Drive, police said.

Two police officers responded to the scene around 3:21 p.m. and found Alonzo standing in the street, according to the statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The officers gave Alonzo commands in English and Spanish, which he ignored, leading to both officers firing their guns and striking Alonzo.

Alonzos weapon was recovered and determined to be a replica Crosman revolver air pistol, police said.

The suspect will be charged with three counts of deadly conduct with a possibility for additional charges to follow, according to the police statement.

Alonzo had a history of arrests for prostitution and theft by check, police said. The investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the Dallas Police Special Investigations Unit.

The Dallas County District Attorneys Office was also notified of the incident and will conduct its own investigation, officials said.
The family of a British businessman jailed in Dubai has urged the Government to impose financial sanctions on one of the Gulf emirates most senior officials.

Lawyers acting for the family of Ryan Cornelius, who has been languishing in prison since 2008, have called on David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, to target Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani, director general of Dubais Rulers Court.

They have written to Mr Lammy asking for Shaibani, who is also chairman of the Dubai Islamic Bank, to be placed on a list of individuals under UK sanctions laws, effectively freezing his assets in Britain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Cornelius and Charles Ridley, his business partner, have spent more than 16 years in jail after being convicted of fraud involving a 372 million loan to his business from the Dubai Islamic Bank.

Mr Cornelius, 70, served his original 10-year sentence, but in 2018 was given another 20 years under retrospective application of a law designed to keep debtors in prison until they can discharge their debts.

The extended sentence means he will not be eligible for release until he is 84 years old.

Ryan Cornelius has spent more than 16 years in jail after being convicted of fraud involving a 372 million loan from the Dubai Islamic Bank - Belinda Jiao

The United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has ruled that Mr Cornelius is being held arbitrarily over the allegations of unpaid debts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lawyers for Mr Cornelius have now submitted a file to Mr Lammy recommending sanctions against Shaibani for his involvement in corruption and the abuse of human rights.

In their submission, Rhys Davies and Ben Keith, international criminal law and human rights barristers, stated: Mr Cornelius has been arbitrarily detained and mistreated. His fundamental human rights have been violated and his assets have been stolen.

He is the victim of state-sanctioned persecution of the most serious kind. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani is responsible for those rights violations.

Their submission to Mr Lammy added: The United Nations Working Group has examined this matter in detail and concluded that the ongoing detention of Mr Cornelius is arbitrary, falling within Categories I and III of their criteria for arbitrary detention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the circumstances, there can be no doubt that Mr Cornelius ongoing detention is both unlawful and that the person responsible for his detention, Mohammed Al-Shaibani, should be designated.

Lawyers for Ryan Cornelius have stated Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani is responsible for these rights violations - Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Europe

Heather, Mr Cornelius wife, maintains that her husband was arrested on what she described as a trumped-up charge at the request of the Dubai Islamic Bank.

A property development founded by Mr Cornelius, which Dubai Islamic Bank declared worthless after it was seized, is now being marketed as a luxury complex with an estimated value of billions.

Mr Cornelius plight was raised by Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Conservative leader, during a debate in the Commons last month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the debate, MPs criticised the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Offices (FCDO) handling of similar cases and called for a more effective use of sanctions.

Sir Iain called on the Government to impose targeted Magnitsky sanctions on Shaibani and a number of other individuals connected to Dubai Islamic Bank, who he has said were responsible for Mr Cornelius arbitrary detention and the seizure of his assets.

Sir Iain told MPs: Mr Cornelius should now be released immediately, or sanctions, I believe, should follow.

Magnitsky sanctions are named after Sergei Magnitsky, a tax lawyer who uncovered a multi-million fraud committed by tax officials in the Russian interior ministry. He died in a Russian prison in 2009 after suffering from extreme conditions.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith raised Ryan Cornelius case during a debate in the Commons last month - Anadolu

In their submission, Heather Cornelius lawyers state: Al-Shaibani, as chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank, has systematically engaged in both serious corruption and gross violations of fundamental human rights, as evidenced by the UN Working Groups findings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The imposition of Magnitsky sanctions would demonstrate the United Kingdoms respect for UN findings and commitment to protecting its citizens while sending a clear message that such actions against British citizens will not be tolerated, particularly when they have been condemned by the United Nations.

Shaibani, who is considered one of the most influential officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a member of the Executive Council of Dubai and sits on the boards of several state-owned enterprises.

He denies that Mr Cornelius was held on his orders.

Ryan Cornelius was given 20 more years in prison under a law which keeps debtors in prison until they can discharge their debts

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The UAE has always insisted Cornelius received a fair trial and had failed to repay money owed to the bank.

A UAE official stated: The UAE judicial system is independent and equitable.

In line with international standards, the UAE has stringent laws, regulations and procedures in place to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of detainees in its prisons.

All inmates receive medical care as required. UAE state-level officials, the public prosecution and diplomatic missions regularly visit correctional institutions, including the prison Mr Cornelius is held in, to verify and maintain the high standards of living conditions and treatment.

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.
While thousands of people have been displaced and lost their homes due to the wildfires that continue to rage in southern California, many are still fixated on ABC News anchor David Muirs yellow jacket.

In recent days, the anchor has been blasted on social media and by some news outlets, because the fire-retardant jacket was cinched in the back with a clothespin. That alteration, which is a common tweak among fashion stylists to make models appear slimmer, set off a cascade of criticism. After a video of Muir gesturing to show the destruction around him revealed the clothespin went viral, many observers cried vanity and narcissist on X and Instagram. Some media types followed suit including Megyn Kelly, who posted It isnt dress up time.

More from WWD

Nice Jacket Bro. Glad you look nice and svelte with those clothes line pegs, while our city burns to the ground. @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/bGQ3zvF6lr  Jack Osbourne (@JackOsbourne) January 9, 2025

A source familiar with Muirs live hit said Friday, This was 30 seconds before air. A producer stepped in to fix the coat in the wind. This had nothing to do with David Muir asking for anything.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The 51-year-old, who is also ABC News managing editor, started his career in front of the camera in 1994 in his hometown of Syracuse. After joining the network in 2003, Muir has covered Hurricane Katrina, the famine in Somalia and the extreme flooding in South Sudan. Others know him as a moderator of one of the presidential debates between President Joe Biden and the former and now incoming president Donald Trump.

David Muir readies to board a Cal Fire helicopter.

As for the yellow jacket debate, an ABC News spokesperson said, Heres an anchor standing in the middle of horrific wildfires where people have lost their everything. David is solely focused on the people who are suffering and the heroic efforts of the firefighters  and thats what everyone should be focused on.

As of Friday afternoon, the total damage and economic loss to the Los Angeles area is estimated to be between $135 million and $150 billion, according to AccuWeather statistics.

Mark Feldstein, the chair of broadcast journalism at the University of Marylands Philip Merrill College of Journalism, said, This is being pressed by right-wing media and their attempt to discredit liberal media, legacy media, Muir, and ABC. Usually, when something like this takes off, its usually for a reason to reenforce preexisting narratives. Muirs been kind of a joke for network news people for years because of the tight shirts he wears and the anchor man posturing. This reenforces that image of him and of television news generally, which can be like that. Particularly, with the juxtaposition of the tragedy of the fires makes the kind of vain posturing look more tasteless. Its always an issue when tragedy is used as a prop for television celebrities. And it is maybe as inevitable as it is ubiquitous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Making the point that when on assignment, news correspondents often dress to match preconceived stereotypes for the occasion in safari jackets in war zones or combat situations, he said, This is kind of like that.

Muir hasnt ditched the outerwear, but it isnt clipped in the back anymore. For Friday nights World News Tonight coverage, he will anchor its East and West Coast editions. Muir will survey the destruction from above, by flying with Cal Fire in a helicopter. The newsman will also anchor tonights hourlong American Catastrophe: L.A. Burning  A Special Edition of 20/20.

Best of WWD

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The world is in for exciting times following the inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan. 20, decorated U.S. Army general David Petraeus said during remarks in Salt Lake City on Friday.

During wide-ranging remarks at a policy summit at the Grand America Hotel, sponsored by the Salt Lake Chamber and the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Petraeus touched on both the Biden and Trump administrations approaches to trade and foreign policy, and gave advice on how to be a strategic leader.

Petraeus said his approach to Trump is to take him seriously, but not literally, and said he agrees with the president-elect on some  but not all  of his approaches to policy, adding he supports Trumps goal to reduce regulations domestically.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But, he said, sometimes its unclear if Trump is serious about pursuing a policy, and that makes it intriguing to divine what does this mean?

Petraeus, who described himself as non-political  he said he doesnt even register to vote  said Trump has made some interesting Cabinet picks. He described the three categories they fall into  those who are loyal to Make America Great Again principles, those who are more traditional Republicans, and a few tech bros.

My hope is with all of the different forces at play ... the outcome of that will be extraordinary, he said.

Petraeus credited Trump with changing the conversation on China, but said it is important for the competition between the two countries not to turn into military conflict. He also credited the Biden administration with crafting a good approach to China, but said it will need to be refined.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Following his 40-year career in public service, which included serving as the CIA director during the Obama administration, Petraeus moved to the private sector. He currently is a partner at KKR, a global private equity firm. He spoke onstage Friday with Miles Hansen, president and board director of the Stirling Foundation.

Risks around the world

Toward the end of his 37 years in the U.S. military, Petraeus was called on to assume command of forces in Iraq, where he served for four years, and then in Afghanistan.

During his remarks Friday, Petraeus was critical of the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden, saying he believed the U.S. could have maintained a presence in the country to keep order. When U.S. forces withdrew in August 2021, American contractors who had been assisting the Afghanistan Security Forces also left and the ASF collapsed, leading to the Taliban retaking control of the country.

Afghanistan was where both Al Qaeda and the Islamic State took root, he pointed out, adding that when the U.S. abruptly withdrew from Afghanistan it sent a message to other global actors, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Everything is connected in the world, he said, pointing out that Chinas leaders are likely watching what the U.S. will do in Ukraine, given their desire to retake control of Taiwan.

Petraeus had complimentary words for Ukraine, particularly their growing military capabilities, saying they were producing tomorrows tech for todays wars. He said he encouraged the Biden administration to give Ukraine what they needed to prosecute the war.

On Syria, Petraeus called the toppling of the Assad regime serendipitous, and said it changes the dynamics in the region dramatically.

He credited the change in part to Israel hammering Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy, in Lebanon. He expressed some wonderment over Israels ability to target the leaders of Hezbollah by disrupting the supply chain and placing bombs in first their pagers, and then their walkie talkies. Israel also managed to reduce the number of missiles, drones and projectiles controlled by Hezbollah from around 150,000 at the start of the war to 15,000 today, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, he cautioned, it remains to be seen what the new leaders in Damascus will do, and said the country is not yet unified behind Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which is still designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., something he said should change.

Petraeus said the last few years there has been a seismic change in the world order as great power rivalries have been renewed and with the onset of a new era of protectionism seen in approaches to trade and investment.

As he spoke about the tension between the U.S. and China, Petraeus had advice for business leaders in the room  dont do all of your manufacturing in one region of the world.

But, he said, he doesnt think the U.S. and China  the first and second largest economies in the world  can completely decouple from one another. Both are reliant on each other for necessary products, he said.

Petraeus lays out strategic leadership model

During his remarks, Petraeus laid out the four steps he follows as a leader, punctuated by stories of his military service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The steps are:

First, get the big ideas right, he said. Petraeus described his work overseeing detention facilities in Iraq, which had become hotbeds of terrorist recruitment. By moving the most committed terrorists to higher security facilities, and by focusing on re-teaching and training those who remained, they were able to reduce recidivism among the detainees.

Second, he said, communicate your ideas to everyone who has a stake in the outcome, whether at home or abroad.

Third, oversee the implementation of big ideas with determination and inspiration, and by hiring the best and brightest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And, fourth, determine how to refine the big ideas, then follow steps one through three again and again.

Petraeus also spoke about his drive for excellence, recalling a time when he spoke to cadets at West Point, his alma mater, and told them they needed to set their sights high, especially given that they were going to lead future soldiers into battle.

Your soldiers will not be impressed by somebody who is proud to be average, he said.

Petraeus was just in Utah, and he remembers 2010 BYU address

Petraeus said he was in Utah two weeks ago to ski at Deer Valley, saying he avoided Colorado this year and had a terrific time in Utah.

Later in his remarks, Petraeus brought up a speech he gave at a Brigham Young University forum, where he delivered a list of 10 reasons BYU graduates made great new lieutenants.

He could only remember a few of the reasons, including that BYU graduates make great designated drivers. But a Deseret News article from the time has the full list.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  For the past eleven years, the Dawson Family Foundation has distributed nearly 2,500 coats to those less fortunate, provided meals for those who are hungry and scholarships to help young people heading to college.

On Friday, with Fox 8s Own Wayne Dawson in the midst of his own courageous battle with cancer, he joined other family members to distribute 80 more coats through the University Hospitals Rainbow Ahuja Center for Women and Children.

Dalion Ambler, of Cleveland, killed in Twinsburg-area hazmat incident

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wayne and I think we feed off the fact that we are in a state of gratitude for all of the blessings that we receive so for us we just have to give back and that makes us feel good. Its almost like we are here to bne a blessing to other people, said William L. Dawson, an East Cleveland Judge and Waynes younger brother.

The continued effort, with generous support from Fox 8, The Jay Auto Group and others Inspired by lessons the family learned from their mother Annie L. Dawson.

It stems from what our mother taught us as kids, to give back. For us its not so much about what we can do for ourselves, its more about what we can do for others, how we can give back, how we can help the least among us because at one point we were the least among us, Wayne Dawson said.

We want to give love we want to spread love, really. Thats how we were raised our mom instilled that in us so its just an extension of what we want to do and what we were raised to do, William said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wayne Dawson overwhelmed by support during cancer journey

That love on Friday returned to Wayne, for whom many Fox 8 viewers have offered their support and prayers through his battle with cancer.

I missed a couple of opportunities. We gave out turkeys, I wasnt there, and then we also gave out coats but I wanted to be here today because what I understand is by me doing this and helping individuals and being with my family, it makes me feel a whole lot better, Wayne said. By me doing this and helping individuals and being with my family it makes me feel a whole lot better because there are good days and bad days. Anyone who has been on this cancer journey knows that there are good days and bad days but being here and being able to help individuals and being able to put smiles on peoples faces, it makes my day and it makes this day a good day. Im just happy to be here.

Dawson thanked everyone for their support and insisted that he will be back on Fox 8 News in the 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Sussex County kids are reveling in their extended Christmas vacation, out of school for an extra week now due to snow, while their frazzled parents are wondering why the roads still aren't clear.

It snowed about 10 inches in southern Delaware on Monday, Jan. 6, the most in the state.

While the Delaware Department of Transportation has been salting and plowing ever since, certain conditions have kept many roads unnavigable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Department of Transportation spokesman C.R. McLeod said it's been a challenging week.

"Once the storm had largely ended late Monday, we then had very cold air settle in, which has kept temperatures around freezing during the daytime and much colder at night, so we have not had the benefit of road surfaces warming up significantly to help melt snow and ice," McLeod said. "Add in gusty winds all week, and weve also had to deal with drifting snow, which requires plows continuing to go back out to what were clear roads and plow and salt them repeatedly."

A snow plow clearing the roads of a development outside Lewes the morning of Jan. 6, 2025.

These factors combined are making it extremely hard for DelDOT to keep secondary, local and subdivision roads clear. Packed snow and ice is the toughest to deal with, McLeod said, because plows can't remove it and rock salt is most effective at temperatures above 20 degrees. Even if the salt helps melt snow and ice in the day, it refreezes overnight when the temperature drops.

"This impacts the ability of school buses to navigate their routes in a safe and timely manner," McLeod said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DELAWARE WEATHER: Snow clears way for bitter cold

SNOWFALL: How much snow has Delaware received Saturday, Jan. 11?

How schools make the decision to close

"Please remember, while it may look one way out your window, our staff has done a comprehensive assessment of the conditions and made a recommendation to keep everyone safe," the Seaford School District website says.

In Sussex's largest school district, Indian River, Superintendent Jay Owens "personally monitors" road conditions and consults with other superintendents, district spokesman Dave Maull said. In the Seaford School District, officials go out and assess the roads around 4:30 a.m., the website says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Here we go again: How much snow will Delaware see in storm set to hit Delmarva on Friday into Saturday?

"We also have to factor in the safety of students waiting outside for the school bus and those that walk to school, especially if sidewalks are covered," Maull said.

Most school districts build a certain amount snow days into each school year. If the number of snow days exceeds that allotment, it's up to the Board of Education to decide whether to extend the school year, according to Maull.

Some kids may be out enjoying their snow days more than others. Districts such as Cape Henlopen are requiring asynchronous online learning, while others, such as Indian River, are not.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Why schools are still closed in Sussex days after snow
Jan. 11WELCH  Welch voters will decide in early February whether an excess levy which has been in effect for over 50 years will be continued so it can help fund the public library and fund tasks around the city.

The city of Welch will be conducting its Excess Levy Election on Saturday, Feb. 1. Polls will open at 6:30 a.m. that day and close at 7:30 p.m. The polling place for all wards will be at Welch City Hall.

Resident who want to vote on the excess levy need to be registered to vote by Monday, Jan. 13 at the McDowell County Clerk's Office in the McDowell County Courthouse. People can also register to vote online at www.wvsos.gov/elections.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

People who moved recently are being asked to change the address on their voter's registration. As of Jan. 1, 2018, West Virginia Law requires voters to show a form of identification to vote in person during the early voting period.

or on Election Day in any election. Any ID shown for voting purposes must be valid and not expired, city officials said.

The issue of the excess levy is to submit to the voters of the city the question of providing additional revenues to make annual payments toward the support and maintenance of the public library, annual payments for the operation of parks and recreational facilities, make annual payments for the maintenance and operation of the street light system and to contribute to the annual cost of re-building, improving, and repairing streets, alleys and improving thoroughfares within the city, officials said. The excess levy has continued to be in effect for over 50 years.

Early voting in person will be conducted Friday, Jan. 17 to Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 at Welch City Hall and the hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday throughFriday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

City hall will be open Saturday, Jan. 18 and Saturday, Jan. 25 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for early voting.

The last day for the city of Welch to receive an absentee ballot application is Monday, Jan. 27.

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A teen murder suspect is facing charges in the shooting death of his aunts boyfriend. The two allegedly got into a heated argument when the boyfriend, identified as Correy Dennis, 33, discovered that his 2-year-old child was playing with the teens loaded gun.

Arnaz AJ Jones, 16, who was identified as armed and extremely dangerous by police turned himself over to North Las Vegas police on Jan. 3, five days after the deadly shooting at his aunts apartment where he and a friend had sneaked in to stay the night.

16-year-old Arnaz Jones was accused of shooting and killing a man in North Las Vegas. (NLVPD)

According to the arrest report, the shooting was reported on the morning of Dec. 29 at an apartment complex in the 2900 clock of E. Centennial Parkway in the northeast valley. The caller was a 13-year-old who told police someone shot their father.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The report stated that police learned Jones and a friend, whose name was redacted in the report, would sometimes sleep uninvited at the apartment when one of his aunts four children would open the door for them.

The argument between Jones and Dennis started after Dennis discovered his 2-year-old daughter found Jones loaded handgun and was playing with it and pointing it at Joness head while he slept. Dennis took the gun and removed the bullets placing them on a counter and then ordered Jones and his friend out of the apartment but they didnt leave, police documents said.

Dennis called his longtime girlfriend, and the mother of the children, to tell her what happened and she told police she overheard part of the argument. Documents said she heard Dennis say If youre going to shoot me, shoot me then, and then she heard gunfire.

Another child who was in the apartment at the time of the shooting told police that when Dennis stepped outside to call his girlfriend, Arnaz retrieved the gun and reloaded it, according to the report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jones friend told police that the shooting happened because Dennis punched and pistol-whipped Jones causing him to fear for his life, but police said he had no visible injuries when he was taken into custody, documents stated.

Jones, who is in custody faces a charge of murder with the use of a deadly weapon. He is scheduled to be arraigned in North Las Vegas Justice Court on Jan. 13.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The death toll from the raging wildfires in Southern California has gone up to 11 people, according to a Friday update from the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME).

Five fire-related deaths occurred because of the Palisades Fire while six were related to the Eaton Fire. Currently, there are six fires actively burning in the area, according to CalFire.

The Palisades Fire, the largest out of the six, has burned over 21,000 acres with eight percent containment. Eaton Fire, the second largest one, has burned 14,000 acres with six percent of it being contained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In total, the wildfires have burned over nearly 36,000 acres with a minimum of 10,000 structures being destroyed.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who earlier this week declared a state of emergency amid the fire outbreaks, called Friday for an independent probe of the Los Angeles Department Water and Power after questions arose about the regions water supply.

The Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Pacific Palisades was empty and shut down with fires burning through the area, according to media reports. Typically, its capacity is 117 million gallons of water.

While water supplies from local fire hydrants are not designed to extinguish wildfires over large areas, losing supplies from fire hydrants likely impaired the effort to protect some homes and evacuation corridors, Newsom wrote in the letter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The governor is one of many state and local officials who have been scrutinized in the last few days over the readiness and ability to respond to fires.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner on Friday released a list of 11 fatalities under investigation due to the recent wildfires, five of which occurred as a result of the Palisades Fire and six of which were tied to the Eaton Fire.

Details are limited, but the locations of four of the bodies related to the Palisades Fire are below. The fifth location was not disclosed.

22100 block of Swenson Drive in Topanga

15300 block of Friends Street in Pacific Palisades

20400 block of Roca Chica Drive in Malibu

20900 block of Pacific Coast Hwy in Malibu

For the Eaton Fire, all six fatalities occurred in Altadena, including two at the same location.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

3400 block of Monterosa Drive

300 block of Alta Pine Drive

100 block of West Terrace Street

Two bodies in the 3200 block of Tonia Avenue

100 block of East Las Flores Drive

In addition, an adult man was reported dead due to the Olivas Fire in Ventura 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 KTLA.
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a death warrant for a man convicted of brutally murdering a couple at a Charlotte County sod farm in 1997.

James D. Ford, 64, is scheduled to be executed Feb. 13 at Florida State Prison in the murders of Greg and Kimberly Malnory. It would be the first execution this year in Florida and would come after one inmate was executed in 2024.

The Florida Supreme Court on Friday quickly set a timetable for a potential legal battle about whether the execution should be carried out. State and federal courts rejected previous appeals by Ford.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a 2001 opinion upholding Fords convictions and death sentences, the Florida Supreme Court said Ford was a co-worker with Greg Malnory at South Florida Sod Farm in Charlotte County.

It said Ford made plans to go fishing on a Sunday with the couple at the sod farm, which was in a remote area. The next day, April 7, 1997, another employee made what the Supreme Court described as a gruesome discovery.

Read: Light rain, clouds expected early this weekend as winter storm sweeps the country

The opinion said Greg Malnory was shot in the head, beaten and had his throat slit, while Kimberly Malnory was raped, beaten and shot. The couple also had a 22-month-old daughter, who was left in a car seat in their pickup truck for more than 18 hours after the murders, the opinion said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ford was convicted in 1999 and received two death sentences.

The Ford death warrant and other related documents were posted Friday on the Supreme Court website. In addition to outlining Fords appeals over the years, the death warrant said it has been determined that executive clemency is not appropriate in the case.

Ford would be put to death by lethal injection less than six months after inmate Loran Cole was executed Aug. 29 in the 1994 murder of Florida State University student John Edwards, who was camping in the Ocala National Forest.

Read: Former Disney employe accused of hacking their computer system pleads guilty

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Florida did not execute any inmates in 2020, 2021 and 2022 but put to death six men in 2023.

They were Michael Duane Zack, who was executed for a 1996 murder in Escambia County; James Phillip Barnes, who was executed for the 1988 murder of a woman in her Melbourne condominium; Duane Owen, who was executed for the 1984 murder of a Palm Beach County woman; Darryl Barwick, who was executed for the 1986 murder of a woman in her Panama City apartment; Louis Gaskin, who was executed for the 1989 murders of a couple in Flagler County; and Donald David Dillbeck, who was executed for the 1990 murder of a woman during a carjacking in a Tallahassee mall parking lot.

Dillbeck was the first person executed since Gary Ray Bowles was put to death by lethal injection in August 2019 for a 1994 murder in Jacksonville.

Read: Delta Air Lines says 4 passengers injured after flight was aborted at Atlanta airport

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA)  Decatur and Champaign-Urbana are home to two of the six projects selected in Illinois to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

The money comes from the DOTs Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. The $115,674,140 in federal funding is being distributed to six projects across the state, ranging from upgrades in accessibility to rail infrastructure and pedestrian safety.

Part of I-74 W closed after three-vehicle crash in Champaign Co.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Decatur is receiving $9,901,960 toward their Jasper St. corridor project. The money will be used to plan, design and build street upgrades along approximately 3.5 miles of Jasper St. from E Pershing St. to E Lake Shore Drive.

These enhancements will include:

Traffic calming

Lane reduction

Improved lighting

Bicycle and pedestrian facilities

Solar powered transit shelters with benches

This project will test smaller scale transportation solutions and look to get rid of any one-way street confusion as well.

In Champaign-Urbana, $9,950,930 is going towards the Florida Ave. multi-model corridor reconstruction project. The money will be used to reconstruct approximately 1.3 miles of Florida Ave. from S Wright St. to Hillcrest Ave. to include upgrades.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Decatur church & school offering care during funeral services for boy killed in ATV accident

Improvements for this project look to include:

ADA-accessible sidewalks

An off-street shared use path

Transit pull-outs

Transit shelters

Pavement reconstrcution

Intersection improvements

Traffic signal modernization with accessible pedestrian signals and bicycle detection

Other areas receiving project fund money include Rock Island, Galesburg and Cook County.

Investments in rebuilding and modernizing Illinois infrastructure are critical to improving residents quality of life, said U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL). These federal grants will allow communities across our state to make improvements that meet the demands of the 21st century.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH)  A Delaware man has been sentenced to fines and jail time after being found guilty of animal cruelty for keeping 40 dogs in heavy chains and swampy conditions.

Robert M. Phillips was sentenced to 51 days in jail and nearly $3,000 in fines on Thursday on more than two dozen counts of animal cruelty. Phillips was arrested after the Delaware County Dog Warden rescued 40 dogs from his property on Kilbourne Road near Sunbury in April 2024.

Attention first came to Phillips property when a viral TikTok showed the conditions of the property, revealing dozens of dogs in heavy chains living in mud and standing water with only blue barrels to shield them from the elements. Most were believed to be pit bulls or pit bull mixes, and although rumors spread online alleging there was dog fighting at the property, officials said there was no evidence to support that claim.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Columbus officials express frustration, relief after shootout with teen

After the dogs were taken by the county, they received formal medical care and help for various behavioral needs before they entered fostering and adoption.

Before Phillips arrest, Delaware County Dog Warden Mitchell Garett said officials were aware of the property since Phillips moved to the area, but previous investigations only found six dogs, all in good health. Although there were many complaints lodged about Phillips, Garett said most informants wanted to be anonymous and would not consent to witness statements, making it difficult to press charges.

Online court records show Phillips was charged with animal cruelty in North Carolina in 2012. After this weeks sentencing, Phillips is now banned from having pets and will spend three years on probation after his release from jail.

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.
Delphi police chief Nate (Nathanial) LaMar resigned from the Delphi Police Department Thursday evening, Delphi mayor Kamron Yates announced in a press release Friday morning.

The press release said that the mayor accepted LaMars resignation and had begun discussing temporary assignments with the Delphi Police Department. The search for a new chief of police would begin immediately.

Yates said he would work closely with local officers and city council members to evaluate the direction the search for a new chief should take.
DELRAY BEACH  Community members in Delray Beach aren't the only ones who want answers after a Dec. 28 Brightline train collision with a city fire truck.

City officials want them, too.

"When we have something of this magnitude, it is really important about transparency," Mayor Tom Carney said at Tuesday night's commission meeting.

The crash in Delray Beach left three firefighters and 12 Brightline passengers injured. Assistant Chief Kevin Green, Division Chief Todd Lynch, Captain Brian Fiorey and Driver Engineer David Wyatt were subsequently placed on paid leave, according to a public announcement Jan. 3 from Delray Beach Fire Chief Ronald Martin.

A Delray Beach Fire-Rescue truck lies in ruins Saturday afternoon after a collision with a Brightline train.

Wyatt, Fiorey and firefighter Joseph Fiumara III were on the fire truck and were transported to Delray Medical Center as trauma alerts at the time of the crash, according to the Delray Beach Police Department. Wyatt was driving the fire truck at the time of the crash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, the Delray Beach Police Department requested the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office take over its investigation into the crash.

"Our Delray Beach investigators are highly skilled and were conducting a comprehensive examination of this incident," Delray Beach Police Chief Russ Mager said. "However, given the complexity of the crash, the multiple agencies involved, and the need for transparency, I requested the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office assume the lead investigative responsibility.

A Brightline passenger train sits near downtown Delray Beach on Saturday afternoon after colliding with a Delray Beach Fire Rescue truck.

"This decision ensures the most thorough and impartial review possible, leveraging PBSOs expertise in major transportation incidents while eliminating any perception of internal influence. Our commitment is to uncover the full scope of what occurred  fact by fact  so that we can provide the community with clear, accurate answers and uphold the highest standards of investigative integrity."

Other investigations into the crash are being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Railroad Administration. The Delray Beach Fire Rescue is conducting its own internal administrative investigations.

Were fire rescue drivers operating trucks without valid driver's licenses?

During Tuesday's meeting, the issue of fire truck drivers operating vehicles without valid driver's licenses was a concern.

Juli Casale

"We have people in our fire department driving without a valid driver's license, and we know that," Vice Mayor Juli Casale said at Tuesday's meeting, before probing City Manager Terrence Moore about his knowledge of fire rescue employees driving city-owned vehicles with suspended licenses while being employed by Delray Beach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Moore, according to Casale, had received a report and knew how many people within the fire department had driven without a valid license, and when.

"I know it's quite a few," Casale said. "And I am not at all happy that the city is withholding information from the commission."

Residents deserve to know how many firefighters have driven the city's fire apparatuses without valid licenses, Casale said.

Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

City Attorney Lynn Gelin said she believed the number of employees who have not had valid driver's licenses at some point during their employment was 10. However, she was unsure if these were all members of the fire department.

Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long said that, at the time of the Brightline accident, all officers in the city-owned ladder truck had active licenses.

"We're going to get all of the answers," Carney said. "We're getting a lot of questions from a lot of people. I think the lack of information is feeding all kinds of rumor frenzies."

Union not happy that names of those operating the fire truck were released

At the moment, there is no defined timeline of when those answers will come, Moore said. Residents can expect updates via Moore's weekly reports or from public meetings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This is a citywide issue," Moore said. "This is not pertaining to one department. It's a citywide problem and I've always looked at it that way."

Martin, the city's fire chief, has received backlash from the union that represents Delray Beach firefighters for his move to release the names of the four employees placed on administrative leave after the crash.

Union leaders called Martin's decision "reckless and irresponsible" in a Jan. 3 Facebook post.

RELATED: Four veteran Delray Beach firefighters on leave after ladder truck collision with train

Delray fire chief: Brightline train collision 'moment from which we will learn and grow'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Chief Martins decision to prematurely name individuals, without the conclusion of a thorough investigation, not only undermines fundamental principles of due process but signals a dangerous erosion in leadership and integrity," the post stated. "In doing so, Chief Martin risks the creation of a culture of selfishness and skepticism at Delray Beach Fire Rescue, a Department that relies on unity and trust to function effectively during emergencies."

Administrative leave with pay is a standard procedural action, not a disciplinary measure, according to the city. Per Florida Statute Chapter 119, an employees name, title and employment status are not confidential, and documents placing an employee on leave are not confidential or exempt.

In a written statement responding to the union's Facebook post, Martin said he appreciated the union's role in advocating for its members.

A Delray Beach Fire-Rescue ladder truck lies in ruins Saturday afternoon after a collision with a Brightline train in downtown Delray Beach.

"As Fire Chief, my priority remains ensuring the safety of our firefighters and the community while upholding the integrity of the Fire Rescue Department," Martin said. "I want to assure all members of Delray Beach Fire Rescue and the public that this process will be conducted with fairness, professionalism, and respect that each employee deserves.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"My commitment to due process remains steadfast. My focus is on strengthening this department, supporting our firefighters, and ensuring that we continue to provide the highest level of service to the residents of Delray Beach."

The ladder truck, purchased in 2009 for $921,705.65, was destroyed in the collision, according to the city. Replacing it will cost between $1.3 and $2.3 million.

OPINION: Delray Beach Brightline crash must be a wake-up call for safety and awareness

OPINION: Brightline crash, neighbor shooting highlight perils of 'unknown unknowns'

Delray Beach maintains a reserve fleet to ensure continued emergency service, and there will be no significant operational impact or loss of service from the incident, city officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jasmine Fernandez is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.

Sign up for our Post on Delray Beach weekly newsletter, delivered every Thursday!

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delray city officials want more answers from Brightline collision
Washington state Capitol on March 7, 2024. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)

It took Democratic staff in Washingtons Legislature a little longer but they have joined their Republican colleagues in approving two-year contracts, concluding the first-ever round of collective bargaining for legislative employees.

Legislative assistants, policy analysts and communications staff in the House Democratic Caucus and legislative assistants in the Senate Democratic Caucus unanimously ratified agreements in separate votes in late December. The decisions came nearly three months after workers overwhelmingly rejected proposed contracts with their employers, which are the chief clerk of the House and secretary of the Senate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were pretty excited. Its not everything we wanted. But its a reasonable first contract, Josie Ellison, a communications specialist and member of the House Democratic Caucus bargaining team, said Thursday night. For now, everybody seems pretty enthusiastic about it.

The Washington Public Employees Association represented both Democratic staff bargaining units.

This historic agreement marks a new chapter for our members, providing the protections and support they deserve, Amanda Hacker, association president said in a statement.

Legislative assistants in the House and Senate Republican caucuses approved their respective two-year agreements in September.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Each contract contains pay hikes of 3% on July 1, 2025 and 2% a year later, the same amount offered to other state employee unions. State lawmakers and the next governor, Bob Ferguson, will now decide whether to fund them in the next two-year budget.

Under the collective bargaining law, state employee unions  including legislative staff units  needed to submit a ratified contract by Oct. 1 to be considered for funding. Because Democratic staff did not meet the deadline, they will need to make a separate case to Ferguson and lawmakers to fund their deals.

Jeremy Knapp, an executive legislative assistant with the Senate Democratic Caucus and member of the bargaining team, said Thursday that administration of the Senate and House are supportive.

Its in the Legislatures hands now, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A 2022 law cleared the way for partisan legislative staff to unionize and negotiate terms and conditions for the workplace.

Employees of the Democratic and Republican caucuses in each chamber had to be in separate units unless a majority of each caucus voted to be in the same unit. All four units negotiated collectively on economic issues, like wages and benefits, and separately on workplace-related issues.

The collective bargaining agreements represent several months of hard work by the negotiating teams and we are pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement with both the Legislative Professionals Association and the [Washington Public Employees Association], Chief Clerk of the House Bernard Dean wrote in an email.

The contracts with Democratic staff call for a third-party arbiter in the grievance process. That means if a dispute arises on a contract provision, the two sides will have access to arbitration through the American Arbitration Association, to resolve it. This had been a sticking point as employers resisted involvement of an outside party, employees said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It gave us what we think is a very fair grievance process, Knapp said.

Secretary of the Senate Sarah Bannister called the agreement a significant milestone that brings a sense of relief and allows us to focus fully on the work ahead.

She said the decision to add a panel with an arbitrator was made collaboratively, reflecting a commitment from everyone to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in resolving disputes.

The contracts also outline new ways to resolve conflicts between elected officials and legislative staff. And there are provisions to create a transition pool for union members facing the loss of a job because the lawmaker they work for retires, loses re-election or leaves office for another reason.

Knapp said the Senate contract lays out how a person facing the loss of work could get a job as a session aide to avoid unemployment. Theres also language ensuring the employer provides workers, who are at-will employees, with two weeks notice before being let go or two weeks pay if fired.
Democratic state senators are decrying the Laken Riley Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives as unconstitutional and discriminatory.

The position puts the group at odds with some of Arizona's top Democrats who are backing the migrant crime bill. U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., is a cosponsor of the legislation, which is also supported by U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs also is for it.

The bill requires authorities to detain undocumented immigrants suspected of theft-related crimes and gives further power to state attorneys general over illegal immigration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

All six of Arizona's Republican U.S. House members voted Tuesday for the bill, along with a single Democrat from Arizona, Rep. Greg Stanton.

Two state Senate Democratic leaders, Priya Sundareshan of Tucson, and Flavio Bravo of Phoenix, condemned the vote Friday in written statements.

"Congressional Republicans opened the 119th Congress by forcing a vote on H.R. 29, which is a far cry from that bipartisan deal and accomplishes far less while placing communities at risk," Sundareshan said.

How state senators reacted to US House passage of the Laken Riley Act

The Arizona state legislators said they believed the bill would allow for discrimination against legal and undocumented migrants and circumvented earlier efforts to come to a bipartisan consensus on immigration policy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It is extremely disheartening to see legislation that pushes the same decades-old narrative that immigrants who ... come to the U.S. are inherently violent criminals pass the U.S Congress with bi-partisan support," said Sundareshan, the state Senate minority leader.

"Last year, Congress has reached a bipartisan deal for a bill that would have included border resources as well as needed immigration reform. However, then-candidate (Donald) Trump demanded that Congressional Republicans pull support to keep the campaign issue alive," Sundareshan added.

Bravo, the assistant Democratic Senate leader, said the bill opens the door for "widespread racial discrimination and mass detention."

"Immigrants, documented and undocumented, play an important part in our society and our economy, and detaining and deporting them will not solve any of our country's public safety issues," Bravo said.

State senators reference Arizona's own Proposition 314

Sundareshan and Bravo say HR 29 resembled Arizona's own voter-approved immigration law, Proposition 314.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sundareshan said Proposition 314 would damage Arizona after it "opened the door for widespread racial discrimination by allowing local law enforcement to arrest anyone they suspected of crossing the border without authorization."

"On top of being unconstitutional, Proposition 314 was a blatant attack on communities of color," Bravo said. "The same can be said about H.R. 29."

Arizona leaders who support Laken Riley Act

Stanton was the only Democrat from Arizona to vote for the bill, one of 48 House Democrats who joined Republicans to pass the bill.

Gallego, D-Ariz., newly sworn in after previously serving in the House, cosponsored the Senate version of the bill, which is expected to come up for a vote soon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Arizonans know better than most the real consequences of todays border crisis. We must give law enforcement the means to take action to prevent tragedies like what occurred to Laken Riley," Gallego wrote on X.

Kelly also intends to vote for the bill, a spokesperson told The Arizona Republic this week.

The bill also has the support of Hobbs, who celebrated with a post Wednesday on X.

"Thank you Senator Gallego for representing Arizona well and cosponsoring this legislation. The Laken Riley Act is an important step forward that will help keep our communities safe and secure our border," she said in the message.

What exactly is the Laken Riley Act?

The Laken Riley Act would require U.S. immigration authorities to detain undocumented immigrants who are charged with theft-related crimes. It also includes a provision that would empower state attorneys general to sue the federal government over harms caused by illegal immigration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The bill was named for Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student believed to have been killed in February by a man who was in the country illegally.

Rileys case drew national attention as part of the discussion about immigration, a major campaign issue in last years presidential race.

HR 29 was passed, 264-159, on Tuesday by the House and is now under consideration in the Senate.

The Arizona Republic's Laura Gersony contributed to this article.

Reach the reporter at reynaldo.covarrubias@gannett.com. Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky, @ReyCJrAZ.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Democrats rip migrant crime bill backed by Gallego, Hobbs
As Democrats head toward an uncertain future under a second Trump administration, the partys search for a new leader to help rebuild the party also remains unsettled.

The process of choosing a new Democratic National Committee chair kicked off Saturday, when eight candidates met virtually in the first party-run forum of the race. With three weeks to go before the February 1 election, no candidate has locked up support from a majority of the 448 party insiders wholl choose the next party leader.

The chair race marks the first major decision Democrats will make after facing disastrous losses in last years general election. The contest to lead the party, and the various unofficial forums and small group meetings that preceded Saturdays event, have become a space for Democrats to hash out what went wrong, how to reach the voters who abandoned the party in November and how the millions of dollars spent in lost swing states might have been better used.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite early reports that some high-profile names were considering joining the race, the current field of eight candidates  led by Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party chair Ken Martin, Wisconsin Democratic Party chair Ben Wikler and former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley  is made up of figures who are not well known nationally.

For many DNC members, thats a bonus.

The vibe I get is that people are super hungry for an operative chair, said one DNC member who is part of a state delegation. We want workhorses.

The DNC is made up of a mix of state party leaders and committee people, members of allied Democratic groups, union leaders and at-large members appointed by the current chair. The largest bloc consists of the state party leaders, who have made investments in their states a key issue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Solidifying support from state party chairs and vice chairs, who make up about 114 members of the DNC and have influence over their state delegations, could prove key to winning a race where no candidate has locked up a majority of support.

The DNC will hold three additional forums: one in Detroit on January 16 focused on the Midwest; one virtually on January 23 focused on the West; and a final in-person event in Washington, DC, on January 30, focused on the East.

Saturdays forum focused on the issues of the South.

Christale Spain, the chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party who is still deciding who shell back in the February 1 election, said she wanted to know the candidates plans for funding a Southern strategy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We just cannot concede ground because its hard, Spain said ahead of the forum. We can win in the South, but its just going to take a long-term investment.

During the debate, the candidates discussed their plans to invest in Southern states through recruitment, messaging and more funding for state parties.

When I say we have to focus on a 10-year strategy which rejects Southern political disinvestment, its not a platitude  its mission-critical, Martin said.

Many DNC members are hoping now is the time to shake up not just how funds are distributed but how the party operates broadly. The last time Democrats were able to elect a DNC chair  in 2017, after Donald Trump first won the White House  the party instituted major reforms to address the concerns of progressives who backed independent Sen. Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This time around, candidates are being pressed on messaging to working class voters, holding consultants accountable and investing in state parties frustrated by the disparity between the amount of money that went into battleground states and what could have been spent to make their races more competitive.

Its difficult to say how much support any candidate has. The DNC doesnt publicly release its member lists, and no campaigns have released full lists of their endorsements.

According to the campaigns of the leading candidates, Martin has well over 100 endorsements; OMalley has 60+ and counting; New York state Sen. James Skoufis has 23 endorsements; and Wikler has declined to release numbers.

In addition to Martin, Wikler, OMalley and Skoufis, four other candidates have gathered enough signatures to appear at the Saturday forum: former congressional candidate Quintessa Hathaway; attorney and political strategist Jason Paul; Nate Snyder, a former US Department of Homeland Security official; and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson.

Deep ties

Martin  who has been a state party chair since 2011 and now chairs the Association of State Democratic Committees  has the deepest ties to state party leaders. In interviews, chairs whove endorsed him said hes been a constant presence over the years, providing insight, aiding with fundraising and traveling through their states with them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Earlier this month, Martin campaigned in northern Virginia on behalf of candidates running in special elections for an open state House and Senate seat. Susan Swecker, the chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, said he also visited Virginia in the fall to campaign for congressional candidates and in 2021 when Democrats lost the governorship.

One of the things I love about Ken is he shows up and is ready to do the hard work, Swecker said.

Russ Carnahan, a former US representative who now leads the Missouri Democratic Party, said Martin had been instrumental in helping the party rebuild when Carnahan took over in 2023. As the race unfolded, Carnahan suggested to his states delegation that they vote as a bloc.

About three minutes into the meeting, everybody was like, Well, this is a no brainer: Ken, he said. We know what hes done in his own state, we know what hes done nationally, and we know what hes done very substantially to help us in Missouri.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A spokesperson for Wikler pointed to his work with his colleagues. In 2021, the Wisconsin Democratic Party donated $300,000 to the Florida Democratic Party to help them pay for staff health insurance. Wikler also advised entrepreneur and Democratic donor Reid Hoffman to send funds to the Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina and Ohio state parties, according to the spokesperson.

Allies of Martin have portrayed Wikler as too closely tied to donors at a time when Democrats are questioning the partys ties to the consultant class. But the Wisconsin Democrats supporters note that whoever leads the party must be able to fundraise  an area where Wikler has excelled. In 2024, his state party raised nearly $62 million, more than any other state party committee.

Lavora Barnes, the outgoing chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, said she was endorsing Wikler because of the work hed done building up the state party in Wisconsin.

Its been helpful to me to have Ben to call to bounce ideas off of, to share thoughts, to occasionally commiserate with  and Ben has done the same with me, she said. We have been truly able to help each other through some tough moments during these campaigns.

Wide open race

As the race heads into its final weeks, Barnes argued that DNC members are still weighing their options.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think that everyone who is watching this should consider it an open race, that there are still votes to be gotten, and that Ben is going to do all he can to get each and every one of those votes, she said.

No candidate has claimed as many private endorsements or released as many public ones as Martin  including endorsements from eight state delegations and the party chairs of seven additional states. But other campaigns say the Minnesotan also failed to secure enough votes to lock up the office and expect that no candidate will win a majority of ballots during the first round of voting.

No ones been able to run away with it over the past two months, Skoufis said.

Others have pointed to the news that the Association of State Democratic Committees, the group Martin chairs that represents the largest voting bloc in the DNC, decided this week not to endorse a candidate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those arguing the race is still fluid have also pointed to the news this week that the ASDC, the group of which Wikler is a member, decided not to endorse. While Martins supporters said state party leaders felt choosing would not be conducive to party unity, backers of other campaigns said it was a sign there are votes to be won among the ASDCs ranks.

That says that they are still open, and theyre still looking, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, an OMalley supporter who cannot vote in the DNC election, told CNN. I think that there is an opportunity, clearly, for someone to make their case.

Another DNC member, who said they are considering Martin and Wikler while keeping an open mind about OMalley, said their colleagues were underwhelmed by the field.

I do think a lot of folks who are keeping their powder dry are still waiting to see if somebody else jumps in, they said. If there is somebody else with any sort of stature who is compelling or inspiring it shouldnt be that hard for them to make the ballot.

This story has been updated with new reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Denmark has recently sent private messages to the team of US President-elect Donald Trump, expressing its readiness to discuss strengthening security in Greenland or increasing the US military presence on the island.

Source: Axios sources familiar with the matter, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Trump has repeatedly stated that securing control of Greenland, the world's largest island, is critical to US national security in the face of threats from Russia and China. His son made a visit to the island this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the Danish government hopes to persuade Trump, especially through messages sent to his advisers this week, that his security concerns can be addressed without claiming Greenland for the United States.

Reports state that the Danish government wants to avoid a public clash with the future US administration and has urged Trump team members to clarify what the president-elect meant by his comments earlier this week.

The sources said that in the messages passed on to the Trump team, the Danish government made it clear that Greenland is not for sale but expressed its willingness to discuss any other US request for the island.

The United States already has a military base in Greenland and a 1951 defence agreement with Denmark, which could easily involve an increase in US soldier presence on the island.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Danish officials have already announced that they are exploring additional measures to strengthen investment in military facilities and capabilities in Greenland, in consultation with the Greenlandic government.

Background:

Trump has previously refused to rule out using military or economic force to gain control of Greenland, calling it a matter of US national security.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasised that Greenland belongs to its residents and dismissed the notion of the US seizing the island by force.

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede said that the island does not want to be American or Danish but wants to be independent.

Support UP or become our patron!
The Danish government spoke privately with members of President-elect Donald Trumps team about security in Greenland, signaling they are willing to work with the U.S. after Trump said he wanted to buy the country.

In recent days, representatives of the Danish government spoke with the incoming administration broadly about security measures in Greenland  and more specifically about potentially increasing U.S. military presence there, according to Axios

Those familiar with the conversation told Axios that Denmark asked the Trump team for clarification about what the president-elect wanted after he repeatedly said he wanted the U.S. to take over Greenland and did not rule out using military force.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While the Danish government reiterated that Greenland is not for sale they expressed a willingness to work with the Trump team on the president-elects desires.

The Independent has asked a member of the TrumpVance transition team and the Danish government for comment.

Greenland Premier (left) and Denmark Prime Minister (right) address the U.S.s recent bid for Greenland in a press conference on Friday (Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima)

Those private conversations, if true, appear to be Denmarks way of turning the temperature down as Trump stirs the pot.

Though he has not officially taken office yet, Trump signaled he plans to try and increase U.S. presence  or control  over Greenland because it serves a national security role for the U.S.

Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr., took a one-day trip to Greenland with his team to speak with locals, officials said this was a personal trip.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Greenland, a country of approximately 56,000 people, is an autonomous territory of Denmark. The island country is situated northeast of Canada within the Arctic Circle. The U.S. has had a military base on Greenland since 1951, it currently is part of the U.S. Space Force.

Trumps comments, in which he did not rule out using military force to take over Greenland, were met with ire from European leaders who warned the incoming president about taking aggressive action against NATO-aligned countries.

Trump Jr flew to Greenland in a Trump Force One airplane (AP)

Its unclear how serious Trump is about his threats regarding Greenland. Secretary of State Antony Blinken threw cold water on Trumps comments saying it was not a good idea and not going to happen.

In a press conference on Friday, Greenlandic Premier Mute Egede and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said they met in Copenhagen and agreed to open discussions with Trump. Both have assured that Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and that the country is not for sale.

"We have a desire for independence, a desire to be the master of our own house ... This is something everyone should respect, Egede said. "But that doesnt mean we are cutting all ties, all cooperation and all relations with Denmark.
Dennis Quaid says that many of his friends have lost their homes amid the devastating wildfires that continue to tear through several neighborhoods in Southern California.

The 70-year-old Reagan actor, who lives in the Brentwood area of the city, discussed the catastrophic blazes with NBC 4 Los Angeles.

Weve had it lucky, Quaid said of him and his wife Laura Savoie. Ive have so many friends who have lost (homes). My agent, he lost both of his houses, and another good friend over at Palisades had just moved into a house and was renting the other one. He lost both of them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What do you do, just to rebuild? he questioned. You start thinking about how long it takes to put a house together and then you cant really hold it in your mind.

The Substance star and Savoie, 34, were fortunate in that their Brentwood home was just on the edge of the first evacuation zone when the Palisades fire, which has now destroyed over 5,000 structures, erupted.

Dennis Quaid opens up about having friends whove lost their homes in the Los Angeles fire (Getty)

Remembering when they woke up to a plume of smoke on January 8, Quaid said: That was a real exciting day as far as here in the Palisades.

It came within 150 yards of the house and these guys with their planes came down and put that retardant down there, he continued. And those helicopter pilots, theyre incredible, what they do.

Dennis Quaid is one of the people evacuating Brentwood right now.



The guy sounds like hes going to burst into tears.



We are all scared af. Everyone here is getting that this could wipe all our homes out.



This is the worst thing to happen to LA in the last 70 years https://t.co/RUZww4olSZ pic.twitter.com/weRkhJPPYB  Stella X (@stellaaaaaax) January 11, 2025

And I cant say enough about the firefighters and the first responders in this town. We got some good ones, good people here, The Parent Trap lead went on, emotion bubbling up in him. Were fighting as hard as we can to save our city. Gosh, I never thought Id say that. But thats whats going on.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In total, the fires  Palisades, Eaton, Sunset, Hurst, and Lidia  that were fueled by the Santa Ana winds have left at least 11 people dead and demolished over 10,000 structures.

Billy Crystal, Adam Brody, Paris Hilton, and Miles Teller are among the celebrities whos homes have burned down.

Beyonces mother Tina Knowles lost her home in Malibu. Yesterday (January 10), she took to Instagram to mourn the property that had always brought her peace and happiness.

This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu, Knowles wrote next to a video of her ocean view from the house. It was my favorite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place. Now it is gone!!

While many A-listers have reported heartbreaking news about their wrecked homes, others such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Ben Affleck were lucky their properties came out unscathed.
Dennis Quaid is sharing his account of escaping the wildfires in Los Angeles.

The actor, 70, said he had it lucky as he spoke about the evacuation in his neighborhood of Brentwood, Calif., amid the devastation brought on by the Los Angeles wildfires.

We woke up to this big plume of smoke. That was a real exciting day as far as here in the Palisades, it went up on Wednesday, Quaid told NBC 4 Los Angeles, per a video shared on X.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It came within 150 yards of the house and these guys with their planes came down and put that retardant down there. And those helicopter pilots, theyre incredible, what they do, he continued. And I cant say enough about the firefighters and the first responders in this town. We got some good ones, good people here.

Quaid said of the people in his hometown Were fighting as hard as we can to save our city, adding, Gosh, I never thought Id say that. But thats whats going on.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Quaid pictured in February 2024 Quaid pictured in February 2024

Related: Celebrities Who Have Lost Homes or Had to Evacuate in the Los Angeles Fires, and What They've Said

The Substance star, who is married to Laura Savoie, revealed that We were on the edge of the first evacuation zone in the Palisades fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So weve had it lucky, he continued. Ive have so many friends who have lost. My agent, he lost both of his houses, and another good friend over at Palisades had just moved into a house and was renting the other one. He lost both of them.

"What do you do, just to rebuild? You start thinking about how long it takes to put a house together and then you cant really hold it in your mind," he added.

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.

Quaid is among several celebrities who have shared their experiences after their homes were impacted by the wildfires that began in the Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7. Over 80,000 people have been displaced in total.

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty A helicopter drops water flames from the Palisades fire burning behind Mulholland drive in L.A. on Jan. 10 A helicopter drops water flames from the Palisades fire burning behind Mulholland drive in L.A. on Jan. 10

Related: L.A. Fires Live: 11 Dead, Officials Say, as Firefighters Make Slight Progress Towards Containment

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The actor previously praised and thanked the firefighters who tended to the wildfires in his local area in an interview on Jan 8.

I can't say enough about the firefighters who have been here, Quaid told Fox News. They've really made the difference. They're the guys that are running in when everybody else is running out. And they made a difference right here on my block.

Quaid said in reflection of the tragedy, I've been through several fires here in California in my 45 years that Ive been here and this is the worst one bar none."

Read the original article on People
CHEYENNE  A third man accused of kidnapping and torturing a woman for disrespecting them has been served a warrant by Laramie County sheriffs deputies in Cheyenne, according to a booking sheet provided Monday to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

Felix A. Carrera, Brenceis Jimenez and Brandon Warden are accused of duct-taping a womans mouth, hands and ankles, beating her and cutting her with a knife in Albany County in July 2024.

While Jimenez and Warden were arrested last year, Carrera was brought into custody at the Laramie County Detention Center from Colorado in November. His file was run through National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and his warrant was served Sunday afternoon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His bond is set at $50,000 cash according to the booking sheet.

Carrera is charged with six felony offenses, including kidnapping, conspiracy to kidnap, three counts of aggravated assault and battery and felonious restraint according to the warrant for arrest filed in Albany County Circuit Court in July.

These are the same charges that Jimenez and Warden face. Jimenez has an additional charge of intimidating a witness.

Disrespecting

The victim told law enforcement that on July 23, 2024, she was with Warden when the pair began to experience car trouble. She was dropped off at Wardens apartment, which aggravated Jimenez and Carrera.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The woman told officers that the two were in a pissy mood because she did not help with the car. She then went outside to help push the car into a parking space.

The victim returned to the apartment to find that her belongings had been rummaged through, including divorce papers, according to the amended arrest affidavit.

Carrera offered to help her fill out the divorce papers, however she declined saying she wanted a lawyer to help her instead. According to the affidavit, it was at this point when Warden approached her sitting on the couch and duct-taped her wrists together. Jimenez told her she was disrespecting him, then Warden used the duct-tape to tape over her mouth, wrapping the tape around her head.

Carrera asked for her phone, the whereabouts of which she told them through mumbles she did not know, then Warden duct-taped her ankles together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The woman was told not to move from the couch, then Carrera found her phone and Jimenez accused her of lying about knowing where it was.

Beating, cutting, cleaning

Carrera and Jimenez punched the victim, striking the back of her head and causing bruises, according to the affidavit. She tried to remove the duct tape from her mouth, but the men replaced it.

Jimenez then sat next to the bound woman and pulled her down towards his lap, wrapping his arm around her neck and twisting it. He also placed his hand on her throat making it difficult for her to breathe, according to the affidavit.

The victim sat up and Carrera then began to punch the back of her head again. According to the affidavit, Jimenez then threatened her with a sledge hammer he had grabbed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Instead of beating her with a sledge hammer, Jimenez dropped the hammer and grabbed a knife.

According to the affidavit, Jimenez held the womans lower left arm and Carrera held her upper left arm. Jimenez held the knife to her arm, causing a laceration.

Jimenez told her that he would give her a scar so she would remember to have some respect for people, according to the affidavit.

Jimenez briefly left, then returned telling her how pissed off he was, showing her how he had broken the tip of the knife off. Warden then told the woman to get up and clean, according to the affidavit.

The victim began cleaning dishes, according to the affidavit. Carrera still had possession of her phone and would not return it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jimenez then had the victim meet him in his room to threaten her, saying that if she told anyone what happened he would come after her and her family and that next time it would be worse.

The three men then took the womans belongings, including an electric cigarette, phone chargers and a key fob to a Toyota 4Runner, according to the affidavit.

Returning home

The next day an unknown friend of the three suspects arrived at the residence and was able to take the woman home. She eventually told her mom what had happened, including that there were cameras at the residence and a safe containing unknown items.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After law enforcement in Albany County observed her injuries and confirmed that they were consistent with her statement, they were able to execute a search warrant at Wardens residence.

In their search, law enforcement found the phone, a roll of white duct tape, used duct tape with long hair embedded in it, a kitchen knife with a broken blade and a sledge hammer, all of which were seized pursuant to the warrant.

Current case status

Jimenez pleaded not guilty in August and is awaiting trial scheduled for March 10.

Warden struck a plea agreement in October, agreeing to plead guilty to felonious restraint. Both the prosecutor and defense agreed to argue for two years probation with the threat of a three-to-five-year prison sentence if he violates probation. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 28. Carrera has yet to appear in court for his charges.
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  Deputies spent the day Friday searching for the semiautomatic gun a suspect is accused of stealing from one of their own.

The suspect, Curtis Young, 53, a sex offender, was located Thursday evening in Lake Bonnet and reportedly told deputies he tossed the gun nearby.

Police search for suspect in shooting near Tampa International Airport

Deputies are motivated to find the gun because it is considered evidence, but more importantly, they do not want it ending up in the wrong hands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Friday, crews were removing cattails from the shore as dive team members searched the floor of the lake with their hands.

The silt and brush make sonar and metal detectors unusable, deputies told News Channel 8.

As of Friday evening, the gun had not been found.

The incident began Thursday when deputies went looking for Young, a registered sex offender.

Young fled, according to authorities.

When he was located, he tackled a deputy, ripped the gun from his holster, pointed it at the deputy and then ran away, Sheriff Grady Judd said.

Therell be a complete and thorough follow-up because that holster never should have given way under these circumstances, Judd said. Thats why we give them a safety holster.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Records from the Florida Department of Corrections show Youngs criminal record dates back to the 1990s.

In 2003, he was convicted of lewd and lascivious battery victim 12-15 years old.

According to an affidavit filed Thursday, Young was being sought for violating his sex offender registration conditions.

He violated as an absconder so we locked him up in jail, Judd said. They put a GPS on him and he got out, and he continued to violate his conditions.

After fleeing with the deputys gun, Judd said, Young was located over an hour later in Lake Bonnet.

He didnt have the firearm on him, but then he took us back to where he entered the water and said he dropped the firearm in that particular area, Judd said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Young is facing charges including aggravated assault on a law enforcement official, robbery with firearm/deadly weapon and grand theft of a firearm.

Young was hospitalized Friday so he did not attend his first appearance.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DES MOINES, Iowa  A Des Moines man was sentenced to 55 years in prison after pleading guilty in the kidnapping of his former girlfriend.

33-year-old Troy Mure Jr. was arrested in September for kidnapping his former girlfriend. Mure struck his former girlfriend before pushing her into a car and fleeing. Mure was later located and taken in by the Metro STAR Tactical Unit.

On Friday, Mure pleaded guilty of second-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and felon in possession of a weapon. District Judge Joseph Seidlin ordered the sentences to run consecutively as part of a plea agreement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Of the 55 years, Mure must serve a minimum of 22 1/2 years in prison before he is eligible for parole. Mure is also ordered to partake in Victim-Offender Dialogue.

Mure admits to breaking into the victims home while armed with a firearm, forcing her into a vehicle, and holding her against her will while driving around on September 21, 2024.

In a statement released by the Polk County Attorneys office Mure reportedly told the court, I didnt want anyone to know where we were.

Body found at Badger Creek Lake identified as Cumming man

Mure has three previous felony convictions. In July 2016, Mure was convicted of vehicular homicide in a crash that killed 22-year-old Scalicity Boyd on November 23, 2015.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Evidence indicates the vehicle was traveling 86 mph when it hit a utility pole. Mure was released after three years, serving the minimum term.

The kidnapping case was prosecuted by Assistant County Attorney Olu Salami, who was assisted by Ankit Pal and Chelsea Armbrecht. The investigation was led by Detective Ben Carter of the Des Moines Police Department.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
(WHTM) By the 1920s doctors in the United States and across the world realized that deaths due to lung cancer, which was virtually unknown in the 1800s, were skyrocketing. But why?

Epidemiologists studied possible causes, including industrial pollution, street paving materials (asphalt was a prime suspect), and chemicals used in World War I. Also suspected, the increase in the use of tobacco, particularly cigarettes.

Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here

Then in 1929, in Dresden, Germany, Dr. Fritz Lickint published a study showing massive statistical evidence of a link between lung cancer and tobacco use. (Lickint was also concerned with secondhand smoke, and coined the term passivrauchen,  passive smoking.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Other studies followed, showing a correlation between cancer and smoking. Meanwhile, smoking in the United States continued to increase. By 1950, lung cancer was the most common cancer diagnosis in American men.

Millions more adults should be screened for lung cancer under new American Cancer Society guidelines

But people kept lighting up. Smoking was seen as glamorous and sophisticated. Cigarette use by Americans 15 years and older went from 747 cigarettes per year in 1920, to 1828 cigarettes per year by 1940, to 3908 cigarettes per year by 1960. It peaked in 1963 at 4345 cigarettes per year.

Then on January 11, 1964, the Surgeon General of the United States released his report on the connection between smoking and cancer, and everything changed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pennsylvania bill would ban smoking in casinos, bars

The Surgeon Generals Report on Smoking and Health (which for many people to this day is THE Surgeon Generals report) got its start in June of 1961, when the American Cancer Society, the American Public Health Association, the American Heart Association, and the National Tuberculosis Association sent a letter to President Kennedy calling for a Presidential Commission to study the tobacco problem.

Surgeon General Dr. Luther Terry (National Institutes of Health

The committee that was formed by Surgeon General Luther Terry met for nearly 18 months. They didnt commission any new studies on the issue; instead, they reviewed studies already published.

More than 7,000 of them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The report the committee crafted runs 386 pages, of which 343 are devoted to the analysis of evidence relating smoking to health. This included not only lung cancer, but respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

This is where the committee made the first of two brilliant public relations moves. Knowing full well that most people would have neither the time nor inclination to plow through pages of data, they presented their conclusions right at the beginning of the report, in four chapters running 32 pages: Introduction, Conduct of the Study, Criteria for Judgement, and most important of all, Summaries and Conclusions. Their most important conclusion  smoking is a factor in many cancers, particularly lung cancer.

American Lung Association gives Pennsylvania D grade for tobacco policies

This brings us to the second brilliant public relations move. Surgeon General Terry released the report on January 11, 1964  a Saturday. This meant the release of the report wouldnt cause chaos in the stock market. It also meant it would be the front page story on Sunday newspapers across the country, as well as television newscasts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The report had its intended effect. Smoking was now recognized as a public health issue. In 1965 the U.S. Congress adopted the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, which required a health warning on cigarette packages. In 1969 it passed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act, which called for sterner health warnings on cigarette packages and banned cigarette advertising on TV and Radio. In 2009 Congress passed the Family Smoking and Tobacco Control Act, which restricts marketing and sales to youth, requires warning labels on smokeless tobacco, prohibits tobacco companies from making reduced harm claims, and requires disclosure of ingredients in tobacco products.

Across the country, anti-smoking campaigns proliferated, as well as treatments for people who needed help to quit smoking.

In Canada, each cigarette will get a warning label: poison in every puff

So what has been the result of efforts to reduce smoking?

The National Cancer Institute reports that between 1965 and 2021, the number of adults aged 18 and older who used cigarettes dropped from around 42 percent down to around 12 percent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Decreases in the number of new lung cancer cases lag behind the rate of decreased smoking. But the NCI data shows that from 1992 to 2020, the number of new cases per 100,000 persons dropped from 64.7 to 35.9.

All of which means the response triggered by the Surgeon Generals Report is one of the most successful public health initiatives in the nations history.

To view the entire Surgeon Generals Report, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
President Joe Biden isn't sweating persistent MAGAworld threats of persecution.

When asked on Friday if he would use his presidential pardon power to preemptively pardon himself, Biden seemed baffled.

"Well, what would I pardon myself for?" Biden asked. "No, I have no contemplation of pardoning myself for anything. I didnt do anything wrong."

Reporter: Have you ruled out a pardon for yourself



Biden:Why should I pardon myself? No, I have no contemplation of pardoning myself. I didn't do anything wrong. pic.twitter.com/vWe7RRHZSP  Acyn (@Acyn) January 10, 2025

The question came amid a blitz of pardons and commutations from Biden. The president pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, feeling that ongoing prosecutions on tax and gun charges were political (and would be ramped up under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," President Biden wrote in a statement about his pardon of Hunter. "Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form... It is clear that Hunter was treated differently."

President Biden said the continued cases against his son were an attempt to punish him led by his political opposition.

"Hunter was singled out only because he is my son  and that is wrong," he said. "In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me  and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough."

Trump has frequently painted Democrats as "enemies from within" and floated the idea of jailing his political opponents. Trump lamented his own criminal cases and said they set a "terrible precedent" in an interview with Newsmax last June.

Its a terrible, terrible path that theyre leading us to," Trump said of the possible incarceration of Democrats. "Its very possible that its going to have to happen to them."
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  Over the past week, many West Virginians were placed under a Winter Storm Warning as Winter Storm Blair blew across the state, but what made Blair a winter storm instead of a blizzard?

StormTracker 12 Meteorologist Justin Kiefer said that one of the key differences between the two is intensity. Blizzards can come and go in short three-hour bursts while winter storms tend to be much longer and bring heavy snowfall.

Heavy snow falling, reduced visibility and strong winds for three hoursthat constitutes a blizzard. Even if its just for three hours, youve got a blizzard, Kiefer said, A Winter Storm Warning is about the amount of snow that may fallthe impact thats going to have.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kiefer added that the amount of snow to trigger a Winter Storm Warning depends on where you live.

For Clarksburg or for I-79, you would see a Winter Storm Warning if the snowfall potentialthe accumulation forecastis in the six-to-eight-inch range, Kiefer said.

How to measure & report snowfall where you live in West Virginia

After beginning Monday night, the bulk of Winter Storm Blair had wrapped up by Tuesday evening after bringing sustained heavy snowfall to most of north central West Virginia. The storm has had a large effect on schools and businesses across the region with many districts canceling school for the entire week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Regardless of whether your area receives a Winter Storm Warning or a Blizzard Warning, its always important to take it seriously. Kiefer said that blizzards are more of an immediate travel threat given the lack of visibility, while winter storms are longer-term lifestyle threats with the heavy snow disrupting daily life through cancellations and covered roads.

As of the evening of Thursday, Jan. 9, most of West Virginia is no longer under threat of a Winter Storm Warning for the foreseeable future, but much of the state remains under a Winter Weather Advisory for the coming weekend.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A loaded oil tanker that lost the ability to manoeuvre in the Baltic Sea near the German island of Rugen was being towed almost 25 kilometres eastwards by three tugs.

The towing operation was proceeding very slowly at one to two knots (1.85-3.7 kilometres per hour), explained a spokesperson for Germany's Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME). The manoeuvre was expected to take about eight hours.

The stricken tanker Eventin, loaded with 99,000 tons of oil, had to be moved for safety reasons. There is a little more free sea space to the south in case of an emergency, the CCME spokesperson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Strong winds from the north were forecast for Friday night. So far, the island of Rugen has been directly south of the stricken 274-metre-long and 48-metre-wide ship.

The Eventin, which was built in 2006 and is sailing under a Panamanian flag, was en route from the Russian port of Ust-Luga to Egypt's Port Said, according to the ship tracking platform Vesselfinder.

The ship is part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" used to export oil despite heavy sanctions on the country, according to a list of Russian-linked vessels compiled by the environmental advocacy organization Greenpeace.

Ships in the "shadow fleet" are often outdated and in poor operating condition.

The Eventin suffered an engine failure and was drifting in the Baltic Sea before being secured, according to CCME. The cause of the engine failure remained initially unclear.
As major fires rage in Los Angeles County, destroying more than 10,000 structures, leaving multiple people dead and causing tens of billions of dollars worth of damage, studios are mobilizing their own response efforts.

The Burbank-based Disney said on Friday that it would be committing $15 million to various relief efforts. Those funds would be earmarked for the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and other organizations.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As this tragedy continues to unfold, The Walt Disney Company is committed to supporting our community and our employees as we all work together to recover and rebuild from this unbelievable devastation, said Disney CEO Bob Iger. Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world. We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need.

The same hour, Paramount Globals co-chiefs, Brian Robbins, Chris McCarthy and George Cheeks, wrote a memo to staff that stated the company would donate $1 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Red Cross, Direct Relief, World Central Kitchen and Best Friends Animal Society.

As major wildfires continue to erupt across parts of Los Angeles  causing massive devastation to families, homes and communities  our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragedy, particularly those who have been displaced or lost their homes, wrote the Paramount chiefs. And we remain committed to supporting our employees who have been impacted during this incredibly difficult time.

The execs noted, CBS will also start driving donations to the Red Cross, and a Red Cross PSA will begin rolling out across the network today. One of our local stations, KCAL, has already raised over $300K for relief efforts. Additionally, our Paramount Pictures and CBS teams have started donating meals to first responders, Comedy Centrals The Daily Show is driving donations to the California Fire Foundation and BET has provided coverage of the devastating impact of the fires on the historic Black community in Altadena.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As of Friday, the Palisades Fire has burned more than 21,000 acres while the Eaton Fire in Altadena has reached more than 13,000 acres. The scale of the destruction is only just beginning to be accounted for. On Jan. 9, media firm AccuWeather estimated the economic loss from the fires to be between $52 billion and $57 billion. A day later, the firm revised up its estimate to $135 billion to $150 billion.

Federal dollars are also expected to flow into the county, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency mobilizing assistance for impacted Angelenos following a declaration of a major disaster by the Biden administration on Jan. 8 a day after California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and pledged resources to impacted communities.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Walt Disney Company is donating $15 million to rebuilding and relief efforts as the deadly wildfires continue ravaging Southern California.

The company said funds will go towards organizations offering essential services on the ground including the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and more.

Weve been working around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, many of whom have been impacted by these fires, and we intend to provide further resources to our Employee Relief Fund to help those facing hardship as a result of this crisis, the company said in Friday night statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They also expressed their thanks to the firefighters and first responders who have been deployed to battle the wildfires.

While the fires continue to rage and the full extent of the damage wont be understood for some time, our hearts are with everyone across Southern California who has been affected by the destructive fires, and we urge residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidance from local officials, the company said. We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need.

Fire crews and first responders are battling several large wildfires including the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, the Eaton Fire near Altadena/Pasadena, the Kenneth Fire near Calabasas/West Hills and more.

At least 11 people were killed as the fast-moving fires destroyed thousands of structures and forced many to flee their homes.

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.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  The Pacific Palisades wildfires torched the home of This Is Us star Milo Ventimiglia, perhaps most poignantly destroying the father-to-be's newly installed crib.

CBS cameras caught the actor walking through his charred house for the first time, standing in what was once his kitchen and looking at a neighborhood in ruin. Your heart just breaks.

He and his pregnant wife, Jarah Mariano, evacuated Tuesday with their dog and they watched on security cameras as the flames ripped through the house, destroying everything, including a new crib.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There's a kind of shock moment where you're going, Oh, this is real. This is happening. What good is it to continue watching? And then at a certain point we just turned it off, like What good is it to continue watching?'

Firefighters sought to make gains Friday during a respite in the heavy winds that fanned the flames as numerous groups pledged aid to help victims and rebuild, including a $15 million donation pledge from the Walt Disney Co.

More stars learn their homes are gone

While seeing the remains of his home, Ventimiglia was struck by a connection to his This Is Us character, Jack Pearson, who died after inhaling smoke in a house fire. "It's not lost on me life imitating art.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mandy Moore, who played Ventimiglia's wife on This Is Us, nearly lost her home in the Eaton fire, which scorched large areas of the Altadena neighborhood. She said Thursday that part of her house is standing but is unlivable, and her husband lost his music studio and all his instruments.

Mel Gibsons home is completely gone, his publicist Alan Nierob confirmed Friday. The Oscar winner revealed the loss of his home earlier Friday while appearing on Joe Rogans podcast.

Numerous stars have confirmed their homes were lost or sustained damage in devastating wildfires burning in and around Los Angeles. At least 10 people have died, thousands of structures and vehicles have been destroyed and more than 150,000 people remain under evactuation orders.

The home that Miles Teller and his wife, Keleigh, shared was a pile of dust and debris, with only the fall shrubbery and a gate surrounding the lot still standing. Keleigh posted photos of the home on Instagram of before the wildfire and after, urging people to get out of the neighborhood and thanks to first responders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We will come back stronger than ever, she wrote. She added that she wished she'd taken her wedding dress.

Billy Crystal and his wife lost their home of 45 years. Paris Hilton, Jeff Bridges and Cary Elwes and R&B star Jhene Aiko have also said their homes are gone. Haley Joel Osment says he lost everything in Altadena.

I am so sorry for the losses that thousands of people are suffering and I'm trying to etch in my mind the unique details of this lovely town that are gone forever  thank you to everyone who has reached out and who has helped as we lose our home, the actor wrote on Instagram.

Disney pledges $15 million to fire relief efforts

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Disney says it will donate $15 million to respond to the fires and help rebuild.

The company announced the donations Friday afternoon. It said the money would be spread across several groups, including the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world. We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need, Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.

FIREAID benefit concert planned

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A concert to aid wildfire victims will be held at Intuit Dome on Jan. 30, organizers announced Friday.

No lineup or ticket info has been released yet, but the event is being planned by music heavyweights: Shelli, Irving, and the Azoff family in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents.

Organizers say money raised will help those affected by the first and support efforts to prevent future fire disasters.

The Intuit Dome is home to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Newly-released audio reveals more Laurel County Judge Executive David Westerfield's statements in relevance to the recent officer-involved shooting.

The Sentinel-Echo obtained audio Thursday of a Dec. 24 Laurel County 911 dispatch call that confirms Judge Westerfield did reach out to law enforcement regarding the theft that took place at his property on 508 Taylor Drive in London nearly three weeks ago.

London City Police's investigation of the theft has been linked to the fatal Dec. 23 shooting of 63-year-old Douglas Harless when officers attempted to execute a search warrant at what turned out to be the wrong address.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When the Sentinel-Echo previously spoke with Westerfield, he said that he did not reach out to law enforcement regarding the issue. My nephew called me  he keeps his lawn mowing equipment in my garage  and he told me what had happened and called the police," he stated.

Westerfield would also go on to say, "Nothing they stole was mine. It was all his."

However, the newly obtained 911 dispatch audio, taking place the day after the shooting of Harless, revealed that Judge Westerfield was directed to speak with LPD Officer Jared Hale in regard to the ongoing investigation.

In the call, Westerfield informed Hale that he had been over to his property to see what items were gone the following day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"They called me at 1 a.m. this morning and told me all about it," Westerfield said in regard to Harless' passing.

Though Westerfield previously stated that none of the stolen belongings were his, he states otherwise in the audio.

"I'm not going to worry about my stuff unless he sold to somebody and it's laying in a pile and I could identify it, but I can't make a list," Westerfield said. "I'm not going to worry about it but I would like to see Charles, my nephew, get his stuff back, if at all possible."

Ofc. Hale affirmed to him in the call that it was being looked into and that the case had been turned over to Sergeant Elbert Riley.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Westerfield also noted that a homeless man had been staying in his "back building." Ofc. Hale asked him for confirmation that he would like to have the individual "hooked" if found trespassing, to which Westerfield says, "I do."

When contacted Thursday, Westerfield declined to give comment until he spoke with his attorney.

Numerous media reports have connected the LPD officer-involved shooting to the arrest of Hobert Buttery, 49, of Manchester. A uniform citation from LPD and obtained by the Sentinel-Echo states that Buttery was arrested at 7:34 p.m. Dec. 23 on one count of theft by unlawful taking $1,000 or more but less than $10,000.

While being interrogated, Buttery said he had taken one of the items, a weed eater, to a house in Lily." This would lead LPD officers to serve a search warrant at what many have presumed to be an incorrect address.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Although dispatch audio from the night of the shooting contained the address "489 Vanzant Road" several times, KSP would report 511 Vanzant Road as the actual location at which Harless was shot by an officer in his home.

Court records show Buttery previously resided at 515 Vanzant Road.

The belongings reported as stolen from Westerfield's property include a heater, four backpack blowers, three weed eaters, and a pole saw. According to the uniform citation, Buttery only acknowledged taking a Stihl weed eater and heater from the backyard.

The items were appraised as a little over $4,000  making the act a Class D felony. According to the arrest report, Buttery took the belongings at 10:01 p.m. Dec. 22. The items were reported as missing to LPD on Dec. 23.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Buttery recently had a preliminary hearing in Laurel County District Court, during which testimony indicated that there were no witnesses to the crime.

Chief District Judge John Paul Chappell found probable cause and the case was sent to a grand jury for Jan. 17 at 9 a.m. Butterys bond remains at $10,000.

The officer-involved shooting remains under investigation by KSP, whose Post 11 in London was requested by LPD at 11:53 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 to investigate.

WKYT obtained a neighbors surveillance footage from the night of the shooting. The video begins at 11:50 p.m., with the police banging on Harless door and announcing themselves. Shortly thereafter, officers can be seen scattering throughout the yard before five gunshots are fired.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The officers then radioed for assistance. This is when the inconsistent address is stated multiple times.

KSP collected pieces of evidence on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, which could benefit its investigation. During KSP Detective James Royals search of the 511 Vanzant Road property, he found five used .223 shell casings, a light bulb security camera, a Nokia cell phone, and a Taurus nine-millimeter handgun and holster.

According to Det. Royals search warrant, the light bulb security camera and cell phone could better show what occurred that night when the LPD officers attempted to enter the home.

LPD announced on Dec. 26 that the still-unnamed officer who fatally shot Harless has been placed on administrative leave. The post said the officer fired after the occupant of the residence produced a firearm and pointed it at officers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Though life-saving measures were performed on scene, according to KSP, Harless succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowlings office.

No other injuries were reported.

LPD officers were not wearing body-cams, as they suspended their use as of March 2023.

The Sentinel-Echo previously filed an open records request to view the LPDs search warrant. A response was received three business days later, redirecting the Sentinel-Echo to Laurel Circuit Clerk Roger Schott. Schott said that his office does not possess the document at this time.

This remains a developing story.
Dont worry, Presidents Day is still a February holiday, but a January presidents day is coming up soon for BYU and its sister schools, BYU-Idaho and BYU-Hawaii.

The presidents of all three schools are scheduled to speak at winter semester-opening devotionals on Tuesday, making it a major day in the Church Educational System of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

All three presidents lead growing faith-based universities at a time when religious colleges and universities are seeing increased student interest and enrollment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the fall, a record total of 117,204 students were enrolled in higher education courses offered by the colleges and universities sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which also include Ensign College and BYU-Pathway Worldwide. BYU-PW helps students gain access to and earn online degrees from BYU-Idaho and Ensign College.

Here is how to watch all three devotionals and, below, what to expect from the university presidents:

BYU President Shane Reese and Sister Wendy Reese, Marriott Center, Provo, Utah, 11:05 a.m. (Broadcasts: BYUtv, BYUtv.org, KBYU-TV 11, Classical 89 FM, BYUradio 107.9 FM and SiriusXM 143.)

BYU-Idaho President Alvin Meredith and Sister Jennifer Meredith, I Center, Rexburg, Idaho, 11:30 a.m. (Broadcasts: www.byui.edu/devotionals, BYU-Idaho Speeches and BYU-Idaho Radio.)

BYU-Hawaii President John Keoni Kauwe and Sister Monica Kauwe, Cannon Activities Center, Laie, Hawaii, 2 p.m. MT. (Broadcast: byuh.edu/live-stream.)

The BYU presidents use devotionals to start a semester to encourage students and set a distinctly spiritual tone for their campuses, which was abundantly evident in their recent devotionals. Their spouses also speak.

All three are relatively young and new to their positions. Reese and Meredith were appointed in 2023 and Kauwe in 2020.

BYU President Shane Reese

Reese, 53, became BYUs 14th president in March 2023. He previously worked as a statistician solving problems in professional sports, national security and business. Prior to his presidency, he served on campus as a dean and academic vice president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He has delivered four devotionals during his tenure, including his inauguration. An overarching theme of his talks and presidency has been becoming BYU.

He has defined that as continuing to refine the universitys student-centric approach, its mission to produce graduates fluent in both academics and faith and its courage to stand its ground as a religion-based university while building a covenant community and focusing on mission-aligned research and hiring.

For Reese, becoming BYU includes both individual transformation and institutional progress.

He opened the school year in September with a devotional in which he encouraged students, faculty and staff to embrace the process of going from here to there  the process of becoming.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Reese said the necessary components to becoming are:

A crisp vision for what one wants to become.

Persistent and consistent effort.

Making and honoring covenants with God.

Jesus Christ is our ultimate example of becoming, he said. He had a vision of his divine role as the Savior of the World. His vision for those to whom he ministered was majestic and inspiring. He built others. He aligned his will with his Fathers will exactly. He loved perfectly. He kept his covenants with the Father. As with all things, Jesus is the answer. His perfect life was and is the divine model for each of us.

BYU-Idaho President Alvin Meredith

Elder Meredith, 54, became BYU-Idahos 18th president in August 2023. A General Authority Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ since 2021, he holds an MBA and worked in business prior to his calling to church service.

He started the school year in September with a devotional in which he called on BYU-Idaho students to become the covenant-keeping disciple-leaders that church and university leaders want them to be.

President of Brigham Young University-Idaho Alvin F. Meredith III and Sister Meredith both speak during a devotional to high school age youth and their parents from throughout Utah County at the Marriott Center on the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

For Latter-day Saints, keeping covenants means to keep the promises a person makes with God at baptism and in holy temples to take Christs name, follow his commandments, serve others, build the kingdom of God and be pure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

My hope is that you ... will make and keep covenants with God, and that you will feel his blessings of power and confidence in your lives from doing so, that you will become the type of disciples that will emulate the Savior and his attributes, that you will become the type of leaders that will be devoted and courageous and will build and lift and encourage others, Elder Meredith said.

BYU-Hawaii President John Keoni Kauwe

Elder Kauwe, 44, became BYU-Hawaiis 11th president in July 2020. He became an Area Seventy of the church in April, serving the North America West Area, which includes Hawaii, the West Coast, Alaska, British Columbia and parts of Idaho.

Kauwe is an internationally-recognized researcher specializing in Alzheimers disease and previously served as the dean of Graduate Studies at BYU in Provo, Utah, where he was born.

Elder Kauwes mission as BYU-Hawaiis president has been to develop an absolute and unapologetic focus on our mission to prepare students from Oceania and the Asian Rim to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders in their families, communities, chosen fields and in building the kingdom of God, he said in September at his last devotional.

BYUHawaii President John S.K. Kauwe III speaks at the colleges first devotional of the fall semester in Laie, Hawaii, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. | Monique Saenz, BYUHawaii

Over the past four years, he reported the university has increased the number of students on campus from Oceania and the Pacific Rim by hundreds. This fall, students from that region made up 70% of the 2,906 students on campus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lets talk about your purpose as a BYU-Hawaii student, Elder Kauwe said. You are here, first, to become a dedicated, covenant-keeping disciple of Jesus Christ, and second, to develop the capacity to be a leader throughout your life.

January devotionals at Ensign College and BYU-Pathway Worldwide

The presidents of Ensign and BYU-PW already delivered their winter term-opening devotionals.

Ensign College President Bruce Kusch and his wife Alynda spoke Tuesday in the campus Multipurpose Room.

Kusch is the dean of CES presidents, having served in his role since 2017. He invited students to have your very own, very personal Sacred Grove experience, a reference to seeking personal revelation and divine connection through prayer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

BYU-PW President Brian Ashton and his wife, Sister Melinda Ashton, spoke during a live-streamed devotional Friday to students around the world.

Ashton has been BYU-PWs leader since 2021.

The Ashtons message, given together in a back-and-forth delivery, was about how gospel covenants allow us to obtain power and blessings from God, so we can return to live with him.

They described how the Hebrew word for covenantal love is hesed (), which has no adequate English equivalent but was rendered as lovingkindness by King James Version translators of the Bible, Sister Ashton said.

Hesed is a unique term describing a covenant relationship in which both parties are bound to be loyal and faithful to each other, she said. God makes covenants with us out of love. We should, likewise, be motivated to make covenants with God because of our love for him.

President Ashton said, With Gods help and power, we can do things that would otherwise be impossible by relying only on our own talents and strengths.
One evening as the summer of 1859 drew to an end, a telegraph operator in Washington received a tremendous shock. An arc of flame burst from Frederick W Royces head to the equipment on his desk, and he passed out. His set was ablaze.

Wireless operators were being affected all over the world. Everywhere the instruments were jammed, reported the Sydney Morning Herald. Sparks from telegraph wires even created minor forest fires.

The operators suspected it was somehow related to the spectacular aurora displays the world was enjoying that week, but they couldnt be sure. Red spires and clouds of green were reported in Boston.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The sky was so bright that you could read a newspaper at night, from Canada to New Zealand. The world was experiencing an electrical super storm, which was thought at the time to be a terrestrial phenomenon, a kind of high-altitude lightning.

It was only when amateur astronomers like Richard Carrington, from his home-built observatory in Redhill, Surrey, began to compare notes over the next few days that the true cause became apparent.

The sun was erupting. A phenomenon known as coronal mass ejection, or CME, had supercharged the Earths magnetic field, sending surges through electrical equipment.

Today, a global event of this kind is named after him: a Carrington event. Simply put, it creates massive voltages that burn out electric circuits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A plasma on the sun creates a magnetic field, a shock wave, and that accelerates the particles towards us, says Prof Richard Horne, head of space weather at the British Antarctic Survey, and chairman of the official group that advises the Cabinet Office on solar electromagnetic threats.

We have a day or twos notice that the sun has gone wild, he warns  but thats not that useful: Even then, you still cant say how big the magnetic storm will be. That depends on the polarity of the magnetic field, and you can only do that with half an hours warning.

A CME is one of three ways the sun can mess with us. Another is a solar particle event, which although less common can be just as lethal to our systems. Alarmingly, the possibility of a Carrington-style event is higher than you think  and its not some tiny fraction.

Theres a 4pc to 6pc chance that a Carrington event may happen in the next decade, or a 12pc over 79 years, according to another model. And we should be getting ready, for the consequences are far more lethal than they were in Victorian England when civilisation did not yet depend on electricity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Today our high-voltage transformers would be fried, if connected to the grid, along with the embedded electronics in systems that pump key supplies such as gas. In fact, a direct hit like the Carrington event would disable so much infrastructure that the consequences could be fatal.

High-voltage transformers are the Achilles heel of modern life. They are 400-ton beasts with a waiting list of three years if you want to order a new one. Even the US can only replace about a dozen a year, because of the huge logistical challenge of moving one. A Carrington Event would create a queue.

All the countries in the Northern Hemisphere would be affected, from North America to Scandinavia to Japan: everyone is going to want new transformers, says Horne.

Even larger solar events have been discovered in recent history, which dwarf the Carrington event of 1859. Called Miyake events, these bursts have been recorded in tree ring and ice core data several times, twice since the birth of Christ, with the most recent in 993 AD.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the suns turbulence is just one concern.

Humans being what they are, weve learnt to weaponise it, Amaryllis Fox-Kennedy, a former CIA officer, told the Tucker Carlson Show recently.

During the Cold War, both America and the Soviet Union explored the idea of using nuclear explosions to create a silent electromagnetic pulse (EMP) to cripple an enemy. Details of the US project, called Starfish Prime, have subsequently been declassified, revealing those early scientists were surprised by what they found.

The nuclear blast caused an electromagnetic pulse larger than they thought, says Horne. It also caused a cavity in the Earths magnetic field, and the impact on the radiation belt lasted 10 years.

Under Vladimir Putin, Russia may consider wielding electromagnetic pulse weapons against the West - Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik Kremlin

So could Russia, China or North Korea use this catastrophic threat to hurt us?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The next war is not the war we think it will be  it will be fought out in the electromagnetic spectrum, says Jonathan Hollerman of Grid Down Consulting, an EMP researcher. But here we are, still trying to build the fastest planes.

Defence experts point out an obvious problem, however.

You need a sufficient power level to cause damage over a wide area, and its hard to get that into a satellite, says Thomas Withington, of the Royal United Services Institute.

Its more likely that the weapons are used in a narrower sphere, for example, to disable other space infrastructure, such as our GPS satellites. That alone can do immense damage, as our power systems now rely on GPS for timing signals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Work on battlefield EMP weapons is well-advanced, Withington says. And dont be too alarmed by the terrifying Chinese propaganda clips showing thousands of small drones taking off at once. The UK is developing EMP weapons that can disable them all at once, silently.

Its hard to see how you can do damage to a city without a ballistic missile, Withington says.

But whoever is right, the EMP threat is back on the agenda.

In his first term, Donald Trump signed an executive order making EMP protection a priority. Joe Biden scrapped it, but with Trump returning to office, its likely to become a priority. Fox-Kennedy is the daughter-in-law of Robert F Kennedy Jr, and is being touted as the deputy director of the CIA, according to reports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unlike many doomsday scenarios, however, this one should not leave us feeling entirely powerless. If we can rapidly disconnect our valuable transformers, they may well be spared. A simple metal frame, or Faraday cage, mitigates the electromagnetic pulse.

Faraday cages are comparatively simple, and really cheap, says Lord Arbuthnot.

The Tory peer has doggedly kept the issue of the EMP threat alive in Westminster, in the face of bureaucratic indifference. That is something hes used to given that as an MP he took up the case of the sub-postmasters in 2009. His role even led to him being portrayed in the ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

Other mitigation methods include disconnecting equipment at short notice or diverting the vast surges of electrical energy.

A rocket carrying a spy satellite is launched by North Korea. EMP weapons could disable space infrastructure - KCNA/KCNA via Reuters

You dont stop the current, but it gets redirected, says Horne, citing the work of New Zealands Craig Rogers on mitigation strategies. But someone has to make this a priority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Arbuthnot sees some progress, but wants more.

Officialdom is beginning to recognise it as a problem, and thats a very good first step, he says. But recognising theres a problem is not enough.

We are not yet at the stage where enough is being done to protect us.

Withington agrees: Its like the advice that you get your boiler serviced in the summer before winter. Governments have to think about it now.

Astronomical event

In government, that duty falls to Pat McFadden, who as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is the minister responsible for our critical infrastructure. It is down to him to avert a potential doomsday with the minimum of expenditure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How do you persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer to spend money on an astronomical event when there are schools or hospitals that need attention? Arbuthnot asks rhetorically.

We experienced a Carrington event larger than the 1859 just 10 years ago. It just happened to go in the opposite direction to the Earth, he says. If it had come our way, wed be back in the Stone Age.

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.
In 1967, Robby Krieger, the guitarist for L.A. band the Doors, wrote the hit single "Light My Fire" in the living room of his parents' Pacific Palisades home. This week, nearly six decades later, the lyrics took on a disturbing resonance as the structure where the music originated burned to the ground.

The home on Alma Real Drive has been owned for the last 24 years by Claudio and Kathleen Boltiansky. On Thursday, after each lugged a 60-pound electric bicycle up the locally known Hillside-Vance "secret" stairs, the couple were able to gain access to their street in the Huntington Palisades.

Two days prior, when the devastating wildfire first erupted, Claudio had set up a security camera in the backyard to monitor the blaze. By the time the power went out on Tuesday night, he could see that the homes neighboring his appeared to be engulfed in flames. Still, the Argentine immigrant, who owns a fine French antiques shop in West Adams, remained hopeful.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This was not only the home where the Doors famous song was written. It was where Claudio, 61, sometimes hosted his buddies for their monthly poker games with a $60 bucket. Where his son and daughter used to catch their school bus. Where the mantle proudly displayed a vintage photograph of Kathleen's grandparents on the day they became engaged.

Now it was gone. "It would be one thing to just lose our house, but the biggest loss we're feeling is our whole community," said Kathleen, 56 and an interior designer. "It's never going to be the same."

As they've struggled to absorb their new reality, the Boltianskys said they've been disappointed by the prevailing narrative that the Palisades as a solely affluent community.

"The misconception people have about the Palisades is that they think that everybody's rich," said Claudio. "People should know that this is not Beverly Hills, which has always been expensive. Before the 2000s, the Palisades was a very affordable neighborhood like any part of Los Angeles."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"People that have been there for 20 to 30 years are people that are hard workers  plumbers, electricians, small-business owners. Yes, rich people live there, but so do hardworking, real people who were fortunate to buy at the right time and rode it all the way up to Ben Affleck moving in nearby."

On Monday, Claudio is organizing a lunch at Fogo de Chao to gather with a handful of other men from the Palisades, the majority of whom also lost their homes. Most of them became friends when their kids were in preschool. "We need community right now  not money. People need to know that others care and are suffering with them at the same time."

In a few years, he hopes he'll be able to start hosting low-stakes gambling gatherings at the home he rebuilds on Alma Real. He and Kathleen are unwavering about that  they will return.

"We're going to rebuild it as our forever home," she said. "But Pali Strong is about community, and community is not the houses or the shops. It's the people. We pray that will come back."

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.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Department of Transportation published on Friday a draft version of its National Multimodal Freight Network (NMFN) map, a project required by Congress in 2015 to help states prioritize federal money for infrastructure projects.

The interactive draft NMFN, which consists of approximately 175,000 miles of highways, railways and waterways, 140 seaports and 65 airports, is informed by comments received on a notice published by DOT in April 2024.

The Network was designed to promote intermodal connectivity, based on measurable data assessing the significance of freight movement, including origins and destinations of freight movements, according to a DOT notice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DOT was also directed by Congress to consider a list of 12 factors in designating NMFNs route miles and facilities.





While, as required by statute, DOT is considering all of the statutory factors in its designation, DOT was particularly interested in how respondents [to the April 2024 notice] would prioritize these twelve statutory factors, the department noted. Priorities cited by commenters were distributed across all the factors, with each of the 12 ranked in the top three that were mentioned at least twice.

Nevertheless, a clear theme emerged, with a plurality of commenters expressing a clear preference that DOT prioritize Intermodal links and intersections that promote connectivity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This aligns with the second most frequently cited factor, Major distribution centers, inland intermodal facilities, and first- and last-mile facilities.

Other factors of note, according to DOT, included Access to major areas for manufacturing, agriculture, or natural resources and Facilities and transportation corridors identified by [states] as having critical freight importance to the region.





An Interim NMFN was authorized by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in 2015, followed by two comment periods between 2016 and 2018 that generated a total of 126 comments.

Commenters on the interim plan overwhelmingly supported increasing the highway component of the NMFN and many suggested including the entire [National Highway System], DOT stated in a separate National Freight Strategic Plan published in 2020.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is worth noting that the highway component of the 2024 draft Network is approximately 28% larger than the 2016 interim network, prior to any additional designations that may follow this notice, DOT stated in its notice on Friday.

The public will have until Feb. 27 to comment on the new draft NMFN.

Related articles:

Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher.

The post DOT publishes new multimodal freight network map appeared first on FreightWaves.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  The owner and CEO of Dothans Eagle Eye Outfitters has been elected to the Alabama Retail Associations board of directors.

Mark Anderson was one of three members named to the board. He started his two-year term on January 1.

Anderson, along with his wife, Susan, opened the successful southern outfitters store in 1999. He graduated from Enterprise State Community College with an associate degree and attended Troy University Dothan for a bachelors degree in business administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the Alabama Retail Association, Anderson began his retail career as a Dothan Western and workwear company store manager. Before opening Eagle Eye, he had a short two-year stint as a national sales manager at a racing apparel company.

He is also a board member of the Grassroot Outdoor Alliance, and his store has been a member of the Alabama Retail Association since 2020. Eagle Eye won the Alabama Retail Associations Retailer of the Year award in 2016

Anderson has also worked to give back to his community through WIRED Ministries. This non-profit invites thousands of Christian youth to Dothan every summer for a week to work on various ministry and outreach 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 WDHN - wdhn.com.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A Wichita man will spend the rest of his life in prison for a mans murder in 2020.

One person was shot in the head at a home on South Main in Wichita on Dec. 2, 2020. (KSN News)

The Wichita Police Department said Christopher English killed Michael Horn, 49, on Dec. 2, 2020. The shooting happened at a home in the 800 block of South Main Street around 4:30 a.m.

According to court documents, surveillance cameras showed someone in a truck driving down Main Street and shooting at the home. Horn was hit in the back of the head. Officers observed approximately 10 bullet strikes to the house.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Witnesses told police that English was shooting at the house because a friend who used to live there had been kicked out.

Kansas will no longer take money from foster children, governor says

English was arrested in May 2021 and charged in July 2022.

Last month, a Sedgwick County Jury found English guilty of first-degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

On Friday, Judge Dave Dahl sentenced 44-year-old English to 842 months (70.1 years) in prison. Englishs attorney filed a notice that he plans to appeal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KENNEBUNK, Maine  A motorist and Good Samaritan suffered minor injuries on Thursday after two motor vehicle accidents happened in the same spot within moments of each other, according to Kennebunk Fire Rescue.

Fire Chief Justin Cooper said the first accident occurred when a motorist on Sea Road struck a tree a little after 5:30 p.m.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known.

Given where the tree is situated, just after a corner, the cars back half jutted into the road at a perpendicular angle after it came to a standstill following impact, according to Cooper.

Good Samaritan predicted second accident

The driver of this vehicle was treated for minor injuries after striking a tree on Sea Road in Kennebunk, Maine, on Jan. 9, 2025.

The Good Samaritan  a man at a nearby residence  saw the damaged car and crossed the street to help the driver, a young woman, Cooper said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When the man noticed the crash had knocked out the cars headlights, he became concerned another vehicle could come along in the darkness and cause a second accident, the chief said.

Unfortunately, within moments of rendering aid to the driver, that is exactly what happened, Cooper stated on the fire rescue departments Facebook page.

A couple in another vehicle took the corner and collided with the first car, causing it to move on impact and strike the Good Samaritan.

The Good Samaritan tried to keep his spirits up by joking through his pain and discomfort, according to Cooper.

He actually said, No good deed goes unpunished,' Cooper said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

First responders were concerned the man may have suffered fractures, so they brought him to the trauma center at Maine Medical Center in Portland. As it turned out, the man had not suffered any fractures and instead had sustained only minor injuries, Cooper said.

He was very lucky, he added.

First responders brought the driver of the first car to MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Biddeford to be treated for her minor injuries.

The couple in the second car were not injured, according to Cooper.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Driver, Good Samaritan injured, 'very lucky' after Kennebunk crashes
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  A suspect was arrested in connection with trafficking narcotics in Holyoke on Wednesday.

The Holyoke Police Department reports that detectives conducted an investigation in the area of Tokeneke Road and Farnum Drive and found 26-year-old Ovysdioel Ortiz in the area.

Supreme Court seems likely to uphold law that would force TikTok to shut down on Jan. 19

Ortiz was arrested and faces serious charges, including narcotics trafficking and firearm violations.

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: BBC

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have hugged survivors of wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles.

They showed their support by donating food supplies on a visit to the World Central Kitchen in Pasadena, California, on Friday.

The Telegraph understands that the couple also gifted clothing, childrens items and other essential supplies for people affected by the fires.

The couple served meals and spoke to survivors of the Eaton Fire, which has ripped through more than 14,000 acres of land, during their visit, according to People Magazine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They also met Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Californias First Partner, along with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, and thanked first responders including firefighters and police, when they met Jose Andres, who founded World Central Kitchen (WCK), at the food stations and have also donated money through their Archewell Foundation.

The Duke (left) and Duchess speak with Victor Gordo (right), the mayor of Pasadena, and Doug Goodwin (centre), whose home was destroyed in the Easton Fire - Ethan Swope/AP

The Archewell Foundation, the couples charity, has partnered with WCK for a number of years.

At least 11 people have been killed through a series of major fires, which have devastated communities and led thousands of people to flee their properties in the city.

Some 13 people are reported missing in the wake of the wildfires. The duchess was also pictured speaking to Doug Goodwin, whose home was destroyed in the wildfires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They live in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, some 90 miles from Los Angeles, which has not been evacuated.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex opened the doors to their $29 million Montecito mansion to friends and loved ones who have been displaced by the wildfires.

In a statement, on Thursday, they said on their website: In the last few days, wildfires in southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more - affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.

The couple are pictured embracing those who had fled the fires causing havoc across California - FOX 11

They added: If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate, and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbours to see if they need help evacuating.

Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, childrens toys and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.

US actress Jennifer Garner was also amongst the celebrities who volunteered in the wake of the blaze, providing food relief for evacuees as well as first responders.

Standing amid the rubble of her hometown of 25 years, an emotional Garner told US outlet MSNBC: I did lose a friend, and for our church its really tender, so I dont feel like I should talk about her yet I did lose a friend who did not get out in time.

A family carries their personal belongings as they walk through a neighbourhood in the Eaton Fire zone - Getty

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She continued: My heart bleeds for my friends. There are 5000 homes lost, I can write out a list of 100 friends who lost their homes.

I feel almost guilty walking through my house, what can I do, how can I help, what can I offer?

Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins home is also amongst those destroyed, the Wall Street Journal reported.

He wrote on Instagram: As we all struggle to heal from the devastation of these fires, its important we remember that the only thing we take with us is the love we give.

On Saturday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned criminal predators attempting to take advantage of the disaster and said it will not be tolerated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She said: This tragic event will bring us together. We will stay together. We will get through the fires and we will rebuild our city.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Two Eastern States Exposition (ESE) employees have been appointed leading roles in the International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE), a nonprofit corporation that represents fairs worldwide.

ESE Director of Security Cliff Hedges has been granted the position of Chairman of Safety and Security at IAFE, and Sales Innovation Manager Mackenzie Coburn is taking on the role of Chair of the Sponsorship Committee. In their new roles, Hedges and Coburn will help promote the development of fairs and expos such as the beloved Big E.

Holyoke Community College holds Registration Express event

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hedges, of Longmeadow, has worked in public safety for many years before his six years as the Director of Security at ESE. He started working as a police officer in Dallas, Texas and moved on to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for 26 years. He eventually wound up conducting several criminal investigations in Springfield for the FBI, which brought him to Mass.

In his job at the IAFEs Safety and Security Committee, Hedges will oversee monthly meetings to address topics that affect fairgoers, such as risk assessments and de-escalation. He will also instruct courses and conduct active shooter training.

Mackenzie Coburn, of Colrain, joined ESE as a marketing intern after receiving her Bachelors in Communications at Westfield State University. Coburn was soon after hired as a brand marketing coordinator and aided the team in redesigning the ESE and Big E websites, rebranding competitions and programs, and developing style guides.

Coburn became an IAFE Ambassador in 2023. As Chairman of the Sponsorship Committee, she will lead monthly conference calls, host live discussions, and mentor fellow committee members.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For more information on the organization, visit fairsandexpos.com.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
The American pop artist Keith Haring once said, Art is nothing if you dont reach every segment of the people.

The founders of the Indiana Museum of Art seem to share that philosophy.

The IMA, a 501(3) non-profit, on Wednesday completed its purchase of the former Eagles Lodge in Logansport, with the intent to convert the building into a physical museum that would be a cornerstone of Logansports future, according to local lawyer and entrepreneur Andrew Miller, who bought the property with artist Jason Myers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Miller and Myers say the IMA will be Indianas only museum with a singular focus on contemporary art. They envision rapidly building a reputation throughout the Midwest by leveraging Myers stature as an artist and his national and international relationships with other artists, galleries and museums. Myers, who will serve as the museums director, says it will regularly feature exhibits of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.

The purchase of this property in Logansport aligns perfectly with our vision to bring contemporary art to diverse communities throughout the state, Myers told the Pharos-Tribune.

Smartly, the project is being done deliberately and methodically, with a loose timetable to make sure everything is up to the founders standards. While the goal is to open in 2027, Miller said a lot of work needs to be done and they will not hesitate to push the opening back if needed.

A project of this scope, theres a lot that goes into it, Miller said. The ambition that we have for this dictates that it will be done deliberately and done well. Deliberate and well isnt always consistent with speed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Myers and Miller want the IMA to become a brand for the community that can draw visitors, working artists and more economic development. The Cass County Community Foundation is already on board, awarding a $5,000 grant to help the project, which will cost about $3 million. Funding will come entirely through donations and grants.

They envision the museum hosting a variety of events, workshops and exhibitions.

The museum is the latest example of local stakeholders taking charge to improve a Hoosier community and giving the area more resources to enjoy. The Vibrant Event Center, a 460-seat venue situated along the Eel River, opened in Logansport last year. Miller is also a member of the investor group for the event center.

In December, the Community Foundation secured a $5 million grant to secure a permanent farmers market in downtown Logansport.

Logansport Pharos-Tribune
Jan. 10Another legislative session is slated to begin next week, and already there's signs it could be another tumultuous session.

The power in both the House and the Senate remains unclear as special elections are called to fill one House seat and one Senate seat.

Meanwhile Minnesota Republicans on Monday sued over the timing of the late-January special election for the House seat, saying Walz should have waited longer to schedule the race.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The DFL has argued that Gov. Tim Walz acted within the law to make sure the seat doesn't remain vacant longer than necessary.

Some legislators are even talking about not going to St. Paul in the first few days of the session if there is no power-sharing agreement in place.

While we agree that the special elections have left a lot of uncertainty in the structure for both chambers, the situation cannot stall the progress of the session until everything is fully finalized.

There is much to do and never enough time to get it done  or at least that's what it seems.

Regardless of the current state of affairs, we remind legislators that taxpayers are paying the bill for them to be there, and it's the taxpayers who should be at the forefront of the legislators' minds in the coming session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We encourage you to share your other priorities for the session with our local legislators, Sen. Gene Dornink, R-Brownsdale; Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea; and Rep. Peggy Mueller, R-Austin. Their contact information prints on Page 6 of every weekend issue of the Herald.

For everyone's sake, we hope this will be a productive session.
CAIRO (Reuters) -At least 17 people were killed and dozens injured in an explosion of a gas station and a gas storage tank in Yemen's al-Bayda province on Saturday, the Houthi-run health ministry said on Sunday.

Of the injured, 50 people are in critical condition, the ministry added.

(Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari, Riyam Mukhashaf and Jaidaa Taha; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, announced Friday, Jan. 10 that the federal government has awarded the El Paso region nearly $2.5 million in transportation grants.

The City of Socorro will get $1.7 million, while the City of El Paso will get $750,000, Escobars office said.

The money is coming from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Socorro will use the money to plan and design street improvements for more than 2 miles of Moon Road. The project will include environmental analysis, community engagement, engineering and design, and benefit-cost analysis.

Socorro says this project will create a safer, more accessible and equitable transportation corridor.

Planning efforts will focus on connecting neighborhoods to schools, commercial centers and historic sites by introducting first-time pedestrian, bicyclist and ADA-compliant infrastructure to address long-standing gaps in connectivity, the City of Socorro said in a news release it sent out about the grant.

The City of El Paso will use its grant for a feasibility study for the expansion of Sun Metros Bus Rapid Transit service along the Montana Brio Corridor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The El Paso study will identify transportation challenges and recommendations on potential safety and route improvements, as well as speed and reliability investments, Escobars office said.

I continue to be immensely proud of the funding the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests in our community, Escobar said. The over $2 million coming to El Paso will have real world impacts on so many in our community. House Democrats and the Biden-Harris administration made a commitment to repair and invest in Americas infrastructure, and weve delivered.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is narrowing the gap with Germany's conservative CDU/CSU bloc in voter support ahead of the February 23 election, according to a new poll released on Saturday.

Early nationwide elections were called following the collapse of centre-left German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition in November.

The INSA institute survey conducted for the Bild newspaper shows that the AfD has risen by 2 percentage points to 22%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is its highest figure for a year, said INSA head Hermann Binkert.

The CDU/CSU with chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz lost 1 point and landed at 30%, its weakest result since the end of October.

The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), an upstart left-wing populist party named after its leader, dropped one point to 6% in the poll.

The other parties remain unchanged at 16% for Scholz's Social Democrats, the Greens at 13%, the pro-business Free Democrats at 4% and the hard-left Die Linke at 3%.

However, the AfD remains without a viable path to government, as mainstream parties have said they are not willing to form a coalition with it.

The INSA survey was conducted from January 6-10 among 1,209 eligible voters. Its findings are in line with other recent surveys.

The maximum margin of error is 2.9 percentage points.
Senate President Ty Masterson listens during a hearing on Oct. 2, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab made the headlines he expected from announcing his run for governor 22 months before the 2026 general election.

But the instant I heard about his announcement, my thoughts turned to the man whose ambitions for the job have been gossiped about for years: Senate President Ty Masterson. As a high-profile, sharply dressed Republican from outside Wichita, Masterson has the ambition and connections necessary to mount a run.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But will he?

I reached out to Mastersons spokesman, Mike Pirner, and asked directly. He responded quickly with an artful dodge.

President Masterson is honored to be part of the discussion regarding the governors race, but it is way too premature to be talking about that with the session kicking off, Pirner said. We have a lot of work to do in the next 90 days.

Once we make it through the next three months, though, anything could happen.

Incoming House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard voiced the commonly held assumption in his Kansas Reflector podcast interview with me this month: Realistically, the senate president is exploring a campaign for governor. When weve seen folks like that run for statewide office, they usually use their legislative chamber as a vehicle to push for issues that they want to talk about on the campaign trail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Schwab has the benefit of leading a state agency. Hes directly elected by the public to his post and can set agendas without wrangling an unruly bunch of lawmakers.

That has put him in a commanding position, leveling robust defenses of the states elections processes and shutting down conspiracy theorists. Ive praised him in past columns (while occasionally sounding a skeptical note). In his announcement, he was able to highlight the Kansas publics apparent enemy No. 1  property taxes  without having to do anything.

Masterson will have to deliver this upcoming session. That means collaborating not only with his fellow senators, but also with House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Good luck!

Senate President Ty Masterson (right) and Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins outlined the Republican legislative agenda back on Jan. 10, 2023. This session will test the two leaders relationship as Masterson potentially considers a run for governor. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly will no doubt want a say as well. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Woodard highlighted potential conflicts in his conversation with me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Speaker Hawkins is well aware that if the pendulum swings too far to the right, it will swing right back, he said. And so I think that we will be able to work together on issues Kansans care about, and well be able to stop some of the more extreme legislation coming from the Senate.

That quote suggests the obvious dynamic of a potential Schwab-Masterson battle for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Both men can only be described as rock-ribbed conservatives. But Schwabs willingness to tell the truth in the face of lies may leave him open to criticisms of mushy moderation. (Such was the suggestion of my pal Joel Mathis in his Kansas City Star column this week.)

A potential path for Masterson, then, would be to consolidate hardcore right-wingers through legislation on hot-button social issues, along with slashing government spending and taxes. Although I wonder if Mastersons usually upbeat, deal-making persona limits such demagoguery.

Other Republicans could step up as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I have no idea if Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt wants to run, but she smoked her opposition in the 2022 election with 63% of the vote. U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran might have had enough of Washington, D.C. Surely Hawkins has given the matter some thought. And hey, I heard former U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner was back in Kansas.

I wont even delve into the Democratic side of the column right now. Kelly would be formidable if state law permitted her to run again, but she will instead cede the stage to a new generation. Those battles will come and deserve another column.

Masterson has big decisions to make, and soon. The session that begins Monday will offer politicians, journalists, pundits and everyday Kansans a prime opportunity to judge which way hes leaning.

Heck, we can even imagine how he would govern the state.

Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
Sea urchins are not an invasive species on the West Coast, but their populations have grown to the point that they have caused problems, consuming the majority of the region's kelp forests. Luckily, one company has come up with a delicious solution to the problem: harvesting the urchins and selling the uni contained within, Oregon Business reported.

OoNee Sea Urchin Ranch was started by tech entrepreneur Aaron Huang and Brad Bailey, a longtime sea urchin diver and commercial fisherman. Both the business model  harvesting and selling uni  and the way this business helps the environment by removing harmful sea urchins from the water are pretty straightforward.

Uni, technically the reproductive organs of the urchin (not the eggs, though that is a common misconception), is considered a delicacy in Japan and is growing in popularity in the United States. Since it cannot be frozen, it is very difficult, not to mention environmentally unsustainable, to import it from Japan. More uni being harvested off the West Coast means more Americans are getting the chance to enjoy it responsibly, as a local seafood.

Should we be actively working to kill invasive species?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

Huang's overall vision for the company involves helping people to understand how their consumer choices are connected to the health of our planet. "There's something inherently dangerous in being disconnected from nature," he told Oregon Business. "If everyone tried to find something that's a little more aligned with themselves, maybe our entire society would just shift a little bit."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Although harvesting uni is probably the tastiest solution to the problem, it's not the only way people are attempting to fight the urchin overpopulation. In California, volunteers have been encouraged to dive off the coast and smash up as many urchins as they can with hammers.

OoNee Sea Urchin Ranch, it is worth noting, is not the only sustainability-oriented urchin ranch of its kind  the Purple Urchin Ranching Project is attempting a similar mission in California.

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.
As the Pennsylvania General Assembly prepares to get back in session for the year, both senators and House representatives have lofty goals.

But theres one issue expected to be the talk of Harrisburg this year: cannabis.

Marijuana is legal for recreation in our neighboring states in Ohio and New York.

And after nine years of it being legal medically in Pennsylvania, lawmakers could be ready to take the next step on how they handle cannabis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Eries Flagship Funds grant program now open for small businesses to apply

With the 2025 legislative session in Pennsylvania about to begin, lawmakers are ready to strike while the iron is hot.

And according to local lawmakers, one of the biggest issues, this year in Harrisburg is expected to be cannabis.

Pennsylvania State Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49), who has been a champion of cannabis reform for years, was appointed as chair of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, which he said will see key and impactful pieces of legislation.

As we move forward into this legislative session, this is going to be one of the most active committees in the state, Laughlin said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

As chair, one of the many issues Laughlin wants to tackle is working on an open and free-market approach to adult-use cannabis legalization.

Laughlin told us he wants to move forward with a full adult-use bill in a responsible fashion and regulate it so that non-users arent impacted.

Over the last few years, the perception has shifted, right? Some of the folks that might not have voted for this five or six or eight years ago might be more inclined to now, he added.

Meanwhile, in the Pennsylvania House, six pieces of legislation regarding cannabis have already been proposed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Time ticking down to apply for open enrollment

They aim to do things like decriminalize it, regulate it for recreational use, allow for the home growth of cannabis for medical patients and even allow for its sale in state stores.

Pennsylvania State House Representative Ryan Bizzarro (D-3) said it comes down to being a revenue issue.

In Pennsylvania, we need the revenue. A reoccurring stream of revenue that has zero cost and zero risk to the public and its time Pennsylvania joined its surrounding states and got on board with full recreational use. I said it once, Ill say it again. Im not a smoker, but a state budget broker and I value having a balanced budget that does not put any hardship or tax increases on Pennsylvanians, said Bizzarro.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With the PACT Act expanded, what does that mean for Erie veterans?

Sen. Laughlin said it could raise anywhere from half a billion to a billion and a half dollars per year.

This is a topic that we have to approach with caution, take a lot of public input, and make sure if we do this, we do it in a responsible fashion, said Laughlin.

Red states have even embraced full recreational use. I think its time that Pennsylvania comes on board and does the same, Bizzarro said.

Lawmakers said theyd be surprised if Governor Josh Shapiro himself didnt pitch the idea of cannabis reform in his budget address coming up in the next few weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
The European Commission will begin consultations with EU member states on the 16th package of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, 14 January.

Source: Polish news portal RMF24 with reference to several EU diplomats

Details: Poland, which currently holds the EU presidency, wants a new package of sanctions to be adopted on the third anniversary of the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, namely on 24 February 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the radio station said that preparing a new sanctions package may face a number of difficulties, as EU diplomats believe that a certain "ceiling" has been reached in sanctions decision-making.

In addition, resistance from countries such as Hungary and Slovakia is expected.

As a result, the European Commission is also considering, among other things, restrictions that would have the same effect as sanctions but would not require unanimity in decision-making, such as raising tariffs on certain agricultural products from Russia and Belarus.

Moreover Poland, along with a group of Scandinavian and Baltic countries, has already submitted its proposals for the 16th package of sanctions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In particular, the countries are demanding restrictions on imports of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The countries also want the sanctions to be extended to the so-called Russian shadow fleet, whose vessels illegally transport Russian oil.

So far, the 15th package of sanctions has imposed sanctions on only 72 vessels out of 600 in the shadow fleet. Another call was made for a ban on cooperation with the Russian nuclear industry.

Background:

On 16 December, the EU adopted the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, designed to counteract sanctions circumvention by targeting Russia's shadow fleet and weakening the Russian defence industrial base.

On 10 January, the US announced new sanctions that will hit the Russian oil refining industry. In particular, Russian oil giants Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas were hit by the restrictions.

Following this, the UK government announced sanctions against Russian companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas.

Support UP or become our patron!
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  16-year-old Christian Gonzalez was found guilty for the murder of 4-year-old Octavia Aquino, officials confirm.

Following a 4-day trial, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers tells us a jury has found Gonzalez guilty on one count of Murder.

As previously reported, Evansville Police say they found Aquino unresponsive at the Spring Valley Flats apartment complex. Both Gonzalez and Aquinos mother, Destiny Rhoades were arrested.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities say Aquino was taken to the hospital and died two days later.

Honor walk held for 4-year-old killed in Evansville

The Vanderburgh County Coroner confirmed Aquino died from complications of blunt force trauma of the head and neck.

The Evansville teen was initially charged with Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. However, following Aquinos death, his charge was changed to Murder and was also waved to adult court.

Aquinos mother, Destiny Rhoades, is also facing a Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death charge. Her trial is set to begin in March.

Destiny Rhoades (Courtesy: Vanderburgh County Jail)

Christian Gonzalez (Courtesy: Vanderburgh County Jail)

Eyewitness News. Everywhere You Are.

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).
Senators on the floor at the start of the 2024 legislative session. The 2025 session will begin on Jan. 13 and is scheduled to last 105 days. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)

Washingtons 105-day legislative session begins Monday.

Opening day will bring pomp, process and back-to-school energy as lawmakers  many new to the job  dive into four months of politics, lawmaking and budget writing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The biggest topic of conversation so far is how to fill a $12 billion budget hole over the next four years, and what new taxes Democrats might propose as part of the fix. A bill to cap rent increases, debates over school funding, and Gov.-elect Bob Fergusons push to hire more police are among a range of other issues that will draw attention in the weeks and months ahead.

Over the last few weeks, the Standards put together a set of guides to help you follow all the action. Check out our previous coverage here:

The Legislatures website has even more information on the process. And, of course, the Standards reporters will be in the Capitol covering important stories until the final gavel drops at the end of April.

Happy lawmaking!
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Prosecutors allege a Las Vegas man forced fed his 68-year-old former roommate drugs laced with fentanyl, causing her death and the eventual discovery of her body in a freezer.

A Clark County grand jury indicted Daniel Roush, 37, on murder and other charges in the death of Monique Gilbertson. Las Vegas Metro police arrested Roush on Nov. 6, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported.

There was text message correspondence indicating that Monique had let Mr. Roush live with her for a while to help him get him on his feet as he was transient, however kicked him out of the residence and he was not supposed to be there, Clark County Deputy District Attorney James Puccinelli said Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gilbertson met Roush, who identifies as Jazzlynn Roush, at a store and invited him to live with her, police said after his arrest. Around Oct. 22, Gilbertson kicked Roush out of the house and changed the locks.

As 8 News Now first reported, Daniel Roush, 37, faces a murder charge for the death of Monique Gilbertson, 68. (KLAS)

On Nov. 6, police officers conducted a welfare check at Gilbertsons home in the 5500 block of Tres Piedras Road, near Nellis Boulevard and Vegas Valley Drive. The person who called police said they were worried as they had not heard from Gilbertson for two weeks.

After 45 minutes of attempting to gain entry to the home, police said they located Roush and another woman, Gina Lopez, along with a large amount of suspected drugs, including fentanyl and drug paraphernalia, and apparently blood near the freezer, documents said.

Gilbertson was folded up in the freezer and appeared to have been frozen for some time, Puccinelli said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A powder located at the home, which Roush identified as fentanyl, tested positive for fentanyl and lidocaine, Puccinelli said. A few grains of fentanyl are deadly. Just 2-3 nanograms of fentanyl can be fatal.

Gilbertson had 400 nanograms of fentanyl per millimeter in her system at the time of her death  200 times the amount that could kill a person, Puccinelli said.

Daniel Roush gave Monique Gilbertson massive amounts of fentanyl in an effort to cause her to be deceased so he could go into her house and take over her life, essentially, Puccinelli said.

Roush initially faced second-degree murder charges in Las Vegas Justice Court. The indictment means the case will now bypass justice court and move to district court. Lopez, who prosecutors identified as Roushs wife, faces drug charges, prosecutors said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

8 News Now was using the name and sex provided by Las Vegas Metro police and the Las Vegas Justice Court when identifying Roush.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Under the new Pierce County Executive, the Human Services Department which manages and administers the countys homelessness services and affordable housing programs will be under new direction as its former director, Heather Moss, no longer holds the position.

On Dec. 12, a press release from Pierce County announced that Moss would transition from her role in the county as of Jan. 3 under the new Pierce County Executives administration.

Ryan Mello, a Democrat, was elected to be the Pierce County Executive during the November 2024 election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As with any new administration and transition, we are making several leadership changes, Mello told The News Tribune. Housing and homelessness are among our most urgent priorities and I have deep gratitude for what Heather has accomplished.

Moss became the director of Human Services in July of 2019. She spearheaded the department through the pandemic and managed a department that from 2020 to 2023 had an average annual budget of over $134 million. As of October 2024, the department had just under 300 employees.

During the pandemic, the department administered hundreds of millions of federal grant dollars under Mosss leadership. The funds were used to support eviction-prevention programs, homeless services and affordable housing across the region.

Moss told The News Tribune that some of the things she was most proud of during her five-and-a-half year tenure included creating a behavior health division and advisory board, establishing a task force to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion, putting a priority on expanding the departments work to assist those with developmental disabilities, advocating to greatly expand the departments funding, and establishing a eviction-prevention program during the pandemic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We were one of the first agencies in the state  perhaps in the country  to stand up a rental assistance program soon after the COVID pandemic turned our world upside down in 2020, Moss wrote in an email to The News Tribune. We spent approximately $150M in federal funds to help thousands of families stay in their homes when they could not work.

Moss said some of the largest challenges she faced as director of Human Services included making tough decisions about how to spend limited funds, being dependent on funding from sources outside the county and working through tedious government processes.

Government processes, by design, take a long time and require significant public input. Im not suggesting that should not happen, Moss wrote. But it is often hard to explain why a procurement or contracting process takes so long when the need for services is so visible and immediate.

In December, Moss said Mello told her he was going in a different direction and that her last day with the county would be Jan. 3, 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When asked why she thought Mello had decided to let her go, Moss said: I suspect he was unhappy with my leadership in our countys homeless response, or perhaps dissatisfied with how [Pierce County Human Services] managed the procurement and contracting process for providers.

Pierce County Council Member, Jani Hitchen, D-District 6, worked with Mello to help convene the Unified Regional Approach to homelessness.

I know hes had the opportunity to work with Heather in her former role for several years. He was aware of her strengths and weaknesses and made the call best for his cabinet and Pierce County, Hitchen told The News Tribune when asked if she thought Mello made the right decision.

Pierce County Council member Dave Morell (District 1, Republican) declined to comment on the matter. His Republican colleagues did not respond to requests for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last year, Mello publicly expressed his frustration with the Human Services Department several times in his role as the chair of the Pierce County Council.

In July, Mello criticized the way the department awarded $17.6 million in funding to local homeless-service providers through the Homeless Housing Program (HHP). He said the process lacked transparency and was highly flawed.

St. Vincent De Paul in Tacoma applied for HHP funding to expand their homeless street outreach program. Despite being one of the highest rated outreach programs on the countys rubric, the organizations application was not selected for funding.

At the time, Mello pointed out that it did not make sense to him why the organization did not receive the funding applied for.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In an interview with The News Tribune, St. Vincent De Paul executive director Tracy Peacock said she got the sense that Moss might have been out of touch with service-provider community based on comments she heard her make.

Several people managing St. Vincent De Pauls outreach program said they are more hopeful the countys homelessness response will be headed in the right direction under Mellos leadership.

In September, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier declared an emergency in order to prevent the collapse of the countys Coordinated Entry system  which serves as the front door for anyone experiencing homelessness in the region. The declaration was prompted by the realization that contracts the county had with service providers doing the work to manage Coordinated Entry were set to expire with no renewals in place.

At the time, Mello told The News Tribune the funding lapse was due to dysfunction and mismanagement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Throughout 2024, Mello also expressed frustration with the department and its delays in the process to establish a homeless stability site which the council had appropriated $2.5 million in federal funding for at the end of 2023.

When asked if there was a specific reason why Mello wanted to move on from Heather Moss, Libby Catalinich, a spokesperson for the executives office, told The News Tribune he had no comment.

Changes in leadership are a normal part of any transition, she said

Helen McGovern-Pilant is executive director of Lakewood-based Emergency Food Network. Courtesy photo by Matt McDaniel

Catalinich said Helen McGovern-Pilant began to serve as the Human Services interim director on Jan. 6.

She said the position opening was not posted publicly nor was there an application process for the temporary interim role.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The role will be filled permanently following a public, meritorious selection process. That process will begin in the coming weeks, Catalinich told The News Tribune in an email. This process will include public stakeholder involvement, as well as Council confirmation, as is the case with all director positions.

Catalinich said McGovern-Pilant was chosen for the interim director position because she is highly regarded in the community for her many years as a nonprofit leader, an elected public servant on the Lakewood City Council and in her career in the corporate sector.

Previously, McGovern-Pilant has served as the interim executive director of the Tacoma Art Museum, a grant contracts manager for the Washington State Department of Agriculture, and the interim chief executive officer for WorkForce Central. Most recently, she has been the chief executive officer of McGovern-Pilant Consulting, based in Lakewood.

According to Catalinich, her temporary role is an hourly position, paid at $102.71 per hour.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McGovern-Pilant told The News Tribune the Human Services Department needs to be more cooperative and efficient in how they provide services.

There has been much attention paid to the contracting portion of our work and there is an opportunity to continue working on improvement, she said.
On December 30, a mysterious 1,100-pound object in the shape of a massive, 8-f00t metal ring was discovered in a remote Kenyan village, prompting widespread speculation it had fallen from space.

As the New York Times reported at the time, the Kenya Space Agency identified the "red-hot" object as a piece of space junk that survived reentry, indicating that it was still trying to identify the originator of the mysterious ring.

"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 said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But now, space tracker extraordinaire and Harvard astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell is casting doubt on the theory.

"It was suggested that the ring is space debris, but the evidence is marginal," he wrote in a blog on his personal website, first spotted by Ars Technica.

The uncertainty highlights how difficult it can be to trace back space debris that survives its fiery descent through the Earth's atmosphere  a pertinent topic given our planet's increasingly cluttered orbit, and that junk's increasing propensity to fall down to Earth.

If it indeed came from space, McDowell suggested that the most likely culprit was a fairing adapter for an Ariane V rocket, which launched into space from the European Space Agency's Spaceport in French Guiana on 7 July 2008.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Nevertheless I am not fully convinced that the ring is space debris at all," he added.

A different space tracker, Delft Technical University lecturer Marco Langbroek, suggested that nearby material recovered several kilometers away from the metal ring, which resembled carbon wrap and isolation foil, could be evidence that the ring may have indeed fallen from space.

Both Langbroek and McDowell pointed towards the possibility that the ring was installed on the Ariane V rocket to accommodate two medium-sized satellites. The SYsteme de Lancement Double Ariane, or SYLDA, was designed to allow the two satellites to be stacked on top of each other and released in a geostationary transfer orbit.

The primary space junk suspect was last spotted on December 23, a week before the metal ring was recovered in Kenya, as Langbroek notes in a Wednesday blog post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"As this is a very low inclination orbit (1.56 degrees), it belongs to a class of objects that is ill-tracked due to a lack of tracking stations close to the equator," he wrote. "This explains the 1-week gap between the last available orbit and the reentry."

"For now the verdict is: possibly the reentry of parts of the Ariane SYLDA 2008-034C, but not proven beyond doubt yet," he added.

Intriguingly, as Ars reports, an anonymous Twitter account called DutchSpace, which has provided reliable information on past Ariane launches, disputed the possibility that the ring was part of the SYLDA shell.

Arianespace officials also rejected the hypothesis in a statement to the French newspaper LeParisien this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In short, the jury is still out on whether the metal ring actually came from space, but it certainly wouldn't be an outlier if it did. We've already seen a number of massive pieces of space debris dropping down on remote areas; Chinese rocket launches, in particular, have gained a reputation for raining down metal debris on unsuspecting and sometimes populated areas.

More on space junk: Boeing Satellite Exploded Into at Least 500 Pieces of Debris
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A band of accused scammers from Pennsylvania likely would have fled West Michigan undetected with tens of thousands of dollars, detectives say, if not for relatively new and controversial facial recognition technology.

It started at the Macatawa Bank in Byron Center in November when an unidentified woman with a doctored passport withdrew $20,000 from a victims bank account, according to court records.

The woman left all the evidence detectives say they needed to get started: an image of her face on a bank surveillance camera.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Detectives fed that image into the departments facial recognition program and got a hit  on a woman from Pennsylvania.

Watch: MSP uses helicopter to track down 7 car theft suspects

It eventually led Kent County sheriffs detectives to arrest four men and two women from the suburbs of Philadelphia and Allentown on charges of operating a continuing criminal enterprise.

We in West Michigan have to use the technologies that are available to us in a legal, ethical and appropriate way to make sure we identify these criminals that are targeting our community, Kent County Undersheriff Bryan Muir said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Kent County Sheriffs Office has used New York-based Clearview AI for two years for facial recognition technology, spending $2,500 a year.

The Grand Rapids Police Department, on the other hand, said it doesnt use the technology.

Clearview says it has more than 50 billion images on file from sources that include social media, news media and police mug shots. It uses artificial intelligence to sort through them.

Its part of the era were living in right now that were being recorded all the time, all over the place, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said.

Clearview says police used the technology to help identify some of the rioters in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol insurrection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

AI, new Tasers and body cameras coming to Kentwood PD

Becker said police locally have used it mostly to identify shoplifters.

Its generally retail fraud, theft crimes where we have store videos, he said. Thats the biggest area we see it in.

But, he said, its not without its flaws.

Theres been issues across the state and across the country where facial recognition technology is a tool, but it aint foolproof, he said.

In Detroit, a pregnant woman filed a federal lawsuit in 2023, claiming police used facial recognition to falsely arrest her for carjacking and robbery.

Detroit police changing facial-recognition policy after pregnant woman says she was wrongly charged

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Dutch government fined Clearview nearly $34 million for building what it called an illegal database. The company, according to reports, said the fine was illegal and not enforceable.

The Kent County Sheriffs Office said its careful with the technology.

We have strict ethical standards, policies, procedures, retention schedules to make sure its only being used based on reasonable suspicion that a crime has occurred and that that type of technology is going to help us identify the criminal that may have committed that crime, the undersheriff said.

It led to a new policy at the Kent County Prosecutors Office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The policy says you cant just write a warrant based on facial recognition technology, Becker said. Its a tool. Its one of the things to consider, but youre going to need other evidence.

AI scam nearly cheats mom of $50,000 by cloning daughters voice

In the case of the Pennsylvania fraud suspects, that involved another piece of new technology: license plate readers. It also involved old-fashioned police work. They tailed them.

Detectives said the suspects used falsified passports to steal $20,000 from an account at the Macatawa Bank in Byron Center.

We believe groups like this travel the entire country, going from city to city, the undersheriff said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said its not clear why they chose West Michigan.

Its easy to blend in, theres a lot of traffic, so theres some anonymity to being part of the community here, Muir said.

Deputies: Man bought $3,600 car with fake bills

Detectives said the Macatawa Bank withdrawal was only the beginning.

A few weeks later, the same woman tried to withdraw money from the same bank and a Macatawa Bank in Jenison. Another suspect used the ID of a local business CEO trying to get thousands in cash and a cashiers check from First National Bank in Grand Rapids.

Court records show they were staying at two hotels along 28th Street SE. In one case, detectives said, one of the suspects bought a cashiers check from a bank for $10. Back at the Tru by Hilton, according to court records, he used Photoshop, a Dremel and the hotel printer to turn it into a $15,000 cashiers check.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its the same MO that happens quite a bit, the undersheriff said. Its happened since checks probably existed. They find people who are either homeless or dont have money or funds, entice them to cash checks for them and usually have somebody as a ringleader thats forging checks, either washing checks, putting larger amounts on there, changing the names or account numbers and having the segment of the population going in, cashing the checks and taking the cash.

Kent County sheriffs detectives arrested the six in mid-December.

They were identified as Tracey Lynn Fardink, 52; Anthony Francolini, 54; Bryce Farole-Fountain, 21; Gianni Adrian Brown, 27; Raymond Jackson, 20; and Jessica Macauley, 40.

A December 2024 booking photo of Tracey Lynn Fardink from the Kent County jail. A December 2024 booking photo of Anthony Francolini from the Kent County jail. A December 2024 booking photo of Bryce Farole-Fountain from the Kent County jail. A December 2024 booking photo of Gianni Adrian Brown from the Kent County jail. A December 2024 booking photo of Raymond Jackson from the Kent County jail. A December 2024 booking photo of Jessica Macauley from the Kent County jail.

Farole-Fountain was also being held on a retainer from Pennsylvania on a drug-related death charge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theyve all pleaded not guilty and were ordered this week to stand trial.

The prosecutors office has offered them plea deals that would cut the potential maximum prison term to 10 years instead of 20.

Without the technology, the undersheriff said: You probably would have reported a crime for identity theft and there would have been very little we could have done.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Posts on social media alleged that electric car manufacturer Tesla hired foreign-born workers through the H-1B visa program to "replace" recently laid-off American workers.

In April 2024, Tesla laid off more than 6,000 workers across various sites around the United States.

Meanwhile, around the same time, the company filed about 1,300 H-1B visa applications, according to data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

However, there was no evidence to confirm or deny the claim that Tesla filled the positions vacated by laid-off workers with new employees on H-1B visas.

Tesla had been using the country's H-1B program to hire workers years before the layoffs. However, between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024  a government fiscal year, the most recent data available and a time period that covered the layoffs  the company filed more applications than any other previous year on record.

That said, about two-thirds of the yearly total were applications for workers already employed by Tesla who were seeking a continuation of their H-1B visa status.

Between March and June 2024, the months surrounding the layoffs, Tesla submitted 1,269 applications for H-1B visas, or about 61% of the company's yearly total, government data shows.

As Elon Musk's influence on American politics grows, he's facing criticism over his support for the country's H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty fields. According to critics, he wants to maintain the program because his electric car company, Tesla, has used it to hire foreign-born workers who "replaced" American employees the company had laid off.

One December 2024 Reddit post read (archived): "Tesla replaced laid off US workers with foreign workers using H-1B visas that Musk want to increase."

While it's true Tesla laid off more than 6,600 workers in spring 2024  around the same time labor statistics show the company filed about 1,300 H-1B visa applications  there is no solid evidence to prove, or deny, a definitive connection between the layoffs and the visa applications.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to financial publications like Bloomberg and Business Insider, the layoffs were likely a cost-cutting measure in light of decreasing demand for Tesla vehicles and increasing competition from other electric-car companies. The company's first-quarter delivery numbers reportedly fell below Wall Street estimates, and year-to-year sales declined for the first time since 2020.

Additionally, Tesla had been using the H-1B visa program for years before layoffs. With that said, fall 2023 to fall 2024  a period that covered the layoff announcement  was the highest year on record for new H-1B visa approvals and applications from Tesla, according to U.S. government data.

Snopes has reached out to Tesla and Musk for their responses to accusations that the company hired people with H-1B visas to "replace" employees who were laid off, and we have not received responses. We will update this article if that changes.

The rumor is impossible to confirm without information from Tesla. Specifically, the claim assumes without evidence that the layoffs affected U.S.-born workers and not H-1B visa workers, and that new H-1B visa workers were specifically hired after the layoff to fill the recently vacated positions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, data from the Department of Labor shed light on Tesla's use of H-1B visas for employment. Between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, a government fiscal year and the most recent data available, the Labor Department approved 2,067 applications submitted by Tesla for H-1B visas, which is the first step in obtaining the visa (that figure was calculated by viewing spreadsheets on the department's website).

Between March and June 2024, the months surrounding the layoffs, Tesla submitted 1,269 applications for H-1B visas, or about 61% of the company's yearly total, the labor statistics show.

Musk's opinion of the H-1B program made headlines in late 2024 after he replied to a post on X  the social media platform that he owns  that called for the program's end. In his response, Musk threatened to "go to war" defending the H-1B visa program. With that position, some conservatives felt that Musk, who allied himself with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump throughout 2024, was breaking away from Trump's anti-immigration campaign promises. While Trump attempted to suspend the H-1B visa program in 2020, he told reporters less than a week after Musk's post about the program that he supported it.

The idea that employers are laying off U.S.-born workers and filling their jobs with employees on H-1B visas is not new. CBS News' "60 Minutes" covered the topic in 2017.

What Is an H-1B Visa?

According to U.S. Customs and Immigration Services, the H-1B visa allows foreign workers with at least a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) to come to the United States to work in positions requiring "theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The program allows for a maximum of 65,000 new H-1B visas per year, with an additional 20,000 for applicants with a master's degree from a U.S. university. The visas last for three years but can be extended for up to six years.

Before a potential worker applies for an H-1B visa, however, an employer must submit documentation to the Labor Department and CIS for approval. Some information in those applications is publicly available.

How Many Tesla Workers Use H-1B Visas?

CIS compiles data for H-1B visa applications on a year-to-year basis. According to that data, Tesla had 1,767 workers on H-1B visas as of Sept. 30, 2024, the end of the government fiscal year. That total ranked 22nd among all companies with H-1B workers across the country. For comparison, Amazon, the company with the most, had 9,265.

CIS also categorizes applications in two ways: whether the applicant is applying for the first time or whether they have already received an H-1B visa and are seeking a continuation of the status. According to the data, 1,025 of Tesla's approved H-1B applications between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, were the latter, which meant the applicants were already employed by Tesla. The other 742 workers were first-time applicants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That was the highest number of Tesla's approved first-time applicants in any year and was more than double the second-highest: 336 in 2022. In other words, Tesla had significantly increased its use of the H-1B program in the 2024 fiscal year (742 approvals in one year is roughly 1.14% of the 65,000 visas offered nationwide).

When Did Tesla Apply for Those Visas?

Before an H-1B visa application goes to CIS, however, an employer must submit a form called the Labor Condition Application to the Labor Department. According to that agency's website, submitting the application is the second step (after determining a "prevailing wage," or amount to pay the in-question worker) in applying for the H-1B visa, as well as two other types of visas: the H-1B1 visa, which gives special allocations to citizens of Singapore and Chile, and the E-3 visa, which gives a special allocation to citizens of Australia.

While Labor Condition Applications are required to obtain H-1B visas, an employer's number of those applications does not equal the number of H-1B workers hired. A company may opt not to hire an H-1B worker even though the Labor Department has approved an application.

Each financial quarter, the Labor Department publishes a list of all Labor Condition Applications submitted by companies and when. According to that list, the Labor Department approved 2,067 applications for H-1B visas from Tesla between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, higher than totals from years prior. Of those, 322 were submitted in March, 67 in April (the month the layoff was publicly announced), 487 in May and 393 in June.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Before the layoffs, Tesla submitted 180 applications over the course of three months in 2023 (between October and December), 78 applications in January and 107 in February.

The Layoffs

Under a U.S. law called the WARN Act, employers must report large layoffs 60 days in advance of the layoff. In a reported internal memo obtained by Business Insider, Musk announced in April 2024 that Tesla was laying off more than 10% of its 140,000 workers. Without responses from Tesla or Musk, Snopes was unable to independently corroborate that reporting.

According to April 2024 documentation required under the WARN Act, Tesla laid off 2,688 workers in Texas and 3,332 in California (6,020 between both states). The company laid off 601 more employees in California the following month, bringing the total to 6,621 across the two months.

Sources:

29 USC Ch. 23: WORKER ADJUSTMENT AND RETRAINING NOTIFICATION. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title29/chapter23&edition=prelim. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bose, Nandita. "Trump Sides with Elon Musk in H-1B Visa Debate, Says He's Always Been in Favor of the Program." Reuters, 29 Dec. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/elon-musk-vows-war-over-h-1b-visa-program-amid-rift-with-some-trump-supporters-2024-12-28/.

"Chaos Reigns Inside Tesla as Workers Await Next Slew of Job Cuts." Bloomberg.Com, 20 May 2024. www.bloomberg.com, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-20/tesla-tsla-supercharger-layoffs-leave-employees-confused-and-scared.

Dow, Jameson. "Tesla Lays off 'more than 10%' of Its Global Workforce." Electrek, 15 Apr. 2024, https://electrek.co/2024/04/15/tesla-lays-off-more-than-10-of-its-global-workforce/.

Editor, Anna Commander Deputy News. "Trump Asked Why He Changed His Mind on H-1B Visas." Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-asked-why-he-changed-his-mind-h-1b-visas-2008218.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Elaws - H-1B Advisor. https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/h1b/rn2.aspx. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

"EPI Comments on DHS's 'Modernizing H-1B' Proposed Rule." Economic Policy Institute, https://www.epi.org/publication/epi-comments-on-dhss-proposed-rule-on-modernizing-h-1b-requirements-providing-flexibility-in-the-f-1-program-and-program-improvements-affecting-other-nonimmigrant-workers/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Ewing, Jack. "Tesla Will Lay Off More Than 10% of Workers." The New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/15/business/tesla-layoff-elon-musk.html.

H-1B Cap Season | USCIS. 23 Dec. 2024, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations/h-1b-cap-season.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

H-1B Specialty Occupations | USCIS. 23 Dec. 2024, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations.

"H-1B Visas and Prevailing Wage Levels: A Majority of H-1B EmployersIncluding Major U.S. Tech FirmsUse the Program to Pay Migrant Workers Well below Market Wages." Economic Policy Institute, https://www.epi.org/publication/h-1b-visas-and-prevailing-wage-levels/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Hesson, Ted. "Trump Suspends Entry of Certain Foreign Workers despite Business Opposition." Reuters, 23 June 2020. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/trump-suspends-entry-of-certain-foreign-workers-despite-business-opposition-idUSKBN23T2ZS/.

Iordache, Lora Kolodny, Ruxandra. "Tesla Will Lay off More than 10% of Global Workforce: Read the Elon Musk Memo." CNBC, 15 Apr. 2024, https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/15/tesla-shares-dip-in-premarket-trade-on-global-layoff-reports.html.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kay, Grace. "Inside Tesla's Chaotic Month of Brutal Layoffs." Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-tesla-drama-brutal-layoffs-2024-5. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

Kay, Grace, and Jyoti Mann. "Read the Memo Elon Musk Sent Tesla Staff Announcing That the Company Is Laying off More than 10% of the Workforce." Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-sent-tesla-employees-email-announcing-layoffs-read-memo-2024-4. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

Kolodny, Lora. "As Tesla Layoffs Continue, Here Are 600 Jobs the Company Cut in California." CNBC, 17 May 2024, https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/17/as-tesla-layoffs-continue-here-are-600-jobs-cut-in-california.html.

---. "Tesla Cutting around 2,700 Jobs in Austin and More than 3,300 in California as Part of Broad Restructuring." CNBC, 23 Apr. 2024, https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/23/tesla-cutting-close-to-2700-jobs-in-austin-as-part-of-restructuring.html.

Labor Condition Application (LCA) Specialty Occupations with the H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 Programs | Flag.Dol.Gov. https://flag.dol.gov/programs/LCA. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Lambert, Fred. "Tesla Replaced Laid off US Workers with Foreign Workers Using H-1B Visas That Musk Want to Increase." Electrek, 30 Dec. 2024, https://electrek.co/2024/12/30/tesla-replaced-laid-off-us-workers-with-foreign-workers-using-h-1b-visas-that-musk-want-to-increase/.

Ludlow, Edward, and Dana Hull. "Elon Musk's Robotaxi Dreams Plunge Tesla Into Chaos." Bloomberg, 21 Apr. 2024, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-21/tesla-tsla-cybertruck-recall-is-latest-setback-to-stock-s-rough-2024.

Metzger, Bryan. "Bernie Sanders Says Elon Musk Is Wrong about H-1B Visas: 'Low-Wage Indentured Servants.'" Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/bernie-sanders-elon-musk-wrong-reform-h1b-visa-2025-1. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Musk and Ramaswamy Are Sparking a Debate over the H-1B Visa. Here's What to Know about the Visa. - CBS News. 30 Dec. 2024, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/musk-vivek-ramaswamy-h1b-visa-maga-immigration-what-to-know/.

"New Evidence of Widespread Wage Theft in the H-1B Visa Program: Corporate Document Reveals How Tech Firms Ignore the Law and Systematically Rob Migrant Workers." Economic Policy Institute, https://www.epi.org/publication/new-evidence-widespread-wage-theft-in-the-h-1b-program/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Options for Nonimmigrant Workers Following Termination of Employment | USCIS. 1 Apr. 2024, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/information-for-employers-and-employees/options-for-nonimmigrant-workers-following-termination-of-employment.

"Performance Data." DOL, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/performance. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

"Plant Closings and Layoffs." DOL, https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/termination/plantclosings. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Rapier, Graham. "A Tesla Layoffs Timeline of Job Cuts and Hiring Freezes." Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-layoffs. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

Tan, Kwan Wei Kevin. "Elon Musk Wanted Tesla to Slash Its Headcount by 20% Because Its Quarterly Vehicle Deliveries Fell by That Much, Bloomberg Source Says." Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-cut-tesla-headcount-20-percent-bloomberg-2024-4. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

"Tesla Joins Top H-1B Employers List as Musk Pushes for Reforms to Expand Visa Program." The Economic Times, 2 Jan. 2025. The Economic Times - The Times of India, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/work/tesla-joins-top-h-1b-employers-list-as-musk-pushes-for-reforms-to-expand-visa-program/articleshow/116846682.cms?from=mdr.

'The H-1B Visa Program and Its Impact on the U.S. Economy'. American Immigration Council, 15 Aug. 2016, https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/h1b-visa-program-fact-sheet.

Thomas, Jim. "Tesla Faces Backlash for Replacing US Workers With H-1B Hires." Newsmax, 31 Dec. 2024, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/tesla-elon-musk-h-1b-visa/2024/12/31/id/1193500/.

Understanding Our H-1B Employer Data Hub | USCIS. 14 Feb. 2022, https://www.uscis.gov/tools/reports-and-studies/h-1b-employer-data-hub/understanding-our-h-1b-employer-data-hub.

Waldersee, Victoria, and Victoria Waldersee. "Tesla Laying off More than 10% of Staff Globally as Sales Fall." Reuters, 15 Apr. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-lay-off-more-than-10-its-staff-electrek-reports-2024-04-15/.

"WARN Act Compliance Assistance." DOL, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/layoffs/warn. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Which Companies Have the Most Employees Working on an H-1B Visa? - CBS News. 31 Dec. 2024, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/elon-musk-h1b-work-visa-tesla-technology/.

Whitaker, Bill. Are U.S. Jobs Vulnerable to Workers with H-1B Visas? - CBS News. 19 Mar. 2017, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/are-u-s-jobs-vulnerable-to-workers-with-h-1b-visas/.

https://www.klaskolaw.com/department-of-labor-requires-employers-to-notify-uscis-of-termination-of-h-1b-workers-in-order-to-cease-paying-wages/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI)  A Fall River man is accused of shipping cocaine in the mail from California, according to the U.S. Attorneys office.

Justin Dupras, 42, is charged with attempting to possess cocaine with intent to distribute.

Dupras allegedly mailed a package containing about two kilograms of cocaine from Los Angeles to Fall River on Dec. 17, 2024, prosecutors said.

Two days later, Dupras arrived at the Fall River post office, where another person reportedly signed for the package and handed it to him. He was arrested later that day by Fall River police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators say Dupras did this on prior occasions, including mailing a package from Chino Hills, California, to Fall River on Sept. 17, 2024, and from Los Angeles to Fall River on Oct. 29, 2024.

Flight records suggest Dupras returned to Massachusetts on the same day he mailed the packages.

Dupras is expected to appear in court in Boston, though a date has not yet been set.

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.
Jan. 11Two Republican members of the Niagara Falls City Council whose terms expire this year are "weighing their options" on whether they'll seek second terms.

Council members Traci Bax (R) and David Zajac (R) both say they've made "tentative decisions," but those decisions could be subject to change.

"It's still a fluid situation," Zajac said late Friday afternoon. "I haven't made a definitive decision."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pressed by a reporter, the first-term council member said he might be "leaning" toward a re-election campaign. Zajac said he will make a public announcement when he reaches his final decision.

Candidates running in the 2025 election cycle will need to begin gathering signatures on nominating petitions in late February.

Bax said Niagara Falls Republican Party Chair John Sczepczenski had asked her and Zajac to confirm their re-election plans by early January.

"They gave me a date to give them an answer (on running for a second city council term), and I let the GOP chairman know I would not be running, at this time," Bax said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bax cautioned, though, with more than a month before nominating petitions need to be circulated, her decision could change.

"I have time," she said. "I could reconsider."

The first-term council member said her personal work obligations played a large role in her decision.

"A lot has to do with committing to my professional job," Bax said.

Bax works in the travel industry, serving as a consultant who helps independent travel agency owners optimize their businesses. She said her job, with a Toronto-based company, requires a large amount of travel around the United States and Canada.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It has resulted in my sometimes having to miss meetings or events," Bax said.

The council member said an increasing level of acrimony at city council meetings did not play a role in her decision.

"I actually like the job," Bax said. "I'm gonna miss it. I love serving the people and every interaction with my constituents. I enjoy being part of the decisions that are moving the city forward."

In late December, Sczepczenski announced that the local GOP was "actively searching for candidates to seek office for the Niagara Falls City Council in November of 2025."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We would like all registered Republicans who believe they have the vision to move Niagara Falls forward to consider this," Sczepczenski said.

Council Member Donta Myles (D) has already announced his intention to seek a second term as a city lawmaker.
The private funeral of Jean-Marie Le Pen has taken place amid heightened security, after the polarising post-war French party leader died aged 96 on Tuesday.

Dozens of police were deployed to implement a ban against any demonstrations that could disturb services for Le Pen, whose death at a care facility in Garches sparked celebrations by those who opposed him.

Barriers were also erected at the cemetery where he was buried in the same vault as his late parents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The funeral, in the strictest privacy with family, was held in his hometown of La Trinite-sur-Mer in the Morbihan region of Brittany in north-west France. A public ceremony is scheduled for Jan 16 in Paris.

Le Pens daughters, Marine Le Pen, the far-Right politician, and Marie-Caroline, one of her two sisters, walked from the family home to the church for the funeral.

French far-Right leader Marine Le Pen, right, and her sister Marie-Caroline Le Pen arrive for the funeral of their father - Sebastien Salom-Gomis/Getty Images

His granddaughter, Marion Marechal  also a prominent far-Right politician  and Jordan Bardella, the leader of the far-Right party that Le Pen founded, were not seen entering the church at the main entrance.

About 200 people were said to be inside the church for the funeral.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weve come to pay tribute to a great man who had the courage to say things, one person told Agence France Presse. He was a visionary. He loved France and its people and they had values that are being lost, like love of the nation.

Not everyone felt the same, though, as some had taken to the streets of Paris and other cities to mark Le Pens passing, popping champagne in celebration and chanting: Happy New Year, Jean-Marie is dead.

Around 200 people were said to be inside the church for the funeral - AP Photo/Mathieu Pattier/AP Photo/Mathieu Pattier

The French government, however, denounced the joyous celebrations.

Nothing, absolutely nothing justifies dancing on a corpse, said Bruno Retailleau, Frances interior minister. The death of a man, even if he is a political opponent, should inspire only restraint and dignity. These scenes of jubilation are deeply disgraceful.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Francois Bayrou, French prime minister, described Le Pen as a fighter and Figure of French political life.

Emanuel Macron, the French president, did not make a personal comment. Instead, his office issued a statement saying that history would judge Le Pen, and that the president sent condolences to the family.

Jean-Marie Le Pen was a Holocaust denier and had been convicted for his inflammatory statements multiple times - PIERRE GUILLAUD/AFP

For years, the National Front party that Le Pen founded in 1972 sought to distance itself from its former leader, given his often inflammatory remarks that were openly racist and anti-Semitic.

They were so pointed that he was convicted multiple times, including for statements that downplayed the Holocaust. On multiple occasions, Le Pen described Hitlers gas chambers as a detail of history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Le Pen was such a firebrand that his daughter, Marine Le Pen, who took over the party in 2011 and renamed it the National Rally, kicked him out as part of efforts to draw more mainstream support.

Many who opposed Le Pens views took to the streets of Paris and other cities to celebrate his death - Ameer Alhalbi/GETTY

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The move drew so much ire that Le Pen at the time demanded his daughter stop using the name Le Pen, even launching legal proceedings to that effect, which ultimately failed.

Their personal relationship continued to be fraught but Ms Le Pen paid a personal tribute to her father shortly after his death, calling him a warrior on X, formerly Twitter.

Many people he loved are waiting for him up there. Many who love him mourn him here below, she wrote. Fair winds and following seas, Papa!

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.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  One family wants answers after their loved one was allegedly beaten by inmates at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF).

Family members of Brian Nielsen, alongside the Mississippi Impact Coalition and other advocates, demanded answers from the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) on Friday.

Mans body found after Jackson house fire

They said the attack on Nielsen took place in December 2024. The family said they were notified about the incident by another inmate and not MDOC.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Nielsen family and advocates said MDOC should take accountability for not just their family, but for everyone who has a loved one in prison.

We have no answers. They continue to hide behind the same answer, which is we cant disclose that information despite me being the son. I have no idea on his status. I dont know if hes dead or alive. I have no word from that, said Brian Jones, Nielsens son.

Brian Nielsen (Courtesy: MDOC)

According to MDOCs website, Nielsen is being held at CMCF after he was sentenced for fleeing from a law enforcement officer, homicide and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hes expected to be released in 2029.

WJTV 12 News reached out to MDOC about the incident. As of Friday evening, we have not yet received a response from the agency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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.
When the Halpin family visited what was left of their Altadena home on Thursday morning, they only saw one thing left: a statue of the Virgin Mary.

The family quickly leaned on their faith to help them say goodbye to their home of 37 years after it was destroyed by the deadly Eaton Fire.

A heartwarming video posted on Instagram showed Peter and Jackie Halpin, alongside their six children and other family members, singing a hymn amid the smoldering rubble that was once their house.

The Halpin family

Source: GoFundMe

We gave our pain to Christ and his mother, Andrew Halpin told KTLA 5. We prayed a consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and then sang.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Andrews sister, Marie Clare Metcalfe, explained that faith has always been the foundation of our family, and it will continue to be as we navigate forward.

Marie said her parents house was the home base for their ever-growing family as there are 14 grandchildren, with one more on the way. Marie said their sister, Gianna, was living in their parents backhouse with her 2-year-old daughter when the fire broke out.

They lost everything, she said of the family home.

The video has resonated with many people looking to cope during this difficult time as numerous wildfires tear through parts of Southern California. As of Friday afternoon, the post has received over 20,000 likes and it keeps growing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mother confronts Gov. Newsom in Pacific Palisades, demands answers

It even captured the attention of Full House actress Candace Cameron Bure.

Bless you. Praise the Lord, she wrote in the comment section.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by the Halpin children to help their parents with their loss. So far theyve raised over $73,000, which is $13,000 past their original goal of $60,000.

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 KTLA.
RIESA, Germany (AP)  Thousands of people demonstrated against a convention of the far-right Alternative for Germany on Saturday, blocking some roads and delaying the meeting's start as parties launched their campaigns for the country's election next month.

A heavy police presence was in place in Riesa  in the eastern state of Saxony, a stronghold of Alternative for Germany, or AfD  and officers cleared some protesters from the streets. However, the two-day convention started a little over two hours late as many delegates' trips to the venue were slowed by blockades.

AfD formally nominated co-leader Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor by acclamation. Weidel, who was among those held up, thanked delegates for defying the left-wing mob and getting here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Polls show AfD in second place ahead of the Feb. 23 election, with about 20% support. However, Weidel  who this week held a live chat with tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has endorsed the party, on his X platform  has no realistic chance of becoming Germany's leader as other parties refuse to work with AfD.

It is the mainstream conservative opposition Union bloc that leads polls with around 30% and its candidate, Friedrich Merz, is the favorite to become the next chancellor.

The Union is focusing on boosting Germanys stagnant economy in particular and on reducing irregular migration. Weidel assailed it as a party of fraudsters Saturday, urging people to vote for the original and strengthen her party.

She called for closing Germany's borders to undocumented migration and large-scale deportations of asylum-seekers, making clear that she has no problem with the politically charged term remigration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She pledged to return to service the Nord Stream gas pipeline that was damaged in 2022 explosions shortly after Russia cut off gas supplies to Germany, and won loud applause for saying that AfD would tear down all wind turbines  which she described as windmills of shame  if it came to power.

At a news conference in Hamburg, Merz concentrated on his own party's offer of fundamental change after the unpopular and notoriously rancorous coalition of center-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed.

He said he aims to lead a government that stops arguing; a government that draws up reliable laws that also endure in the longer term, producing a reliable environment for domestic and foreign investors. Then we will have higher potential growth, and then we will have higher actual growth again.

Scholz is hoping for a come-from-behind victory, but there has been little sign of significant movement so far in polls that show support for his Social Democrats at 14-17%. His coalition government collapsed in November when he fired his finance minister in a dispute over how to revitalize the economy, leading to an early election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Scholz conceded Saturday that mistakes were made and said that maybe I should also have ended the coalition earlier. But he said that it's time to look to the future. Let's fight, he told delegates at a party convention in Berlin, which formally confirmed his nomination as its candidate in a show of hands.

He accused Merz's Union of having no serious plans to tackle Germany's problems and said it is making expensive promises for the absolute top earners that would rip a gigantic crater in our budget.

Scholz, who has made Germany one of the leading weapons suppliers to Ukraine in its war with Russia but refused to send it Taurus long-range cruise missiles, again pledged to maintain his steadfast and prudent approach.

And he reiterated his pushback against President-elect Donald Trump's recently expressed designs on Greenland and other territories, declaring without naming Trump that the principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country, whether it lies to the east of us or the west; every state must keep to this principle, whether it is a small state or a very big and powerful one.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Merz said that public finger-pointing from Germany has never made an impression in America, and as a rule has achieved the opposite.

___

Moulson reported from Berlin. Pietro De Cristofaro contributed to this report from Riesa.
The daughter of Dominique Pelicot, the Frenchman found guilty of drugging and facilitating the rape of his ex-wife by dozens of strangers, has said her father should die in prison.

In her first television interview since Pelicot was jailed for 20 years in December, Caroline Darian told the BBC that her father was always a sexual pervert.

She said: He should die in prison, he is a dangerous man.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Speaking in Pelicot Trial: The Daughters Story, which will air on Monday, Ms Darian, 45, said: There is no way he can get out. No way.

When I look back I dont really remember the father that I thought he was. I look straight to the criminal, the sexual criminal he is.

Gisele Pelicot is being hailed as a feminist icon - Juliette Treillet

But I have his DNA, and the main reason why I am so engaged for invisible victims is also for me a way to put a real distance with this guy.

Last month, Pelicot, 72, was found guilty of drugging and raping his former wife, Gisele Pelicot, also 72, and for more than a decade soliciting men to assault her.

His horrific crimes prompted descriptions of him as the worst sexual predator of the past 20 or 30 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the interview, Ms Darian said: Theres no way you can wake up one morning and say OK, Im gonna drug my wife.

So I think there are two Dominiques co-existing in him. He decided to choose the dark side.

I dont know if he is a monster but he perfectly knew what he did, hes not sick. He did everything consciously.

Artists impression of Dominique Pelicot in court - Reuters

Some 50 of Gisele Pelicots other rapists were also identified, convicted, and sentenced to between three and 15 years in prison. Her decision to waive her right to a closed trial was lauded as heroic and brave.

Ms Darian says she believes her father abused and raped her as well, as pictures of her naked and unconscious were also found among her fathers computer files  he kept detailed records of his crimes  though there is no direct evidence of this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Her father denied this during the trial. Ms Darian has accused him of lying.

She said: I know that he drugged me, probably for sexual abuse. But I dont have any evidence.

Ms Darian has since engaged on a campaign to raise awareness of chemical submission, and of sexual assault and abuse.

Dangers of this can come from the inside, she said, as it was in her experience. The drugs her father used were painkillers and sedatives  pills that come from the familys medicine cabinet.

Gisele Pelicot was drugged and raped by her husband and dozens of others between 2011 and 2020 - Guillaume Horcajuelo/Shutterstock

Mr Pelicots crimes emerged after he was caught filming up the skirts of three women in a supermarket and was locked up for 48 hours.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While investigating, police seized his phone, camcorder and computer, on which they found images that showed Gisele asleep, drugged, and being raped.

Ms Darian first learned of her fathers actions in 2020, a phone call that dramatically upended life as she knew it, as described in her memoir that exposed the family chamber of horrors.

That book, Ill Never Call Him Dad Again, details the grim reality of what was happening inside the family home, including that her father sometimes wouldnt allow rapists to wear a condom.

Ultimate perversity, she wrote in the book. Father, who always had money problems, didnt profit from Maman. He did it purely for his pleasure.

The Pelicots in happier times

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The drugs Mr Pelicot used to drug his wife were hidden in the house. He went to extreme lengths to bring strange men into his house to rape her, and to allow the crimes to continue.

He asked them to wash their hands in warm water, so cold fingers wouldnt shock her. He asked them to leave their mobile phones in their cars, so they wouldnt ring and risk waking her up.

My father is a criminal, Ms Darian wrote, and I have to learn to live with this grotesque reality, to accept being torn apart by the needs of justice, truth, and the love I once felt for him.

Gisele Pelicot, a grandmother of seven has since become a feminist icon for refusing to remain in the shadows, choosing instead to confront those who abused and raped her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I wanted all woman victims of rape not just when they have been drugged, rape exists at all levels, Ms Pelicot has said before. I want those women to say, Madame Pelicot did it, we can do it too.

Its up to them to feel ashamed, she said of the accused during the trial.

Anne-Cecile Mailfert, founder of the Fondation des Femmes, said. Shes a symbolic figure because shes a woman whose life was perfectly normal. She has three children, a husband, shes retired.

She cant be sexualised. You cant say its because shes wearing a skirt, or because shes had too much to drink, or because she asked for it. In that sense,shes the perfect victim.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ms Darian will narrate a TV documentary on the use of drugs to enable rape and sexual abuse. Set to be broadcast on France 2 on Jan 21, the 90-minute film will include testimony from six other victims raped after being drugged unwittingly.

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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Despite the Border Patrol operation ending and agents moving out of Bakersfield, the areas immigrant community is saying members are far from relieved.

Throughout the week, 17 News requested multiple interviews with Border Patrol, but CBP said a statement Friday morning is all theyre providing.

I do believe that fear mongering has taken place, and there is real fear within the community, said Bakersfield Vice Mayor and Sikh-Punjabi advocate Manpreet Kaur.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

US CBP issues statement on ongoing Operation Return to Sender in Bakersfield area

Kaur said the impacts of these unprecedented operations will last.

Our community also comes to places like the United States in diverse documentation statuses, she noted.

Though U.S. Customs and Border Protection  CBP  said no members of the Sikh community or anyone from India was arrested in this operation, Kaur said many have stayed home out of fear.

[Weve heard about] folks who are volunteers and service members in our different temples whose homes have been visited, she remarked. We have heard folks who own trucking companies, their truckyards have been visited. Weve had also had gas station owners from our community [and their employees] reporting that just everyday people, normal folks, were approached or questioned or even detained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement Friday morning, CBP announced during the three-day operation called Return to Sender, 78 people  all here allegedly unlawfully  were arrested.

CBP said the people were from Peru, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador, Mexico and China.

CBP also said the operation targeted those with criminal records  from raping a minor and trafficking drugs to having DUI convictions.

When asked if  for some  their only crime was unlawful residence, Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David Kim answered that crossing the border and illegally residing in the U.S. is against the law, meaning yes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kern County community rallies in protest of Border Patrol raids

And when asked the why now of the operation  and if it was approved by the Biden Administration  Kim said this operation was planned and executed solely by the CBP El Centro branch.

17 News also asked about the future of the 78 arrested.

Agent Kim said 77 have been transported the El Centro Sector headquarters in the city of Imperial, though he declined to answer whether theyll face deportation.

One individual was sent to Tulare County for extradition, due to an outstanding warrant.

As for why the El Centro Sectors agents were in Kern? Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino says its jurisdiction spans from the U.S.-Mexico Border all the way north to the Oregon border.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The agency also told 17 News it patrolled Highway 99, Highway 58, as well as Interstate 5, as these are the roads transnational criminal organizations pass through.

17 News also asked about rumors CBP is now headed north to Fresno. Kim responded, Sounds like a rumor to me.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Advocates  now including Sikh-Punjabi leaders  emphasized efforts to educate immigrants of their rights will continue.

Well be hosting an all-Punjabi know your rights workshop here at this temple, at this Gurudwara, which is our Sikh place of worship, Kaur said. Its also a community center where folks gather this is really the hub of information and resources.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The date of that forum is still to come.

Kaur said it will be free, open to everyone and that resources will be provided in English, Punjabi and Spanish.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Hundreds of people gathered at Washington Square Park in New Orleans on March 31, 2023, for a march to mark Transgender Day of Visibility. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

This story first appeared in the Louisiana Illuminator.

A federal district court judge in Kentucky has struck down President Joe Bidens effort to protect transgender students and make other changes to Title IX, ruling the U.S. Department of Education violated teachers rights by requiring them to use transgender students names and pronouns.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The ruling issued Thursday, which applies nationwide, came as a major blow to the Biden administration in its final days and to LGBTQ+ advocates. It comes less than two weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, when the rule was likely to face more scrutiny from someone who took aim at transgender people in a culture war-focused campaign.

The Biden administration rule was released last April and aimed to protect LGBTQ+ students in K-12 schools, colleges and universities. The rule also conferred protections for pregnant students. The update to Title IX, the federal law that forbids sex-based discrimination in education, was expanded to include gender identity and sexual orientation.

In his opinion, Chief Judge Danny Reeves of the Eastern District of Kentucky wrote in his opinion that the education department could not expand Title IX to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. Reeves was nominated to the bench by President George W. Bush.

Gender identity refers to the gender that an individual identifies as, regardless of their sex assigned at birth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The entire point of Title IX is to prevent discrimination based on sex  throwing gender identity into the mix eviscerates the statute and renders it largely meaningless, Reeves wrote.

Louisiana was among the states that sued the Biden administration over the rule. Its case was pending in the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals at the time of the ruling in Kentucky, which came in the case Tennessee Republican Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti brought.

Louisiana is honored to have litigated this issue alongside Tennessee and our sister States, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican, said in a statement to the Illuminator. This is a great day for America!

Louisiana Republican Gov. Jeff Landry also praised the decision in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bidens attempt to rewrite Title IX is dead! Landry posted from his personal account. Its a shame this even had to go to court, but pleased to see this win for women and girls across our Nation.

Prior to Thursdays decision, the rule had been temporarily blocked in nearly half of U.S. states, including Louisiana and Tennessee, as litigation played out.

While Reeves opinion references a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that limits the regulatory authority of federal agencies, it also notably rejects the rule on First Amendment grounds.

The First Amendment does not permit the government to chill speech or compel affirmance of a belief with which the speaker disagrees in this manner, Reeves said, referring to sections of the law that could be interpreted as defining deadnaming and misgendering of students as harassment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deadnaming is when someone uses a transgender or nonbinary persons birth name or dead name against their wishes. Misgendering occurs when someone refers to an individual by a gender they do not identify as.

Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit news organization.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Jan. 11Should New Mexico be more concerned about net neutrality? Not necessarily, a local academic says, but it will become a more prominent issue in the future.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Court of Appeals struck down the Federal Communications Commission's rules on net neutrality, which require that internet service providers treat all internet traffic equally  i.e., they can't slow down, block or charge extra for the internet.

The rules were part of the Biden administration's push to treat the internet as an essential service. Meanwhile, incoming FCC chair appointee Brendan Carr applauded the court's decision to do away with net neutrality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But that doesn't mean New Mexico can't adopt its own net neutrality laws.

The state could seek benefits through it, such as boosting fair and affordable internet access in rural communities, said Joshua Kastenberg, a professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law.

The federal ruling happened in the 6th Circuit based in Cincinnati and New Mexico falls under the 10th Circuit, Kastenberg explained. So it's not necessarily an issue now, he said, "but it will become an issue in the state."

More broadly, Kastenberg anticipates a "50-state patchwork of different regulations" on net neutrality down the line.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Washington, net neutrality has become an issue of the power of the federal government, he said.

"(There) was never an argument on whether rural people or poor people should have broadband or not but rather which sovereign should have the authority to mandate that," Kastenberg said, referencing old-school Republicans who believe regulation belongs at the state level.

Politicians in New Mexico could codify net neutrality to show the public there's still bipartisan support out there, Kastenberg added, especially "in a day and age where the parties aren't getting along particularly well."

But the issue isn't really on the state's priority list at the moment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The federal ruling doesn't really impact New Mexico or the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, said OBAE Acting Director Drew Lovelace. His office has been working to get reliable internet to everyone, including rural and tribal communities that have historically lacked it.

"Our primary role is to issue awards for broadband infrastructure and deployment and to oversee projects across the state," Lovelace told the Journal.

Still, Kastenberg could see New Mexico at some point mandating net neutrality.

"I don't think anybody wants to be shut out from the world," he said. " There may be some arguments about whether the state of New Mexico has the authority to do that, or whether free enterprise trumps any state constitutional authority whatsoever. But that, to me, is going to be more on the fringe."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There would still be difficulties.

"We may be able to accomplish the things that the Biden administration wanted to accomplish, would do it better at our local level. ... Now that takes willpower, and it takes know-how, and it takes the ability to muscle the internet providers to do that," Kastenberg said.
The first-ever U.S. Justice Department review of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre concluded Friday that while federal prosecution may have been possible a century ago there is no longer an avenue to bring a criminal case more than 100 years after one of the worst racial attacks in U.S. history.

The Department of Justice said at the outset of its probe it had no expectation anyone would be prosecuted, but in a more than 120-page report federal investigators outlined the scope and impact of the massacre, an attack by a White mob on a thriving Black district that left as many as 300 people dead and 1,200 homes, businesses, schools and churches destroyed.

Now, the perpetrators are long dead, statutes of limitations for all civil rights charges expired decades ago, and there are no viable avenues for further investigation, the report states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Among the findings in the DOJ investigation were federal reports from just days after the massacre, in 1921, conducted by an agent with the precursor agency to the FBI. But todays investigators said they found no evidence that any federal prosecutors ever evaluated those reports.

It may be that federal prosecutors considered filing charges and, after consideration, did not do so for reasons that would be understandable if we had a record of the decision, the report concluded, adding that if the department didnt seriously consider such charges, then its failure to do so is disappointing.

The report also examined the role of various people and organizations in the massacre, including the Tulsa Police Department, local sheriff, Oklahoma National Guard and then-Tulsa Mayor T.D. Evans, determining that each played a role in the chaos and destruction, either by failing to act or by actively participating in the attack.

Damario Solomon-Simmons, an attorney for the last known survivors of the massacre, Viola Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle, both of whom are 110, did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment on the report. Solomon-Simmons had previously decribed the DOJs decision to investigate the massacre as a joyous occasion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Victor Luckerson, a Black author and historian who wrote a book about Tulsas Greenwood district, said there is value in the government establishing a definitive record of the attack.

Having government documents available lays the groundwork for the possibility of reparations, Luckerson said. Any of those discussions about reparations, one of the first questions is how we establish a factual record of what happened.

A researcher working for a state commission in 1999 estimated the damage from the attack to be $1.8 million in 1921 dollars, a figure the report said would be about $32.2 million today.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court in June dismissed a lawsuit by survivors, dampening the hope of advocates for racial justice that the city would make financial amends for the attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The nine-member court upheld the decision made by a district court judge in Tulsa last year, ruling that the plaintiffs grievances about the destruction of the Greenwood district, although legitimate, did not fall within the scope of the states public nuisance statute.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
GEORGE F. LEE / AUG. 2 The Lahaina construction site of Kilohana Temporary Housing project GEORGE F. LEE / AUG. 2 The Lahaina construction site of Kilohana Temporary Housing project Mauis ongoing recovery from the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire disaster is getting a $1.6 billion financial boost from the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Friday announced a grant award to Maui County for the funding, which can be used for homeowners to replace lost residences, to build affordable rental housing, to improve infrastructure including roads and utility systems, and to benefit small businesses, schools and health care.

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said HUDs Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery fund award represents a critical milestone in the effort to recover from the fires in Lahaina and Kula that killed 102 people and destroyed more than 3, 500 homes and other structures valued at an estimated $5.5 billion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is incredible for what it can do for our community,  Bissen said during a news conference in Lahaina. Our people will thrive again.

Bissen added that the partnership between HUD and Maui County affirms the power of resilience and collaboration and that we are honored to work together to create a brighter future for our Maui.

The HUD grant program exists to primarily help low-and moderate-income households and communities.

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

HUD Deputy Chief of Staff Trey Reffett announced the award at the news conference and noted that the CDBG disaster recovery funding for Maui, which was part of nearly $12 billion recently appropriated for the HUD program by Congress, was long overdue.

Maui waited too long,  he said.

Reffett also said Maui County has produced a long-term recovery plan that other communities are looking at as a standard to follow, and that no community that suffers damage resulting in a presidential disaster declaration should doubt whether HUD support will be delivered.

The road ahead will be long, but HUD will be here to help support the work of the community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said in a statement that the HUD disaster recovery grant funding has been a lifeline for many communities struck by disasters over the years and that it will be critical to building housing on Maui as quickly as possible.

Survivors of the devastating Maui fires have been waiting a long time for this help to arrive in order to rebuild their homes and lives and get back on their feet,  said Schatz, chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.

Erika Moritsugu, deputy assistant to President Joe Biden as a senior liaison for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, said the federal government will help Maui as long as it takes.

Moritsugu said that to date more than $3 billion in federal assistance has been committed to help Mauis recovery, including the new HUD grant and funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bissen pointed out that much of FEMAs contributions, while critical, are temporary, such as rental assistance and modular homes. The HUD grant, in contrast, will help provide new permanent housing.

More than 1, 000 temporary homes are housing fire survivors, and more than 1, 000 permanent homes are largely in early stages of progress, Bissen said.

To date, four homes have been rebuilt, while 207 property owners have received building permits for new houses, according to Bissen, who added that another 556 building permit applications are pending.

Maui County must execute an action plan with HUD for the funding to be released, but Reffett said that should not take long. Under the program, the funds will be available for at least six years.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called Ukraine an unreliable partner and accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of blackmailing European leaders for support at a parliamentary meeting on Jan. 10.

"He [Zelensky] goes around Europe, just begging and blackmailing others, asking for money, he said.

Fico posted a video from the meeting on his Facebook page afterward, with some of his quotes.

The meeting, convened by the opposition, sought explanations for Ficos recent meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow and questioned Slovakias future energy policies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fico claimed that Zelensky disrupted a gas transit agreement between Russia and Azerbaijan that would have benefited Slovakia.

Kyiv terminated Russian gas transit on Jan. 1, citing its refusal to finance Russias war. Slovakia, which had previously imported Russian gas through Ukraine, has voiced concerns over the decision's economic impact.

Fico said that Slovakia could halt its humanitarian aid to Ukraine, cut or cancel social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, and cease emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. He also suggested using Slovakia's veto power over EU decisions as leverage against Kyiv.

"It just has to stop," he said, and added that he was sometimes "fed up with Zelensky.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fico then described Russia as a reliable energy partner, stating, "Russia has never deceived us, unlike Ukraine." He also recalled a 2009 incident where he claimed Ukraines leadership refused to supply Slovakia with gas during a crisis, referring to it as "typical Ukrainians."

Fico met with Putin at the Kremlin during a visit on Dec. 22 to discuss gas supplies. The visit by the Russian-friendly leader was heavily criticized by EU and Ukrainian officials.

Read also: Slovak PM threatens Ukraine with aid cuts over halted Russian gas transit

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  If a hungry customer walks up to the door of any of three Pizza Hut locations in central Illinois, theyll be met with a word they dont want to hear.

Closed.

The Pizza Hut locations in Washington, a Sterling Avenue location in Peoria and one in Germantown Hills have all shut their doors.

WMBD reached out to EYM Pizza, the corporate media representative for Pizza Hut, and got no response.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While each sign on the stores has different wording, they all said a form of Were closed.

After calling the East Peoria Pizza Hut, a WMBD reporter was told that someone could possibly try to buy back the Germantown Hills location.

These closures come as fast-food chain KFC, who operate under EYM Chicken, shuttered multiple locations in Washington, Bartonville, Morton and Bloomington, Peoria and Pekin this past summer.

Multiple Illinois KFC fast-food locations suddenly shut down, implement mass layoffs

Pizza Huts locations that are still open include ones in Morton and East Peoria as well as several locations in Peoria.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- Finlands Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said its his personal opinion that joint borrowing by European Union members shouldnt be ruled out if the funds were deployed to bolster defenses on the blocs eastern edges.

Most Read from Bloomberg

I dont rule out the option  as a personal view given there is no government stance on the issue  of using common European funding, including debt, to build up defenses provided the money is used where Europe is defended, Orpo said in an interview on state-owned broadcaster YLE on Saturday. Europe is not defended in the south or the west. Its defended here in Finland, in the Baltics, in Poland, in the eastern areas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its a surprising reversal in a country usually vehemently opposed to pooling obligations on concern of moral hazard, or a fear that joint borrowing leads to complacency by governments.

The EUs new defense chief, Andrius Kubilius, has floated a new joint borrowing mechanism for military spending as part of the blocs plan to seek some 500 billion ($512 billion) for security over the next decade. Germany, the regions biggest economy, has been among members opposed to joint borrowing. But with Russias war raging in Ukraine, a number of governments that had opposed such a step have begun to waver.

Former Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, who delivered a report to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently on the EUs readiness to respond to crises, mentioned that a missile shield could be financed by joint borrowing. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, among the EUs frugal nations, has also expressed more openness to funding from joint debt.

Frances junior minister for European affairs, Benjamin Haddad, repeated calls for eurobonds to finance defense in the bloc in an interview with Le Figaro newspaper published on Saturday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The defense needs are so big that we can no longer finance them alone, Orpo said.

--With assistance from James Regan.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
(Reuters) - Fire agencies are investigating whether Southern California Edison's utility infrastructure sparked a brush fire that is still burning in a Los Angeles suburb, SCE said Friday, adding no determination has been made.

SCE, a unit of U.S. utility Edison International, said in a filing to its regulators that a downed conductor was discovered at a tower associated with its Eagle Rock - Sylmar 220 kV circuit.

"SCE does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire," the utility said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

SCE said preliminary information shows the circuit experienced a relay at 10:11 p.m. (0611 GMT) where the Hurst fire was reported around 10:10 p.m. on Jan. 7.

The Hurst fire, in Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley northwest of Los Angeles, has exceeded 770 acres and is now 77% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Edison International did not immediately respond to a request for comment made via the company website.

SCE on Thursday said it had received notices from insurance companies to preserve evidence related to the Eaton Fire that is still burning in Los Angeles, but said no fire agencies have linked the utility's connection to the fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More than 10,000 structures have been destroyed by five fires raging in the area and nearly 30,000 acres have been burned.

Private forecaster AccuWeather has estimated the damage and economic loss at $135 billion to $150 billion, portending an arduous recovery and soaring homeowners' insurance costs.

(Reporting by Devika Nair in Bengaluru)
(NewsNation)  Kenichi Haskett, section chief for the LA County Fire Department, urged the public to trust emergency alerts despite a false evacuation warning sent to millions of LA County residents this week.

Unfortunately, it went out, Haskett told NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas Reports. I hope people dont avoid a warning.  If they see smoke, smell smoke, they should be at least ready and packed to go. You need to be packed and ready to go under a warning. Under an evacuation order, its time to go.

Gov. Gavin Newsom Invites Donald Trump to California amid wildfires

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If it helps save your life, Haskett added, protect your loved ones, your children, and your animals, Id rather err on the side of safety. Our goal is not to have erroneous alerts go out.

(Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)

More than 36,000 acres have been burned in total as wildfires continue to rage across the Los Angeles area, and at least 10 people have died. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Friday that 153,000 residents are still under evacuation orders, and 16,000 are under evacuation warnings.

The Biden administration detailed actions to support local firefighters. There are already five U.S. Forest Service air tankers in operation, and an additional one is en route. More than 20 federal firefighting helicopters are being used, and two air firefighting system units have been deployed.

There are also 10 Navy helicopters with water buckets en route to help with aerial suppression efforts. Colorado has also announced it will be assisting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Click here to view the LAPDs interactive evacuation zone map.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Firefighters extinguished a fire at the This Is It! restaurant on Panola Road at Interstate 20 in DeKalb County on Saturday.

Shortly before 8 a.m., firefighters responded to the scene and saw flames were visible from the restaurant when they arrived.

According to DeKalb County Fire Rescue, no injuries were reported.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The restaurant closed on November 15 after the Georgia Department of Transportation used eminent domain to close This Is It and three other businesses on the property.

The state plans to use the land to redesign the interchange at Panola Road and I-20 to improve traffic flow.

The former owner, Shelley Butch Anthony, III, told Channel 2 in November that his customer base didnt know whats going on with the closure.

The restaurant was in that prime location for 14 years.

Were sitting right here on I-20 and Panola Road. Where can we find another Panola Road? Anthony said.

The DOT says the right-of-way acquisition process is heavily regulated at the federal level and it certainly follows all rules and policies when purchasing a property.

TRENDING STORIES:

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
A civilian drone damaged a $30 million aircraft fighting the Palisades fire on Thursday, leaving it grounded over the weekend with no specific estimate on its return.

A Super Scooper state-of-the-art firefighting aircraft remained grounded Saturday with no specific timetable for its return to service.

The Canadian aircraft, loaned to the United States, is one of two aircraft of its kind in the Los Angeles area assisting in firefighting efforts. But on Thursday, a drone that was flying around Pacific Palisades without authorization crashed into the planes wing. The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented multiple Temporary Flight Restrictions in the Los Angeles area due to the recent civilian drone activity.

Its not just, oh gee we dented an airplane wing. We have taken the aircraft out of service because it is not safe to fly, Christopher Thomas, Los Angeles County Fire's public information officer for the Palisades fire, told Fortune. Thats a lot of water that helps protect homes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Business Insider, a Super Scooper typically costs roughly $30 million, one of the most expensive firefighting aircraft. The plane can scoop up 1,600 gallons from a nearby body of water mid-flightthe Pacific Ocean in this casethen dump them on a fire.

Thomas estimated that the Super Scooper can make seven to eight refills per hour, representing nearly 13,000 gallons. Crews are working to repair it as soon as possible, he said.

When asked when the plane will return to service, Thomas replied, "There is nothing specific, however it is a high priority to get it back into service for these fires."

On Saturday, 20 more helicopters were added to fight the Palisades fire to compensate for the Super Scooper's being grounded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We want to overwhelm it with everything, Thomas said.

He is confident that the plane's absence will not severely affect firefighting efforts in Southern California, as weather is favorable for now.

Despite officials' warnings against drone flights, more were spotted. On Friday, the Los Angeles Times reported that aerial firefighting efforts were put on hold due to additional unauthorized sightings.

In the presence of drones, all firefighting aircraft in the area must be grounded to mitigate the risk of a midair crash, Thomas explained.

How fast can a fire move in 15 minutes to a half an hour? he said. It can move a lot.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
A veil of wildfire smoke continued to linger over many Southern California communities Friday as conflagrations tore through the Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District extended its smoke advisory into Saturday, marking the fifth consecutive day of unhealthful pollution, largely due to the Eaton fire in Altadena.

Strong northeasterly winds, including gusts up to 20 mph, carried a stream of unhealthful fine particulate pollution for several dozen miles, casting a toxic haze over downtown Los Angeles, Compton and Long Beach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: Fire victims seek answers about rebuilding, cleanup timeline

The smoke plumes even reached Santa Catalina Island, the popular tourist destination, where pollution reached hazardous concentrations at times, according to satellite imagery and air quality data.

The winds were expected to shift directions Friday afternoon, pushing pollution inland for up to 24 hours. Santa Ana winds are expected to return Saturday afternoon, driving smoke over much of Los Angeles County again.

"Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties have been relatively spared from this event, but it looks like they're going to get some smoke," said Scott Epstein, air quality assessment manager for the local air district. "We don't think it's going to be super intense, but it could be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It's a bit hard for us to kind of project beyond there, because so much depends on the actual emissions from the fire and what the containment efforts are going to look like."

Across Southern California, the number of evacuees from the fire zones may be rivaled by crowds of Angelenos whose homes were not in mandatory evacuation areas but who left their neighborhoods or the L.A. area altogether to avoid dangerous air quality levels.

The issue became so widespread that the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks set up an air quality relief center at the Alpine Recreation Center in Chinatown. The building, advertised as a place where people could keep safe and healthy, was set up as a daytime refuge for residents whose homes were intact but who wanted cleaner air to breathe.

Many people went farther out of the city, finding shelter in friends' homes in beach cities away from the smoke or leaving for the desert or another part of the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Out of an abundance of caution, Nayana Estanislau decamped from her West Hollywood apartment on Tuesday for San Diego with her dog after witnessing a small and short-lived brush fire in the hills above Sunset Boulevard. The next evening, the Sunset fire by Runyon Canyon prompted evacuations in parts of adjacent Hollywood.

Read more: Why hydrants ran dry as firefighters battled California's deadly fires

Estanislaus neighborhood, on Sweetzer Avenue, was never in an evacuation warning or mandatory evacuation zone, but she stayed in San Diego as air quality levels fluctuate  at times reaching harmful concentrations  in the area.

Im so glad I listened to my intuition, said Estanislau, who works as a stylist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mike Pourahmadi, a resident of Echo Park, said he also left town midweek despite his apartment being safe and far from the Eaton, Palisades, Hurst and other fires.

I have asthma, so I knew I needed to look after myself, said Pourahmadi, who went to stay with a friend in Palm Springs. The air is a lot better here and I like coming here when I can, anyway.

Read more: How to protect yourself from the smoke caused by L.A. wildfires

Culver City resident Paul McCarthy and his 6-year-old son, Finn, had braved smoke from nearby wildfires. McCarthy, who has asthma, had recently been sick.

He tried to guard against the smoke by wearing a KN-95 mask outdoors and running two air purifiers inside his condo to try to filter out the smoke. But he could feel some discomfort in his chest that he worried was from smoke exposure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I'm wondering whether that [cold] is still lingering, or whether I'm feeling the effects of the smoke," he said.

"I've been here 16 years, and this is an absolutely unprecedented event, the fact that we've lost entire neighborhoods in the Palisades and Altadena. My head is still not getting around that. We're still in fight-or-flight, survival mode."

Read more: Riviera Country Club still stands after Palisades fire. Will it host Genesis Invitational next month?

On Thursday, a friend sent him supplies to build a DIY air purifier with box fan and HEPA filters, given that many stores quickly sold out of air purifiers. Although the makeshift air purifier helped, the next day McCarthy packed up his car and decided to leave for Palm Springs for the weekend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This is not going anywhere," McCarthy said. "This air quality is going to be like this for a long time. I think unless we get some kind of weather event that really tries to clean this out, it's going to be weeks."

Los Angeles Unified School District remained closed on Friday due to the poor air quality.

"Winds are transporting particulate matter, smoke and ashes across the entire district," Supt. Alberto Carvalho said at a Thursday evening briefing. "We celebrate when the winds subside because that allows more effective combating of fires."

But when the winds subside, smoke often lingers over certain communities. When the winds pick up, the fires explode, creating more smoke.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The air district's governing board convened Friday, lamenting the widespread destruction from the wildfires and the persisting danger from heavy smoke.

"It's going to require all of us to lean in and be present and provide immediate support to those impacted ... given its impact on air quality for an indeterminate amount of time," said Holly Mitchell, a Los Angeles County supervisor and air district governing board member. "There are no words to describe what we're experiencing."

The air district warned residents not to burn wood in fireplaces, which could exacerbate levels further. Due to widespread power outages, however, the agency suspended rules for emergency diesel- and gas-powered generators.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas has submitted her resignation to President Joe Biden effective Jan. 19, the day before President Donald Trump takes the oath of office.

(Courtesy: Tim Davis Photography)

Biden appointed Kate E. Brubacher to the job in 2022. The U.S. Senate confirmed her, and she was sworn in in March 2023. The position is usually a four-year term.

Brubacher was the first woman to serve as the Districts chief federal law enforcement officer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Kansas has approximately 100 assistant U.S. attorneys and support staff in three offices associated with the federal courts in Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City. They cover all 105 Kansas counties.

Drive-by murder ends with 70 year sentence

During her appointment, Brubacher has supervised the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters in which the U.S. has an interest in the District of Kansas.

Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, U.S. Attorney for Kansas Kate Brubacher, and Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan meet in Wichita on Aug. 15, 2024. (KSN News Photo)

I leave this position with overwhelming respect for the career attorneys, professional staff, and the dedicated law enforcement officers who work diligently and in good faith every day to protect the public and uphold our Constitution, Brubacher said in a news release. Together, we focused on confronting the fentanyl epidemic and keeping Kansans safe from violent crime, including crimes against children, and we paid just amounts when there were just claims against the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brubacher is a native of Newton. She earned her bachelors degree at Stanford University and her law degree from Yale Law School. She worked for a law firm in New York and then as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Missouri before being appointed U.S. Attorney for Kansas.

Serving the people in my home state as United States Attorney for the District of Kansas has been a high honor, she said. I am grateful to President Biden for nominating me. I am also grateful to Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall for their support.

Brubacher did not give the reason for submitting her resignation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
For 20 agonizing days, the local Hardin community tirelessly searched for Selena Not Afraid, a16-year-old Montana girl who vanished on New Years Day in 2020.

After a night out celebrating the new year, the teen, a member of the Native American tribe Crow Nation, was travelling home in a van when it broke down at a rest area near Billings. Wearing just a light coat and jeans, Selena was not dressed for the frigid temperatures.

Witnesses said she walked off into a field, something her family disputes, and was never seen again. The van later drove off without her and when relatives went to look for her, Selena was nowhere to be found.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For nearly three weeks loved ones searched, until her frozen body was found less than a mile from the rest stop.

She had died of hypothermia, an autopsy determined, and the local authorities ruled out foul play. But her family was not convinced.

Selena Not Afraid, a member of the Native American tribe Crow Nation, was 16 years old when she vanished after being left behind at a rest stop in 2020. Her body was found nearby three weeks later (Provided)

When Selena first went missing, her aunt jumped into action. She rallied for help through social media, organized searches, and spoke out about combating the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People epidemic.

And when Selenas body was found, Horn did not give up on the girl she lovingly called Sal.

For five years, Horn and other family members, including Selenas mother, Jackie Big Hair, have fought for answers in the teens death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Then on December 31, 2024, almost exactly five years after Selena was last seen, Robert Alvin Morning-Bromley III was charged with two counts of criminal endangerment, both felonies, in connection to her death.

Prosecutors allege Morning-Bromley, the driver of the van who was in his 20s at the time, left Selena and an adult at a rest stop knowing they were both intoxicated and not dressed for the cold weather.

Morning-Bromleys actions created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to the two women by leaving them under those conditions, the charges allege.

Horn, who has long dedicated her time to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, even more so after the death of Selena, told The Independent that the charges bring closure for her and Selenas mother.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its a big sigh of relief, she said. Its been a long and emotional five years and this is a chapter were ready to close.

But her aunt hopes that this is just the first time in the justice process.

I want this to go to trial, I want to hear the whole story, she said. They have not said anything this whole time. Were ready to listen.

Selenas aunt, Cheryl Horn, who has long dedicated her time to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, says the charges in her case bring a new chapter of closure (Provided)

While Morning-Bromleys actions may not have been malicious, he should still be held accountable, Horn believes.

He didnt have to leave them, she said. He admitted he left them. He didnt call the police. He just left them out there, on the frozen tundra. He needs to be held accountable.

The last day Selena Not Afraid was seen alive

Selena had been in Billings with a group of people for New Years Eve and the next day was riding back with them toward her home in Hardin, about 50 miles east, when the van broke down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When the driver, later identified as Morning-Bromley, eventually got the car working again, he supposedly told the women to get back in the van, but they refused and he drove off without them.

Another woman, identified as adult doe in the charging documents, was the only one there when someone later came to pick them up, according to Big Horn County Sheriffs officials.

A massive search effort was launched for Selena, centered on the rest stop. As temperatures dropped below freezing, her family grew more concerned.

On January 20, 2020, Selenas body was found in the brush less than a mile from where she was last seen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Big Horn County Sheriff Lawrence Big Hair later ruled her death an accident.

A familys tragic past

Selenas family are no strangers to grief.

Within a span of six years before her own death, Selena lost two sisters, including her twin, and her brother to tragic deaths.

She was just 11 years old when her twin sister, Zoey Not Afraid, died by suicide in 2014.

At the time, their father Leroy Not Afraid, said that school bullying led to Zoeys death, according to NBC Montana, although a later investigation reportedly did not find any evidence.

Three years later, in 2017, Selenas brother, Preston David Bell, 24, was shot and killed by police officers after he rammed a stolen pickup truck into several squad cars and then led police on a pursuit across Billings. Bell was shot 74 times in the span of six seconds, KTVQ reported.

Selenas family has faced tragedy in recent years. In 2018, her sister, Tristen Gray, was walking along Highway 3 in Billings when she was killed by a hit-and-run driver (Dahl Funeral Chapel)

The five officers involved in the shooting were all placed on leave but later reinstated, according to KTVQ. A coroners jury found that the officers were justified in the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Then in 2018, Selenas other sister, Tristen Gray, was walking along Highway 3 in Billings when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Charges filed five years later

In charging documents filed on December 31, 2024, prosecutors lay out what they believe happened in the hours leading up to Selenas disappearance.

Morning-Bromley told investigators that the van he was driving had mechanical issues with the water pump which caused him to stop and start the vehicle at different locations.

He pulled over at the rest stop outside the Crow reservation and thats when Selena and the unidentified woman got out of the van and refused to get back in for unknown reasons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Morning-Bromley was aware that both had been drinking a bottle of Black Velvet while traveling and were highly intoxicated, according to the court documents. He knew that they were not dressed appropriately for winter weather, and that the adult woman had no shoes on.

Despite this, Morning-Bromley left without them.

A massive search was launched at the rest stop along the desolate Montana highway but Selena Not Afraid wasnt found for weeks (Bureau of Indian Affairs)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He then called his mother, who was traveling the same direction in another vehicle about 15 minutes behind him, and asked her to pick up Selena and the other woman at the rest stop.

When Morning-Bromleys mother arrived at the rest stop, she found the woman who allegedly told her that Selena had walked off into the field south of the rest area, across the fence, and towards the hills, according to documents. The woman honked the horn but left after seeing no signs of Selena.

She later told her son what happened, and he said that he did not know who the girls were but that they were (b)eing little bitches and wouldnt get in, according to the court documents.

Morning-Bromley did not contact police and there is no record of him ever calling or reporting to law enforcement that [Selena] was missing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He is set to appear in court on January 21  a day after Selenas body was found five years ago.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

There can be justice

Despite years of uncertainty, frustration and heartbreak, the family has never given up their fight for justice  for Selena or any other victim of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) epidemic.

When charges were filed in her nieces case, Selenas aunt said she felt mentally and emotionally exhausted but grateful and believes its a step toward closure.

Despite years of uncertainty, frustration and heartbreak, the family has never given up their fight for justice for Selena (Provided)

This closure is needed to start the healing, she said. We dont want to be stuck in the same chapter. Its time to let Sal rest and move on to justice.

She said the charges against Morning-Bromley should inspire others. I hope this encourages other families to keep pushing, she added.

To never give up hope. There can still be justice.

How Selenas disappearance helped spark growth in the MMIW movement

Selenas case drew national attention in 2020  but its far from the only missing persons case in Big Horn County.

Indigenous persons go missing at a higher rate than other races in Montana, according to the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force.

While Indigenous people make up 6 percent to 6.5 percent of Montanas population, they account for 30.6 percent of missing persons cases. Out of the 2,263 reported missing in Montana last year, 693 were Indigenous.

The 2023 clearance rate for missing Indigenous persons is currently 99 percent, according to the task force. Out of the 693 Indigenous persons reported missing last year, five are still actively missing.

Horn, who is a member of the task force for the Fort Belknap Indian Community, credits the help of Montana law enforcement agencies, the changes in Big Horn County, specifically the addition of Jeanne Torske, Big Horn County Attorney, who has taken on reviewing the endless cases.

Selenas case drew national attention in 2020  but its far from the only missing persons case in Big Horn County. Her aunt hopes the charges in Selenas case will encourage other families to never give up hope (Justice For Selena Not Afraid And Family/Facebook)

Horn said she will continue to bring more resources to communities across Montana that would help affected families heal.

We only waited 20 days to find our Sal, Horn said.

Some families wait decades. Some never get closure. So just because we found Selena, doesnt mean its over. We cant forget the girls behind her, the ones who are still missing. Keep saying their names.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) The Shiloh community and the Bullard Center are making one final push, taking the journey to justice campaign to Washington DC to visit with the USDOT and Secretary Pete Buttigieg before the Biden-Harris administration leaves the office next week.

Although the trip is still a go, the key part of the trip has changed and now community members will not get what they ultimately hoped for.

We just got confirmation that there will not be a meeting in DC, and these are the same old things we have been dealing with Secretary Buttigieg where we cant even get a meeting, and once we do, it is canceled. We just want to talk to them about the partial VRA, said Shiloh community resident pastor Timothy Williams.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dothan man with learning disability recognized in hospital a week after going missing

First, the community will visit the New Birth Church in Atlanta on Sunday, which is one of the churches part of the communitys initiative, to get churches to pray for a solution to solve their flooding nightmare.

Were gonna talk about some of the things that we have been through, and they will also play the video and get everybody acquainted to whats going on in the Shiloh community,

From there, they head to DC for Tuesday when there is a press conference outside of the U.S. Department of Transportation featuring environmental justice leaders and the Sierra Club President Ben Jealous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Afterward, they will hand deliver a petition of over 5,000 signatures to Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who made promises to the community but will now be out of the office to speak at the University of Michigan that day.

The community found it ironic he went out of town after confirmations all week that they would be there.

Judge denies request to release bodycam footage in alleged Dothan brutality arrest

He wont even listen to us. It is as though he is running from us, yet he goes all around the country talking about the great work, but you are leaving Shiloh hanging. You saw whats going on here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With time ticking, Williams says the community wants a binding agreement from this administration to address the flooding and damages that are lingering and worsening. However, if they dont get it, they look at the next steps with their partners.

It will have to be legal action, so we are talking with attorneys. Its sad you have to go that route. They created it, so its time to go after ALDOT, USDOT, and FHWA because they put us in a bad situation, and they know it.

Williams says as of now, the problem is flooding into a third administration, but they plan to keep fighting for justice no matter who is in office.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  If approved, Senate Bill 74 will offer free breakfast and lunch to the remaining schools in Escambia County still on meal applications.

Atmore residents input sought on city-wide curfew

An eligibility requirement currently hinders 11 schools still on meal applications. Meal applications are required by Beulah Elementary, Cordova Park Elementary, Cook Elementary, Kingsfield Elementary, Ransom Middle, Hellen Caro Elementary, West Florida High, Tate High, Suter Elementary, Brown Barge Elementary, and Blue Angels Elementary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Eligibility is based on the free and reduced students at a school that are directly certified by the state, and so if schools have a certain percentage of those students, then all the students at the school are able to eat for free, said Escambia County Public Schools Food Service Director Jaleena Davis.

Davis said this program would be a huge financial benefit for these families, as all students would qualify despite their household income.

It would be a significant benefit financially for families to not have to pay even the reduced rate for meals on a daily basis, said Davis.

Davis believes the only way the bill may not pass is from a lack of funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It does cost money to serve these free meals to families, and food service operations are self-supporting, meaning we have to make the money to operate our programs, and so we cant just give out free meals without have sufficient reimbursement to cover it, added Davis.

Davis added that this program would not only benefit families, but also schools. She said it would decrease paperwork for the school systems, as they would not have to process free and reduced lunch applications.

If passed, the bill would become effective on July 1st.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WFLA)  A flight crew says they were flying an empty jet over the Bahamas on Dec 23 when they saw a spherical glowing object darting through the sky.

According to an NBC 6 article, Cassandra Martin, a flight attendant for the private air service Surjet, said she was mid-flight when she heard traffic control notify them of a foreign object before asking them to identify it.

The flight attendant then pulled out her phone and began to take a video of the strange object.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Martin described the object, telling reporters that she saw three white orbs that changed to slightly green when she looked at them and appeared to have an electric field around them.

She told reporters the object was positioned above them and remained hovering in the sky for about 45 minutes.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Its widely known that Gov. Ron DeSantis is open to the idea of a special session to help resolve the condo affordability crisis. However, the governor is also open to the idea of state lawmakers doing more before the yearly scheduled session starts.

One thing state lawmakers can do now, the governor said, is fund the My Safe Florida Home Program that offers up to $10,000 toward home improvements.

ACLU sues Gov. DeSantis on behalf of Florida voters over special elections

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If somebody needs relief, give it to them now instead of waiting until July 1, DeSantis said. Fund that, because if theyre going to make repairs anyway, this will help them fortify it. So thats time sensitive.

State Senate President Ben Albritton, whose district includes portions of Polk and Hardee counties, has already expressed the need to help farmers who faced damage during the back-to-back storms.

There are things with agriculture that I know President Albritton is interested in, DeSantis said.

So far, its unclear if Republican leadership in the legislative branch would like a special session at all, especially one that includes handling multiple topics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Democratic state Rep. Michele Rayner, out of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, agrees with the governor on funding programs to help with hurricane relief but said more can be done about insurance.

We can fund the My Safe Florida now. No. 2, we actually have to really have a real conversation about property insurance, Reyner said.

Gov. DeSantis is also interested in doing more to expand on previous laws involving immigration.

Trump gets no-penalty sentence in his hush money case, while calling it despicable

There needs to be some additional legislation to help complement the federal governments newfound appreciation to stop illegal immigration and hold people accountable, DeSantis said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The governor is referring to a change in leadership at the White House.

Ive spoken with President-elect Trump about when he comes in, theres going to be a lot of executive orders taking place, DeSantis said. Theres going to be a lot of changes in policy, particularly in respect to illegal immigration.

The governor didnt go into specifics on what lawmakers should vote on but discussed state efforts about immigration under his watch.

We are not a sanctuary state. We banned sanctuary cities my first year as governor, DeSantis said. We have the transport program. Weve done a lot. We passed a major bill in 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That bill includes funding a migrant relocation program, limiting social services for undocumented immigrants, and strengthening employment requirements.

Rep. Rayner said theres nothing more Florida can do about immigration.

We dont need a special session about that. No. 2, I think its an awful idea, Rayner said. Immigration falls squarely in the federal governments purview. There is nothing that the state of Florida needs to do.

USF Political Communications Professor Joshua Scacco said the governor is proposing ideas voters want and putting the ball in lawmakers hands.

If nothing else, what the governor is doing is aligning these sort of calls for a special session with where citizen and voter sentiment is. At least in terms, what are the most important issues, Scacco 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 WFLA.
EDGEWATER, Fla. (WFLA)  A man is dead and his wife injured after a shooting that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.

According to the Volusia Sheriffs Office, they responded to reports of a shooting on Carol Ann Drive around 12:17 a.m.

In a social media post, VSO said that a husband shot his wife before turning the gun on himself following an argument.

The wife was taken to a nearby hospital where VSO said she remains in stable condition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officers noted that there was no reported history of domestic violence or related incidents involving the couple.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Family owned and operated; Big Island Burgers are made with 100% grass-fed, never-frozen Big Island beef. Owner, Jeff Carzino, joined Brittni Friedlander on Wake Up 2Day with all the details.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Big Island Burgers opened just about two months ago.

Owner, Jeff, shared the process of how they source and prepare each ingredient. We prepare each patty and season it with our house made rub. We use local and organic ingredients from Hawaiian farms like Hamakua Alii mushrooms from the Big Island and lettuce from Kunia farms and nalo farms. Our tomatoes are by Kawamata Farms, and we freshly cut our French fries daily as well. We offer handmade taro black bean burgers and salad with sushi grade ahi for vegetarians and pescatarians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Staying on track for another Great Aloha Run

Located in Waikiki, Big Island Burgers validates parking and not only supports local businesses through purchasing produce but also supports the guests.

Kamaaina can enjoy a 15% discount when visiting the restaurant.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

If you are looking for a mouth-watering experience in paradise you can find more information and follow the journey through their Instagram (@Bigisland.burger).

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
The maniac who allegedly knifed a USPS worker to death during a squabble in a Harlem deli last week was caught on video brawling in Upper Manhattan last spring.

Jaia Cruz is seen in the middle of 3rd Avenue and East 121st Street wildly swinging a white picture frame at a mans head in broad daylight at the start of the three-minute resurfaced clip.

The man then punches the trans woman in the face, and when she tries to run away, a second man charges up and bashes her head.

Jaia Cruz, who allegedly murdered a USPS work, was caught on camera brawling with two men last spring.

The second assailant then drags Cruz to the ground by her hair, where he continues to kick and beat her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The first attacker proceeds to yank Cruzs hair and grabs her purse before the pair saunter off, the video shows.

Aye, yo, dont kill that na, bro! a bystander repeatedly shouts in the clip, which was posted on X by the account New York Shty.

Cops confirmed a violent robbery occurred at the intersection on June 12. Two men, Jonathan Duran, 37, and Rysuan Braxton, 34, were busted with second-degree robbery after the pair punched a woman in the back of the head and threw her into the ground before swiping her purse and headphones, an NYPD spokesperson said.

Almost seven months later, Cruz, 24, was slapped with murder and manslaughter charges for the senseless killing of on-duty postal worker Ray Hodge III at Joes Grocery in Harlem on Jan. 2.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The unhinged woman flew into a blinding rage and allegedly spat on the father of two and repeatedly stabbed him after he cut her in line to order a sandwich.

Cruz had at least five prior arrests leading up to the bloody stabbing, including for waving a box cutter at a person in Midtown West in July 2020 and threatening she was going to cut him, law enforcement sources previously told The Post.

One of the men punched Cruz in the face, before another dragged her to the ground and kicked her. Facebook Sama Beezly

One of the men stole Cruzs purse after they finished pummeling her. Facebook Sama Beezly

Hodges family grieved the death of their hardworking, honorable and good kin, whom they said had always been willing to help others.

Ray touched the lives of so many and we all are truly blessed to have known and had the opportunity to love him, his family wrote on a GoFundMe that has raised nearly $9,000 so far for funeral expenses.

Cruz, who is being held at Rikers Island, declined an interview request.
The weekend got off to a chilly start across Chicagoland, but some peaks of sunshine managed to break through on Saturday.

Clouds returned in the afternoon hours and Saturdays high temperature was close to the freezing mark.

SATURDAY OVERNIGHT: Light snow at times late with minor accumulations. Most get about 1/2 to an inch. Winds: WSW 5-10 mph. Low 27

SUNDAY: Some morning snow & areas of afternoon freezing drizzle. Winds: SW 10-20, G25 mph. High 35.

WGN Weather Center

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Maps & Interactive Radar

Extended 7-Day Forecast

After a relatively quiet start to the weekend, another round of snow expected on Sunday, but amounts are expected to be light, generally less than an inch for most areas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The extended outlook calls for much colder temperatures for the beginning of the work week.

Highs on Monday/Tuesday will only get into the mid to upper teens but we do get some nice sunshine.

Lows on Tuesday/Wednesday will be dangerously cold with sub-zero wind chills.

We warm up to the mid to low 20s on Wednesday and then above freezing for what looks like several days in a row getting into next weekend.

Warming Centers

The City of Chicago coordinates a network of more than 190 public facilities available for warming. This includes participating Chicago Public Library locations, Chicago Park District, Chicago Police Department and City Colleges of Chicago facilities during business or designated hours.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Department of Family & Support Services:

The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services activates warming areas at the citys six community service centers when temps are 32 degrees or below.

The warming areas are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with reduced locations on holidays.

Under extreme cold conditions, as defined by the National Weather Service and communicated by OEMC, warming center hours of operation at 10 S. Kedzie may be extended.

Seniors are welcome at any of DFSSs 21 senior centers. DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather. Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations and hours.

Those seeking a warm place to go after hours can also call 3-1-1 to be connected with available services.

Individuals requiring emergency overnight shelter should also call 3-1-1.

DFSS Homeless Outreach and Prevention (HOP) teams and street outreach partners work proactively with unhoused individuals to connect with warming options, shelter and well-being checks.

Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, neighbors and friends during a winter weather emergency.

Warming Center Locations available Monday, Jan. 6  Friday, Jan. 10:

All Community Service Centers (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Englewood Community Service Center  1140 West 79th Street.

Garfield Community Service Center  10 South Kedzie Avenue.

Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center  4314 South Cottage Grove.

North Area Community Service Center  845 West Wilson Avenue.

South Chicago Community Service Center  8650 South Commercial Avenue.

Trina Davila Community Service Center  4312 West North Avenue.

Senior Centers (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)  visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for locations.

Chicago Public Library locations, visit chipublib.org for hours and locations.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rory Sykes, a former Australian child star, died in the California wildfires at the age of 32.

It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yesterday. Im totally heart broken, Rorys mom, Shelley Sykes, wrote via X on Thursday, January 9.

Shelley described Rory as a wonderful son and a gift born on mine & his grandmas birthday. She added that Rory, who was best known for his role in Kiddy Kapers, a childrens television show in England, was an avid fan of Apple products, former Apple CEO Tim Cook and RuneScape, a popular mobile game.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shelley continued, Rory was born blind with cerebral palsy & had difficulty walking. He overcame so much with surgeries & therapies to regain his sight & to be able to learn to walk. Despite the pain, he still enthused about traveling the world with me from Africa to Antarctica.

Rory was also known for his work as an inspirational speaker and Shelley said he was sought after by Tony Robbins.

Rory had his own cottage on our 17 acre Mount Malibu TV Studio estate, decked out with all the latest apple gadgets, which burnt down yesterday 8 Jan 2024 Malibu Fires. I couldnt put out the cinders on his roof with a hose because the water was switched off by @LVMWD Las Virgenes Municipal Water, Shelley added at the end of her message. Even the 50 brave firefighters had no water all day! He will be incredibly missed by [his] mama, his pet peacocks, Edgee and Mickie, and all his online fans around the world!

The California wildfires began on Tuesday, January 7, and they quickly spread, leaving devastation in their wake. At the time of publication, the flames had killed 11 people and destroyed thousands of businesses and homes in the Los Angeles area. Five people were killed in the Pacific Palisades fire and six died in the Eaton fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While lightning is often the leading cause of wildfires in the area, authorities have ruled out that possibility. The combination of strong winds and dry conditions caused the fires to spread rapidly, displacing around 180,000 people and wildlife alike. On Saturday, January 11, NBC News reported that approximately 150,000 people were under mandatory evacuation notices.

Climate scientist Daniel Swain spoke about the fires to Inside Climate News and said that the alternating conditions of heavy rainfall and overly dry conditions over the last several years in California has made the area more susceptible.

Its not just that drier conditions are perpetually more likely in a warming climate, Swain told the publication. "Its that this oscillation back and forth between states is something that is particularly consequential for wildfire risk in Southern California."

Several celebrities have lost their homes in the blaze, including Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, Mandy Moore, John Goodman, Miles and Keleigh Teller and more.

To everyone reaching out I cant thank you enough, your kind hearts have meant the world, Ill never forget them, Keleigh wrote via Instagram alongside the last photo of her and Miles house before it was destroyed. Community has come out stronger than I could imagine, Pacific Palisades I love you beyond measure; you are a little slice of heaven, we will come back stronger than ever.
Karl Nehammer, who resigned a week ago as Austria's chancellor after attempts to form a coalition government without the far right collapsed, is withdrawing from national politics and giving up his seat in parliament, the APA news agency reported on Saturday.

He will formally announce he is stepping down from the National Council, or the lower house of parliament, by the time the next session of the chamber opens on January 22, a spokeswoman for the Chancellery in Vienna told APA.

Nehammer became chancellor in December 2021. His political ambitions were derailed by parliamentary elections in September, when his conservative Peoples Party (OVP) came in second to the far-right and eurosceptic Freedom Party (FPO).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Months of negotiations to form a coalition with centrist parties ultimately fell apart in early January. That led to Nehammer's resignation and FPO leader Herbert Kickl getting the chance to try and form a government.

While Nehammer had rejected the OVP governing with the FPO, new OVP leader Christian Stocker said he was willing to engage in coalition talks with Kickl.

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is currently serving as caretaker chancellor. Nehammer's last day on the job was Friday.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A former DC Parks and Recreation (DPS) employee was sentenced Friday to over 12 years in prison after fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy just over two years ago.

A jury in August 2024 found 42-year-old Jason Lewis not guilty of second-degree murder after he shot and killed 13-year-old Karon Blake. The jury did, however, convict him on other counts, including manslaughter and assault with a dangerous weapon.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Jury convicts DC government employee manslaughter in deadly shooting of 13-year-old

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lewis said he heard sounds outside of his home in the early hours of Jan. 7, 2023, on Quincy Street NE. He believed a gunshot was fired from a car in an alley and fired toward the area.

Blake then ran toward him and Lewis fired a second and third time, shooting and killing the teenager.

Lewis claimed he acted in self-defense, which the jury rejected.

Several of Blakes family members spoke before Lewiss sentencing on Friday, Jan. 10. One aunt called him a coward.

His grandmother said to Lewis, You broke our family with your actions.

Prosecutors claimed Lewis tried to kill one of the kids as revenge for breaking into his car, while the defense brought up how he performed CPR and was not revengeful, but mortified over what happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lewis apologized to Blakes family, saying the young man deserved to live a full life and because of my actions that is not possible.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Karon Blakes mother talks after man charged with 13-year-olds murder

Theres not a day or night that goes by I dont think about my actions, he said.

He also apologized to his own family and the youth of the city, with whom he worked while a DPS employee.

I have destroyed the trust Ive built with the young people of this city, he said.

Prosecutors had asked Judge Anthony Epstein to sentence him to 25 years, but Lewis was sentenced to half. The judge said he believes Lewis saw people breaking into cars from his bedroom, given how as soon as he stepped out of the house, he fired toward the car in the alley.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He didnt have to pull the trigger the second and the third time when he saw a figure running out of the dark, Epstein said.

He said under D.C. Law, people cant use deadly force to prevent property crime and that the kids did not pose an imminent danger. Lewis, he said, could have stayed in his house.

Epstein added that there was no evidence that Lewis knew the age or race of the figures in the darkness and that he didnt know they were children. He noted that before the shooting, Lewis led an exemplary life and was a devoted father.

He called him a good man who committed a terrible crime.

Lewis was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison. Over seven of those years relate to his manslaughter conviction, while five are for both assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He will also undergo five years of supervised release once he has served his time.

Epstein said Lewis doesnt need rehabilitative services and believes he has learned his lesson. He said his lengthy sentence is to deter others so they know they cannot take the law into their own hands.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Former FEMA official on wildfires: LA deserves better

More than 36,000 acres have been burned in total as wildfires continue to rage across the Los Angeles area, and at least 10 people have died in the Pacific Palisades wildfire.

Former FEMA official Thomas Panuzio joins NewsNations Dan Abrams Live to discuss the criticism California leadership is facing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 10A former Lakes Region home improvement contractor has been sentenced to prison for allegedly stealing more than $200,000 in customers' funds.

The Belknap County Grand Jury indicted Gerard Michael Healey, 57, of Meredith, in November 2023 on two counts of theft by misapplication of property, and one count of theft by unauthorized taking, according to a news release from the Attorney General's Office, which is prosecuting the case.

Attorney General John Formella said Friday that Healey was sentenced on a class A felony count of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, a class A felony count of theft by misapplication of property, and a class A misdemeanor count of violating an injunction issued under the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Healey was sentenced to 4 1/2 to 10 years in state prison for the theft by unauthorized taking or transfer charge. On the theft by misapplication of property charge, Healey was sentenced to serve 7 1/2 to 15 years in state prison, fully suspended, with the suspended sentence ending 10 years from his release on the theft by unauthorized taking or transfer charge.

On the misdemeanor count of violating an injunction issued under the Consumer Protection Act, Healey was sentenced to one year in jail, fully suspended, with the suspended sentence ending two years from his release on the theft by unauthorized taking or transfer charge.

Healey pleaded guilty to the charges in Belknap County Superior Court in October 2024. The charges stemmed from his conduct while serving as the owner of Pinnacle Metal Roofing, a roofing company formerly located in Meredith.

Healey stole a total of $212,394 in deposits from 23 victims who provided the deposits as prepayments for roofing work on their houses that he did not perform, the AG's office said.

In addition to the thefts, he also took and kept 19 of the deposits in criminal violation of a consent judgment he entered into with the Department of Justice's Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau in 2017, officials said.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  A former member of the Virginia Board of Medicine was surprised to learn of allegations that a whistleblower was reprimanded by Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, as described in a federal indictment related to convicted OB-GYN Javaid Perwaiz.

Chesapeake hospital indicted for healthcare fraud

Perwaiz was arrested in 2019 and convicted in 2020 on federal charges of healthcare fraud and making false statements. Dozens of patients were subjected to unnecessary and dangerous procedures at Chesapeake Regional and other locations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The indictment claims that a whistleblower colleague of Perwaiz, identified only as W.R., complained to the Board of Medicine and was reprimanded by CRMC and forced to apologize to its president.

Stephen Heretick, a former delegate and former member of the Board of Medicine, was stunned at learning what had happened to W.R.

That surprises me greatly, because the safety of the practice does rely upon individuals such as other practitioners to point out practices such as these, he said in a Friday afternoon interview. We rely upon whistleblowers.

Heretick was also stumped after reviewing Perwaizs Board of Medicine file. He pointed to a 1984 document that cited Perwaiz for numerous infractions, but the file contains no corresponding punishment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was charged with a litany of abusive patient practices, including a series of unjustifiable hysterectomies and sexual contact with patients, Heretick said. Theres nothing in the board record which indicates what happened. Had these allegations come before the board during my tenure, he never would have had his license back.

Heretick served on the board from 2003 until 2014.

Meanwhile, a Chesapeake Regional staff member who wanted to remain anonymous told WAVY that the indictment wasnt completely surprising because weve known since 2019 about Perwaiz. As far as morale, theres no great sense of paranoia and the staff member believes CRMC acted in good faith and will be cleared.

Heretick is a former federal prosecutor and said he has not seen a previous case similar to this one.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its very rare that you see an institution being federally charged, he said, and added that the private health plans who covered Perwaizs bogus procedures  Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Sentara Optima, and Optum  could also have cases against CRMC.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A special ceremony took place Friday in downtown Columbus, honoring retired Ohio Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton with a portrait dedication.

Attendees gathered at the Thomas J. Moyer Judicial Center in downtown Columbus to debut her portrait and honor Strattons impactful career.

I always believe that I was always able to, by not wearing a chip on my shoulder in being the first woman in many of these things, was able to pave the way for other women to get there as well, Stratton said. My parents made me believe I could be anything I wanted to be.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stratton served on Ohios highest court from 1996 until 2013. After a childhood spent in southeast Asia, she returned to America at age 18 and worked her way through school. She earned a juris doctor degree from Ohio States Moritz College of Law.

She began her legal career as a trial lawyer and, in 1989, because the first woman to be elected as a judge on the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Justice Stratton was appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court in 1996 and elected to her third term in 2008.

Justice Stratton also dedicated years of service to advancing mental health initiatives in the court system, both in Ohio and nationally.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Four members of the Islamic State, including two senior leaders, were killed in an airstrike carried out by Iraqi aircraft in the Hamrin Mountains in eastern Iraq, security officials said on Saturday.

The Iraqi Security Media Cell, an official body responsible for disseminating security information, said in a statement four bodies of Islamic State (IS) militants were found in the area where Iraqi F-16 fighter jets carried out the strike on Friday.

Talib Al-Mousawi, an official at Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) - a grouping of armed factions originally set up to fight Islamic State in 2014 that was subsequently recognized as an official security force, told Reuters the dead included two top IS leaders in the Diyala province in eastern Iraq.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The identity of another militant will be determined following an examination, the Security Media Cell said.

At the height of its power from 2014-2017, the IS "caliphate" imposed death and torture on communities in vast swathes of Iraq and Syria and had influence across the Middle East.

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.

IS 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.

(Reporting by Moayed Kenany; Editing by Mark Potter)
Michelle Sy just wants to get her two sons Nintendo Switch. That and her mothers cancer medication, the 9-year-olds EpiPen and their family photo albums. But mainly the Switch.

She and her husband, Bendick, had just 20 minutes to pack their car and evacuate as the Palisades fire bore down on their Pacific Palisades home Tuesday night.

They grabbed Michelles Kindle, Bendicks laptop, some important documents, and the boys stuffed animals and Pokemon cards, and headed to their relatives' house in Cerritos.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I knew they would cry if I didnt save their Pokemon cards, said Michelle, 42.

On Friday, the couple left their kids with Michelles parents and made the hours drive from Cerritos to Santa Monica. Their goal was to collect their belongings from their and their septuagenarian parents houses, which neighbors have told them remain standing while many houses around them have been reduced to rubble.

Read more: Winds prolong fire risk as investigators probe electric tower as possible origin of Eaton fire

They were among the many Pacific Palisades residents who have been turned away at the checkpoints that ring the evacuation zone that has spread across much of the neighborhood and surrounding areas this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For much of Wednesday and Thursday, people say the lockdown was significantly less strict and many displaced families were able to access the areas on foot, bicycle or e-bike. By Friday, even pedestrians were being blocked from entering.

The increased security Friday came a day after police reported that 20 people were arrested on suspicion of looting homes in L.A. County wildfire zones.

The Sy family arrived in Santa Monica in their blue minivan shortly before 2 p.m. and headed to the California Incline. Within seconds, a Santa Monica police officer told them they couldnt proceed onto the ramp connecting Ocean Boulevard to Pacific Coast Highway.

Hi, were residents. Can we get medicines? Bendick, 46, yelled from the van window.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Not right now, the officer barked back, then directed them to park and walk back if they wanted to talk further.

When they got back to the Incline, they spoke with two members of the National Guard.

Locals aren't allowed to drive in. It's just firefighters, police, some press, one said. But anyone is free to actually walk over there.

Erika Aklufi, a spokesperson for the Santa Monica Police Department, said it tightened security at its checkpoints between Wednesday and Thursday because they just couldnt handle the volume of people who were trying to access the burn zone. The goal was to funnel people to LAPD-managed checkpoints, where people could request police escorts to their homes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I dont think you understand how much of a problem weve had with people trying to get in, she said. "It wasnt trying to be punitive in any way; it was really trying to help manage a chaotic situation.

Read more: Containment grows on Palisades, Eaton fires as Brentwood, Encino residents remain on edge

LAPD Sgt. Hector Guzman said residents can go to any of seven checkpoints between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and can be escorted to retrieve necessities. The locations are: Sunset Boulevard and Kenter Avenue, Sunset Boulevard and Kenter Avenue, Sunset Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, Sunset Boulevard and Amalfi Drive, Temescal Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway, Channel Road and Pacific Coast Highway, and Amalfi Drive and Channel Road.

The Sys werent interested in walking five miles through burning hills to their home, and then five miles back with their belongings. So they argued their case there on the Santa Monica street, trying to find an angle that would allow them past the makeshift checkpoint in a vehicle. They mentioned the needed medications, their treasured belongings, their belief that they should be allowed as residents to return to their own homes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

My house is still standing, Bendick pleaded. So I'm actually worried about the looters.

No luck. The Guard members told them Santa Monica police werent allowing anyone through.

They headed toward a checkpoint near the Brentwood Country Mart, but even before they got there it was clear they wouldn't be getting by. Nobody else seemed to be. They didn't even try.

"I almost broke yesterday because this is so sad," Michelle said as they sat in their van considering their next move. "I was hoping today to get some of my stuff and some of the stuff on Jacob's list," she added, referring to their 13-year-old.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"He wants his books, his trophies," Bendick said, reading through a hand-scrawled list of wanted items Jacob had asked them to fetch. "He wants his black belt, and even his dojo is gone."

Some other residents weren't as easily deterred. Some of those who chose to walk up PCH tried their luck hitchhiking with the few vehicles that had been able to cross into the evacuation zone.

Even if they made it to Pacific Palisades, the journey was far from over.

Family members checking on the homes of relatives were turned away by Los Angeles police officers guarding the neighborhoods of winding streets because they didnt have IDs showing local addresses. Residents were shuffled into lines where some had to wait for hours for an official escort.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the checkpoint at Sunset Boulevard, the crowd hummed with anxiety. One couple tried  unsuccessfully  to break through on bikes. Another couple tried on foot, feigning oblivion to the officers blocking the road.

We live there! exclaimed resident Ivo Venkov as he was waved down by an LAPD officer.

It didn't matter. He and his wife, Rossi, were told to put their name on a list and wait their turn, which, they quickly learned, could take hours.

The thing is  people are saying they have medication to get, the officer explained to the crowd. But theyre going inside and grabbing everything.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: Faulty evacuation alerts woke Angelenos in a panic. What's wrong with L.A.'s emergency system?

Its hard to blame them. All had fled with a tiny fraction of their belongings as flames crept nearer to their homes.

It was like a medieval description of the inferno, Venkov said of his evacuation. Dante, Bosch, you name it.

One woman had been waiting patiently for an hour and a half to see whether she even had a home. The answer lay just around the curve, about 300 yards from where she stood.

Were doing our best with one little pickup truck and two staffers, said Juan Fregoso, district director for Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, whose district includes Pacific Palisades, and was helping organize the checkpoint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Matt Mass, 16, knew his home was still standing thanks to security cameras inside. He had walked from Santa Monica with his cousin, 17-year-old Asher Sarraf, to try to get medication for his brother from his home. After being told it could take a few hours  and with a 6 p.m. curfew approaching  he gave up.

Farther up Sunset beyond the checkpoint, there were few signs of the residents who called the neighborhood home.

The Palisades was more like a ghost town than ever before, with checkpoints the tightest they'd been since the fire broke out. The streets were eerie and barren, populated almost entirely by first responders and news crews.

Jack, another 16-year-old who made the trek Friday and declined to give his last name, was one of the few exceptions. In search of his laptop, he and his friend had made an eventful two-hour journey from Santa Monica, with their phones turned off. The constant emergency alerts were getting annoying, he said.

When we got stopped by the cops, we just said OK and walked backwards and just found another route, 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.
Freemasonry, the oldest fraternal organization in the world, exists to Make Good Men Better, using the tools of the builders trade to teach moral and philosophical lessons. Guided by principles of good character, active citizenship, and community service, Freemasons are dedicated to helping those in need.

Columbia Lodge #58 AF&AM, Fredericks local Masonic Lodge, exemplifies these values. Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Maryland on Nov. 7, 1815, Columbia Lodge #58 has long been a pillar of the Frederick community. Recently, the Lodge was granted funds to be donated to a local charity that embodies the Masonic commitment to compassion and service.

After thoughtful deliberation over several meetings, the brethren of Columbia Lodge #58 selected Heartly House as the recipient of this donation. Heartly House is a well-known and highly respected organization in Frederick, providing comprehensive, free-of-charge services to survivors of intimate partner violence sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Heartly Houses mission resonates deeply with our teachings to care for the less fortunate and give back to the community, said Wayne Clark, an officer of Columbia Lodge #58. Their tireless work to support survivors and advocate for safety, empowerment, and healing makes them a worthy organization to receive this donation.

This contribution reflects Columbia Lodge #58s enduring commitment to making a meaningful impact in the Frederick community. By supporting Heartly House, the Lodge hopes to strengthen resources available to survivors and reinforce the shared mission of fostering hope and empowerment.

For more information about Columbia Lodge #58 AF&AM, visit www.columbialodge58.org. To learn more about Heartly House and its services, go to heartlyhouse.org.
Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of the French far-right nationalist party formerly known as the National Front, was buried on Saturday.

Le Pen died on Tuesday at the age of 96.

Around 100 police officers were on duty for the funeral in La Trinite-sur-Mer in Brittany.

Prior to the funeral, the authorities had imposed a ban on demonstrations, fearing political rallies by Le Pen's opponents and supporters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Tuesday, hundreds of people had celebrated the news of Le Pen's death.

In 1972, Le Pen co-founded the National Front and led it for nearly four decades. The party was later renamed National Rally.

Le Pen, who was later expelled from the party, had in his final years mainly made headlines due to his political feud with his daughter Marine Le Pen.

She broke politically with her father after he repeatedly thwarted her strategy of adopting a more moderate approach. Under her leadership, the party renamed and rebranded itself in 2018.

Le Pen was born in 1928 as the son of a Breton fisherman and a seamstress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After studying law and politics, he joined the French Foreign Legion. He was repeatedly accused of torturing prisoners during the 1954-62 Algerian War, which he denied. However, he lost a defamation lawsuit against the newspaper Le Monde in 2003.

He was repeatedly convicted for downplaying Nazi crimes and inciting hatred.

Le Pen's biggest coup came when he placed second in the 2002 presidential election, facing Jacques Chirac in the run-off.
DENVER (KDVR)  As wildfires ravage the Los Angeles region of California, killing at least 10 people and destroying neighborhoods, fire departments from across the Front Range are sending firefighters and crews to assist.

An Air Force Reserve unit stationed in Colorado is also assisting California. The 302d Airlift Wing, stationed at Peterson Space Force Base, departed for California Saturday to assist in aerial firefighting support, according to a press release.

The 302 AW sent its C-130H aircraft equipped with the U.S. Forest Service-owned Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) and associated wing personnel after the U.S. Northern Command activated the unit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The 302 AW is the only Air Force Reserve unit assigned to this mission so far.

Colorado fire crews responding to LA fires

On Friday, Boulder Fire-Rescue said it received a resource request to help with the fires in southern California that have devastated the Los Angeles area. Its one of several agencies to get the call.

How to donate to LA wildfire relief

In response, the Boulder agency said its sending a Type 3 engine with four firefighters as part of a strike team of engines from Colorado. These members will have company from Colorado, as the crew will meet up with five engines and crew members from different Front Range departments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Once the Boulder crews get to California, the agency said they would be there for up to two weeks helping with fire suppression and any other needs.

With our crew, Boulder Fire-Rescue sends our sympathies for the loss of life and the loss of property that has already occurred because of the fires. We hope all firefighters and first responders stay safe throughout this critical time, said Boulder Fire-Rescue in a post on X.

The Aurora Fire Rescue agency also received a request to assist with the LA wildfires on Friday, and said it was deploying a Type 3 brush engine and a crew. They left the area as of Friday afternoon.

On Wednesday, a trio of Castle Rock firefighters took one of the departments brush trucks and began their journey to LA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Also on Wednesday, the state sent one of its two multi-mission aircraft to aid with the LA fire response.

The Hartsel Fire Protection District, of Park County, deployed its wild team with a type 6 vehicle Wednesday to Southern California.

The Stratmoor Hills Fire District, of Colorado Springs, sent its Engine 418 to southern California and was assigned to help with the Eaton Fire on Thursday. They responded to the incident command post at the Rose Bowl Stadium for their orders.

On Thursday, the Southern Arkansas Fire Protection District sent out a Type III Engine with four crew members to assist.

Colorado fire crews form strike team in California

On Friday, the Denver Fire Department said it stands with our brothers and sisters on the front lines of these fires and all communities impacted by this tragic event. The agency is also sending a team to assist and said it has more ready to deploy if needed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Our prayers go out to all the families affected by this devastating wildfire, Denver Fire said on X.

FOX31 spoke to the Denver Fire Department about what its efforts might look like in the next couple of days.

Last night we got a resource order to go to California. Were going to report to Beaumont, California which is close to Riverside. Were on a task force here in Colorado, Task Force 7, so were in a small type 6 engine, said Tolo Martinez of the Denver Fire Department.

With the crew on-route and expecting to arrive tomorrow, the firefighters arent sure where they will be stationed but are ready to help out in whatever capacity they are needed in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When we get to Beaumont, theyll probably tell us where to go from there. So, we could either go do some mop-up or we might just be doing some structure protection or we could just be backfilling other fire stations. Theres plenty of work to be done out in California, said Martinez.

While not physically close to home, Martinez knows how close to home the fires can hit even for Coloradans.

All of us, were all in the wildland team so were all over the country. Before that, I was a Fed for 14 years so I was all over the country, including Alaska, Australia, stuff like that. California, thats definitely my old stomping grounds, said Martinez. Just the fact that were really happy to go out there and help out our brothers and sisters in California in the West Coast. We all have family, we all have something to do with the Palisade Fire especially, but everybody has some kind of connection out there.

Four members of the South Metro Fire Rescue Wildland Team deployed to California as part of a strike team to aid in the wildfires. The team left on a Type 3 Brush Engine Friday night.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is why we sign up to be on the Wildland team, to go out and deploy and hopefully make a difference out there, said Firefighter Hildebrandt on X.

Another four firefighters from West Metro Fire Rescue are on the road as well, leaving the station at about 7 p.m. and planning to report for duty at 10 a.m. Sunday. The team took a Type 6 engine, which is also called a brush truck. The agency described it as having four-wheel drive, which allows it to maneuver in steep terrain, and said it has a 300-gallon water tank on board with two portable pumps and wildland hand tools.

When our firefighters accept an assignment like this one, they pack all the personal items and work gear theyll need for 14 days, including a tent and sleeping bag. Its probable that they will be sleeping in a camp set up on local fairgrounds, or at a park or event center, the agency explained.

North Metro Fire Rescue shared this photo of Colorado firefighters who will make up a strike team to fight the Palisades Fire in California this week. (North Metro Fire Rescue)

On Sunday, four members of the North Metro Fire Wildland Team arrived safely in California alongside other wildland firefighters from Colorado. The agency said the crews will serve as a strike team on the Palisades Fire and could be deployed for up to two weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is the first deployment for our new Type 3 Engine, which carries 500 gallons of water and has off-road abilities and features specialized for wildland firefighting, North Metro Fire Rescue added on X.

Greeley firefighters also responded to Southern California, with two members of the Greeley Fire Department and one from the Platte Valley Fire Protection District. Greeley is also assigning a firefighter to help the Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District while some of its personnel is deployed to California as well.

Other agencies in Colorado stand ready to assist if called upon.

Colorado firefighters, firefighting aircraft will help fight California fires

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As of Friday afternoon, the Pacific Palisades fire, the largest burning fire near LA, had reportedly destroyed over 5,300 structures. Officials were optimistic that a break in the winds would help firefighters make progress on the flames, but the fires arent out.

If you are looking for a way to support fire victims, consider a donation to the American Red Cross or additional ways to donate to wildfire relief.

The Associated Press 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 FOX31 Denver.
Jan. 11FROSTBURG  The city of Frostburg has outlined plans to fill its soon- to-be-vacant city administrator role.

Elizabeth Stahlman will leave the post Jan. 31 to take a position as executive director of the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland. She has served as administrator since April 2019 and was the city's community development director before that.

"I will always look fondly upon my time with the city and the many friendships that have been made," Stahlman said Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I am excited to start in a new role, but change will be good for Frostburg, and I look forward to seeing what is to come."

Director of Public Works Hayden Lindsey will serve as acting city administrator beginning Feb. 1, while Project Manager Lydia Claar will be acting deputy city administrator.

Both officials will also retain their current roles.

The city also announced plans for a national recruitment to permanently fill the position.

"It is expected the hiring process will take several months," the city said in a Thursday press release.

Stahlman said her biggest achievement was helping to orchestrate the completion of the $2.8 million Frostburg Municipal Center in addition to countless infrastructural improvements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I cannot thank the commissioners, Mayor Todd Logsdon and former Mayor Bob Flanigan enough for their support, respect and confidence over that last 5 1/2 years," she said.

Lindsey said he is sad to see Stahlman leave the position.

"Losing someone like Elizabeth Stahlman is tough, and replacing her can't be done; she is one of one as a leader," he said. "Elizabeth brought so much to the city of Frostburg."

Lindsey said Stahlman left a "healthy culture" and "effective business" that will last beyond her tenure.

Andrew Creelman is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. To reach him, call 304-639-4403 or email acreelman@times-news.com
FRUITA, Colo. (KREX)  The Fruita City Market was evacuated Friday morning after a report of a disgruntled former employee allegedly placing an explosive device inside the building, the Fruita Police Department said.

The police department told WesternSlopeNow that after investigating the building, officers did not find anything inside the store. Although the report didnt turn out to be credible, law enforcement is still investigating the incident.

The business has since opened back up following the threat. City Market did not respond for comment after a voicemail was left.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

WesternSlopeNow will update this story if 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 WesternSlopeNow.com.
Fort Cavazos, Tx (FOX 44)  The Court Martial trial of a Fort Cavazos soldier accused of a February 2024 shooting death at a Killeen restaurant has concluded with SSG Marlone Best found not guilty.

The military panel deliberated for about three hours before returning their verdict.

Best had been accused in the death of Larry Kidd, Jr. at the Wingstop Restaurant in the 900 block of West Central Expressway, where the two men had been involved in a fight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

PREVIOUS STORY: Murder Court Martial underway on Fort Cavazos

A statement released by military authorities stated:

Specifically, he was found not guilty of one specification for unpremeditated murder and one specification for murder while engaged in an act which is inherently dangerous to another and evinces a wanton disregard of human life in violation of Article 118 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

The trial was held at the Lawrence Williams Judicial Center at Fort Cavazos.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The fire disaster is top of mind as the City of San Diego allocates their yearly budget. This comes as the City of Los Angeles has been widely criticized for their handling of recent Santa Ana winds and fires burning through several of their communities after cutting $17 million from the fire fighting budget.

San Diego is now facing a $258 million deficit and the mayor is deciding which city departments will see cutbacks.

We will have to cut existing city services in order meet our citys legal obligation to balance our citys budget, said Mayor Todd Gloria. That said, Im very clear that public safety is our citys number one responsibility of the government. When it comes to choosing between cutting things like our police department, or fire department, or lifeguards, or our paramedics, or another service  we will be cutting another service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Massive smoke plume billows from Los Angeles  is it headed toward San Diego?

All departments have been asked to explore 20% cutbacks while police and fire departments have been asked to explore 5% cutbacks.

Its never a good idea to cut fire rescue services. Los Angeles is learning this tragically. Its imperative that San Diego does not repeat these mistakes, said Capt. George Duardo, the President of San Diego Fire union 145.

City council members will also have to vote on a final budget deal.

As the councilmember representing one of the most high fire prone areas and the public safety chair, its my job to fight to make sure our public safety apparatus is ready to go and our teams have what they need, said Marni Von Wilpert a San Diego City councilmember. And Im going to make sure our firefighters do have what they need to respond to emergencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As for the confidence in our fire suppression ground game against Santa Ana wind-driven fires, Capt. Duardo said San Diego has powerful partners when it comes to mutual aid.

Its collaborating with the military, the National Guard, he explained. Its our partners, we have a very good mutual aid 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
DENVER (KDVR)  A Commerce City police officer and father of two is still recovering from traumatic injuries he incurred from a suspected DUI crash on Dec. 31, and several groups are stepping up to ensure he gets the support he needs.

Commerce City Patrol Officer Aaron Cortez was investigating a crash on Interstate 270 west of Vasquez Boulevard just after midnight on Dec. 31 when a suspected drunk driver crashed into the back of Cortezs patrol vehicle. Cortez had only been with the agency for two years before the crash.

Man who killed woman, Commerce City detective in DUI crash sentenced

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cortez survived but was taken to a local hospital with a severe concussion, in addition to hip, back and neck injuries. He told FOX31s Greg Nieto that he was investigated a suspected DUI single-vehicle crash when the second suspected DUI driver crashed into the scene.

Last thing I saw was headlights and someone had crashed into the back of my patrol vehicle, Cortez said. Only God knows where wed be if the seat belt wasnt on.

According to the MC1 Foundation, Cortez spent several days in the hospital and then was moved to a rehabilitation facility for further healing.

We as a department and our local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 19 are doing everything we can to support him physically, financially and emotionally but we could use a little extra help, the Commerce City Police Department said in a Facebook post. He and his wife Delaney are raising two young boys and have incidentals not covered by insurance and workers compensation.

A Commerce City police officer was injured when a suspected drunk driver hit their patrol vehicle (Commerce City Police Department) A Commerce City police officer was injured when a suspected drunk driver hit their patrol vehicle (Commerce City Police Department)

Thats why the MC1 Foundation is involved. The organization was started in honor of Sgt. Dave Baldwin, of the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, who was killed in the line of duty in 2014 when he was hit by a wrong-way driver while riding his motorcycle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The foundation also started a fundraiser to help Golden Police Officer Bethany Grusing after she was seriously injured in a crash that killed fellow Golden Police Officer Evan Dunn on Nov. 6, 2024.

Cortez told FOX31s Greg Nieto that he is thankful for the help and support from the MC1 Foundation.

The driver who struck Cortez on Dec. 31 was facing vehicular assault charges and its unclear if the suspect was injured in the crash. The crash was investigated by the Colorado State Patrol.

As Cortez heals from the crash, hes finding joy wherever possible. One thing hes excited about is the upcoming Broncos-Bills game on Sunday for the Wild Card Playoff game.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We definitely bleed Orange & Blue. Weve been fans our whole lives, said Cortez, including his family in the statement. He called the upcoming game a light spot in a dark situation.

Its gonna be different, not being able to really get our cheer on, but were gonna enjoy it, nonetheless, Cortez said.

Anyone can send donations to the MC1 Foundation for the Cortez family 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 FOX31 Denver.
Gov. Newsom has expressed concern that Trump would withhold disaster aid.

"He's tried to do it in the past," Newsom said during a recent taping of "Pod Save America."

Los Angeles is fighting multiple devastating wildfires.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said President-elect Donald Trump may seek to withhold federal disaster aid to California as multiple wildfires rage in and around Los Angeles.

"He's been pretty straightforward about that," Newsom said on the "Pod Save America" podcast, which was posted Saturday morning. "He's tried to do it in the past. He's not just done it here in California."

"He's done it in states all across the country," Newsom continued. "In 2018, even before I was governor of California, he tried to withhold money down in Orange County until apparently a staff member and this has been well reported  said there were a lot of Trump supporters. And, then, he decided to change his mind."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Former Trump White House official Mark Harvey told Politico last year that Trump initially declined to authorize disaster aid for California because it leans Democrat but reversed his position after learning that the affected area was in Orange County, which for generations had been a GOP stronghold.

"We went as far as looking up how many votes he got in those impacted areas  to show him these are people who voted for you," Harvey told the outlet ahead of the November 2024 election.

JPMorgan analysts said the blazes tearing through the Los Angeles region could lead to over $20 billion in insured losses  and about $50 billion in total economic losses. That would make these conflagrations "significantly more severe" than the Camp Fires that struck the state in 2018 and racked up $10 billion in insured losses, the current record.

During the podcast on Saturday, Newsom also called out Trump for spreading what he called "indelible misinformation." Trump has blamed the governor's water policies for the devastating fires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"What the president-elect was saying about State Water Project and the Delta smelt somehow being culpable of somehow leading to some of the challenges that we face down hereit's delusional," he said.

Emergency workers fighting the LA fires have reported fire hydrants running dry after unprecedented demand on the water system. Newsom on Friday ordered a probe into the source of the water supply issues.

"I am calling for an independent investigation into the loss of water pressure to local fire hydrants and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir," he wrote in a post on X . "We need answers to ensure this does not happen again and we have every resource available to fight these catastrophic fires."

More than 150,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes and over 38,000 acres have so far burned in the fires. The death toll has risen to 11 as of Saturday, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

President Joe Biden on Thursday announced that the federal government would cover 100% of the cost of disaster aid for 180 days.

Trump, meanwhile, has been relentless in his criticism of both Newsom and Biden.

"The fires in Los Angeles may go down, in dollar amount, as the worst in the History of our Country," he said in a Truth Social post on Wednesday. "Let this serve, and be emblematic, of the gross incompetence and mismanagement of the Biden/Newscum Duo."

In a statement to Business Insider, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said Newsom "should be doing his fucking job and actually help people who continue to suffer under his terrible leadership."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Germany's Bundeswehr will establish a major new land forces unit dedicated to securing critical infrastructure and key military facilities across the country, an army spokesman said on Saturday.

The new homeland defence division will consist of reservists and active soldiers under a unified command and will be partially active, the spokesman told dpa.

The unit is expected to be formed in mid-March and number some 6,000 personnel by the summer before it is expanded further, according to the military planners.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last year, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius ordered a reorganization to strengthen the Bundeswehr's defence capabilities with a unified operational command.

Pistorius referred to the changed threat situation and the need to be able to survive militarily in a defensive war.

Comprising the army, navy and air force, as well as medical and other support services, the Bundeswehr currently has more than 260,000 personnel, including civilian staff.

As part of the new structure, the homeland defence forces will be placed under the army's command starting April 1.

Currently, the army comprises three divisions, each consisting of approximately 20,000 personnel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The addition of a fourth major unit dedicated to homeland defence marks a significant enhancement of the Bundeswehr's capabilities.

The homeland defence will be tasked with protecting ports, railway facilities and freight transhipment points, as well as pipelines, roads for troop deployment, bridges, transport hubs and digital infrastructure, according to the Bundeswehr.

It will also safeguard Germany's role as an operational base and hub for NATO, protecting both national and alliance property in times of crisis or conflict.

In peacetime, the division can also provide administrative assistance in the event of serious accidents, terrorist situations or pandemics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The plans are based on the assumption that the existing army divisions could be deployed to NATO's external borders under NATO command as a deterrent or to defend against a possible aggressor.

For example, this could mean to Poland, Lithuania or Estonia, which would leave the homeland defence forces available for deployment in Germany.

Military planners consider at least a high five-digit number of homeland defence personnel to be necessary.

The planners are also relying on the reintroduction of military service that was initiated last year by Pistorius. The move was put on hold following the collapse of the coalition government in November, but preparations are continuing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Germany's CDU/CSU conservative alliance, which is currently leading in the polls ahead of February's parliamentary elections, has said that it wants to go further than the military service model already put forward by Pistorius.
Three of Germany's major parties met on Saturday to firm up their programmes and candidates ahead of the nationwide elections on February 23.

With just six week to go, the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) gathered for a party conference in the capital Berlin, where it confirmed Chancellor Olaf Scholz as its top candidate and adopted its election manifesto.

"There is a hell of a lot at stake," Scholz told the crowd, describing the ailing Germany economy - long considered the motor of Europe - as at a crossroads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We are fighting to preserve and renew the successful brand 'Made in Germany' - for the ordinary people in our country. So, let's fight," he said.

After finishing, the 600 delegates celebrated him with a standing ovation for six and a half minutes.

The chancellor faces a tough task to get voters behind him and his party, which is currently polling in third place behind the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

At the party conference, he nevertheless projected confidence that the turnaround in the SPD's fortunes can still be achieved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We will win," he said.

The AfD is also gathered on Saturday in the eastern German town of Riesa for its two-day conference, at which it selected party leader Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor in the election.

Some 10,000 anti-AfD protesters delayed the start of the conference by two hours by blocking putting up barriers and blocking roads into town.

Weidel's candidacy is largely symbolic given that there is no prospect of a majority in parliament in favour of an AfD chancellor, with other parties refusing to cooperate with the anti-EU, anti-immigration party.

Weidel told the delegates on Saturday that if the AfD were in power there would be large-scale deportation of migrants and that the message would be delivered that "the German borders are closed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the executive committee of the conservative CDU met to conclude its two-day closed-door strategy meeting in the northern German city of Hamburg.

Friedrich Merz, CDU party leader and front-runner to replace Scholz after the election presented the results at a press conference.

Merz stressed that the "absolute focus" of the CDU/CSU in the election campaign was economic policy.

If they win and can form a successful government, "we will have a different mood in Germany by the summer break in 2025," he said.

He is going into the hot campaign phase "very, very confident."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We are ready to take responsibility for our country. But we also know that things cannot continue as they have for the last three years," Merz said.

A fundamental change is needed in economic policy, the labour market, migration, internal security and parts of foreign and security policy, he said.

Friedrich Merz, candidate for Chancellor and party chairman of the CDU (Christian Democratic Union), speaks during a press conference after the winter retreat of the CDU federal executive at Design Offices Hamburg Hammerbrook. One focus of the two-day meeting is economic policy, which CDU Chancellor candidate Merz is emphasizing as a key election campaign issue. Marcus Brandt/dpa
(Bloomberg) -- At the Hambach open-pit mine on the edge of Germanys former industrial heartland, the ground shakes as a giant wheel excavator thats heavier than the Eiffel Tower chews through the landscape, digging up brown coal to power factories like a cluster of paper mills in nearby Duren.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In this small city of 90,000, 40 kilometers west of Cologne, Germanys challenges collide and its in once-thriving places like Duren where the battle for Germanys future is being fought.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The political campaigns ahead of the snap Feb. 23 election will start in earnest this weekend when the ruling Social Democrats and the far-right Alternative for Germany  a rising force in the region  hold party conferences and the leadership of the conservative Christian Democratic Union meets in Hamburg.

Theres a lot of uncertainty, said Helge Peter Herrwegen, a local official of the IGBCE union, which represents miners and paper workers and was once a powerful voice in the region. Conversations with our members are tough.

From energy insecurity to sputtering manufacturing, Duren is at the nexus of structural changes roiling Europes largest economy. As Germany phases out local fossil fuels like those in Hambach, blue-collar workers are worried about whether their jobs are safe as employers struggle to compete with rivals from the US and China.

Impacts of Germanys industrial slowdown have been hard to ignore in North Rhine-Westphalia, the countrys most populous state. Big employers such as Thyssenkrupp AG and Ford Motor Co. are cutting staff, while years of tepid political programs and the failure of Chancellor Olaf Scholzs government have further shaken confidence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The AfD  second-place in national polls behind the conservative CDU-CSU bloc  is exploiting fears in communities like Duren, which will bear the brunt of Germanys net-zero ambitions and where the partys call to abandon international climate agreements resonates. Even if the moves would be legally and economically implausible, the prospect for more of the same from mainstream parties isnt appealing for anxious locals.

In Duren, the AfD gained over 4,000 votes in the European elections last June, coming just 132 shy of overtaking Scholzs Social Democrats  once the reliable voice of the working class.

While the shift to the right is more pronounced in the former communist east, the stiff headwinds for the center-left are evident in the SPD and the Greens losing ground to populists parties, including the new left-leaning BSW, across Germany.

The SPD is currently trailing in third place in opinion polls behind the AfD, which has climbed to more than 20%. The conservatives hold a comfortable lead with more than 30%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In North Rhine-Westphalia, cities like Duisburg  where steelmaker Thyssenkrupp is cutting 11,000 jobs  and Bochum  still reeling from the closure of an Opel car plant in 2014  have become targets for the AfD, as it seeks to strengthen its base in western Germany.

People in these cities are waking up to the damage caused by politicians, said Christian Loose, the AfDs economic spokesman in the region. As it strives for dominance in the state by decades end, the party is seeking to weaken the influence of organized labor. Union bosses support climate policies and no longer stand for their members interests, he said.

Voter frustration has different sources in Germany. In the east, it stems from reunification and feelings of being left behind have been intensified by an influx of migrants. Unease in the west comes from threats to once-comfortable living standards from declining competitiveness, and environmental initiatives have become a target since theyre seen as hurting local businesses.

The AfD is capitalizing on anxiety in regions where industries struggle to adapt, said Jens Sudekum, professor of international economics at Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf. He predicts this trend will intensify as Germany accelerates emissions reductions this decade to meet climate targets. For anxious voters, the AfD offers a radically different course.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Duren, economic recovery feels distant, and the Schoellershammer paper factory is emblematic of local struggles.

It previously depended on three weekly train shipments of lignite briquettes from a producer near the Hambach mine. After Angela Merkels administration sealed plans in 2019 to phase out coal, the factory installed a gas-fired furnace to generate the steam it needs for production. That reliability didnt last long.

Russias moves to cut off gas supplies following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine sent gas prices soaring and plunged Schoellershammer into crisis. The factory adapted by burning its own production waste to cut energy costs, but challenges remain. European regulations and a sluggish economy are causing further headaches.

Deteriorating job prospects are especially alienating for young Germans, and the AfD is targeting this group through social media, like TikTok. In a recent video, Martin Vincentz, the 38-year-old head of the AfDs caucus in the North Rhine-Westphalias regional parliament, called on the next generation to reject the status quo and complete the political change in this country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We are noticing that a lot is being communicated via social media and less directly in the companies, said Matthias Durbaum, a Duren-born employee representative on the supervisory board of utility RWE AG, alluding to the waning influence of trade unions on political affiliation.

The party has raised alarm for promoting deportation of migrants and calling for Germany to leave the euro. Following xenophobic comments and leading figures using banned Nazi slogans, three state chapters in the east have been classified as right-wing extremist and put under surveillance by the domestic intelligence service.

In Duren, Ernst Muller and his wife Yvonne are trying to keep young people from drifting toward ethnic nationalism. The former European middleweight champion boxer operates a gym and trains a few dozen teenagers, providing encouragement and a sense of purpose for kids from different backgrounds.

Sitting in his office, filled with photos and memorabilia from his heyday in the late 1970s, Muller points with pride to an award he received from the city for helping integrate non-German youth into the community. The couple says Germany needs rally together to get out of its crisis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We are like a family here, said Yvonne, emphasizing the clubs stance against far-right influences seen in some mixed martial arts clubs across Europe and the US. We look out for one another and help each other through difficult times. Were greatly proud of what these children go on to achieve.

In the town hall, Mayor Frank-Peter Ullrich is trying to draw comfort from history. In the Social Democrats office, a tapestry highlights disastrous milestones from the Thirty Years War to World War II, when advancing Allied forces flattened the city to avoid bloody house-to-house fighting. The community bounced back each time.

While theres less drama now, he acknowledges that delays in receiving funds to help ease the regions transition away from coal have deepened public skepticism after towns were vacated and parts of a 12,000-year-old forest were cleared to dig up coal.

People gave up their homes to boost the economy, said Ullrich, referring to villages destroyed for mining expansion. The deal was stable jobs and development. That trust is eroding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

--With assistance from Tom Fevrier.

(Updates with the latest voter polling)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
BERLIN (Reuters) - The German military will establish a new division tasked exclusively with territorial defence, the army said on Saturday, bringing all existing reserve units under direct army command.

The reorganization will take effect in April and raise the number of German divisions - units of some 20,000 troops - to four without increasing the total number of around 180,000 soldiers in the German forces.

"The territorial defence will be put under army command from April 1, 2025," an army spokesperson said, confirming a report by German news agency dpa.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Western military alliance NATO is at its highest alert stage since the Cold War, with its more pessimistic officials, including German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, saying that an attack by Russia on its borders could happen within four years.

The German move will streamline command structures in territorial defence at a time when what Berlin describes as acts of Russian sabotage against the country's critical infrastructure have reached a new high. Russia denies the accusations.

So far, Berlin has three divisions that NATO can call upon in case of a conflict, whose main job will be defending the alliance by confronting an adversary right at the front lines.

The fourth division will be tasked with Germany's defence at home, including the protection of infrastructure such as ports, railways and supply and deployment routes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Germany is gearing up for its role as major logistics hub in any conflict with Moscow, with tens of thousands of reinforcement troops from other NATO allies expected to be deployed east through Germany after arriving at its North Sea ports.

(Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Germany said on Jan. 11 that it had established towing connections with a disabled tanker Eventin, which it said was part of Russia's "shadow fleet" used to avert sanctions, to prevent an oil spill in the Baltic Sea.

"The towing convoy is moving eastwards to a position northeast of Cape Arkona (Rugen)," Germany's Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME) said, referring to the German island in the southwestern part of the Baltic Sea.

"The emergency command is continuously assessing the situation in order to be able to react to any changes," the command said, adding that the towing convoy is moving at the speed of 2.5 kilometers per hour, navigating through strong winds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia has used murky ships for oil exports to circumvent sanctions imposed by Western nations for waging its brutal war against Ukraine. The Panamanian-flagged tanker, loaded with about 99,000 tons of oil, was sailing from Russia to Egypt, according to the CCME.

The tanker was unable to maneuver since Jan. 10 and has been slowly drifting in the Baltic Sea coastal waters, north of Rugen, the CCME said in its daily updates.

Speaking to the press on Jan. 10, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock slammed Russia for threatening European security with its use of "dilapidated oil tankers," AFP reported.

"By ruthlessly deploying a fleet of rusty tankers, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is not only circumventing the sanctions, but is also willingly accepting that tourism on the Baltic Sea will come to a standstill" if an accident occurs, Baerbock said, as cited by AFP.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The reports of the stricken vessel come a month after two Russian tankers were damaged by a storm in December in the Kerch Strait. The vessels, each reportedly carrying 4,000 tons of fuel, began leaking into the Black Sea.

Russia has caused massive environmental damage in and outside Ukraine, including the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka Dam in June 2023 and subsequent flooding, widespread forest fires, and the devastation of wide stretches of farmland.

Germany said that no oil leaks had been detected after the Jan. 10 incident. By the time of the publication, it was unclear whether there were suspicions of sabotage that may have caused the adrift.

"Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, the dark fleet of old vessels that lack proper insurance, have opaque ownership, and 'flag hop' between different permissive ship registries has grown explosively, to an estimated 1,400 ships," the U.S.-think tank Atlantic Council wrote in its January 2024 report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Their presence poses considerable risk to other ships, to the environment, and to countries experiencing maritime accidents caused by the vessels," it added.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian Neptune missile hits Russian drone warehouse in Rostov Oblast, SBU source claims

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The tanker Eventin, which met with an accident in the Baltic Sea near the German island of Rugen, is being towed east by three tugboats for safety reasons.

Source: spokesperson for Germany's Central Command for Maritime Emergencies speaking to DW, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The spokesperson said such a manoeuvre will ensure more open sea space to the south, in case something unexpected happens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Eventin, carrying 100,000 tonnes of oil, had been drifting in the Baltic Sea since the evening of Friday, 10 January due to a power outage on board, which left the ship unable to manoeuvre.

The Eventin flies the Panamanian flag, but according to the international environmental organisation Greenpeace, it is actually one of the ships from the so-called Russian shadow fleet which Moscow uses to sell oil in violation of embargoes.

The tanker, carrying 99,000 tonnes of oil, had been drifting near Germanys coast after the accident. Germany sent a multipurpose vessel and a tugboat for its evacuation.

It is currently unclear where exactly the Eventin will be towed, but the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies in Germany emphasised that the ship has no external damage and does not pose an environmental threat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Background:

In October 2024, a small oil tanker named Annika, carrying 640 tonnes of oil, caught fire less than five kilometres from the shore while en route from Germanys Rostock to Travemunde.

Finland reported technical defects in a tanker suspected of damaging an underwater power line and several communication cables in the Gulf of Finland and which is considered to be part of the shadow fleet.

Support UP or become our patron!
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on Saturday unanimously elected party co-chair Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor in February's parliamentary elections.

The motion was carried to thunderous applause by almost 600 party delegates gathered for a conference in Riesa in the eastern state of Saxony.

Earlier, AfD co-chair Tino Chrupalla said with regard to current opinion polls: "Now we have to leave the 20% [public support level] behind us and continue to climb," with the aim of putting Weidel in the Chancellery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There was no counted vote in the selection: Weidel was instead elected the party's candidate through acclamation by standing up.

For months, the AfD has been in second place in voter polls - behind only the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU).

Despite its growing popularity, the AfD appears to have no chance of participating in government because no other party is ready to form a coalition with it.

The party conference in Riesa began with a delay of more than an hour due to blockades and protests by AfD opponents on several access roads.
Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), firmly rejected any cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in an interview with public broadcaster ARD on Friday evening.

"Let me repeat it here for the record. There will be no cooperation with the CDU in Germany under my leadership," said Merz.

The reasons are clear and obvious, he said. "We will not work with a party that is xenophobic, that is anti-Semitic, that has right-wing extremists in its ranks, that has criminals in its ranks, a party that flirts with Russia and wants to leave NATO and the European Union."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Germany's domestic intelligence service, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, is monitoring the AfD as a suspected right-wing extremist organization.

Merz's reference to criminals could be aimed at the party's leader in the state of Thuringia, Bjorn Hocke, a far-right firebrand who's well-known in the country for controversial remarks.

He has twice been convicted in court for knowingly using a banned Nazi slogan in speeches.

Merz added of any move to work with the AfD, "If we were to do that, we would sell the soul of the CDU."

When asked whether he could keep this promise, Merz replied: "Yes, I will keep it. I am tying my fate as party chairman of the CDU to this answer."

Friedrich Merz is a front-runner to replace German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the nationwide elections on February 23, following the collapse of Scholz's three-party coalition.
Jan. 10All across Haywood County and North Carolina, folks are gearing up for the winter storm rolling in. From local municipalities to emergency services, it is all hands on deck to ensure people stay safe in the treacherous conditions.

State's response

Friday morning, Gov. Josh Stein held a briefing on the expected impact of the storm.

Stein asked that everyone stay off of the roads unless it is absolutely necessary to drive  something that was echoed in the press conference by North Carolina Emergency Management Director William Ray and Department of Transportation Director Joey Hopkins.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The winter storm will likely hit much of our state. At this time, our biggest concern is road safety," Stein said. "Everyone needs to be careful on our roads. Please avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary."

Hopkins said more than 1,900 N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT) employees and contractors helped prepare for the storm and are ready to hop back into action once snow hits the state's roads.

He also said that more than 3 million gallons of brine have already been used to treat roads, and more than 600 trucks with plows are ready to go.

"Travel could be treacherous for several days in some parts of the state," Hopkins said. "We'll work hard to get your roads cleared as soon as possible."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ray said anyone who has to drive should clear all snow and ice from their vehicle before doing so, reduce their speed and increase their following distance.

"Hazardous travel conditions are expected today and could continue until Saturday night," Ray said.

In the wake of Helene, several folks are still displaced as the winter storm rolls into Western North Carolina.

"We know this winter storm is coming at a terrible time, making a difficult time in your life even harder. We are with you every step up the way. We will not let up," Stein said.

Ray added that folks need to come together now just like they did during Helene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We ask folks to remain alert, informed and to check on your neighbors," Ray said. "During a disaster or major event, we are stronger together and make for more resilient communities."

Haywood County Emergency Services

Haywood County Emergency Services is ready for whatever this winter weather may throw at the county.

"We're all ready to go and just waiting to see what arrives," said Emergency Services Public Information Officer Allison Richmond.

Chains are ready for ambulances, and Emergency Medical Services personnel are waiting on standby if they are needed.

They also have access to utility and all-terrain vehicles in case they need to get to someone stranded by the snow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We can still get to people if they need help," Richmond said.

There are no immediate plans to open a shelter, but shelter teams are on standby in case of widespread power outages.

"That shelter can be stood up very quickly, within an hour," Richmond said. If there's a need, they'll open it and announce it."

Waynesville Fire Department

The crews at the Waynesville Fire Department are prepared and ready to roll out once the snow rolls in.

"We've got the chainsaws all sharpened and ready and gassed up," Waynesville Fire Chief Joey Webb said. "We're keeping watch on the weather and the roads. We're ready for what happens."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The department purchased several new sets of tire chains in preparation for winter storms.

"We've already got our winter chains out as needed," Webb said. "We've already chained a couple of trucks in preparation."

Webb encouraged folks to be ready for the storm with any supplies they need in case of a power outage, such as blankets, food and water.

"Hopefully, if the power does go out, people are prepared for that," he said.

Calls for assistance can vary.

"It depends on the time of the day the storm hits," Webb said. "If people are out working and trying to get home, we see a lot of accidents. Sometimes we see trees and power lines down."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The department also responds to sparking power lines pretty regularly during winter weather storms.

"When a tree limb goes into a power line, it'll arc and burn. But if it's not near a house, it's not usually a danger, but we'll come out and check it," Webb said.

Waynesville Police Department

The officers at the Waynesville Police Department are ready to protect and serve even with inches of snow on the ground.

The main focus has been on ensuring vehicles are ready to go  specifically any vehicles that may have four-wheel-drive capabilities.

"The biggest thing is having vehicles ready to go in case the snow starts coming down heavy," Waynesville Police Chief David Adams said. "We make sure our spare vehicles are fueled up and the tire pressure is good."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The department will also be pushing out updates on the Waynesville Police app.

"We'll keep road conditions updated," Adams said. "... We encourage people to stay home if they don't need to be out once the snow starts. And always be careful of downed power lines."

The chief said the police department often gets calls during a snowstorm for accidents, wellness checks and folks asking about road conditions.

Town of Clyde

In Clyde, the town is preparing for the storm by making sure all of its bases are covered.

The staff is ensuring equipment is ready to go as the snow comes in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We've got supplies on hand. We've got extra parts ready in the event we have any breaks. We have staff that is on stand-by to be called in if needed," Town Administrator Joy Garland said.

Garland added that the steps they are taking are "normal procedure."
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The much-anticipated Girl Scout cookie season is about to begin!

Should warning labels on alcohol include cancer risk?

Western Mass. received its share of excitement during the annual Girl Scout Cookie Drop on Saturday. This event kicks off the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, empowering Girl Scouts to hone their business and leadership skills while selling iconic cookies like Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This year, western Mass. welcomed 13,183 casesequivalent to nearly 160,000 individual packages of cookies. The deliveries were dropped off at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Springfield and Cinemark Theater in West Springfield.

Troops and volunteers from the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) gathered to unload cookies off the trucks. This marks the official start of cookie sales in the region, with scouts gearing up to reach their sales goals and support their troop activities.

Cinemark was lined with troop leaders picking up this years supply, as they unloaded thousands of cases of cookies for the Girl Scouts to go home and sell.

The Cookie Drop is a monumental logistical effort, with 32,629 cases of cookies being delivered across central locations in Springfield, West Springfield, Townsend, and Worcester. Beyond satisfying cravings, the program teaches participants critical skills like goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It has prepared me for good money skills and like dealing with people, said Senior Girl Scout Abby Kane. Like learning to sell the cookies and different ways we can attract people.

You can buy cookies from a registered Girl Scout, order online, or use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder to find a booth near you. Cookies are on sale for $6 a box from January 17 to March 16.

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.
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY)  The Girls Scouts of Black Diamond Council held a cookie rally at Christ Episcopal Church in Fairmont Friday evening to commemorate the kick-off of cookie sale season.

This years new mascot, a Panda bear named Mei Lan, was introduced to scouts. In addition to playing safety games and making booth marketing signs, the girls learned about all the cookie offerings and marketing at the cookie rally.

This is a night where all the Girl Scouts are coming together new ones, old ones, seasoned ones, relearn Girl Scout cookie trivia, learn their cookies, how to approach customers about selling them. We do unfortunately have a new price point this year $6 a box. So, learning how to cover some of those objections that they might see with that price increase, Girl Scout Troop 10067 Leader Laura Candell said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge begins restoration of WV peatlands

According to Girl Scouts of Black Diamond officials, the program teaches girls how to set goals, make decisions, handle money, and practice business ethics.

These girls that are constantly doing community service and many of them are also working towards higher awards, so they have the bronze, silver, and gold awards. And gold is the highest word that a girl can receive in the Girl Scout program, which requires a really significant take action project, Regional Membership Delivery Manager for the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Andrea Rounds said.

Troop leaders told 12 News that they put a lot of the money raised from cookie sales back into the community through things like spice collections, paying for plastic for buddy benches and planting flowers in downtown Fairmont.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Additional cookie rallies will be held throughout West Virginia as well as nationally.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  The Grand Junction Fire Department Wildland Team will assist with the ongoing wildfires in California, GJFD announced Friday.

The four-person crew and a Type 3 Wildland Engine will leave Grand Junction at 7 a.m., Saturday. The crew will join a five-engine strike team consisting of units from nearby states.

The team will report to Beaumont, California, where the crews will learn their deployment orders and start operations to help with fire suppression and containment, GJFD said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Grand Junction Fire Department is proud to contribute to the firefighting efforts in California, interim Fire Chief Gus Hendricks said in a press release. This deployment not only allows us to assist communities in need but also provides invaluable experience and knowledge that our team can bring back to benefit the Grand Junction 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 WesternSlopeNow.com.
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  The impending ban on TikTok in the U.S. is already causing reaction, with many social media influencers sharing their two-cents on the matter.

The Latest: Supreme Court seems likely to uphold a law that could ban TikTok in the US on Jan. 19

Jimmy Robinson has 290,000 followers and 7 million likes on the app, using his platform to support local mom and pop businesses across New England. Robinson spends a lot of time traveling across the region, stopping at businesses and tasting food at various restaurants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Robinson calls the potential ban a freedom of speech issue and says the courts decision will hurt people who make a living in the digital world.

TikTok is a huge part of what I do, because it expands more than just the location youre in. It can go to other countries, worldwide, Robinson said. Economically, its going to be horrible, its gonna be bad. Its like losing half of my supporter base. Its like a whole different world when it comes to supporters on TikTok.

Theres been talk of someone in the U.S. buying the platform from its Chinese owners, something that Robinson also calls a bad idea because it will ultimately limit influencers reach.

The fate of TikTok remains in the hands of the Supreme Court and it could be several weeks before their decision is made.

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.
Banking giant Goldman Sachs has backed out of a coalition of institutions working to align financial activities with efforts to fight climate change.

What's happening?

In December, Goldman Sachs withdrew from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, a voluntary coalition of financial institutions aiming to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to Reuters.

"We have made significant progress in recent years on the firm's net zero goals and we look forward to making further progress, including by expanding to additional sectors in the coming months," Goldman Sachs said in a statement to Reuters. "Our priorities remain to help our clients achieve their sustainability goals and to measure and report on our progress."

Would you support a tax increase to pay for high-speed rail in your state?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

The outlet noted that the company did not give a specific reason for leaving the NZBA but speculated that political pressure from some Republican politicians, including the suggestion that membership could breach antitrust rules, may have played a factor.

Why is Goldman Sachs leaving the NZBA important?

Goldman Sachs' departure appears to have kicked off a wave of other banks ditching NZBA membership. In early January, Yahoo Finance reported that Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo had all left the coalition. It also reported that a similar group, Climate Action 100+, had lost JPMorgan Chase, State Street, and Pimco as members in recent months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While several of these institutions have said they remain committed to their climate goals, it does not bode well for a unified front in the effort to meet these goals globally. And as Reuters pointed out, many of these companies have ties to financing the fossil fuel industry, which they have been criticized for in the past. Some Republican lawmakers have criticized climate alliance membership as a hindrance to financing the industry.

Rep. Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, called the banks' withdrawals from Climate Action 100+ "big wins for freedom and the American economy," adding that "we hope more financial institutions follow suit in abandoning collusive [environmental, social, and governance] actions," per Yahoo Finance.

What's being done about banks leaving the NZBA?

Holding these banks accountable may seem impossible, but some options are available. You can track banks' net-zero pledges and avoid institutions that fail to meet or maintain their goals as well as stay up to date on participation in the NZBA and other alliances through BankTrack. You can also switch to a green bank and credit card using Bank for Good's tools.

It's also important to reach out to your representatives and voice your concerns about policies that weaken efforts to combat climate change.

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.
MIAMI - Edmundo Gonzalez, a retired diplomat and political newcomer recognized by several countries, including the United States, as the winner of Venezuela's most recent presidential election, released a video statement Friday condemning Nicolas Maduro's swearing-in as president.

In the video posted on social media, Gonzalez accused Maduro of carrying out "a coup d'etat" by consolidating power.



Gonzalez declared himself ready to return to Venezuela "at the right moment" and called on Venezuela's military to "reject illegal orders issued by Maduro's regime."

"I continue working to create the conditions for my return to Venezuela and to assume the presidency of the republic," Gonzalez said. "I represent the will of nearly eight million Venezuelans and have a duty to defend that mandate."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gonzalez strongly condemned Maduro's decision to order the closure of the country's airspace, which he claimed was aimed at preventing his return.



"They sought to do to me in the air what they did yesterday to our leader," Gonzalez said, referring to the detainment of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado during a rally on Thursday. "This reflects their cowardice and lack of scruples."

Gonzalez urged military leaders to disobey what he described as unlawful orders and ensure security for his return. He also emphasized the military's loyalty to the Venezuelan people.

"The soldiers of our national armed forces are part of the same people they serve and must obey through me, as I am the elected president of the Republic of Venezuela," he said.

Gonzalez also appealed to Venezuelans to remain steadfast in their fight for democracy.



"I promise we will not fail. Soon, very soon, no matter what they do, we will enter Venezuela and end this tragedy," he vowed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He concluded with a message of unity, "Our liberator taught us the spirit of sacrifice for freedom. Freedom always defeats tyranny. Glory to the Brave People!"

Earlier on Friday, the U.S. increased its reward for the capture of Maduro to $25 million.

California authorities give update on L.A. fires and announce school closures

Blue Origin to launch New Glenn rocket after 10 years of development

4 injured after Delta Air Lines flight aborted during takeoff in Atlanta
Children throughout Daviess County will benefit year-round from the financial support the Goodfellows Club of Owensboro received during its annual Christmas roll call fundraising campaign.

The campaign has brought in more than $265,000, with more Soup Day fundraisers scheduled for January.

While the club fell a little short of its $300,000 fundraising goal, Sherry Baber, executive director of the Goodfellows Club, knew it would be a tough reach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last year was the biggest year weve ever had, but that included two additional grants we werent eligible for this year, she said. We did not want to take our goal down from where we had achieved last year, but we knew $300,000 was a lofty goal.

But we feel really good about (this year). We were going into it knowing that we werent getting those grants. So really, considering that, we have come out far ahead of where we could have been. So we feel really good about where we are today and that weve had so much community support and that people have really strived to meet the needs of children in our community.

Baber said Thanksgiving falling late in November had an impact on fundraising.

I do think that makes a difference when it takes a week out of the open roll call period, she said. But we feel very good about where we are and what weve done. We do feel well continue to bring in money from now until June 30, which will go toward this roll call. Were very pleased and just astounded by the community support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With the new workplace Soup Day focus we had, weve made already more than weve ever made for a Soup Day. Were real excited about that. That was a real positive. And more Soup Days are coming up. I would say with the Soup Days coming up, that will draw in close to $10,000 for Soup Days this year.

Baber said shes hearing more from adults who were served by the Goodfellows Club as a child and want to pay it back.

Were astounded by how that has continued, she said. The more the Goodfellows Club is out in the public eye and the more were on social media, we hear more and more of that come back to us about how people were a Goodfellows child and how much they looked forward to going to the Goodfellows Christmas party, because so often that was the only Christmas they had.

I do think that the more we bring Goodfellows out to the public, we do get a lot of feedback from those people from years and years gone by. I feel weve heard it more now than weve ever heard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Baber said one person who was helped by Goodfellows as a child contributed $500 this year. That was just one of many legacy donations.

We have a lot of people who have benefited, and thankfully theyre learning that now they can participate, whether its volunteering or helping with the party or whatever they want to do, or whether they can contribute financially, she said. They just want to be a part of it because they know how important it was to them.

Goodfellows Roll Call, Jan. 11, 2025

Previously reported  $256,598.39

Kevin and Cassie Stelmach Family Foundation  $5,000

Messenger Inquirer soup day match  $913.14

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In memory of family  $658

Anonymous  $500

River City Insurance  $500

Anonymous  $500

In memory of Georgia Estes Westerfield by her loving family  $450

Owensboro Bookies Book club  $290

In honor of the Mike Murphy family by Steve and Sarah Ford  $250

Margie and Jeff Ebelhar  $250

Kim and Jeff Johnson  $250

David and Bonnie Bivins  $200

Ed and Evelyn Allen Family Foundation  $200

Anonymous  $200

In honor of Sue Trautwein Bastin by the Bible class of Lewis Lane Baptist Church  $200

In honor of our grandchildren; Harrison, Parker, Aidan, Brodie, Keagan, and Jaycee  $120

In loving memory of my husband, Donnie, our children, grands, and great grands by Nancy Barker  $100

Anonymous  $100

In honor of Jeff and Leigh Crume by Thomas Crume  $100

Craig Miller  $40

In memory of Conrad Sonny Adelman  $25

Total as of January 11, 2025  $267,444.53
COVENTRY, R.I. (WPRI)  Google searches uncovered on a cell phone took center stage Friday as the joint trial for the men accused of killing a pregnant woman and dumping her body in an icy Coventry pond continued into its third day.

Rhode Island State Police Detective James Hudson testified that a cell phone confiscated from Gary Gromkiewicz revealed that he made several Google searches just days after 34-year-old Leila Duarte Da Luzs body was found floating in Carbuncle Pond.

Hudson explained that the cell phone, which did not actually belong to Gromkiewicz, had parental controls on it that made it impossible for detectives to extract its data. Instead, Hudson had to manually search the cell phone and photograph anything of note that he uncovered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I came across several Google searches that appeared relevant to the investigation, Hudson explained.

Those Google searches, Hudson said, included Can police trace where Ive been if my phone is turned off?, Can my phone be tracked with location services turned off? and Is it easy for police to tap a cell phone?

A photograph of Google search history found on a phone confiscated from Gary Gromkiewicz.

In addition to the Google searches, Hudson said he also noted several incoming and outgoing calls to the other suspect, Michael Lambert, in the days following the discovery of Da Luzs body.

Gromkiewiczs attorney argued that, since the phone was registered to another person, detectives couldnt prove whether he had actually made those searches.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You didnt see my client type in those searches, correct? attorney Melissa Larson asked Hudson.

Those searches, I did not see him type in, no, Hudson replied.

Detectives positively identified Da Luzs body nearly a week after she was found floating underneath a dock by an angler, thanks to a missing persons report filed out of Brockton. Investigators believe she was pregnant with Gromkiewiczs child at the time of her death.

It is believed that Gromkiewicz and Lambert picked Da Luz up in Brockton, seriously injured her, then left her for dead in Carbuncle pond. An investigation revealed that Da Luz was alive when she entered the water, but had suffered blunt force trauma and ultimately drowned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An audio message of detectives questioning Gromkiewicz was also played aloud in court, in which he claimed Lambert murdered Da Luz.

I didnt commit the murder, Gromkiewicz said. I just want to tell you what really happened.

Gromkiewicz told the detectives that he promised Da Luz he would be there for their unborn baby, but he was in love with another woman.

I wanted the baby to have both parents in the household, he explained, adding that the two later agreed getting married for the sake of the child wouldnt be a good idea.

TARGET 12: Court documents provide timeline of 2022 murder of pregnant woman

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gromkiewicz then said he couldnt afford an Uber ride back to Brockton, so he asked Lambert to pick him up.

He invited Leila out with us, he continued. Leila was not supposed to come with us. I couldnt bring one woman to another womans house.

Gromkiewicz claimed that Lambert then offered to drive Da Luz home. He then told detectives he got out of the car in Warwick and jogged down a walking path to get back to his girlfriends house in Cumberland.

I dont know where he brought her, but it wasnt home, Gromkiewicz said, adding that Lambert didnt confess to him that hed killed Da Luz until days later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hudson later testified that he analyzed the states walking paths and could not find a route from Warwick to Cumberland that fit the description Gronkiewicz mentioned during questioning.

Jurors also heard from a friend of Gromkiewicz, who claimed that she spoke with him via phone and in person at the ACI roughly a month after he was charged with Da Luzs murder.

That friend testified that, while visiting Gromkiewicz, he asked her for an unusual favor.

He asked for me to be a witness for him on Dec. 21, 2022, April Bateman explained. He offered me money and to get me out of the situation I was in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But Bateman said she didnt meet Gromkiewicz until February 2023.

It sounded like a good deal but that I had to think about it, Bateman testified, referring to Gromkiewiczs proposition.

Though she admitted she was tempted, Bateman eventually declined Gromkiewiczs offer.

I did not want to incriminate myself, she said.

Larson questioned Batemans judgment at the time, since she admitted she was high on marijuana while speaking with Gromkiewicz via phone.

The joint trial is expected to resume on Monday, with ACI phone calls between Gromkiewicz and Bateman on deck to be examined.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  After the wintry weather that happened this week, Gov. Greg Abbott urged Texans to report any damages that happened from ice, snow and rainfall, according to a release from Abbotts office.

Those affected by the winter weather can report home and/or business damages by using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey. Those surveys can be filled out in English or Spanish and are available on the Texas Division of Emergency Managements (TDEM) website, the release said. Users can click on January 6th Winter Weather.

State emergency response resources activated ahead of winter weather closing in on Texas

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As communities across the state begin to recover, I urge Texans to report any damage to their homes or businesses through the iSTAT damage survey to help the state determine if Texas qualifies for federal disaster assistance, Abbott said in the release.

There are resources on the TDEM website to help Texans complete the survey, according to Abbotts office.

By filling out the iSTAT survey, residents provide key details that enable emergency management teams to assess the severity and scale of the damage caused by ice, snow, and excessive rains, the release said. This data also supports efforts to determine if the state qualifies for federal disaster assistance.

Moreover, the iSTAT tool is not a substitute for reporting damages to your insurance provider and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As of Friday, the Texas State Operations Center remained activated at a Level II escalated response, which helps support local officials with response and recovery efforts, the release said. Additionally, state officials continue working with utility regulators to ensure electrical providers quickly restore power to any who were impacted by local outages.

Abbott said while most of the ice and snow have moved out of the state, he urged Texans to continue to monitor road conditions.

With some areas of the state still experiencing hazardous conditions, Texans should regularly monitor road conditions and drive cautiously on bridges and overpasses to keep yourself and your family safe, he said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
After a campaign defined around what New Hampshire shouldnt do  emulate its Democratic-run neighbor Massachusetts  Gov. Kelly Ayotte delivered an inaugural address Thursday that sought to carve out what the state should do.

One answer Ayotte gave: reduce state government.

Ayotte announced she would create the Commission on Government Efficiency, an advisory panel that will find programs to reduce or eliminate in order to handle lower revenues. The commission, which carries the acronym COGE, mirrors a federal effort President-elect Donald Trump has announced: the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We need to make sure that government is operating more like the lean process in manufacturing, where waste is eliminated at each stage in the process, to produce better results, she said.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte delivers her inaugural address at the State House on Jan. 9, 2025. Seated, at right, is House Speaker Sherman Packard.

The remarks came as Ayotte was sworn into office Thursday, capping eight years under Republican Gov. Chris Sununu and achieving the distinction as the first female Republican New Hampshire governor.

In her first speech as governor, Ayotte paid tribute to some of the themes of her campaign, from immigration to crime, and returned to a central focus: the states lack of housing.

But she also acknowledged an economic reality that could make for a difficult budget season.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The large amount of federal funding from the American Rescue Plan is expiring, she said. Business revenues are coming in lower than the past several years.  Weve got to tighten our belts.

Ayotte, who is due to unveil her proposed two-year state budget with a budget address in February, did not specify which programs she plans to reduce, noting only that she would preserve those for vulnerable populations.

But she said she had instructed our commissioners to roll up their sleeves and find ways to rethink our approach and, where appropriate, do more with less.

That starts with the COGE, Ayotte said. Leading that effort will be former Gov. Craig Benson, who appointed Ayotte to be attorney general in 2004, and New Hampshire Lottery Commissioner Andy Crews.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They are going to put proposals on my desk to streamline government, cut spending, and ensure that were doing everything we can to create value for our taxpayers, Ayotte said.

Attendees of Gov. Kelly Ayottes inauguration rise in applause on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.

Accelerating housing approvals

Addressing the need for housing in the state, Ayotte repeated many of the promises she made as a candidate.

She pledged to work with cities, towns, and developers to find opportunities to build new housing projects in the state. And she said she would work on overhauling agency approvals among state agencies so that developments take no more than 60 days to receive state approval.

We need to make the process as frictionless as possible so projects that are great for our communities are not getting halted by unnecessary red tape, Ayotte said.

No new action on abortion

Perhaps no issue plagued Ayotte more on the campaign trail than abortion. Democrats attacked her constantly on the topic, but Ayotte said repeatedly she wouldnt support any further restrictions. Now governor, she reminded lawmakers of that promise.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Just in case you forgot, because I know its been a few months since there have been all those ads, Ayotte said, but if you send me legislation that further restricts access to abortion beyond our current law, I will veto it.

Sununu, in his 2020 campaign, had said that he wasnt looking to make changes to the states abortion law. However, he ultimately signed a budget into law in 2021 that restricted abortion after 24 weeks.

Banning sanctuary cities

Ayotte said she was counting on lawmakers to send her legislation banning so-called sanctuary policies in the state. Such efforts have failed repeatedly in the Legislature.

The reference to the issue is another way the national political conversation  driven by President-Elect Donald Trump  has trickled down to the state level. Ayotte, who campaigned on a promise to not Mass up New Hampshire, used it as another opportunity to paint her politics in contrast to the states southern neighbor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weve got the Massachusetts illegal immigrant crisis right down the road, Ayotte said. And if you want to see what these dangerous policies do, not just to communities, but to a budget, theyve spent a billion dollars housing migrants rather than spending it, investing it on their law-abiding residents. We cant allow that to happen here in New Hampshire.

Expanding education freedom accounts

Speaking on education, the governor gave a nod to the school choice movement while also stating that public schools are critical.

She reiterated her support for expanding education freedom accounts  the mechanism that allows parents of children attending private schools or who are home-schooled to receive state funds equal to what a public school would receive per student. Currently, that program is limited to families making up to 350 percent of the federal poverty level.

As a candidate, Ayotte has said she would support making the program universal and available to families of all income levels. On Thursday, she stopped short of that, vowing to make sure that more families have access to the program, but not using the word all.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The governor also said she would work to expand career technical education in the state. And she threw her support behind proposed legislation to ban cell phones in public schools.

A full repeal of bail reform

Ayotte also repeated a pledge to continue working to change the states bail laws.

She said that a bipartisan 2018 law signed by Sununu and intended to reduce the number of people held in jail because they cant afford cash bail was a mistake. And she criticized a follow-up bill signed by Sununu this year that was intended to roll back parts of the 2018 law and allow courts to more easily hold people charged with violent offenses.

I firmly believe that the Legislature did more harm than good when they changed our bail law, and the recent reforms havent gone far enough, Ayotte said. Speaking to the Bulletin on the campaign trail, Ayotte said she would prefer the entire 2018 bail reform to be repealed.

Environmental vows

Ayotte repeated a campaign promise that, if delivered on, would mean the end to a yearslong battle between community activists and the Vermont-based company Casella Waste Systems, which has been trying to build a new landfill in the state half a mile from a pristine lake.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There will be no landfill at Forest Lake in Dalton, Ayotte said to loud applause. We will not allow that beautiful part of our state, and that beautiful area, to become a dumping ground for out-of-state trash. Its just not going to happen.

Casella operates an existing landfill in the nearby town of Bethlehem, where it has violated state regulations hundreds of times. Its proposal to build a new landfill in Dalton has stoked fears in some residents, who worry the development would disrupt the natural environment and their way of life.

Ayotte, and the others who competed for the corner office this election, opposed the project on the campaign trail. The new governors stance marks a major shift from Sununu, who had said there was a smart and safe way to go forward with the project.

Ayotte also made another vow to the North Country, this one around the tens of thousands of acres of land that makes up the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Forest. A plan by its owner, Aurora Sustainable Lands, to reduce logging has raised concerns about preserving the traditional uses of the forest, InDepthNH.org has reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

My administration is going to enforce the states conservation easement on the Connecticut Headwaters tract that was negotiated on a bipartisan basis with then-Gov. Jeanne Shaheen and Sen. Judd Gregg, Ayotte said. And were going to ensure that that beautiful tract of land remains open for recreation, and that it also remains open for logging and timber harvesting for the people of New Hampshire.

Addressing mental health care access

Ayotte called for more attention to mental health issues and suicide prevention efforts in the state, saying she would work to increase access to care.

There are not enough providers, Ayotte said. Were going to look for ways, working with our community college system and our university system, to expand educational opportunities for our mental health providers.

She also highlighted substance abuse struggles, which can come in tandem with mental health issues. On the campaign trail, she visited HOPE for New Hampshire Recovery, a nonprofit in Manchester helping those with substance use disorders. The team said licensing for new providers was a hurdle to expanding their staff, Ayotte said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The governor emphasized a need to make sure those who are struggling feel supported in getting help.

Seeking care for your mental health is just as important as when we see a doctor when youre feeling sick or you have a physical injury, Ayotte said. We all need to work together on this and take care of each other.

This story was originally published by the New Hampshire Bulletin.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Ayotte: Cut budgets, expand school vouchers, ban sanctuary cities
Gov. Gavin Newsom invited Donald Trump to California on Friday after the president-elect spent days criticizing the governor for his response to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles that have claimed 11 lives and destroyed or damaged 10,000 buildings.

In a letter he posted to X (formerly Twitter), Newsom invited Trump to meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line.

As of Friday afternoon, there were six wildfires raging across Ventura and Los Angeles counties, forcing thousands to evacuate, according to Cal Fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump has repeatedly criticized Newsom, calling him Newscum and falsely blaming the loss of life and property on the governor not signing a water restoration declaration that he said would move water from the North State into Southern California.

The governors office debunked those claims as pure fiction, and thanked President Joe Biden for declaring the fires a federal disaster and pledging the federal government to cover 180 days worth of debris removal and other cleanup costs. The state launched a website Friday where wildfire victims can apply for federal relief aid.

Newsom has alternated between portraying his administration as a bulwark against Trumps hardline stances on immigration and climate change and offering to cooperate with the former president when needed.

Steven Cheung, Trumps chief spokesman, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two of the ongoing fires, the Palisades and Eaton fires, are now ranked in the top 20 most destructive fires in state history. State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has ordered a one-year moratorium on home insurance policy cancellations in ZIP codes near or within the areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

Newsom and Trump previously worked together in 2018 as state and federal officials responded to the Camp Fire in Paradise and Woolsey Fire in Malibu, which the governor mentioned in his letter.

In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines, Newsom wrote. Hundreds of thousands of Americans  displaced from their homes and fearful for the future  deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and safe rebuild.
Both Democrats and Republicans agree Washington states major energy facility siting council could use improving. But their ideas on how to change it are far apart.

Lawmakers in Olympia will consider one proposal to remove the governor from the process when they convene next week to start the 2025 legislative session.

Gov. Jay Inslee told the Tri-City Herald Editorial Board recently that he gave it his all when considering the Horse Heaven Hills wind farm project and its effects on wildlife and the nearby Tri-Cities. But he said he was ultimately hamstrung by the law from engaging more with the public and community leaders before his decision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thats quite frustrating because I like to have dialogue, I like to listen to people, personally, I like to share my views, and the process does not allow that, he told the board in his final meeting with them before leaving office Jan. 15.

Inslee ultimately ordered the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) to recommend allowing more turbines at the clean energy site as Washington continues to eliminate carbon-polluting energy sources.

The council initially tried to cut the number of wind turbines to create buffer zones protecting endangered ferruginous hawks and sensitive cultural areas. But Inslee disagreed and sent the recommendation back, telling the council to prioritize Washingtons looming demand for clean energy and reduced emissions.

EFSEC spent three years studying the project, proposed for up to 222 turbines about 500 feet tall before recommending to the governor that the project be approved with about half the number of proposed turbines. Inslee approved the adjusted proposal and signed the agreement in October.

Clouds glide past the wind turbines on the hills south of Kennewick. The Horse Heaven wind farm project would stretch an additional 24 miles along the hills south of Kennewick.

The project will be one of the two largest of its kind in Washington state history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I did everything I could to make sure I understood all of the issues in a real-term way, Inslee contends.

Since his decision, Benton County commissioners voted unanimously to join Tri-Cities CARES, a nonprofit, to appeal the industrialization of the skyline south of the Tri-Cities.

GOP seeks changes to process

But Republicans dont think the states highest office holder should have the final say in approving the states largest energy projects.

As the Legislature convenes Monday, Jan. 13, for the 2025 session, lawmakers will consider Sen. Matt Boehnkes bill to remove the governor from the project approval process. Its a move the Tri-Cities legislator argues would increase efficiency at EFSEC. His bill would not affect previous siting outcomes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Senate Bill 5015 is drawn from the lessons learned from recent projects where the governor has sought to influence council decisions, Boehnke said in a statement. The bill would confirm that the council is actually in a better position than the governor to make the final decision because the council has done the hard work of reviewing the projects and hearing from all sides.

This map shows where 244 turbines could be sited for the Horse Heaven wind farm. The Washington state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council recommended eliminating those shown in red, but Gov. Jay Inslee found that too restrictive.

Sen. Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, believes the bill has a solid chance of passing.

Its all about regulatory reform and this has kind of been the Republicans wheelhouse for a long time, he said in a separate meeting with the editorial board.

Now, some of the more thoughtful Democrats are very interested in it because they realize that some of their plans, in particular clean energy and the cap-and-trade system, require enormous build-out of new energy sources and that our system simply cannot handle it, he continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, told the editorial board that Inslee has considered most policy through an environment-first lens and that Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson has shown hes willing to depart from Inslee on some issues.

I dont think Gov.-elect Ferguson is going to be that same way, he said. I do think its within the realm of possibility that while Gov. Inslee might not like a bill like what Sen. Boehnke is working on, soon-to-be Gov. Ferguson might have a completely different approach to it.

Ferguson is to be sworn in on Jan. 15.

Inslee will not be endorsing the bill. His office said removing the governor from the process would not improve public accountability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The governor has long advocated for streamlined processes and reduced timelines for getting energy projects approved, while still giving due consideration to other relevant concerns, spokesperson Mike Faulk wrote in a statement to the Herald.

We made some progress on streamlining energy facility siting through the Legislature during the governors third term, but more will need to be done by future governors and lawmakers.

The 105-day legislative session begins Jan. 13 and is set to conclude April 27.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency in December due to a rise in bird flu cases in the state's dairy herds.

What's happening?

CBS News reported that bird flu, also known as H5N1, has been impacting bird populations for the last two years. It's creating greater concern among experts because of its jump to cattle.

According to Reuters, 100 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have died as a result of bird flu since 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement, Newsom said, "While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus." Being proactive, he and other officials said, will help to prevent further spread of and illness from bird flu.

Why is this state of emergency important?

Calling a state of emergency will allow for adjusting accordingly before things get worse.

For example, Michael Payne, a large-animal researcher at the University of California Davis, told CBS News that "the virus can be excreted in concentrations inside the milk." The Food and Drug Administration advises against drinking raw milk because it "can contain a variety of disease-causing pathogens."

Bird flu is no exception. A raw milk farm in California issued a recall of one lot of raw milk in late November because a sample contained bird flu.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

University of California San Francisco infectious disease specialist Peter Chin-Hong told CBS News that "the more transmissions that occur  like in dairy cows, like in birds  the more it's going to randomly figure out that mutant, that variant, that can cause more human-to-human transmission."

Unfortunately, analysis of a virus from a person with bird flu in Louisiana discovered that the virus may have mutated slightly to attach more easily to a human respiratory tract. This does not mean human-to-human transmission will happen right now.

Do you worry about air pollution in your town?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

It does, however, confirm that Chin-Hong's concern is possible. It also means that preventative action will keep us, our loved ones, and our environment safe.

Not only could bird flu affect our collective health if mishandled, but ecosystems may suffer from the loss of animal life. Prices for necessities such as eggs may also rise even higher.

What can I do to stay safe?

There is currently no known human-to-human transmission of bird flu, but you can take steps right now to help prevent that from happening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition to not drinking unpasteurized milk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends practicing basic food safety to err on the side of caution. This includes cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are regularly in contact with birds or other animals, especially if they are sick or wild, the CDC recommends wearing gloves, an N95 respirator or well-fitting mask, and eye protection.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises against feeding your pets raw milk and raw meat. This release came after a house cat that ate Monarch Raw Pet Food tested positive for bird flu.

With the continued spread of COVID-19 and other viruses, the CDC separately states that wearing a mask can lower any airborne respiratory virus transmission. Wearing a well-fitting mask like a KN95 or N95, especially in poorly ventilated indoor spaces, can help protect you, others, and the environment from the effects of these illnesses.

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.
The Green River Area Community Foundation (GRACF) announced at this mornings Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster Breakfast 12 nonprofit organizations which will receive a portion of $60,000 worth of grant funding from the organization.

GRACFs executive director Amy Silvert explained that the process for choosing this years grant recipients began in August of 2024 with a Needs Assessment Survey.

By completing the Needs Assessment Survey, the local nonprofits allow our decision making committee members to know where they could use additional funding, Silvert said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She said that those needs assessment surveys often find that these nonprofits are often seeking funding for everyday operating expenses or to help increase their programming and the number of clients that they serve.

These needs are often the most difficult areas for the nonprofit organizations to fund, Silvert said.

Greg Longtine, a Grantmaking Committee member, said, We decided several years ago to allow our applicants to request operational expenses. Our local nonprofits work diligently to provide direct services and often struggle to find grant opportunities for operational costs, which are essential for their existence.

With some of the available funding restricted to certain areas or fields of interest, this (the Needs Assessment Survey) allows the Grantmaking Committee to invite organizations to apply for the funding available for those interests and areas, according to a Thursday press release from the GRACF about the grant awards.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Organizations completing the Needs Assessment Survey who can be helped with funds from the GRACF are then encouraged to submit a more detailed application and presentation which was provided to the Grantmaking Committee in December for review. From there, the amount of grant funds provided to each organization is determined based upon the nonprofits project needs and goals.

Silvert said that if the GRACF is unable to address the needs of the nonprofits at this time, then those organizations are referred to other foundations and funding entities to see if finances can be secured for those nonprofit agencies through other means.

According to the press release, one of the goals of the GRACF is to provide funding to nonprofit organizations in order to continue to strengthen their presence in our community so that these organizations can continue their work within the area.

Its all about strengthening in the community to help make the area greater, Silvert said. We love to support our wonderful nonprofits who work year round to serve our community in so many ways.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Recipients of the grant money received various amounts ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, Silvert said.

Organizations receiving a portion of the grant include Owensboros Bakhita Empowerment Initiative, Care Net Owensboro, Community Dental Clinic, CrossRoads Inc. Shelter, Girls Inc., Goodfellows Club, Green River Community Food Warehouse, Help Office of Hancock County, OASIS, The Foundation for Excellence at Owensboro Public Schools, Union County Happy Pack Weekend Feeding Program and Wendell Foster Campus.

The press release listed specific community projects in which the grant funding will help fund which include Owenboros Bakhita Empowerment Initiatives goal to support human trafficking survivors and to development human trafficking prevention efforts, funding towards furnishing apartments for clients of the OASIS shelter, funds for the Goodfellows Club to continue with the organizations efforts to supply emergency dental and medical care to area children and providing rental assistance to clients of the Help Office of Hancock County.

Funds from the Owensboro-Daviess County Community Fund, the Green River Area Community Foundation Endowment Fund and the Field-Weller Endowment Fund will be utilized to support the above nonprofit organizations with their missions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the Thursday press release, these grant awards are possible because of longtime and newer endowments created over the years. The Owensboro-Daviess County Community Fund was one of the first funds established 30 years ago when the local Community Foundation began.

The GRACF, which is an affiliate foundation of the Community Foundation of Louisville, was established 30 years ago. Fourteen years ago the Foundation expanded to include additional counties such as Hancock, McLean, Ohio, Union and Webster.

Through the years, the number of donor funds within the Foundation has grown to nearly 100 separate accounts, resulting in around $1,500,000 annually in gifts to nonprofits, much of which stay in our community, the press release details.

Silvert said that she would like for community members to consider donating to the Foundation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The more funds that the Foundation receives, the more organizations we can help within the community, which, ultimately, helps to strengthen our community and make it better, she said.

Frank Hagan, Grantmaking Committee member, stated, With additional donations to our endowed community funds, we could award more grants. There is a lot of great work being done by our local nonprofits that we could support if more community members choose to donate to Community Foundation endowments.

David Ross, GRACF board advisory chairman, said that he appreciates the work provided by the local donors and Grantmaking Committee members who decided which nonprofit organizations would be receiving financial support from the Foundation.

I am thankful for the local donors who served on the committee to assess the local community needs, review applications and recommend funding to nonprofits that are addressing some of the most pressing needs in our community,  Ross said. The committee expressed their sincere wish that more funds were available as there are several applications they wanted to fund or more fully fund had additional dollars been available. We need to work together to make that happen.
Leanne Sanders

APTN News

The search for the remains of two First Nations women murdered by a serial killer is at the one-month mark at a Winnipeg area landfill.

Acknowledging the non-disclosure agreements signed by the families and those involved in the search with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the grandmother of one of the victims told APTN News she remains optimistic.

On a personal note, I am hoping they find my girl soon, said Donna Bartlett of Marcedes Myran, one of four women Jeremy Skibicki was convicted of killing and disposing of during a trial last summer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That is all I can do. It may take a while, but I am hopeful.

Officials believe the remains of Myran, 26, and Morgan Harris, 39, are in the Prairie Green Landfill, just north of Winnipeg. Police have said the remains were emptied from garbage trucks in May 2022.

During his trial, the court heard Skibicki, 37, disposed of Myran and Harriss bodies in commercial garbage bins near his home between March and May, 2022.

The excavation and meticulous sifting for the remains began Dec. 3 after Manitobas New Democratic Party government joined with Ottawa to contribute $20 million each towards the search. The search is concentrated in an area identified as most likely to contain refuse from Skibickis neighborhood during the time of the murders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The remains of another Skibicki victim, Rebecca Contois, were found in a different landfill and the remains of an unidentified woman, who an Indigenous grassroots community named Buffalo Woman, have not been located.

In the weeks since the search started, the sacred fire kept stoked at that landfill along Brady Road has been put out and the search-the-landfill camp has closed. Family members of the victims and volunteers kept the fire burning as a symbol of hope and remembrance for the murdered women.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, which has supported the victims families and lobbied for the search, did not respond to a request for comment Friday. A message on its answering machine said the office was closed.

It did say in a Dec. 19 news release that the fire has been a profound reminder of the strength and courage of the families, friends, and supporters who have carried this cause.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The assembly's acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy added, As the family and friends of Morgan Harris closed the Sacred Fire (Dec. 18), they did so with a renewed commitment to continue the work that Camp Morgan has inspired.

While the fire is no longer lit at camp, its spirit remains a powerful force driving the movement for justice for all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+), she said in the release.

Meanwhile, it was the the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs that revealed in a media advisory in November that the families, along with search technicians, members of the Provincial Oversight Committee, forensic anthropologists and all others involved, were bound by non-disclosure agreements and other legal oaths that prevent them from sharing any information about the search.

APTN requested an update from the provincial government Friday and received this statement from the media relations team:

The plan all along has been to provide updates. When there is an update one will be provided, rather than on a one-by-one request basis.
Jan. 10The region's agricultural community is gathering for a conference on the latest trends and innovations in farming at Missouri Western State University.

The Great Plains Growers Conference invited participants from the Midwest to learn more about improving their farming and marketing.

Pre-conference workshops were held on Thursday, Jan. 9, discussing topics including hard cider and nut orchards.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Friday, keynote speaker Paul Rasch spoke to attendees about marketing in the farming industry. Rasch, a fourth-generation fruit farmer, shared valuable insights about the business side of farming.

Following the keynote speech, participants of the conference were invited to a trade show and were encouraged to attend educational sessions on an array of topics.

Farmer Linny Wilkinson attended the conference for the first time this year and says he was encouraged by a friend to visit.

"My friend comes every year and I wanted to see it," Wilkinson said. "I have a small farm and I have an orchard, and I needed some help with my orchard."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wilkinson said he found the experience beneficial.

"The variety of people that are doing things and new ideals on things that I haven't tried to do before," Wilkinson said. "So there's a lot of good networking and of finding things that you may not have thought about doing with your farm."

One of the vendors at the conference, Doug Drury, a genealogist with ArchGen was there to share about the work his company is doing with hop plants in the Midwest. Drury said he enjoyed teaching people more about the plants that help create beer.

"There's been a lot of people that have come through that have been very interested in the plants and want to know more about this crop that isn't really grown outside the Pacific Northwest," he said. "Because there's a large craft-brewing industry in the state of Missouri and we're trying to provide the ingredients from a local production."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Great Plains Growers Conference continues on Saturday, Jan. 11, with another day of educational sessions.

Tickets are available for Saturday for $70 per person plus fees.

Ticketing information for The Great Plains Growers Conference can be found at eventbrite.com.

For more information about the annual conference, visit greatplainsgrowersconference.org.
Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede said that hes ready to talk with President-elect Donald Trump following Trumps repeated calls to acquire the island.

When asked if he was in touch with Trump at the Friday press conference in Copenhagen, Egede said he was not, but added that we are ready to talk, per The Hill . Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was also in attendance and said that she had asked for a meeting with Trump as well.

Although Egede noted that hes ready to speak to the president-elect, he reiterated that Greenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic. Denmarks constitution protects Greenlands autonomy.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (R) and Chair of Naalakkersuisut, Mute Bourup Egede (L) at a joint press conference in the Mirror Hall at the Prime Minister's Office on Jan. 10, 2025. / SOPA Images / Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Trump previously floated the idea of buying Greenland during his first term, but seemed to get more serious in a December Truth Social post where he described the acquisition as an absolute necessity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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, Trump wrote on Dec. 22.

His son, Donald Trump Jr., also visited the island earlier this week to see some of the most magnificent areas and sights the president-elect shared.

U.S. businessman Donald Trump Jr. arrives in Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 7, 2025. / EMIL STACH/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images

My son, Don Jr, and various representatives, will be traveling there to visit some of the most magnificent areas and sights, Trump wrote in a Jan. 6 Truth Social post shortly after Don Jr.s trip was first reported. Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation. We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!

When asked by New York Times journalist David Sanger if he could assure the world that he wont be using military or economic coercion to seize control of Greenland and to retake the Panama Canal at a news conference in Mar-a-Lago earlier this week, Trump said he cant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No, I cant assure you on either of those two, Trump replied. But I can say this, we need them for economic security.

Egede previously addressed Trumps Greenland ambitions in December sharing in a statement , Greenland is ours.

We are not for sale and will never be for sale, he continued. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede said he is ready to talk with President-elect Trump, who has recently expressed ambitions for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, the worlds largest island.

Egede was asked during a press conference in Copenhagen on Friday if he was in touch with the president-elect. He said no but added that we are ready to talk.

Trump has previously said that U.S. control of Greenland, an autonomous island within the Kingdom of Denmark, is an absolute necessity. He declined to rule out using the military in hopes of getting the island, which has a population of more than 56,000 people, and he argued controlling the island would be crucial to national security, a sentiment echoed earlier this week by his pick for national security adviser, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen met with Egede in Copenhagen on Friday. Both were at the press conference. During the address, Frederiksen said she had asked for a meeting with the president-elect.

Egede emphasized Friday that Greenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.

In recent days, Denmark has been communicating with Trumps team, showing an openness to talk about fortifying the islands security or ramping up the U.S. military presence on the Arctic island, Axios reported Saturday, citing two sources with knowledge of the issue. The Hill has reached out to Trumps transition team about the reported messages.

Frederiksen earlier this week stressed that Greenland is not for sale, remarks that were made as Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr., arrived on the Arctic island. The younger Trump was there for a day trip to shoot some video content for a podcast, a source familiar with the matter told The Hill.

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.
In a somewhat surprising turn of events, a senior Chadian official said that the Wednesday (8 January) deadly assault on the presidential complex in NDjamena may have been orchestrated with French involvement, in the context of Pariss opposition to Chads independence.

Chad made headlines when, on Wednesday night, its presidential palace in the capital NDjamena was attacked by 24 heavily armed assailants, which came amid an official visit by Chinas foreign minister, withdrawal of French troops, and instability caused by armed groups. In the wake of the attack, which saw 19 people killed, Takilal Ndolassem Hilaire, a national advisor, implied that Frances opposition to Chads independence and Pariss long-term interest to use the country as a useful free aircraft carrier led to the attack on the presidential palace. Hilaire also suggested that Frances assertion of the attack as a coup detat was not an accident.

According to an analysis in Sri Lanka Guardian, a news website known for its independent news coverage, this destabilization attempt in Chad has raised more questions than answers, especially against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions in the Sahel region. The analysis, titled Did French and Western Intelligence Orchestrate a Fresh Coup in Chad?, notes that foreign powers have in recent years justified their involvement in the landlocked central African country under the pretext of fighting Islamist extremism in the Sahel.

Historically, it was through a significant on-the-ground presence of French intelligence agencies and the CIA in Chad that ensured the country remained within the sphere of Western influence. As Chads alliances continue to evolve, the specter of foreign meddling looms large, the analysis asserts, posing a question as to whether the Wests shadowy hand played a role in this latest crisis, or is Chad simply navigating the turbulent waters of a new geopolitical reality?
A grooming gang victim has pledged to fight for a new national inquiry into the scandal.

Elizabeth Harper, who was abused in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, told a Reform UK conference in Chester that Britain needs to see how far this actually goes.

The Government has so far resisted calls for a national investigation into the rape and abuse of girls by predominantly British-Pakistani gangs.

Ms Harper, who was abused as a teenager for four years in the 2000s and has written a book about her ordeal, said she had been failed by South Yorkshire Police, Rotherham borough council and social services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im glad that this has come to light again, she told the conference. Finally the world is watching the extent of what we had to go through.

I am on a fight for a national inquiry to be held. This country needs to see how far this actually goes, and hold people responsible.

Yes, theres been singular inquiries just in six towns out of over 50 towns and cities across this country.

We need the dots joining together to see this for what it is. Its organised crime.

We need action and change

Ms Harper told Reform members in the audience that the inquiry was necessary to authoritatively show the motives and ethnicity of abusers and prevent such a scandal from happening again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We need proper data on the motives and the drivers of the perpetrators involved, she said.

We need the data on the ethnicity of these perpetrators, and we need action and change. This is a must, not only for people just like me, but for those children that may be suffering now and in the future.

The mother-of-one received a standing ovation and embraced Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, as she left the stage.

Mr Farage said: It is beggars belief that the Prime Minister has denied brave victims like Elizabeth Harper the inquiry this country needs to stop this kind of race-based sexual abuse of our young children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Asghar Bostan, who raped Ms Harper when he was 47 and she was 15, was jailed for nine years in 2018.

In August 2014, an independent report concluded that an estimated 1,400 children had been sexually abused in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013, by predominantly British-Pakistani men.

Pressure on Starmer

A poll found on Friday that most Britons want the Government to launch a new inquiry into the grooming gang.

More than three-quarters back demands for a national investigation, according to the YouGov survey, piling pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to drop his opposition to the move.

Only 13 per cent of adults agree with the Government that no further inquiry is needed, including just one in five Labour voters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The poll came after Labour MPs were ordered to vote down a Tory move in the Commons to try to force a national inquiry.

The amendment to the Childrens Wellbeing Bill put forward by Tory MPs would have piled pressure on the Government to hold a statutory inquiry into historic child sexual exploitation. It was voted down by 364 to 111  a majority of 253  on Wednesday evening.

On Thursday, Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, defied Sir Keir to appeal for a new investigation.

The Government has argued that it should focus on implementing the recommendations of Professor Alexis Jays independent inquiry into child sexual abuse rather than launching another review.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the Jay inquiry did not focus specifically on grooming and did not assess every town and city where grooming gangs operated.

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.
Beef is one of the most popular types of meat in the U.S. In fact, research suggests that the average American eats around five beef burgers a month, which adds up to around 60 per year. Like burgers, most of the beef products eaten in the U.S. are made with ground beef. Think meatballs, mince, kofta, and meatloaf, for example. However, there are some major downsides to all of this ground beef consumption. One of the biggest is that ground beef comes with a risk of foodborne bacteria.

One of the most common forms of bacteria found in beef is Escherichia coli (commonly known as E. coli). Research suggests that this infection enters cow's stomachs when they drink from water troughs contaminated with feces. The animals don't get sick or show any symptoms from the bacteria, which is why it's hard to spot and can easily make its way into the food system. Around 260,000 people get sick with E. coli every year, many of whom will contract it from ground beef products. In a bid to protect people from outbreaks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) often announces recalls of ground beef products.

However, E. coli is not the only reason why ground beef might be pulled from the market. Other causes of recalls include metal and plastic contamination and even animal cruelty. Keep reading to find out more about the many FSIS ground beef recalls that have affected millions below.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: Where To Get Burgers During Fast Food Breakfast Hours

Over 160,000 Pounds Of Beef Recalled In US Over E. Coli Concerns

Close-up of ground beef - Ali Majdfar/Getty Images

In November 2024, the USDA announced that more than 160,000 pounds of ground beef were being recalled over fears that they could contain E. coli O157:H7. The recalled products were supplied by Wolverine Packing Co., a Michigan-based meatpacker that specializes in a range of meat products, including veal, poultry, boxed beef, and lamb products.

This common strain of E. coli bacteria can cause intestinal infections in humans. Symptoms range from person to person, but they can include diarrhea (which can sometimes contain blood), as well as stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue. It can take up to a week after consumption of contaminated beef for humans to show symptoms . Most people get better within one week from the onset of symptoms, but some may need hospitalization. In serious cases, E. coli bacteria can lead to a potentially fatal blood disorder called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

The ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. had already caused illness in a small cluster of people in early November, and this led FSIS to work with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to investigate the cause. When Wolverine Packing Co. was identified as the source, FSIS instructed any person or business who had purchased ground beef from the company to dispose of it immediately. Businesses affected by the outbreak included several Red Cow restaurants and Hen House Eatery locations in Minnesota.

USDA Recalls Over 16,000 Pounds Of Walmart Ground Beef Due To Potential E. Coli Contamination

Cooked ground beef in a pan - Candice Bell/Getty Images

In May 2024, more than 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef products were recalled by FSIS. Again, this was due to concerns they had been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. All of the products, which included prime rib beef steak burger patties and all-natural lean ground beef, were supplied by the Kansas-based meat company Cargill Meat Solutions and shipped to Walmart locations across the U.S. Cargill Meat Solutions is owned by Cargill, a multinational food giant that operates in 70 countries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unlike with Wolverine Packing Co., Cargill Meat Solutions' recall was not issued because anyone had already fallen ill from consuming the products. Instead, Cargill notified the USDA that the Walmart shipment may have been contaminated due to the accidental use of a segregated product in the batch. Again, anyone who purchased any of the recalled products was urged to either dispose of them or return them back to the Walmart where they bought them from for a refund.

This is not the first time Cargill has been associated with an E. coli outbreak. In 2007, it was sued by one family after their children became ill after eating Cargill beef that contained E. coli bacteria. Both of the children suffered from symptoms related to the infection and one was hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Illinois Beef Burgers Recalled Amid E. Coli Fears

Person holds beef burger - Pangshukman / 500px/Getty Images

In December 2023, E. coli O157:H7 was once again the cause of a major recall. This time, the products were supplied by Valley Meats, LLC, an Illinois-based meat company that specializes in beef and pork products for the foodservice industry. More than 6,700 pounds of raw beef products were recalled by FSIS due to E. coli concerns. These included both ground beef patties and ground beef that had already been sent out to the restaurant industry in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan.

The potential contamination was not discovered through reports of illness. Valley Meats, LLC alerted FSIS after third-party testing revealed that samples of ground beef from the company had tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. This strain of E. coli is one of the most concerning due to the damage it can cause to the intestines. Ground beef is not the only potential source of the bacteria; it can also be found in raw milk, processed meats (like salami, for example), and even leafy greens, like spinach and lettuce.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Again, this E. coli contamination is not a first for Valley Meats, LLC. In 2009, FSIS recalled more than 95,800 pounds of ground beef from the meat company due to the presence of E. coli bacteria in its products. The recall happened a few days after a child died from hemolytic uremic syndrome after consuming the contaminated products.

More Than 5,600 Pounds Of Raw Ground Beef Recalled Over Potential 'Foreign Object' Contamination

Raw ground beef in styrofoam container on a wooden table - Jason Dean/Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In November 2023, more than 5,600 pounds of raw ground beef were recalled not because of E. coli or any other foodborne bacteria concern, but because they may have contained "foreign objects," according to FSIS. The products were shipped by Skyline Provisions, an Illinois-based meat company that specializes in providing products to hospitals, senior living facilities, and care facilities, to eight states: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

The recall was announced after a Skyline Provisions' customer reported to FSIS that they had found a foreign object in one of the products while they were preparing food. It was not confirmed what the foreign object was, and there were no further reports of injuries or illnesses relating to any of the ground beef products in question. Contamination with a foreign object has been the cause of a number of recalls in the past. In August 2024, chicken supplier Perdue Foods recalled more than 167,000 pounds of nuggets and tenders over concerns they could be contaminated with a metal foreign object.

The Skyline Provisions recall also follows a previous incident in 2015 when the company was forced to recall more than 1,000 pounds of beef due to E. coli contamination. The beef was sent to a small butcher shop in Chicago Ridge, Illinois where it was sold in various formats, including ground chuck patties, ground round, and sirloin patties.

Over 58,000 Pounds Of Ground Beef Recalled Due To E. Coli Concerns

Person holds ground beef package in grocery store - Grace Cary/Getty Images

In September 2023, FSIS announced a recall of more than 58,200 pounds of ground beef. This time, it was due to the potential presence of E. coli O103 in products from American Foods Group, LLC. The Wisconsin-based business specializes in beef products, including bones, fillets, liver, and, of course, ground beef, which are usually sold under the brand name Green Bay Dressed Beef. The company sells its products across the U.S., but the potentially contaminated products were shipped to just three states: Michigan, Georgia, and Ohio.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Like E. coli O157:H7, E. coli O103 is a type of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, which is also known as STEC. It is not as common as O157:H7, but it is just as dangerous. In humans, it can also cause unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea and stomach cramps, as well as lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome. In some cases, this syndrome can lead to kidney failure.

Again, there had been no reports of illness caused by E. coli at the time of the recall. The bacteria strain was discovered when a state public health partner tested samples from American Foods Group, LLC.

Tyson Recalls Nearly 100,000 Pounds Of Ground Beef Due To Contamination With 'Mirror-Like Material'

Close-up of ground beef - Yevgen Romanenko/Getty Images

In November 2022, Tyson Fresh Meats, which is based in Texas and owned by Tyson Foods, one of the biggest meat processors in the world, recalled nearly 100,000 pounds of ground beef products. The potentially contaminated items had been sold under the Hill Country Fare and H-E-B brands. Again, this wasn't due to bacteria, but because of the potential presence of "extraneous materials." The materials were described by FSIS as "reflective" and "mirror-like."

The concerns were flagged to FSIS via consumers, who complained about finding the mirror-like materials in their ground beef products during food preparation. There were no reports of injury due to the materials. A similar incident happened with regards to Tyson Foods one year later. In November 2023, the meat giant recalled around 30,000 pounds of chicken nuggets after consumers found small metal pieces inside. One consumer reported that they had suffered a minor oral injury as a result. It is unknown how the mirror-like material or the metal got into the recalled products, however it may have occurred as a result of broken machinery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tyson Fresh Meats has also been forced to recall products due to E. coli bacteria in the past. In 2011, its Kansas location recalled more than 131,000 pounds of ground beef over fears they could be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recall, which affected products sold by Kroger, was announced amid reports of illnesses.

More Than 63,250 Pounds Of Ground Beef Recalled Due To Potential Contamination With 'Extraneous Material'

Ground beef on paper with onions and rosemary - Istetiana/Getty Images

Tyson Foods isn't alone. In March 2017, Washington-based food processing company King's Command Foods was forced to recall more than 63,250 pounds of ground beef products, including meatballs, steak fingers, and breaded steak fritters due to the potential presence of "extraneous materials," according to FSIS. Again, the issue came up after consumers began to raise complaints to King's Command Foods over pieces of metal in their products.

Bacteria like E. coli, of course, present a public health risk, but contamination with shards of metal are also dangerous. When accidentally ingested, metal can cause oral and dental injuries. It may also cause severe damage to the digestive system. In order to reduce the number of products that are accidentally distributed with metal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that products be put through a metal detector before they are shipped to consumers. Alternatively, equipment and food should be regularly and thoroughly inspected for any broken pieces of metal.

In 2021, King's Command Foods was forced to issue a recall once again when more than 20,000 pounds of meat products, including Swedish meatballs, were sold with incorrect labels. According to FSIS, the labels did not declare allergens including eggs, milk, and wheat.

Nearly 34,000 Pounds Of Wegmans Ground Beef Recalled Over Plastic Contamination Concerns

Trays of ground beef - Bloomberg Creative Photos/Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It's not just metal that can find its way into meat products. In January 2015, Massachusetts-based meat company J&G Foods recalled 34,000 pounds of ground beef products, which were sold in Wegmans locations in December 2014 across six states, due to potential contamination with plastic. According to FSIS, the recall was made after consumers complained that their food contained "small malleable plastic pieces." There had been no reports of injuries at the time of the recall.

It's not often that food products are recalled due to plastic pieces, but it does happen. In February 2024, for example, U.K. dairy brand Ambrosia recalled several rice pudding and custard products due to potential contamination with small pieces of plastic. In October 2023, Lidl, the popular budget supermarket, was forced to recall chicken dippers in the U.K. over fears that they could contain pieces of hard blue plastic. In 2022, food giant Bird's Eye also recalled a batch of its beef quarter pounders, which were being sold at major U.K. supermarket chain Asda, due to concerns that they could contain plastic.

Nearly 2 Million Pounds Of Michigan Beef Recalled Over Possible E. Coli

Raw ground beef burgers on paper with rosemary - Claudia Totir/Getty Images

In 2014, one decade before it was forced to recall more than 160,000 pounds of ground beef amid E. coli concerns, Wolverine Packing Co. recalled almost 2 million pounds of ground beef  for the same reason. In May 2014, FSIS announced that ground beef products produced between March 31 and April 18 by the Michigan supplier were being recalled due to potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Similar to the 2024 incident, the contamination was brought to light when FSIS was notified of illnesses relating to E. coli. Eleven people in four states had reported illness by early May 2014. Both of the recalls relating to Wolverine Packing Co. were given a Class I classification by the USDA, which means the risk related to the recall is medium to high. FSIS notes that a Class I recall means there is a "reasonable probability" that the product could result in serious health outcomes or even death.

143 Million Pounds Of Ground Beef Recalled Over Animal Abuse Concerns

Close-up of cow's eye - Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

As is evident from this list, most ground beef recalls happen because of potential E. coli contamination, or even the presence of metal or plastic. But in 2008, one of the biggest beef recalls in history occurred because of animal abuse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Around 143 million pounds of ground beef produced were recalled after an undercover video  filmed by the animal welfare organization the Humane Society of the United States  showed sick animals being moved around with forklifts before they were slaughtered. It also showed workers kicking and abusing the animals.The ground beef products were traced to the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing company in California. After investigation, FSIS found that the company had violated federal regulations by slaughtering animals that were so unwell they were unable to stand. The National School Lunch Program was one of the recipients of the company's ground beef.

The investigation not only raised animal cruelty concerns, but also public safety fears. Sick cows are also at a higher risk of carrying diseases, including E. coli and salmonella. Like E. coli, salmonella is associated with many unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, and vomiting. The case also raised concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (also known as mad cow disease). Via the consumption of contaminated meat, the disease can lead to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which causes fatal brain damage in humans.

5.3 Million Pounds Of Nebraskan Beef Recalled Over E. Coli Outbreak

Raw ground beef burgers cooking - Tetra Images/Getty Images

Also in 2008, another major recall involving more than 5 million ground beef products occurred when E. coli O157: H7 infections were reported in multiple states, including Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Utah. One of the individuals affected by the outbreak developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, while 27 people ended up in hospital.

The ground beef products were traced to Kroger supermarkets, which had sold contaminated beef from Nebraska Beef Ltd. Situated in Omaha, Nebraska, the meat company is still in operation. However, it has faced several controversies over the years. In 2022, two of its former employees, including former vice president of administration James Timmerman, were fined and sentenced to months of probation for falsifying USDA grading records. In 2024, the company was investigated by federal authorities for failing to protect its workers from injuries and provide them with a safe working environment. It was ultimately fined $274,659 in penalties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more!

Read the original article on The Takeout.
SAINT CLAIR  In the dead of night, when some might be hesitant to answer a knock on their front door, Peggy Dimoff welcomed a group of revelers into her home on the edge of town.

The 92-year-old retired garment worker had been expecting the troupe of white-robed men from St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, who visit parishioners on Jan. 6, Christmas Eve to Orthodox Christians.

The Gubi, as they are known, gathered around Dimoffs festive kitchen table and retold a story that echoed down through the ages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jeff Sponenburg pins red fabric to his robe prior to leaving to sing on the Orthodox Christmas Eve in St. Clair, Pa., Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

I am a shepherd from far off Bethlehem, which has finally accepted the savior of our world, one of the men in the group announced. If you permit, I will tell you more about the birth of Jesus.

In a spiritual dialect, the Gubi sang Slavavo vysnich Bohu, which translates to Glory to God in the Highest.

Dimoff and her sister, 94-year-old Dorothy Schultes, who live in the home their parents built nearly a century ago, have experienced the Christmas Eve ritual many times over the years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It brings back a lot of memories, confided Peggy, whose formal name is Marguerite. As long as we can, we need to keep it going.

Logan Premich, 13, left, among others sings to families at a home in St. Clair, Pa., on the Orthodox Christmas Eve Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.(MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

St. Michaels is one of the few Orthodox churches that continue the tradition of the Gubi  sometimes referred to as Kubi or Lubi  spiritual messengers of a sort.

Brought by immigrants from the Carpathian Mountain region of Europe in the 1890s, the tradition has existed at St. Michaels for about a century. Members in their 70s remember the group visiting their homes as children, and recall having parents and grandparents as participants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Schultes and Dimoff families enjoy the singing of the men of St. Michael Orthodox Church in St. Clair on the Orthodox Christmas Eve, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

After the Christmas Eve service, seven members of the troupe gathered in the parish hall to prepare for their visits.

The men don white robes, symbols of purity, accented by red sashes pulled over the shoulders and around the chest.

Michael Udit kneels before a small version of St. Michael Orthodox Church at a home in St. Clair on the Orthodox Christmas Eve Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Charles Premich has kept the tradition for 55 years.

The elder Premich was joined by his 13-year-old son, Logan, whos about the same age as he was when he first donned the white robe.

My son has taken an interest in our tradition, said Premich, a retired North Manheim Twp. boilermaker. He appreciates our heritage.

Logan, whos in seventh grade, totes a scale model of St. Michaels church during visits to parishioners homes.

Steve Laychock sings inside a home on the Orthodox Christmas Eve in St. Clair, Pa., Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

As part of the ritual, Gubi genuflect and peer into the scale model, which contains a manger.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were shepherds in search of the Christ child, says Steve Laychock, the groups elder. We tell the story of how were looking for the child that was born in Bethlehem.

Laychock, 72, a Gubi since he was in seventh grade, is fearful the tradition is in danger of being lost.

Most members are in their 70s and, except for Logan, few younger people have shown interest in joining the group.

Laychocks aware of only one church in the region, St. George Orthodox Church in Lackawanna County, where the Gubi make the rounds on Christmas Eve.

The men of St. Michaels spent four hours visiting homes on Christmas Eve. On Jan. 7, Christmas day, the group visited homes over a period of seven hours. In all, they delivered the Christmas message to 16 families.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In truth, beer and boilo flowed freely in most of the homes. One family invited the group to a sit-down dinner on Christmas day. About 50 people gathered to greet the Gubi in Laychocks home.

In addition to food and fare, the families responded to the group with generous donations to the church.

Mike Udit, Tom Hills, Jeff Sponenburg and Kevin Sponenburg also participated in the group.

In his 60th year as a Gubi, Laychock is driven by the sense of permanence that comes from maintaining a tradition.

Former residents travel from afar to be with their family, he said. In some cases, its the only time of the year they get together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These ancestral traditions keep us focused on where we came from, said Laychock, a professional waiter. Where we come from, and who we are.

*

Logan Premich, 13, right, ties fabric to his father Charlies robe during the Orthodox Christmas Eve in St. Clair, Pa., Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.(MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

*

Michael Udit puts on his robe on the Orthodox Christmas Eve in St. Clair, Pa., Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

*

Logan Premich, 13, carries a small version of St. Michael Orthodox Church into a home in St. Clair, Pa., on the Orthodox Christmas Eve Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.(MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

*

The men of St. Michael Orthodox Church enter a home in St. Clair, Pa., to sing to the families inside Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

*

Men of St. Michael Orthodox Church sing to families on the Orthodox Christmas Eve in St. Clair, Pa., Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

*

Jordan Dimoff, left, hands Thomas Hills a drink after the singing concludes at a home in St. Clair, Pa., on the Orthodox Christmas Eve Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

Show Caption

1 of 6

Logan Premich, 13, right, ties fabric to his father Charlies robe during the Orthodox Christmas Eve in St. Clair, Pa., Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.(MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

Expand
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG)  A Tennessee woman is facing an attempted murder charge after reportedly attempting to shoot her boyfriend before her gun jammed, Memphis Police said. On Jan. 8, police say a male victim told officers his girlfriend, Renell Hardin, had pointed a gun to his face.

He said that he was at Hardins residence because she wanted to work on their relationship and for him to come back home.

Are there no Michelin-starred restaurants near you? Theres a reason for that

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At some point of their reunion, the victim said they began to argue about the light bill. Hardin then became upset and got her pistol out.

Renell Hardin. (SCSO)

The victim told officers that he and Hardin were outside when she allegedly fired a shot toward her neighbors residence and another toward her neighbor. That second bullet struck his drivers side door.

Thats when the victim said Hardin turned around and pointed the gun at his face. He told officers she pulled the trigger but the gun jammed. The victim said when Hardin bent over to re-rack the gun to unjam it, he was able to take it from her.

Sam Moore, who sang Soul Man in Sam & Dave duo, dies at 89 due to surgery complications

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The victim said he got into his vehicle to leave Hardins residence and she followed him. He told officers he then wrecked his vehicle, ran from the scene and called a friend to pick him up.

According to the police report, the victim was not injured but claimed he feared for his life.

Hardin has been charged with criminal attempted first-degree murder, employing a firearm during the commission/attempt to commit a dangerous felony and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.

Her bond information is unknown at this time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Police have identified a man accused of stabbing a woman to death in her Gwinnett County apartment.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Police say Kurt Sebastian Omana Torres, 26, of Duluth killed Ana Karen Ramos Hernandez, 24, on Friday at an apartment on Hunters Club Lane in unincorporated Norcross.

Police identified the victim as 24-year-old Ana Karen Ramos Hernandez, of Norcross.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officers were called out to the home around 6 p.m. and found Hernandez dead. Police have not revealed a motive for her death, but have classified it as a domestic stabbing.

This is a developing story, with more details LIVE on Channel 2 Action News starting at 4 p.m.

Officers arrested Torres on Monday. He will be taken to the Gwinnett County Jail later today.

He faces charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

TRENDING STORIES:












When Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier announced on the 221st anniversary of Haitis independence that the countrys most powerful gang coalition would soon become a political party, the New Years Day announcement by the ex-cop who became a warlord didnt go unnoticed  but it also didnt generate the kind of political debate Haitians are used to.

Now it just may.

The powerful gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm  Live Together  which has been launching deadly coordinated attacks all across Port-au-Prince since February of last year, is among several organizations listed on a document sent to the 15-member Caribbean Community bloc that suggests ways the countrys troubled political transition can be saved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The document was sent to CARICOM this week and signed by several high-profile Haitian politicians representing three different political groups the December 21 Agreement, the Collective of Political Parties of January 30 and the EDE party. The document is a joint proposal on what to do about the Transitional Presidential Council, the nine-member ruling panel that has been engulfed in a bank bribery scandal involving three of its members. The council members, who insist they are innocent, have dismissed pleads to step aside in order to save the transitional government, which is tasked with returning democratic order to Haiti with elections some time this year.

In arguing for a reconfiguration of the ruling panel, the groups presented several scenarios to CARICOM. Among them is reducing the council to three members, with a member of Haitis highest court serving as president, alongside a representative of civil society and one from the political class. To show the idea has widespread support, the proposal to CARICOM included a mention of Viv Ansanm, saying that even though the gang did not sign the April political accord that created the transitional government, it supports the idea of reconfiguration.

The inclusion was immediately seen as giving legitimacy to Cherizier and his band of gang leaders, whom the United Nations said this week were responsible for more than 5,600 deaths last year _ 1,000 more than the year before.

While confirming the groups inclusion in the document during a radio interview on Port-au-Prince Magik 9 on Friday morning, Line Balthazar, the president of the PHTK political party that is also part of the Collective of January 30 parties, defended mentioning the gang.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lets not lie to each other, said Balthazar. All of the international organizations involved in humanitarian aid in Haiti, when they want to access Cite Soleil or Croix-des-Bouquets, ask them with whom they interact to give humanitarian aid in those areas. Lets suspend the hypocrisy.

Embassies interact with armed groups, he added. There is a phenomenon of illegal armed groups in the country. We must resolve this problem in an adult and pragmatic manner. No one is going to do it for us.

Balthazar said he personally isnt in contact with gangs but is simply listening to what is being said in society.

He expressed doubts when asked if he saw a possible amnesty for gangs in the future. But he didnt dismiss the idea of a possible alliance with gangs heading into elections, which are supposed to take place sometime this year in order for Haiti to put a president in office by Feb. 7, 2026.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The gangs inclusion in the proposal received immediate backlash in some political circles. At the same time it has reigniting a debate about what role gangs, which control large swaths of the capital and parts of the nearby Artibonite region, should play in a crisis they helped create. The violence has led to a humanitarian crisis not seen since the devastating Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake that left more than 1.5 million homeless.

Andre Michel, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Democratic and Popular Sector, which is part of the December 21 Agreement, said no documents were signed with Viv Ansanm nor is there any ongoing dialogue with the armed group.

There is no place at the negotiating table. They are criminals and should be destroyed, he told the Miami Herald.

In a post on his X account, he went further: The Viv Ansanm gang coalition represents a criminal organization that has murdered, impoverished and humiliated tens of thousands of citizens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, the question about what role that armed gangs and their leaders should play in helping solve Haitis ongoing crisis remains.

Last year, as Caribbean leaders worked with Haitians to set up the political transition, several CARICOM leaders suggested the gangs should be included. Both the United States and France objected.

But the idea that gangs should be included is not novel and has long guided some foreign embassies approach in Port-au-Prince, Some political observers have been quietly wondering if the government is seeking ways to negotiate with armed gangs based on certain appointments that were recently made for local mayors offices.

Neither the government nor the ruling council has said they are interested in negotiating with gangs, although others close to the leadership have been accused of having close ties to gang leaders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For the most part, Haitians in general have shown no interest in amnesty for the gangs, and in many instances communities have fought back against gang invasions by killing suspected gang members rather than letting them be arrested.

In no instances will gangs ever help resolve the security crisis, said Pierre Esperance, a human-rights advocate. Involving gang leaders in a political accord is reinforcing impunity and legitimizing them.

Esperance said the mere fact that members of Haitis political class would even mention Viv Ansamn in their proposal shows they have relations with the gangs and that they have failed in their mission. Its a lack of respect for human lives, normalization of the violence and it shows that a lot of people in the political class are comfortable with what is taking place in the country.

Samuel Madistin, a lawyer and former presidential candidate, said he is just as bewildered as others as to what is driving the inclusion of Viv Ansanm in the political debate. Like Esperance, he rejected the notion that those responsible for the instability and worsening humanitarian crisis can offer peace and stability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They are spitting on the memories of a lot of people, people who have been made victims by these terrorists, thousands whom they have assassinated, women whom they have raped, people who have lost their homes, their businesses, thousands who have been forcibly displaced, Madistin said. The people whom they massacred  its an abuse, disrespect they are showing to all of these victims.

Madistin said the idea that Haitian politicians believe that a group of terrorists can lend a voice to the political crisis is unacceptable.

It is the governments role to give itself the means to neutralize the gangs; they have to reinforce the army, the police, Madistin said. There cannot be negotiations with the gangs. There cannot be impunity.
HALEIWA, Hawaii (KHON2)  A large development in Haleiwa town is getting some pushback from residents and the neighborhood board.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

North Shore leaders said the project has been in discussion for several years and now the developer is looking to reclassify ag land to move forward.

Haleiwa Backyards is the name of the project. It was originally brought up back in 2015 and underwent an environmental assessment which found no significant impacted when it was completed in 2016.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

North Shore neighborhood board members said the project went silent during the pandemic and re-surfaced again in February 2024 by the developers grandson.

In October 2024, a consultant for the developer went in front of the North Shore neighborhood board to re-classify the more than seven acres from agriculture land to urban district use land.

The project proposes 30,000 square feet of commercial space and about 150 market-priced rentals in the heart of Haleiwa town; between the bypass (Joseph P. Leong) and Kamehameha Highway. The stretch of property sits behind North Shore Marketplace, other businesses, as well as several homes and stretches to Opaeula Road.

Renderings show Opaeula Road as one of the ways in and out of the proposed area as well as Cane Haul Road which is on the other end of Haleiwa town.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It just feels like its a recipe for disaster and just aggravates the issues that we already have, explained Kathleen Pahinui, North Shore Neighborhood Board chair.

Its a narrow space, and they want to put in 30,000 square foot of retail, about 150 rental units, and these are market price, from my understanding, not affordable, she added.

She said parking would also be an issue, but a consultant told the board in October if local families lived there it could help alleviate traffic

I think theyre all designed to be two bedroom units, so small families and the units will be targeted at what is the gap group is, so these are not luxury units, these are for people who live and work in Haleiwa, explained the consultant Jim Hayes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said the area is outside coastal, flood zones and tsunami areas. He added that all the renderings follow the North Shore sustainable communities plan and there are also plans for a permanent farmers market, community neighborhood retail outlet and office space.

Pahinui said the board questioned who would be able to rent the units at market price, since the price for rent is much higher on North Shore than other parts of the island.

We already have issues with not having enough parking for retail space in Haleiwa, as it is, adding 30,000 more square foot, where are those people going to park? Where are the employees going to park? So, it just feels that its not a good place for that project. Its just going to add to the congestion, to the problems that were already experiencing, Pahinui added.

So the board felt pretty strongly, as did the community, nobody from the community spoke in favor of the project at all, she said. So people were pretty convinced that this is not something that we need at this time or at all, perhaps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think everyone knows this is just too much stuff in too small of a place, said North Shore resident Ben Devine. If a fire were to happen from the south end, there is no way everyone will get out of there, he said while pointing to the rendering map. [Opaeula Road] by Ace Hardware is not a two-lane road and its never going to be one.

Others said there could be better use of ag land there.

It would be great if the city purchased the property and used it for parking, you know, free parking for residents and then paid parking for visitors and parking for people that actually work in in those stores, Pahinui said. We would see that as a win for the community, having that as a parking space versus turning it into more more stuff and really materially changing the quality of life for our town to a point where its no longer Haleiwa.

The project is currently going through the permitting process and is looking to reclassify the seven- acres from ag to urban.

A public hearing with the planning commission will be held Wednesday, Jan. 22.

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.
Authorities are ordering new evacuations in California as the Palisades fire grows. California Attorney General Rob Bonta joins The Weekend to tell us what is happening in his state.
The TikTok ban is coming up, and users wonder what that entails. The US Supreme Court doesnt look willing to block the apps shutdown, and ByteDance isnt courting buyers, so itll likely go dark soon. Heres what that might look like, whether the ban will last, and how we got here in the first place.

What will happen when the TikTok ban goes into effect?

Theres not been an official announcement of what the TikTok ban will look like. However, according to The Washington Post, its looking like its going to happen. If it goes into effect, at a minimum, on January 19, the app will be removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. In the short term, current users might still be able to access content. However, the companys US infrastructure will be closed, and Content Delivery Networks will blacklist TikTok traffic, which means the overall experience will be degraded.

The worst case scenario is if TikTok owner ByteDance was truthful about only storing US user data on US and Singapore-based servers. If the app was compelled to shut those servers down, users would immediately lose access to data stored on them, which would cause content from all American creators to go dark.

Will the TikTok ban be permanent?

Its unlikely that the TikTok ban will be permanent. ByteDance has had nine months to sell it, and Prelogar stated that the company and the Chinese government are playing a game of chicken. If the ban goes into effect, it might be the jolt ByteDance needs to move forward with divesting its US-based operations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If ByteDance agrees to sell TikTok, buyers are ready to pounce. According to CNN, one of the most prominent potential purchasers is a group formed by former LA Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Shark Tank host Kevin OLeary.

However, if TikTok is purchased, itll likely take some time before it relaunches. ByteDance wouldnt include the backend technology that powers the platform, including the algorithm that powers its recommendations, so that would have to be made from scratch. In the interim, we could see the rise of an alternative or a mass migration to rival services like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.

Ironically, one of TikToks most prominent critics might come to its rescue. President Trump has asked that the company be given a 90-day extension. According to NBC News, this option exists in the TikTok ban legislation, but only if the president certifies that ByteDance is provided a path toward divestiture and significant progress is made toward accomplishing it. While Trump opposed the company during his first term, hes warmed to it since and hopes to pursue a political resolution to the issue once he enters the White House.

Why is TikTok being banned?

Lawyers argued that the TikTok ban violated the First Amendment, which didnt win over the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts stated that Congress didnt pass the law to curtail the expressions found on the app. Instead, the issue is entirely centered around a company with ties to the Chinese government gathering an immense amount of information on the 170 million US citizens who use the app.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If the US government wants user information from a company, it typically involves issuing a subpoena or warrant, and the requestor must have a valid reason for obtaining the data. If a company doesnt agree with the request, it has the right to fight it in court. In China, thats not the case. If the CCP states that data is relevant to national security, a company has almost no ability to legally prevent that access.

Its possible that the Chinese government could build detailed profiles about Americans, including where they live and work, interests, family, and friends. Arguing for the US government, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar stated that the immense dataset collected by TikTok would give the Chinese government a powerful tool to harass, manipulate, and blackmail American citizens.

The post Heres What Will Happen When TikTok is Banned and Whether Itll Be Permanent appeared first on Mandatory.
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

Stanford Medicine physicians have a new artificial intelligence tool to assist them when they message patients about test results. The technology drafts an interpretation of clinical test and lab results and explains them in a message using plain language, which a physician then reviews and approves.

The technology adds to a growing number of AI-based tools poised to help physicians spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on more meaningful work, such as interacting with patients.

"Artificial intelligence has tremendous promise to enhance the experience of both patients and clinicians in the health care settingand this tool is one of many ways that we are unlocking that potential," said David Entwistle, president and CEO of Stanford Health Care. "At Stanford Medicine, we are proud to be at the forefront of implementing responsible AI in clinical care, with a focus on advancing and empowering better health for all."

The tool, built in-house, leverages Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet LLM through Amazon Bedrock, an Amazon Web Services service for building, deploying and scaling generative AI applications. The tool follows a model similar to the AI-powered draft message generator that creates responses to patient inbox messages for health care providers.

"It's really about continuing to give back to the patient-provider relationship," said Michael Pfeffer, MD, chief information officer at Stanford Health Care and the Stanford School of Medicine. "We hope this helps make time for that through reduced administrative tasks and by facilitating better communication and faster communication."

Testing the tool

When a physician orders a test for a patient, be it blood work, an X-ray, a biopsy or something else, the results appear as medical data without interpretation. By law, those results must be shared with the patient as soon as they're ready, but the descriptions are often highly technical and can be challenging to understand without a medical degree. That means physicians are tasked with translating the results for their patients.

"Millions of lab tests are ordered annually by physicians for their patients," said Aditya Bhasin, vice president of software design and development at Stanford Health Care. "By generating draft responses for our physicians, we not only assist them with that workload, but also provide timely, comprehensive comments to help patients understand their specific results."

In a pilot test of the technology, 10 primary care physicians used the tool for a month, and with their feedback incorporated, the team ran the second pilot among a cohort of 24 physicians for an additional two months. The drafts aren't sent directly to the patient after the tool creates themeach one is reviewed and, if necessary, edited, before the physician sends the note.

"As a clinician, I love that I don't have to start with a blank page and the draft is in language that's understandable for patients," said Christopher Sharp, MD, chief medical information officer at Stanford Medicine. "I've had patients say to me, 'Dr. Sharp, you always write a comment on my result, and it makes me feel so much better.' It takes effort and time to create those notes in a clear and empathic way, and I think this tool will make it easier and more efficient to provide those interpretations, which are so important to our patients."

The goal is not for the tool to replace the physician's messaging interaction with the patient, but rather provide the physician with a draft that's either ready or close to ready to send, Pfeffer said. Of course, there's no obligation for the physician to use it.

Guided by principles of the RAISE Health Initiative, which focuses on the development and implementation of AI technologies at Stanford Medicine with responsibility and safety at the forefront, and the FURM (fair, useful, reliable models) assessment, Bhasin and his teams evaluated multiple models to find the best fit for Stanford Health Care and to ensure the tool did not introduce unintended biases or kinks in clinical workflows.

The team received positive anecdotal feedback during the initial introduction of the software.

"We've gotten great responses from physicians so far," Bhasin said. "Our physicians have shared that they appreciate the drafts' concise and accurate nature, that they're personalized for the patients, and that the messages are reassuring when communicating normal results."

A boost for primary care and beyond

For now, primary care physicians across Stanford Health Care are benefiting from the tool; the plan is to roll it out to specialists this year. The team also plans to measure the success of the tool, analyzing data that shows time saved and how often the AI-generated drafts are used, among other measurements.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide these technologies to our physicians and study them and learn from them," Pfeffer said. "It's still fairly new, and it's going to get better and more valuable as we develop it and incorporate feedback from our physicians."
A fire hydrant burns during the Eaton fire in Altadena on Jan. 8, 2025. - Credit: JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images

As vast swaths of Los Angeles County burned this week, with uncontrolled wildfires killing at least 10 people and destroying upward of 9,000 structures, residents and politicians understandably looked to assign blame. And in a drought-afflicted state where access to water is a particularly contentious issue, many argued that mismanagement of this crucial resource had led to wider destruction.

The hard truth, however, is that some of the most convenient scapegoats had little or nothing to do with the firestorm that raged through the city, and its not altogether clear what authorities might have done differently in the immediate crisis to prevent the extensive losses.

More from Rolling Stone

Reservoirs

Billionaire real estate mogul Rick Caruso, who lost a 2022 election to current L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, was among the first to allege  in a series of interviews with local TV stations on Tuesday night  that the citys irresponsibility with water had doomed the affluent westside Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where he owns a mall. (It sustained burn damage but is still standing.) Taking shots at his political rival, the former Department of Water and Power commissioner claimed that unreplenished reservoirs had caused fire hydrants in the area to run dry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some hydrants did lose water pressure throughout Tuesday night, as firefighters acknowledged, though it was not for a lack of preparation. The DWP had filled all its water storage tanks ahead of the Santa Ana windstorm that triggered the blazes, including three tanks in the Palisades area that hold 1 million gallons each. Yet the tremendous demand from firefighting crews as the flames spread had depleted them all by 3 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

Caruso was closer to the truth when he called this infrastructure old and inadequate. As a former general manager of DWP told the Los Angeles Times, these local supply systems were designed to provide enough water flow to battle a house fire or douse an apartment complex or commercial building. They are no match for massive infernos that erupt at an origin of wildland-urban interface, or WUI, where human development has penetrated into an ecosystem where fires are a natural occurrence  and where such a conflagration can quickly rip through an entire community.

The geography of the Pacific Palisades caused another difficulty in efforts to combat the flames: Its hilly landscape covers elevations from sea level up to 1,500 feet, and water pressure in those higher places fell as the tanks were used up. DWP officials said that pressure remained strong at lower elevations. In a briefing on today, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator Deanne Criswell reiterated that an overload of the system affected firefighters ability to pump water. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for an investigation into whether the nearby Santa Ynez Reservoir being offline when the fires began may have contributed to the situation, though Marty Adams, a 40-year-veteran of the DWP, told The New York Times that this reservoir likely would have been drained as well  though it certainly could have been helpful in the short term.

Gov. Newsoms Policies

President-elect Donald Trump, always reliable for an inaccurate take that suits his political grievances, blasted Democrats including Newsom over the disaster response, targeting a state environmental policy of using substantial waterflow to preserve rivers and wetlands. Trump has long oversimplified the dizzyingly complex realities of water distribution in California, and once again this week appeared to suggest that the Southlands troubles would be solved by an infusion of water from other parts of the state. Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way, he posted on Truth Social on Wednesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There is, of course, no such thing as the water restoration declaration, nor did L.A. burn for lack of water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which provides water for agricultural industry and drinking water to tens of millions of residents. The city instead gets most of its water from the Los Angeles Aqueduct, which draws water from the Owens Valley in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Metropolitan Water District, which receives a large allotment from the Colorado River and Delta. Mark Gold, water scarcity director for the Natural Resources Defense Council and a board member of the MWD, told CalMatters this week that Trump was wrong to suggest the scale of the fires was down to available water as opposed to climate change at a time when the Metropolitan Water District has the most water stored in its system in the history of the agency.

Indeed, while Southern California has received almost no rainfall in the past eight months, creating the perilously dry conditions that all but assured wildfires during multiple days of hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, the previous two winters have been notably wet. Though this contributed to the growth of additional vegetation now fueling the blazes, it also means  contrary to various claims on social media  that almost every major reservoir in California is holding an amount of water at or above its historical average.

Ocean Water

More uninformed complaints came in the form of the observation that L.A. is situated next to the Pacific Ocean, a seemingly inexhaustible abundance of water with which to put out fires. One naive user on X, formerly Twitter, even made the outlandish suggestion of implementing a statewide sprinkler system feed from the Pacific. While CL-415 aircraft known as Super Scoopers can pick up payloads of more than 1,500 gallons of ocean water at a time to dump on fires, seawater is only used selectively because its salt content corrodes metal pumps and hydrants, lessens the cooling effects of the water, and wreaks havoc with the environment by increasing soil salinity, which can prevent plants and seeds from absorbing water. (Meanwhile, one of two CL-415 planes being used in L.A. this week was grounded after colliding with a civilian drone illegally flying in restricted airspace over the Palisades Fire.)

Billionaires

Others focused their outrage at California billionaires Stewart and Lynda Resnick, whose Wonderful Company holds a controlling stake in the Kern Water Bank in the southern stretch of the states Central Valley. Initially created as a public asset, the reservoir has an underground capacity of 488 billion gallons of water in an arid region that also serves as Californias breadbasket, and it serves as a crucial asset for Wonderful, the largest agricultural company in the world, which grows oranges, pomegranates, and water-intensive crops including pistachios and almonds. Their controversial public-private Kern deal, struck in 1994 during what critics have described as backroom meetings, allows the Resnicks to reserve enough water for their farm empire and sell water back to the state in times of drought; Mother Jones described them in a 2016 headline as the California Couple Who Uses More Water Than Every Home in Los Angeles Combined.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The results of this arrangement are dire where it comes to equitable access to water, especially in the Central Valley, where the Resnicks can easily afford to outspend smaller farmers when purchasing roughly nine percent of its total water on the open market. But, again, L.A. did not run out of water during the wildfires  it was a problem of directing it to places where demand was at its most extreme, combined with ecological factors, an understaffed fire department, and the fact that municipal hydrant systems simply arent suitable for containing fires on this unprecedented scale. The Resnicks may be convenient villains, but they dont explain this catastrophe.

Artificial Intelligence

Finally, observers took aim at AI technology, which is known to consume large quantities of water, used to cool servers, and contributes to carbon emissions that warm the planet. (By one recent estimate from Cornell University researchers, the airborne pollution from data centers could rival that of all of the cars on California roads by 2030.) Concerns that companies building generative AI might accelerate water shortages as they build giant data centers across the country are certainly justified: The IT service management company CalEthos, for example, has plans to construct one of these centers on the lithium-rich shore of Californias Salton Sea, promising to drive the economic development of one of the states poorest counties. Water for the ambitious project would come from Californias precious share of the Colorado River flow.

Such usage, if it significantly increases, could someday limit the water available for putting out the kind of deadly, sprawling fires that ravaged L.A. this week. At the same time, as with so many of the supposed culprits being held accountable for homes not saved, AI cant be forced to answer for this disaster, because tech companies did not siphon off the water that firefighters have relied upon. Theories about reasons for insufficient water supply have served as comforting fictions in recent days, obscuring the far scarier reality: California is facing a level of wildfire threat beyond any in its history, the kind that overwhelms our usual definitions of preparedness.

Best of Rolling Stone

Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Its not uncommon to see cars parked or abandoned along the side of a freeway during your daily commute.

Maybe youve wondered why they are there. Are they broken down? Are they out of gas? Or were they simply abandoned?

While some drivers go back to retrieve their vehicle right away, others may not. So what happens to those cars that arent picked up?

What happens to vehicles abandoned in WA?

Washington State Patrol Trooper John Dattilo told The News Tribune in an interview that, depending on where the vehicle is left, WSP or local law enforcement might be tasked with removing it from the side of the highway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

WSP specifically deals with removing abandoned vehicles in immediate tow zones along state routes and interstate highways. Immediate tow zones are located along limited access roadways such as a freeway or highway. Tow-away zones along highways are are marked with signs.

Dattilo said vehicles left in immediate tow zones along interstate highways, such as on Interstate 5, are towed without needing to contact the owner of the vehicle because it poses a safety risk for other drivers.

Any abandoned vehicle on the side of the road is going to become a danger, Dattilo said. If its windy and a semi-truck is going by, it can get blown off into the shoulder or emergency vehicles, a lot of times, will use the shoulder to travel to emergencies, and if theres vehicles blocking that access, thats not only a danger to us because we could potentially run into it, but its also starts affecting the people that were trying to get to.

Dattilo added that troopers have responded to many collisions involving drowsy, tired or intoxicated drivers who crash into abandoned vehicles on the side of the highway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While it is not always clear to WSP troopers why a car has been abandoned unless they have left a note, there are some indications that a car was left because it was broken down such as a flat tire, if the hood of the car is left open or if its up on jacks, Dattilo said.

Vehicles left along non-immediate tow zones are dealt with differently than vehicles left in immediate tow zones. Dattilo said that vehicles left on non-immediate tow zones such as State Route 7 in Pierce County, are not immediately towed. Instead, state troopers or law enforcement officers who make contact with the abandoned vehicle mark it and leave their information on it. Usually, it is a reflective sticker. Vehicle owners then have 24 hours to move it before it is ultimately towed.

If WSP troopers comes across a vehicle that has been reported stolen, they will try to contact the owner of the vehicle, but if they are unable to reach the owner, the vehicle will be towed, Dattilo said.

Once a vehicle is towed, the owners are responsible for paying towing and impound fees in order to retrieve the vehicle, even if it was reported stolen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anytime theres a stolen vehicle report made, they are supposed to provide contact information that we can utilize, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to get in contact with them, so essentially, were we are supposed to be guaranteed to get a hold of them, Dattilo said. If we cant get a hold of them, we tow it and we usually either leave them a message or send some sort of notification to them to let them know we recovered their vehicle.

A car is left unattended along Interstate 5 in Lakewood, Washington, on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.

What to know about towing and impound fees

WSP has a set rate for towing and impound fees for the entire state of Washington that are dependent on the type of truck and equipment that is necessary to tow the vehicle.

According the WSP website, these are the fees that one can expect to pay if their car is towed by WSP through Oct. 14, 2025. If the vehicle needs to be moved using a rotator, the fee is higher.

Class A&E: $297 / Rotator $415

Class B: $359 / Rotator $501

Class B-2: $482 / Rotator $673

Class C: $622 / Rotator $873

Class S1: $1,041

Class S: $625

Storage rate: $75

To avoid paying towing and impound fees, Dattilo says drivers who are stuck on the side of the highway should call 911 instead of abandoning their vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We consider it an emergency situation when someone is broken down or stuck on the side of the road so we will respond, Dattilo said. Response times may vary depending on where you are, but we respond to those a lot, and were required to.

Drivers who come across abandoned vehicles on a freeway or limited access roadways should call 911 to report the vehicle, Dattilo said.
NEW HARTFORD, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  Police are asking for the publics help in their investigation of a Centro bus accident in the village of New Hartford.

Officers were called to Oxford Road in the vicinity of Sherrill Lane at approximately 11:15 am on Friday, January 10. Upon their arrival, officers determined that a Centro bus was traveling southbound on Oxford Road.

As the bus  operated by 43-year-old Esmir Bajrektarevic of Utica  was traveling, it struck a bicycle, being operated by 67-year-old Jianhua Dong of New Hartford.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police say Dong sustained multiple serious injuries in the accident. He was transported to the Wynn Hospital in Utica. His condition is unknown at this time.

Bajrektarevic was not injured in the accident, nor were any passengers that were riding on the bus at the time. Traffic was diverted for several hours while New Hartford Police investigated the accident.

The collision remains under investigation by New Hartford Police and no charges have been filed. Police are asking anyone with any information on the collision to contact New Hartford Police at 315-724-7111 and ask to speak with an investigator.

This is an ongoing investigation. We will provide more information as it becomes available to us.

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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
Kisha McCaskill, executive director of the Harvey Park District, was selected Friday evening to replace Monica Gordon as 5th District Cook County Board member.

McCaskill has been executive director since May 2015 and, according to her resume, is co-founder of the Democratic Women of the Southland Region.

Democratic party leaders from the 5th District had to pick a replacement for Gordon, who was sworn in last month as Cook County clerk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They met at South Suburban College in South Holland, and McCaskill was one of five candidates seeking the position.

Hazel Crest Mayor Vernard Alsberry, who is not up for reelection this year due to term limits, was among the candidates. He is also Bremen Township Democratic Committeeman and had a vote in picking Gordons replacement.

Dolton Trustee Kiana Belcher, Chicago Heights Ald. Kelli Merrick and Rich Township Highway Commissioner Dennis White also sought to fill the board vacancy.

McCaskill audibly gasped after her selection was announced, and after taking the oath of office told Democratic leaders I know it was not an easy decision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Speaking to the crowd, she said that my job is going to be to serve you, from Roseland to Chicago Heights.

After the announcement, Gordon said she believed McCaskill will be a great addition to the board.

She will work to improve the quality of life for 5th District residents, Gordon said.

McCaskills husband, Anthony McCaskill, previously was president of the Harvey Park Board and made an unsuccessful run for Harvey mayor in 2023.

McCaskill will serve the unexpired term of Gordon and will face election to a full term in 2026.

In April, Cook County Democrats voted for Gordon from among 15 hopefuls as the partys nominee for the November special election to replace Karen Yarbrough, who died last spring.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Elected to the County Board in November 2022, Gordon was executive director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, a trustee at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights and director of government relations at Chicago State University.

On the County Board, Gordon replaced retiring 5th District Commissioner Deborah Sims.

Sims was in the audience when the decision was announced, and McCaskill thanked her for paving the way for women on the County Board.

Dozens of people waited outside a conference room at the college Friday evening, as candidates presented resumes and qualifications and spoke to party leaders behind closed doors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Belcher is running for reelection to a second term as Dolton trustee and explained before the Friday decision her reason for seeking the commissioners post. She said she didnt believe, if she had been selected, she would be able to serve as both trustee and county commissioner.

I have been a good advocate for the village as a trustee and I would like to extend my advocacy in the commissioner position, she said.

Fellow Trustees Jason House, running for Dolton mayor, and Tammie Brown along with village Clerk Alison Key were with her at the selection meeting.

Merrick said she was an alderwoman for six years and is not up for reelection this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I like to do good and Ive been doing good stuff for Chicago Heights and wanted to expand on that and do good stuff in the 5th District for good people, she said.

She said she was not sure, had she been picked, if she could serve on both the County Board and the City Council.

I would still be able to bring good stuff to my community, but on a larger scale, she said.

mnolan@southtownstar.com
HONOLULU (KHON2)  A Honolulu City councilmember said weak city fireworks laws do not align with state regulations, so there is now a push to increase penalties for people who use, possess or sell illegal fireworks.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The incentive comes after the deadly explosion on New Years Day.

City Council Vice Chair Esther Kiaaina said Honolulus current ordinances are not up to snuff when it comes to illegal fireworks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A booming problem: 0 illegal fireworks arrests in Hawaii this year

Using, possessing or selling over 25 pounds of aerials is currently a misdemeanor in Honolulu, though State law says it is a felony.

How can it be a misdemeanor under city law and then a Class C felony under state law? It doesnt make any sense, Kiaaina said. The current bill increases the penalty from one year to five years and labels it a Class C felony akin with State law.

Current city law also calls for a $250 to $1,000 fine for the same charge. Kiaaina and her co-sponsor would like to increase it to between $1,000 and $10,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The law is already there. You know, whether its $250 or $10,000 people might still do it. But we have to figure out a way to enforce this so that it doesnt happen again, and we know that we cant resolve this overnight, said District VIII Councilmember Val Okimoto.

4 dead, many injured in firework-related calls on Oahu

KHON2 asked Okimoto if she has any words of encouragement for the community to come out to the amnesty event on Saturday, Jan. 11.

I think that its a choice for everybody be able to make. But if you have been, you know, affected by the incident that happened on New Years Day in the early morning, then I would encourage you to to participate in it, Okimoto said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im still supportive of our cultural traditions. However, were all, at the end of the day, family members, you know, that could have been any of our family members. And I would hate for it to happen unnecessarily to others, she said.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

A meeting on the proposed bill will be heard on Thursday, Jan. 16 before the Committee on Public Safety. Click here for more information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
HAZARD, Ky. (FOX 56)  Fire crews in Hazard worked against the elements on Friday for over six hours, overcoming obstacles caused by snow and ice to keep a commercial building and other nearby structures from catching fire.

The Hazard Fire Department (HFD) posted on Facebook that just after 4:20 a.m. on Friday, crews were dispatched to the 100 block of East Main Street in response to a call from a patrolling Hazard police officer who noticed a fire inside of an office building in the area.

Snowfall hits southern Kentucky hard with London in the thick of it

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the fire department, crew members could see the working fire almost immediately after pulling out of Station 1 and confirmed it within seconds.

Crews reportedly worked not only to extinguish the fires in the commercial building but also to protect nearby buildings from exposure to the flames. Neighboring structures were damaged from the heat, crews said, but were protected from catching fire.

(Hazard Fire Department) (Hazard Fire Department) (Hazard Fire Department) (Hazard Fire Department) (Hazard Fire Department) (Hazard Fire Department) (Hazard Fire Department) (Hazard Fire Department)

The HFD wrote that many challenges got in the way of fire crews while battling the fires. On-call members had to drive in poor road conditions, with firefighters reportedly slipping on ice. Frozen equipment created additional obstacles.

The department said hot coffee was used as a quick substitute for de-icer to thaw out equipment until the real thing arrived.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Hazard fire officials said the fires had been extinguished. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Karol Nawrocki, Head of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and a presidential candidate, has commented on Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's announcement of a "breakthrough" in the exhumation of the victims of the Volyn tragedy. [The Volyn (Volhynia) tragedy was a series of events that led to the ethnic cleansing of the Polish and Ukrainian populations in 1943 during World War II. It was part of a long-standing rivalry between Ukrainians and Poles in what is now Ukraine's west. Poland considers the Volyn tragedy a genocide of Poles  ed.]

Source: Nawrocki in a comment to the Polish news portal RMF24

Details: Nawrocki, who heads Poland's Institute of National Remembrance, noted that "today we cannot talk about a breakthrough".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We've been through many such breakthroughs, or rather declarations of such breakthroughs. One of them was announced by Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski. It did not happen. I don't know what the prime minister considers a breakthrough," said Nawrocki, a presidential candidate backed by the opposition Law and Justice party.

"We're talking about 1,500 villages that have disappeared from the map, 120,000 victims, so it would be a breakthrough to start exhumations. We're ready to fulfil our duties as the Institute of National Remembrance. Will this be a success? We don't know yet. There is no decision yet, we do not know what the prime minister is talking about," Nawrocki said.

Background:

On 10 January, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that a decision had been made to conduct the first exhumations of the victims of the Volyn tragedy in Ukraine, though he did not elaborate.

Commenting on Tusk's statement, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed hope for "further implementation of agreements with mutual respect and reciprocity".

At the end of November, Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski and his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha issued a joint statement on the issue of exhumations.

Support UP or become our patron!
Jan. 10Three members of New Mexico's congressional delegation want the Caja del Rio to be designated a national monument in the last 10 days of President Joe Biden's administration.

The 106,000-acre Caja del Rio plateau west of Santa Fe is a patchwork of federally and state-managed public lands.

Democratic Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan, as well as Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, are asking Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack to recommend the Caja del Rio plateau be designated a national monument before Biden's presidency comes to an end Jan. 20.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The Caja del Rio is a living testament to centuries of New Mexico's complicated and under-told history," the letter reads.

Sent Jan. 7, the letter is the most recent push in an ongoing campaign led by Pueblo leaders and Santa Fe city and county officials to get more protections for the plateau. In December, the congressional delegation as a whole urged Biden to take action on the designation.
California is in a crisis  and many are wondering how to help our friends to the south as a series of fires tear through Los Angeles.

More than 10, 000 homes have burned, approximately 300,00 people are under evacuation orders, and at least 11 people have died.

There are hundreds of fundraisers claiming to send money towards recovery efforts, but how do you know if its real?

KIRO 7 spoke to Leigh Lehman, the Director of Communications for GoFundMe, about what people should look for.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She suggests asking yourself the following questions:

Is the title very clear?

Does the story on the fundraiser make sense?

Does the fundraiser clearly state how funds will be used?

Is the relationship between the organizer and recipient written out?

Are direct family friends, family members, and community members leaving donations and supportive comments?

Lehman says right now the most needed items are temporary housing, water, and clothes.

The following are verified nonprofit organizations and humanitarian groups accepting donations:

American Red Cross

You can donate online by clicking here, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to donate. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from these disasters.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

The proceeds will go toward equipping firefighters with tools and supplies to contain the infernos. Donate online by clicking here.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

The food bank is accepting food donations and volunteers. People can also donate online by clicking here.

League of California Community Foundations

The foundation said funds raised after previous disasters have helped rebuild homes, restore lost belongings, and provide support services such as mental health management. You can donate by clicking here.

World Central Kitchen

Founded by chef Jose Andres, the organization has mobilized across Southern California, providing sandwiches and water throughout the region. The charity said its volunteer chefs are on standby to give out meals. You can donate by clicking here.
Los Angeles County remains in the throes of massive wildfires that began in various locations starting Tuesday (Jan. 7), leading to the displacement of more than 180,000 residents. The wildfires have reportedly destroyed thousands of properties and claimed 10 lives as first responders continue to battle the flames throughout the region.

More and more organizations and companies are stepping up to collect funds and provide resources for those impacted by the disasters. Below is an updating list of ways to help residents, first responders and members of the citys music community by donating goods and services and even attending benefit concerts.

More from Billboard

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Music workers looking for relief can navigate here for additional resources.

Support for Families and Outdoor Workers

The LAUSD Education Emergency Relief Fund is providing immediate assistance to families and Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) employees affected by the devastating fires. The fund will offer direct cash assistance and support to families and employees affected by the fires; support teachers and in-class resources for students at impacted schools, ensuring continuity of learning to the greatest extent possible; provide flexible assistance for mental health support; and offer support for other immediate and long-term needs for students, families and teachers.

The CAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), global humanitarian organization Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation have come together to launch the SOCAL FIRE FUND. This ongoing collaboration will provide immediate and long-term support for community-centered recovery initiatives that aid the most vulnerable impacted by the January 2025 fires. The fund will be administered by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), the creative communitys trusted partner in philanthropy.

The Black Music Action Coalition has announced an immediate relief fund with a focus on Black residents and small businesses in the L.A. area affected by the ongoing and devastating fires. The organization will disperse 100% of monies received to relief efforts with urgency as funds come in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Inclusive Action has launched a GoFundMe to provide cash relief for outdoor workers impacted by wildfires. The emergency aid fund will provide $500 in cash assistance directly to open-air workers, i.e. people whose jobs require them to work outside, including street vendors, landscapers and recyclers.

This Is About Humanity has launched a fund supporting front and second-line migrant farm workers, day laborers, and other essential workers and their families severely impacted by the recent fires in Los Angeles. Through Jan. 31, TIAH is matching up to $50,000 in donations to provide critical relief, housing support, food assistance and essential resources.

Save the Children is helping ensure essential, child-focused supplies are getting into the hands of children and families impacted by the wind-fueled fires. This includes supplies like hygiene kits and caregiver kits  with flashlights, water bottles, blankets, portable chargers and more  as well as childrens activity kits, to enable kids to be kids during stressful times. Contribute to the Childrens Emergency Fund here.

Community organizers The Kindness Hub have put together a Volunteer Spreadsheet for daily opportunities to help out, as well as an overall Aid Tracker spreadsheet with helpful tips for those impacted by the fires.

Support for First Responders

Donations to the LA Fire Department Foundation will go to supporting the heroic firefighters responding in real-time to protect lives, homes and communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The CA Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents as details of the damage emerge. The California Fire Foundation also provides critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they serve.

Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based nonprofit specializing in disaster relief, is on the ground in Southern California in response to the devastating wildfires. First meals are being distributed today to victims, volunteers, firefighters and other first responders. Support Mercy Chefs current efforts here.

Essential Items for Families in Need

Baby2Baby is providing essential supplies like diapers, clothing, hygiene products and emergency kits to families in need through hundreds of their community partners.

World Central Kitchen is supporting first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area with sandwiches and warm meals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mutual Aid LA Network is continually working to compile an extensive list of organizations offering assistance and accepting donations through this spreadsheet.

Instacart has set up Community Carts banners or click instacart.com/donate where people can make donations of essential items directly to YMCAs across Los Angeles.

Support for Music Professionals

The Recording Academy and MusiCares have launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to support music professionals impacted by the crisis and made a combined pledge of $1 million to kick off a fundraising effort. You can donate here.

The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund has launched a natural disaster relief fund for music professionals in Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas. Funds raised will go to help those recoup the loss of music-related equipment as well as medical bills related to the fires and other vital living expenses. Head here to donate or fill out an application.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The We Are Moving the Needle Microgrants Wildfire Relief Fund is designed to support early and mid-career producers, engineers, and creators who have lost studio space or gear in the wildfires. Those wishing to donate can go here.

The 100 Percenters has launched an LA Wildfire Relief Fundraiser to benefit professional songwriters, producers, artists and music professionals with verifiable industry contributions who reside in wildfire-impacted areas in Los Angeles County and can demonstrate wildfire-related loss and financial need. The fund will provide immediate financial assistance with grants up to $2,500 for housing, transportation and essentials; support rebuilding efforts with grants of up to $10,000 to replace equipment and restore creative spaces; and offer mental health support with grants of up to $2,000 for counseling and wellness services. Donate here.

Songwriters of North America (SONA) relaunched its Songwriters Fund to provide emergency relief for songwriters and composers impacted by the wildfires. In order to qualify for $500 emergency grants, songwriters can visit the organizations website and provide examples that demonstrate professional-level work as a musician, prove they were based in and around the area of the fires, and provide three recent songwriter and/or composer credits. Qualifying writers and composers will then receive payment via direct deposit, check or digital wallet. You can donate to the fund here.

Mid/Long-Term Relief

California Community Foundations Wildlife Recovery Fund focuses on mid-term and long-term recovery efforts for those affected by the fires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pasadena Community Foundations Eaton Canyon Fire Recovery and Relief Fund is mobilizing local resources to support resilience and immediate and long-term recovery initiatives in the L.A. County cities of Pasadena and Altadena.

The PLUS1LA Fires Fund will help local nonprofits offering shelter and care to those who have lost their homes, including PPE to prevent smoke inhalation, food, clothing, diapers, formula, hygiene items and mental health support to help those coping with trauma. Over the long term, it will support efforts to help individuals, families, communities and the environment recover from the destruction.

Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that assists disaster response across the globe based here in LA. The organization is currently assisting with a point of distribution (POD) to give out much-needed supplies to survivors, such as food, water, ice and other essential items.

In Malibu, volunteers are assisting those directly impacted by the wildfires.

Benefit Concerts

An all-star list of artists including Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Jelly Roll, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Nicks, John Mayer and Joni Mitchell are set to play FireAid, a pair of benefit concerts spanning both Intuit Dome and Kia Forum on Jan. 30. A partnership between Live Nation, AEG and the Azoff family, the benefit concert will be broadcast by select AMC Theatres, Apple Music and the Apple TV App, Max, iHeartRadio and more platforms, with viewers able to contribute while the watch. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday (Jan. 22) at noon PT via Ticketmaster. Proceeds from the shows, which will be distributed with the help of the Annenberg Foundation, will span creating an organization to rebuild Los Angeless infrastructure, supporting displaced families, and preventing future fire disasters. You can find more information and donate here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

L.A. Gives Back: Fire Relief is set for Jan. 29 at The Bellwether in downtown L.A. The show  organized by IHEARTCOMIX, Brownies & Lemonade, Another Planet Entertainment (which owns The Bellwether) and Teragram  has yet to announce a lineup. One hundred percent of proceeds from the show will go to supporting victims of the fires, along with first responders and animals. You can buy tickets here.

The Get Together Foundation, in cooperation with Rock Cellar productions, announced a wildfire relief concert to be held Jan. 28 at The Canyon in Agoura Hills, Calif. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to organizations supporting wildfire relief efforts including the Guitar Center Music Foundation (to help replace musical instruments lost in the blazes), the Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association and others. L.A.-based musicians set to perform include Micky Dolenz, Laurence Juber (Wings) & AIRFOIL, Jeff Alan Ross (Peter Asher, The Lovin Spoonful), Carl Verheyen Band, Bernard Fowler (The Rolling Stones), Rob Morrow, Rosemary Butler and others, with more to be announced. You can buy tickets to the event here.

In New York, Canadian singer-songwriter JP Saxe is hosting a benefit concert with friends in lieu of his single release show to benefit victims of the wildfires. Dubbed NY for LA  A Benefit Concert, the show is set to take place on Wednesday (Jan. 22) at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City, with all proceeds going to Mutual Aid LA. You can buy tickets to the concert here.

Best of Billboard

Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A couple walk on a sidewalk in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday on May 3, 2017. Credit: AP Photo/Esteban Felix, File

Taking a shower. Grocery shopping. Moving around the kitchen. Getting dressed. The underappreciated link between these mundane activities is good balance, which geriatricians say is key to maintaining an independent lifestyle as we age.

Lacking balance can be dangerous. In the U.S., 3 million older people seek medical care for fall-related injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But falls are not inevitable, said Roopa Anmolsingh, a geriatrician who created the Cleveland Clinic's balance classes.

"Some people have a misconception that part of getting old is, you're going to fall. That's not true," Anmolsingh said. "You can control how you fall, or if you fall."

To prevent falls, geriatricians say people should start asking themselves questions about their balance as early as 50 years old.

Do I ever feel unsteady?

Besides muscles and bones, other systems in the body can affect balance, so it's important to have a doctor check you if you ever feel unsteady, even if only occasionally. The cause could be related to blood pressure, a medication, inner-ear function, a nervous system issue or countless other potential problems.

Even if unsteadiness is not an issue, you can determine whether you still might need an intervention with an easy at-home assessment.

Standing next to a wall or something that can lend support if needed, raise one leg. If you can balance on each leg for 10 seconds, you should be fine, said Greg W. Hartley, a University of Miami professor of physical therapy specializing in geriatrics.

"If you can't do that, then you should probably go see a physical therapist," he said.

Another assessment, which Hartley recommended doing supervised, is called TUG, for "timed up and go." Sit in a chair and start a timer when you stand. Walk 10 feet (3 meters), come back and stop the timer upon sitting back down. If it takes longer than 15 seconds, the risk for a fall is very high. Twelve seconds or less, the likelihood of a fall is almost zero.

The National Council on Aging offers an online resource to assess the risk of a fall with questions about medications, whether you worry about falling and if you have trouble stepping over a curb, among others.

What can I do to improve balance?

Because muscle mass begins to decline in most people during their 30s, geriatricians say the best way to preserve good balance is to stay physically active throughout life. But it's never too late to start prioritizing it, Anmolsingh said.

Tai chi and yoga are particularly good for older adults because they involve controlled movements while shifting body weight. There also are individual exercises people can work into their everyday lives.

Anmolsingh recommended standing on one foot while waiting in line at the grocery store. At home, try sitting up and down from a chair several times without using arm rests. While holding onto a chair or the wall, do three-way leg lifts on each side, lifting a leg to the front, side and then back. At the kitchen counter, take a few steps to the side in each direction.

How often should I do the exercises?

For general physical activity, which will improve balance as well as mood and overall health, the National Institute of Aging recommends at least 150 minutes per week. That should include a mixture of stretching to improve flexibility, an aerobic activity increasing the heart rate and strength training with weights or resistance bands.

For balance-specific exercises, it's particularly important to do them regularly because it takes at least 50 hours of training to have a measurable impact, Hartley said. Besides strengthening the associated muscles, doing exercises repetitively for extended periods trains the brain to react properly when you slip or trip.

"Just like an athlete needs to do repetition to train for a sport, you're doing repetition to train for everyday balance activities," he said.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR)  It all started with hemp regulations.

In December, Governor JB Pritzker pushed for a bill to pass that would have put strict regulations on the production and sale of hemp-derived THC products. However, when it came time to actually whip up votes in the house, thats when the problems started.

States medical debt relief program off to strong start

When you have a complex issue like this that balances public safety and public health, economic benefit, as well as regulatory issues, theres going to be some friction, right? House Democrat Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson sent his team to Springfield to lobby against the bill, arguing it undercut the citys ability to profit off the products. There was also a growing sentiment from some lawmakers that these products, sometimes referred to as Delta-8 products, offered an alternative way for minority populations to make money, especially those who didnt have the overhead to capitalize on marijuana dispensary licenses.

Johnsons lobbyists, Pritzkers staff and House Democrats all clashed over the topic in a caucus meeting during the lame duck session earlier this week. The caucus meeting went on for hours, and it got tense, according to members in the room.

As you know, the process sometimes can get heated, right? Buckner said. So there were some passionate conversations.

Governor Pritzker threw more fuel on the fire, demanding apologies for comments made to his staff during the meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They were berated. They were called liars. They were treated extremely poorly, Pritzker said. One of my staff people had to get up and leave because she felt ganged up upon.

He went on to criticize Johnson and the lack of relationship between the two offices once it was clear that the Hemp bill would not be called for a vote during lame duck session.

Five years after legalization, whats next for Illinois marijuana market?

Look, the lines of communication are open, but people have to take advantage of the open communication line, Pritzker said in Normal on Tuesday. And often that didnt that didnt happen with regard to the hemp bill, didnt call anybody in my administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The state is facing a projected $3.2 billion dollar budget deficit, and Chicago is facing financial problems, too. The financial fates of the two are intertwined in several ways, with Johnson making several requests from the state to help balance the books.

Chicago Representative Kam Buckner sponsored the hemp regulation bill. He is in leadership for the House Democrats, and hes an ally of the mayor. He downplayed the lasting effects of this political fight, but he did say the relationship between Pritzker and Johnson needs to improve.

I ran for mayor of Chicago and much of my platform was based on creating a symbiotic relationship between city hall and this building that were in right now, Buckner said. I still believe that that is a pivotal piece of how to move Chicago forward and how to move to stay forward. One cannot go without the other.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The clang of the iron cat trap was the sound of another success, which is typically illegal in Henderson.

The pilot program spread out in two groups at an undisclosed Henderson neighborhood Friday night, searching for feral and community cats to trap, neuter, vaccinate and return (TNVR). Neighbors in the community came out and thanked the volunteers, noting the humane work to return the cats who have helped out with a rat problem in the area.

The people in this area have been asking for help with these cats for a long time, Arvie Bromley, a Henderson Cats volunteer, said. They would just like for them to stop the stop breeding. So, well stop the breeding. Well get them vaccinated, and well bring them back so the caretakers can continue to feed them.

Arvie Bromley, a Henderson Cats volunteer (KLAS)

In Dec. 2024, the Henderson City Council voted to suspend several ordinances enforced by municipal animal control for stray and outdoor cats and allow nonprofit organizations to start a TNVR pilot program, which includes the Henderson Cats, to gather data and report back in 2026 to city officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Henderson Cats is a group of volunteers who have a heart for these animals that are out here that have been left abandoned, Bromley said. Theyre not neutered or spayed, and they reproduce, and its just kittens that are born outside. And it just, its just a vicious cycle. It just keeps going and going.

Henderson Cats is not funded by the City of Henderson, but through the Community Cat Coalition of Clark County (C5), which is the existing TVNR for Clark County. The organization, which has been running since 2009, has successfully encountered more 50,000 cats in Southern Nevada, according to a city posting.

The pilot program spread out in two groups at an undisclosed Henderson neighborhood Friday night, searching for feral and community cats to trap, neuter, vaccinate and return (TNVR). Neighbors in the community came out and thanked the volunteers, noting the humane work to return the cats who have helped out with a rat problem in the area. (KLAS) The pilot program spread out in two groups at an undisclosed Henderson neighborhood Friday night, searching for feral and community cats to trap, neuter, vaccinate and return (TNVR). Neighbors in the community came out and thanked the volunteers, noting the humane work to return the cats who have helped out with a rat problem in the area. (KLAS) The pilot program spread out in two groups at an undisclosed Henderson neighborhood Friday night, searching for feral and community cats to trap, neuter, vaccinate and return (TNVR). Neighbors in the community came out and thanked the volunteers, noting the humane work to return the cats who have helped out with a rat problem in the area. (KLAS) The pilot program spread out in two groups at an undisclosed Henderson neighborhood Friday night, searching for feral and community cats to trap, neuter, vaccinate and return (TNVR). Neighbors in the community came out and thanked the volunteers, noting the humane work to return the cats who have helped out with a rat problem in the area. (KLAS)

[C5] is very generous in helping us get started, but we are raising our own money, and thats our goal, Bromley said. We just want to have one year. We hope that it will continue after a year, but the city wanted to try it out for a year and see what happens.

Interested volunteers are asked to email Henderson Cats at rvbrom@gmail.com. Bromley said the nonprofit already has 20 jobs out right now, with the expectation of accumulating more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now that were organized, were going to make a difference, she said. Its just we dont want to see the animals out here suffering. Thats all.

The pilot program runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of 2025 and is expected to collect data and explore related issues to prepare recommendations to the Henderson City Council in 2026. The surgeries for the cats are conducted by Heaven Can Wait animal shelter.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 11Rogers County Commissioners appointed District 2 Commissioner Steve Hendrix as chairman for the year 2025 Monday.

The chairman seat rotates each year; District 1 Commissioner Dan DeLozier served as chairman in 2024. District 3 Commissioner Ron Burrows is Hendrix's vice-chairman.

Hendrix thanked DeLozier for his service last year.

"Each and every year presents its own unique set of challenges and things that we have to face that we haven't really experienced before," Hendrix said. "The chairmanship, I guess you have some extra duties, but you can't do this job alone. Each and every person here is what it takes, every elected official is what it takes to keep this machine moving and keep this county moving forward."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hendrix, along with Court Clerk Cathi Edwards, County Clerk Jeanne Heidlage and Sheriff Scott Walton, took their ceremonial oaths of office at the start of the Monday commissioners' meeting. Judge Lara Russell swore the re-elected officials back into their respective offices.

Also at Monday's meeting, Scott Greenland, the county's opioid abatement grant manager, gave his first report to the county commissioners.

The county hired Greenland at the start of December to manage the $506,158 the state awarded Claremore and the county in 2024 to combat the opioid epidemic.

Greenland said the grant money covers three areas: high school equivalency exam training in the county jail, a Women in Recovery program and community-oriented education.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said the GED program is in the process of being set up, and the jail is seeking a GED instructor and a proctor to run it.

"Both of those positions need to have an Oklahoma teaching certificate, so that's not the easiest process to try and find hires for in the middle of the year," Greenland said. "If anybody can refer [someone] to that, please let us know."

Family and Children's Services in Tulsa offers Women in Recovery, a program Greenland said helps incarcerated women in all aspects as they transition back to their lives pre-incarceration.

He said nine Rogers County women are in the program right now, receiving help from a myriad of experts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It is absolutely incredible," Greenland said. "I can talk to you about that for at least an hour, and I don't even know all that much  that's just how much they have going on."

Greenland said he is most involved with community-oriented education, which involves preventing drug addiction through education in schools and in the community. He said community groups have reached about 9,000 of Rogers County's 12,000 primary and secondary students with drug, alcohol and life skills education, and he's working on vetting organizations to attain full coverage.

Burrows said another round of opioid prevention money is available, and Greenland said he's gathering data on his work that he will use when he applies for that next round.

He said he'd provide a more in-depth update on his work at the end of January.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"A lot of this last month for me was discovering things, learning things, networking," Greenland said. "I probably had about 50 different meetings, which is great, because everybody's wonderful to work with and excited about seeing some change and progress in this area of our community."

Carl Statton, grants manager for Rogers County Emergency Management, said the county could expect to receive about $2.27 million in tornado reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. That's 75% of the roughly $3 million the county spent cleaning up the disaster.

Statton said the county submitted 12 projects for reimbursement. Of those, FEMA has approved seven, totaling a little over a $1 million.

Most of what remains falls under clearing District 1 and District 3's debris; both districts are in the process of burning (District 1) or chipping (District 3) their debris, and Statton said once that's done, FEMA should shortly approve reimbursement funds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DeLozier asked if the county could expect an additional 12.5% of reimbursement from the state.

"What we have been told by the state is there will not be a 12.5% refund to us on that 25% that the state withholds," Statton said. "Subject to change, as we all know."

The commissioners chose Tulsa-based Lyle Building Group as construction manager for the courthouse renovation project.

They heard presentations from Lyle and two other candidates, Key Construction and Nabholz, at a Jan. 3 special meeting. All three commissioners said all the candidates were good options, and they selected Lyle through a ranked-choice vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The county is working with BKL, the architectural firm that first designed the courthouse, to make renovations mostly to the first and second floors of the courthouse. The plan would require the Oklahoma State University Extension office, planning and maintenance departments to vacate the building.

DeLozier said Dawes Cemetery, a graveyard in Chelsea that has nearly run out of room, now has space for about 150 more graves.

He said an adjacent property owner who was planning to sell his house had donated the land a few days previous.

"He was a long standing employee at District 1 for over 30 years," DeLozier said. "... He knew the need, and he came to me with it."
If you live elsewhere in the world, its natural to feel helpless watching this horrifying situation unfold. But there are many ways to help those affected by the fires, no matter where youre located.

Below, weve rounded up a list of organizations accepting donations now. (The list is by no means comprehensive, but for more options, Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network has also compiled a lengthy spreadsheet with resources and ways to help.)

California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation works with local fire departments and community-based organizations to aid residents affected by wildfires and other disasters in the state. You can make a donation on the foundations website to offer direct support to victims of the Los Angeles blazes.

World Central Kitchen

Chef Jose Andres World Central Kitchen has mobilized relief teams throughout the Los Angeles area to feed first responders and affected residents. The organization is providing food and water in areas in need and accepting donations to support these efforts on its website.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is also on the ground and working with partners to provide food, safe shelter, medical care, relief supplies and emotional support to those affected by the fires. You can donate to the cause on the Red Cross website or by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.

Friends in Deed

Friends in Deed is a Pasadena-based nonprofit providing meals, safe shelter and other services for people experiencing homelessness. You can donate to support these efforts on the organizations website.

Canine Rescue Club

Those concerned about how the fires are affecting peoples pets can check out the Canine Rescue Club, a network of caregivers who temporarily foster dogs. Amid the wildfires, the organization is looking for volunteers in the Los Angeles area to house displaced canines. You can also donate money online to assist the Palisades Fire Canine Relief Fund, which will provide emergency shelter, safe transport, medical care, food and other essentials.

Direct Relief

The nonprofit humanitarian organization Direct Relief is working with local health providers and emergency management teams to supply N95 masks, medical aid and other resources to first responders and affected residents. The organizations website has a donation option, and it notes that 100% of donations to Direct Reliefs wildfire response fund directly support efforts to assist individuals impacted by fires in Palisades, Altadena, and across California, providing critical aid where its needed most.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Armys wildfire relief efforts include providing meals, first aid, shelter, mental health services and personal necessities to evacuees and first responders. In addition to emergency support, the organization connects survivors with caseworkers to help displaced families, and even provides donations and grants to those who have lost their homes, belongings and/or jobs as a result of the fires. You can donate to the relief effort online.

Pasadena Humane

Pasadena Humane is assisting with animal evacuations and providing shelter for the pets of displaced residents. The organization, which has taken in more than 300 animals as of Wednesday night, is accepting monetary contributions on its website and has a donation bin on site for blankets, large crates and food and water bowls.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

As wildfires rage across neighborhoods in Los Angeles, were seeing constant footage of the frightening blazes and devastation. More than 180,000 people have been ordered to flee their homes, and even more are without power. Thousands of houses, businesses and other structures have been destroyed or damaged, and at least ten people are dead.

David Swanson / AFP via Getty Images

As firefighters work tirelessly to battle the blazes across the community, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is seeking donations to its wildfire emergency fund. The money goes toward important tools, equipment and resources to help firefighters effectively contain the flames.

GoFundMe

The fundraising platform GoFundMe has created a dedicated hub with all verified pages related to the California wildfires, with many options to donate to families whove lost their homes and belongings. There is also a general Wildfire Relief Fund that will send cash grants to individuals, small businesses, nonprofits and community relief efforts.

California Community Foundation

The California Community Foundations Wildfire Recovery Fund is accepting donations online and via mail. The goal is to distribute grants to the most underserved and marginalized communities, particularly when it comes to longer-term recovery relief.

The Sidewalk Project

Another organization working with unhoused people is the Sidewalk Project, which is offering shelter to those in need of a safe place to stay amid the fires. You can make a donation to support these efforts online or drop off supplies if you live locally.

Baby2Baby

The nonprofit Baby2Baby is supplying critical items like diapers, formula, food and hygiene products to children and families whove lost their homes and belongings. Donations can be made to Baby2Babys Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Program.

Airbnb

Airbnbs nonprofit arm, Airbnb.org, has teamed up with 211 LA to offer free temporary housing to people displaced by the wildfires. Those looking to open up their doors to house evacuees can sign up on the organizations website, where you can also donate money to the cause.This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Now dont go all weak at the knees and soft in the head when you read this:

Gold! In the Mojave Desert!

Its a gold rushlet so far: lots of wishful thinking that half-forgotten old mines still have new gold to yield up a dozen or so decades after the first ore was dredged out there.

Right now, as gold prices are tippy-topping again, real estate sales of mines long abandoned in the Rand Mountains are getting practically brisk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So far, this part of gold fever-dreaming hasnt changed: as with most gold rushes, its the merchants who sell stuff to miners who usually come out winners. The Californians who got seriously rich in the 1850s didnt pick up pickaxes; they sold them, along with eggs and boots and soap to the men who did.

There was Leland Stanford, who was once a wholesale grocer in Sacramento and later became governor and founded a university bearing his name. Mark Hopkins and Collis Huntington were partners in a hardware store not far away. The partners and Stanford later founded the Central Pacific Railroad.

Back then, even Southern California, so far from the action, managed to profit from the gold fields up north, from selling cattle to feed the hungry prospectors.

Ah, but  and you should remember this for Jeopardy!  the Golden States first documented gold strike happened here, in Newhall, in 1842, six years before gold gleamed in the hurrying waters of Sutters Mill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A land supervisor named Francisco Lopez was in what is now Placerita Canyon out inspecting cattle, or looking for horses, riding with a companion or two when he went digging for wild onions to sass up his dinner, or to bring them home as his wife had asked.

The fairy tale version of this is that the men napped beneath an oak tree, where Lopez dreamed of gold and then woke up and dug out the magic onions.

This postcard shows the tree where Francisco Lopez slept and soon after discovered gold particles on wild onions he pulled from the ground. The tree is located in what is now Placerita Canyon. (Patt Morrison's private postcard collection)

He saw gold flakes clinging to the roots. He recognized it, his relatives said, because he had gone to a Mexico Citys school of mining as a young man, and he knew what he was looking at. Delight all around, and more digging. Lopez hired experienced prospectors from Mexico to bring up more gold. A sample was sent to the governor of Alta California, who was rumored to have had some made into earrings for his wife.

Over 10 years, at least $2 million and maybe three or four times that was taken from the Newhall site. In 1843, scores of ounces of the Placerita Canyon gold were shipped from here around the Horn and all the way back east by Abel Stearns, one of those industrious Yankee-turned-Californio merchants who married prosperously to a local heiress and prospered, himself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On July 8, 1843, the gold was deposited at the Philadelphia mint by the Philly banking and commodities firm of Grant & Stone. It was presumably dropped into the federal melting pot to become the first but unacknowledged coinage of California gold.

Read more: Column: California is growing again. Hurrah! Or ho-hum?

It may have been unacknowledged because relations between the U.S. and Mexico had been matchstick-hot since Texas independence from Mexico. A discovery of gold near Los Angeles  which was almost as far from Mexico City as it was from D.C.  might have tipped that balance into something ugly.

Loading chute at Lucky Baldwin Mine, 1960 (Patt Morrison's personal collection)

Things did get ugly a few years later, with the Mexican-American war. Ygnacio del Valle, the owner of the Rancho Camulos land that encompassed the Placerita Canyon find, was supposed to have blown up the mine to hide its entrance from the Yankees. Even 20 years ago, people were still sneaking into the land to try their hands at panning. In a wonderful bit of symmetry, Pico Canyon, the site of the states first oil strike  California's "black gold" is just a few miles from Placerita.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Far to the north, almost six years after Lopezs strike, on Jan. 24, 1848, a carpenter named John Marshall was partnering with a landowner named John Sutter to build a sawmill on a branch of the American River. As Marshall looked over the work on the millrace, he saw something shining in the bottom  I reached my hand down and picked it up  I was certain it was gold. He called out, I have found it.

Read more: A low-down town in the California desert loves its flagpole  formerly the worlds tallest

Found it, and lost it. That mornings find altered the destiny of California. The arriving hordes of the gold-fevered accelerated the decline and death of Californias Native peoples and the end of its Californio era. It also propelled Californias leap into American statehood, and brought an eager world crowding into and crowding out its immense wonders and beauties.

Marshalls exclamation, I have found it, was translated into the state motto, in Greek  eureka.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The thing about gold is that it can move around; placer gold, to take an example, gets loosened from its original lode where it started out, gets shaken or broken free or just gushes down to someplace else, which is often a streambed.

Thats probably how some of it turned up again in Southern California, not quite 20 years after Francisco Lopezs onion strike. Considering that this basin of ours is encircled by mountains, and mountains keep leaning toward their angle of repose even without any help from earthquakes, its not surprising that gold makes repeated appearances.

So it was that as early as 1854, miners made camp in Azusa Canyon, a few miles up the east fork of the San Gabriel River. In 1859, there was enough critical mass for some 300 miners to christen their settlement Prospect Bar.

And pretty quickly thereafter, some slamming winter rains did their own kind of christening and Prospect Bar got washed away, to be replaced almost at once by the even more grandly named Eldoradoville. It was a roustabout settlement with three stores, a blacksmithy, a boarding house, a half-dozen saloons, gambling hells and dance halls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Los Angeles Star, in March 1861, deplored the criminality of Eldoradoville [which was in fact not too different from that in Los Angeles]: If death is not the result, there is no notice taken of the number of assaults with knife or pistol.  one Mexican or Indian killed another by stabbing him in the breast with a knife. The apathy with which the white men received the news was, to say the least, degrading to our sense of civilized refinement.

And then, once again, those sins were washed away, lock, stock and poker chips, on Jan. 17 and 18, 1862. These were the Noahic floods that truly drowned Southern and Central California. Three feet of rain fell on Los Angeles in one month, and presumably more in the mountains. Years later, the Azusa Herald quoted an old codger of a prospector  arent they all codgers?  that the Eldoradoville inundation never stopped until it brought up in San Pedro Harbor.

Read more: Arizona mining country produced Latino leaders for L.A. Now, some are staying

And still, people kept going back to try their luck, men who gloried in nicknames such as Twitchlip Kelly and Two-Gun Don Rosenkrantz. Miners hauled in hydraulic equipment to dig and dredge and strip the mountains, polluting the runoff so badly that in 1874, the flatlanders who depended on that water went to court to stop the despoiling.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Every few years, another wave of gold-hopefuls assaulted the San Gabriels mining sites, even into the Depression. Again, the weather gave, and the weather took away. The stupendous floods of 1938  floods so profound that they marooned movie stars on their San Fernando Valley ranches and delayed the Oscars by three days  sent whole prospecting families hustling back down the mountains.

In 1980, The Times noted, a report that two hefty gold nuggets had turned up in the Sierra Madre foothills sent a new generation of dreamers back into the hills. It was a hoax to promote a stage version of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

In total, the region gave up maybe $8 million in gold over the years. In September 1897, The Times counted more than 3,000 mines in Southern California, some working, some not.

One of them was the Tropico gold mine, near Rosamond, a town neighboring Edwards Air Force Base.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ezra Hamilton was a Civil War veteran living in East Los Angeles and making something of a living by making clay pipes. As the story goes  and these stories sometimes go too far and sometimes not far enough  the search for clay near Rosamond yielded gold; usually its the other way around.

Another story is that Hamilton was out there personally hunting for gold. Before it was found, in 1894, Hamiltons health failed, his family abandoned him, his money ran out. But then, triumphant, he posed for a photo dancing atop his Tropico mine and waving his hat.

This image of Civil War veteran Ezra Hamilton waving his hat and dancing atop his Tropico mine appeared in the Los Angeles Times on Dec. 12, 1900. (Los Angeles Times)

A couple of weeks before Christmas 1900, he sold the mine for a stupendous $100,000, which equates to about $3.7 million today. The Tropico kept yielding for a while before it didnt, and was shut down.

Farther to the east, at one point it seemed as if the Mojave Desert was as hole-pocked as a colander.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

About a year after Ezras find, the mining town of Randsburg sprang up around a big gold find  the town and the mine named optimistically for the immense Witwatersrand gold fields in South Africa. In time, more mines yielded up gold, mines with names such as Bully Boy, King Solomon, Napoleon and Monkey Wrench.

Gold mining near Mojave, Calif. This postcard was dated 1910. (Patt Morrison's personal postcard collection)

A dozen buildings  if wood and canvas confections are properly buildings  constituted the town, which attracted gold seekers from around the world. But what floods had done in the foothills, fire did here. Two fires incinerated the original Randsburg in 1898.

Around 1908, other miners hit it big in northwestern San Bernardino County  in tungsten. MIT physicist William Coolidge had discovered tungstens laudable properties for light bulbs and later for X-ray tubes, and for nearly a dozen years, until about 1920, Atolia, the desert mining town that tungsten built, thrived. Still, shouting "Eureka  Tungsten!" just doesn't deliver the same thrill as gold.

Gold is usually in the top 10 of most valuable elements, but not at the top. A gram of Californium, a radioactive synthetic element discovered at UC Berkeley 108 years after Lopez yanked his gold out of the ground, would bring $27 million. But youre not going to find that clinging to a wild onion.

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.
Gov. Kathy Hochul crowed about riding the LIRR on Friday  posting a photo of herself on the train and gushing about the great ride  all while having her taxpayer-funded motorcade drive in from Manhattan to pick her up at the station.

The Democrat was blasted as a phony after she rode the train from Penn Station to Syosset, where her state police detail picked her up in her SUV and drove her about 15 minutes to the Crest Hollow Country Club for an event.

I was coming on the Long Island Railroad this morning. It was a great ride, great ride. I encourage everybody to do it, Hochul told the gathering of local officials and business leaders before waxing poetic about the connectivity of the train lines corridor.

At a gathering of local officials and business leaders hosted at Crest Hollow Country Club Friday morning, Gov. Kathy Hochul bragged about taking the LIRR out from Manhattan that morning. Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

The Long Island Railroad is the link to all of it, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Before her speech at the Long Island Association business trade groups annual State of the Region event, Hochul posted a photo of herself editing her remarks on a tablet while riding the train.

Putting the finishing touches on my speech while riding the @LIRR. The Long Island Rail Road had 95.65% on-time performance last year  one of the best in history! she posted.

But Hochul neglected to mention that at the same time as she was posing for the photo, her security detail was driving her SUV out the 30 miles from Manhattan to pick her up in Syosset and drive her to the country club and to other events throughout the day.

Kathy Hochul wants folks to ride the trains and subways that even she refuses to stay on to get to her taxpayer-funded propaganda events, Hudson Valley Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), a frequent critic a potential 2026 challenger told The Post.

Hochul has been called a phony and has been slammed by Long Island officials after congestion pricing took effect on Jan. 5. Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Its no wonder her approval rating is in the dumps  shes a total phony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Long Island officials also slammed Hochul over the photo-op, noting that shes been urging Long Islanders to ride the train if they want to avoid the new, $9 congestion pricing charge to drive into Manhattan below 60th Street.

While Kathy Hochul tells Long Islanders they should get out of their cars and take the LIRR if they dont want to pay her new commuter tax here she is responsible for BOTH a car trip and a train ride to get to the same place, said Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Nassau) said bashing the governors implementation of congestion pricing.

The governor took the train from Penn Station to Syosset, where her state police detail picked her up in her SUV and drove her about 15 minutes to the Crest Hollow Country Club for an event. Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

New Yorkers need real efforts to make transportation safer and more affordable not another photo-op.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman added: The average working class commuter doesnt have the luxury of traveling with six state troopers and until confidence is restored in the safety of train, subway and bus travel, the number of riders will continue to fall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Not only are Hochuls state police SUVs exempt from the phased-in $15 congestion pricing toll, but exclusive Post reporting revealed in 2022 that most speed trap cameras cant even read their plates.

MTA Communications Director Tim Minton on Friday said Hochul had promised to use her personal funds to send the agency $9 to pay tolls for each day she spends in New York City.

Hochul has been making an effort to try and convince New Yorkers that she rides transit since she decided move forward with congestion pricing last fall.

Last month, the governor held a press conference on a train car in Putnam County with Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Monday, the first weekday after implementation of the toll, Hochul said shed taken Metro North into the city that morning.

All police and other emergency vehicles are exempt by law from congestion relief tolls, however the governors office has previously advised us that at the end of the year she will use personal funds to send $9 to the MTA to pay tolls for each day she spends in New York City.
By Lisa Richwine and Rollo Ross

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - When wildfires destroyed parts of Los Angeles this week, real estate agent Jenna Cooper started asking friends for clothing and other items to help people in need.

Her request spread quickly through a network of powerful women. Actors including Sharon Stone and Halle Berry responded, providing sweaters, shoes, clothing, handbags, belts, pajamas and more pulled from their own collections.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I'm packing up my entire closet," Berry wrote on Instagram. "If you live in the Southern California area, I urge you to do the same. This is something we can do right now."

Cooper, who also runs a home goods store called +COOP, cleared half the space to create a pop-up shopping experience for displaced people to take what they need. Many Angelenos lost entire homes in the fires, which were still burning on Friday.

Stone circulated information about the donations on social media, which helped attract publicity. She and her sister, Kelly Stone, contributed clothing, bedding and more, and Kelly volunteered to assist shoppers.

"The first thing they need when they come in the store is a hug," Kelly Stone said. She then said to shoppers, "Show me pictures of yourself, how do you dress?" so she could direct them to sweaters or trench coats that reflected their style.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the store on Friday, a therapy dog named Jackie Robinson greeted people at the door. Inside, they looked through racks of dresses and coats, stacks of denim, shelves of shoes and baskets of handbags.

Offerings ranged from packages of fresh underwear from Target to new or lightly used Zara dresses and some Gucci and Ferragamo shoes in the mix.

Cooper said she received donations and volunteer support from power players across Los Angeles, including actors, executives, lawyers, restaurant owners and moms. Her network of real estate agents in New York was sending gift cards, she said.

One Hollywood stylist came with two large bags of items from her closet and was enlisted to help organize the store for shoppers over the weekend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I know people who have lost everything, and even people I don't know I'm devastated for," said Lisa Cera, who has worked for celebrities including the Kardashians and Lenny Kravitz. "I decided I'm just going to bring whatever I can."

Ellen Bennett was choosing items for her 72-year-old mother, who lost her home in the Eaton fire on the east side of Los Angeles. Bennett said she selected "the basics," including socks, sweaters, pants, a jacket and a pair of running shoes.

"She left her house with her dog and a bag and just a few things. She thought she would come back," Bennett said of her mother, adding, "It's so special and beautiful that in this time of tragedy, people are rising up and helping each other."

Store owner Cooper said she helped a man find a pair of sneakers so he could run on the beach, something he had not done since the fires erupted. She said she was overwhelmed by the response to her idea to help.

"This is a city of love, and everybody wants to support each other," Cooper said.

(Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Rollo Ross in Los Angeles; Editing by William Mallard)
MAMARONECK, N.Y. (PIX11)  Some homeowners in the tri-state area have seen their insurance bills spike this year, and because the trend appears to be continuing, new measures are being called for to try and control rates of increase. Natural disasters that have been intensified by climate change appear to be the culprit.

Homeowner Robin Kuras sums up a prevailing mood.

It is concerning, she said, in front of her home. Its possible anything can happen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Even though she also said that the rates she currently pays for insurance are manageable, reported rates in the tri-state region validate her concerns about what the future holds.

More Local News

An increase in natural disasters fueled by climate change in recent years, such as wildfires in the American West, and flooding and other severe weather in our region, has caused insurers to increase rates here, in some cases drastically.

A detailed analysis from S&P Global Market Intelligence shows a significant cumulative increase in homeowners insurance since 2018 throughout the tri-state area. The spike is 19% in New York; 15.4% in New Jersey; and 23.4% in Connecticut.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those figures are for 2023, compiled just under a year ago, and those increases are average amounts. In other words, while some homeowners rates have gone up moderately, some other residents rates, especially in multi-unit condos and co-ops, have increased by as much as 300%. When the 2024 year-end analysis is completed later this month, the rates are expected to rise even more dramatically.

In neighborhoods between the tidal waters of Long Island Sound and I-95 in New York coastal communities like New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, and Rye, some insurers have designated those areas coastal flood plains, according to some local residents. They complain that even though many of the homes in the neighborhoods are on hills well above sea level, theyre having to buy insurance to protect against low lying area floods, at rates that have risen significantly in recent months.

Another related issue was mentioned by Gail Schaffer, a homeowner in a neighborhood in an area designated a coastal flood plain.

Im scared to death, she said in an interview, because I have a new washer and dryer, because during [a previous] flood, the other ones floated out the door when I opened the door.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Her concern is exacerbated by the fact that her insurer dropped her flood insurance policy, and she cant find any other insurance company that will take her on.

I cant move, she said. Ive been here too long, so Im stuck.

New York State Assemblyman David Weprin chairs the assemblys insurance committee.

He said that natural disasters that have increased in number and intensity have put the state in a position where it has to be vigilant against some insurers.

Im afraid that insurance companies, he said, that do business here, as well as in California and other parts of the country where theres more of a problem, the assemblyman continued, that they will be raising premiums in New York to compensate for losses in other parts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weprin said that hes working on the issue with New Yorks Department of Financial Services, the agency that regulates insurance companies.

DFS is also where people concerned about skyrocketing costs can file complaints. They can do so at a dedicated page on the DFS website.

Weprin has gotten legislation to get greater scrutiny of insurers in New York State passed in both houses of the state legislature, only to have them vetoed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

As a new legislative term begins this month, Weprin said that hes convinced that strong scrutiny is in place over insurance practices, but hes willing to use all available options.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We might have to do some legislation in that area, he 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 PIX11.
Officials in Paulding County are trying to figure out what started a house fire on Saturday morning, but the homeowner says she has an idea.

Channel 2s Eryn Rogers was at the home on Yosemite Lane during Channel 2 Action News at Noon where the fire was mostly out, but crews were still on scene investigating.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Firefighters were called out around 9:30 a.m. When they arrived, they found white smoke coming out of the front door and more smoke in the back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They say the home is badly damaged, but no one was injured.

RELATED STORIES:

The homeowner told Rogers that she believes the space heaters she had running before the fire may have been the cause.

My heater in the house, they are out. So I was in the house without heat, so I got maybe three or four space heaters going, the woman who didnt want to be identified said.

The fire department says she had a working smoke alarm in the house that was monitored by her alarm company. The company called 911, and thats how crews responded so quickly.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Over 20 years ago a prior Honolulu City Council passed a resolution that stated municipal solid waste landfills should not be located in proximity to Oahus underground drinking water sources.

In 2003, Resolution 9 was adopted to safeguard Oahus important water resources.

At the time, the policy was supposedly prompted by concerns that even with the best landfill technologies, the risk of hazardous materials contaminating the islands freshwater aquifer could, over time, potentially harm public health and safety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The citys policies, however, also can change over time.

On Dec. 10, Mayor Rick Blangiardis administration announced its intent to site the citys next dump on active agricultural land owned by Dole Food Co. Hawaii near Wahiawa.

The sitewest of Kamehameha Highway and north of Paalaa Uka Pupukea Roadis also about 800 feet above Oahus freshwater aquifer, according to Board of Water Supply Manager and Chief Engineer Ernie Lau.

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

To that end, Lau has expressed opposition to the planned landfill sites location, due to its proximity to the islands primary supply of drinking water.

Others, like Council Vice Chair Matt Weyer and Council member Radiant Cordero, agree.

On Jan. 2 the pair introduced Resolution 3, meant to reaffirm the citys 2003 policy against landfills near underground freshwater sources.

Weyer, whose Council District 2 includes Wahiawa as well as the North Shore, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that he wants the city administration to revisit its landfill siting decision.

Before we spend taxpayer money, before we go down a path that isnt workable, we just kind of want to provide the pathway to take this off the table and move on to other locations and have that discussion with the community,  he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weyer said hes had conversations with the mayors administration, and they know my concerns  over the landfills siting in Wahiawa.

They feel that they can operate it safely, and they believe its the only legal pathway (to have a landfill ),  he said. But when we look at the Board of Water Supplys position, we definitely stand with them, recognizing that they do have authority to reject a potential landfill site.

Cordero, whose Council District 7 includes Halawa and Red Hill, noted the urgency in preventing more contamination from entering Oahus freshwater supply.

Placing a solid waste landfill over our citys aquifer would be both counterproductive and reckless,  she said in a statement. After the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility leak in my district, our communities across the island are still recovering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the city contends a new landfill on Oahu is necessary.

And the Wahiawa site, the city argues, allows it to continue to handle the islands estimated 225, 000 tons of solid waste and related materials it puts into its dump each year.

City officials say they hope to negotiate a purchase of about 150 acresthe amount of land needed for a solid waste landfillout of what they described as an approximately 2, 360-acre parcel now owned by Dole.

Dole has publicly stated opposition to the city locating a landfill on its actively used agricultural lands in Wahiawa. However, the company has indicated to the city it has unused lands for sale nearby.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the state Capitol on Tuesday, city Managing Director Mike Formby and city Department of Environmental Services officials addressed lawmakers with the citys reasons to have the next dump on Dole lands.

City officials said it was due, in part, to a state-imposed Dec. 31 deadline to find an alternate site, ahead of the planned closure of the 35-year-old Wai manalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei, in accordance with a 2019 decision and order by the state Land Use Commission.

That West Oahu dump is set to close in 2028, though the landfill will not reach full capacity until 2032, the city said.

At the same meeting, BWS Lau noted a U.S. Geological Survey study conducted in 2003, which states all landfills eventually leakoften dispersing into the environment harmful chemicals like arsenic as well as PFAS, or so-called forever chemicals,  linked to illnesses like cancer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

BWS must evaluate the proposed landfill site and, based on its proximity to potable water sources, may approve or reject the proposal.

Previously, BWS objected to the city siting a landfill within its so-called no-pass zone,  an area that covers the interior of the island where Oahus potable water aquifer is located.

During the joint meeting of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, state Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of the Senates committee, asked, Who has the final say, the Board of Water Supply, City Council, the mayor ? Where does it end ?

Formby replied the city has set out a plan to exhaust as many options as we could, respecting the rule of law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The city, he said, has not formally made a recommendation for this proposed site to (BWS ) yet.

He added, Whether or not that gets challenged, and (Chief Engineer Lau ) might write us a letter and say, For your specific proposal, I say no,  in which case, we would appeal that to the (BWS board of directors ).

Formby said the board also has the ability to actually override the chief engineer, which would then give us a green light for this proposed site.

Meanwhile, Weyer said a public town hall meeting over the proposed landfill site will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Wahiawa Elementary Schools cafeteria, 1402 Glen Ave.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

BWS Lau, state officials and Dole company representatives will be in attendance at that meeting, he said.

The Councils Committee on Housing, Sustainability, Economy and Health is also expected to review Resolution 3 at 1 p.m. Tuesday inside City Council Chambers, 530 S. King St.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Honolulus Department of Community Services is searching for the next City and County of Honolulus Homeless Coordinator in hopes of executing innovative solutions to address Oahus homeless crisis.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The ideal candidate is described as a highly motivated, caring and compassionate leader that can work with a hands-on approach and collaborate with community, non-profit, private sector and federal partners to aid the crisis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Homelessness has long been one of Oahus most intractable problems, and our commitment to providing solutions in communities across this island has never been greater, said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. Our next Homeless Coordinator must possess both the willingness to utilize a hands-on approach to help people on our streets and the vision to strategically address this crisis, and I am confident in our ability to find a capable leader to take on this challenge.

Honolulu passes resolution to tackle homeless crisis before 2028 games

In 2024, Honolulu was able to open additional facilities to provide assistance to the islands homeless population. Over 500 beds were added through these facilities, as well as medical care resources.

The new Homeless Coordinator will be responsible for continuing the outreach opportunities, beginning with the opening of Iwilei Center, a 100 bed shelter for individuals and couples who would otherwise be on the street. The new center is expected to open early this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Given what is at stake, we are looking for someone who can be aggressive in helping us pick up the pace and get projects done, for the good of our island, Blangiardi said. We need to cut down the time it takes to get new facilities open and make new services available, because the reality of the situation demands that take unprecedented action.

In addition to responsibilities within the City and County of Honolulu, the new Homeless Coordinator will collaborate with the state and the governor.

The position will also oversee a dedicated team at the Department of Community Services that works hands-on with Honolulus Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement experts to respond to those experiencing homelessness on a case-by-case basis.

Those interested in serving as the next Homeless Coordinator should submit their cover letter and resume to mdoffice@honolulu.gov to be considered.

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.
On April 3, 1968, standing before a crowded church, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. painted his vision for justice. Ive seen the Promised Land, he said. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.

Twenty-two hours later, he was assassinated.

Kings prophetic words express the virtue of hope amid hardship. He was not optimistic that he would reach the Promised Land, yet he was hopeful about the ultimate goal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In conversation, hope and optimism can often be used as synonyms. But theres an important gap between them, as psychology research suggests.

One of the most common tools to measure optimism asks people how much they agree with statements such as, In uncertain times, I usually expect the best. Those who strongly agree are regarded as highly optimistic.

But optimism can rely on a sense of luck over action. Self-help books on optimism are lined with hacks  like imagining your greatest possible self or focusing on the best-case scenario.

My psychology research studies how people perceive hope and justice. Long-term hope is not about looking on the bright side. It is a mindset that helps people endure challenges, tackle them head-on and keep their eyes on the goal  a virtue that King and other community leaders exemplify.

National Guard troops block off a street in Memphis during a civil rights march on March 29, 1968. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. soon returned to the city and was assassinated. Bettmann via Getty Images

We, not me

Hope is often defined in psychological research as having strong will to succeed and plans to reach a goal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hope is stronger than optimism at predicting academic success and peoples ability to cope with pain. Plenty of scientific evidence suggests that hope improves individuals health and boosts their well-being.

But branding hope as a self-improvement tool cheapens this long-established virtue. Hope has benefits beyond the self. Thus, many psychologists are expanding the study of hope beyond personal success. My research team defines this virtuous hope as striving toward a purposeful vision of the common good  a hope often shaped by hardship and strengthened through relationships.

Many leaders, including King, have channeled that lesson to inspire change. Centuries of spiritual and philosophical work describe hope as a virtue that, like love, is a decision, not a feeling.

The myth of time

King wasnt known for looking on the bright side or expecting the best from others. He faced repeated waves of criticism, and, at the time of his death, fewer Americans approved of him than of the Vietnam War.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Letter from a Birmingham Jail, King lamented the optimism of moderate white Americans who said they supported his goals but took little action. There is a strangely irrational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that will inevitably cure all ills, he wrote. Actually, time itself is neutral; it can be used either destructively or constructively.

He chastised society for believing that improvement would simply happen on its own. When he said, The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice, he was not describing its natural trajectory, but what people have the power to change. You cannot expect greener pastures if they are not tended today.

The Revs. Ralph Abernathy and Martin Luther King Jr. greet supporters as they are released from jail in Birmingham, Ala., on April 20, 1963. Chris McNair/Archive Photos via Getty Images

King was not alone in leveraging virtuous hope for justice. Brazilian educator Paulo Freire described hope as an existential imperative that promotes action. Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, called hope a powerful weapon.

Forged in adversity

What makes hope a virtue is not its ability to promote happiness and success but its commitment to a greater good beyond the self.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I study virtuous hope in a South African Zulu community, where there are few reasons for optimism. South Africa has the worlds steepest inequality. Unemployment is high, and social mobility is low. This is the part of the country where HIV is most widespread, with the percentage near 50% in some communities.

We studied several people seen as embodying hope, based on their reputation and community suggestions. These individuals demonstrated an unwavering focus on striving for a better future, often unglued from expectations of personal success.

One local farmer nominated by his community struggled to buy seeds for his crops but still helped others apply for grants to buy them. Even when his own future was uncertain, he was not hoarding. He described his hope as a commitment to help others. His hope is not a positive expectation but a moral commitment.

Our interviewees did not describe hardship as a suppressor of hope but as its context to grow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One unemployed young woman said she had applied for jobs for four years and would continue, though she was not naive about the tough future. She said applying for jobs and reading to her child were her acts of hope. Her hope didnt expect a quick improvement, yet it warded off paralysis.

Many of our interviewees anchored their hope in their Christian faith, as did King. King often referenced St. Paul, one of the first Christian writers, who wrote, Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Now this hope does not disappoint us.

Hope, in other words, plays the long game: enduring suffering with integrity. Like Kings, it manifests in hardship and is refined in adversity. Hope enables communities to march for justice and democracy even while tasting the danger of dictatorship, apartheid or oligarchy.

Hope knows it may take another generation to reach the Promised Land, but it acts today to bend the moral arc toward justice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Kendra Thomas, Hope College

Read more:



Kendra Thomas receives funding from the John Templeton Foundation
One by one, Eaton fire evacuees showed up to a National Guard blockade in Altadena on Friday afternoon, believing they would be allowed to make one trip into the mandatory evacuation zone.

They flashed screenshots of a Facebook post from the city of Pasadena to perplexed National Guard members.

The post read: Law enforcement is allowing residents in the evacuation area a single [time] to access their homes with reasonable verification. We encourage residents to be prepared to gather any and all documents or items needed during this one-time entry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But no entries were allowed.

The Facebook post, according to Pasadena city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian, was an error. It was deleted within about an hour of going live, she said. But the city offered no clarification.

It was posted long enough for screenshots to speed through neighbors text message chains and for the text to be copied onto neighborhood Ring camera chat groups and the Watch Duty app.

For hours on Friday afternoon, hopeful evacuees rushed to barricaded roads only to be frustrated and confused when they were given no access. At New York Drive and Sinaloa Avenue, some residents waited for two hours.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were dealing with an unprecedented incident, so there are bound to be some missteps, Derderian said. We apologize.

Read more: Destruction, surprise, heartbreak greet Altadena residents returning after evacuation

She said she was glad people were paying attention to the citys social media accounts.

At a 4 p.m. community meeting on the Eaton fire, Altadena Sheriff's Station Capt. Jabari Williams apologized for the misinformation circulated online.

"I understand there may have been some rumors spread that if you have your ID you can come in," he said. "That is not the case. As of right now all of Altadena is still considered an evacuation area and all of the roads are closed for people coming in."

Altadena residents saw an erroneous message from the city of Pasadena saying they could access their homes in the evacuation zones. (Hailey Branson-Potts)

Williams said that a repopulation plan is in the works and that sheriff's deputies will remain in the area to assist with the repopulation process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It's not like we're just going to walk away and tell you all it's OK to go in. That could cause problems," he said. "We will have personnel in place and we will do extra patrols just to make sure your guys' property is still protected."

The mistake came as residents throughout the region are questioning officials emergency communications capabilities. County officials apologized Friday after residents across the Los Angeles area continued to receive erroneous emergency alerts that urged them to prepare to evacuate, even though many were not close to any of the fires sweeping across the foothills of the sprawling metropolis.

Altadena is an unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County and not part of neighboring Pasadena. But the Facebook post was sweeping enough that numerous Altadena evacuees who saw it quickly tried to get to their homes.

The post also included some accurate information: In response to a request from Los Angeles County, Governor Newsome [sic] deployed the California National Guard to the Los Angeles area including Pasadena to assist with law enforcement duties in communities affected by the wildfires. Members of the California National Guard are in Pasadena and Altadena to help protect the homes, businesses and properties impacted by the Eaton fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

KTLA posted a story citing the erroneous post Friday afternoon, prompting at least one evacuated woman who saw that story to rush to New York Drive and Sinaloa Avenue, where one National Guard member called his commander to clarify and was told to continue keeping people out.

The Guard member was apologetic as people kept coming up, begging to get medication, clothes and insurance papers from their homes.

Im sorry, he said to one woman. I hate to keep you out of your home.

Residents gathered around the intersection, frustrated there were no details about when they would be let in.

Read more: With firefighters stretched thin, Altadena residents battle to save homes from flames

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Among those who drove up were Cydney McCurdy and her evacuated parents, who are both in their late 80s and have lived on La Paz Road since 1986. They have been saying with McCurdy at her home in Sylmar all week and needed to get financial documents and papers for insurance companies.

The trio showed up at New York Drive and Sinaloa Avenue after a neighbor texted a screenshot of the Pasadena Facebook post. They parked their car on the curb and waited for two hours after a Guard member said he would contact his commander about the request to enter.

You get one shot to wrap your life up in 30 seconds or less, McCurdy said of the evacuation. So everybodys gonna come to get that one shot just to get in.

Her father, Roy McCurdy, an 88-year-old drummer and music teacher, said he and his wife were eating dinner Tuesday night when a neighbor banged on the door and said to leave immediately. His son, who lives nearby, lost his home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Friday afternoon, McCurdy was tired and frustrated, waiting at the blockade, the air ashy.

They put up a notice saying you were allowed to come in for one visit, he said. Thats why everybodys showing up.  It is frustrating.

He and his daughter and wife waited two hours before concluding the Facebook post was not true.

At New York Drive and Allen Avenue, a Guard member at the blockade said a man had shown him the Facebook post then ducked under the yellow police tape and ran past the guards. At about 3:30 p.m., he said people had been showing up at the barricade for hours, confused.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  From building and financing a new prison to school vouchers and an anticipated change in the governors office, the upcoming legislative session in Pierre promises to command lawmakers attention in several ways. The session begins Tuesday, and Democrat Erik Muckey of Sioux Falls wants progress on an issue that impacts families well beyond the segment of the state hell represent.

My hope is that Im able to deliver on some of the issues that are most critical to my district, Muckey said Thursday. I cant say enough: we talk about child care left, right and center in Sioux Falls, and I really want us to come to some solutions.

Like Muckey, Republican Greg Jamison of Sioux Falls will serve in the House. Hes hoping for solutions as well, but he also brings up another wish: for civility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We used to fight against the Democrats, Jamison said Thursday. And now we just fight against ourselves. And I just hope we come to a better place so we dont wind up hating each other.

Republicans enjoy a towering majority in the state legislature; between the two chambers, there will be only nine Democrats.

I think the real blessing and challenge is folks will talk about the number of Democrats, Muckey said. What they may not understand in Pierre is that when we do hear about the schisms that are happening in the Republican Party and throughout the state, that there are opportunities for Democrats to work with larger groups.

Contractor working on light pole when it fell on I-229

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jamison says that proposed funding for school vouchers has prompted a divide.

Rural Republicans, for instance, and the city guys, and so there is some brewing fight already there, Jamison said. The prison funding, for instance, so for me I see prison funding ahead of time without borrowing money as great fiscal responsibility.

But thats not the only perspective.

Theres efforts to, lets not just use all of that money to fund the prison, lets use some of that to fund public broadcasting or libraries or raise teacher pay or do something more and borrow a little money to finish out the prison, Jamison said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However the upcoming session shakes out, one political reality wont change; numbers, and how a side can reach a consensus, will make the decisive differences.

What I know will be a power and a blessing for South Dakota Democrats, though we are nine, there are opportunities knowing the breadth of experience that we bring, Muckey said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The town of Huntersville is going in a slightly different direction than Charlotte and is ending its fire departments contract with Medic for dispatch services.

On Dec. 17, the towns Board of Commissioners voted to give 180 days notice that they intend to cancel the existing contract with the Mecklenburg County EMS service. Town officials intend to renegotiate the contract during that period.

Charlotte Fire Department seeks new ambulance contract with Medic amid citys rapid growth

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The agreement Medic signed was with the nonprofit fire department, which no longer exists. The department is now a town-operated department. To the extent a contract existed, the Town gave notice of termination solely for the purpose of renegotiating.

Any new contract would be approved by the town board.



Huntersville Fire Department is still responding to calls and hopes to continue to do so indefinitely.

Were gonna go, whether contract or no contract, were gonna go, if they dispatch us were going, but we need to change the contract to make the service better, said Fire Chief Jim Dotoli said at the town board meeting.

On Tuesday, Medic announced that it reached an agreement to temporarily extend its contract with the Charlotte Fire Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Prosecutors in the case against Bryan Kohberger, the man charged with killing four University of Idaho students, may call more than two dozen expert witnesses in a host of subject areas, including DNA analysis, cellphone geolocation and crime scene reconstruction, to try to prove his guilt at trial.

None of the states experts, detailed to the defense last month in a sealed court filing, were previously disclosed to the public. But prosecutors identified a handful of their planned trial witnesses in a newly released legal brief, which published to an Idaho courts website Thursday.

Two FBI agents are among the 25 potential expert witnesses for the prosecution, the filing read. Special Agent Nick Ballance, a member of the FBIs cellular analysis survey team, will offer his opinion about where investigators allege Kohbergers cellphone was at different times before and after the quadruple homicide in Moscow. Special Agent Tony Imel, a video identification expert, will testify about how he settled on the suspects vehicle as a white Hyundai Elantra. Kohberger owned a 2015 version of the sedan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition, Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt, in the elected office since 2006, also is listed as a possible expert witness. She issued the four victims death certificates and oversaw the autopsies performed by the Spokane Medical Examiners Office. Mabbutt has more than 40 years of experience as a registered nurse, the prosecution wrote, and also works as a criminal defense attorney in Moscow.

Other still-unnamed experts are expected to speak to the toxicology results for the four students, the filing read. The victims were each out late into the evening with friends before the early-morning knife attack in November 2022 at an off-campus home in Moscow that took all of their lives, according to publicly released videos and the probable cause affidavit for Kohbergers arrest.

From left, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were killed in a November 2022 attack at an off-campus house on King Road near the University of Idaho.

Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary in the fatal stabbings. The victims were: Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum; Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur dAlene; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls; and Ethan Chapin, 20, of Mount Vernon, Washington.

Defense requests delay in deadline for own expert list

Moscow Police Forensic Detective Lawrence Mowery filed the majority of the search warrants in the investigation and also is listed among the prosecutions likely witnesses. He is one of up to three members of law enforcement who specialize in obtaining and analyzing digital evidence who may be asked to testify.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An unnamed crime scene expert, who specializes in reconstruction and bloodstain pattern analysis, also will appear during the prosecutions portion of the trial, they disclosed.

In addition, as many as 11 experts related to the Idaho State Police crime lab, located in Meridian, could be called at trial by prosecutors, the filing read. Each may speak to specific lab reports, said the brief signed by Latah County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Ashley Jennings.

Ingrid Batey, an Idaho special assistant attorney general, right foreground, is a member of the prosecution in the capital murder case against Bryan Kohberger.

The states expert witness list filing is 400 pages, according to a recent defense filing. Most of the contents are curriculum vitaes, or CVs, for the named experts, but, with a few exceptions, include limited details about their opinions anticipated at trial, the defense alleged. The prosecution disputes the claims.

Kohbergers attorneys seek sanctions against the prosecution for not fulfilling the demands of Idaho criminal rules for an expert witness disclosure. They asked that their Jan. 23 deadline to turn over to prosecutors their expert witness list be pushed back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rylene Nowlin, who has worked at the ISP lab for more than 20 years  including as a manager the past decade  is the only one of the group of the states forensic DNA experts identified by name in the prosecutions latest filing. She is expected to testify to secondary transfer, or the process by which DNA can pass from a person to an object or another person, prosecutors wrote.

Investigators found the leather sheath for a combat-style knife on the bed of one of the victims, next to her body, according to police. The ISP lab later discovered a single source of male DNA on the knife sheaths button snap, which police and prosecutors have said was later matched directly to Kohberger.

The names and expertise areas of the remaining state witnesses for now remain a mystery to the public. On Wednesday, Ada County District Judge Steven Hippler issued an order sealing the full list, according to a public case summary. Prosecutors and the defense had previously agreed to seal the states expert witness list.

Kohberger is next scheduled to appear in court before Hippler on Jan. 23 for a hearing over the defenses effort to suppress various pieces of evidence against him. Among the arguments his attorneys have made, they allege that police violated their clients rights against unreasonable searches and seizures protected by the Fourth Amendment, which the prosecution contests.

Kohbergers capital murder trial in Boise is set to start this upcoming summer. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on July 30. If convicted of murder, Kohberger could be sentenced to death.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A late October text exchange between Horry County Council member Al Allen and administrator Barry Spivey sheds light before Allen apologized to anyone who may have been offended by the distribution of I voted stickers printed in Spanish at some early voting sites.

News13 obtained the text exchange through a Freedom of Information Act request, as well as multiple email complaints to Allen. He texted Spivey on Oct. 24, asking Spivey to find out why poll workers were handing out Hispanic I voted stickers in Aynor.

Ive got several constituents that are highly upset along with myself, Allen said in the text. Even if they ran out of I voted . . . whos idiotic idea was it to hand out these???

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Allen then took to Facebook on Oct. 25 to express his displeasure with the distribution of the stickers. That led to multiple email complaints from Horry County residents.

You should be ashamed of yourself for indicating that you object to voting stickers being offered in both English and Spanish, one woman wrote on Oct. 30. I am not Hispanic, but even I understand that Americans come in all colors, races, religions, etc. Your obvious racism is appalling.

I was taken aback when my midweek edition of the Sun News arrived and featured a story including your comments. You are certainly aware that noncitizens are unable to vote in our state, a Conway man wrote on Oct. 30. So your vitriol at voter stickers in Spanish is an insult directed at US citizens. If that was unintentional, I recommend that you retract the statement and acknowledge that US citizens are free to speak whatever language they prefer. If that is not the case and you are directing your animosity at them, I recommend you resign your council position before you further harm your reputation or that of your precinct.

In another Facebook post days later, Allen responded to kickback he received about his original post. The councilman explained his stance, saying, I love and care for all people and respect others are long as its mutual. My history, actions and friends can speak for my character.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

News13 reached out to Allen multiple times in late October but never heard back.

* * *

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.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  Two statewide awareness contests for the youth are being held during National Radon Action Month.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) and the American Lung Association are launching these contests to spread awareness for the dangers of radon exposure. Radon is an often-undetected danger, as it has no color, taste or scent. It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

It is estimated that more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year, said IEMA-OHS Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. IEMA-OHS is encouraging all property owners and renters to understand the risk and test for radon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

IL American Red Cross offering volunteer positions for California wildfires

To raise awareness for radon testing, there will be poster and video contests across the state encouraging students to create awareness projects to increase radon knowledge among their classmates.

The registration for the radon poster contest is now open for students ages 9-14. All submissions are due March 10, and first place will win $200, second place $150 and third place $100.

The radon video contest registration is also now open for all high school students. These submissions are also due March 10 with first place winning $600, second place $500, third place $400 and the video with the most views will receive $200.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Illinois Secretary of State denies more than 300 FREAKY license plate requests in 2024

The high school students can enter a 30-second commercial style video, while middle school students can enter a poster that encourages radon testing. For more information on the contests, visit illinois.gov/nrs/radon/radoncontest.

Additionally, Radon test kits can be purchased by calling the Illinois Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245 or at most hardware and department stories. Its recommended to conduct one short-term test and one long-term test to ensure consistent readings.

Radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year and is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked, said Jill Heins-Nesvold, Nationwide Senior Director of Indoor Air Quality for the American Lung Association. Since radon is odorless, tasteless and colorless, the only way to detect radon in your home is to test the air. This is why it is critical for everyone to test their home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone who finds high readings should contact IEMA-OHS at 800-325-1245 for information about a licensed mitigation professional who can reduce radon levels. For more information on radon measurement, mitigation and licensing, visit the IEMA-OHS Radon page or call 800-325-1245.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ILLINOIS (WCIA)  As wildfires continue to hit California, the Illinois American Red Cross is stepping in to assist people in need.

The regional communications manager said with hundreds of volunteers working, their goal is to provide food, shelter, emotional support and more to those who have had to leave their homes. He said as of now, no one from Central Illinois has volunteered, but if anyone is interested, they are asking for a two-week commitment.

We could see that need arise where theres a need for a bunch of volunteers, said Regional Communications Manager Jayce Eustice. And we could very well see people from the Central Illinois volunteer to deploy out there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New Illinois law requires most insurance plans to cover annual mental health screenings

He said one man from Chicago and a woman from Rockford are now scheduled to be deployed to volunteer.

We usually ask for about a two-week commitment for a deployment, but as of right now, we have not sent anybody from the Central Illinois area, Eustice said. But we have sent a few volunteers from our Illinois region as a whole.

Anyone who is interested in helping out click here for more information on volunteering.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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)  One state lawmaker is hoping a new law helps save Illinoisans by encouraging mental health treatment.

A state law now requires most insurance plans in Illinois to cover an annual mental health screening.

Illinois House passes Karinas Law, heads to governors desk

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and now policyholders will be able to receive an annual no-cost mental health screening just like they can for their physical health, said State Representative Sue Scherer (D-Decatur). Making sure that everyone in our state can access vital mental health services is critical especially for those living in downstate and Central Illinois, where many communities often lack nearby access to such services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The law went into effect at the start of January. The covered screenings should also apply to children and other dependents of the policy holders.

Officials say there is a mental health crisis intensified by stressors like the opioid epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, social media. Suicide is the second leading cause of death after accidents for American teenagers.

According to the CDC, 1 in 7 children ages 3 to 17 had a current, diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition in 2018 and 2019.

Health experts say early identification and intervention is essential to prevent the worst outcomes.

The full law can be found 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 WCIA.com.
WILMETTE, Ill.  Criminal investigators with the Illinois State Police are asking for the publics help in their investigation regarding the death of a 35-year-old man.

ISP said at around 7 a.m. Tuesday, troopers responded to a deadly crash on I-94 West near Lake Avenue in Wilmette. A vehicle crashed and the 35-year-old man who was driving later died from his injuries.

Chicago health officials confirm citys first pediatric seasonal flu-related deaths of 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone driving in the area at the time of the crash or anyone who may have seen the crash or has dash camera footage is asked to submit an online tip to ISP by clicking here.

ISP Troop 3 investigators can also be reached at 847-294-4400.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An actor who filmed his nightmarish escape from the wildfires that have wreaked havoc on Southern California said he thought he was doomed as a hurricane of embers approached him near his Malibu home.

Im still hiding behind the boulders. ... Sparks, coming, so I have to duck behind these rocks. Im ready to jump into the ocean, said Sebastian Harrison, the son of B-movie actor Richard Harrison, as fires raged nearby in footage that aired Thursday on CNN.

By early Saturday, at least 11 people had been killed and thousands of structures destroyed amid the historic fires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sebastian Harrison, who is known for his work in foreign productions and was joined by wife Livia Pillmann in an appearance on CNN, told the network that hed decided to go to his home  which is close to his fathers residence  to save it.

The problem is, at a certain point, I saw the fire trucks just quickly leave and I thought, Oh, thats not a good sign. So I tried to get in my car. It wouldnt start, Harrison said.

I got back out, and I saw just this whole hurricane of embers going toward me. And I thought, you know, Im doomed.

The actor, in an interview with The Telegraph, said he thought he really needed to get away but noted that there was no one there to help him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I have, you know, nerves of steel, but there was a point when I, you know, I thought I could catch on fire, said Harrison, whose footage showed smoke, sparks and a glowing orange sky.

Harrison described the experience as hell.

Pillmann had lost contact with her husband, who was rescued by firefighters before what he described as a treacherous return to safety.

Houses on each side were on fire, they were swerving in and out of debris, there were trash cans flying, there were big pieces of tree flying in the middle of the road, he told The Telegraph.

Pillmann, who was waiting at a gas station for word from her husband, said she really thought something happened to him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The couples home was destroyed by the fires, and the two said they were devastated by the loss.

We put so much time and effort and love into building a sanctuary in our home, you know, and its really devastating to see that burn in front of my husbands eyes, said Pillmann, who shared photos of the property in ruins.

It is heartbreaking to see all this work and love of labour, you know that we put into our place, and our safe haven is gone.

Related...
Not quite six years ago, wildfire expert Jack Cohen, who lives in Missoula, Mont., visited Pacific Palisades to instruct firefighters and property owners on how to protect homes against wildfires.

Three days of training, including a tour of the community, left Cohen hopeful, but the feeling faded when it became clear that his lessons were not going to be fully implemented. This weeks tragedy has left him with a deep sadness.

From his home outside Phoenix, fire historian Stephen Pyne sees history unfolding in this week's destruction in Los Angeles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It may be the fire equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane, said Pyne, a professor emeritus at Arizona State University.

With 11 dead, more than 12,000 structures destroyed or damaged and 150,000 residents under evacuation order, the siege has the potential of being the costliest wildfire disaster in American history, according to UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain.

Read more: Destruction, surprise, heartbreak greet Altadena residents returning after evacuation

Respected by fire agencies across the country, Cohen and Pyne have found their straight-talk admonitions often disregarded or dismissed. Sensitive to losses and suffering, both said they are motivated by the belief that magnitude of destruction this week in Los Angeles and Altadena is not a foregone conclusion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im compelled to continue pursuing this issue because it is so solvable if we determine to do it, Cohen said.

The two experts spoke to The Times in 2017 when wildfires ravaged Northern California and again this week amid the unfolding calamity. They have long argued that our understanding and relationship to fire has to change if conflagrations are to be prevented.

While Pyne focuses on our cultural relationship with fire, Cohen looks at fire from a scientific perspective. Both suggest that we have more control over fire disasters than we think, and both begin by redefining the problem.

Forget wildland-urban interface

When catastrophic fires occur, experts often blame the so-called wildland-urban interface, the vulnerable region on the perimeter of cities and suburbs where an abundance of vegetation in rugged terrain is susceptible to burning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yet the fire disasters that were seeing today are less wildland fires than urban fires, Cohen said. Shifting this understanding could lead to more effective prevention strategies.

The assumption is continually made that it's the big flames" that cause widespread community destruction, he said, and yet the wildfire actually only initiates community ignitions largely with lofted burning embers.

Read more: Tiny burning embers flew miles, causing L.A. fire destruction on historic scale

Experts attribute widespread devastation to wind-driven embers igniting spot fires two to three miles ahead of the established fire. Maps of the Eaton fire show seemingly random ignitions across Altadena.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When you study the destruction in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, note what didn't burn  unconsumed tree canopies adjacent to totally destroyed homes, he said. The sequence of destruction is commonly assumed to occur in some kind of organized spreading flame front  a tsunami of super-heated gases  but it doesn't happen that way.

A home is fully engulfed in flames the Eaton fire in Altadena on Wednesday. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

In high-density development, scattered burning homes spread to their neighbors and so on. Ignitions downwind and across streets are typically from showers of burning embers from burning structures.

This fundamental misunderstanding has likewise led to a misunderstanding of prevention. No longer is it a matter of preventing wildfires but instead preventing points of ignition within communities by employing "home-hardening" strategies  proper landscaping, fire-resistant siding  and enjoining neighbors in collective efforts such as brush clearing.

If we think it's wildfire, then we tend to maintain wildfire as the principal problem  with wildfire control as the solution, Cohen said. However, there is no evidence to suggest wildfire control is a reliable approach during the extreme wildfire conditions when community disasters occur.

Remember Chicago

In the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871  17,000 structures destroyed and more than 100,000 residents left homeless  city planners and local governments began to focus on fire protection engineering as a way of keeping cities safe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The idea was not to catch the arsonist or the mythical cow that kicked over the lantern in Chicago, Cohen said. Experts began to consider the role that our buildings played in creating the problem.

As a result, Pyne said, cities began to harden themselves against these terrible conflagrations and were successful. Arguably the last major urban fire in the U.S. was San Francisco in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake.

Yet those defenses lapsed as the cities grew. Building codes failed to address the requirements of specific environments, and infrastructure was laid out without attending to potential hazard.

Read more: Column: The L.A. fires will eventually be extinguished. The terrible loss will remain

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pyne, who has written more than 30 books on the cultural and social effects of wildland and rural fires around the world, argues that many of the most disastrous fires of the last 30 years have been urban fires.

The belief was that urban fires no longer exist, but theyve come back. Its like watching polio return, he said. Its happening repeatedly.

While the Bel-Air fire in 1961, which destroyed 484 homes, and the Mandeville Canyon fire in 1978, which destroyed 230 homes, are often cited for the scale of their destruction, the 1991 Tunnel fire in the Oakland and Berkeley Hills marked the start of the modern era of urban fires, destroying 2,843 homes.

More recently, fires devastated Gatlinburg, Tenn., in 2016, the towns of Superior and Louisville in Colorado in 2021 and Lahaina, Hawaii, two years ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its not just a California quirk, Pyne said. California, I think, gets there first in exaggerated forms, but this is a national issue. And, in fact, it's becoming an international issue.

Think beyond popular wisdom

Southern California has always been subject to drought and Santa Ana winds, primary factors for todays fires. And while climate change is increasing their frequency and severity, Pyne argues that a society dependent on fossil fuels plays a significant role as well.

"A fossil-fuel society remakes landscapes as well by affecting how humans organize agriculture, urban development, the placement of roads and power lines," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Popular wisdom, Pyne said, holds that fire is something that happens once in a while. Its seasonal. Its nothing we really have to invest in systematically. Its just an emergency that we need to be prepared for and then respond to.

I think were beyond that, he said.

While most everyone is aware of fire, said Pyne, few think of it as a year-round phenomenon. We need to reorganize our lives to this fact, he said. Its more than just having a go-bag, but instead being aware that this is the world today, and these flare-ups are just part of something much bigger.

For Cohen, shifting the conversation away from climate change is important because it gives us more control over our fire environment and will ultimately make us less vulnerable to these disasters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We dont have to solve climate change in order to solve our community wildfire risk problem, he said.

Be realistic

The most uncomfortable truth of the last four days has been how quickly firefighting efforts were overwhelmed and outmatched by the extreme fire conditions, Cohen said. L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone acknowledged there was simply not enough manpower for this emergency.

But, Cohen said, the problem extends beyond staffing.

We have fire departments that are continually telling us that they're going to protect us, he said, when they can't during the extreme wildfire conditions. Its time to recognize the reality and start asking questions about how it is that we're failing to prevent this disaster.

Cohen calls it a sense of entitlement that we will be protected, a feeling that is reinforced by fire protection agencies, even when its unrealistic.

Read more: Containment grows on Palisades, Eaton fire as Brentwood, Encino residents remain on edge

The National Fire Prevention Assn., a national nonprofit that provides standards for fire suppression operations, calls for a minimum of three engines or 15 firefighters for a single-residence fire, a number that is impossible to attain when fighting a fire on the scale of the Palisades or Eaton fires.

We're not recognizing, analyzing, questioning how we're failing, Cohen said. We just think we need more airplanes and more helicopters flying 24 hours a day.

More CL-415 super-scoopers or Firehawk helicopters will not help when water is being dropped into 60 mph wind gusts.

We don't necessarily need a trillion-dollar program and a fire czar to get control of the fire problem, Pyne said. What we need are a thousand things that tweak the environment in favorable ways such that we can prevent these eruptions.

For example, municipal and fire prevention agencies must give property owners advance  and continual  warnings to clear dead vegetation and to wet dry brush within 10 feet of the house with periodic, prolonged sprinklings.

We've always had fire as a companion, and it's been our best friend," Pyne said. And now, because we're not minding that relationship, it's become our worst enemy."

Read more: Live updates: Particularly dangerous situation winds warning returns Wednesday morning

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.
Multiple unauthorized drones flew above the Palisades fire Friday afternoon, forcing firefighting aircraft to leave the area for safety and angering those working on the front lines, authorities said.

These sightings came just a day after a drone collided with a Super Scooper fixed-wing aircraft, grounding the plane for several days of repairs and reducing the number of aircraft available to fight the fire.

This is not just harmless fun. This is incredibly dangerous, said Chris Thomas, public information officer for the Palisades fire. Seriously, what if that plane had gone down? It could have taken out a row of homes. It could have taken out a school.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The most recent unauthorized drones were seen flying near the southeastern portion of the fire, bordering Santa Monica, around 4:40 p.m Friday, Thomas said.

Read more: Drone crash disabled a firefighting plane. Many irate with 'shameful' operator

Because of safety, we have to get all the aircraft out of the area until we know the drones are gone, he said. So that is very dangerous, because it takes water-dropping capability away from the fire.

If we have to take helicopters out of an area and the wind catches one of those cinders in that area and lifts it up, we could ignite a whole other area, he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Friday evening, there was a significant flare-up on the eastern edge of the Palisades fire, prompting new evacuation orders in Brentwood and Encino as the blaze moved northeast toward Mandeville Canyon, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Aerial footage captured by KTLA showed firefighting aircraft swooping into the area to drop water.

Thomas said that law enforcement has been informed about the drones and that the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the recent incidents.

"We take this very, very seriously," he said.

Read more: Winds prolong fire risk as investigators probe electric tower as possible origin of Eaton fire

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The FAA released a statement on Thursday warning drone operators that temporary flight restrictions are currently in place around all major regional fires, and that failure to obey could result in hefty fines.

"It's a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands," the FAA said in a statement. "Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement or emergency response operations when temporary flight restrictions are in place."

The drone that collided with the Super Scooper left a "fist-sized hole" in the aircraft, which probably will not be back in the air until Monday, L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Thursday.

Marrone said the FBI is now planning to come to the area with what he called aerial armor to make sure no further drones can fly in the firefighting area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: Containment grows on Palisades, Eaton fire as Brentwood, Encino residents remain on edge

With the Super Scooper out of commission, there are currently 12 helicopters and seven fixed-wing airplanes fighting the Palisades fire, Thomas said.

Firefighters had reached 8% containment on the 21,317-acre blaze Friday evening. The fire continues to grow and threaten homes in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Santa Monica and Calabasas.

Times staff writers Terry Castleman and Grace Toohey contributed to this report.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BOGOR, Indonesia (AP)  Japan and Indonesia pledged on Saturday to deepen economic and defense ties during a visit by the Japanese prime minister, seen as promoting regional cooperation as China flexes its muscle and Donald Trump prepares to take over as the next U.S. president.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba arrived in Jakarta on Friday from Kuala Lumpur after meeting Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said he hopes to meet Trump at the earliest possible timing after his Jan. 20 inauguration, and plans to convey the importance of engaging with the region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I dont know how much interest Mr. Trump has in this region until I actually talk with him, Ishiba told reporters. I am convinced that having diplomatic engagement in this region is extremely important for Japan, and it is extremely important for America as well.

Japan wants to send a message that its respect for a rules-based international order, in contrast to Chinas more aggressive behavior in claiming islands in the disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety, makes it the best partner for Southeast Asian countries.

Ishiba said in a statement on Friday that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion is unacceptable anywhere in the world.

In his meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Bogor presidential palace, just outside Jakarta, Ishiba pledged to support Indonesia's goal of food and energy self-sufficiency, participate in its defense development and the industrialization of its natural resources, including the strategic mining of minerals, and to provide nutritious meals to Indonesian schoolchildren.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ishiba also promised to help Indonesia become a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The two sides signed an agreement on a Japanese loan of up to 90.4 billion yen ($573 million) for projects including a new port construction at Patimban to improve Indonesian transportation and distribution systems.

Indonesia has a desire to maintain good relations with all nations, so that it can contribute to an atmosphere that can reduce tensions between major countries, Subianto said.

Indonesia has remained on the periphery of the territorial disputes between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors in the South China Sea. It doesnt have a formal dispute with Beijing though Indonesia said its patrol ships repeatedly drove a Chinese coast guard vessel away from an Indonesian energy company vessel conducting a seismic survey in October.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Regarding bilateral relations in the field of security, we have agreed to launch discussions between defense officials regarding maritime security from both countries, including engagement in defense equipment technology cooperation," Ishiba said.

Japan and Indonesia earlier agreed to continue negotiations on the joint development of naval ships and other military equipment and on technology transfer. Japan is unable to export finished frigates or submarines under its current defense guidelines.

Indonesia has pledged to remain nonaligned amid the rivalry between Washington and Beijing but has expressed anxiety over heightening security tensions in the region.

___

Karmini reported from Jakarta, Indonesia. Associated Press writers Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.
Jan. 10LIMA  Veterans organizations are suffering from low membership and Lima's VFW post 1275 is no exception, but its importance is still notable among local advocates.

The post plans to keep its chapter and find a new home even after recently selling its location along Elm Street, but it will take some work to keep it going.

"The decision to sell came after a decline in active membership among the aging veteran population," read a letter from post commander Bob Stonehill. "Membership involvement continued to decline after the setbacks of the COVID pandemic. Simply put, expenses to operate exceeded the ability of the membership to meet the costs."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the national VFW (bit.ly/4haVYQw), over 1.4 million members make up the organization and there are over 5,500 posts across the world.

Prior to the pandemic, posts had noticed a 27-year decline from a peak in membership of around 1.2 million (bit.ly/42aUPEa).

VFW member and Allen County Veteran Service officer Will Thompson, 50, said he has noticed how shifting attitudes from generation to generation have led to the decline.

"The biggest thing I think some of the older veterans may have forgotten is that when you come home at that age and you've got a young family, you don't have the time to dedicate to a lot of stuff other than what your family is invested in," he said. "You have to prioritize what's important and for my generation and the younger generations, the focus has shifted toward being more family-centric, not to take away from those generations who worked hard and provided for their families. There is just more of an emphasis on family and a work-life balance so when they come home they're looking for something to do that welcomes their families."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thompson added younger veterans have reported feeling outsider treatment from organizations.

"I'm a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and when I've gone to national meetings, the big thing that kept younger veterans from getting involved was actually getting them involved," he said. "It was the old breed making decisions to change the constitution and bylaws of the organization instead of asking the younger veterans what they thought. The Military Order of the Purple Heart was also one of the first organizations to welcome women veterans instead of forcing them to join a women's auxiliary. If you want to involve the family, you have to make it more open."

Stonehill is working to clear out the building in advance of the move as it continues to hold monthly meetings, but there is not much else the building can afford to do.

"Our bills were just huge," Stonehill said. "We had to drain money down and we had the same 15 people at the club all the time."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As much as the post benefits from participation, it and other veterans organizations still serve a purpose for their members.

"Without these organizations, without the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, having membership and younger veterans involved, that's when you're going to see veterans not having the representation to go on Capitol Hill and talk to the House and Senate to continue veterans benefits," Thompson said. "That's when Congress is going to decide nobody is asking for them and we don't need them anymore so we'll start seeing those benefits erode away."

For now, the post is still in the process of finishing paperwork for the $600,000 sale to the city and has up to six months from the time of purchase to move out, but Stonehill said veterans are still welcome and the post, which still holds over 300 members, will have a place to go downtown once the building changes hands.

Stonehill also said the post is looking forward to an infusion of members from the local Army Reserve building.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Hopefully we can get those in and start moving back to where we have more public service," he said. "People have issues when they come back so it's good to have a place where hey can talk and relate to others. Being away from your family for a time is stressful.

"We're trying."

For more information on the Allen County Veterans Service Commission, visit allencountyvsc.com.

Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.

Featured Local Savings
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The 100th session of the South Dakota state legislature kicks off shortly at the Capitol in Pierre, with committee assignments made, bills pre-filed and plans set for the 38 legislative days. Republican Representatives Greg Jamison and Will Mortenson joined Democratic Sen. Liz Larson and Democratic Rep. Erik Muckey to preview the session on the latest edition of Inside KELOLAND.

Jamison told KELOLANDs Dan Santella one item has been much-discussed is property tax reform.

Thats the no. 1 issue that we heard, Jamison said about his time campaigning during re-election. The GOP is taking that as a major issue to address.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jamison said hes focused on good government and helping police in Sioux Falls address reckless speeding and driving in the city.

We want to find a way to address that, he said.

Mortenson agreed property tax changes will be discussed, saying first-time homeownership has gotten harder with home prices going up. Hes supporting a property tax reform bill brought by Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen.

Thats responsive to something weve heard for several years, Mortenson said.

When asked about the leadership changes within the Republican Party, Jamison said its a reflection of how voters cast their ballots in elections in June and November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The turn is probably a little more conservative than where weve been in the past, Jamison said. I think were going to be OK.

Mortenson said lawmakers are facing the toughest budget year in nearly 15 years. He pointed out he worked for Gov. Dennis Daugaard during 10% across-the-board cuts to balance the state budget in 2011.

Im not saying there arent areas we cant cut, Im sure there are, but we need to find the right ones and make sure were protecting our communities and our state, Mortenson said.

Mortenson said some of the proposed budget cuts have been brought up to him since Decembers budget address. He said lawmakers should focus on stopping new spending before making more cuts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think we need to take care of core priorities first before we create any new programs, Mortenson said.

Larson said the legislature always experiences a lot of turnover, and shes excited to work with new people.

Itll be a new vibe, she said.

Larson said the nine Democratic lawmakers will be focused on protecting public education in South Dakota amidst the debate on school vouchers. She highlighted that other states have already started school voucher programs and those states have seen how it impacts public education.

Its had a negative impact on students achievements, Larson said. It diverts funds from our public schools that we all love.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Larson said she believes there will be a lot of discussion on eminent domain and the new mens prison as well as discussion on proposed cuts to South Dakota Public Broadcasting and the state library.

Muckey, who represents District 15 located in central and northern Sioux Falls, said people in his district are focused on public education, child care and access to affordable housing.

Investment in public education is going to be a key priority, Muckey said. Theres a need for us to focus on how do we manage costs and make fiscally responsible choices. We have some hard choices to make this year.

Viewers and readers can find all stories KELOLAND Media Group puts together during the upcoming legislative session on a special page.

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.
(FORT CARSON, Colo.)  In November of 2024, we told you about a report detailing food scarcity issues at Fort Carson. In light of the report, the Mountain Post invited the media to see for themselves.

FOX21 News visited the James R. Wolf dining facility, which is one of Fort Carsons four on-post dining facilities. We were given the opportunity to speak with diners and sat down with Culinary Specialist Donald Knowles.

I decided to do a salad. I have carrots, olives, some broccoli, and some jalapenos just cause I like a little spice with my salad. Im also still being healthy (with) the mixed vegetables, (also) with some jalapenos. Then I also have rice underneath it. So, its kind of like a stir-fry type of thing. Then I still went with more broccoli, still keepin it green, and then some bread, potatoes, and then a little protein from the hotdog, said Spc Knowles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Spc Knowles has been at Fort Carson for a year. He says hes never had a problem getting a full meal, although he added options can get limited right before closing.

Being in this building and this dining facility, I havent heard anything bad. Even if, somebody was at that other dining hall and they got a smaller portion, they can still go back and get more, said Spc Knowles.

There are QR codes around the dining hall for people to give feedback, but sometimes feedback is given through other channels. One of those channels is Hots&Cots, which is an anonymous review app for military living.

So the content there is not always verified formally. It could be a picture of another location, at another time, and so it takes time to go back and verify those things, said Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Gilbert, the G4 Assistant Chief of Staff for Sustainment of the Fourth Infantry Division.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Facing allegations of months of insufficient meals and limited food options, the Mountain Post previously said it recognizes theyve had some challenges with consistency in quality following a report by Military.com. The report alleges that back in November, soldiers were served a handful of lima beans and a single piece of toast as a meal.

The situation inside the dining facility, was that head count was higher than expected. Sometimes soldiers do not want to wait for that 15 minutes for the food to be prepared, said LTC Gilbert.

She says they use data to determine how much food to prepare, in an effort to reduce waste. Although more food can always be cooked, to keep the meals in line with army regulations.

So the recipe cards that we use at each dining facility on the installation are preapproved recipe cards in line with Army regulations related to the macros required for each soldier at each meal period, said LTC Gilbert.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

FOX21s Erin Bowling had some chili cheese fries, broccoli, and two different kinds of pasta (spaghetti and chicken alfredo with garlic bread). She says while its not her healthiest lunch (because of the items she chose), its good. She added that its just pretty standard cafeteria food.

LTC Gilbert also says they have monthly dining facility councils at each installations dining facilities. They also have a food service governance meeting, where feedback is reviewed in order to address solider concerns. They say some recent feedback included a desire for more varied specialty nights like soul food or Mongolian nights. LTC Gilbert added that they have not received any negative feedback through the QR codes.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Update: the Platte County Sheriffs Office identified the victim as 50-year-old Dennis A Sharkey, of Liberty, Missouri.

One man was killed in a shooting while he was driving near Northwest 72nd Street in Kansas City Friday night, police said.

Officers responded just after 7 p.m. to southbound Interstate 29 near NW 72nd Street for a vehicle that ran off the road. Capt. Jake Becchina, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department, said in an email officers found the vehicle south of NW 72nd street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The vehicle was down an embankment resting against a fence on the outer road, NW Prairie View Road.

Officers approached the vehicle and found a man who appeared to have been shot, unresponsive inside the vehicle, Becchina said. Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived and transported the man to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Becchina said a preliminary investigation indicates the shooting likely occurred while the victim was traveling south on I-29 near NW 72nd street.

Police did not immediately explain what led investigators to believe the shooting happened while the car was driving.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Detectives closed the highway north of NW 72nd Street Friday evening to conduct their investigation and canvass for evidence. As of Saturday morning, KC Scout cameras in the area show the highway has reopened to traffic.

The killing is Kansas Citys 7th homicide of 2025, according to data maintained by The Star. At this time last year, the city had recorded 2 homicides.

As authorities continued to investigate Saturday, it was determined that the shooting happened outside the city limits of Kansas City. KCPD turned the investigation over to the Platte County Sheriffs Office, according to a news release from the agency Saturday.

The Platte County Sheriffs Office urges anyone who was in the area of I-29 between Barry Road and NW 72nd Street near the time of the shooting to contact the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  Five South Carolina physicians want a federal judge to let them continue performing abortions in certain situations beyond the states current nine-week threshold.

Among those suing is Jessica Tarleton, a Florence obstetrician and current vice-chairwoman of the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists South Carolina chapter.

A 43-page lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Courts Charleston division says barring doctors from doing so violates their rights to religious freedom and freedom from unduly vague laws under the U.S. Constitution, according to a news release from The Lawyering Project, who is representing the plaintiffs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

sc-doctors-challenge-abortion-banDownload

Plaintiff physicians have long held sincere religious and conscientious beliefs

commanding them to respect the inherent worth of every person, help people in critical need, and place others before themselves, the complaint says. For plaintiffs, that includes using their medical training to honor a patients request to end her pregnancy when it threatens to profoundly harm her.

In addition to state Attorney General Alan Wilson, the lawsuit names all 16 solicitors as defendants, since they can bring criminal charges against providers who violate the law.

Since 2023, its been illegal for any abortions to be performed after nine weeks  with penalties including up to two years in prison and $10,000 fines  but with exceptions if a mothers life is in danger, fatal fetal anomalies or for victims of rape or incest who report it within 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tarleton and others argue language in those exceptions are so vague theyre impossible to interpret.

They often chill plaintiffs from providing abortion care to patients who need it to preserve their health or those seeking to spare a child diagnosed with a fatal anomaly needless suffering, the complaint says. Because these exceptions are so vague, when plaintiffs do provide abortion care to such patients, they are frequently consumed with fear of criminal prosecution, incarceration and the loss of their livelihood.

Beyond her religious and medical beliefs in access to abortion care, Tarletons involvement comes from personal experience. In 2021, she went into preterm labor and sustained a surgical complication that led to her daughter being born with hypoxic brain damage.

Dr. Tarleton and her husband chose to give their daughter palliative care until she died twelve days after birth. It meant everything to them to be able to care for their daughter in that way, the lawsuit says. Seeing other parents stripped of the ability to make decisions to avoid the suffering of their own children is intolerable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The suit comes at a time when state lawmakers are expected to take an even more aggressive anti-abortion stance.

Several Grand Strand and Pee Dee state House members are backing a total abortion ban that promises to be a centerpiece of the Republican supermajority agenda in Columbia when the legislature gavels back in on Tuesday.

The Human Life Protection Act would criminalize all abortions except in cases of incest, rape or to prevent the mothers death. Doctors who break the law are subject to fines of up to $10,000 and two years in prison.

Providers would still be able to offer in vitro fertilization and birth control measure

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last year, South Carolina saw 8,187 abortions performed, according to state Department of Health and Environmental Control data.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, ending a nationwide right to abortion, most Republican-controlled states have started enforcing new bans or restrictions, and most Democrat-dominated ones have sought to protect abortion access.

Currently, 14 states are enforcing bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with limited exceptions, and South Carolina and two others have bans that kick in at or about six weeks into pregnancy.

* * *

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
FOREST HILLS, Fla. (WFLA)  A storm of frustration is brewing for residents who suffered flooding during the hurricane season, even though they dont live in a flood zone.

Before Thursday was over, I was being evacuated by the Florida National Guard, Sherri Allen said.

Lakeland residents without mail service for three months

Sherris Forest Hills home was in flood zone X, so she didnt have flood insurance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She, like many others in Tampa Bay, had to piece her life back together, one dollar at a time.

When there wasnt any more money, Sherri took out a $25,000 loan.

Now, her home is livable, but she said theres still a lot more work to be done.

What am I supposed to do? she said. I cant keep borrowing money.

Im 64 years old, Sherri continued. Im still working.

I should be able to retire in three years, she said.

Now shes in debt and wants transparency from the city.

People need us: Tampa Bay volunteer joins wildfire relief in California

It means a whole lot because if they can show me, yes it was pump failure that caused the flooding, OK, Ill be OK, she said. All they have to do is be honest with us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Why is that so important?

Well, Sherri is worried her flood zone may change and shed be forced to get flood insurance.

She said, on top of her $7,000 homeowners insurance, thats an extra cost she just cant afford.

If I cant afford $7,000, I dont know how much flood insurance costs because Ive never had to have it, Sherri said. How am I going to do that too on top of everything else?

News Channel 8 went to Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera for answers.

Lets talk about transparency, News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers said. Where are we in figuring out what caused the flooding here in Forest Hills and if that had anything to do with the pumps?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Viera responded, Ive worked with our county commission for an independent review through an independent contractor in the flooding that happened in the aftermath of the hurricanes, that includes North Tampa, that includes Town n Country in the county, that includes Plant City, South Tampa, everywhere.

Viera said hes been told there were three pumps in Forest Hills.

Two did not have backup generators.

He said one did have a backup generator, but it did not trigger on when the storm happened.

Hes now fighting for answers through that independent review trying to prevent people in this area from having a higher cost of living.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If its found out that this area flooded because of some intervening fact, your flood designation should not change, Viera 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 WFLA.
Jan. 10CHILLICOTHE  Multiple state agencies have confirmed an investigation is underway into the April 2024 death of Lima resident Brydon Boop at Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe.

Following the Christmas Day death of a correction officer at the prison in Southern Ohio, members of Boop's family contacted The Lima News about his death at the same facility under what were alleged to be suspicious circumstances.

According to a report from the Ross County Coroner's Office obtained earlier this week, Boop died at 8:51 a.m. April 21 in the emergency department at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. The report, dated July 1, 2024, states that Boop was found unresponsive and not breathing at the prison and was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An autopsy was conduced by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office. It determined Boop died as a result of multiple blunt-force injuries. The manner of death was determined to be homicide, according to the report.

He was 26 years of age at the time of his death.

A spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction earlier this week said the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating the circumstances behind Boop's death.

Sgt. Tyler Ross, asked to comment on the status of the investigation, replied in an email, "I can confirm the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating this incident. It is currently an open and active investigation."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Boop was born Oct. 30, 1997 in Lima and attended Shawnee High School. In 2022, he was convicted following his guilty pleas to counts of trafficking cocaine, aggravated trafficking of drugs and trafficking heroin. He was sentenced to a minimum of 13 years in prison.

Andrew Lansing, a corrections officer at Ross Correctional Institution, was found dead at the prison on Dec. 25 following an alleged assault. Lima resident Rashawn Cannon, 27, has been identified as the principal suspect in Lansing's death.

Cannon, who has since been transferred to another state prison site, was serving a minimum eight-year sentence on an assault charge stemming from an August 2022 incident on Prospect Avenue in Lima.

Featured Local Savings
An investigation is underway after a four-month-old was found unresponsive in a hotel in Saugus.

According to the Essex County District Attorneys office, Saugus Police officers were called to the Extended Stay America Suites located at 832 Broadway in Saugus on Friday for a well-being check.

Upon arrival, officers found a four-month-old infant unresponsive. First responders immediately began life-saving measures and transported the infant to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased, the DA says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Essex County District Attorneys Office and Saugus Police are investigating the incident.

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
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KCAU)  Clay County and the City of Merrill are two of three Iowa communities receiving a total of over $15 million in federal funding for infrastructure.

As part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Clay County, Merrill, and Polk County are set to receive $15,342,095 to update several railroad crossings, per a release. The money comes through the U.S. Department of Transportations Railroad Crossing Elimination program, established through the 2021 law.

Sioux City awarded nearly $4M to develop rental homes

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I applaud Polk County, Clay County and Merrill for their efforts to enhance safety, while bolstering Iowas supply chain infrastructure, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who backed the original law, said in a statement. I supported the bipartisan infrastructure bill with Iowas future in mind and Im glad our state continues to see a return on that investment.

Clay County will get $3,280,000 to remove an unsafe at-grade crossing and construct a high-level grade separation, according to the release. In addition, $540,000 will go towards the City of Merrill for a safety evaluation project.

Meanwhile, Polk County in central Iowa was awarded $11,522,095 to build a roadway underpass at the intersection of a dual Union Pacific Railroad track and Broadway Avenue. Other improvements include new signals, gates and raised medians at two additional crossings.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Iowa Dental Board has agreed to license a woman recently convicted of stealing almost $81,000 from Iowa businesses.

Board records indicate Danielle Kay Quandt, 30, of Davenport, is planning to submit to the board an application for a certificate of registration as an Iowa dental assistant once she completes examinations and education.

The board recently agreed to grant Quandt a certificate of registration that will be subject to probationary status for the three-year duration of her criminal probation in a theft case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police records indicate that in September 2022, the Davenport Police Department accepted a report of misappropriation of business expenses. Fifteen months later, in December 2023, police charged Quandt with felony first-degree theft, alleging she stole a total of $80,950 from three Iowa companies whose properties she managed through her business, Gold Finch Realty QC.

According to police, Quandt, then known as Danielle Petrekovich and Danielle Petre, had been hired to manage the properties of Redtail Homes, Argentum Properties and Red Cloud Holdings. Between March and June of 2022, police alleged, Quandt misappropriated $80,950 from her three business clients.

It was later alleged that she owed an additional $24,000 to a fourth victim in the case, Nicholas Spohn, although the available court records do not provide details on the nature of that obligation.

As part of an agreement with prosecutors, Quandt pleaded guilty to first-degree theft in return for a recommended sentence of three years probation. She was later given a 10-year suspended prison sentence, fined $1,370, and ordered to serve three years of probation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She was also ordered to pay $113,272 in restitution, although that requirement is expected to be contested at a hearing now scheduled for April 1.

Find this story at Iowa Capital Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus 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:kobradovich@iowacapitaldispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Dental Board agrees to license woman who stole $81,000
Iran unveiled an underground missile storage facility and announced Friday that it is manufacturing new special missiles, according to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) affiliated Tasnim news.

Video released on Iranian state TV IRIB on Friday showed IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami and Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh touring the facility.

Hajizadeh called the site a dormant volcano, Tasnim reports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Part of Irans operations against Israel in October and April were carried out using this underground missile base, semi-official Iranian media outlet Mehr News reports.

At an event in Irans southwestern city of Abadan on Friday, Salami also announced the IRGC Aerospace Force is developing new special missiles.

On Monday, General Ali Mohammad Naeini warned Iran will be holding new drills and war games this month that would reveal missile and drone cities including an underground city storing missiles and another facility accommodating vessels in the south of Iran, Tasnim reported.

On Friday, Iranian Basij (volunteer) forces held a large-scale exercise involving 110,000 members in the capital, Tehran, Tasnim reports, adding that the Iranian Armed Forces have held several war games in recent days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Iran aims to project that it has not lost power in the region, despite Iranian backed forces in Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen coming under attack by Israel and the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assads regime, an ally of Iran.

Our deterrence has not been designed on the basis of action from any other country, Salami said Friday.

In October, Israel said it struck Iranian missile manufacturing sites and aerial defense systems inside Iran in response to earlier strikes launched by Iran on Israel.

At the time, Irans foreign ministry called Israels strikes a clear violation of international law, adding that it is entitled and obligated to defend itself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The US is just days away from swearing in US President-elect Donald Trump, who previously launched a maximum pressure campaign on Iran in his first term. US officials have expressed optimism in negotiations on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal with hopes of reaching one before Trump takes office on January 20.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Dr. Brian Glyn Williams, a professor of Islamic history at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, joined the WGN Evening News on Friday to discuss ISIS and how the terror group could influence even more lone-wolf attacks in the wake of the New Orleans New Years Day tragedy.

Watch the full conversation in the video above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
BARRINGTON, Ill.  An Illinois State Police trooper is recovering in the hospital after he was injured in a crash while responding to a call in the northwest suburbs on Saturday morning.

According to ISP officials, the crash unfolded just before 10 a.m. near the intersection of Illinois Route 59 and Higgins Road in Barrington.

ISP said the trooper was on his way to assist Cook County deputies with traffic control while they investigated a crash in the same intersection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

The trooper had the emergency lights and sirens on his squad car activated, but as he proceeded through the intersection, another driver struck his car.

Authorities said the trooper and the passengers from the other vehicle were all taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

ISP said an investigation into the crash 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 WGN-TV.
The Israeli military said on Saturday that it conducted an airstrike that destroyed a Hamas command post in a former school complex in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.

There were no reports from the Israeli side of killed or injured Hamas fighters or other casualties.

But the Palestinian news agency WAFA in the West Bank reported, citing Palestinian sources, that at least eight people were killed in the attack on the complex, including children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

WAFA said refugee families had found shelter in the former school.

The Israeli military described the attack as a precision strike and said measures had been taken beforehand to limit the risk of harm to civilians.

In another incident in Jabalia, three armed fighters were killed after they were spotted by a drone leaving a tunnel shaft, according to the Israeli military.

Rescuers hampered by fuel, spare parts shortages

Fire and rescue services in embattled Gaza are only partially operational, the local civil defence authority said on Saturday.

Some of the emergency vehicles in the cities of Gaza and Khan Younis are no longer running because there are no spare parts to maintain them, according to a statement from the Hamas-controlled authority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Spare parts warehouses and workshops have been destroyed in the course of the war by Israeli airstrikes, it said.

In addition, a severe fuel shortage has rendered more than half of the rescue service vehicles in the Gaza Strip non-operational, it said.

The Civil Defence appealed to regional and international humanitarian organizations to urgently bring spare parts and equipment to Gaza so that the emergency services transport can be maintained.

The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, that saw Palestinian militants kill some 1,200 people and abduct another 250 to the Gaza Strip.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Israel responded by pounding Gaza with airstrikes and sending ground troops into the sealed-off coastal territory with the stated aim of defeating extremist group Hamas, which had controlled Gaza until then.

Almost 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to Palestinian estimates.
Tens of thousands of Yemenis joined a demonstration in Sanaa to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where smoke could be seen from Israeli strikes against Houthi rebel targets. Israel's Defense Minister said the airstrikes in Yemen were a clear message to Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.
Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Israel is sending the head of the country's intelligence service to Qatar to engage in negotiations to free remaining hostages held by Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed on Saturday.

The directive came after Netanyahu spoke at length with senior Israeli officials, including Defense Secretary Israel Katz, as well as American officials regarding the status of the hostages held in Gaza, the prime minister's office said on X.

"At the conclusion of the discussion, the Prime Minister directed the Mossad Director, the ISA Director, Maj.-Gen. (Res) Nitzan Alon, and his Foreign Policy Adviser, Dr. Ophir Falk, to depart for Doha in order to continue advancing a deal to release our hostages," Netanyahu's office said on X.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Netanyahu met earlier in the day with Steve Witkoff, the incoming U.S. envoy to the Middle East for President-elect Donald Trump.

Alon and Falk will head to Qatar's capital city of Doha to speak with representatives from Hamas, which is still holding just under 100 hostages. Any deal to release them would presumably involve a ceasefire between Israeli military forces and Hamas.

Earlier in the week, the Israel Defense Forces said it recovered the body of Yosef AlZayadni in tunnels below the city of Rafah. Photo courtesy of Israel Defense Force/X

Israeli officials say Hamas has not provided information related to how many of the remaining hostages are alive.

Earlier in the week, the Israel Defense Forces said it recovered the body of Yosef AlZayadni. The 53-year-old was abducted during the coordinated Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. His body was located in tunnels in the city of Rafah in the southern part of the Palestinian enclave. Authorities also say he was killed in Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Friday, the IDF confirmed it had recovered the body of his 23-year-old son, Hamza AlZayadni who was also kidnapped by Hamas. The younger AlZaydani's body was also located in Gaza where officials say he was killed.

Netanyahu later sent his condolences to the family in a post on X.

The Qatari news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed quoted an anonymous Hamas source saying a deal to set the remaining hostages free was near complete. The report also states Egyptian officials will be present for the Doha negotiations in addition to Qatari and American representatives.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is sending the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar, his office said Saturday, in a sign of progress in talks on the war in Gaza.

It was not immediately clear when David Barnea would travel to Qatars capital, Doha, for the latest round of indirect talks between Israel and the Hamas militant group, but there is U.S. pressure for a deal before the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. Barnea's presence means high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved.

Just one brief ceasefire has been achieved in 15 months of war, and that was in the earliest weeks of fighting. The talks mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have repeatedly stalled since then.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Under discussion is a phased ceasefire, with Netanyahu signaling he is committed only to the first phase, a partial hostage release in exchange for a weekslong halt in fighting.

Hamas has insisted on a full Israeli troop withdrawal from the largely devastated territory, but Netanyahu has insisted on destroying Hamas ability to fight in Gaza. On Thursday, Gazas Health Ministry said over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, the majority women and children, though it doesn't say how many were fighters or civilians.

Also being sent to Qatar are the head of Israels Shin Bet internal security agency and military and political advisers. Netanyahus office said the decision followed a meeting with his defense minister, security chiefs and negotiators on behalf of the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations.

The office also released a photo showing Netanyahu with President-elect Donald Trumps incoming special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who was in Qatar this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Families of the roughly 100 hostages still held in Gaza after being seized in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the war are pressing Netanyahu to reach a deal to bring their loved ones home. Israelis rallied again on Saturday night in the city of Tel Aviv, with photos of hostages on display.

We join together in the hope that the talks in Doha succeed, outgoing U.S. Ambassador Jack Lew said at the rally. Were encouraged by the news today, but we know we cant stop.

The recovery of two hostages bodies in the past week renewed fears that time is running out. Hamas has said that after months of heavy fighting, it isnt sure who is alive or dead.

Return with an agreement that ensures the return of all hostages, down to the last one  the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for proper burial in their homeland, said a statement by a group representing some hostages' families.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this week a deal is very close and he hoped to complete it before handing over diplomacy to the incoming Trump administration. But U.S. officials have expressed similar optimism on several occasions over the past year.

Issues in the talks have included which hostages would be released in the first part of a phased ceasefire deal, which Palestinian prisoners would be released and the extent of any Israeli troop withdrawal from population centers in Gaza.

The toll

Hamas and other groups killed some 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages into Gaza in the attack that started the war. A truce in November 2023 freed more than 100 hostages, while others have been rescued or their remains have been recovered over the past year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Israel's military announced the deaths of four soldiers in northern Gaza on Saturday, without details. At least 400 soldiers have been killed in the war. Six others were killed this week in largely isolated northern Gaza, where Israel has been pressing an offensive against regrouping Hamas militants.

The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants during the war, without providing evidence.

Inside Gaza

On Saturday, an airstrike killed a 5-year-old girl and two male relatives in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where an AP team saw them.

The girls body, in a pink sweater, was wrapped in foil and placed on the floor of the morgue. Her father knelt and pressed his face to hers. God! he cried.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another Israeli airstrike killed at least eight Palestinians  including two children and two women  in a school-turned-shelter in northern Gaza, according to the Civil Defense, first responders affiliated with the Hamas-run government. It said the strike on the Halawa school that shelters displaced people in the Jabaliya area also wounded 30 others, including 19 children.

Israels military said it struck a Hamas command center at a former school in Jabaliya, without giving evidence.

And a strike killed four people on a street in Gaza City, said Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal. Overall, Gazas Health Ministry said at least 32 bodies had arrived at hospitals in the past 24 hours.

I ask the world, do you hear us? Do we exist? said Hamza Saleh, one of the vast majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents who have been displaced. He spoke on Friday in the southern city of Khan Younis as children and others jostled for food aid, while hunger grows.

___

Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel.

___

Follow coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Special counsel Jack Smith has completed his reports on his criminal investigations into Donald Trump and resigned from the Department of Justice.

Smith  a chief prosecutor at The Hague who was appointed to handle investigations into the president-elect for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and withhold classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago compound  delivered his final reports to Attorney General Merrick Garland on January 7.

He then separated from the Justice Department on Friday, prosecutors revealed in a court filing on Saturday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His departure was expected following the conclusion of his investigations. Trump had also threatened to fire him if his work continued into the next administration.

Justice Department lawyers are urging a Trump-appointed federal judge to reject attempts from the former president and his now-former co-defendants in the Mar-a-Lago case to keep Smiths report secret.

Jack Smith resigned from the Justice Department after submitting his reports into his investigations into Donald Trump (REUTERS)

An order from Florida District Judge Aileen Cannon has temporarily blocked the release of the entire two-volume report, including the results of his investigation into Trumps election subversion  a case that played out in an entirely different court in Washington, D.C.

After months of delays, appeals and Supreme Court decisions that bought Trump time and broad immunity from criminal prosecution, the cases were ultimately upended by Trumps victory against Kamala Harris, throwing the courts and the Justice Department into unprecedented territory that brushed up against policy that prevents the prosecution of a sitting president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Justice Department has agreed that Garland will not publicly release Smiths report on the classified documents investigation while the case against Trumps co-defendants remains pending, according to federal prosecutors.

Trump, meanwhile, spent his 2024 campaign raging against Smith, labelling him deranged and crooked and threatening to fire him within two seconds of taking office. Trump said Smith should be thrown out of the country.

Donald Trump threatened to fire Smith and said he should be thrown out of the country for his investigations (REUTERS)

A federal grand jury indictment in 2023 charged Trump with conspiracy and obstruction for his efforts to reverse his election loss and failure to stop a mob of his supporters from breaking into the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, as lawmakers convened to certify Joe Bidens victory.

On October 2, 2024, Smiths team unveiled the fullest account yet of Trumps alleged crimes in that case, laying out across 165 pages Trumps increasingly desperate efforts to cling to power with knowingly false claims of election fraud.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The lengthy filing traces the history of Trumps bogus narrative of fraud, characterized as an attempt to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election, despite knowing that his claims were false.

The filing then documents the state-by-state efforts by Trump, his unindicted co-conspirators and allies to pressure state officials, election workers and others to validate his scheme to reverse the loss, then organize allies to submit fraudulent election certificates falsely stating that he won.

Trump was separately charged in 2023 with mishandling reams of classified documents hoarded inside Mar-a-Lago, and then obstructing attempts from federal authorities to get them back.

In a shock decision, Judge Cannon ultimately dismissed the case after agreeing with Trumps attorneys that Smith was unconstitutionally appointed and funded. Smiths team appealed that decision, but then dropped Trump as a defendant after his election. The case against his co-defendants is ongoing.
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  As winter weather moves into Eastern N.C., counties are making sure they are prepared.

In Onslow County, many people are staying home, but some dont have that option. A local church is providing shelter for people who need it.

New Rivers Ministries welcomed some people into the worship sanctuary to escape the cold. With the cold temperatures and hazardous weather, Pastor Lisa Holloway said it was important to bring people inside.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I woke up and I was just praying and tears just ran down my eyes, because I told my husband when I got out of bed, it was really cold in our house and we had heat, so I was like just imagine how it feels with people being outside, so I told him I am going to go and open up the church, she said.

T-shirts, blankets and food were also available for the people coming into the church and pets were also allowed.

I wanted them to be able to come in and at least be able to freshen up, wash off in the bathroom, change their shirts, Holloway said. Toothpaste, deodorant, all that good stuff for them. I think its important for people to feel like they are human.

Other leaders in the church echoed the words of Holloway, saying opening up the doors was all about helping others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Giving back. Walking in the path that Christ walked. Doing what you can do to help your fellow man, Youth Pastor Annquanette Wright said. Thats really important as you dont want anyone to be struggling. So, the message here at New Rivers Ministries is just doing what you can to help the next person become what they can.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
A deal between the Jacksonville Housing Authoritys top CEO candidate and the board has been derailed.

George Guy withdrew his name for the position, sending the following email to the board:

Jacksonville Housing Authority Board of Directors, Thank you for the opportunity to explore the possibility of joining the Jacksonville Housing Authority. I would like to withdraw from consideration for the President/CEO position. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the board of directors and wish you all the best in your search. Regards, George Guy

Action News Jaxs Ben Becker told you Wednesday there were issues with some of the demands in his draft contract including relocation, vacation time, and what would be considered grounds for termination.

The board will meet again Tuesday to negotiate with another candidate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We have been investigating issues at JHA for more than a year. That includes two CEOs resigning, at least five inspector general investigations, and the former deputy CFO being arrested for credit card fraud.

NVESTIGATIONS INTO ISSUES AND CHANGES IN LEADERSHIP JHA HAS EXPERIENCED

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
A Jacksonville man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the courts, the man, Jucory Randall Kirtsey, qualified for an enhanced sentence as an Armed Carer Criminal.

According to court documents, JSO had executed a search warrant at Kirtseys residence due to reported narcotics activity. During the warrant, officers had located a loaded pistol inside his home, which he later admitted to owning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As a convicted felon, Kirtsey was strictly prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

[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.
James Woods has revealed that his Pacific Palisades home has miraculously survived the devastating Los Angeles fires, despite his initial belief that it had been destroyed.

The veteran actor couldn't contain his joy and took to X to announce that a "miracle has happened," days after he broke down in an interview because he had previously believed that "it's all gone."

James Woods slammed the Los Angeles Fire Department chief for seemingly focusing on DEI instead of "filling the reservoirs" to mitigate the damaging degree of the inferno.

James Woods Reveals His Home 'Is Still Standing'

A miracle has happened. We managed to get to our property and our home, that we were told is gone forever, is still standing. In this hellish landscape standing is relative, but smoke and other damage is not like the utter destruction around us. The view from our deck area: pic.twitter.com/JZU2kTJC52  James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 10, 2025

Woods shared his palpable relief on his X account after discovering that the wildfires ravaging California had not destroyed his Pacific Palisades home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the video posted to the social media platform, the "Once Upon A Time In America" actor stood on a hillside and panned his camera to capture the views below, showing that the fires completely burned most homes and structures, including a school.

He then panned the camera to the backyard to show a mostly intact property but had others using buckets of water to put out small flames around the property.

The actor could be heard explaining, "Francis, whose father we saved, is now putting out fires now on our hillside."

"A miracle has happened," he wrote in the caption. "We managed to get to our property and our home, that we were told is gone forever, is still standing. In this hellish landscape, 'standing' is relative, but smoke and other damage is not like the utter destruction around us."

The Actor Thought His House Had Burned Down

MEGA

It comes just 2 days after the 77-year-old actor broke down in an interview with CNN as he recounted evacuating his home amid the ravaging inferno.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Woods got emotional as he recounted how his wife's 8-year-old niece offered to help rebuild their property, which they initially thought was completely burned down in the fire.

He said the little girl "came out with her little piggy bank for us to rebuild our house."

Visibly moved to tears, he tried to comport himself and said, "I'm sorry, it's just one day you're in the pool, and the next, it's all gone."

"I'm sorry, I thought I was stronger than this..." he added, per the Daily Mail.

Woods had previously shared a video of the view from his home and wrote on X, "I took this last night from our beautiful little home in the Palisades. Now, all the fire alarms are going off at once remotely. It tests your soul, losing everything at once, I must say."

James Woods Calls Out L.A. Fire Department Chief

MEGA

The "Vampires" actor slammed the Los Angeles Fire Department chief for focusing on DEI and insisted on putting measures in place to forestall such an apocalyptic fire that's already threatening to be the most damaging in the history of the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the Daily Mail, Woods praised the heroics of "the people" of LAFD but slammed the leadership of Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who is openly a lesbian, citing a portion of her bio that highlights her "highest priority" as being devoted to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI.

Crowley's bio says, among other things, that "creating, supporting, and promoting a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and equity while striving to meet and exceed the expectations of the communities are Chief Crowley's priorities."

"Our new fire chief... she took over, and she put on her bio that her priority, 'my highest priority,' is inclusion, diversity, and equity... and somebody forgot to fill all the reservoirs, I guess, with water," the actor said.

Woods cited an instance when a firetruck pulled up to his home but couldn't pump water because the tank was empty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"When you are the fire chief, this isn't a social justice exercise that you are in charge of," he said. "This is [about] you getting water to areas that need water because there are fires and hundred-mile-an-hour winds burning houses to the ground."

James Woods Called For Politicians To Be Put In Prison Over The Wildfires

MEGA

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In one of his many posts on X, Woods spoke about how challenging it was for the firefighters to contain the inferno due to a lack of water and equipment while criticizing California's political leaders.

"The firefighters risking their lives to saves our homes deserve the highest praise and gratitude," Woods wrote. "The politicians who deprived them of the means to do their job, and literally left them using purses to quell the conflagration should be in prison."

In multiple other posts, the actor has slammed the inadequacies of the politicians who he claimed cut the budget that would have purchased necessary equipment to help quell the wildfires.

The furious actor has name-dropped California's governor, Gavin Newsom, and Los Angeles' mayor, Karen Bass.

The Degree Of The LA Wildfire Disaster

ZUMAPRESS.Com / MEGA

According to NBC News, the wildfires have wreaked unimaginable havoc in the southern part of the City of Angels, consuming over 20,000 acres of land.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The disaster, which began earlier this week on Tuesday, has reportedly left 11 persons dead, with more than 200,000 evacuated as efforts are being mounted to contain its spread.

More than 12,000 structures, including homes and businesses, have been burned down as dry conditions and powerful winds served as fuel for the blazing inferno.

Some celebrities have been affected by the disaster, having their beautiful multi-million dollar Mansion burned down.

The homes of Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, Tina Knowles, John Goodman, Candy Spelling, Milo Ventimiglia, and Miles Teller were among those destroyed.
Jan. 10Does our state superintendent have a screw loose?

Has he become so addicted to the national media spotlight and his need for validation that he no longer cares who his remarks hurt or defame at home?

Or has he perhaps forgotten his lessons in Oklahoma and U.S. history and needs a remedial class?

Because those are the only explanations I can think of that would explain Ryan Walters' latest, tone deaf and embarrassing 1-minute-and-19-second tirade that attempts to link schools and teachers unions to the New Year's attack in New Orleans. The remarks also included outlandish fearmongering about school classrooms turning into "terrorist training camps."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The entire escapade might have gone unremarked upon except that the state education agency Walters leads used taxpayer resources last week to highlight his video, and Walters received national publicity.

In New Orleans, authorities say a radicalized Army veteran, brandishing an ISIS flag, drove a Ford F-150 pickup down Bourbon Street in the early hours of Jan. 1, killing 14 and injuring dozens more before law enforcement killed him. The FBI has said it is investigating the incident as a terror attack.

That same day in Las Vegas, a soldier killed himself in a Tesla Cybertruck that then exploded in front of a Trump hotel, injuring bystanders. Investigators say the attacks are apparently unrelated.

Rather than using state resources to promote a video expressing sympathy, calling for unity, and correctly putting blame where it belongs, Walters decided to sow the seeds of dissent by bizarrely blaming schools and teachers unions. (For the record, not a single investigator has blamed schools, unions or educators for either incident.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But that didn't stop Walters from making remarks, including:

"We also have to take a look at how are these terrorists coming from people that live in America," he said.

"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(s)."

Walters wraps up by saying that's why Oklahomans are getting back to basics to make sure that our kids love our country, understand American values and understand the role the Constitution, The Bible and Declaration of Independence play.

Because "we want patriots," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The remarks were infuriating, even coming from a man whose first two years in office have been marked  and marred  by ridiculous publicity stunts and statements designed to draw attention to himself by attempting to divide us and sow dissent at others' expense.

But I didn't think any elected official who represents Oklahomans could be that insensitive and tone deaf about acts of terrorism.

After all, they represent constituents who 30 years ago lived through the nation's worst act of domestic terrorism.

On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh  also a radicalized former Army soldier  detonated a bomb outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City that killed 168 people, including 19 children. Hundreds more were injured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pretty much everybody who lived in Oklahoma still remembers what they were doing at 9:02 a.m. that day. Some recall their classmates being pulled out of class so they could be privately told about the incident. Their parents worked inside the building.

Many Oklahomans know someone who died. Most know a first responder who responded to the war zone.

Today, few understand more acutely than Oklahomans how it feels to survive a terror attack and rebuild. Few enjoy watching vultures try to capitalize on others' misfortune.

Walters has apparently missed that memo.

But I think perhaps what's more egregious is that Walters is using the latest attacks to try to further divide us and stoke fear by spreading misinformation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Terrorist training camps" in schools?

That's not a thing.

Purposely stoking hatred for our country?

I've never met a single teacher that does that.

But I fear someone is probably going to think Walters is preaching the Gospel truth.

And I worry that his continued irresponsible spread of misinformation is going to unintentionally bring someone or something bad down on our schools by some zealot convinced that they're protecting "patriotism" by targeting imaginary foes.

In 2024, Education Week reported that there were 39 school shootings. Eighteen people were killed, including eight children, and 59 people were injured. That's up from the year prior.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Our schools have a lot of needs  and they're already targets. What they don't need is a public official irresponsibly fanning the flames of hate toward educators and our children to feed his ambitions.

So here's hoping our state superintendent can resolve to do a better job keeping his mouth shut in 2025.

And to the victims of both incidents, I'm truly sorry both for what happened to you and for our state superintendent's hurtful antics.

His actions don't represent the Oklahoma standard.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Fighting fires is a dangerous job already and the lasting effect it has on the body can lead to serious health issues.

January marks Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.

Becoming a firefighter lands you in a group with the highest carcinogenic hazard classification, according to the International Agency for Cancer, putting it on par with tobacco and benzene as carcinogenic to humans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to a Pinkerton study, firefighters have a 9% greater chance of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% greater chance of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population.

Interim Fire Chief for the Grand Junction Fire Department Gus Hendricks says, Cancer is currently the number one cause of death in firefighters. Hendricks tells WesternSlopeNow about the precautions the station takes and what its like to dress for a fire.

If youre a skier, youre probably used to wearing powder pants, if you will. The pants that have the elastic around the ankles or the coat that has the elastic around the wrist to keep the snow from coming up. So, weve built that same technology into our bunker gear.

All to eliminate and reduce the amount of smoke that enters their gear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Below are examples of cancer firefighters are at risk of contracting.

Mesothelioma

Testis

Esophagus

Multiple myeloma

Non-Hodgkins lymphoma

Lung

Buccal and pharynx

Brain

Rectal

Skin melanoma

Prostate

Kidney

Breast

Malignant melanoma

Intestine

To ease the financial cost of being diagnosed with cancer, GJFD is a member of the Colorado Firefighter Heart, Cancer and Behavioral Health Trust. The trust helps reimburse firefighters with any out-of-pocket expenses if they have a cancer diagnosis.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 10A woman convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of a police officer and retired firefighter who died in a head-on collision is appealing her convictions.

A judge sentenced Jeannine Jaramillo, 49, to two terms of life in prison last month after a jury convicted her of causing the deaths of Santa Fe police Officer Robert Duran and retired Las Vegas, N.M. firefighter Frank Lovato. Their vehicles crashed as the officer, who at the time believed her to be a kidnapping victim, was chasing her the wrong way on Interstate 25.

Jaramillo was, in fact, alone in her vehicle at the time and fleeing from police after having asked a bystander to call 911. She said she was being held hostage in her own car by a man with a knife, according to testimony presented at her trial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the appeal, filed Thursday in state Supreme Court, Jaramillo's lawyer argues in part, New Mexico case law does not support her convictions.

Prosecutors charged Jaramillo with two counts of first-degree murder under two theories, one being felony murder and one being depraved-mind murder.

Felony murder is generally charged when someone kills a person during the commission of another felony, in this case aggravated fleeing. Depraved-mind murder is charged in cases where a person commits an act that shows utter disregard for human life. Both are crimes that allow prosecutors to convict someone of first-degree murder without proving an intent to kill. Jurors in the case against Jaramillo were given an option of finding her guilty under either theory.

In her appeal, Jaramillo's lawyer David Silva cites a 2004 opinion from the state Court of Appeals in a case in which a Las Cruces man, Hellman Tellez, came out of his apartment and pointed his gun at a group of men who were beating his friend at gunpoint in the parking lot. In an attempt to defend his friend, Tellez exchanged gunfire with one of the attackers, Jimmy O'Kelly, killing an innocent bystander in the process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities charged O'Kelly with both first-degree murder and depraved-mind murder, though none of O'Kelly's shots had hit anyone. The appellate court ruled neither charge fit the circumstances due in part to the lack of relationship between O'Kelly and the person who died.

The state argued the court "should extend the depraved mind murder statute to include cases where the defendant sets in motion a chain of events that leads to the accidental death of a bystander," says the appeal. "The Court disagreed and held that it refused to expand the doctrine to cover 'unintentional killings in which the lethal act was not committed by the defendant or his or her accomplices.' "

In this case, the appeal says, the lethal act, albeit an accident, was committed by Duran colliding with southbound Frank Lovato.

Similarly, in the case of the felony murder charge, Silva wrote New Mexico "espouses an agency theory that does not hold defendants responsible for lethal acts of third parties who are not accomplices," and Duran was not an accomplice of Jaramillo's.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Silva's pleading also challenges the legality of a great bodily harm conviction against Jaramillo connected to injuries sustained by another motorist who was injured after colliding with another officer involved in the chase. It also challenges her conviction for receiving or transferring stolen motor vehicle, arguing the state didn't present sufficient evidence the vehicle was stolen.

And, it says the court should not have allowed jurors to hear that Jaramillo had been accused of similar actions in Cibola County just six months before the March 2022 crash in Santa Fe. There, she fled Cibola County sheriff's deputies in a stolen car, leading them on a chase in the wrong lanes of an interstate and later told authorities she had been held hostage at the time by a man who was never found.

She pleaded guilty there in August 2022 to aggravated fleeing and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle as part of a plea agreement that calls for her to serve 18 months in prison.

Silva represented Jaramillo at trial and filed the statement of issues for her appeal. However, online court records indicate he'll be allowed to withdraw from the case and Jaramillo will be represented by a public defender going forward.
Maj. Michael Stockin has pleaded guilty to three dozen sex-abuse counts after 41 men accused the Joint Base Lewis-McChord doctor of misconduct in what a human-rights group had referred to as the largest military sexual-assault scandal in recent history.

Stockin, who was transferred to administrative duties following an Army investigation in 2022, was accused of sexually abusing military patients who came to see him for treatment as an anesthesiologist and pain-management specialist.

On Tuesday, he admitted to 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five of indecent viewing, according to Michelle McCaskill, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel. Indecent viewing is defined as wrongfully viewing a persons private area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stockin, 39, pleaded guilty during the first day of his trial at JBLM after entering into a plea agreement with Army prosecutors in September, McCaskill said.

A military court accepted the plea Friday, according to attorney Ryan Guilds, whos serving as a pro bono counsel retained by seven of the victims.

The sentencing phase of the trial, where Stockin faces up to about 13-1/2 years in prison, is expected to continue into next week, according to Guilds. Prior to the plea agreement, Stockin was potentially looking at more than 330 years behind bars, The News Tribune previously reported.

Two attorneys representing Stockin didnt return messages Friday. Army and JBLM spokespersons referred inquiries seeking comment to the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel. A message left for a spokesperson at Madigan Army Medical Center, where Stockin has been assigned since July 2019, was not returned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stockin was initially charged with 23 counts of abusive sexual contact and indecent viewing in August 2023. By January 2024, the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel had referred 52 counts for prosecution, stemming from alleged wrongdoing between 2019 and 2022. Stockin originally pleaded not guilty in April.

A military-oriented human rights group called Protect Our Defenders Foundation described Stockins case in November 2023 as historic and the largest military sexual assault scandal in recent history.

In federal tort claims filed last year by attorney Christine Dunn, whose clientele includes victims in the criminal case, Stockins former patients said that he asked them to remove clothing and fondled or stared at their genitals for no apparent medical reasons during uncomfortable exams.

Dunn said Friday that she filed claims thus far on behalf of 22 clients, some of whom were alleged victims not part of the charged case. Dunn planned to file more claims, she said, noting that six other people who have accused Stockin of abuse had reached out to her just this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A tort claim is typically a precursor to a lawsuit.

While this is a piece of getting justice, its only chapter one, Dunn told The News Tribune in reference to the guilty plea. And theres more to come with respect to the Army.

The Army still needed to be held accountable for what Dunn called its negligence and role in the abuse, she said, including in its job-candidate screening and doctor-patient supervisions. Dunn said that even more victims existed and she didnt think that Stockins sentencing range was strong enough.

Victims spent years waiting for a resolution and dealing with the aftermath of this predators extreme violation of trust, according to Guilds.

It is a trust he obtained through his rank, his status as a doctor, and the uniform he will now no longer be able to tarnish, Guilds said, noting that many victims feel guilt and self-loathing and cant move on. It is my hope that todays result will help them find peace. And feel at least a little justice was served.
Jennie Garth has expressed her gratitude for her ex-husband, Peter Facinelli after what he did for her family as the Los Angeles wildfires continue.

The What I Like About You actor turned to Instagram Thursday to let her followers know that while she had evacuated her home, she was offered shelter with Facinelli. I wanted to let you know that we are safe. Peter and his family took us in and have been so kind. I am deeply saddened for our city. And just feel numb, she captioned the post.

Facinelli and Garth were married for 12 years from 2001 to 2013 and share three daughters: Fiona, Lola, and Luca. Following their divorce Garth married Dave Abrams in 2015.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The post also showed a video of Garth crying as she spoke about feeling lucky for the situation she was in, but she was also feeling a sense of sorrow over the many who have lost their homes, including celebrities such as Mandy Moore and Eugene Levy.

Our home was spared but so much to clean up and ready to get active to help our neighbors and friends and fellow Angelinos, her caption continued. Dave has been amazing transporting all our bags and boxes, loading and unloading. just keep everyone here who is suffering in your heart and prayers.

The Beverly Hills, 90210 actor then expressed her thankfulness for everyone who has helped out those affected by the wildfires.

I am grateful we are all ok and have a home to return to, she wrote. This will effect [sic] people differently, so reach out, and offer to help, it does mean so much. Thank you for all the love that is being sent this way.

Garth was married to Facinelli for 12 years (Getty Images)

There are five active large wildfires throughout Los Angeles County. The Palisades and Eaton fires are now some of the states most destructive in history. Both fires are less than 10 percent contained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials gave an update on the Eaton Fire early Friday afternoon.

It looks like a war zone. Ive never seen anything like it, Kathryn Barger, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, told reporters.

Officials also said on Friday that more than 153,000 residents were under evacuation orders and more than 166,000 were under warnings as wildfires continued to burn in the Los Angeles County region.

There are also 57,830 structures at risk.

A curfew will be strictly enforced at 6 p.m. PST for the area of the Palisades and Eaton Fires.

Garth is not the only well-known figure to reflect on their experience with the wildfires. There was also a recent viral clip of Jamie Lee Curtis at a recent Q&A with her The Last Showgirl co-star Pamela Anderson, in which she compared the fires to the ongoing war in Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I am born and raised in the City of Angels. And the entire City of Angels is on fire, everywhere. The entire city of the Pacific Palisades is gone, said the Freaky Friday star. I mean, literally, my neighborhood  gone. My house tonight is still there but I live in a different canyon. But the entire Pacific Palisades looks like, unfortunately, Gaza, or one of these war-torn countries where awful things have happened.

And there are now fires breaking out everywhere. So it feels totally bizarre to be talking about a movie, and yet its a piece of art, and art will save us no matter what, she added.
Jennifer Garner said she knows dozens whove lost their houses to the ongoing wildfires in Southern California  and even lost a personal friend.

The Alias actor has been volunteering with World Central Kitchen founder Chef Jose Andres at one of his many pop-up locations across Los Angeles, helping to feed evacuees. Speaking to MSNBC anchor Katy Tur on Friday alongside Andres, she said that she personally knew someone who had died.

I did lose a friend, and for our church its really tender, so I dont feel like I should talk about her yet, she told Tur. But, yeah. I did lose a friend who did not get out in time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

My heart bleeds for my friends, Garner added. I mean, I can think of 100 families, and there are 5,000 homes lost. I could just write out a list of 100 friends who lost their homes. I feel almost guilty walking through my house.

The mother of three went on to describe her initial feelings of helplessness and the thoughts that led her to volunteer: What can I do? How can I help? What can I offer? What do I have to offer with these hands and these walls and the safety that I have?

The wildfires have engulfed numerous neighborhoods in the Los Angeles metropolitan area since Tuesday. Theyve burned more than 38,000 acres and destroyed over 12,300 structures, including homes, schools and commercial buildings, per CalFire.

An aerial photo of the Pacific Palisades, taken Friday, after being largely reduced to rubble David Swanson/AFP/Getty Images

The ongoing fires have placed some 130,000 residents under evacuation orders and taken the lives of at least 11 people, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office. Five of them died in the Palisades Fire, which is currently only 11% contained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ive lived in and around the Palisades for 25 years, Garner told MSNBC. So I think all of us, we want to get our hands into working somehow to be helpful. It is not some far away place that you cant reach.

Numerous fellow actors and celebrities have lost their homes to the fires.

Andres founded the World Central Kitchen in 2010 and has helped distribute meals in war-torn areas and disaster zones ever since, including in Gaza.

Garner praised Andres on Friday for being a light in harrowing times: It is an incredible thing to watch  Chef Jose come in and just, Weve got this handled, dont worry. Weve got you.

Related...
Jennifer Garner - Credit: Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Jennifer Garner has revealed that she lost a friend in the Los Angeles wildfires that have displaced over 130,000 and killed at least 10 people.

Speaking to MSNBC while volunteering in the Pacific Palisades area with Jose Andres World Central Kitchen, the actress said, I did lose a friend, and for our church, its really tender so I dont feel like we should talk about it yet. I did lose a friend. She didnt get out in time.

More from Rolling Stone

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Garner, who lived in and around the Palisades for 25 years, did not reveal the friends identity. The Pacific Palisades was among the most devastated areas by the wildfires, with thousands of homes lost in the still-uncontained blaze.

My heart bleeds for my friends, Garner said. I mean, I can think of 100 families, and there are 5,000 homes lost. I can  without even [thinking]  I could just write out a list of 100 friends who lost their homes.

The actress added, I feel almost guilty walking through my house. You know, what can I do? How can I help? What can I offer? What do I have to offer with these hands and these walls and the safety that I have?

Garner also praised the work of World Central Kitchen and Andres, who recently received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his humanitarian efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is an incredible thing to watch, Garner said. World Central Kitchen and Chef Jose just come in and Weve got you. Weve got this handled. Dont worry. 



More than 10,000 structures have burned down in multiple fires around the Los Angeles area, including in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena. At least 10 people have been killed, with more than 130,000 people displaced by the blazes. Numerous celebrities have also lost their homes, including Mandy Moore, Billy Crystal, Jhene Aiko, and James Woods.

Best of Rolling Stone

Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Jennifer Lopez wants to be as helpful as possible to the Los Angeles community as it struggles with the devastating effects of the wildfires and has canceled several media appearances.

This comes after the Los Angeles premiere of the actress's new movie "Unstoppable" was also canceled after fire and wind activity disturbed the city.

Lopez recently finalized her divorce from Ben Affleck but has reportedly remained in contact with him after he was forced to evacuate his Pacific Palisades home due to the massive inferno that engulfed the city.

Jennifer Lopez Frees Her Schedule To Be Present For Los Angeles Community

MEGA

On Friday, an insider told PEOPLE Magazine that Lopez canceled all her upcoming media appearances.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The 55-year-old was scheduled to appear on several television shows in New York City next week, including "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," the "Today" show, "The View," and "Live with Kelly and Mark."

However, she freed her schedule to be there for the Los Angeles community as it deals with the tragic effects of the wildfires that engulfed the city.

The source shared, "It's important to her to focus on supporting the community of Los Angeles during this very difficult time."

Jennifer Lopez's New Movie Premiere Canceled

MEGA

News of Lopez's adjusted plans comes three days after the Los Angeles premiere of her latest film, "Unstoppable," was canceled after the wildfires caused havoc in the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The movie premiere was scheduled to be held at the DGA Theatre, but it had to be canceled due to safety concerns.

An Amazon MGM Studios representative said in a statement that the cancellation had to happen "in light of today's safety concerns around heightened wind activity and fire outbreaks in Los Angeles."

The statement continued, "As much as we were looking forward to celebrating this wonderful and inspiring film with you, safety is our first priority. Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe."

Jennifer Lopez Reportedly In Touch With Ben Affleck Amid Wildfires

MEGA

In addition to the Los Angeles community, Lopez is also worried about her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, who had to flee from his $20.5 million home in Pacific Palisades after the fires erupted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Affleck took shelter in his former wife, Jennifer Garner's house, for a while but returned to his home after it suffered no damages from the fire.

A source told Page Six that Lopez became stressed after hearing about Affleck's evacuation. She checked in on him throughout his ordeal and "let him know she's there for him and the kids." Affleck shares three kids, Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12, with Garner.

The insider noted that Lopez "offered support for whatever they need" and was willing to assist however she could.

The source further revealed that the "All I Have" songstress "reached out as soon as she heard about Ben's home possibly being in danger and that he was evacuated."

Lopez And Affleck Finalize Divorce

MEGA

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

News of Lopez reaching out to Affleck during his ordeal with the Los Angeles fires shows the former lovebirds are still good friends after settling their divorce.

On January 7, The Blast reported that they reached a settlement mediated by famous divorce attorney Laura Wasser five months after ending their marriage.

The former couple's divorce settlement was amicable despite the absence of a prenuptial agreement.

Lopez and Affleck would walk away with everything they individually earned during their marriage.

Their financial interests were also protected in the agreement, which also saw them terminate their rights to spousal support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, Lopez retained ownership of the expensive engagement ring Affleck gave her when he proposed. The diamond-encrusted ring reportedly cost $5.6 million.

Lopez And Affleck Determined To Remain Friends After Divorce

MEGA

After Lopez and Affleck settled their divorce without engaging in a courtroom battle, an insider told In Touch that the ex-couple never wanted to "get petty" with each other and plan to remain friends.

The source said, "Jennifer and Ben are officially divorced, and the only bright spot is that they never got ugly. Many thought that their lawyers would do the nasty nitpicking on behalf of each of them, but they both decided to leave the marriage as amicably as possible."

They also revealed that despite much being at stake, Lopez and Affleck were determined not to fight over their assets.

The insider explained, "Ben and Jennifer were not about to nickel and dime each other, they respected each other way too much for that. I'm not saying that it never crossed their minds, it just wasn't worth it. They have too much history together. They actually parted as friends."
Jessup will explore the feasibility of transforming a former bank on Church Street into its new headquarters.

Borough council voted during a special meeting Thursday to accept a $6,800 proposal from Bethlehem-based Alloy5 Architecture to conduct a feasibility study of the former Community Bank NA at 210 Church St., which the borough purchased for $230,000 in March 2023 to expand beyond its existing Borough Building at 395 Lane St.

Community Bank closed its Jessup branch in September 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The study will look at both the bank building and the existing Borough Building, providing a high-level design with insight into what services to keep on Lane Street and what to relocate to Church Street, said council Vice President Jerry Crinella, who hopes to use the feasibility study to develop a long-term strategy for the former bank.

Theyre going to give us options, he said.

The study could, for example, tell the borough it makes sense to move its police station and tax office to the bank while keeping its Department of Public Works on Lane Street, he said.

From early on, borough officials sought to relocate the Jessup Police Department from the current Borough Building to the bank, and after speaking with an Alloy5 representative on Thursday, Crinella said the firm agreed. The representative noted the banks presence on Church Street, its accessibility with entrances on Church and Delaware streets  plus an exit behind the building from the banks drive-thru  as well as the security the police would provide being on what is essentially Jessups Main Street, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The study is estimated to take one to three months, Crinella said.

That gives us a roadmap of what we would have to do over the next year, two years, three years, four years, whatever, so that we could build that into the upcoming budgets, and we could use that plan as a basis for applying for grants, Crinella said. Its always easier to get the grants when you show that youve got a well-thought-out plan.

Once the study is complete, borough officials will bid out a contract to create detailed plans for the former bank, he said.

Jessup already earmarked $250,000 for the project, and it secured $98,985 in federal Community Development Block Grant funding to improve the buildings wheelchair accessibility, notably adding an elevator. Last month, council also voted to apply for a $139,122 statewide Local Share Account grant to replace the banks roof.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both Crinella and Councilman Gregg Betti, who has worked on the project from early on, hope to move forward with work as soon as possible. Although he acknowledged its an optimistic timeline, Betti said he would like to see work start in the summer. Betti has envisioned moving the police and tax collector to the building, in addition to the mayors office and administration office, which includes the borough manager, assistant borough manager and borough secretary.

I think it gives us a good presence, Betti said, adding with a chuckle, People will know where were at now.

At roughly 100 years old, the bank is a very solid building without major issues, Betti said. The existing Borough Building is a bit small for the administrative offices, but its way too small for the Police Department, he said.

As Jessups new police chief, Derek Fozard emphasized the importance of modernizing the department and attracting new officers when he accepted the job in November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, Fozard called it an exciting opportunity to help develop a new police station. He pointed to the banks ample parking, accessible location and room for expansion. The current station on Lane Street is cramped, and while the size would have been fine in the past, as the borough continues to grow and Fozard aims to hire more full-time officers, he foresees a need for additional space, whether thats work spaces for officers, interview rooms, storage or the evidence room. Jessup currently has five full-time officers, which includes Fozard as a working chief, and six part-time officers.

I have many ideas that Id like to float out there, Fozard said.

The Police Department has historical photos of Jessups former chiefs and other officers that hed like to display, along with a patch collection from law enforcement across the United States, he said.

A new, modernized police station will serve as a motivator for officers, he said.

Wherever its built, or done, its going to be an improvement, so Im grateful for that, Fozard said. Since Ive already walked through (the bank), and I have a mental picture of some of the things I want to change or add in it, that motivates me to hope that it moves forward.
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV (WVNS)  A local elementary school just received a huge financial boost to help them give students an even more well-rounded education.

Lloyd Haynes, former mayor of White Sulphur Springs passes away at the age of 85

Jim Justice wrapped up his final stop at White Sulphur Springs Elementary School in his capacity as the West Virginias governor.

In his visit, he delivered an inspirational speech to encourage students and faculty to strive for excellence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He also gave a check to the school for $14 million that will go towards new additions and renovations. Governor Justice worked with the School Building Authority to get this money.

This community does not have one gymnasium, but now they have got a new one on the way and this school needs renovations like crazy and everything and I was really tickled to death when the SBA stepped up and said, We are going to [help] White Sulphur [Springs Elementary], and so it is a big, big, big check for a community that has needed this for a long time, said Governor Justice.

Prior to Governor Justices visit, this school did not have an actual gym. They were using their cafeteria for physical education classes.

Nancy Hanna is the associate superintendent for Greenbrier County Schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She told 59News that some of this money will be going to the development of a multi-purpose room, which will include the gym that Justice referred to, among other additions, like updated entrances, exits, and playground renovations.

The location of the school is not the safest for students as far as when they are outside playing on the playground, the entrances and exits for parents picking students up  it is very difficult. So, this will improve all of those functions, said Hanna.

I cannot tell you enough about what we ought to be doing for our children. We bring jobs. We bring opportunities for them to stay here rather than go to Atlanta and Denver for jobs and that is what we want, added Governor Justice. We want to keep our families together. We want to be so proud of who we are. But first, it all starts with doing great stuff for our kids; helping them be able to educate in a better environment is really important.

Three local golf courses rank in the top 5 golf courses to play in West Virginia

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Renovations will begin in the Summer of 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Under-Reacting

As his national funeral unfolds, you've probably heard tales of the good deeds of former president Jimmy Carter.

One story that's gotten surprisingly little attention, though: nearly three-quarters of a century ago, a youthful Carter was brought in during the world's first nuclear reactor meltdown to lead a toxic cleanup crew, where he led the charge into the hazardous scene.

As Fox 5 Atlanta recounts, the Georgia-born late president  who died on December 29 at the ripe old age of 100  was just 28 years old when he was brought in to help clean up nuclear waste at an NRX research reactor in Chalk River, Canada.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During a cold December day in 1952, the reactor located just a few hours away from the Canadian capital of Ottawa suffered a partial meltdown when some of its fuel rods burst, Fox 5 notes. As a result, more than a million gallons of radioactive water flooded to the facility's basement  and somebody with expertise was needed to clean it up.

As it turned out, Carter was the man for the job.

Bottom of Everything

After working as a Naval submarine officer, the young military man had just begun his tenure at the US Atomic Energy Commission when the meltdown occurred. As he told CNN back in 2011, Carter was at the time "one of the few people in the world who had clearance to go into a nuclear power plant."

Carter and a team of 22 men were sent in to do the cleanup, and the officer who'd grown up on a peanut farm outside of Atlanta was himself lowered into the depths of the Canadian reactor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite the danger, the late president told CNN's Arthur Milnes that the incident was "a very exciting time for me."

Still, exposure to the waste had lasting effects on Carter.

"We were fairly well instructed then on what nuclear power was, but for about six months after that I had radioactivity in my urine," he told CNN. "They let us get probably a thousand times more radiation than they would now. It was in the early stages, and they didn't know."

The cleanup was a success, and the Chalk River reactor was reopened two years later. Carter's career in the military, however, ended less than a year after the incident in 1953, when he was honorably discharged from the Navy and began running his family's peanut farm.

More on disasters: NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab Evacuated as Los Angeles Burns
When President Joe Biden announced last month that he would commute the sentences of 37 out of 40 people on federal death row to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with the lengthy sentences of 1,500 other people held in federal prisons, no one, especially the president, could have imagined that anyone would turn down his merciful gestures. But now two men on the federal death row in Terre Haute, Indiana, have thrown a monkey wrench into Bidens decision.

As the Washington Post reports, Shannon Agofsky and Len Davis were among the 37 federal inmates whose sentences were reclassified on Dec. 23 by Biden from execution to life in prison without parole. Both men have refused to sign the paperwork accepting their commutations and filed emergency motions on Dec. 30 to block them.

Those actions seem unusual, but they are by no means unprecedented. Such rejections have happened from time to time throughout American history. But every time, turning down clemency has raised eyebrows and caused headaches for the legal system. Those actions set up a clash between the almost unlimited power of the president to commute sentences and the wishes of individuals with something different in mind.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In fact, if they can get away with it, Agofsky and Davis decision to say no to Bidens clemency would be about the only effective check on that power. Neither seeks to die or is volunteering for execution, a practice I oppose. Instead, they are making calculations about what gives them the best chance to get off death row.

Agofsky contends, as the Post notes, that accepting the commutation would complicate his ongoing appeal, while Davis objected to the constitutional conundrum of the executive branch changing his sentence without his approval. Such arguments will no doubt whet the appetites of law professors everywhere and may set up a clash that the Supreme Court will ultimately resolve.

Agofsky has been on death row for more than twenty years. When he was already serving time for robbery and murder, he was convicted of stomping to death a fellow inmate.

As NBC News notes, in his first case, he was not convicted of the murder but received a life sentence for the robbery. He is now seeking an injunction to stop his transfer off death row. NBC reports he is disputing how he was charged with murder in the stomping death and trying to establish his innocence in the original case for which he was incarcerated."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Agofsky wants to take advantage of the heightened scrutiny that courts are supposed to accord to death cases, something not generally required in any other kind of case. In his handwritten petition to the federal district court in Indiana, Agofsky wrote that reducing his sentence to life would remove the protection granted to him under the concept of heightened scrutiny.

Though the heightened scrutiny doctrine does not necessarily lead to convictions being overturned, Agofsky Bidens commutation constitutes an undue burden, and leaves the defendant in a position of fundamental unfairness, which would decimate his pending appellate procedures.

In no uncertain terms, he told the court that he never requested commutation. The defendant never filed for commutation. The defendant does not want commutation and refused to sign the papers offered with the commutation."

Davis, who also doesnt want his death sentence commuted to life in prison without parole, is a former New Orleans police officer, (who) was convicted in the 1994 murder of Kim Groves Prosecutors said Davis hired a drug dealer to kill Groves and charged the officer with violating Groves' civil rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Davis, as NBC reports, has always maintained his innocence. He also contends that the federal court had no jurisdiction to try him for civil rights offenses.

In his petition to stop Bidens commutation of his sentence, Davis claimed that having a death penalty attached to his case would draw attention to the overwhelming misconduct he contends characterized the Justice Departments handling of his case.

He highlighted a host of constitutional violations associated with the executive branchs attempt to sentence (him to) lifewithout his agreeing to commutation. He did not specify what those violations were.

How odd that two men facing a death sentence would believe that the best way to correct what they see as miscarriages of justice is to hold onto that sentence as if it were a life preserver. As Ohio State University Law Professor Douglas Berman explains, they may be right.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If nothing else, these efforts to refuse a capital commutation seem likely to help ensure these defendants get more attention for their claims of innocence than many others. And I have often asserted to students in my sentencing classes that convicted murderers claiming to be wrongfully convicted on death row are likely to get more attention for their claims of innocence than convicted murderers given LWOP (life without parole).

Throughout our history, others have refused or tried to refuse clemency. Some did so because they thought accepting it would amount to an admission that they had done something wrong.

Others have done so because they didnt like a condition or stipulation that came with clemency. Still others, like Agofsky and Davis, thought accepting clemency would jeopardize one of their legal rights.

Several of those cases were the subject of litigation and eventually found their way to the Supreme Court. Over time, the Courts position has changed from siding with the people who said they would not accept a pardon or commutation to favoring the authority of the executive to grant clemency without the recipient's consent.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

In the first of those decisions, the 1833 case of United States v. Wilson, a man sentenced to death refused a pardon from President Andrew Jackson because he didnt like the conditions attached to it. Chief Justice John Marshall held, "A pardonnot complete without acceptance. It may then be rejected by the person to whom it is tendered, and if it be rejected, we have discovered no power in a court to force it on him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a cruel twist of fate, Wilsons victory was short-lived. He was hanged.

In 1915, the Supreme Court again called a pardon a private act that had to be accepted to be valid. The court affirmed the necessity of the acceptance of a pardon to its legal efficacy whatever the alternative of acceptance, whether it be death or lesser penalty.

But twelve years later, the Court changed its mind.

At that time, the Court rejected the conception of pardon as a private act, instead describing it as the determination of the ultimate authority that the public welfare will be better served by inflicting less than what the judgment fixed. Just as the original punishment, the Court continued, would be imposed without regard to the prisoners consent the public welfare, not his consent, determines what shall be done.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It held that in the case of a commutation of death to imprisonment for life, it is hard to see how consent has anything to do with it. If someone does not accept the change, he could not have got himself hanged against the executive order.The considerations that led to the modification had nothing to do with his will. The only question is whether the substituted punishment was authorized by law.

And that is where we are today.

Agofsky and Davis find themselves in something of a catch-22. They do not want to be treated mercifully lest it compromise their legal position, but likely, they are stuck with Bidens commutation.

Like tough love, sometimes mercy is not merciful at all.
As the political office holders in every major American city have become, with our regrettable acquiescence, virtue-signaling, behavior-changing career activists, crucial foundational necessities of our lives are not getting accomplished, much less prioritized.

In Los Angeles, the mayor, Karen Bass, is being criticized for being in Ghana while her city burned catastrophically. Chastened, she quickly returned, having nothing very useful to say. The problem wasnt that she was on a junket to Ghana for the installation of a new president. Thats what modern mayors do. Her presence would have done nothing to mitigate the fires. She wasnt about to climb aboard a hook-and-ladder.

The problem was that the city was not prepared to fight such devastating fires. It apparently wasnt a priority. It doesnt have to start with Bass. It could have begun several mayors ago. Los Angeles has a long history with wildfires. Dont be so knee-jerk quick to put fire in the climate-change basket; look it up. Years ago, a mayor, rather than going on a junket, should have convened hydrologists and engineers to explain the remedy to keep the hydrants flowing during periods of full-on pressurization demands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Elon Musk has a rocket that can parallel park itself after returning from space. The brightest minds in the country can figure out how to fight fire, even in the Santa Ana winds.

Los Angeles was going to burn to dust one day without serious dogged preparation. That is a crucial foundational truth more important than diversifying the citys water department or fulfilling diversity, equity and inclusion targets in the citys fire department.

Those are the goals of career activists, not the hard work of prioritizing the needs of the citizens you are supposed to represent.

A serious mayor would have made firefighting a top priority. Its not as glamorous as a trip to Africa, but it certainly serves your citizens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In St. Paul, downtown is hollowed out. Too many vacancies in office buildings. Too much crime and the feeling of unease near the light-rail stops. We dont need a new dog park or another bicycle path or another layering of DEI bureaucracies with job titles that cannot be measured for achievement.

Those are the whims of professional activists, not the needs of the citizens. As in Los Angeles, an awakening to serious priorities doesnt have to begin with Melvin Carter. But for our acquiescence, establishing serious priorities should have started several mayors ago.

We dont face fires or earthquakes, but we have seen the loss of downtown employers for years. With that loss has come a decline in commercial property taxes and the resulting tax burden on homeowners. Were serious efforts made to lure business to St. Paul? Were serious efforts made to attract state workers, just blocks away, to St. Paul and those ready offices rather than build an unneeded new $1 billion State Office Building?

A newspaper guy I know once spent an afternoon on the phone with Volkswagen of America before he got to their real estate division and made a strong pitch to Volkswagen to retrofit the Ford plant in Highland Park for their new American plant. That shouldnt have been up to me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We shouldnt be burdened by crime. Criminals should be arrested and prosecuted, not turned back out on the street in eight hours.

We havent lost thousands of homes to fire, but we experience the loss of well-being that can only be present when elected officials work on foundational truths over their own utter BS.

Joe Soucheray can be reached at jsoucheray@pioneerpress.com. Soucherays Garage Logic podcast can be heard at garagelogic.com.

Related Articles
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein delivers his inaugural address at the Capitol Building in Raleigh on Jan. 11, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

Gov. Josh Stein pledged in his inaugural address Saturday to continue rebuilding western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene for as long as it takes, outlining a range of broad priorities and calling for bipartisan work with the Republican-led legislature.

Today we must overcome the unprecedented storm that ravaged our state, and the everyday struggles that impact our neighbors, Stein said. And we will.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The address, delivered in the Capitol Buildings House chamber, was themed North Carolina Strong  centering the states response to tragedies past and present. Stein spoke to a small crowd of family, staff and the press  earlier plans for an outdoor address and block party were postponed due to weather.

Stein ticked off several priorities in the mountains  housing survivors, supporting business owners and rebuilding strong infrastructure. And he named several locals whom hed met in recent months  a local AM radio station in Haywood County, a Watauga County business owner and a McDowell County restaurant operator.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein ahead of the governors inaugural address at the Capitol Building in Raleigh on Jan. 11, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

We have so much more work to do, he said. And I am committed to doing it arm-in-arm with our friends in western North Carolina, for as long as it takes.

Stein, a Democrat, succeeds Roy Cooper after two terms of attorney general. Hes established Helene recovery as his number one priority  carrying over key officials from Coopers administration while spinning up a new team within his office to spearhead the recovery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He also outlined several key policy issues  calling on further investment for pre-kindergarten; pay raises for public school teachers; more robust law enforcement and cracking down on drug trafficking.

Stein, another Democrat with a GOP legislature, calls for bipartisanship

Like his predecessor, Stein will be faced with an oppositional state legislature controlled by large Republican majorities.

In recent years, that has meant conservative priorities landing on the governors desk, those priorities being vetoed, and often vetoes being overridden.

Stein urged legislative leaders to take a different tack in his address Saturday.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein delivers his inaugural address at the Capitol Building in Raleigh on Jan. 11, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

He recalled the history of major initiatives passed under divided control  Cooper and the GOP legislature expanding Medicaid, and Republican Gov. Jim Holshouser working with Democrats for kindergarten for all children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We have real problems to solve, and we do not have time to settle petty political scores or fight divisive culture wars, Stein said. I want to stand with you as we fight for our people, not with each other.

GOP legislative leaders have expressed optimism about cooperating with Stein, specifically on Helene recovery. But they remain wary after years of frustration involving the states homebuilding program for Hurricanes Florence and Matthew in the east.

I havent had a chance to talk with (Stein), but it appears that the steps hes taken is something of an acknowledgement that the NCORR model is not the model for us to continue to go with, Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) said after the first day of the legislative session on Wednesday. I think there will be an effort to try to figure out exactly what it looks like. That seems to me to be the most pressing issue weve got.

North Carolina Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) mingles on the Senate floor ahead of the legislative sessions opening day on Jan. 8, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

A statement Saturday from the spokesperson for the North Carolina Republican Party was more contentious  saying voters trust Republicans to deliver for families, small businesses and workers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Governor Josh Stein today pledges to continue the same tired policies North Carolinians endured for the past eight years in the executive mansion, communications director Matt Mercer said.

While Democrats spend their time appointing political donors to state boards and complaining about responsible governance, Republicans will continue to lead.

The spirit of cooperation between the legislature and North Carolinas new governor will get its first test at the end of this month as lawmakers begin the 2025 session in earnest.
WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Joyce Ann (Williams) Vens went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 9, 2025, following several months of declining health issues. She passed away at University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.

Joyce was born to Harry and Gertrude (Kane) Williams on September 4, 1933.

Find obituaries from your high school

She graduated from Warren Harding High School, class of 1951.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On February 7, 1953, she married Warren Sonny Vens and they remained together for 64 years until his death.

Joyce was an active member of the Champion Presbyterian Church and in younger years the Warren CCL (Child Conservation League). With the church she served as deaconess, deacon, trustee, elder and President of the Presbyterian Women of the Church; also serving on numerous committees, teaching Bible study in her home, as well as childrens Sunday school.

Joyce spent leisure time doing needlepoint, reading, walking and playing with her beloved dogs.

Joyce is survived by son, Kreig (Judi) of Warren; grandchildren, Dr. Kasey (Nicall) Vens of Toledo, Abigail Hand of Columbus, Erik Vens of Liberty and Mychal Vens of Niles; six great-grandchildren, Liam, Shane and Ryan Hand, Issac, Landon and Elise Vens and many nieces and nephews.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Sonny; son, Keith and her furry faced Border Collie, Lady Abbington.

At Joyces request there will be no service or calling hours. She would prefer being remembered as laughing and full of life. The family will honor her wishes.

Cremation was handled by Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, North Road, Warren, Ohio.

A memorial fund has been established at Champion Presbyterian Church, 4997 Mahoning Avenue, Warren, OH 44483. Material contributions in Joyces name can be mailed to, or dropped off at the church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce , please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Monday, January 13 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:21 p.m. on WYTV and 6:35 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 10A federal judge has denied a motion to halt the sale of a University of Maine System building in Belfast, siding with the system against an evangelical church that once planned to purchase the building. That means the state's public university system can move forward with its plan to sell the building to a Waldo County nonprofit.

Judge Stacey Neumann issued the ruling Friday morning, following a hearing Monday afternoon at the U.S. District Court in Bangor.

The University of Maine System received three bids when it put its Belfast Hutchinson Center building up for sale last summer. The highest bid came from Calvary Chapel Belfast, which planned to use the space to expand its congregation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the other two bidders filed appeals, many community members objected, and in September the system rescinded its offer to Calvary Chapel, citing a deficiency in the bid assessment process that didn't account for the potential cost savings related to keeping a network hub currently located in the building in place.

The system hosted a new bidding process in November and this time awarded the building to Waldo Community Action Partners (WCAP), a nonprofit that offered $3.06 million. Calvary Chapel bid $1.1 million in the second round, and the third bidder, the Future of the Hutchinson Center Steering Committee/Waterfall Arts, offered $1.8 million.

The church filed a lawsuit in November against the university system and several administrators, citing religious discrimination in the bidding and sale process. It also filed a motion for a temporary restraining order to halt the planned sale of the building.

The church's attorneys argued that the university system, "unlawfully conspired and discriminated against the church on the basis of religion in violation of the First and 14th Amendments" and described the second bidding process as "rigged."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But in her ruling, Neumann said the church did not present sufficient evidence that the system was motivated by religious bias, or that the second round of bidding was rigged.

"Though there is evidence of religious hostility from the community and from the disappointed bidders, there is no evidence of any animus on behalf of any defendant, nor are the alleged procedural anomalies merely pretext to cover for such animus or to bow to public pressure," it reads.

Calvary Chapel is being represented by Liberty Counsel, a Christian ministry based in Orlando, Florida, that litigates on behalf of religious freedom causes. Its mission is "restoring the culture by advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of human life and the family."

Daniel Schmid, one of the Liberty Counsel attorneys representing Calvary, said in a phone interview after the ruling that he disagreed with the judge's rationale but said the church's attorneys plan to depose system employees and gather evidence in advance of an evidentiary hearing, which he expects will happen in early February.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said temporary restraining orders are difficult to argue for because they're emergency orders that happen on a tight timeline.

"We're optimistic for our chances for a preliminary injunction," Schmid said.

In an emailed statement Friday, system spokesperson Samantha Warren said that the system offered a transparent and competitive bidding process.

"We welcome today's decision by the court, which affirms the integrity of our process and our continued commitment to acting in the best interests of our public university system and the tuition and taxpayers of Maine," Warren said. "The system will continue to defend itself in any further proceedings on this matter."

Copy the Story Link
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  A request to release the police bodycam footage of an arrest where a Dothan woman says an officer hit her multiple times was denied by a Houston County Judge.

On December 15th, Dothan Police officers responded after a fight allegedly started inside the Dothan Elks Club.

After attempting to make what police are calling a lawful detainment or arrest on someone outside, police say Dothan resident April Franklin got too close to the arresting officers and refused to step back after officers asked her to do so several times, prompting her arrest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police punch Dothan woman during arrest, she alleges brutality and abuse

In the video provided by an eyewitness on the scene, you can see a female officer on top of Franklin repeatedly striking her in the head. Franklin was arrested and charged with resisting arrest and aggravated assault on a police officer.

Franklin and her attorney, Dustin Fowler, requested that the state release the responding officers bodycam footage, the officers personnel file, and anything involving the investigation.

This is a serious offense, a serious charge for which she is not guilty. The requested information that we sought is completely relevant to this criminal matter, said Fowler.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The state argued against this request, saying the case is still being investigated internally and all discovery will be released following Franklins potential indictment.

Prosecutors also say this request was not made for Franklins criminal case but instead to be included in a possible lawsuit that could soon be filed against the Dothan Police Department.

Houston County Judge agreed with prosecutors, denying the request to release the video and records after saying he reviewed Franklins request and the prosecutions rebuttal.

He was fantastic: Professor killed in Dothan hit-and-run had a big impact on students

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police told WDHN last month that the internal affairs department is thoroughly investigating the incident. Although they dont typically release body cam footage, police say they are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability.

Following Judge Lewiss denial to release the documents, Fowler filed another motion, requesting for the custodian of records for Houston County to testify about this information in a preliminary hearing.

We feel that case law is confident that we can call this witness. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has said that we can call these witnesses at a preliminary hearing, said Fowler.

Judge Lewis has not issued a ruling on the latest request.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You can watch the full eyewitness video below:

(Video courtesy of LeLe Krystalyn)

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Harford County Councilmember Aaron Penman (R). Photo by Bryan. P. Sears.

A Harford County Council member is vowing to fight a court order that would remove him from office because of his employment with the county sheriffs department.

Harford County Council member Aaron Penman (R) said a ruling issued Friday by Circuit Judge Richard S. Bernhardt Sr. would require his immediate removal from office if left to stand.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I was voted in by voters of District B, the constituents voted me in for my public safety experience, Penman said. Now this judge is forcing me to vacate my seat because of it. I think its an injustice. I think its weaponizing the government. Its a complete disgrace, in my opinion.

Bernhardt, in an order issued Friday, ruled that Penman is permanently enjoined from exercising all rights and authorities of a member of the Harford County Council or performing any and all functions of a member of the Harford County Council unless and until he cures his lack of qualification.

At issue is Penmans employment with the Harford County Sheriffs Office.

Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly filed an ethics complaint last February and later asked the Circuit Court to declare that Penmans employment violated a provision in the county charter that prohibits a county lawmaker from being employed by a county or state government entity.

Harford County Executive Robert Cassilly (R). File photo by Bryan P. Sears.

Cassilly had not commented on Bernhardts ruling as of Friday evening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In October 2023, Cassilly called for Penman to be removed as tensions between the executive and members of the Republican majority council deepened. Council President Patrick Vincenti challenged Cassilly to go to court to have Penman removed.

The fight over Penman is seen as part of an ongoing squabble between Cassilly and Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler over funding for a proposed new facility for the department. That fight has included Cassillys search of council emails, a grand jury investigation by the Office of the State Prosecutor, and a lawsuit filed by Gahler over Cassillys refusal to provide documents requested under the Maryland Public Information Act.

In December, a Harford County judge ordered Cassilly to release the records within 30 days.

This is the second time Cassilly has filed suit seeking to block a council member from serving based on their outside employment. In December 2022, Cassilly suit to to prevent Jacob Bennett, a Democrat, from serving on the council because Bennett also taught science in a Harford County Middle School.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bernhardt, the judge in Bennetts case, ruled the Democrat could not serve on the council unless he resigned from the school system. Bennett appealed and in April 2023 the Supreme Court of Maryland overturned Bernhardts order, ruling that Bennetts teaching job did not violate the county charter.

Penman, who retired from the sheriffs office in December 2022, was rehired by Gahler in September 2023, in part on the basis of the ruling in the Bennett case. Penman on Friday noted that Bernhardt has already been overturned once in a similar employment case.

We have a judicial system that is removing a sitting elected official after they have already been overturned once before, Penman said,

Need to get in touch?

Have a news tip?

CONTACT US

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A year ago, Cassilly and Harford County Attorney Jefferson Blomquist filed a complaint with the Harford County Board of Ethics claiming Penmans political position and job with the sheriffs department were in conflict. The administration sought to have Penman removed.

The county later filed a lawsuit. Penman countersued.

Penman, in an interview Friday, said his attorney will request a stay of Bernhardts order and file an appeal as early as Friday afternoon.

If Penman were forced to step down, it would be the second time since November that the council has had to address a vacancy.

Earlier this week, the council appointed Nolanda Robert to fill the remainder of the term of Dion Guthrie, who was removed from office following a plea of nolo contendere in a felony theft case in Baltimore County. Guthrie continues to challenge his removal in court.
EBENSBURG, Pa.  A Cambria County judge sentenced Christopher George Rowe to life in prison without the possibility of parole Thursday for the 2016 murder of a Blairsville woman.

A jury found Rowe, 50, guilty after a six-day trial in November of first-degree murder, aggravated assault and making false reports to authorities.

Its really tragic  this whole case, said Senior Judge Norman A. Krumenacker III, who presided over the trial and handed down the sentence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rowe was charged in 2020 with murdering his former girlfriend, Kaylene Roedel, 26, and leaving her body near the Honan Avenue trail in Johnstown. He was prosecuted by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

This was a horrible and tragic case, Senior Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry said Thursday. Kaylene died way too young at the hands of the defendant.

Rowe did not make a statement in court, but his attorneys, Daniel Kiss and Toby McIlwain, said he does plan to file post-sentence motions and appeals. The defense attorneys motioned to withdraw as Rowes attorneys, but Krumenacker denied the request.

Members of Roedels family spoke before Rowe was sentenced.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You are nothing but a monster and I hope the rest of your life is miserable, said Sarah West, Roedels cousin. She said that things have not been the same since losing Roedel and she still feels that grief years later.

Roedels daughter told Rowe that she still cries about her mothers killing and often reflects on having to grow up without her parent. She ended by saying, I wish you a horrible, horrible life.

You destroyed my family, said Roedels sister-in-law, Billie Hillegass. Shame on you.

Krumenacker also weighed in with his thoughts about what led to Roedels slaying.

After reflecting on the trial, he said, he concluded that Roedel had decided to leave Rowe, and Rowe couldnt handle that, so he did what he had done in the past and resorted to violence to solve his problems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Krumenacker said Rowe has seven prior convictions involving violence, and its clear thats how he has dealt with turbulence in his life since he was young.

Rowes charge of aggravated assault was merged with his life sentence for first-degree murder at the request of the defense, and his sentence of six to 12 months for making false reports will run concurrently.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Bay Countys newest judge is now officially ready for the bench.

Family, friends, and members of the local legal community gathered at the Bay County Courthouse on Friday afternoon to attend the investiture ceremony for the honorable Tracy Smith.

Governor Ron Desantis appointed Smith to fill the county judge seat vacated by Judge Joe Grammers retirement.

One reportedly arrested in connection with residential structure fire in Panama City

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Before her judicial appointment, Judge Smith was a practicing lawyer in the area for 21 years, handling both civil and criminal cases.

Smith says shes honored by her appointment and looks forward to serving the community.

I hope to be known, as my colleagues that were here today, as a good judge; a fair judge for the community to do the best I can to follow the law and support the community as the judge, Bay County Court Judge Tracy Smith said.

Judge Smith also thanked many of the people at Fridays ceremony for their support as she transitions into this role.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Buffalo man was found guilty by a jury Thursday after he stabbed a man to death in the spring of 2023, according to the Erie County District Attorneys Office.

Around 9:30 p.m. on June 11, Eric Hawkins, 59, stabbed Glenn Ervin Drue, Jr., 39, multiple times outside of a Connelly Avenue home. Drue was taken to ECMC where he later died.

Hawkins was arrested in Rochester over eight months later on Feb. 13, 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was found guilty of second-degree murder after three hours of deliberation and faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 14 and remains held without bail.

Latest Local News

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV)  Following a week-long trial that ended with the jury deliberating for over 12 hours, the Wisconsin man accused of killing his girlfriend back in 2022 was found guilty.

Court records show that 80-year-old Larry Manthe was found guilty by a jury on a charge of 1st-Degree Intentional Homicide on Friday, January 10.

On October 6, 2022, family members of 76-year-old Alice Langer called authorities advising they had not been able to get in contact with her for over 15 hours. When deputies arrived at Langers residence, they found her dead inside the house with a gunshot wound to the head.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Oshkosh Police Department rescues human trafficking victim, arrests suspect with extensive criminal history

The investigation continued for months with detectives actively pursuing countless leads with no primary suspect in custody. However, a breakthrough in the homicide investigation finally came nearly a year after Langer was found dead.

On September 15, 2023, Manthe was arrested for the death of Langer.

Manthe and Langer had reportedly been living together and were in a long-term relationship at the time of Langers death. It was learned that Langer had intended to end the relationship and move out of the house.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Suspect arrested, charged in connection to officer involved shooting in Wisconsin

On Facebook, the Columbia County Sheriffs Office stated that the jury had deliberated for over 12 hours. The post also shared the Offices thoughts on the investigation:

There are no winners when someone takes another persons life as the entire community and both families suffer but we are grateful that the family of Alice Langer gets justice and some closure to this senseless act of violenceThere was a lot of investigative work by our entire detective division led by investigators Brian Johnson and Tim Schultz. Their hard work and determination were what drove their efforts to find the truth. Columbia County Sheriffs Office

Court records do not yet show when Manthe will be sentenced. Local 5 will provide an update to this story after Manthe receives his sentence.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.  With the winter storm hitting Arkansas, because of the possible dangerous condition The Arkansas National Guard is teaming up with Arkansas State Police to help drivers who are stranded.

The partnership comes after Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders mobilized 140 Arkansas National Guardsmen to make 28 winter weather response teams, helping Arkansas State Police troopers transport stranded drivers until the road conditions improve.

Staff Sergeant Zane Stuckey with the Arkansas Air Force National Guard said the team he is in have been driving up down highways and interstates in Little Rock helping plenty of drivers stuck.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In weather like this the roadways are really unpredictable and there are a lot of stranded cars, Stuckey said.

Arkansas National Guard begins winter weather response

Stuckey says theyre mostly seeing stranded drivers who have lost control of the car.

People get into snowbanks and then cant get their cars to get out, he said.

Kevin Desai said he was one of the drivers who was stranded near the interstate.

I was getting on to this road, veered right and hit a bank of snow, Desai said.

Gov. Sanders declares state of emergency ahead of winter weather

But with the help of The National Guardsmen, ASP, and another driver passing by they were able to help pull his car out of the bank of snow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its fantastic that random people came by and assisted you. It started with one person and then it dominoed into like multiple people, Desai said.

Stuckey said he always felt the need to be of service and is glad to help others.

Its a great feeling, its exactly what were out here for, were just folks helping other folks and were happy to do it, Stuckey 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.
Maria Casarez was washing dishes at noon Tuesday in her three-bedroom duplex, tidying up before her four children arrived home from school when her husband's nephew called.

"Acaba de agarrar a mi tio  inmigracion," he said. They just got my uncle, immigration.

The two had been talking at a Home Depot parking lot, less than a mile down the road from their home in Bakersfield when Border Patrol agents showed up and began asking questions.

Information about constitutional rights for immigrants was provided at the Robert F. Kennedy High School Auditorium in Delano. (Tomas Ovalle/For The Times)

Casarez dashed to the scene, where she said she saw a dozen agents. "It was ugly," she said. They had already taken her husband away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Border Patrol operation near Bakersfield lasted for several days and netted 78 arrests this week, raising alarm bells across the Central Valley, where a largely immigrant workforce helps harvest a quarter of the food grown in the U.S.

Immigrant advocates say it was the largest enforcement operation in the Central Valley in years and fear that it could be a prelude of what's to come under President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised mass deportations  a move that many fear will wreak havoc on the region's agricultural and processing industries.

Border Patrol confirmed that agents conducted a targeted enforcement operation in Kern County, saying it was aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Agent Gregory K. Bovino said in statements on social media that dozens of agents had detained two child rapists and "other criminals," as well as retrieved 36 pounds of narcotics, as part of Operation Return to Sender.

Bovino, who leads the agency's El Centro sector that spans 71 miles of the Imperial Valley along Mexico border, said agents arrested others encountered during the course of the operation who were in the U.S. unlawfully.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the small farming towns outside Bakersfield, at gas stations and in the miles and miles of fields, everyone seemed to know about the arrests that had quickly spread across social media, sowing fear among migrant families, many of whom had children or spouses that were born here. And in the panic, even routine law enforcement presence at strip malls and freeway off-ramps was, at times, conflated online with immigration roundups.

It's unclear how long the enforcement actions could last; Bovino said agents are planning additional operations in Fresno and Sacramento.

"With our border under control in El Centro, we go where the threat is," Bovino wrote in response to someone on Instagram who said they were puzzled as to why Border Patrol was conducting operations so far north of the border.

The enforcement has perplexed local immigrant advocates, who questioned why the Biden administration was using its final weeks to target Central Valley migrant workers for deportation.

Jay Tamsi provides information after a presentation by a consortium of attorneys, organizations, and community experts explaining constitutional rights for immigrants at the Robert F. Kennedy High School Auditorium in Delano. (Tomas Ovalle/For The Times)

"I understand you've got to protect the border," said Manuel Cunha Jr., president of Nisei Farmers League, which represents agricultural employers and their workers. "Stay out of our farms. Go after the cartels  do your raids on those people."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Growers reported that workers had stayed home out of fear of being arrested, he said.

The consequences of the operation, he fears, could ricochet across the economy that powers farms, dairies and food processing plants. Grape vines and trees will lose their crop if they aren't pruned in time. Cows could die if workers don't show up to milk them.

"It does have effects on the food chain, without any question," Cunha said. "But it has the greatest effect on those families because they cant feed their children if they cant work."

Casarez said she knew many people afraid to leave their house. A friend's daughter hurt her arm at school. The woman was so scared to take her to the hospital that Casarez offered to accompany her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Just a day before her husband was detained, she had met with a lawyer so that they could fix his legal status. He had been in the country for more than a decade working in construction.

The attorney, Parvin Wiliani, spent the next three days searching for him. She asked not to share his name out of fear of retaliation.

Two women hug before a forum about constitutional rights for immigrants was presented in Delano. (Tomas Ovalle/For The Times)

"He is the sole provider for the family and nobody knew his whereabouts," she said. When she called the local field office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which usually holds detainees, she was told he wasn't there. She then called at least half a dozen ICE processing centers along with Customs and Border Patrol detention centers. Nothing. It took three days before his name even popped in the system.

Wiliani said she only learned then that he was being held in "an unknown location" near the border. "That's very unusual. I can normally locate my clients within 24 hours."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Other immigration attorneys reported similar issues, adding to the collective anxiety. Throughout the week immigrants filled community rooms as advocates held packed sessions with attorneys and offering legal support in case they were pulled over or detained by agents.

Carina Sanchez, attended one of those meetings in Delano, with her 5-year-old son. As a counselor at a nearby elementary school, she said many of the students or their parents don't have legal status.

"It makes me think about my kids, my students."

It's not clear exactly how many people have been detained, where they were held or why agents from El Centro were conducting operations so far away from the border. And Border Patrol would not provide details.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Border Patrol has authority to conduct vehicle searches within 100 miles of the U.S. boundary. Bakersfield is more than 200 miles from the border but about 100 air miles from the coast.

Elected officials from both sides of the political aisle expressed concern about the enforcement action.

Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, a Republican, said that cartel members engaging in criminal activity  whom she understood to be the focus of the operation  should fear arrest. But she expressed concern for "persons who are unnecessarily in fear."

Field organizer Erika Brooks gets information from experts at the Robert F. Kennedy High School Auditorium in Delano. (Tomas Ovalle/For The Times)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I am extremely concerned that these arrests may have taken place at random, or based on racial profiling," said state Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno). "Everyone in our state and nation deserves to be treated with dignity and respect  everyone is entitled to due process and constitutional rights."

U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) said Customs and Border Protection had told him they were apprehending criminals or those with ties to criminal organizations.

"I urge the Biden administration to ensure CBP is prioritizing criminals and not those responsible for producing our nations food supply," he said. "We urgently need common-sense immigration reform that creates a pathway to earned legal status for hardworking individuals contributing to our economy and removes those who threaten the safety of our communities.

The United Farm Workers Foundation urged residents, if detained, to exercise their right to remain silent before they speak with an attorney. Ambar Tovar, directing attorney for the organization, said the community was reeling from days of mounting fear and uncertainty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tovar questioned whether border agents were meeting the legal standard for reasonable suspicion required for such stops without a warrant and said she plans to investigate whether Border Patrol officers had jurisdiction as far inland as some of the stops they conducted.

"There's no reason to stop a car full of farmworkers on their way to work," she said.

Late Thursday, a border agent called Wiliani.

"He told me he got an order to call me and then he let my client talk to me," she said. He was still in a processing center somewhere in Imperial County but would be released the next day, when he called Casarez to tell her that he had a bus ticket to come home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"He was free," she said. "It was such a joy."

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 Department of Justice found in a newly released report that though the Tulsa Race Massacre was a systematic and coordinated attack that transcended mere mob violence, any legal repercussions are no longer possible in light of the statute of limitations.

The Justice Department (DOJ) began to review the Tulsa Race Massacre last September, at the time recognizing Viola Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle, the last two survivors from the days-long attack. The review was undertaken pursuant to the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act.

The 123-page report details how, between May 31 and June 1, 1921, as many as 10,000 white Tulsans in Oklahoma mounted a concerted effort to the neighborhood of Greenwood, a predominantly Black community known as Black Wall Street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Tulsa Race Massacre stands out as a civil rights crime unique in its magnitude, barbarity, racist hostility and its utter annihilation of a thriving Black community, said Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division.

Until this day, the Justice Department has not spoken publicly about this race massacre or officially accounted for the horrific events that transpired in Tulsa, she added. This report breaks that silence by rigorous examination and a full accounting of one of the darkest episodes of our nations past.

According to the report, the violence was perpetrated by the unfounded allegations that 19-year-old Dick Rowland, a Black man, assaulted a white woman who operated an elevator he used. Rowland was arrested, but after a local newspaper sensationalized the story, a mob of white Tulsans gathered outside the courthouse and demanded a lynching.

At that point, the report found, the local sheriff called on Black men from Greenwood, many recently returned from serving in World War I, to come to the courthouse and help prevent a lynching.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the white Tulsans saw this as an effort to protect Rowland and an unacceptable challenge to the social order.

A confrontation ensued, and eventually a shot went off, sparking the violence.

Tulsa police deputized hundreds of white residents, despite many having been drinking shortly before being handed badges. Law enforcement officers then helped organize the citizen deputies into the forces that would eventually destroy Greenwood.

During the two days of violence, white Tulsans looted, burned and destroyed 35 city blocks as Greenwood residents tried to defend their homes. As fires engulfed Greenwood, Black families were forced to flee, leaving behind their homes and other valuable items. White residents chased Black families across and even beyond the city, taking some into custody.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Justice Departments report also found credible reports that some law enforcement officers participated in murder, arson and looting.

Survivors of the massacre were left with little to nothing, and though city officials promised to help Greenwood rebuild, they failed to do so. Officials went as far as to establish obstacles to residential reconstruction.

Meanwhile, white local leaders rejected outside aid but provided little, if any, financial support before claiming the area was best suited for industrial use. Harsh new fire codes were imposed, and residents were priced out of the area.

The DOJ concluded that had todays civil rights laws been in effect in 1921, federal prosecutors could have pursued hate crime charges against the massacres perpetrators, including both public officials and private citizens. Police officers, public officials and others could have also been prosecuted for willfully violating the civil rights of the victims. The few legal options that were available for federal prosecution in 1921 were not pursued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fletcher and Benningfield Randle, now both more than 100 years old, filed a lawsuit against the city demanding reparations. In the lawsuit, Benningfield Randle said she still has flashbacks of dead bodies being piled on the street as her neighborhood burned.

The lawsuit was initially dismissed by a lower court, and the two women asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to give them the opportunity  before they die and there are no other survivors of the Massacre  to take the stand, take an oath, and tell an Oklahoma court what has happened to them, their families and their community.

The Supreme Court agreed but last summer ultimately dismissed the case.

Still, Clarke is expected to meet with members of the Greenwood District, as well as survivors and descendants of the Tulsa Race Massacre now that the report has been released.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This report lays bare new information and shows that the massacre was the result not of uncontrolled mob violence, but of a coordinated, military-style attack on Greenwood, Clarke said.

She acknowledged, though, that more than 100 years after the massacre, there is no living perpetrator for the Justice Department to prosecute.

But the historical reckoning for the massacre continues, Clarke added. This report reflects our commitment to the pursuit of justice and truth, even in the face of insurmountable obstacles.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 victory part didnt pan out for the Harris Victory Fund. But the funding part remains alive and well on the bank statements of some Democratic donors.

Two months after Vice President Kamala Harris loss to Donald Trump, the joint fundraising committee her campaign set up with the Democratic National Committee is still charging monthly recurring donors to the committee. And some donors are not happy.

Its silly, out of touch, and needlessly takes advantage of our most loyal supporters, said a Democratic operative who shared screenshots of their donations. The person was granted anonymity to describe the situation without fear of professional reprisal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The operative didnt flinch at a December charge, given the wrap-up expenses associated with any campaign (though the Harris camp entered late November with more than $1.8 million in cash).

But a January charge? The Harris donor said the committee solicited no explicit approval to continue the donations after the election, though it sent emails saying, Thank you for your generous monthly commitment, and that the donations will continue until you contact us.

The ongoing debits constitute the latest dust-up over the ethics of online fundraising  particularly when it comes to signing up small-dollar donors for recurring credit-card contributions that get set on autopilot.

The 2020 Trump campaign raised gobs of cash in part by making it increasingly difficult for donors to see that they were signing up for monthly automatic donations, including hiding it in pre-checked boxes buried in fine print. Those tactics helped result in more than a half million refunds totalling $64 million for the last two and a half months of 2020 from the Trump campaign, the RNC and joint committees  far outpacing their Democratic counterparts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Harris Victory Fund situation is different: No one appears to be disputing that they signed up for monthly withdrawals. But should those contributions continue even after victory has slipped away?

Harris herself told Democrats to stay in the fight, a DNC official said. And while a Harris Victory Fund donation page remains active on ActBlue, the fund itself is now defunct and any contributions go directly to the DNC.

Those HVF donations are going to help Democrats across the country as we rebuild the party, the official said, adding that donors can cancel anytime.

The fact that the funds are now being redirected, however, raises another ethical quandary: Is that fair to donors who contributed to an entity with Harris name on it? The soon-to-be-ex-VP wont have any access to the money as she evaluates her political future and whether to run for president again, governor of California or stay out of politics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To many political pros, that is one of many reasons why it should be a best practice to cease drawing on donor bank accounts after Election Day.

A senior digital staffer on Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign said all of their recurring donations ended within a few days after his loss. That person said the Harris funds decision to continue tapping small-dollar donors was super shady and tantamount to grifting.

These people didnt sign up to be paying bills in January, the Republican said.

Mike Nellis, head of the Democratic online fundraising firm Authentic, said when his clients campaigns end in defeat, theres an expectation that theyre going to shut down the recurring donations because theres no need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But Nellis, who was a senior adviser to Harris' 2020 presidential primary campaign, said he was OK with the DNC continuing to pull donations from Harris donors.

If youre rolling the committee into something thats gonna continue to have an impact such as the DNC or another political campaign, Im more than comfortable continuing the recurring donations so long as its transparent to the donor and compliant with ActBlue and the FEC, he said.

Like this content? Sign up for POLITICO's Playbook newsletter.


Kamala Harris social media post honoring Jimmy Carter seemingly slighted Donald Trump as the vice president shared a snapshot from the late presidents funeral featuring all living U.S. presidents, except for her political rival.

The wide angle photo, posted to her Instagram on Saturday, appeared to crop out Trump, who was seated next to Barack Obama during the ceremony.

Followers were quick to point out the president-elects exclusion with one user writing Best photo crop of the decade.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This crop is legendary, another commenter added.

Harris Trump-less photo choice comes after she hammered the MAGA candidate during her 2024 presidential bid, dubbing him a threat to democracy. Since her resounding defeat, however, the vice president has been noticeably tight-lipped about her political rival.

Days before Carters funeral, Harris presided over the certification of her lost election, finalizing Trumps victory.

While she made no direct mention of the president-elect after certifying the election, her comments subtly referenced Trumps refusal to accept the 2020 election results and ultimately the Capitol riot on Jan. 6.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was obviously a very important day, and it was about what should be the norm and what the American people should be able to take for granted, which is that one of the most important pillars of our democracy is that there will be a peaceful transfer of power, she told reporters. And today, I did what I have done my entire career, which is take seriously the oath that I have taken many times to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

And, during the Thursday morning funeral, Harris ignored the president-elect.

Karen Pence, Mike Pences wife, similarly gave Trump and his wife the cold shoulder, remaining seated and not acknowledging the couple as they entered the event.

Karen Pence wants nothing to do with Donald or Melania Trump. pic.twitter.com/VJB14nzOhR  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) January 9, 2025

Her response to her husbands former running-mate was quickly deemed a snub by many online.

George Bush also elected to not shake Trumps hand at the event, while Michelle Obama opted to not attend the ceremony.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A mother from Kansas City has been sentenced in court after her two-year-old son died from fentanyl poisoning.

Court documents show that Tara OField was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree involuntary manslaughter.

Suspect in 2022 Olathe East High School shooting pleads guilty

Records claim that KCPD and EMS were sent to an apartment in KC on October 11, 2022 when they found the child cold-to-the-touch and beyond medical care. The mother claimed she fell asleep in the living room with her toddler when her sister and mother knocked on the door and woke her up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

OField claimed she thought her son was still asleep, but noticed he was unresponsive and called 911.

Interviews with detectives revealed that OField kept fentanyl in a baggie in her bra. When she checked on her child, the baggie was on the chair, empty. Particles of the fentanyl were around the area where the child was sleeping.

Detectives also found a glass pipe on the chair with an empty plastic bag and a torch lighter. A straw with a rock-like substance was found on the floor next to the chair where the child was sleeping.

The Jackson County Medical Examiner found the childs death was the result of fentanyl intoxication.



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.
Gov. Laura Kelly signs the first executive order of 2025 with, from left, Morgan Rothenberger of Children's Alliance of Kansas, Gabriella Pogany of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, state Treasurer Steven Johnson, Department for Children and Families secretary Laura Howard, Mike Fonkert of Kansas Appleseed and Rep. Jarrod Ousley, a Merriam Democrat, on Jan. 10, 2025. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  A new mandate from Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly requires federal cash benefits, like social security and disability, to go directly to foster children after decades of using them to pay for state agency operating costs.

The policy change will create savings accounts for kids in state care, and those accounts will follow the child when they age out of the system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kansas is neither the first in the nation to make such a change, nor is it the only state that has used federal benefits for state agency costs, but it is the first to change course through executive order.

Federal benefits are not  and were never meant to be  a state revenue source, Kelly said at a Friday news conference. Redirecting these funds to the children is the right thing to do.

The executive order creates a roughly $9 million gap in funding for the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which oversees the states foster care system. That gap will likely have to be filled through general fund dollars, Kelly said, urging the Legislature to codify the order.

Nearly 1,000 children in foster care are entitled to federal cash benefits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Under the new mandate, agency staff will apply for federal benefits on behalf of children who might qualify. The agency would manage a childs funds by depositing them into accounts unless another adult can act as a fiduciary until a child reaches adulthood.

The money can be used for a childs school trip or saved for a car or housing when a child turns 18.

Gabriella Pogany, who appeared with the governor at Fridays news conference, was in Kansas foster care system in her early teenage years, during which she was entitled to receive survivor benefits through the Social Security Administration.

I would have greatly benefited from having an account to save it in, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now an advocate with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a charitable children-focused organization, Pogany offers her voice to ensure policies actually benefit those theyre written for.

The new mandate is one piece of many solutions attempting to prop up Kansas troubled foster care system. Morgan Rothenberger, communications director for the Childrens Alliance of Kansas, said its prudent to look at everything the state is doing to support youths because they are often vulnerable.

Its not just about money, Rothenberger said. Its not just about jobs and things like that. It is really about making sure that we all have lifelong connections because that is what changes lives.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A Kern County sheriffs sergeant was arrested Friday on felony charges including rape, sheriffs officials confirmed.

Stephen Wells, 45, was booked into jail shortly after 2 p.m. on charges of rape by force or fear, attempted rape by force or fear and burglary, according to inmate records. He was being held on $240,000 bail.

Sheriffs officials said they could not discuss details of the case as its a personnel issue. Its unclear what Wells relationship is with the alleged victim.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Man, 61, arrested in deadly hit-and-run on Buck Owens Blvd

Inmate records indicate he was arrested at a sheriffs building on McMurtrey Avenue. His formal arraignment is scheduled Tuesday.

As previously reported, Wells is a defendant in a lawsuit brought against the county by a former deputy who said she dated him.

Soon after their relationship ended, according to the suit, Wells burst into her home while drunk and demanded sex. She declined, and Wells tried to rip my shirt and shorts off before apologizing and leaving, according to the suit.

She alleges he continued to text and stalk her.

A trial on the suit is scheduled next year, and a hearing on a domestic violence restraining order the former deputy brought against Wells is set for April.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wells formal arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 3. He is no longer in custody, according to KCSOs inmate search.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Filmmaker Kevin Smith took to Instagram this week to thank the firefighters for their quick response to the Sunset Fire that engulfed some of Runyan Canyon, and saved his home in the process.

What did Kevin Smith say in his video?

In a video overlooking the Canyon, Smith praised the firefighters  who he called angels  for their quick reaction to the fire. He recounted how, prior to his evacuation from his home, there was a wall of flame on top of Runyan Canyon; the canyon leads into Hollywood.

Just gonna take this moment to give a big thank you  a huge, hearty thank you  to the LA Fire Department and all the other local ledgers and otherwise, Smith said. I heard people came from Oregon and Vegas, whole fire department squads, to put out these LA fires. It was coming over the top of the hill, and as goes Runyon Canyon, so goes Hollywood, because Hollywood is right below us. But those angelic firefighters from heaven, literally, kids, they were in planes. Planes that scooped up water, I guess, from the reservoir and then dumped it on Runyon, just put out that fire unbelievably fast, and I cannot thank you enough.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After leaving his home as the fires raged, Smith said he thought that his home would not make it through the fires, and had already envisioned that he would return to nothing when he went back.

I was like well there goes everything we ever had. As long as we got our lives, our dogs, our kid is safe, you know, whatever. But I expected to come home and see a pile of ash, said Smith. Somebody said angels must be looking over you, Smith continued. They were. They were wearing funny hats and boots and fighting flames.

The Sunset Fire was first reported at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday night near Wattles Park in Los Angeles, and an hour later, had already burned over 40 acres of vegetation. Firefighters were able to contain the fire within 24 hours, and by Thursday, all evacuation orders for the area had been lifted, with firefighters still tending to any possible flare-ups in the area.

The wildfires that have been raging in Los Angeles this past week have already been deemed the costliest wildfires in United States history, with many estimates noting that over $150 billion in economic losses will come from the damages. As many as 10,000 structures were destroyed between the various fires, many of which came from the coastal Palisades Fire, which ravaged over 20,000 acres and nearly fully destroyed the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In an effort to help those affected by the fires, various charities have set up direct methods to providing relief, including the Red Cross, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Emergency Network Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and many more.

The post Kevin Smith Thanks Firefighters From Heaven for Saving His Home During LA Fires appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Khloe Kardashian slammed the Democrat mayor of Los Angeles over her response to the wildfires plaguing the region.

After L.A. fire chief Kristin Crowley spoke out about the impact of budget cuts at the fire department, Kardashian took to Instagram to back Crowley and criticize mayor Karen Bass.

Kardashian aired her frustration on social media. / Screenshot/Instagram/Khloe Kardashian

I stand by YOU Chief Crowley!!!! the reality star wrote. You spoke the truth and you had tears in your eyes because I can tell you didnt even want to say that but it was THE TRUTH!!!!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mayor Bass you are a joke!!!! she added.

While Bass had denied that budget cuts have hindered firefighters ability to battle the blaze, Crowley has unequivocally disagreed.

My message is the fire department needs to be properly funded, Crowley told Fox LA. Its not.

Pressed on whether the city had failed the fire department, she eventually said, Yes.

NEWS



After LA Fire Chief Kristen Crowley said in an interview today that LAs leaders failed the fire department and criticized budget cuts, she has been summoned to a closed-door meeting with LA Mayor Karen Bass.



NBC4 reports. pic.twitter.com/6ykFuHlMu3  Yashar Ali  (@yashar) January 11, 2025

The fires have killed at least 11 people, displaced more than a hundred thousand, and destroyed around 12,000 structures, according to The Associated Press.

The Kardashian sistersKhloe, Kourtney, and Kimhave largely expressed support for Democratic politicians, especially since Donald Trumps ascendancy in 2016.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kourtney and Kim backed Hillary Clinton during Trumps first run at the presidency, while Khloewho admits to being more reticent about politicsquestioned Trumps fitness for the office, according to People.

Ahead of the 2024 election, the family was much more quiet about politics, with none of the three sisters offering support for either Trump or Kamala Harris, the U.S. Mirror reported.

Some Kardashian fans noted Khloes reticence in wading into politics.

She only cares about issues that affect her directly, one Reddit user wrote. Another added, I find it interesting how shes so quiet about politics unless she wants to parrot uneducated conservative talking points.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kardashian isnt the only celebrity to air criticism against Californias Democratic leadership over the fires.

Actor Mel Gibson, whose house burned in the fires while he was in Texas appearing on Joe Rogans podcast, slammed Gov. Gavin Newsom, alleging that he didnt do anything to defend against potential fires.

Meanwhile, outspoken MAGA actor James Woods pinned blame for the fires on liberal idiots who supported politicians like Bass and Newsom.
Khloe Kardashian is blasting Los Angels mayor Karen Bass as the citys deadly wildfires rage on.

The reality star, 40, took to Instagram on Friday evening to call the elected official, 71, a joke.

Kardashian fired off the insult after Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley admitted that major budget cuts to the fire department negatively impacted their response to the catastrophic event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kardashian posted the interview clip to her Instagram Story, writing, I stand by YOU Chief Crowley!!!! You spoke the truth and you had tears in your eyes because I can tell you didnt even want to say that but it was THE TRUTH!!!!

Thank you for being honest, she added. Mayor Bass you are a joke!!!!

The property two houses down from James Woods home. X / @RealJamesWoods

Khloe Kardashian evacuated her Hidden Hills home. Instagram/@khloekardashian

Khloe Kardashian on Instagram. khloekardashian/Instagram

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, left, speaks at a news conference alongside Councilmember Nithya Raman. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The mom-of-twos statements come as members of the Kardashian-Jenner family become the latest celebrities to flee their homes.

Khloe and her other family members, Kim, Kris, Kourtney, Kylie, Kendall and Rob left their Calabasas and Hidden Hills homes after the Kenneth fire broke out on Thursday and threatened their area.

The family were forced to flee amid mandatory evacuation orders.

The evacuation order has since been lifted; but, its unclear if the famous family returned to their homes.

Khloe Kardashian slams LA mayor. Instagram/@khloekardashian

Khloe Kardashian posted to Instagram stories on January 11th, 2025. Instagram/@khloekardashian

Earlier this week, Khloe also shared a heated message for the suspect connected with the Kenneth Fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An unidentified person was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department for possible arson following the eruption to which Kardashian called them sick motherfkers!

She wrote above a news clip about the arrest on her Instagram Story. What the fk is wrong people?!?! Arson!!!!! May you be fully prosecuted!!! What scum!!!

Officials later revealed that the individual would not be charged with arson due to lack of probable cause.

After evacuating their homes, Kris revealed she and the kids fed several firefighters working around the clock to put out at least six fires in Los Angeles this week  the largest being the Palisades and Eaton fires that have now collectively scorched over 35,000 acres and counting.

California Governor Gavin Newsom (R) and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tour the downtown business district of Pacific Palisades as the Palisades Fire continues to burn on January 8. Getty Images

The wildfires could cause $150 billion in damages, making it the most expensive blaze in US history, according to a report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Kardashian-Jenner clan partnered with their favorite restaurant, Carousel Restaurant, which serves Lebanese-Armenian cuisine, to provide fire rescuers with meals that include meat, rice, hummus and pita.

My family and I wanted to feed a few firehouses today, the matriarch wrote as she posted the meals to her Instagram story Friday. We couldnt think of a better restaurant to reach out to other than @carouselrestaurant. Our favorite Armenian restaurant!

Kris continued, They whipped up hundreds of meals for so many firefighters, volunteers, first responders, and we could not be more thankful. Thank you for putting your lives on the line for all of us.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Khloe Kardashian is reacting to upsetting news.

After an unidentified person was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department for "possible arson" following the eruption of the Jan. 9 Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles, the Kardashians star shared a heated message for the suspect.

"You sick motherf**kers!" Khloe wrote atop a news clip about the arrest in a Jan. 10 Instagram Story. "What the f**k is wrong people?!?! Arson!!!!! May you be fully prosecuted!!! What scum!!!"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Kenneth Fire hit particularly close to home for Khloe. According to Cal Fire,much of her and the rest of the Kardashian-Jenner family's Hidden Hills and Calabasas neighborhoods received evacuation warnings or were forced to leave the area due to the blaze, which has burned approximately 1,000 acres. (The evacuation order has since been lifted.)

As for the suspect, the man was stopped on Jan. 9 by residents of the Woodland Hills neighborhoodnearby where the Kenneth brush fire took holdbefore being detained by police. Following an investigation, officials determined there was not enough evidence to charge him with arson.

More from E! Online

"The suspect was interviewed and the investigation determined there was not enough probable cause to arrest for arson or possible arson," the LAPD wrote in a statement on X Jan. 10. He was arrested on a felony probation violation."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And while the unidentified man was not charged with arson, police said an investigation into the cause of the Kenneth Fire is still ongoing.

Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Khloe isn't the only Kardashian to speak out on the four major Los Angeles wildfires, which together have burned over 35,000 acres of land across the city, have left at least 10 people dead and burned down many people's homes, including those of Paris Hilton, Tina Knowles and Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag.

Kim Kardashian also shared a heartbreaking message on the devastating natural disasters.

"As our community faces the devastation of the Los Angeles fires, our hearts are with all those impacted," the 44-year-old wrote on her Instagram Story Jan. 10 in a joint statement with her clothing company SKIMS, "and we committed to helping during this challenging time."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Noting that she made donations to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and Baby2Baby to help provide "critical resources" for first responders and the over 180,000 residents who have been displaced by the fires, her statement continued, "Many families have lost everything and are facing an uncertain future."

"Join us in supporting these incredible organizations by donating, volunteering, or raising awareness of the important work they do," the message added. "Together, we can bring hope and relief to those who need it most."

For more stars who have spoken out on the Los Angeles wildfires, keep reading.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The Iron Man actress took to social media to express her sadness about the tragedy that has fallen over her beloved city. We are in deep grief for so many of our close friends who have lost everything, she wrote in her Jan. 9 Instagram post. Thank you to those inquiring, we are currently safe. When the fires are out there will be more to say and everything to do. The city of angels will need angels of all kind, she continued. Please everyone, stay safe and vigilant.





Jamie Chung & Bryan Greenberg

The Once Upon a Time actress and the One Tree Hill actor are sharing resources after tragically losing their home in the Los Angeles fire. It was all a dream, Bryan wrote on a Jan. 9 Instagram story, showing the rubble that was once their family home. Thankfully the family is safe. Thank you to all the firefighters risking their lives. Stay safe out there. And in between posting helpful resources, Jamie shared a tragic video of their entire neighborhood. Damn. Our entire neighborhood is gone, she wrote Jan. 9. We are grateful to our brave firefighters and first responders and pray we dont lose any more lives to these catastrophic fires. Stay safe and stay vigilant.





Diane Warren

The Grammy winner shared one last view from her Los Angeles beachfront home before it was lost in the fire. This is the last pic I took of Leah's rock from my beach house, the songwriter, who confirmed her animals and rescue ranch were safe, wrote in her Jan. 9 Instagram post of the ocean view. I've had this house for almost 30 years. It looks like it was lost in the fire last nite. There's a rainbow shining on it which I'm taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Cary Elwes

The Princess Bride actor shared his and his wife Lisa Marie Kurbikoffs Malibu home did not survive the fire in a heartfelt message to fans. Firstly, myself and my family are all safe, thank God, he wrote in his Jan. 9 Instagram post. Sadly we did lose our home but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire. Our hearts go out to all the families impacted by this tragic event and we also wish to extend our gratitude to all the firefighters, first responders and law enforcement who worked so tirelessly through the night and are still at it, he continued. We want to thank everyone for their incredible outpouring of support. It really means a great deal to us.





Ricki Lake

Sharing a video of the raging fires in the near distance, the former talk show host detailed her and husband Ross Burninghams final efforts to save her Los Angeles home in a Jan. 9 Instagram post. Were going down my street praying for these homes and these people and my house, she said in a video, showing the fire in the near distance. I dont even know what I grabbed, I think I might have just said goodbye to my house. Grateful to have made it out alive and uninjured, she added in the caption. Forever grateful to @kirbykotler_ our absolute angel. He did everything to try to save our precious property. No doubt had we stayed, we would not have survived.





Leanne Ford

The HGTV host's home, which she recently moved into, was lost in the wildfires. "Three weeks ago we got keys to our new LA place in Rustic Canyon. We were excited (though me  a bit hesitant) to start spending some time again in our favorite part of LA," the interior designer wrote on Instagram Jan. 10 alongside photos of what remains of her house. "A beautiful historical and quirky artists home. We brought over so many of our favorite things to fill it with. It was to be a place to write, to create."



"Three days ago we lost it," she continued. "We are the lucky ones. We had a beautiful safe home in PA to escape back to. Im in awe of the firemen and women choosing to run into the flames while we get to run out. I can only say  thank you."





Mel Gibson

During an appearance on Elizabeth Vargas Reports January. 9, the Braveheart actor shared that his Malibu home was destroyed while he was away recording Joe Rogans podcast in Texas. "Obviously, its kind of devastating. Its emotional," the 69-year-old said. You live there for a long time, and you had all your stuff. I had my stuff there, and its all like, Ive been relieved from the burden of my stuff, because its all in cinders. But when he returned home to discover that his home had been destroyed, he was relieved to find that, at least, his chickens survived, adding, It was amazing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Miles Teller

The Top Gun Maverick stars wife Keleigh Teller shared one last photo of what was their Los Angeles home before it was lost in the fire. To everyone reaching out I cant thank you enough, your kind hearts have meant the world, Ill never forget them, the 32-year-old wrote in her Jan. 9 Instagram post. Community has come out stronger than I could imagine, pacific palisades I love you beyond measure you are a little slice of heaven, we will come back stronger than ever. If youre in the LA area PLEASE get out if you can, she continued. I wish I grabbed my wedding dress .. wish I did a lot different but it doesnt matter, stay safe, get out. there are no words. THANK YOU to the first responders fighting.





Bella Hadid

On Jan. 9, the supermodel shared the childhood home she shared with sister Gigi Hadid and mom Yolanda Hadid had burned down in the Palisades Fire.





Mandy Moore

The This Is Us alumwho is mom to three kids with husband Taylor Goldsmithshared an update on her family after having to evacuate their home. "We were able to park and walk up our street to bear witness to all the loss," she wrote on Instagram Jan. 9. "Miraculously, the main part of our house is still standing. For now. Its not livable but mostly intact." However, she noted that the home studio, garage and back house were destroyed in the Eaton Fire. "Every house on our street is gone. My in laws. My brother and sister in law- 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends," she added. "Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support."





Milo Ventimiglia

Like his This Is Us costar, the actor's Los Angeles home was destroyed by the fires. While visiting what remained of his property, he told CBS Evening News his heart felt "heavy." "You start thinking about all the memories," he continued. "My heart just breaks."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Jessica Simpson

Amid the outbreak of the Kenneth Fire on Jan. 9, the "Irresistible" singer shared an image of smoke rising from beyond her backyard. She wrote in the caption, "We stayed as long as we could."





Bozoma Saint John

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star revealed her dream home in Malibu, where she lived with her teenage daughter Laela, was totaled in the fires. "This is an unimaginable loss," she wrote on Instagram Jan. 9. "I grieve with the rest of Los Angeles as it burns and even though Ive found even words to write here, theres nothing that I could say in this moment to describe this feeling.





Olivia Wilde

"My block was on fire tonight and the only reason we still have a home is thanks to the brave members of the @losngelesfiredepartment who worked on the ground and from the air to save us," the Don't Worry Darling director wrote on Instagram Story Jan. 8. "Thank you."





Chrissy Teigen

The Cravings cookbook author started preparing in case of an evacuation, writing on Instagram Story Jan. 8, "This is surreal. I'm very scared. Packing."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Jen Atkin

The hairstylist and her husband Mike Rosenthal safely evacuated along with their kids and pets, though she said their home was "gone." "Our whole area demolished," she added on Instagram Stories Jan. 8, alongside a tearful selfie. "So many are displaced and feeling scared right now it's almost too much to comprehend."





Olivia Culpo

One day after the Sunset Fire set the Hollywood Hills ablaze, the Culpo Sisters starwho is married to San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffreywrote on Instagram Story Jan. 9, "Im praying so hard for our community. My heart aches for everyone who has lost so much so fast. Its just unimaginable."









Tina Knowles

Beyonce's mom shared on Jan. 9 that "my favorite place, my sanctuary , my sacred Happy Place" was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. "This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu," she captioned a video of the Pacific Ocean. "Now it is gone!!" The entrepreneur added, "God Bless all the brave men and women in our fire department who risked their lives in dangerous conditions . We Thankyou for your dedication and bravery and for saving so many lives."





Gwyneth Paltrow

"Our beloved Los Angeles," the Oscar winner wrote on Instagram Jan. 9, amid the wildfires, "we are in deep grief for so many of our close friends who have lost everything." Noting that she was safe from the blazes, Gwyneth added, "When the fires are out there will be more to say and everything to do. The city of angels will need angels of all kinds. Please everyone, stay safe and vigilant."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Melissa Rivers

The daughter of late Joan Rivers said her home burned down, though she was able to evacuate with necessities and a few treasured heirlooms. "I grabbed my mom's Emmy, a photo of my dad and a drawing my mother had done of me and my son," she told CNN. "I went for a drawing of hers, rather than a photo. I know I can find the photos, but a drawing I can't replace."





Jhene Aiko

The "Bad Peace" singer shared on Jan. 8 that "me and my children's home is gone." "Burned to the ground with all things inside," she wrote on Instagram Story. "Thankful we still have eachother. Starting from scratch. My heart is so heavy,"





Alabama Barker & Landon Barker

Travis Barker's kids Landon and Alabama shared they were forced to leave their residences amid the devastation. "Just evacuated from my home due to wild fires in Los Angeles, please be safe!!, Alabama posted on Instagram Story Jan. 7. They are saying the fires are spreading foodball field amounts in seconds."





Jennifer Tilly

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and her husband Phil Laak evacuated to Commercea neighborhood southeast of Downtown Los Angelesto escape the Palisades Fire. She wrote on InstagramJan. 8, "Phil and I had to evacuate to the Commerce Casino."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Ricki Lake

The former talk show host shared on Jan. 8 that her house had been destroyed by the Palisades Fire. Sharing throwback photos of the property, she wrote on Instagram, "Its all gone."

"I lost our dream home," she continued. "It was our heaven on earth. The place where we planned to grow old together. We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved malibu for granted, not even for one second." She added, "This loss is immeasurable. Its the spot where we got married 3 years ago. I grieve along with all of those suffering during this apocalyptic event."



Want to help those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires? Find out how you can get involved in relief efforts here.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and her famous family have reportedly fled their homes in the Hidden Hills after a wildfire broke out nearby.

The Kardashian family's matriarch, Kris, and her children, Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, Kendall, Kylie, and Rob, all left their homes due to a mandatory evacuation order issued after the Kenneth Fire.

This revelation comes after Kim Kardashian was criticized for not speaking out about the wildfires but instead promoting her brand, SKIMS.

The Kardashians Have Evacuated Their Homes In The Hidden Hills

MEGA

TMZ reports that the Kardashian clan left their Hidden Hills homes on Thursday night after being issued an evacuation notice due to the Kenneth Fire, rapidly spreading across 1,000 acres of land.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Although the notice has since been lifted, it is unclear whether the reality TV family has returned to their homes.

However, while evacuating, they reportedly ensured they supported the firefighting efforts around them by sending out food and other items.

A source told the news outlet that Carousel Restaurant, an eatery specializing in Lebanese-Armenian cuisine, thanked the Kardashians for paying for meals sent to several fire stations.

The family specifically treated first responders with a meal comprising meat, rice, hummus, and pita.

According to reports, the Kardashians and their businesses are also donating to organizations that are helping support Los Angeles's recovery from the devastating wildfires.

Kim Kardashian Came Under Fire For Her SKIMS Sale Amid The Wildfires

MEGA

Prior to the news of the Kardashian family's evacuation, SKIMS founder Kim had come under scrutiny for posting about a sale of her underwear brand while the wildfires tore through Los Angeles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

LA writer Meredith Lynch called out the billionaire on social media, accusing her of prioritizing her brand over the wildfire crisis that has displaced thousands of people.

In an Instagram video, Lynch expressed frustration, saying, "LA is literally burning down, and Kimberly Noel is literally posting, telling us to buy SKIMS."

Lynch shared a screenshot of the countdown post and criticized the lack of any message addressing the fires.

"Not one thoughts or prayers on her Instagram, but she is posting you a countdown to her winter sale," Lynch noted. "Kim Kardashian, who has these huge reaches, who has such a base in Los Angeles, it is wild to me that they're not like, 'hey, let me use my platform to put out as much resources as possible.'"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The writer continued, "No, instead, she's like 'buy SKIMS.'"

Kim Kardashian Was Called 'Soulless' For Not Speaking Out

In Lynch's video rant, she pointed out the timing of Kim's SKIMS post, branding it insensitive and implying that her teams should take it down.

"She has a whole f-cking social media team that should be intervening right now," Lynch said, suggesting the team should prioritize sharing resources for those affected by the fires.

"It is wild to me, we are living the end of days right now, that is what's happening. Because of these billionaires, they're so unaffected that they don't care," she added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kim was also criticized by her fans, many of whom commented that they were too busy with the LA fires to purchase SKIMS products.

One person wrote, "Wow, I wish I could think about buying new skims, but I've been evacuated from fires." Another said, "They are soulless."

Khloe Kardashian Called For Donations

MEGA

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unlike Kim, her sister Khloe has since spoken out about the wildfires with her 304 million Instagram followers.

The Good American founder shared that a neighbor in direct contact with fire department officials described the firefighters as "desperate, hungry, and exhausted."

According to the Daily Mail, the TV personality offered practical ways to help. She encouraged her audience to support their local fire stations by dropping off supplies like protein-packed meals, Gatorade, and coffee.

Khloe also shared details for those wanting to contribute financially, writing, "If you're interested in donating to my neighbor, who is going to Costco tomorrow to pick up rotisserie chickens and sides to deliver to several stations, you can Venmo: @sean-whitley."

Several Stars Have Lost Their Homes In The LA Wildfires

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

While Kim and her family's homes seem to have survived the blaze, several other Hollywood stars have been greatly impacted, losing million-dollar homes in the fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins lost his four-bedroom, five-bathroom home, which he purchased for $6 million in 2021.

Actors Adam Brody and Leighton Meester were also not so lucky, as they lost their $7 million mansion where they lived with their two young daughters.

Similarly, the blaze destroyed actress Anna Faris's $5 million eco-friendly home and the homes of reality stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag.

The wildfires are said to have been prompted by a combination of drought-like conditions and powerful offshore winds that have hit the Los Angeles area since Tuesday.

The Pacific Palisades fire appears to be the most destructive, having consumed over 17,234 acres since its beginning. It is now also being regarded as the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
Former Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp helped unveil her official portrait Friday. The portrait will be installed in the Treasury Building. Photo by Bryan P. Sears.

The portrait of a pioneer in Maryland politics, painted by a pioneer in the art world will soon be installed in the Maryland Treasury.

The portrait of former Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp was unveiled Friday during a reception in Annapolis. Kopp said artist Simmie Knox was the only choice after she saw his portrait of her predecessor, Richard Dixon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You look at it and you think you can hear Richard Dixon talking, Kopp said Friday. It is Richard, and Simmie Knox is the man who painted that.

Kopp, now 81, retired in 2021 after two decades as treasurer, part of 50 years in government service that began as a legislative staffer. In 1974, she was elected to the House of Delegates representing a Montgomery County district. She served in the House for nearly 30 years.

She was the first woman in any state legislature to give birth to a child while in office. Kopp was also the first woman to hold the position of House speaker pro tem, second only to the Speaker of the House. She was the second woman to serve as state treasurer, and the third longest-serving treasurer in Maryland history.

Knox, a native of Alabama, began his career teaching at what was then known as Bowie State College. He lives and works in Silver Spring.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was the first Black artist to paint a presidential portrait: His paintings of former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary are installed in the White House.

Simmie Knox, who painted former Treasurer NancyKopps portrait, was the first Black artist to paint an official portrait of a U.S. president. Photo by Bryan P. Sears.

Knox has also painted a number of other Maryland officials, including former House Appropriations Chair Howard Pete Rawlings and former Sen. Clarence Blount. His portrait of Sen. Verda Welcome, the first Black woman in the Maryland House of Delegates and the first in the United States to become a state senator, currently hangs in the Senate chamber.

He has also painted portraits of other officials including a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, members of congress, a mayor of New York City and other political leaders, celebrities and more.

The Kopp portrait, valued at $45,495, was paid for by the state treasurers office, according to a spokesperson.

Moore seeks efficiencies, expands role of performance office

Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced Friday his administration will look for ways to make government services more efficient and save taxpayers money as part of an effort to tackle the looming budget shortfall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Moore said he will initially focus on finding savings in real estate, fleet management and procurement.

The details are in the nerdy, Moore said Friday. The savings are in the nerdy.

How much savings can be found is unclear. Moore will include a target of $50 million that will be part of his plan to attack a $3 billion deficit in the fiscal 2026 budget.

The money is not in hand and specific savings have yet to be identified. Administration officials said efforts are underway to identify potential cost savings before the fiscal year beings in July.

Moore will announce his budget on Wednesday. As the General Assembly convened this week, the governor said his spending plan included $2 billion in cuts and efficiencies in information technology and fleet management.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In October, the Board of Public Works approved a contract with Boston Consulting Group. The company will work with state officials to identify up to $75 million in savings.

The company will be paid an initial $100,000 plus an additional 20% of any savings realized by the state: If the consultant can find $75 million in savings, the state will pay it $15 million.

The administration will also bring in Elisabeth Sachs to assist the effort as the new director of government modernization. Sachs worked for Baltimore County for the last six years, first as director of government reform and strategic initiatives and then as deputy county administrative officer for health and community services.

Moores announcement was welcomed by Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I would say, first and foremost, I think thats absolutely the right direction, Ferguson said. We should be looking for efficiencies all the time. I havent seen the specific details of this particular process, how it will function, and so well have to review it as we get the details.

I appreciate the impetus to look for additional efficiencies, he said. We have to be doing that this year, and part of the legislative budget process will be continuing to find places where we can make government more effective and efficient and therefore realize some savings.

Having the high bar conversation

Ferguson and Moore have said for months they have a high bar for increasing taxes this year to deal with the budget.

During a meeting with reporters Friday, Ferguson was again asked to define the threshold for increased taxes. And he again deferred to define what has so far been more of a know it when you see it standard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

I think were at the beginning of a bigger conversation, Ferguson said. We are laying out the priorities of whats most important for each individual chamber, for the administration, and were setting forth the important standards that will be kind of the context of the debate for the next 90 days.

Ferguson was asked about the hesitance in defining the term and having a tough conversation with Maryland residents who want to understand what might trigger a tax hike.

I think thats what this session, what we will be doing, is having that conversation, Ferguson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Senate leader acknowledged that the budget projections are worse than when the legislature finished the 2024 session.

I felt confident that we would be able to sufficiently handle a number of the gaps that existed, with rainy day funds and with cash balances and tightening the belt and doing sort of typical budget maneuvers that allow us to stay within margins, he said. This deficit is significantly larger than I expected it to be.
The Russian Federation expects that the shutdown of its plants due to the latest US sanctions will not have a major impact on global markets but will significantly reduce Russia's revenue.

Source: Kommersant, a Russian news outlet

Details: The sanctions will hit Russia's oil and gas sector. The sanctions list includes several dozen entities of Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas.

In recent months, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas have accounted for up to 20% of Russia's oil exports. Surgutneftegas shipped about 1.9 to 2.2 million tonnes per month, while Gazprom Neft shipped 1.6 to 1.8 million tonnes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The sanctions were imposed on the Moscow oil refinery and Russia's largest Omsk oil refinery. This also concerned Gazprom Neft Shelf, owner of the licence to explore and produce hydrocarbons on the Prirazlomnoye field, which is the only field on the Russian Arctic shelf that has been put into operation. The sanctions list also includes Surgutneftegas' Kirishi refinery, one of the largest in Russia, Surgutneftegasbank and other entities of the oil company.

Russia believes that there will be problems with the growth of discounts on oil and oil products, an increase in freight rates due to the shortage of "clean" tankers, and with payment.

"Today's package of sanctions is the result of the US government's efforts, on the one hand, to quantitatively expand sanctions against major exporting companies, and on the other hand, to inflict perhaps even more sensitive blows on the established financial, legal and logistics infrastructure," said Andrei Ryabinin, partner at Delcredere, a Russian law firm.

Due to the sanctions, all transactions with Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas must cease by 27 February.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The US also recently added two operating Russian LNG plants, Novatek's Vysotsk LNG plant (with a capacity of 660,000 tonnes per annum) and Gazprombank's Portovaya LNG plant (with a capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per annum), to the sanctions list for the first time.

Kommersant compares this situation to the Arctic LNG-2 plant, which is mostly owned by Novatek. Sanctions have completely stopped its operation.

According to Kommersant, citing estimates by independent expert Alexander Sobko, the combined annual revenue of Vysotsk and Portovaya LNG plants from LNG sales could reach US$1.3 billion for 2.2 million tonnes of LNG exported by the sites.

The expert notes that such volumes are significant for the global market, but in the long run, their shutdown will not lead to a crisis due to the availability of alternative large capacities worldwide: the large 14 million tonne Plaquemines LNG plant in the US and LNG Canada.

Background: Due to the new US sanctions against the Russian oil sector, Gazprom Neft has been given 45 days to withdraw from ownership of the Serbian oil company NIS.

Support UP or become our patron!
A former University of Kansas professor who alleges he was discriminated against because of his Chinese heritage has filed a lawsuit challenging his termination by the school in connection with a criminal prosecution by the federal government in which he was ultimately acquitted.

Attorneys for Feng Franklin Tao, a Chinese-American academic who taught chemical engineering and chemistry at KU, wrote that he was racially profiled in the prosecution by the Department of Justice under its China Initiative and that his life, career, reputation, and finances were in shambles as a result of KUs egregious conduct as it assisted in the prosecution and fired him.

The school terminated him in 2023 after a jury found him guilty of some of the charges brought against him, his attorneys said. Tao was eventually acquitted of all the charges, but the school has refused to reinstate him, they said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tao is seeking an order requiring KU to reinstate him and is seeking lost wages plus damages, his attorneys wrote in the lawsuit filed Jan. 3 in U.S. District Court in Kansas.

Rather than embracing academic rigor and enlightened, critical judgment, the university allowed itself to join in fear mongering and racist witch hunting, the lawsuit said.

It failed its own vision of being a home to innovative research and the constant pursuit of knowledge and to be guided by perseverance, positivity, and restless innovation. KU was wrong, should be ashamed of its actions, and deserves to be held accountable for the damage it caused to Professor Tao.

A message sent to a university spokeswoman seeking comment was not returned Friday afternoon. An attorney representing Tao said he did not want to comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Taos attorneys wrote that he was the first professor prosecuted under the Department of Justices China Initiative, an effort aimed at countering Chinese national security threats launched during President Donald Trumps first term in 2018.

Taos attorneys said a disgruntled student who attempted to extort Tao falsely reported to the school that Tao was involved in espionage and held a full-time position in China. The allegation was then passed on to the FBI, and the school acted as an arm of the government in prosecuting Tao, the lawsuit claims.

We take these allegations very seriously, KU Chancellor Douglas A. Girod said in a statement at the time Tao was first charged in 2019. We learned of this potential criminal activity this spring, and we reported it to authorities and have cooperated with the ongoing investigation.

Tao was arrested, placed on administrative leave and eventually fired before the criminal proceedings had concluded, his attorneys said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators found no evidence of espionage, but Tao was prosecuted on wire fraud and false statement charges involving a job offer he had declined from a Chinese university and his failure to disclose the link to the school, the lawsuit said.

During a trial, Tao was found guilty on three counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement, but the court eventually acquitted him on the wire fraud counts and an appeals court reversed the false statement charge, his attorneys said.

His attorneys said the university treated him differently than other faculty members who did not have Chinese heritage, yet also had significant interactions with foreign universities.

The lawsuit names a handful of counts against the university, including violations of the Civil Rights Act, discrimination, breach of contract and deprivation of procedural due process.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling for an investigation into how the lack of water pressure and water supply has impacted ongoing efforts to fight the devastating Los Angeles fires.

Newsom, 57, issued a letter to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Los Angeles County Public Works, calling the ordeal "deeply troubling."

"While water supplies from local fire hydrants are not designed to extinguish wildfires over large areas, losing supplies from fire hydrants likely impaired the effort to protect some homes and evacuation corridors," Newsom wrote in the letter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We need answers to how that happened," Newsom added in his memo, stating that officials have been instructed to provide "an incident after-incident report."

David McNew/Getty Images A firefighter battles the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California. A firefighter battles the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California.

"I am calling for an independent investigation into the loss of water pressure to local fire hydrants and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir," Newsom wrote on X. "We need answers to ensure this does not happen again and we have every resource available to fight these catastrophic fires."

Related: Before-and-After Photos Show the Sudden Devastation from the L.A. Wildfires

The governor explained on X Thursday, Jan. 9, that Southern California's "water supplies are well-equipped to support local communities fighting the wildfires."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Many of the state's largest reservoirs are currently at or above their historic average storage levels for this time of year," he added.

Meanwhile, the 117-million-gallon Santa Ynez Reservoir has been out of commission for nearly a year due to repairs, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday. The floating cover had a several-foot-long tear in it, making space for things like debris and bird droppings to fall into the water supply. It's not clear how long the repairs will take.

Related: L.A. Residents Are Being Told to Boil Water 'Until Further Notice' Due to the Pacific Palisades and Eaton Fires

Palisades Village mall owner Rick Caruso slammed the lack of water for the fatal fires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres no water in the fire hydrants, the businessman, a former commissioner for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, said, per the Times. Caruso finished behind Karen Bass in the 2022 L.A. mayoral election.

The firefighters are there [in the neighborhood], and theres nothing they can do  weve got neighborhoods burning, homes burning, and businesses burning, Caruso continued, adding, It should never happen.

Local officials addressed public outcry after fire hydrants ran out of water in the Pacific Palisades amid raging wildfires, leaving crews unable to put out fires.

We had a tremendous demand on our system in the Palisades. We pushed the system to the extreme, Janisse Quinones, chief executive and chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, said during a press conference Wednesday, Jan. 8. Quinones urged "customers to really conserve water" as the fire department continues to battle the ongoing blazes.

David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Firefighters battle winds and flames as multiple beachfront homes go up in flames along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu in the Palisades Fire on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Firefighters battle winds and flames as multiple beachfront homes go up in flames along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu in the Palisades Fire on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

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.

More than 130,000 people have fled their homes as a series of wildfires rapidly continues to engulf large parts of the Los Angeles area as of Jan. 10. In just a handful of days, the blazes rapidly grew to some 29,000 acres or 45 square miles, and there have been at least 11 fire-related deaths.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many residents, including celebrities, were forced to leave their homes. PEOPLE reported Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, Anna Faris, Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam, John Goodman, Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg and Jennifer Grey as some of the stars who have lost their homes or had to evacuate.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
As firefighters continued to battle massive wildfires Friday, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stunned many observers with an extraordinary television interview.

Crowley, pressed by a Fox 11 reporter, said the city of Los Angeles  and by implication, her boss, Mayor Karen Bass  had failed her and her department. She went on to describe the Fire Department as understaffed and underfunded, saying the situation is "no longer sustainable."

Hours later, Crowley was inside Bass' office for a meeting so long that it intruded on the mayor's nightly media briefing on the wildfires. Bass ultimately missed the briefing, where she had been billed as a featured speaker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While one group of reporters waited for the briefing to start, another, smaller contingent camped outside the mayor's office. Both parties received a jolt when the Daily Mail reported on its website that Bass had fired Crowley.

Bass spokesperson Zach Seidl said that was not true. So did the Fire Department, which issued a statement saying that Bass' and Crowley's "foremost priorities continue to be fighting the current wildfires and safeguarding Angelenos."

"It is important to note that the Fire Chief was not dismissed and is in full command of the LAFD," said the statement, posted by spokesperson Erik Scott on X.

Read more: Did Mayor Karen Bass really cut the fire department budget? The answer gets tricky

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Friday's developments added to the sense of chaos surrounding the devastating wildfires, which have destroyed portions of Pacific Palisades and Malibu as well as Altadena, an unincorporated area outside the city of Los Angeles, killing at least 13 people.

With Crowley's remarks, tensions between her and Bass over Fire Department funding had exploded into the open.

Some at City Hall privately wondered whether Crowley's outspokenness would cost her job. Before her meeting with the mayor, the chief told her staff she expected to be fired, according to a source familiar with the discussion.

On Saturday morning, Bass appeared with Crowley at yet another wildfire briefing, telling reporters that she and the chief are "focused on fighting these fires." Standing near Crowley, Bass said she had had no intention of firing the chief at their meeting the previous day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"As you see here, the chief and I are lockstep in our No. 1 mission, and that mission is to get us past this emergency right now," Bass said. "We want to make sure we save lives, we save housing, we save businesses. And if there are differences that we have, we will continue to deal with those in private."

Read more: Live updates: Particularly dangerous situation winds warning returns Wednesday morning

Crowley echoed those views, saying she and Bass had met to discuss their shared priorities. "We are both focused on our urgent needs to mitigate these devastating wildfires," she said.

Still, Crowley's views on Fire Department spending have been anything but private.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On television networks Friday, she hammered home the idea that her department had gone with too little for too long. "We can no longer sustain where we are," she told anchor Jake Tapper on CNN.

Crowley told Tapper that her department does not have enough firefighters. She also said the agency lacks enough mechanics to repair broken-down emergency vehicles.

At one point, Tapper asked whether budget cuts hurt her agency's ability to fight the ongoing wildfires.

"I want to be very, very clear. Yes. We took a $17-million budget cut," she responded. "And as we know, any budget cut would negatively affect our ability to carry out our mission."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bass has rejected the idea that there was any connection between reductions at the department and the city's response to the wildfires.

City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo, who helps prepare the city budget, said the department's budget is expected to grow by more than 7% this year, once new firefighter pay raises and vehicle purchases are factored in. The department faced no financial constraints on the number of firefighters who responded to the blazes, or how long they worked, Szabo said.

Crowley was hired in 2022 by then-Mayor Eric Garcetti, becoming the first woman to run a department that has long struggled to recruit female firefighters. A department employee for more than two decades, she has been a frequent presence at news conferences since the fires broke out, updating the media on firefighting efforts.

During her tenure, she has not been shy about advocating for her department's budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last month, she sent a memo to Bass' appointees on the Board of Fire Commissioners expressing serious concerns about the city's decision to eliminate dozens of vacant non-firefighter positions at her agency.

Read more: Newsom orders investigation into dry fire hydrants that hampered firefighting in L.A.

In that document, Crowley also expressed alarm over what she described as a $7-million reduction in overtime variable staffing hours, or v-hours. That cut, she said in the memo, severely limited the departments capacity to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale emergencies, including wildfires."

In the Fox 11 interview, Crowley went further, saying the department has not received the funding necessary to serve the city's population. The department, she said, should double the number of firefighters and add 62 fire stations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The Fire Department needs to be funded appropriately so that I can look any community members in the eye and say, 'Your LAFD's got your back,'" she said.

"And right now you can't?" Fox 11 reporter Gigi Graciette responded.

"Right now? No," Crowley said. "And that's why I'm here."

City Councilmember Traci Park, who represents Pacific Palisades, praised Crowley for her job performance and her advocacy. Park, standing inside the city's Emergency Operations Center on Friday, said the Fire Department has been the subject of "chronic, decades-long under-investment."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The issues that she is speaking to are really important," she 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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, thousands of evacuees are seeking safety in San Diego, where local businesses and hotels are offering help, including in the form of discounted rates.

Daniela Lindh, who evacuated her West Hollywood home and her small business, Daniela Hair Salon, is among those staying in San Diego to escape the chaotic scenes in L.A.

RELATED: San Diego-area hotels offering help for people impacted by L.A. fires

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I moved to the United States nine years ago and worked really hard to get where I am, Lindh said. Seeing those fires made me feel shook and scared.

Lindh has been staying at the Comfort Inn San Diego SeaWorld for several days, where she says the staff has given her some peace of mind.

Some people are texting saying the air quality is horrible, we cant drink the water, and no masks are available, she said.

The Comfort Inn is one of over 500 hotels in San Diego County offering discounted rates for fire victims. General manager Aida Li said they have reduced rates by 20 percent and waived pet fees for evacuees traveling with their animals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many people had to leave their houses with their loved ones, Li said.

Resorts like the Bahia and Catamaran in Mission Bay are also providing shelter. Robert Gleason, president and CEO of Evans Hotels, said about 500 fire victims are staying at the companys properties.

Seeing such incredible devastation makes our hearts go out to those families and individuals who lost homes and businesses, Gleason said. This is what we can do.

Fred Tayco, executive director of the San Diego County Lodging Association, said the countys 60,000 plus hotel rooms are prepared to accommodate evacuees.

This is neighbors helping neighbors, Tayco said. Many San Diegans have friends, family, and colleagues affected by the fires. At some point, we may be on the receiving end of this, so its important for us to step up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Local businesses are also pitching in. Muttropolis, a pet supply store, is collecting donations for pet owners, including dog food, bowls, towels, and horse supplies.

For Lindh, the support she has gotten in San Diego has been a source of comfort during these uncertain times.

I see all these people losing their homes; its absolutely devastating, she said. My heart goes out to them and to the people on the front lines as well.

Donations to Muttropolis can be made during business hours.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A 22-year-old inmate died in a cluster of suspected overdoses on a jail bus early Friday, prompting Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department officials to halt court transports from the downtown facilities.

The incident, which marks the departments first in-custody death of the year, comes amid a chaotic week in which wildfires shut down courthouses, delayed inmate transports and forced the evacuation of one sheriffs station.

The death happened just after 7 a.m., as inmates from one of the downtown jails were boarding a bus headed to court. In addition to the man who died, two other inmates were hospitalized  both from suspected overdoses, officials said. One has since been released from custody, and the other was returned to jail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A little before 9:30 a.m., Judge Yvette Verastegui, the assistant supervising judge, sent an email to judicial officials warning them of the incident and its potential impact on the days court proceedings.

CourtLine is currently in lockdown due to multiple inmate overdoses, the email said. Inmates at CourtLine will either remain there for several hours or be returned to their housing. We cannot provide an estimated time of arrival for today.

The womens jail was not affected, the email said, and court transports directly from the Castaic jail complex were set to continue as well.

But in the downtown criminal courthouse, the absence of defendants derailed proceedings in several cases, including at least one murder trial slated to begin closing arguments Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Sheriffs Department has not provided details about what drugs it is suspected were involved, or how the men obtained them. One high-ranking court official, who requested anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation, told The Times the death was fentanyl-related.

In recent months, Los Angeles jails have struggled with overdoses and drug exposure incidents. Last April, jail records show a 28-year-old man died from using methamphetamine and heroin. Two weeks later, a 38-year-old woman died in her cell from what the departments website described as the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Read more: Video of jailer appearing to slam inmate into wall sparks calls for DOJ investigation

In June, six inmates and two jailers were taken to the hospital after they were exposed to a toxic substance, which department officials have since confirmed was fentanyl, though it is not clear how the inmates and staff came into contact with it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two months after that, a 59-year-old at Mens Central jail died from the effects of oxycodone and hydrocodone, according to jail records. In early October, seven people were hospitalized, and a man in his 30s died in a cluster of suspected overdoses in a holding cell at the Inmate Reception Center. Authorities have not said what drugs were involved, and the autopsy is still pending.

Then on Oct. 29, seven inmates at Mens Central Jail were hospitalized after another potential drug exposure incident in the 5600 dorm. Several hours later, seven jailers were sent to the hospital after officials said they began experiencing symptoms while searching the dorm for drugs.

The following day, records show that a 20-year-old on a different floor of Mens Central Jail died from the effects of fentanyl and heroin.

To combat the influx of drugs into the countys jails, the Sheriffs Department said it has stepped up its searching procedures with the addition of canine teams and the use of mail scanners and body scanners.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: What it's like to sleep in prison: Moldy mattresses, bright lights, nonstop noise

The Department is optimistic that in the near future, we will have the use of updated technological solutions, including more advanced body and property scanners, that will further assist us in minimizing illicit substances in the jails, officials said last year.

The department has also worked to address the problem by investigating its own employees. In April, a sheriffs deputy who was part of a task force focused on keeping the county lockups free of drugs and gang activity was arrested and accused of smuggling drugs into one of the county jails.

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.
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley said during an interview Friday that the city failed the department amid the ongoing wildfires in Southern California that have taken at least 11 lives and burned more than 37,000 acres.

Crowley was interviewed by Fox11 on Friday and asked if the city of Los Angeles failed her department, referring to the Santa Ynez Reservoir being shut down and empty.

The fire department chief, at first, did not answer the question from Fox11 reporter Gigi Graciette, telling her that the department is tasked with protecting the public.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Graciette asked again. Crowley did not respond directly.

After asking for a third time did they fail you? Crowley responded yes.

When asked about the Santa Ynez Reservoir, Crowley said that when firefighters operate in the field, they expect to have water, but if there isnt any available, theyre going to go find water.

So my stance on this is when a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect theres going to be water. We dont control the water supply. Our firefighters are there to protect lives and property and to make sure that were properly trained and equipped, Crowley said on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The reservoir in the Pacific Palisades was closed for repairs and empty as wildfires raged through the region, according to multiple media reports. The reservoir normally holds 117 million gallons of water.

Thats my position on this. So if theres no water, I dont know how the water gets to the hydrants. Please defer that to DWP or whomever controls that part, she added. But I can tell you the resiliency of our firefighters. If theres no water, theyre going to go find water. Theyre going to figure out a way to do the best they can with what theyve got in a very dynamic situation.

The DailyMail reported Friday night that the Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) fired Crowley Friday afternoon.

Basss office denied the reporting on Friday night, telling The Hill in an emailed statement that the report is false.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

LAFD public information officer Erik Scott then wrote on the social media platform X that Bass and Crowley met on Friday, but clarified that the fire department head was not dismissed and is in full command of the LAFD.

Their foremost priorities continue to be fighting the current wildfires and safeguarding Angelenos, Scott wrote just past midnight on Saturday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Smoke from the Eaton Fire fills the sky in La Canada Flintridge on Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters

The deadly and destructive fires in Los Angeles  which some say could be the costliest in the states history  will further strain the insurance market and worsen the financial position of Californias insurer of last resort.

Data about Pacific Palisades, the devastated LA neighborhood whose residents include movie stars and directors, help illustrate the insurance problems plaguing the state. An estimated 1 in 5 homes in the upscale neighborhood were covered by the insurer, known as the FAIR Plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Property owners in California have increasingly been turning to the plan, a pool of insurers required by state law to sell fire policies to consumers who cant find regular insurance elsewhere. Thats because, for the past few years, insurance companies have been canceling policies or refusing to write new ones in California, citing rising risk of wildfires. As a result, the FAIR Plans number of homeowner policies grew to more than 451,000 as of September 2024, an increase of 123% over the past three years.

Last year, State Farm decided not to renew tens of thousands of policies in the state, including about 1,600 in Pacific Palisades. As of September, there were 1,430 residential FAIR Plan policies in the enclaves 90272 ZIP code, an 85% increase from the previous year, according to the plans latest data.

Elsewhere in Los Angeles, some cities and neighborhoods with spiking FAIR Plan use have either been evacuated or are near the fires. They include the 90402 ZIP code in Santa Monica, where FAIR Plan policies have increased 128% year over year.

Now, after at least five people have died and more than 2,000 structures have been destroyed in the LA area, and as those who have lost their homes begin to submit claims with their insurance companies, theres a big question mark around the states plan to try to ensure insurance availability. A plan touted by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara as a way to get insurance companies to write policies in the state again just became effective at the beginning of the year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The so-called sustainable insurance strategy includes having the state speed reviews of rate hike requests from insurance companies and allow insurers to use catastrophe models when setting their premiums. Insurers would also be able to adjust for the cost of their own financial backstop, known as reinsurance. The concessions mean insurers will raise premiums for the states property owners but in exchange must write or maintain a certain number of policies in high-risk areas.

Theres no doubt that this massively complicates things, said Stephen Collier, professor of city and regional planning at UC Berkeley whose research focuses on insurance, climate change and urban planning. It couldnt be at a worse possible time.

Lara also told CalMatters today that of course this is going to complicate an already complicated market.

But the commissioner said he has been in touch with insurance companies in the past couple of days: The reforms are in place now, the (insurers) commitments are in place now. As far as my conversations as recently as last night, those still stand and move forward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition, the FAIR Plan, the insurer for many of those affected by the current blazes, will likely have to pay claims for tens of billions of dollars in damages.

This massively complicates things.

 Stephen Collier, professor of city and regional planning at UC Berkeley

Collier said that massive potential liability could make insurers think twice about whether they want to keep writing policies in the state. Having all this risk transferred to the FAIR Plan doesnt get insurers off the hook if theyre still writing in the California market, he said. Thats because insurers in the state are on the hook to pay into the plan when it cant cover all its claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pacific Palisades is on the FAIR Plans list of top five areas in Southern California with the highest wildfire exposure, or potential insurance payout  at nearly $6 billion. Other neighborhoods in the top five, in order, are all in San Bernardino County east of Los Angeles: Lake Arrowhead ($9.14 billion), Crestline ($7.81 billion), Big Bear City ($7.1 billion) and Big Bear Lake ($6.73 billion).

The FAIR Plans total exposure statewide as of September, the end of its fiscal year, is $458 billion.

Victoria Roach, president of the FAIR Plan, has over the past couple of years raised concerns about the plans finances as its number of policies grows. For example, in testimony before the California Assembly Insurance Oversight Committee last year, she said as those numbers climb, our financial stability comes more in question.

Roach also said at that same hearing that the FAIR Plan was one event away from a large assessment. An assessment is when the plan does not have enough reserves to pay claims and must turn to its member insurers to ask them to contribute to doing so. The FAIR Plan will impose a surcharge on insurance companies based on their market share in the state.

More on property insurance

Photo courtesy of CalMatters

Roach was unavailable for an interview on Wednesday, but Hilary McLean, a spokesperson for the FAIR Plan, said: We are aware of misinformation being posted online regarding the FAIR Plans ability to pay claims. It is too early to provide loss estimates as claims are just beginning to be submitted and processed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McLean added that the plan has payment mechanisms in place, including reinsurance, to ensure all covered claims are paid.

Meanwhile, the commissioners plan to right-size the insurance market had barely gotten off the ground when the LA fires started on Tuesday, having launched less than a week before.

Denni Ritter, vice president at American Property Casualty Insurance Association, said the states horrific fires underscore the importance of this work to reform California insurance rules. We remain committed to working with Californias leaders to restore the health of our insurance market so that Californians can access the coverage they need, she added.

Lara pointed out that his reforms include an agreement with the FAIR Plan. This provides the Insurance Department with data to track any solvency issues with the plan and allows insurers to proactively ask for premium increases for future catastrophic claims, which Lara said creates another set of certainty for insurers that should keep them in the states market.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The message from Lara and some other experts is clear: Insurance customers are facing possibly drastically higher premiums in the short run, with the hopes that it will all lead to stabilization of the market in the long run.

It could be the costliest set of fires in modern California, if not U.S., history.

 Dan DePodwin, senior director of forecasting operations at AccuWeather

Laras predecessor as state insurance commissioner, Dave Jones, said with the LA fires, once they have a handle on their losses, insurers will seek even higher rate increases.

Said David Russell, professor of insurance at Cal State University Northridge: These fires are validating the rate increases and (insurance) industry pressure over the last 18 to 24 months. He added that ultimately we need those rate requests to be granted, and quickly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Forecasting company AccuWeathers preliminary estimate of the economic toll from this set of fires on Wednesday was $52 billion to $57 billion  and they are continuing to burn. Dan DePodwin, senior director of forecasting operations at AccuWeather, said that includes an estimate of the insured losses, which may account for 25% to 50% of the total, though it is too early to know for sure. The estimate also takes into account possible future economic losses, including to peoples health, businesses and the infrastructure around the major urban area. This afternoon, AccuWeather raised its estimate to $135 billion to $150 billion.

It could be the costliest set of fires in modern California, if not U.S., history, he said.

Data reporter Jeremia Kimelman contributed to this story.

This story first appeared in CalMatters, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom.
LA GRANDE  The La Grande City Council voted against the city's latest annexation phase.

The 4-2 decision against the plan came Wednesday, Jan. 8, during the packed La Grande City Council meeting as tensions were high.

City councilors held a second public hearing to discuss the possible annexation of 17 properties from the urban growth boundary into city limits. Property owners showed up en masse to speak against being brought into city limits and ultimately the council voted down the third  and final  phase of annexation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I dont feel comfortable with this particular annexation, Councilor David Glabe said.

Glabe.jpg

Glabe

Annexing properties from the urban growth boundary moved up the citys priority list due to the long-range planning projects around future housing, commercial and industrial land needs, and demand for city sewer and water services, Community Development Director Mike Boquist said. Following a work session in October 2023, the council directed staff to create a three-phase annexation plan.

Phase one of the annexation plan was completed in January 2024 when councilors unanimously voted to annex 25 properties. These properties were contiguous to La Grande city limits, already received water or sewer services from the city and the property owners had signed a consent-to-annex agreement with La Grande.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Phase two wrapped up in August 2024 and annexed 50 islands on the north side of La Grande. While many of the properties received water or sewer services from the city, they did not have signed consent-to-annex agreements. A handful of property owners spoke in opposition to this phase of annexation, but ultimately the council voted to bring the properties into city limits.

Oregon law provides cities with a simplified mechanism to annex islands into city limits without requiring a signed consent-to-annex agreement or sending the matter to voters.

This third phase of annexation focused on islands on the south side of La Grande. These properties are not connected to city water or sewer services. Two land owners on Bonneville Lane were in a different situation from the rest of the land owners as their properties do not have direct frontage onto a city street and therefore do not have direct access to city water and sewer.

Boquist pointed out that water and sewer services are not the only benefit from annexation. Properties within the urban growth boundary can take advantage of city zoning and are provided land use opportunities not available within the county.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And 11 of these properties have done that, Boquist said. So, the configuration that you see today, at least with 11 of those, is a result of the development opportunities that either the current or a prior property owner took advantage of.

Mike Boquist mug

Boquist

Many of the people the annexation would have affected spoke about the hardship the increase to their property taxes would bring  especially as many of them are on fixed incomes. They also felt they should not be penalized because of the choices of other property owners around them, which caused their properties to become islands.

Glabe recognized there are a number of perspectives the council needed to consider when deciding whether or not to move forward with the annexation. On one side there is the perspective of La Grande residents who pay the taxes that support the benefits these property owners can enjoy, such as road maintenance and access to city amenities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On the other hand, he said, there are the property owners within the urban growth boundary who will feel the effects the most, and they came out to share why this will be a hardship.

Personally I feel like this needs to be kicked down the road," Glabe said. "You cant forever allow these islands to stay within the city and discharge firearms  those are things that are inappropriate to do when youre surrounded by city boundaries  but I dont think Im there."

Councilors Mary Ann Miesner and Molly King shared similar sentiments. Miesner said she would never vote to force annexation.

Councilor Nicole Howard reminded her fellow councilors that Boquist put together these annexation phases at the council's request.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nicole Howard mug (copy)

Howard

As weve moved along its become harder. This is the hardest decision weve had, she said. Nobody who has been before us for annexation has really desperately wanted it.

Howard added there are some privileges these property owners are afforded since they are still within the county that she does not feel are appropriate given the geography.
LA Times owner: Its crazy we dont elect people with competence

(NewsNation)  Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong said its crazy his state doesnt elect leaders with competence.

As wildfires continue to rage across Los Angeles County, Soon-Shiong criticized LA Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsoms handling of the city before the crisis.

Its so crazy we have leaders that are reactive rather than proactive, Soon-Shiong said during an appearance on NewsNations On Balance. We have to ask ourselves where are we spending the money and why. Where is the actual planning of preparing for this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With this event, we really must investigate, Soon-Shiong added. Thats the basis of the paper. Speaking truth to power. And really investigating the root cause of all these issues and making sure it doesnt happen again.

Drone crashes into firefighting aircraft over Palisades: FAA

Soon-Shiong directed the public on X to follow his paper for live updates on the situation while calling out Bass. The Los Angeles Fire Departments budget was cut by approximately $17 million, according to a Newsweek fact check, contrary to Soon-Shiongs claim that Bass reduced it by $23 million.

Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes and are seeking shelter. Fires in LA are sadly no surprise, yet the Mayor cut LA Fire Departments budget by $23M. And reports of empty fire hydrants raise serious questions. Competence mattersFollow @latimes for live coverage in partnership with @Spectrum. The live camera view coverage will give our readers a real time view of the fires and the stream is open to all Angelenos. Stay safe, Soon-Shiong wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Prior to the 2024 election, a number of staff members of the Los Angeles Times editorial board resigned after Soon-Shiong blocked the boards plan to endorse Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

He also announced his intention to overhaul the Times editorial board to add more conservative voices, which prompted the papers union to publicly rebuke him and longtime columnist Harry Litman to resign.

Economic loss from LA wildfires could reach $150B: Report

More than 36,000 acres have been burned in total as wildfires continue to rage across the Los Angeles area, and at least 10 people have died. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Friday that 153,000 residents are still under evacuation orders, and 16,000 are under evacuation warnings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Biden administration detailed actions to support local firefighters. There are already five U.S. Forest Service air tankers in operation and an additional one is en route. More than 20 federal firefighting helicopters are being used, and two air firefighting system units have been deployed.

There are also 10 Navy helicopters with water buckets en route to help with aerial suppression efforts. Colorado has also announced it will be assisting.

Click here to view the LAPDs interactive evacuation zone map.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 controversy over last weeks Commons vote was dominated by what the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill did not do. By failing to force a national inquiry into the rape gangs, the legislation rammed through Parliament created completely justified uproar. This will almost certainly result in a climbdown by the Government, which will present ministers with precisely the political dilemma they have desperately tried to avoid. It will no longer be acceptable for Labour, either locally or nationally, to avoid confronting its anxiety about holding onto Muslim voters. But quite apart from any electoral consequences, we need to look at the sinister effects of what that piece of legislation actually did do.

You will notice that the Bill had two distinct parts: first Childrens Wellbeing, and then Schools. The intention of the first was to protect children from abuse (which makes the omission of any specific recommendations for dealing with the Asian rape gangs so noteworthy), but the second was about limiting the freedoms of a phenomenally successful sector of state education created by Tony Blairs government and then reinforced by Michael Gove.

It is impossible to overestimate the significance of the liberation of academy schools from local education authorities and central government control. It permitted them to hire the teachers they wanted  including those who had not been through the indoctrination of official teaching qualifications  at whatever salaries they chose and, most importantly, it allowed them to deviate from the national curriculum dictated by the education establishment with all its notorious biases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thats all over now. Academies will have to follow the same subject content (which will be revised to represent the latest politically acceptable thought) as the council-run state school system, and their most gifted headteachers will no longer be sent in to rescue failing schools. So a system which had offered the parents of state school pupils something like the choices and options which only private school pupils had once enjoyed, is gone. Educational content, and who is permitted to teach it, will now be controlled by government agencies over which the teaching unions and their bureaucratic allies have enormous influence.

As I say, this second half of the Bill (now an Act) concerning schooling seems quite distinct and separate from the aims of the first, which is concerned with child protection. But, in fact, there is a common thread. The fury that the child wellbeing provisions provoked was about their failure to specifically address the rape gang pattern involving mainly Pakistani men, or even to cite it as a unique phenomenon which required special attention.

That anomalous omission was enforced by the liberal orthodoxy which forbids any suggestion that some patterns of intolerable behaviour might be associated with particular groups. In other words, there is an officially acceptable way in which patterns of child abuse may be discussed  and it does not include reference to the nationality or religion of the perpetrators.

Why? Because we cannot even entertain the possibility that certain communities, having established themselves in this country, are behaving in ways so outrageously unacceptable that they cannot be allowed to persist. But it is absurd simply to describe this as a failure of multiculturalism. The gang rape, torture and kidnapping of children is not an example of cultural difference.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It isnt an exotic form of dress or foreign cuisine, or a ritual holiday observance: species of difference that might be tolerated in any stable, cosmopolitan society. This is a wave of monstrous, inhuman crimes  carried out on a flagrant, organised scale which should be prosecuted to the greatest degree that the law permits. So can we please stop talking about differing attitudes to women or incompatible sets of values?

There is no competing value system being acted out here: no alternative ethical standard to measure against our own. This is not about encouraging migrant communities to integrate and so adopt our own peculiarly British ways of thinking and behaving. It is grotesque to pretend that this is simply a relativistic matter which can be resolved by reasonable persuasion. It is a crime wave  and we have an unequivocal obligation to demand that everyone who chooses to live here accept the rule of law. Whatever legitimate cultural differences do exist can only be dealt with within those limits. The torture of children and young girls is not a matter for sensitive negotiation or social accommodation.

On the face of it, there is an odd contradiction between the two parts of this new legislation. On the one hand, it insists on uniformity. Educational content and method must be standardised across all the nations schools with no possibility of disagreement or dissidence. But on the other hand, no one in authority must single out for condemnation even the most odiously unacceptable acts if they are committed by minority groups whose social habits might differ from the mainstream. So cultural diversity is still being treated with excessive sensitivity while educational diversity is being stamped out. Is there any common logic here?

Well, yes I think there is. In both matters, it is the white working class which is victimised. In the obvious case of the young girls who were being so outrageously abused, there can be no doubt any longer that they were regarded as beneath the notice of the authorities. The callous indifference and contempt with which they were treated  and the fact that no one in a position of power was ever held accountable for it  is simply monstrous. But it is not inexplicable when you know how easily girls from such backgrounds can be dismissed. What is most horrifying about this whole tragedy is how unsurprising it is.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And what of the schools which might have offered working class children an escape route from the low expectations of their neighborhoods? The best academies had something of the quality of the lost grammar schools: they opened possibilities that reached beyond standardised schooling and, in their individuality, offered an opportunity for pride in their different achievements and specialisms. Its difficult to say who was meant to win in that infamous parliamentary conflagration but its certainly true that the usual people lost.

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.
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  No hydrants, on top of frigid temperatures, created challenges for firefighters battling the house fire that killed two people in Dauphin County early Thursday morning.

In a news release, Middle Paxton Fire Company said that while first responders were headed to a building fire in the 3000 block of Fishing Creek Valley Road, dispatch received reports of two people who were unaccounted for.

PSP: Two dead in Dauphin County house fire

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Crews saw the building was fully involved in the fire and went to work setting up a defensive operation. Fill sites had to be set up because there were no fire hydrants in the area. Eventually, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control.

The remains of two people were then found during overhaul, the release said. The coroners office and the PSP Fire Marshall were then called to the scene.

It took crews a little over nine hours to battle the fire. The icy roads, supply lines and pumps created obstacles for firefighters, the release says.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe Now

abc27 Evening Newsletter

Companies from Cumberland, Perry, York and Lebanon counties helped fight the fire.

The identities of the victims were not released.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
A frustrated LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley slammed California officials and budget cuts to the Los Angeles Fire Department as her 3500 firefighters continued to battle a series of unrelenting and deadly wildfires.



"We can no longer sustain where we are. We do not have enough firefighters," Crowley told CNN Friday. "The $17 million budget cut and elimination of our civilian positions like our mechanics did, and has, and will continue to severely impact our ability to repair apparatus."

Related: These L.A. Restaurants are Treating Fire Evacuees to a Hot Meal

Her remarks, two sources tell Los Angeles, led her to be summoned in the midst of the crisis to City Hall for a meeting with embattled Mayor Karen Bass, which continued into last night.



Bass has been criticized for being out of the country when a red flag warning was issued for Santa Ana winds on a diplomatic trip to Ghana. She has also been hit with serious questions about firefighters access to water, which is managed by the city's Department of Water and Power as they continue to battle out of control wildfires that have ravaged entire swaths of L.A., demolishing the neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

Related: Woodland Hills Residents Detain Suspected Arsonist in Woodland Hills

Tomorrow Ed Kelly, the President of the International Association of Firefighters, is expected to tour the war zone-like wreckage left behind by the blazes with the union officials from Los Angeles. He told Los Angeles on Friday that he was concerned about reports of dry fire hydrants. "The fire department does not function without water. When you tap a hydrant and nothing comes out of it," Kelly said, "that's a big question that needs to be answered."
A Lake Stevens man is recovering in the hospital after losing his home and three puppies in a devastating fire on New Years Day.

I pulled into the driveway. All I saw was the tires of my RV, said Brett Pierce.

Pierce told KIRO 7 he had just gotten back home from a laundry trip with his dog Sunday when he found his home charred by flames.

He says the worst part was realizing his three 9-month-old puppies  Snoopy, Luke, and Duke -- were inside.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I sped the car up real quick to get there as quickly as possible and jumped out of my car and yell for my puppies. And they didnt come. I yelled again, they didnt come I knew that they had been trapped in the RV, he recalled.

Pierce says the fire marshal told him its possible the puppies died peacefully due to a freon leak. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The fire marshal says that if it was at night, the freon would just put me to sleep. So now thats a little light in this. Im thankful that Sunday and I are here to carry on in respect to Snoop, Luke and Duke, he said.

Fortunately, Pierce had Sunday by his side at the time, whos the mama to the three dogs. He says shes been by his side for the past 5 years, and hes never letting her go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I miss her so much. I just want right here. Its gonna be incredible to see her, he said.

Pierce says Sunday is being cared for by loved ones while he recovers at Providence Swedish Cherry Hill.

He says hes being treated for blood clots after losing circulation from sleeping in his car after the fire. Pierce told KIRO 7 hes grateful for the hospital staffs support during this difficult time.

Pierce says New Hope Community Church is donating a new trailer so he has a home once hes out of the hospital.

If youd like to help Pierce get back on his feet, click here for the GoFundMe.




HONOLULU (KHON2)  If visiting Lanikai is at the top of your bucket list in the coming weeks, you may want to start thinking of a backup plan.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

With Phase 8 of Kailua roundabout upgrades underway, the City and County of Honolulus Department of Transportation Services has placed parking restrictions in the Lanikai area.

Restrictions start as soon as Saturday, Jan. 11, and will be put in place every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Phase 8 has been completed, which is set to conclude in mid-March.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

City to start Phase 8 of Kailua roundabout upgrades

Drivers will be unable to park on all streets, shoulders and cross-streets between Mokulua and Aalapapa Drives.

According to DTS, temporary sawhorse road signs will be placed on affected streets in Lanikai to serve as a warning for parking restrictions.

Those who plan on visiting Lanikai should consider other beaches along Oahus east shore, or ride TheBus Route 671 from Kailua Town for convenient alternative access to Lanikai.

Officials also urge residents to allow extra time to travel through Lanikai and Kalapawai during construction times as traffic congestion is expected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Once complete, the roundabout will feature new sidewalks, raised pedestrian crossings and new drainage infrastructure.

For more information on the project, construction schedules and detour patterns, visit the Kalapawai projects website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) is asking the community to nominate an educator for the 2026 Teacher of the Year.

Students, parents, LCPS staff and community members are asked to nominate a teacher who consistently goes above and beyond to make a difference, LCPS said.

Participants can submit their nomination by scanning the QR code in the flyer or by visiting this survey.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The deadline to submit your nomination is Monday, Jan. 20.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Las Vegas woman has joined several business owners and community members to organize a donation drive for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.

I was sitting down, Mandy White Eskelin said. And Im like, I have to do something.'

In the days since deadly wildfires broke out in Southern California, Eskelin has started a movement in Las Vegas.

Seeing the videos and seeing the families displaced, she recalled. And just tragically losing everything.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She told 8 News Now watching the devastating footage of the fast-moving flames inspired her to take action, and she had help from the community.

I love that people have just jumped at the opportunity, she said. To what can I do?

Eskelin said this all started on Facebook when she posted in a local group, asking how people could unite and donate to fire victims.

The response was so explosive that she started a Facebook page called Vegas Strong: L.A. Fire Relief and coordinated with several local business owners to get things moving.

A Las Vegas woman has joined several business owners and community members to organize a donation drive for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. (KLAS) A Las Vegas woman has joined several business owners and community members to organize a donation drive for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. (KLAS) A Las Vegas woman has joined several business owners and community members to organize a donation drive for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. (KLAS) A Las Vegas woman has joined several business owners and community members to organize a donation drive for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. (KLAS) A Las Vegas woman has joined several business owners and community members to organize a donation drive for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. (KLAS) A Las Vegas woman has joined several business owners and community members to organize a donation drive for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. (KLAS)

Several truck drivers and Las Vegans with RVs and trailers also volunteered to gather everything and take it to the Los Angeles Dream Center for distribution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It has been amazing, Tammy Wood said of the Las Vegas community. The way they have all pulled together and shown up.

Woods owns Vegas Crystal Healings near Eastern Avenue and Horizon Ridge Parkway in Henderson. She is one of several business owners who offered her space as a drop-off location.

I am really blessed to be in a position where I can help Mandy with organizing this, Wood said. And putting it all together.

The group is asking for all donations, but Eskelin said certain items are especially needed, including:

Mens, womens, and childrens clothing.

Baby formula, diapers and baby wipes

Non-perishable food

Cases of water

Air purifiers to combat poor air quality

Basic kitchen items, can openers

Toiletries and hygiene items

New underwear, bras and socks

Clean sheets, bedding, pillows and blankets

First aid kits

Phone chargers and extension cords

Things that we dont even think about or we take for granted, they have none of that, Eskelin explained. A lot of people really left with just the clothes on their backs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Southern Nevada, a community that knows the power of connection after tragedy, is now sharing that support with those who need it now.

We came together and became Vegas Strong, Eskelin concluded. Now its our turn to give back to others.

To help facilitate transportation, those making donations are asked to separate them into bags or boxes with labels.

Donation drop-off locations:

Vegas Crystal Healings: 10740 S Eastern Ave #105 Henderson, NV 89052 10:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. seven days a week

Premium Trucking 5050 Steptoe St. UNIT C Las Vegas, NV 89122 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. seven days a week

American Family Insurance 7345 S Durango Dr. #108 Las Vegas, NV 89113 Saturday 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5550 Painted Mirage Rd #140 The building is located off the U.S. 95 at Ann Rd. Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dry Creek Saloon 1330 5th St. Pahrump, NV 89048 Sunday & Monday 1:00 p.m. to 9: 00 p.m. Tuesday  Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Rachels Kitchen Neighborhood Donation Locations 2265 Village Walk Drive/The District, Henderson 89052 9691 Trailwood Drive/The Trails, Las Vegas 89134 3330 S. Hualapai Way/RK on Hualapai, Las Vegas 89117 8480 W. Sunset/Express on Sunset, Las Vegas 89113 7010 N. Durango Drive/Centennial Hills, Las Vegas 89149 6605 S. Las Vegas Blvd./RK at Town Square, Suite. B-139, Las Vegas 89119



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The final defendant from the first Oath Keepers trial was sentenced Friday to time served for conduct stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Thomas Caldwell, a U.S. Navy veteran from Virginia, was convicted in 2022 alongside Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes. Prosecutors said he played a central role in the antigovernment militias planning for Jan. 6, calling for civil war ahead of the riot.

But while Rhodes was found guilty of seditious conspiracy, Caldwell was acquitted of all conspiracy counts. He was convicted of two other felonies, but after the Supreme Court narrowed an obstruction charge used against scores of rioters, one of those two counts was vacated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehtas sentence of no incarceration or supervised release reflects the 69-year-old Virginians only remaining conviction: tampering with evidence for deleting messages he sent after the riot.

On Jan. 6, Caldwell did not enter the Capitol, instead joining rioters at the Lower West Terraces exterior on the opposite side of the building from the militia members. Unlike other Oath Keepers, who donned tactical gear that day, Caldwell wore street clothes. And his wife accompanied him at the riot.

Throughout the trial, Caldwell said he never formally joined the group and was not a member.

But prosecutors said he was an an avid and willing participant in an unprecedented crime, suggesting his conduct on Jan. 6 followed weeks of plotting with the Oath Keepers. They cited his efforts to help the group establish an armed quick reaction force  a cache of weapons stored across the Potomac River in case the plan went south.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The government asked Mehta to sentence Caldwell to four years in prison, seeking an upward departure from federal sentencing guidelines. Prosecutors suggested that, without doing so, Caldwell would face the same offense level as if he had not endangered the democratic process and interfered with the peaceful transfer of power.

Caldwell objected to any upward departure and sought the sentence of time served, citing health issues and his lack of criminal history.

The sentencing followed years of delays. Caldwells co-defendants, including Rhodes, began their prison terms nearly two years ago.

Rhodes was sentenced to 17 years in prison, one of the longest terms handed down from the riot that has led to hundreds of convictions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
UPDATE 1/11/25, 1:30 p.m.  State Conservation Police confirmed to WGN-TV on Saturday that citizens eventually found the jar that was stuck on the deers head and it is presumed that the animal was able to work itself out.

This is a breaking update, the original story can be found below.

CHICAGO  Multiple law enforcement agencies are trying to find and help a deer with a jar stuck to its head that has recently been spotted on the citys Southwest Side.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials said the deer was last spotted near St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery, adding that the deer was seen roaming the cemeterys ground over the last few days.

On Friday, State Conservation Police were at the cemetery, along with Cook County Animal Control and Chicago Animal Care and Control, but no agency had luck spotting the deer.

50 finalists revealed for Chicagos third annual Name a Snowplow contest

Me and another friend John came yesterday to look for it, found him right away. Super friendly, tried coming to eat carrots from us, couldnt though. We were able to touch the side of the bucket with one hand three different times, said Jamie Stahulak, a resident helping with search efforts. As soon as we would bring the other arm around, he would jump away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stahulak lives near the cemetery in Mount Greenwood. The property spans 275 acres and within the last several days, has been the place where the deer was been spotted.

This one doesnt have big antlers, it just has little nubs. Thats what the bucket is stuck on, Stahulak said. State Conservation Police were out here for hours with us yesterday and hours again today. They flushed a herd out from that field over there, probably about 30 of them. He wasnt in there. So we dont know if he is still in there or if something happened to him.

Capt. Joshua Mooi with State Conservation Police said their search efforts on Friday included help from Cook County Animal Control and Chicago Animal Care and Control.

(Photo: Cook County Animal Control)

They did locate the deer yesterday and they were able to move it around throughout the cemetery to get it to an area to try to remove that jar from its head. Unfortunately, even though it had that on its head, it was still able to get around and wasnt looking to be captured, Mooi said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Friday, State Conservation Police flushed out deer from the surrounding area, launched a drone and also had officers patrolling the property, but so far, no luck in spotting the fawn who officials said is no more than one year old ad one of the smallest ones among the heard in the area.

In the meantime, concerned residents like Stahulak said they will continue their search efforts.

Were hoping maybe its hunkered down somewhere with the snow not coming out. The deer that weve seen today are definitely not all the deer that there are here, Stahulak said. Hopefully it is the case that it fell off or they got it off somehow, but I dont think many of us are going to rest too well until we know.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While it may be tempting to come out and look for yourself, officials are asking the public to be mindful and respectful of the cemetery and its grounds.

WGN News has reached out to the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Cemeteries for comment, but has not yet 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 WGN-TV.
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. (PIX11)  Just two months into his job as president of Seton Hall University, Monsignor Joseph Reilly is facing pressure to resign.

Its problematic from top to bottom, said Shaun Dougherty, board president of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

More Local News

According to new reporting from POLITICO, Reilly failed to report sexual abuse claims against former Newark Archbishop Theodore McCarrick while serving as dean of Seton Halls Immaculate Conception Seminary from 2012-2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How can you appropriately manage, lead a major university, if youre not following the law by reporting a sexual abuse, said Ann, a mother whose daughter took classes at Seton Hall.

In 2019, an independent investigation found McCarrick sexually harassed seminary students. The report recommended enhancing oversight of the seminary to prevent recurrence.

Reilly took a sabbatical in 2022 before returning as a vice provost and then becoming president in November 2024.

Just taking a year off or putting out to pasture for a year and then bringing back and naming them president is just absolutely unacceptable, said Dougherty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey posted on X that she wants Seton Hall to publicly release the findings of its investigations.

State Sen. Andrew Zwicker, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, said the solution is simple.

Monsignor Reilly should resign immediately, and anyone who helped enable this should also resign, said Zwicker.

Seton Hall University and its Board of Regents are standing behind Reilly.

In a statement to PIX11 News, the university wrote, in part: Monsignor Reilly prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of students and seminarians at Seton Hall. As president, he shares the Universitys unwavering commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all members of our campus community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Seton Hall University Board of Regents Chair Hank DAlessandro wrote, in part: the Board of Regents unanimously appointed him to be our priest-president, and we continue to have absolute confidence that he will use his [role] to instill hope and effectively lead the university forward.

Seton Hall freshman student Alyssa Rask said if the allegations are true, Reilly should leave. Definitely step down, said Rask. Its not a good look for the school. I definitely dont want to go to a school where thats accepted and tolerated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 10At least nine Maine school districts have been affected by a breach of the global K-12 school software platform PowerSchool.

The company says its software, the most-used student information platform in the United States, serves 50 million students across the country. On Wednesday, PowerSchool informed clients nationwide that their data may have been compromised in the cybersecurity breach.

It's unclear what information was accessed during the breach, and a spokesperson for PowerSchool said the company is conducting an ongoing data review with hopes of alerting customers to details of the breach "as soon as possible."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The total number of Maine schools impacted by the breach is still unknown, but at least nine districts have notified families that they were contacted by the company about possible issues.

Maranacook area schools (RSU38) in Readfield told parents that its student data was part of the breach on Thursday.

"Initial information from PowerSchool indicates that Personally Identifiable Information for staff and students was accessed for some districts. This may include contact information, including names and addresses, dates of birth and grade level information for current and former students, and parent/guardian names and addresses," Superintendent Jay Charette wrote, who clarified that Social Security numbers and financial data were not stored in that system.

The Gardiner school district, MSAD 11, also notified families that it had been affected by the breach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"PowerSchool has assured us that the breach has been contained and that they are taking all necessary steps to secure their systems and prevent future incidents. While no operational disruptions have occurred, it is possible that certain student, staff and family information was accessed," administrators wrote. "We are working closely with PowerSchool to understand the scope of the incident and will provide updates as more information becomes available."

The district covering Skowhegan, Canaan and other Somerset County towns was also informed of the breach. MSAD 54 Superintendent of Schools Jonathan Moody told the district's board of directors Thursday that the district received multiple communications from the company this week, but it was unclear if MSAD 54 data was affected or to what extent. He said district officials were expecting an update from Power School Friday and would communicate what they find out with families.

Brunswick School Department Superintendent Phillip Potenziano told families about the breach in an email but said he was not yet sure whether it affected the district. Susan Dorris, Auburn School Department superintendent, said they were among the clients whose data may have been accessed.

"While we are awaiting additional details, we want to ensure our community is aware of this ongoing situation, which is currently under investigation," Dorris said in a letter to the school community. "Importantly, we have been informed that it remains safe to continue using your PowerSchool account."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

RSU 21, which covers Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, told families about the issue in a letter Wednesday night.

"PowerSchool has made it very clear this was not a cyber attack directed at schools (including RSU 21), but rather a PowerSchool incident," the district's IT Director Jamie Jensen said. "Given the global use of PowerSchool, it may take some time to know the exact details of our specific situation."

According to reporting from WGME, Cumberland, Yarmouth and Lewiston schools were also impacted.

Kennebec Journal reporters Jake Freudberg and Emily Duggan contributed reporting.

Copy the Story Link
Two trams collided in a tunnel in France on Saturday afternoon injuring around fifty people, local authorities said.

The crash occurred in the eastern city of Strasbourg after one of the trams switched tracks and collided with a stationary tram at the citys central station, French broadcaster BFM TV said. The exact cause of the collision remains unclear but local media reported that one of the trams was reversing at the time.

Around fifty people are in a state of relative emergency, with injuries such as scalp wounds, clavicle fractures and knee sprains. But there are no critical injuries. It could have been much worse, Rene Cellier, the director of the Bas-Rhin Fire and Rescue Service said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Of the fifty people injured, fifteen were taken to hospital. An additional 100 people, though uninjured, were assessed for shock or stress, he added.

Emergency services deployed 130 firefighters and 50 rescue vehicles, with a wide safety perimeter established at the scene.

Credit: X

Strasbourgs Mayor Jeanne Barseghian and other top officials rushed to the station, where a video posted by a witness on social media showed a chaotic scene with the two trams significantly damaged in a tunnel near the station.

The footage appeared to show panicked travellers on the station platform attempting to prize open a trams doors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One of the trams appeared to have derailed as a result of the impact, and smoke filled the underground station.

A large security perimeter was set up in front of the station, where numerous ambulances took up position, according to a journalist at the scene working for Frances AFP news agency.

Paramedics and firefighters were seen loading injured people secured on stretchers into ambulances.

Police officers help a paramedic take an injured passenger to hospital - FREDERICK FLORIN

Johan, a witness who declined to give his last name, said that one of the trams reversed at full speed. There was a problem with the brakes, he told AFP. We heard a big impact, a big bang.

There was a brutal collision between two trams on the platform under the station, Ms Barseghian told reporters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was indeed a head-on collision after a tram reversed. We will have to wait for the conclusions of the investigation to know the causes of this accident, she added.

A manager from the public transport company Compagnie de Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS) said the two tram drivers escaped injury but were obviously in shock.

Philippe Tabarot, Frances transport minister, said that an investigation had been launched to clarify the circumstances.

Pierre Jakubowicz, a municipal councillor in Strasbourg, posted online: Major tram collision at Strasbourg station. Support and recognition for the emergency services mobilised and all my thoughts for the injured.

Strasbourgs mayor Jeanne Barseghian speaks to journalists outside the station - FREDERICK FLORIN

Bas-Rhin Fire and Rescue Service said on X: Tram accident at the Gare Centrale stop at Strasbourg. Numerous resources were mobilised.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Avoid the areas of Place des Halles, Gare, Boulevard du President Wilson and facilitate access for emergency services.

Strasbourg was the first major French city to install a tram network, starting in 1994. Strasbourg saw a similar incident in 1998 when one tramway collided with another in the same tunnel, wounding 17 people.

Located in the historic region of Alsace, the city is the official seat of the European Parliament.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
 Flash

Historical sites in Beijing, especially landmarks along the city's central axis, have seen a significant rise in foreign visitors since China further relaxed its visa-free transit policy in December.

Last November, China further expanded its unilateral visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from nine additional countries. Since it was first implemented two years ago, this pilot policy has now been applied to a total of 38 countries.

Moreover, the National Immigration Administration has introduced more than 100 measures to streamline the entry process for foreign visitors. These include optimizing visa-free policies, transit visa regulations and port visa procedures, which have made traveling to China much easier and boosted international exchanges.

Murali Reddy (left) and his family from New Zealand at the entrance to the Temple of Heaven Park in Dongcheng district, Beijing, Jan. 7, 2025. [Photo by Yan Bin/China.org.cn]

"This is the first time my family travel to China. The visa-free policy has truly made it extremely convenient for us to spend our vacation here. We are deeply impressed by the ancient buildings in Beijing," said New Zealand tourist Murali Reddy after viewing the city's Temple of Heaven.

"This is the first time me and my friend have come to China," said Alberto Coelho Pereira from Brazil. He obtained a 240-hour transit visa in Beijing upon landing in the city. "We have nearly 20 days of vacation. The relaxed visa policies enable us to stay in China for 10 days before moving on to other countries," he said. "This is a great opportunity for us to get to know Beijing and China." Pereira added that he plans to visit the Great Wall next during his trip.

The visa-free policy is a major move to facilitate people-to-people exchanges and advance high-standard opening up. From January to November 2024, over 29 million foreigners entered China, an increase of 86% year on year. Of these, more than 17 million entered using visa-free entry, a rise of 123% year on year. Meanwhile, the number of inbound tourists under the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy increased by 132% compared with last year.

Shaye Mulhall from Australia at the Temple of Heaven in Dongcheng district, Beijing, Jan. 7, 2025. [Photo by Yan Bin/China.org.cn]

"I was invited by my Chinese friends in Australia to come and travel in China and experience my first traditional Spring Festival here," tourist Shaye Mulhall told China.org.cn. Mulhall spent the first two days of his vacation in Tianjin and then came to Beijing for sightseeing. "It was so grand to see the fantastic ancient buildings along the central axis," he said, referring to his visit to the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven.

According to the 2024 Beijing Tourism Consumption Report, released recently by travel platform LY.com, Beijing maintained its position as the top inbound tourism destination in China. In addition, the Beijing Central Axis has remained a must-visit attraction since it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July last year.

To enhance its role as an international exchange center, the Beijing Central Axis will open more heritage spaces to the public, according to the site's office for cultural heritage application and protection. In addition, various heritage sites along the central axis will stage an array of cultural activities and performances including dragon and lion dances, cultural heritage protection walking tour, and flower fairs during the Spring Festival holiday to help both domestic and international tourists explore Beijing's culture and further enhance its tourism offerings.
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A daycare worker in Lebanon County will be spending time in prison for assaulting a child, online court records show.

Angela Bender, 58, of Lebanon, was sentenced by Judge Donna Brightbill Wednesday to two to ten years in prison, online court records show. She will also have to pay a fine.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Livestream Alerts

Bender pled guilty to charges of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child in October. Two other charges of aggravated assault that were filed against Bender were Noelle Prossed, meaning that it was decided not to prosecute her for those charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The three-year-old child was taken to the hospital in June 2023 for injuries that Bender claimed were from her dropping the child in the bathtub at daycare, State Police at Jonestown said in the charges.

However, the doctors report showed that the injuries were from abuse and not a drop, State Police said. Bruising was all over the toddlers face and the child had a subconjunctival hemorrhage in their left eye.

Bender got mad at the child who was blowing on her when she was in the bathroom trying to change the toddler, and hit the child in the face multiple times, the charges state.

Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here

When questioned at the State Police barracks, Bender admitted to assaulting the child.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Jan. 10Lebanon police officers used a vehicle as an "improvised ladder" to rescue three people stranded on the roof of their apartment building as it was inundated with flames late Thursday night.

Police and fire personnel were called to 39 Mechanic St., the same building as seasonal ice cream shop Dairy Twirl, for a reported fire in the second-floor apartment just before 11 p.m.

The three occupants were able to get out of the apartment, but were stranded on the roof and were in imminent danger, according to a news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officers who were only a short distance away observed the building's exterior staircase was fully engulfed in flames, the release said.

"Acting swiftly, the officers used a nearby vehicle as an improvised ladder, climbing onto the roof of the car to reach the stranded occupants," the release said. "Through their resourcefulness and quick thinking, they were able to get all occupants down to safety."

The fire caused significant damage, but no injuries were reported.

The New Hampshire Fire Marshal's Office has been notified and is assisting with the investigation.
By Tala Ramadan

(Reuters) -Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Damascus on Saturday in a bid to improve long-fraught ties, with the pair focusing on strengthening their shared border.

The trip was the first by a head of government to Syria since Bashar al-Assad was toppled by a sweeping rebel offensive on Dec. 8, and the first visit by a Lebanese premier to neighbouring Syria in 15 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ties between Damascus and Beirut have often been fraught since they became independent states in the 1940s.

The countries agreed to work together to secure their land borders and delineate their shared land and sea borders as a matter of priority, Mikati said following the meeting.

"At the top of the list of priorities is the demarcation of the land and sea borders between Lebanon and Syria" and securing the border to prevent illegal smuggling, he said

It has also become "urgent" to address the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and have them return home, according to a statement by his office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nearly 800,000 Syrians are registered as refugees in Lebanon, but officials estimate the number to be much higher and say they place a massive burden on Lebanese public services.

Al-Sharaa also named the border as his top priority, and said the two leaders had discussed Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks, which have been inaccessible due to a five-year financial crisis in Lebanon.

"We hope that the Lebanese people will abandon the mentality of the previous Syrian relationship in Lebanon and the negative relations that followed," Sharaa added, saying there was now an "opportunity to build a positive relationship."

For much of the Assad family's five decades in power, Syria held significant influence over Lebanon, maintaining a military presence there for 29 years until 2005 in the face of widespread opposition from many Lebanese.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Iran-backed Lebanese Shi'ite Islamist group Hezbollah played a major part in propping up toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during Syria's civil war, fighting the Sunni Islamist insurgents who toppled him.

In 2014, as war raged in Syria, Syrian Islamist rebels took Lebanese soldiers captive from the porous border area between the two countries, executing some of them.

Mikati was accompanied on his visit by Lebanon's foreign minister Abdullah Bou Habib, the head of Lebanon's general security agency, which is responsible for border management, and the head of Lebanon's military intelligence.

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun said following his election on Thursday that there was a historic opportunity for "serious and equitable dialogue" with Syria.

Sharaa congratulated Aoun on assuming the presidency.

(Reporting by Tala Ramadan in Dubai and Maya Gebeily in Beirut; Editing by Barbara Lewis and Conor Humphries)
We used to say: Only in America. But with Elon Musk busily highlighting Britains numerous state failings, the Americans may soon start adopting the catchphrase: Only in the UK.

Only in the UK would men of Pakistani origin be allowed to rape underage white girls and the authorities appear determined to cover it up.

Only in the UK would a government claiming to be at the service of its people block a public inquiry into the aforementioned scandal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Indeed, whats interesting about the US  and this has been highlighted by the reaction to the wildfires that have ripped through Los Angeles  is the shift in the public debate, particularly as it relates to the failure of government agencies or political leaders.

Nobody is buying the largely Democrat-propagated excuse that the disaster, which has so far killed 10 people and left neighbourhoods including Pacific Palisades in ashes, can be excused as entirely the fault of climate change.

Instead, residents whose homes have been ravaged have rightly turned their ire on those in charge. And these well-paid people in positions of power dont appear to be used to being held to account.

Returning from a junket to Ghana while the fires were still raging, Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, was asked by a Sky News reporter to apologise for her absence and for cutting her fire departments budget by nearly $17.6 million (14.5 million). No comment.

The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, who is ironically feted by the Hollywood types most affected by this tragedy, is under attack not just by Donald Trump but ordinary citizens, questioning why he reportedly slashed $150 million (123 million) from the states wildfire prevention budget (while preserving 90 per cent of the states climate budget).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Why did the fire hydrants run empty in a state bordering the Pacific Ocean? It makes old Blighty look positively proficient.

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 public has been horrified anew by the grooming gangs scandal. And so, in response, the Government has leapt into action.

Not by investigating the scandal itself. But by investigating the man whos drawn everyones attention to it.

According to the Mirror, the Governments counter-extremism unit has launched a probe into Elon Musks tweets to see if they create a risk to Britain. Apparently there are fears that his rants will trigger violence. A claim which suggests that any such violence will be the fault of Mr Musk. Rather than of, say, the grooming gangs themselves, or the politicians who are refusing to hold an inquiry into them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, its not just our Government thats panicking. It seems the entire Western Left wants to shut him down.

Humza Yousaf, the former First Minister of Scotland, says Mr Musk needs to be stopped, because hes one of the most dangerous men on the planet. A senior figure from Hope Not Hate, the Left-wing activist group, calls Mr Musk an international extremist. Meanwhile, according to Politico, up to 150 European Commission officials watched Mr Musks livestreamed interview with the leader of the AfD party on Thursday night, in order to check that it didnt break EU law and boost the German far Right.

You may ask why so many on the Left sound more outraged by Mr Musk than by the horrors hes tweeting about. Personally, though, I think they have good reason to be scared.

Not because Mr Musk is a threat to public order, as they claim. Its because hes a threat to the Left itself. Hes doing a far better job of exposing its cowardice and hypocrisy than any opposition party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So they arent frightened for us. Theyre frightened for their jobs.

Modern comedy is no laughing matter

In 1949, the BBC drew up a strict set of rules for producers of its comedy programmes. Humour must be clean and untainted directly or by association with vulgarity and suggestiveness, it sternly decreed. There is an absolute ban upon the following. Jokes about lavatories, effeminacy in men, immorality of any kind, suggestive references to honeymoon couples

Today such strictures may seem amusingly quaint. Frankly, though, were in no position to mock them. Because the comedy gatekeepers of the 2020s are even more humourless.

For proof, book a ticket to the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Its organisers have drawn up a Code of Conduct, which is to be assiduously followed by everyone involved  including the actual comedians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To help make the festival a safe, positive and inclusive space, they must think about what influences your words, opinions and feelings and who they might exclude or harm. They must make no derogatory remarks about an individuals body, manner or sexual activities. And, while the organisers believe artists must be free to express themselves, it is unacceptable to exacerbate or reinforce discriminatory or harmful behaviours or views. All content and work shared in our spaces must be performed with care and without malicious intent.

You may be wondering whether the comedians are actually permitted to tell jokes, and if so, what about. But it gets worse. Because, according to the Code of Conduct, everyone involved must acknowledge that bigotry is pervasive and entrenched in our industry and wider society.

All I can say is, I pity the poor comedians. Because God only knows how theyre going to squeeze this requirement into their act.

Perhaps: Why did the chicken cross the road? To join a mass protest against the apartheid state of Israels genocide of the people of occupied Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Or: An Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman walk into a bar. Quite rightly, the Irishman and the Scotsman hold the Englishman to account for his countrys shameful legacy of colonialism, slavery and oppression. The Englishman promises to educate himself and do better.

Little devil

Congratulations to the Northern Echo. We arent even midway through January, yet already its published what will surely be the greatest local news story of the year.

Its about a young couple in Redcar who have named their baby son Lucifer  and simply cant understand why so many people disapprove.

It has mostly been people from the older generation who have told us: You cant call him that, what will it be like when hes at school? says Jess Bell, the boys 25-year-old mother. But we are just normal, loving parents and certainly have no interest in associating our son with the devil, thats not what this is about. The name is lovely, and it actually means light-bringer  which is exactly what he has done for our lives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Little Lucifers father  Stefan Wake, 27  is equally bemused by the fuss. He does note, however, that the baby was born in delivery room six, and then taken with his mother to bed six in room six. The 666 was a fairly strange coincidence, he says.

At any rate, I for one am willing to believe that the couples intentions were perfectly innocent. All the same, I will be monitoring the Telegraphs births column for any further arrivals.

To Stefan and Jess, a beautiful son, Beelzebub. A brother for Lucifer, Mephistopheles, Old Nick and Prince of Darkness.

Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 7am every Tuesday and Saturday

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.
Donald Trump will return to the white house as a convicted felon. His sentence of "unconditional release" comes without a penalty. Andrew Weissmann and Marc Elias join The Weekend to weigh in.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little gives his annual State of the State address on Jan. 6, 2025, on the House floor at the Statehouse in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

In an effort to help Idahoans follow major bills, resolutions and memorials through the legislative process, the Idaho Capital Sun will begin to produce a legislative notebook at the end of each week to gather information in one place that concerns major happenings in the Legislature and state government.

Full disclosure: The legislative notebook wont be the be-all, end-all of legislative coverage with deep context and analysis. We hope youre signed up for our free emailed newsletter, The Sunrise, which includes all of our in-depth content and reporting from Idaho Capital Sun reporters, as well as reporting from our sister publications through our parent nonprofit States Newsroom and our D.C. bureau that brings you news from Capitol Hill each day.

Need to get in touch?

Have a news tip?

CONTACT US

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What the legislative notebook will be is a quick and dirty run-down of which bills were introduced, considered in committee, debated on the Idaho House and Senate floors, and updates on whether Idaho Gov. Brad Little has signed (or vetoed) major pieces of legislation into law.

It will also include any information we have on what Idahoans can expect in the following week of legislative action. Things can move very quickly during the session, especially toward the end of our legislators time in Boise (usually around the end of March or early April), and often agendas for committees are not posted until the evening before a committee meets. Well do the best we can to prepare you for the following week with that in mind.

Well also include a few fun observations that we have as we make our way through the session, including quotes and social media posts of the week, photos that may not make it into our usual coverage, and any other odds and ends that we find interesting or helpful to you as you track how legislators are spending their time.

Idaho Gov. Brad Littles State of the State address

Idaho Gov. Brad Little began the states 2025 legislative session on Monday by calling for additional investments in public schools, new tax cuts and bonuses for wildland firefighters in a 22-minute speech before state lawmakers and other public officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Increasing funding for public schools, providing raises for teachers, cutting taxes, reducing regulations and bolstering state savings accounts all featured heavily in the speech. New this year: The governor proposed $50 million to further expand educational options for Idaho families by using public dollars for private and religious education funding options, commonly referred to as school choice.

In conjunction with his State of the State address, Little released a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on Monday. The budget proposal includes $5.2 billion in general fund expenditures, a 4.6% increase from the current budget.

Littles budget proposal leaves a $200 million ending balance at the end of the fiscal year and a record $1.4 billion saved in state rainy day funds.

Legislation of interest during the first week of the 2025 session

House Concurrent Resolution 2: Sponsored by Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, the resolution commends the Boise State University volleyball team for forfeiting its matches against San Jose State University in protest of the team having a transgender athlete. It reaffirms Idahos commitment to protecting female athletes under Title IX, and it calls on the Mountain West Conference and the NCAA to revoke its policies allowing transgender athletes to participate in sports. It was introduced in the House State Affairs Committee on Tuesday, and on Thursday it was approved by the committee and sent to the House floor for consideration with a do pass recommendation. It is on the Houses third reading calendar and may be taken up in the coming days of the session

House Joint Memorial 1: Sponsored by Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, the memorial introduced Tuesday pushes to restore the authority of defining marriage to the states and urges the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex marriage. It calls for the definition of marriage to be a union of one man and one woman. The memorial may be taken up by the House State Affairs Committee for a full public hearing in the coming days of the session.

House Bill 2: Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, the bill introduced Wednesday would increase the needed majority to pass a citizen-led ballot initiative or referendum by Idaho voters from a simple majority threshold of 50% up to 60%. The bill may be taken up by the House State Affairs Committee for a full public hearing in the coming days of the session.

House Bill 7: Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, the bill introduced Thursday would implement a $300 minimum fine for adults possessing three ounces or less of marijuana. The bill may be taken up by the Idaho House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for a full public hearing in the coming days of the session.

What to expect next week at the Idaho Legislature

Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee

On Monday, the committee will consider budget information relating to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

On Friday, the committee is expected to set the maintenance budgets for all state agencies. The committees co-chairmen describe maintenance budgets as bare bones versions of last years budgets, with all of the one-time money and projects removed. The maintenance budgets are simply meant to keep the lights on for state agencies.

Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee

On Monday, the committee is expected to hold an introductory hearing for anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) draft legislation brought forward by Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa.

Quote of the week

Just like we do with every taxpayer dollar that is spent in government, we will ensure there is oversight in school choice. Why? Because accountability in government is an Idaho value, and it is what taxpayers demand and deserve. Just as we expect the following from our public schools, any school choice measure I would consider must be done the Idaho way, which means it is fair, responsible, transparent and accountable. It must prioritize the families that need it most and it must not take funds away from public schools.  Idaho Gov. Brad Little in his 2025 State of the State address

Social media post of the week

Photo of the week

Idaho Gov. Brad Little (right) holds the door for the delegation of legislators, including Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, selected to escort him to the House chamber to give his annual State of the State address on Jan. 6, 2025 at the Statehouse in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

How to follow the Idaho Legislature and Idaho Gov. Brad Littles work during the session Here are a few tools we use to track the Legislatures business and how to let your voice be heard in the issues that matter most to you. How to find your legislators: To determine which legislative district you live in, and to find contact information for your legislators within that district, go to the Legislative Services Offices website and put in your home address and ZIP code. Once youve entered that information, the three legislators  two House members and one senator  who represent your district will appear, and you can click on their headshots to find their email address and phone number. How to find committee agendas: Go to the Idaho Legislatures website, legislature.idaho.gov, and click on the all available Senate committee agendas link and the all available House committee agendas link on the right side of the website. How to watch the legislative action in committees and on the House and Senate floors: Idaho Public Television works in conjunction with the Legislative Services Office and the Idaho Department of Administration through a program called Idaho in Session to provide live streaming for all legislative committees and for the House and Senate floors. To watch the action, go to https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/Legislature/ and select the stream youd like to watch. How to testify remotely at public hearings before a committee: To sign up to testify remotely for a specific committee, navigate to that committees webpage, and click on the testimony registration (remote and in person) tab at the top. How to find state budget documents: Go to Legislative Services Office Budget and Policy Analysis Divisions website https://legislature.idaho.gov/lso/bpa/budgetinformation/. How to track which bills have made it to Gov. Littles desk and any action he took on them (including vetoes): Go to the governors website https://gov.idaho.gov/legislative-sessions/2025-session/. You can scroll down to the bottom of the site and enter your email address to get alerts sent straight to your inbox when the page has been updated.



SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Commercial fishing boats are lined up at the dock at Seward's harbor on June 22, 2024. A legislative task force has come up with preliminary recommendations to help the ailing Alaska seafood industry. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska lawmakers from fishing-dependent communities say they have ideas for ways to rescue the states beleaguered seafood industry, with a series of bills likely to follow.

Members of a legislative task force created last spring now have draft recommendations that range from the international level, where they say marketing of Alaska fish can be much more robust, to the hyper-local level, where projects like shared community cold-storage facilities can cut costs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The draft was reviewed at a two-day hearing in Anchorage Thursday and Friday of the Joint Legislative Task Force Evaluating Alaskas Seafood Industry. It will be refined in the coming days, members said.

The bill that created the task force, Senate Concurrent Resolution 10, sets a deadline for a report to the full Legislature of Jan. 21, which is the scheduled first day of the session. However, a final task force report may take a little longer and be submitted as late as Feb. 1, said Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, the groups chair.

The draft is a good start to what is expected to be a session-long process, said Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, a task force member.

We can hit the ground running because were got some good solid ideas, Stutes said in closing comments on Friday. The session can last until May 20 without the Legislature voting to extend it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another task force member, Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, urged his colleagues to focus on the big picture and the main goals.

We need to take a look at how we can increase market share for Alaska seafood and how we can increase value. Those two things arent easy, but those are the only two things that are going to matter long term. Everything else is just throwing deck chairs off the Titanic, he said Friday.

Many of the recommended actions on subjects like insurance and allocations, if carried out, are important but incremental, Bjorkman said. If the ships going down, that stuff isnt going to matter, he said.

Alaskas seafood industry is beset by crises in nearly all fishing regions of the state and affecting nearly all species.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Economic forces, heavily influenced by international turmoil and a glut of competing Russian fish dumped on world markets, have depressed prices. Meanwhile, operating costs have risen sharply. Climate change and other environmental factors have triggered crashes in stocks that usually support economically important fisheries; Bering Sea king and snow crab fisheries, for example, were closed for consecutive years because stocks were wiped out after a sustained and severe marine heatwave.

Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, listen to testimony on Thursday from Nicole Kimball of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association. Kimball was among the industry representatives who presented information at the two-day hearing, held on Thursday and Friday, of the Joint Legislative Task Force Evaluating Alaskas Seafood Industry. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

In all, the Alaska seafood industry lost $1.8 billion from 2022 to 2023, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Those problems inspired the creation of the task force last spring. The group has been meeting regularly since the summer.

The draft recommendations that have emerged from the task forces work address marketing, product development, workforce shortages, financing, operating costs, insurance and other aspects of seafood harvesting, processing and sales.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One set of recommendations focuses on fisheries research. These call for more state and federal funding and an easy system for fisheries and environmental scientists from the state, federal government and other entities to share data quickly.

The draft recommends several steps to encourage development of new products and markets for them, including non-traditional products like protein powder, nutritional supplements and fish oil. Mariculture should be expanded, with permitting and financing made easier, according to the draft.

The draft recommendations also propose some changes in the structure of seafood taxes levied on harvesters and processors, along with new tax incentives for companies to invest in modernization, product diversification and sustainability.

Other recommendations are for direct aid to fishery workers and fishing-dependent communities in the form of housing subsidies or even development of housing projects. Shortages of affordable housing have proved to be a major challenge for communities and companies, the draft notes. More investment in worker training  using public-private partnerships  and the creation of tax credits or grants to encourage Alaska-resident hire, are also called for in the draft recommendations.

Expanded duties for ASMI?

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, the state agency that promotes Alaska seafood domestically and internationally, figures large in the draft recommendations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The draft calls for more emphasis on the quality and sustainability of Alaska fish and, in general, more responsibilities for ASMI. An example is the recommended expansion of ASMIs duties to include promotion of Alaska mariculture. That would require legislation, such as an early version of bill that was sponsored by outgoing Rep. Dan Ortiz, I-Ketchikan. It would also require mariculture operators willingness to pay into the program.

But ASMI, as it is currently configured, is not equipped to tackle such expanded operations, lawmakers said. Even obtaining modest increases in funding for ASMI has proved to be a challenge. A $10 million increase approved by the Legislature last year was vetoed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who cited a failure by ASMI to develop a required plan for the money.

The governors proposed budget released in December includes an increase in state money for ASMI, but his suggestion that $10 million in new funding be spread over three years falls far short of what the organization needs, Stevens said at the time.

Incoming House Speaker and task force member Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, said there will probably be a need to reorganize or restructure ASMI to make it more autonomous. That might mean partnering with a third party and the creation of more managerial and financial independence from whoever happens to be in political office at the time, as he explained it.

House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, and Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, listen to information presented on Thursday at a hearing held by the Joint Legislative Task Force Evaluating Alaskas Seafood Industry. Edgmon and Bjorkman are two of the eight task force members. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

The umbilical cord needs to be perhaps cut to some degree, Edgmon said on Friday, during the hearings public comment period. The solution could be to make ASMI more of a private entity, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Because the world is changing. Its a global marketplace. We need to have ASMI to have as large a presence as possible, he said.

But for now, ASMI and plans for its operations have been constricted by political concerns. People are afraid of how its going to go back to the governors office, Edgmon said.

Federal assistance

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, spoke to the task force on Thursday about ways the federal government could help the Alaska seafood industry.

One recent success, she said, is passage of the bipartisan Fishery Improvement to Streamline Untimely Regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation Act, known as the FISHES Act, which was signed into law a few days earlier.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The act establishes a system to speed fisheries disaster aid. It can take two to three years after a fisheries disaster is declared for relief funds to reach affected individuals, businesses and communities, and that is unacceptable, Murkowski said. The bill addresses that situation, though not perfectly. Its still not the best that it could be, she said.

Another helpful piece of federal legislation that is pending, she said, is the Working Waterfronts Bill she introduced in February. The bill contains provisions to improve coastal infrastructure, coastal energy systems and workforce development.

More broadly, Murkowski said she and others continue to push for legislation or policies to put seafood and fisheries on the same footing as agriculture. That includes the possibility of fishery disaster insurance similar to the crop insurance that is available to farmers, she said.

But getting federal action on seafood, or even attention to it, can be difficult, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is a reality that we have faced, certainly since my time in the senate, that seafood has been viewed as kind of an afterthought by many when it comes to a food resource, a source of protein, she said.

Inclusion of seafood in even simple programs can be difficult to achieve, she said. She cited the U.S. Department of Agricultures decision, announced in April, to include canned salmon as a food eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC. She and others had been working for several years to win that approval, she said.

Tariffs a looming threat

Seafood can also be an afterthought in federal trade policy, Murkowski said.

Jeremy Woodrow, at right, fields questions from lawmakers on Thursday at an Anchorage hearing of the Joint Legislative Task Force Evaluating Alaskas Seafood Industry. Woodrow is executive director of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. Next to him is Tim Lamkin, a legislative aide for Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, the task force chair. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Tariffs that President-elect Donald Trump has said he intends to impose on U.S. trade partners pose a serious concern to Alaskas seafood industry, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The president-elect has made very, very, very, very clear that this is going to be a new administration and were going to use tariffs to our advantage. I dont know what exactly to expect from that, she said.

In the past, tariffs imposed by the U.S. government have been answered with retaliatory tariffs that cause problems for seafood and other export-dependent industries.

Jeremy Woodrow, ASMIs executive director, has similar warnings about tariffs, noting that about 70% of the Alaska seafood, as measured by value, is sold to markets outside of the U.S.

We tend to be, as an industry, collateral damage in a lot of trade relationships. Were not the main issue. And that usually is a bad outcome for seafood, he told the committee on Thursday.

To avoid or mitigate problems, Alaska leaders and the Alaska industry will have to respond quickly and try to educate trade officials about tariff impacts on seafood exports, Woodrow said.

Task force members expressed concerns about impacts to the export-dependent Alaska industry.

If we raise tariffs on another country, wont they simply turn around and raise tariffs on us? asked Stevens.

Tariffs on Chinese products, which Trump has suggested repeatedly, could cause particular problems for Alaska seafood, Stutes said. She pointed to the companies that send fish, after initial processing, to China for further processing in preparation for sale to final markets, some of which are back in the U.S.

If there is a huge tariff put on products going and coming from China, that would seem to me to have another huge gut shot to those processors that are sending their fish out for processing, Stutes said.

Bjorkman, a former high school government teacher, said history shows the dangers of aggressive tariff policies.

The isolationist America-first approach, as carried out at turns over the past 150 years, hasnt worked out very well. Its been real bad, Bjorkman said. As an alternative, he suggested broader seafood promotions, backed by federal or multistate support, to better compete in the international marketplace.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
BEIJING  As he prepares to leave Beijing, the U.S. envoy to China feels relations between the two rival powers are the most stable theyve been in recent years. But theres no guarantee they will stay that way.

It remains a very challenging, often very contentious and in a long-term way deeply competitive relationship, Ambassador Nicholas Burns told NBC News in an interview this week. And you cant get around that. Were rivals for global power.

Still, the worlds two biggest economies have learned that weve got to talk to each other, Burns said, adding that there are times when we have to work with China because its in the American national interest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

China is increasingly challenging the U.S.-led international order that has been in place since the end of World War II, working to various degrees with Russia, Iran and North Korea.

The two countries have profound differences on issues such as trade, technology, the status of Taiwan and human rights, and blame each other for cyberattacks and the deadly U.S. fentanyl crisis.

U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns.

Chinas been unduly provocative in the Taiwan Strait with its military maneuvers, Burns said, adding that Beijing has made a major mistake and continues with that mistake in helping Russia to prosecute its illegal and barbaric war against Ukraine.

Beijing denies that it is aiding the Russian war machine or carrying out cyberattacks on the U.S. that Burns said are on a scale of lethality that is unprecedented.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Burns is winding down his job after nearly three years of managing the day-to-day tensions of what is often described as the worlds most important bilateral relationship and navigating some of its lowest points in decades.

If Beijing wants to maintain the newfound stability in ties, I think the onus is on the government here in China to make that happen, Burns said.

One thing the Chinese government can do, he said, is lift its sanctions on Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., if he is confirmed as President-elect Donald Trumps secretary of state. Rubio and other U.S. lawmakers were sanctioned in 2020 over their criticism of authorities crackdown on dissent in the Chinese territory of Hong Kong.

They have to talk to the American secretary of state, Burns said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Burns declined to comment directly on how the incoming Trump administration might manage the U.S.-China relationship, though he said he had been in touch with former Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., whom Trump has said he will nominate as his China ambassador.

Trump has advocated a tougher approach toward the country than the Biden administration.

Then-President Donald Trump with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2019.

In what may be indirect advice to Trump and his Cabinet appointees, Burns emphasized the importance of talking with China as well as maintaining regional alliances the Biden administration has fortified in order to counter Chinas influence, the future of which is uncertain as Trump begins a second term.

We have got to keep our allies close to us, Burns said, pointing to South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Australia and India.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Working with allies multiplies and expands American power in trying to deter some of these really pernicious actions by China, Russia and others, Burns said.

Thats one way to compete with China effectively, to win part of the competition for power, but also to keep the peace with China, he said.

Slowly thawing ties

In-person diplomacy was disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic, which kept Chinas borders closed for three years. During this time, the previous Trump administration ratcheted up criticism of Beijings handling of the outbreak, which began in China.

When Burns arrived in Beijing in March 2022 to take up his post, he spent most of the first month of his job in quarantine at the ambassadors residence, unable to meet anybody even as the relationship he was tasked with steering was heading to new lows.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the same time, Chinese nationalism and anti-Western sentiment surged across state media and online platforms here, and the people-to-people exchanges that Burns likes to call the ballast of the relationship have never really recovered.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has the tightest grip on power here since Mao Zedong, and has carried out an internal campaign against corruption that, during Burns term alone, saw a foreign minister and two defense ministers expelled from their positions and the public eye. The heightened scrutiny has made some Chinese officials, academics and average citizens more reluctant to engage with foreigners.

Relations hit their lowest point in decades in August 2022, when Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the House speaker at the time, visited the Beijing-claimed island of Taiwan over Chinas objections. They sank even lower in early 2023, when the American military shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon that had been spotted over the continental United States.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, left, and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei, Taiwan, in 2022.

It took us a while to dig out of that, Burns said. Since then, both sides have moved to stabilize ties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

China has only recently resumed direct military and other communications that were cut off in protest over Pelosis visit. The head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has since had two meetings with his Chinese counterpart.

Thats significant because were trying to drive down the probability or the chance of any kind of accident or misunderstanding between our military forces, Burns said.

Another example of improved cooperation, he said, is in addressing the U.S. fentanyl crisis, one of the areas where Biden and Xi agreed to cooperate at a summit in California in November 2023. Many of the precursor chemicals used to make the deadly opioid originate in China before being processed into fentanyl in Mexico and other countries, then smuggled into the U.S.

We have begun to see action from the government of China, Burns said, including 300 arrests, the shutdown of online sales of illicit chemicals and the scheduling of 55 synthetic opioids and precursor chemicals as prohibited for export.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Burns pointed to other successes in the Biden administration, including the release of four Americans who had been detained in China for years: David Lin in September, and Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung in November.

President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit in California in 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To meet them at the airport, to give them their passports, to tell them that they were free people again was an extraordinary moment, certainly for me as the American ambassador, Burns said.

Though all Americans the State Department considered wrongfully detained by China have been released, hundreds of others remain imprisoned on various charges, more than in any other foreign country. They continue to receive consular assistance.

In the interest of keeping the lines of communication open, Burns urged members of Congress from both parties to make greater efforts to visit China.

I have hawkish views on the relationship between China and the United States. Many members of Congress do, too, he said. But youve got to be here to understand the adversary and to talk to the adversary and to know the reality on the ground.

Janis Mackey Frayer reported from Beijing, and Jennifer Jett reported from Hong Kong.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LG Electronics has been involved in robotics for a while now, offering service robots such as the LG CLOi ServeBot and GuideBot, which are primarily wheeled robots with limited mobility and dexterity.

With its latest announcement at CES 25, the South Korean giant is poised to compete with cross-town rivals like Hyundai Motor Group and Samsung Electronics, both of which have made significant investments in developing humanoid robots. These bipedal AI robots, designed to resemble the human form, aim to work alongside humans to enhance productivity, the company stated.

Bipedal AI robots aimed at boosting human productivity

LG Electronics Chief Executive Cho Joo-wan emphasized that robots are the future of mankind during a press event at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. He highlighted that the company is focusing on developing humanoid robots for the home, positioning itself at the heart of the robot race.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The company plans to launch its AI agent, codenamed Q9, later this year after beta testing in February and March, with the Q9 serving as the foundation model for its humanoid robot, the Korea Economic Daily reported.

Kim Byung-hoon, vice president and CTO of LG Electronics, explained that the company is researching essential technologies for developing humanoid robots, such as hand gestures and gait, based on the cognitive and articulation technologies used in Q9.

Earlier this week, LG Electronics announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft to combine their technologies and drive AI innovations. The two companies will collaborate on developing AI agents, including Q9, for use in homes, vehicles, hotels, and offices.

Humanoid robot race heats up

The company is considering offering AI agent Q9 as a subscription service or integrating it with its AI smart home platform, LG ThinQ, when it launches in September in Korea to make it more accessible to users.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The competition in the global humanoid robot race has intensified, with tech giants like Tesla entering the field. Last year, Tesla introduced the second generation of its humanoid robot, Optimus, with plans for commercial deployment this year. Other companies, including Honda Motor and Boston Dynamics, owned by Hyundai Motor, are also actively developing their own humanoid robots.

Tesla's CEO Elon Musk revealed that he is committed to developing the Optimus robot program, envisioning a future where these humanoid machines will transform various industries. With over 1,000 robots expected to be integrated into Tesla's manufacturing by 2025, Musk predicts that Optimus could help the company achieve a $25 trillion valuation.

Tesla expects significant profits, with production costs of $10,000 and a price of around $20,000 per unit. Musk predicts a global market for one billion robots annually, with Tesla capturing 10% of that market. Optimus has already shown the ability to perform autonomous operations and dexterous tasks, with full software expected by 2026.
PRNewswire Panaji (Goa) [India], January 11: Zlata Pharma LLP hosted a memorable event to mark the launch of its new wellness product range, marking a significant milestone. At the heart of the evening was the shared vision of positioning Goa prominently on India's pharmaceutical map, with a mission to establish Zlata Pharma as a key player in the healthcare sector over the next 3-5 years. Zlata Pharma's unveiling of its new product range marked a significant milestone. The products include Pain Relief, a Balm for headaches and colds, a Spray for targeted relief on the back, neck, and joints, and a Gel for sprains and body aches. Additionally, Zlata is entering the Sexual Wellness category with the launch of Sambhog. As the company expands its footprint into new categories, Zlata will remain its flagship brand, embodying innovation and excellence in the healthcare sector. The occasion was graced by Dr. Shri Shekhar Salkar, MS. FICS ONCO, along with Dr. Tarak Arolkar, Chairman, Zlata Pharma LLP, Harshad Sadvelkar, Managing Director, Zlata Pharma LLP, Rajesh Dalvi, Chief Executive Officer, Zlata Pharma, Amit Falari, Chief Finance Officer and Pratap Naik, Chief Operating Officer participated in a ceremonial lamp-lighting, embodying hope and the power of collective action. Dr. Shri Shekhar Salkar, MS. FICS ONCO, praised Zlata Pharma's commitment to innovation and healthcare excellence Zlata Pharma's dedication to merging traditional wisdom with modern science is truly commendable. Their Pain Relief Range, reflects an unwavering commitment to improving lives across India. It is heartening to see a company born in Goa stepping forward with such innovation and purpose, creating solutions that resonate with the needs of millions. I am confident that Zlata Pharma will continue to set benchmarks in healthcare, making a meaningful impact not just in the state, but nationwide." Shri Harshad Sadvelkar, Managing Director of Zlata Pharma, shared his excitement for the future. "We are incredibly excited about the future and the immense opportunities ahead. At Zlata Pharma, we are deeply committed to positioning Goa as a central hub for pharmaceutical innovation and cutting-edge research. Our goal is to not only generate high-quality employment across India but also to build a workforce that is as passionate and driven as we are. Our success will be measured by the impact we make on the healthcare sector and our ability to serve communities with trustworthy and effective solutions. This is not just a business initiative; it is a commitment to contributing meaningfully to India's healthcare landscape. As we grow, we aim to create a sustainable legacy that empowers both Goa and the nation." Chairman of Zlata Pharma LLP Shri Tarak Arolkar stated, "Our journey is just beginning, and while the road ahead is full of challenges, our aspirations are clear and unwavering. Zlata Pharma is driven by a mission to make a real difference in the pharmaceutical industry, in Goa, and in the lives of those who place their trust in us. Our vision is one of long-term growth, where we continue to innovate and lead with purpose. Goa is not just where we do business - it's our home, our foundation, and the source of our values. As we look to expand nationally and globally, we are committed to staying true to our roots and building a company that reflects the spirit of this great state, while contributing to the broader healthcare narrative. We believe that our success will ultimately be a success for Goa, for India, and for all those who stand with us." The gathering beautifully blended cultural pride, a commitment to innovation, and a shared vision of shaping a brighter future for the healthcare industry. As the guests lingered over conversations and a sumptuous dinner, one thing was clear - Zlata Pharma's launch was not just a milestone for the company but a step toward building a legacy that combines innovation, opportunity, and human connection. With its strong roots in Goa and a vision to impact healthcare on a national scale, Zlata Pharma is poised to not only make a mark in the industry but also inspire a sense of pride and purpose for the community it calls home. About Zlata Pharma LLP Zlata Pharma LLP, a newly incorporated company based in Goa, founded by a team of seasoned Goan industry professionals ventured into the highly competitive and fast-growing Pain Relief Category. The management is excited to announce the launch of its latest Pain Relief Range, composed to relieve millions of Indians from aches and pains of multiple types. This new product brings the age-old, tried and tested goodness of exceptional quality, and reliable relief. Zlata will be the flagship brand of the company going forward, as it expands its footprint into new categories. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2595479/Product_Launch_Zlata_Pharma_LLP.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The library at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in South Salt Lake is pictured on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Karen Grant and fellow school librarians throughout New Jersey have heard an increasingly loud chorus of parents and conservative activists demanding that certain books  often about race, gender and sexuality  be removed from the shelves.

In the past year, Grant and her colleagues in the Ewing Public Schools just north of Trenton updated a 3-decade-old policy on reviewing parents challenges to books they see as pornographic or inappropriate. Grants team feared that without a new policy, the district would immediately bend to someone who wanted certain books banned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Around the same time, state lawmakers in Trenton were readying legislation to set a book challenge policy for the entire state, preventing book bans based solely on the subject of a book or the authors background or views, while also protecting public and school librarians from legal or civil liabilities from people upset by the reading materials they offer.

When Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed that measure into law last month, Grant breathed a little easier.

We just hear so many stories of our librarians feeling threatened and targeted, said Grant, who works at Parkway Elementary School and serves as president of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians. This has been a wrong, an injustice that needs to be made right.

Amid a national rise in book bans in school libraries and new laws in some red states that threaten criminal penalties against librarians, a growing number of blue states are taking the opposite approach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

State leaders are demonstrating that censorship has no place in their state and that the freedom to read is a principle that is supported and protected.

 Kasey Meehan, director of the Freedom to Read program at PEN America

New Jersey joined at least five other states  California, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington  that have passed legislation within the past two years that aims to preserve access to reading materials that deal with racial and sexual themes, including those about the LGBTQ+ community.

Conservative groups have led the effort to ban materials to shield children from what they deem as harmful content. In the 2023-24 school year, there were 10,000 instances of book bans across the U.S.  nearly three times as many as the year before, according to a recent report by PEN America, a nonprofit that advocates for literary freedom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Certain books are harmful to children  just like drugs, alcohol, Rated R movies and tattoos are harmful to them, Kit Hart, chair of the Carroll County, Maryland, chapter of Moms for Liberty, a national organization leading the book banning effort, wrote in an email.

But some states are now safeguarding librarians and the books they offer.

State leaders are demonstrating that censorship has no place in their state and that the freedom to read is a principle that is supported and protected, said Kasey Meehan, director of the Freedom to Read program at PEN America, which has been tracking book bans since 2021.

The drive to ban certain books is not waning, however. While a handful of states fight censorship in school libraries, some communities within those states are attempting to retake local control and continuing to remove materials that conservative local officials regard as lurid and harmful to children.

Lives are in the balance

The New Jersey measure not only sets minimum standards for localities when they adopt a policy on how books are curated or can be challenged but also prevents school districts from removing material based on the origin, background, or views of the library material or those contributing to its creation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The law also gives librarians immunity from civil and criminal liability for good faith actions.

New Jersey state Sen. Andrew Zwicker, a Democrat who introduced the legislation, said until recently he thought that book bans were a disturbing trend, but one limited to other states. But early last year, he went to a brunch event and met a school librarian who told him she faced a torrent of verbal and online abuse for refusing to remove a handful of books with LGBTQ+ themes from her librarys shelves.

Thats when I realized that I was so horribly mistaken, that these attacks on librarians and on the freedom to read were happening everywhere, Zwicker told Stateline. I went up to her and asked, What can I do?

He said hes already heard from lawmakers in Rhode Island who are considering introducing a similar measure this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A child who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community can read a memoir like Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe and feel seen for the first time in their lives, he said.

I do not think its an overstatement to say that lives are in the balance here, that these books are that important to people, and that librarians are trusted gatekeepers to ensure that whats on the shelf of a library has been curated and is appropriate, Zwicker said.

These new state laws, several of which are titled the Freedom to Read Act, passed almost entirely along party lines, with unanimous Democratic support.

In New Jersey, Republican state Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who has worked in schools for the past 18 years, including as an English teacher, vehemently opposed the measure. She did not respond to an interview request.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This isnt puritanical parents saying, Oh, I dont want my child to learn how babies are made, she said during a September committee hearing. Thats ridiculous, and we all know it.

She added, What I do want is for us to be able to have an honest conversation about some of what is in these texts that is extraordinarily inappropriate for that grade level.

Enforcement and penalties

Legislation differs by state, including in enforcement and how to penalize noncompliant localities.

In Illinois, for example, school districts risk losing thousands of dollars in state grant funding if they violate the states new law discouraging book bans. But as the Chicago Tribune reported last month, that financial penalty was not enough to persuade many school districts throughout the state to comply, with administrators saying they are concerned about giving up local control on school decisions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several school districts in other states have similarly rebelled.

North of Minneapolis, St. Francis Area Schools board last month decided it would consult with conservative group BookLooks to determine which books it will buy for its school libraries. BookLooks uses a 0-through-5 rating system that flags books for violent and sexual content.

Under its rating system, books that have long had a place in school libraries  such as the Holocaust memoir Night by Elie Wiesel or I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou  would require parental consent to read.

Asked about the school district potentially violating state law, school board member Amy Kelly, who led the drive to use BookLooks, declined to be interviewed. Karsten Anderson, superintendent of St. Francis Area Schools, also declined an interview request.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Maryland, Carroll County schools led the state in banning books in recent years, removing in the 2023-2024 school year at least 59 titles that were sexually explicit, according to a tally by PEN America.

Schools should not allow children to see kink and porn, wrote Hart, of Moms for Liberty. She got involved in the effort more than three years ago, saying she wanted to protect her five children and parents rights to make educational decisions.

She pointed to one book to make her point: Lets Talk About It: The Teens Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human, a nonfiction book in graphic novel form by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan that seeks to educate teenagers about anatomy and consensual and safe sex. The book explores other issues of gender and sexuality, as well. Hart likened the books illustrations showing different ways of having sex to erotica.

Parents who provide their children with alcohol or drugs, or to give them a tattoo would rightly be charged with crimes, she wrote Stateline in an email. Schools that provide children with sexually explicit content are negligent at best.

The future of book bans

Around 8,000 of the more than 10,000 instances of banned books during the 2023-24 school year were in Florida and Iowa schools, according to PEN America. Lawmakers in those states enacted legislation in 2023 that created processes for school districts to remove books that have sexual content.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Iowa now requires that reading materials offered in schools be age-appropriate, while the Florida law ensures that books challenged for depicting or describing sexual conduct be removed from shelves while the challenge is processed by the district.

Some of those banned books included classics, such as Roots by Alex Haley and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

Over the past year, lawmakers in Idaho, Tennessee and Utah passed measures that ban certain reading materials that deal with sex or are otherwise deemed inappropriate, according to a December report from EveryLibrary, an Illinois-based organization that advocates against book bans. Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed similar legislation in June.

Laws that allow for book bans have been the subject of several lawsuits in recent years, as plaintiffs argue those measures violate constitutional protections of free expression.

Late last month, a federal judge struck down parts of a 2023 Arkansas law that threatened prison time for librarians who distribute harmful material to minors. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, a Republican, announced the state would appeal the decision.

EveryLibrary is tracking 26 bills in five states that lawmakers will consider this year that would target books with sexual and racial themes.

The organized effort to remove books because of LGBTQ+ or racial themes will continue, said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Associations Office for Intellectual Freedom.

The association, which tracks book bans as part of its mission to support libraries and information science, found that most of the top banned books around the country had LGBTQ+ protagonists.

Librarians have always been all about providing individuals with access to the information they need, whether its for education, for enrichment, for understanding, she said in an interview. Censorship is diametrically opposed to that mission.

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.
Jan. 10LIMA  The Lima Police Department, Allen County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies in the Lima region may begin charging fees to process public record requests for body-worn camera footage and other video records.

Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation this month permitting law enforcement agencies to charge up to $75 an hour to process footage from body-worn cameras, cruiser cameras and surveillance cameras inside county jails for the public.

The law, which takes effect in April, sets the maximum fee at $750 per request for each department involved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials from area law enforcement agencies like the Lima Police Department, Allen County Sheriff's Office, Wapakoneta Police Department and Shawnee Township Police Department say they are reviewing the law to update their policies, with the intent of charging an hourly rate to process body camera videos and other video records for the public.

Currently, law enforcement agencies may charge the public for physical copies of public records like flash drives or disks, but cannot charge a fee to process those records.

'It's not meant to be a moneymaker'

Police chiefs and records clerks defend the fees as a way to compensate for the excess time it takes to redact private information like Social Security numbers, nudity or faces of crime victims who did not consent to being identified in a public record.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A five-minute video from a traffic stop may take Nikki Sawmiller an hour to redact if she needs to blur out images of a person's driver's license, which contains personal information she cannot release to the public, she said.

Police started wearing cameras to boost transparency and public trust. But the Wapakoneta Police Department records clerk said she is inundated by requests from people who publish the videos on social media, which results in delays to process those records for the public.

Department officials are considering a "minimal" fee, which Sawmiller said will likely be lower than the $75 per hour rate permitted by law, so they can purchase better redaction software and improve response times.

"It's not meant to be a moneymaker," Sawmiller said, "and it's not meant to deprive people who are requesting [videos] for reasons outside of putting it on social media for monetary gain for themselves."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

'Clog up' the system

Supporters of the legislation cite the influx of social media influencers and professional YouTube creators using body camera videos to attract an audience to their digital businesses, which further strains a labor-intensive process for the law enforcement agencies tasked with processing the footage.

The Shawnee Township Police Department started receiving mass public records requests from websites seeking body camera videos of people resisting arrest at least two years ago, Chief Robert Kohli said.

Kohli recalled one case in which he approved eight hours of overtime for his staff to process video for an incident involving several officers. "I have a guy who's off for a whole day doing that," Kohli said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Small departments like the Putnam County Sheriff's Office often pull deputies from patrol to process the records, as they cannot afford to employ full-time records clerks to fulfill public records requests.

Even departments with full-time records clerks report being overwhelmed by requests for body camera videos, which pull clerks away from other duties like processing court records for prosecutors and defense attorneys.

"[Their] purpose is to clog up the workings of what our records clerks would do on a daily basis," said Lt. Matt Douglass, public information officer for the Lima Police Department.

'We pay them'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Civil rights groups like the Lima NAACP opposed the measure, which critics say could prevent the public from accessing video records when there are disputes between civilians and law enforcement.

"We pay law enforcement, from the street level through the entire criminal justice system," Lima NAACP President Ron Fails said. "We pay them. ... Now you want to put an additional burden on the public who is paying to access information that could be pertinent to their own defense?"

Fails said the civil rights group relies on body camera videos to assess complaints from the public. Many of the people who file complaints with the group cannot afford the $35 membership, he said.

Fails cited at least one incident from Celina in which the group dismissed a complaint from a man whom the Lima NAACP learned pointed a shotgun at a deputy who entered his home, thanks to video captured by the deputy's body-worn camera.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"What if you couldn't see any of that?" Fails said.

New law may compel Allen County Sheriff's Office to begin using body cams

Sheriff Matthew Treglia said the new law "moved the needle" toward equipping his deputies with body-worn cameras.

The Allen County Sheriff's Office is one of the few law enforcement agencies left where deputies do not wear cameras on their bodies while on patrol, though the agency installed cameras in patrol cruisers years ago to capture video from traffic stops.

Treglia said he is working with the Allen County Prosecutor's Office to craft a policy in which deputies would keep body-worn cameras on while patroling outside, but turn their cameras off while inside a private residence "to protect the rights of the citizens to be safe and secure in their homes."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He pitched the policy, which has not been implemented, as a compromise with critics who wish to see deputies wearing cameras until lawmakers make changes to Ohio public records law the sheriff believes are needed for privacy.

The Lima NAACP, former Mayor David Berger and others have advocated for years for the Allen County Sheriff's Office to begin using body-worn cameras to resolve disputes between the public and law enforcement.

Lima NAACP President Ron Fails said he'd be happy to see deputies wearing cameras while patrolling the streets  "something is better than nothing"  but said he believes current law is "already well defined."

Ohio law permits any person to request police body camera footage, but law enforcement agencies are required to censor things like nudity, personal information and images of juveniles, crime victims, dead bodies or extreme violence, unless the death or injury is inflicted by an officer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Agencies must also redact the interior of residences or businesses not open to the public unless there is an adversarial conflict or use of force by an officer inside the residence.

Treglia started working with lawmakers several years ago to define or remove the phrase "adversarial conflict," which he previously said is open to interpretations that may violate a person's privacy. He did not object to releasing videos depicting use of force.

"I'm hoping things like this will come to the forefront of legislation," Treglia said.

Who intends to charge a fee to process video records?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Allen County Sheriff's Office: Yes, hourly rate to be determined.

Lima Police Department: Yes, hourly rate to be determined.

Shawnee Township Police: Yes, hourly rate to be determined.

Auglaize County Sheriff's Office: Under review.

Wapakoneta Police Department: Yes, hourly rate to be determined.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office: Yes, hourly rate to be determined.

Featured Local Savings
Jan. 10LIMA  A Lima man charged with felonious assault, endangering children and strangulation as the result of an incident that left his son blind pleaded guilty Friday to reduced charges during an appearance in Allen County Common Pleas Court.

With more than a dozen family members in attendance in the courtroom of Judge Terri Kohlrieser, Patrick Kollars, 47, entered into an agreement with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to a single count of endangering children, a felony of the second degree, in exchange for the state's dismissal of all remaining counts. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 20.

Kohlrieser said the charge carries with it a presumption of prison time, up to a maximum of eight years, and a $15,000 fine. Prison is not mandatory, the judge said. If sent to prison Kollars would be eligible to request a judicial release at some point.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kollars was allowed to remain free on bond pending sentencing. Allen County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kyle Thines said the victim and his guardian had been advised of the plea offer prior to Friday's hearing and did not object.

A jury trial for Kollars in October ended in a mistrial after the victim in the case mistakenly was not sworn in before testifying.

Prosecutors allege that Patrick Kollars on Sept. 10 of 2023 went into his son's room to give him some laundry. His son testified he was on his phone and admitted he was doing things his father didn't approve of, such as using the messaging app Discord. He said his father previously told him not to use certain apps after what Kollars considered inappropriate behavior online. When he tried to shut the apps down and lie about what he was doing, Kollars grabbed the phone. As Kollars later told police, he "lost it" and allegedly started to smack his son in the face.

The son's eye was ruptured during the attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the trial the younger Kollars, who was 17 years old at the time of the incident, testified that he was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome  where the left side of his heart didn't develop properly  and Peters anomaly  causing a cloudy area in his eyes in the center of his corneas. He has received multiple open heart and eye surgeries due to these conditions.

He had lost the sight in one eye at an early age and the incident in 2023 left him legally blind.

Featured Local Savings
Jan. 10LIMA  A Lima man's case alleging he committed aggravated burglary has been transferred from Lima Municipal Court to Allen County Common Pleas Court for review by a grand jury.

According to a narrative by Lima Police Detective Sean Neidemire provided in court documents, on Nov. 22, a woman said she was assaulted by her friend Larece Kelly at her residence. She said Kelly had been drinking and asked her about her ex-boyfriend, then became angry and choked her, causing her to lose consciousness. Kelly also punched her in the head, face, arms and torso.

The woman said Kelly refused multiple times to leave the residence and broke her cell phone when she tried to call the police. He reportedly didn't leave the residence until hours after the incident.

Kelly is being held in the Allen County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.

Featured Local Savings
Former US President Barack Obama speaks with President-elect Donald Trump before the State Funeral Service for former US President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, on January 9, 2025. - Photo: ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP (Getty Images)

Everyone is talking about a photo capturing a moment between former President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump sitting next to each other at former President Jimmy Carters funeral. The two, who have been bitter political rivals for years, are actually smiling. And while we dont have any audio capturing what they were actually saying to each other, we thought it would be fun to guess. Here are three things we think Trump could have said to get a laugh out of our forever president. But before we get into our guesses, we thought wed check out what the professionals have to say. - Angela Johnson Read More

Screenshot: C-SPAN

As president of the Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris was tasked with swearing in the newly-elected U.S. senators on Friday (Jan. 3). There were several striking moments from the ceremony. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Photo: Ricky Carioti - Pool (Getty Images)

During the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, it seems many prominent political figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were giving President-elect Donald Trump the side-eye... well, everyone except former President Barack Obama. - Phenix S Halley Read More

Photo: Scott Olson (Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

President-elect Donald Trump made a rather shocking announcement during a news conference Tuesday (Jan. 7). In what many view as his newest attack on Mexico, Trump said that his administration will rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Photo: Eric Thayer (Getty Images)

Over 20,000 acres in Los Angeles County were set ablaze by wildfires and raging winds causing families to lose their homes and thousands to flee the area for safety. The fire departments ability to tackle the flames may have been affected by one, controversial, move from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. - Kalyn Womack Read More

Photo: Will Oliver (Getty Images)

As Black America knows, we suffer disproportionately from medical debt. According to Bloomberg, while 11% of low-income and uninsured Americans of all races have medical debt, 13% of Black Americans struggle with medical debt compared with just 7% of White and 3% of Asian Americans. Essentially, in the U.S., its harder to afford healthcare if youre Black than if youre poor. - Candace McDuffie Read More

Photo: Sam Wolfe (Getty Images)

In less than two weeks, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will officially leave the White House. For decades, experts will argue about his presidency, debating on whether he was good for women, the economy and so on. But we wanted to know was he good for Black America? - Candace McDuffie Read More

Photo: Rebecca Noble (Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Today was the day marked on the whole countrys calendar: the sentencing of President-elect Donald J. Trump. After he was found guilty back in May 2024 on 34 felonies counts, a judge has now handed out the long-awaited sentencing of the 47th president. - Phenix S Halley Read More

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) TikTok could be banned from the U.S. by the end of the month if it does not separate from its Chinese parent company.

170 million American users would lose access to the app, affecting livelihoods for some creators in Acadiana.

Ashlyn Hanks Watson, of Lafayette, makes her living by creating content on social media to spotlight local businesses in Acadiana, Local Love.

She said her platform has 2 million viewers across all social media sites, with TikTok being the newest addition to her business.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the past seven days on Tik Tok, that I just started, weve reached over 800,000 people, Watson said. And its incredible to know that our local businesses here in Louisiana are getting that exposure.

That exposure has boosted her business tremendously, earning her 12 thousand followers on TikTok alone in just one month.

Its just insane because people just love to see our culture, how we live and everything that you can eat here, Watson said. So, thats what I like to show.

Watson has turned showing off locals into her full-time career. Businesses pay her to visit their locations, create content there and post it on her Local Love pages. The TikTok app also pays her for the views her videos accumulate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A TikTok ban could mean her personal brand could be impacted, as well as the businesses she advertises.

I know there is negative sides to TikTok, but lets get those things resolved, Watson said. So, we can keep doing what were doing, and not only as a creator make money, but also these local businesses, who this could literally make or break their business.

She understands firsthand how her videos have helped businesses. Watson said she made an unpaid video about an antique store in Baton Rouge. It reached over 60 thousand views within a few days.

I got an email from the owner, who was like, Hey, you supposedly walked into our store, videoed your experience here and the foot traffic and increased volume of interest has gone through the roof, Watson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She said thats her favorite part of showcasing Louisiana locals.

It is so cool to watch businesses see the fruit of it all, Watson said. That it pays off, and that their small business in the middle of nowhere can be shown and uncovered, like the hidden gem that they are.

If TikTok goes away, Local Love and other creators are maintaining their other social media platforms. Local Love collaboration requests can be sent here.

Hopefully their business is one of the ones that blows up, Watson said. And they get recognized in a viral way.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Firefighters from Oregon are on the front lines of devasting wildfires in California Friday night. They told KOIN 6 News that despite the struggle, theyve made some progress and appreciate the support from back home.

After beginning on Tuesday, and exacerbated by high winds, the fires have so far claimed 11 lives, destroyed 10,000 buildings and put 153,000 people under evacuation orders. More than 55 square miles have burned.

More sex abuse allegations against St. Helens teacher

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Oregon State Fire Marshal sent 15 structural strike teams totaling 300 firefighters and 75 engines to help with the multiple fires raging in California, with the Los Angeles area particularly impacted. Upon arrival, they jumped into 24-hour shifts fighting the flames.

The Palisades Fire is among the multiple wildfires burning the Oregon crews are helping with. It has already scorched more than 20,000 acres.

Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Matt Marianai assists California to help fight wildfires devastating Los Angeles. January 10, 2025 (KOIN).

The main thing is to lose no more homes in the area that were working on, said Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Matt Marianai. I take a lot of comfort in knowing that I can help other communities just as I try to help the communities in my own area.

Mariani has been named as Assistant Task Force Leader for Oregons Strike Team 7 as part of the Oregon Fire Marshals efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mariani joined the 8,000 other firefighters already on the frontline of the Palisades Fire, which has been designed as the most destructive fire in modern Los Angeles history.

In-N-Out proposes Portland burger joint near PDX

Despite the fire continuing to burn, Mariani said theyve made real progress. At least 8% of the fire is contained and crews are finally starting to get a handle on the perimeter.

It makes me really proud to be representing Oregon, he said.

Mariani said the support hes gotten from his home in Oregon has been unmatched.

I just want to thank everyone for the love and appreciation theyve shown, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Oregon State Fire Marshal calls this one of Oregons largest out-of-state responses ever.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (WDTN)  In roughly 24 hours, Miami Valley residents have discovered three business closures that will occur between two shopping malls in Beavercreek.

Macys  Mall at Fairfield Commons

Across the U.S., 66 Macys locations are closing by the end the first quarter of the companys 2025 fiscal year. One of the locations to shutter is at the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

Billie Pullins, makeup artist at Macys Lancome counter at Fairfield Commons, said the location has been a great one.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its a great store, great employees, and its really its its very bittersweet, said Pullins.

As of now, the Dayton Mall Macys location is staying open. Customers, such as Kathy and Jack Hott at the Beavercreek store said they frequent Macys, but are afraid for the Miami Township location.

Taste of Belgium  The Greene

Citing a lack of sales, Taste of Belgium at The Greene is also set to close.

Jay Dickey, restaurant manager at Taste of Belgium, said although he was was expecting a slowdown around this time of year, the location will be closing.

I was kind of expecting it off towards the January side of things, said Dickey. As you know, the restaurant business does slow down quite considerably.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Taste of Belgium will end service at the end of business on Jan. 12.

Esporta  The Greene

Fitness International LLC, Family, announced Esporta at The Greene will close on Jan. 31.

Esporta member Ben Medina told 2 NEWS he is not happy that it is leaving, as it is a convenient location.

I live right down the road and the entire reason I started coming back is because its right next door.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 restaurant in Carrick has been ordered to close after the Allegheny County Department of Health found multiple health code violations.

Nepali Asian Restaurant on Brownsville Road was found to have several food items found adulterated by bugs.

According to a health department report, more than five dead fruit flies in an open bag of flour, a dried German cockroach in a pan of salt, a live juvenile German cockroach in a container of white rice in dry storage, roaches in the pasta and onions and too many to count live roaches in the dry storage room.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There was also a potato found punctured by wooden dowels and covered in ash, as well as two spoiled cucumbers.

The report also states there was no evidence of sanitizing procedures, as well as no sanitizer or dish detergent at the facility and no chlorine found in the chemical dishwasher.

The health department recommends eliminating pests by approved methods, sanitization and proper maintenance of food, among other things.

Click here to read the full report.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
(Reuters) - Location tracking company Unacast has confirmed to the Norwegian government that it was the victim of a hack, according to a notice published by Norwegian public broadcaster NRK on Friday.

Last week claims began circulating online that Unacast's data broker subsidiary Gravy Analytics had been the victim of a digital heist. Experts told Reuters that leaked data published to the internet by the hacker or hackers appeared to be genuine, but the company has so far not returned repeated messages seeking comment.

The document published by NRK is addressed to Norway's data protection authority and says that the breach involved the theft of information from a Gravy Analytic's web server using a "misappropriated" key. It quotes Unacast's lawyers, BakerHostetler, as saying that the breach was discovered on Jan. 4 but that its timing was still under investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The law firm was also quoted as saying that a preliminary investigation showed that some of the stolen files "could contain personal data."

Calls to Norway's data protection authority rang unanswered after-hours on Friday. BakerHostetler didn't immediately return messages. Unacast has not returned repeated messages seeking comment.

(Reporting by Raphael Satter and AJ Vicens; Editing by Leslie Adler)
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the findings of its Independent Drive Tests (IDT) conducted in four cities--New Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmednagar, and Hyderabad--during September to October 2024. According to the Ministry of Communications, the tests were conducted through an empanelled agency to assess the quality of voice and data services provided by cellular mobile telephone service providers in these regions. The tests focused on major telecom players including Bharti Airtel Ltd., BSNL/MTNL, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. (RJIL), and Vodafone Idea Ltd. (VIL). These tests evaluated key performance indicators (KPIs) such as voice call setup success rate, call drop rate (DCR), speech quality, data throughput, and other relevant metrics. In New Delhi, the tests covered a distance of 635 kilometres within the city and 210 kilometres of metro routes. The voice service results revealed that RJIL recorded a lower call setup success rate (94.00 per cent) compared to Airtel, MTNL, and VIL, all of which had success rates above 97 per cent. The call setup time also varied significantly, with MTNL having the longest setup time at 3.27 seconds, while RJIL and Airtel had quicker times of 0.73 seconds and 0.82 seconds, respectively. Call drop rates for MTNL were found to be higher at 7.23 per cent, while the other providers, including RJIL, had rates below 0.25 per cent. In terms of call silence, RJIL and VIL had a higher rate of mute calls, recorded at 3.01 per cent and 2.34 per cent respectively, compared to Airtel's low rate of 0.55 per cent. Additionally, the Mean Opinion Score (MOS) for speech quality indicated a better performance for Airtel and VIL, with scores above 4, while RJIL and MTNL scored below 4. The data performance in New Delhi showed a stark contrast, with RJIL recording an average download speed of 231.82 Mbps, leading the pack, followed by Airtel at 171.44 Mbps. MTNL and VIL, relying on older 3G and 4G networks, reported much lower speeds, with MTNL at 3.71 Mbps and VIL at 14.45 Mbps. Similarly, in upload speeds, RJIL and Airtel outperformed their competitors with speeds of 23.91 Mbps and 34.37 Mbps, respectively, while MTNL and VIL had considerably lower upload speeds. In Jaipur, the voice call setup success rate for RJIL and VIL was 100 per cent, outperforming Airtel and BSNL, which had success rates of 99.90 per cent and 98.92 per cent, respectively. Call setup times were significantly quicker for RJIL and VIL at 0.69 and 0.39 seconds, compared to BSNL's 3.33 seconds. Call drop rates were lower across the board, with BSNL showing a higher drop rate of 2.48 per cent. In terms of call silence, RJIL recorded a 0.12 per cent mute rate, better than VIL and Airtel, which had 0.24 per cent each. The MOS scores for speech quality were highest for VIL (4.63) and Airtel (4.02), while RJIL scored 3.96 and BSNL was the lowest at 2.18. In the data performance category, RJIL again led with an impressive average download speed of 356.68 Mbps, while Airtel's average was 216.93 Mbps. BSNL and VIL, relying more on 3G and 4G, had significantly slower download speeds of 3.12 Mbps and 32.40 Mbps, respectively. Similar trends were observed in upload speeds, with RJIL and Airtel leading the pack at 46.17 Mbps and 44.83 Mbps, respectively, compared to BSNL and VIL, which had much lower speeds. In Hyderabad, RJIL again topped the charts with a 100 per cent call setup success rate, while Airtel and BSNL had slightly lower rates of 99.85 per cent and 98.92 per cent. Call setup times were quickest for RJIL at 0.75 seconds, while VIL had the longest time at 11.82 seconds. The call drop rates for RJIL, Airtel, and VIL were virtually zero, whereas BSNL had a higher rate of 3.76 per cent. The call silence rates for RJIL and VIL were relatively high at 2.08 per cent and 2.06 per cent, while Airtel recorded a lower mute rate of 1.12 per cent. In terms of speech quality, Airtel (3.98), RJIL (3.81), and VIL (3.72) all had MOS scores below 4, with BSNL having the lowest score at 2.66. In terms of data performance, RJIL led with an average download speed of 164.19 Mbps, followed by Airtel at 119.88 Mbps. BSNL and VIL had slower speeds, with BSNL recording just 1.28 Mbps for downloads. In upload performance, RJIL also outperformed the others with an average speed of 20.43 Mbps. Lastly, in Ahmednagar, Airtel was the only provider with a 100 per cent call setup success rate, followed by RJIL at 99.70 per cent. VIL and BSNL had lower success rates of 88.24 per cent and 94.41 per cent, respectively. The call setup times for Airtel and RJIL were the fastest at 0.60 seconds and 0.80 seconds, while BSNL and VIL took longer at 2.49 and 1.13 seconds. Call drop rates were almost negligible for Airtel and RJIL, with VIL and BSNL showing higher rates of 0.31 per cent and 7.11 per cent, respectively. The call silence rate for BSNL was the highest at 2.77 per cent, while Airtel recorded the lowest at 0.23 per cent. Regarding data speeds, RJIL had a strong performance with an average download speed of 251.13 Mbps, while Airtel had a download speed of 135.59 Mbps. VIL and BSNL again lagged behind with speeds of 44.20 Mbps and 2.08 Mbps, respectively. In upload performance, RJIL and Airtel maintained their dominance with speeds of 31.52 Mbps and 23.06 Mbps, while BSNL and VIL had slower upload speeds of 1.65 Mbps and 14.09 Mbps. (ANI)
Thousands of travelers are stranded at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

As of 12 p.m. there were 339 flights canceled and 480 delayed.

Lines to get through the security checkpoint are extremely long.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Some travelers told Channel 2s Michael Seiden they had been in the line for over 90 minutes and theyve already missed their flights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I dont know when Im going to get home. My bags are on the flight but Im not, Lauren Angler said.

Now its been delayed again and its supposed to leave at 7 p.m., Rochelle Farmer said.

Shes trying to make it back home to her family in Philadelphia after her airline canceled her first flight on Friday.

I have to sit here for the next nine hours or so, she said.

Cancellations arent the only thing causing headaches at the airport.

The long security lines are slowing things down.

Weve been in line, waiting for over two hours with everyone, another traveler said. I think my flight is taking off now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some people in the lines said they were supposed to fly out yesterday but their flights were canceled.

Then when they got in the line for the security checkpoint today for their rescheduled flight, they missed that flight because of the long wait times.

TRENDING STORIES:

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
A longtime Massachusetts nurse and foster mom of more than 20 children is battling cancer with the help of the community she has served for decades.

When Shelly Sepulveda was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer nearly a year ago, her first thoughts were about her wife Tami and the family they have created  six children, five of them adopted.

Its a constant battle, and it is survivorship and fighting for my life, Shelly told Boston 25 News from her Medway home Friday. Theres a lot of people going through cancer that dont have the support. And I do, and Im lucky. Im lucky I have the friends and family I have.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Having met as NICU nurses, Shelly and Tami have been together for 22 years. Along with Shellys biological son Sam, the two have fostered more than 20 infants who were all born drug-exposed, as well as a child who had cancer.

The couple would adopt five of those children, determined to give them the wonderful childhoods they had experienced during their own youth.

When Mom came home told us she had cancer, she was crying, said 15-year-old Tyler. I was thinking, What did she do to deserve this?

I feel like I was in denial for a while, because it was such shocking news, added 16-year-old Shaelin. Shes the person that took care of this house. So, it was very weird when people would offer help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Over recent years, Shelly, her familys primary provider, had worked toward masters and doctorate degrees and advanced her career, spending the last four years with Steward Health Care, where she worked in a corporate role as a clinical documentation manager for the northeast division.

However, as the hospital chain moved toward bankruptcy and a layoff seemed imminent, Shelly resigned from her job and began to prioritize her health.

Im not a quitter, and I dont want my kids to think Im a quitter, Shelly said. But I want them to know its also okay for them to ask for help.

As Shelly endured a 10.5-hour surgery, the Sepulvedas learned to accept that help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Supporters started a GoFundMe account to help cover their mounting medical bills and give back to a couple that has served their community for decades.

Its very humbling, Shelly said through tears. Its humbling, because I try to be good and show my kids that, and I dont know how to repay everybody, but all I can say is thank you.

Tami, who has been retired and taking care of the children while Shelly worked, is considering getting back into the workforce despite having experienced three back surgeries and now needing to care for her wife along with their children.

Its been hard to make ends meet and try to mentally pull it all together, Tami said. It doesnt matter if we live in this house or where we are, so long as were together and everybodys healthy and alive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The generosity Shelly and Tami have modeled to their children over the years has been reflected back to them. Nineteen-year-old Sam has stepped up as the man of the house.

[The diagnosis] was a lot to process at the time. I wasnt sure what that would mean for the future, but I just knew wed all have to step up with chores and stuff, Sam said. Weve all kind of just been working our way through it one day at a time.

Tyler has been searching for a part-time job to support his family.

Im trying my best to do some work around here, keep everything afloat, Tyler said. And Mom she should just rest, take her time, recover, recuperate, and just get on her feet again, because Im waiting for that day where she can just get out of bed, feel good, and go back to doing things she used to be able to do, like play volleyball with me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While Shellys tumors were removed, she was told the chance of the cancer returning was about 80 percent. But, wearing a warrior tee shirt a community member made for her, she said she is determined to fight, with her fan base behind her.

The everyday battle in your head, Whens the cancer going to come back? Shelly said. I believe what you put in in society you do get back. And I have been shown that by so many friends and family.

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
WINDBER, Pa.  Windber Fire Department and Scalp Level-Paint Volunteer Fire Company are merging to create a new regional fire department.

Both departments boards met separately Wednesday night, and each voted to approve the move, department officials told The Tribune-Democrat after the votes were tallied.

When a new fire tanker is delivered in March, it will carry the name Northern Regional Fire Department, said Windbers deputy fire chief, Bob Statler.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were looking to the future, said Scalp Level-Paint member Marty Washko, who served on a joint merger committee that has explored the idea for the past nine months.

Windber Fire Department serves its home Windber Borough, Ogle Township and half of Paint Township.

Scalp Level-Paints territory is the product of a previous merger nearly two decades ago. Its coverage zone includes the other half of Paint Township, Scalp Level Borough, Paint Borough, Benson Borough and part of Quemahoning Township.

The three fire stations in Windber, Paint and Benson that serve the now-combined territory will continue sending out crews when emergencies occur, department officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

People can rest assured that when incidents happen (the fire department) will show up, just like we always did, Washko said.

Changes, challenges

Changing times steered the move, Statler and Scalp Level-Paint Chief Mike Horvath said. Fire departments nationwide are struggling to find active members and raise funds.

In most areas across Cambria and Somerset counties, firefighters are leaning on communities with shrinking populations for the support needed to cover monthly bills and hefty costs for equipment and gear.

Year after year, it gets harder to maintain and replace six-figure vehicles in communities where growing percentages of residents are retirees on fixed incomes, Windber and Scalp Level-Paint officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were doing pretty good on manpower, said Washko, referring to Scalp Level-Paints active membership. But people dont realize income is just as important as people when it comes to running a department.

Savings, strength

Statler and Washko said the merger will create one stronger and more cost-effective department.

One of the hardest things is finding members willing to give their time for fundraisers, Statler said. And before now, we had a gun raffle and Scalp Level had their own gun raffle. We were basically competing against each other. ... Now well just have one big raffle, and we wont have to worry about having enough volunteers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With the departments current fleets of vehicles and equipment merged, there will be opportunities to save costs, too, they said. Statler cited insurance and workers compensation costs as examples.

The merger could eventually avert the need to replace as many vehicles in the longer term, while certain equipment costs could decrease in the near future, he added.

We have five or six sets of hydraulic rescue tools that cost each department $5,000 a year to have them tested, he said. We dont need that many. And when the time comes that some of them reach the end of their lives, we wont need to replace them.

The Scalp Level-Paint department typically handles about 700 calls per year, with a dedicated group of volunteers that is often as large as 35 members when structure fires and other serious incidents occur, Washko said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The number is closer to 500 calls yearly for Windber, Statler said. He said Windber was down to about 10 firefighters who often answered the call for significant incidents. But many times, both departments responded to the same call.

Now, when an emergency requires multiple units to respond, Northern Regional Fire Department will send out two or more units, instead of Windber and Scalp Level-Paint each sending one, said Horvath, a longtime firefighter who will be the new departments first fire chief.

If the call is a minor issue, one station will send out whichever apparatus is the right one to respond. That will save wear and tear on the rest of the regional departments fleet, Horvath said.

Efforts were underway to reach out to county 911 agencies to alert them to the formal changes and to update the alarm cards that are used to notify stations of incidents, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the early stages of the transition, the group agreed to form a 10-member board of directors to oversee the department, Washko said. Five will come from each preexisting fire department.

Over the next five years, that number will slowly decrease, by design, and eventually a five-member board of community members will oversee Northern Regional Fire Department, Washko and Statler said.

Merging each departments corporation is a more complex process, Washko said.

Weve got to adapt

The merger is one of several involving local first responders over the past 12 months.

Somersets and Friedens volunteer fire companies voted last summer to merge to create the new Somerset Regional Volunteer Fire Department while keeping both companies stations in operation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Windbers Northern EMS ambulance service merged with Conemaugh Township EMS last fall.

Local responders have seen the alternative occur statewide, too  departments closing up shop overnight due to financial or membership shortages, Washko said.

You look at the studies, he said. Back in the 1970s, there were 300,000 volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania. Today, its 30,000. Weve got to adapt.

Windber Borough Manager Ron Allison said borough officials recognize the challenges that fire departments face.

We know the money just isnt there for most departments these days, he said.

Windber Fire Departments members kept Windber Borough Council informed in recent months as talks with Scalp Level-Paint progressed, Allison said. Windber Borough officials saw it as a priority to keep the boroughs Somerset Avenue fire station occupied.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If a merger is what it would take, then were for it, he said.

Still, Allison cautioned that communities cant sit back now and assume the regions fire department issues went away overnight. Local residents need to keep supporting fundraisers, and boroughs and townships need to provide support too, he said.

Windber dedicated $21,000 in tax dollars to the fire department this year, plus $45,000 toward a fire truck payment. Another $23,483 is being directed for ambulance service to support the recently expanded Conemaugh Township EMS, he said.

We all need to step forward to keep our emergency services in place, Allison said. We all need to do our part because, if not, a few years down the road we could be facing the same issues again.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  The Los Angeles County medical examiners office confirmed the death toll from the wildfires ravaging the area has risen to 16.

The total of confirmed fatalities stands at 16 victims, and the cases remain under investigation. Five of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire, and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire, the coroner's office said in a statement Saturday evening.

The previous number of confirmed fatalities was 11, but officials said they expected that figure to rise as cadaver dogs search leveled neighborhoods and crews assess the devastation. Authorities have established a center where people can report the missing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Firefighters raced to cut off spreading wildfires before potentially strong winds return that could push the flames toward the world famous J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles, while new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge.

A fierce battle against the flames was underway in Mandeville Canyon, home to Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities not far from the Pacific coast, where swooping helicopters dumped water as the blaze charged downhill. Firefighters on the ground used hoses in an attempt to beat back leaping flames as thick smoke blanketed the chaparral-covered hillside.

At a briefing, CalFire Operations Chief Christian Litz said a main focus Saturday would be the Palisades Fire burning in the canyon area, not far from the UCLA campus.

We need to be aggressive out there, Litz said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said the LA area "had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak, and even more Angelenos evacuated due to the northeast expansion of the Palisades Fire.

Light breezes were fanning the flames, but the National Weather Service warned that strong Santa Ana winds  the nemesis of firefighters  could soon return. Those winds have been largely blamed for turning the wildfires into infernos that leveled entire neighborhoods around to city where there has been no significant rainfall in more than eight months.

The fire also was threatening to jump over Interstate 405 and into densely populated areas in the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.

The hunt for bodies continues

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The grim work of sifting through the devastation continued Saturday, with teams conducting systematic grid searches with cadaver dogs, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. He said a family assistance center was being established in Pasadena, and he urged residents to abide by curfews.

We have people driving up and around trying to get in just to look. Stay away, he said.

The fires have consumed about 56 square miles (145 square kilometers), an area larger than San Francisco. Tens of thousands of people remained under evacuation orders and new evacuations were ordered Friday evening after a flare up on the eastern side of the Palisades Fire.

Since the fires first began Tuesday just north of downtown LA, they have burned more than 12,000 structures, a term that includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings and vehicles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No cause has been determined for the largest fires, and early estimates indicate the wildfires could be the nation's costliest ever. A preliminary estimate by AccuWeather put the damage and economic losses so far between $135 billion and $150 billion.

Rays of kindness amid the devastation

So many volunteers showed up to help at donation centers Saturday that some were being turned away. That was the case at a YMCA in the Koreatown neighborhood. By late morning, cars with would-be helpers were also being turned back from the Santa Anita Park horse racing track, where donations of necessities were being accepted.

At the race track Friday, people who lost their homes could be seen sifting through stacks of donated shirts, blankets and other household goods. Altadena resident Jose Luis Godinez said three homes occupied by more than a dozen of his family members were destroyed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Everything is gone, he said, speaking in Spanish. "All my family lived in those three houses and now we have nothing.

Officials warn against returning to burned homes

Some residents have been venturing back to see what can be salvaged after wildfires destroyed their homes, sifting through rubble for keepsakes. But officials on Saturday urged them to stay away, warning that the ash can contain lead, arsenic, asbestos and other harmful materials.

If youre kicking that stuff up, youre breathing it in, said Chris Thomas, a spokesman for the unified incident command at the Palisades Fire. All of that stuff is toxic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Residents will be allowed to return, with protective gear, after damage teams have evaluated their properties, Thomas said.

City leadership accused of skimping on firefighting funds

Allegations of leadership failures and political blame have begun and so have investigations. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 117 million-gallon (440 million-liter) reservoir was out of service and some hydrants had run dry. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said city leadership failed her department by not providing enough money for firefighting. She also criticized the lack of water.

When a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect theres going to be water, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Progress made on fighting the Eaton fire

Firefighters for the first time made progress Friday afternoon on the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena, which has burned more than 7,000 structures. Officials said most evacuation orders for the area had been lifted.

LA Mayor Karen Bass, who faces a critical test of her leadership as her city endures its greatest crisis in decades, said several smaller fires also were stopped.

The level of devastation is jarring even in a state that regularly confronts massive wildfires.

___

Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire. Associated Press writers Gene Johnson in Seattle and Justin Pritchard in Los Angeles, and videographer Manuel Valdes in Arcadia, Calif., contributed.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Many Californians will be relocating either permanently or temporarily to Las Vegas, as the fires in the Los Angeles area show no signs of letting up.

Its forced residents to make the hard decision of leaving. Ari Stylez, a musician, did just that. He packed his belongings in a car and drove east to Las Vegas.

When I go outside and I walk to the corner. I look at the hill. Its just flames and smoke coming, bright flames, Stylez said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He left Wednesday evening and arrived in Las Vegas early Thursday morning. Ari Stylez said he was living at a townhouse in West Hollywood near Fairfax and Sunset when he saw homes on fire.

My neighbors, everybody was going to their cars with suitcases. Theyre like, Were getting out of here. Its too close. It was too close, it was a block away. Im not about to be the last one left in here, Stylez said.

He sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours and authorities closed roads near his home, telling some people to abandon their cars and walk on foot.

They had to bulldoze through the cars and all those cars just got burnt up with all those peoples stuff in it, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ari Stylez made it on to the expressway driving through side streets. One of the reasons, he said, he left Los Angeles was due to the air quality.

Its impossible to fit all those people in those little recreational centers, he said. Ive seen a lot of people in their cars just at the evacuation center.

Ari Stylezs friend Olivia Crutcher took him in and she said shes heartbroken by the fires.

We need to be prepared for whats going to happen next because theres already a homeless crisis in LA, Crutcher said.

Ari Stylez plans to stay in Las Vegas until the smoke clears and its safe to return to his neighborhood in West Hollywood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several Las Vegas hotels are offering special rates to those fleeing the LA fires. Some of them include Resorts World Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International and its Strip properties, Fontainebleau, Treasure Island, and Virgin Hotels.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Amidst confusion around budget cuts affecting the Los Angeles Fire Department while thousands of firefighters are battling at least five wildfires, ABC News dug into the city budgets and other publicly available documents for the city.

In May 2024, the city of Los Angeles adopted a Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 budget that cut the appropriations for the fire department by $17.6 million from the previous year.

At the time, the city of Los Angeles was negotiating the union contract with the firefighters' union, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City.

PHOTO: A firefighter sprays water in a burned house following the Palisades Fire at the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, Jan. 10, 2025. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

On Nov. 5, the City Council voted to approve a union contract for 2024 - 2028. A report that was sent to the city a day prior outlined the fiscal impact of the contract and stated that it would cost approximately $76 million in the 2024 - 2025 fiscal year. This was to increase salaries and benefits for union members.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MORE: Help for Southern California wildfire victims: Where to find food and care resources

On Dec. 17, 2024, the LA Fire Commission sent a report to Mayor Karen Bass by Fire Chief Kristin Crowley. In it, Crowley stated that the department is facing "unprecedented operational challenges due to the elimination of critical civilian positions and a $7 million reduction" in overtime hours.

PHOTO: A firefighter sprays water in a burned house following the Palisades Fire at the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, Jan. 10, 2025. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

With the new contract approved, the budget for the fire department in Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 increased from $819.6 million to $895.6 million. When compared to the previous year's budget (Fiscal Year 2023 - 2024), this current year's fire department budget in total is larger by $58.4 million. According to a document from the city administrative officer, the increase in this year's budget was approved specifically to meet salary and benefit increases included in the new union contract.

MORE: California wildfires can take mental health toll on residents, firefighters

PHOTO: In this aerial view taken from a helicopter, burned homes are seen from above during the Palisades fire in Malibu, Los Angeles County, Calif., Jan. 9, 2025. (Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images)

In an interview with a local FOX station on Friday, Crowley responded after being repeatedly asked if the city failed her and her department, she said yes, echoing her letter to the mayor from December.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"My number one priority has been and will continue to be, that our firefighters get what they need, so that they can serve the community. That is number one. I'm going to turn down the noise when it comes to any type of criticism, because every decision that I make is going to be based off of what my firefighters need," Crowley said.

At least 11 people are believed to be dead -- with the Los Angeles County sheriff saying he expects that number to rise -- as devastating fires spread across Southern California amid dry and windy conditions.The largest blaze, the Palisades Fire, in Pacific Palisades, has scorched over 22,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and is 11% contained. The Eaton Fire, in Altadena, now stands at more than 14,000 acres and 15% contained. More than 150,000 people are under evacuation orders.

Los Angeles Fire Department budget sustained cuts but saw overall increase originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
LOS ANGELES  Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing political heat from across the city and beyond as catastrophic fires continue to burn for the fourth day.

The fires have killed at least 10 people and burned nearly 25,000 acres in the Los Angeles region as of Friday, though not all the blazes are under Bass' jurisdiction. Among the ones that are include the biggest: the Palisades Fire, which broke out Tuesday and rapidly consumed thousands of homes as residents fled for their lives. It had burned more than 20,000 acres as of Friday afternoon and has wreaked havoc since it ignited.

Bass is facing criticism over two issues in particular: a funding cut to the Los Angeles Fire Department in the fire-prone region and the timing of a diplomatic trip to Ghana as dangerous fire conditions loomed.

Advertisement Advertisement

"She knew that we had a major wind event coming up that had the potential for a wildfire," said Tom Doran, who fled the Palisades Fire that destroyed his home early Wednesday morning. "She's off in another country, and at the taxpayer's expense, when she should've been here ... She is the chief executive of Los Angeles. Yes, she delegates but if you delegate you're the one in charge."

Bass dodged directly addressing the Ghana trip and other criticisms  including from President-elect Trump  at a news conference Thursday and said the focus is on fighting the fires.

"Rest assured that when that is done, when we are safe, when lives have been saved and homes have been saved, we will absolutely do an evaluation to look at what worked, what didn't work, and to correct or to hold accountable anybody, department, individual, etcetera," Bass said. "But my focus right now is on the lives and on the homes."

Fire Department budget cuts burn Bass as fires blaze

Budget documents obtained by USA TODAY show that the Los Angeles Fire Department's budget was reduced from $837 million in fiscal year 2024 to $819 million in fiscal year 2025 as a part of broader cuts for the year.

Advertisement Advertisement

"LAFDs operating budget did get reduced by $17.6 million - part of that reduction included 61 total positions (civilian) being eliminated," the city's controller's office said in comments sent to USA TODAY accompanying the documents.

A report from the fire department sent to the mayor and city council in December says: "These budgetary reductions have adversely affected the Department's ability to maintain core operations."

The fire department report states that a $7 million reduction in overtime funding "further exacerbated operational challenges across key bureaus" including those that deal with wildfire management and air operations.

Bass said in Thursday's news conference that "there were no reductions that were made that would have impacted the situation over the last couple of days."

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tour the downtown business district of Pacific Palisades as the Palisades Fire continues to burn on January 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Palisades Fire has grown to over 2,900 acres and 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while a second major fire continues to burn near Eaton Canyon in Altadena.

California Democratic Rep. Brad Sherman said on CNN Thursday that the cuts were aimed at training funding to be spent in 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

These cuts, I think, will be reversed, and should be, and they were perhaps ill-advised, Sherman said. But theyre not a reason why the Palisades have suffered  this was money to train people in 2025.

The December report states that: "The LAFDs ability to respond to large-scale emergencies, such as wildfires, earthquakes, and hazardous materials incidents, is significantly diminished, increasing risks to both public and firefighter safety."

Los Angeles fire Chief Kristin Crowley blasted the $17 million budget cut on CNN on Friday, saying that she had warned the city for three years that the department has been underfunded and under-resourced.

"The $17 million budget cut and elimination of our civilian positions, like our mechanics, did and has and will continue to severely impact our ability to repair our apparatus. With that we have over 100 apparatus out of service. Having these apparatus and the proper amount of mechanics would have helped," Crowely said. "So it did absolutely negatively impact (the firefight)."

Advertisement Advertisement

Defenders of Bass point to the fact that the city was in contract negotiations with the fire department when the budget was being created, causing the city to move funds intended for fire department pay into the general fund.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass poses for a photo during an interview at Los Angeles City Hall on Oct. 17, 2024.

Get weather and fire alerts via text: Sign up to get current wildfire updates by location

City administrator: Critical firefighting ops are fully funded

The controller's office noted that nearly $105 million was set aside in the city's general fund for payroll changes but said a fraction of the money had been given to the fire department. "We do not see funds transferred for the fire departments raises," the controller's office said.

When asked about the controller's statements, the mayor's office referred USA TODAY to City Administrator Matt Szabo, who said that critical firefighting operations had been fully funded.

Advertisement Advertisement

"The fire department has full authorization to deploy whatever resources are necessary to respond to the wildfires and those costs will be fully covered," Szabo said in an interview with USA TODAY on Friday.

Szabo said he intends to recommend the transfer of funds to the City Council for a salary increase "in the coming weeks."

Left wing activists in the city have said that Bass prioritized the Los Angeles Police Department over the fire department in the city's budget.

City Councilmember Traci Park took aim at Bass in an interview with Fox 11 Thursday, calling out the underfunding of infrastructure in the city. "These circumstances are not unforeseeable. This was just a matter of time until it happened in the Pacific Palisades," Park said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Tina Knowles, whose daughter is Beyonce, was among those defending Bass, writing on Instagram: "This mayor has always worked diligently for the betterment of Los Angeles and all communities. Another opportunity to attack a black woman in power."

Ghana trip draws ire

Bass was out of the country as the Palisades caught fire, having left on a diplomatic trip to attend the inauguration of Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday.

The National Weather Service forecasted fire weather for the week as early as Friday and forecasted "A LIFE-THREATENING, DESTRUCTIVE, Widespread Windstorm" Monday.

The mayor is the head of the city's Emergency Operations Organization, according to the city's website.

Advertisement Advertisement

When confronted by Sky News upon her return to the city Wednesday, Bass declined to answer whether she owed Los Angeles residents an apology for her absence. Bass said that she was in "constant contact" during the fires and had taken the "fastest route back" in a Wednesday press conference.

'Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent whilst their homes were burning? Do you regret cutting the fire department's budget?

@skydavidblevins questions the mayor of LA, Karen Bass, as she faces backlash regarding the California wildfires.https://t.co/Nkz8onjC7V pic.twitter.com/WwRwp6Imqz  Sky News (@SkyNews) January 8, 2025

Liberal podcast host Tommy Vietor said in a post on X that Bass made an, "inexplicable decision to not come back earlier." Conservative billionaire and former mayoral opponent Rick Caruso said in an interview with Fox 11 Wednesday that, "we have got a mayor that is out of the country, and we have got a city that is burning."

Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who represents parts of the San Fernando Valley  including those hit with evacuation warnings and orders after the Kenneth Fire started Thursday  told Politico that the mayor had been able to perform her duties from afar.

"Doing all the work  contacting the first responders, working with (city) council, working with everyone  is something that you can do remotely," Blumenfield said. "Its a luxury for folks to sit on the sidelines and cast aspersions and be politically divisive at a time when our sole focus at this moment should be health and safety."

Advertisement Advertisement

Contributing: Anna Kaufman

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Karen Bass faces political firestorm as blazes burn Los Angeles
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 11: The Indian Institute of Packaging organized the INDIASTAR and PACMACHINE 2024, the National Recognition for packaging Excellence. The grand Presentation ceremony is being held on 10thJanuary, 2025 at NESCO Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai. Around 450 members from the Industry & allied sector, Winners, were present for this glittering Function. Raimati Ghiuria, the Millet Queen of India graced this occasion as a Chief Guest. "I am confident in the coming years, the Indian packaging industry will see substantial growth. The increasing awareness regarding clean water, safe food, and pharmaceuticals along with the adoption of next-gen digital technologies will aggressively penetrate and drive the packaging industry. The packaging industry is playing a dynamic role in the world economy. Indian packaging industry is becoming a preferred hub for the global packaging industry in India's economy. The scope of packaging innovation is helping to expand the domestic market as well as the global market. I personally feel that under the present scenario, INDIASTAR & PACMACHINE programme has taken a valid step towards recognizing packaging and allied industries for their innovations and adopting new technologies in packaging materials, packages, and packaging machinery to compete with the international market. It is noteworthy that, INDIASTAR & PACMACHINE contest to recognize excellence in packaging innovation and design is an excellent initiative to encourage the Indian packaging industry to develop high standard package design at an international level." says 'Queen of Millets' Raimati Ghiuria, a tribal farmer from Odisha who has preserved 30 rare millet varieties and 72 indigenous rice varieties. She has also empowered hundreds of women along the way. She was invited to the G20 Summit held to commemorate the 'International Year of Millets'. Chairman IIP, Sunil Jain observed that, "It is a proud moment for the Indian Institute of Packaging to organize the prestigious National Recognition for Excellence in Packaging INDIASTAR & PACMACHINE. These events are a major milestone in the history of the Institute and continue to be an enabler for the Indian packaging Industry to expand its Global footprint. INDIASTAR & PACMACHINE recognition showcase the capabilities of the Indian industry in Packaging and its allied industries and reflect the best from exciting entries from latest packaging materials, machinery, equipment, and services. I congratulate all the winners and participants. I am sure that this program will encourage even more innovation and ideation across board in the times to come." Director IIP, R. K. Mishra, IRS stated "INDIASTAR or PACMACHINE entries are really "best of the best" in real sense. This recognition has inspired many innovations complimenting Government of India's two important missions i.e. "Make in India" as well as "Atmanirbhar Bharat". This initiative was introduced by the Institute with the objective of inspiring the package designs with indigenous technology and user industry to innovate customer friendly, cost effective, convenience and environmentally with high functional property package design for the acceptance of the modern consumer". Assistant Director & Head of International Packaging Centre, IIP, Shekhar Amberkar who is the co-ordinator for this grand event mentioned that, "This is one of the renowned event in the World. The distinction 'INDIASTAR' & 'PACMACHINE' enjoys a high level of recognition worldwide and serves as a brand for the companies, agencies and students with outstanding design skills. The programme received 473 entries, a record of nominations. The quality of the nominations & selection parameters makes this contest much more trustworthy, valuable and even more competitive as well. I feel extremely proud to share that, Indiastar 2024 winners have made INDIA to reach to 1st position across the Globe in maximum nominations for WORLDSTAR 2025 as well as 1st position across Asia in winning maximum awards for ASIASTAR 2024". The Institute has maintained its unique position as an internationally reputed organisation by responding to the needs of the country, and acting as a single window for India's capabilities in Packaging science and technology. With standing for the last 58 years, IIP instituted the INDIASTAR recognition in 1972 to promote and encourage excellence in packaging design, innovation and sustainability. Over a period, this recognition has become popular and firmly entrenched as the premier event for India's Packaging fraternity. IIP also introduced the PACMACHINE in 1992 to recognize the achievements and promote the efforts of the packaging machinery sector. The main objective has been to celebrate the excellence with innovative concepts in design and development in packaging machinery particularly for import substitution & promotion of exports. About the Organisers: The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) is an autonomous and apex body working under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India for the promotion of packaging standards in the country. The Institute set up in 1966 is dedicated in serving the nation and industry to achieve excellence in packaging through its diversified activities that encompass the entire spectrum of packaging. With its headquarter and the principal laboratories in Mumbai, and other regional offices and laboratories, the activities of the institute are in line with those of the world's premiere packaging Institutes. IIP's activities includes Training & Education, Consultancy & Projects, Laboratory testing, Quality evaluation of packaging material and packages, Export promotion by way of organizing Seminars, Conferences & Exhibitions, Information & Publication and many more. The institute is closely linked with major international packaging organizations world over. For more information award report, please visit http://www.iip-in.com (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)
By Joe Brock and Chad Terhune

ALTADENA, California (Reuters) - As Los Angeles construction worker Ivan De La Torre surveyed a landscape of smoking wreckage in fire-ravaged Altadena, a question nagged at him: how would insurance companies cover the cost of rebuilding an entire neighborhood?

As hundreds of Los Angeles residents return to find homes reduced to ashes due to a devastating wave of wildfires, many are fearful that their insurance policies may not cover the rebuild cost and that future premiums will be astronomical.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"My concern is that the insurance companies won't be able to handle all the claims and file for bankruptcy and that's that. It's scary," said De La Torre, 32, whose uncle and sister both lost their houses in a fire that consumed half of Altadena, a suburb north of Los Angeles of some 40,000 people.

Leo Frank III, a 66-year-old actor who lost his family home in Altadena, said he fears insurers could drag their feet on paying claims and fail to cover the full cost of reconstruction.

"We will rebuild. No one is taking our house," said Frank, as he hunted for a shower seat for his 96-year-old mother in a parking lot full of donated supplies in Pasadena.

"But it will be a mess."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Frank said he knows some neighbors who lost their homeowners coverage prior to the fires as insurers retreated from parched regions in California increasingly prone to wildfires.

"We were lucky we still had a policy," he said.

The wildfires, among the worst natural disasters ever to hit California, have killed at least 11 people and destroyed or badly damaged more than 10,000 structures.

Reuters contacted nine of the top home insurance companies in California for comment.

State Farm, Nationwide, Allstate, Mercury, Liberty Mutual and Farmers responded with statements saying they were working with policyholders to help them make claims, without addressing specific concerns about residents not receiving sufficient payouts or rising future premiums.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Following the fires this week, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara invoked moratorium powers to suspend all policy non-renewals and cancellations from insurance companies for one year.

Lara said in a statement on Friday that next week he will host free insurance workshops in Santa Monica and Pasadena, suburbs close to the two biggest fires.

U.S. insurance stocks slid on Friday as analysts estimated the insurance costs from the wildfire could top $20 billion. Private forecaster AccuWeather estimated the damage and economic loss from the fires at $135 billion to $150 billion, portending soaring homeowners' insurance costs.

STATE INSURANCE

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Though Altadena has never experienced fire devastation on this scale in the past, the suburb does sit at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, which are prone to wildfires. This has made getting fire insurance more difficult.

Many residents in Altadena, a racially and economically diverse suburb, are covered by the California FAIR Plan, an insurance program backed by the state of California that is used by property owners who cannot find private market coverage.

FAIR Plan did not respond to a request for comment.

As private insurers have rejected or dropped homeowners in fire-prone areas of California, residents have increasingly switched to FAIR Plan, data shows.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As of the end of September last year, 958 homes in Altadena were covered by the scheme, up 28% from a year earlier, according to data from the insurer.

In Pacific Palisades, a wealthy suburb west of downtown Los Angeles ravaged by wildfires this week, the rise in the use of the FAIR plan has been more stark. There are 1,430 homes covered under the scheme, up 85% from a year earlier and quadruple the number in 2020, the insurer's data showed.

Gabby Reyes, whose home in Altadena was destroyed in a fire on Wednesday morning, said FAIR Plan staff had been helpful but she was concerned that her policy would not be enough to cover rebuilding the home she shares with her mother and daughter, given the fire has only left behind the foundations.

"They have been talking to us, and they've been really good," Reyes told Reuters, adding that property speculators had cold-called her to ask if they could buy her land.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"You can't call people like that when they're devastated."

(Reporting by Joe Brock and Chad Terhune; Additional reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Mary Milliken and Sandra Maler)
Music has the power to transport us to other times and places, whether it's the neighborhood we grew up in or a moment long lost to prehistory. Researchers have now analyzed a 55-note snippet of sheet music from 16th century Scotland, recreating a sound associated with a culture for which no other music has survived.

The notation was found in the margins of a page attached to a book that's of historical importance in its own right: the Aberdeen Breviary of 1510. The collection of prayers, readings, and hymns is not on the bestseller lists now, but was the first full-length tome to be printed in Scotland.

A team from KU Leuven in Belgium and the University of Edinburgh in the UK have now analyzed the musical fragment, which had been discovered in the book back in 2011.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Though the fragment has been matched with a little-known Christian chant still sung in some Anglican churches during Lent today called Cultor Dei, memento ("Servant of God, remember"), the researchers aren't sure if the notes were intended to guide instruments or a choir. Nonetheless, the scrap of notation is enough for experts to expand their knowledge on pre-Reformation liturgical culture in Scotland.

Scottish music

The recovered musical fragment. (National Library of Scotland/CC-BY-4.0)

"From just one line of music scrawled on a blank page, we can hear a hymn that had lain silent for nearly five centuries, a small but precious artifact of Scotland's musical and religious traditions," says musicologist David Coney, from the University of Edinburgh.

"The fact that our tenor part is a harmony to a well-known melody means we can reconstruct the other missing parts."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The music came without any kind of title or attribution attached to it, but the researchers recognized it as a polyphonic composition on two lines: a type of music where multiple melodies are sung or played at the same time.

That then led to Cultor Dei, memento. The notation aligns perfectly with the tenor part of a vocal harmonization of the hymn. You can hear what a sung version of the notation may have sounded like in a reconstruction posted here.

It's one of very few musical records we have from this period of time, and the only one that's survived from northeast Scotland, making it a crucial new finding for scholars of this period of music.

"For a long time, it was thought that pre-Reformation Scotland was a barren wasteland when it comes to sacred music," says musicologist James Cook, from the University of Edinburgh.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Our work demonstrates that, despite the upheavals of the Reformation which destroyed much of the more obvious evidence of it, there was a strong tradition of high-quality music-making in Scotland's cathedrals, churches and chapels, just as anywhere else in Europe."

The study also investigated the history of the book's ownership and creation, finding connections to Aberdeen Cathedral and St Mary's Chapel in Rattray in Aberdeenshire but no indication as to who might have written the music. The finding has encouraged the researchers to look at other similar texts for musical cues  quite possibly noted down in the margins.

"It may well be that further discoveries, musical or otherwise, still lie in wait in the blank pages and margins of other sixteenth-century printed books held in Scotland's libraries and archives," says musicologist Paul Newton-Jackson, from KU Leuven.

The research has been published in Music & Letters.

Related News
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  At Womans Hospital in Baton Rouge, lawmakers from Washington D.C. celebrated the start of their Newborn Essential Support Toolkits program.

U.S. Representative Julia Letlow, whose Congressional District now reaches into Baton Rouge, is showing major enthusiasm for one of her main projects coming to life.

Youll find me in Washington D.C. championing womens health, its one of my number one concerns, said Letlow. Our team got together in D.C., after talking to all of you, about what your needs are  the moms and dads. So we put a package together to send home to new parents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Letlow and Cheri Johnson with Womans Hospital said the kits include nearly everything new parents and babies need.

It has maternity pads for mom, breastfeeding supplies for mom, breast pads, diaper cream, three packs of diapers, even little newborn outfits, said Johnson.

State Senator Regina Barrow said the kits are made possible through a public-private partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, and the nonprofit Baby 2 Baby.

Were happy to be a part of this historic moment, said Barrow. Its great seeing this level of camaraderie from the federal, state and local level.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lawmakers said the goal is to reduce stress and mortality for new parents.

I represent the Fifth District of Louisiana, said Letlow. We have rural healthcare deserts, and we want to provide services for underserved areas as well.

East Baton Rouge School Board elects new president, vice president

Johnson said the kits will be hand-delivered to new parents while theyre at the hospital.

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 Louisiana First News.
Jan. 11For nearly 27 years, Mike Hanson has been the Public Works director for Mower County and has been integral in the process of reviving and maintaining the county's infrastructure.

However, earlier this year Hanson took a step toward retirement by entering into phased retirement.

This new phased retirement allows Hanson to retain his title, retain salary for half the normal hours worked and is a mutual agreement between the employee and the county for no more than five years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I'm the Public Works director, but I'm more of an advisor doing work," he said.

But it allows Hanson to continue doing the work he has thoroughly enjoyed for nearly three decades.

Hanson is an Albert Lea native, where he continues to live, but his connection to Austin has been enriched over the years starting with him attending Austin Junior College, now Riverland Community College.

There he studied pre-engineering, calculus, physics and mathematics before transferring to the University of Minnesota where he attained a degree in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1975.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This followed this time starting in April of 1976 with consulting firm Jones, Haugh & Smith Inc, which he was with through 1998, first as an engineer from 1976 to 1980 and then as a partner from 1980 to 1998.

"It wasn't so much the grass is greener," Hanson said. "The thought in my mind was you're going to live once. What are you going to do? What do you want to do?"

"This opportunity came along because I was doing a lot of the county work," he continued. "At the time I was doing the bulk of the plan review and signature and everything else for the county behind the scenes because I had an engineer's license."

With that, Hanson went from private to public with Mower County and quickly began work on the county's infrastructure needs, including its roads which needed quick attention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, Hanson said Wednesday that it was the nearly 400 bridges in the county that needed the attention.

"When I came in the bridges were probably the biggest challenge," Hanson said. "We have 370 bridges. Since I've been here we've replaced 201 of those. That's a pretty good clip for replacing things."

The road projects morphed from regrading and widening early on in Hanson's time to sustaining the 405 miles of roads within the county.

Replacing and maintaining all of that infrastructure was a major undertaking with a large price tag, but during Hanson's time and with his support, county commissioners adopted a half-sent sales tax.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Revenue raised from that sales-tax went directly toward these infrastructure needs and continues to do so. Next year, commissioners will have to decide on whether or not to continue the tax for another 10 years.

Hanson said that the work the county has been able to do up until now has created a strong argument for keeping it in place.

"It really does," Hanson said. "We were starting to get some negative feedback about the condition of our roads. This made our whole system better and made the public realize they are doing something about this. It's not being wasted. It made a difference."

"It took four, five years to get that and we did that without a lot of outside help and with just the staff we have here," he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hanson went on to laud the commissioners he's worked with over the years as well as the staff, saying that that kind of support made the time he's had and continues to have with the county worth remembering.

"One of the most important things in my career here at the county has been not only the great board and administration we have in place, but also the great team of people I have the privilege to work with every day here at our office and in other county departments," Hanson said. "I've truly enjoyed working with them all."
Late last year, I started writing a column on generative AI. I interviewed a few folks and got down a few hundred words before I was overtaken by the events of a hectic election year, during which "gotta finish that AI column" was always at the back of my mind, even if I never got around to it.

Here's the punchline: I'd been worried about what the future of AI might hold. But while I wasn't paying attention, the future arrived.

And AI won.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I suppose I had assumed that most reasonable adults would view AI as skeptically as I did. Its shortcomings are well-documented, and haven't we all seen "Terminator"?

But when a friend posted to social media asking other professionals how they use AI, the answers were effusive: to organize notes, to generate ideas, to write press releases. When a group of college students visited, I was stunned to hear that particular class is required to use AI  their prestigious university has its own "safe" AI that protects students by not feeding their data into a larger learning model. A nauseating commercial for a big tech firm's phones shows lonely people chattering away to the company's shiny new AI as though it were a long-lost friend. When an acquaintance reported working alongside students at a coffee shop seemingly pasting material from generative AI directly into assignments, the ensuing online conversation revolved around ethical use of AI, not how to shut down behavior it seems like most folks would consider inherently dishonest. The search bars on Facebook and Instagram have been replaced by AI-assisted search, which confuses the crap out of me; maybe I'm old, but it all just seems unnecessary.

I may have misjudged my fellow humans. But I'm not wrong about AI.

We're jumping feet first into unreliable, unproven tech with devastating environmental costs and a dense thicket of ethical problems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It's a bad idea. And  because I enjoy shouting into the void  we really ought to stop.

More from Nancy Kaffer: America is divided. We have to find connection to have a future as a nation.

Blame Big Data

The field of artificial intelligence research started after World War II as a reaction to the philosophical and psychological school of behaviorism that reduced humans to, well, a set of behaviors, explained Robin Zebrowski, an old college friend, a professor of cognitive science at Beloit College and an internationally recognized expert in the cognition of artificial intelligence, who publishes papers with titles like "Carving Up Participation: Sense-Making and Sociomorphing for Artificial Minds" and "The AI Wars, 19502000, and Their Consequences."

In the 1950 paper "Computing Machinery and Intelligence," the British mathematician Alan Turing (the man who broke Germany's World War II Enigma code, and was later criminally prosecuted by his own government for being gay) posed a question: Can a machine think in a human-enough way to pass as a human?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Scientists of that era became fascinated by the why and how of consciousness, and whether it was possible to build a machine that could pass what had become known as the Turing Test.

"Im very sympathetic to the mad science of it, but part of it is really like, 'Why cant we do this? Lets try it!' which morally is a little dicey," Zebrowski said. "But there was no danger in playing with these systems, because they weren't very good at what they did, and what they did was not what we do."

("Consciousness is so weird," she adds. "We have no idea how it emerges. We're not putting that into a machine anytime soon.")

AI still doesn't do what we do, but these days, it looks a lot more like it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The new generative AI models like ChatGPT or Gemini don't exist because of a big leap in technology  they're are essentially text prediction machines, and the neural net technology that powers them has been been around since the 1980s, Zebrowski said. But over the last few decades, we've plugged way more information into shared networks. Data  our data  has become a commodity.

"We have the ability to suck up everyones data and run it into the grinder," Zebrowski said. "What changed is the availability of data at scale."

'AI has no concept of truth'

With more data, text prediction machines like Gemini or ChatGPT have an infinitely larger set of responses to offer  even if some of that data is bad.

The output of an AI system will always reflect a learning model trained on misinformation or biased information, Zebrowski said, and "the current AI models were trained on the dregs of the internet."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2022, the news outlet CNET quietly started using AI to write some stories. Within months, it had to end the practice, issuing corrections on half of the stories produced by AI. Just this month, a handful of media outlets issued corrections or retractions after a slew of stories, apparently researched using generative AI, falsely claimed that President George H.W. Bush had pardoned his son, Neil.

And those are just AI's most high-profile, publicly embarrassing flops. Now imagine that at scale, across all of those meeting notes and panel questions and college assignments.

These outcomes, Zebrowski said, should surprise no one.

"Thats the nature of how the system works," she said. "It will always be filled with inaccuracies, because AI has no concept of truth."

So much for ethics

As far as "Terminator" goes, Zebrowski assured me, that's still pretty unlikely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But that doesn't mean AI, and the ways we're using it, aren't dangerous.

"Right now, AI is mostly hype," Zebrowski said. "But its doing a lot of damage  and it's not doing a lot of good yet."

But this is how humans do tech: Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. And that's how we're doing AI  using it for panel questions and meeting notes and research papers, for medical diagnosis, for homework assignments, to crunch data and replace workers  absent any reasonable regulatory or universally recognized ethical guidelines.

The general consensus seems to be that the horse has left the barn, and that any effort to coax it back into its stall is futile. Instead, the argument goes, we've got to learn to ride the horse, or we'll get trampled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That college professor who visited the Free Press said she's teaching her students ethical use of AI. But that's part of the problem: Can AI be used ethically?

It's a question the big tech companies may not be interested in answering.

Ethicists had rung a lot of alarms about AI  "had," in some cases, being the operative word. Google forced out its lead AI ethicist in 2020. Microsoft laid off its entire AI ethics and society team back in 2023. Open AI's ethics team was disbanded just last year. The U.S. government has failed to adopt any meaningful regulation or guidelines for AI development or use, compared to the European Union, and at least one person (that'd be Elon Musk) who is heavily invested in the proliferation of AI wields outsized influence in the incoming presidential administration.

AI ethicists have laid out very clear guidelines, Zebrowski said, calling for things like government regulation of these systems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"But that's unlikely to happen, in part because if you look at who the government is calling in to give them advice about this, it's the CEOs and the people who benefit from AI, so that's going to go poorly," she said. "There's lots of people in particularly marginalized communities who have pointed out specific dangers and specific harms, and they're not getting the audience with the president. So the regulation that we need is very unlikely to show up, at least in the U.S., and that's where most of the companies are headquartered.

"My guess is, it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better, if it gets better."

Follow the money

Here's the other thing about AI: It's a product big tech companies have spent big money to develop  even if it doesn't actually do what they're saying, or at least implying, it does.

"You hear Sam Altman, the CEO of Open AI, say openly at a government hearing that he's genuinely worried about what these systems will do, like he didn't release it into the world," she said. "It kills me that the public hears this hype that makes it sound like AI is actually going to be super intelligence, and it's going to be smarter and quicker and more powerful than humans, when the companies benefitting from the hype are making the models.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"There's a reason for the hype, and its mostly money. And that means the public doesn't actually know how these systems work, and what we should or should not use them for."

Hence that helpful commercial depicting AI making thoughtful gift suggestions, or regaling its owner with stories about nature. Tech companies want us to believe that AI  like smartphones and social media and Bluetooth clothes dryers and refrigerators that us when we're out of milk  is essential to our lives.

And tech companies have a great track record at this kind of market bombardment.

The New York Times Magazine's Willy Staley detailed the tech marketing model in a recent piece about Netflix, explaining how the company charged through years of debt to emerge an essential household service: "If you applied the logic of the media business to Netflix, it looked uncertain, but Netflix was operating by tech-sector rules  spending boatloads of cash to acquire customers, changing their habits and overwhelming competitors until, at the other end, an entire industry was transformed."

Elon Musk, obviously

Before Google parted ways with its ethicist, Temnit Gebru, she and five other researchers produced a draft paper outlining the chief harms risked by AI. In addition to the inscrutability of AI learning models and the certainty that it will incorporate misinformation, AI systems are trained on data sets generated by people with the most access to technology, creating a dataset biased toward more affluent, tech-friendly people, and nations. (Gebru is the researcher who identified problems with the way facial recognition software identifies women and people of color.)

Gebru and her team also flagged the environmental consequences of AI  training a learning model sucks down an enormous amount of energy, resulting in an explosion of emissions  costs likely to be born by marginalized communities for the benefit of more prosperous organizations or individuals.

A data center just outside Memphis that will provide computing power for Elon Musk's xAI houses 18 or more portable methane gas generations, installed without permits, and which residents say emit a constant stream of hazy but visible smoke. The historically Black community is no stranger to environmental injustice, but AI presents a new front in this fight: One researcher estimates that a single query to a chatbot uses enough energy to power a lightbulb for 20 minutes.

40 minutes of lightbulb time

Last year, I asked ChatGPT to write a column "in the style of Michigan journalist Nancy Kaffer," and it kind of delivered.

"In the heart of the Great Lakes State, where opportunity should flow freely like our pristine waters, there exists a deep chasm of inequality that threatens the very existence of our society. The battleground for this struggle is none other than our education system  a system that is supposed to uplift, empower and prepare our future leaders."

It goes on in similar fashion  "as we stand at the crossroads of progress, it is imperative that we address this issue head-on"  "together, let us forge a path towards a truly equitable education system."

I do write about equity in education. But this is laughably bad: perky and surface, laden with cliches and grand diction, offering little substance and the tone of a well-informed high school sophomore.

When I made the same request last month, the result was strikingly different.

"Michigan's infrastructure is in a quiet crisis," ChatGPT wrote. "It's not a flashy issue that makes the front pages of newspapers or trends on Twitter, but it impacts the daily lives of millions. The cracks in our roads, the flaking paint on bridges, the overworked water systems  they're all symptoms of a larger more systemic problem that requires urgent attention, not just for the sake of convenience, but for the state's future economic stability. ... Theres a growing call among policymakers to make bold investments in infrastructure, to stop kicking the can down the road. Yet were still caught in the tug-of-war between short-term political wins and long-term, necessary spending. Fixing Michigans infrastructure is not just a matter of putting a few more dollars into road repair  its about ensuring the state can compete, thrive, and support its citizens well into the future. For those of us living here, the frustration is palpable."

I can still tell it's not me. But it's a bundle of phrases I might use and ideas I might endorse, even if it's pasted together without much art or depth.

ChatGPT is learning how to be me, and it's getting better at it  and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm a little worried about what it might deliver a year from now.

The future

I'm joking about "Terminator." Mostly.

I love technology: I was an early adopter of the iPhone, and I like to remind my Gen Z son that modern Xboxes and PlayStations exist because in 1987, I used my babysitting money to buy the first Nintendo.

But when it comes to AI and machine learning, there's also "The Matrix," likewise set in a machine-dominated dystopian future, and "Bladerunner," "Rossum's Universal Robots" and "The Veldt," Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics, and I can tell you that on the point of this, and it not ending well, the literature is unanimous. It's fiction, sure, but look at the last century: We can only achieve what we can imagine, and science fiction helps us imagine what sort of future is possible.

Or the sort of future we really do not want.

That thing earlier, about the horse and the barn, is a persuasive metaphor. Let's consider a knife, instead. You can spend a lot of effort rendering the knife harmless, wrapping it in tinfoil or duct tape or dulling the blade  or you could just put it down.

Rarely in history have humans voluntarily relinquished technology. One notable exception: the atomic bomb.

"We did it, we deployed it, most people regretted it, and that spurred decades of us trying to manage and mitigate the fallout from that technology," Zebrowski said. "Everyone was like, 'OK, let's not do this,' but of course, secretly, everyone's still doing it. There's not really a way to tell the whole world we can't pursue this technology. But I really think nuclear technology is the closest analogy I can think of. Because we did all finally agree, or at least mostly, most countries finally agreed, this was not something we should be doing."

There are a lot of ethicists out there who have suggested policy frameworks for the use of AI. For lawmakers who'd like to bring some rationality to this question, such guidelines are easy to find. (If you're a university, you probably have an ethicist or two on staff.)

But when I consider the inherent bias and propensity for error embedded in AI learning sets, the potential for mass shutouts from the workforce and a generation that never got to learn critical thinking skills, because AI did it all for them, I keep coming back to that thing about the knife  and one thing more: You can't be part of the solution if you're part of the problem.

You don't have to use AI. And if you do, maybe you should stop.

Nancy Kaffer is the editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press. Contact: nkaffer@freepress.com. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters and we may publish it online and in print.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: What is AI? It has 'no concept of truth.' | Opinion
DES MOINES, Iowa  Low flying helicopters will return to downtown Des Moines this weekend.

The helicopters will be used to lift and replace heavy mechanical equipment on the roof of the Ruan Center located at 666 Grand Avenue. The work was initially scheduled for Saturday, but due to weather concerns it was delayed until Sunday morning. Portions of Sixth and Grand Avenues near Des Moines second-tallest building may be shut down briefly while the work takes place, similar to what locals experienced in November during a similar event.

The helicopters will be used to lift and replace heavy mechanical equipment on the roof of the Ruan Center located at 666 Grand Avenue. The work was initially scheduled for Saturday, but due to weather concerns it was delayed until Sunday morning.

Portions of Sixth and Grand Avenues near Des Moines second-tallest building may be shut down briefly while the work takes place, similar to what locals experienced in November during a similar event.

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.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes has provided the latest update on the horrific mass shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School.

Three people were left dead  including the shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who took her own life  and six were wounded when Rupnow opened fire with a handgun on Dec. 16.

Barnes provided a video update on the department's investigation on Thursday, with questions still unanswered regarding Rupnow's motives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Many of you have reached out asking why this happened. And wanting to learn more about a motive. I wish I could stand here today with all off the answers to your questions," Barnes said. "But that's not where we are at this point in the investigation."

Related: 'Leave them alone': Madison mayor appeals for privacy for school shooting victims

Barnes said while the motive remains unknown at this time, there is no credible information that "there are others who intend to commit further violence."

He went on to say the suspect was very active on social media, as investigators are continuing to review her online activity to get a better understanding why the attack happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Determining a motive is often a complex and challenging process. There can be multiple factors at play, and it is critical that we approach this investigation with the utmost care and thoroughness," the police chief said. "We owe it to the victims and survivors of this tragedy to get this right."

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes.Madison Police Department

Student Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, and substitute teacher coordinator Erin West, 42, were killed in the shooting. Six others were wounded, including two students that were left in critical condition.

Through a statement provided by UW Health University Hospital, Barnes said the two students critically injured in the shooting have since had their conditions upgraded to "fair" at the end of December.

The other three victims who suffered non-life-threatening injuries  two students and a teacher  were all released from the hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Barnes believes the investigation will be a lengthy process as detectives are requesting search warrants and subpoenas from various social media and tech companies.

Another piece of the investigation that will be further looked into is a document that circulated online after the shooting, which some claimed was a "manifesto" compiled by Rupnow.

"At this time we cannot discuss its contents or verify its authenticity.," Barnes said.

He added that two firearms were recovered at the school but believe only one of them was used. A total of 21 shell casings were also recovered at the scene, Barnes noted.

You can watch Barnes' message below.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.
Another January 6 has come and gone, and with it the furtive remembrances of the day that touched off so much institutional collapse. Not that youd know anything was amiss in Washington, where Democrats made an elaborate show of underscoring the peaceful transfer of powerseemingly not aware that the very act of melodramatizing something that should simply be background noise in a stable democracy only suggests the papering over of a greater disorder.

Its been fashionable to argue that the 2021 coup plot actually succeeded or, perhaps more accurately, never ended. Either way, the reality is that January 6 may have passed on the calendar but it is not done with us yet. What began on that day was much more than a mere attempt to overturn an election, it was actually a forcible rejection of the principles of democracy that arose out of the postCivil Rights era. President Barack Obama used to suggest that his election was evidence that the United States was shaping into the more perfect union of its dreams. The latest election suggested that what were actually rounding into is a mafioso state ruled by a strongman and his affiliated oligarchs.

This year, the right will be coming after the strongest bulwark against their corrupt vision for our future. It is one of the most important accomplishments of the Reconstruction era, and one of the most critical safeguards of justice, citizenship, and equal protection under the law: the Fourteenth Amendment. What makes this amendment so important is that it plays an outsize constitutional role in enabling the possibility of a robust multiracial democracy. That also makes it a prime target of those who want to prevent such a thing from coming into being.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It makes sense that this battle should kick off with an insurrection. One of the most interesting things about the January 6 attacks is that they were something for which we, the people, had specifically prepared, writing into the Fourteenth Amendment languagewhich TNRs Matt Ford described as thunderous and unequivocalbarring any person who had sworn an oath of office and subsequently gone on to engage in insurrection or rebellion from ever again holding federal office.

When Colorado voters sued their secretary of state, Jena Griswold, in an attempt to use this constitutional fail-safe to evict Donald Trump from the ballot, it brought Griswold into conflict with the Supreme Court. Like many observers, I felt the disqualification effort would prove fruitless before that body but that the justices would take safe harbor in the lack of any criminal convictions of Trump to make the more abstruse argument that there was too much doubt about his culpability in the insurrection to deny him a place on the ballot in accordance with the disqualification clause.

Instead, as Ford documented, the majority opinion took a much more severe and unprecedented approach to the problem, effectively applying a judicial line-item veto to the Fourteenth Amendment itself, thereby nullifying its use as an electoral fail-safe. The ruling, Ford wrote, paves the way for insurrectionists to run for and hold federal office despite the Constitutions categorical language that disqualifies them, along the way deciding questions that werent before the justices in this case in the first place, and providing answers that will only immunize these and future insurrectionists from potential consequences.

That the Supreme Court demonstrated a willingness to tear a hole in the Constitution has only emboldened the right to take further aim at the Fourteenth Amendment. (Its not ideal that a loud segment of the political press, who typically venerate the Constitution in flamboyant fashion, also found the disqualification clause worthy of their ridicule.) As Ford noted in November of last year, the Trump administration is planning to go after another section of the amendments unequivocal languagethat which protects birthright citizenship. And theyre road-testing a new argument advanced by Trump-appointed federal Judge James Ho, a onetime originalist defender of birthright citizenship who has carved out a unique exception to the rule:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Birthright citizenship is supported by various Supreme Court opinions, both unanimous and separate opinions involving Justices Scalia, Thomas, Alito, and others. But birthright citizenship obviously doesnt apply in case of war or invasion. No one to my knowledge has ever argued that the children of invading aliens are entitled to birthright citizenship. And I cant imagine what the legal argument for that would be.

That makes two of us! Given the extreme unlikelihood that there are any living humans who participated in either an invasion or a war on U.S. soil who are now prospective U.S. citizens, I should simply be able to go on never worrying about this. But given the propensity of Republicans to refer to legitimate asylum-seekers as invaders and the campaign comparison of Haitian Americans residing in Ohio to illegitimate citizens, Im starting to think that Ho intends war or invasion as something far more malleable and abstract than the literal definitions of those terms.

All of which would be perfectly consistent with Trumps second-term agenda, in which hes promised to transform the federal government into an instrument of personal revenge and roll back the rights and benefits that people and groups he disfavors currently enjoy. As TNR contributor Susan Rinkunas recently reported, much of this will come down in a battle to strip citizenship from people, and the Fourteenth Amendment will be under attack once again:

The Fourteenth Amendment was intended to extend full citizenship to formerly enslaved Black people, and it undergirds the right of all Americans to be treated equally under the law, no matter who they are or in which state they reside. Yet over the past year, conservatives have been increasingly open in their beliefs that pregnant women, transgender adolescents, affirming parents of trans kids, and immigrants are not legally entitled to the Fourteenth Amendments protectionsall while arguing that fertilized eggs are. Republicans are using strategic litigation to effectively rewrite the Fourteenth Amendment to prioritize conservative white men and embryos above and beyond everyone else. They are warping something used to grant rights into a bludgeon to take them away, and are redefining who counts as a person in the United States.

Those who are familiar with Wilhoits lawwhich holds that conservatism, in the words of Ohio classical music composer Frank Wilhoitconsists of exactly one proposition. There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protectwill recognize that Trumps plans arent novel but rather stem from the primordial ideas that have long guided his party along its postmodern evolution into a haven for authoritarianism and oligarchy.

Whats changing now is that the rights embrace of this philosophy is becoming more explicitly stated; the need to couch this despicable notion in what Wilhoit referred to as an elaborate backwash of pseudophilosophy is less necessary now that the Supreme Court has granted the president monarchic immunity powers and indicated its openness to redact and rewrite whole parts of the Constitution. Thus begins the great unbinding of the right from their constitutional obligations, and the lifting of constitutional protections for those they deem to be enemies within.

This article first appeared in Power Mad, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by deputy editor Jason Linkins. Sign up here.
The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), along with 14 prominent garment trade associations from across India, came together under the banner of "One Industry, One Voice." In a landmark meeting, they passed a unanimous resolution urging the Group of Ministers (GoM) to abandon its proposal to modify Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates in the garment sector and retain the existing structure of 5 per cent and 12 per cent. According to CMAI, this collaborative effort marked the first time so many leading associations joined forces to address critical issues facing the industry. The meeting also saw the development of five key policy recommendations aimed at fostering sustainable growth, securing long-term stability, and addressing pressing challenges within the garment sector. The first and foremost recommendation is to abandon the proposed GST rate revision. The associations emphasized the potential negative consequences of such changes, including disruptions in manufacturing, pricing instability, and weakened consumer demand. They warned that these revisions could push businesses towards informal channels, harm affordability, and destabilize employment, particularly in festive and wedding-related apparel segments. Another significant proposal is the introduction of a tailored Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme specifically for the garment sector. The associations noted that the existing PLI framework is more suited to the textile industry and does not align with the operational scale and investment capacities of garment manufacturers. A sector-specific PLI scheme would better reflect the unique characteristics of the garment industry and encourage greater participation. The associations also called for protecting MSMEs during insolvency proceedings. They urged the government to classify MSMEs as secured creditors, ensuring fair compensation during bankruptcy cases. This measure, they argued, would boost MSME confidence in dealing with large corporations and contribute to increased trade volumes and tax collections. Rectifying Section 43B(h) of the Income Tax Act is another critical recommendation. The associations pointed out that the provision has inadvertently hurt smaller manufacturers, as large buyers prefer purchasing from bigger manufacturers. They suggested eliminating this provision or gradually reducing payment periods to ensure equal growth opportunities across Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Finally, the associations recommended introducing an interest subsidy for the domestic garment sector. Unlike the export sector, which already benefits from such subsidies, the domestic garment industry faces unique challenges that could be alleviated through targeted financial support. This assistance would further unlock the sector's growth potential. Speaking about the meeting, Santosh Katariya, President of CMAI, stated, "We are glad that all the leading associations have come together under Group of Associations to address these concerns and create a unified voice for the industry. As CMAI, we are committed to presenting comprehensive recommendations to the Government on critical matters such as GST, Supply Chain Disruptions, Rising Input Costs and the need for Policy reforms. These are essential to ensure long-term growth and sustainability of the Apparel sector." Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor of CMAI, echoed similar sentiments, saying, "The Apparel industry requires policies that nurture its growth and ensure a balanced approach that fosters both immediate stability and long-term sustainability. A supportive policy framework will be vital in unlocking the sector's full potential and translating positive consumer trends into tangible, sustainable growth for the industry." The apparel industry, valued at Rs5.4 lakh crore, is a cornerstone of the Indian economy, providing employment to approximately 39 million people, including 16 million in domestic production. Despite demonstrating impressive growth and resilience, the sector has immense potential for further expansion. With targeted support and reforms, the industry can unlock new opportunities for sustainable development and long-term stability. The meeting was attended by representatives from several prominent trade associations, including the Tirupur Exporters Association, Bangalore Apparel Manufacturers Association, and Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association, among others. (ANI)
Jan. 10Regulators have withdrawn a proposal to increase the minimum size requirements for lobsters caught in Maine, a move praised by harvesters who said the change would give Canadian competitors an unfair advantage.

The change was announced by the Maine Department of Marine Resources at a hearing Thursday night, after a fiery argument between the commissioner and lobstermen in attendance. The department also pledged to consult lobstermen about any future conservation proposals for the fishery, U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, D-2nd District, said in a statement praising the decision.

"I have always said that Maine's lobstermen are the best, most informed conservationists for this precious and storied fishery," Golden said in a statement. "Lobstermen have been saying for months that the proposed gauge increase was not only a risk to their livelihoods and their communities but an unnecessary overreaction to questionable stock data. I'm proud of them for going to the mat for their industry, and glad their voices have been heard and that DMR has pledged to give the lobstermen a seat at the table in determining what conservation efforts, if any, are needed to protect their fishery."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The one-sixteenth of an inch increase was designed to help boost the dwindling stock of lobsters in the Gulf of Maine. But lobster harvesters and dealers have said it could eliminate the most lucrative segment of their catch and give Canadian competitors an unfair advantage.

Data from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission indicated last year that lobster stock had declined by more than 35% in the largest management area in the Maine fishery. The Department of Marine Resources' proposed gauge increase was twice as large as the last increase 30 years ago.

After that proposal was released, Golden implored regulators to delay the implementation, giving the board and fishermen more time to collect more accurate and comprehensive data and study the economic impact of the change. The rules had been set to go into effect on Jan. 1, but were delayed until July.

During a public hearing held Thursday as part of the rulemaking process, Patrick Keliher, commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources, got into a heated exchange with lobstermen who had packed the room. A video of the meeting shows Keliher talking about how the future of the industry is at stake and people in the audience starting to talk over him before Keliher asks the crowd to listen to him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We don't have to listen to you," one man shouted. "You sold out to NOAA and Canada."

Warning: The following video contains explicit language.

Keliher cursed at the man in response, drawing more shouts and protests from the crowd. One person accused Keliher of being a sellout, other people also used profanity, while some said everyone should walk out of the meeting.

"I am pulling the regulation as of right now. ... The fact of the matter is there is a risk associated with pulling this rule. If you guys are OK with accepting and understanding what that risk is, I am going to fight back at the (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission)," Keliher said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In an email to the Press Herald, the commissioner apologized "to anyone I offended," pledged to rebuild trust and said his commitment to supporting and protecting the Maine lobster industry "got the best of me as I faced what I felt were unfair criticisms about my motives."

Without the stricter size rules in place this summer, Maine will be out of compliance with the regional fishery commission's lobster management plan. State regulators will have to come up with different rules to "achieve conservation benefits that are equivalent to those intended by this regulation," the Department of Marine Resources said in an emailed statement Friday afternoon. Lobstermen will be involved in that process.

The fisheries commission allows states to take actions that differ from regulations, so long as they "achieve the same quantified level of conservation," according to its charter. But determining whether alternative rules are truly equivalent is up to the relevant management board.

States must submit proposals for any equivalent standards they seek to implement, and they must prove that they can enforce those guidelines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Keliher said Gov. Janet Mills approved his decision to withdraw the rule.

The multistate fishery commission was informed about the move Friday morning, according to spokesperson Tina Berger.

She said the next steps will likely be determined when the commission's American Lobster board, which Keliher chairs, meets next month. It's not clear whether he would need to recuse himself from discussions.

The board can order a state to come into compliance by a certain date. If a state fails to do so, the board can escalate its concerns to the U.S. Department of Commerce, which can set a new deadline or, possibly "close fishing for that species in that state's waters," Berger said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We're not there yet. There's a lot that can happen between now and July 1," Berger said.

Berger said it was unusual for a member state to announce its intention to not to follow new regulations before they take effect. "It's usually after the fact," she said.

After Thursday's meeting, representatives of the lobster industry in Maine praised the withdrawal.

Dustin Delano, a former lobsterman and chief operating officer of the New England Fisherman's Stewardship Association, said, "Maine lobstermen prevailed tonight as they pushed back against the increase to the minimum lobster gauge size in Lobster Management Area 1."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Virginia Olsen, lobsterman and director of the Maine Lobstering Union, said in a statement that "our members are very happy that the lobster gauge increase has been shelved."

Staff Writers Hannah LaClaire and Daniel Kool contributed reporting.

Copy the Story Link
Jan. 10The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has proposed new rules governing judicial conduct complaints that would keep members of the high court from having to discipline their peers.

The proposed rules would establish a panel of eight judges  the four most senior active Superior Court justices and the four most senior active District Court judges who are available to serve  to weigh complaints against a justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Members of the high court would not participate.

The rule changes come just weeks after the Committee on Judicial Conduct recommended the first sanction against a justice on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in state history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The committee said Justice Catherine Connors should be publicly reprimanded, the lowest level of sanction, for failing to recuse herself in two foreclosure cases last year that weakened protections for homeowners in Maine, despite a history of representing banks that created a possible conflict of interest. Connors represented or filed on behalf of banks in two precedent-setting cases that were overturned by the 2024 decisions.

In Maine, it's up to the Supreme Judicial Court to decide the outcome of judicial disciplinary cases. But because in this case one of the high court's justices is accused of wrongdoing, the committee recommended following the lead of several other states by bringing in a panel of outside judges, either from other levels of the court or from out of state.

Connors, however, believes the case should be heard by her colleagues on the court, according to a response filed late last month by her attorney, James Bowie.

Bowie argued that the outcome of the case will ultimately provide guidance for the lower courts  a power that belongs exclusively to the state supreme court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It should not, he wrote, be delegated "to some other ad hoc grouping of inferior judicial officers."

The court is accepting comments on the proposal until Jan. 23. The changes, if adopted, would be effective immediately and would apply to pending matters, including the Connors complaint.

Copy the Story Link
HAMBURG  The states handling of the disposition of three former centers that provided services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities came under fire Thursday at a legislative workshop session in the Strand Theater.

Members of the Senate Majority Policy Committee charged that delays finding uses for three shuttered centers is costing taxpayers millions of dollars.

State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp., who chairs the committee, cited the former Hamburg State Center, White Haven State Center and Polk State Center in Venango County as examples.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the state Department of General Services, it costs $28.1 million annually to maintain the facilities. Hamburg costs $3.9 million; White Haven $8.9 million and Polk, $15.3 million.

This waste of taxpayer dollars, this bureaucratic nightmare, needs to stop, Argall insisted.

Catherine Califano, DGS deputy secretary for business operations, said the buildings need to be kept in marketable condition if they are to be sold, conveyed to community organizations or transferred to redevelopment authorities.

The DGS website has an interactive map detailing the location and information on all state owned or leased properties, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a shift toward community-based services, the state Department of Human Services closed the Hamburg center in 2018 and the White Haven and Polk centers in 2023.

The 90-minute session, hosted by State Sen. Chris Gebhard, R-48, Lancaster, included testimony by State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21, Venango County.

It signals a renewed effort by the Republican-led committee to draft legislation requiring DGS to make yearly reports to the legislature on the cost of maintaining the centers, anticipated costs if they are not sold and demolition costs.

On a 47-3 vote, the Senate adopted similar legislation in the last session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Hamburg Center

Going on seven years after it was closed, a glimmer of hope for the future of the former Hamburg State Center emerged at the session.

Eryn Spangler, DGS legislative director, said the department has sent a draft legislative proposal for reuse of the 104-acre complex to Sen. Gebhard and State Rep. Jamie Barton, R-124, East Brunswick Twp., both of whom represent the Hamburg area.

Details of the proposal were unavailable, but Spangler said the draft gives legislators the opportunity to gain public input before a final decision is made on the future of the property.

Barton, whose district includes Hamburg, emphasized the urgency in finding a use for vacant buildings at the Hamburg center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Inaction on the states part, he argued, has led to unfounded rumors of illegal activity at the site on social media.

When reports of illegal aliens being trucked into Hamburg surfaced on social media in summer, Barton and Gebhard visited the property with a film crew to disprove the allegations.

A stones throw from Interstate 78 and Route 61, the Hamburg Center has utilities and other amenities that make it ideal for residential and possibly even commercial development, Barton said.

Portions of the property occupied by the Berks County Intermediate Unit, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency would not be involved in a sale of the Hamburg property, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Berks County Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach told the committee efforts to find a use for the Hamburg center began in 2017, even before it closed.

The Berks County Redevelopment Authority came very close to finding uses for the property, he said.

The rules kept changing while we were talking with DGS, Leinbach said, and finally we walked away.

There needs to be a better way, Leinbach insisted, of carrying over momentum from one administration to another.

While the three centers in question were closed when Democrat Tom Wolf was governor, Argall acknowledged that governors of both parties have struggled with finding uses for vacant state-owned properties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

*

State Sen. David Argall, chair of the Senate Majority Policy Committee, leads a hearing of the committee on reusing vacant state centers on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at the Hamburg Strand Theater. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE).

*

Linda Sensenbach-Miller, right, discusses the closed White Haven Center in Luzerne County with White Haven Mayor Eric Siglin, left, and businessman John Marotta during a hearing of the state Senate Majority Policy Committee on reusing vacant state centers on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at the Hamburg Strand Theater. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE).

*

A hearing of the state Senate Majority Policy Committee on reusing vacant state centers was held on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at the Hamburg Strand Theater. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Show Caption

1 of 3

State Sen. David Argall, chair of the Senate Majority Policy Committee, leads a hearing of the committee on reusing vacant state centers on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at the Hamburg Strand Theater. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE).

Expand

White Haven Center

Linda Sensenbach-Miller, president of the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce, told the committee the closing of the White Haven Center two years ago has had a devastating impact on the regions economy and residents.

Begun as a tuberculosis sanatorium in 1901, the 192-acre Foster Twp. facility had about 110 residents and a staff of about 400 when it closed 122 years later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sensenbach-Miller, a small business owner, told the committee closing the White Haven center caused a sharp decline in business.

In an area where the average homeowner is 61 years old, she said, the center would be an ideal location for private development of apartments, assisted living facilities and doctors offices.

The chamber has been recently designated a Blue Print Community, she said, and is positioned to guide the transformation of the property to a community asset.

East Side Borough Mayor Eric Siglin would like to see facilities for homeless and disabled veterans and affordable housing on the White Haven site.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are very few affordable apartments in the White Haven area, said Siglin, who has conveyed his thoughts in a letter to Gov. Josh Shapiro.

John Marotta, an East Side Borough resident, also favors using the facility for veterans. Like Siglin, hes soliciting public support aimed at pressuring the governor to act.

The DGS evaluation of the White Haven center, the most modern of the three, is in its preliminary phase, DGSs Spangler said. Its not likely, she said, that a legislative proposal will be developed this year.
Detroit police have arrested a 19-year-old Detroit man in connection with a July block party shooting that killed two and wounded 19, in what authorities say was the largest mass shooting in state history.

A faded American flag hangs from the front porch of a home on the block of Rossini Drive at Reno Street on the east side of Detroit on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. A mass shooting that killed two people and injured 19 others occurred on the block after a large party filled the streets early Sunday morning.

Demetrius Tiwan Shaw was charged Friday in connection with the July 7 shooting on Rossini Drive after authorities executed nearly a dozen search warrants across three cities, interim Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said at a news conference.

Authorities were led to Shaw after he was identified as a suspect in a separate nonfatal shooting in May, in which he is also now charged, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement. That shooting, of a 37-year-old man, occurred in the same neighborhood as the block party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shaw is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and 19 counts of assault with intent to murder and was remanded on a $1 million bond, Prosecutor Kym Worthy's Office said. In the May shooting, he's charged with assault with intent to murder and other crimes.

Demetrius Tiwan Shaw was charged Friday in connection with the July 7 shooting on Rossini Drive after authorities executed nearly a dozen search warrants across three cities, interim Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said at a news conference.

"This was something that affected us all in the city of Detroit," Bettison said of the block party massacre that made national news. "This should bring some assurance that the city of Detroit today is much safer now that we have Mr. Shaw off the street."

More: Families in Detroit relocate because of gun violence. Then, they face another challenge.

More: Detroit reports major drop in homicides in 2024, hitting lowest rate since 1969

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several others were taken into custody in connection with the incident, Bettison said, adding, "we will continue the work until we have all individuals we have identified and off the streets." He declined to provide details about what others might be charged with.

A frame grab from a video produced by the Detroit Police Department shows the guns that were recovered from a shooting at a block party on Rossini Drive near Reno Street in Detroit. One of those guns had an illegal modification, a so-called Glock switch, which converts the semi-automatic handgun to fire as an automatic, like a machine gun pistol.

During 11 search warrants executed Tuesday, 10 people were arrested in connection with the shooting and other crimes, said Detroit Police Lt. Matthew Bray. Confiscated were more than 21 firearms  two stolen  and an estimated $500,000 worth of narcotics  mainly fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin, Bray said.

Shaw is accused of having fired a handgun multiple times into a crowd about 2 a.m. on July 7, killing or wounding all 21 victims of the street party, Worthy's office said. Killed were Shanae Fletcher, 20, of Harrison Township, and Phillip Arnold Jr., 21, of Detroit. The remaining victims were mostly women and girls ages 16 to 24. They were from Detroit, Clinton Township, Chesterfield Township, Oak Park, Highland Park, Eastpointe and Southfield.

The episode capped off a rash of Detroit street party shootings and prompted a crackdown on large unpermitted gatherings. It was one of a half-dozen block party shootings across the July Fourth weekend alone, and followed a June block party shooting that was said by police to have been so chaotic that it prompted a responding officer to mistakenly shoot and wound at least two innocent people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Multiple noise complaints were made by 911 calls ahead of the shooting on Rossini, Bettison said Friday. Police's failure to break up the event before the violence has drawn scrutiny from City Council.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit police make arrest in largest mass shooting in state history
DENVER (KDVR)  A man accused of threatening a victim with a firearm and stealing a sedan on Thursday in Aurora was arrested in Mesa County Friday, officials reported.

According to the Mesa County Sheriffs Office, the Aurora Police Department notified the Colorado State Patrol Friday of an armed carjacking that took place Thursday in Aurora, wherein the suspect took a black 2008 Subaru Impreza.

3 arrested, facing charges in shooting death of 16-year-old girl in Aurora

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said an automated license plate reader detected the vehicle in Glenwood Springs first but then found it traveling west on Interstate 70.

Colorado State Patrol troopers and Mesa County Sheriffs deputies began searching the interstate and found the vehicle near the Palisade exit of I-70, according to the Mesa County Sheriffs Office. The driver went to a Walmart on North Avenue in Grand Junction, and when he exited the store, law enforcement arrested him.

Initially, the suspect provided police with a false name and identification. They employed a mobile fingerprint reader and identified him in the field as Andrew Gabriel Gomez Martinez, 25, of Aurora. They reported that he had two active warrants for his arrest originating from Arapahoe County.

Gomez-Martinez was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on Friday where he was being held on two warrants out of Arapahoe County in addition to charges of second-degree motor vehicle theft, criminal impersonation and criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to records on the Mesa County Sheriffs Office inmate locator service, Gomez-Martinez is being held on a $1,000 cash or surety bond for one warrant, and on a $3,000 cash or surety bond for the second warrant. Colorado court records did not show any upcoming court dates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (WFLA)  A man is facing a murder charge after he beat a hotel resident to death with a fire extinguisher, according to the Osceola County Sheriffs Office.

On Wednesday afternoon, deputies responded to the Quality Inn hotel at 2945 Entry Point Boulevard in Kissimmee after receiving a 911 call about a man kicking, stomping, and using a fire extinguisher to beat a victim.

Lakeland man reached for gun after slamming stolen car into 2 vehicles during chase: FHP

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Piero Estefano But Castillo, 25, a Chilean national who was staying at the hotel had been asked to leave by hotel staff, Sheriff Marcos Lopez said.

Castillo then lost his temper and began breaking things in the hotel. Officials said the victim, 55-year-old Robert Krasinski tried to calm Castillo down.

Thats when Castillo got angry at Krasinki for intervening and brutally beat him to death with a fire extinguisher.

Castillo was arrested and charged with murder. He is being held in the Osceola County Jail without bond and is currently on immigration hold.

3 arrested after bullet fired at homemade targets goes into Florida home: deputies

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These savage attacks are not going to go unpunished here, Sheriff Lopez said in a press conference Friday.

The Sheriff said Castillo entered the United States in 2019 as a non-immigrant student. He left for unknown reasons, before returning to Florida on Jan 1., 2025, on a 90-day tourist visa.

The sheriffs office said they are working with the Chilean government to get additional information on Castillo.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man faces federal charges for allegedly killing a wild burro and other animals outside Las Vegas and recording it, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained.

Mark King, of California, faces charges of maliciously causing the death or harassment of any wild free-roaming horse or burro and another charge connected to the death of a burro in January 2020, records said.

It was not until last October that the Bureau of Land Management said it received information regarding the hunting and killing of the wild burro, documents said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators later reviewed photos, video and metadata, which they said showed King with a scoped rifle alongside the dying animal, documents said. One video allegedly showed King shooting at the dying burro.

According to police, King and another person were recorded on video driving around public lands, gesturing toward wildlife, including cattle and burrows and shooting and killing them, documents said.

The other person was not named in the court documents reviewed Friday. A warrant was issued for Kings arrest on Tuesday, records said.

In 2021, The BLM proposed rounding up hundreds of burros over fears the animals were overeating vegetation. At that time, the department managed more than 500 burros in the nearly 300 square-mile area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a controversial practice, the department rounds up wild horses during large operations involving helicopters, which sometimes leads to the animals dying. Several videos over the last few years have shown horses falling or coming up lame during the roundups.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In a groundbreaking development for India's electronics manufacturing sector, Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated Syrma SGS Technology's state-of-the-art laptop assembly line in Chennai yesterday. This facility, located in the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ), marks a pivotal shift in India's 'Make in India' journey, extending its dominance from mobile phones to IT hardware manufacturing especially the laptops. The new assembly line will initially produce 100,000 laptops annually, with a scalable capacity of up to 1 million units within the next 1-2 years. Syrma SGS currently operates four manufacturing units in Chennai, with its Unit 3 now initiating laptop production. Speaking at the inauguration, Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "We must work meticulously to ensure that the electronic component ecosystem is also developed in the coming time. This will not only drive a major growth story for India but also align with our vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, fostering self-reliance and strengthening our position in the global electronics manufacturing landscape." The initiative, part of the PLI 2.0 scheme for IT Hardware, highlights India's growing capabilities in high-value electronics production and reinforces the nation's self-reliance in IT hardware. Syrma SGS has partnered with Micro-Star International (MSI), a leading Taiwanese technology company, to manufacture high-quality laptops in India, catering to both domestic and global markets. The facility is projected to generate 150-200 specialized jobs in electronics manufacturing by FY26, making a substantial impact on both Tamil Nadu's regional and India's national economy. These roles are anticipated to have a ripple effect, shaping and enhancing the future workforce in the sector. The laptops produced will meet international quality benchmarks, showcasing India's evolving technical and manufacturing prowess. India's electronics manufacturing sector has grown exponentially over the past decade, with total production increasing from Rs 2.4 lakh crore in 2014 to Rs 9.8 lakh crore in 2024. Mobile manufacturing alone has reached Rs 4.4 lakh crore, with exports at Rs 1.5 lakh crore in 2024. 98 per cent of the mobile phones used in India are now being manufactured in India with Smartphones becoming the fourth largest export item from India. Tamil Nadu has over 47 manufacturing units supported under various schemes of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The state is one of the largest beneficiaries of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing, with seven out of the 27 approved units under PLI 2.0 located here. The first unit under this initiative was inaugurated yesterday. Additionally, Tamil Nadu has seen significant support through programs such as Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS), with four applications receiving MeitY backing of Rs 1,200 crore, and Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS), which has attracted 33 applications with an investment potential of Rs 15,000 crore, supported by Rs 1,500 crore from MeitY. Together, these initiatives have enabled companies in Tamil Nadu to achieve a total production exceeding Rs 1.3 lakh crore to date. The state is also home to the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) at Pillaipakkam Village, Sriperumbudur, established by M/s State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT). With a project cost of Rs 420 crore, including Rs 210 crore in support from the Government of India, this cluster is expected to attract investments worth Rs 8,700 crore and create 36,300 jobs. Tamil Nadu contributes around 30 per cent of India's electronics exports, underscoring its pivotal role in the sector. Notably, the latest iPhone 16 Pro is proudly "Made in India" and manufactured in Tamil Nadu. "The inauguration of Syrma SGS's laptop assembly line marks a new chapter in India's electronics journey, paving the way for reduced dependency on imports, enhanced employment opportunities, and world-class manufacturing capabilities. As the facility ramps up production, India is poised to become a global leader in IT hardware manufacturing," said the ministry. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) 2.0 for IT Hardware, launched on May 29, 2023, aims to further strengthen India's electronics manufacturing ecosystem by offering a 5 per cent incentive to eligible companies. The scheme covers products like laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, servers, and ultra-small form factor devices. With a projected investment of Rs 3,000 crore, PLI 2.0 is expected to drive production worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore and generate 47,000 jobs across the country. The scheme has already achieved remarkable progress, with total investments of Rs 520 crore, production worth Rs 10,000 crore, and has generated 3,900 jobs (as on December 2024). (ANI)
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WKRG)  Alabama Law Enforcement Agency officials arrested a man in connection with a derelict boat that crashed into the jetty at Alabama Point in August 2024.

Mom alleges Strickland Youth guards abused her son multiple times

According to officials, 52-year-old James Houston Hamrac III is accused of a misdemeanor charge, derelict class 1 or 2 vessel.

In September, marine police told News 5 the owner had contacted someone to remove the boat from the jetty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hamrac was released from the Baldwin County Jail on Friday afternoon.

This is a developing story. News 5 will provide updates 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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Kern County probation officers arrested a man Wednesday after discovering loaded weapons and ammo during a house search in east Bakersfield, officials said.

Itijonie Robinson, 23, was arrested Jan. 9 after officers allegedly located a loaded Ruger 10/22, a loaded American Arms .22 caliber revolver and an additional .22 caliber rifle. Additional ammunition was also located at the residence in the 2800 block of Potomac Avenue, the department said.

Officials said Robinson was on active felony probation at the time and was arrested for possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.





Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A 19-year-old man has been charged with robbery and endangering the welfare of a child after allegedly robbing an off-duty Niagara Falls police officer and stealing his car in North Buffalo on Thursday.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Cheltenham Drive. According to Buffalo Police, Dorian Jones, 19, allegedly robbed the officer near the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Hertel Avenue by showing what appeared to be a handgun while taking the victims vehicle  a 2010 Mercedes.

The Mercedes contained one of the victims children, age 13, while a second juvenile, 15, was outside of the vehicle with the victim. Buffalo Police said the off-duty officer shot the suspect during the robbery attempt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jones was located a short distance away on Delaware Avenue, police said, and was taken to ECMC with non-life threatening wounds. The vehicle was retrieved around the corner on Wilbury Place and the 13-year-old juvenile was safely located. A pellet gun was also found, police said.

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said the City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls Police Department are cooperating fully with the Buffalo Police investigation.

Jones has been charged with two counts of robbery in the second degree and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

He is scheduled to return to court on Thursday with bail set at $80,000 cash or bond. Jones faces a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted of the highest charge. He has also pleaded guilty to three separate incidents involving stolen vehicles.

Latest Local News

***

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mark Ludwiczak joined the News 4 team in 2024. He is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience in Buffalo. You can follow him online at @marklud12.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A Peoria man will be held in custody while facing charges for allegedly stealing shoes during a Facebook Marketplace sale in October.

Tobias Taylor, 24, was charged with aggravated battery for allegedly stealing four pairs of shoes at gunpoint, according to online court records.

On Oct. 26, Peoria police officers responded to the Knollridge Apartment complex on a report of an armed robbery. When they arrived on the scene a man told police that he arranged to sell some shoes on Facebook marketplace, said Anna Perales of the Peoria County States Attorneys Office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the meet-up, two men showed up. One of them allegedly demanded the shoes or the other would shoot him, then the second man allegedly brandished a handgun. The victim handed over the shoes and the suspect fled, Perales said.

Alleged retail theft ring steals over $4K from local Walmarts

Later, the victim allegedly identified Taylor has one of the men who robbed him.

Judge Mark Gilles sided with prosecutors who had asked Taylor be held pending the outcome of his case. A Jan. 30 preliminary hearing was set but its likely a grand jury will hear the case before then.

If convicted, Taylor faces up to 15 years in prison.

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.
CANARSIE, Brooklyn (PIX11)  A man is in critical condition after being shot by police who say he may have been involved in a convenience store shooting in Brooklyn just moments before.

Police driving in the area around 9:45 p.m. on Friday night say they heard a gunshot go off from inside a store on East 80th Street in Canarsie. Thats when they saw a 50-year-old run outside.

More Crime News

Two officers ran after the man while another two pursued him by car, according to authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Eventually, the 50-year-old ran behind a tree and pointed a gun at police, officials said. Four officers fired their weapons at the man, one of which struck him in the torso.

More Brooklyn News

Police said they rendered first aid until EMS came to take the man to Brookdale Hospital where hes in critical condition.

Investigators are still working to piece together what may have happened leading up to the incident.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

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.
A man who was detained by citizens shortly after a wildfire exploded near Calabasas and West Hills is not accused of starting the fire, authorities announced Friday morning.

Los Angeles police responded to Woodland Hills at around 4:30 p.m. local time Thursday when a 911 caller said a man was attempting to light a fire in the 21700 block of Ybarra Road, police said.

Residents who spotted the suspect held him down until officers arrived. Photos shared on the Citizen app show officers surrounding a home where the man was handcuffed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We were sitting in the backyard, and suddenly, we hear a car come to a screeching halt, and the guy is running out saying, Stop! Drop what youre holding! Neighbors, hes trying to start a fire! Call 911! recalled Renata Grinshpun, who witnessed the incident.

At the same time, several miles to the west, firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura counties were racing to contain the Kenneth Fire, which threatened homes north of the 101 Freeway.

The fire was ultimately halted at 1,000 acres, and no structures were lost.

At a news conference Friday morning, LAPD Divisional Chief Dominic Choi said police investigated the case, interviewed the suspect, and ultimately decided he would not face arson charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After the interview and additional investigative steps, looking at some additional evidence that was present, they made the determination that there was not enough probable cause to arrest this person on arson or suspicion of arson, Choi said.

Instead, the man was arrested on a felony probation violation.

The investigation is ongoing, Choi said. I would like to thank those community members that were involved  in bringing this person to our attention.

The cause of the Kenneth Fire remains under investigation.

Crews across Southern California continued to battle two of the most destructive wildfires in California history: the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and Malibu and the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As of Friday, the causes of both fires were still undetermined.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A 60-year-old Sioux Falls man is dead after a large light pole fell across the northbound lanes of Interstate 229 near Benson Road Thursday afternoon.

The light pole was being installed as part of a multi-million dollar project that officials say is to improve public safety.

Man in critical condition from group beating

Authorities say a contractor was working on the light pole tower when it began to lean and fell, and hit a van that just happened to be passing by at 1:05 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The driver died from his injuries.

The light pole was one of several being installed as part of the $36 million diversion diamond project at Benson Road.

City and state officials held a ribbon cutting last fall for the interchange that they say will improve driver safety.

As the city grows, these projects are going to be increasingly important to keep up with our population base, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken said.

At the scene on Friday, theres police tape up, but we got a closer look at where the pole was supposed to be.

Why it started to lean remains under investigation by the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The South Dakota Highway Patrol didnt want to comment at this time in case of pending lawsuits.

The northbound lanes of I-229 near the Benson Road Exit were closed for a period of time as crews removed the pole from the interstate.

The name of the victim is not being released until the family has been notified.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Authorities are investigating another wildfire-related death that happened as crews battled massive blazes across Southern California.

On Friday, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office said a mans body was found in the Santa Clara River bottom near Ventura, in an area that was scorched by an 28-acre blaze.

The Olivas Fire broke out Wednesday morning on the 3700 block of Olivas Park Drive, burning in a riverbed that is frequented by the unhoused, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Ventura County Sheriffs Homeless Liaison Unit was already in the area conducting outreach to those in the riverbed when the fire broke out, at which point they began urging those in the riverbed to flee to safety.

The Olivas Fire, which burned in a riverbed adjacent to Olivas Park Drive in Ventura, is seen from an aerial video shot by the Ventura County Fire Department on Jan. 8, 2025.

The fast-moving fire quickly engulfed over 28 acres, burning the riverbed and adjacent vegetation before it was contained hours later.

As crews worked to put out any lingering embers, a mans body was discovered in the burn scar. Investigators say it appeared that the man became trapped while attempting to escape the blaze.

The mans name and age have not yet been released.

His death, as well as the fires cause, are being investigated by major crimes detectives who are working closely with fire officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone with information is urged to contact VCSO Detective Rico Rinaldi at 805 384-4732.

The mans death is the latest fire-related fatality in Southern California. At least 11 people have died in connection with the Palisades and Eaton fires burning in Los Angeles 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 KTLA.
Jan. 10Nearly a year after abusing a cat at a Hamilton apartment complex that had to be later euthanized, Zhean Bai was found guilty Friday in Butler County Common Pleas Court of felony animal cruelty after pleading no contest.

Zhean Bai, 28, was charged in February with one count of cruelty to a companion animal, a fifth-degree felony.

Judge Keith Spaeth sentenced Bai to 30 days in the Butler County Jail and one year probation. Bai, who has has been in the United States on a student visa for more than 10 years, agreed to leave the country voluntarily.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bai's November trial was cancelled at the request of the defense that was awaiting an Ohio Supreme Court ruling that could affect his case.

Bai is accused of capturing a cat then slamming it to the ground at a Hampshire Drive apartment complex on Jan. 24, 2024, causing the animal grave injuries. The cat named, Juliet according to residents, was euthanized due to its injuries.

Bai's former team of attorneys filed a motion to have the charge dismissed citing the pending case before the Ohio Supreme Court questioning the definition of a companion animal which raises the charge to a felony.

In the motion, the attorneys questioned if the cat was a companion animal or a "feral cat" because "the cat was not owned by anyone in the apartment building, nor did it live in anyone's home."

In a unanimous decision high court ruled a cat or dog does not need to be "kept" in order to be protected under the law. It reversed a decision by the Eighth District Court of Appeals that found the felony-level statute only applied to pets that received care from someone.
Jan. 11Nearly a year after abusing a cat at a Hamilton apartment complex that later had to be euthanized, Zhean Bai was found guilty Friday in Butler County Common Pleas Court of felony animal cruelty after pleading no contest.

Zhean Bai, 28, was charged in February with one count of cruelty to a companion animal, a fifth-degree felony.

Judge Keith Spaeth sentenced Bai to 30 days in the Butler County Jail and one year probation. Bai, who has has been in the United States on a student visa for more than 10 years, agreed to leave the country voluntarily.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bai's November trial was cancelled at the request of the defense that was awaiting an Ohio Supreme Court ruling that could affect his case.

Bai is accused of capturing a cat then slamming it to the ground at a Hampshire Drive apartment complex on Jan. 24, 2024, causing the animal grave injuries. The cat named Juliet, according to residents, was euthanized due to its injuries.

Bai's former team of attorneys filed a motion to have the charge dismissed, citing the pending case before the Ohio Supreme Court questioning the definition of a companion animal, which raises the charge to a felony.

In the motion, the attorneys questioned if the cat was a companion animal or a "feral cat" because "the cat was not owned by anyone in the apartment building, nor did it live in anyone's home."

In a unanimous decision, the high court ruled a cat or dog does not need to be "kept" in order to be protected under the law. It reversed a decision by the Eighth District Court of Appeals that found the felony-level statute only applied to pets that received care from someone.
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], January 11: The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) awards, proudly presented by JK Tyre ever since its inception, was held at the beautifully curated Levitas Lounge in New Delhi. Recognized as the most prestigious accolade in the Indian automotive industry, these awards celebrate a remarkable legacy of innovation and excellence. The event was graced by prominent industry leaders, renowned journalists, and members of the automotive fraternity. This year's occasion was particularly significant as it marked the 20th anniversary of ICOTY. Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries, along with ICOTY Chairman Dhruv Behl, IMOTY Chairman Kartik Ware, and esteemed jury members, presented the awards to the winners. The title of 20th Indian Car of the Year 2025 was bestowed upon the Mahindra Thar Roxx. The vehicle's innovative features, well-thought-out design and segment-best technology thoroughly impressed the jury. The Aprilia RS 457 was unanimously adjudged the 18th Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2025, proving its breathtaking performance and superior all-round ability were clear deciding factors in its victory. On the momentous occasion, Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, said, "The ICOTY and IMOTY Awards stand as a testament to the remarkable achievements in India's dynamic automotive landscape. These esteemed accolades celebrate excellence and innovation, reflecting the industry's unwavering commitment to progress. Over the years, the Indian automotive sector has demonstrated remarkable strides, solidifying its position as a global leader. At JK Tyre, we are proud to contribute to this legacy and recognize the dedication and ingenuity that drive this industry forward." To cater to the growing popularity, acceptance, and availability of a wide range of premium cars from various manufacturers in the Indian market, the ICOTY jury introduced the 'Premium Car Award' in 2019. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class was recognized as the worthy winner of the title in 2025. Considering the evolving automotive landscape and Government's increased focused towards electric vehicles, the 'Green Car Award' was introduced in 2021, aimed at acknowledging manufacturers' contributions to the future of mobility. The MG Windsor proudly received the Green Car Award for 2025. The cars and motorcycles nominated for this year's edition of the ICOTY and IMOTY awards were put through a thorough evaluation process. 28 jury members from across leading automobile publications with over 400 years of working experience evaluated the contenders across four categories. The judging process entailed an in-depth evaluation of each vehicle's attributes, considering factors such as price, fuel efficiency, design, comfort, safety, performance, practicality, technological innovation, value for money, and adaptability to Indian driving conditions to determine the winners. Dhruv Behl, Chairman, ICOTY, said, "The 20th edition of ICOTY is certainly a memorable one. ICOTY, the Green Car Award by ICOTY and the Premium Car Award by ICOTY are, far and away, the most coveted awards in the Indian automotive industry. Over the past two decades, ICOTY has set itself apart as being the most credible and respected awards in the industry. The 21-member ICOTY jury has a cumulative experience of 408 years, and it's an absolute honour for me to be Chairman of such an illustrious jury. I'd like to congratulate all the winners for bringing cutting edge technology and design to our roads in their respective segments." Kartik Ware, Chairman, IMOTY, said, "The 18th edition of IMOTY saw competition as tough as it's ever been. The finalists were some of the best machines India has ever seen, their capabilities ranging across the wide spectrum bookended by performance and innovation, and everything in between that a motorcycle must possess. However, there can only be one winner, and the Aprilia RS 457 is a deserving one for the special feelings it brings to Indian riders. A big thanks to my fellow jury members for making my first time out as IMOTY chairman as smooth as possible. And an equally big thanks to JK Tyre for supporting IMOTY since its inception. One more fantastic motorcycle joins the ranks of IMOTY winners!" On winning the ICOTY 2025 award, Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO - Automotive Sector, M&M Ltd. said, "We would like to thank the esteemed ICOTY 2025 jury for honoring the Mahindra Thar ROXX with this coveted award. This recognition reaffirms the global benchmarks of design, engineering, and manufacturing excellence we have pursued. The Thar ROXX represents a passion for charting new adventures--an ethos that resonates with enthusiasts everywhere. We remain deeply grateful to our customers, whose love and trust continue to fuel our commitment to deliver unforgettable driving experiences." On winning the IMOTY 2025 award, Diego Graffi, MD and CEO, Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited said, "In a year graced by exceptional motorcycles, the Aprilia RS457 has emerged as a true standout. The IMOTY 2025 jury has bestowed upon the Aprilia RS457 the title of 'Indian Motorcycle of the Year,' a resounding affirmation of its unwavering commitment to speed, agility, and Italian design. We are immensely proud to witness the Aprilia RS457 receive this well-deserved accolade. This recognition serves as a powerful testament to the dedication and passion exhibited by our team in crafting a motorcycle that truly embodies the spirit of Aprilia - speed, agility, and Italian design." On winning the Premium Car Award 2025 by ICOTY, Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, "The Long Wheelbase E-Class remains the most desirable luxury sedan for the discerning Indian luxury car customer. Highly advanced and personal than ever before, the Long Wheelbase E-Class is an unmatched combination of luxury, sheer comfort, ground-breaking technology, digital intelligence and superior driving dynamics; making it the unanimous choice as India's most admired luxury sedan. The coveted ICOTY Premium Car of the Year, is a firm testament to the Long Wheelbase E-Class' unparalleled luxury stature in the luxury car market. I dedicate this honour to the entire Mercedes-Benz India team, who made multiple 'India specific' enhancements to the car, making it highly suitable for the Indian conditions, exceeding even the most demanding customer requirements. The ICOTY Premium Car of the Year honour for the Long Wheelbase E-Class, salutes the innovation, pioneering spirit and brand legacy, that customers associate Mercedes-Benz with, inspiring us to create superior customer experience." On winning the Green Car Award 2025 by ICOTY, Rajeev Chaba, CEO Emeritus, JSW MG Motor India said, "The MG Windsor is the right product at the right time with the right pricing and packaging. It is certainly a disruptor in the segment, redefining consumer perceptions about EVs. The strong sales momentum since its launch, highlights the evolving preference of consumers. The MG Windsor ticks all the boxes of their consideration sets, especially the value for money it delivers. The MG Windsor is all the more special to us because it has been successful in debunking myths around higher acquisition cost of EVs through path breaking initiatives such as Battery-As-A-Service and lifetime battery warranty. The interplay of all these factors has helped MG Windsor to emerge as the Green Car of the Year at the coveted ICOTY 2025. I would like to thank all our customers for their unwavering support, the esteemed jury at ICOTY and everyone at JSW MG Motor India who have worked relentlessly to make this achievement possible." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
CHICAGO  A man was killed early Saturday morning in a shooting that unfolded on the citys West Side, police said.

Chicago police said the shooting occurred just after 4 a.m. in the 1100 block of South St. Louis Avenue, in Homan Square.

Attempted murder charges filed against Chicago woman accused in double stabbing, carjacking on Southwest Side

According to police, the victim, a 30-year-old man, was standing on a sidewalk in the area when he was struck in the chest by gunfire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The victim was later taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Medical Examiner later identified the victim as Nicholas Davine.

Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting or where the gunfire came from and authorities have not yet identified the victim killed.

Police said an investigation into the deadly shooting is now underway and no arrests have been made.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Anyone with information on the deadly shooting is asked to contact CPD Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8251 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man is in critical condition, and impairment is suspected as a factor after a vehicle crashed into a block wall at high speed on Friday, police said.

At around 11:30 p.m., the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to the vehicle crash near McLeod Drive and Palma Vista Avenue, close to East Desert Inn Road.

According to police, a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 was traveling southbound on McLeod Drive when the driver lost control south of the intersection. The vehicle spun out, left the roadway, and crashed with a wall before overturning. Emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene and took the driver, Andres Hernandez, 30, to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said that speed and impairment are suspected of contributing to the crash. Hernandez, who remains in critical condition, now faces multiple criminal charges, according to the police 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 KLAS.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Special agents with Homeland Security Investigations, along with U.S. Border Patrol, uncovered what they are calling a sophisticated cross-border tunnel connecting El Paso to Ciudad Juarez on Friday, Jan. 10.

HSI El Paso says it is leading the investigation to prosecute those responsible behind the tunnel.

Border Patrol officials earlier called the tunnel an historic discovery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

HSI said that upon excavation of the smuggling tunnel, they determined that it extends under the U.S.-Mexico border into the Boone Street storm drain in South-Central El Paso and it is approximately 4 feet across and 6 feet in height.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

HSI also said the tunnel is held up by wood beams and is equipped with electricity, a ventilation system and appears to have been constructed in the past year.

Border Patrol initially said their Confined Space Entry Team discovered the tunnel early Friday morning and that it crosses from Juarez into the El Paso storm drain system.

The tunnel includes lighting, a ventilation system and is braced with wood beams throughout, Border Patrol added.

HSI has been working closely with their counterparts in Juarez to make sure that the man-made tunnel from El Paso into Ciudad Juarez is secured.

The uncovering of this tunnel showcases the success of our combined investigative efforts, HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens said. Transnational criminal organizations mistakenly think they can avoid detection by moving people and contraband underground. This recent discovery is a significant blow to their operations as it highlights our capability to disrupt their sophisticated smuggling networks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The discovery of this tunnel and the follow-up investigation highlight the strong collaboration and dedication of our valued law enforcement partners  I want to express my gratitude to the federal, state and local departments supporting this case for their unwavering commitment to enhancing public safety, Stevens added.

As of Friday, no arrests have been made, HSI said.

Courtesy of HSI El Paso

Courtesy of HSI El Paso

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We are proud of the agents who discovered this smuggling infrastructure used by transnational criminal organizations, Border Patrol El Paso Sector Chief Anthony Scott Good said. Our agents are relentless in searching and surveying every square mile of the El Paso Sector. With our partners, we are committed to investigating these illicit activities and bringing all the perpetrators to justice  those who endanger lives in these hazardous environments and circumvent the legal pathways into the United States.



Border Patrol spokesman Claudio Herrera added: This is an historic event for the U.S. Border Patrol here in El Paso, Texas, along with multiple other federal, state, local, law enforcement agencies, including the government of Mexico. We were able to find a handmade tunnel, from Juarez into this area.

El Paso Sector Border Patrol said it will be working closely on the investigation with HSI, FBI, El Paso CBP Office of Field Operations, the El Paso Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Mexican government, and the U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez.

FBI Special Agent in Charge John Morales said: The United States Border Patrols discovery of this tunnel, and the subsequent disruption of Transnational Criminal Organizations utilizing it, underscores the vital importance of coordination and collaboration among our law enforcement agencies. This successful binational operation exemplifies the strong partnerships between agencies in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, working together to secure our shared border and protect our communities.

These partnerships are critical in ensuring the safety and security of our communities and our nation as a whole. The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our partners along the border to combat illegal criminal activity and address national security threats, and will continue to support the ongoing investigation into this tunnel, Morales said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity or potential smuggling operations to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509 or through WhatsApp at (915) 314-8194.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A Texas man was sentenced in Caddo District Court on Monday for a 2022 vehicular homicide.

The conviction is related to the May 27, 2022, multi-vehicle crash involving a vehicle driven by the accused, Stephen Scott Stasny, 42, of Marshall.

He pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide in May 2024 to the charges that stemmed from a crash on Highway 80. Stasny was traveling west on Highway 80 when his Toyota Tundra crossed the center line, causing a second driver to swerve near the bridges guardrail to avoid a head-on collision with Stasny.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More Local News

The driver of the second vehicle watched in his rearview mirror as Stasny hit another truck head-on, causing it to burst into flames, claiming the life of 56-year-old James Dowden. As Stasny struck the pickup, it flipped on another pickup truck driven by a woman with a child passenger. This vehicle also caught fire, causing injuries to the occupants.

Police located several prescriptions inside Stasnys vehicle, multiple Schedule I narcotics, and a blood toxicology test determined that he was under the influence of numerous Schedule narcotics that require caution when operating a motor vehicle.

Stasny faced up to 30 years in prison, but Judge Pitman sentenced him to 15 years with at least five years of hard labor served without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. He must also pay a fine of up to $15,000.

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 KTALnews.com.
A man was seriously injured in Zmiivka on Saturday as a result of a Russian UAV attack on Kherson Oblast; another civilian was injured in Antonivka.

Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "The Russian army dropped explosives from a UAV on a civilian in Zmiivka.

At the time of the attack, the man, 44, was in his yard. He suffered a blast injury and shrapnel wounds to his leg and back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The victim's condition is severe. He was hospitalised for medical treatment."

Details: Earlier, Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported that a Russian UAV struck a resident of Antonivka at around 16:40.

The man, 33, sustained mine-blast injury and shrapnel wounds to his legs. The victim was taken to hospital.

Support UP or become our patron!
The family of a man who was hurt in the New Orleans terrorist attack said he has to return to his home in Seminole County.

Jeremi Sensky lives in Pennsylvania but also has ties to Central Florida. He is one of the dozens of people who were hurt during the attack early New Years Day on Bourbon Street.

His daughter, Heaven Sensky, told Channel 9 that has arrived at his Sanford home.

Sensky described the moment when she and her family found out her dad was alive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read: What ignited the deadly California wildfires? Investigators consider an array of possibilities

It was extremely traumatic, Haven Sensky said.

She said her father, whos been paraplegic since 1999, was struck by the driver during the driver during the attack and could not do anything to get out of the way.

The family heard about the incident but didnt know if Jeremi was even alive until hours later.

The family trip through the South was supposed to end in Sanford, where the Senskys live and have spent their winters for years.

Haven says both of her dads legs were shattered in the incident. But because of his preexisting condition, he couldnt feel anything.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The family has started a GoFundMe account to help raise money for his medical expenses.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




This Is Us star Mandy Moore wont apologize for sharing a GoFundMe page on Instagram in support of her in-laws, whove lost their home to ongoing wildfires in Southern California.

And people questioning whether were helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic, Moore wrote in the Instagram posts caption. Of course we are.

Our buddy Matt started this go fund me and im sharing because people have asked how they can help them, the actor, whose own house was damaged by the blaze, continued. We just lost most of our life in a fire too. Kindly F OFF. no one is forcing you to do anything. The comments on the post had been turned off.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Moore was one of many celebrities affected by the continuing wildfires, which have engulfed the Los Angeles metropolitan area since Tuesday and destroyed more than 12,300 structures, including homes, schools and commercial buildings, per CalFire. More than 150,000 people have been placed under evacuation orders as of Saturday.

Moores house in the Altadena neighborhood lies roughly 30 miles east of Pacific Palisades, where fellow This Is Us actor Milo Ventimiglia saw his house reduced to cinders. The Palisades Fire is currently only 11% contained.

Moore and her husband, the musician Taylor Goldsmith, saw their own family home suffer extensive damage. Her in-laws, Griff and Kit Goldsmith, lost their home to the Eaton Fire.

A former homeowner in the Altadena neighborhood walks through the rubble of his house. Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever, Moore wrote in her Instagram caption. Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living. Its all so much.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fundraising campaign has already more than tripled its $60,000 goal.

Moore shared that she felt weird survivors guilt Thursday because the main part of her house is miraculously still standing. Fellow actor Jennifer Garner expressed similar feelings of guilt Saturday when talking about a friend who died in the fires  a common experience for fire survivors.

Related...
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 11: Excitement and mirth was around as students of Dr. MGR-Janaki College for Women in traditional attire celebrated Pongal in the institution's campus today (11 Jan). It was amazing to watch bustling activities happen in a village setting recreated specially for the occasion.

Over 4000 students wearing traditional Half Sari / Silk Sari added perfect color to the celebrations. Kummiyattam, Garagattam, Oyilaatam, Kaavadiyaattam, Silambaattam and Bommalaattam folk dances performed by students made onlookers tap their feet to the beat.

There were shops entirely set up and managed by students. They played vendors and sold Bangles & Balloons, Sugarcane Juice, Butter Milk, Tender Coconuts and Cotton Candy and more. Scenes of Mehendi Artists, Parrot fortune-telling, porridge vending, Bhajji and Sundal stalls brought alive the beauty of village sandhai.

Students' harmonic chorus of 'Pongalo... Pongal' ripped the air when the Pongal came to a boil, the main dish offered to god as thanksgiving for good crop and harvest. With this the festivity came to a close.

"In this fast-changing world, it is important for us to preserve our tradition and values. Celebrations like this will help younger generation realize the richness of our culture and pass on it to the next generation. Towards this effect, our college is regularly organizing culturally rich events," said Dr. Kumar Rajendran, Chairman, Dr. MGR-Janaki College for Women.

For more details, please visit: www.mgrjanaki.ac.in.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
(NEXSTAR)  A number of states are seeing a spike in hospital visits caused by respiratory illnesses as we enter the New Year.

Nationally, emergency department visits from patients suffering from influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are now very high, the CDCs most top level, according to the most recent data. Flu, RSV and COVID-19 visits are all increasing as we near mid-January, however COVID visits are still at a low level.

Social Security retirement age set to change in 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The states with the most ER visits for respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to COVID-19 are Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and New Hampshire, according to the CDC.

Data last updated on January 1, 2025. (Credit: CDC)

The CDC calculates its activity levels (minimal, low, moderate, high, very high) with a baseline of the average illness activity level during times when COVID, flu and RSV visits were low.

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.

What are the symptoms of flu, RSV and COVID-19?

Anyone who has battled a mystery respiratory illness may have wondered what exactly they have while recovering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For concerned parents, those symptoms can be especially troubling.

Every child runs a gauntlet of infections during the first five years of their life, pediatric infectious disease specialist Frank Esper, MD explained in a news release. Navigating childhood illnesses can be challenging for parents.

Unfortunately, when it comes to RSV, flu and COVID-19, they can arrive with many of the same symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, congestion and tiredness.

To know for sure, healthcare professionals may use a diagnostic test, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cough, runny nose and fever are common to all respiratory viruses, says Dr. Esper. When I see a child with these symptoms, I usually rely on a laboratory test to make an accurate diagnosis.

There are, however, some symptoms that are unique to influenza and RSV.

With RSV, for instance, children can develop a wheeze that creates a a whistle or rattle sound during breathing.

Extremely high fevers  103 or 104 degrees Fahrenheit  are a distinctive sign of the flu, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

How can I protect myself?

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.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Associated Press 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 The Hill.


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



The devastation and loss this past week in Los Angeles is insurmountable. In the Pacific Palisades area alone, almost 20,000 acres have burned, with numbers climbing in surrounding areas like Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst, and Sunset. Countless residents have been ordered to evacuate or have lost their homes, and businesses will likely feel the impact for years to come.

Thankfully, there are numerous restaurants in surrounding areas working overtime to lend a helping hand. For those looking for some much-needed sustenance, below are some of the restaurants providing free meals to those in need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For a complete list of restaurants in the Los Angeles area giving out free meals, check out our updated and interactive map:

Hearst Owned

Shop Now

Note: This info is subject to change. We will do our best to update, but check the restaurants websites and social pages for confirmation. If you are a restaurant owner or know of a restaurant not on this map, please comment down below.

Bar Etoile: This local Hollywood spot will serve a free meal to those in need.

Be U: This Vietnamese street food restaurant in the Hollywood area is giving away free meals to evacuees and first responders. Plus, they are delivering meals to fire stations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blaze Pizza: Numerous locations of Blaze Pizza are dishing out free 11" pizzas to first responders. All participating locations are noted on the chain's Instagram page.

Crustacean Beverly Hills: Any evacuees or first responders can stop in for a complimentary bowl of Mama's pho or garlic noodles.

Desert Rose: The LA location of Desert Rose is offering a free sandwich to firefighters who have a valid ID.

Detroit Pizza Depot: The chain's Hollywood and downtown LA locations are dishing out a free pizza to anyone who has been displaced, as well as first responders.

Fat Sal's Deli: First responders can receive a free meal at the deli's Culver City, Venice, Encino, Westwood, and Hollywood locations.

Eric Savage - Getty Images

Highly Likely: Both the restaurant's West Adams and Highland Park locations are providing meals to first responders and those who have suffered loss as a result of the fires.

Joe's Pizza: All locations in LA County will provide a free meal to firefighters and first responders who stop in



KFC: First responders in Southern California can get free KFC Bowl beginning Friday, January 10, through Monday, January 20, at participating KFC restaurants across the region. Law enforcement officers, emergency medical services members (EMTs or paramedics), fire service members, and members of the military engaged in relief efforts (who are carrying their first responder ID), can visit one of the select participating locations to enjoy a free KFC Bowl.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

La Sorted's: The restaurant's Silverlake and Chinatown locations are providing free meals to both first responders and evacuees.

Love Hour: Love Hour, located in Koreatown, will be serving free meals to first responders, firefighters, and anyone affected by the fires. Additionally, they are collecting donations throughout the weekend.

Low Boy: This Echo Park restaurant is giving out free meals at their to-go window for those in need.

Mountain Mikes Pizza: First responders who arrive in uniform at this Pasadena pizza joint can receive a free meal.

MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images - Getty Images

NORMS: Now through January 12 from 7 am until 11 pm, NORMS, which has multiple locations, will provide a free entree to firefighters and police officers. They will also be donating $1 from every Bigger Better Breakfast sold to the LAFD Foundation Emergency Fund.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ospi: All those who have been displaced, as well as first responders, can head to the Brentwood or Venice locations of Ospi for free pasta. The restaurants also have free WiFi, chargers, and water bottles and are delivering food to evacuation shelters.

OyBar: This Studio City restaurant is giving away free meals, no questions asked, to those in need. Patrons can also bring in donations in turn for a free meal and beverages will be sold at discounted prices.

Ozzy's Apizza: First responders and those who have been displaced can find solace at this North Hollywood locale, where you can enjoy free pizza and movies.

Roberta's Pizza: Locations in both Culver City and Studio City are giving away free pizza to first responders.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rock & Brews Restaurant: Both the restaurant's El Segundo and Redondo Beach locations are giving one free pizza to any firefighters, police officers, or EMTs who stop by.

Juanmonino - Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shake Shack: All locations in LA County that are not in affected areas will be giving a free Shackburger to first responders now through Sunday.

Spago: Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck's Beverly Hills restaurant is offering free meals to first responders through the weekend, according to its Instagram page.

Sunday Gravy: The restaurant, located in Inglewood, is offering the displaced, as well as first responders, their choice of spaghetti marinara or spaghetti bolognese, Caesar salad, and garlic bread. You can also donate to buy a meal for those affected.

Wake & Late: The chain's Hollywood and downtown LA locations are providing free breakfast and coffee to first responders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yeastie Boys Bagels: The famous LA bagel company is using its many food trucks to bring free bagels to those in need and is taking recommendations on its Instagram page of where to deliver.

You Might Also Like
Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and chief executive of Meta, appeared on the Joe Rogan Show Friday, coming shortly after Zuckerberg announced the companys plans to change content moderation.

The companys new plans include scrapping fact-checking done by third parties and moving to a system similar to X, including the use of community notes. The company also plans to soften restrictions on political content.

Zuckerberg explained how he wanted to return to his original mission when creating Facebook, which was to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The company began censoring speech after receiving pressure from the Biden administration, Zuckerberg said. Its pretty bad when you have people in the Biden administration calling up the guys on our team and yelling at them and cursing and threatening repercussions if we dont take things down that are true, he told Rogan.

Zuckerberg believes 2 main events led to ideological censorship on his platforms

Even before Biden came into office, Meta began facing massive institutional pressure to basically start censoring content on ideological grounds in 2016 when Donald Trump was running for president in the U.S. and with Brexit happening in Europe.

Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta, makes a point during an appearance at SIGGRAPH 2024, the premier conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques, Monday, July 29, 2024, in the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. | David Zalubowski

Zuckerberg said the pressures came under the guise of the Russian collusion investigation. At the time I was really ill-prepared to parse what was going on, he told Rogan.

I was really worried from the beginning about basically becoming this decider of what is true in the world, Zuckerberg continued. So we tried to put in place a system that would deal with it and early on tried to make it (censorship) really limited. Then he explained how Meta chose to use third-party fact checkers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the fact-checkers started doing more than they were intended to do, and Zuckerberg compared their censorship to something out of 1984 where it really is a slippery slope.

The Biden administration pushed Meta to remove content saying vaccines had side effects

When COVID-19 first broke out, it was a legitimate public health crisis, Zuckerberg explained. He justified immediate censorship on Meta, saying, The Supreme Court has this clear precedence: your ability to speak can be temporarily curtailed to get an emergency under control, so I was sympathetic to that at the beginning of COVID-19.

However, the vaccine program the Biden administration rolled out posed new problems for Zuckerberg. While they were pushing out that program, they were also trying to censor anyone who was against it, he said.

They pushed us super hard to take down things that were true, Zuckerberg added, including content that said the vaccine had side effects.

The Biden administration would scream and curse at Meta employees

In an attempt to get Meta to censor posts containing unfavorable information about the new vaccine, Zuckerberg said, These people from the Biden administration would call up our team and like scream at them and curse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The tech CEO mentioned one specific instance when the Biden administration asked them to take down a meme of Leonardo DiCaprio looking at a TV, talking about how in 10 years from now or something youre going to see an ad that says if you took a COVID-19 vaccine, youre eligible for this kind of payment.

Zuckerberg said initially they resisted censorship, but at some point, things flipped. He explained that Biden gave a press conference where he was like, These guys (Meta) are killing people. And then, I dont know, all these different agencies of government started investigating and coming after our company.

Federal government organizations unrelated to social media began looking into the company.

When you think about it, the U.S. government should be defending its companies, not be the tip of the spear attacking its companies, Zuckerberg said.

Zuckerberg explains censorship issues and changes, adds, X did it better than us

Compared to Metas original use of third-party fact checkers, Zuckerberg said, I think what Twitter/X has done with community notes is a downright better program, explaining how community notes allows users to see more information, not less.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, Zuckerberg believes the trickiest censorship issue Meta has is where to set the classifiers.

If a bot scanning for terrorism-related content is programmed to flag posts with a 90% probability of being terrorism related, there is a 1 in 10 chance that something will be flagged that is completely unrelated.

In an attempt to unjustly ban fewer users, Meta will increase the threshold needed to censor the content.

Its going to mean that were going to take down a smaller amount of the harmful content, but it will also mean that we will dramatically reduce the amount of people whose accounts we were taking off for a mistake, Zuckerberg said.

Pete Hegseth would have been censored for hate speech on former censorship plan

Pete Hegseth is probably going to be defending his nomination for Secretary of Defense on the Senate floor, and one of the points hes made is that he thinks women shouldnt be able to be in certain combat roles, Zuckerberg said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He continued, Until we updated our policies, that wouldnt have been a thing you could have said on our platforms because it calls for the exclusion of a particular category of people.

Zuckerberg explained how on its face, that categorization seems fine, but if youre able to say it on the Senate floor, you should probably be able to say it on social media.

Zuckerberg also praised work Musk and Jim Jordan have done to increase free speech online. I think what Elon did with the Twitter files, I think Jim Jordan did that for the rest of the industry with the congressional investigation that he did, Zuckerberg said.
Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg is celebrating masculine energy in corporate culture amid news that his company is making several policy and program changes, including trashing multiple initiatives around diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI.

A lot of the corporate world is pretty culturally neutered, the tech billionaire told podcaster Joe Rogan in an extensive interview released Friday.

The kind of masculine energy I think is good, and obviously society has plenty of that, but I think corporate culture was really trying to get away from it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He later continued, I do think that if youre a woman going into a company, it probably feels like its too masculine, its like there isnt enough of the kind of the energy that you may naturally have, saying that his could lead to the perception that things are biased against you.

Thats not good, either, because you want women to be able to succeed and have companies that can unlock all the value from having great people, regardless of background or gender, he said, but added that these things can always go a little far.

Zuckerbergs comments come as Silicon Valley billionaires try to curry favor with GOP President-elect Donald Trump, a staunch critic of DEI initiatives, ahead of his inauguration in just over a week.

Major DEI programs at Meta  which oversees Facebook and Instagram  were dropped immediately Friday, according to an internal memo saying that the term DEI had become charged, partially due to it being understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The memo, first reported by Axios, arrived after Meta announced that it was abandoning its fact-checking program, as fact-checkers were too politically biased.

The DEI turnaround follows recent changes to the companys content moderation policies, which now allow for women to be called household objects and for a transgender or nonbinary person to be called it.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg makes a point during a conference on July 29, 2024, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. David Zalubowski via Associated Press

Meta isnt alone in winding down diversity initiatives, as McDonalds, Ford Motor Co. and Walmart have made similar moves in recent months.

Zuckerberg told Rogan that he now feels a much greater command over what Metas policies should be, and dismissed the idea that the changes are purely political due to their proximity to last years elections.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The tech billionaire  whose company donated $1 million to Trumps inauguration fund after Zuckerberg met with him in late November  caught up with the president-elect at his Florida estate Friday, according to Semafor.

Zuckerbergs discussion with Rogan, a UFC color commentator and Trump supporter, comes just days after the tech billionaire named Dana White, the MMA organizations CEO and a pal to the president-elect, to Metas board of directors.

Though Trump once threatened Zuckerberg with life in prison after claiming that hed steered Facebook against him amid the 2020 elections, the Meta CEO seemed to use Rogans podcast to move closer to the president-elect.

He said that administration officials under Democratic President Joe Biden would scream and curse at Meta employees over content moderation, including around the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was brutal, Zuckerberg said, recalling government bodies investigating and coming after our company. He later added that he was optimistic about Trump, saying that the president-elect just wants America to win.

Related...
On an episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience" released Friday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg painted a picture of Biden administration officials berating Facebook staff during requests to remove certain content from the social media platform.

"Basically, these people from the Biden administration would call up our team and, like, scream at them and curse," Zuckerberg told podcast host and comedian Joe Rogan. "It just got to this point where we were like, 'No, we're not gonna, we're not gonna take down things that are true. That's ridiculous.'"

The White House did not immediately respond to NBC News request for comment about Zuckerbergs remarks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It's not the first time that the co-founder of Facebook has said administration officials pressured the company to remove posts.In a letter last year to Rep. Jim Jordan, the Republican chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Zuckerberg said that the White House repeatedly pressured Facebook to remove certain COVID-19 content including humor and satire.

Zuckerberg said Facebook, which is owned by Meta, acquiesced at times, while suggesting that different decisions would be made going forward. He said the company "made some choices that, with the benefit of hindsight and new information, we wouldnt make today."

The White House responded at the time in a statement saying: When confronted with a deadly pandemic, this Administration encouraged responsible actions to protect public health and safety. Our position has been clear and consistent: we believe tech companies and other private actors should take into account the effects their actions have on the American people, while making independent choices about the information they present.

Podcaster Joe Rogan.

On Rogan's show, Zuckerberg said the administration had asked Facebook to remove from its platform a meme that showed actor Leonardo DiCaprio pointing at a TV screen advertising a class action lawsuit for people who once took the Covid vaccine."They're like, 'No, you have to take that down,'" Zuckerberg said, adding, "We said, 'No, we're not gonna, we're not to take down humor and satire. We're not gonna take down things that are, that are true.'"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That meme was included as evidence in an amicus brief filed by congressional Republicans in a case that made it to the Supreme Court in 2023.

In that case, plaintiffs, which included Louisiana, Missouri and several Facebook users who had posts removed or downgraded, sought to bar government officials from communicating with social media companies.

The Supreme Court ultimately threw out the lawsuit in a 6-3 ruling, saying in part that there was plenty of evidence of platforms moderating content without government intervention.

In fact, the platforms, acting independently, had strengthened their pre-existing content moderation policies before the government defendants got involved, Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote in her opinion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Zuckerbergs comments on Rogan's podcast come days after he announced that Meta would end its fact-checking program and replace it with a community-driven structure similar to the Community Notes system on X. He also announced that his platforms  Facebook and Instagram  would relax rules related to political content.

Zuckerberg is one of several tech moguls, reportedly including Amazons Jeff Bezos, whose companies have pledged to give $1 million to President-elect Donald Trumps inaugural committee.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa  The Historical Society of Marshall County will host Marshalltown Mayor Joel Greer to speak about the inspirational story of Laurence Jones, the first African-American graduate of Marshalltown High School.

Laurence Jones | Courtesy: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Carl Van Vechten Collection

Jones was the founder of the famed Piney Woods Life School in Mississippi, which he opened in 1909, and has educated African-American students in academia, agriculture and the trades since then.

Jones was almost lynched by an angry mob when the learned of his plans to start the school in Rankin County, Greer said. They gave him an opportunity to speak before they carried out their deed, but Jones eloquence convinced them to halt and free him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jason Momoa shares updates on wildfires threatening his Los Angeles neighborhood

Jones, who also graduated from the University of Iowa, was motivated to address the lack of educational opportunities facing African-American students. And was motivated by his faith in God.

The event is part of HSMCs recurring series called, History on Second Tuesday. It will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mowry-Irvine Mansion located at 503 W. Main St. in Marshalltown.

The event is free-of-charge and open to the public. However, a free-will donation is encouraged to support the HSMCs efforts to educate central Iowans about the significant contributions by Marshall County residents and of events that have shaped the county.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For more information, contact HSMC at 641-752-6664 or via email at info@hsmcia.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 who13.com.
Mauritius is in no rush to secure a Chagos Islands deal with the UK and is still pushing for more money, officials have told The Telegraph.

The Indian Ocean country has reportedly been offered 9 billion over 99 years by the UK for the continued use of a major US-UK airbase on Diego Garcia, but the Mauritian government is demanding significantly more.

Fears are growing in Government that the deal could collapse, with the incoming presidency of Donald Trump, who is openly against Britain handing over territory to a country with increasingly close ties to China, adding an additional complication.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A Mauritius official close to the Chagos issue said the lease money offered by the UK was insufficient and the wording of the Oct 3 agreement on sovereignty was excessively restrictive.

We want to iron out the differences on sovereignty, lease terms and finances before signing the deal. There is no rush from our side and until our terms are met, there will be no deal, they told The Telegraph.

Stephen Doughty, the Foreign Office minister, addressed the Commons on the subject of the Chagos proposals in November - House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire

Navin Ramgoolam, the prime minister, and his government are seeking to renegotiate three key aspects of the Oct 3 agreement.

They say that the 99-year lease of the Diego Garcia is too long, the clause that allows the UK to exercise the sovereignty of Mauritius is perceived as too restrictive, and they want fair and equitable compensation for the continued use of Diego Garcia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The deal on the table would give Mauritius almost 91 million a year throughout the 99-year lease.

Mr Ramgoolam, however, has reportedly demanded 800 million a year for as long as Britain wants to keep hold of the base, along with billions of pounds in reparations.

The lease amount should be revised upwards given its largely insufficient (for the use of Diego Garcia). We have proposed frontloading the annual rent, which involves paying a larger sum during the first years of the lease and a reduced amount thereafter, he said.

There is growing speculation that the agreement will be scuppered by Mr Trump when he takes office on Jan 20. Sir Keir Starmer is said to be keen to sign off the legal text of the treaty and enforce it before the inauguration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The proposed pact, one of Sir Keirs first major foreign policy decisions, would see Britain giving the islands to Mauritius, while securing the long-term lease for the air base on Diego Garcia.

Chagos islanders in the UK have also expressed concerns about Mauritius taking control, and protested outside Parliament in October - Toby Melville/Reuters

Many in Mauritius worry that Mr Trumps presidency could derail the deal, potentially costing the country hundreds of millions of dollars.

Its no secret that the Labour Government and Trumps camp dont get along, with people like Elon Musk openly criticising Sir Keir Starmer, said Nowsheen Lall, a university scholar.

The Mauritian government is leveraging this tension to buy time and negotiate a more favourable financial settlement.The ultimate goal is to secure the agreement before any significant geopolitical shifts occur once Trump takes office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Admiral Lord West of Spithead, the former Royal Navy chief, has urged Sir Keir to abandon his irresponsible deal to hand the Chagos to Mauritius.

Marco Rubio with Donald Trump, who has selected the former senator as his secretary of state. Mr Rubio has said the ceding of the Chagos to Mauritius gives China the chance to gain valuable intelligence on US operations - Evan Vucci/AP Photo

And Mr Trump and his team have expressed concerns that the agreement benefits China.

Marco Rubio, his choice as secretary of state, told Politico that the handover of the Chagos would provide an opportunity for communist China to gain valuable intelligence on our naval support facility in Mauritius.

This poses a serious threat to our national security interests in the Indian Ocean and threatens critical US military posture in the region, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In recent years, China has increased its presence in the region, including establishing a military base in Djibouti in 2017 and signing a free trade agreement with Mauritius in 2021.

Diego Garcia has served as a strategic military asset for the UK and the United States, including as a staging point for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11.

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.
In one of her first actions as a U.S. representative, April McClain Delaney joined Republicans and 47 other Democrats in voting to pass a bill requiring the detention of undocumented immigrants accused or convicted of certain property crimes.

On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 264-159 to pass the Laken Riley Act  legislation named after a 22-year-old Georgia woman killed by an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela.

The U.S. Senate voted 84-9 on Thursday to advance the bill for discussion in that chamber.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The bill would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to detain undocumented immigrants facing charges of theft, burglary, larceny or shoplifting. It would also allow states to sue the federal government for failing to carry out those requirements.

In an interview with The Frederick News-Post on Thursday, McClain Delaney said she decided to vote for the measure, despite it being overbroad, largely due to feedback she received from constituents.

It was a bill that was far from perfect, McClain Delaney said. But I heard from an overwhelming number of Marylanders in the 6th District who are really concerned about this issue.

The Laken Riley Act, McClain Delaney said, is one example of a series of bills deliberately drafted by Republicans to put those of us that are common sense, common ground moderates into a pickle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She said she was hopeful that the bill could be a starting point for a bipartisan immigration package similar to the one that failed in the Senate last year.

McClain Delaney was elected in November to represent Marylands 6th Congressional District, which includes all of Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties as well as upper Montgomery County.

In the lead-up to the 2024 general election, McClain Delaney took progressive stances on immigration such as pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who arrived as children, while also voicing support for tougher border security.

Her Republican opponent, Neil Parrott, leaned much more conservative on immigration, calling for an end to birthright citizenship and the defunding of sanctuary cities, or jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McClain Delaney won the election by about 6 percentage points  the smallest margin for Congressional races in Maryland in 2024.

All of the other Democrats in Marylands congressional delegation  Reps. Johnny Olszewski Jr., Sarah Elfreth, Steny Hoyer, Glenn Ivey, Kweisi Mfume and Jamie Raskin  voted not to pass the Laken Riley Act on Wednesday.

In his comments before the vote, Raskin criticized the bill as an empty and opportunistic measure and an attempt to make partisan hay out of other peoples tragedies.

Under this bill, a person who has lived in the United States for decades and most of her life, paid taxes, and bought a home but who is mistakenly arrested for shoplifting would not be freed to resume her life  she would be detained and later deported even if charges are dropped and even if the police admit that the arrest was mistaken, Raskin said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement to the News-Post on Friday, Olszewski spokeswoman Jaime Lennon wrote that the bill does nothing to advance border security or public safety.

Instead of targeting undocumented individuals who are merely accused of minor crimes, we should be working to provide new resources to secure the border and enforce existing immigration law  which already appropriately includes provisions for the deportation of anyone convicted of a violent crime, Lennon wrote.

Aside from McClain Delaney, the only other member of the states Congressional delegation to vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act was Rep. Andy Harris  a Republican from Marylands 1st Congressional District who chairs the staunch conservative House Freedom Caucus.

The bills sponsor in the House is Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia, another Republican Freedom Caucus member.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement to the News-Post on Friday, Harris spokeswoman Anna Adamian wrote that the Congressman was proud to support it.

Rest assured, this is the first of many reforms required to fix President Bidens disastrous border crisis and Congressman Harris looks forward to working with President Trump to restore security to our nations borders, she wrote.

Both of Marylands U.S. senators, Democrats Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, voted to advance the bill for discussion on Thursday.

In a press release on Thursday evening, Alsobrooks said her decision was not a vote for the bill in its current form.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The people of Maryland expect us to address immigration and engage in productive debate that both respects our laws and honors our shared humanity, Alsobrooks said. The amendment process should allow us to hopefully work in a bipartisan fashion on this bill.

In an email to the News-Post on Friday, Van Hollen spokesperson Francesca Amodeo provided the following statement on his behalf:

Our immigration system is broken. We should be able to both support our immigrant communities and keep our nation safe. To do that, we must pass comprehensive immigration reform and improve our border security. Thats why I voted to advance debate on the bipartisan border security package that Republicans ultimately blocked last year  and why, yesterday, I voted to move to debate on the Laken Riley Act....

According to the online floor schedule, the Senate is expected to resume consideration of the bill on Monday at 3 p.m.
Computing and technological development is a core building block for India to become a developed country by 2047, said Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. One VEGA based SoC ASIC and two DIR V VEGA processor based development boards designed and developed by C-DAC were launched by the Union Minister at Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) campus in Pashan, Pune on Saturday. The two products, namely, ARIES ECO and ARIES NOVA development boards and THEJAS64 Indigenous 64-bit SoC are launched today. ARIES ECO is useful for students, providing a hands-on platform for experimenting with applications like sensor fusion, smart meters, and wearable devices. ARIES NOVA offers an easily accessible platform for education, research, and development in the rapidly evolving field of embedded systems. THEJAS64 is the first fully indigenous 64-bit VEGA based System-on-Chip (SoC) designed for robust and secure embedded applications. As part of the Government of India's Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) program, C-DAC has successfully completed the design and development of the VEGA series of microprocessors including India's first indigenous 64-bit multi-core RISC-V based Superscalar Out-of-order Processor. The VEGA series comprise of 32/64-bit Single/Dual/Quad Core superscalar Out-of-Order high performance processor cores based on RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture. The open-source RISC-V architecture enables flexibility and innovation and fosters hands-on learning and development in embedded systems. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also visited an exhibition organized by C-DAC, followed by a review meeting with C-DAC scientists and officers. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister said, computing and technological development is a core building block for India to become a developed country by 2047, and C-DAC plays a major role in it. Vaishnaw said, a lot of research work in the field of semi-conductors and computing is happening in academic institutions like IIT Madras, IISc Bengaluru, IIT Gandhinagar among others. In the review meeting it was discussed as to how to bring together all research works together to create a consolidated and harmonized way of working going forward. Vaishnaw said that around 240 institutions across the country today have very advanced tools which are used in designing semi conductor chips. C-DAC works as fulcrum of this entire programme by monitoring, enabling and purchasing licenses of these research tools. As a result, students engaged with the research programmes, who used to earlier learn about semi-conductors only from textbooks, are now getting access to advanced tools, trying out their ideas and developing product concepts. Vaishnaw further stated that these students who are working with semi conductor design tools are becoming ready to be absorbed in the semi-conductor industry, and also gather the inner strength to develop a start up and capability to actually design computer chips. Minister Vaishnaw also stated that C-DAC will run a challenge competition between students who have learned to use semi-conductor design tools, followed by connecting them with the best in the industry. C-DAC will also start a certification course for these students. (ANI)
Idowu Ikudabo lives the best day of his life every year.

That day is when Kokomo High School holds its commencement ceremony.

He gets to see his students walk across the stage in their red and blue gowns.

As principal of McKinley Alternative High School, Ikudabo sees students who have experienced challenges in the traditional school setting and face other hardships in their personal lives.

He and his staff take pride in ensuring these students graduate and are prepared for adult life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I individualize every student in my school, Ikudabo said.

He takes the time to get know each of his students and their families. Though a principal, he refers to himself as a manager. The true bosses are the parents of the McKinley students.

I dont think theres anyone who cares about kids more, said KHS Principal Angela Blessing. He doesnt give up on any student who enters through his doors.

Ikudabo has a reputation of being a lifelong learner, always seeking professional development opportunities to help him better reach his teachers and students.

Those efforts pay off. McKinley has a 100% graduation rate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For all these attributes, and many more, Ikudabo was named the 2024 Simon Youth Foundation Administrator of the Year.

Simon Youth Foundation is a national nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis focused on helping students graduate. The organization, in partnership with local schools, operates Simon Youth Academies, such as the one at McKinley.

These academies are meant to support students who are at risk of dropping out and struggle in traditional school. This might be due to homelessness, bullying, parenthood or supporting their families through work.

Ikudabo, who has served as principal since 2014 and is originally from Nigeria, was recognized during Wednesdays school board meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thank you for spending time with some of our most marginalized youth, said board member Lewis Hall. One-hundred percent, (it) shows that you dont give up, and it also shows you wont accept them giving up.

I think one of the best things about Kokomo is we have a place for everybody, and we only have a place for everybody because of people like Mr. Ikudabo and the work that he does, added board member Nicole Mundy.

Ikudabo said he was thankful for and humbled by the recognition Wednesday, as well as the award.
The medals of a fearless Second World War airman who survived a suicidal dash over the English Channel have been put up for sale for 100,000.

Chief Petty Officer Donald Don Bunce had already taken part in the famous sinking of the German battleship Bismarck when he was again called into action.

In 1942 he was part of a three-man crew of one of six Fairey Swordfish biplane bombers that chased after German ships attempting to break out from the French port of Brest into the Channel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the firepower of the enemy fleet, who were protected by six destroyers, 34 E-boats and masses of Messerschmitts and Fw 190s, made it a suicide mission.

Nonetheless, the Swordfish crews flew at just 50ft above the water as they swooped down on the enemy to unload their barrage while running the gauntlet.

P/Off Bunce, of 828 Naval Air Squadron, who was in the Swordfish piloted by Sub-Lieutenant Kingsmill, stayed at his gun even when his aircraft was on fire.

His seat was shot away so he braced his legs to avoid falling into the sea and still managed to take out a swarming enemy fighter.

They ditched into the sea and P/Off Bunce was plucked from the icy water 10 minutes later by a Motor Torpedo Boat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

All six Swordfishes were destroyed, with only five of the 18 aircrew surviving the mission.

P/Off Bunce, aged just 20, earned the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for his coolness which was unshaken.

P/Off Bunce was part of key missions, including laying down the Bismarck - BNPS

His citation reads: Naval Airman First Class Donald Arthur Bunce, FAA/SFX. 631, who was Air Gunner in the Swordfish aircraft piloted by Sub-Lieutenant Kingsmill.

With his machine on fire, and the engine failing, he stayed steadfast at his gun, engaging the enemy fighters which beset his aircraft.

He is believed to have shot one of them down.Throughout the action his coolness was unshaken.

Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, Flag Officer Dover, wrote of the participants: The gallant sortie of these six Swordfish constitutes one of the finest exhibitions of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty that the war had yet witnessed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

P/Off Bunces medals are going under the hammer at London-based auctioneers Noonans Mayfair.

Christopher Mellor-Hill, head of client liaison at Noonans, said: Already a veteran of the celebrated Swordfish attack against the German flagship, the Bismarck, in May 1941, it was in the English Channel in February 1942, he was awarded his CGM when the German ships made their bid for freedom  in what became known as the Channel Dash.

Having rendezvoused his small flight of Swordfish with just 10 Spitfires of 72 Squadron over Ramsgate  not the intended escort of five whole squadrons  the forces leader, Lieutenant-Commander Eugene Esmonde, dived, in an almost kamikaze attack to just 40 feet over the Channel and set off in pursuit.

Less than 20 minutes later, his entire flight had been shot down, with just five of the 18 aircrew surviving the ordeal with Esmonde awarded the well-deserved posthumous Victoria Cross.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, Flag Officer Dover, wrote that the gallant sortie of these six Swordfish constitutes one of the finest exhibitions of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty that the war had yet witnessed.

P/Off Bunce was born in Oxford in 1921 and joined the Fleet Air Arm as a Naval Airman Second Class in January 1940, when he commenced training as a Telegraphist Air Gunner (TAG.).

He was first posted to 825 Naval Air Squadron (N.A.S.) at Campbeltown in mid-April 1941.

He and the squadron were embarked in the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Victorious a month later, shortly before the famous pursuit of the Bismarck.

He was part of a three-man crew of one of six Fairey Swordfish biplane bombers - BNPS

P/Off Bunces aircraft, part of the first wave, went into the attack at midnight into the face of a vigorous German barrage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They dropped a torpedo off the Bismarcks port beam from 100ft before another Swordfish hit the dreaded battleship causing vital damage.

In early 1942, and having re-mustered at Lee-on-Solent, 828 NAS. was ordered to RAF Manston as part of Operation Fuller.

This was a much-flawed plan to counter the anticipated breakout of enemy capital ships from Brest, namely the battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen.

When the German ships made their bid for freedom  in what became known as the Channel Dash  the response mounted by air and sea proved entirely inadequate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The breakout was daringly enacted in daylight, whereas Fuller had been planned around a nocturnal breakout.

Lieutenant-Commander Eugene Esmonde told his fellow aircrew: Fly at 50ft, loose line astern, individual attacks, and find your way home.

The entire flight was shot down within 20 minutes of the attack starting.

P/Off Bunce spent the remainder of the war on instructional duties in various squadrons and establishments, latterly in the rank of Chief Petty Officer (Air).

He left the naval service in 1946. P/Off Bunce died in September 2008.

His medal group consists of Conspicuous Gallantry Medal; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The sale takes place on January 15.

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.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have rolled up their sleeves to help out those affected by the wildfires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the World Central Kitchen in Pasadena, California on Friday, January 10.

Us Weekly understands Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, volunteered to hand out food and supplies to people affected by the Eaton Fire.

During their visit, the couple witnessed harrowing stories from victims, but also strong community spirit as they offered their support. The Duke and Duchess also took time to connect with elderly individuals and families affected by the crisis inside the Pasadena Convention Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Have Opened Their Home to Friends Affected by L.A. Fires

As well as serving meals alongside World Central Kitchen (WCK) volunteers outside the venue, Harry and Meghan donated clothing, childrens items, and other essential supplies to the main donation center, Us understands.

Monetary donations have also been made to relief, recovery and rebuild efforts via their charity organization, the Archwell Foundation.

Harry and Meghan also joined Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California's First Partner, and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, in personally thanking first responders, including Fire Chief Marrone and his team from the LA County Fire Department as well as Members of CalFire and the Pasadena Police Force at the Rose Bowl.

As part of their volunteering efforts, Harry and Meghan met with World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres at the charitys food stations and thanked the teams for the hard work involved in supporting the community in its time of need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It comes after Meghan and Harry opened their Montecito, California home this week to friends who were evacuated as fires blazed across parts of Los Angeles including the Pacific Palisades area, Malibu, Santa Monica and the Hollywood Hills.

Meghan and Harry live in Montecito with their children Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. Their home is around 80 miles north of the Pacific Palisades area in LA, where the fires first broke out on Tuesday, January 7.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Casually House Hunting in Malibu, Considering Moving

While it is not known which of the couples friends have made use of the home, thousands of people had been forced to flee their homes due to the wildfires. Among the celebrities affected by the fires were Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, Spencer Pratt and Milo Ventimiglia, whose homes all went up in flames.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The couple has dedicated a page on their official website to the wildfires, sharing information about resources and organizations taking part in the relief effort.

The couple first moved to California from the UK in 2020 during the pandemic. After initially staying on Vancouver Island, Canada, they then spent several months at Tyler Perrys Los Angeles home before buying their own home in California.

Check the LAFD website for local wildfire alerts and click here for resources on how to help those affected.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are doing their part to help those impacted by the deadly wildfires in Southern California.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live about 90 miles north of the L.A. area, visited the World Central Kitchen in Pasadena, Calif., to help distribute food and supplies to victims of the Eaton Fire on Friday, Jan. 10.

PEOPLE understands that they focused on discreetly supporting wildfire relief efforts, witnessing both harrowing stories and strong community spirit. They donated essential supplies, served meals with World Central Kitchen and connected with affected families and elderly individuals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Alongside Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California's First Partner, and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, they thanked first responders, including L.A. County firefighters and police.

Later, they met with World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres at the food stations to praise relief teams. Through their Archewell Foundation, theyve also contributed monetary donations and plan to continue supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts with future visits.

FOX Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at World Central Kitchen Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at World Central Kitchen

In footage published by local news outlet FOX 11, the pair were joined by Andres and were seen with conversing with Gordo and fellow volunteers.

"Its great people, great personalities and great heart for them to come out here and meet with the first responders, meet with the people who were affected," Gordo told the news station. "Its very important."

Related: YouTube Creators Colin and Samir Lose Palisades Homes to Fire While Both of Their Wives Are Pregnant

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He added that Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, "really buoyed the spirits of the first responders," during their visit.

Meghan, who was born in raised in L.A., and Harry's time in Pasadena included a stop at the command post at the Rose Bowl, where "people were very happy to see them," Gordo said.

"They want to be as helpful as they can be  we visited with some of the affected families in some of the burned-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena. They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. Theyre just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbors."

Related: Jennifer Garner Says She Feels 'Guilty' Walking Through Her House After She 'Lost a Friend' amid Wildfires

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He noted that Meghan and Harry, whose Archewell Foundation has longstanding ties with World Central Kitchen and Andres, visited the center "anonymously" earlier Friday.

"No one knew they were serving food with masks," said the mayor.

Harry and Meghan's appearance was not for "publicity," Gordo said, adding that they wanted to "work."

"We went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view firsthand some of the impacted area and then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and their neighbors," he added.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024 in Hollywood, California. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024 in Hollywood, California.

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 couple also opened up their Montecito, Calif., home to friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate, PEOPLE previously confirmed. Their Archewell Foundation is also determining the most impactful way to help the community amid the crisis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more  affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life," Harry and Meghan said in a statement on their official sussex.com website on Thursday, Jan. 9.



Related: The Biggest Revelations from Prince Harry's Book Spare 2 Years After Its Release

They shared information to resources such as World Central Kitchen, Airbnb and 211LA, which have teamed to help anyone displaced find free housing, plus Baby2baby and All Power Books, which are both providing supplies.

The Eaton Fire is the second largest fire that has ravaged Southern California this week. As of Friday, the blaze has burned nearly 14,000 acres and is at 3% containment. At least 5 of the 11 confirmed fatalities have been a result of this fire, which is only second to the Palisades Fire in terms of destruction. Entire communities in the Altadena area have been burned to the ground and nearby Pasadena has also been threatened.



Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were among the hundreds of Southern Californians spurred to help evacuees of the Eaton Fire earlier today.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live north of Los Angeles in the affluent town of Montecito and previously opened up their home to loved ones displaced by the wildfires, were spotted at the Pasadena Convention Center, which has since turned into an evacuation site for those forced to leave their homes.

More from Deadline

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As reported by Fox 11, the couple met with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and worked with chef Jose Andres  whose nonprofit World Central Kitchen pop-ups are providing food relief to Angelenos  to distribute meals and supplies to those impacted. (The couples Archewell Foundation has longstanding ties with WCK, contributing relief in countries like India and the Caribbean island nation of Dominica.)

Per previous reporting, Markle and Prince Harry were also focused on connecting with affected families and thanking first responders.

Gordo told Fox 11 of the meeting: Its great people, great personalities and great heart for them to come out here and meet with the first responders, meet with the people who were affected. Its very important.

According to the mayor, the two were aiming to discreetly contribute and were previously present at the hub of relief efforts coming out of the Rose Bowl in the city. Markle and Prince Harry served food anonymously, he said, noting, No one knew they were serving food with masks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gordo added, They want to be as helpful as they can be  we visited with some of the affected families in some of the burned-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena. They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. Theyre just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbors. (Markle was born in Canoga Park, just east of the Kenneth Fire that is currently 35% contained.)

As previously reported, Markle and Prince Harry are among other high-profile figures doing their part amid the ongoing state emergency, which comprises a handful of fires  the most devastating being the Palisades (over 20,000 acres, 8% contained) and Eaton (over 14,000 acres, 3% contained) blazes. Currently, 180,000 people remain displaced, more than 9,000 structures were leveled and at least 10 people were confirmed dead.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry joined the relief efforts in Pasadena, Calif. on Friday, in the wake of the ongoing Eaton fire, which has burned over 14,117 acres, more than 9,000 structures, and claimed at least six lives.

The couple distributed supplies and food at the World Central Kitchen in Pasadena, founded by chef Jose Andres. Markle and Harry, whose Archewell Foundation has teamed with World Central Kitchen before, worked alongside Andres, volunteers, and Pasadena mayor Victor M. Gordo to feed those displaced by the fires.

More from WWD

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Initially the couple visited the relief center anonymously, with the Pasadena mayor telling Fox 11, No one knew they were serving food with masks.

Meghan Markle , Duchess of Sussex member of the British royal family with mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo at a home at 2858 Highview Ave. that was destroyed during the Eaton fire in Altadena on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Markle and Harry also met with Altadena residents at the ruins of their former homes to offer support. They want to be as helpful as they can be, Gordo said. We visited with some of the affected families in some of the burned-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena. They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. Theyre just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbors.

Afterwards, Markle and Harry headed to the command post at the Rose Bowl to thank L.A. County firefighters and other first responders. We went to visit some of the families and view firsthand some of the impacted area and then they wanted to visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and their neighbors, Gordo said, adding that Markle and Harry really buoyed the spirits of the first responders and people were very happy to see them.

Its great people, great personalities and great heart for them to come out here and meet with the first responders, meet with the people who were affected, Gordo said.

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex member of the British royal family with mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo at a home at 2858 Highview Ave. that was destroyed during the Eaton fire in Altadena on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Earlier in the week, on Thursday, Markle and Harry shared a list of resources and ways to help in the fire relief efforts. In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more  affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life, read a statement posted to their website. If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, childrens toys & clothing, and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Markle and Harry also shared information about the World Central Kitchen, the Animal Wellness Foundation, and Compton Cowboys, which are housing and caring for animals displaced from the fires, Airbnb and 211LA which are providing temporary housing to those whove been forced to evacuated, Baby2Baby which is providing baby essentials to families in need, and All Power Books, which is offering water, supplies, and other essentials to those whove been affected by the fires.

As of Saturday, Dec. 11, the Eaton fire is 15 percent contained. It is the second in size to the Palisades fire, which has burned 21,595 acres and more than 5,000 structures, and claimed the lives of at least two people. The Palisades fire is currently 11 percent contained.

In the wake of the devastation caused by the Los Angeles fires, many fashion and beauty brands have offered relief to those who have been displaced and lost their homes. Walmart announced a $2.5 million commitment to support relief efforts, while Target is donating $1 million to national and local partners helping with recovery efforts, and APL, Bubbles, Credo Beauty, Collina Strada, LoveShackFancy, and Rails are also among the brands providing resources to people affected by the wildfires.

Best of WWD

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Rapid City, S.D. (KELO)  People turn to Menards for everything from tools and bathtubs to lights and paint.

Right now, the Rapid City location is also helping families in need put food on the table.

All 341 Menards stores in 15 states are collecting food for people in need.

We teamed with Feeding South Dakota. Weve done this for years, its a great opportunity to help them out. Our customers enjoy this program, Menards General Manager Mark Kerr said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

People in KELOLAND remember the blizzard of 1975

This Rapid City drive is collecting food for Feeding South Dakota, so the agency can help feed families all year long.

I think its wonderful that big corporations are doing that to help the people in need. Because there are a lot of them out there that need help, Shopper Mary Webeck said.

Menards want to make helping out as easy as possible.

All you need to do is grab an extra item or two while shopping and donate right when you pay.

I think its wonderful when youre out shopping anyway that you can grab a few things and donate them. It makes it very handy, Webeck said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What makes us successful is the community. The community has always supported this in a big way. We are bringing pallets and pallets of food to Feeding South Dakota and Rapid City has been a huge support for us, Kerr said.

You can make donations through the end of March.

This year all Menards stores will be hosting several local drives for different agencies.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The MercyOne hospital in Sioux City has had its level of trauma care downgraded and is pausing its open-heart surgical program.

The MercyOne Siouxland Medical Centers emergency department will be changing from a Level 2 designation to Level 3, pending a state survey.

A MercyOne spokesperson told KCAU that the reason for the change comes from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) changing it requirements for facilities to maintain a Level 2 status, making the designation unsustainable in Siouxland. The ACS website still shows MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center as a Level II Trauma Center at the time of publishing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MercyOne said that patients will still be able to receive trauma care in their emergency room and can be transferred if needed.

Sioux City awarded nearly $4M to develop rental homes

In another statement, MercyOne said the facility is pausing its open-heart surgical program for the foreseeable future, but that its general cardiology services will continue. The changes will not affect the level of care in any other area, the statement adds.

The changes are due to changing demographics, difficulty recruiting providers, and economic challenges, the hospital said.

You can read the full statement below.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Due to the changing demographics and difficulty recruiting providers in the region paired with economic challenges in our industry, MercyOne is facing difficult decisions to secure our Mission of providing quality care to our patients. At MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center, this means we will pause our open-heart surgical program for the foreseeable future. Our general cardiology and interventional services in the Heart and Vascular Center will remain open. This change will not affect delivery of care in any other area of the medical center. Susan OBrien, MercyOne, Communications Division Lead-Western Iowa

As of publishing, the Iowa Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) website also still shows MercyOne Siouxland as a Level 2 trauma care facility.

The Iowa HHS has four levels of trauma care facilities. All Level 1 and Level 2 facilities in the state are verified by the ACS, while Level 3 and Level 4 facilities can be verified by the ACS or the Iowa Trauma System.

The website states that Level 2 facilities can start care for all injured patients and have key elements, such as 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons, as well as coverage by the specialties of orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care. Care needs such as cardiac surgery, hemodialysis and microvascular surgery may be transferred to a Level I facility.

Rock Valley still recovering from last summers flooding

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the Iowa HHS states that a Level 3 facility can provide emergency operations as well as assess, resuscitate, and stabilize injured patients. These facilities also have protocols to transfer patients to Level 1 or Level 2 facilities if patients need more care.

There are a total of 120 trauma care facilities in Iowa comprised of three Level 1, four Level 2, 13 Level 3, and 100 Level 4 facilities.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Meta is axing its diversity programs, adding their names to a growing list of firms across corporate America making similar moves in anticipation of Donald Trumps return to the White House.

The BBC reports that Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, sent a memo to staff about the decision, citing a shifting legal and policy landscape.

More from Deadline

Other companies to make similar recruitment decisions regarding diversity efforts since Trump won the US election in November include Walmart and McDonald.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The BBC says the memo from Meta said that the term DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) had become charged. It said that while it would continue to look for diverse staff, but finish seeking selection from a pool specifically of diverse candidates.

Amazon previously sent a memo to staff in December, saying it was winding down outdated programs and materials related to representation and inclusion. Amazon confirmed to Deadline that Candi Castleberry, VP of Inclusive eXperiences and Technology, wrote to staff on December 16, saying: Were aiming to complete that by the end of 2024. She added: We believe this is important work, so well keep investing in programs that help us reflect those audiences, help employees grow, thrive, and connect, and we remain dedicated to delivering inclusive experiences for customers, employees, and communities around the world.

The BBC reports that JPMorgan Chase and BlackRock this week pulled out of groups focused on risks from climate change.

It follows Metas announcement four days ago that it was ending a fact-checking program previously criticised by Trump and Republicans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deadline reported Tuesday that Zuckerberg had posted a video saying: The recent elections also feel like a cultural tipping point towards, once again, prioritizing speech. So were going back to our roots and focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying our policies and restoring free expression on our platforms.

The changes are just the latest effort by Meta given that Trump and his allies have targeted the platform and Zuckerberg himself. Following Trumps reelection, Zuckerberg met with the president-elect. Last week, Metas chief global affairs officer, Nick Clegg, announced his departure, to be replaced by Joel Kaplan, a Republican who has been sympathetic to claims that the platform has suppressed conservative voices.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Warwick Davis, the celebrated actor known for his iconic roles in 'Harry Potter' and 'Star Wars', is set to receive the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship at the upcoming EE BAFTA Film Awards, scheduled for February 16, 2025. The BAFTA Fellowship is the highest honour the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) bestows, recognizing individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the film, television, or gaming industries. Davis, best known for portraying Professor Filius Flitwick in the 'Harry Potter' films and Wicket the Ewok in 'Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi' (1983), will be honoured for his significant contributions both on and off the screen, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Over the years, his involvement in some of the most successful and beloved film franchises has made him a household name. The official Instagram handle of BAFTA also announced the award. "We're excited to announce that British actor, comedian, presenter and producer Warwick Davis is to be awarded the BAFTA Fellowship at the EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday 16 February 2025. The BAFTA Fellowship recognises those who have made an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television and is our highest accolade," the caption read. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEqBfr7IJha/ In a heartfelt statement, Davis expressed his gratitude for the honour, acknowledging the importance of inclusivity and representation in the industry. "I accept this Fellowship in honour of everyone living with dwarfism or any form of difference, reminding us that our uniqueness can be our greatest asset," he said, as per The Hollywood Reporter. He also highlighted the importance of the hardworking teams behind the scenes who contribute to every production, from makeup artists to camera crews. Davis's career spans decades. Diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism, he founded Willow Management, an agency that represents actors under five feet tall, and co-founded Little People UK, a charity supporting individuals with dwarfism and their families. His Reduced Height Theatre Company also supports actors who fall outside traditional casting moulds, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Beyond his roles in 'Harry Potter' and 'Star Wars', Davis has made significant contributions to film and television with his appearance in Ron Howard's Willow (1988) and the British TV series Life's Too Short (2011-2013), co-created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. As per The Hollywood Reporter, the BAFTA Chair, Sara Putt, expressed her delight in honouring Davis with the Fellowship, noting his status as a beloved and inspiring figure both in Britain and internationally. "Warwick is a talented, much-loved and truly inspiring figure who has captivated audiences over many decades," said Putt, adding, "We are thrilled to celebrate his exceptional body of work and achievements at the EE BAFTA Film Awards next month." Davis's recognition as a BAFTA Fellow places him alongside a list of previous honorees, including legendary filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese, as well as iconic actors like Judi Dench, Sean Connery, and Elizabeth Taylor. (ANI)
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  When bad weather strikes, Missouri schools have the option to use remote learning, rather than snow days that cancel classes altogether, but theres a limit on the use of the Alternative Method of Instruction otherwise known as AMI days.

Some districts in the metro are already nearing that limit or are meeting it. AMI days count as days of instruction.

We know that this dynamic can be challenging for our families, for staff and communities, but we make really good decisions to keep our students safe during these days, the Chief Communications Officer for the Park Hill School District, Kelly Wachel shared.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Things to do this weekend in Kansas City Jan. 10-12

Missouri law allows for five days to be used for this type of virtual learning each year. This week, schools in the Park Hill School District have used up all five.

There are nearly 13,000 students in the Park Hill School District.

We are in the same position as every other district in the metro area. Weve been doing our AMI days, our alternative methods of instruction days, and doing virtual learning all of these days, so weve been communicating, weve been talking to families, weve been talking to kids, weve been learning, our teachers have been engaged, Wachel added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They can have or utilize that up to 36 hours of that within a given school year, Kari Monsees, the Deputy Commissioner for Financial and Administrative Services for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shared.

Within the calendar provision and statute, schools are required to schedule at least 36 hours of makeup time in their calendar.

But with this weeks weather, many hours are being consumed by many Missouri school districts. For some districts, that may be five days, for others that could be six. Districts have the ability to set the number of hours in their school day.

But there is the potential of adding days at the end of the year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They do have to do some make-up, but it becomes limited or partial makeup after 36 hours at the end of the year. Those 36 hours are separate than the 36 hours of AMI that we are discussing, Monsees with DESE said.

Its fairly unusual to have a week this significant thats impacted for as long as it has been. Theres kind of a randomness to weather and weather patterns in our part of the country, but I think our schools are working to meet the needs of the students and worst-case scenario we can do additional days later on in the year, if we need to but its good that they can engage them now as much as they can on these remote days.

Trash pickup, delays in Kansas City metro following snowstorm

Make-up snow days are something the Park Hill School District may have to mark on its calendar next. Its been a week of watching the weather, for many in the metro.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So, any other days that we have coming up this winter, that are impacted by inclement weather, they will be snow days for us, in which we are just off of school. The trick and the case in those days, that are additional though, that are ole fashioned snow days, those days do get added on to the end of the school year, which is sometimes tricky for us as well, Wachel said.

You can find more information about Missouri law here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The Pop-Tart mascot runs across the field prior to the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl between the Miami Hurricanes and the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. Pop-Tarts were invented in Michigan. | Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

Over the past century or so, Michigan businesses, universities and lone entrepreneurs have produced a staggering number of innovations used by people around the world.

Among them are electric hospital beds, synthetic penicillin, fiber optics, computer-controlled machine tools, corn flakes, baby food in jars, Pop-Tarts and Kitty Litter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The University of Michigan played crucial roles in the development of the polio vaccine and the internet. Michigan State University researchers developed a groundbreaking cancer drug 60 years ago still in wide use today. Wayne State University began using human cadaver skulls in automobile crash testing in 1939 and later created what is considered one of the worlds most influential injury biomechanics programs.

Michigans auto industry has historically been one big innovation factory, creating or refining hundreds, if not thousands, of inventions, including the movable assembly line, air bags, power steering and brakes, and automatic transmissions.

General Motors even produced a self-driving car in 1956, but it was not considered ready for production. (It still isnt).

Detroit has been called the Silicon Valley of the 1920s, for good reason. The innovations developed by Henry Ford and dozens of other auto pioneers during that era made Detroit the richest city in the country by 1949, as measured by household income, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Today the San Francisco metro area, which encompasses Silicon Valley, has the highest median household income among the 25 largest metro areas in the country, according to census data. Detroit ranks 25th.

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco | Susan J. Demas

The reversal of fortunes of the two metros demonstrates the tight connection between innovation and living standards. A recent study by the nonpartisan Citizens Research Council of Michigan contends state government can and should do more to help spark innovation and entrepreneurial activity in Michigan.

The study found Michigan lags most of its neighboring and nearby states in support for entrepreneurs. Appropriations to 21st Century Jobs Fund, launched in 2005 to help Michigan create an entrepreneurship ecosystem, have been cut in half over the past decade, according to the CRC report.

Michigan ranked a respectable 17th in the 2022 Milken Institutes State Technology and Science Index, cited in the CRC study. But a deeper dive into that study shows some troubling weaknesses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Most of the states strengths are in the amount of university research, the number of engineers, manufacturing exports and foreign investment.

But Michigan ranks in the bottom third of states in areas such as economic dynamism, which includes new initial public stock offerings, patenting activity and capitalizing on new industries, such as artificial intelligence.

In short, while Michigan has significant capacity to innovate, it is not achieving significant bang for the buck in terms of converting that capacity into new high-tech companies and product innovations, the CRC report said.

A variety of business, university and government leaders are trying to change that reality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ford Motor Co. recently completed a magnificent restoration of the long-abandoned Michigan Central train station, designed in part to incubate innovations in transportation mobility. The adjacent Newlab, part of the Michigan Central complex in Detroit, is home to more than 100 startup companies.

The University of Michigan is building a $250 million innovation center in downtown Detroit to prepare workers for new knowledge jobs. Michigan State University is planning to build a $340 million Engineering and Digital Innovation Center in East Lansing.

Mortgage magnate Dan Gilbert recently announced he will build a 220,000 square-foot life sciences research building in downtown Detroit, part of a larger planned innovation district in the city.

Detroit Center for Innovation rendering | University of Michigan photo

And Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year announced a variety of initiatives designed to reduce governmental barriers to entry for entrepreneurs seeking to invent and commercialize the next big thing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dug Song, an Ann Arbor entrepreneur whose Duo Security was acquired by technology communications giant Cisco Systems Inc. for $2.35 billion in 2018, last year said one of those barriers is the states long-held practice of protecting its automakers and other large corporations from new entrants.

[T]oo often, struggling industries, including the auto industry, lobby for regulatory relief and legislative grants at the expense of greater economic vitality and dynamism in the state, Song wrote in a Detroit Free Press guest column.

A group of Democratic lawmakers, led by state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), tried to change that tradition by proposing to shift hundreds of millions of dollars from the states main business attraction fund to investments in public transit, childcare and community development.

The proposed legislation failed to pass before the end of last years lame duck session. It represents a missed opportunity to make Michigan a more attractive place for talent and entrepreneurs, said Ned Staebler, CEO of TechTown, a business startup development organization in Detroit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We need to create places where workers and companies want to be, Staebler told me. We need transit, housing and neighborhood amenities. Its abundantly clear that places that have those things are growing.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Officials across Middle Tennessee are urging drivers to take caution as snowfall is leading to slick conditions on several roadways and major interstates.

Davidson County

Courtesy: MNPD Courtesy: MNPD Courtesy: MNPD Courtesy: MNPD

The Metro Nashville Police Department warned drivers that neighborhood and side streets were snow-covered and slippery Friday afternoon. However, interstates and major thoroughfares like Old Hickory Boulevard and Murfreesboro Pike  had been treated and plowed.

GALLERY: Snowfall across Middle TN

Dickson County

Highway 48 North crash in Charlotte (Courtesy: Sheriff Eads)

According to Dickson County Sheriffs Eads, Highway 48 North is causing problems in Charlotte. Officials said roads will become slick as temperatures begin to drop Friday evening.

Giles County

Courtesy: Giles County Emergency Services

Officials in Giles County strongly recommended drivers stay off the roads on Friday. In fact, emergency personnel began tying yellow caution tape to mirrors of disabled vehicles to signify that first responders had checked the vehicle. Giles County Emergency Services said the tape helped crews avoid units from being sent the same abandoned and disabled vehicles.

Humphreys County

Courtesy: TDOT

A portion of Interstate 40 was closed briefly Friday afternoon after a tractor trailer jackknifed in the westbound lanes. TDOT officials said the incident happened in a construction zone, adding that no serious injuries were reported. All lanes have since reopened.

Maury County

(Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department) (Courtesy: Columbia Police Department)

The Columbia Police Department warned drivers that roads will worsen as the day goes on. Those who must drive and being advised to use extreme caution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Want the forecast delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for the News 2 Forecast Newsletter

Putnam County

(Courtesy: Cookeville Police Department)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Due to temperatures Friday evening, black ice may start to form on roadways throughout Cookeville. Cookeville police said even though the roads may not be snow covered, the presence of black ice still presents a potential roadway hazard. This invisible hazard can create extremely slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents. If possible, motorists are asked to stay home until conditions improve.

Robertson County

Highway 76 crash (Courtesy: White House Community Volunteer Fire Department)

At 3:25 p.m., the White House Volunteer Fire Department took to social media to announce that Highway 76 was closed due to a crash. The department later added that the driver was able to exit the vehicle on their own.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Williamson County

A portion of I-840 was closed briefly Friday afternoon after tractor-trailer jackknifed near mile marker 16 in the eastbound lanes. According to TDOT, the crash took place just before 4 p.m. and a loader was able to move the vehicle.

Wilson County

Murfreesboro Road in Wilson County (Courtesy: Wilson County Sheriffs Office) 109 South (Courtesy: Wilson County Sheriffs Office) Beckwith Road at Breedens Orchard (Courtesy: Wilson County Sheriffs Office) Saundersville Road (Courtesy: Wilson County Sheriffs Office) Vanderbilt Road (Courtesy: Wilson County Sheriffs Office) Lebanon Road (Courtesy: Wilson County Sheriffs Office)

Around 4:30 p.m., deputies in Wilson County said road conditions had significantly deteriorated. Roads were reportedly treated and salted with brine earlier in the day, but officials said they later received multiple calls about overturned vehicles and motorists that needed assistance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Conditions may change, agencies like TEMA have advised motorists to minimize travel and check area law enforcement agencies, EMA response teams and others for updates.

Dont forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Jan. 10Newton Mayor Evelyn George alleged Iowa Regional Utilities Association (IRUA) owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in back payments to the city for refusing to commit to the new water rates set by the city council last year. In a statement released Jan. 8, the mayor likened the action to underpaying at the fuel pump.

"Imagine setting your own price for fuel when filling your vehicle and paying the cashier far less than the price shown on the pump," George said in the statement. "How long would you be allowed to keep purchasing fuel at that station, and how long could that station keep operating?"

Followups conducted by Newton News show IRUA may even owe the city more than $2.7 million. Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler said depending on the outcome of the lawsuit IRUA filed against the city and according to the ordinance rate schedule, IRUA owes the city $2,755,682.65.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

IRUA purchases water from Newton, Marshalltown and Pella in order to serve rural customers in Central Iowa. George said despite the city raising IRUA's rate in accordance with the contract between the two parties, the utility company has refused to pay the new amount and now owes the city back payments.

Recently, the Newton City Council approved a $2.5 million loan agreement to pay for projects and equipment for the water department.

Newton Mayor Evelyn George

However, George alleged the water department's immediate and long-term planning is nearly impossible because IRUA "has refused to commit to a new rate or monthly volume of water to be used." It is the city's position, she added, that it is unfair for IRUA to push the costs of water purchases onto Newton residents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The City of Newton and its residents simply ask IRUA to pay a fair price," George said. "I expect IRUA customers would want the same."

IRUA RESPONDS TO MAYOR'S STATEMENT

Matt Mahler, CEO of IRUA, told Newton News he disputes the accuracy of the mayor's statement. He confirmed the utility filed a lawsuit against the city in June 2024. Mahler said the lawsuit was filed as a result of the mayor's threat to cut off water to IRUA if it did not pay the "unworkable rates" passed in March 2024.

"IRUA has continued to pay every month for water it purchases from the City of Newton, and IRUA pays for this water at a rate higher than what was in place under the last contract extension," Mahler said. "This arrangement was agreed upon between IRUA and the City of Newton while the lawsuit is ongoing."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Which is why the mayor releasing the statement comes as a surprise to him.

Mahler said it is IRUA's hope that the utility and the city can come to a reasonable solution to this disagreement as swiftly as possible; as a not-for-profit, IRUA is "going to work passionately to represent the interests of its members and customers" that rely on high quality and affordable drinking water.

Newton Mayor Evelyn George provided further clarification on the water rate increases for Iowa Regional Utilities Association, which is a topic that has spurred a lot of discourse and discussion amongst the community.

HOW DID THE CITY AND IRUA GET TO THIS POINT?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In March 2024, the city council increased water rates for IRUA. The decision was controversial not only because rural customers thought their rates would also increase significantly, but the council waived the second and third readings and adopted the changes on the spot, seemingly without IRUA's knowledge.

IRUA has a long history of purchasing water in bulk from Newton WaterWorks and then selling it to rural customers. However, rates were considerably low for such a long period of time that the water was being sold for far less money than it cost to make it, according to city staff. The city sought to remedy that issue.

For several decades the Newton WaterWorks was operated by an independent board, but the results of a September 2022 special election pivoted management over to the city council. When the city took control of Newton WaterWorks, it conducted a cost-of-service study with engineering firm Bolton & Menk.

The study determined it cost the City of Newton more than $3 per 1,000 gallons to provide water to IRUA. Prior to council changing the rates, IRUA was charged as low as $1.09 per 1,000 gallons for 0 to 31 million gallons a month to as high as $1.23 per 1,000 gallons for anything above 93 million gallons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But now the rates have changed to $9.73 per 1,000 gallons for a minimum of 0 to 31 million gallons a month; $9.73 per 1,000 for the next 14 million gallons, $9.79 for the next 48 million gallons; $3.27 per 1,000 for a minimum of 93 million gallons a month; and $3.34 per 1,000 for anything over 93 million gallons.

The 2019 water rate schedule for IRUA has been removed following council action on March 18. The rates have since been increased, and the decision caused an uproar in the community.

Since the rates for the lower volumes increased by nearly 800 percent, the utility company is incentivized to purchase the higher volumes at a discounted rate.

Ronald Dunsbergen, the president of the IRUA Board of Directors, argued in a past statement to Newton News that the utility company only purchased a minimum of 93 million gallons once every three months over the past three years. Which means IRUA would likely have to pay the higher monthly minimum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the same statement, the IRUA board president said the utility will exhaust all legal remedies available to have the city manage its rates appropriately.

IRUA FILES LAWSUITS AGAINST THE CITY

In IRUA's lawsuit against the City of Newton, the utility alleges staff intentionally kept them in the dark while the city sought to increase water rates.

According to IRUA's petition against the city, the council approved a professional service agreement asking McClure Engineering to perform a utility rate study analyzing and comparing the water, sewer and stormwater utility rates to other communities. It also included an analysis of wholesale customer water rates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But IRUA said the scope of the McClure analysis  approved in December 2022  did not include analyzing the city's cost to produce water.

IRUA said the city did not provide written notice to the utility prior to approving the McClure analysis, nor did the city contact them prior to completing a facility plan report or even provide IRUA with a copy before the council meeting on Feb. 6, 2023. The report identified many water infrastructure projects were needed.

Newton Utilities Director Jody Rhone is the staff member who presented the completed report to council members. IRUA alleges Rhone falsely stated that every project that needs done  including a $6.4 million Jordan Well  is because of the amount of water WaterWorks supplies to IRUA.

Following the council meeting, Rhone met with Mahler and provided him a copy of the report. He told Mahler the projects were necessary and the city was addressing deferred maintenance and mismanagement of the Newton WaterWorks. The city officially took over WaterWorks in late 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mahler told Rhone that IRUA and the city would need to communicate and collaborate on any infrastructure projects or related rate increase initiatives.

The lawsuit claims doing so is part of the contract.

LAWSUIT ALLEGES CITY CAN ONLY RAISE RATES TO COVER COSTS

Important to note, one of the provisions in the original 1979 contract is that either party is allowed to increase or decrease the water rate annually based on demonstrable increase or decrease in the costs of performance under the contract. But the original contract also prohibits some water rate increases.

Specifically, the contract prohibited water rate increases based on the capitalization of Newton WaterWorks's system, including not considering arbitrary write-ups or any expenditures by Newton WaterWorks for the sole and exclusive benefit of persons, firms or corporations other than IRUA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Either way, IRUA alleges the city proceeded forward with its infrastructure projects and water rate increases without advising IRUA. The utility also felt it was left out of a June 2023 workshop in which staff discussed water projects and the water rates of IRUA. Newton News published an article about the meeting.

IRUA said the city deprived the utility of its right to participate in the special workshop and in the discussions for major upgrades to the city's water system. It also alleged the city cannot increase IRUA's water rates based on a comparison with the city's water rates for its residents or wholesale rates in other cities.

At the workshop, IRUA said Rhone "misrepresented" that the city was losing money because residents were subsidizing the utility's water rates.

IRUA states its contract with Newton WaterWorks only allows the city to recover its costs from IRUA and does not allow the city to "profit" from water sales to the utility company. The contract also limits the city's ability to increase IRUA's water rates to a demonstrable increase in the costs of the city's performance.

LAWSUIT ALLEGES INCREASED WATER RATES BREACHED CONTRACT

Later into 2023, the city approved a cost-of-service study by Bolton & Menk. In George's most recent statement, she said the study determined it takes more than $3 per 1,000 gallons to provide IRUA water. IRUA has not paid anywhere near that amount. George said Pella pays IRUA more than $4 per 1,000 gallons.

The lawsuit alleges the city failed to notify IRUA of its intent to approve a cost-of-service report, and it deprived IRUA of its right to participate in major upgrades to the city's water system and the changes to water rates. The utility also alleges the cost-of-service study does not establish demonstrable increase to city costs.

IRUA heavily discredits the cost-of-service study. It said, among many things, that it draws broad conclusions on allocations that do not accurately reflect the city's costs to produce water and that the study itself warns it is not to be used to set rates and notes it is only a partial analysis.

According to the petition  which demands a jury trial  IRUA alleges the city breached its contract when it increased water rates, saying the City of Newton did not act in good faith with IRUA to develop rates and did not comply with the provisions of the contract when approving the ordinance.

LAWSUIT ALLEGES CITY KNOWINGLY CONVEYED INACCURATE INFO

The lawsuit also criticizes the city for not providing supporting documents or addressing its alleged breach of contract.

When IRUA attempted an open records request in September 2023 for documents related to the contract, past IRUA water rate increases and the city's current proposed water rate increases, the utility was met with a more than $7,500 fee to collect their documents.

Another open records request was submitted by IRUA in May 2024. This time it focused on the documents supporting the cost study and new water rate. The city produced the documents, but IRUA found it to be deficient and claims many documents were omitted. Again, they were charged an "unreasonable" fee.

IRUA claims the city also knowingly conveyed "inaccurate or misrepresented information" to the news agencies and public in an attempt to justify its breach.

The information IRUA is referring to is a statement George made in April 2024. In it, she summarizes the somewhat tumultuous relationship between the city and IRUA, and she said council increased IRUA's rates based on the cost-of-service study. She also compared the rates Pella and Marshalltown charge to IRUA.

Table 6.1 shows the cost of service comparison for commuities providing water to rural water utilities such as Iowa Regional Utilities Association.

George reasoned it cost the city $3.27 to provide IRUA 1,000 gallons of water, which is the exact rate set for IRUA's discounted monthly minimum of 93 million gallons. The mayor, however, makes no mention of the other rates, including the monthly minimum of $9.73 per 1,000 gallons for 0 to 31 million gallons.

IRUA says it has informed the city that the new water rates will force IRUA to increase the rate it charged IRUA customers, which will decrease the volume of water customers purchase and further reduce the ability of IRUA to meet the 93-million-gallon discount rate threshold.

IRUA's lawsuit calls George's statement an "inaccurate narrative."

UTILITY CLAIMS CITY CANNOT MAKE MAJOR UPGRADES WITHOUT IRUA

IRUA is seeking declaratory action from the court, saying the city is bound by the terms of its contract and subsequent modifications and that any increase or decrease be based on a demonstrable increase or decrease in the costs of the city performing its obligations to provide IRUA with water.

The utility claims its contract prohibits the City of Newton and its council from increasing water rates based on capitalization of the city's water systems, and the contract also prohibits the city from developing and implementing major changes to it water system without IRUA's participation in the process.

IRUA specifically asks the court to:

Declare the city's increase to IRUA's water rate breached the contract,

Declare the city's failure to allow IRUA to participate in major upgrades breached the contract,

Declare the city's failure to allow IRUA to provide value engineering for major upgrades breached the contract,

Enjoin the city from implementing the July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025 water rates approved in the ordinance,

Order the city to work with IRUA in good faith concerning major infrastructure projects and when reviewing IRUA's water rates,

Award IRUA its attorneys' fees to the extent permitted by law, and

Award any and all other relief the court deems just.

GOOD FAITH & DEFAMATION

In addition to seeking declaratory action from the city, IRUA wants judgements for the city allegedly breaching its contract and breaching the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealings. IRUA says it justifiably relied on the city to continue working with the utility concerning maintenance and improvements.

IRUA says the contract is meant to establish a relationship between the utility and the city and ensure Newton's water system continues to operate. This requires IRUA and the City of Newton to work together to address significant maintenance, repairs and improvements that benefit both sets of customers.

For instance, IRUA points to its involvement with funding and building various water system capital improvement projects that benefits the city and the utility. IRUA also recalls an incident in which it assisted Newton WaterWorks in making vital repairs without compensation.

Newton WaterWorks struggled to repair a supply main in the water plant with the equipment it had available. IRUA immediately mobilized equipment and workers.

IRUA is also suing the City of Newton for defamation libel per se. IRUA alleges past statements and infographics made by the city  1) That it costs $3.27 per 1,000 gallons to produce water for IRUA, and 2) That the city is charging IRUA $3.27 per 1,000 gallons after the rate increase  are false.

IRUA says the infographic posted on the city's website called into question what rate the utility will charge customers, suggesting the company cannot be trusted if the rates are increased to cover the actual charges by the city. IRUA says these statements and publications have damaged the utility's reputation.

Infographic by City of Newton showing how the water rates for IRUA are covering the costs to produce water for the rural utility company.

OTHER COMMUNITY DESCRIBES GOOD WORKING RELATION WITH IRUA

Shelli Lovell, general manager Marshalltown Water Works, described a positive working relationship with IRUA and its board. The two entities have an open dialogue regarding rates and operations, and Marshalltown Water Works tries to be cooperative and work with IRUA as much as they can.

"If they need some sample analyses that our lab can help with, we do that," she said. "When we had a large main break and needed help with digging, they came out and helped with that. It's a very cooperative partnership. The discussions regarding rates ... is more a matter of documenting what our needs are."

While Marshalltown Water Works makes IRUA aware of when water rates are being reviewed, rate negotiations do not happen every year. The rate increases typically take effect on July 1, which is the start of the fiscal year, although there has been an instance where the rate change occurred later.

Currently, Marshalltown Water Works charges $2.76 per 1,000 gallons.

When Marshalltown Water Works develops a new rate, Lovell said information is shared with IRUA and it makes for a "very transparent" conversation with the utility. But something like that, she added, is less so a negotiation and more so an opportunity to be informative and transparent with IRUA.

"They aren't at the table as we're developing the rates," Lovell said.

The water rate Marshalltown Water Works charges to IRUA covers the capital expenses and administrative costs associated with providing the water.

In Marshalltown, water is produced at the treatment plant and it is delivered through a water line to IRUA's connection point. Apart from Marshalltown maintaining that connection point, Lovell said there are administrative services with billing and metering that are factored in to the utility's cost.

Costs go up every year, and Lovell said rates at a minimum have to reflect that.

"But we have a number of significant capital improvement projects that we're working on, so the rate increases do exceed the (consumer price index)," Lovell said, noting that one such capital project includes an additional treatment plant currently estimated at $45 million.

Read Mayor Evelyn George's full statement here:

Imagine setting your own price for fuel when filling your vehicle and paying the cashier far less than the price shown on the pump. How long would you be allowed to keep purchasing fuel at that station, and how long could that station keep operating?

IRUA (Iowa Regional Utilities Association) purchases water from several cities, including Newton, Marshalltown and Pella, to service its customers in central Iowa. Currently, they are paying the City of Newton less for the water it purchases than it costs the City to make.

Last year a cost-of-service study was conducted by engineering company Bolten & Menk to determine the cost of providing water. The study determined it costs the City of Newton over three dollars per 1,000 gallons to provide IRUA water. Currently IRUA is paying less than two dollars per 1,000 gallons, and there has not been a rate increase since 2019. As a comparison, IRUA presently pays Pella over four dollars per 1,000 gallons.

Despite the City raising IRUA's rate in accordance with the contract between the parties, IRUA has refused to pay the new amount. At this point IRUA owes the City of Newton hundreds of thousands of dollars in back payments due to the high volume of water IRUA purchases, which it then resells to its customers at a higher price.

Recently the Newton city council needed to approve a nearly three-million-dollar loan agreement to pay for projects and equipment for the Water Department. The Water Department's immediate and long-term planning is nearly impossible, because IRUA has refused to commit to a new rate or monthly volume of water to be used.

This City's position is that it is unfair for IRUA to push the costs of its water purchases onto the other users of the Water Departmentthe residents of Newton. The City of Newton and its residents simply ask IRUA to pay a fair price. I expect IRUA customers would want the same.
Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Teller have lost their Pacific Palisades home in the Los Angeles wildfires.

Keleigh took to her Instagram account Thursday night to share the last photo she quickly took of their house as they were evacuating before it was engulfed in flames.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

To everyone reaching out I cant thank you enough, your kind hearts have meant the world, Ill never forget them, she wrote in the posts caption. Community has come out stronger than I could imagine, Pacific Palisades I love you beyond measure; you are a little slice of heaven, we will come back stronger than ever.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Keleigh also shared an image of their home, completely brought down to ash and rubble, in addition to a photo of their neighborhood, before and after the Palisades Fire swept through their community.

If youre in the LA area PLEASE get out if you can. I wish I grabbed my wedding dress .. wish I did a lot different but it doesnt matter, stay safe, get out. there are no words, she added in her post. THANK YOU to the first responders fighting.

Miles is best known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick, The Spectacular Now, Fantastic Four and the Divergent franchise.

The Tellers family are among thousands of people whose homes were destroyed in the wildfires, including numerous celebrities such as Mandy Moore, Jeff Bridges, Billy Crystal, Anna Faris, Cary Elwes, Paris Hilton, Bozoma Saint John, Milo Ventimiglia, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, Diane Warren, Cameron Mathison and Ricki Lake, among others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

James Woods initially indicated he lost his home in the fires but later discovered it was still standing, saying a miracle has happened.

Since Tuesday, when the wildfires initially broke out in Pacific Palisades before spreading to parts of Malibu and Santa Monica overnight, first responders have been working to contain other active wildfires across the L.A. area, including the Eaton, Hurst and Kenneth fires. The death toll has also risen to 11 people, the Los Angeles Medical Examiners Office said Friday.

On Wednesday night, another fire, named the Sunset Fire, broke out in the Hollywood Hills, endangering iconic landmark the Hollywood Bowl, among other tourist destinations. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze by Thursday morning.

As of Friday afternoon, the Kenneth Fire was 35 percent contained; the Palisades Fire near the coastline was 8 percent contained; and the Eaton Fire was 3 percent contained. The Hurst Fire, south of Santa Clarita, was 70 percent contained.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
A fake military ID discovered on a captured North Korean soldier in Kursk Oblast was issued in the name of a real person from the Russian republic of Tyva (Tuva).

Source: Russian media outlet Agentstvo. News

 ,      , :    

Military ID found on North Korean PoW.

Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy on social media

Details: The capture of two North Korean soldiers was reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Security Service of Ukraine on 11 January. One of the captives was carrying a military ID card issued to Antonin Aranchyn, a native of Tyva born in October 1998. The document indicates his place of birth (Turan, Tyva) and civilian occupation (tailor). The military ID card is undated and unsigned, and there is no photograph of the holder.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An investigation by Agentstvo.News has revealed that the data of a real Russian citizen was used to create the fake identity.

The news outlet found a Tyva resident with the same full name and date of birth in personal data leaks. There is only one person in Russia with such data. The sole difference in the personal information is his place of birth, which is Turan in the military ID card but Erzin (also in Tyva) in Aranchyn's passport.

No connection between Aranchyn and the tailoring business could be found in the leaks. In 2020, he worked in forestry in the Tes-Khemsky district of the Tyva Republic (no position was specified). In 2023, he stated in an application for a microloan that he worked as a security guard in a grocery store, while in other applications made that same year, he claimed to be a pensioner. According to the leaks, his applications for microloans were repeatedly turned down after a creditworthiness assessment.

Aranchyns last application for a microloan (RUB 7,000, about US$68) in the leaks is dated 24 February 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Agentstvo.News was unable to contact Aranchyn using the phone numbers found in the data leaks. Nor was it possible to contact his sister, who lives in Tyva. Neither Aranchyn nor his sister have accessed their pages on the VKontakte social media platform in over a decade.

Background:

On 11 January, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Security Service of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian soldiers had captured two North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast.

Special Operation Forces have released a video of their operatives capturing a North Korean soldier and transporting him from Russia. A video of another Korean soldier has been posted by Air Assault troops.

Support UP or become our patron!
Jan. 10AUGUSTA  Gov. Janet Mills unveiled a two-year state budget proposal Friday that increases the tax cigarettes while maintaining the state's free community college program and other administration priorities.

The $11.6 billion proposal is up 10% from the current $10.5 billion budget, although Mills is also bringing forward a $94 million proposal to increase the current budget to $10.6 billion.

The budget for the next two years would raise the excise tax on cigarettes from $2 per pack to $3 and make similar adjustments to the tax on other tobacco products, resulting in about $80 million in new revenue over the biennium.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It would maintain key Mills administration initiatives such as funding 55% of public school education, providing free school meals for all Maine students and contributing 5% to municipal revenue sharing.

It includes $25 million to continue funding the governor's free community college program, and makes the program permanent by moving it to the state's baseline budget. It had previously been supported with one-time funds on a budget-to-budget basis.

The budget does not create or fund any new programs or draw on money from Maine's Budget Stabilization Fund. Also called the "rainy day fund," it contains $926.5 million, the governor's office said Friday.

The spending plan includes a number of programmatic changes in the Department of Health and Human Services, including reductions in eligibility for food assistance for noncitizens and reductions in stipends for child care workers, but also includes money to stabilize MaineCare and other investments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mills described the budget Friday as a difficult one to put together in light of state revenues leveling off, in part due to a decline in increased federal funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a projected $450 million gap heading into the next two years.

"With this proposal, we have taken a balanced approach  one that includes investments to maintain core programs, like education funding and health care; that raises revenues in a targeted way to benefit public health; and that makes difficult programmatic changes to save money," she said.

"There are tough decisions to be made in the coming weeks, but I know the Legislature shares my commitment to enact a balanced budget that is good for both Maine people and the fiscal health of our state."

DEMOCRATS SUPPORT PRIORITIES

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Legislature will take up the proposal, and amend it, in the coming weeks and months. Mills' administration had warned lawmakers that spending would need to be kept in check in the next budget given a projected $450 million deficit, plus an additional $118 million shortfall in the current year's budget for MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program.

On Friday, Democratic leaders said the proposal provides a good starting point for lawmakers and lauded it for preserving school funding, municipal revenue sharing and access to health care, as well as making permanent the community college program, which provides two years of free community college to Maine high school graduates.

The budget does cover increased costs to support those programs, such as an additional $6 million for free school meals, bringing the cost of the program to $64 million annually, and an increase of $156.6 million to pay 55% of education. Education costs make up about 41% of the proposed budget.

The governor's proposal also includes $3 million in one-time funding to support affordable housing by helping mobile home residents purchase the parks they live in, and $41 million to support a 4% increase for higher education, including the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and Maine Maritime Academy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"In the coming weeks and months, the members of the Legislature's budget committee will dig into the details and  after gathering input from their legislative colleagues and the public  find commonsense solutions that address our state's most pressing needs," Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, said in a written statement.

"The budget is one of the most important tasks we have before us as a Legislature, and it is a reflection of our values and priorities," said House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford. "In the coming weeks, the Appropriations Committee will work to produce a budget that addresses the issues Maine people are facing, ensures the services they rely on continue without interruption, and  importantly  will provide opportunities for the public to share their perspective on the governor's budget proposal."

REPUBLICANS OBJECT TO NEW JOBS, TAXES

Republicans, meanwhile, criticized the budget for increasing spending and taxes too much.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Maine is already one of the highest taxed states in the country, so we don't see a need to increase any tax," said House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor.

Faulkingham also criticized the proposal for suspending cost-of-living adjustments for MaineCare reimbursement rates, saying it would "stiff the hospitals." He said Republicans were shocked to see 250 new positions included in the budget.

A spokesperson for the governor's office said only a portion of those positions will be paid for through the general fund, which comes from state tax revenues, while other positions will be paid for with other revenues such as fees or federal funds.

New positions include jobs at the Maine Department of Safety to address the after-action report published in the wake of the Lewiston mass shooting, positions at the Department of Environmental Protection to assist with PFAS remediation and licensing of projects, and about 28 positions for the Judicial Branch, which is struggling with responding to a backlog in cases, the governor's office said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Republicans on Friday also took aim at other tax increases, including a proposal to raise the sales tax on recreational marijuana from 10% to 14%, the revenues from which are expected to be partially offset by a decrease in excise taxes paid by marijuana growers.

And they criticized a proposal to include streaming services like Netflix in Maine's 5.5% sales tax, something that the governor has proposed before but that hasn't been approved by lawmakers.

TOBACCO TAX HIKE WOULD BE FIRST IN 20 YEARS

Maine has not increased its cigarette excise tax since 2005, when it went from $1 per pack to $2, according to the governor's office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The additional $1 increase would put Maine's cigarette tax above the average state tax of $1.96 per pack and it would continue to be among the lowest in New England. Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island all have cigarette taxes of more than $3 per pack, while New Hampshire's state tax is $1.78, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids.

At a news conference Friday afternoon, Mills said raising the tobacco tax makes sense given that it's been nearly two decades since there was an increase and smoking continues to contribute to heart disease, cancer and strokes in Maine. "Our current policy doesn't make sense," she said. "It's time to change it."

The move was celebrated Friday by the Maine Public Health Association, which said the increase in excise tax would reduce youth tobacco use and encourage current users to quit.

"We applaud Governor Mills' commitment to protecting Maine kids by including a tobacco tax increase in her proposed budget," Matthew Wellington, associate director of the association, said in a statement. "Raising the tobacco tax reduces youth tobacco use and helps ensure that the next generation grows up free from tobacco addiction and harm. It's a long overdue step."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DHHS CUTS AND INVESTMENTS

Mills' proposal also makes a number of programmatic cuts and some investments in DHHS. The supplemental budget for 2025 includes money to help cover the $118 million gap in MaineCare costs this year, and the governor is proposing $122 million per year to stabilize the program in the next two years.

Other targeted investments for the biennium include $3 million per year to address a federal funding shortfall for victims' services, $17 million each year to support children in state custody and $3.3 million each year to fully fund nursing facility rate reform.

Mills said Friday that cuts are not easy to make and that the administration tried to minimize disruptions by focusing on programs that haven't taken effect or been fully implemented yet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The cuts include eliminating food assistance benefits under the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, for noncitizens who have their work authorizations but are unemployed. The federal program, which is administered by states, prohibits certain noncitizens, including asylum seekers, from receiving SNAP benefits, though Maine is one of five states that currently operates SNAP programs with state funds to assist noncitizens.

Between 2021 and summer 2024, monthly participation in the program rose from about 1,000 beneficiaries to 5,000 beneficiaries, and the Mills administration said Friday that it had warned lawmakers in 2023 about rapid growth. They said that eliminating the eligibility for noncitizens who have work authorizations but are not working would save $7.8 million over the biennium.

Another $7 million could be saved, including some cost savings in the current year, by reducing the number of crisis centers the state plans to open from four to two. Lawmakers last year approved the opening of three new centers, modeled after a successful one in Portland and one that was already planned for Kennebec County, in the wake of the mass shooting in Lewiston.

Mills would eliminate plans for the Kennebec County center and another one in Aroostook County, while keeping in place plans to build centers in Lewiston and Penobscot County. The governor said the bids came in higher than expected on the Kennebec County project and that it is no longer a fiscal reality.

"We'd like to do one in Lewiston because Lewiston is where a high need was exposed this past year, and we'd like to do one in Penobscot," she said. "But we can't be all things to all people."

The proposal also draws back the amount of money the state has been spending to attract and retain workers in the childcare industry, reducing tiered stipends put in place in 2023 that ranged from $275 to $625 per month, to the 2022 level of $200 monthly, an adjustment expected to save the state $30 million over two years.

The cuts drew concern Friday from the Maine People's Alliance, a group dedicated to progressive social causes, which said they will have a significant impact on Mainers' ability to access essential services like child care. The group suggested the state look at additional ways to increase revenues, such as ending tax breaks for big businesses, and noted that Maine's Budget Stabilization Fund has more than $900 million in it.

Mills said Friday that she is not in favor of dipping into the rainy day fund. "That's for unique circumstances that have not existed yet," she said.

Copy the Story Link
A 57-year-old Milwaukee man faces a felony charge in connection to the killing of a woman who was found inside of a garbage cart in December.

Johnny Williams is charged with first-degree intentional homicide as a party to a crime in the killing of Myeisha Moore, 40, of Milwaukee. Moore's body was found inside a garbage can in an alley on Dec. 2 behind a church and several residences on the 2000 block of North 38th Street.

Prosecutors say Williams said he knew Moore, was with Moore the day she was shot and killed, and wheeled the garbage can to where it was later found with her inside of it. He denied Moore was inside of the garbage cart when he was moving it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Area residents told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel they found Moore's death and placement of her body concerning and unnerving.

Complaint details police's investigation into killing

The criminal complaint details police arrested Williams more than a month after Moore was killed.

The complaint cites police's review of security footage and notes a roughly five-minute period exists between when Williams, Moore and a third person are seen walking down a street together, and when Williams is seen placing the garbage cart in the alley.

Prosecutors say in that time period Moore was killed and loaded into the garbage. A motive in the murder is not cited in the complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the criminal complaint:

Police were called to investigate Moore's body being found on Dec. 2. Authorities were unable to find any signs of bullets being fired in the vicinity, "suggesting that the (garbage) cart was moved to that location."

Further, workers on a nearby home showed police photos of the alleyway from the day prior, showing the garbage cart the victim was found in had not been there the afternoon of Dec. 1.

The next day, police detectives went to Moore's residence, two blocks from where her body was found, and interviewed a man who they would later determine to be Williams. At the time, he said he was Dennis Williams, who is his brother.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police would later review footage of the neighborhood, which showed Williams, Moore and one other person walking together. About five minutes later, Williams is seen on the footage wheeling the cart that would later be found with Moore's body inside of it.

The footage later shows Williams returning home and another person pouring gasoline into the garbage can and lighting it on fire. However, they closed the lid, and the fire extinguished quickly.

Police reviewed footage through the time the body was found, and no one approached the garbage cart again, leading them to conclude her body was already inside when Williams placed the garbage cart there.

Detectives arrested Williams on Jan. 6 and interviewed him. He admitted he gave officers a false name earlier and identified himself as being in the footage police reviewed. He said he knew Moore and left the residence with her the day she was killed, in addition to moving the garbage cart she was later found in, but said she wasn't inside it at the time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Williams' next court appearance is on Jan. 16 for a preliminary hearing. He is currently in custody at the Milwaukee County Jail and has a bail of $350,000.

David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee man charged in killing of woman found in alley garbage cart
UPDATED: The girls were located safely, found in South Dakota.

PIPESTONE, MN (KELO)  Minnesotas Bureau of Criminal Apprehension asked for the publics help in finding four missing girls from Pipestone, who were located Saturday.

Authorities say Alissa, Emeli, Ana and Isavela Guardado did not return home after being dropped off by a school bus Friday afternoon.

An alert issued overnight says the girls got into a white, four-door sedan with three other people inside, including a woman believed to be the girls motherand may be heading to Sioux Falls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The girls ranged in ages from 9 to 14 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 KELOLAND.com.
 Flash

China is ready to work with African countries to advance the reform of the global governance system, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an interview with Chinese media following his visits to Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria.

Highlighting the collective rise of the Global South amid a changing international landscape, Wang said that China and Africa are the main driving forces for the development and revitalization of the Global South, and share the commitment to building a fair and equitable global governance system.

Looking back at the past, China and Africa should take the lead in correcting historical injustices, he said.

The suffering experienced by African nations throughout history stems not only from colonialism but also from hegemonism and power politics, which are the greatest historical injustices Africa has encountered, Wang noted.

As a good friend and partner of Africa, China will unwaveringly support African countries in redressing the historical injustices done to them, firmly oppose any external interference in Africa's internal affairs, and advocate for special arrangements to address Africa's concerns in the reform of the United Nations Security Council, Wang said.

Looking at the present, China and Africa should facilitate the rise of the Global South in a pragmatic manner, Wang said.

As the largest developing country in the world, China has always been committed to promoting the unity and revitalization of the Global South, he added.

During the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed that China and Africa should jointly advance modernization characterized by six features, which align with the fundamental needs of developing countries, Wang said.

Africa, too, has the right to realize modernization, and without Africa's modernization, global modernization cannot be achieved, he noted.

China is willing to take the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes as an opportunity alongside African partners to support each other's modernization drives, thereby leading the direction of global modernization, he said.

Looking to the future, China is willing to work with Africa to jointly practice the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits in global governance, steadily promote the high-quality development of Belt and Road cooperation, and implement three major global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, Wang said.

China is ready to join hands with African countries to continually enhance the representation and voice of African nations in global trade and financial governance systems, and to achieve new progress in China-Africa cooperation in global digital and ecological governance, in order to contribute to advancing the reform of the global governance system, Wang said.
Nearly six months after his involuntary manslaughter trial was dismissed, actor Alec Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit against the prosecutors and investigators involved in the case, seeking justice for what he claims was malicious prosecution and violations of his civil rights. The actor, who faced charges in connection to the tragic 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of 'Rust', took legal action on January 9, filing the lawsuit in Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to E! News. Baldwin's lawsuit accuses special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, and others involved in the investigation of wrongly targeting him. The suit alleges that these officials sought to "scapegoat Baldwin for the acts and omissions of others" despite the lack of evidence to support the charges, according to E! News. Baldwin, who also served as a producer on 'Rust', claims that the prosecution's actions were driven by professional or political motives, violating his constitutional rights in the process. According to a statement by Baldwin's legal team obtained by E! News, the prosecutors were "blinded by their desire to convict Alec Baldwin for all the wrong reasons, and at any cost." The lawsuit further contends that the criminal process was improperly used against him, and Baldwin is seeking punitive damages "to the fullest extent permitted by law." In a statement to E! News, the office of prosecutor Kari Morrissey acknowledged that Baldwin had been considering a lawsuit for over a year. The statement added, "We look forward to our day in court." Baldwin's legal representatives, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro expressed their discontent with the prosecution in a statement, as per E! News. "Criminal prosecutions are supposed to be about the search for truth and justice, not to pursue personal or political gain or harass the innocent," they said, adding, "Kari Morrissey and the other defendants violated that basic principle, over and over, and trampled on Alec Baldwin's rights," as per E! News. They emphasized that the lawsuit aims to hold the defendants accountable for their actions and to prevent future misconduct. Baldwin's trial was abruptly dismissed in July 2023, when Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled that the case should be dropped with prejudice after accusations of evidence suppression emerged. The dismissal followed the revelation that key evidence, including ammunition that could have been crucial to Baldwin's defence, was not disclosed by the prosecution, as per E! News. In July, Baldwin's defence team argued that prosecutors had concealed evidence, specifically the ammunition provided by former police officer Troy Teske, which could point to an external source of the live rounds found on the 'Rust' set. Baldwin's team claimed that the failure to disclose this evidence prevented them from properly defending the actor, as per E! News. Meanwhile, Baldwin, who has continued to express his gratitude to his supporters, took to Instagram following the dismissal, sharing an emotional message to thank those who had stood by him and his family. (ANI)
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A family is in mourning after a woman who was reported missing was found dead. Police accused her partner of the murder.

Salem police announced that a suspicious death investigation from last week has been ruled a homicide and that a suspect in the case was arrested.

On Jan. 3, a body was found in a vacant lot on Lancaster Driver Southeast outside a burned structure.

In-N-Out proposes Portland burger joint near PDX

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The victim was identified as 43-year-old Salem resident Priscilla Joann Aldana, who was reported missing on Dec. 23, officials said. The Oregon State Medical Examiners autopsy ruled the manner of death as homicide due to a gunshot wound to the head.

As a result of the disappearance investigation, detectives identified Salem resident Erik Mauricio Meza as a suspect in the case, the Salem Police Department said in a press release. Erik is accused of second-degree murder, among other charges.

Police said the 44-year-old Erik was in a domestic relationship with Priscilla.

Is an undersea volcano near OR going to erupt in 2025?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Detectives and a contingent of tactical officers were following Meza and apprehended him without incident in the 500 block of 18 ST NE on Thursday night, January 9, Salem police said.

Erik was booked into the Marion County Jail and in addition to the murder charge faces charges of second-degree arson and second-degree abuse of a corpse.

Priscillas sister, Delia Aldana, said she was remembered as a wonderful mother, friend and person.

Ive gone through so many emotions, Delia said. Ive gone through broken-hearted sadness, madness, anger, I mean, you name it.

Delia, an advocate for missing and endangered Indigenous women, led a search party on Dec. 27.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I mean, we went stomping the ground to find my sister, and once she became missing. I mean, shes not a person that just falls off the map. Just like that with no, no response to anybody, Delia said.

Family and friends of Priscilla gathered at the Half Court Sports Bar and Taproom on Friday as they processed their grief.

It took a village for us to find her. When I did find out, my heart sank, Delia said. We took this far and wide. And I do want justice. I want justice to be served. And I cant wait for the day justice is served.

Priscillas family said she was in an on-and-off relationship with Erik, who police are now alleging killed her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
CHICAGO  Authorities in Chicago are asking for help in the search for a woman who has been missing for a week and officers said she may be in need of medical attention.

Chicago police said 29-year-old Ruby Mejia, has been missing since Saturday, Jan. 4, and was last seen in the 1600 block of West Augusta Boulevard, in West Town, on the citys West Side.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Mejia, who stands 5-foot-4 and weighs around 120 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair. Officers said she is also known to have a tattoo on her right hand of an elephant and a sunflower.

Chicago police said 29-year-old Ruby Mejia, has been missing since Saturday, Jan. 4, and was last seen in the 1600 block of West Augusta Boulevard, in West Town, on the city's West Side.

Authorities provided details about the missing womans disappearance in a news release sent out on Friday night but did not say what she was last spotted wearing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officers said Mejia may be in need of medical assistance, but did not provide details on why.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 29-year-old Ruby Mejia is asked to contact the CPD Area Three SVU at 312-744-8266 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Jan. 11Organizers are adding final touches to preparations for the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Ceremony and Unity Banquet.

The MLK Commemorative Ceremony is set for 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, at the Mount Triumph Baptist Church, 408 E. Wyandotte Ave., with the public welcome to attend the free event.

On the following evening, the MLK Unity Banquet is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the McAlester High School Cafeteria, at 1 Buffalo Dr.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tickets for the Unity Banquet are $10 each and are available from members of the Pittsburg County Holiday Commission. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the banquet, organizers said.

Rev. Aaron Williams, from Mount Nebo Baptist Church @ Bethlehem in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, is this year's speaker for the Friday, Jan. 17, Commemorative Ceremony at Mount Triumph Baptist Church.

Former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma Steve Lewis is the featured speaker for the Saturday, Jan. 18, Unity Banquet at the MHS Cafeteria.

Music will be a part of both events, with the MLK Unity Choir performing Friday and Saturday under the direction of Loise Washington. The MLK Youth Choir, under the direction of Rosalyn Jones, will perform at the MLK Unity Banquet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The theme for both McAlester events is "Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Non-Violence 365"

In advance of the events, McAlester Mayor Justin Few issued a proclamation declaring Jan. 20, 2024, as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day in McAlester.

Pastor Williams is the proud Senior Pastor at Mount Nebo Baptist Church @ Bethlehem in Hartshorne and has been in the gospel ministry for more than 39 years. He is married to Michelle Williams with a daughter name Za'caaron, who is a sophomore at Langston University. He is a graduate of Hartshorne High School and Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton.

Williams serves as Vice Moderator for the Central Wayland District Baptist Association and President of the CWD Sunday School Congress for Christian Education and is a past president and a member of McAlester United Area Minister's Fellowship and is he is associated with the Hartshorne/ Haileyville Minister's Fellowship. He is a member of the Oklahoma State Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention USA Inc; He is also a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Color People (NAACP).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In June 2002 while serving as an Assistant Store Manager for Walmart he co-founded the Bonham, Texas Walmart Veterans Memorial recognizing our nation's heroes. In 2016 he founded and organized a Black History Program Special. This is an educational program honoring and paying tribute to the past and present people or businesses that are part of the Black History story. Since its inception more than 50 people, including businesses, have received special recognition or outstanding awards.

Pastor Williams is currently the Bereavement Coordinator for Heartland Hospice in McAlester, Oklahoma

Lewis is former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a B.A. in government then received his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma.

He served in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps and for three years and was Station Legal Officer for the U.S. Naval Station, Sangley Point, Luzon, Republic of the Philippines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lewis returned to Shawnee after serving in the Navy and was an Assistant District Attorney and the elected District Attorney in Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties between 1971 and 1979. He was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in the fall of 1980 and was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee. He was appointed Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee in 1982. In 1983, after only three years in the House of Representatives, he was appointed Chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee where he served for five years. He, along with his Senate counterpart, was primarily responsible for crafting a state budget during the mid and late 1980's, one of the rockiest financial periods in Oklahoma's history.

In 1989, Mr. Lewis was elected Speaker of the House. In 1993 Mr. Lewis was appointed United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma by President Bill Clinton where, for over seven years, he supervised the trial of numerous federal criminal and civil cases on behalf of the government. Mr. Lewis tried a number of complex white collar criminal trials and argued cases before the 10h Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

Organizers reiterated the public is welcome to attend both MLK events in McAlester.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) announced three arrests in connection with gun violence in the Napier area last Saturday.

In a Friday press release, the MNPD said an investigation began at 8:35 a.m. Saturday when officers responded to a shots fired call in Napier public housing. Though nobody was struck, a residence and a vehicle were damaged by gunfire. Police said 15 bullet casings and one live round were recovered.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At 11:50 a.m., 43-year-old Derrick Booker arrived at Vanderbilt University Medical Center with a gunshot wound to his left thigh that shattered a bone, according to police. Booker was allegedly carrying a plastic bag containing drugs including cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana; police also recovered a pistol from the vehicle he had driven to the hospital.

Booker was arrested Wednesday upon his release from the hospital; he was charged with multiple counts of drug possession, felony reckless endangerment related to Saturdays shooting incident and felony reckless endangerment. He has been jailed without bond.

An investigation found that Booker, a convicted felon, engaged in what the MNPD called a suspected drug-related shootout with 42-year-old Maurice Maupin. Maurice, also a convicted felon, was reportedly armed with a rifle during the Saturday morning altercation. Following the shooting, Maurice reportedly walked to a Cannon Street apartment and exchanged rifles with his 45-year-old brother William Maupin.

Maurice allegedly shot into Bookers vehicle as Booker drove along Fain Street toward the hospital. The MNPD said Maurice surrendered at the Downtown Detention Center with an attorney Friday morning. He was booked on felony aggravated assault, felony reckless endangerment and two counts of unlawful gun possession by a convicted felon. A judicial commissioner set his bond at $55,000; as of publication, Maurice has been released from custody on bond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

William was arrested at the Cannon Street apartment Thursday night. The MNPD said he was charged with evidence tampering, being an accessory after the fact with respect to Saturdays gunfire and felony reckless endangerment. A judicial commissioner set Williams bond at $35,000 and he has also been released from custody.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Booker had previously been convicted of two domestic-related aggravated assault charges in Jan. 2023 and received a five-year probated sentence. Additionally, the MNPD said Booker was convicted of domestic-related aggravated assault in 2022; for that, he got a six-year probated sentence. He had also been convicted of aggravated assault in 2017 and received a six-year sentence and received a five-year sentence on an aggravated robbery conviction in 2014.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 10Residents and irrigators in Newman Lake will pay a $309 assessment fee on top of their regular water rates this year in lieu of a 45% rate increase.

The Moab Irrigation District board met with about 60 customers at the Tri Community Grange Thursday night to discuss possible changes to the 2025 budget that included the 45% increase plus a $200 assessment fee after public outcry.

In previous budget discussions, the board floated 131% and 76% hikes because of increased costs and a need to build up a long-neglected reserve fund.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some farmers said they could not afford the increase.

At the start of the meeting, board chair Holt Ayles proposed reducing the domestic water allotment from 1,300 cubic feet to 1,000, reducing the rate increase to 25% and removing the assessment fee. Water users who use more than the allotment pay an extra fee. There are about 7,500 gallons in 1,000 cubit feet.

Ayles said he and other board members met with community members and consulted with other water districts to reconsider their numbers.

"I think we can come up with a little better solution than what we initially proposed," Ayles said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For much of the meeting, Ayles fielded questions and suggestions from the audience.

Some residents pushed back on the allotment reduction because they need extra water to mitigate wildfire risk.

Tamryn Carver, who owns the Christmas tree farm Carver Farms, asked for a flat fee.

"When you go with a percentage, that kills us irrigators," she said.

Board member Robert Snow said a flat charge is not fair, especially long term.

"A blanket rate increase does not consider allocating appropriate costs whether it is irrigation or domestic," he said.

Moab district manager Scott Inch said the district needs a comprehensive rate study to get an accurate assessment for the rate structure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Are the domestic homeowners supporting irrigation people, are irrigation people supporting homeowners? We don't even know what the mix is with this and that amount of money," Inch said.

Board members also said they want to hire a certified public accountant to review the district's finances.

"None of us are CPAs," Ayles said. "There's a bunch of different ways to look at numbers. We are doing our best to come up with a solution that is best for everybody."

Resident Douglas Hughes did some back-of-the-envelope math and suggested the board accept the flat fee to meet the deadline and table the other issues for future meetings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After further discussion, the board agreed to charge the district's 703 parcels $308.76 each to reach a new budget of $1,077,745.

"Coming up with flat fee per parcel seemed like, math-wise, it accomplished what we needed to and didn't hit any one person overly hard," Ayles said after the meeting.

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.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A Mobile woman convicted of stealing rent money from low-income people is set to serve time in federal prison after she was sentenced on Friday, according to the United States Department of Justice.

Mobile woman sentenced after stealing rent money from low-income people | WKRG.com

USDOJ officials identified the woman as 48-year-old Shannon Caruso.

According to a USDOJ news release, court documents show that Caruso stole rent money from people while working as a property manager in two different government housing authorities that provide affordable housing to low-income individuals in the Mobile area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Caruso admitted that while working for both housing authorities, she fraudulently convinced renters that they needed to make rent checks out to her or to give her their rent checks with the payee line blank, the release said. Rather than depositing this rent money with her employer, Caruso stole the money for her own use.

Monroe Countys Pastor, who founded the Johnson Prayer Log, dies

U.S. District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Caruso to 14 months in federal 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 WKRG News 5.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A mother referred to the Strickland Youth Center as a place of torture after she alleged child abuse by guards on her teenage son.

Ebony Smith said her son, who is an inmate at the juvenile detention center, has been abused by multiple guards since he was 16 years old.

Car hits Bishop State Community College after police chase: MPD

Smith said her most jaw dropping allegation happened in February 2023 when her son allegedly clogged the toilet in his room to catch the attention of a detention officer. Smith didnt know why her son was seeking an officers attention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When detention officers arrived, Smith said her son was handcuffed. She said one of the officers left to grab a second pair of shackles.

He hog tied my son, Smith said. When [the detention officer] hog tied him, he threw [Smiths son] in the room on the floor, spit on him and kicked him.

Smith said her son complained that his handcuffs were too tight, but she said detention officers told her son to shut up all of his whining.

UPDATE: George County couple killed in house fire identified

[Smiths son] said they left him in handcuffs for an hour and 30 minutes, Smith said.

The Alabama Department of Youth Services requires background checks for all detention officer candidates, but the county is tasked with conducting those background checks. Smith called for those background checks to be more thorough.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think they just hire people just to have a body and a seat, Smith said.

Strickland Detention Officer Jarred Easley was arrested on Monday for a separate incident of alleged child abuse that happened on the job. Easleys arrest wasnt his first time behind bars. It was his seventh making his arrest history longer than some of the kids arrest history he was tasked with monitoring.

MUST WATCH: Spanish Fort manager drains three straight 3-pointers in memorable performance

If [detention officers] can get in with the records that they have and be over someone elses children, what example are you setting for the children that are there? Smith said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Smith said she filed a report at Strickland soon after the alleged incident with her son, but she said cant get a copy of it even as the mother of the child in the report.

They say that their records are private, and they cant release that to me, Smith said. Theyre not telling us everything. They only tell us what they want us to know.

Over three days, WKRG reached out to multiple officials at Strickland for comment including the office of Juvenile Judge Edmond Naman, but they were unable to speak at the time.

Meanwhile, Strickland officials said they plan to look into the allegations. They said the detention center takes every allegation seriously.

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.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  A federal appeals court on Friday said it would hear more arguments involving an extremely close election in November for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat where the trailing candidate has argued that tens of thousands of ballots cast should not have been counted.

After reviewing several legal filings this week, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, scheduled oral arguments for Jan. 27 as well as briefing deadlines. The order means that both the federal appeals court and the state Supreme Court likely will consider simultaneously substantial matters related to the race between Democratic Associate Justice Allison Riggs and Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin.

Election results show Riggs ahead of Griffin by 734 votes from over 5.5 million ballots cast. But attorneys for Griffin  a state Court of Appeals judge  argued in formal election protests that well over 60,000 ballots came from ineligible voters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Most of those being challenged were cast by voters whose registration records lacked either a drivers license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number. A state law has required that such numbers be sought in registration applications since 2004.

The State Board of Elections dismissed Griffin's protests last month and had been poised to certify Riggs as the winner on Friday. Griffin had already gone to the state Supreme Court asking it to intervene, but the board removed that matter to federal court, saying it involved many federal election and voting laws. Griffin wanted the matter to remain before the state Supreme Court, which has a Republican majority of justices.

But on Monday, U.S. District Judge Richard Myers ruled that North Carolina state courts were the proper venue to hear Griffin's arguments and returned Griffin's appeals to the state Supreme Court. The next day, the Supreme Court's justices in a 4-2 decision agreed to block the election certification. Riggs recused herself from the deliberations. The justices asked for briefs to be filed in a schedule that ran through Jan. 24.

Meanwhile, the state elections board asked the 4th Circuit this week to decide whether Myers should have retained jurisdiction of Griffin's case and ultimately reject Griffin's demand for a preliminary injunction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Riggs' attorneys also weighed in and asked the 4th Circuit to speed up the process. Riggs, who is one of two Democrats on court and seeks an eight-year term, wants a decision in this appeal before the Supreme Court begins hearing its own cases this year on Feb. 11, her lawyers wrote. The 4th Circuit, in Friday's order that listed no judges, granted Riggs' motion for expedited legal briefing and oral argument.

Its unclear how separate rulings in the federal and state appeals in this election will shake out. Griffins claims largely focus on state laws and the state constitution. Attorney for Riggs and the election board have argued that federal laws and the U.S. Constitution play a large role in the case, however.

Other categories of votes that Griffin is challenging were cast by overseas voters who have never lived in the U.S. but whose parents were deemed North Carolina residents; and by military or overseas voters who did not provide copies of photo identification with their ballots.

Earlier Friday, a state trial judge denied a request by Republican Party groups and two voters to order ballots cast by voters whose registration records lack driver's license or Social Security numbers and found not to be valid voters to be removed from final election counts for state elections in November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The state board has said there are many reasons why a voter record lacks such a number. A lawyer representing the board Friday in Wake County court said that evidence has been presented showing the voters at issue were ineligible to cast ballots.

The Democratic National Committee, which joined with the board in opposing the GOP request, said in a brief that such a demand was yet another attempt by the GOP in recent months to engage in mass voter suppression.
The front-runner to become Germany's next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has called for a common European strategy in view of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump in just over a week.

Merz, who heads the centre-right CDU/CSU bloc, was not "looking at January 20 like a rabbit at a snake," he told Saturday's party conference in Hamburg.

"Before we send messages to the US, we should come to a common understanding at a European level," the conservative opposition leader said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There was no finger pointing, and only coordination, cooperation and an independent strategy could help, he added about concerns that Trump may cut support for Ukraine.

The same also applied to economic policy: "The more united the European side is, the stronger the weight we can put on the scales when it comes to the mutual alignment of interests," said Merz.

There were also many common interests with the US through shared ideas on democracy and freedom: "That's why I see a lot more overlaps, a lot more common opportunities than conflicts."

When Europe joins forces, it is strong, and when Germany does not take on a leading role in the EU, it is weak, he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Merz struck a sceptical tone when asked to comment on centre-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent critical statements about Trump. These included his remarks about the US looking to exert control over Greenland and the Panama Canal.

Merz said he could not imagine that the incoming US president would be "in any way impressed" by the statement from the chancellor, who is seeking re-election next month.

A publicly raised "finger-wagging from Germany has never made an impression in America and has usually had the opposite effect," said Merz.

With regard to his rival, Merz added: "So if you want to lose credit, then you have to do it exactly like this."

The candidate for chancellor also reiterated his proposal to renegotiate a trans-Atlantic free trade agreement with the future US administration and to discuss a joint China strategy.
The actor, accompanied by her mother Bhavana Pandey and sister Rysa Pandey, took some time out to explore the serene atmosphere of the revered gurdwara.

Sharing glimpses from her visit on Instagram, Ananya posted a photo of herself inside the Golden Temple with folded hands, smiling peacefully while the gurdwara's majestic backdrop loomed behind her.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DErWVGANq_T/?img_index=10

For her spiritual sojourn, Ananya opted for a traditional white floral-printed suit. The actress also took her followers through the Golden Temple complex, showcasing the serene surroundings.

After soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of the Golden Temple, Ananya and her family indulged in Amritsar's renowned culinary delights.

The actress posted a photo of herself holding a "kullad" (clay pot) while enjoying a hearty meal at a local restaurant.

Along with this image, Ananya shared mouthwatering pictures of her meal, which included parathas and lassi.

On the work front, Ananya Panday will be next seen in the upcoming romantic drama 'Chand Mera Dil', in which she stars alongside Lakshya.

Directed by Vivek Soni, the film is scheduled for release in 2025.

In her most recent Netflix project, 'CTRL', Ananya portrayed Nella Awasthi, an influencer who turns to Artificial Intelligence (AI) after a difficult breakup.

Speaking to ANI in a recent interview, Ananya's mother, Bhavana Pandey, expressed her pride in her daughter's journey.

Reflecting on Ananya's hard work and the challenges she overcame in her career, Bhavana said, "I'm very grateful. I know she's worked hard and everyone does. She's worked hard. But the idea is to put your head down and work hard and take the important, necessary criticism in your stride and work even harder. And the rest is noise." (ANI)
The Los Angeles fires share a key feature with wildfires that burned down Lahaina, Hawaii and Paradise, California

Powerful winds met flash-dried landscapes full of vegetation to fuel the flames.

The climate crisis is increasing the odds of events like these.

The Los Angeles firestorms of the past week share a crucial feature with two of the most horrific wildfires in recent American memory.

The Palisades and Eaton fires may be unprecedented in some ways, but they share a common root cause with the 2018 Camp Fire that killed 85 people in Paradise, California, and the 2023 fire that destroyed Lahaina in Hawaii.

In Paradise, Lahaina, and now Los Angeles, the blazes grew to monster fires because powerful winds met a parched, overgrown landscape.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Scientists expect to see more of that in the future.

The Palisades Fire ravages a neighborhood amid high winds. AP Photo/Ethan Swope

"There's definitely a trend that increases this kind of situation," Louis Gritzo, the chief science officer at the commercial property insurance company FM, told Business Insider.

In all three cases, sudden drought had sucked the moisture out of local vegetation, creating abundant kindling for fire to feed on. Then strong winds picked up the embers and carried them into residential areas.

The wind whips embers as the Palisades Fire burns on the west side of Los Angeles Ringo Chiu/REUTERS

"When we look at the recent really bad fires  the Camp Fire, the fires in Hawaii  they all have that thing in common," Gritzo said. "They have a wet period, dry period, heavy winds, very rapid fire spread, a lot of ember transport."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The winds were bad luck, but flash-dried vegetation is happening more often as global temperatures rise.

How the climate crisis creates more fire fuel

In Paradise and Los Angeles, the dry months followed unusually wet seasons that fed an explosion of plant growth.

Smoke from Pacific Palisades rises from brown, parched hills above the Pacific Coast Highway. David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images

Last winter, heavy rains in Southern California led to about double the average amount of grasses and shrubs, according to Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA.

This winter has not been so generous. The past few months have seen almost no rainfall, shriveling up all those grasses and shrubs.

Swain has coined the term "hydroclimate whiplash"  or simply "weather whiplash"  for these drastic swings between extreme wet and extreme dry conditions. He has observed it across the planet in recent years, from various regions in the US and Europe to the Middle East and China.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Globally, whiplash has already increased by 33% to 66% since the mid-twentieth century, Swain and his colleagues found in a new paper, published in the journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment on Thursday.

That's because warmer air holds more moisture. As global temperatures rise, the ceiling on how much water our atmosphere can hold is also rising.

That thirsty atmosphere sucks more moisture out of the ground sometimes and, at other times, dumps more rain. Hence, greater extremes of flood and drought  and more wildfire fuel.

The Palisades Fire burns a Christmas tree inside a residence in the Pacific Palisades. AP Photo/Ethan Swope

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The effect of the climate crisis on wildfires "has been slow to emerge, but it is very clearly emerging, unfortunately," Gavin Schmidt, the director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, said in a Friday press briefing announcing that 2024 was the hottest year on record.

The scientific organization World Weather Attribution has discovered a clear link between the climate crisis and specific instances of extreme fire weather in Brazil, Chile, Australia, and Canada.

The climate signal is "so large" now that it's clear in the global and continental data, but also "you're seeing it at the local scale, you're seeing it in local weather," Schmidt said.

The transition from wildfire to urban fire

So climate change is seeding fire fuel in forests and grasslands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, once wild blazes enter dense residential areas like Lahaina or the Pacific Palisades, they burn wood fences, ornamental yard plants, mulch landscapes, and leaves built up in roof gutters  then grow to consume homes.

Yard vegetation burns outside a house in the Pacific Palisades as the Palisades Fire spreads. David Swanson/AFP/Getty Images

"The natural fuels may be showering us with embers, but what's burning our homes down and forcing us to run and evacuate is human fuels," Pat Durland, a wildfire-mitigation specialist and instructor for the National Fire Protection Association with 30 years of federal wildfire management experience, told Business Insider.

As the climate crisis loads the dice toward extreme wildfires, he says it's important for city governments and residents to manage those urban fuels by reducing them and spacing them apart.

"I think just about anybody could be next under the right circumstances," Durland said. "It depends on the fuel and the climate."

Read the original article on Business Insider
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  Ikerra Wilsons viral Facebook post sparked a conversation among parents and the community about the Lafayette Parish School System dress code.

The mother voiced her disappointment and outrage with Evangeline Elementary School after she went to pick her 4-year-old son from school and he was outside with no coat in nearly freezing temperatures.

When I got there at the school, my baby was outside sitting down when I pulled up and he walked up to the car shivering and I said, Where is my baby jacket? said Wilson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An LPSS spokesperson said Wilson was informed by school administration that the students hooded jacket did not comply with the dress code and was held in the office.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KLFY Daily Digest

Its no way a kid should have to deal with that and on my part, I take full accountability for it, Wilson said. I really do and I feel sorry that my baby had to go through that. I take full accountability for it and Ive read so many things of people saying, oh, was the parents fault, she should have read the handbook. That handbook doesnt mean anything to me when its cold like this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Due to cold weather, students remained inside the building during the day. The jacket was not returned to the student before dismissal.

Theres no way a kid should be sitting outside with no jacket on, even with a coat on in 30 degree weather, Wilson said. It was feeling like 20 something degrees with the winds. So there is no way that someone should have to sit outside like that.

Wilson said her son had outgrown his other coats and he had to wear what was available.

I feel like they could have been so much then put them outside but as far as the dress code, there should be some type of exception for this kind of weather, she said. We have these babies in your hands and we look forward to you guys to protect our kids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

LPSS saving only $500K per year with adopted CSG recommendations leads to hiring freeze

It is absolutely sad, Lashonda Wilson, the childs grandmother, said. It has upset me. I was very angry about the situation because I wouldnt myself wouldnt even let my grandchildren go play outside if its cold and I think that the faculties or whoever has this rule needs to change it.

School administrationsaid it has apologized to the parent and addressed the matter directly. To prevent similar issues and ensure students comfort, children are now kept in the cafeteria while waiting for pick-up, avoiding exposure to the cold.

Had I done something like that, I would have had CPS at my front door, Ikerra Wilson said. So something needs to be done. Its sad these babies have to deal with that and then elementary school.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Elementary school principals have been directed to take steps to prevent similar situations in the future. Teachers will remind students that hooded garments are prohibited under the LPSS Dress Code Policy. Students wearing such garments will be required to remove them while inside the building, and parents will be notified of any policy violations so they can plan accordingly.



The LPSS dress code can be found here.

Latest news

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis Police are reaching out to the public to look for a man they say is a person of interest in an ongoing gun case.

On January 4, at 6:45 p.m., officers responded to the East End Skating Rink at 5718 Mt. Moriah Road regarding an armed party complaint.

Prior to police arrival, security encountered a man in a mustard-colored hoodie and black pants armed with a handgun.

MPD posts images of suspect allegedly involved in skating rink incident. (MPD)

Security was able to disarm the male and escort him off the property.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officers are asking for help in identifying the male who had the weapon taken from him as he is a person of interest in an ongoing gun crime case.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Shoon Naing

(Reuters) - Dozens of people were killed in an air strike by Myanmar's military government in the western state of Rakhine this week, the United Nations said, as the Southeast Asia nation's civil war nears its fourth year.

The civilian shadow government and the Arakan Army, an ethnic militia based in Rakhine fighting for the autonomy of the region, also reported the attack had killed dozens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The junta hit Kyauk Ni Maw village of Yanbye township on Wednesday afternoon, destroying around 500 homes and killing more than 40 people, according to the National Unity Government and a U.N. statement released late on Friday.

Reuters could not immediately verify the reports. A spokesperson for the military did not answer phone calls seeking comment. The junta rejects accusations of committing atrocities against civilians, saying it is combating "terrorists".

The Arakan Army released the names of 26 Muslim villagers it said were killed and 12 injured in the attack.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, igniting mass protests that evolved into a widespread armed rebellion on multiple fronts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The U.N. statement urged all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law.

The Blood Money Campaign, a coalition of Myanmar activists working to cut off revenue to the junta, urged international governments to swiftly sanction entities supplying it with aviation fuel.

"Only when this support stops will the air strikes truly come to an end," said Mulan, spokesperson for Blood Money Campaign who goes by one name.

(Reporting by Reuters Staff; Editing by William Mallard)
Eduardo Lacasta denies claims that he instructed the artist to portray himself in the newly installed church ceiling

A tiny village in northeastern Spain was shocked to discover that a mystery saint had appeared in their church that bore a remarkable likeness to a local businessman.

It emerged that Eduardo Lacasta, an 82-year-old real estate dealer with a criminal record, had paid for the restoration of the 900-year-old San Miguel church in his home village of Latre and commissioned an artist to paint its newly installed ceiling.

The artist decided that the saint should look like me, Lacasta said, dismissing claims he purposely instructed the artist to paint him as Saint Matthias, the last of the 12 apostles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But there has been anger among the nine residents of Latre for the church benefactors lack of respect.

Saint Matthias, would you believe? That is not a good match for him, one local woman told RTVE, Spains state broadcaster.

Lacasta was sentenced to six years in prison in 2020 for defrauding Spains tax office and other public bodies out of 45 million (37 million). He only spent three months in jail thanks to a plea deal.

An anonymous letter has criticised the likeness of Eduardo Lacasta in the church ceiling as vandalism disguised as philanthropy - Willtron

The businessman has since apologised  not for including his face among local patron saints, but because he did not ask the church authorities before painting on its Romanesque walls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I made a mistake in not asking permission and for that I am sorry from my soul, Lacasta told the newspaper El Mundo.

I recovered a building that was ruined with the roof on the ground, and I had it restored 20 years ago. I also put in a new church bell tower, with four new automated bells.

The bishop of Jaca, the nearest cathedral city, now must consider whether to remove the painting, which was brought to public attention by an anonymous letter.

The letter was sent to media outlets by an individual calling themselves Saint Barbara, who claimed to be an art historian.

It said that Lacastas addition of his own face to the painting was an act of egocentrism and vandalism disguised as philanthropy.

Monkey Christ

Jose Ignacio Ubieto, deputy mayor of the larger neighbouring village of Caldearenas, had a more optimistic reaction to the local scandal, saying he hopes that the controversy might attract new visitors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said the nearby town of Borja experienced a tourism boom after Cecilia Gimenez, an amateur artist, received unwanted global fame for her botched attempt to restore a prized fresco of Christ that was dubbed monkey Christ.

Maybe word will get out and people will come to see what has happened; it would be ideal if in the end the painting has a positive impact, Mr Ubieto told local outlet El Periodico de Aragon.

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.
In-N-Out Burger proposes first drive-thru in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  After years of a popular burger chain proposing a new drive-thru in the Portland area, the company is moving toward opening a location in the city.

Portland Maps shows In-N-Out Burger is looking to develop a restaurant at a vacant lot on Northeast Airport Way and Holman Street. The location would hold a maximum of 61 parking spaces and a drive-thru lane accommodating up to 31 vehicles.

Portland weekend events guide: WWE Smackdown, Roller Derby season opener and more

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to records, the fast food chain asked city officials for an early assistance meeting on Thursday.

This meeting is intended to review the conceptual site plan and solicit feedback from City departments, including but not limited to planning, zoning, stormwater management, and transportation, to ensure compliance with local regulations and streamline the approval process, the proposal reads.

The proposal also states that the development team hopes to address pre-existing site constraints including stormwater management requirements and tree density standards.

If approved, In-N-Outs first location in Portland proper would mark a years-long effort to bring the companys iconic Double-Doubles and Animal-Style fries to the Rose City.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Positively Portland

The company finally made headway in the planning of a burger joint in unincorporated Washington County last fall. In August 2022, a county spokesperson told KOIN 6 that the application was canceled due to a land use issue.

The proposed restaurant, 10565 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, was split between a Commercial Business District and an Office Commercial district. While the former allows drive-thrus, OC districts typically prohibit them.

In-N-Out filed an appeal against the decision in May 2023. The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals remanded the appeal just a few months later. A Beaverton resident attempted to appeal the boards decision just last year, but failed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Macys, Kohls announce multiple store closures in Oregon

Washington County documents stated the chains application was still approved, but subject to conditions of approval.

Those against the suburban drive-thru have cited traffic concerns, as it is across the street from Chick-fil-A.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Homicide detectives are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after a man and woman were found fatally shot in their apartment Friday evening, police said.

Metro Nashville Police said they believe Eric Lebron Hale, 53, fatally shot his girlfriend, Cheron Sanders, 47, before shooting and killing himself inside their apartment on Baby Ruth Lane in Antioch Friday evening.

Police responded to the apartment shortly before 6 p.m. after Sanders' son found his mother and Hale fatally injured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police previously responded to the apartment in March 2024, when Sanders reported Hale had pulled her hair and held a knife to her neck, authorities said.

Hale was arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault.

According to a press release, the charge was dismissed in July 2024.

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Police investigate Antioch murder, suicide victims
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) January 11th marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the ongoing battle to combat human trafficking.

While January is recognized as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, local advocates urge the public to stay vigilant and informed year-round.

Dont just pick a month or a day. Make sure that you are aware and know the signs all year long, said Kristi Hayes. Hayes is the Regional Director of Unbound Now, a nonprofit organization focused on human trafficking prevention, awareness, and training.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unbound Now works alongside schools, counselors, law enforcement, and other community organizations to provide resources and training to help prevent trafficking. According to Hayes, awareness is key to protecting vulnerable individuals.

She emphasized that human trafficking is not just a far-off issue, but a local one impacting communities everywhere.

We have worked with 154 individuals here in our city and in McLennan County, and they are part of our community, Hayes said. Its important to recognize that trafficking isnt just something that happens over there. It happens here, too.

In addition to awareness efforts, local advocates, including Sheriff MacNamara, urge the public not to ignore suspicious activity. If you see something, say something, said MacNamara. The community plays a vital role in helping to identify and stop trafficking.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Sheriff McNamara the Sheriffs Office works with several agencies to work against human trafficking.

One of those agencies is Unbound Now, together with the McLennan County Human Coalition theyve trained local police in Mongolia, Poland, Ukraine, and several others on human trafficking awareness.

Locally the Sheriffs Office asks for the communitys help to continue their efforts.

We need all the help we can get. We cant do all this by ourselves, and we know that. So we appreciate any help that the public can give us, McNamara explains.

To show support for victims of human trafficking, local organizations are encouraging individuals to participate in National Human Trafficking Awareness Day by wearing blue and posting on social media with the hashtag #WearBlueDay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Advocates also remind the public that if they suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, they should call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or report an emergency to law enforcement by calling 911.

As the fight to end human trafficking continues, organizers urge everyone to take a moment to reflect on the lives impacted by this pervasive issue and consider how they can help raise awareness and support efforts to end trafficking.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
NATO allies are unlikely to meet U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's proposed spending target of 5% of GDP but are open to an increase from the current 2%, Reuters reported on Jan. 10, citing comments from officials and analysts from various NATO countries.

On Jan. 7, Trump called for an increase to the NATO spending target to 5% of GDP, up from NATO's current target of 2%. Other NATO allies have urged increased spending in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"I think NATO should have 5%," Trump said at a news conference in Florida, confirming earlier reports about the incoming U.S. president urging allies to raise defense spending to a benchmark no NATO member has reached as of now, including the U.S.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While many NATO members are not open to a 5% spending target, some many NATO allies are open to increasing the spending target to a widely agreed upon target. NATO members may agree to increase the spending target to 3% of GDP, Reuters reported.

"It seems there will be a shift... I don't think it will be 5%, which would be impossible for almost every nation in the world right now but... it will not be two (percent), which we are already struggling to reach, but it will be more than two," Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told Reuters.

On Dec. 12 the Financial Times reported that European NATO foreign ministers began discussing a plan to gradually increase the alliances defense spending target from 2% of their GDP to 3% by 2030. According to sources, the alliances members would first increase their spending to 2.5% of GDP before reaching 3% by 2030.

Trump has criticized NATO member states that do not meet the current 2% of GDP spending target. Several NATO allies, including Italy, Canada, and Spain do not meet the current target, though the number of allies that do rose to 24 last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to NATO estimates, Poland spent the greatest portion of its GDP on defense (4.12%) in 2024, followed by Estonia (3.43%) and the U.S. (3.38%).

In the face of Russia's war, Ukraine has drastically increased defense spending, despite not being a part of NATO. Ukraine will spend 26% of its GDP on defense spending in 2025.

Read also: Trump calls on NATO to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP





Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Vicky Kaushal and Yami Gautam-starrer 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' on Saturday completed six years since it was released in theatres. Recalling working in the film, Yami took to Instagram and penned a note filled with nostalgia. "Uri: The Surgical Strike celebrated more than we can think - the valour of the Indian Army, the spirit of our Nation and the power of cinema. It was an honour for me to be a part of a gem like this which continues to be celebrated. Pallavi Sharma was a dream come true role for me and to be able to portray another fine female character was truly a blessing. Beyond grateful for all your love and to the entire team that help create this marvel. #6yearsofurithesurgicalstrike," she posted. 'Uri' was directed by Yami's husband Aditya Dhar. At that time, the duo was not married. The film Based on true events of the Indian Army's surgical strikes conducted in September 2016 against the terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). It also starred Paresh Rawal, Kirti Kulhari and Mohit Raina among others. (ANI)
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  Major wildfires in the Los Angeles area continue to burn as firefighters struggle to contain the flames. Thousands of people have lost their homes, and entire communities have burned. Now, American Red Cross volunteers from North Carolina are heading west to help.

Zonia Quero Ziada has been with the Red Cross for 20 years, joining to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. She is one of the volunteers traveling from North Carolina to California to help people impacted by the massive wildfires.

Theres going to be a big need. We know we have thousands of people in shelters, thousands of people displaced, Ziada said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is far from her first disaster. It is not even her first wildfire: She used to live in Washington.

Sadly, that was like ground zero of wildfires, you know, for several years, she said. At the time, I was doing shelter.

However, she said this could be one of the worst.

It broke my heart to see the videos in the press, she said. Whole neighborhoods completely turned to ashes. You cannot just sit in your couch and look at the news. You just have to do something. You have to move. You have to act.

In California, Ziada will be doing orientations for other Red Cross volunteers as they arrive and teaching local volunteers who want to help. She said she is as ready as she can be.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When you get there, it doesnt matter how much you think youre prepared, youre never prepared because every disaster is different, she said.

The Red Cross has more volunteers in North Carolina on standby, ready to head to California if they are 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 CBS17.com.
Baltimore County Police are still investigating the December mass shooting in Towson that killed one person and injured nine others. Police say they continue to gather evidence, but as of Saturday, no arrests have been made.

The incident could be tied to other crimes, according to Baltimore County Police, and officials have not ruled out some form of retaliation as a motive for the shooting.

The Baltimore County Police Departments Homicide Unit Detectives are continuing to investigate leads in the shooting that occurred on Tuesday, Dec. 17, Baltimore County Police spokesperson Jasmine Fleet said. They are also following up on potential connections between the circumstances surrounding this crime and that of other crimes in the region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In mid-December, one person was killed and nine others were injured in a minivan when the suspect opened fire near the 8500 block of Loch Raven Boulevard. The van crashed into the side of a funeral home and caught fire while on its side, officials said at the time.

Police identified the man who died as Charles Graham Jr., of Baltimore. Those injured are between 14 and 27 years old, and eight of them suffered gunshot wounds.

Police believe it was a targeted attack and are still searching for the perpetrators who committed the crime. They are asking residents to help with any leads and said officials plan to gather more information from the surviving victims once they recover from their injuries.

Through information shared by the community, detectives have been able to gather additional evidence, Fleet said. At this time, detectives are also attempting to obtain additional information from victims who continue to recover.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Detectives ask anyone with information about this mass shooting to contact the Baltimore County Police Department at 410-887-4636. Information provided through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.
The Nebraska State Capitol. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  A Nebraska legislator has proposed a new law to end double-bunking of two inmates in a cell designed for one  a situation that has arisen due to prison overcrowding and has led to lawsuits against the state.

Legislative Bill 99, introduced Friday by State Sen. Ashlei Spivey alongside State Sens. Dunixi Guereca and Terrell McKinney, all of Omaha, would eliminate the practice unless inmates voluntarily agree in writing. Her bill also adds more limits on the use of solitary confinement.

State Sen. Ashlei Spivey of Omaha talks with State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Spivey said the proposed legislation continues the pursuit of smart justice policies championed by McKinney, former State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha and ACLU Nebraska. Spivey, sworn in this week as a new legislator, previously served as board chair of the ACLU.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last year, the estate of deceased inmate Kevin Carter filed an updated federal lawsuit alleging that Nebraska Department of Correctional Services officials were negligent and reckless in housing the 20-year-old with a convicted murderer who was reportedly paranoid, delusional and threatening.

Carter was found unresponsive under a bed sheet and later was pronounced dead about a week after he was housed in the same cell as the inmate.

Nebraskas Office of Inspector General of Corrections, which has oversight over the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, has repeatedly urged an end to the practice.

A similar slaying in a double-bunked cell occurred in 2017.

State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LB 127 from State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst, also introduced Friday, would require that people who prevail over Nebraska criminal charges in certain situations be awarded monetary damages, such as lost wages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McKeons bill would prevent such an award if the defendant was convicted of another substantially similar offense or the person waived the payment.

The Legislature finds that people who are mistakenly or wrongfully prosecuted suffer significant financial hardship as a result, the bill states. The purpose of this section is to lessen the hardship faced by such people and to serve as an incentive for the government to use caution and restraint in making prosecutorial decisions.

Bill introductions

LB 99 and LB 127 were among 48 bills and three constitutional amendments introduced on the second day of bill introductions for the 2025 legislative session. Among the others:

LB 95, by State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha, calls for a three-year pilot program to provide child care assistance for the child care workforce. Eligible workers must be income-qualified, with households earning 85% or less of median income.

LB 100, by Spivey, would create an Office of Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation. It would employ a full-time person within the Department of Economic Development to strengthen policies and programs supporting startup businesses and would submit an annual report tracking state contracts and awards to businesses in operation less than five years.

LB 101, by State Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln, revives a failed effort of last year that would allow landlords and tenants to demand a jury trial when an eviction notice is filed (versus a bench trial decided by a judge).

LB 107, by State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, would provide an income tax credit for Nebraska renters. The refundable credit is not to exceed $1,000, and the greater of either 4% of the total amount of rent paid during the year or $200.

LB 110, by State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, would prohibit health care providers from performing a pelvic examination on an anesthetized or unconscious patient in a hospital or medical clinic without prior written consent, except in the case of necessary emergency treatment or by a court order.

LB 115, by State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, would expand a refundable income tax credit for volunteer emergency responders  firefighters or members of local rescue squads  from $250 to $1,000 each year. Ballard said it is a little token of at least the states appreciation for Nebraskans who put their lives at risk and volunteer hours of their time for others.

LB 117, by State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, would exempt the sale or purchase of residential electricity, natural gas, propane and sewer from sales taxes, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

LB 122, by State Sen. Glen Meyer of Pender, would require schools to prominently display the national motto  In God We Trust and the state motto  Equality Under the Law  in all Nebraska classrooms or a central location.

Legislative Resolutions 5CA and 6CA, also from Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, seek to remove a provision voters put into the Nebraska Constitution in 2000 against the validity or recognition of same sex marriages. LR 6CA would explicitly require Nebraska and its political subdivisions to recognize marriage of and issue marriage licenses to couples regardless of gender and race. Under a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the provision is unconstitutional but remains in the Nebraska Constitution. If passed, the resolutions would go to voters in 2026.

LR 7CA, by State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, would increase lawmakers annual salary from $12,000 to $30,000 if passed by the Legislature and approved by voters in 2026.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees. Dec. 7, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  The largest union representing Nebraska state employees announced last week that its members would vote soon on a tentative agreement with Gov. Jim Pillens negotiators.

The Nebraska Association of Public Employees, known to many in the state as NAPE/AFSCME, is set to meet and vote on the proposed contract for 2025-2027 starting Jan. 13.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The union has said it wont release the language of the contract until after its members weigh in. But it highlighted some potential changes.

In a Jan. 8 post to its more than 8,000 members, union leaders, including executive director Justin Hubly, wrote that they had secured raises of 6.5% to 19% over the next two years.

They also touted paid maternity leave, higher pay for people who speak multiple languages, better pay for some overnight shifts and more flexibility to donate sick leave to other workers.

The union also highlighted having pushed up the minimum wage of state contractors to $15 an hour, which would help state employees better compete with contracted labor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement to the Examiner, Hubly said his team is pleased with the results of negotiations, and we made significant progress on our members priorities.

Leaders did not, however, discuss any progress or negotiations on the future of remote work for state employees, a decision Pillen has said he would like the administration to retain.

The union and state are in the middle of a court fight over whether it can force the state to bargain with the union over his decision to force state employees back to the office. Hubly said the state was unwilling to negotiate remote work conditions while litigation continues.

He and other union leaders have said they plan to appeal a July decision by the Commission of Industrial Relations rejecting the unions push to force Pillen to negotiate the issue and not act unilaterally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Before they could do so, they needed to wait for the state labor court to decide this month that the union would have to pay the state at least $42,000 in attorney fees from the case.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
The community now has an explanation as to who placed the initial call to Laurel County 911 Dispatch regarding the items stolen at 508 Taylor Drive in London.

The Sentinel-Echo obtained audio Friday morning of a Dec. 23 dispatch call from Charles "Bo" Hensley reporting the theft that took place at Laurel County Judge Executive David Westerfield's property on Taylor Drive.

Hensley states his first name as Bo on the recording. Westerfield confirmed Friday that the caller is his nephew.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I'm calling for David Westerfield," Hensley states in the recording. "Somebody had broke into his garage up here on Taylor Drive. 508 Taylor Drive."

When the dispatcher asks if there were cameras at the property, Hensley responds that there are no cameras and the doors were open.

The call only lasts 49 seconds before Westerfield calls Hensley, ending the dispatch audio.

The Sentinel-Echo had sought from 911 Dispatch recordings in regard to the theft and initially received audio of a Dec. 24 dispatch call that confirmed Judge Westerfield did reach out to law enforcement regarding the theft that took place at his property nearly three weeks ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That call was posted to Laurel County News Youtube page Wednesday.

Numerous media reports have tied the theft to a Dec. 23 incident in which a still-unnamed London Police officer fatally shot 63-year-old Douglas Harless as they attempted to execute a search warrant in the Lily community.

When the Sentinel-Echo previously spoke with Westerfield, he said that he did not reach out to law enforcement regarding the issue.

Westerfield would also go on to say, "Nothing they stole was mine. It was all his." He made similar statements to the Lexington Herald Leader.

While it is true that Westerfield did not place the initial call, he did reach out the following day. The Dec. 24 dispatch audio, taking place after Harless' shooting, revealed that Judge Westerfield was directed to speak with LPD Officer Jared Hale in regard to the ongoing investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the call, Westerfield informed Hale that he had been over to his property to see what items were gone.

"They called me at 1 a.m. this morning and told me all about it," Westerfield said in regard to Harless' passing.

"I'm not going to worry about my stuff unless he sold to somebody and it's laying in a pile and I could identify it, but I can't make a list," Westerfield said. "I'm not going to worry about it but I would like to see Charles, my nephew, get his stuff back, if at all possible."

Ofc. Hale affirmed to him in the call that it was being looked into and that the case had been turned over to Sergeant Elbert Riley.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Westerfield also noted that a homeless man had been staying in his "back building." Ofc. Hale asked him for confirmation that he would like to have the individual "hooked" if found trespassing, to which Westerfield says, "I do."

Even before this second call  and the shooting  LPD had charged Hobert Buttery, 49, of Manchester, in connection to the theft. His arrest citation states that Buttery was arrested at 7:34 p.m. Dec. 23 on one count of theft by unlawful taking $1,000 or more but less than $10,000.

While being interrogated, Buttery said he had taken one of the items, a weed eater, to a house in Lily." This would lead LPD to serve a search warrant at what many have presumed to be an incorrect address.

Although dispatch audio from the night of the shooting contained the address "489 Vanzant Road" several times, KSP would report 511 Vanzant Road as the actual location at which Harless was shot by an officer in his home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Court records show Buttery previously resided at 515 Vanzant Road.

The belongings reported as stolen from Westerfield's property include a heater, four backpack blowers, three weed eaters, and a pole saw. According to the uniform citation, Buttery only acknowledged taking a Stihl weed eater and heater from the backyard.

The items were appraised as a little over $4,000  making the act a Class D felony. According to the arrest report, Buttery took the belongings at 10:01 p.m. Dec. 22. The items were reported as missing to LPD the next day.

Buttery's preliminary hearing in Laurel County District Court included testimony that there were no witnesses to the crime. Chief District Judge John Paul Chappell found probable cause and the case was sent to for grand jury consideration on Jan. 17.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Butterys bond remains at $10,000.

Harless' shooting remains under investigation by Kentucky State Police, whose Post 11 in London was requested by LPD at 11:53 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 to investigate in accordance with standard policy.

WKYT obtained dispatch audio indicating the address inconsistency as well as a neighbors surveillance footage from the night of the shooting. The video begins at 11:50 p.m., with the police banging on Harless door and announcing themselves. Shortly thereafter, officers can be seen scattering throughout the yard before five gunshots are fired.

The officers then radioed for assistance. This is when the inconsistent address is stated multiple times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

KSP collected pieces of evidence on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, which could benefit its investigation. During KSP Detective James Royals search of the 511 Vanzant Road property, he found five used .223 shell casings, a light bulb security camera, a Nokia cell phone, and a Taurus nine-millimeter handgun and holster.

According to Det. Royals search warrant, the light bulb security camera and cell phone could better show what occurred that night when the LPD officers attempted to enter the home.

LPD announced on Dec. 26 that the officer who fatally shot Harless has been placed on administrative leave. The post said the officer fired after the occupant of the residence produced a firearm and pointed it at officers.

Though life-saving measures were performed on scene, according to KSP, Harless succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowlings office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No other injuries were reported.

LPD officers were not wearing body-cams, as they suspended their use as of March 2023.

The Sentinel-Echo previously filed an open records request to view the LPDs search warrant for 489 Vanzant Road. A response was received three business days later, redirecting the Sentinel-Echo to Laurel Circuit Clerk Roger Schott. Schott said that his office does not possess the document at this time.

This remains a developing story.
Jan. 10This article was produced in partnership with ProPublica's Local Reporting Network.

The story describes an alleged sexual assault and serious injuries resulting from it.

The sexual assault case was one of the most horrendous that two Alaska Superior Court judges said they had encountered in their long careers on the bench. The victim suffered internal injuries that required surgery and the use of a bag for her digestive system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Even somebody like me, who does nothing but this work for so long, still has their sensibility shocked," Judge Philip Volland said at an early bail hearing, warning that he worried the suspect might try to threaten the woman. "The facts of this case tell me there is a very, very real risk of intimidation of the victim. If she wasn't afraid then, she should be afraid now."

Detectives had interviewed the alleged victim, executed search warrants and, two weeks after the reported incident, arrested a suspect: then-38-year-old Lafi "Beago" Faualo, who pleaded not guilty to first-degree sexual assault.

That was a decade ago. The case has still not gone to trial.

[Related: Anchorage police say they witnessed a sexual assault in public. It took seven years for the case to go to trial.]

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Over the years, the state assigned the case to four different judges, including Volland, who between them agreed to delay the trial more than 70 times  usually at the request of the defense attorney. Such delays and judges' acquiescence have become routine in Alaska, robbing victims of timely justice and sometimes eroding the prosecution's ability to mount an effective case using eyewitness testimony.

A spokesperson for the court system said the state is taking steps to reduce the time it takes to resolve Alaska criminal cases, including providing new training for judges and issuing orders to limit delays.

The neverending case of sexual assault against Faualo began with an alleged attack on July 16, 2014, in a van parked outside an Anchorage church. According to the charges, Faualo was in the back seat with the victim during the incident. Prosecutors additionally accused a second man, who was in the driver's seat, of sexual assault in the case but later dropped the charges when the man pleaded guilty to coercion.

According to a charging document, Faualo denied sexually assaulting the woman but told Anchorage police he might have "accidentally" put his hand in her anus. The report quotes Faualo saying he might have used a bottle, but then saying it was definitely his hand. Faualo's defense attorney has since said that Faualo's co-defendant  who has since died  was the one who committed the assault and not Faualo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

ProPublica and the Anchorage Daily News obtained audio recordings and logs from each hearing or listened to it live. Nearly every time the defense attorney asked to delay the trial, a judge agreed. Not once did anyone in the courtroom ask what the victim wanted.

Faualo did not respond to an interview request and did not respond to emailed and hand-delivered questions.

Here's how an Alaska sexual assault defendant has been able to prevent his case from going to trial since 2014. Prosecutors typically raised no objection to the delays. Unless noted, the judge granted the defense request for a delay in every instance.

Sept. 25, 2014: Faualo has hired a private attorney, Rex Butler, who asks to delay the hearing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Oct. 7, 2014: Judge Philip Volland agrees to a delay because the defense attorney says he is still new to the case.

Nov. 4, 2014: The judge grants the defense a three-week delay.

Nov. 25, 2014: The judge delays the case as Faualo's co-defendant considers a plea deal.

Dec. 9, 2014: The defense attorney has a scheduling conflict, delaying the case.

Jan. 13, 2015: Faualo files a motion to suppress evidence, delaying the case for months.

By 2015, the case has stretched past the state's 120-day speedy-trial deadline. With no trial date in sight, Faualo asks to be released on bail, but the prosecutor claims he is a flight risk and a threat to the victim. The judge denies the bail request. The stakes are high. If convicted, Faualo faces a minimum of 25 years in prison for one count of sexual assault that resulted in serious injury, plus additional time for each of three additional counts of sexual assault.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

April 7, 2015: The defense asks for another delay.

July 7, 2015: The judge grants a two-week delay, no questions asked.

Aug. 18, 2015: Judge Michael Wolverton has been assigned to the case. He approves another delay.

Aug. 26, 2015: The judge delays the trial to November 2015.

Oct. 14, 2015: The judge agrees to another delay.

Nov. 18, 2015: The judge delays the case another 35 days.

Dec. 9, 2015: The first motion to suppress evidence fails, and the judge agrees to another delay.

Jan. 20, 2016: The defense asks for a 30-day delay.

Feb. 17, 2016: The state has offered a plea deal. The defense asks for a 30-day delay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

March 16, 2016: The defendant hasn't decided on the plea deal and asks for another monthlong delay.

April 20, 2016: The defense files another motion and asks for a 30-day delay.

May 18, 2016: The judge agrees to delay the case for another month.

June 15, 2016: With a new prosecutor assigned to the case, the defense again asks for a 30-day delay.

July 13, 2016: The defendant is considering a plea deal that has been offered; the prosecutor asks for a two-week delay.

July 27, 2016: The defendant hasn't decided on whether to take the deal. The judge delays the trial by six weeks.

By now, the delays in the case mostly revolve around motions filed by the defense to throw out evidence collected by detectives early in the investigation. For example, Faualo's lawyer says police served a search warrant too late at night  despite the warrant saying it could be served at any time. Meanwhile, Faualo's co-defendant has agreed to a plea deal and is expected to testify against him at trial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Oct. 12, 2016: The defense asks for a one-month delay to continue negotiating a deal.

Nov. 16, 2016: The judge agrees to the defendant's request for another one-month delay.

Dec. 14, 2016: The judge delays the case a month to make time for an evidentiary hearing.

Feb. 8, 2017: The judge denies the defense's motions to suppress evidence, and the defense asks for another three-week delay.

March 8, 2017: Faualo's lawyer tells the judge he will "try to get" the case resolved soon but asks to delay the trial two months.

May 17, 2017: The defense asks to delay the trial by one month to negotiate a deal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

July 5, 2017: The defense asks for another one-month delay to continue negotiating.

Aug. 2, 2017: The defense says they're "very close" to making a plea deal and just need to delay proceedings by another two weeks.

Aug. 16, 2017: Still negotiating, the defense says, asking for another two-week delay.

Aug. 30, 2017: The defense says it needs a three-week delay to continue negotiating.

Sept. 27, 2017: "Give us two more weeks," the defense attorney asks. The judge OKs the delay.

Oct. 11, 2017: The defense is "pretty close" to a plea deal but needs a two-week delay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nov. 1, 2017: The defense asks for a one-month delay  long enough "so we don't come back in two weeks and not have an answer."

Dec. 6, 2017: The defense asks for a one-month delay. The judge agrees without asking questions.

Jan. 10, 2018: The defense says the two sides are "close to resolving" negotiations but need a two-week delay.

Jan. 24, 2018: The judge delays the trial to allow more negotiations.

Feb. 14, 2018: The defense asks for a new three-week delay without explanation. The judge agrees.

March 7, 2018: A new prosecutor takes over the case; the defense attorney asks for a two-week delay.

March 21, 2018: The defense asks for a one-week delay to negotiate.

March 28, 2018: The defense asks for two more weeks to negotiate.

May 2, 2018: The defense attorney asks to delay the trial until October.

Prosecutors often say that trial delays make it harder to win a conviction because witnesses' and police officers' memories fade over time.

"Without question, the delay that occurs in cases going to trial makes it more difficult to keep track of where victims and witnesses are," said Alaska Deputy Attorney General John Skidmore. "Police officers retire, move out of state. Lab analysts leave."

"All of our cases depend upon us being able to present the evidence, and it's just a fact of life that as time progresses, life moves on," he said.

Sept. 5, 2018: The defense asks for a one-month delay.

Oct. 3, 2018: The defense asks for a two-week delay.

Oct. 17, 2018: The judge agrees to delay the trial for two weeks for "attorney negotiations."

Nov. 28, 2018: Faualo has a new public defender, who asks to delay a week to prepare.

Dec. 12, 2018: The public defender asks to delay again.

Feb. 6, 2019: Butler, the private defense attorney, returns. He requests a delay until September.

Nothing happens in the case for seven months because Faualo's attorney says he doesn't have time for the trial. Faualo has now been in jail for five years, but the case appears to finally be destined for trial when a judge sets a new date for November 2019.

Oct. 28, 2019: The defense attorney asks to delay the trial one month.

The 2019 trial date comes and goes, and Wolverton has now retired. At a spring hearing held before Judge Catherine Easter, the defense attorney says he's once again considering a plea deal rather than a trial. The judge chuckles when she reads the case number, which shows it has been awaiting trial since 2014. When the defense asks for a delay, the prosecution objects.

Because of the age of the case, the judge sets a trial date. But soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic pauses jury trials across Alaska.

May 11, 2020: COVID-related delay.

June, 11, 2020: COVID-related delay.

Oct. 27, 2020: COVID-related delay.

Jan. 12, 2021: COVID-related delay.

March 9, 2021: COVID-related delay.

June 17, 2021: COVID-related delay.

Aug. 16, 2021: The defense asks for a delay to negotiate a deal. Judge Erin Marston, the latest judge assigned to the case, agrees.

Oct. 26, 2021: A new prosecutor is assigned to the case and asks for a delay.

Nov. 24, 2021: The defense requests a delay.

Jan. 5, 2022: Jury trials have resumed across Alaska, but both sides in this case ask for a delay.

May 9, 2022: The prosecutor says she's ready for trial. The defense wants a delay.

June 10, 2022: The defense asks for a 30-day delay to continue negotiations.

July 14, 2022: The judge delays a hearing a week. The prosecutor doesn't show up to the new hearing, so the judge delays again.

July 26, 2022: The defense asks for a delay due to a scheduling conflict.

Sept. 9, 2022: The prosecutor asks the judge to delay the case for "one last status hearing."

The only witness to the alleged assault, other than the victim, has now died, the defense attorney says. Faualo has been in jail for eight years, and the judge agrees to release him on bail. His daughters will be asked to watch him and report to police if he violates conditions of his release.

Nov. 28, 2022: "I know it's an old case," the defense attorney acknowledges while asking that the trial be delayed several more months.

Feb. 1, 2023: The defense asks for a delay of 45 days.

March 15, 2023: The defense requests a delay. A new judge assigned to the case, Judge Andrew Peterson, agrees.

April 26, 2023: The defense asks to delay a trial until 2024.

The talk of trial dates pauses for a few months as Faualo's lawyer works, successfully, to loosen bail restrictions. At a bail hearing, a judge confuses Faualo with the codefendant who pleaded guilty to lesser charges. Misunderstanding the severity of the charges against Faualo, the judge agrees to ease up on his bail conditions. Faualo is now allowed to leave his house during the day.

Nov. 15, 2023: The defense asks for a 30-day delay.

Dec. 13, 2023: The prosecutor wants time to negotiate. She asks for a 30-60 day delay.

It's now been nearly 10 years since the alleged sexual assault. Having failed to reach a plea agreement, the two sides say the earliest they can appear at trial is October 2024.

Aug. 30, 2024: With the trial set for October, the defense asks for a 15-day delay.

Sept. 25, 2024: The defense requests a 30-day delay.

Oct. 30, 2024: The prosecutor is ready. But the trial is delayed again because Faualo's lawyer had double-booked himself for two trials at the same time.

Nov. 27, 2024: The prosecutor and defense are supposed to select a trial date, but the defense isn't ready. The judge delays the case again.

The most recent hearing in this case was on Dec. 16, when Judge Andrew Peterson set a trial date for June 2025  10 years and 11 months after the alleged sexual assault took place.
(FOX40.COM)  California Governor Gavin Newsom is calling for an investigation into reports of fire hydrants being without water as crews battle to put out the devastating wildfires raging in Southern California.

 Video Above: Cal Fire sends crews to Los Angeles County

On Tuesday, hurricane-force winds at nearly 100 miles per hour in Los Angeles fueled the Palisades Fire and several other wildfires. The fires devoured residential and commercial areas, burning through over 5,000 buildings and killing at least 11 people. So far, none of the fires have been fully contained and several reports attribute it to a lack of water and other obstacles.

2 dead, over 5,300 structures destroyed as Palisades Fire continues growing

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The ongoing reports of the loss of water pressure to some local fire hydrants during the fires and reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir are deeply troubling to the community, Newsom said on Friday. We need answers to how that happened. Therefore, I have directed state water and fire-fighting officials to prepare an independent after-incident report examining the causes of lost water supply and water pressure in municipal water systems during the fire events.

The request comes amid public confusion about the lack of preparedness from California leaders and a slew of finger-pointing at who is to blame for the catastrophe. On Friday, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley told FOX11 that recent budget cuts hindered the departments response to the fires. She criticized the City of Los Angeles December 2024 decision to cut more than $17 million in funding from LA Fire.

Aerial video shows before and after views of Palisades Fire in Los Angeles

Since day one  this is my third budget as were going into 2025/2026  were still understaffed, were still under-resourced, and were still under-funded, Crowley said in part to FOX11. Any budget cut is going to impact our ability to provide service. That is a ground truth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She added, The growth of this city since 1960 has doubled and we have less fire stations.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass denies claims that budget cuts played a role in the fire departments response, according to multiple reports.

In addition, President-elect Donald Trump placed blame on Newsom for the ongoing fires that devastate California each year.

Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way, Trump said Wednesday on Truth Social.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite Trumps accusations, some experts have maintained that moving more water in this manner would be unnecessary and impractical from an infrastructural perspective, according to a The Hill report.

Newsom called Trumps claims fiction and hopes the investigation will identify measures that local governments can implement to provide adequate water supply for emergencies. Although Newsom held a special session Thursday to Trump-proof California, he, with respect and an open hand, invited Trump on Friday to visit California and meet with those affected by the fires.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  California Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered an investigation into the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power amid reports of a loss of water pressure to fire hydrants and limited water resources in the wildfire zones.

In the letter addressed to LADWP Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer Janisse Quinones and L.A. County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella, Newsom wrote, The ongoing reports of loss of water pressure to some local fire hydrants during the fires and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir are deeply troubling to me and to the community.

We need answers to how that happened, Newsom continued, explaining his decision to order an independent investigation from state water and fire officials examining the causes of lost water supplies and water pressure.

Newsoms letter to LADWP ordering an investigation into wildfire water supply. Jan. 10, 2025.

KTLA has reached out to LADWP for a response.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Newsom concluded the letter by offering assistance and the full technical capacity of the state, adding that he hopes to learn from the lesson of this tragedy.

The Palisades Fire, which has destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, erupted on Tuesday on North Piedra Morada Drive in Pacific Palisades and spread rapidly amid hurricane-force Santa Ana winds.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Quinones said that by 3 a.m. on Jan. 8, all 1-million-gallon water storage tanks that supply the Palisades hydrants went dry. Of those three tanks, the first ran dry just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, the second before 9 p.m. and the third early Wednesday morning.

Beachfront properties are left destroyed by the Palisades Fire, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire as it burns a structure in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) The Palisades Fire burns a residence in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

We had tremendous demand on our systems in the Palisades, Quinones said. We pushed the system to the extreme. Four times the normal demand was seen for 15 hours straight, which lowered our water pressure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On X, formerly Twitter, L.A. Fire Department Public Information Officer Erik Scott acknowledged the water challenges crews were dealing with and added that LADWP proactively filled all available water storage tanks.

However, water availability was impacted at higher elevations, which affected some fire hydrants due to limited replenishment of water tanks in those areas, he said. The extreme demand caused a slower refill rate for these tanks.

In his letter, Newsom called on LADWP and L.A. County officials to swiftly prepare a comprehensive review examining their local preparations and response procedures.

Marc Sternfield at KTLA 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.
SACRAMENTO, California  Gov. Gavin Newsom invited President-elect Donald Trump to survey the breathtaking damage caused by the Southern California wildfires, appealing to the incoming president to meet with the first responders, firefighters and Americans affected by the catastrophe.

In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines, Newsom wrote in a letter to Trump on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of Americans  displaced from their homes and fearful for the future  deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild.

The Los Angeles fires have killed at least 10 people and destroyed more than 10,000 homes and businesses. They also have dramatically accelerated the feud between the incoming president and the ambitious California Democrat, with Trump ridiculing the governors performance, advocating for sweeping policy changes on water and using the blazes to again portray his state as failing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During Trumps first term, he demanded policy concessions in exchange for federal disaster relief funding to California  actions that were front of mind for Newsom as he successfully appealed to the Biden administration to issue a disaster declaration this week. Biden later committed the federal government to covering all of the fire management and debris removal costs for the next six months.

We are thankful that President Biden has swiftly approved our major disaster declaration  a strong indication of the partnership California needs and appreciates with any federal administration, Newsom wrote to Trump.

However, the threat to lives and property remains acute. Higher-than-normal winds of up to 70 miles per hour are still forecast for the next several days, and more extreme winds are likely early next week, with no change to dry conditions.

A Trump official downplayed the idea Trump would withhold federal disaster money and said he would come through on aid to the blue state. The Trump official said the president-elect has always expressed a willingness to work with anybody, especially when its in the interest of the American people.

Trumps office did not immediately respond to Newsoms invite.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) invited President-elect Trump to California on Friday amid a war of words between the two leaders over the Los Angeles area wildfires.

In this spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines, Newsom wrote in a letter to Trump. Hundreds of thousands of Americansdisplaced from their homes and fearful for the futuredeserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild.

Newsom cited Trumps visit to California during the Camp and Woolsey fires in 2018.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As you prepare to assume the presidency once more, I invite you to come to California againto meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line, he wrote.

Additionally, Newsom praised President Bidens assistance in fighting the fires, saying he was thankful the president swiftly declared a disaster declaration.

The letter comes as the California governor and the president-elect have clashed over Newsoms response to the wildfires.

In a Truth Social post Wednesday, Trump called on Newsom to resign.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground, Trump said. Its ashes, and Gavin Newscum should resign. This is all his fault!!!

Additionally, the president-elect said Newsom should have signed a declaration to pump additional water through California to avert the situation.

Newsoms office hit back against the accusation, calling it pure fiction.

The governor himself hit back against Trump and accused him of politicizing the fires.

People are literally fleeing, Newsom told CNNs Anderson Cooper in an interview that aired Wednesday. People have lost their lives. Kids lost their schools, families completely torn asunder, churches burned down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This guy wanted to politicize it, he added, talking about Trump. I have a lot of thoughts, and I know what I want to say. I wont. I stood next to a president of the United States of America today, and I was proud to be with Joe Biden, and he had the backs of every single person in this community, he didnt play politics.

The wildfires have left at least 10 people dead and destroyed more than 10,000 structures. More than 300,000 residents are under evacuation orders or warnings.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 it's Fatima's birthday today, Dia took to Instagram and flaunted her love for the former, saying she is in awe of her "audacity and her incredible work ethic".

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEq6kpjog8E/?hl=en&img_index=7

"I found a deep connection with this wild beautiful soul! Love her audacity, her spirit of enquiry and adventure. Love her for her kind heart and her incredible work ethic Dhak Dhak for life for you my girl! @fatimasanashaikh Happy Birthday! Shine on," Dia wrote.

She also posted a few pictures of herself with Fatima from the shoot of 'Dhak Dhak' at scenic locations.

'Dhak Dhak' was released in 2023.

Helmed by Tarun Dudeja the film also stars Ratna Pathak Shah and Sanjana Sanghi. The film's narrative revolves around four women from different walks of life who come together for an extraordinary journey filled with emotions, adventures, and self-discovery as they embark on a biking trip to Khardung La.

The film explores how this journey forever alters their destinies.'Dhak Dhak' is produced by Viacom18 Studios, in collaboration with Taapsee Pannu and Pranjal Khandhdiya's Outsider Films, in association with BLM Pictures.

The cast will now return for 'Dhak Dhak 2'. (ANI)
Gavin Newsom is being ripped for his decision to go on Pod Save America while his state is being devastated by wildfires.

The California governors sit-down appearance on the progressive political podcast only adds to the deluge of criticism he and other Democrats have already faced for the response to the fires.

The episode, in which Newsom discusses the crisis in his state for more than 30 minutes, appeared on Saturday. But it was a preview clip, posted to Pod Save Americas X account on Friday night, that first stoked controversy.

Gavin Newsom surveys damage from the wildfire in Pacific Palisades. / MediaNews Group/Orange County Re / MediaNews Group via Getty Images

Pressed by host Jon Favreau about his response to the fires, Newsom seemed to pass the blame onto Southern Californias local leadership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I want to get the answers, Newsom says in the clip. And Ill be candid with you, I wasnt getting straight answers.

We had my team start talking with local leaders, saying, Whats going on? I was getting different answers. When you start getting different answers, then Im not getting the actual story.

Newsoms remarks aside, many people in the comments below the post were incensed that he would take the time to go on a podcast amid the wildfires.

Wait, Newsom did a podcast today? wrote user @Estril01. He couldnt find a better way to use his time?

The sentiment was echoed by user @DavidSh66283242, who wrote, Going on a podcast while the fires are still burning? Guys this is embarrassing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many, including country musician Justin van Sant, suggested that the appearance was an effort to do damage control on Newsoms political standing during the crisis.

He such a slick politician, van Sant wrote. Hes no longer worried about saving lives, Newsom is solely worried about saving his political capital and saving face.

Stephen L. Miller, a contributing editor at The Spectator, was quick to mock Newsom for appearing on the show

"I can't talk right now. I have to go on Pod Save America." pic.twitter.com/iLXQ9qSdWG  Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) January 11, 2025

I cant talk right now. I have to go on Pod Save America, Miller, inhabiting Newsoms perspective, wrote below the preview clip.

In a statement to the Daily Beast, the governors office defended the decision to go on the show as an awareness-raising endeavor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Governor is solely focused on the response and getting out critical updates and resources wherever Californians get their newsits 2025, that includes one of the largest podcasts in the country, with hosts that call the impacted LA area home, wrote Brandon Richards, a spokesperson for the governor.

The fires have killed at least 11 people, displaced more than 100,000, and destroyed around 12,000 structures, according to The Associated Press.

Donald Trump has been outspoken in blaming the Democratic governor for the fires (referring to him exclusively by the nickname Newscum).

However, the governor previously dismissed Trumps criticism of him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

People are literally fleeing, people have lost their lives, kids lost their schools, families completely torn asunder, churches burned down, he told CNN on Thursday. This guy wanted to politicize it.

On Friday, though, Newsom announced that his office would probe one of the complaints Trump has repeatedly raisedthe fact that some fire hydrants ran dry as firefighters sought to battle the flames.

In a letter directed to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Powerwhich Newsom posted to his X accounthe wrote, We need answers to how that happened.

NEW: I am calling for an independent investigation into the loss of water pressure to local fire hydrants and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir.



We need answers to ensure this does not happen again and we have every resource available to pic.twitter.com/R0vq0wwZph  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 10, 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Appearing on the podcast, he explained the decision to investigate what went wrong wasnt motivated by a desire to assign blame.

Lets just get the facts and lets get em out quickly, he told Favreau. Lets stop the finger pointing. Lets just assess the truth. Im not interested in whos to blame. I wanna know what happened.

Newsom said his main focus right now, though, is saving lives and making sure people get out.
Nigel Farage is set to fix his damaged relationship with the worlds richest man, with the two expected to meet up at what is being billed as the biggest inauguration party in Washington DC hosted by the Reform UK leader.

Elon Musk will be part of a star-studded guest list of 400 from the right of US and UK politics at the party on Friday at the top of the prestigious Hay Adams Hotel in DC.

It is also set to be attended by Donald Trump, many of his family including his sons Donald Jr and Barron, and leading Republicans as well as the UKs new ambassador to the US Lord Mandelson, former prime minister Liz Truss and Tory shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The only people who may not be there though are two of the organisers, Brexiteer businessmen Andy Wigmore and Arron Banks who have had theoir visas revoked.

Labour had resisted working with Nigel Farage but Peter Mandelson has made it clear he is willing to ignore political differences (PA Wire)

Mr Farage will be hosting the event which has been paid for by his old Brexiteer allies Mr Banks and Mr Wigmore as well as US businessman Gerry Gunster.

But the party has been hit by a hitch with both Mr Banks and Mr Wigmore -known as the bad boys of Brexit - having their entry visas revoked and a desperate last minute scramble by the Trump camp to get them admitted. Friends have speculated that the move could be linked to false allegations that they colluded with Russia.

Mr Banks told The Sunday Times: I am shocked that that US embassy have blocked our visa to the US. This is a political decision and revenge for the failed Russia Hoax perpetrated on both sides of the Atlantic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One of the attractions for Mr Musk is the events sponsor, Automated Analytics, which is creating the worlds first artificial intelligence cloud data centre powered by renewable energy windmills off the coast of the Humber.

The scheme has been promoted politically by new Doncaster Labour MP Sally Jameson, who may also be at the event.

The party will mark the first meeting between Mr Farage and Mr Musk since the X social media owner called for him to be replaced as Reform UK leader last weekend. Since then, it is understood there have been attempts via Mr Trumps team to repair relations ahead of the inauguration via back channels.

Mr Musk, who it was claimed had been willing to offer $100m to Reform, has retweeted approving of some of Mr Farages posts and the Reform leader noticeably softened his tone on far-right leader Tommy Robinson, whom Mr Musk had described as a political prisoner over the grooming gangs scandal row.

Elon Musk has been outspoken in his support for far-right parties throughout Europe (PA Wire)

Since helping Mr Trump win Novembers US election, the Tesla owner has been accused of trying to become the power behind the throne for several right-wing parties including Reform but also the far-right Alternative for Deutschland in Germany, and Giorgia Melonis Fratelli dItalia party in Italy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Wigmore, a longtime Brexiteer ally of Mr Farages, told The Independent: This is going to be the biggest inauguration party in town. Everybody who is anybody is going to be there, including Elon and Nigel.

Meanwhile, Lord Mandelsons attendance appears to confirm that he is willing to work with Mr Farage to improve relations between Mr Trump and Keir Starmers government. Labour had resisted working with Mr Farage but Lord Mandelson has made it clear he is willing to ignore political differences.

Dame Pritis attendance could also mark the start of an attempt by the Tories to come to some sort of agreement with Reform and its leader. She infamously once danced with Mr Farage at a Tory conference and has had a good relationship with him as they are both hardline Brexiteers.

It comes as Reforms deputy leader Richard Tice claimed on Times Radio that Mr Musk remains friends with the party despite the fallout from the row a week ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Tice said: The great thing about free speech, Im a huge fan of the worlds most successful entrepreneur possibly ever. I enjoy Mr Musks products. I use a Tesla, I use X, and Starlink is also great.

But the joy of being friends is you can actually agree to disagree on things. Frankly, life would be pretty dull if we all agreed on everything. So on this particular issue, we just agreed to disagree. And here's the real positive point: were not for sale to anybody at any price.
Keir Starmer is finished. He has not realised it yet, but his position is irrecoverable. Making bogus pre-election promises, accepting designer clothes, releasing violent offenders to make room for online trolls, paying foreign countries to take British territory, levying punitive taxes on small businesses, treating farmers like kulaks, trashing the economy  prime ministers dont come back from such things.

There is only one way for Labour to cling to power. If the two right-of-centre parties are evenly enough divided, it might end up winning with as little as a quarter of the popular vote. Such is the logic of first-past-the-post.

As I write, the two most recent polls show the three leading parties closely bunched. More in Common has Labour and the Conservatives on 26 per cent each, with Reform on 22 per cent. Find Out Now has Labour and Reform on 25 per cent and the Tories on 20.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Reform supporters descry, in this latter poll, the acrobatic swoop of the summers first swallow. They sense that first-past-the-post, the Tories crutch for two centuries, might become the club that hammers them into the ground.

But before they get carried away, it is worth taking a closer look at the numbers. According to one projection, that poll would leave Labour as the largest party, 68 seats clear of Reform and even further ahead of the Tories. If we look instead at the average of recent surveys, as weighed by Electoral Calculus, Labour is predicted to have 310 MPs, to the Conservatives 176 and Reforms 36.

In other words, we are not experiencing a great sorpasso. Rather, we are staring glumly at the prospect of at least one more, possibly two, Labour-led governments on a paltry and dwindling vote share.

I almost want to weep at the needlessness of it all. As I wrote here a couple of weeks ago, electoral geography argues for a pact between the two right-of-centre parties. Maybe not a full alliance, SDP-Liberal style, but a readiness to stand aside in a limited number of seats, as the DUP and UUP used to do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the last election, Reform came second in 98 seats, 89 of them won by Labour. It did well in Wales and northern England, but badly in southern England. The only region where the two Rightist parties are in direct competition is a band of eastern England running from Lincolnshire to Essex.

All this should make a deal relatively straightforward.

But any hint of an accommodation with Tories sends Reformers ballistic. When I suggested a limited entente in this column, their chairman, Zia Yusuf, whom I have always found pleasant and personable, replied that it was impossible because the Tories under Boris Johnson  and words, he said, should be used carefully  had embraced communism.

Now I had plenty of criticisms of Boriss policies, especially over net zero. But if you start from the position that he was trying to impose Marxism on Britain, we are going to struggle to reach a consensus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Like most tragedies, this one turns on bad timing. Had Kemi Badenoch taken over three years ago, few would now be claiming that the Tories were wet.

But transferring your political allegiance is a big step. If you walked away from the Tories because you were fed up with Theresa Mays wokery and greenery, you wont want to hear that the party has moved on; you wont want to ponder whether MPs who put Robert Jenrick and Badenoch in their run-off are really the milquetoast liberals you thought.

Suggest to Reform activists that they take a second look, and they typically reply: Why should I believe a word you Tories say now when you had 14 years in government?

The truth is that five of those years were spent in coalition with a party that would not countenance repealing Labours human rights or equalities laws. Then there was a pandemic which pushed up spending. And many Conservative policies  the Rwanda scheme, for example  were blocked by Left-wing judges or civil servants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And yet, for all that, the Tories should admit that they made unforced errors. More should have been done to control immigration. There was no need to adopt impossible decarbonisation targets. Spending was rising even before Covid.

The best answer to Reform activists is one which they are not ready to hear, namely that the Tories are changing. It would have been odd to refuse to support Churchill because Baldwin had been too Left-wing, or to steer clear of Thatcher because Heath had made a hash of things. The same applies today.

Jenrick perhaps best embodies the change, having been radicalised by what he saw at the Home Office. Other MPs have been on similar journeys. So have many voters.

The difference is that the MPs are never allowed to forget their past positions. Consider the lockdown. It was initially supported by 93 per cent of the public  including, at first, Nigel Farage. Most Tory MPs were more sceptical of the restrictions than their constituents. Now, I am glad to say, many people have woken up. But those voters who have changed their minds often backdate the moment of their conversion, and rage at MPs for having supported a policy that they themselves demanded at the time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mention of Farage brings us to the key. Like Trumpsters in the United States, Faragistes generally change their minds when their man does. Elon Musks call for Farage to be replaced as leader brought us up hard against the reality of Reforms dependence on its founder. Replaced with whom, for Heavens sake?

Musk hints that his preferred candidate is Rupert Lowe, the former chairman of Southampton FC and MP for Great Yarmouth. Now I have a high opinion of Lowe, so to speak. The Old Radleian cut a fine figure in Brussels in his tan suit and silk tie. He is a patriot and a gentleman, and he shone his torchbeam where the Eurocrats least liked it. But no one thinks he has Farages cut-through with voters.

No, Reform exists around one exceptional politician. Farage and I were elected on the same day in the same region, and left on the same day 21 years later. He always had an Everyman appeal. But what I saw grow over those 21 years was his strategic instinct, his ability to look beyond the polls and anticipate what voters would want next.

He was careful to keep his party mainstream. Not for him the Right-on-immigration-Left-on-economics populism of European insurgent parties. He has attacked VAT on school fees and the pushing of wealthy foreigners into emigration. And, to his credit, he has distanced himself from Tommy Robinson  the issue that appears to have turned Musk against him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The one thing Farage has never been much interested in is detailed policy. And, in that regard, he is typical of his supporters. I have lost count of how many times I have had variants of the following conversation with Reform-voting friends:

If you Tories werent such spineless globalists, youd have sent the Royal Navy to return migrants to France.

Boris looked into that, but the Admirals told him it was against the Law of the Sea, and they would not obey an illegal order. How would Reform deal with that problem?

Pathetic! No will-power!

Imagine Farages energy and charisma allied to a party that did the detailed policy work, and that could staff a full government front bench. What might they not achieve together? But Farage says he is out to destroy the Tories and I believe him. This, after all, is the man who insisted on standing a candidate even against his friend Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Can you imagine Farage serving in someone elses Cabinet? As Miltons Lucifer (who gets all the best lines) puts it: Better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven. And after another four years of Labour, hell will be precisely the word.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Just nine days after his inauguration, embattled Clark, N.J. Mayor Sal Bonaccorso resigned from office as part of a plea bargain that also required he plead guilty to criminal charges.

Bonaccorso confessed in court to using township property and employees to benefit his private landscaping and oil storage tank removal company, according to a statement from the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office.

He pleaded guilty on Friday to conspiring to commit official misconduct and forgery, and in exchange, prosecutors will recommend he be sentenced to three years probation and fined $15,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The deal also bars 64-year-old Bonaccorso from holding public office or employment, triggering his immediate resignation just more than a week into his seventh term. He easily reclaimed the mayors office back in November, despite the misconduct allegations and a racism scandal.

His company, Bonaccorso & Son LLC, has also been banned from bidding for any public contracts, entering into any public contracts or conducting any business with the state or any government body. In addition, the company will not be permitted to conduct, or contract to conduct, any storage tank removals for the next three years.

An investigation into Bonaccorso revealed that he used township equipment, including computers and fax machines, and relied on staff to carry out tasks for his company while they were being paid by the township. He also stored records for his business at the mayors office.

Authorities also found he filed a series of forged permit applications across nearly two dozen municipalities, enabling his landscaping company to improperly and unlawfully obtain permits to remove hundreds of underground tanks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bonaccorsos attorney, Robert Stahl, told NJ Advanced Media his client illegally utilized services amounting to less than $200.

Mayor Bonaccorso decided that the best course forward for his health, his family and the town he so dearly loves and has devoted more than two decades to, was to resolve this matter by way of plea, Stahl said.

Bonaccorso previously faced calls for his resignation back in 2022 after he was recorded making racist comments about minorities and sexist comments about female police officers. He apologized at the time but he refused to step down.

Clark is located roughly 13 miles southwest of Newark.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that despite the Kremlin's "willingness" to negotiate with Western leaders, no negotiations can guarantee a sustainable peace with the demands of Russian ruler Vladimir Putin.

Source: ISW

Details: The Kremlin has confirmed that it was ready to hold talks with US President-elect Donald Trump without any "preconditions", but noted that its negotiating position remained unchanged.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On 10 January, Putins press secretary Dmitry Peskov responded to Trump's announcement that he would organise a meeting with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin and said that Putin was open to conversations with international leaders and that "no conditions are required".

Peskov, however, reiterated that the Kremlin maintains its "repeatedly voiced" position on Ukraine, which Putin clearly defined in June 2024 and reiterated during his press conference on 19 December.

In June 2024, Putin demanded that Ukraine replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government under the guise of "de-Nazification" and demilitarisation, and cede significant territories in Ukraines east and south, including those regions of Ukraine that Russia does not currently occupy, to Russia  all of which effectively means Ukraine's complete surrender.

Quote from the ISW: "No negotiations will result in a meaningful or sustainable peace as long as Putin remains committed to these demands  regardless of the Kremlin's willingness to hold talks with Western leaders."

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 10 January:

Ukrainian forces struck a Russian ammunition and drone storage warehouse in Rostov Oblast on the night of 9-10 January.

The Kremlin reiterated that it is ready to hold talks with US President-elect Donald Trump without any "preconditions" but noted that its negotiating position remains unchanged.

The United States, United Kingdom and Japan announced new sanctions against Russia on 10 January.

The EU recently transferred 3 billion (about US$3.07 billion) to Ukraine, the first tranche of EU funding from the profits of frozen Russian assets.

Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Kupiansk, Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Pokrovsk and Kurakhove.

BBC News Russian reported on 10 January that a joint investigation conducted with Russian opposition outlet Medizona using open-source data has confirmed that at least 88,055 Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine since February 2022.

Support UP or become our patron!
Inmate firefighter at the Sunset fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Los Angeles. - Credit: Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Amika Mota was drenched, bone-tired, and shaking after her first-ever pump and roll, a fire-fighting technique where the fire truck creeps toward the blaze as personnel wield the massive hose alongside it. It was just her and five other women  along with the fire chief  against a brutal fire just off of Highway 99 in Madera, California, but they got the job done. I just cant even begin to tell you the physical impact of this, she says now. Were just completely surrounded by this wildfire smoke. Our eyes are just burning.

After extinguishing the blaze, though, Mota wasnt treated as a hero. She and her compatriots showered and changed, but instead of heading home to a soft bed and a hot meal, they were shuttled back to Central California Womens Prison, back to the endless yelling and despair. We did these huge shifts, huge fires, and then we rolled back to the prison and we cleaned the engine, she says. If we wanted to call our families and talk about what happened, thats a collect call on a payphone, right? Theres not much additional support that folks get. And dont get her started on therapy  that would get her disqualified from the program. So after fires and fatalities and horrors, Mota and her friends just had to suck it up.

More from Rolling Stone

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mota is out now  working as an advocate for criminal justice reform  but when she sees the Los Angeles fires on the news, she cant help but think of the incarcerated firefighters working to save the houses, structures, and lives that are currently being destroyed. When I see whats happening in L.A., I think a lot about how inadequate our gear was  hand-me-downs and goggles without functional seals, she says. And shes worried for those incarcerated men and women  the largely unsung folks who battle fires for paltry wages in dangerous conditions. Im getting text after text from people that are talking to folks inside, and it sounds like conditions are really bad, she says.

Amika Mota fighting a fire when she was incarcerated.

As the fires in L.A. rage on, Mota and those like her want Californians to remember that up to 20 percent of the states wildfire force can be comprised of inmates  and theyre essentially putting their lives at risk alongside the LAFD. How do we get Californians to understand we can have volunteers that do this work and do it with pride, and get [them] paid a decent wage to do so? she says. We [deserve a] basic level of dignity and humanity. Forced labor and involuntary servitude is slavery. And I really think that we as a state and country have to deeply reflect on on on that.

Inmate firefighters have been battling blazes in California since 1915, with California prisons and Cal Fire coming together around World War II to officially create the Conversation Camp Program. Those camps enlist volunteers to train to become firefighters alongside traditional crews with the promise of a glimpse of freedom, job training, and, in some cases, good time, which allows inmates to shave time off their sentences. Although the Covid-19 pandemic and prison reform recently depleted the number of folks in the program, per the Los Angeles Times, the state currently has 35 conservation camps with roughly 1,800 participants on hand to respond to emergencies. Currently, nearly 800 of those folks are on the ground battling at least five massive fires  all for $5.80 to $10.24 per day.

The scale of the current tragedy throws into relief what many prison reformers see as the injustice of the current program, which is largely made possible due a 13th Amendment loophole that allows incarcerated people to be forced to work for public and private enterprises for extremely low wages. That loophole remained open following the most recent U.S. election, which saw California voters shooting down Proposition 6, which would have abolished prison labor. As such, inmates continue to fight fires, a job that has the highest injury rates among prison jobs (theyre four times as likely to get injured as traditional firefighters) and pays $0.16 to $0.74 an hour.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Perhaps most galling, however, is the fact that when these volunteer firefighters get out, theyre largely on their own  with their records and lack of traditional training, theyre often not qualified to get jobs in firehouses. When I was inside, they put us on the frontlines, wherever the main fire is, we went to it, says Anthony Pedro, a former inmate firefighter at the California Correctional Center (CCC) Fire Department. When I was released, I was homeless for six months, sleeping in my car. I was very fortunate [because] I was the only one [of my buddies] to eventually get hired [as a firefighter]. The rest of them, they all ended up dying  either committing suicide, overdosing, or they hung themselves when they went to their jail cell because they got caught up again.

Governor Newsom passed a law in 2020 to expunge the records of non-violent inmate volunteers, but job placement is still an uphill battle for many. Pedro was lucky, securing an internship at his local fire department after his 2018 release and going on to secure a job at Cal Fire. As such, he decided to pay it forward, going on to found the Future Fire Academy, which seeks to help out folks like his buddies  providing training, certification, experience, and job placement to former inmates and anyone else who wants to pursue a career in that sphere. It was the culmination of a dream for Pedro, who remembers laboring alongside his comrades under the pitch black sky during the 2018 Camp Fire. It was life changing, he says. I knew that this would be the rest of my life. This would be my career.

Incarcerated firefighter Anthony Pedro

And thats the rub  the inmate firefighting program is not roundly negative. Take an essay in the Marshall Project written by inmate David Desmond, who called it the best prison job I ever had. We were only paid $1 an hour when actively fighting a fire, but the money didnt matter to me because we worked as a team, he wrote. Sometimes we would stay at a fire for two or three weeks, and when we left, people would hold up thank-you signs. People would bring pastries, sodas or sandwiches to us. No one treated us like inmates; we were firefighters.

The issue then becomes how to better safeguard inmates against exploitation  and provide them with a future beyond bars. When I had my eyes on the prize of getting to the fire house or getting to the fire camp, it was such a step-up in conditions, Mota says. And people really value this program because it transforms their experience while incarcerated. I would never want these programs to go away and for incarcerated people to not have access to them. But what I definitely understand after all of these years is that were a commodity. Incarcerated bodies that produce labor for the state of California.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As for Pedro, he just wants folks to remember whos out there right now, working around the clock in the inferno. Its a heroic job, he says. Fires dont judge who fights them. Humans do. Fires dont care. Theyre still going to burn regardless. Theyre not stopping. They dont care whos fighting it.

Best of Rolling Stone

Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to be the first sitting felon president when he takes office on Jan. 21, 2025. However, he won't face penalties for any of the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records he was found guilty of in May 2024. Trump's sentence, which Judge Juan Merchan announced on Jan. 10, 2025, created quite an uproar on social media.

The sentence, an "unconditional discharge," is rare in New York courts, according to The New York Times. But some conservative pundits and politicians on social media incorrectly announced that "unconditional discharge" meant he had been "totally exonerated."

President Trump has been totally exonerated.



There was NEVER a case.



Those who brought these fake political charges need to be held accountable!  Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) January 10, 2025

According to New York State law, an unconditional discharge means that Trump will have the felonies on his official record but will not face jail time, fines or probation for his actions. However, it does not mean that the President-elect has been exonerated, since that would mean finding he was not guilty of a crime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsified business records for hush money payments made to pornstar Stormy Daniels in May 2024, meaning felonies would be added to his record no matter what sentence Merchan handed him. The jury's decision would have to be successfully appealed in order for Trump to be considered "exonerated."

According to NPR, Merchan had already delayed Trump's sentencing several times in order to avoid appearing biased prior to the 2024 presidential election. After the election was decided, Merchan heard appeals from Trump's lawyers.

In summer 2024, the Supreme Court held in Trump v. United States that a former president had immunity for official acts taken while holding office. Trump's team appealed the sentencing, using the Supreme Court's ruling to argue that he was immune. Merchan rejected the appeals on the grounds that Trump's actions were unofficial. So, Trump appealed Merchan's decision to the Supreme Court.

In a 5-4 vote, however, the Supreme Court allowed Trump's sentencing to continue as planned, noting that the sentencing was "relatively insubstantial in light of the trial court's stated intent to impose a sentence of 'unconditional discharge.'" Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney-Barrett sided with the court's three liberal justices, Kagan, Sotomayor and Jackson in the majority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Merchan had previously indicated that he would sentence Trump to an unconditional discharge, according to Reuters. According to The New York Times, Merchan said an unconditional discharge was the "only lawful sentence" he could give and wished the President-elect "godspeed" during his next term in office. Trump continued to claim that he was "totally innocent" and said he plans to appeal the sentence.

Sources:

Bustillo, Ximena. "Trump Is Found Guilty on 34 Felony Counts. Read the Counts Here." NPR, 30 May 2024. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2024/05/30/g-s1-1848/trump-hush-money-trial-34-counts.

---. "Trump Is Sentenced in Hush Money Case -- but Gets No Penalty or Fine." NPR, 10 Jan. 2025. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2025/01/10/nx-s1-5253927/trump-sentencing-new-york.

---. "Trump Loses Supreme Court Appeal to Block Hush-Money Sentencing." NPR, 9 Jan. 2025. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2025/01/09/nx-s1-5252582/trump-supreme-court-appeal-sentencing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Christobek, Kate, and Wesley Parnell. "Five Takeaways from Trump's Criminal Sentencing." The New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/10/nyregion/trump-hush-money-sentencing-takeaways.html.

Cohen, Luc, and Luc Cohen. "Trump Must Be Sentenced in Hush Money Case, Judge Signals No Jail." Reuters, 4 Jan. 2025. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/legal/trump-must-be-sentenced-hush-money-criminal-case-jan-10-judge-rules-2025-01-03/.

Definition of EXONERATE. 2 Jan. 2025, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exonerate.

III, Frank O. Bowman. "Why a Self-Pardon Is Not Constitutional." Just Security, 24 Nov. 2020, https://www.justsecurity.org/73539/why-a-self-pardon-is-not-constitutional/.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kates, Graham. New York Judge Rejects Trump Presidential Immunity Claim in "Hush Money" Case - CBS News. 17 Dec. 2024, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-rejects-trump-immunity-in-hush-money-conviction/.

NYS Open Legislation | NYSenate.Gov. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/65.20. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

Search - Supreme Court of the United States. https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/DocketFiles/html/Public/24A666.html. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

"The Self-Pardon Question Is Coming." Default, https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-self-pardon-question-is-coming. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Trump Addresses Court at Hush Money Sentencing: 'I Am Totally Innocent.'" MSNBC.Com, 10 Jan. 2025, https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/trump-speaks-sentencing-hush-money-merchan-rcna187108.

"Trump v. United States." Oyez, https://www.oyez.org/cases/2023/23-939. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

Turley, Jonathan. "Yes, Donald Trump Can Pardon Himself, but It Would Be a Disastrous Idea." USA TODAY, https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/06/04/donald-trump-self-pardon-constitutional-impeachment-column/667751002/. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

"What Is Unconditional Discharge? Trump Receives Lenient Sentence in Hush Money Case." MSNBC.Com, 10 Jan. 2025, https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house/deadline-legal-blog/unconditional-discharge-trump-sentencing-hush-money-rcna187044.

Updates:

Jan. 10, 2024: A sentence erroneously stating that Trump could attempt to pardon himself in this case has been removed.
The Norwegian government proposed on Jan. 10 to build new bomb shelters and adopt over 100 other measures to bolster civil preparedness amid Russian aggression in Ukraine and rising global security challenges.

Russia's all-out war against Ukraine and its increasingly belligerent rhetoric toward the West prompted warnings across NATO about a possible clash with Moscow in the coming years. NATO member Norway shares a 200-kilometer-long (over 120 miles) border with Russia in the Arctic Circle.

Norway's new total preparedness report instructs the government to ask the parliament to repeal a 1998 decision to halt the construction of bomb shelters and construct new ones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The new shelters will be built in complexes larger than 1,000 square meters. Some will be designed to withstand conventional attacks, while others should protect the population against radioactive or chemical weapons.

The government will also increase the number of Civil Defense conscripts from 8,000 to 12,000 over the next eight years, set up emergency food storages to last three months, propose compulsory civilian service during a security crisis or war, and draft preparedness plans and strategies.

The report was compiled in a "serious security situation characterized by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the war in the Middle East, and the global competition between great powers over military, political, economic, and technological dominance," the Norwegian government said in a statement.

"This is a turning point for Norway's total civil preparedness. We are leaving behind the period we had lived in since the 1990s after the fall of the (Berlin) Wall when the preparedness was based on stable peace," Justice Minister Emile Enger Mehl said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Going forward, we must prepare for a new era."

Other countries in Russia's vicinity have moved to bolster their preparedness in the event of a conflict. Lithuania drafted evacuation plans to relocate a quarter of its population in the case of war.

In light of Russia's war against Ukraine, civil preparedness measures have been under review also in Latvia and Estonia.

Read also: Is NATO ready for war with Russia?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
William McNamara is lending a helping hand after the Palisades Fire.

Ever since the fire broke out on Tuesday, Jan. 7, the NYPD Blue actor, 59 has been documenting its destruction and his efforts to help rescue animals from the additional fires on his Instagram page.

McNamara, affiliated with the animal rescue nonprofit Eastwood Ranch Foundation has been helping with various animal rescue efforts throughout Los Angeles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One of the nearly 100 videos he has uploaded since the wildfires began shows him helping get pigs and goats ready to be evacuated from a farm in Agoura Hills.

Related: L.A. Fires Live: 11 Dead, Officials Say, as Firefighters Make Slight Progress Towards Containment

He also gives a look at peacocks being rescued in another video, as well as horses being evacuated in a separate video.

"Chickens, goats, pigs, peacocks, oh, and we started with the horses," he captioned one of his clips.

In another video, McNamara films himself finding a way into a stable to check for the location of a lost horse, while many other videos also show him helping rescue his friend's cats.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

One of his most recent videos shows him looking for two lost dogs and getting emotional after not being able to find them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This is not good news. I searched the whole area," McNamara said as he showed views of a burnt home.

"It's completely burnt, but I can't find any charred bodies, so there is a slight possibility that they did get out, but this is the house," he continued. "This is terrible. This is really a depressing situation. Now, maybe there's a small chance the dogs got out, and they're out running around, but we were calling for them as well. So this doesn't look good. Very sorry."

Related: How to Help Victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires

Amy Graves/Getty William McNamara attends the Ethos Film Awards Presents "The Power Of Thought" Movie And Seminar at Laemmle Monica Film Center on November 11, 2022 William McNamara attends the Ethos Film Awards Presents "The Power Of Thought" Movie And Seminar at Laemmle Monica Film Center on November 11, 2022

McNamara's face appeared red during the interview with MSNBC on Thursday, Jan. 10, and he confirmed that what looked like a "bad sunburn" was a result of him getting "burned" during his rescue efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Palisades Fire remains the largest fire ravaging Los Angeles County and has destroyed over 21,000 acres in Pacific Palisades and Malibu. It is currently only 8% contained, per the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).



The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME) reported that there were 11 fire-related deaths in the L.A. area, as of Friday, Jan. 10.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11)  An NYPD officer was seriously injured in a crash in Manhattan Friday, police said.

A collision happened at Frederick Douglass Boulevard and West 122nd Street in Harlem around 2:35 p.m., according to the NYPD.

More Local News

The police officer suffered a head injury and was hospitalized in serious condition, police said.

The driver of another vehicle suffered injuries to her face and was hospitalized, authorities said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Additional information about the crash wasnt immediately available.

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.
At the beginning of the meeting, Deb acknowledged the leadership of former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, recognising his efforts in addressing the infrastructural and developmental challenges faced during his tenure.

However, he also criticised the Communist Party, claiming that their governance had hindered the progress of Tripura and failed to adequately serve the people. Despite these remarks, Deb made sure to express respect for Sarkar personally.

The meeting began with Airport Director Kailash Chandra Meena providing an update on the airport's current operational framework and various challenges.

Emphasising passenger comfort and improved services, MP Deb stated that modernising airport services should go hand in hand with improving the quality of service, with special attention to courteous staff behaviour and prioritising the convenience of passengers

Deb also stressed the importance of initiating cargo services by all airlines operating at the airport.

Frequent complaints from passengers were also raised during the meeting, with specific complaints about auto-rickshaw services and parking facilities at the airport. MP Deb directed the relevant authorities to address these issues promptly to ensure smoother operations.

The meeting also focused on other key areas, including evaluating passenger complaints, improving Northeast India's regional air connectivity, increasing flights on busy routes like Delhi, creating an alternative parking lane, and utilizing vacant stalls inside the terminal.

Furthermore, Biplab Kumar Deb also instructed the relevant authorities to resolve issues concerning checkpoints and crossing facilities on the outbound road to the airport.

The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, including West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar, Agartala Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shailesh Kumar Yadav, and other senior officials. (ANI)
This article was originally published in Ohio Capital Journal.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a bill into law that will require school districts to create a mandatory religious instruction release time policy and require educators to out a students sexuality to their parents.

The law will take effect 90 days after DeWine signed the bill.

Ohio lawmakers passed House Bill 8 during the final day of the lame duck session in 2024 and LGBTQ advocates called on DeWine to veto the bill.

Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

State Reps. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, and Sara Carruthers, R-Hamilton, introduced H.B. 8. Supporters called the bill the Parents Bill of Rights while opponents called it the Dont Say Gay bill, due to its similar language to Floridas Dont Say Gay law that passed in 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The bill requires public schools to let parents know about sexuality content materials ahead of time so they can request alternative instructions.

Related

Report: Higher Rates of Depression, Anxiety for LGBTQ Teens Forcibly Outed

It also prohibits any sexuality content from being taught to students in kindergarten through third grade. H.B. 8 defines sexuality content as oral or written instruction, presentation, image or description of sexual concepts or gender ideology.

This bill is one of a few anti-LGBTQ bills that became law during the most recent General Assembly.

This new law strengthens Ohios existing law around religious release time by creating a mandate. Currently, Ohio allows school district boards of education to make a policy to let students go to a course in religious instruction during the school day, but this now becomes a requirement for Ohio school boards.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Parents, not government bureaucrats, should be making healthcare and education decisions for their kids, Center for Christian Virtue President Aaron Baer said in a statement. H.B. 8 protects children by safeguarding parents rights to make important decisions for their children.

Related

Were Here for You: Election-Fueled Calls to LGBTQ Teen Suicide Hotlines Spike

The United States Supreme Court upheld religious released time laws during the 1952 Zorach v. Clauson case, which allowed a school district to have students leave school for part of the day to receive religious instruction.

Religious release time instruction must meet three criteria: the courses must take place off school property, be privately funded, and students must have parental permission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related

Teachers Can Be the Accepting Adults LGBTQ Students Need in Schools

LifeWise Academy, a Hilliard-based religious instruction program, already enrolls students in about 160 Ohio school districts and celebrated the governors signing.

All Ohio families have the freedom to choose off-campus religious instruction during school hours for their students, LifeWise said in a statement.

Two central Ohio school districts, Westerville and Worthington, rescinded their religious release time policy last year. Both districts formerly allowed LifeWise Academy to take public school students off-campus for Bible classes during school hours.

We are especially grateful that any local programs that had been put on hold will be able to resume their growing programs and that communities will now have the clarity they need to provide families with the opportunity to choose Bible-based character education for their child, LifeWise said in a statement.

Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Ohio Capital Journal maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor David Dewitt for questions: info@ohiocapitaljournal.com.
A Toledo man found quite the surprise while cleaning up an old home on New Years Eve.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Walter Castanedo told WTOL, a CBS affiliate in Toledo, that he bought the home in May 2024 for $1,000. He found 10 times that in the basement last week.

I just kind of felt like woah, like huh, Castanedo told WTOL. Because you read about this stuff but you never actually see it. And then when its right there in front of you, its kind of hard to process.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was gutting the basement when he found $10,000 in cash. Most of the money was in five envelopes between two bricks, but he also found a handful of $100 bills underneath bricks where a potbelly stove used to be.

They were black, but you could just make out when I shined a light on it. There were 100s in the corners, Castanedo said.

WTOL reported that the latest bill is dated 1981.

The homeowner said he suspects the money had been stashed in the basement for decades and thought of the others who lived in the home before he bought it. This led him to seek out the previous residents and he eventually found Andrew Aranyosi.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Castanedo told WTOL that he called Aranyosi and told him what he found.

I said, Look, I found something in your basement. I found some money in your basement and Id like to split it with you, he explained.

Castanedo learned that Aranyosi lived in the house from 1946-1967. His father bought it in 1937 and lived there until he died 30 years ago.

Aranyosi told WTOL that he didnt know about the money before Castanedo reached out. He suspects his father hid the money.

The $10,000 I would say my father definitely tucked that somewhere in the bricks or wherever, Aranyosi said.

Castanedo and Aranyosi spit that money 50/50.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He found it; it was his, but to have him call and everything was unbelievable, Aranyosi said.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




Jan. 10Ohio now officially has its own rules regulating the use of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which will allow the state to charge Ohioans who operate drones recklessly, interfere with first responder activities, or commit other flying faux pas.

The regulations come from House Bill 77, legislation championed by Clark County Rep. Bernie Willis, R-Springfield, and approved by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine this week. Once the bill becomes law in three months, the rules will mirror and expand the drone regulation framework already used by the federal government while giving the state added power to prosecute for federal offenses.

"Ohio will now have the ability to prosecute their own UAV laws that mirror federal law," Willis said in a press release. "This legislation doesn't create any new licensure regulations for UAV pilots. It allows Ohio to have local control of our airspace and hold pilots that are operating in an unsafe manner accountable without having to find a U.S. attorney to prosecute. This is a step in the right direction, but there is still more we need to do to protect our airways."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Willis' press release, H.B. 77 specifically forbids:  Operating a drone in a reckless manner that endangers others;  Operating a drone in a way that is prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration;  Operating a drone that interferes with first responder activities;  Operating a drone to record or loiter over or near "critical infrastructure," which can include railroads, T.V. or radio transmission facilities, courthouses, police stations, hospitals, jails, military installations and more, according to the legislature's nonpartisan analysis of the bill.

The bill also authorizes local governments to establish their own ordinances on private drone use in or above parks or other property owned by that local government.

The legal use of drones has been in the news lately after UAVs have been seen over and near military bases across the country, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

------

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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...
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Some Oklahoma families with SoonerCare say navigating the system has become increasingly difficult with hours spent on hold.

My son just had surgery and so we have follow up appointments and I know were going to be doing physical therapy for at least three months, so I dont want to have a gap in my coverage at that point, said MarNee Altebaumer, SoonerCare member.

Altebaumer was trying to keep her sons benefits active after receiving a letter in the mail stating if she didnt submit proof of self-employment benefits would go away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

LOCAL NEWS: SoonerSelect reaches its first 60 days after rollout

I had uploaded whatever I had tax-wise, but it had stated that they were unable to process my information, so Im forced to have to call them at that point, said Altebaumer.

Those calls hit a roadblock.

Had over an hour and a half wait time, and I think that there was over 100 people in queue, said Altebaumer.

The next day she called again and had no luck.

It comes on and it says, we are in training; were not taking any calls, and I got cut off, said Altebaumer.

Altebaumer reached out to News 4 and called again; this time she got an answer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I finally got to talk to somebody who then directed me to a form that I had no idea that I was supposed to fill out, said Altebaumer.

After uploading the form, she was told her case was expedited and benefits would stay, but for others she knows thats not the case.

I know a friend of mine; she just went without services for her kids for over six month, said Altebaumer.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is aware of the long wait times and is working to reduce them.

Were always exploring staffing and work flow efficiencies at the agency, and were also looking at using some new innovative technologies, said Christina Foss, chief of staff, Oklahoma Health Care Authority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One of those is a new callback feature, which nearly 27,000 members utilized last month.

It takes about an average of 52 minutes to receive a callback, said Foss.

Some, like Altebaumer, believe that feature wont help everybody.

If youre busy or some people arent allowed to take calls at work, then thats not going to be beneficial to them either, said Altebaumer.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority receives over 4,000 calls a day and encourages members to use self-services on their website.

The agency also says it has not and will not terminate coverage for eligible members when documentation is submitted on time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A person has been detained after a vehicle slid into a ditch after a brief police pursuit, Memphis Police confirm.

At 3:48 p.m., officers were in the area of Kerr Avenue and Hernando Road when they saw a vehicle they say is known to be responsible for several armed robberies.

Officers initiated a pursuit but the vehicle refused to stop. The vehicle slid into a ditch in the area of I-240 and I-55.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No injuries have been reported but someone has been detained.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
One person is dead and two others are injured after a shooting at a bar in New Bedford.

According to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office, around 1:21 a.m. on Saturday, New Bedford Police responded to the Morna Lounge and Grill, located at 1621 Acushnet Avenue, for reports of shots fired inside the business.

Upon arrival, officers found three people with gunshot wounds. Two female victims were transported to St. Lukes Hospital in New Bedford and underwent treatment for their injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The male victim, 27-year-old Cristiano Macedo of New Bedford was also transported to St. Lukes Hospital but was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital.

The investigation is extremely active and no further information is available.

Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office, New Bedford Police, and Homicide Unit prosecutors are investigating the homicide.

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 man was killed and six other civilians were injured in a Russian attack on Donetsk Oblast on 11 January.

Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office.

   11 , :    Facebook

The aftermath of the Russian attack on Donetsk Oblast on 11 January.

Photo: Vadym Filashkin on Facebook

Quote: "The investigation showed that on 11 January 2025, Russian troops attacked the village of Hryshyne, Pokrovsk district. A 78-year-old man was hit by a munition while he was in the street and sustained injuries incompatible with life. The type of weapon used is being established.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russian forces also launched airstrikes on the town of Bilytske. Early reports indicate that the Russian Armed Forces dropped an FAB-250 bomb on the settlement. Four men aged 40, 44 and 49 sustained contusions, shrapnel wounds, blast injuries and traumatic brain injuries. They were taken to hospital.

Two women aged 50 and 67 were injured as a result of enemy tubed artillery attacks on Kostiantynivka. They were diagnosed with shrapnel wounds and blast injuries. The victims received medical care."

   11 , :    Facebook

The aftermath of the Russian attack on Donetsk Oblast on 11 January.

Photo: Vadym Filashkin on Facebook

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Details: Houses, vehicles, apartment buildings and power lines were damaged in the settlements.

Update: Suspilne Donbas reported that the Russians attacked Bilytske, which is located between Dobropillia and Pokrovsk (Donetsk Oblast), at around 13:38. At least four explosions rocked the town.

  , :  

The aftermath of the Russian attack on Donetsk Oblast on 11 January.

Photo: Suspilne Donbas

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A petrol station and at least two nearby residential buildings were damaged in the attack, and cars parked in the area were burned out.

Support UP or become our patron!
WICHITA, Kans. (KSNW)  A man was seriously injured in a shooting Friday night.

According to the Wichita Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of N. Kansas Ave. just before 9:30 p.m. for the report of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located a male victim with a gunshot wound to his upper right arm.

The victim reported that he had just returned home from the DG Market at 21st and Piatt. While checking his mail at the curb outside his residence, a white sedan pulled up in front of the house. He stated that the dome light inside the vehicle came on, and a male motioned for him to approach. As the victim neared the car, the suspect reportedly pointed a firearm and began shooting. The victim was struck once and fled the scene, WPD told KSN.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

EMS treated the victim at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries. He declined transport and was taken to a local hospital by a family member.

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 KSN-TV.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Bay County Emergency Communications alerted the Panama City Fire Department of a residential fire at 353 N. Spring Ave on Friday morning.

According to a news release, PCFD units Battalion 1, Engine 3, Tower 1, and Engine 1 arrived on the scene within minutes to find a single-story, wood-frame residential structure with heavy smoke and fire.

Aggressive forcible entry techniques and suppression efforts were used to extinguish the fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Florida CFO says state is in best fiscal health ever

One person was placed under arrest by the Florida State Fire Marshal in connection with the fire, officials wrote.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.

The Panama City Fire Department would like to remind everyone to ensure that their smoke detection devices are tested regularly, and functioning properly, and to have an evacuation plan in the event 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 mypanhandle.com.
Agartala (Tripura) [India], January 11 (ANI)l: The Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata, in collaboration with the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, organised a one-day awareness session titled "Evolving Local to Focal - Focus MSME Entrepreneurs" at Hotel Polo Towers in Agartala. The event aimed to explore business opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and enhance their competitiveness in defence manufacturing and exports. The session received support from the Federation of Industry & Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER), the Tripura Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Association of Industries and Commerce. Balpreet Singh, Manager of Aerospace and Defence at Ernst and Young LLP, introduced the session by highlighting Tripura's strategic location near Southeast Asia and its abundance of resources like rubber and bamboo. He emphasised leveraging these resources for lightweight materials needed in defence production and urged the state government to promote innovation in bamboo composites and explore hydrocarbon reserves for energy-intensive industries. Akhilesh Kumar Mishra, Deputy Director General (M and P) at the Department of Defence Production, outlined various initiatives by the Ministry of Defence, including 'Make Projects,' aimed at involving MSMEs in designing and developing defence equipment. He revealed that projects up to Rs 100 crores are reserved for MSMEs, with relaxed eligibility criteria, and highlighted the Defence Offset guidelines, which incentivise MSME participation in global supply chains. S K Majee, Chief Manager at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), urged MSMEs in Tripura, particularly those in the rubber and bamboo industries, to contribute to defence manufacturing through platforms like the Srijan Portal under the 'Make in India' initiative. HAL reaffirmed its commitment to supporting MSMEs through expertise sharing and fostering collaborations. In terms of Potential for Defence Manufacturing in Tripura, Guest of Honour Sabyasachi Debbarma, Joint Director, Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tripura, underscored the state's strengths, including natural resources, skilled workforce, and strategic location. He called for partnerships between local industries, start-ups, and defence PSUs to drive economic growth and employment. Debbarma emphasised utilising Tripura's high-quality rubber for manufacturing tyres, seals, and gaskets, among other defence components, to boost self-reliance in defence production. Shiladitya Munshi, Professor at Techno India University, Tripura, discussed MSMEs' potential to develop cost-effective defence components aligned with the 'Make in India' initiative. He shared success stories, including the development of the 'Sudharshana' hexacopter for border surveillance and paver blocks designed for extreme conditions. He highlighted Techno India Knowledge Campus's role in providing incubation, technological support, and intellectual property assistance to MSMEs. Lastly, in his welcome address, Rajkumar Agrawal, Vice-President of the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Tripura's Industrial Policy 2019 and urged the state government to develop an Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy. He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships, technology transfer, and innovation in strengthening India's defence sector. The session concluded with a shared commitment to fostering MSME growth in Tripura, creating new opportunities in defence manufacturing, and contributing to India's self-reliance and modernisation efforts. (ANI)
(Bloomberg) -- Several prominent tech leaders are planning to attend Donald Trumps inauguration this month, the latest sign that the industry is trying to bolster its relationship with the president-elect ahead of his return to the White House.

Most Read from Bloomberg

OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman plans to go to the swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20, said a company spokesperson. Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg also plans to go to the event, according to a person familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private information. A spokesperson for Meta declined to comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Uber Technologies Inc. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi will be at some of the surrounding festivities, according to the company. Uber also plans to host an inauguration party in Washington with Elon Musks X social media firm and The Free Press, a media company.

Coinbase Global Inc. CEO Brian Armstrong has been invited to events around the inaugural including a presidential dinner, the company said.

The prospect of a second Trump term has raised a new set of uncertainties for the rapidly evolving AI market and the wider tech industry. During his first term, Trump clashed with Silicon Valley on issues such as immigration and online content moderation. He has also previously directed his ire at executives such as Zuckerberg and Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos.

In recent weeks, Meta and Amazon pledged to donate $1 million to Trumps inauguration fund. Zuckerberg and Bezos have also dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. And Zuckerberg has been pivoting his stable of social networking apps to become more Trump-friendly, including by eliminating outside fact-checking and loosening the rules around what people can say on the service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Altman, meanwhile, personally donated $1 million to Trumps inauguration fund after having previously given money to President Joe Bidens 2024 reelection campaign.

I think AGI will probably get developed during this presidents term, and getting that right seems really important, Altman told Bloomberg Businessweek in a recent interview, referring to a hypothetical, advanced form of AI. Supporting the inauguration, I think thats a relatively small thing. I dont view that as a big decision either way. But I do think we all should wish for the presidents success.

Trumps party pledged in its platform to undo Bidens executive order on AI, saying that it imposes Radical Leftwing ideas on the field. With Trumps win, Musk has also gained newfound influence in Washington. Thats sparked concerns Musk could pursue policies that favor his own companies, including his artificial intelligence startup xAI. Altman, whose company is in a legal battle with Musk, recently said he does not think the billionaire will use his political power against rivals like OpenAI.

In addition to Altman, OpenAI President Greg Brockman and Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil also plan to be at the inauguration, according to a company spokesperson. OpenAI also has hired a lobbying firm run by a well-known figure in Trump world, Jeff Miller, according to a filing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

--With assistance from Olga Kharif.

(Updates with Coinbase CEO in the fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
During World War II, the butler of the British ambassador to Turkey was spying on the Allies. As a butler, he had access to the ambassadors files and was able to uncover and copy top-secret information, including the Allies plans for D-Day. Fortunately, the Germans considered him unreliable and disregarded the information.

We may not realize it at the moment, but sometimes a singular incident can have far-reaching effects, setting off a sequence of events no one could have foreseen.

The atrocities carried out at the hands of Irans proxy Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, have proved just such a moment, with ramifications extending well beyond the slaughter and torture of women and children in Israel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As Israel continues to dismantle Hamas, it has also significantly diminished the effectiveness of another of Irans proxies, Hezbollah, closing Lebanons border with Syria.

With Hezbollah destabilized, an opportunity presented itself in Syria. A former al Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, seized the moment (along with other rebel groups) for a long-awaited assault on Assad  securing the fall of the Assad regime within 10 days.

The rebels are now in full control of Syria, and with Assads humanitarian asylum in Russia, Irans complex of regional proxies is substantially reduced.

Like dominoes striking each other  Hamas, Hezbollah and finally Syria  regional ambitions of Iranian influence have been severely undermined.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Iran is at a crossroads. It can either embrace realpolitik through practical, realistic negotiations with the West, or it can roll the dice in its quest to become a nuclear power.

United Nations Chief Nuclear Inspector Rafael Grossi recently reiterated his concern: Iran was increasing its stores of purified uranium and was perilously close to a concentration required for nuclear weapons.

Around the same time, Irans former nuclear negotiator, Mohammad Javad Zarif, called for discussions to resume regarding the countrys nuclear program. Ostensibly, Irans new open-minded president, Masoud Pezeshkian, seeks to engage constructively with the West.

Irans vistas, via its no longer substantial axis of resistance, are at best severely compromised. Will it choose the more plausible path of realpolitik or tempt fate in the face of an emboldened Netanyahu and Trump?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Iran has pursued a less extreme foreign policy with the West before, during the presidency of Ali Rafsanjani  exhibiting a more cordial demeanor. A similar policy could conceivably bear fruit again with Pezeshkian.

The question before us is twofold  will Iran choose wisely? And will Trump give realpolitik a chance to bear fruit, if Iran so chooses?

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Trumps designee for secretary of State, has been quite vocal about his estimate of the dangers of Iran. Sensing Irans weakness, it is possible (via influence from his advisors) that President-elect Trump will accept nothing less than a complete withdrawal from its nuclear program.

It is hoped that cooler and more rational heads prevail in the administration, since much of what drives Irans leadership (religious and otherwise) is respect from the West and acceptance by the Arab League. Thus, Irans leaders are not keen to abandon that upon which the country has staked so much of its effort for respect and power  its nuclear program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yet there remains the possibility (and hope) that Iran will employ a more plausible approach in its discourse with the West  conceivably retaining its nuclear program for domestic use only. This will allow Iran to save face.

Today, Middle East experts agree that China, not Iran, poses the top threat to Washington. Iranians mobilized in numbers for democracy in reaction to the 2009 presidential election. And although history is not a sufficient predicate for defending national interests, let us not forget that, according to declassified CIA documents, it was the U.S. and Britain who denied Iran democracy once before  through a CIA/MI6-engineered coup.

In the absence of Assad, there is little reason for Iran to pursue an alternative (and potentially counterproductive) political nuclear agenda.

Given Israels superior nuclear and conventional military capability, and the anticipated arrival of President-elect Trump, realpolitik is Irans best option  one of realistic expectations and transparency regarding its nuclear designs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If Israel senses that Iran is opting for a nuclear agenda, it will not hesitate (with or without U.S. acquiescence) to eliminate Irans nuclear facilities. (This plan has already been rehearsed for immediate implementation.)

Whats more, Iran is well aware of Israels concerns and capabilities, should it forego a realpolitik (more pragmatic) solution to its political dilemma.

With the right diplomatic overtures from the Trump administration, Iran can be brought into the orbit of constructive bilateral relations with the West.

Several conditions are key to allow Iran and the U.S. to achieve a sustainable nuclear agreement while allowing each to claim credit for success.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Trump administration should reopen talks with Iran via direct negotiations with Pezeshkian  implementing the Non-Proliferation Treaty  to include verification of Irans nuclear program. Iran (as compensation) must receive sanctions relief. As a consequence of this achievement, the Persian Gulf countries should establish a nuclear-free zone in the region as a first step toward collective security.

The U.S. should conclude the effort through further negotiations to foster a comprehensive agreement between the countries of the region to establish (via treaty) an integrated mechanism towards mutual security and collaborative cooperation.

Trumps administration faces an opportunity for immense possibilities  and yet, great peril. Now is not the time for personalities; instead, it should pursue what is in Americas long-term interest: a foreign policy conducive to American strategic leadership, articulated through wise (not personal or convenient) use of economic and political hegemony  one in which a military solution must always remain an option but not necessarily the default option.

F. Andrew Wolf Jr. is the director of The Fulcrum Institute, an organization of current and former scholars in the humanities, arts and sciences.

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.
As Americans prepare for a second Trump term, it seems we are less focused on the prices of eggs, gas and homes and more on Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal.

For many of us, it seems preposterous that President-elect Donald Trump would even float the idea of taking back the canal, using military force to seize Greenland or making Canada the 51st state.

However, what isnt preposterous to most Americans is climate change. Trump seems less intent on combating climate change and more intent on capitalizing off it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With temperatures rising and water becoming scarcer, there will be an increased need for fresh water. Guess which two places have a lot of fresh water? That is right  Greenland and Canada. If you have paid attention, the Southwest United States risks running out of water. As temperatures rise, the scarcity of water can range from California through Texas.

And as we know, it isnt just the U.S. Access to fresh water has always been one of the key indicators of whether a society thrives or fails. From the ancient Indus Valley civilization to the present, entire societies can fall apart if water isnt accessible. The most obvious reason is that where there is no water, there is no food. The worlds food production is already at risk because of water scarcity.

There will be a race for fresh water, and Trump is already looking at securing both Greenland and Canadas before anyone (including Greenland and Canada) have a say in it. Canada has faced mounting pressure from other countries to export water. Trump isnt one to want to compete with other countries when he can just take it.

On the subject of competition, climate change also opens up another opportunity for Trump. Most of us are fearful of melting ice at the poles, but many people are looking at it as a way to make money through the opening of new shipping lanes. For centuries, explorers, traders, militaries and governments have looked into new ways of moving cargo through Northern Canada. It was virtually impossible, but there is a good chance that climate change will open more trading routes in the north. Trump wants to control those lanes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Take that and the Panama Canal and the United States will have total control over one quarter of the worlds hemisphere when it comes to shipping. This would not only put the United States at a tremendous economic advantage but would also give Trump (and future presidents) incredible leverage over China and the European Union.

But at what cost? Adapting to climate change is something we all must come to terms with. There doesnt seem to be any hope that the U.S., EU, China or India will actually restrict their economic output to reduce climate change. As a result, the world will face hotter temperatures, catastrophic weather and a higher danger to its population at large. But there is money to be made, and if there is one thing humans are good at, it is making money off of a problem instead of fixing it.

That is where we are with the next administration. Trump will wax poetic over the military importance of Greenland  and he may even be right about that  and how control over the Panama Canal would keep us safer. But have no illusions that Trump isnt also looking to make money off climate change, even if it means changing the world map to do it.

Jos Joseph is a masters candidate at the Harvard Extension School at Harvard University. He is a Marine veteran who served in Iraq and lives in Anaheim, Calif.

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.
Mark Zuckerberg still doesnt get it. This week, the billionaire owner of Meta announced that he was doing away with fact-checkers in a supposed move towards once again prioritizing speech at Facebook and Instagram. With or without fact-checkers, though, Zuckerberg will still be the one deciding the rules for what billions of people can see and say every day online. Thats the real problem, and no amount of tinkering with his companys content moderation policies will solve it. We need congressional action, instead.

Zuckerbergs latest move comes at a politically convenient moment. Throughout the Biden administration, conservatives complained that social media companies had altered or enforced their content moderation policies to censor right-wing viewpoints. That complaint has now become a rallying cry of the incoming administration, with President-elect Donald Trump vowing to dismantle the censorship cartel.

This narrative of platform censorship has always been controversial, in part because what critics call censorship is, as the Supreme Court said last year, the exercise of the platforms own First Amendment rights to decide what speech they want to promote. Its speech, in other words, not censorship, at least as far as the First Amendment is concerned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, it is true that the platforms have often enforced their policies to suppress legitimate political discussion. There are countless examples to choose from, including pro-Palestinian speech, LGBT content, the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, and, at least briefly, the Hunter Biden laptop story.

While the platforms private decisions to delete or demote political posts are protected by the First Amendment, its understandable that many believe those decisions to be censorial and dangerous to our democracy.

In fact, they are. But not quite for the reason that many commentators, or Zuckerberg himself, seem to think. The problem isnt that the platforms have the power to suppress speech. The problem is that the platforms decisions to do so are so consequential  because of the platforms size.

When a small internet forum adopts a policy about the kind of speech it wants to host, not many people notice. But when a platform with billions of users decides to tilt debate on its services in favor of one political viewpoint or another, that decision really matters, because it has the potential to distort public discourse and to tear at the fabric of representative government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The point is that centralized power over speech is hazardous, whether its the government or private corporations pulling the levers. It leads to a kind of groupthink in our political thought and expression. And it creates chokepoints in our conversations that can be exploited to tamp down on dissent. We should all be concerned, then, that the power to determine what ideas gain traction in our society is now concentrated in the hands of a few powerful billionaires.

Zuckerbergs latest announcement seems to acknowledge this problem, but his proposal is no solution to it. In a video released on Facebook, Zuckerberg said that the social media platforms he owns would no longer rely on fact-checkers in deciding whether to take down or deprioritize false posts. This move, he said, would prevent censorship and reverse the mission creep that has made our rules too restrictive and too prone to over-enforcement.

The problem with Zuckerbergs new policy is that it would do nothing to address the platforms dominance. He will still be the one deciding who can join Facebook and Instagram, and what they can say. And he will still be the one determining which postings to amplify and which to demote. Today, he has decided to permit more political speech on his platforms. But yesterday, he allowed less, and tomorrow he could change course again.

Its crucial to understand that there is no neutral policy for speech on these platforms. Even if you believe that the platforms should allow everyone to say anything they like, someone has to decide how to prioritize those posts in each users newsfeed. And that decision about sequencing is in many ways even more important than the decision about what kinds of speech to allow  because it determines which content actually spreads on the platforms, and because it is largely invisible (and therefore largely unaccountable) to the public.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unfortunately, the real fix for social media is not one that Zuckerberg or any other tech CEO is likely to give us. We need to dilute their power over our speech, but proposals like Metas most recent seem designed only to distract attention away from that fact.

How do we dilute the platforms power? We need regulation. Congress could, for example, force the platforms to be interoperable, so that users from one platform could communicate with users of another. This would allow users of, say, Facebook to talk with users of other platforms, preventing the kind of lock-in that insulates the companies from competition.

Congress could also enact a privacy law that gives users more control over their own data, or it could buttress the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to protect user privacy. Doing so would make it easier for users to take their data to new platforms and harder for the platforms to amass that information in the first place. And Congress could pass transparency laws that would make it easier for journalists, researchers and the public to study the platforms and expose whatever harms they cause.

These interventions would not solve all of the problems of social media, but they would address the core problem of concentration. They would allow for the emergence of many, smaller platforms, which would promote a social media ecosystem that is more diverse and resilient.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With more platforms, we would see more experimentation with the rules for our speech, rather than a relatively homogenous set of amplification policies designed to further enrich a handful of billionaires. A more diverse social media ecosystem would be harder for governments to pressure into submission. And smaller platforms would be more responsive to the needs of their individual users.

To be sure, Zuckerberg and the owners of the other platforms could voluntarily put in place some of these reforms themselves. They could decide to make their platforms more like Bluesky or Mastodon, which already give their users far more control over their experiences online. But nothing about the dominant platforms past stewardship of social media suggests that we should hold our breath any longer. So long as a few billionaires hold onto the reins of social media, well still be living in their world.

Alex Abdo is the litigation director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Millions of Americans saddled with the label of convicted felon are forever reminded of the stigma it brings, given the many collateral consequences that come with it. However, on Friday, President-elect Donald Trump was assured that despite his conviction on 34 felony counts, no such encumbrances would affect him. Trump was sentenced in New York Supreme Court in his hush money trial and received an unconditional discharge, effectively ending this legal matter without any penalty to him.

He is now a convicted felon, but given the likelihood of an appeal and the possibility of its success, not even that label is guaranteed to be permanent. If anything, the outcome of Trumps case puts on full display Americas two-tiered justice system in a way that is sobering, if not altogether grotesque.

The hush money case is just one part of Trumps scandalous portfolio. Hes been found liable for sexual abuse and defamation in civil court; there was a finding of civil fraud regarding Trumps businesses in a case brought by New Yorks attorney general; and he was the subject of two federal indictments and indicted in a state election interference case in Georgia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite that mountain of legal woes, on Jan. 20, Trump will place his hand on a Bible and, for a second time, take the oath that makes him president of the United States.

If Trump escaping punishment feels inconsistent, unfair or even unjust, thats because it is. Nobody else who faces what Trump has would emerge virtually unscathed. Trumps elusiveness illustrates how privilege, power and resources can help a defendant navigate Americas legal system. For example, with U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, he had the privilege, power (and fortune) to appear before a federal judge whom he had appointed.

In terms of evidence, that case, which accused him of holding on to documents he had no authority to keep, was easily the strongest of the four criminal cases he faced. But the overwhelming evidence was neutralized by Cannons overwhelming partiality  and her eventual dismissal of the matter. He had the privilege and power to appeal to a Supreme Court that included three justices he had appointed, all of whom eventually signed on to a historic opinion granting him immunity for official acts without really explaining what an official act actually is.

(He also had the good fortune to have his Georgia prosecution led by a district attorney whose personal relationship with an outside attorney she hired to work on the case led to a complaint that has derailed the case.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His privilege was also on display in the way that he railed against the judicial system and judges. Anybody else would have been found in contempt much sooner.

If all that werent enough, Trump has also had the resources of a legal fund that has been publicly and privately supported to the tune of at least $100 million.

Just a fraction of any of that power, privilege or resources would be enough to change outcomes for the average defendant. The combination of all three made Trump virtually untouchable and simultaneously shows how our justice system can be manipulated despite its supposed impartiality.

Even though hes now officially a convicted felon, Fridays sentencing ensures that the effect on Trump is nil. It is a meaningless bark from a system that has otherwise licked Trumps hand. A sentence that makes Trump a felon without punishing him is a slap in the face to the millions of Americans who dont have his power, privilege or resources. Some of them have been wrongfully convicted and must now navigate everyday life with the difficulties of securing employment, housing, education and credit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Perhaps the most sobering reflection is what this historic moment means for Americans view of our legal system. The judiciary is designed to be an independent, apolitical system that serves to maintain the integrity of the other two branches of government. We pride ourselves on being a nation of laws, and yet weve watched a man brazenly circumvent real accountability repeatedly.

Yet, despite all of this, a majority of American voters decided to send Trump back to the highest office in the land. One could argue that Judge Juan Merchans hands were tied when it came to sentencing Trump, but the voters, who spoke in November, made a clear choice. This brings us to a rather scary proposition: that not only is the system flawed in ways that protect the wealthy and powerful, but also that tens of millions of Americans are OK with that.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The expected release of Special Counsel Jack Smiths report will occur as early as this weekend, albeit without those sections dealing with the Florida documents case. (Other defendants are still facing prosecution in that case.) However, the most glaring omission will be arguably an explanation of how Smith lost this war without firing a single shot in a trial.

After more than two years, two separate cases and countless appeals (not to mention more than $50 million spent), Smith left without presenting a single witness, let alone charge, at trial. It is an example of how a general can have the largest army and unlimited resources and yet defeat himself with a series of miscalculations.

History probably wont be kind to Smith, whose record bespeaks a parade general  a prosecutor who offered more pretense than progress in the prosecution of an American president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Indeed, this report will be one of Smiths last chances to display a case that notably never got close to an actual trial. One-sided and unfiltered, it will have all of the thrill of a Sousa march of a regiment in full dress. We know because we have seen much of this before. At every juncture, Smith has taken his case out on parade in the court of public opinion.

The Smith report will reportedly concern only the Washington case alleging crimes related to Jan. 6 and the 2020 election  a case that was always a bridge too far for Smith.

When first appointed, Smith had a straightforward and relatively easy case to make against Trump over his removal and retention of presidential materials. The case was not without controversy. Some of us questioned the selective nature of the prosecution given past violations by other presidents, particularly as shown by the violations of President Biden going back decades found by another special counsel.

However, the case originally focused on the conspiracy and false statements during the federal investigation into the documents at Mar-a-Lago. Those are well-established crimes that Smith could have brought to trial quickly with a solid shot for conviction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But Smiths undoing has always been his appetite. That was evident when he was unanimously reversed by the Supreme Court in his case against former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R).

In Florida, Smith was in signature form. He took a simple case and loaded it up with press-grabbing charges regarding the retention of classified material. In so doing, he slowed the case to a crawl. As a defense lawyer who has handled classified documents cases, I said at the outset that I did not believe he could get this case to a jury before the 2024 election, and that after that election, Smith might not have a case to present. Smith had outmaneuvered himself.

Then came the Washington filing, the subject of this forthcoming report. It was another vintage Smith moment. Smith played to the public in a case that pushed both the Constitution and statutory provisions beyond the breaking point. He simply could not resist, and he was only encouraged after the assignment of Judge Tanya Chutkan, a judge viewed by many as predisposed against Trump.

In a sentencing hearing of a Jan. 6 rioter in 2022, Chutkan had said that the rioters were there in fealty, in loyalty, to one man  not to the Constitution. She added then, [i]ts a blind loyalty to one person who, by the way, remains free to this day. That one person was then brought to her for trial by Smith.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The D.C. case was doomed from the outset by both a prosecutor and judge who, in their zeal to bag Trump, yielded to every temptation. As time ticked away, Smith became almost apoplectic in demanding an expedited path to trial, including cutting short appeals. After refusing to recuse herself, Chutkan seemed to indulge Smith at every turn. But the Supreme Court failed to agree that speed should trump substance in such reviews.

With both cases slipping out of his grasp, Smith then threw a final Hail Mary. He asked Chutkan to let him file what was basically a 165-page summary of this report against Trump before the election. There was no apparent reason for the public release of the filing, except to influence the election  a motivation long barred by Justice Department rules.

Chutkan, of course, allowed it anyway, despite admitting that the request was procedurally irregular.

It did not work. Although the press and pundits eagerly repeated the allegations in the filing, the public had long ago reached its own conclusion and rendered its own verdict in November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In my view, Smiths D.C. case would never have been upheld, even if he had made it to a favorable jury in front of a motivated judge. As established by the court in Trump v. United States, Smith could not rely on much of his complaint due to violating constitutionally protected areas.

Smith responded to the immunity decision again in typical Smith fashion, largely keeping the same claims with minimal changes. His new indictment was to indictments what shrinkflation is to consumer products  the same package with less content. As in the McDonnell case, Smith was going for conviction at all costs, despite a high likelihood of the case eventually being overturned.

Then the public effectively put an end to both cases by electing Trump.

The Smith investigation should be a case study for future prosecutors in what not to do. An abundance of appetite and arrogance can prove as deadly as a paucity of evidence and authority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ironically, Smith will not be the only special counsel offering such a cautionary tale. The report of Special Counsel David Weiss into the Hunter Biden controversy will also be released soon. Weiss was widely denounced for allowing major crimes to lapse against Hunter Biden and offering an embarrassing sweetheart plea deal that collapsed in open court. Ironically, Weiss succeeded by minimizing his charges (for the wrong reason). In that way, Weiss has one claim that Smith does not: He made it to court and secured a conviction. Indeed, he was about to prosecute a second case when President Biden pardoned his son.

Weisss report will likely only increase questions over his failure to pursue Hunter more aggressively. For Smith, the question is whether he was too aggressive, to the detriment of his own prosecution.

Prosecutions are not the sole measure of success for a special prosecutor. At times, the report itself can be of equal, if not greater, importance to the public.

This is not one of those cases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The public will be given Smiths detailed account of a case that was never brought and would likely never have held up. At more than $50 million, it is arguably the biggest flop since The Adventures of Pluto Nash. The difference is that it did not take more than two years to watch Eddie Murphys film disaster, and the actor did not then write up a report on how good the movie really was.

Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University. He is the author of The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This article is the sixth in a six-part MSNBC Daily series, Meet the Freshmen, featuring six of Congress newest faces  three Republicans and three Democrats  in a series of diverse columns that explore the new members backstories, policies, home districts and where they fit in this historic political moment. You can read the rest of the series here.

Congress new members have arrived in Washington with some positioning themselves to challenge the status quo. One incoming House freshman, Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., is entirely new to politics, having held no previous political office. Since he won his election, he has made no splashy statements or had any media controversies. By all appearances, he seems to be far more interested in legislating than in becoming a social media star. And that could be just what Washington needs.

For Colorados 3rd District, Hurd will surely be a breath of fresh air. The district was most recently represented by embattled Rep. Lauren Boebert, before she moved districts to escape a tough re-election bid made only more difficult by her many public controversies. Hurd acknowledged that his representation of Colorado would be a different style from Boeberts. Specifically, Hurds campaign said he would not engage in the same disgraceful behavior that made Boebert unable to deliver results for [the] district. This is a hopeful sign for Coloradans and Americans everywhere that our days of outlandish political theater are ending.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hurd says he intends to focus on issues integral to his rural district and the whole of America, such as supporting small businesses and agriculture, protecting natural resources and increasing energy development. Importantly, Hurd tends to not lean in hard on culture war issues. He is against abortion, for example, but believes in exceptions for rape, incest and life-or-death situations. Calling himself a constitutionalist, he says hed vote against a federal ban on abortion at 15 weeks  preferring to leave the matter to the states. Instead, he plans to focus on issues of fundamental importance to everyday Americans, saying he intends to be the principled, problem-solving Republican leader that Colorado needs.

On controversial issues such as immigration, Hurd notes his support for reforming our countrys broken legal immigration system while highlighting the importance of securing our nations borders.

Hurd presents a more nuanced conservative position on immigration reform than the brash plans supported by President-elect Donald Trump. While Hurd is in favor of allocating resources to recommence the construction of the border wall, he stresses that these efforts need to be focused on high-traffic areas  which is reminiscent of Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign promises and a sentiment also expressed by his Democratic challenger, Adam Frisch. Importantly, Hurd diverges from Trump when it comes to his views on mass deportations, as Hurd supports these efforts only when it comes to violent criminals who have entered the United States illegally.

Hurd is a native Coloradan living in his hometown, Grand Junction, with his wife, Barbora, and his five children. Barbora is originally from Czechoslovakia, where she grew up under the iron grip of communist rule and eventually saw the fall of the system before she immigrated to and became a citizen of the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hurd and his wife both had humble beginnings that he says led them to appreciate the fundamentals of the Constitution: limited government, individual rights and free markets. This appreciation for the Constitution turned into a career for Hurd, as he went on to study law at the University of Denver and Columbia Law School before he returned to Grand Junction to grow his family with Barbora and practice law. Hurds intimate understanding of the downfalls of communism seems to have inspired his views on both legal immigration and the importance of safeguarding fundamental rights.

Hurds wholesome social media presence  you wont find any ALL-CAPS rants from this Republican  is yet another positive indication that he will not feed into the toxic clout-chasing many of his congressional colleagues indulge in regularly.

While it can be entertaining to watch the social media remixes of congressional members harsh remarks to one another, these escapades slowly tarnish our countrys reputation and international standing while normalizing the poor treatment of our peers. As Hurd put it on his campaign website, Congress has a lot of performers, but not enough doers. For many Americans, it is time for politicians to stop these silly games and act like the professionals they ought to be.

Hurds lack of political background puts him in the perfect position to bring about institutional change to one of Americas oldest institutions. The age of the culture war is waning, and outsiders like Hurd can lead America back to its roots of limited government, individual rights and  most importantly  respect.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
I did an interview with Times Radio in London earlier this week and all interest was focused on President-elect Donald Trumps rhetoric on Canada, Greenland and Panama.

It would be of real and relevant interest to find out how many people in those three countries would like to be a part of the United States of America in some way. I suspect the collective number would be in the millions  surely some polling organization wants to take on that assignment.

As if to encourage them to get cracking, Trump posted multiple times on the subject earlier this week. With regard to Greenland, Trump posted on Truth Social: Don Jr. and my Reps landing in Greenland. The reception has been great. They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen. MAGA. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With regard to Canada  now our potential 51st state  Trump posted two images of North American maps. Both images depicted North America as the expanded United States. No more Canada!

While Trump is clearly having a bit of fun with the whole subject, as with a number of his past moves or policy wishes, there is real genius and logic behind much of the thinking.

Take Greenland and Panama. With both of those countries, there are multiple national and economic security issues and interests that directly affect the U.S. During his press conference from Mar-a-Lago earlier this week, Trump said, We need Greenland for national security purposes. We have approximately 45,000 people there  if you look outside, you have China ships all over the place. Russian ships all over the place. Were not letting that happen. Denmark wants to get to a conclusion, but nobody knows if they have any right title or interest. The people are probably going to vote for independence or come into the United States.

Is the stable genius businessman Trump once again on to something? Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) believes so. He said while on Fox News to discuss the idea of acquiring Greenland, I would never support taking it by force, but I do think its a responsible conversation to have  remember the Louisiana Purchase? I think Alaska was a great deal too.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tens of millions of Americans and people around the world support Trump for a multitude of reasons. One of the main reasons is his real-world business experience. Too many of our presidents have been professional politicians with little or no understanding of the business world. Trump has consistently proven that experience, talent and the instinct to act on them matters.

As someone who single-handedly created a global business empire, Trump has regularly thought outside the box and asked the questions that seem to have eluded others. Sometimes  as explained in his iconic business book, The Art of the Deal  the question is as simple as: Well, what if we just bought it?

Trump and his eye for successful business deals are now trained on countries instead of buildings and hotels. When he looks at certain troubled countries, he seemingly asks himself, Well, what if we just bought it and made it part of the U.S.?

Often in the business world, the most brilliant strategies turn out to be the most straightforward. To Fettermans point, Trump truly does seem to be on to something here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That realization in turn raises a question: What other countries should be on Trumps shopping list? If not to actually acquire or fold in, then at least for situational awareness?

The question is obviously somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but there is a very serious component here. Going back to nations that have direct national and economic security implications for America, what about Cuba? That communist nation is quickly falling apart, but its close proximity to the U.S., combined with the access it offers our adversaries as a staging area against us, still qualify it as a clear and present danger.

Leaving aside the corrupt and failed leadership of that country, again, if we were allowed to poll the actual people of Cuba, I am willing to bet that a massive number would want their island nation to become part of the U.S. right away.

Adding to the list of what ifs, what about the Bahamas, Haiti, Taiwan or even North Korea? Trump being Trump means seeing the world through his eyes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What is he seeing that we are missing? Before your next cruise across the Gulf of America, it may be a question well worth pondering.

Douglas MacKinnon is a former White House and Pentagon official.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Among the many issues facing education today is the lack of personalized educational experiences. The one-size-fits-all approach, prevalent in many classrooms, only exacerbates the idea that students are just another brick in the wall at the end of their educational careers.

Yet, as the future races toward us, it has become clear that this one-size-fits-all approach is failing our kids. The antiquated educational model leaves far too many students behind, exacerbating the gap between the gifted and the average, and leaving behind students who need personalized attention to succeed.

However, the future of education is here. Its not a new row of desks, a new set of calculators or the latest edition of the same outdated textbook  its the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI). For the first time in history, we have a tool that can provide personalized educational experiences to students at a significantly lower cost than a private tutor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tutoring and online learning programs are often praised because they offer personalized experiences, tailored to different learning styles and abilities. But the limited time and resources available to the majority of students frequently get in their way of being able to effectively take advantage of these programs. This is where AI has the potential to be an equalizer for education, making personalized education more accessible than ever.

Consider the many tools that emerged after AIs boom with ChatGPT. Otter AI transcribes conversations into searchable text, making studying easier and more efficient. Cognii creates conversations through an AI virtual assistant so students can learn something specific, get assessed and receive feedback to have a better understanding of how to improve. Other apps like Thinkster give personalized math lessons with AI to improve students capability to spot their mistakes and learn faster. These tools remove the anxiety of asking questions in front of peers, fostering a judgment-free environment for kids to explore, experiment and truly learn. As these tools evolve, classrooms should actively seek ways to incorporate and promote them as supplemental resources.

Furthermore, AI tools are not exclusive to students  they can also aid educators. A few early examples stand out. ChatGPTs Teachers Guide to AI, for instance, showcases ways that AI can be used as an added supplement to teaching, as opposed to a substitute for curricula. MagicSchoolAI can generate personalized lesson plans and assignment suggestions, among its many uses. Curipoid tries to ignite curiosity among students by giving them personalized lessons. Moreover, Gradescope can help educators with the tedious task of grading assignments similar to Khan Academys latest product Khanmigo. In many ways, these tools are showing practical applications that leverage the adaptability of AI to help students and teachers.

What we are seeing is not the replacement of students critical thinking skills or educators jobs by AI educational programs. Rather, whats happening is an effort by private companies to develop tools that enhance and equalize both student learning and teacher engagement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Whats encouraging is that states like Utah are realizing this potential. The Beehive State has taken bold steps to embrace AI by approving SchoolAI as an official software vendor. The app is meant to differentiate teaching among students and have a more interactive approach than in the classroom.

By encouraging transparency, creativity and ethical experimentation, AI can be a resource for growth rather than a crutch for shortcuts. Students can learn to blend their own critical thinking with AI tools, fostering intellectual development while embracing innovation. Teachers, meanwhile, can be empowered to guide this journey, using AI thoughtfully to provide individualized feedback and promote deeper engagement.

States like Utah are showing how to lead responsibly while reimagining what education can be. It is important to realize that many of these tools need improvements and are not final versions but following forward-looking policies. Other states could join Utah in its efforts to educate students at the cutting edge of innovation. The real value of AI in education lies in leveraging its capability to adapt and give meaningful responses so students dont fall behind in their learning process. As technology continues to evolve in education, we should view it as a solution to underlying challenges, not a problem of its own.
The fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the balance of power in the Middle East. The weaponry that American policymakers can wield for that rebalance are not bombs, but commerce.

Washington needs a plan to create conditions for future U.S. investment to stabilize Syria  and to make sure Russia doesnt regain a foothold. If policymakers can smartly and strategically work with American businesses and other partners, the U.S. can blunt Russian influence in Syria and Vladimir Putins plans to project power in the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

It essential for the U.S. to act now. While Russias position in Syria has weakened, it is now likely to double-down on cementing its place in the country. As a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and a signatory to the U.N. resolution that outlines a post-Assad transition, Russia has diplomatic influence in negotiations. Nor has Russia entirely vacated its military bases in Syria. Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrias current de facto leader, noted deep strategic interests between Russia and Syria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia will likely to try leveraging its business ties. After Russias military intervention in Syria in late 2015 to rescue Assad, Russian companies (along with the paramilitary group Wagner, now rebranded as AfricaCorp) gained access to Syrias resources, including energy, phosphates and telecommunications. Russia stands to lose billions in investments in Syria, along with loans to the Assad regime.

Any American plan to counter Russia must start with sanctions. Washington enclosed the Assad regime within a tight network of various sanctions; revoking them all will take years, but discussion is now underway for issuing waivers and licenses to encourage economic development and foreign investment in Syria. On Jan. 6, the Treasury Department issued additional sanctions relief. If early waivers are issued for humanitarian reasons, U.S. officials must ensure Russia cannot take advantage of any loopholes in the sanctions regime, including through use of shell companies and other third parties that can be hard to trace.

The U.S. must also be proactive and go beyond sanctions. Washington can do this by empowering Ukrainians and other partners to help rebuild Syria. Indeed, President Volodymyr Zelensky has already expressed an eagerness to do so. The U.S. can respect the existing sanctions regime while helping to identify what assistance Ukrainians and other partners need to work in Syria in a way that empowers them and shuts Russia out.

Until recently, Russia was the largest provider of wheat to Syria  grain that Russia largely stole from Ukraine. With Assads fall, Russias supplies have been suspended. The U.S., in partnership with American firms, should make sure that Ukrainian wheat reaches Syria. Later on, it should expand that option to other commercial interests, like telecommunications, shutting out Russia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lastly, the U.S. could build a better public messaging campaign, also potentially with help from the private sector, to highlight what America and its partners are doing to help Syria. In previous years, America often did not label humanitarian aid for fear of Assads retribution. The U.S. didnt care about getting credit; it prioritized helping the Syrian people. Now is the time to also start getting credit.

No one should have any illusions. Helping Syria will be very difficult. But the U.S. has been the top provider of humanitarian aid to Syria over the years, with over $17 billion in humanitarian relief since 2011. If the U.S. has succeeded in getting aid to Syria with Assad in control, surely it can go beyond aid now that Assad is gone and Russia (and Iran) are losing sway. Top Russian officials often travel to foreign countries with business delegations. Moscow understands the importance of commercial ties in politics. The U.S. can beat Putin at his own game.

American credibility is on the line. Beyond that, failing to support Syria will cost the U.S. more in Ukraine. American policymakers have long said Russia must not be allowed to profit from Assads war crimes. Over the years, Russian officials cried crocodile tears about humanitarian suffering in Syria while Putin helped Assad bomb his own civilians. Moscow has been able to repeat its crimes in Ukraine on an even larger scale. That will continue unless the price to Russia becomes high enough.

The Russians are currently betting that Washington will simply give up on the Middle East  and the U.S. would lose face around the world if Moscow is proven right. If Russia entrenches a commercial presence in Syria, it will use economic gains to fund its war effort in Ukraine, likely raising the costs for the West, as it would need to give Ukraine more aid in response. Moscow will also use its presence in Syria to build influence across the region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Putin doesnt want peace for the world  he wants chaos. Russia has already succeeded in undermining world trade, destabilizing economies and regimes for its own power. Putin started the largest armed conflict in Europe soil since World War II when he invaded Ukraine. There is no pretending now that the Ukraine war is an isolated conflict.

Yes, it is the Syrian people who must build their own future. Yet the stability of that future would be far more secure with the help of the worlds dominant economic superpower. The U.S. has a remarkable opportunity to regain its influence throughout the Middle East by resisting Moscows attempts to install itself at the center of a new world order. Allowing Russian dominance in Syria will only assure further chaos and war.

Anna Borshchevskaya is the Harold Grinspoon Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute and the author of Putins War in Syria: Russian Foreign Policy and the Price of Americas Absence.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rescue operations continued at the site of the silo structure collapse at a smelting plant in Sargaon, Mungeli. Chattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao expressed his sorrow over the incident, calling it "very unfortunate." "This is a very unfortunate incident. This rescue operation continued for 36 hours...we could remove the silo structure after a lot of effort. Further rescue operations can be now done easily..." the Deputy CM said while speaking to the media. Further, the Deputy CM offered condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that the government would provide all necessary assistance. "Those family members who lost their loved ones, the government is with them and will do all the help possible...probe is underway, FIR has been registered, those who are found responsible, the strictest action will be taken against them..." Sao added. Rahul Deo, the Mungeli collector, said that removing the collapsed silo structure was a big challenge and the work to retrieve the bodies was still pending. Speaking to the media, Deo said, "Removing the silo structure was a big challenge for us...the work to retrieve the bodies is left now...very soon we will do this...we are trying to ensure that the bodies don't get damaged further...so we are moving slowly..." On January 10, a First Information Report was filed against the manager, in-charge and several others following the collapse. Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Navneet Kaur Chhabra said that the FIR was lodged under sections 106 (1), 289 and 35 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). "An FIR has been registered under sections 106 (1), 289 and 35 of BNS at Sargaon police station. Action has been taken against manager Anil Prasad, in-charge Amit Kedia and other managers... Investigation is being done and further action will be taken based on that..."Chhabra said speaking to ANI. According to officials, one injured labourer is undergoing treatment at the hospital and several others have been injured due to the incident. (ANI)
The sentencing of former (and future) President Donald J. Trump in a Manhattan courtroom on Friday was the culmination of a titanic legal saga that tested, and arguably rent, the legal and political structure of the United States. But while one might have expected that such a struggle would conclude with a roar, it instead ended with a quiet whimper. It didnt have to be that way.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had revived the election interference case against Trump after first nearly killing it himself. Originating under Braggs predecessor, Cyrus Vance, the case arose from Trump having paid the adult film actress Stormy Daniels money to stay silent about their sexual encounter so as not to damage his 2016 presidential campaign.

When Vance left office in November 2021, an investigation was well underway and a grand jury empaneled. But when Bragg took office, he appeared to decide against charging Trumpa decision that cost him the resignation of two top prosecutors (at least one of whom openly revealed that his resignation was over Braggs hesitancy).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite that early caution, Braggs office ultimately indicted, charged and successfully tried Trump, securing convictions on 34 felony counts. It was a tour de force display for a storied office. And it was not an easy victory. Braggs office contended not only with a critical witness, Michael Cohen, who carried the baggage of a prior conviction but also with the sexist and misogynistic biases against Daniels.

At trial, Trumps lawyers seemed primarily interested in auditioning for positions in a future Trump administration. They failed to make any real dents in Cohens credibility; their cross-examination of Daniels, replete with ill-willed and bumbling efforts to discredit her, seemed to make the case against their client worse. Judge Juan Merchan did an admirable job of running proceedings and avoiding the landmines planted by Trump. The jury, too, did an excellent job in a case of unparalleled public scrutiny, returning a verdict in the very reasonable time of two days.

Power and wealth create many obstacles in the criminal justice system. Law enforcement is often loath to believe the little people, and prosecutors are often afraid of taking on high-powered and well-funded defense lawyers. But once such a case goes forward and the defendant is convicted, getting to sentencing is a mostly mundane process. Not so here.

The timing was, as the saying goes, everything. Judge Merchan postponed the original sentencing date to allow for arguments by Trumps lawyers about the potential relevance of a July Supreme Court decision creating, for the first time, a doctrine of Presidential immunity. (The relevance of that decision was to raise the question of whether some of the evidence against Trump might have been impermissibly admitted.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In doing so, Merchan set off a series of arguments and re-arguments that delayed sentencing until Election Day was fast approaching. He then delayed it further because of that timing, and further still because Trump won the election. Along the way, he was presented with a mind-numbing array of proposals put forward by the defense and prosecution: among them Trumps oft-repeated request to dismiss the case; a delay in sentencing until after Trumps second term of office ended; even a suggestion by prosecutors to abate the casea process used in some states when a defendant dies before sentencing.

Naturally, this delay also gave Trump time to ask the Supreme Court to enjoin the sentencing altogether which the high court refusedbarelyin a 5-4 vote earlier this week.

Merchans eventual solution to this Gordian knot of his own creation was to announce prior to sentencing that he would not sentence Trump to anything at all. Invoking an unconditional discharge under New York State law, Merchan allowed the jury verdict to stand, Trumps conviction to become final and for the conviction to follow the natural course of appeal: No conditions of release, no probation, no community service and certainly no jail time were involved. Only the mere fact of the conviction survived. Given this, it was no surprise that the sentencing itself was quite muted. Trump was relatively low-keyappearing by videoand Merchan merely wished Trump Godspeed in his next term of office.

This non-sentencing will be viewed by Trump and his supporters as vindication of their view that the case was a non-case, while those who have waited for Trump being held criminally accountable will see it as another example of the president-elect benefiting from a system of criminal justice that favors the rich and powerful.

Merchans decision may have helped him escape the Supreme Court stopping the sentencing all together. But it also raises the tantalizing question of whether a July sentencing would have deprived Trump from further free publicity (and opportunities to rally his supporters) which might have affected the elections outcome. Merchan might have done well to remember that Alexander the Greats solution to the original Gordian knot was not to keep tangling it, but cut through itwith a sword, no less. Merchan should have acted similarly, boldly and swiftly sentencing Trump to an appropriate punishment long before November 5, as originally intended.
As I write this, I am watching the smoke billow up from Altadena, a mile away. Three friends have already told me they lost their homes. I am trying to find my neighbor to deal with a damaged tree in her yard about to fall on my house, but she isnt here.

We are almost certainly experiencing the costliest wildfires in the history of Southern California. We have lost much and will be working to recover for a long time to come. Knowing that in the face of climate change, the title of costliest fire ever will probably not last for very long, we must increase our resilience for this new reality.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from a disaster. Research into how recovery happens has shown that the most important factor in a resilient community is the level of what social scientists call "social capital, the value derived from positive connections between people. The rest of us call this relationships. How connected are you to others in your business community? Or your kids' schools or your faith community? How strong are your family connections? These bonds create community and are the reason and the way we work to rebuild.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: Opinion: In crises like wildfires, Angelenos want to help. We need better coordination

But right now, before we can think about recovery, we are all coping with fear and grief. Our first response to fear is to find ways to avoid the risk. Do I evacuate? Do I try to stay and protect my home? If I have lost my home, where do I go? Im not in the evacuation zone but how do I protect my family from the bad air? But with fear can come a feeling of powerlessness, especially if we are grieving. When we feel powerless, we dont act, and the inability to act increases fear and we may spiral toward depression.

Our social bonds do more than just motivate and sustain us in the long process of recovery. They give us purpose during this difficult time of response. We are wired to avoid risk, but we are more willing to face risk when we are helping others. We stop focusing on our fear or loss and take pride in helping the community.

You can do this now. It could be as simple as texting a friend to let them know you are thinking about them. Offer a place to stay. Volunteer at the evacuation centers. Help at the animal shelters. Make a donation to a food bank or another social service group. Helping others will make the experience manageable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: Containment grows on Palisades, Eaton fire as Brentwood, Encino residents remain on edge

As natural disasters get worse and more common, we will need resilience more than ever. First, we need to acknowledge that the unthinkable must be thought about. Climate-driven extreme events  wind, rain storms and drought  are all becoming more common. Our ecosystems evolved for a different climate from what they are currently experiencing, and wildfire is how those ecosystems adapt.

Second, in the face of this increased frequency of disasters, societys mechanisms for managing and mitigating risk will need to change. For instance, the most common mechanism is insurance  we pay someone to take on some of the risk for us. But as the risk increases, that approach can quickly become unsustainable. We will need to find alternatives, such as the implementation of a comprehensive national hazards insurance program, the way the California Earthquake Authority has managed Californias earthquake insurance issue.

Read more: Column: Theyre using the fires as a political pinata. Please stop

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Major disasters like this weeks fires disrupt so much that they can be an opportunity to rebuild into something better, and we must make sure that our responses strengthen the community. Successful recovery after the last decade of California wildfires was fostered by the early formation of community collaboratives, which bring together organizations such as local chambers of commerce, churches and neighborhood associations. For example, the North Valley Community Foundation, in Chico, distributed philanthropic relief funding after the Camp, North Complex and Dixie fires through collaboratives, so the community organizations agreed on solutions and weren't competing with each other for the aid.

Resilience and building our social capital start with a conversation. Talk to your neighbor, connect with someone new whom you see at your children's school, your place of worship or a nearby restaurant or coffee shop.

For many in Southern California, these 2025 fires wont be why they need to be resilient. But we will have other extreme weather events to contend with, and at some point, we will have an earthquake that will affect all of us. Those who are connected to each other will recover faster and have a reason to thrive again.

Lucy Jones is the founder of the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society and the author of "The Big Ones: How Natural Disasters Have Shaped Us (and What We Can Do About Them)."

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.
On January 1, two domestic terror attacks rang in the new year  and the coincidences were hard to miss.

In New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd of revelers in the early morning hours of New Years Day, killing 14, and died after a firefight with police. He also planted improvised explosive devices around the French Quarter that never detonated. Later that morning, Matthew Livelsberger drove a Tesla Cybertruck filled with explosives outside of a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, fatally shooting himself moments before the vehicle exploded.

Both men had backgrounds in the U.S. Army, with Jabbar serving until 2020, and Livelsberger remaining on active-duty in Colorado following a decorated career in the elite Green Beret special forces unit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both men had extremist ideas, with Jabbar pledging allegiance to the terror group ISIS, and Livelsberger hoping his attack would serve as a wake up call to shock Americans into realizing their weak and feckless leaders only serve to enrich themselves.

Both men had deployed to Afghanistan. Both had even served at the same base in North Carolina.

The twin truck attacks raise the question: does the military have an extremism problem? And if so, what can be done to stop it?

Army special forces veteran Matthew Livelsberger was one of two veterans who carried out a terror attack on New Years Day (LinkedIn)

Those with backgrounds in the military appear no more likely to hold extreme views than the rest of the country.

Thats according to RAND researcher Ryan Andrew Brown, who conducted a nationally representative sample of extremist beliefs among U.S. vets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He asked about their support for a range of ideologies, from right-wing causes like QAnon and the racist Great Replacement theory to left-wing ones like antifa and Black nationalism.

We found that support for those ideologies or for those groups was the same or lower than the overall U.S. population, suggesting that veterans dont necessarily ideologically or group-wise have a disproportionate baseline vulnerability to get radicalized or recruited, he told The Independent.

However, veterans that do hold extremist views are more likely to act on them.

A study from the National Consortium for The Study of Terrorism and Response to Terrorism found that between 1990 and 2022, 170 people with U.S. military backgrounds plotted 144 mass casualty terror attacks, representing about 25 percent of all individuals planning such crimes during this period. That proportion is more than three times the share of military veterans in the overall population.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The study also found nearly three-quarters of these offenders were motivated by far-right extremist groups and movements.

It is not that there are more extremists among the military, Wendy Via, CEO and co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, said.

However, the problem is what this small group of individuals does once they cross over into extremism. The military naturally selects people who are willing to stick to a mission and take on risk. Extremist veterans take these qualities, plus their combat training, and twist them towards terrorist ends.

They have this expertise and you saw it in both of these events, Via said. You saw it with the surveillance. You saw it with the planning. With the recording. With the weapons training. The IEDs. All of that is military training.

Studies suggest veterans dont hold disproportionately high rates of extremist beliefs, but military extremists are more likely to act on these ideas (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

These attributes, plus Americas high esteem for the military, are why right-wing groups and militias like the Oath Keepers explicitly recruit active military and veterans, to often frightening results.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Multiple veterans were present during the 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol, alongside far-right groups like the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, with those trained to protect America becoming part of the mob trying to overturn an election.

The circumstances of the Vegas and New Orleans attacks represent the magnitude and complexity of the threat. Both men had extremely different views and personal circumstances, yet arrived at similarly violent conclusions.

A family member toldThe Independent that Livelsberger was extremely patriotic and loved Trump.

He used to have all patriotic stuff on Facebook, he was 100 percent loving the country, his uncle, Dean Livelsberger, said. 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.

Military members weapons training, planning experience, and bravery all make them more dangerous if they turn to extremism, according to researchers

Just before the attack, Livelsberger had reportedly broken up with his wife, and he reportedly sent a conspiratorial email to a prominent podcaster claiming the recent drone scare above New Jersey was really evidence of Chinese gravitic propulsion technology.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Livelsberger, who once organized supplies to distribute to children in Afghanistan, also appeared to be morally conflicted by a lifetime of service in combat. He wrote in a cellphone note that he wanted to cleanse his mind of the brothers Ive lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took."

Jabbar, meanwhile, also had personal troubles, though family members are still puzzled by his extremism.

The Texas man had gone through three divorces prior to his attack, and was facing tens of thousands of dollars in debt and business losses. His family members said that Jabbar had been Muslim for most of his life, but that his turn to violence wasnt connected to his faith.

What he did does not represent Islam, his half-brother, Abdur Jabbar, told The New York Times. This is more some type of radicalization, not religion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The military has taken some encouraging steps to head off future violence, like the Biden administration launching extremism studies in the military and Department of Homeland Security, and the Marines and Army adopting new reporting rules and training for service members about off-limits extremist activities.

Still, according to Via, plenty more can be done, and MAGA Republicans seem intent on rolling back much of the partial progress thats been made.

Donald Trump has vowed to go after woke generals, and has suggested a defense secretary pick accused on extremism himself (AP)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Via pointed to a counter-extremism working group inside the Defense Department that has steadily lost funding until it was completely gutted in this years National Defense Authorization Act. The cuts were a victim of the rights push to root out any sort of focus on identity or politics within the military, under the banner of ending the armed forces alleged turn towards wokeness, Via believes.

It is a result of the MAGA Republicans complete commitment to eradicating DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] and wokeness, even though wokeness is not a thing, she said. Its just a word they use to describe a bogeyman. Its just a term that has been very successfully used to describe a problem that does not exist.

The military, in fact, has a long history of leading the way on social progress, racially integrating in the 1940s, two decades before the landmark legislative advances of the civil rights movement. It is now more diverse than the U.S. population itself, and this positive exposure to people from a variety of backgrounds may actually help deradicalize people, according to Brown, the RAND expert.

At the same time, more than one-third of all active-duty troops, and more than half of minority service members, told a MilitaryTimes poll in 2020 they had personally witnessed white nationalism or other forms of ideologically-driven racism in the ranks.

Trump defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth is accused of calling for the death of all Muslims and having extremist, Crusader-inspired tattoos (Pete Hegseth/ Instagram)

Despite this complicated reality, the incoming Trump administration seems unlikely to pursue the kind of research and funding experts argue would help tackle extremism, minimizing the nature of the threat at some times, and describing it in highly politicized and often inaccurate ways in others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After the New Orleans attack, Trump almost instantly linked the killing to immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, even though the attacker was later revealed to be a veteran and U.S. citizen.

Prior to the massacre, Trump vowed to set up an anti-woke task force to monitor U.S. generals, while Trump administration defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth is accused of drunkenly shouting kill all Muslims while president of a veterans group, allegations on which he has declined to comment.

In 2021, Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran, was barred from participating in President Bidens inauguration because a military officer was concerned Hegseth had tattoos of a Crusaders cross and the motto Deus Vult, symbols popular with right-wing militias.

Brown, the RAND researcher, said he sees a troubling lack of introspection from politicians and commentators when it comes to veterans extremism. Some seem to only acknowledge it when it comes from someone with a different identity or ideology than their side of the political spectrum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its really unfortunate, he said. Everyone is waiting to see what the race and identity of the attacker is and hoping its not their side. If it is their side, then its a false flag.

While officials may not be willing to confront the problem head-on, its only a matter of time before the next plot begins.
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV)  In a successful undercover operation, the Oshkosh Police Department rescued a female victim of human trafficking and arrested a suspect linked to trafficking activities across multiple states.

According to a Facebook post from the Oshkosh Police Department, the operation is part of the departments ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking.

The post states a detective with the Oshkosh Police Department uncovered information indicating that the female victim was staying at a local hotel and was involved in trafficking activities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New year, new career: First Responders in northeast Wisconsin are ready to hire

Shortly after observing a male subject leaving the victims hotel room, the post states that an undercover officer made contact with the woman. The officer then approached the suspect, who initially resisted arrest. Following a brief struggle, the suspect was taken into custody.

Oshkosh PD reported that a 32-year-old man, originally from Texas, was found in possession of a stolen firearm and a large quantity of illegal drugs. Authorities say they later discovered a second firearm and more drugs in the hotel room.

The suspect has ties to Texas and Colorado but has no known connections to Oshkosh or Wisconsin, and he has a lengthy criminal history.

Image courtesy of Oshkosh PD

Further investigation revealed that the suspect had been forcing the victim to engage in human trafficking for several months. Officials say during that time, the woman was subjected to fear and manipulation while being transported across several states. The pair eventually arrived in Oshkosh, where the victim was rescued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The suspect is currently being held at the Winnebago County Jail and faces multiple felony charges, including Human Trafficking, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and various counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver controlled substances such as methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.

Suspect arrested, charged in connection to officer involved shooting in Wisconsin

The Oshkosh Police Department says they are working closely with local advocacy groups to reunite the victim with her family and ensure she receives the necessary resources to begin her recovery. Authorities highlight the importance of providing ongoing support to trafficking survivors as they transition away from this lifestyle.

Anyone with information about this case or other trafficking activities is encouraged to contact their local police department or use Crime Stoppers to report tips anonymously.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No further information has been 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.
Jan. 11WASHINGTON  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has denied a request from sportsmen's groups to remove gray wolves in the Western Great Lakes region from federal protection under the Endangered Species Act and downlist West Coast wolves to "threatened" status.

The Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation, along with the Michigan Bear Hunters Association, the Upper Peninsula Bear Houndsmen Association and the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association filed two separate petitions with the FWS in June 2023 seeking to delist the Western Great Lakes distinct population segment (DPS) of gray wolves and downlist the West Coast wolf population segment, arguing that wolves had surpassed federal recovery goals.

The Western Great Lakes DPS includes wolves in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Based on our review, we find that the petitions do not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petition actions may be warranted," the FWS wrote in its ruling.

The federal ruling drew praise from wolf advocacy groups and criticism from the Sportsmen's Alliance.

"The petitions ignored the best available science, which really demonstrates that wolves must be federally protected," Amanda Wight, senior program manager of wildlife protection for the Humane Society of the United States, told Wisconsin Public Radio. "If federal Endangered Species Act protections are taken away, states will almost certainly move to open trophy hunting and recreational trapping seasons."

Todd Adkins, senior vice vice president at the Sportsmen's Alliance, accused the Biden Administration of playing politics in its ruling.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"These denials couldn't provide a clearer representation of what every day Americans have come to loathe from a federal government that plays politics instead of addressing their needs," Adkins said in a statement. "Our petition to delist Great Lakes wolves is bulletproof, and the agency recognizes that. Yet, the administration couldn't stomach making the correct decision, so they used smoke and mirrors to carry on the illusion that gray wolves still need ESA protections.

"This isn't over, not by a long shot," he added.

Minnesota has an estimated population of 2,919 wolves, based on results from the most recent survey during the winter of 2022-2023. Wolves are listed as "threatened" in Minnesota and "endangered" in Wisconsin and Michigan.

ST. PAUL  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has scheduled a webinar for 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, to provide information and take input on the midpoint review of its white-tailed deer management plan, which took effect in 2018 and continues through 2028.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The DNR is conducting the midpoint review to assess progress on goals, objectives and strategies put forth in the 10-year plan, which includes 15 performance metrics and associated targets.

The DNR's deer management to date "shows numerous accomplishments and work that remains before some goals and metrics are met," the department said in a news release.

"This is a good opportunity to assess our progress toward the eight goals in the deer plan, identify what is going well and where more work is needed," Barb Keller, DNR big game program leader, said in a statement. "This midpoint is also a great time to decide what work we should focus on over the next phase of the plan implementation."

Among the achievements identified in the review, the DNR revised deer population goals in all deer permit areas through a four-year process, expanded the youth deer season statewide, established a public deer advisory committee, sampled more than 70,000 deer for chronic wasting disease, acquired 28,000 acres of public land dedicated to hunting and managed a total of nearly 370,000 acres of public land to benefit deer habitat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Metrics not yet met include having deer populations in 75% of deer permit areas within deer population goal range, achieving an annual target of 200,000 deer harvested each season, communicating about the deer hunting regulations significantly earlier in the year and eliminating core areas of disease in the wild deer population.

"As we consider what's accomplished so far, we are hoping people will review our recommendations for the next phase of the plan and share their thoughts on how they think the midpoint assessment has characterized deer management since 2018," Keller said. "Importantly, the plan also contains a look at what's changed in deer management since the plan was adopted, and we will need public awareness and participation on those issues as well."

The documents and a link to the webinar are available on

DNR website

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

at

mndnr.gov/deerplan

. Public comments may be submitted online, emailed to Big.Game.Program.DNR@state.mn.us or sent by mail to Minnesota DNR/Barb Keller, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN, 55155.

WASHINGTON  President Biden on Saturday, Jan. 4, signed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a comprehensive package of outdoor recreation legislation that includes several components, such as the Every Kid Outdoors program, Outdoors for All Act, Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act and Military Veterans in Parks Act.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill in April, and the Senate passed the bill Dec. 19, setting the stage for Biden's signature.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The legislation:

* Extends the popular free park pass program for fourth grade students and their families.

* Expands opportunities for outfitters and guides to take people out on public lands and waters.

* Respects tribal sovereignty by allowing Tribal nations to directly apply for federal conservation funding.

* Eases financial burdens to local organizations seeking federal conservation grants.

* Makes permanent a federal grant program that establishes and improves parks and green space in communities that have no or limited access to outdoor recreation.

"The EXPLORE Act is a milestone achievement to ensuring that outdoor recreation  a major driver of the U.S. economy  is accessible, inclusive and representative of all people," Paul Sanford, director for Equitable Access Policy at The Wilderness Society, said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

BISMARCK  The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department encourages people to join the

2025 Hiking Challenge

on the OuterSpatial app and explore North Dakota's trails throughout the year.

Every hike people enter on the app qualifies for an end-of-year gift card drawing. Participants also should watch for pop-up challenges tied to holidays and special hiking events.

"We'll be adding more trails in communities across the state as the year goes on, so there's always something new to explore," the department said in a news release.

Participants can begin the challenge at any time. Simply download the app, join the challenge and check in to trails. The app allows users to track their progress, connect with fellow hikers and compete for a spot at the top of the leaderboard, earning digital badges as they go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The OuterSpatial app also offers info on state park locations, events and points of interest. Find more 2,200 miles of trails mapped and ready to explore across North Dakota.

More info:

parkrec.nd.gov.

* Turkey hunters have through Friday, Feb. 21, to apply for turkey hunting permits for the A spring hunting season in Carlos Avery or Whitewater wildlife management areas, the Minnesota DNR said in a news release. There will be 30 permits available for Carlos Avery WMA and 150 permits for Whitewater WMA. While a license is required for all seasons, hunters do not need a permit to hunt Carlos Avery or Whitewater WMAs during the B, C, D, E or F seasons. In addition, this year a permit will no longer be required for firearms hunters during any season to hunt Mille Lacs WMA, but a license is still required. Turkey licenses will go on sale in early March for several hunting seasons from mid-April to the end of May, with the A season kicking off on Wednesday, April 16. Info:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

mndnr.gov/hunting/turkey

.

* The 2025 Minnesota state park vehicle permit sticker and collectable mug features George H. Crosby Manitou State Park in northeast Minnesota. The park also celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025. The year-round permit, which is applied to a vehicle windshield, is valid for all 73 state parks and recreation areas in Minnesota. The permit costs $35 and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Permits can be purchased online at

mndnr.gov/permit

or in person at state park ranger stations during open office hours. Visitors should check individual

park websites

at

mndnr.gov/park-list

for office hours.

* The DNR State Forest Nursery is seeking individuals to collect black spruce and jack pine cones this winter. The seeds are vital for reforesting thousands of acres each year, but the number of collectors has declined in recent seasons, creating a need for new participants. Cone collectors will receive payment for high-quality cones. Currently, a bushel (about 9 gallons) of healthy, viable black spruce cones fetches $100 and jack pine cones are worth $30 per bushel. Drop-off stations accepting jack pine and black spruce cones include Baudette, Bemidji, Cloquet, Deer River, Hibbing, Littlefork, Orr, Tower, Two Harbors, Warroad and the State Forest Nursery near Akeley. More info:

mndnr.gov/forestry/nursery/collection-map.html

.
Pennsylvania voters weathered a contentious presidential election last year, casting ballots for the nations top post and other critical positions in the commonwealth.

2024 election: Pennsylvania Democrats retain state House majority, holding off red wave

But this year will bring another round of races, this time for judicial seats, municipal positions and school board posts.

Here are some dates to keep in mind:

Whats the last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania in 2025?

To cast a ballot in the primary, commonwealth residents will have to register by May 5. The cutoff is Oct. 20 to participate in the general election.

Whats the deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot?

Voters have until May 13 to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot for the primary election. For the general election, Oct. 28 is the final day to apply.

When is Election Day in Pennsylvania in 2025?

The primary is on May 20, and the general election will take place Nov, 4. Mail-in and absentee voters have until 8 p.m. on each of these dates to return their ballots to election officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More information about 2025 election dates is available in a calendar published by the state department.

Bethany Rodgers is a USA TODAY Network Pennsylvania capital bureau investigative journalist.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: 2025 elections key dates in Pennsylvania
Ben Jacobs had just moved to a home in Pacific Palisades on Jan. 1, with his wife and 10-month-old daughter.

They had lived in Venice for more than three years and planned on embarking on a new chapter living on the Alphabet Streets. They had just spent the last week unpacking, organizing and getting settled in their new home. On Tuesday around 10:45 a.m., Jacobs was at work when he got a text from his nanny, telling him there a large smoke cloud in his backyard.

Read more: A week after L.A. firestorms began, winds still pose danger as scale of loss becomes clearer

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He told his nanny to evacuate their home with their daughter and meet them in Santa Monica at a Whole Foods parking lot. The family evacuated with nothing except for the clothes on their backs. They then learned from a neighbor, who had taken a video of their home burning to the ground, that they had lost everything.

Jacobs wife lost her wedding dress and a bracelet she got from her great-grandmother. He lost items from his grandfather who was in the military in World War II.

They lost art and wine they'd collected over the years.

Just basic things you come to love because theyre your own and now theyre gone, he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The couple had been excited to move to the Palisades, because it had a neighborhood feel. There were kids playing on the streets, schools and parks and everything was walkable.

Our whole world got taken from us in a couple days, Jacobs said. That neighborhood wont be the same for another five to 10 years, if not ever. Its hard to think of where in L.A. we can live in the future that could replicate that feeling.

Friday was a day of heartbreak in the fire zone, where residents tried to see what was left of their town.

Sunset Boulevard was more like a ghost town with the homes and businesses in their final state of ruin, no longer smoldering. The sky had cleared for the first time since the fire erupted and the obliterated streets and car husks were made even jarring by their bright blue backdrop.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There were few signs of the residents who called the neighborhood home  many of who were frantically trying to get in at the checkpoint a mile away.

Read more: 'We dont know half of it.' L.A. firestorm death toll expected to rise as searchers go door to door

But the area was still cordoned off with law enforcement keeping a tight grip on who could enter.

One couple said theyd managed to get in on foot from Santa Monica, but for the most part, the destroyed streets were barren. Only first responders and news crews moved up and down the main thoroughfare.

Worried Palisades residents lined up at the foot of Chautauqua Boulevard on Friday afternoon waiting for their first look at their homes since the fire had devastated their neighborhood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Residents are still not allowed into the area on their own. But a police car was slowly escorting residents, a few at a time, into their homes. Some had no idea what awaited them.

Others knew their homes had been destroyed and just wanted to see what they could salvage.

"Were going through the rubble and see if theres anything left  any mementos, said Whitney Farrer, 28, who grew up in the Palisades.

She said her parents had fled without anything sentimental, thinking they would be able to return the next day.

Her fiance, Kyle Warner, who also grew up in the Palisades, said his family had done the same. Hed seen photos of the home he was about to look at. It looked like a Buddah statue was all that remained. He was hopeful some heirlooms would be there too.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Evan Bishton, 29, had been standing in line for an hour and a half waiting to go up to his familys home to get medication for his 78-year-old father.

Read more: Los Angeles has never seen this level of destruction: 'Everything is burned down'

He, too, had a sense of what he would see there. It seemed like the family home he grew up, which he could spot from the roadside, "was in good shape.

"The smoke is clear enough to where I can get these little glimpses from a distance, he said.

But he already knew the apartment building he lived in was gone after being sent photos from a journalist friend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Obviously it sucks, but like I feel like I lost less compared to these people, Bishton said, gesturing to the line of people. So I feel for them more than anything.



Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
At least 20 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip over the past day, the Palestinian territory's civil defence agency said Saturday.

In Gaza City alone, nine Palestinians were killed in multiple attacks, a spokesman for the Hamas-controlled agency told dpa.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not provide immediate comment. It regularly stresses that it is taking measures to protect civilians in the fight against the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The IDF did say earlier on Saturday that it conducted an airstrike that destroyed a Hamas command post in a former school complex in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.

There were no reports from the Israeli side of killed or injured Hamas fighters or other casualties.

But the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported, citing Palestinian sources, that at least eight people were killed in the attack on the complex, including women and children.

WAFA said refugee families had found shelter in the former school.

The Israeli military described the attack as a precision strike and said measures had been taken beforehand to limit the risk of harm to civilians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In another incident in Jabalia, three armed fighters were killed after they were spotted by a drone leaving a tunnel shaft, according to the Israeli military.

Rescuers hampered by fuel, spare parts shortages

Fire and rescue services in embattled Gaza are only partially operational, the local civil defence authority said on Saturday.

Some of the emergency vehicles in the cities of Gaza and Khan Younis are no longer running because there are no spare parts to maintain them, according to a statement from the Hamas-controlled authority.

Spare parts warehouses and workshops have been destroyed in the course of the war by Israeli airstrikes, it said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition, a severe fuel shortage has rendered more than half of the rescue service vehicles in the Gaza Strip non-operational, it said.

The Civil Defence appealed to regional and international humanitarian organizations to urgently bring spare parts and equipment to Gaza so that the emergency services transport can be maintained.

The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, that saw Palestinian militants kill some 1,200 people and abduct another 250 to the Gaza Strip.

Israel responded by pounding Gaza with airstrikes and sending ground troops into the sealed-off coastal territory with the stated aim of defeating extremist group Hamas, which had controlled Gaza until then.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Saturday, the Hamas-controlled health authority announced that more than 46,537 people have died in the Gaza Strip so far. It said that it had increased the total number of those killed by 499 people after completing the data and confirming the identities in outstanding cases.

The figures cannot independently verified and do not differentiate between civilians and fighters.

At the end of last year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the military had so far "killed almost 20,000 terrorists" in the Gaza Strip - a claim that is also impossible to confirm.
(PALMER LAKE, Colo.)  Palmer Lake Mayor Glant Havenar posted an update on social media regarding the Buc-ees annexation process that is currently underway, arguing that a previous Board of Trustees meeting was in compliance with Colorado statutes and reassuring locals that the decision whether the land is eligible to annex is only the first step in a long, detailed process.

In the social media post, Mayor Havenar asserted that she and the Board of Trustees will not be intimidated or threatened by activist groups and would continue to attend to the annexation process legally and with due diligence.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Board votes Buc-ees is eligible to annex land

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An accompanying press release from the Mayor and the Board of Trustees addressed some community allegations concerning a Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 12. Some locals had claimed that certain attendees were not allowed to speak, people were not allowed in due to capacity, and could not hear the meeting, and that the meeting was unsafe due to crowding.

However, the Board addressed these claims, stating that staff ensured the capacity of the meeting was capped at a safe level, and said that all public comments that were submitted to the Board of Trustees were received. The Board added that a live stream of the meeting was provided to those outside as it was happening.

No one was prevented from speaking on the issue of eligibility, the Board said in the press release.

The press release also addresses the proposal of a complaint being filed with the Colorado Attorney General, though the press release states that no such complaint has been received. FOX21 News reached out to Attorney General Phil Weisers office concerning the alleged complaint, and received the following statement:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is a local zoning matter and there is no state law that authorizes the attorney general to intervene. Spokesperson for Attorney Generals Office

The press release reminded the community that the determination of eligibility for annexation was only the first step in a long process. The Board intends to proceed in a prudent and fully informed manner, in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and undertaking some investigations that go beyond what is required by statute, the Board said.

According to the Board, no decision on whether to officially annex the land has been made, and such a decision will not be made until all independent studies have been completed and all public input has been gathered. Three studies are being conducted on the possible annexation, which include:

A study analyzing the fiscal impacts of the proposed annexation and development

A study considering the ability of the Towns water rights and water system to support such a development and the public improvements that might be required

A study to analyze the anticipated traffic impacts of the proposed development and roadway improvements that would be needed

The results of these studies are not expected until February, the Board said, so no decisions will be made until those results are received and reviewed.

This process will also include negotiating an agreement with the developer setting forth the rights and obligations of the Town, and the developer, if the annexation is deemed to be beneficial to the Town, the Board said. Finally, the process will include obtaining a clear understanding of what the proposed Buc-ees development would look like before any annexation is agreed to.

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 FOX21 News Colorado.
The Detroit Auto Show's Charity Preview went well Friday night. But there was one big hiccup: coat check.

The coat check line took hours, attendees said. As police stepped in to assist employees with coat returns, some people even lost their jackets  some made of expensive fur  and others lost their tempers.

The charity preview is an annual feature of the show that hosts high-profile stakeholders in government, nonprofits and the auto industry. The event, which many refer to as "auto prom," emphasizes high fashion. So, with the show returning to January after experimenting with shows in summer and fall, attendees dressed warmly. Of course, they brought coats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lots of them.

Public days: New cars, old cars and obstacle courses: 2025 Detroit Auto Show opens for public show

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a former Michigan State representative and a member of the Detroit School Board, was in attendance. She called the coat check situation "pandemonium."

With police officers shouting, people crowded around the coat check desk, clamoring for their belongings. Workers hadn't been putting coats on racks in any particular order, which added to the confusion.

"It didn't seem to be a system. I didn't see any signs. There was no organization," Gay-Dagnogo said, adding that she waited nearly an hour to retrieve her coat and boots.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I was so done. I couldn't believe it. My phone had died. I had no coat. I put my boots in my sleeves so I had no shoes," Gay-Dagnogo said. "I had a friend that came to pick me up. He was frustrated because the police were telling them to circle around. He's asking me, am I coming out? I'm like 'I can't come out. I don't have a coat! I don't have shoes!'"

Don't miss these: 16 must-see vehicles at the Detroit Auto Show

Gay-Dagnogo said initially she was impressed by the customer service at the coat check when she dropped her belongings off. She said she met a young woman named Shay with whom she was so impressed she asked for her name.

"When I came back, I didn't see Shay," Gay-Dagnogo said, laughing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"People were just waiting there so perplexed, confused, annoyed and it was just it was mayhem," Gay-Dagnogo said. "But it's so sad because it was such an amazing event."

The charity event, Gay-Dagnogo said, was lovely. The coat check fiasco was a small stain on an overall bright night.

"Despite the chaos, I mean, it was a great event," Gay-Dagnogo said. "But I don't know who's in charge of the coat system. They need to have a meeting ASAP to review what happened."

She added one more thing:

"I do have to give a shoutout to Shay," Gay-Dagnogo said. "She was a sweetheart when I first met her. We need more Shays out there."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Following the publication of this story, Bryan Crowe, the CEO of Huntington Place, said the coat check experience fell far short of the high standards of service we are committed to providing at Huntington Place."

They've made immediate changes, Crowe said, so that more congestion doesn't happen as the auto show continues, and they're working to return any abandoned items to their owners.

"We are actively addressing the situation to ensure that all items are securely returned to their owners and have implemented immediate operational improvements to prevent this from happening again. Huntington Place remains dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience for all guests.

(This story has been updated with additional information.)

News reporter Liam Rappleye can be reached at LRappleye@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Auto Show coat check becomes chaos
The incident reportedly occurred around 12 am Gogi was rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC), where he was declared dead.

Speaking to the media, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskaran Singh Teja said, "As per the family members, he shot himself accidentally and sustained bullet injuries to his head. Gurpreet Gogi was declared dead at the hospital, his body has been kept at the mortuary in the DMC hospital."

Additionally, the DCP mentioned that the cause of death would be determined once the post-mortem report is received.

"Cause of the death will be clear once the post-mortem reports come.." the DCP further added.

The incident occurred around midnight, and the MLA was declared dead upon arrival at DMC hospital, according to officials.

"The incident happened around midnight, and he was declared dead when he was brought to the DMC hospital..." said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskaran Singh.

Further investigations are underway.

Gogi joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2022 and defeated two-time former Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu during the Ludhiana assembly elections. (ANI)
Everyone knows California is disaster-prone, but theres a familiar logic to the calamitous geography in this high-maintenance beauty of a state.

Wildfires are supposed to be in the hills  in the wild  not on the beach, and certainly not inside the borders of one of the biggest and best-prepared cities on the planet.

The devastation from the Palisades fire extends for miles along Pacific Coast Highway. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

But the fire that tore through coastal urban Pacific Palisades this week was driven by the kind of unholy wind speeds typically confined to high mountain passes or the crest of the Sierra Nevada. Astonishing gusts of 70 to 80 mph blew all of those preconceived notions away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I never thought wed have to evacuate, because were so far away from the mountains, said Denise Weaver, who lives on a bluff overlooking dozens of burned houses on the Pacific Coast Highway. She struggled to find words to describe the tragedy, and the irony, of friends losing everything to fire on the edge of the worlds largest water source.

Were, like, 100 feet from the Pacific Ocean, Weaver said. Its just nuts.

What amounted to a flaming hurricane erased all of the presumed safety advantages of fighting a fire in a well-equipped city.

The small air force of nearby tanker planes and helicopters was grounded. Powerful streams of water from a veritable traffic jam of firetrucks were snatched by the wind and carried away as mist. And with so much sudden demand on the citys water system, hydrants quickly ran dry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At that point, all of the affluence, urbanity and privilege in the world wasnt much good. Desperate residents might as well have been alone on a remote, flaming mountainside.

Fires under those conditions are essentially unfightable, said UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain. The best you can hope to do is get people out of the way.

Read more: Why hydrants ran dry as firefighters battled California's deadly fires

To understand what made Tuesday so shocking, so confidence-shattering, think of wind like flowing water. In the usual Santa Ana storms, most of that flow streams out of the desert, through mountain passes and into the valleys along predictable pathways, like water coursing down riverbeds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To the north, the strongest winds flow through the Newhall Pass, in Santa Clarita, and into the San Fernando Valley.

In the center, they flow down along the Santa Ana River  for which these storms are named  past Riverside and Anaheim on the way to the coast.

To the south, the wind comes through the Cajon Pass, between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains.

But on Tuesday, there was so much wind high in the atmosphere that it all just flooded over the tops of the mountains and came crashing down into the valleys like a massive wave against the shore.

It was geophysically chaotic, Swain said. You didnt just need to be in those gaps between the mountains to get the strongest winds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Then, just like a tidal wave, it went everywhere. In this case, it literally bounced over the Santa Monica Mountains  Swain called it a hydraulic jump  and crashed down along the coast of western Los Angeles County, straight into Pacific Palisades.

There have been windstorms like this before, including one in 2011 that caused a lot of wind damage in the San Fernando Valley, Swain said. But, fortunately, they didnt spark catastrophic fires.

On Tuesday, the city wasnt so lucky.

Read more: As the worst disaster raged around them, hired hands kept working to pay the bills

By Thursday, neighborhoods still smoldered for miles up and down the Pacific Coast Highway, more than 5,000 homes and businesses scorched. Residents, desperate to see what had become of their homes, argued with cops who had been ordered to keep people out of the evacuation zone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was a scene reminiscent of the aftermaths of so many other tragic fires  the Camp fire in Butte County in 2018, the Lahaina fire on Maui in 2023  but this time the landscape seems oddly familiar, even for people who have never actually been to the Palisades.

Thats because, for anyone who grew up in the Midwest or on the East Coast absorbing images of California served up by shows such as "Baywatch" and films such as "Point Break," this was the Los Angeles of their dreams.

A slow, sad drive up the coast on Thursday revealed so much of that familiar territory reduced to ashen ruins.

The ruins of beachfront homes smolder along the Pacific Ocean. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Remember Moonshadows, the restaurant perched over the Pacific where Mel Gibson got drunk in 2006 and launched into a nearly career-ending anti-Jewish tirade when police pulled him over just down the road?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gone.

So is Gibsons $14-million house in Malibu, burned while he was in Austin, Texas, doing Joe Rogans podcast. Well, at least I havent got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore, he quipped to the Hollywood Reporter.

Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal and Jeff Bridges  who played the title role in "The Big Lebowski," a classic film in which Los Angeles Westside is arguably the real star  all lost their homes, too.

And that chubby-cheeked guy all over social media, bathed in an apocalyptic orange haze and pleading with people to leave their keys in their cars when they abandon them so he could move them to let firetrucks through, that was actor Steve Guttenberg from all those "Police Academy" movies in the 1980s.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How L.A. is that?

That is this real, or a movie sensation persists, even while youre sucking in the acrid air and rubbing the ash out of your reddened eyes, as aerial tankers skim water off the ocean and lumber into the sky overhead. It feels like the set of a disaster film.

It gets real again, quickly, when a regular guy comes shuffling down Temescal Canyon Road in a Dodgers hat, N95 mask and dusty surgical scrubs.

Paul Austin, 61, is an orthodontist. Hed left at 6 a.m. Tuesday to go to his office in Simi Valley and straighten a few teeth. While he was gone, his home of 20 years and almost everything in it was totally, totally destroyed, he said. He hadnt changed clothes in three days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He started the interview joking that the only thing left on his property is a giant Santa in his frontyard, a holdover Christmas decoration that he thought for sure would have blown away.

I dont think for any of us, really, its even hit home what weve lost, he said, and then he paused, overcome by sudden sobs behind his mask and his goggles.

Everything.

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.
While Paris Hilton is dealing with the loss of her familys home in the wildfires that tore through Los Angeles this week, she is also making efforts to support others who suffered losses of their own.

The hotel heiress announced on Friday, Jan. 10, that she is creating an emergency fund through her company, 11:11 Media, in collaboration with a few other organizations to support displaced families with young children.

  SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter & get the scoop on the latest TV news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im starting with a personal contribution of $100,000, and will be matching additional dollars raised up to $100,000 more, the 43-year-old mom of two said in a Friday post on Instagram. I am looking for others to donate and match alongside me to do our part!

The emergency fund will provide cash and help fund short-term housing and deliveries of essential supplies. Funding will also go toward supporting animal shelters in the area, Hiltons post explained.

Lets come together for LA, she wrote. Every dollar makes a difference, and well make sure the support reaches those who need it most.

The posts comment section was full of praise from fans who gushed over the amazing gesture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thank you for stepping up and supporting the people of LA and others during this crisis, one fan wrote.

You are a truly wonderful human. You are the angel for those who loose [sic] their home, another fan commented.

Related: Tori Spelling Admits She 'Should Have Listened' To LA Fire Warnings Before Last-Minute Evacuation

Love your clarity about where donations are going- its so helpful!!! one Instagram user applauded as another wrote, this is everything and such a good use of a platform and powerful, helping those unfortunate because of this tragedy.

Hilton revealed earlier this week that she was among the many who lost a home in the Palisades Fire that decimated Los Angeles Pacific Palisades neighborhood after igniting on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Her family watched their home burn to the ground on live TV, Hilton said in a Wednesday, Jan. 8, post on X, formerly Twitter. She described the surreal moment as "something no one should ever have to experience.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hilton addressed the loss of her home in the beginning of her Friday post on Instagram as she said that her heart is with everyone impacted by the devastating fires here in LA.

While Ive lost my Malibu home, my thoughts are with the countless families who have lost so much moretheir homes, cherished keepsakes, the communities they loved, and their sense of stability , Hilton wrote.

Next: Reporter Praised for 'Compassionate' Way She's Helping LA Fire Victims: 'Thank You for Giving Her Closure'
After Paris Hilton learned her Malibu home burned down due to the Los Angeles wildfires, she announced she's ready to assist others in need.

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, the Simple Life star, 43, said she and her family watched her Malibu home burn down on live TV. A day later, she shared footage of the property after it was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades fire in an Instagram video.

Then on Friday, Jan. 10, the businesswoman shared on Instagram that shes ready to start helping those also suffering loss.  My heart is with everyone impacted by the devastating fires here in LA, she began.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While Ive lost my Malibu home, my thoughts are with the countless families who have lost so much moretheir homes, cherished keepsakes, the communities they loved, and their sense of stability ," she continued. As a mom, I cant imagine the pain and fear of not having a safe place for your babies.

Related: L.A. Fires Live: 11 Dead, Officials Say, as Firefighters Make Slight Progress Towards Containment

Hilton is launching an emergency fund through her nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact to "support displaced families with young children," she wrote.

Im starting with a personal contribution of $100,000 and will be matching additional dollars raised up to $100,000 more. I am looking for others to donate and match alongside me to do our part!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hilton is working with the emergency relief organization CORE, she said. The donations will provide short-term housing and hotel stays for families, deliver essentials and supplies to evacuation centers and support local animal shelters.

Paris Hilton/X Paris Hilton's Malibu home destroyed by Palisades fire Paris Hilton's Malibu home destroyed by Palisades fire

This effort could not be possible without collaboration and a sense of urgency: Im immensely grateful to partner with [Amy Marks Dornbusch] for mobilizing private female funders to support this effort so that we can launch today starting with $200,000, [CORE] for distributing cash assistance to our families while they navigate their needs, [Baby2Baby] for distribution of much needed supplies for babies and young children and more, she wrote.

Lets come together for LA. Every dollar makes a difference, and well make sure the support reaches those who need it most, she concluded.

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.

Hilton lost her home in the Palisades fire, which began on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Since the fires erupted, 11 people have died, and 180,000 people across Los Angeles and Ventura counties have evacuated from their homes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As of Friday, Jan. 10, the Palisades fire burned nearly 21,000 acres, and it is 8% contained, according to Cal Fire. The other major fire, the Eaton Fire, burned approximately 13,690 acres and is now 3% contained. Over 12,300 structures have been destroyed in the two major fires.

Related: Calif. Couple Watched Home of 40 Years Burn Down via Ring Cam: Gone Overnight

DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Palisades Fire on January 9, 2025. Palisades Fire on January 9, 2025.

A recent report from The Wall Street Journal said the L.A. wildfires are expected to be the costliest in U.S. history.

Many other celebrities have shared that they have lost their homes in the fires, including Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, Billy Crystal, Anna Faris, Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam, Candy Spelling, Cameron Mathison, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, John Goodman, Ricki Lake, Eugene Levy, Anthony Hopkins and Cary Elwes.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
Due to inclement weather and road conditions, Paris Union School District 95 is dismissing school at 10:30 a.m. Central Time (11:30 a.m. Eastern time) this morning.

Afternoon preschool is canceled and all after-school activities are canceled, according to the school district.
A man was arrested by authorities at an airport in India after he was caught trying to bring a baby crocodile skull on his flight.

Delhi Customs said in a statement on X that the 32-year-old man had been intercepted at a security check-in at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) before his flight from New Delhi to Canada on Monday, Jan. 6.

Authorities initially discovered the man, whose identity has not been shared, was carrying a skull with sharp teeth ... wrapped in a cream-colored cloth. They detailed that it resembled the jaw of a baby crocodile and weighed close to 2 lbs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The skull was later taken in for a forensic examination by the Department of Forests and Wildlife (GNCTD), who confirmed that it was indeed that of a baby crocodile  an animal protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WLPA).

The organization came to the conclusion based on the skulls texture, tooth pattern, well-developed bony palate and the shape of its nostrils.

 Canadian Man Arrested at IGI Airport, New Delhi for carrying Crocodile Skull 



Customs Department

IGI Airport, New Delhi

Date: 06.01.2025



Flight and Passenger Details:

Flight Number: Air Canada (AC 051)

Route: New Delhi to Canada

Date of Departure: 06.01.2025 pic.twitter.com/qX4qX3nyqZ  Delhi Customs (Airport & General) (@AirportGenCus) January 9, 2025

Related: Snake Removed from Commercial Flight by Disney Star  Who Got a Free Drink for His Service!

The man was subsequently arrested for illegal possession, attempt to export a protected wildlife item and for violating the Customs Act of 1962, which prohibits the misdeclaration, illegal export and smuggling of these kinds of items, Delhi Customs said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This case highlights a serious violation of wildlife and customs laws, Delhi Customs wrote. Collaboration between Customs and Forest Departments is crucial to ensuring such protected wildlife items are not smuggled.

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 crocodile skull was later handed over to the Department of Forests and Wildlife for lab testing. A further investigation into the incident was also opened, Delhi Customs added.

Related: United Airlines Passengers 'Started Shrieking' After a Garden Snake Was Found in the Plane Cabin

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

India is among the top ten countries in terms of using the airline sector for wildlife trafficking, said Atul Bagai, the former Head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in India, per CNN. This is an unwanted accolade.



Incidents like these have prompted India, as well as other countries like Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, to crack down on wildlife trafficking by working together to share criminal intel in recent years, The Hindu reported.

Read the original article on People
Jan. 10LARNED  The Pawnee County Commissioners have directed Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett to set up a public forum including the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and officials of Innovative Livestock Services in Pawnee County, regarding the ag company's bid to locate a contained livestock expansion facility in the county.

In December, ILS registered with KDHE per K.S.A. 65-171d to locate a confined feeding facility in the vicinity of Zook in Pleasant Valley Township in southeastern Pawnee County. KDHE then initiated a public comment period on Dec. 19, with all comments due to KDHE by Jan. 18, 2025. The state requires KDHE registration prior to any new construction of a proposed animal capacity exceeding 300 animals that includes legal description of the prescribed land tract and separation distances in compliance with state regulations.

The format of the proposed forum would allow ILS and KDHE to explain steps involved in the pre-permitting process and a possible timeline, McNett noted, saying that he had been in contact with both ILS and KDHE regarding a public forum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I'm going to be meeting with the Commissioners on Monday to let them know what they have told me," McNett said. "I think that KDHE will be able to explain to the public what the timeline looks like and what is required, that's what we're hoping for."

"The registration with KDHE is just the start of the process," McNett said. "At this stage we can provide input, but the only thing that would be impactful at this stage is the use of roads," he said. "The public forum would also be helpful in quelling some of the misinformation being spread about the project."

Larned resident Merrill Cauble met with the Commissioners as the proposal was being discussed at the Commissioners' Monday meeting in Pawnee County. On Wednesday, Cauble also met with Stafford County Commissioners to discuss the effect on air and water quality as well as the economic effects on the surrounding communities in Pawnee, Edwards and Stafford counties. Both commissioner boards encouraged contact to be made with KDHE requesting a public hearing on the issue.

About ILS

ILS's roots in Pawnee County began with Ward Feed Yard in 1962 at a 1,500-head facility south of Larned. ILS Farms originated in 2007 from the union of Ward Feed Yard and Great Bend Feeders. Since that time, ILS has grown and evolved into one of the nation's leading cattle feeding, farming and agribusiness enterprises with a capacity of 210,000 head at 11 contained livestock locations in Kansas and Nebraska.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Santa Ana winds relaxed Friday afternoon, but that does not mean San Diegans can let their guards down.

Red Flag and High Wind Warnings still remain in effect until 6 p.m. Friday even as the strongest winds have already occurred.

While the region will get brief coastal onshore winds into the weekend, there is another chance for light to moderate Santa Ana winds returning Sunday and Tuesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This offshore pattern seems pretty consistent going into mid-January and given the historically dry conditions, it wont take much wind for a fire to spread.

Daytime highs for Saturday will top out in the mid-60s for the coast, low 70s inland, low 60s for mountains and low 70s for the deserts.

San Diego may get some drift smoke from the Los Angeles wildfires as winds shift into Saturday, but it should filter out back over coastal waters Sunday as offshore flow returns.

More Santa Ana winds are expected Sunday and Tuesday, but are not looking to be as intense.

Unfortunately, there are no rain chances for the next week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A man trying to walk across a St. Petersburg highway overnight was killed after being struck by two vehicles, the Florida Highway Patrol said Saturday morning.

Around 2:55 a.m., the 69-year-old Clearwater man attempted to walk across Ulmerton Road, just west of 40th Street North.

Teen drives through Florida cemetery, damaging tombstones: report

Troopers said the man walked right in front of two vehicles, who were traveling eastbound on Ulmerton Road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A 36-year-old Clearwater man in a Honda Odyssey struck the victim first, followed by a 39-year-old Cutler Bay man in a Nissan Sentra.

A Florida Department of Transportation camera captured the aftermath of the crash, as two patrol vehicles blocked the right-turn lane in the early hours of Saturday.

FHP said the pedestrian died at the scene of the crash.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Mike Pence poured fuel on the theory that his wife intentionally snubbed Donald Trump at Jimmy Carters funeral this week.

The former vice president seemed to obliquely hint at Karen Pences disdain for the president-elect when asked about her failure to acknowledge Trump and his wife, Melania, in an interview with Christianity Today.

Youd have to ask my wife about her posture, he said, but weve been married 44 years, and she loves her husband, and her husband respects her deeply.

The biggest names in American politics gathered for Carters funeral. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Pence was Trumps vice president during his first term, but the pair fell out after Pence refused to support Trumps efforts to overturn the outcome of the 2020 election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carters service was the first time they had come face to face since leaving office in January 2021.

The two were observed exchanging a handshake, but now Pence has revealed to Christianity Today what was actually said.

Karen Pence wants nothing to do with Donald or Melania Trump. pic.twitter.com/VJB14nzOhR  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) January 9, 2025

He greeted me when he came down the aisle, Pence recalled. I stood up, extended my hand. He shook my hand. I said, Congratulations, Mr. President, and he said, Thanks, Mike.

Pences wife, however, didnt riseor even look in the president-elects general directionwhen Trump approached. She did, though, greet former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura Bush.

Karen Pence wasnt the only politicians spouse under scrutiny at the event. Former First Lady Michelle Obama, who was supposed to sit next to the president-elect, was notably absent.

Trump and Obama continue their extended conversation pic.twitter.com/NWZLVn5xsy  Acyn (@Acyn) January 9, 2025

Her spokesperson told Politico that she was in Hawaii, missing the service due to a scheduling conflict.

Her husband, former President Barack Obama, filled her spot insteadlaughing while he chatted with the man whom he has often decried.
Former Vice President Mike Pence said he congratulated President-elect Trump on his upcoming return to the White House when the two shared a brief greeting at former President Jimmy Carters funeral service on Thursday.

He greeted me when he came down the aisle. I stood up, extended my hand. He shook my hand. I said, Congratulations, Mr. President, and he said, Thanks, Mike, Pence said in an interview with Christianity Today.

The funeral in Washington, D.C., was the first time Trump and Pence were in the same room since the end of their administration in January 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When Pence and Trump shook hands and exchanged a few words, former second lady Karen Pence remained seated and did not interact with Trump or incoming first lady Melania Trump.

The former vice president acknowledged her refusing to acknowledge Trump.

Youd have to ask my wife about her posture, but weve been married 44 years, and she loves her husband, and her husband respects her deeply, Pence said to Christianity Today.

The Pences were seated a row behind Trump with the other vice presidents, while Trump sat next to former President Obama.

Sometimes its hard for me to believe that God put me on one of these rows, Pence said in the interview.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He also said he has really been blessed at how much Ive heard from people who saw his handshake with Trump as a sign of hope that they can move past their issues.

Thats certainly my hope, Pence said.

The relationship between the two men fractured because of Trumps pressure campaign on Pence to object to President Bidens win in 2020 during the certification on Jan. 6, 2021.

Pence refused, insisting he did not have the authority to do so, even as rioters stormed the Capitol threatening his life.

Pence briefly ran against Trump during the 2024 GOP primary before bowing out. He then said he would not be endorsing his former boss.

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.
A special MP MLA Court in Pune on Friday granted bail to Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Savarkar defamation case. The Congress leader appeared before the court through video conferencing. The next hearing is on February 18. The complaint was filed against Rahul Gandhi by the grandnephew of VD Savarkar after Rahul Gandhi made an alleged objectionable statement against Savarkar in London in March 2023. According to the complaint, Rahul Gandhi intentionally made false and damaging accusations against Savarkar to tarnish his reputation, causing mental distress to him and his family. Following the statements made by Rahul Gandhi, in April 2023, Satyaki Savarkar, the grandson of one of Vinayak Savarkar's brothers, filed a complaint with a Pune magistrate regarding alleged defamatory comments made by Rahul Gandhi. These remarks were reportedly made during a gathering in London on March 5, 2023. Speaking to ANI, Advocate Sangram Kolhatkar, counsel of complainant Satyaki Savarkar said, "Today through video conference he (Rahul Gandhi) appeared to which we objected that there is no such provision for an accused. This facility is not used. So accordingly we objected to it. But still, the court considering the circumstances granted permission. Also through video conferencing, he furnishes bail and the court has allowed his bail. The next hearing will be on the 18th of February." In April 2023, Satyaki Savarkar, grand-nephew of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar told ANI, "Rahul Gandhi went to England last month & in one of the gatherings commented that Veer Savarkar wrote in his book that he, along with his 5-6 friends, was beating a Muslim person & Veer Savarkar enjoyed it. That remark is an insult because that incident is imaginary. We've been hearing a lot from Rahul Gandhi & some of his followers about so-called petitions & pensions. Those were actually sustenance allowance & clemency petitions. We've reached the court." (ANI)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Its remembered as one of the worst winter storms to hit KELOLAND: the deadly blizzard of 1975.

According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, the storm unleashed 70-mile-per-hour wind gusts and dangerous windchill.

Man in critical condition from group beating

Friday marks 50 years since the storm hit KELOLAND.

KELOLAND News caught up with Jan Campbell at Active Generations in Sioux Falls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The member and volunteer remembers the storm of 75 well.

Thats because the Sioux Falls woman was pregnant and worried she might go into labor soon.

Meanwhile, her husband was stranded at work.

I had another child at home. My oldest was six, and I thought what am I going to do? If I go into labor, shes not going to know what to do. She cant help me, Campbell said.

Campbells husband did make it home a few days later.

Through the grace of God a snowmobile brought him home, Campbell said.

The family welcomed their new baby on January 28th, 1975.

The Megards also shared stories of the storm with KELOLAND News before sitting down to play bridge Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The husband and wife lived on a farm near Garretson at the time and had livestock to tend to.

We had to shovel out the cattle bunks, so they could eat, and the hog feeders had to be scooped out, Clarice Megard said.

Youre really nervous that your pigs arent suffocating because the snow drifted in around them, and as far as the cattle you had to get the feed bunks clear of snow so you could put feed into them, Roger Megard said.

Roger Megard says they didnt lose any livestock in the storm, but many farmers did.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The wildfires raging across Los Angeles have forced thousands of families to evacuate, leaving them searching for support.

A Tampa Bay man answered the call for help.

Frank Hall started his day at the Red Cross office in Tampa going over the final details of his 42nd deployment. For 14 years, the 74-year-old has answered the call to help people facing disasters across the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What ignited the deadly California wildfires? Investigators consider an array of possibilities

Ive done Hurricane Sandy. I did the Joplin tornadoes. Just recently I did the Florida hurricanes, so I am used to it, Hall said. But every time you see it on TV, it makes you want to go and start packing.



This time, hes headed to Southern California, where wildfires have forced thousands of families to flee their homes. Frank will spend the next two weeks providing support to evacuees.



You either have it in you, or you dont, and the Red Cross volunteers have it in them, Hall said. We go out there because people need us, they are at their lowest, and its tough.



By the afternoon, Hall was at Tampa International Airport ready to board his flight to begin his deployment. He said the most rewarding part of the job is connecting with people in a desperate time of need.



You are working 12, 14-hour days, sometimes in the heat, sometimes in the cold, and you are dealing with individuals that have had everything taken from them, Hall said.



Hall told News Channel 8 that each deployment reminds him why he does this and its the one-on-one connections with people in need that keep him coming 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 WFLA.
One person is dead after a shooting in Yellow Springs on Friday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officers responded to the 1200 block of Livermore Street for a welfare check around 11:21 p.m. on Friday, officials said in an alert on the villages website and social media.

TRENDING STORIES:

When they got to the home, they found a person with apparent gunshot wounds. That person died from their injuries, a spokesperson for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) confirmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials confirmed a suspect in the shooting was taken into custody.

The Ohio BCI was requested to assist in the investigation.

There is no threat to the community at large, officials wrote.

Well update this story as we learn more.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




The latest annual Philippine budget allocated 1.65 billion pesos (US$27 million) to develop the airport as well as 300 million pesos for work on a sheltered port.

More than 1 billion pesos has separately been earmarked for another sheltered port facility on Nanshan Island, which is around 160km (100 miles) east of Thitu Island.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The money will help fund the extension of Thitu's sole airstrip to 1.5km, enough to be used by some variants of the F-16 fighter as well as light combat and transport planes.

Thitu Island, known to Manila as Pag-asa and to China as Zhongye, is the largest feature occupied by Manila in the region. It plays host to a coastguard station equipped with radars and other monitoring equipment as well as around 200 civilians.

"For the Chinese side, the equation will somewhat change, as it means that the Chinese maritime presence in those contested areas will no longer easily go unchallenged," said Collin Koh, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

Koh said the upgrades would help the Philippine coastguard to challenge Chinese maritime forces in the area, but this brought an increased risk of close encounters and potential escalation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, he added it was unlikely Philippine military aircraft would be permanently based on the island; instead, they may use it for temporary stopovers.

The island, which is also claimed by Vietnam, sits about 500km (310 miles) west of the Philippine island of Palawan and sits at a strategically important position in the disputed waters.

Zheng Zhihua, an associate professor specialising in maritime affairs at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said there would be significant concern from Beijing if US forces were able to use the facilities on the island.

He added it would prompt a backlash in China because it would be seen as the US interfering in the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Should the expanded airstrip and shelter port accommodate US military aircraft or coastguard vessels, it might shift the strategic pressure in maritime manoeuvres back onto China," he said.

Thitu Island has a small civilian population. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem

Zheng said Manila may undertake more inspections around Chinese-controlled Subi Reef, one of the main Chinese-controlled outposts in the Spratlys, just 22km from Thitu.

"Enhanced military capabilities on Thitu Island could lead to heightened frontline face-offs or unintended incidents around Subi Reef," he said.

Chinese and Philippine vessels were involved in repeated clashes near disputed features over the past year, including collisions between ships and the use of water cannons by Chinese coastguards.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In August, the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources made an aerial inspection of Subi Reef and accused the Chinese side of using flares when its plane was nearby.

"With both sides maintaining significant military presences - the Philippines on Thitu Island and China on Subi Reef - any military aircraft flying near the Subi Reef area could provoke responses from the other, leading to potentially dangerous aerial encounters," Zheng said.

In March last year, the Chinese coastguard said 34 Filipinos had illegally landed on another such sandbank, Sandy Cay, prompting law enforcement to intervene. The Philippines said the group was made up of scientists studying reef biodiversity in the area.

"Constructing a sheltered port on Nanshan Island is a practical decision for Manila, as it lies along the northern supply route connecting Palawan to Thitu Island," said Bao.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This upgrade would streamline supply operations and provide a convenient anchorage point for Philippine ships during their journeys."

Lucio Blanco Pitlo, president of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies, said Manila had been a "laggard" in improving infrastructures in the Spratlys and was now trying to catch up with rival claimants.

He said the Philippines had been one of the first claimants to occupy disputed reefs but any advantage gained from doing this had been "degraded by decades of non-investment in facilities in its atoll outposts".

In contrast, China finished an extensive island-building programme a decade ago and has been steadily improving the facilities on the territory it holds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Vietnam has recently undertaken a series of reclamation projects, and Malaysia has exploited the tourist potential of the disputed Swallow Reef by turning it into a popular diving destination.

Manila recently approved funds to extend the island's airstrip. Photo: Kalayaan Tourism

"While it makes sense to upgrade facilities in outposts that already have existing infrastructure like Pag-asa and Lawak [the Philippine name for Nanshan], it should start construction on other outposts or lose ground to erosion or other natural forces, or be dwarfed by big island bastions being piled up by other disputants," Pitlo added.

Zheng said Manila had learned from last year's encounters with China and is now focusing on areas that are further from the reach of Chinese forces than Sabina Shoal - a major flashpoint in recent months, which is close to Chinese-held Mischief Reef, the biggest outpost in the Spratly chain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Nanshan Island, being relatively distant from a strong Chinese maritime presence nearby, faces less interference or pressure from the Chinese coastguard ... Upgrades on Nanshan will undoubtedly aid the Philippine coastguard in docking and enhance enforcement capabilities in that area," Zheng said.

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.
Phoenix police said the number of homicides in the city dropped by more than a quarter in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic numbers.

Homicides were expected to have dropped by about 28%, a "significant decrease," police said in a news release on Wednesday. The department also reported declines in several other crime categories and an overall crime rate decrease of about 4%.

The numbers are not final. The Police Department has not yet publicly released its December statistics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The number of juveniles involved in homicides  both as victims and offenders  went down, police said. As part of the department's 2024 Crime Reduction Plan released in June, police said they wanted to reduce juvenile violent crime, including homicides.

The numbers reflect a downward trend for violent crime in Phoenix. The violent crime rate began climbing in 2020 and reached a 20-year high in 2022, when homicides hit their highest rate since 2008, during the Great Recession.

The number of homicides has now moved closer to what was reported before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Police reported 139 homicides in 2019, before the pandemic. There were 200 in 2020, 198 in 2021, 223 in 2022 and 198 in 2023. Through November, there were 130 homicides in Phoenix last year, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There to help: Inside the special Phoenix police team that calms mental health crises

Though there was a decline in violent crime, police said there was a rise in violence against police officers.

There were 14 instances where an officer was shot at in 2024, police said, including Officer Zane Coolidge, who died after he was shot during the pursuit of a burglary suspect in September. Four other officers were also injured last year, and one was "seriously injured" in a stabbing.

Despite the increase in attacks on police, shootings by Phoenix officers were down from 2023, police said.

There were 25 officer-involved shootings in Phoenix in 2023 and 20 in 2024, according to Phoenix data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, there were more fatal police shootings last year. There were 14 fatal police shootings in 2024 and 12 in 2023. The last year Phoenix police shot and killed more than 14 people was 2018, when officers killed 22 people.

Attacked: Woman hospitalized with serious injuries following dog attack, Phoenix police say

Republic reporter Miguel Torres contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix homicides dropped significantly in 2024, police say
Every day there are 911 calls across the county, but first responders cant always address the callers needs.

Ultimately we are here to help people, but sometimes you leave a call feeling empty thinking I could have done more but there wasnt much I could have done, said McKees Rocks Police Chief Richard Deliman.

Thats why McKees Rocks Police joined a pilot program through the Allegheny County Department of Human Services to have alternate responders or the A-team respond to some of these calls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sometimes individuals dont have the right training, or right resources or connections compared to this type of team who is made up of a wide range who are trained to deescalate connect people to services and get them the help they need, said Jon Chillinsky whos the Director of the A-Team.

The goal is to reduce the number of calls coming into 911 for these types of emergencies. The team is made up of 28 people, three teams split between the East and West sides of the county. They can respond with police, following police or as an alternative to police.

A call we went on was a domestic issue, where there was conflict in the home, we were able to intervene talk to the parties separate and mediate but connect them to services, Chillinsky said.

But ultimately the decision on if the A-Team is called comes down to the police themselves. McKees Rocks isnt alone as Penn Hills Police, Monroeville Police and the County Housing Authority Police have all joined the project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think theres already over 100 calls at this point theyve been able to go on. Weve also been able to provide follow up services, short term care so we arent just helping in the moment of the crisis, but helping afterwards that they are connected with supports and services, said Kate Vander Wiede whos the Project Manager at DHS.

While its new, the goal is big while supporting the people of our communities.

In the city of bridges, this bridges the gap, we connect people to the right resource, Chillinsky said.

With three municipalities and the Housing Authority already on board, the goal is to expand through the county in the coming years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We care about the health of our residents and want them to get the supports they need, Vander Weide said.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A man suspected of robbing a Jack and Jill Adult Superstore back in October was arrested on Friday, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department.

An arrest affidavit said that John Rigali, 68, entered the adult superstore located at 3627 Tyrone Boulevard on October 31 around 7:54 p.m.

Police said Rigali was wearing a ski mask and a black garbage bag armed with a knife and a mace canister.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the affidavit, Rigali began spraying two employees with mace while demanding they open the cash register, which they refused to do.

The suspect then fled from the store, police said, dropping the mace canister where it was later collected and tested for DNA.

A DNA sample from the canister matched Rigali, which led to his arrest.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
ST. MARTINVILLE, La. (KLFY)  An estimated $6 million dollar project is in progress to enhance St. Martinvilles festival grounds. This comes after the city was awarded $400,000 for the Love Louisiana Grant to reconstruct the grounds.

St. Martinville Mayor Jason Willis said this project hopes to unite the north side and south side of the city.

We used to have fairs, Willis said. We used to have different things, in that area, so we would love to bring the festival back over here, different festivals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Willis said this project will be done in three phases.

Everything is expensive and this grant right here was up to $400,000, so that $400,000 will go a long way, he said. It will change the whole outlook of how that space looks right now, but we definitely want to do the rest in phases.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KLFY Daily Digest

Plans include adding parking for the grounds and the Farmers Market, reconstructing the nearby warehouse on the property into multipurpose facility, adding sound equipment and beautifying the stage, adding a playground for special needs kids, booths, tents and more. It will also focus on making it possible for boats to dock to the area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We have one of the most beautiful bayous in Louisiana, Willis said. Normally you have to drive to Lafayette or a different area to have these nice things and we want to bring the same nice things that is in other cities to St. Martinville.

Phase 1 is expected to be completed in six months. Willis said the city plans to host a groundbreaking ceremony for the grounds in the coming weeks.

Latest news

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal informed that cargo handling capacity has reached 133 million metric tonnes in the last ten years. Speaking at the 2nd Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting in Kaziranga a day earlier, Sonowal said, "In the last 10 years, our cargo handling capacity has reached 133 million metric tonnes... More than Rs 60,000 crores of investment have been made in our National Waterways... In the inaugural session of the Inland Waterways Development Council, we inaugurated projects worth Rs 1400 crores for 21 states of our country...," he said. "We aim to increase our cargo capacity to 200 million metric tonnes by 2030 and invest more than Rs 50,000 crore in this sector in the next 5 years...," the minister added. The IWDC, the apex body for policy deliberation on the promotion & propagation of inland waterways in India, witnessed major announcements to boost infrastructure along national waterways on Friday. The meeting also witnessed ministerial participation from the Union Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, the Ports Minister of Goa, Aleixo Sequeira, the Transport Minister of Assam, Jogen Mohan; the Transport Minister of Manipur, Khashim Vashum; the Transport Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Satish Sharma; the Transport Minister of Mizoram, Pu Vanlalhlana and the Transport Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Ojing Tasing among others. The second meeting of IWDC, organised by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency for the development of waterways under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), announced investments of more than Rs 50,000 crore in the next 5 years. In this regard, a series of new initiatives across 21 Inland Waterway States were announced worth more than Rs 1400 crore in Kaziranga on Friday. IWDC set up in 2023 is an exercise to derive the maximum economic potential out of the Inland Water bodies, it requires exceptionally coordinated Centre-State relationships, collaborations and cooperation in the spirit of Cooperative Federalism. (ANI)
TOKYO (AP)  Japanese police arrested a student suspected of a hammer attack at a Tokyo university, which local media said left several injured.

The 22-year-old South Korean sociology student was apprehended on the spot for allegedly attacking a male student during class at Hosei Universitys Tama campus in Tokyos western suburbs on Friday, causing him minor injuries, according to the Tokyo metropolitan police.

Japanese media said seven more students suffered minor injuries as the suspect allegedly hit them in succession. It was not clear whether her actions were premeditated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kyodo News agency reported that the suspect told investigators she felt frustrated after being ignored and bullied by her classmates and used a hammer she found on campus.

Nearly 150 students were in class that day and one told Kyodo the attacker seemed to swing the hammer aimlessly, hitting those seated in the last row in the classroom, and that everyone ran away. Another said her face was expressionless and she did not seem to be targeting someone in particular, according to the agency.

Police said an investigation was still ongoing without providing further details.

Koreans still sometimes face discrimination in Japan because of the bitter past between the two countries, stemming from Japans brutal colonization of the Korean Peninsula, which ended in 1945 with Japans defeat in World War II.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Serious crime in Japan is rare but random stabbing and shooting have occurred in recent years.

In December, a junior high school student was stabbed to death and her friend injured while queuing up at a McDonalds restaurant in the southwestern city of Kitakyushu in an alleged random attack, in which a man was later arrested.

In 2022, three people, including two students on their way to take entrance exams, were stabbed outside of the University of Tokyo. A 17-year-old student was arrested and later convicted of attempted murder.
If youve driven on Interstate 79 this week, youve likely seen a sign about a missing person traveling in a black Ford Escape.

Police in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, are asking for help statewide in their search for Howard Askey. The 77-year-old man suffers from dementia and his family members are worried sick.

Askey is 5 8, weighing 150 pounds with grey hair and blue eyes. He was last seen Tuesday driving a black 2016 Ford Escape with license plate LWN6808.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said due to his cognitive decline, askey may be disoriented and could be just about anywhere.

Were concerned that he may be at special risk for being confused or not exactly knowing where hes at. And thats why were asking pretty much everyone in the state to keep an eye on him and his vehicle and notify us if you see anything if you encounter him. his families very concerned, said Julie Curry, Asst. Chief, Clearfield Regional Police Department.

Anyone who sees Askey or his vehicle is asked to call 911.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Police have arrested a suspect in the shooting death of a man on Youngstowns north side Friday evening.

It happened in the 2500 block of Ohio Ave. shortly after 11 p.m.

Police say a man was shot and the suspect left the scene.

The suspect, identified by police as 29-year-old Jonathan Simmons, was arrested after a traffic stop just hours later. He was booked into the Mahoning County Jail on a murder charge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Capt. Jason Simon confirmed the 27-year-old man died at the hospital. His identity has not been released.

Ohio Avenue was blocked off between Upland Avenue and Gypsy Lane overnight. Youngstown Police were on the scene, searching a home.

Simon says Simmons knew the victim.

Simmons is expected to be arraigned on Monday.

Check back here for updates on this 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 WKBN.com.
Jan. 10OREGON  A Pecatonica man was charged Thursday with driving on a suspended license and six other charges, accused of fleeing from Ogle County sheriff's deputies who said he was traveling 125 mph in a 55-mph speed zone.

Jered T. Vautsmeier, 21, was taken into custody by Pecatonica police Monday in Winnebago County after a traffic stop near Polo earlier that day.

Ogle County sheriff's deputies pulled over Vautsmeier at 6:24 p.m. in the 11,000 block of West Route 64 outside of Polo when Vautsmeier fled the traffic stop and a pursuit took place, according to a news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The vehicle fled from deputies at a high rate of speed until the pursuit was terminated for safety concerns. The vehicle was located a short time later in Leaf River and again fled from deputies. The pursuit was again terminated a short time after it entered Winnebago County," according to the release.

The vehicle eventually was found by Pecatonica police in Winnebago County, where Ogle County deputies took custody of Vautsmeier.

In addition to the driving on a suspended license charge, a felony offense, he also is charged with driving more than 35 mph over the speed limit, fleeing/attempting to elude an officer, improper lane usage, disregarding a traffic control device, improper display of registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

He was taken to the Ogle County Jail on Monday for processing and released on a notice to appear. His arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 22.

Ogle County deputies were assisted by the Pecatonica Police Department, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office and Illinois State Police.
CHICAGO  The man believed to have shot and killed three family members in central Illinois  including his former college roommate  before threatening far-right streamer Nick Fuentes at his Berwyn home last month had grown depressed and distant in the weeks leading up to the attack, newly released police records show.

John Lyons, 24, of Westchester, was fatally shot by a Berwyn police officer Dec. 18 after a foot chase. Hours earlier, before he drove nearly 150 miles to Fuentes house, Lyons had allegedly shot and killed 23-year-old Caleb Mason, his former college roommate, in Mahomet, a small village about 11 miles northwest of Champaign, records said.

In the shooting, he also is suspected of killing Masons sister and mother, 26-year-old Sara Mason and 61-year-old Janis Mason, authorities said. Why Lyons drove to Berwyn after the time of the shooting, or why he allegedly went to Fuentes residence, isnt detailed in police records.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Late last year, Fuentes address had been widely leaked in response to his Your body. My choice. Forever comments after the presidential election. Illinois State Police said in a statement Friday that their investigation into the incident is open and ongoing.

Lyons angry and belligerent toward officers

In the weeks before the shooting, Lyons parents told police that their son had become depressed and distant, and had moved back in with them and quit his job, according to a Berwyn police report. They said he had struggled after his roommate Caleb allegedly beat him up in 2022, and that he had sued after criminal charges were declined.

Lyons parents also told police that their son was angry and belligerent toward officers who contacted him after he allegedly was involved in a hit-and-run in Proviso Township in September. Court records show he was scheduled to appear in Cook County court in Bridgeview on Dec. 19 in that case.

The night of the shooting, Lyons parents said they were out at a party but suspected that something wasnt right with their son, according to Berwyn police records. They told police their last contact with Lyons was about 11:25 p.m. Records show that would have been minutes before he allegedly showed up to Fuentes house and after the time of the fatal shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They said he lied to them about his location and didnt come home when he said he would. When he didnt respond to their calls after a few hours, they reported him missing to the Westchester Police Department, records said. They told police they werent aware of any connection Lyons may have had with Berwyn.

Lyons shows up to Mason family home

Lyons allegedly first showed up to the Mason home in the 1100 block of Riverside Drive on Dec. 18 about 6:30 p.m., asking for Caleb, according to Mahomet police records.

A friend who lived with the Mason family said he told Lyons that Caleb wasnt home, but found the interaction odd and messaged Calebs sister on Discord about it, according to the records.

Sara arrived home just before 9 p.m., and Lyons was allegedly waiting outside wearing a motorcycle helmet, according to the woman who gave Sara a ride home, Mahomet police show. She said she overheard Sara say he isnt home, hes at work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trying not to be scared suburban white woman about the dude waiting outside of my house for a ... While now? Wanting to speak to my brother while wearing a motorcycle helmet (drive in a car), Sara wrote on her X account.

He like left but probably will be back. Anyway, she added.

At 9:08 p.m., Lyons knocked on the front door again, records show. This time he spoke with Janis, referring to himself as Jack when asking about Caleb, police said. The friend who lived with the family again messaged Sara on Discord, saying I think the guy is back and your mom is talking to him, police records show.

After Lyons left, Janis told the friend that the family doesnt like Lyons because of the pending lawsuit, according to police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The friend then returned to the basement to play Borderlands 3 on his laptop. About 30 minutes later, he heard what sounded like gunshots and went upstairs. He found Sara lying in the doorway to the garage, Caleb in the drivers seat of a vehicle and Janis lying in the driveway, all with gunshot wounds, records showed. He then called 911.

After authorities arrived, Sara was pronounced dead at the scene. Janis and Caleb were transported to a nearby hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Lyons drives nearly 150 miles to Berwyn

That same night, Lyons drove nearly 150 miles to Berwyn, showing up with a gun near the front door of an apartment building, according to a Berwyn police report. The resident then called 911, reporting someone with a backpack.

The name of the caller is redacted from police records, but Fuentes posted on his X account that a man came up to his door carrying what looked to be a pistol and crossbow while he was livestreaming. Wearing a motorcycle helmet, the man yells Yo, Nick in the surveillance footage Fuentes posted. Police entered this footage into evidence, records show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I will now have to uproot my life and relocate, Fuentes said. While I can handle whatever comes to my front door, it is irresponsible to expect my neighbors with young families to share that burden.

Fuentes, an incendiary online creator known for his racist and antisemitic comments, said hed been harassed at his home when his address was leaked after he made the Your body. My choice. Forever statements on X after Donald Trump won the presidential election. He was later charged with battery for allegedly pepper-spraying a woman who showed up at the address in November.

When officers responded to the scene Dec. 18, Lyons had allegedly fled on foot, the police report said. Cops retraced his path, and found a backpack with ammunition, a pistol crossbow, liquid accelerants and identifying documents inside, police said.

Meanwhile, Lyons allegedly went inside another home through an unlocked basement door. When the resident went into the basement to investigate the suspicious noises, he found Lyons, who then fired shots at him, the report said. The shots hit two dogs, who later died. The victim ran upstairs to escape, and held a door closed so Lyons couldnt go up to the second floor, the report said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said Lyons then left the home, and ran into a nearby backyard. He allegedly fired at officers who had converged in the alley, hitting the window of a police squad car, the report said. Multiple officers fired back, fatally shooting him, according to the report. No officers were injured.

_____
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Machesney Park Police arrested Brandon Lyon, 31, for allegedly cutting a woman with a knife and breaking into her home.

On Jan 8, 10:30 p.m., officials were called to the 900 block of Glen Forest Drive for reports of a battery involving a weapon. The victim told authorities she went into her house and was immediately charged by a man with dreads in a ski mask.

The suspect said he was going to kill her, according to court records.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The victim told police he took her purse along with her phone and left the scene in a black SUV.

Officials responded to the Two Wheel Inn at 4433 Auburn Street and took Lyon into custody. Police searched the suspect and found cocaine in his pocket, according to court documents.

Lyon is charged with aggravated battery while using a deadly weapon, domestic battery causing bodily harm, home invasion and possession of a controlled substance.

If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, visit our Stateline Strong page for resources.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Two suspects previously held in Florida in connection with a truck drivers East Nashville murder have been transported to Nashville, according to police.

On Jan. 8, 2024, 37-year-old David White was found shot to death at a travel stop on Lucas Lane. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) sought help from the public identifying a vehicle believed to be connected with the shooting.

JANUARY 2024: Trucking company of murdered long-haul trucker reflects on loss of colleague and friend

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last month, the MNPD announced the arrests of Charvelle Clark and Nikki Landry in connection with the case. The two were arrested following a traffic stop by the Florida Highway Patrol and held in Florida as fugitives from Nashville.

Charvelle Clark (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Nikki Landry (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department)

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

However, on Friday, the MNPD said Landry had been returned to the city on Dec. 27 and charged with second-degree murder. Clark was returned from Florida Friday afternoon and booked on a second-degree murder indictment. Each received a bond of $150,000 by a criminal court judge.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
You are here: World

 Flash

Juan Merchan, a New York judge overseeing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's hush money case, on Friday granted Trump unconditional discharge in delivering a sentence for the case.

Trump would face no fine or probation supervision, according to the sentencing.

Still, the sentencing formally made Trump a convicted felon depending on the result of his appeals in the future.

The "considerable, indeed extraordinary" legal protections afforded the office of the presidency is a factor that overrides all others, said Merchan.

However, "They do not reduce the seriousness of the crime or justify its commission in any way," Merchan said.

"The imposition of sentence is one of the most difficult and significant decisions that any criminal court judge is called upon to make," added Merchan.

New York prosecutor Joshua Steinglass recommended a sentence of unconditional discharge given the defendant's status as president-elect.

Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated as the 47th U.S. president on Jan. 20.

A sentence of unconditional discharge preserves Trump's status as a convicted felon while he pursues his appeals, Steinglass added.

Trump contended his innocence at his sentencing hearing, saying that "the fact is I'm totally innocent. I did nothing wrong."

"Today's event was a despicable charade" and we will appeal the "hoax", said Trump on social media shortly after the sentencing hearing.

Trump's attempt to halt the sentencing was denied at the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday.

Earlier, Trump's motions to halt the sentencing at the New York State Supreme Court in New York County, Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York, First Department as well as New York State Court of Appeals, were all refused.

In May 2024, a jury in New York found Trump guilty of all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a bid to hide hush money payments to a porn star in 2016 and the initial date of sentencing was July 11, 2024.
Congress candidate from the New Delhi Assembly constituency, Sandeep Dikshit on Friday dismissed the Samajwadi Party-Aam Aadmi Party alliance for the upcoming elections saying these parties don't have much existence in Delhi. Speaking to ANI, Dikshit said, "These parties don't have much existence in Delhi. These parties don't want Congress to get strengthened in their states, since they have started feeling that Congress is doing well in Delhi, that's when they suddenly remembered the alliance. Five months ago, when (AAP leader) Gopal Rai said that there wouldn't be any alliance then they did not say anything." Congress has fielded Sandeep Dixit, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, from the New Delhi assembly seat against BJP's Parvesh Verma and AAP's Arvind Kejriwal. AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal has said that the Delhi assembly elections will be a direct contest between the AAP and the BJP and not an election of the INDIA bloc Kejriwal also said that Samajwadi Party's chief Akhilesh Yadava and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee have extended their support to AAP for the Assembly election. "Delhi assembly election is between AAP and the BJP. It is not the election of the INDIA alliance. I wholeheartedly express my gratitude to all those parties for supporting us. Mamata Banerjee is supporting us. Akhilesh Yadav is supporting us. I have learnt through media that the (Uddhav) Thackeray ji's party is also supporting us," Kejriwal said. The assembly elections in Delhi will be held in a single phase on February 5, while the votes will be counted on February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17. The date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18. While last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20. As the elections approach, the BJP has intensified its campaign. The BJP candidates have targeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over his alleged involvement in the Delhi Excise Policy case and expressed confidence in forming the next government with a "double engine" administration. Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal claimed that a "Large-Scale" fraud in voter addition and deletions in the New Delhi Assembly seat is taking place. In a post on X, Kejriwal cited a letter from Chief Minister Atishi sent to Delhi Chief Electoral Officer. "Large-scale fraud taking place in voter additions and deletions in the New Delhi assembly. Delhi CM Atishi ji writes this letter to CEC presenting evidence and seeking time to meet," he said. The BJP has accused the AAP leaders of corruption and misgovernance while the AAP, which is aiming to come to power for the third consecutive time, is focusing on highlighting its achievements in the education and health sector. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats. (ANI)
Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

In todays edition, Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker digs into how political leaders from both parties are handling the California wildfires. Plus, senior White House Correspondent Gabe Gutierrez sits down for a one-on-one interview with Donald Trumps incoming border czar, Tom Homan. And Trumps status as a convicted felon becomes official.

 Deputy politics editor Adam Wollner

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.

The politics of the California fires are already looming large for both parties

By Kristen Welker

The fires are still burning in Southern California, ravaging communities and families that have lost their homes, their livelihoods or, in some cases, their loved ones.

And as officials race to get the fires under control and help thousands of Californians begin to rebuild, the politics of disaster relief already looms large for both political parties.

As governor, Gavin Newsom sits at the center of it all, tasked with the arduous responsibility of helming the recovery while answering very serious (and sometimes less so) questions about the states preparation and response. As one of the Democrats highest-profile leaders at a time when the party is looking for a path forward, Newsoms success or failure in the coming months will go a long way toward defining his political future, particularly ahead of an expected run for president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And President-elect Donald Trump is inserting himself at a tenuous moment, too, choosing to point fingers at Newsom and other Democrats as the fires continue to burn  a stark departure from how President Joe Biden has fashioned himself as the nations consoler-in-chief in moments of tragedy. In less than two weeks, when Trump sheds elect from his title, hell have a role to play in the recovery, too. And its clear some of Trumps Republican allies want to take a different approach  listen to how Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin dodged a question from reporters at Mar-a-Lago about Trumps tone amid an ongoing disaster.

Disasters are some of the most difficult tests our political leaders face. These tragedies dealt heavy blows to those seen to bungle them (Hurricane Katrina undercut public faith in George W. Bush). But they can elevate leaders who are seen as able to competently address them (then-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies standing improved after Hurricane Sandy, while Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear pointed to his handling of floods and tornadoes in his successful re-election).

Both Newsom and Trump will be judged in the coming months and years in part by how they handle this moment  but we dont know how yet.

Well get into all of this, and more, on Sundays Meet the Press, where Ill speak with Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford and California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla. I hope youll tune in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For the latest on the California wildfires, follow our live blog 

Incoming border czar Tom Homan details more of his plans for the Trump administration

Incoming border czar Tom Homan told NBC News Gabe Gutierrez in a one-on-one interview at the U.S. southern border that Donald Trump administration would shut down the Darien Gap, the dangerous Panamanian jungle hundreds of thousands of migrants cross each year.

It needs to happen, he said, Shutting down the Darien Gap is going to protect our national security. Its going to save thousands of lives.

Panama has faced pressure to crack down on migration in recent years, and the countrys immigration authorities said this month there had been a 42% drop in crossings last year through the 70-mile stretch of jungle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Homans comments come as the president-elect begins laying out an expansionist foreign policy. This week, Trump didnt rule out using military force to retake the Panama Canal or acquire Greenland.

Collateral arrests: Homan, who was the acting director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trumps first administration, also acknowledged that Trumps mass deportation plan would include collateral arrests  undocumented immigrants without criminal records who are discovered as ICE agents search for their targets.

He also warned that workplace roundups would ramp up again soon after Trump takes office.

Were going to do it in a smart way, Homan said. Were still working on how exactly we want to roll this out, but [work site] operations have to come back again because its the No. 1 place we find victims of forced labor being run by many cartels.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The $86 billion question: A critical outstanding standing question is how the administration will pay for these ambitious plans. ICE already has a $230 million budget shortfall, and its unclear when and how Congress will agree on funding. Homan said $86 billion would be a great start, noting that its less than what the United States has spent on military and other assistance to Ukraine after the Russian invasion.

Im saying, Were going to defend another nations borders? How about defending our borders, too? And so, give us the money to do this job, he said.

When pressed about how the Trump administration would pay for this deportation operation, Homan would not say whether officials would take money from the Defense Department to fund it.

That decision is above me, he responded. DOD can certainly be a force multiplier.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read our full story from Gabes interview 

And watch NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT for more.

After penalty-free sentencing, Trump is now a convicted felon

Its official: Donald Trump will be the first convicted felon to serve (or have served) as president.

Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the hush money case, sentenced Trump on Friday to an unconditional discharge. That means the president-elect wont face any additional penalties but is now a convicted felon in the eyes of New York state law, Adam Reiss, Gary Grumbach, Fallon Gallagher and Dareh Gregorian report.

It brings an end to the case that resulted in Trump being convicted of 34 felony counts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This has been a very terrible experience, Trump said, addressing the judge remotely from his Florida home.

The sentencing came just 10 days before Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States.

Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances, Merchan said. This has been a truly extraordinary case.

Trumps attorneys had repeatedly sought to stay the proceeding, but the U.S Supreme Court declined to block it in a 5-4 ruling late Thursday.

 Jack Smith report update: Trump suffered another legal setback Thursday night: A federal appeals court ruled that the Justice Department can release a report on Trumps efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. But it kept in place a judges order requiring a three-day delay to allow for further appeals.





 Todays top stories

 TikTok on the clock: The Supreme Court appeared likely to uphold a law that would effectively ban the social media platform TikTok in the United States. Read more 

 Jobs report day: Biden will end his term with a relatively healthy labor market, as the U.S. added 256,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.1%. Read more 

 Last orders of business: In its last few days of power, the Biden administration is expected to officially propose a limit on nicotine in cigarettes, a last-ditch effort after the outgoing president failed to finalize a long-standing pledge to ban menthol cigarettes. Read more 

 Under discussion: Trump said that a meeting is being arranged with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a summit that would be viewed anxiously by Ukraine and its other Western allies. Read more 

 Zuckerbergs pivot: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Biden officials would scream and curse when seeking removal of Facebook content during an appearance on Joe Rogans podcast. Meanwhile, Meta told employees that its plans to end a number of internal programs designed to increase the companys hiring of diverse candidates, the latest dramatic change ahead of Trumps second term. Read more 

 New bromance? After a video of the two chatting at Jimmy Carters funeral went viral, Trump said he and Barack Obama "probably do" like each other. Read more 

Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner, Ben Kamisar and Faith Wardwell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If you have feedback  likes or dislikes  email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com

And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here.





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Pope Francis is receiving the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the country's highest civilian honor, the White House confirmed Saturday.

President Joe Biden, who is Catholic, spoke with Pope Francis by phone Saturday to inform him of the award.

Biden earlier this month bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 recipients, but this marks the first time he has handed out the honor with Distinction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors," the White House said in the statement.

Born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis is the first head of the Catholic Church from the Southern Hemisphere.

Earlier in the month, President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 recipients, including actor Denzel Washington. Photo by Leigh Vogel/UPI

He has prioritized helping the less fortunate throughout his career.

Francis is the second-oldest Pope, after turning 88 in December.

Pope Francis is receiving the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the countrys highest civilian honor, the White House confirmed Saturday. Photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI

Days after his birthday, he presided over the Catholic Church's 2025 Jubilee of "Hope" at the Vatican on Christmas Eve, where he called for "lasting peace."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"For decades, he [Francis] served the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina. As Pope Francis, his mission of serving the poor has never ceased," the White House statement reads.

President Joe Biden spoke with Pope Francis by phone Saturday to inform him of the award. Photo by Leigh Vogel/UPI

"A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children's questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet. A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different faiths."

In November, Pope Francis announced dates for two canonizations in 2025.

Teegnager Carlo Acutis, a tech expert, will be canonized during the Jubilee for Adolescents from April 25 to 27. The canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati will occur during the Jubilee for Young People from July 28 until Aug. 3.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  A Poplar Grove man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for sexually assaulting two children.

Joseph Ciancio-Fuchs, 32, was found guilty of three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault on September 26 after a bench trial in front of Winnebago County Judge Brendan Maher.

Rockford Police detectives began investigating allegations against Ciancio-Fuchs in April 2023.

Evidence uncovered during the investigation showed that Ciancio-Fuchs had inappropriate contact with the two children between 2020 and 2022. One of the victims was 5 years old.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Convictions for two or more counts of predatory criminal sexual assault with two separate victims is punishable by a mandatory term of natural life in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Auburn Cafe, a longtime favorite downriver restaurant, caught fire Friday evening.

Videos posted on a popular downriver group's Facebook page showed flames shooting from the roof of the Auburn Cafe in Ecorse.

According to its website, the restaurant at 3520 W. Jefferson in Ecorse is well-known for its many Greek-style dishes and has been in business for more than four decades.

As of 10:15 p.m. Friday evening, the City of Ecorse Police Department confirmed the city's fire department was still battling the blaze at the restaurant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hundreds of comments followed the Downriver and Friends Facebook Group post, expressing sadness and prayers for the staff and restaurant.

JJ's Pizza in Wyandotte posted "Prayers for Auburn Cafe" on its Facebook page.

According to its website, the restaurant's owner is Kostas Callis.

More: Fairlane mall owner fends off move by lender

More: Man, 19, charged with homicide in July Detroit block party shooting, others arrested

Auburn Cafe's is well known downriver for its Greek specialties including its popular lamb chops and sides of lemon potatoes plus a selections of salads and gyros, grape leaves and desserts of custard pie and rice pudding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is a developing story.

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Downriver's beloved Auburn Cafe catches fire
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Negotiations between Portland workers and officials are down to the wire after the city reached a bargaining standstill with two unions.

According to Portland Labor Relations, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 189 and the District Council of Trade Unions declared an impasse with the city in late December  meaning the bargaining units were unable to reach an agreement. All parties are now reaching the end of a 30-day cooling-off period before negotiations continue.

PPBs Crime Reduction Plan outlines more missions, potentially shorter response times

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

AFSCME is deemed the citys largest bargaining unit, representing around 1100 members whose roles range from customer service representatives to utility workers. DCTU represents about 200 employees with the Portland Water Bureau, Bureau of Environmental Services and more.

Labor Relations reported that AFSCME has proposed an approximate $28 million increase in extra spending for its next three-year contract. The citys bargaining unit, on the other hand, has proposed an increase of about $14.7 million.

DCTU has proposed an increase of nearly $17 million for its next three-year contract, while the city has offered nearly $4 million.

Cost-of-living raises are budgeted for all employees, including those represented by unions, but any additional commitments will require deeper spending cuts, Labor Relations said. The unions most recent requests would require about $40 million in new spending over the next three years, more than double what the City has offered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In both cases, the parties have disagreed on the increased cost of contract terms such as personal holidays, clothing allowances and longevity pay.

Oregon Gov. Kotek extends emergency homelessness order for third year

Officials reported that money has been the biggest obstacle, with Portland already facing a $27 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year starting on July 1.

If the city is still unable to reach an agreement with workers once they return to the bargaining table later this month, the labor unions could launch a strike. But AFSCME told KOIN 6 it is hopeful of securing a contract that recognizes the vital work City of Portland workers do for our entire community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  Police are seeking a suspect after a woman was shot in Portsmouth on Wednesday morning, according to the Portsmouth Police Department.

At approximately 8:05 a.m., officers responded to a call in reference to a shooting in the 2800 block of Airline Boulevard.

Upon arrival, officers found a woman suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. Officers attempted lifesaving measures, and medics took the victim to a local hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The suspect fled the scene on foot toward Chowan Drive and wore a black hoodie, dark pants, a red hat, glasses and a deep pink or red Hello Kitty backpack.

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth Police Department Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth Police Department Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth Police Department Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth Police Department

There are no additional details available at this time.

If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 11SPRINGFIELD  Nearly two centuries after losing its reservation in Illinois in a land sale that most people now concede was illegal, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation could soon get its land back.

In the final hours of a lame duck session Tuesday, the Illinois House gave final approval to a bill authorizing the state to hand over to the tribe a 1,500-acre state park in DeKalb County, land that largely overlaps the tribe's original reservation.

"You know, this has been a struggle," tribal Chairman Joseph "Zeke" Rupnick said in an interview in the Statehouse rotunda while waiting for the House to take up the bill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Senate Bill 867 is the culmination of nearly 20 years of negotiations between the tribe and the state. It authorizes the director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to deliver a quitclaim deed to the tribe for land that currently makes up Shabbona Lake and State Park.

The transfer of land, however, would be contingent on the state and tribe executing a land management agreement under which the park would continue to be operated as a park and open to the public.

"If there's no agreement, there's no transfer," Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, the bill's chief House sponsor, said during floor debate. "The land does not get transferred with the passage of this bill. It is pending a land management agreement to keep the park a park."

The Potawatomi Indians once occupied much of the Great Lakes region, but they were gradually displaced by growing European settlements. In 1829, the Treaty of Prairie du Chien granted the Prairie Band Potawatomi two square miles, or 1,280 acres, in what is now DeKalb County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Rupnick, Chief Shab-eh-nay  after whom the park is named  and several members of his extended family lived on that reservation. But after passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, many other tribal members left Illinois, eventually settling in northeast Kansas, where the tribe is now headquartered.

But around 1849, Shab-eh-nay traveled west to Kansas to check on the status of tribal members there. While he was gone, the federal government declared the reservation land abandoned and sold it at public auction.

The legality of that sale, however, has always been in doubt because under federal law, tribal land cannot be sold except by an act of Congress. And since Congress never authorized that sale, and the tribe has never relinquished its claim to the land, all deeds and titles to that land have been legally clouded.

Most of the original reservation is now part of the state park, which the state acquired in the 1960s. But some portions of the original reservation are now occupied by private owners.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rupnick said the tribe's efforts to reestablish a reservation in Illinois began in 2006 when it purchased about 130 acres of farm land that had once been part of the original reservation. It also began petitioning the U.S. Department of Interior to take the land into trust as reservation property, which the agency finally did in April 2024.

"Once we started meeting with lawmakers down here (in Springfield), they realized that a majority of the original reservation was a part of the state park," Rupnick said. "So DNR at that time said, 'Well, since this is part of the reservation, what would you guys do if we said, let's turn it over to you?' And I said, 'Well, we'll take it.'"

Rupnick said the state legislation will go a long way toward permanently satisfying the tribe's land claims in Illinois. In addition to pushing for SB 867, which now awaits Gov. JB Pritzker's signature, the Prairie Band Potawatomi are also seeking federal legislation that would settle the tribe's claims to remaining land on the original reservation site in exchange for a cash payment that would allow them to repurchase land currently in private hands.

Speaking on the House floor, Guzzardi said passage of the bill would be a small step toward correcting a historic injustice committed in America 175 years ago.

"I firmly believe that for all of our problems, America is the greatest country on Earth, and I'm proud to be American," he said. "But I also don't think that the answer is to turn a blind eye to the violence and the ugliness of our past, to rewrite the history books, to gloss over the unpleasant parts. I think the answer is to look our past square in the eye, the good stuff and the bad stuff, and when we recognize that we've done wrong as a nation, to see it, to own it, and to find some way where we can make it right."  Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. This article first appeared on Capitol News Illinois and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.{img style="width: 1em; height: 1em; margin-left: 10px;" src="https://i0.wp.com/capitolnewsillinois.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-Captiol-News-Illinois.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1" /}{img id="republication-tracker-tool-source" style="width: 1px; height: 1px;" src="https://capitolnewsillinois.com/?republication-pixel=true&post=51823&ga4=G-FVW3LFD82K" /}
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Several central Ohio school districts have confirmed student, family and educator data may have been accessed in a data breach of a popular student information software.

PowerSchool is a student information system that can be used by school districts to organize student data, including grades, home addresses and family contacts. PowerSchool experienced a data breach on Dec. 28, 2024, and has said the incident has been contained, according to Marysville Superintendent Diane Allen.

Along with Marysville schools, students at Big Walnut, Westerville, Upper Arlington and Reynoldsburg schools have also confirmed they were affected. The breach was worldwide, but multiple districts reported PowerSchool has provided video evidence of the hackers deleting the information, and they do not anticipate it will be or has been duplicated, leaked or sold.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Olentangys pro-LGBTQ+ policies overstep, ACLU says

Upper Arlington said it knows data from the student and teacher information tables were exported, but noted the district does not use all of the fields available to store information. For instance, Chief Excellence and Engagement Officer Denise Lutz said they typically do not use social security data on PowerSchool, except for a select number who had legacy data merged into their accounts. Lutz said those students, both current and recent, have been made aware of their social security information being compromised.

Tim Wagner, executive director of business and operations for Reynoldsburg, said most of the information accessed for Reynoldsburg students were names and addresses. Wagner said some demographic information, free and reduced lunch status, and medical information were affected.

Westerville City Schools confirmed the district does not store social security information in PowerSchool. NBC4 is awaiting responses from several other districts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

PowerSchool is not experiencing, nor does it expect to experience, any operational disruption and continues to provide services as normal to our customers, a PowerSchool spokesperson said. We have no evidence that other PowerSchool products were affected as a result of this incident.

Columbus City Schools, Dublin schools and Gahanna Jefferson have confirmed they do not use PowerSchool, and therefore were not affected.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(PUEBLO, Colo.)  The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) said a traffic stop led to the arrest of a suspect in an attempted homicide.

According to PPD, on Friday, Jan. 10 at around 3:15 a.m., an officer on patrol in the downtown area conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle that had no license plate lights. After the officer reported the license plate number and description of the vehicle, a detective with PPDs Impact Unit recognized the description and responded to the stop.

mugshot of Alexander Vigil

Both the detective and officer took the attempted homicide suspect, 20-year-old Alexander Vigil, into custody without incident. Vigil has been booked into the Pueblo County Jail on a $250,000 felony attempted homicide warrant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

PPD said the Impact Units mission is to disrupt criminal activity within the community and assist in creating a better quality of life for people in the community. The unit uses newly implemented technology such as the Real-Time Crime Center and ShotSpotter to focus on locating and identifying shooters.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 11 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden will give a primetime Farewell Address on Wednesday night, five days before he leaves office on Jan. 20.

The address will be at 8 p.m. from the Oval Office, the White House announced Friday.

Since he became the 46th president four years ago, he has spoken from the Resolute Desk four times.

The last one was on July 24, 2024, when three days earlier he announced he was ending his re-election campaign bid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His other three addresses: July 14, 2024, on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump; Oct. 19, 2023, the Israel-Hamas war and Russian invasion of Ukraine; June 2, 2023, on Congress' approval of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

Before his Oval Office address, he will speak Monday at the State Department on his foreign policy legacy.

Donald Trump, who will become the 47th president after serving as the 45h president, gave three addresses from the White House: Jan. 13, 2021, on the Jan. 6 Capitol attack; March 11, 2020, on the COVID-19 pandemic; Jan. 8, 2019, on the government shutdown and the proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall.

President Herbert Hoover delivered the first Oval Office address on Sept. 18, 1929, on peace efforts and arms reduction. The first one was by George Washington on Sept. 17, 1796, in a letter.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has hit out at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing them of "attacking" higher education in India. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he expressed disappointment over the discontinuation of the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) scholarship for students, which has been ongoing since 1963. "BJP-RSS are constantly attacking higher education in India," Kharge posted on X, adding, "Narendra Modi, you blow your own trumpet with "Pariksha Par Charcha" and "Exam Warriors", but NTSE has been discontinued for three years, as revealed by the newspapers. This scheme, which has been running since 1963, should have amounted to Rs 40 crore, but Rs 62 crore has been spent on Modi's PR." Talking about the newly introduced draft regulations of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Congress president criticised the "sweeping control" vested to the Governor in appointing University Vice Chancellors (VCs), labelling it as an attack on federal structures and rights of the state governments. "UGC's Draft Regulations 2025 give governors sweeping control over vice-chancellor appointments and allow non-academics to hold these posts, which is a direct attack on federalism and state rights. The BJP-RSS wants only Sangh Parivar VCs to be appointed," Kharge said. He further pointed out that the UGC was tasked to provide financial aid to the universities, which has been overtaken by the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) - a venture between the Ministry of Education and Canara Bank. Condemning the move, Kharge said that this will create financial troubles for students from marginalised communities since universities will be compelled to start self-finance courses. "Earlier, UGC was providing financial aid to universities, the government used to fund UGC. But now the job of providing financial aid has been taken over by HEFA created by the Modi government - it is a venture between Canara Bank and the Ministry of Education. This will not only force colleges and universities to start more self-financed courses but will also increase the financial troubles of SC, ST, OBC and EWS students," the Congress chief said. Moreover, Kharge accused Narendra Modi's government of "controlling universities, throttling autonomous institutions, imposing RSS's Manuwadi ideology on public education and betraying the youth." (ANI)
Until recently, Vladimir Putin insisted, at least publicly, that he didnt want a cult of his personality. Not anymore. During the last three years of the war he started in Ukraine, he has embraced it.

At his annual press conference last month, Putin nodded with a serious face and boasted about improving his skillshe enjoyed talking about himself more than ever. His lips pressed in a sour grimace, he described himself: I joke less now, and I have almost stopped laughing.

The serious Putin talked about the war even on Orthodox Christmas, which comes in January. The Kremlin informed Russians that Putin had asked the countrys top priest to engrave his own initials on chains for the crosses worn by soldiers.

Putin attends the Christmas Service at the Saint George Church in Moscow. / Getty Images

Patriarch Kirill and Putin were filmed together: Here are crosses, as well as other pectoral icons, with the image of the holy equal-to-the-apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, the founder of our Rus, our state, the one who defended our Fatherland with a sword in his hands, and who is now also such a symbol of the gathering of the Russian land. But, in addition, he is also your heavenly patron the priest said, addressing Putin. So, I think that this will be doubly intelligible and pleasant for all the soldiers who receive these images, continued Kirill, before consecrating the necklaces.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russian Kremlinologists were shocked. The presidents initials on crosses for soldiers was definitely a sign of a completely new development. We could not even imagine anything like that happening before, Putins former speech writer Abbas Gallyamov told the Daily Beast on Saturday. Putin was much more level-headed before, he did not pretend to have a holy status. Gallyamov worked at the Kremlin administration and in the Russian government from 2008 to 2020. Its true that Putin has changed: Thirteen years ago, he refused to use his face on billboards for his 2012 presidential campaign.

Russian nationalists and ideologists have been pushing and calling for the cult of Putins personality for years. The Kremlins administrator, Vyacheslav Volodin, declared essentially this line of state policy in October 2014: If there is Putin, there is Russia; there is no Russia today, if there is no Putin.

Putin asked the countrys top priest to engrave his own initials on chains for the crosses worn by soldiers. / Getty Images

The Russian Union of Cossacks installed a monument of Putin, Russian tsar in St. Petersburg soon after the annexation of Crimea. The bronze Putin, appearing as a Roman Emperor, has a naked torso and a toga draped over his shoulders. Putin professed modesty, dismissing all the efforts of Russians to proclaim him a new Tsar. This is not true, someone else could be called a tsar. I work every day, I do not reign, Putin said in 2020. That same year, the Russian Orthodox Church formally permitted an image of Putins face to be placed on a wall of the newly built Cathedral of the Armed Forces.

The more the propaganda and church pushed for his divine qualities, the more he believed he had themso he must have told himself: Even Jesus Christ did not leave autographs, but I will, Russian propaganda analyst Ilya Shepelin told the Daily Beast. We watch closely how the presidential administration organize and stage Putins visits to the regions, where his fans tell him that everyone loves him. He does not see anything else.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Russian political regime is changing to accept a larger, crucial role for the Orthodox Church. Priests and bureaucrats rush forward with new initiatives. Orthodox priests are assigned to work at schools and universities. Earlier this week, Metropolitan Yevgeny of the Russian Orthodox Church suggested assigning priests to work with journalists at all media outlets in the Ural Mountains region. Why not assign an interesting, smart, deep, kind priest, who would help build this bridge between the life of the church and the lives of those people who consider themselves children of the Russian Orthodox Church as well as one or another media.

A long time Kremlin observer, Olga Bychkova, says the new turn to hints at divine qualities in Putin is dictated by his desire to stay popular. He needs to find new points to support himself, to give more new promises not only to the country but also to convince himself, Bychkova told The Daily Beast in an interview on Saturday. Both Putin and Trump are very much alike. They turn their obscure ideas into popular points. But more and more people will find Putins efforts ridiculous. It will become obvious that this is just an old mans idiocy.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini is refusing to pay an official visit to Kyiv because Ukraine has stopped the transit of Russian gas that Slovakia had been receiving.

Source: Slovak media outlet Aktuality, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Pellegrini said that under the current circumstances, a trip to Ukraine is "not an option" at the moment.

Quote from Pellegrini: "If I have to go there just to have my picture taken and be told that not one drop of oil or gas will be shipped to Slovakia, then I definitely shouldnt go. Let no one be offended by me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a situation where Ukraines government and president have decided to cut off our supply of gas and they are refusing to transit it to Slovakia, posing a serious threat to Slovakia's energy security  in a situation where the Ukrainian parliament is adopting legislation prohibiting the transportation of oil to Slovakia despite our existing contracts  my going to Ukraine is out of the question."

Background:

The Slovak president said in December he was considering a visit to Ukraine in 2025. However, he linked his possible visit to the outcome of gas transit negotiations.

The Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico voiced a list of threats against Kyiv, including a veto of EU decisions on Ukraine.

Support UP or become our patron!


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are continuing to help their community stay safe amid the ongoing wildfires in Southern California .

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan visited the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday, comforting volunteers and handing out food to the roughly 1,200 evacuees. They wore causal clothes, N-95 masks, and baseball capsMeghans was an L.A. hat, while Harrys read California. See the video, from CBS, here.

MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

Several scattered fires broke out on Tuesday in Meghans hometown of Los Angeles, forcing the evacuation of at least 100,000 residents and leading to the deaths of 11 people. Thousands have lost their homes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With the fires yet to be contained, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are doing what they can to help their neighbors stay safe. Yesterday, the two reportedly opened their home to friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate.

Anadolu

Anadolu

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The couple and their childrenPrince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, threelive in Montecito, which is about 90 miles north of L.A. While there are no active wildfires near them at the moment, they too may be forced to evacuate and could experience a power shutoff due to the areas high fire risk, according to the Independent .

In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much moreaffecting tens of thousands from all walks of life, reads a statement from Meghan and Harry on their website. A state of emergency has been issued. If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources and ideas.

If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do, the couple added to their statement. And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating. Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, childrens toys & clothing, and other essentials.

Harry and Meghan went on to list various organizations providing support and assistance (many of which you can find here ). The Sussexes are also working to provide aid through their nonprofit charity, Archewell Foundation. The foundation is looking for volunteer opportunities to assist with mental health recovery for those needing immediate help and will facilitate long-term recovery efforts, per People .

You Might Also Like
Prince William wished his wife a happy birthday today in a touching personal message after an extremely challenging year. The message, posted on Instagram and X, was shared alongside a new photograph of Kate taken by Matt Porteous in Windsor last summer.

To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength youve shown over the last year has been remarkable, the message read. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday Catherine. We love you, W.

Royal family members dont often issue personal messages on social media for birthdays. A more usual way of sending the greeting publicly is a message like the one posted by the royal family's main account to Kate today. It wishes her happy birthday alongside an existing photograph. However, Williams post follows Kates decision on his birthday in June to write a personal message and release a new picture. Along with the intimate video they released in September, it is an example of William and Kate being more publicly affectionate with each other throughout this particularly difficult year.

Happy Birthday to The Princess of Wales!  pic.twitter.com/AaLOjsbOPn  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) January 9, 2025

When the Princess turned 42 last January, she was just days away from having major surgery that would lead to a shock cancer diagnosis and months of chemotherapy. In the 12 months that followed she retreated from the public eye to focus on her recovery. Her return to work is expected to continue to be gradual, and remains unclear when she will next appear publicly. However, Prince William told reporters last year that she would hopefully be doing a bit more in 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Wales family spent the Christmas holidays at their Norfolk home Anmer Hall but headed back to Windsor in time for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to return to Lambrook School this week. The last time Kate was in the public eye was on Christmas Day when she joined the royal family walking to church in Sandringham. Prior to that, she had appeared at her Christmas carol concert on December 6, part of the State Visit at from the Emir of Qatar on December 3, and events for Remembrance Sunday in November.

A poll for the Mail on Sunday this week showed that the British public largely support her gradual return. It found that 47 per cent of Britons believe that there is too much pressure on Kate to return to normal royal duties, while a smaller 29 per cent thought it was reasonable to expect her to do so.

Princess Anne is back at work today carrying out engagements, and Prince Edward is representing the King at the funeral of President Jimmy Carter.

You Might Also Like
Donald Trumps imperialist fantasy of acquiring Greenland and his refusal to rule out using military force to do so are reportedly delighting pro-Vladimir Putin commentators in Russia. And the reactions highlight how the president-elect's rhetoric helps undermine democratic ideals and peace around the globe.

CNBC reported this week on Russian media figures cheering Trumps pursuit of Greenland because his actions toward the Arctic island  which is under Denmark's control  justify Russias imperial goals of expanding its territory into Ukraine.

From CNBC:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The president-elects position has found favor in Moscow, however, with largely positive coverage by Russian state media and political figures. Russian TV presenter and Kremlin ally Vladimir Solovyov, hosting a debate on Trumps pronouncements on his primetime show, said Trumps position essentially gave Moscow the right to demand the restoration of its own former Soviet empire, including the Baltic nations of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. Other pro-Kremlin pundits on the panel said Trumps ambitions validated Russias decision to launch its own special military operation against Ukraine. Kremlin propagandist Solovyov, an ardent supporter of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, commented that what Trump is doing benefits us greatly, adding that the president-elect was totally destroying any illusions that anyone might have still had about the summit of democracies, about respecting opinions of NATO allies.

This aligns with warnings foreign policy and human rights experts have issued for years about Trumps antidemocratic behavior and his affinity for strongmen. It's a prime example of why countries ought not to elect saber-rattling real estate developers for president, especially those who appear to flip-flop on being anti-war.

It's also noteworthy that ever since Trump won the election in November, his most vocal cheerleaders  aside from members of the Republican Party  are pro-Putin propagandists in Russia, who seem quite confident Trump will destroy the U.S. from within.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of Bulgarias pro-Russian Revival party, has fueled Kremlin narratives by claiming that Southern Bessarabia, part of Ukraines Odesa Oblast, should be returned to Bulgaria.

He stated on his Facebook page that he thinks Ukraine is falling apart and that Bulgarians are the indigenous population of the region, with deeper historical ties than Ukraine, which has controlled it for only 34 years.

Kostadinov proposed presenting Bulgarias claims to Bulgarian Bessarabia at a future peace congress to decide Ukraines fate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He also called for unification with Macedonia, emphasizing shared history and culture, and compared his proposals to U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps remarks about annexing Canada and regaining control of the Panama Canal.

There is nothing more logical for two countries with a common history, common origin, common language and common people than to become one country, he wrote.

The Ukrainian Embassy in Bulgaria condemned Kostadinovs statements, labeling them a distortion of historical facts that promote border redistribution and violate international law.

The embassy urged official condemnation, highlighting the inappropriateness of such rhetoric from a politician in an EU member state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bulgaria has provided Ukraine with a variety of aid since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, but pro-Russian sentiment has remained strong in the country.

Read also: Bulgarias parliament no longer supports signing Ukraine security deal

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
WOODFORD COUNTY, Ill. (WMBD)  A program is helping local organizations team up to feed those in need in Woodford County.

The Feeding Illinois Grain for Good pilot program delivered 3,000 pounds of ground pork to the Open Arms Food Pantry in Metamora, a Grain for Good news release stated.

Grainland Farmers, Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Illinois Association of Meat Processors and the Illinois Pork Producers Association worked together to ensure that 3,000 pounds of pork were processed and packaged into one-pound portions to be delivered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This ground pork donation is more than just food on the table. Its a locally grown product that provides hope and stability for families facing difficult times, said Bailey Parks-Moore, Donor Relations Manager at Eastern Illinois Foodbank.

Ameren delivers more than 900 pounds of food to local food pantry

Last year, the Open Arms Food Pantry served more than 8,000 individuals and 2,400 households. The pantrys Treasurer Matt Kennell said its all about neighbors helping neighbors.

Being able to make this kind of impact here among our neighbors is incredibly important and fulfilling, Kennell said. This donation helps us give a much-needed hand to those who need it most.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Good for Grain program serves families in Woodford, Tazewell, Marshall, LaSalle and Logan Counties. More information on how to volunteer or donate is available on its 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 CIProud.com.
Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore has proposed amendments to restrict the use of blast balls by the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and strengthen council oversight of crowd management practices, according to a city statement.

The proposed legislation, currently under review by the Public Safety Committee, mandates that SPD adopt a crowd management policy aligned with specific guidelines. If passed, the ordinance could help the city move closer to ending its federal consent decree.

Moores amendments would require the Mayor to declare a civil emergency and authorize the use of blast balls, with daily approvals required for continued use.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blast balls are rubber devices designed to create a loud sound and bright flash but also contain tear gas.

According to the councilmember, they can be unpredictable and have caused serious injuries, including cardiac arrest, during past protests.

In 2024, the city reached a $10 million settlement for injuries related to the use of less-lethal weapons, including blast balls, during the George Floyd protests.

The deployment of blast balls presents significant risks, including potential fatalities, and should not occur without oversight from the citys highest office, said Moore. Experts have consistently warned about the dangers of these devices. My amendments aim to protect public safety and reduce the physical and legal risks associated with their use.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The proposed amendments also include strict guidelines for deploying blast balls, requiring them to be thrown underhanded, directed away from people, and launched from a minimum distance of 10 yards.

Additionally, law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions assisting in Seattle must follow the citys crowd management policies or be reassigned to non-crowd-related duties.

These proposals align with recommendations from the Community Police Commission.

Currently, Seattle lacks specific regulation governing less-lethal weapons for crowd control in the Seattle Municipal Code.

In June 2020, the City Council passed an ordinance banning these weapons, but the federal court overseeing the citys consent decree overturned the ban.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since then, crowd control policies have been governed by an interim policy approved by the court.

This interim policy conflicts with a 2021 ordinance passed by the Council.

Councilmember Moores amendments will be discussed at the Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 9:30 a.m.




According to Delhi police, the driver who collided with the MUV has been absconding. The police are searching for the accused. They informed that the MUV, coming from Dhaula Kuan, and another car, proceeding from South Extension, collided near Bhikaji Cama Place.

According to the investigation so far, there was no other rider in both cars.

The police are investigating the matter. More details are awaited. (ANI)
Protests organized on Saturday by an alliance of activists against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) have delayed the start of the party's conference in the eastern German state of Saxony.

The protests come as three of Germany's major political parties are holding gatherings on the same day to finalize their election platforms and candidate nominations ahead of the national elections on February 23.

Early polls were called following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition in November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several demonstrators blocked access roads leading to the venue and by 10 am (0900 GMT) only a fraction of the approximately 600 delegates had reportedly arrived at the venue.

Protest organizers said they expected more than 10,000 people to participate in the demonstrations against the AfD.

AfD party chairwoman, Alice Weidel, who is to be named as the party's candidate for chancellor at the two-day convention, was also held up, according to information from AfD sources.

Authorities were braced for violent protests, with a large police presence, water cannons and a helicopter monitoring the situation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said there were already isolated attempts to breach barriers upon the protesters' arrival in the morning.

According to a dpa reporter, irritant gas was used to disperse protesters who had trapped police cars. Demonstrators had deflated the tires of several police vehicles. Pyrotechnics were also thrown at police during another protest march.

Demonstrators with signs protest against the AfD's national party conference. The party conference is to adopt the party's election manifesto and nominate co-chair Weidel as candidate for chancellor. Daniel Wagner/dpa

Police officers remove demonstrators from the street as they attempt to disrupt the AfD's (Alternative for Germany) party conference at the WT Energiesysteme Arena Riesa. The party conference is to adopt the party's election manifesto and nominate co-chair Weidel as candidate for chancellor. Daniel Wagner/dpa
Protesters launched fireworks at police in Germany as demonstrations delayed the far-Right AfD partys election campaign launch.

AfD (Alternative for Germany) is holding a two-day gathering in Riesa, one of its strongholds in the eastern state of Saxony. On Saturday, it formally nominated Alice Weidel, its co-leader, as its candidate for chancellor and finalised details of its platform.

A heavy police presence was put in place as thousands of demonstrators shouting No to Nazis protested outside the venue

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officers partly broke up a seated blockade at a crossroads and fireworks were thrown towards police on the sidelines of another protest, German media reported.

Ms Weidel dubbed Germanys mainstream conservative opposition Union bloc a party of fraudsters at the launch event, urging people to vote for the original and strengthen her party.

She called for Germanys borders to be closed to undocumented migrants, and for large-scale deportations of asylum-seekers, making clear that she had no problem with the politically charged term re-migration.

Ms Weidel pledged to return to use the Nord Stream gas pipeline damaged in explosions shortly after Russia cut off gas supplies to Germany in 2022, and won loud applause for saying that her Russia-friendly party would tear down all wind turbines, which she described as windmills of shame, if it came to power.

Alice Weidel said AfD would tear down all wind turbines, which she described as windmills of shame - Reuters/Matthias Rietschel

The AfD gathering was delayed by two hours as protests prevented delegates reaching the venue. Police said at least 8,000 demonstrators had assembled outside the towns convention centre.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The protesters braved the cold to shout slogans and listen to music from a temporary stage.

Late on Saturday morning, a police spokesman said there was no serious unrest but that one road to Riesa remained blocked by protesters.

Protest organisers said earlier on Saturday that police had beaten and pepper-sprayed demonstrators.

A statement by protest organisers said more than 12,000 people had turned out from all over Germany to voice their opposition to the AfD.

The congress was delayed by wide-ranging, colourful and determined protests in many locations inside and outside the town, the statement said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Maria Schmidt, spokeswomen for the protest organisers, said: Today we are protecting the right of people to live in safety without the fear of deportation or being attacked. We are all making it clear: Riesa is not a peaceful place for fascism.

Organisers said more than 12,000 people had turned out from all over Germany to protest against the AfD - Cover Images/Jan Woitas

Over the past year, the the AfD has weathered scandals over some senior members playing down SS war crimes, being fined for using Nazi slogans in speeches and being alleged to have taken suspicious payments from China and Russia.

Polls have shown AfD in second place ahead of Germanys election on Feb 23, with around 20 per cent support, despite the controversies, which have prompted other hard-Right parties in Europe to distance themselves.

The election is being held seven months earlier than originally scheduled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ms Weidel, who held a live chat with Elon Musk this week on his X platform, has little chance of securing the chancellorship as other parties have refused to work with AfD, blocking the partys potential route to power.

The conservative opposition Union bloc leads polls with around 30 per cent and Friedrich Merz, its candidate, is the favourite to become Germanys next leader.

Olaf Scholz, the centre-Left chancellor, is hoping for a come-from-behind victory but there has been little sign of significant support for his Social Democrats party, which stands at 14-17 per cent in polls.

Mr Scholz leads a minority government after his unpopular three-party coalition collapsed in November when he fired his finance minister in a dispute over how to revitalise Germanys stagnant economy.

A police spokesman said there was no serious unrest - Shutterstock /Martin Divisek

Ms Weidel insisted that her party was the opposite of the Nazis on Thursday night when speaking to Mr Musk, and stressed that Adolf Hitler was a socialist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since I am an economist I would like to shed some light on the idea when we talk about Hitler, she said. Back then during the Third Reich the national socialists were socialists.

They state-funded private companies and then they asked for huge taxes and nationalised the entire industry, and the biggest success [for Left-wing groups] after that terrible era in our history was to label Adolf Hitler as Right and conservative  he was exactly the opposite.

He was a communist socialist guy, full stop, no more comment on that. We are exactly the opposite, the libertarian conservative party.

Although the German Nazi party called itself the National Socialist German Workers Party, historians describe the party as having been far-Right totalitarian and entirely fascist in character.

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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A former hospital patient has filed a lawsuit seeking up to $4 million after she was infected with hepatitis C during surgery in Portland, the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit  which was first reported by The Oregonian  was filed against Providence Health & Services and the Oregon Anesthesiology Group, claiming their negligence led to her hepatitis diagnosis.

The lawsuit stems from the patients hand surgery in August 2021 at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, where OAG was contracted to provide anesthesiology services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Will an undersea volcano erupt near Oregon in 2025? Heres what we know

The lawsuit claims the defendants failed to follow infection control rules, and notified the plaintiff in July 2024 that they might have exposed her to hepatitis B, hepatitis, and HIV.

In October 2024, lab tests confirmed the defendants infected the plaintiff with hepatitis C, which caused physical harm, pain, mental suffering, and emotional distress for the patient, who is identified in court documents as K.S.

Court documents include a declaration from a senior-level physician who was hired to conduct an independent evaluation of the plaintiffs infection in this case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Oregon employees laid off as REI announces elimination of Experiences division

In the court documents, signed December 30, the doctor stated, After reviewing plaintiffs historical medical file and liquid biopsy, it is my opinion to degree of medical probability that plaintiffs surgery at Providence is most likely the source of her hepatitis infection, as opposed to some other potential source.

The lawsuit also included a letter from Providence notifying the patient about the possible disease exposure, stating the hospital was conducting a review of the incident and was working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with the Oregon Health Authority.

Close

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KOIN Morning Digest

This comprehensive and expert review will help us ensure this doesnt happen again. We deeply regret the concern this is no doubt causing for you, and we are committed to ensuring you have the information and resources you need, Providence wrote, according to the court documents.

On Friday, the plaintiffs attorney, Michael Fuller told KOIN 6 News, We expect to present the case to a local jury sometime later this year.

Providence Health & Services declined to comment on the pending litigation. Oregon Anesthesiology Group has not responded to KOIN 6 News request for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Oregon Department of Forestry director resigns suddenly

The lawsuit comes after Oregon health officials along with Providence and Legacy health systems announced in July 2024 that more than 2,000 patients might have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis after a protocol breach at Portland-area hospitals, including Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center and Willamette Falls Medical Center.

In the announcement, a spokesperson for Providence said the hospital learned that a physician might not have followed Providences infection control practices during some procedures at local hospitals.

The physician was employed by the Oregon Anesthesiology Group, which no longer provides services for Providence, the hospital system spokesperson previously said, noting the physician no longer worked for OAG.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Later, a federal class action lawsuit was filed against Providence and OAG citing negligence.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story 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 KOIN.com.
Nurses at Providence Hood River brave the rain and cold temperatures on the picket line. They were among nearly 5,000 nurses, physicians, midwives and nurse practitioners at Providence who started an open-ended strike on Friday. (Photo courtesy of the Oregon Nurses Association)

Nearly 5,000 Providence Health & Systems nurses and other professionals walked off their jobs Friday in the largest strike by health workers in state history  and the first involving unionized doctors.

Picket lines formed in the early-morning hours outside Providences eight Oregon hospitals, while replacement workers started their shifts. Providence officials said they had completed the transition to the replacement workers by 6:35 a.m. Friday  35 minutes after the 6 a.m. strike deadline. All Providence hospitals were open but the company has dialed back care, especially at St. Vincent Medical Center in southwest Portland, where Providence has stopped admitting patients from other facilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nevertheless, Dr. Ben LeBlanc, Providence Oregons chief executive, said St. Vincent was operating smoothly.

About 70 doctors who work at the hospital were on strike along with 80 doctors, clinic nurses, midwives and nurse practitioners at Providences six womens health clinics in the Portland area. The company has consolidated care at its womens clinics in Gresham and Beaverton.

The womens clinics and St. Vincent are the only sites where doctors are striking, and not all union-represented nurses walked off the job, said Gary Walker, spokesman for Providence. He said 600 showed up for work on Friday.

Politicians blast Providence

Top Democratic politicians in Oregon weighed in on the strike, with Gov. Tina Kotek calling Providences policy to stop negotiations when it receives a strike notice short sighted and unhelpful.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Providence wasted 10 days when they could have been at the table making progress towards a comprehensive resolution of their labor dispute, she said.

She urged the parties to return to the table immediately to resolve their disagreements so normal operations and care can resume.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden also commented.

The hard-working nurses, doctors & staff on strike today at Providence deserve a workplace that treats them like the health care heroes they are. That means fair wages, benefits & adequate staffing  things equally important to the patients they serve, he said in a tweet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Other Democratic politicians  U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Andrea Salinas and state Reps Rob Nosse and Travis Nelson, a nurse  announced plans for a Saturday rally at the Portland Convention Center in support of the union. The event is scheduled to include speeches from national labor leaders such as Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, and Liz Shuler, the national president of the AFL-CIO.

Providence officials said they stopped negotiations when the Oregon Nurses Association issued its strike notice on Dec. 30 to line up replacement workers.

Each time weve had a strike, weve needed all 10 days to prepare our hospitals to care for the community from the moment our nurses walk out. And this time its even more complex, because the strike is larger and there is no replacement workforce for physicians, officials said in a statement.

Providence is preparing to continue bargaining, the statement added. First, we have to prioritize the stability of clinical operations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a video released Friday, Anne Tan Piazza, the executive director of the union, said the strike could end today, if Providence makes the right choice to invest in its caregivers in the ways that our members have been demanding.

Normally, the union stages limited strikes but this action is open-ended and will continue until the two parties agree, the union said.

Providence has rejected proposals to meet safe staffing standards, ignored requests for competitive wages and failed to address caregivers retention or burnout. This strike is on Providence, and Im sorry if that makes Providence executives feel bad, but it is the truth, she said.

At a Thursday press conference, union officials said Providence wages were not competitive with other health care entities in the area. They also have said they seek contract language that takes into account acuity  the level of intensive care that each patient requires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They have accused Providence of trying to circumvent the states safe-staffing law, which is intended to establish safe nurse-to-patient ratios. In a Friday statement, Providence said the charge was completely false.

Providence officials say they have offered a 20% raise over the next three years for acute-care registered nurses, excluding overtime, holiday pay or other incentives. A contract offer for physicians proposes compensation increases and incentives that could exceed $20,000 to $30,000 a year, Providence said.

In addition to Portlands St. Vincent and the womens clinics in the Portland area, the health system operates the Providence Portland Medical Center and hospitals in Hood River, Medford, Milwaukie, Newberg, Seaside and Oregon City.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
While in the midst of winter, its tempting to let your car warm up while you continue with your morning routine, so its nice and warm when its time to leave the house.

One local police department warns that thieves can easily take advantage of puffer cars, or vehicles left running, unlocked and unattended. The Bellevue Borough Police Department says puffs of smoke coming from an exhaust pipe can be a signal to potential thieves.

The department says there are ways to warm up your car safely. You can use a remote starter that requires the vehicle to be locked. Even so, when approaching an already started car, Bellevue police urge caution in case someone is waiting nearby.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bellevue police urge against leaving a vehicle puffing at a mini-mart or convenience store, saying those locations are easy targets. The department also urges drivers to leave immediately after getting inside the vehicle.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
I made a point of looking up the day after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election. Way up.

I sat in my office, peering at several picture frames above my desk. The frames feature political cartoons from 2004 when the original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy became a hit on the Bravo network. In one cartoon, the Fab Five prepares to help George W. Bush, who wears a shirt that says: "No Gay Marriage." In another, two gay men enter a wedding chapel while a priest screams, "Immoral!"

Not so long ago, this was the ultimate political battleground. Gay marriage seemed like an impossible dream  until it wasn't. Anger, fear, and intolerance are old staples of American society. Still, in the 2000s, our society began to turn the tide thanks to new voices, grassroots courage, and a willingness to listen to others so that they might listen to us. I was proud of Queer Eye for being a part of that critical moment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A dozen years later, in 2016, Donald Trump was elected to the White House for the first time, fueled by "American carnage" and regressive thinking. Like so many, I was stunned and furious. We had made such great strides; how could we slide backward? What kind of hatred lay in store for the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth? I felt swallowed up by the old, traumatic feelings of my religious upbringing when my 11-year-old self would kneel at his bedside and earnestly pray, "Dear God, please don't make me gay."

The backsliding grew worse.

Also in 2016, legislators in South Carolina voted into law an infamous "bathroom bill" that sought to restrict public bathrooms for trans people. It was cruel and malicious. I wanted to fight, to meet hatred with hatred. Instead, thanks to discussions with my creative partners and the brilliant minds at Netflix, we devised a better idea: We'd listen. We'd do that with a rebooted version of Queer Eye, visiting so-called "red states" and learning where people were coming from. This journey ultimately began in Georgia in 2018, where a brand new Fab Five confronted men and women, old and young, gay and straight.

They transformed lives through the series' five categories  and then pushed further with difficult conversations about sex, trauma, guilt, loneliness, homophobia, religion, and race. In one episode, culture expert Karamo Brown sat down with police officer (and MAGA Republican) Cory Waldrop to discuss the chasm between Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter. This conversation captured the attention of viewers two years before the murder of George Floyd.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The casting of the new Queer Eye embraced the diversity in the LGBTQ+ community, featuring a gay man with Muslim and Pakistani heritage (Tan France), a gay Black man (Karamo Brown), as well as grooming expert Jonathan Van Ness, who came out as nonbinary in 2019. They represented an eclectic new mix of human experiences. This included the men and women whom they helped, like a trans man recovering from top surgery in the second season. The Fab Five helped viewers understand gender-affirming surgery and why it was crucial for someone's sense of identity. It felt like we'd tapped into a new mode of understanding, and that the future ahead would be bright.

And yet, by November 2024, I was in my office, looking up political cartoons from 20 years ago, which suddenly felt more timely than the unread emails on my computer monitor. I had been focused on the future, including a new season of Queer Eye and a national Fab Five tour organized in celebration. Instead, I was drawn back to the past.

Trump's victory and his upcoming second administration unearth the same dark feelings that have plagued me time and again. So many LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide face growing fear and uncertainty. How painful it is to think of my younger self, sitting in a Southern Baptist Church in the middle of Ohio, as my parents and preacher felt empowered to roll back the clock once more. How frustrating it is to see people of privilege divide us between man and woman, straight and gay, and even between gay and trans. It is demoralizing to see people give up or even give in. In times of crisis, we know what others genuinely believe by how they behave and what they embody.

And yet, we won't find solace in those dark feelings. From 2004 to 2016, there has been a steady pattern: When we listen to others, they listen back. That must be the mission. Progress moves in fits and starts. There are wins, surprises, and moments when we falter. But the mission always remains the same. Pursuing the mission in the face of setbacks is, in fact, the most crucial part.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Over nine seasons, I've traveled the country with Queer Eye and seen what people of every stripe can bring to the table. This table also includes those who voted for Trump. There are reasons we need to hear why they elected him again. Those will only be learned through conversations we have with his supporters. My team and I will be doing precisely that, whether it's through the stories on Queer Eye or meeting folks across the country as the cast goes on tour. We all have an obligation here to meet each other where we are, learn, and listen to stand together.

Listening will be uncomfortable. But there's an opportunity for us to discover revelations that expose each other's humanity and allow others to listen back. This beautiful chaos of difference can become the impetus of real change. So, I challenge all communities and the upcoming administration to uplift and model a country for all Americans.

David Collins is the creator of Queer Eye and co-founder and executive producer of Scout Productions. The cast of Queer Eye are kicking off their first ever tour, The Fab Five Live! in February.

Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday paid tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 59th death anniversary, stating that he played an important role in taking the country to new heights. Kharge also hailed Shastri as the inspiration behind the slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" and for laying the foundation of the milk revolution. In a post on X, Kharge said, "We pay our heartfelt tribute to the inspiration behind "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan", the great Gandhian, our ideal, former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri ji on his death anniversary. He played an important role in taking the country to new heights. From land reforms to laying the foundation of milk revolution, from abolishing third class in railways to the 1965 war, Shastri ji became an inspiration to everyone with his simplicity and modest life, he always worked for the progress of the country." Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also paid tribute to Shastri, stating that his slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" remains a powerful message of gratitude toward the hands that serve the country. He added that Shastri's legacy would be honored for generations. In a post on X, Shivakumar said, "Paying homage to former Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri- the epitome of simplicity, humility and patriotism, on his death anniversary. His slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" remains a powerful message of gratitude towards the hands that serve the country, and the legacy he left behind will be honoured for generations." Notably, January 11 marks the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who passed away on this day in 1966 in Tashkent, present-day Uzbekistan. Former PM Shastri was a great visionary leader, deeply influenced by the political teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, who understood the language of the people and led the country toward progress. (ANI)
A smart-thinking corgi saved the day after running to get help for his owner after she fell and hurt herself.

Just after Christmas on Dec. 28, Kitchener, Ontario, resident Jess Parker was taking her usual morning walk with her 9-year-old dog, Waldo, on a path behind her home, per CTV News and CityNews Kitchener. Melting snow and mud had made the path slippery, and Parker suddenly took a hard fall.

She immediately knew the situation was not good. My body went, and my right leg didnt. I heard a giant crack, and I knew that something was wrong," she recalled to CTV News. "My foot was facing completely east, and my body was facing north. So, it was very gruesome."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: 'Hero Dog' Saves Injured 84-Year-Old Owner By Running to a Deputy for Help

@parkermediainc/Parker Media Jess Parker poses with her corgi Waldo, who helped save her life after a bad fall Jess Parker poses with her corgi Waldo, who helped save her life after a bad fall

As it turned out, she had broken her foot in the fall, and since she didn't bring her cell phone on the walk, she had no way to call anyone for help. She began shouting but feared no one would hear her due to the path being set far back from the main road.

But she had her own four-legged superhero right by her side all along. "Waldo immediately jumps to action. He kisses me on the face and then runs away, Parker recounted to CTV News.

As she laid on her back, in pain, she watched the Corgi turn into a real-life Lassie, getting the attention of a nearby stranger. I see him out in the distance, tugging on a strangers pant leg," she told CTV News. "He starts barking and leads the guy to me. Ive never met this guy before."

@parkermediainc/Parker Media Waldo the corgi saved his owner's life after she suffered a bad fall while on a walk Waldo the corgi saved his owner's life after she suffered a bad fall while on a walk

And the heroic pup wasn't done yet. After retrieving the man, Waldo dashed off again, this time getting the attention of Parker's husband, Brady Parker, and landlord.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We just came right down here, and I could see some people gathering. I could hear Jess. She sounded like she was in a lot of pain, Brady recalled to CTV News.

Paramedics soon arrived, and Jess was taken to a local hospital. The doctor said I got there just in time. I was losing a lot of blood to my foot, and that can be quite dangerous, Jess noted.

@parkermediainc/Parker Media Jess Parker and her corgi Waldo Jess Parker and her corgi Waldo

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.

Following surgery, Jess is recovering well at home  and she now knows the lengths that her canine companion will go to protect her. "I had hoped Id never find out, but thankfully, Waldo did pass the Lassie test, Jess told CTV News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He did the exact right thing, which was incredible," she added to CityNews Kitchener. Its nice to know when something happens, hes got my back."

Related: Hero Dog 'Refused' to Leave Owner's Side After Getting Man Help for a 'Significant' Injury

Waldo was rewarded for his valiant efforts with a plate full of chopped up steak.

"Steak dinner for our hero," Jess captioned a sweet Instagram video on Jan. 7. "Thanks for being the best doggo ever."

While the corgi is making news for his heroic actions, he was already well-known for starring in commercials and from his presence on social media, where he boasts nearly 14,000 followers on TikTok.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Waldo's page features videos documenting his everyday adventures, from visits to the Starbucks drive-through for a pup cup to forest walks at home in Ontario. He is also a regular at Octoberfest celebrations, even dressing up in tiny lederhosen for the occasion.

Read the original article on People
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A 22-year-old is facing charges after firing several gunshots in a field in Rapid City.

Contractor working on light pole when it fell on I-229

Rapid City Police say they were called to the 400 block of Neel Street Friday morning for a report of gunshots in the area.

After talking to witnesses, police determined the suspect was in a nearby apartment and used a search warrant to locate Devjon Herman inside the residence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Herman was arrested and charged with reckless discharge of a firearm. Police searched his vehicle and found a handgun, a drum magazine, marijuana and paraphernalia.

Photo courtesy: Rapid City Police

Authorities continue to investigate.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  A rare South African Krugerrand gold coin worth thousands was found amid the spare change donated to a Salvation Army red kettle in Colorado.

Salvation Army volunteers found the coin, valued at more than $2,700, in a red kettle at a King Soopers grocery store in Fort Collins on Dec. 23, according to a press release.

This isnt the first time its happened. In fact, the Krugerrand tradition is longstanding in Fort Collins. The first gold coin like this one was found in a red kettle back in 1998.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We rely on the generosity of our local donors to attend to local needs  both spiritual and physical  so its a joy to know that the consistency of this gift has not waned for more than two decades, says Pastor Joshua Lyle, administrator of The Salvation Army in Fort Collins. It comes from someone who is committed to serving their community via our hands, and we appreciate that.

$2.66M jackpot iLottery winner tells wife its time to retire

The gold coins have also been popping up across the country. A donor dropped one in Napa, California, last year, and a Detroit suburb with its own 12-year Krugerrand tradition received a new coin this season.

The divisional commander of The Salvation Army Intermountain Division, which includes Colorado, said local donations stay in the area, so the money from the Fort Collins coin will go directly back to the community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The donations we receive during the Red Kettle holiday season help our neighbors all year long, Major Nesan Kistan said. Our neighbors face hunger, job losses, insurmountable bills and many additional discouragements. Our services are needed by so many families.

Donations made to The Salvation Army help provide meals, food boxes, utility assistance and more to those in need.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A six-week shutdown of Fresno County-based Raw Farm dairy, the states leading raw milk bottler, has cost the company at least $2.7 million in lost sales, founder Mark McAfee told The Bee this week.

The companys two 900-cow dairy farms, one in Fresno County and the other in adjacent Kings County, were put under quarantine by the state after the dairies tested positive for bird flu.

The California Department of Food and Agricultures shutdown meant McAfee had to stop bottling his prized and profitable raw milk that retails around $16 to $18 a gallon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McAfee said Thursday the Hanford dairy has cleared the state-mandated tests to resume milk production, while the flagship dairy in west Fresno County is in the process.

Although McAfee was able to sell his bulk milk to conventional milk processors who pasteurized it, none of it was sold as raw milk.

Kaleigh Stanziani, Raw Farms vice president of marketing, said the timing of the quarantine meant the company missed two of the busiest sales periods: Thanksgiving and December. Prior to the quarantine, Raw Farm was experiencing a 30% to 50% growth in monthly sales.

Raw Farm purchasing dairy in Northern California

To avoid another potential disruption in supply, McAfee made the move to purchase a third dairy north of Sacramento.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The 900-cow dairy is in an area that has not been hit by the bird flu. Statewide, more than 700 dairies, or nearly three-quarters of the industry, have had bird flu, with most of those dairies in the San Joaquin Valley.

We wanted to be way out of the bird flu zone, McAfee said. So if one dairy is shut down, we will have another to continue processing.

As wild birds begin migration through Central California, poultry farmers on high alert

Raw Farms sales resume after quarantine

As news began filtering out about Raw Farm resuming production, customers began flocking to the dairys on-farm store on South Jameson Avenue in west Fresno County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jessica Rascon, an administrative assistant at Raw Farm, said the store was slammed with people wanting to get their hands on gallons and half-gallons of raw milk. The refrigerator case inside the store had to be restocked several times.

It could take several days for the milk to make it to grocery stores throughout the state. For some, that was too long of a wait.

Several customers from fire-ravaged Los Angeles County drove to the dairys farm store to get their supply.

One woman told me she was getting in her Suburban, with some ice chests, and driving up here to pick up a bunch of peoples orders of milk, Stanziani said. Its been non-stop at our farm store.

A gallon of raw milk is set out at the Raw Farm USA dairy store in Fresno County on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Mark McAfee, raw milk and RFK Jr.

One of McAfees more notable customers is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., president-elect Donald Trumps nominee to be secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kennedy, whose nomination has been opposed by many in the medical community for his anti-vaccine views, reached out to McAfee and asked him to be an advisor to the Food and Drug Administration on shaping raw milk policy in the United States.

McAfee said he would work with FDA regulators, despite their position that raw milk is unsafe to drink because it is not pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria.

In preparation of his role as an advisor, McAfee said RFK Jr.s team recently asked him to develop a deeper vision for raw milk production in the United States.

And, McAfee said, I am developing that right now.
How is a non-cop the right choice for top cop?

Manhattan: As a New York City resident and non-politician, I disagree with the mayors selection of Jessica Tisch to head the New York Police Department.

In spite of the mayors effusive and grandiose touting of this appointees resume, a stint as a deputy NYPD commissioner and tenure as commissioner of the Department of Sanitation, as well as being an astute manager, do not in my view translate as qualifications to lead a paramilitary force of more than 30,000 police officers.

It would seem that out of a top tier of police deputies, many with 15 and 20 or more years experience with expansive knowledge of policing, including the latest technology and anti-terror techniques, someone from this group could be selected to lead the department. These police backgrounds include experience with street patrol as well as the grim-and-grime realities of policing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is not to say that Tisch is not well-meaning, but if I were a veteran police officer, I would not be inspired or want to follow her into any out-of-control situation requiring police interaction.

As a citizen of this city, I understand that there is always a place in any large organization for data collecting, management skills and forward-thinking ideas. Such individuals can be valuable assets as staff members of the department. But by this appointment, both the police and New Yorkers are ill-served. B. Wallace Cheatham

Mayor material

Greenburgh, N.Y.: In recent weeks, the Daily News has published stories about the upcoming race for mayor. I would like to urge NYC residents to encourage Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to run. She is the kind of mayor NYC needs. The Harvard-educated official has impressed many people during her years as commissioner of three important city agencies. She highlighted her ability to address quality-of-life issues by waging war against rats and taking steps to make streets cleaner during her tenure as Sanitation commissioner. She is currently being praised for her efforts to get rid of bad apples within the police force. She worked on technology issues as commissioner of the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications. Her goal is to get the job done and she is showing that she wont tolerate corruption. NYC deserves the best. I think Tisch is what the city needs. Paul Feiner

Homeless and harmless

Manhattan: Re A better mental illness approach (editorial, Jan. 5): You write, Recent underground horrors remind us of the need for action. There was the arson homicide of a woman at the Coney Island station, and the caught-on-camera shove onto the platform of a man in Chelsea. But the suspects in each of these incidents were neither homeless nor had a history of mental illness, so neither would have qualified for involuntary treatment. Making the subways safer for everyone is a worthy goal, but the involuntary commitment of folks sprawled on benches who are deemed mentally ill but who havent done anything wrong is not the right way. James Baldwin

Self-induced

Staten Island: It is hard to watch what is going on with the fires in California. My wife and I are sick seeing it. How could there be no water to fight the fires? They are next to the biggest ocean on the planet. But they have a mayor who went on vacation knowing what was coming  this after cutting the fire departments budget. They have a governor who rejected plans to ensure a much-needed supply of water because he felt the wellbeing of some fish was a higher priority. They have a fire chief who felt that DEI hiring was more important than the safety of the people who live there. While I do not wish anything bad for these poor residents, they voted for these people. They are the only ones who can make sure this doesnt happen again. When you vote for incompetent people, you get incompetence. Tony Anastasio

Make it rain

Plainview, L.I.: How come our scientists didnt think about artificially inducing the rain needed for the California wildfires? Shooting silver oxide into the atmosphere through a process called cloud seeding, which essentially provides particles of water droplets to condense around and form precipitation. This can be done by airplane or ground-based devices that disperse the substance into existing clouds. This possibly could have helped. Frank Mauceri

Leaders in the field

Manhattan: There is a way for Los Angeles to avoid ever running out of water again. There is a country that has an even drier climate than L.A. that used to always be short of water and whose fields were deliberately set on fire by its enemies. That country developed technology for extracting fresh water from the ocean and now produces so much water that it fills a freshwater lake and exports water and agricultural produce. All Los Angeles has to do is pay it to set up desalination plants. That country is Israel. Gamaliel Isaac

Hard copy

New Brunswick, N.J.: Kudos to J.T. Barbarese for the homage to print (The simple joy of reading newspapers, op-ed, Jan. 10). While I transitioned to tablet for the Daily News due to many factors  unreliable delivery, weather, mobility, to mention a few  I miss holding a newspaper in my hands. My dentist tried to convince me to read on Kindle. I told him that sometimes I do. But theres nothing like the feel of a hardcover book or the inkiness of a newspaper. Youre correct, J.T.: writing style and integrity have been exchanged for expediency. By the time you get the paper, its yesterdays news. T.M. Cembor

Cheating the system

East Meadow, L.I.: Re the Social Security Fairness Act: What is unfair is paying Social Security benefits to workers who didnt contribute to the Social Security system. They worked in jobs, in municipalities, that dont participate in the program. Why should they benefit from something they didnt, or minimally, contribute to? Greg Hecht

Ex-prez fluctuation

Manhattan: Before Jimmy Carter died, we had five ex-presidents alive at once (Carter, Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama and Trump). Its four now and will go back to five in a few days, when Biden joins the list and Trump leaves the list. I noticed that, like Carter, Harry Truman also died between Christmas and New Years Eve (Dec. 26, 1972), and also died as a presidential term was ending and another was about to start. Not a change of presidents, though, as Richard Nixon had been elected to a second term in a landslide victory over George McGovern. Lyndon Johnson survived Truman by less than four weeks, leaving us without a living ex-president until Nixon resigned in August 1974. Charles Adrian OConnor

Fool incoming

Manhattan: Long ago, a popular song opened with Fools rush in where wise men used to tread. It came to mind as I watched the funeral for Jimmy Carter, a wise man, and watched Donald Trump not place his hand over his heart when the casket was at his row. Even Melania did that. A fool  a disdainful man  named Trump is rushing in. I am not alone in feeling fearful for our country. Frankie Turchiano

Hes one of us

Tamarac, Fla.: For those Democrats whose mission was to destroy Trump throughout the years to the present, get over it! He is not your enemy. He never was and never will be. Trump is going to be your next president and will proudly represent you and the country you live in! His wife Melania is going to be the next first lady of your country and will perform her duties with pride and dignity. So, Trump-haters, how about acting like good grown-ups by mustering a little pride and dignity of your own. Accept your 47th president as the American you are, not as the enemy you chose to be. Roberta Chaleff

Capital confusion

Ashburn, Va.: Everyone wonders why Trump wants Greenland so badly. The answer is simple: He thinks the capital of Greenland is named Nookie. Not to worry, though. When he finds out the capital is actually named Nuuk, hell immediately forget the whole thing. Mike Barrett
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad had a strong year in 2024 with increased ridership numbers and the opening of a new regional rail station.

2023 saw over 322,000 guests ride with Reading & Northern, the railroad said in a press release.

2024 eclipsed that mark with nearly 340,000 riders taking trips including the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, as well as all-day excursions from Reading and Pittston, holiday-themed trains, and the Iron Horse Rambles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In August, Reading & Northern celebrated the opening of Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station, located at the companys campus in Nesquehoning, Carbon County, along its main line from Reading to Pittston.

The new station hosted diesel trips to Tunkhannock and two sold-out Iron Horse Ramble excursions.

These trips featured an iconic T1 steam locomotive roaring through the Lehigh Gorge under its own power for the first time in nearly fifty years, Reading & Northern Railroad said.

The railroad said it will again host Iron Horse Rambles originating from Nesquehoning in summer 2025.

In addition, a first-ever winter steam Ramble will operate from Reading to Jim Thorpe on Feb. 8, 2025. The Reading to Jim Thorpe route will be repeated on May 25.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Concurrent weekend trips from Reading and Pittston to Jim Thorpe will begin with the usual themed trains in February before moving into their regular season on Saturday, March 15, the railroad said.

Tickets for regular season Reading- and Pittston-to-Jim Thorpe trains will go on sale Jan. 13. at www.rbmnrr-passenger.com and by phone at 610-562-2102.

Riders coming from the south will be able to board at Reading Outer Station, Port Clinton or Tamaqua; those coming from the north may choose from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station at Pittston, Mountain Top, or White Haven.

Fall Foliage ride schedules, as well as special monthly trips from Reading to Pottsville, will be announced later, the railroad said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway will be operating weekends in January and February, plus Martin Luther King Day and Presidents Day, until March 15, when daily operation will resume.

The railroad said mostly favorable weather in recent years and an accompanying demand for tickets led to scheduling daily operations to start a month earlier.

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway tickets are currently on sale for trains operating Jan. 11 through March 30. More of the schedule will be posted as 2025 progresses.

Reading & Northern Railroad, headquartered in Port Clinton, is a privately held rail company serving nine eastern Pennsylvania counties: Berks, Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Northumberland, Schuylkill, and Wyoming.

Its freight and passenger operations cover over 400 miles of track. The railroad owns 1,800 freight cars and employs more than 350 people.
(FOX40.COM)  The Red Cross is one of the many organizations that have helped those impacted by the Southern California fires.

Over 200 workers are actively assisting Los Angeles County residents who have lost everything in what they are describing as some of the most destructive fires in Californias history.



Every time we have a disaster of this magnitude. Essentially, the Red Cross is there to be a listener. To make sure that these people know that they are not alone in all the stress theyre enduring right now, said a Red Cross Spokesperson, Stephen Walsh.

The Red Cross has opened five shelters since the fires began to assist those affected and ensure everyone has a safe place to stay during this crisis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As sell out of season tickets for inaugural year in West Sacramento

But the main things in the shelter that we provide are a place to sleep, meals, access to mental health services, health services, access to government resources, said Walsh.

The Southern California fires have affected over 9,000 structures. The Eaton fire in Altadena alone has destroyed about 5,000 homes and buildings.



A couple of my neighbors just touched base with me. And they said, yeah, all our street is gone and our street is on Laurel Drive. So everything is burned, said Tina Camiling.

Tina Camiling is among the many who lost everything. She lived in her home for 20 years, raising her kids and holding onto precious memories with her late husband, who passed away just 5 months ago.



I wish I had picked up more of my stuff, but thats it, you know, basically everything is gone, said Camiling.



While Camiling and her family cope with loss, the support search can also feel daunting as they navigate the unpredictability of what comes next for her and her family.



Im looking out for resources. And all of those, of course, can be confusing and can be overwhelming and not really knowing the direction and how to go about it, said Camiling



With the ongoing devastation and loss like Camilings, the role of organizations like the Red Cross is critical for those affected and needing help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If youd like to learn more about Camilings story 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 FOX40 News.
Dovers Red Robin abruptly closed on New Years Eve to the shock of local community members.

Whats more, employees at Red Robin were reportedly left with as little warning as the customers.

A new tenant is supposedly already signed up to take over the building, but there are still questions left as to why the shutdown occurred so swiftly and was seemingly kept under wraps.

Heres what we know.

Red Robin closing was 'a huge surprise' to employees

A sign on the door of the Dover Red Robin, pictured here Jan. 9, 2025, tells people the restaurant closed as of Jan. 1 after four years in business.

In the early days of the new year, social media users began noting that the marquee sign in front of the building at 40 N. DuPont Highway had been taken down, prompting questions about whether the store had shut down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For a while, the locations website remained intact and read as open,'' but the phone number had been disconnected and what was once a bustling pandemic-era business turned into more of a ghost town.

A Red Robin spokesperson confirmed on Monday, Jan. 6, that the location had indeed shut down, but did not disclose details about when or why.

Dover Mayor Robin R. Christiansen disclosed that the store shut down on New Years Eve, but his office was not aware of the reason.

It was a popular spot for a number of folks in our community, Christiansen said. We are going to, in earnest, try to find out why they closed.  But my primary interest at this point in time is to try to reach out somehow to the people that work there to see if we can help them find some employment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A former bartender at the Dover Red Robin, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the closure by the company, shared that the few dozen employees did not find out about the stores closing until their last day of work.

All of the employees found out the day of closing that we were laid off, on New Years Eve, the employee said. We went into work, they pulled us all into the kitchen and let us know at the beginning of the shift that that would be our last shift.

Signs have been removed from the exterior of the Dover Red Robin restaurant at 40 N. Dupont Highway on Route 13 South between Division Street and Maple Parkway, pictured here Jan. 9, 2025. Paper signs on the doors report that the restaurant "permanently closed" Jan. 1.

According to this employee, staff had been notified that the building had been bought out by another business.

R&R Realty, the sites commercial developer, confirmed that another tenant has been signed onto the 40 N. DuPont building, but could not confirm who the tenant was.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This employee, who had been at the Dover location for nearly two years, was lucky enough to find work at another Red Robin location in the state, but said that none of the employees saw the layoffs coming.

It was a huge surprise to us.  I was making great money there and we all had regulars that came in to see us, the employee said. It was very emotional for all of us because we love our store and we had a great group of people that worked there. We all got along. We all had a system, and it was just a really good job.

New openings: Nick's Pizza opening Brandywine Hundred restaurant in February with new partners.

Pandemic-era opening

Dover's Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews location, pictured July 22, 2020, shut down abruptly on the last day of 2024.

This particular Red Robin location was once considered a marvel opening in the face of pandemic-era restrictions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Originally set to open in March 2020, the location's progress was pushed back to July, causing the store to lose about half of its employees during the waiting period.

"It was one challenge after another," said Javier Medina, who at the time was the general manager of the store. "But we're here and we're pushing through."

More closures: These 27 Delaware restaurants & food businesses closed in 2024

At the time of its opening, Medina disclosed to Delaware Online/The News Journal that the store achieved record-breaking sales for an opening week during the height of the pandemic, reporting more than double the average sales in its first week alone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"People are glad we're here," Medina said at the time. "They love Red Robin and they're happy that they don't have to travel up north to satisfy their craving of a milkshake or burger or beer."

Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Dover Red Robin abruptly shuts down; staff left scrambling
(Bloomberg) -- Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves kicked off a two-day China visit Saturday, a landmark exchange highlighting the Labour governments efforts to stay focused on long-term plans to get the British economy growing again even as fiscal concerns mount back home.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Reeves, who had faced calls from Britains main opposition parties to cancel the trip because of market turmoil this week that put the UK governments economic position in doubt, is seeking stable ties with China as she met with officials including Vice Premier He Lifeng in Beijing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We can build a long-term economic relationship with China that works in the national interest, Reeves said in a statement issued by the Treasury. The UK wants to find common ground on trade and investment while being candid about our differences and upholding national security as the first duty of this government, she said.

The timing of the China trip is awkward for Reeves after a selloff in UK assets including gilts and the pound in recent days raised the prospect of her having to announce fresh spending cuts or tax increases to stabilize Britains fiscal position.

Theres undoubtedly been moves in global financial markets over the last few days, Reeves told reporters in Beijing on Sunday. Im not going to provide a running commentary on that. But what I would say is that the fiscal rules that I set out in my budget in October are non-negotiable, because economic stability is the bedrock for economic growth, prosperity, and making working people better off.

Mending Ties

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Reeves is joined on the trip by Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, UK Financial Conduct Authority Chief Executive Nikhil Rathi and senior figures from banks including HSBC Holdings Plc. The trip is designed to revive high-level bilateral talks between Britain and China  on hold since the pandemic  and to consider areas of potential cooperation, including financial services.

Reeves was also planning to raise concerns over constraints on rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, along with Chinas ongoing support for Russias war in Ukraine, the Treasury statement said.

The visit to China is part of Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmers efforts to mend relations with the worlds second-biggest economy after years of tensions under successive Conservative governments fueled by the pandemic, Chinas crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong and a series of cyberattacks and spying operations in Britain that UK officials have blamed on Beijing.

The British premier wants to promote growth domestically by encouraging foreign investment and boosting trade, and has described the relationship hes seeking with China  which is the UKs fourth-largest single trading partner  as based on three Cs: Cooperate, challenge and compete.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We want to have important and constructive conversations and dialogue with China, as we do with other countries around the world, Reeves said on Saturday.

For China, the meeting with Reeves comes as it is working to better relations with US partners ahead of Donald Trumps return to the White House. President Xi Jinpings government has made diplomatic overtures to steady ties with Japan, India and Australia in recent months, as Beijing braces for a possible tariff war with the US that could leave it seeking shelter in other markets.

China is willing to continue to expand openness and exchanges with the UK, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation to bring more benefits to the two countries and the world, Xinhua News Agency reported, citing Chinese Vice President Han Zhengs remarks while meeting with Reeves.

Strengthening economic and financial cooperation between China and the UK is of great significance to both countries and the world, Vice Premier He also told Reeves in Beijing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

--With assistance from Tian Ying.

(Updates with comments from Chinese officials in final two paragraphs.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would organise a 15-day 'Samvidhan Gaurav Abhiyan' in the state from Saturday to commemorate the 75 years journey of the Indian Constitution. Various programs will be held under the campaign in the state from January 11 to January 25. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started a tradition of celebrating Constitution Day from 2015. I am happy that the BJP is starting a 15-day 'Samvidhan Gaurav Abhiyan' from January 11 to January 25. Under the campaign, there will be different discussions and speeches regarding the Constitution to aware people. Also, essay writing competitions will be held in schools. It is a wonderful decision that has been taken to observe the public awareness campaign regarding the Constitution," CM Yadav told ANI. The Chief Minister also extended greetings to BJP national president JP Nadda and PM Modi and appealed to everyone to join the campaign and understand the sentiments within the constitution. "I would like to congratulate BJP chief JP Nadda and PM Modi who have directed the attention of the entire nation towards the constitution of India. Let us all understand the sentiments within the Constitution and respect its spirit. Let's resolve to celebrate the fortnight of how the world's largest democratic country runs with the help of its constitution," CM Yadav added. Additionally, in a post on X, the Chief Minister wrote, "Remembering the 75 years of journey of the Indian Constitution, the BJP will organize 'Samvidhan Gaurav Abhiyan'. Various programs will be organized under the event from 11 to 25 January." Meanwhile, the Congress party is also set to launch its campaign "Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Abhiyan" across the country with a rally in Mhow located in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, birthplace of BR Ambedkar, from January 27, 2025. (ANI)
PLAINS, Ga. (WRBL)  Think of Jimmy Carters life as a book.

Appropriate, given he was a prolific writer.

And yesterday was the last paragraph in the final chapter of a century-old story.

I dont mean this with any disrespect, said Andrew Young, the U.N. Ambassador under President Carter. But it is still hard for me to understand how you get to be president from Plains, Ga.

Those were Youngs words at Carters funeral on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trip after trip to Plains to cover President Jimmys Carters final years, that thought has been front and center with every passing of the city limits sign and drive by the Carter home.

How did a president come from this place? And more importantly, why after obtaining the nations highest elected office, did he come back?

This is exchange with Milton Jones, who served in general assembly with Carter, says it all.

Reporter: Were you surprised he went back to Plains?

Jones: No.

Reporter: Why?

Jones: Thats Jimmy Carter. Thats where hes from. Where else would he go?

Thats a simple answer to a complex question.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And Thursday, all of the complexities that were Jimmy Carter  politician, reformer, statesman, peacemaker humanitarian, man of the world but a son of rural southwest Georgia  came into sharp focus.

From the U.S. Capitol to a state funeral at the National Cathedral, then back home to Plains, and a service at his beloved Maranatha Baptist Church, Carters final day told a story.

It was telling that Congressman Sanford Bishop who could have been at any of the events chose the final service at Maranatha.

I wanted to celebrate President Carter, said Georgia Congressman Sanford Bishop. Not just as the president, a former president, a world leader, but as a neighbor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How many neighbors have 21 fighter jets flying over the hearse carrying their earthly remains? That happened just before dark as the last plane peeled off in a missing man formation.

It was fitting.

But the image that will stick with me is Carters daughter Amy following her fathers casket into Maranatha. We all remember her  a child back in January 1977  bouncing down Pennsylvania Avenue with her parents on the day Jimmy from Plains became President Carter.

Then the family walked behind the hearse through the streets of Plains as light had given way to darkness on a day of mourning and celebration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was a stark reminder time stands still for none of us.

The book on Jimmy Carters remarkable life has closed. His story now belongs to the historians.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 10City of Santa Fe crews converged Friday on the Plaza to prepare for the court-ordered removal of a massive wooden box surrounding the base of the toppled Soldiers' Monument.

They cordoned off the work area with caution tape, removed a large sign in front of the box and dug out the shrubs that had been planted around the box's four sides.

Work to dismantle the box itself will begin Monday in a process city officials said could take the entire week, as it entails removing graffiti left on the monument from demonstrations in 2020, when protestors destroyed the 33-foot-tall obelisk that had stood in the center of the Plaza for more than 150 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We will almost certainly be there all week," city Facilities Division Director Sam Burnett said in an interview Friday.

Burnett's team will lead efforts to remove the box, joined by staff from the parks, custodial and tourism departments, along with Santa Fe police officers who will monitor the area.

Part of the Plaza around the site will be fenced off while work is underway, in large part to protect residents while the monument is treated with chemicals and power washed. Burnett said city staff will try to inconvenience residents as little as possible.

"We want to be respectful of people's ability to use the space," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Soldiers' Monument was toppled on Indigenous Peoples Day in 2020 following a three-day "occupation" of the Plaza by Native activists and their supporters. The monument, which commemorates Civil War Union soldiers, has long been controversial due to a plaque also honoring soldiers who died in battle with "savage Indians." The word "savage" was chiseled away in 1974.

The Hispanic fraternal organization Union Protectiva de Santa Fe sued the city and Mayor Alan Webber over the obelisk's destruction, and the parties went to trial in September. State District Judge Matthew Wilson in December ordered the city to remove, within 30 days, the protective box it built around the monument's remains and then to take further action  either entirely rebuilding the obelisk within 180 days or following a rarely used process outlined in a state historic preservation law.

City spokesperson Regina Ruiz said the process of removing the box will be complete by the end of the day Jan. 19, the deadline imposed by Wilson.

Burnett said chemicals used to remove graffiti has to sit on the surface for about 24 hours and probably will have to be applied several times due to the age of the paint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Even though it's a very serious topic, I'm incredibly entertained by the fact that one of the products we're using is called 'Elephant Snot,' " Burnett said.

City councilors were scheduled to meet in a closed session during a special meeting Thursday to discuss the judge's order but voted to postpone the session. It was rescheduled for Jan. 15.

City Attorney Erin McSherry will provide councilors with additional information before the meeting, where they will have an opportunity to vote on whether to appeal the judge's decision.

The Santa Fe Hispanic Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to Webber and city councilors this week urging them not to appeal the ruling. The chamber argues continuing legal challenges "will only deepen divisions within our community and impose an unnecessary financial burden on the city and its taxpayers."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This issue has already consumed significant public resources  funds, time, and energy that could have been better directed toward addressing urgent community needs," the letter states.

"Santa Fe faces pressing challenges that demand immediate attention and investment. Public safety, housing affordability, economic development, and infrastructure improvements all require focus and funding," it continues. "Redirecting taxpayer dollars to these critical areas would better reflect the priorities of our residents and benefit the community as a whole."
Taking office at the start of the Biden administration, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., hasn't had that much face time with a commander in chief.

On Saturday, she'll be one of a handful of blue-state Republicans meeting with President-elect Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago, in one of several planned strategy sessions between Trump and House Republicans this weekend, less than two weeks from his inauguration.

"It's going to be a good discussion," Malliotakis said Thursday.

PHOTO: In this Sept. 10, 2024, file photo, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis appears at a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Shutterstock, FILE)

MORE: Trump backtracks from 'one big, beautiful bill' to fund his agenda

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump's meetings come as Republicans debate how to best advance their policy agenda. They have spent the week debating whether to pass an energy, tax and border security package along party lines in a single package -- an approach favored by House leaders and Trump -- or split it up into two bills, which Senate Republicans have endorsed.

Trump hosted members of the hard-line House Freedom Caucus on Friday. Over the weekend, he will meet with other groups of lawmakers, including House GOP committee chairs, blue-state Republicans and appropriators.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters it was Trump's "idea to bring in small groups of Republicans to come together and just have fellowship together, to talk about the issues and talk about the vision that we have for the year ahead of us."

The Republican balancing act

The groups are each expected to push different priorities for the all-encompassing policy bill -- from various proposed spending cuts to regional tax and policy issues that could be difficult for the GOP to fit into its legislative package.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New York Republicans plan to bring up changes to the cap on state and local tax deductions, a limit imposed in the 2017 Republican rewrite of the tax code set to expire at the end of 2025 and affects taxpayers in high-tax states such as New York, California and New Jersey. That change helped finance other tweaks the law made to the tax code.

Nearly all of the 12 Republicans who voted against Trump's tax package came from one of those states. But now, with a one-seat majority in the House, the president-elect and Johnson can't afford any defections.

PHOTO: In this Nov. 15, 2024, file photo, Rep. Mike Lawler speaks with reporters outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Francis Chung/Politico via AP, FILE)

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., who will meet with Trump this weekend and has introduced legislation to boost the cap on the "SALT" deduction, said it's unlikely Republicans will be able to reverse the tax provision fully.

"We will work to get the number as high as we can as part of the negotiation, but you have to look at everything in totality," he said. "There's a lot of factors here, as you work through it."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee who is scheduled to meet with Trump over the weekend, said it's important for Republicans to discuss policy as they figure out the broader strategy to move legislation through Congress.

"This is a process where you have to do everything at the same time," he said. "There are a million different conversations about every potential issue at the same time."

Republicans, he added, "don't have the luxury to say, 'I'm going to deal with that later.'"

Malliotakis, who compared the discussions and intraparty negotiations to a "Rubik's Cube," said she also plans to bring up other topics in the meeting, including New York City's new congestion pricing system and how the incoming administration can challenge it.

Democrats debate approach to new administration

In the early days of the new Congress, Democrats have taken a more cautious, less resistant approach to elements of the GOP agenda following Trump's victory and sweep of the popular vote in the presidential election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For the first time in decades, no Democrats raised an objection to any state's electoral votes on Jan. 6, when the vice president presided over Congress's counting and certifying of the presidential election results.

Forty-eight Democrats voted with House Republicans this week on a bill that would require the detention of any illegal immigrant charged with "burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting," and a number of Democrats supported advancing the measure in the Senate.

And 45 House Democrats supported a GOP bill to sanction the International Criminal Court in response to the ICC issuing arrest warrants for top Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes.

PHOTO: In this July 10, 2024, file photo, Rep. Pat Ryan speaks with a reporter at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Francis Chung/Politico via AP, FILE)

Centrist Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., who voted for the ICC bill but against the immigration proposal, has called for Trump to lead bipartisan negotiations over changes to the SALT deduction cap.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I disagree with President Trump strongly on most things -- to be clear, I don't pull my punches on that or anything," Ryan said. "But this is a tangible thing that he said he wants to do, and I'm going to take him at his word."

ABC News' Lauren Peller, Allison Pecorin, Katherine Faulders and Rachel Scott contributed to this report.

Republicans huddle with Trump in Florida as they plot out GOP agenda originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Editor's note: This story mentions suicide.

Trying to revive children burned beyond recognition, crawling through twisted motor vehicles to rescue survivors and seeing eyeballs and teeth where they are not supposed to be has consumed Steve Campanas life for decades.

Now, though, retired from his 32-year stint as a first responder for Palm Beach County, the father of two grown children is working to heal the wounds that people carry inside, the ones that bring people to the brink of self-destruction. He comes at it with a special focus on those, who like him, know what it's like to be a first responder.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No more screaming sirens and flashing lights this time around, Campana, 56, arrives ready to assist in the emergencies at the Hanley Center, which specializes in treatment of substance use disorder, with help from a furry and four-legged assistant.

Mac is a golden doodle ready to accept petting or put his head on the lap of anyone who needs it.

More: 'I'm really fortunate': Survivors thank trauma center medical teams that kept them alive

How a first responder went from patient to healer

Steve Campana, 56, a retired Palm Beach County Fire Rescue EMS Captain with 32 years on the job, sits with Mac a 1-year-old staff therapy dog at the Hanley Foundation in West Palm Beach. Campana is the first responder liaison with the Patriot Program as well as the therapy dog handler at the Hanley Foundation.

Campanas transformation into an ambassador for a new way of life outside the grip of addiction and depression became possible because he, too, has felt hopelessness so dire he knows what gun oil tastes like  and what it takes to come back from that point of self-destruction. He has personal experience with what numerous scholarly articles have found: The suicide rate for first responders and military veterans is notably higher when compared with the general population.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I was the last person who knew I had a problem, he said recalling that fateful day he was asked to do a urine test, knowing that the result would be positive for illegal substances.

His supervisor ordered him to go to the Hanley Center for 28 days. And he wasnt exactly happy about it  not at first anyway.

I got irate, screamed at a lot of people in the room, Campana said. I cursed out the admissions specialist sitting across from me, and that lady is my boss today.

More: Florida Shuffle: State's failure to oversee addiction treatment leaves patients in deadly danger

Growing capacity to heal

Now, hes part of an effort that aims to expand on the Hanley Centers treatment track tailored for first responders and military veterans. They are hoping to break ground on the Patriots Pavilion in the next 18 months. In the next three years, they hope for 12 to 20 new beds at the Hanley Center dedicated to first responders and veterans suffering from substance use and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Day-to-day, Campana is also building relationships with first-responder units near and far, as well as being available for cheering up anyone who comes into his and Macs path, either at the Hanley Centers therapy rooms or its residential grounds.

Almost uniformly, the pair are greeted with outstretched arms as they stroll the Hanley Centers grounds.

What kind of dog is he? asks one walker, who pauses by the pair. Campana introduces Mac and invites a pat to the canines head. Conversation ensues.

How are you doing? Campana asks.

Good, now that Ive seen you, the response comes. Bye, Mac.

More: Florida expands addiction recovery program, which was modeled on one in Palm Beach County

A rescue dog for a rescuer

Mac, like his handler, once faced an uncertain future. He came to the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office program Paws and Stripes, via a dog rescue on the west side of the state. The program in Palm Beach County started in 2023 and has since graduated 30 dogs, pairing the animals with Palm Beach County Jail inmate workers who train them in basic obedience. A select few move onto more training to help crime victims and add comfort and support at scenes like the fatal crash in Belle Glade that left nine dead in July.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As Mac walks along Hanleys grounds, the strides are fast and purposeful, his head moves back and forth, panning the scene and then accelerating just a bit at the sight of someone coming into view.

This is my favorite co-worker, says Bailee Mancil, a detox therapist at Hanley, as she bends to give Mac a hug. He brings joy, so much joy.

Hes not a licker, Campana says. The dog has a way of stopping and looking at people, Campana explains.

Palm Beach County Emergency Medical Services Capt. Steve Campana at his retirement ceremony, known as a Change of Command Ceremony on April 29, 2021.

Hes an empath, he said. He has the ability to receive peoples emotions, their pain.

Macs unique temperament convinced the Paws and Stripes organizers that the golden doodle was destined for a service with a different focus from most of the other four-leggeds in class, Campana said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They knew right away he was Hanleys dog, Campana said. He can walk into a room of 10 people, and he will greet all 10 people. He'll walk past everybody, but he'll always end up at somebody's feet that needs him. He's just got that knack.

Campana recalls when Mac got called in to help a patient who was particularly noncommunicative. A two- or three-minute encounter was all it took without licks or dog kisses, Campana said. The black eyes just look up.

His presence is so calming with the patients; he lowers anxiety, Campana says. He lowers the walls.

When rescuers need saving

As a former first responder, Campana knows all about why first responders and veterans are drawn to that work and why it can be dangerous to their mental health.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As a 12-year-old, not long after arriving in Florida from New York, Campana joined the police cadets. By his freshman year at Cardinal Newman High School, he was sold on a life as a first responder. That drew him to working as a medic with the SWAT team, doing trauma calls on the Trauma Hawk helicopter and serving as an Emergency Medical Services captain.

I felt different, even at a young age, he said. It was always about being better, being right, excelling, no matter what the cost.

That striving kept him shut off from really knowing himself until age 53, Campana said.

Through Hanley Centers program, he came to practice the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The journey has given him new insight into why first responders often turn self-destructive as they carry the pain they've seen on the job from that scene.

"We feel like we're the ones that are here to take that pain. And our thinking is wrong," Campana said. "Our loved ones need to know what we're going through, so that they know how to deal with us. I mean, my ex-wife walked on eggshells for years. She just didn't know what to do. She had no clue. She poured herself into the kids. Well, I just poured another drink."

A new calling

After his recovery, he met his second wife in a chance encounter at Lakeside Medical Center where he brought in a patient. Continuing to work on his post traumatic stress, Campana discovered that retirement from first responding meant moving onto his next calling at the Hanley Center. It was made possible by attending to his relationships with God and those around him, going to therapy, doing yoga and focusing on food and nutrition.

Theres not one panacea to fix people who are broken, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And then theres Mac.

Were getting ready for work, he sees me getting dressed, and hes looking like he already knows, Campana said. When I say, Are you ready to go to Hanley? Are you ready to work? he gets giddy and excited. Then hell sit at my feet and wait for me to put on his vest and collar.

Help is available for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Call 211 or 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Anne Geggis is the insurance reporter at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at ageggis@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Retired EMS captain, his dog help first responders battling addiction
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL)  It was not a typical Friday night in downtown Kingsport, as many businesses decided to close due to the winter storm impacting much of the region.

However, some didnt let the precipitation get in the way of a night out in the Model City.

I think the weather is bad for people in some areas, but I think a lot of people may have freaked out, Southwest Virginia resident Brandon Calton said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

PHOTOS: Winter storm brings snow to Tri-Cities

Calton explained that he mainly encountered clear roads while driving across state lines into Tennessee.

Where were from over in the Duffield area and Big Stone Gap area  everything was closed, he said. So, we ventured over to Kingsport  try and come out and have a decent night.

On East Market Street, Robert Brents closed his business, Breaking Tradition, early because of the snow.

It wasnt that bad up front, he explained. But, as you can see, were sending everybody home now.

He stayed open long enough for some of his regular customers to shoot an extra round or two on the pool tables.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Just trying to have some fun on a Friday night, Baileyton resident Ronald Smith said.

Smith wasnt too worried about the accumulating snow. In fact, the Massachusetts native was starting to feel right at home.

We get a lot more snow than this, he said. But, we also have the equipment to deal with it. Certainly if people feel its safer to stay home, then obviously its safer to stay home.

Brents will likely take that approach with his business on Saturday, particularly if the roads remain treacherous.

Id rather be safe than make a day, you know what I mean, he said. The number one thing is safe.

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.
CHICAGO  Nearly 200,000 people have evacuated their homes in Los Angeles as deadly wildfires continue to rage across the city.

The devastating blazes have claimed the lives of at least 10 and destroyed several neighborhoods.

WGN-TV spoke with two people from L.A. with Chicago connections who detailed the devastation and their attempts to flee the fires.

One of the hardest things

Ashley Butler brought her six-year-old son to Chicago to evacuate from the wildfires. She said packing for this trip, was unlike any other.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That was one of the hardest things to do because I have my son with me, so its like his essentials, his clothes. And then I had to think about things like if I never can come back to my house what would I take? And there were so many things I couldnt take, Butler said.

In disaster areas, police and the National Guard have been deployed to protect homes and at least 20 people have been arrested for looting.

Even people who live in the impacted area havent been able to go back to their homes.

Those burn zones are also under a curfew beginning at 6 p.m. Friday as authorities attempt to prevent crime on top of the devastation.

You need to get out of there

Danielle Ryan, who moved to L.A. from Chicago back in September. She was set to begin teaching Special education at Palisades High School, but the school was destroyed in the blaze.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

My best friend then called shes like You need to get out of there. Grab your passport, your computer, your medication, your dog, dog food and get out of there, Ryan said. Im not from California so I thought, Oh theyll get it under control Ill be back here tomorrow, you know, and now my apartment is completely burned down.

Ryan said she hopes people can band together and rise from the ashes stronger than before.

Mr. Rogers, his mom would always say Look for the helpers, and so I think out of hard times good things can come of it if we all stay together and stay strong, Ryan said.

Ryan said donations have already begun pouring in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

My sisters already had people start donating clothes, like this is donated, Ryan said, The amount of support from the community, it really speaks to Chicago and its residents.

Ryan, who taught in Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic, said she does plan to return to the Palisades and hopes the remote learning lessons she learned during the pandemic will come in handy. A GoFundMe has also been set up.

Crews are making progress in the fight. The Palisades fire is now 8% contained and the Eaton fire is 3% contained.

Favorable weather has also helped crews make some progress, but they could remain a threat through next week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the fight has not come without hiccups, one of the planes sent from Canada to help stop the fires was taken out of commission for the next few days after it collided with a drone that shouldnt have been in the air.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  This weekends snow and cold are likely to push potential shoppers and diners into their homes, rather than encourage them to get out and spend money.

In Dayton, many restaurants and small businesses said they have less foot traffic when it snows. Owners said this can have an impact on nights when they usually make most of their money, such as Friday and Saturday.

La Nina has officially started: What happens next?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With nearly 10 inches of accumulated snow reported locally, businesses said they have had challenges remaining open and properly staffed.

But some said they will do what they can to keep their doors open, while others are looking for ways to be creative.

Restaurants said they have experienced delays in food deliveries during the severe weather, with many local roads still covered in snow and difficult to drive on.

January Snow Storm

Some businesses in the area have adopted modified hours to combat the snow, opening for only a few hours during the day.

The Oregon Express team said that they will do their best to remain open for their customers, even if it snows.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We want to provide a consistent product, said Oregon Express employee Broadie Zeller, so if staffing works out and everybodys  or at least, most  people, are able to get here, were going to do our best to run the day because thats what were about.

We know what were doing here. And were going to do everything we can to just provide a great night, regardless of whats going on outside.

Local businesses recommended you follow them on social media for updates for opening and closing times that they say can change quickly because of the 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 WDTN.com.
If theres one thing Marissa Hermer knows how to do, its feed people.

The restaurateur and former Ladies of London star is among the thousands affected by the devastating wildfires ravaging the Greater Los Angeles area. Hermer, who evacuated from her Pacific Palisades home on Wednesday, is now giving back to the community shes lived in for the last decade.

(My ex-husband and I) both had to walk in, carry all of the belongings that we could grab on our backs and our fronts and piled up, Hermer tells TODAY.com. I wore every piece of jewelry that I owned and carried tons of bags and walked out about a mile ... you scan your house and you think, OK, what am I gonna take? You know, theres no planning for this. We didnt have a go bag.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hermer tells TODAY.com about launching a food delivery service for those impacted by the fires called YOU GIVE. WE COOK. THEY EAT. After she was initially told she lost her French brasserie The Draycott in the Pacific Palisades Village shopping center, she turned tragedy into action. (Hermer later found out the mall and her restaurant is still standing structurally, but she doesnt yet know the extent of the damage.)

As I was driving the kids and the dogs down to a hotel, I thought about what all parents think about at around six oclock at night, which is, Whats for dinner? And then I thought there are a lot of people in Los Angeles who are wondering whats for dinner. And when you dont have a kitchen, thats an even bigger challenge.

Marissa Hermer with her team at Chez Mia packing meals.

Hermer has now opened the kitchens at her other restaurants Chez Mia and Olivetta in West Hollywood to cook warm meals  including bread, salad and pasta  for families, firefighters, shelters and hospital workers.

When you dont know if your house is standing and if you dont know where your kids are gonna go to school or you dont know what youre gonna do, lean into the things that you do know  and I know how to cook dinner, she says. So I thought, OK, lets cook dinner for a lot of people because we can. And we have a team who can do it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hermer says shes raised over $50,000, which will provide meals for displaced families and frontline workers. Operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the program first launched during the COVID pandemic, and anyone anywhere in the world can donate by texting DINNER to 707070.

On Hermer's Instagram, displaced families in LA who need food can comment family for a free meal; folks can nominate a displaced family who needs food by commenting nominate family and tagging the individual; and drivers who can pick up food from the restaurants and deliver it to families can comment driver.

Sometimes its hard to say, By the way, I want food or I need a meal. Were not programmed to ask for what we need, she says. So if you know about a family who needs a meal or someone who could use it, you can nominate them and well get in touch.

The program, which Hermer says successfully fed thousands of people during the pandemic, also relies on volunteers to drive the food to those in need.

Marissa Hermer (right) with members of her team preparing meals at Chez Mia.

What we learned in the pandemic is community is a lot more than your post office and your local coffee shop and the bricks and mortar of community. This is what community is. Its togetherness and connecting, she says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hermer says her childrens school is gone, the homes of her friends are no longer standing and she isnt sure if she has a home to return to.

But for now, Hermer, who is staying at a hotel with her children, is focused on giving back.

I am alive. Im surviving. It comes in waves, she says. Last night, I didnt know what to do. I was sobbing. I had no answers. The devastation is enormous and not singular to me. It is shared by the masses and probably the world at this point ... and then sometimes I think, Oh my God, we can do this. Theres hope. We can band together. We are community. Lets fix this. Lets help.

EDITORS NOTE (Jan. 12, 2025 at 12:33 p.m. ET): A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Hermers restaurant The Draycott burned down, but we later found out it is still standing.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
As the wildfires rage on in Los Angeles with no end in sight, fashion brands and retailers are taking stock of the situation and stepping in to help employees impacted by the disaster.

Firefighters are making some progress  the mammoth 23,707-acre Palisades fire was 11 percent contained on Sunday and a heroic aerial effort had kept the flames from jumping east of the 405 freeway  but the scope of the damage, including unhealthy air quality and continuing power outages, is revealing how much support Angelenos need immediately and in the weeks and months ahead.

More from WWD

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While efforts to help the countless people who lost homes are still being organized, many fashion companies were starting at home with their own employees.

L.A.-based Clare V said 15 to 20 of its 112 full-time employees in the area were under evacuation orders.

Were providing whatever we can for those employees, said Molly Leonetti, president of the accessories and clothing brand. Many team members are not in the office, those who can be are in. Anyone whose work has been disrupted is continuing to get paid.

Its impacting people in different ways, their mental well-being, physical well-being. Its emotional, people are crying at different times, its emotional, said Clare Vivier, who released slogan T-shirts and hats this weekend with Los Angeles Je Taime on them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The proceeds of sales will all go to the Red Cross.

I think the T-shirt and hat will sell well because people all over the country will buy that, Vivier said. Its amazing how much people love Los Angeles, but we never have to think about it except at a time like this.

Lyndie Benson, founder and chief executive officer of Malibu-based Bleusalt, said all the companys headquarters employees have been affected, with most people having lost power and gas. Everybody is still going paid even though the office is closed.

We are allowing everyone to take the time they need to prioritize their well-being and safety, as well as helping others in the community, Benson said. Were also bringing racks of clothes to HQ for people who are seeking donations and contributed hundreds of gently worn pieces to stylist Elizabeth Stewarts clothing drive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Made in the USA brands manufacturing, the mill and shipping are all on pause. Benson said the company is staying on high alert to shifting winds and will reopen when its safe for employees and the community.

A drive around L.A. on Friday showed how much the city has changed since the glam and the glitz of the Golden Globe Awards  which were just held on Sunday, but now feel like a lifetime ago.

At Brentwood Country Mart, the tony open-air shopping center blocks away from evacuation zones for the Palisades Fire, several stores were open Friday, but retail had changed.

People have lost their wardrobes, said an associate at James Perse, who was folding cashmere sweaters. But at least clothes can be replaced.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I had a guy come in who couldnt get to his house and we fixed him up. He had a meeting the next day. Another guy came in who said the only pair of pants he had left were the ones we were altering for him, said an associate at one menswear store.

There are fires all around us so its pretty scary, said an employee at Edelweiss candy shop. There is ash raining down outside.

Indeed, ash was falling like a light snowfall in the courtyard surrounded by the shopping centers red barn-like buildings where people were eating tacos and hamburgers at lunchtime.

On Rodeo Drive, only Jaeger-LeCoultre and Bijan seemed to be open. A salesperson at Bijan said We are open by appointment, and we have some appointments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many stores had signs saying they were closed due to the fires, reading, as it turns out, too optimistically, that they would reopen on Thursday.

At Westfield Century City, Tiffany & Co., Lululemon, Kate Spade and the Chanel beauty store were all closed, while Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Marc Jacobs and Boss remained open. A sales associate at COS reported that the store had reduced hours because workers were not able to come in, some because of childcare issues complicated by closed schools.

Its too early to know the full toll of the disaster, but AccuWeather placed economic losses at as much as $57 billion in a preliminary estimate.

Insuranceopedia on Friday penciled in $5.5 billion in insurance claims from the wildfires, with estimates that included:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

 10,000 homes destroyed, with average coverage of $300,000 for a total payout of $3.9 billion.

 Damage to 500 commercial properties, with an average payout of $1 million each for $500 million.

 And personal property and additional living expenses of $80,000 per household, totaling $800 million.

Homes burn above Pacific Coast Highway near Will Rogers State Beach during the Palisades Fire on Wednesday.

Gap has a handful of stores closed due to being in evacuation zones, but all employees are accounted for and safe, the company said.

Gap has made donations to the American Red Cross and the L.A. Fire Department Foundation, and The Gap Foundation is matching employee donations to many nonprofit organizations helping with relief efforts. The company is continuing to pay store employees for their scheduled shifts during store closures, and any employees impacted by the fires are eligible for grants from the Gap Inc. Selvage Fund to support their recovery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Every natural disaster is personal to someone. And this week, like so many friends and colleagues, the devastation in Los Angeles cuts particularly deep. Its a place I know well, a community Ive called home, now with so many areas suddenly and heartbreakingly unrecognizable, Gap CEO Richard Dickson posted on LinkedIn.

The Gap Santa Monica store on Saturday served as a pickup location for free N95 masks, hygiene kits, water and other goods in partnership with nonprofit humanitarian organization Direct Relief, as many brands and individuals lent a hand citywide volunteering to help fire victims.

Beverly Boulevard store +Coop was transformed into a fire relief pop-up with donations from Sharon Stone and Halle Berry among others. Alo Yoga planned an all-day clothing drive for Sunday, while Suay Sew Shop operated a Free Store with adult, kids and home goods.

Jenni Kayne continued to pay team members who were not able to work because of evacuations and L.A. based store and warehouse closures in effect until Saturday. She is accepting Baby2Baby donations at her Brentwood, West Hollywood, Newport Beach, and Montecito stores, and has been sending care packages to those affected by the fires. The designers Oak Essentials wellness brand is also donating over 2,700 units in collaboration with fellow beauty brands Tower 28 and By Rosie Jane.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Saint Jane beauty brand founder Casey Georgeson said the company had one employee who lost their home in the Palisades fire.

Were focused on sending her what we can; they lost everything, Georgeson said.

Asked if the employee was still getting paid, Georgeson said: Yes absolutely! We are picking up all of her responsibilities so she can focus on whats most important  her family.

PacSuns CEO Brieane Olson said the companys connection to California runs deep, and we are heartbroken by the impact of the wildfires on our Los Angeles community.

As of Friday afternoon, PacSuns Santa Monica store was the only one of its 300-plus locations that was closed. Employees there will continue to be paid in full, according to Olson. We remain in constant communication with our store employees to assess their needs and provide support, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many of our employees have joined the effort by helping answer DMs from evacuees and preparing boxes filled with wardrobe necessities, Olson said. Supporting our team and the broader community is at the heart of everything we do, and we remain committed to continuing these efforts in the days and weeks ahead.

A Saks Global spokesperson said: The safety of our colleagues and customers is our top priority. Were supporting any impacted team members as much as we can. In the interest of safety, the company temporarily closed Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills, Neiman Marcus in Topanga, and Beverly Hills, and Saks Off 5th units in Los Angeles at the Beverly Connection), and in Woodland Hills, Cerritos, Cabazon and Camarillo.

Ahlem Manai-Platt, the founder of L.A.based eyewear company Ahlem, said the brands store is closed given the circumstances.

No one is venturing out, as the air quality is very poor, and its simply not safe, Manai-Platt said. Thankfully, no one from our team has been harmed. Unfortunately, many of our friends and family members have lost their homes. [The] retail staff impacted continues to get paid, of course. We are offering disaster loans at 0 percent if anyone from company staff needs it.

While the smaller companies offered TLC to employees on an individual basis, the retail giants tried to offer that as well as national networks and employee support programs to workers who have seen their lives turned upside down.

Walmart has a 24-7 Emergency Operations Center that employees can call for various kinds of assistance.

The retailer is also supporting the broader community with a $2.5 million commitment to relief efforts, including donations of food, water, essential products and grants.

Likewise, Target has its Team Member Giving Fund, which is giving employees in the hardest hit areas financial assistance for immediate needs. The retailer is also donating $1 million to national and local partners helping with recovery efforts

Others are helping the displaced workers and other members of the fashion community in different ways.

Julia Flynn, founder of the public relations firm Cabine Creative, has opened the doors of her companys spacious showroom in West Hollywood to other creatives in the Los Angeles area.

She said Friday: Im committed to staying here to help however I can. Our showroom is now available to photographers, brands, stylists, showrooms, glam team  anyone needing a safe place to house their valuables. Ive had designers shipping collections to me, and the Albright Fashion Library may also bring in their valuables over the weekend.

Best of WWD

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal has announced that Senior Party Leader Sanjay Singh will present significant evidence on Saturday, revealing a "massive fraud" allegedly being carried out in the voter list of Delhi by "Gali galoch party." In a post on X, AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal said "Today at 11 am, Sanjay Singh ji will present before the country big evidence of the massive fraud being carried out by the "Gali galoch party" in the voter list of Delhi." Meanwhile, during a press conference on Friday, AAP MP alleged massive corruption by a political party, referring to it as the "'Galli Galoch Party." He claimed that the BJP party's leaders distributed Rs 1,100 openly to buy votes. Singh further stated, "We have received information from sources that leaders of the 'Galli-Galoch' party were given Rs 10,000 each by their party to be distributed. Their leaders thought that when there was no chance of winning elections, they should save Rs 9000 and distribute only Rs 1100." He challenged the party to reveal the truth, asking, "Did you give Rs 1,100 to your leaders to distribute among voters or not? Let the public know the reality...I ask the 'Galli-Galoch' party to tell the truth before people... People of Delhi need to expose the corruption of the 'Galli-Galoch party now..." Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday, accused the BJP of facilitating a large-scale vote fraud in the New Delhi Assembly constituency, claiming in a press conference that the local election officer has "surrendered to the BJP" and is aiding in fraudulent activities. Speaking about the alleged vote fraud, Kejriwal said, "The local election officer of the New Delhi Assembly constituency has surrendered to the BJP. He is facilitating all the wrong works of the BJP... The ECI has assured us that they will not allow all these practices to happen and strict action will be taken... The local DEO and ERO should be suspended." Kejriwal also highlighted an alarming number of fake applications for the cancellation of votes. "In New Delhi Assembly constituency, from 15 December to 7 January, in 22 days, 5,500 applications have come for cancellation of votes... These applications are fake... A big scam is going on... In the last fifteen days, 13,000 applications have come," he said, stressing that the people listed in these applications denied submitting them. (ANI)
MIAMI - The U.S. Department of State announced Friday it has raised to $25 million the reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Reward offered. / Credit: US Department of State

The increase comes as a renewed push to apprehend Maduro, 62, who has been under indictment in the U.S. since 2020 for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.



Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013, faces federal charges including cocaine trafficking and weapons-related crimes.



U.S. prosecutors say that he played a central role in the Cartel of the Suns, a Venezuelan drug-trafficking organization made up of high-ranking officials.



According to the indictment, Maduro coordinated multi-ton cocaine shipments with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a designated terrorist organization.



U.S. authorities said Maduro directed the cartel to provide military-grade weapons to the FARC and sought its help in training an unsanctioned militia that functioned as an armed wing of the cartel.



The State Department initially offered a $15 million reward for Maduro's capture in 2020.



The increase to $25 million reflects "the gravity of his crimes and the continued threat he poses to international stability," a senior official said.



Maduro has been accused of consolidating power through fraudulent elections, including his contested victory in Venezuela's July 2024 presidential race, which the U.S. and other nations refused to recognize.



Anyone outside the U.S. with information about Maduro is urged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In the U.S., tips can be directed to the local Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office.

California authorities give update on L.A. fires and announce school closures

Los Angeles area evacuees share their stories amid devastating wildfires

A timeline of alerts and warnings for the Los Angeles area wildfires
At least 10 people have died and more than 100,000 people have been evacuated in Los Angeles due to multiple wildfires engulfing the city, and Californias unenviable insurance climate is rearing its head amid the disaster.

Ordinary Californians along with Hollywoods rich and famous are up in arms over their homes being destroyed, in some cases just months after their home insurance company canceled their coverage.

Don't miss

One particularly incensed celebrity was the Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo star Rob Schneider.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

F# K You @statefarm Screw You And All Your Phoney Commercials!! You Are A Pile Of Crap For Canceling Insurance Policies Of Californians! I Will Never Use @statefarm Insurance Ever Again! Schneider tweeted on Jan. 8.

Between 2020 and 2022, insurers canceled 2.8 million home coverage policies in California, including more than 530,000 in Los Angeles County, according to CNN.

State Farm canceled 72,000 policies in California, nearly half of which were for home insurance, Barrons reported.

Allstate stopped selling policies in the Golden State for businesses and property altogether in 2023.

However, the causes for insurance companies fleeing prior to the most recent wildfires hit are actually the combination of a 36-year-old regulation and climate change.

Old rules and new consequences

An oft-cited cause of insurance flight from California is Proposition 103, which passed in 1988.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Insurers in California must now ask permission to raise insurance premiums from the state government agency California Department of Insurance.

Thats unlike most states, where market competition and risk-based data is used to price policies.

Voters narrowly passed the initiative limiting insurance rates at the time, and its remained controversial ever since.

The insurance industry has opposed the rule from the get-go, spending $80 million in a failed attempt to defeat the initiative, according to Consumer Watchdog.

Companies also unsuccessfully appealed the law in court after it passed, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Proponents of the insurance industry argue that the premium increase approvals from the state are too slow, and that means insurers cant afford to offer coverage for Californians.

Technology like credit scores for drivers and risk modeling for homes also arent permitted in California, and insurers say that inhibits them from providing accurate pricing for their customers.

Without the accurate pricing, insurers say they cant offer coverage in the state at all.

Read more: Are you rich enough to join the top 1%? Here's the net worth you need to rank among Americas wealthiest  plus 2 ways to build that first-class portfolio

Why now?

The exodus of insurers from California is relatively recent, given the cause cited by the industry is a rule from 1988.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Californian insurers lost $12 billion in 2018 following wildfires, as insurance companies claim payouts outpaced the amount of money indemnifiers received in monthly policy payments.

It was around then when insurers really started jumping ship, Salon reported, as increased fire risk ran into regulatory limits on raising insurance premiums.

Theres also the rising cost of reinsurance, a coverage policy for insurance companies, thats pushing up prices, according to Barrons.

Notably, insurance companies are also fleeing Florida where there is no government limit on raising insurance premiums.

Something Florida does have in common with California is its disaster prone geography and sensitivity to climate change.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Proposition 103 had saved Californians more than $150 billion by 2018, according to the Consumer Federation of America, even if it limited insurance companies ability to operate in the Golden State.

What to do if your house burns down after your insurer cancels your policy in California

If you live in southern California and your home has burned down, federal help is on the way.

Uninsured homeowners that have had their property burn down could receive help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), now that the federal government has approved major disaster assistance for the affected regions.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster, according to the FEMA website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If your insurer wants to discontinue your policy or raise your premiums, they should infrom you at least a month before your policys renewal date, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

That gives you time to get other insurance coverage before your current policy lapses.

You can also ask your insurance company to reconsider, and have an insurance agent review your file to undo your cancellation.

Many states have a Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan option, which is for hard-to-insure Americans and is much more likely to accept your application.

There are options out there for your specific insurance needs, but allowing a lapsed period in coverage could prove costly.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
The Rock Island Police Department released the name of the officer involved in the January 5 shooting of Jakarta Jackson in a news release. The officer has been identified as Officer Brett Taylor, who has worked for the Rock Island Police Department since November 2021. Officer Taylor is on administrative leave, per department protocol.

Officer Brett Taylor (Rock Island Police Department)

The Rock Island County Integrity Task Force is conducting an external investigation in the officers use of deadly force. Once that investigation is completed, the Rock Island Police Departments Office of Professional Standards will conduct an internal investigation into any violations of department policy or procedure.

Anyone with information about this case should contact the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force at (309) 752-4915, ext. 4935.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  A local Red Cross volunteer is heading to Los Angeles to help those in need amid wildfires that have ravaged the county.

She is helping the Red Cross provide thousands of people who need food, water and a place to sleep.

Were at the beginning of the disaster where first responders are still doing response and rescue, said Red Cross Volunteer and Supervisor Vicky Brown. At the beginning of disasters, lots of times theres some chaos. Were trying to organize that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brown has been a volunteer with the Red Cross for 45 years. As a supervisor, she has been called to provide essentials for California residents who have endured one of the most destructive wildfires to date.

Were still opening more shelters, as requested, because the fire keeps expanding and moving, said Brown.

Brown also spent a month supporting disaster relief after hurricanes Helen and Milton. Now, she will be spending two weeks in California.

The locals are holding it down pretty well in California, said Brown. So, right now theyre calling for managers and supervisors to start staffing the other needs that will have down the road because this disaster is going to last a long time

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She encouraged anyone with loved ones out west to keep steady communication with them.

Be in contact with them, so that they are safe, that they also are obeying the evacuation orders, said Brown. They have a plan to evacuate. They have a go kit that may include their important papers, their prescriptions, make sure they have a plan for their pets.

Brown will be leaving tomorrow and she said the fires are continuing to expand. If anyone wants to donate to the Red Crosss efforts to assist those affected by the fires visit the organizations 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Winnebago County Sheriffs Deputies arrested Kaleb Campbell, 21, for allegedly running from deputies while he had a warrant out for his arrest.

On Dec. 28, 2024, deputies were patrolling around the area of North Main Street and Castle Drive when they saw a grey Lexus that had previously fled from Machesney Park Police.

Authorities attempted to stop the car but the driver sped away, according to court records. Officials said they deployed stop sticks but the car fled again at speeds of 95 mph on North Main.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deputies stopped chasing the suspect when he turned off his lights and they lost visibility of the vehicle, according to court documents.

Officials later found the Lexus at Brown Park, at 2010 N. Main Street. Campbell started running on foot but then returned to his vehicle when deputies followed, authorities reported.

One of the passengers told officials Campbell wanted a female passenger to run with him but she refused. The suspect pushed her out of the vehicle, according to court documents.

Campbell started driving again on Latham Street after he almost hit a dog, his former passenger, and a squad car, according to court records.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities stopped the pursuit again but later found the Lexus crashed on Crestwood. Deputies attempted to arrest the suspect but he evaded them a third time, on foot.

The suspect was eventually taken into custody on Jan. 7th.

Campbell was wanted for not appearing in court for a 2024 case where he was charged with driving with a suspended license.

He is also still in the midst of a hit-and-run investigation in 2023 in which he was accused of hitting a pedestrian with his car and leaving the scene.

According to the criminal complaint, on April 15, 2023, Rockford Police were called to a Mobil Gas Station, at 1320 North Main Street, for reports of an injured pedestrian. A witness told officers that Campbell hit the victim while he was in the crosswalk and then fled the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The pedestrian was crossing the street even though he did not have the traffic signal to cross, according to court documents.

Campbells car at the time experienced damage to its drivers side mirror. Police said it appeared in surveillance footage that the victim hit the windshield.

The suspect denied knowing he hit the victim, according to court records.

Campbell was released on pretrial later in 2023.

Campbells active charges spanning from 2023 to 2025 are:

2025 charges Aggravated fleeing Aggravated fleeing police going 21 mph over the limit Leaving the scene Reckless driving, failure to reduce speed Driving on a suspended license Domestic battery causing bodily harm Reckless conduct Resisting an officer



2024 charges Driving on a suspended license



2023 charges Crash causing injury Failure to report a crash causing injury



Campbell is lodged in the Winnebago 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Rogers man accused of attempting to rob a bank earlier this month reportedly live-streamed the incident, according to court documents.

Joel Mitchell, 38, was arrested on Jan. 3 on robbery, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and refusal to submit to arrest charges.

A probable cause affidavit said Rogers police received a 911 call around 2:30 p.m. from Regions Bank on W. Walnut Street. The banks branch manager told dispatchers the bank was being robbed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She reported that the man, later identified as Mitchell, had walked up to her office and told her to open the vault, the affidavit said.

Detectives with the Rogers Police Department later learned that Mitchell reportedly live-streamed the incident on his phone with the video publicly available on social media.

The affidavit describes multiple conversations Mitchell had with employees and customers while allegedly live-streaming.

Police respond to attempted bank robbery in Rogers; suspect in custody

An employee reportedly activated two silent alarms and sent a message to other employees saying Help multiple times and Someone pull the alarm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A detective spoke with a bank employee who said Mitchell was denied a loan from the bank in November. After reviewing the stream, Mitchell can be heard saying the word Loan.

Detectives spoke with Mitchells wife and she said on Dec. 24, he had a psychotic episode leading to her fleeing the state. She said Mitchell had been known to use a psychedelic vape pen.

Mitchells criminal history included one arrest on Dec. 26 for possession of drug paraphernalia. Detectives were unable to interview him because he was reportedly intoxicated.

He is being held at the Benton County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond and is set to appear in court on Feb. 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 KNWA FOX24.
Jan. 10ANDERSON  Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray could provide funding for an additional deputy prosecutor in Madison County.

Rowray's legislation would provide for the state to pay for an additional prosecutor in counties where the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) houses between 100 and 1,500 offenders.

If adopted by the Legislature the bill would stipulate that the state would provide funding for an additional deputy prosecutor in Madison County at a cost of $179,895 in 2026 and $181,019 in 2027.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The legislation would also continue to have the state pay for an already-hired deputy prosecutor in Cass County.

The bill notes that Madison County may incur additional costs for office equipment and office space for an additional deputy prosecutor.

"The DOC operates 18 adult facilities and three juvenile facilities in 15 counties," the legislation reads. "Each of these counties have a juvenile facility operated by the DOC that houses between 100 and 1,500 juvenile offenders."

According to the legislation, as of October there were 160 juvenile offenders housed in Madison County; the total capacity is 230.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cass County is housing 138 juveniles and has a capacity of 181 inmates.

"Under current law, counties with state prison facilities with adult offender populations greater than 100 or state mental hospitals with populations exceeding 350 patients are permitted to appoint one or more additional deputy prosecuting attorneys," Rowray's bill reads.

Deputy prosecutors are paid 70% of the salary of a full-time prosecuting attorney, which is currently $183,513.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who President-elect Trump threatened to primary last month, joined the House Freedom Caucus meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

Rep. Eli Craine (R-Ariz.) shared a photograph of members inside Mar-a-Lago, and the group included Roy, as well as Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), and over a dozen other members.

Great night at Mar-a-Lago with the House Freedom Caucus. We joined President Trump and Elon Musk for dinner to talk about the path forward, Crane said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump encouraged Texas Republicans to consider challenging Roy in the primary because he said the Congress got in the way of a push to raise the debt ceiling as part of government funding talks in December. Trump called him very unpopular and accused him of wanting cheap publicity.

Ahead of Fridays Mar-a-Lago meeting, members told The Hill that they were going to make the case to Trump for their preferred policies and strategy. They planned to ask Trump how they can help achieve his legislation goals while also not spending too much.

The meeting comes as Republicans are trying to figure out how to pass Trumps agenda on the border, energy, tax cuts and other issues, and whether that would require two bills or one.

The Freedom caucus has endorsed a two-bill strategy while Trump has said his preference is one big, beautiful bill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the meeting on Friday, members doubled down on the need for two bills, to Punchbowl reported.

The Trump transition did not respond to The Hill about what was discussed in the meeting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Ruby Frankes daughter Shari Franke is opening up about her deepest fears.

In her new book, The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom, the 21-year-old described her mounting concern that her younger siblings might be in danger prior to her mothers August 2023 arrest on child abuse charges.

After watching Sins of our Mother, the 2022 true crime documentary about Lori Vallow and Chad Daybellwho were both convicted in connection with the deaths of Vallows two children as well as Daybells first wifeShari wrote that, based on the show, the two were immersed in the same extreme religious beliefs and doomsday preparations" that she said consumed both Ruby and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The way this family spiraled into darkness felt horribly familiar: their intense belief in the Second Coming and their obsession with Thom Harrisons Visions of Glory prophecies, the Brigham Young University graduate wrote of the documentary's allegations in her book obtained by E! News. It was all the same stuff Ruby and Jodi were always going on about.

For a closer look at the case against Ruby and Jodi, read on.

More from E! Online

Shari said she experienced her darkest thoughts after watching the documentary, fearing Ruby and Jodiwho are both serving four consecutive sentences of one to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to their chargescould be just as unhinged as Lori and Chad.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If we dont do something soon, Shari recalled thinking, my siblings are going to die.

Amid the release of her memoirwhich is in stores nowthe author also spoke about her own experiences growing up with her mother.

Instagram/Shari Franke

When I was younger, around 5 or 6, Ruby was very physical, she alleged in an interview with Good Morning America aired Jan. 7. It was really scary.

Shari, who said she was cut off from her family after leaving for college, added that she could for sure feel a shift after her mother met Jodi, who also worked as Rubys counselor.

I certainly got weird vibes from Jodi and Ruby, she went on. I don't think it's normal at all that a therapist would move into her client's home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

E! News has reached out to Jodis and Rubys lawyers for comment on allegations in the book but hasnt heard back.

For a closer look at the case against Ruby and Jodi, read on.

Aug. 30, 2023: Children Found Malnourished

Utah police received a call about a starved child being found, they shared in a press release. The minorwho appeared "emaciated and malnourished" with "open wounds and duct tape around the extremities"was taken to the hospital in "severe" condition. He was later identified as YouTuber Ruby Franke's 12-year-old son, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by NBC News. He had been at the home of Ruby's business partner Jodi Hildebrant and had climbed out of a window before going to a neighbor's house to ask for help, per the document. Police then searched a nearby home, where another child was found "in a similar physical condition of malnourishment" and was also hospitalized, per the press release. Authorities later explained that they discovered Ruby's 9-year-old daughter "petrified" while sitting by herself in an empty closet in Jodi's house, per evidence released by the Washington County Attorney's Office.





Aug. 30, 2023: Arrest

Ruby was arrested for aggravated child abuse charges in Utah along with Jodi, who in 2007 established a life coaching service called ConneXions, which former clients described to NBC News as a "cult-like" program based on principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.





Aug. 31, 2023: Ruby's Daughter Speaks Out

On Aug. 31, E! reported that Shari Franke, Ruby's estranged adult daughter, reacted to the news on her Instagram Story. "Me and my family are so glad justice is being served," wrote Shari, who was born in 2003. "We've been trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this, and so glad they finally decided to step up. Kids are safe, but there's a long road ahead."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Aug. 31, 2023: Ruby's Sisters React to Arrest

Ruby's sisters Ellie Mecham, Bonnie Hoellein and Julie Deru spoke out as well, saying the YouTuber's arrest "needed to happen." "For the last 3 years we have kept quiet on the subject of Ruby Franke for the sake of her children," they wrote in a joint Instagram statement. "Behind the public scene, we have done everything to try and make sure the kids were safe. We wouldn't feel right about moving forward with regular content without addressing the most recent events. Once we do, we will not be commenting on it any further." The siblings said Ruby's kids are "now safe, which is the number one priority."





Sept. 6, 2023: Charges Filed

The former 8 Passengers YouTuber and her business partner Jodi were each formally charged with six counts of felony child abuse by the Washington County Attorney in Utah.





Sept. 6, 2023: Kevin Franke Breaks Silence

Ruby's husband Kevin Franke came forward to deny involvement in her alleged crimes. His lawyer Randy Kester told Good Morning America the spouses had been living apart for 13 months before the arrest. "He is a good person, he's very gentle," the attorney said. "He's a very gentle guy. And no one has ever made any allegations that he's physically abused those kids or anyone else."





Nov. 29, 2023: Kevin Files for Divorce

Kevin officially filed for divorce from the Utah influencer, according to a domestic relations injunction obtained by NBC News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





Dec. 18: Guilty Pleas

E! confirmed Dec. 18 that Ruby had entered a guilty plea for four of her charges. At the time, per the Associated Press, she stated, "With my deepest regret and sorrow for my family and my children, guilty." Jodi would also plead guilty to four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse.





Feb. 20, 2024: Prison Sentencing

Both women were sentenced to four consecutive one to 15 year sentences, which will be capped at the 30-year max in Utah.





Feb. 20, 2024: Ruby Apologizes

The parent vlogger apologized during her sentencing to her six kids and estranged husband. "For the past four years, I've chosen to follow counsel and guidance that has led me into a dark delusion," she said in court. "My distorted version of reality went largely unchecked as I would isolate from anyone who challenged me." She continued, "To my babies, you are a part of me. I believed dark was light and right was wrong. I would do anything in this world for you. I took from you all that was soft, and safe, and good."





March 25, 2024: Ruby's Diary Revealed

Prosecutors released her chilling journal entries, in which she wrote about her mistreatment of her children, including her "Satanic" tween son. "He slithers & sneaks around looking for opportunities when no one is watching & then he scurries," she wrote in an entry from July 10, 2023, which was her son's 12th birthday. "If he wants to emulate the savior, he needs to be 100% obedient with exactness. No wavering, no hiding." She wrote about punishing her children by beating them and withholding food and water.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement





March 25, 2024: Kevin's Interview With Authorities Becomes Public

Prosecutors released audio footage of Kevin talking with investigators after Ruby was arrested, in which he spoke about alleged restrictions he faced in their house. "There were all these rules now placed on me, like I can leave when I want but I couldn't come back until Ruby gave me permission," Kevin said in an audio clip obtained by E!. "I couldn't come into the kitchen to eat until Ruby gave me permission and the upstairs where Jodi was was completely offline. I couldn't go upstairs anymore in my own house. And Ruby would dictate all of the terms of how our interactions would be, when we would talk. And that was hard."



For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
The Stikine River Flats area in the Tongass National Forest viewed by helicopter. The nearby community of Wrangell has received federal funding, through the Secure Rural Schools Act program, designed to assist communities impacted by the declining timber industry. (Photo by Alicia Stearns/U.S. Forest Service)

Rural schools, mostly in Southeast Alaska, are facing a major funding shortfall this year after the U.S. House of Representatives failed to reauthorize a bill aimed at funding communities alongside national forests and lands.

The bipartisan Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act was first passed in 2000, and enacted to assist communities impacted by the declining timber industry. It provided funds for schools, as well as for roads, emergency services and wildfire prevention. The award varies each year depending on federal land use and revenues. The legislation is intended to help communities located near federal forests and lands pay for essential services. In 2023, the law awarded over $250 million nationwide, and over $12.6 million to Alaska.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But this year, the bill passed the Senate, but stalled in the House of Representatives amid partisan negotiations around the stopgap spending bill to keep the government open until March. House Republicans decided not to vote on the bill amid a dispute around health care funding, a spokesperson for the bills sponsor, Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, told the Oregon Capital Chronicle, which first reported the story.

Eleven boroughs, as well as unincorporated areas, in the Tongass and Chugach national forests have typically received this funding, awarded through local municipalities. According to 2023 U.S. Forest Service data, some of the districts who received the largest awards, and now face that shortfall, include Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka and Yakutat, as well as the unincorporated areas.

Were already at our bottom, said Superintendent Carol Pate of the Yakutat School District, which received over $700,000 in funding, one of the largest budget sources for its 81 students.

We are already down to one administrator with six certified teachers, Pate said in a phone interview Thursday. We have a small CTE (career and technical education) program. We dont have any art, we dont have any music. We have limited travel. Anything that we lose means we lose instruction, and our goal is for the success of our students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yakatat is facing a $126,000 deficit this year, a large sum for their $2.3 million budget, Pate said. So thats a pretty significant deficit for us. We do our best to be very conservative during the school year to make up that deficit. So wherever we can save money, we do.

Every time we lose something, we lose kids because of it, and the more kids we lose, the more programs we lose.

 Carol Pate, Yakutat school superintendent

The school has strong support from the borough, Pate said. However, last year they were forced to cut funding for one teacher and a significant blow for the school, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were trying very hard to break the cycle, but its a continuing cycle, she said. Every time we lose something, we lose kids because of it, and the more kids we lose, the more programs we lose.

In the southern Tongass National Forest community of Wrangell, the school district received over $1 million in funds last year, and Superintendent Bill Burr said the federal funding loss is dramatic.

Its pretty devastating from a community standpoint, Burr said in a phone interview. Because that is very connected to the amount of local contribution that we get from our local borough, it has a dramatic effect on the school district, so Im disappointed.

As these cuts continue to happen, theres less and less that were able to do, he said. School districts are cut pretty much as thin as they can. So when these things happen, with no real explanation, the impact for districts that do receive secure schools funding is even more dramatic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Whether and how the funding loss will impact the district has yet to be determined, as budgets for next year are still in development, Burr said, but it could mean cuts to matching state grants, facilities projects, or staff salaries. He said most non-state money for the district comes from the federal program.

Part of our funding does come from sales tax, but a majority of it comes from the secure rural schools (grant), he said. So without increases in other areas, the amount of money that can come to the schools is going to be injured.

We do have contracts, and a majority of our money is paid in personnel. So we would have those contracts to fill, regardless of the funding, until the end of the year. A major reduction really will affect our ability to provide school services and personnel, so it could have a massive impact on next years, the fiscal 26 year, budget, he said.

The district is facing an over $500,000 budget deficit this year, Burr said, and so the loss puts further pressure on the district.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So were continuing to find areas that we can cut back but still provide the same service. But thats getting harder and harder, he said.

The schools in unincorporated areas known as regional educational attendance areas, received over $6 million in funding through the program.

Alaska Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan supported the bill through the Senate.

Murkowski was disappointed that the bill was not reauthorized, a spokesperson for the senator said.

As a longtime advocate for this program, she recognizes its critical role in funding schools and essential services in rural communities, said Joe Plesha, in a text Friday. She is actively working to ensure its renewal so that states like Alaska are not disadvantaged.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Former Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola also supported the funding.

Alaskas school funding formula is complex, and takes into account the local tax base, municipalities ability to fund schools, and other factors. With the loss of funding for the local boroughs portion, whether the Legislature will increase funding on the states side is to be determined.

The Department of Education and Early Development did not respond to requests for comment on Friday.

Superintendents Burr and Pate described hope for the upcoming legislative session, and an increase in per-pupil spending. The loss of secure rural schools funding makes it even more difficult to continue with the static funding that education in the state has received, Burr said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I really have high hopes for this legislative season. I think that the people that weve elected recognize the need to put funding towards education, Pate said.

The funding could be restored, if the legislation is reintroduced and passed by Congress. Both Oregon Democratic Sen. Wyden and Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo have said they support passing the funding this year.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
A 31-year-old man has been arrested at Delhi's domestic airport in connection with a high-profile murder case, police said, adding that the accused identified as Amir Khan was trying to flee to Mumbai when he was intercepted by the crime branch of Delhi Police. Khan, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh and a truck driver by profession, was identified as one of the assailants involved in the killing of Yogendra Bahadur Singh, the Principal of Indra Bahadur Singh National Inter College, Bhadohi. The UP Police had announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for his capture after he went into hiding in Delhi's Mustafabad. The murder took place on October 21, 2024, when Singh (56) was on his way to his college. Two armed assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on his car. A special team of the Delhi Crime Branch was constituted to arrest the accused. On January 9 morning, the team set up a trap at the Domestic Airport in Delhi. Around 12:40 PM, Amir Khan was intercepted while trying to enter the airport. Upon interrogation, he confessed to his involvement in the murder, revealing that he had been hired, along with several accomplices, to execute the killing as part of a revenge plot. Five accused persons, including the main conspirator Saurabh, have already been arrested by the UP Police. However, another suspect, Junaid, remains absconding, with a reward announced for his capture. Khan was first arrested in 2017 for house trespass, assault, and criminal intimidation. (ANI)
Pro-Palestine student groups at Russell Group universities are being investigated for supporting militant anti-Israel activists.

Almost two dozen societies at 19 British universities declared their unwavering solidarity with Palestine Action, the Extinction Rebellion-linked activist group, in November.

Palestine Action has conducted a campaign of trespass, vandalism and criminal damage against companies and buildings it claims are linked to Zionism since the Hamas terror attacks on Oct 7 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now The Telegraph can reveal that six of the student groups are being investigated by their student unions over their support for Palestine Action.

The activist groups actions have included vandalising the UK headquarters of arms manufacturer Elbit Systems, stealing a bust of Israels first president from Manchester University and slashing and spray-painting a portrait of Lord Balfour, a former prime minister, at the University of Cambridge.

Credit: X / @Pal_action

In May last year, Lord Walney, the Governments independent adviser on political violence, called for Palestine Action and other extreme protest groups to be proscribed under a new category, saying they were said it was a far-Left, anarchist, anti-Israel activist group.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In November, 22 student groups from British universities  including Russell Group members Manchester, University College London and Kings College London  signed a statement praising Palestine Actions bravery, forward-thinking and self-sacrifice.

Palestine Action are carrying out crucial work and we must all extend our unequivocal solidarity, and stand in the way of anyone seeking to halt their fast-spreading success, the statement read.

An attack on one of us is an attack on us all. The Palestine Actionists and ourselves are unified by the same cause, thus acts of repression against them, from policy pressure to political imprisonment, is an affront to every single one of us.

A Palestine Action activist sprayed red paint and slashed a painting of Lord Arthur James Balfour at Trinity College in Cambridge in March 2024 - AFP

Six of the student unions affiliated with the pro-Palestinian student groups that signed the statement are now investigating them  Imperial College London, Brunel, Essex, Leeds Beckett, Middlesex and the Open University.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The University of the West of England said it was working with the UWE Friends of Palestine Society to ensure they adhere to their society objectives.

But the other 12 student unions whose pro-Palestine student groups signed the letter have not committed to an investigation.

These include the student unions of Russell Group members University College London, Kings College London and the University of Manchester.

UK Lawyers for Israel has accused all 19 student unions of breaching charity law by being affiliated with the groups because their charitable purposes are limited to promoting the education and welfare of students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Being affiliated with and assisting an organisation that encourages and promotes illegal activities is not an activity that promotes the education or welfare of students, it said.

It is understood that a number of student unions have rejected this claim in correspondence with the group.

The claim is understood to not have been reported to the Charity Commission, which regulates charities.

This is a serious matter

Caroline Turner, director of UK Lawyers for Israel, said: If student unions are facilitating criminal actions by their student groups, then this is a serious matter.

While we are in favour of freedom of speech, encouraging and assisting serious criminal damage goes way beyond this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We hope the student unions in question will either rein in the actions of these student groups or cease their affiliation with them.

A spokesman for the Open University Students Association declined to comment because its investigation is ongoing.

Palestine Action and the student unions at all other universities named in this article were approached for comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Russians launched an attack using 74 UAVs on the night of 10-11 January. Ukraines air defence forces have downed 47 drones, while 27 disappeared from radar.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force; Kyiv Oblast Military Administration

Details: The Air Force reported that the attack drones were launched from the Russian cities of Millerovo, Orel, Bryansk and Prymorsko-Akhtarsk.

UAVs were downed in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kirovohrad, Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Falling wreckage from downed Russian drones caused damage to outbuildings, institutions, houses and cars in seven Ukrainian oblasts. The Air Force noted that there were no fatalities. Meanwhile, no information about injured civilians was provided.

In particular, falling wreckage from intercepted Russian targets on 11 January damaged two houses and two outbuildings in one district of Kyiv Oblast.



Support UP or become our patron!
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on Jan. 11 that its air defense had intercepted or destroyed 85 Ukrainian drones flying into Russia overnight.

In one of the regions that Moscow claimed it successfully countered a Ukrainian drone attack, the local authorities said that a drone crashed into two five-floor apartment buildings in the town of Kotovsk in western Russia. The damage was minimal, but three people were lightly injured by broken glass, according to Tambov Oblast Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify all of the claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Using its homemade drones, Ukraine has targeted military sites, airfields, and oil refineries deep in Russia to counter a much larger foe by trying to disrupt logistics in the rear. The Ukrainian side rarely reveals information about its attacks in Russia, making it difficult to assess the scale of the attacks.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that 31 drones were destroyed over the Black Sea, 16 over Voronezh Oblast and Krasnodar Krai, 14 over the Azov Sea, four over Belgorod Oblast, two over Tambov Oblast, one over Kursk Oblast, and one over the Russian-occupied Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea.

The intense Ukrainian long-range drone attacks over 2024 showed Russian air defense vulnerabilities.

"From what we can tell  it's no longer a secret  Ukrainian long-range unmanned aerial vehicles can hypothetically operate up to 2,000 kilometers," Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) spokesperson Andrii Yusov said on Dec. 27, 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In turn, Russia regularly targets Ukrainian cities, villages, and infrastructure with drones and missiles, often resulting in civilian casualties. Two civilians were killed and 12 injured over the past day, Ukrainian authorities said.

Read also: Ukraine struck hundreds of targets deep inside Russia in 2024. What did they achieve?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's defence ministry said on Saturday the army had gained control of the settlement of Shevchenko, near the logistical centre of Pokrovsk, a key Russian target in its advance through Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.

Ukraine's military made no mention of the village in its latest account of front-line activity, but said Russia had launched more than 50 attacks against its forces' positions near Pokrovsk in the past 24 hours.

The Russian military report said its forces' "decisive action" had culminated in the capture of Shevchenko, which lies about 3 km (2 miles) west of Pokrovsk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The report also said that Russian troops launched strikes carried out by aircraft, drones and missiles on Ukrainian military airfields and energy infrastructure that service its army.

The report gave no further details on the assaults.

Ukraine's General Staff said its forces had repelled 46 of 56 Russian attacks around about a dozen towns in the Pokrovsk sector. Ten clashes were still going on.

The governor of the part of Donetsk region held by Ukrainian forces, Vadym Filashkin, said one resident was killed and four injured when a village north of Pokrovsk came under Russian shelling.

Russian forces have been steadily advancing westward in Donetsk region for several months, recording their fastest progress since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia's RIA news agency issued what it said was its first report from one of its correspondents from Kurakhove, another logistics centre south of Pokrovsk.

Russia's military announced the capture of Kurakhove earlier this week.

Ukraine has yet to acknowledge the loss of the town, but the popular Ukrainian blog DeepState, which collates information from open sources, said the town was in Russian hands.

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin and Ron Popeski; Editing by Mark Potter and Nick Zieminski)
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Ukraine launched drone attacks across several regions of Russia, striking two residential houses in the Tambov region and injuring at least three people, Russia said on Saturday.

The regional head, Evgeny Pervyshov, said on the Telegram messaging app people were treated for injuries resulting from shattered windows as drones hit two houses in the town of Kotovsk, about 480 kilometres (300 miles) southeast of Moscow.

He said the buildings were only slightly damaged, the inhabitants were offered temporary housing, and an evacuation was not required.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Three (people) had cuts from fragments of broken windows, another four complained of high blood pressure," he said.

Separately, Russia's defence ministry said it intercepted and destroyed 85 Ukrainian drones overnight in several regions of the country, including 31 drones over the Black Sea, 16 each in the Voronezh and Krasnodar regions and 14 over the Azov Sea.

Russia's aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia said airports in the cities of Kazan, Nizhnekamsk and Ulyanovsk in the Volga River regions temporarily suspended flights.

A flight suspension in the city of Saratov was also later declared to ensure safety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kyiv's air force said in a statement early on Saturday that Russia launched 74 drones at Ukraine overnight, adding it had downed 47 of them, while 27 others disappeared from radars without reaching their targets.

Both sides in the Ukraine conflict have turned cheap commercial drones into deadly weapons and also increased their production.

Russian and Ukrainian soldiers alike have reported a visceral fear of drones, and both sides have used video footage of fatal drone strikes in their propaganda.

On Friday, Russia accused Ukraine of carrying out a missile strike on a supermarket in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine.

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin. Editing by Barbara Lewis and Mark Potter)
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least two civilians and injured at least 12 over the past day, regional authorities reported on Jan. 11.

Russia launched 74 Shahed-type attack drones and dummy drones against Ukraine overnight, the Air Force reported. Forty-seven drones were shot down over 11 oblasts, while 27 dummy drones were lost in the airspace, according to the statement.

In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, three people were injured in Russian attacks over the past day, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two men aged 46 and 74 were injured during drone and artillery attacks against the Nikopol district on Jan. 10. Overnight, a 40-year-old man was injured in the same district, the governor said.

A civilian was killed and another injured during a Russian attack against the front-line town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

In Kherson Oblast, two people were injured as a result of Russian strikes, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. Twenty-one houses were damaged.

One person was killed and six injured during Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Governor Ivan Fedorov said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A 39-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman were hospitalized following a Russian attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia on the evening of Jan. 10.

On the morning of the following day, a Russian drone hit a car in the village of Primorske, killing a 47-year-old woman and injuring two men aged 46 and 60 and two women aged 49 and 52, Fedorov reported.

Read also: As Russians inch closer to Pokrovsk, civilians in the area are left with a choice  stay under fire or leave life behind

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Russian army has decided not to assault Pokrovsk head-on, but to go around it from the south to the west, thus approaching Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Source: two Ukrainska Pravda sources among the military on the Pokrovsk front, including Serhii Filimonov, commander of the 108th Da Vinci Wolves Separate Mechanised Battalion

Details: The Russians are currently advancing towards Kotlyne and Udachne, two settlements located on the Mezhova-Pokrovsk road. According to the map maintained by the Ukrainian OSINT project DeepState, the Russians are less than 2 km away, but Ukrainska Pravda has information that they are less than a kilometre away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This means that the Russians have completely blocked the Mezhova-Pokrovsk road, an important logistical artery for Ukraines defence forces that connects Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with Pokrovsk.

The distance from the Russian ledge near Kotlyne and Udachne to the administrative boundary of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is 7 km.

Quote from Filimonov: "It was obvious. The Russians want to cut off the logistics and take the city [Pokrovsk  UP] without a fight."

Details: However, another Ukrainska Pravda source is convinced that Pokrovsk is not a target for the Russians. Their key objective is to reach Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and develop their offensive there.

Support UP or become our patron!
The war in Ukraine has given rise to explosive-packed drones modified with fiber-optic cables.

These drones are dangerous, as they can't be jammed with electronic warfare and are harder to detect.

But one Ukrainian company is developing a solution so front-line soldiers can find the drones.

Russian forces are using explosive-packed drones connected to their operators by fiber-optic cables to deliver unjammable precision strikes on Ukrainian troops and military equipment, and Kyiv is looking for a fix to fight back.

Fiber-optic drones have been increasingly appearing in combat over about the past year, and they're a challenge. These drones are dangerous because they can't be jammed with traditional electronic warfare and are difficult to defend against, highlighting the need for a solution.

The drones are "a real problem" because "we cannot detect and intercept them" electronically, Yuriy, a major in an electronic-warfare unit of the National Guard of Ukraine, told Business Insider. "If we can see, we can fight."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The problem is one that the defense industry is looking into closely. Kara Dag, for instance, is an American Ukrainian technology company that's developing software and hardware to defend against Russian drones for the military and working on a solution, but it's still early days.

The company's chief technology officer, who goes by the pseudonym John for security purposes, said the ongoing conflict was a "war of drones." He told BI that Ukraine had managed this fight well with jamming techniques but that Russia had found ways to slip past some of its defenses.

Fiber-optic drones, which Russia appears to have started flying into battle last spring, are first-person-view drones. But rather than relying on a signal connection, they're wired with cables that preserve a stable connection. As a result, these drones are resistant to electronic warfare, such as radio frequency jammers, and produce high-quality video transmissions.

A Russian soldier launching an FPV drone at an undisclosed location in November. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

In August, combat footage from Russian fiber-optic drones began to circulate, indicating a more lasting presence on the battlefield. Now, both militaries are using these drones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fiber-optic drones are highly dangerous, John said, as they can fly in tunnels, close to the ground, through valleys, and in other areas where other drones may lose connection with their operators. They're also tough to detect because they don't emit any radio signals.

Russia can use these drones to destroy Ukrainian armored vehicles and study its defensive positions, he said. Since they don't have bandwidth problems, these drones "can transmit very high-quality picture, and they literally see everything."

The drones aren't without their disadvantages, though. Yuriy said fiber-optic drones are slower than the untethered FPV drones and unable to make sharp changes in direction. He said Russia doesn't have too many of these drones, either, nor does it use them in every direction of the front lines. But where they are used, they're a problem.

Because jamming doesn't work on fiber-optic drones, there are efforts underway to explore other options for spotting these systems, such as audio and visual detection. But this kind of technology can be expensive and hard to manufacture.

A Ukrainian fiber-optic drone is seen during a test flight in the Kyiv region in December. Photo by Viktor Fridshon/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

John said the company had developed a low-cost solution to find fiber-optic drones. One element of this system is an array of dozens of microphones that can be focused on one point in the sky to listen for any nearby drones. The second element is an unfocused infrared laser that highlights any object in a certain area of the sky while a camera records any reflected light coming back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It's a single device that can be placed about a kilometer from troop positions. The device is in lab testing, John said, and the next step is to deploy it in real combat conditions on the front lines next month. The plan is to eventually produce several thousand of these devices every month.

The introduction of fiber-optic drones into battle  and Ukraine's subsequent efforts to counter them  underscores how both Moscow and Kyiv are constantly trying to innovate with uncrewed systems before the enemy can adapt, a trend that has been evident throughout the war.

In a previous interview with BI, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's minister of digital transformation, described the technology and drone race playing out in this fight as a "cat-and-mouse game." He said Kyiv was trying to stay several steps ahead of Moscow at all times.

The Ukrainian military said last month that it was testing fiber-optic drones, adding that "FPV drones with this technology are becoming a big problem for the enemy on the front line."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Tuesday, a Ukrainian government platform that facilitates innovation within the country's defense industry shared new footage of fiber-optic drone demonstrations on social media. Russia, if it's not already, may soon find itself working to counter these new drones as well.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BJP candidate from Malviya Nagar assembly constituency Satish Upadhyay on Saturday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of weaving a web of lies on every issue related to Delhi and said that people are aware of their intentions and will not be misled. Speaking to ANI, Upadhyay said, "AAP is just weaving a web of lies on every issue of Delhi and working to spread a misleading narrative. They are only dividing society during elections. The people of Delhi are well aware of your intentions and will certainly not fall into your trap." He dismissed Atishi's claim that the BJP would make Ramesh Bidhuri the Chief Ministerial candidate for Delhi as a reward for disrespecting her, saying that she is fabricating new narratives to create doubt among the public. "Again, this is the politics of lies, spreading confusion among people. This is the politics of misleading people. Atishi is trying to create doubts in people's minds by fabricating new narratives. I believe there is no worse form of politics than this. Since they can clearly see their defeat, these statements are made out of frustration." Arvind Kejriwal has claimed that BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri abused Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. https://x.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1875931494361043250 In a post on X, Arvind Kejriwal said, "BJP leaders have crossed all limits of shamelessness. BJP leaders are abusing Delhi Chief Minister Atishi ji. The people of Delhi will not tolerate the insult of a woman Chief Minister. All the women of Delhi will take revenge for this." Upadhyay supported CPI General Secretary D Raja's remarks that the INDIA bloc "stands divided" post-Lok Sabha election 2024 saying that the alliance was bound to break as everyone in it is only looking out for their own interests and their party's agenda. "D Raja ji was right in saying. When people's objectives are unclear and everyone is only looking out for their own interests and their party's agenda, this so-called "thugbandhan" was bound to break," he said. On Friday, Communist Party of India General Secretary D Raja said that the INDIA bloc "stands divided" post-Lok Sabha election 2024. Speaking to ANI, CPI General Secretary D Raja said, "It is a fact that Opposition is divided. It is known to people that in Delhi Elections, AAP is contesting on its own, Congress is contesting on its own, Left parties are contesting wherever they are capable of putting up a fight and among other parties, certain parties have declared support to AAP. So, it is a fact that INDIA bloc stands divided." The assembly elections in Delhi is scheduled to be held in a single phase on February 5, while the votes will be counted on February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17. The date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18. While last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats. (ANI)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  About one in 10 Clark County residents has no health insurance, according to the U.S. Census American Community Survey. Some are just taking the risk that theyll be OK without it. Others think they cant afford it.

But in fact, theres a good chance those residents  as many as 70,000 people in Clark County  can afford it through Nevada Health Link. Wednesday, Jan. 15, is the last day of open enrollment, when those families can apply for coverage that works best for them. Meeting that deadline allows families more time to select from a variety of affordable plans.

Nevada Health Link Executive Director Russell Cook spoke with 8 News Now about the importance of finding out if you qualify for subsidies available for health care coverage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cook said enrollment is breaking records this year, surpassing its successes in 2022, when it first topped 100,000. Enrollment this year is already above 105,000. But he knows there are a lot more people to reach. Nevada Health Links goal is to help Nevadans make informed decisions.

In some Las Vegas neighborhoods, thousands of people are eligible for subsidized coverage that they simply dont know about. Here are three neighborhoods that show big gaps in coverage (based on 2022 American Community Survey data):

TWIN LAKES (89108 ZIP code): With a population near 75,000, this neighborhood along the west side of Rancho Drive had 8,040 uninsured residents eligible for subsidized health policies. Nevada Health Link has helped 1,760 residents (as of Jan. 3) get coverage, and 1,629 qualified for subsidies.

EAST LAS VEGAS (89110 ZIP code): One segment of East Las Vegas bounded by Owens Avenue on the north, Pecos Road on the west, Charleston Boulevard on the south, and Frenchman Mountain on the east, has a population of about 67,000, with 6,844 residents who have no health coverage at all but are eligible for subsidized policies. Nevada Health Link has helped 1,431 residents (as of Jan. 3) get coverage, and 1,339 qualified for subsidies.

NORTH LAS VEGAS (89030 ZIP code): The older part of North Las Vegas along Interstate 15 from about Owens Avenue to Craig Road has a population over 51,000, and 7,552 residents are without health coverage but would qualify for a subsidized policy. Nevada Health Link has been able to help only 600 residents in the neighborhood, and 568 qualified for subsidies.

And thats just a sample. In neighborhoods across the valley, people who have explored whats available on Nevada Health Link have found that they qualify for subsidized coverage.

Residents in neighborhoods where incomes are low might think they just cant afford health insurance, but its a big gamble to take. Any injury or illness that leads to hospitalization could break the bank for these households, and they could possibly get coverage with low premiums  some with zero-dollar premiums.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We want to make sure that families are aware of exactly how much money they can save, Cook said. He wants people to understand that a zero-dollar premium is not the same thing as free health insurance. That just means that you have this safety net, he said.

If there are medical emergencies, families are still responsible for deductibles and their portion of the cost. But there will be a cap  a maximum limit on deductibles and a maximum on out-of-pocket expenses.

Cook said even something as simple as a broken arm can come with costs that add up to $30,000 or more. The Affordable Care Act sets an out-of-pocket limit of $18,000 for a family of four.

He went through a scenario for a family of four with total income of $80,000. After income-based subsidies, the familys monthly premium was about $69.

(KLAS)

The cheapest policies arent for everyone. People with recurring medical needs should explore other options, and they are available, too.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cook also advised against sitting it out until the political landscape settles. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to gut the Affordable Care Act when he first took office in 2016, but it didnt happen. In fact, the number of people who have coverage through ACA has doubled since then.

Health insurance is a very complex landscape to navigate. But thats why we like to take every opportunity possible to recommend that Nevadans seek out assistance from a licensed and certified enrollment professional, Cook said.

We have a community of over 900 insurance agents and brokers who are certified to offer enrollment assistance free of charge through the NevadaHealthLink.com marketplace. We also have a community of over 40 navigators statewide. Those navigators provide free enrollment assistance in languages including English, Spanish and Tagalog.

To apply on Nevada Health Link go to nevadahealthlink.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 KLAS.
Saint Michaels College is looking to make school more affordable for its students. A new initiative, called the The St. Mikes Community Commitment, will offer families with a total income of less than $100,000 an aid package to cover their full tuition.

The packages will start being offered in the 2025-2026 school year and will be extended to current and incoming students. Aid will be applied after students receive federal grant offers.

Brigid Lawler, the Vice President of Enrollment, says the decision to push this program came after the school evaluated last years enrollment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There was a group of students that didnt come, that didnt end up showing up at Saint Michaels, and we think, I think, that part of the reason is they didnt realize it was affordable for them, said Lawler.

The VP says the initiative was made possible, in part, to a donation from an alumnus and a growing budget for institutional aid.

Lawler says she hopes this will inspire a deeper conversation about making college more accessible in the state.

In order to be considered, students will have to complete their FAFSA by March 1.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
SALINE COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW)  The Saline County Mounted Patrol Squad recently lost an essential vehicle in its fleet. The early 2000s Suburban was used for traffic control early on Jan. 3. It was struck from behind and slid into the ditch. No one was in the vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle received minor injuries.

(Courtesy Saline County Mounted Patrol)

The mounted patrol unit heavily relied on the Suburban to tow the swift water rescue boat, haul equipment, and provide lighting at emergency scenes.

The loss of our vehicle greatly reduces the ability to respond to incidents without the use of personal vehicles, explained Commander Bill Cooke. We were able to purchase it originally from the proceeds of our annual benefit rodeo and the generous support of the community. We would appreciate any donations toward the replacement of that unit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How much snow did Wichita and Kansas see

(Courtesy Saline County Mounted Patrol)

The patrol is a volunteer organization and operates solely on the funds raised by the community. Replacing this total vehicle will require a substantial fundraising effort.

The Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad is a valuable resource for central Kansas. In addition to local incidents they have responded to requests for assistance to a number of incidents outside of Saline County, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said. They maintain a team of rescue divers, search teams including K-9s and reserve deputies. I highly encourage donations to the organization, and they are always looking for volunteers. The organization has already begun planning fundraising efforts to help replace the vehicle and ensure they can continue supporting the community in emergencies.

Contact Commander Bill Cooke to learn more about the Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad or to see how you can help. He can be contacted via e-mail at bcooke@webstercc.org.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Samsung has unveiled its latest air-to-water heat pump, the Slim Fit EHS ClimateHub, at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025), with plans to release it to the North American market next year.

The Slim Fit EHS ClimateHub series comes in two primary indoor variants: the ClimateHub Mono, which features an integrated water tank, and the Hydro Unit Mono, a wall-mounted unit without a water tank. These indoor units are to be connected to Samsung's EHS Mono R32 HT Quiet outdoor unit, which uses an R32 refrigerant and runs on low noise, as low as 35 decibels.

The indoor units feature a 7-inch screen, allowing users to intuitively control the temperature and settings. This screen can also monitor the energy use of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems or control other Internet-of-Things (IoT) appliances.

Sleek design

The appliances have been designed to look sleek, with the ClimateHub Mono and the Hydro Unit Mono measuring 23.6 inches and 11.8 inches deep respectively. The former is larger, measuring 72.8 inches in height and 23.5 inches in width. The latter measures 33 inches tall and 13.8 inches wide and can be connected to a third-party domestic hot water storage tank.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This means both units would seamlessly fit into most homes, exhibiting a modern look and without drawing attention. As standard features, both units also come with magnetic filters, three-way valves, and an expansion vessel for space heating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAOnRckrucE&pp=ygUXU2xpbSBGaXQgRUhTIENsaW1hdGVIdWI%3D

The indoor units feature large heat transfer surfaces and are well-insulated to reduce heat loss. The outdoor unit is also equipped with the new 'scroll compressor' and 'flash injection technology' for efficient heating performance even in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.

In its press release, Samsung noted that its indoor and outdoor units are designed to achieve optimal performance. To this end, the company has reduced tank heat loss by designing ClimateHub's tank coil with a large heat transfer area and three insulation layers. Both indoor units also support Samsung's AI Energy Mode, which can reduce energy use by up to 17%.

To release in the US soon

"It is a great privilege to showcase our latest air to water heat pump lineup at CES 2025. As there is an increasing demand for this new heating system in the North American market, we are excited to build upon our existing expertise based on years of previous experiences, to introduce convenient, powerful solutions to our customers, meeting these requirements, said Hang Seok Choi, VP and dead of the air solution business team for digital appliances business at Samsung Electronics in the press release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The full range of functionality is available when the AI Home is connected to the PV system and other devices, allowing energy management by optimizing hot water and heating operations," Samsung said in a statement.

"It allows users to intuitively control the temperature and settings. Additionally, users can monitor the status and energy usage of connected solar photovoltaic using the zone overview, as well as control other SmartThings-connected appliances," the statement added.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno continues to push for a change in the judicial bail system that addresses violent repeat criminal offenders.

Bail is used as a way to ensure the defendant will show up for their next court date. The judge also has to consider the defendants financial resources when setting bail. When the bail is set in the District Court, offenders have the right to appeal to a judge in the Superior Court and then to a single Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the Commonwealth cannot.

Brother of victim of police-involved shooting in Springfield deemed dangerous

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If a defendant does not like their bail decision in district court, they can kick it up to Superior court, said Sarno. If they dont like it there, they can kick it up to a single justice of the state Supreme court. We, the people and the businesses of the Commonwealth and the City of Springfield, have no such right.

The legislation was introduced as a result of repeat violent criminal offenders being let off at arraignments with low bail and returning to communities to commit more crimes. In an effort to reduce the amount of repeat offenders, 1 to 2 percent according to Mayor Sarno, the bill would allow prosecutors to appeal bail decisions, much like criminal attorneys do for their clients.

On Thursday, Mayor Sarno requested State Representative Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. to refile the bail reform legislation, An Act Relative to the Commonwealths Right to Appeal Bail Decisions. Puppolo has been refiling this legislation since 2015 and said he intends to continue working with the mayor, Police Superintendent Larry Akers and District Attorney Anthony Gulluni in moving this bill through the legislative process.

I want to thank State Representative Angelo Puppolo for his continued efforts and leadership in refiling this much-needed common sense, public safety and quality of life legislation. The intent of this legislation is to give our Commonwealth and District Attorneys equal footing when addressing violent repeat criminal offenders as it relates to the ability of appealing bail set in District Court. Too often, we see repeat criminal violent offenders involved and charged with illegal guns, drugs and other violent crimes back on our streets and in our neighborhoods on low or no bail. They have no regards for the conditions in which they are released  GPS ankle bracelet, probation; none of these conditions of their release seems to deter these 1-2% of repeat violent criminal offenders from committing more crimes in our neighborhoods and negatively impacting the public safety and quality of life for our residents and business community, Mayor Sarno said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Opponents to the bill say the proposed law would give prosecutors too much power and keep people in jail for long terms before a trial, especially low-income persons who cant make bail.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz amped up on criticism of US President-elect Donald Trump over the integrity of borders during an animated speech meant to motivate Social Democrats ahead of a federal election next month.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Scholzs main competitors to lead Germany, Friedrich Merz and Alice Weidel, also spoke on Saturday at meetings of their respective parties as campaigning gains steam.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In power since 2021 as the senior member of a now-defunct three-party coalition, support for Scholzs SPD has slumped as an early election looms for Europes largest economy on Feb. 23.

At a party congress in Berlin, the German chancellor spoke of uncertain times ahead in relations with Washington, and also pointed to the rise of the far right in neighboring Austria. Both developments showed that much is at stake for Germany, he said.

These are times in which people are dreaming of shredding everything to pieces with a chainsaw  democracy, the welfare state, equal rights, Scholz said. Times in which certain forces in America are also working very specifically to destroy our democratic institutions in the West.

The SPD party congress on Saturday formally nominated Scholz as their top candidate and adopted the partys election program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Scholz, 66, said Trumps recent expansionist rhetoric against Greenland and Canada, as well as the Panama Canal, give him cause for concern.

The principle of inviolability of borders applies to every country, Scholz said to loud applause. No country is the backyard of another. No small country should have to fear its big neighbor. That is the core of what we call Western values  our values!

His conservative challenger, the CDUs Merz, said the scolding wont rattle Trump, and that Germany should rather focus on regaining its own economic and military strength.

I honestly cannot imagine that the American president is in any way impressed by a four-minute press statement from the German chancellor, Merz, 69, told reporters after a CDU leadership meeting in Hamburg. Public finger-wagging from Germany has never made an impression in America, and usually has the opposite effect.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Merz added that hes not looking at Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration like a rabbit looking at a snake.

Scholz attacked plans by the conservatives to lower the corporate tax rate, which he said would come at the expense of the working class.

Whos going to foot the bill? Im telling you: The bill will be paid by the ordinary people in this country, Scholz said. They will have to accept bitter cuts in public pensions and care.

Merz defended his partys proposals, though, by arguing that a revival of economic growth would lead to higher tax revenues, despite lower income tax. A 40% corporate tax in a declining economy will bring less profit than a 25% corporate tax in a growing economy, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The chancellor triggered the early election by firing his finance minister in early November in a dispute over more debt-financed government spending for Ukraine, effectively stripping himself of a majority in the lower house of parliament.

With little more than six weeks until the vote, Merzs party has a comfortable lead in opinion polls, with the far-right, anti-migration AfD party polling in second place and Scholzs SPD trailing in third.

The center-right CDU/CSU bloc has about 31% support, according to the latest Bloomberg average of recent surveys, with the AfD at about 20%, the SPD 17% and the Greens 12% in fourth.

A new poll commissioned by the public broadcaster ZDF, though, showed the SPD sliding into fourth place, behind the Greens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The election campaign took an unexpected turn recently when Elon Musk, the worlds wealthiest person and a key Trump donor and ally, waded in on behalf of the AfD. Musk on the X social media platform he owns disparaged Scholz as an incompetent fool, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as an anti-democratic tyrant.

Musk spoke at length on Thursday with AfD candidate Weidel on X, in what amounted to free advertising with the potential to reach millions of voters.

Since it was founded in 2013, the AfD has moved progressively toward the extreme right, garnering support among voters disillusioned with mainstream parties, particularly in Germanys former communist eastern regions.

The AfD officially nominated Weidel as the partys chancellor candidate at a convention in the Saxony town of Riesa, northwest of Dresden. The meeting started about two hours late amid massive protests against the right-wing party; about 10,000 demonstrators tried to prevent delegates from reaching the venue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weidel called in her speech for a complete closure of Germanys borders and promised to deport people whod entered illegally. There will be a clear message to the whole world, the 45-year-old said. Co-party leader Tino Chrupalla called Weidel the future chancellor.

The AfD also calls for a German exit from the European Union and the euro zone, moves which would unwind decades of political and economic integration.

--With assistance from Angela Cullen.

(Updates with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel in second to last paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Rolf Mutzenich, the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany parliamentary faction, has not supported the proposal for a new large package of military aid to Ukraine which is being put forward by the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Defence of Germany.

Source: German television news channel n-tv, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Mutzenich said that Defence Minister Boris Pistorius had announced on Thursday large-scale arms supplies to Ukraine which had been planned in the previous budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"To commit additional budget funds through parliament shortly before the Bundestag elections and thus present the future government with a fait accompli is not in order for our democracy and can hardly be justified from a legal and political point of view," he said.

German newspaper Spiegel noted that German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius have proposed allocating an additional 3 billion to agree on providing Ukraine with the most needed weapons before the 23 February snap elections.

Pistorius and Baerbock said this would be an important signal to Ukraine that German aid would not be reduced.

Background:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nevertheless, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has not given his consent to a large new package of military aid for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the media reported that Germany is preparing to provide Ukraine with significant military aid packages in the first half of 2025, including Leopard tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles and other weapons.

Support UP or become our patron!
Education software company PowerSchool is the latest major American company to be targeted by hackers, who accessed the personal data of millions of parents and students. (Photo illustration by seksan Mongkhonkhamsao/Getty Images)

The sensitive data of millions of American adults and children have been compromised after hackers targeted California-based education software company PowerSchool, the company confirmed this week.

The breach happened at the end of December, and new information confirmed by TechCrunch Thursday morning says that hackers were able to access student addresses, Social Security numbers, grades and medical information on the platform, which schools use for student records, grades, attendance and enrollment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The names, phone numbers and emails of parents and guardians were also potentially compromised, the company said. Hackers were able to use a stolen credential, or login, to access the internal customer support portal, the company said. PowerSchool currently has 16,000 customers, and is used by more than 50 million students across North America, the company confirmed.

A number of Utah school districts were affected, the Deseret News reports.

The incident is the latest large-scale data breach in the U.S., as year after year, the number of cybercrimes continues to rise. The FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center recorded 880,418 complaints in 2023, a 10% increase from the complaints registered the year prior, and nearly double the number of crimes reported in 2019. The agency estimates potential monetary losses due to cybercrime since 2019 to be $37.4 billion.

PowerSchools breach is an example of how cyber criminals profit  the company said it was extorted into paying a sum to prevent hackers from leaking the stolen data, though it did not say how much.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The hackers method of using legitimate credentials to access the internal software is much more common than you might think, said Rob Scott, Dallas-based managing partner of technology law firm Scott & Scott LLP. When people think about hacking, they likely picture automated attacks that pass through logins and passwords, he said.

Many breaches come from accounts purchased on the so-called Dark Web, a vast expanse of the internet that is inaccessible to most conventional browsers, Scott said.

Or employee negligence situations  poor password management, or IT policies around managing and keeping passwords safe and confidential, he said.

This incident was not an example of a ransomware attack, where hackers use software or malware to encrypt data on a computer, and prevent users from accessing their device. There were 2,835 ransomware crimes in 2023, and healthcare, manufacturing and government facilities were most targeted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the motivation for the majority of cyber crimes is financial, Scott said.

People used to pickpocket, right? People used to rob banks, Scott said. Cybersecurity is the modern equivalent of those types of activities.

As these data breaches become more common, youre likely right in assuming that your data has been compromised in some way by now, said Chandler, Arizona-based Kiran Chinnagangannagari, cofounder and chief product and technology officer at cybersecurity firm Securin.

The advancements of generative AI systems have made the internet a data hungry place, Chinnagangannagari said, because these systems need tons of information to learn and get better.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While about 20 states have consumer data privacy laws, and all 50 states have data breach notification laws, Chinnagangannagari and Scott said they dont find legislation is a big help in fighting this growing problem. Many of the laws put responsibility on the company to inform consumers, Scott said, but it places extra burden on a company that was just the victim of a crime.

Chinnagangannagari said laws that encourage proactive safeguarding against unnecessary data collection are more helpful. HIPAA, for example, sets strict rules on how healthcare providers can collect, store and share health data. The California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act, includes purpose limitation and data minimization rules.

While theres little an individual can do in the wake of these large-scale attacks on a corporation or organization, users can take some actions toward proper cyber hygiene, Chinnagangannagari said.

Be protective of where you are putting your information, and learn what you can about terms and conditions of large platforms or apps you sign up for. You should set up a system of not reusing passwords, and utilize multi-factor authentication when you can. There are also services that will seek out your data and warn you when its been part of a widespread breach, the cybersecurity pro said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And while it can feel helpless, Chinnagangannagari admits, taking these actions and keeping your eye on your accounts for strange online or financial transactions will prepare you well for our new reality.

Its not something we were taught growing up, he said. Its a very different world. And so we just need to still adapt and live within this ecosystem.
Fossil Out Boy

Two "Punk" and "Emo" fossils  and we don't mean elder members of the music circles that once enjoyed greater cultural cachet  are challenging scientists' understanding of the evolution of mollusks. The scene, folks, is not dead.

As detailed in a study published in the journal Nature, the researchers created 3D models of the 430 million year old specimens, revealing strikingly complex features that suggest an early group of mollusks called aculifera weren't as primitive as once believed.

To their modern human eyes, however, the scientists saw a superficial resemblance to the hallmarks of certain outsider subcultures.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Punk in particular, with its spiky appearance, clearly resembles a rebellious punk rocker  and we thought Emo complemented it well," said lead author Mark Sutton, a paleontologist at Imperial College London, in a statement about the work. If you squint hard enough, you might see "emo" looking bangs.

Petrified Kennedys

There are over 100,000 species of mollusks, making it one of the most diverse groups in biology as it comprises everything from octopuses to squids to snails to clams. It follows that we still don't have a perfect picture of its family tree and its hundreds of millions of years of evolution.

Officially named Punk ferox and Emo vorticaudum, these latest mollusk remains were recovered from a notable fossil site located on the England-Wales border, home to many ancient specimens that once dotted the seafloor.

Finding them, especially in such good condition that details of their soft tissue could be gleaned, was a godsend. "We don't know much about aculiferans, and it's unusual to find out we've suddenly got two," Sutton told The New York Times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sutton and his team created 3D models of Punk and Emo through a combination of x-ray scans and photographs. The x-rays revealed the internal structures, while the photographs were taken as the researchers carefully shaved off external layers of the fossils, documenting each step of the way.

"We grind away a slice at a time, take a photo, repeat at 20-micron intervals or so, and basically destroy but digitize the fossil as we go," Sutton told the NYT.

Funeral for a Friend

With the breathtaking accuracy of the digital models, the researchers discovered that both fossils possessed smooth undersides  strong evidence that they were seafloor dwellers.

In particular, Punk possesses a ridge-like "foot"  a trait shared by no other extant mollusks. It also has long, Liberty-spike-looking spines, and gills similar to those of another class of mollusks called chiton.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Likewise, Emo has long spines that resemble worm-like mollusks, too, but it also boasts shells and a top-to-down flattened body similar to chitons. Because it was found in a folded posture, the researchers believed that Emo moved like an inchworm. How Punk traversed the seafloor, though, is unclear.

"This is really giving us an almost unprecedented window into the sorts of things that were actually around when mollusks were getting going," Sutton told the NYT. "It's just this little weird, unexpected, really clear view of what was going on in the early history of one of the most important groups of animals."

More on animals: These Mighty Morphin Jellyfish Have a Mind-Blowing Survival Trick Up Their Sleeves
A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan has been injured as improvised explosive device (IED) laid down by the Naxalites exploded in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Saturday, officials said. This happened after a team of CRPF from 196 Battalion Mahadev Ghat had left for the forest to carry out area domination in the morning. During the operations, one jawan was injured due to an IED blast. The injured jawan has been admitted to the District Hospital Bijapur for treatment. Earlier, the bodies of three Naxals and several weapons have been recovered from the encounter that took place in the Sukma-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh, an official said. "Bodies of three Naxals and weapons recovered. The search operation is still underway," said SP Sukma Kiran Chavan. The encounter between security forces and Naxals broke out in the forest at the Sukma-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh on Thursday. Superintendent of Police of Sukma, Kiran Chavan, said the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) and the Central Reserve Police Force's jungle warfare unit (CoBRA) teams are involved in the encounter. Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma reacted to the encounter and informed that the search operation is still underway."Security forces have had success in their operations in Sukma. Today, the bodies of 3 Naxals have been recovered from there. The search operation is continuing there," he said. This comes after eight jawans were killed in an IED blast by Maoists earlier. The security personnel carried out demining exercises to prevent such incidents from happening in the incident. The demining exercise focuses on removing the unexploded land mines that may pose a threat to civilians as well. The forces have deployed personnel in heavy numbers at the location of the incident. The blast was so powerful that it created a huge hole and cracks in the concrete road. Similarly, the remains of the vehicle were scattered for several meters. Eight jawans from the District Reserve Guards (DRG) and one civilian driver were killed in an IED blast triggered by the Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Monday, an official said. According to Bastar Inspector General (IG) Sundarraj P, the jawans were returning from a joint operation of Dantewada, Narayanpur and Bijapur police when the blast occurred. Meanwhile, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives of District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur IED blast earlier on Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the Central government's commitment to assuring that the sacrifices of these soldiers will not go in vain and Naxalism will be eradicated from Indian soil by March 2026. Shah took to X to extend his condolences to the bereaved families after the news circulated about the tragic incident in which eight personnel of the DRG and their civilian driver lost their lives when Naxalites detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) targeting their vehicle on the Kutru-Bedre road in Bijapur district. "I am deeply saddened by the news of losing DRG personnel in the IED blast in Bijapur (Chhattisgarh). I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the brave soldiers. It is impossible to express this grief in words, but I assure you that the sacrifices of our soldiers will not go in vain. We will eradicate Naxalism from Indian soil by March 2026," Shah said. The attack occurred as the DRG team was returning from an anti-Naxal operation. The powerful explosion destroyed the vehicle, leading to the immediate deaths of all nine occupants. This marks one of the deadliest attacks on security forces in the region in recent times. (ANI)
While most of us take the ground beneath our feet for granted, written within its complex layers, like the pages of a book, is Earth's history. Our history.

Research shows there are little-known chapters in that history, deep within Earth's past. In fact, Earth's inner core appears to have another even more inner core within it.

"Traditionally we've been taught the Earth has four main layers: the crust, the mantle, the outer core and the inner core," Australian National University geophysicist Joanne Stephenson explained in 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Our knowledge of what lies beneath Earth's crust has been inferred mostly from what volcanoes have divulged and what seismic waves have whispered.

From these indirect observations, scientists have calculated that the scorchingly hot inner core, with temperatures surpassing 5,000 degrees Celsius (9,000 Fahrenheit), makes up only 1 percent of Earth's total volume.

But a few years ago, Stephenson and colleagues found evidence Earth's inner core may actually have two distinct layers.

"It's very exciting  and might mean we have to re-write the textbooks!" Stephenson explained at the time.

The team used a search algorithm to trawl through and match thousands of models of the inner core with observed data across many decades about how long seismic waves take to travel through Earth, gathered by the International Seismological Centre.

Differences in seismic wave paths through layers of Earth. (Stephenson xxxxxx)

Differences in seismic wave paths through layers of Earth. (Stephenson et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 2021)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So what's down there? The team looked at some models of the inner core's anisotropy  how differences in the make-up of its material alters the properties of seismic waves  and found some were more likely than others.

While some models suggest the material of the inner core channels seismic waves faster parallel to the equator, others indicate the mix of materials allows for faster waves more parallel to Earth's rotational axis. Even then, there are arguments about the exact degree of difference at certain angles.

The study here didn't show much variation with depth in the inner core, but it did find there was a change in the slow direction to a 54-degree angle, with the faster direction of waves running parallel to the axis.

Earth's inner core may actually have two distinct layers. (alexlmx/Canva Pro)

"We found evidence that may indicate a change in the structure of iron, which suggests perhaps two separate cooling events in Earth's history," Stephenson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The details of this big event are still a bit of a mystery, but we've added another piece of the puzzle when it comes to our knowledge of the Earth's inner core."

These findings may explain why some experimental evidence has been inconsistent with our current models of Earth's structure.

The presence of an innermost layer has been suspected before, with hints that iron crystals that compose the inner core have different structural alignments.

"We are limited by the distribution of global earthquakes and receivers, especially at polar antipodes," the team wrote in their paper, explaining the missing data decreases the certainty of their conclusions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But their conclusions align with other studies on the anisotropy of the innermost inner core.

Future research may fill in some of these data gaps and allow scientists to corroborate or contradict their findings, and hopefully translate more stories written within this early layer of Earth's history.

This research was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research.

An earlier version of this article was published in March 2021.

Related News
Scientists have finally decoded the mystery behind a whitish, grey patch that sometimes appears in the night sky alongside the northern lights.

Researchers from the University of Calgary provided complete details about it in a recent paper published in the journal Nature Communications.

The study explores a structured continuum emission that is associated with aurora borealis.

Dr. Emma Spanswick, PhD, lead author on the paper and an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science, stated, "Youd see this dynamic green aurora, youd see some of the red aurora in the background and, all of a sudden, youd see this structured  almost like a patch  grey-toned or white-toned emission connected to the aurora."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"So, the first response of any scientist is, well, what is that?"

Scientists have earlier mentioned such a white patch, but it has never been explained.

Most certainly a heat source

The latest study claims it to be most certainly a heat source, and the team says the research suggests that the aurora borealis is more complex than previously thought.

Researchers highlighted that the discovery was made possible by advancements in camera technology that allow both amateur photographers and scientists to capture true color images of the night sky.

"Everyone has noticed the advancement in digital photography. Your cellphone can now take pictures of the aurora. That has flowed to the commercial sensor market now. Those types of sensors can now be found in more commercial, more robust sensors that we would use in science," added Spanswick.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Researchers maintain that the aurora, for example, indicates plasma processes occurring thousands of miles away, depositing immense amounts of energy into our polar ionospheres.

Weak ambient continuum emission

Scientists showed observations of structured continuum emission associated with the dynamic aurora.



The presence of weak ambient continuum emission has long been recognized. However, studies of its relationship to aurora are scarce and limited by observational constraints.



"We use spectrally resolved measurements to analyze these previouslyunexplained emissions, adding critical information about spatial structure, characteristic spectra, and location within auroral dynamics," said researchers.



The findings demonstrate that the coupling among auroral processes, the plasma, and the neutral atmosphere can unfold at mesoscales and is more complex than previously reported.



"We suggest that the mesoscale auroral precipitationmay, under certain circumstances, effectively couple to atmospheric chemistry and conditions to produce the continuum structure," added researchers.

The teams research came after there was a renewed interest in continuum emission with the discovery and observations of the long, glowing ribbon of purple light known as STEVE  or Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, according to a press release.

"There are similarities between what were seeing now and STEVE," explained Spanswick. "STEVE manifests itself as this mauve or grey-toned structure."

To be honest, the elevation of the spectrum between the two is very similar but this, because of its association with dynamic aurora, its almost embedded in the aurora. Its harder to pick out if you were to look at it, whereas STEVE is separate from the aurora  a big band crossing the sky.
The raging fire in LA continues to wreak more and more havoc, with actor Sebastian Harrison becoming the latest popular personality to get affected. The blaze has already engulfed a significant portion of the Southern California region, with celebrities such as Adam Brody and Anna Faris losing their LA homes to the disaster. Harrison recently fell victim to this unfortunate phenomenon, with the wildfires taking over his $2.4 million Malibu mansion. So, how did the actor manage to escape this lethal debacle?

Heres everything you need to know regarding Harrisons encounter with the rapidly growing LA fires.

How Sebastian Harrison narrowly escaped LA Fire

The Love Me Licia star found himself face-to-face with the Los Angeles wildfires after he failed to leave the vulnerable area despite numerous warnings from the authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Talking to The Telegraph, Sebastian Harrison revealed, I stayed, even though everyone, you know, the police came and they said, Evacuate, and everyone had left, I was the only one there.

As such, the actor had to make a trip back to his LA residence in a bid to successfully rescue his 89-year-old father. After relocating his parent to safety, Harrison made a faint attempt to salvage the ablaze 3-acre property that he had bought in 2010. Nevertheless, the spaghetti Western veteran had to resort to hiding behind rocks after the fire ended up creeping into his house.

Harrison also explained how he tried to escape in his Mercedes car but failed to do so due to a malfunction in the vehicle. Recalling his horrid experience to the outlet, he stated, It was hell. It was inferno. I really couldnt see because of all the orange, breathing smoke and everything. I fell on my rib, and then I just took cover behind the rocks, and there were sheets of embers just going over me.

Fortunately, Sebastian Harrison was able to find a functioning automobile in time and used it to escape his fiery surroundings. The ordeal ended on a positive note after firefighters were able to find the actor right before his car caught fire.

The post Sebastian Harrison Confronts LA Fire, Narrowly Escapes Death appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
WASHINGTON -- Secret Service agents on Friday officially said goodbye to Deacon, the code-name they used for former President Jimmy Carter, who had the longest-serving security detail in the agency's history before being laid to rest in his hometown of Plains, Georgia after a memorial service in the nations capital.

Carter, who died at age 100 on Dec. 29, was first assigned a protective detail as a presidential candidate on Oct. 8, 1975. That means the agency's round-the-clock mission of guarding him continued for 49 years and two months, the Secret Service said on Friday.

President Carter had a lasting impression on everyone at the Secret Service, said Secret Service Communications Director Anthony Guglielmi, but members of his personal detail were especially inspired by his public service, compassion and incredible dedication to humanity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Agents had remained with the late president during the days of the state funeral ceremonies in Washington and accompanied his casket to its final resting place late Thursday evening on the grounds of the Carter home in Plains, Georgia.

That solemn duty officially ended on Friday, the day after his funeral service at the National Cathedral, attended by the four other living presidents, was televised worldwide.

The USSS detail for President Carter has concluded its service after completing the evening return to Plains, Georgia and the 39th president's internment, the Secret Service said in a statement. Its agents' physical protection duty discontinued Friday morning.

Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife, Rosalynn Carter, after receiving final news of his victory in the national general election in 1976.

First Deacon, and then Dancer

As with all presidents, Carters code name was given to him based on his personality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A deeply devout Baptist, Carter was a churchgoer all his life. He was said to have continued to teach Sunday school even after becoming president in 1977. He served one term, ending in 1981 and, per policy, the Secret Service continued to protect him and his wife until death.

Carter's wife Rosalynn was assigned her own detail in the fall stretch of the 1976 White House campaign and weeks after the Democratic National Convention that September. She was code-named Dancer in keeping with the alliteration traditionally used by the Secret Service.

In the Carters' later years the details became one unit protecting them jointly, the Secret Service said. She was protected until her death last November at age 96.

Their daughter Amy was code-named Dynamo, and sons Chip, Jack and Jeff were Diamond, Derby and Deckhand respectively. Their protection ended when Carter left office on Jan. 20, 1981, according to Secret Service policy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The names are used by agents as a protective security measure when moving or discussing the protectees, especially once high-tech communications created the risk of interception.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Code-name 'Deacon': Secret Service says goodbye to Jimmy Carter
Ukraine added a modern German combat vehicle to its arsenal, poised to enhance its ground strategy.

German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall delivered the first KF41 Lynx fighting vehicle late last year.

The KF41 will undergo testing with hopes of starting domestic mass production of the IFV in Ukraine.

Ukraine received its first high-tech combat vehicle for testing and is expected to strengthen the country's frontline strategy and boost its defense industry.

Produced by the largest German arms manufacturer, Rheinmetall, the KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle has a modular design that allows it to adapt to a range of combat scenarios, including command and control, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.

Considered one of the most advanced IFVs in the world, the Lynx is known for its scalable protection, firepower, and high mobility, all while prioritizing its compatibility with future upgrades to adapt to modern combat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The first Lynx vehicles delivered to Ukraine will be used to determine what modules may be needed  they can carry drones, electronic warfare systems, or anti-tank missiles  and then prepare a bigger order.

Future-proof combat vehicle

A line of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles mid-production are lined up in a Rheinmetall facility. Philipp Schulze/picture alliance via Getty Images

First unveiled at the Eurosatory Defense exhibition in Paris in 2018, it didn't take long for the Lynx KF41 to make waves due to its future-proof design.

The KF41, which stands for "Kettenfahrzeug," meaning "tracked vehicle" in German, is the successor of the KF31. With a more spacious interior than its predecessor, the KF41 can accommodate a crew of a commander, gunner, and driver, as well as up to nine fully equipped soldiers. It is designed to carry infantry to key objectives and with tailored firepower like autocannons to destroy enemy vehicles or strong points in the process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The KF41 also features a more powerful diesel engine, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 43 mph. The tracked vehicle can also operate across various terrain and on long missions with a range of over 300 miles.

Depending on the armament and passengers, the combat vehicle can weigh over 40 tons, but it has a flexible suspension system to protect troops and payload without compromising mobility.

A lethal and formidable platform

An employee works on the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle in Rheinmetall's production facility. Philipp Schulze/picture alliance via Getty Images

The KF41 is equipped with a 35mm Wotan cannon that can fire 200 rounds a minute at targets nearly two miles away using an advanced 360-degree weapon sight system. The IFV can also be configured to launch anti-tank guided missiles, loitering munitions, drones, or other electronic warfare packages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Not only is the German light tank armed to the teeth, it can counter a range of threats, from rocket-propelled grenades to anti-tank missiles. Its formidable modular armor can be equipped with active hard-kill weapon systems to destroy incoming missiles and rocket-propelled grenades, or it can take on a more passive defense by deploying smoke cartridges to conceal its location.

Germany's largest arms manufacturer

A Lynx infantry fighting vehicle is painted green at a Rheinmetall facility in Germany. AXEL HEIMKEN/AFP via Getty Images

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger announced the delivery of Lynx IFVs at the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Berlin last June, adding that the company hopes to start "manufacturing these systems in Ukraine in the near future."

"It is now being tested by the armed forces so that a mass order may be placed as soon as possible," Papperger told German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The delivery and production of Lynx IFVs in Ukraine is part of a larger effort by Rheinmetall to build "closer cooperation" with the country and bolster its waning defense industry. The Dusseldorf-based contractor also plans to open facilities in Ukraine to domestically produce munitions and repair armored systems. The publicly traded Rheinmetall, Germany's largest arms maker, reported 6.3 billion in group sales during the first nine months of 2024, a 36% increase.

After opening its first manufacturing facility in Ukraine last summer, Papperger recognized the vital role that ramped-up arms and ammunition production play in Ukraine's "re-industrialization and in strengthening its defense capability."

However, the Rheinmetall CEO added that more government support from other countries is needed in the long term, with the current industrial strategy likely lasting only six to 12 months.

"This is not enough if you are waging a war against Russia, a very dangerous counterpart," Papperger said at the June conference. "I really hope that this will not happen, but if Ukraine loses, Europe will have a very large-scale problem."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Aiding Ukraine in the fight against Russia

A Rheinmetall employee works on the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle in production. Philipp Schulze/picture alliance via Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ukrainian forces have suffered heavy losses in their mechanized forces, which include US-made Bradleys and outdated Soviet-era vehicles, heightening the growing need for fighting vehicles like the Lynx against advancing Russian forces.

"Why the Lynx? This is one of the most modern infantry fighting vehicle platforms," Oleksandr Kamyshin, then the head of Ukraine's strategic industries, said at the June conference in Berlin. "For our European partners, this is a good opportunity to test it in battle and make it better. And for our soldiers today, we need every additional vehicle that will help them stand at the front."

The domestic production of Lynx IFVs is also aimed at creating a more self-reliant defense industry in Ukraine while sustaining efforts to maintain and repair its fleet locally.

Rheinmetall isn't the only defense company setting up operations on Ukrainian soil. American defense contractor AeroVironment partnered with a Ukrainian company to locally manufacture its loitering munition, Switchblade 600.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 30% of the military equipment used by Ukrainian forces was domestically made, including sea drones, howitzers, glide bombs, and even its own missiles.

"The Ukrainian defense industry has been in decline for decades," Kamyshin said in June. "But today, it is reviving and making a significant contribution to Ukraine's economic recovery  also thanks to partners like Rheinmetall."

Zelenskyy said the efforts and support from the US and other European allies "have made us stronger." But defense experts have criticized Western governments for being too slow to provide essential military aid to Ukraine, forcing the country to become more reliant on its own supply.

President-elect Donald Trump's second term has also raised international concern about the US' role in providing assistance to Ukraine. On the campaign trail last year, the former president proposed his intention to cease support to Ukraine and negotiate a peace deal with Russia that would likely cede much of the territory it lost since the war began.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ahead of his return to the White House, NATO officials are bracing for US support to diminish during his administration, sparking discussions to "Trump-proof" future aid packages to Ukraine.

Read the original article on Business Insider
In 1980, then-President Jimmy Carter welcomed 125,000 Cuban refugees to the United States as part of the Mariel Boatlift. This unprecedented migration accomplished in just a few months embodied the resilience and ambition central to the American Dream.

Yet, despite their contributions, the legacy of the Marielitos has long been tarnished by false narratives and harmful stereotypes.

Recently, a front-page article in the Miami Herald on the death of former President Carter mischaracterized the Mariel refugees by stating that many of them were criminals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Forty-five years later, this statement still perpetuates a harmful myth that does a great disservice to the overwhelming majority of Mariel refugees.

Facts About Cuban Exiles (FACE), a Miami-based nonprofit organization founded in 1982 to combat such misrepresentations, categorically refutes this claim.

The Cuban communist regime, eager to deflect blame for its own oppressive policies, labeled the Mariel refugees as escoria and antisociales.

To strengthen this narrative, Fidel Castro forced boat captains arriving from Florida to the port of Mariel to take a small number of hardened criminals and individuals with mental health challenges . The majority were political prisoners detained for crimes against the revolution. All were placed on boats to Key West alongside thousands of ordinary Cubans. Whats clear is that all were seeking freedom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

alongside thousands of ordinary Cuban citizens.

These isolated cases unfairly overshadowed the tens of thousands who came to America seeking freedom and opportunity.

The refugees faced unprecedented challenges upon their arrival. At the time, Miami, led by Mayor Maurice Ferre and Metro-Dade County Manager Merrett Stierheim, worked tirelessly to accommodate the influx.

Volunteers rallied at Tamiami Park and at the old Orange Bowl, providing food, shelter and jobs for the new arrivals. Cuban-American families opened their homes, and organizations like Reenlace, founded by one of us (Aida Levitan), helped integrate the new arrivals into the community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This extraordinary response exemplifies Miamis spirit of compassion and unity.

Despite facing discrimination, the Mariel generation persevered. Today, their contributions to American society are undeniable. Artists like Carlos Alfonzo and writers like former Miami Herald reporter and Pulitzer Prize-winner Mirta Ojito have enriched our cultural landscape.

Entrepreneurs like Mario Murgado, a Cuban immigrant who arrived as a child and built the Murgado Automotive Group, demonstrate the power of determination and hard work.

These individuals and countless others have revitalized Miamis economy, culture, and civic life. Unfortunately, the term Marielito has too often been wielded as an insult, perpetuated by negative media portrayals such as those in the movie Scarface. This is not only unfair but diminishes the triumphs of a community that has done so much to enrich American life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As FACE has long argued, it is time to abandon these outdated stereotypes and recognize the Mariel generation for what they truly represent: resilience, ambition, and a commitment to the American Dream.

Decades later, the lessons of the Mariel generation remain profoundly relevant. They remind us that immigrants are not a burden, but a gift to this nation. They bring fresh energy, diverse talents, and an unrelenting pursuit of freedom.

President Carters decision to welcome the Mariel generation was the right one. Their journey from persecution in Cuba to success in America stands as a testament to the values of integrity, determination and community.

It is up to all of us to honor their legacy by rejecting harmful stereotypes and celebrating the contributions of immigrants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Mariel generations story is one of triumph over adversity. It is a story of human resilience and the enduring power of hope.

Let us remember it, honor it, and share it with the next generation.

Mario Murgado is the current chair of FACE. Aida Levitan is the organizations past chair.

Mario Murgado






SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Its Friday, January 10. Take a look at our top stories in news and weather with KELOLAND On The GO First@4.

A 60-year-old Sioux Falls man was killed Thursday afternoon after a large light pole fell across the northbound lanes of Interstate 229 near Benson Road.

Contractor working on light pole when it fell on I-229

A group assault Thursday left a man in critical condition and the assault is being investigated by authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Man in critical condition from group beating

Nearly five months after a deadly shooting at a city park, a Sioux Falls murder suspect is behind bars in South Dakota.

Sioux Falls murder suspect behind bars in South Dakota

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for this weekend across the northern Black Hills. This warning does not include Rapid City, but be alert to strong winds and areas of heavy snow in the warning area through Monday. Over a foot of snow is possible in the highest elevation areas. Temperatures will be turning colder on Sunday, adding to the slick roads and blowing snow problems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Winter Storm Warning for the northern Black Hills; Colder early next week

Download the KELOLAND News app to find the latest headlines while on the go.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
The outgoing POTUS took to the bully pulpit Friday while the CEO of Meta went on Joe Rogan today with different takes on facts and the truth.

Telling the truth matters, Joe Biden said today in a critical presidential response to Mark Zuckerbergs Meta pulling the plug on fact checking in what is widely seen as more sucking up to Donald Trump.

More from Deadline

In what may be his final press conference at president, Biden spoke on a wide range of topics after giving brief remarks on his economic legacy. With a rare back and forth with the White House press corps, Biden touched on whether he could have beaten his now predecessor and successor in last years election, if VP Kamala Harris should run again in 2028 (That would be a decision for her to make), the war in Ukraine, pardons and domestic terrorism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, it was the news made by Meta earlier this week on Fox News where it revealed it planned to abandoned fact checking on Facebook and Instagram that really seemed to get under the 82-year-old Bidens skin.

The whole idea of walking away from facts checking, as well as not reporting anything having to do with discrimination  I find to be just contrary to American justice  the way we talk about one another, Biden said of Metas latest Trump-leaning move.

Its just completely contrary to everything America is about.

We want to tell the truth, we havent always done it in our nation, the president said. We want to tell the truth. And the idea that, you know, a billionaire can buy something and say, by the way, from this point on, were not going to fact check anything  when you have millions of people reading, going online, reading this stuff, Biden added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think its really shameful.

Facing a Trump 1.0-initiated antitrust trial in the spring over whether Metas acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp have created a social media monopoly, Zuckerberg has been twisting himself up like a pretzel to please Trump. Pilgrimages to Mar-a-Lago, promoting a former GOP operative to be his top communications guy, and giving $1 million to Trumps inauguration fund have been just a few on the tactics employed by the billionaire to get in the former Celebrity Apprentice hosts good graces.

Mirroring in many ways the position of First Buddy and X owner Elon Musk, Zuckerberg was at least upfront about his ditching of fact checking. The recent elections also feel like a cultural tipping point towards, once again, prioritizing speech, a surf-bro looking Zuckerberg said in a video posted earlier this week. So, were going back to our roots and focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying our policies and restoring free expression on our platforms.

Zuckerberg did say that legitimately bad stuff like drugs, terrorism and child exploitation would still be moderated on Metas social media platforms, but he acknowledged the filters likely wont stop everything on such issues. The reality is that this is a trade-off, he added. It means were going to catch less bad stuff, but well also reduce the number of innocent peoples posts and accounts that we accidentally take down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To counter, in pure red meat for an audience of one, Zuckerberg offered up that the purpose of ending most fact checking on Metz was to simplify our content policy and get rid of a bunch of restrictions on topics like immigration and gender that are just out of touch with mainstream discourse.

Just a few years ago, the Facebook parent company brought in stricter fact-checking protocols after widespread reports of the platform being a source of disinformation during the 2016 election. Not exactly bosom buddies with Trump during his first term, Zuckerberg banned the 45th POTUS from Facebook for two years the day after the January 6 attack at the U.S. Capitol. That suspension was lifted in January 2023, but relations between Trump and Zuckerberg hadnt really improve much since then.

Coasting his way to renomination and eventually reelection, Trump in late 2023 promised to send Zuckerberg to prison for life for allegedly turning his social media platforms against him in the 2020 election.

Thats all behind the boys now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In fact, just hours before the retiring Biden made his remarks today, Zuckerberg let Joe Rogan know in a sit-down interview in Austin where he was really coming from.

You want women to be able to succeed and  have companies that can unlock all the value from having great people no matter what their background or gender, the CEO of the company that used to have Sheryl Sandberg as its COO told Trumps favorite podcaster. But I think these things can all always go a little far.

To that, chillingly like much of corporate America in the new Trump era, Meta today said it would be ending DEI programs, ones that Zuckerberg himself previously praised as vital to the companys growth and success.

Detailing his self-described journey, Zuckerberg unironically told Rogan: I kind of think in 2016 and the aftermath I gave too much deference to a lot of folks in the media who were basically saying Okay, there was no way (Trump) couldve gotten elected except for misinformation. People cant actually believe this stuff. 

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Going full bro and taking a swipe or two at alleged censorship efforts by the Biden team (that actually made his own team look worse), Zuckerberg told Rogan that he believed previously culturally neutered tech giants need to get more Y chromosome. Masculine energy I think is good, and obviously society has plenty of that, but I think that corporate culture was really trying to get away from it, he said.

Biden may try to get in the last word in the last days of his administration in the farewell address the White House says the president plans to give January 15.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  R.I. House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi is calling for change after a mistake made during a routine medical procedure two years ago caused the death of a Lincoln womans dog.

Kristen Breton and her two daughters have filed a lawsuit against the veterinarian who spayed and performed a gastropexy on their St. Bernard puppy after a pair of hemostats and a wad of medical-grade gauze were found in her abdomen. The dog, named Princess Freckles, became gravely ill and had to be humanely euthanized last spring.

RELATED: Lincoln family sues vet after surgical tools found in dogs abdomen

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Breton is seeking compensatory damages for her financial losses, since the law generally regards dogs as personal property.

We filed this lawsuit to shine a light on the malpractice that happened, her attorney Marshall Raucci said. This should have never happened because doctors, especially surgeons, have to adhere to the standard of care.

But Shekarchi believes that should change, noting that the decades-old laws surrounding pets are out of touch.

This is as much my personal view as what I also believe objectively  but pets are not objects, Shekarchi said in this weeks episode of Newsmakers. A pet is part of someones family and they should be given the same protections [as humans], in my humble opinion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shekarchi plans to introduce legislation to change the law himself if no other lawmakers come forward.

Right now, those who want to issue a formal complaint against a veterinarian, or any other licensed medical professional for that matter, can do so through the Rhode Island Department of Health.

The veterinarian was put on active probation for two years as a result of the complaint Breton lodged against her. She was ordered to undergo professional training throughout her probation period, which officially began in late December.

This is not an opportunity financially, Breton explained, referring to the lawsuit. I want to help others  I want to be a voice for all animals and support the bigger picture moving forward.

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.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut has called out the Congress party to take responsibility for saving the INDIA bloc, an alliance formed to contest the 2024 general elections. Raut expressed disappointment that not a single meeting of the INDIA alliance has been held since the elections, and it's up to the Congress party to convene one. "It is true that the INDIA alliance was formed for the Lok Sabha elections and after the elections not a single meeting of the INDIA alliance was held. Congress party was responsible for calling this meeting," Raut, who is Shiv Sena (UBT) MP in Rajya Sabha, told reporters. As the largest party in the alliance, Raut emphasized that the Congress has a crucial role in keeping the INDIA bloc intact. "It is the responsibility of the Congress party to save the INDIA alliance. Congress is the biggest party," Raut added. However, the alliance is currently facing challenges, with the Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D Raja admitting that the INDIA bloc "stands divided" after the Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to ANI, Raja said, "It is a fact that Opposition is divided. It is known to people that in Delhi. Assembly election AAP is contesting on its own, Congress is contesting on its own, left parties are contesting wherever they are capable of putting up a fight and among other parties, certain parties have declared support to AAP. So, it is a fact that the INDIA bloc stands divided." Raja emphasised on Left parties' objective to unite secular and democratic parties to put a "strong" fight against the BJP. Raut also highlighted the need for the INDIA bloc to appoint a convener, stressing that a united front is necessary to counter opposing forces. "We have not been able to declare the convener of the INDIA alliance till now. If we have to fight against a force, we should keep all these things in mind," Raut asserted. The rift between Congress and AAP has intensified in Delhi ahead of the 2025 assembly elections, scheduled for February 5 and counting of votes will be undertaken on February 8. Despite this, Samajwadi Party's chief Akhilesh Yadav and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee have extended their support to AAP. The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats. (ANI)
Photo illustration by Getty Images.

CHICAGO  Shoplifting rates in the three largest U.S. cities  New York, Los Angeles and Chicago  remain higher than they were before the pandemic, according to a report last month from the nonpartisan research group Council on Criminal Justice.

The sharp rise in retail theft in recent years has made shoplifting a hot-button issue, especially for politicians looking to address public safety concerns in their communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since 2020, when viral videos of smash-and-grab robberies flooded social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have expressed fears that crime is out of control. Polls show that perceptions have improved recently, but a majority of Americans still say crime is worse than in previous years.

There is this sense of brazenness that people have  they can just walk in and steal stuff.  That hurts the consumer, and it hurts the company, said Alex Piquero, a criminology professor at the University of Miami and former director of the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, in an interview.

Thats just the world we live in, he said. We need to get people to realize that you have to obey the law.

At least eight states  Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, New York and Vermont  passed a total of 14 bills in 2024 aimed at tackling retail theft, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The measures range from redefining retail crimes and adjusting penalties to allowing cross-county aggregation of theft charges and protecting retail workers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Major retailers have responded to rising theft since 2020 by locking up merchandise, upgrading security cameras, hiring private security firms and even closing stores.

Still, the report indicates that shoplifting remains a stubborn problem.

In Chicago, the rate of reported shoplifting incidents remained below pre-pandemic levels throughout 2023  but surged by 46% from January to October 2024 compared with the same period a year ago.

Shoplifting in Los Angeles was 87% higher in 2023 than in 2019. Police reports of shoplifting from January to October 2024 were lower than in 2023. Los Angeles adopted a new crime reporting system in March 2024, which has likely led to an undercount, according to the report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In New York, shoplifting rose 48% from 2021 to 2022, then dipped slightly last year. Still, the shoplifting rate was 55% higher in 2023 than in 2019. This year, the shoplifting rate increased by 3% from January to September compared with the same period last year.

There is this sense of brazenness that people have  they can just walk in and steal stuff.  That hurts the consumer and it hurts the company.

 Alex Piquero, criminology professor and former director of the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics

While shoplifting rates tend to rise in November and December, which coincides with in-person holiday shopping, data from the Council on Criminal Justices sample of 23 U.S. cities shows higher rates in the first half of 2024 compared with 2023.

Researchers found it surprising that rates went up despite retailers doing more to fight shoplifting. Experts say the spike might reflect improved reporting efforts rather than a spike in theft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As retailers have been paying more attention to shoplifting, we would not expect the numbers to increase, said Ernesto Lopez, the reports author and a senior research specialist with the council. It makes it a challenge to understand the trends of shoplifting.

Impact on retailers, communities

In downtown Chicago on a recent early afternoon, potential shoppers shuffled through the streets and nearby malls, browsing for gifts ahead of the holidays.

Between 2018 and 2023, most shoplifting in Chicago was reported in the downtown area, as well as in the Old Town, River North and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, according to a separate analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice.

Newly sworn-in Cook County States Attorney Eileen ONeill Burke this month lowered the threshold for charging retail theft as a felony in the county, which includes Chicago, from $1,000 to $300, aligning it with state law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It sends a signal that shes taking it seriously, Rob Karr, the president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, told Stateline.

Nationally, retailers are worried about organized theft. The National Retail Federations latest report attributed 36% of the $112.1 billion in lost merchandise in 2022 to external theft, which includes organized retail crime.

Organized retail crime typically involves coordinated efforts by groups to steal items with the intent to resell them for a profit. Commonly targeted goods include high-demand items such as baby formula, laundry detergent and electronics.

The same report found that retailers fear of violence associated with theft also is on the rise, with more retailers taking a hands-off approach. More than 41% of respondents to the organizations 2023 survey, up from 38% in 2022, reported that no employee is authorized to try and stop a shoplifter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

(The federations reporting has come under criticism. It retracted a claim last year that attributed nearly half of lost merchandise in 2021 to organized retail crime; such theft accounted for only about 5%. The group announced this fall it will no longer publish its reports on lost merchandise.)

Increased penalties

Policy experts say shoplifting and organized retail theft can significantly harm critical industries, drive up costs for consumers and reduce sales tax revenue for states. Those worries have driven recent state-level action to boost penalties for shoplifting.

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of 10 bills into law in August aimed at addressing retail theft. These measures make repeated theft convictions a felony, allow aggregation of crimes across multiple counties to be charged as a single felony, and permit police to arrest suspects for retail theft even if the crime wasnt witnessed directly by an officer. In September, Newsom signed an additional bill that imposes steeper felony penalties for large-scale theft offenses.

California voters also overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure in November that increases penalties for specific drug-related and theft crimes. Under the new law, people who are convicted of theft at least twice may face felony charges on their third offense, regardless of the stolen items value.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With these changes in the law, really it comes down to making sure that law enforcement is showing up to our stores in a timely manner, and that the prosecutors and the [district attorneys] are prosecuting, Rachel Michelin, the president and CEO of the California Retailers Association, told Stateline. Thats the only way were going to deter retail theft in our communities.

In New Jersey, a bipartisan bill making its way through the legislature would increase penalties for leading a shoplifting ring and allow extended sentences for repeat offenders.

This bill is going after a formally organized band of criminals that deliver such destruction to a critical business in our community. We have to act. We have to create a deterrence, Democratic Assemblymember Joseph Danielsen, one of the bills prime sponsors, said in an interview with Stateline.

The legislation would allow extended sentences for people convicted of shoplifting three times within 10 years or within 10 years of their release from prison, and would increase penalties to 10 to 20 years in prison for leading a retail crime ring.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The bill also would allow law enforcement to aggregate the value of stolen goods over the course of a year to charge serial shoplifters with more serious offenses. Additionally, the bill would increase penalties for assaults committed against retail workers, and would require retailers to train employees on detecting gift card scams.

Maryland legislators considered a similar bill during this years legislative session that would have defined organized retail theft and made it a felony.

The bill didnt make it out of committee, but Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance, said the group hopes to reintroduce the bill next year and propose another that would target gift card fraud.

Retail theft data

Better, more thorough reporting from retailers is essential to truly understanding shoplifting trends and its full impact, in part because some retail-related crimes, such as gift card fraud, are frequently underreported, according to Lopez, of the Council on Criminal Justice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Measuring crime across jurisdictions is notoriously difficult, and the council does not track organized retail theft specifically because law enforcement typically doesnt identify it as such at the time of arrest  if an arrest even occurs  requiring further investigation, Lopez said.

The councils latest report found conflicting trends in the FBIs national crime reporting systems.

The FBIs older system, the Summary Reporting System, known as SRS, suggests that reported shoplifting hadnt gone up through 2023, remaining on par with 2019 levels. In contrast, the FBIs National Incident-Based Reporting System, or NIBRS, shows a 93% increase in shoplifting over the same period.

The discrepancy may stem from the type of law enforcement agencies that have adopted the latter system, Lopez said. Some of those communities may have higher levels of shoplifting or other types of property crime, which could be what is driving the spike, Lopez said.

Despite the discrepancies and varying levels of shoplifting across the country, Lopez said, its important for retailers to report these incidents, as doing so could help allocate law enforcement resources more effectively.

All law enforcement agencies have limited resources, and having the most accurate information allows for not just better policy, but also better implementation  better use of strategic resources, Lopez said.

Stateline staff writer Robbie Sequeira contributed to this report.

This story was originally published by Stateline which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Nearly five months after a deadly shooting at a city park, a Sioux Falls murder suspect is behind bars in South Dakota.

Lamont Burks, Junior was transferred back and booked into the Minnehaha County Jail Friday afternoon.

Herman Otten says he wont serve as representative

Police say Burks and Walter Stewart opened fire at Dunham Park in August, killing one man and injuring three others

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities arrested Burks in South Carolina back in November.

Hes been in jail there ever since.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has harshly criticised Ukraine as an unreliable partner and said he is tired of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelling around Europe "begging" and "blackmailing others".

Source: Robert Fico in a speech at a parliamentary committee on Friday, a video of which he posted on his Facebook page, as reported by European Pravda.

Details: The parliamentary committee meeting had been convened by the Slovak opposition, which demanded that Fico explain his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow and provide information about Slovakia's next steps regarding the termination of the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fico said that two solutions to the issue of gas transit from Ukraine to Slovakia had been prepared and claimed Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal had agreed to them.

One of these was to have been an arrangement between Russia and Azerbaijan allowing Slovakia to receive Azerbaijani gas, but according to Fico, Zelenskyy thwarted the arrangement.

The second option was a proposal for SPP, the Slovak state-owned energy supplier, to set up a subsidiary on the Russian-Ukrainian border so that gas could be transported to Slovakia via Ukraine.

Fico called Ukraine's president unreliable and said he sometimes gets "fed up with him".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Quote from Fico: "He [Zelenskyy] goes around Europe just begging and blackmailing others, asking for money. It just has to stop."

More details: The Slovak prime minister said Russia, on the other hand, has always been a reliable partner when it comes to energy supply.

Quote from Fico: "Russia has never deceived us, unlike Ukraine. I remember the situation in 2009 when I was in Ukraine and asked Ukrainian Prime Minister [Yulia] Tymoshenko to give us some gas from the reservoirs they have in the western part of Ukraine, and I was told to go to hell. These are typical Ukrainians."

Background:

Fico became anti-Ukrainian because of his resentment towards Tymoshenko.

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said that he refused to pay an official visit to Kyiv because Ukraine had stopped the transit of Russian gas.

Fico has also made a range of threats against Kyiv, including threatening to veto EU decisions on Ukraine.

Support UP or become our patron!
ELPASO, TX (WSAV)  A man-made cross-border tunnel coming from Mexico was discovered on Thursday, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The discovery was made after U.S. Border Patrol Agents conducted an inspection on the storm drain of a tunnel crossing from Ciudad Juarez to the El Paso storm drain system.

At approximately 1:15 a.m., agents discovered the completed man-made tunnel coming from Mexico that breaches into the public storm drain after removing a metal plate covering a 36-by-36-in. entry hole. The tunnel is about 6 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide and is equipped with lighting, a ventilation system, and is braced with wood beams throughout.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We are proud of the Agents who discovered this smuggling infrastructure used by transnational criminal organizations, said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good. Our Agents are relentless in searching and surveying every square mile of the El Paso Sector. With our partners, we are committed to investigating these illicit activities and bringing all perpetrators to justice those who endanger lives in these hazardous environments and circumvent the legal pathways to entering the United States.

https://www.wsav.com/news/local-news/georgia-news/fani-willis-seeks-to-overturn-her-disqualification-from-trump-georgia-election-case/

El Paso Sector will be working closely other officials, including the Mexican government, and the U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez for the remediation of the tunnel.

The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our partners along the border to combat illegal criminal activity and address national security threats and will continue to support the ongoing investigation into this tunnel. said FBI Special Agent in Charge John Morales.

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.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Warmer and breezier weather returns Saturday. A weak storm system will clip New Mexico Sunday, bringing colder temperatures and snow to parts of the state.

It was a very cold morning across New Mexico with temperatures dropping down below-zero in western and northern parts of the state and the teens all the way down into southern New Mexico. Areas of dense, freezing fog even developed this morning from Albuquerque down to Las Cruces with the fog lifting by mid-morning. Temperatures have stayed cool Friday afternoon with sunny skies and light winds.

Forecast Continues Below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It will be another cold, but not as cold, start to the day Saturday across the state with warmer high temperatures in the afternoon. Winds will pick up Saturday afternoon too, with wind gusts as high as 20 mph to 40 mph. Snow will be moving through southern Colorado Saturday and that will start moving into northern New Mexico Saturday evening as a backdoor cold front moves into the state. This front will continue to push south across New Mexico Saturday night, bringing snow to northern New Mexico, down to central New Mexico and as far south as the Sacramento Mountains through Sunday afternoon. The snow will end Sunday night, dropping as much as 4 in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with less than 1 in the lower elevations and even a dusting of snow is possible Sunday morning in Albuquerque. High temperatures will also be cooler Sunday afternoon behind the cold front.

A slow and gradual warming trend will start next Monday as high temperatures eventually climb back up to around average by the middle of the week and even slightly above average by the end of the week. Dry, sunny to mostly sunny, and light winds will stick around 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Warmer and breezier weather returns Saturday. A weak storm system will clip New Mexico Sunday, bringing colder temperatures and snow to parts of the state.

It was a very cold morning across New Mexico with temperatures dropping down below-zero in western and northern parts of the state and the teens all the way down into southern New Mexico. Areas of dense, freezing fog even developed this morning from Albuquerque down to Las Cruces with the fog lifting by mid-morning. Temperatures have stayed cool Friday afternoon with sunny skies and light winds.

It will be another cold, but not as cold, start to the day Saturday across the state with warmer high temperatures in the afternoon. Winds will pick up Saturday afternoon too, with wind gusts as high as 20 mph to 40 mph. Snow will be moving through southern Colorado Saturday and that will start moving into northern New Mexico Saturday evening as a backdoor cold front moves into the state. This front will continue to push south across New Mexico Saturday night, bringing snow to northern New Mexico, down to central New Mexico and as far south as the Sacramento Mountains through Sunday afternoon. The snow will end Sunday night, dropping as much as 4 in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with less than 1 in the lower elevations and even a dusting of snow is possible Sunday morning in Albuquerque. High temperatures will also be cooler Sunday afternoon behind the cold front.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A slow and gradual warming trend will start next Monday as high temperatures eventually climb back up to around average by the middle of the week and even slightly above average by the end of the week. Dry, sunny to mostly sunny, and light winds will stick around 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A mans footprints in fresh snow led to his arrest Friday in connection with a wire theft scheme, authorities say.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged Jerry Sims, 52, with two counts of stealing ($750 or more) and first-degree property damage in the investigation.

St. Louis and the NBA: How a historic deal may be keeping the league away

The arrest followed a report of a suspicious person at a Fenton business. When authorities arrived in response, they found several holes cut in a fence around the business, then followed footprints in freshly fallen snow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The footprints not only led police to Sims in a wooded area, but also two rolls of wire that had been dragged through the snow. Investigators determined that Sims boots matched the tread of the footprints found near the fence and wire.

According to a probable cause statement, following his arrest, Sims admitted to cutting holes in the fence and dragging wire with the intent to steal it. However, he allegedly claimed that his morals stopped him from taking the wire any further.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Police estimate the value of the two wire rolls dragged outside the business at $2,750.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities investigated a similar theft at the business several days earlier, involving tools and climbing equipment that was valued around $4,000. Sims claimed he had staged the property, though someone else ended up stealing the items.

Following his arrest, Sims was booked into jail in St. Louis County on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON)  Two fire stations closed in Oakland this week  Station 25 and Station 28, both in the Oakland Hills. Residents there have started a petition to have the stations reopen.

The terrain of the Oakland Hills is very similar to the area burning this week in Southern California. The Palisades Fire sparked one day after the stations closed.

These fires in LA are just a stark reminder of what can happen year-round, said Seth Olyer, president of the Oakland Firefighters Union.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Newsom calls for investigation into wildfire water supply

Olyer says the closures are difficult to deal with for firefighters already dealing with a heavy workload.

We have structure fires every day. A building fire, kitchen fires, multiple car fires, encampment fires every day. The workload among our membership is immense, he said.

Residents are also upset with the closures. Alisa Rodriguez and Alan Mertens live less than a mile from Station 25. They are concerned that their neighborhood will be dealing with a longer response if disaster ever strikes.

Open country directly opposite on the other side of the highway, and around here theres a lot of vegetation around here that could easily burn, and these events have happened before, Mertens said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Oakland fires in 1991 killed 25 people and destroyed thousands of homes. The most recent blaze in October burned multiple homes and forced evacuations in the Oakland Hills.

There are two examples of why residents have started a petition to reopen Station 25, 28 and Engine 10, which closed two years ago in the Grand Lake neighborhood. The petition is gaining traction as multiple fires in LA have destroyed more than 12,000 homes.

Especially considering that the orientation of the Oakland Hills is exactly the same as some of those areas in Los Angeles. Really tight, windy streets with houses built into the hillsides. Limited access, Olyer said.

Flyers for the petition to reopen the Oakland fire stations have been posted around the city. They have a QR code that people can scan to sign that petition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Roger Boudreau didnt know his Social Security benefit was going to be slashed for being a teacher with a pension until after he retired.

He had waited until his full retirement age to claim benefits, at which point he should have received $1,000 per month. Instead, hes been receiving 40% less for the past decade  or $5,000 a year. Now, at age 75, thats about to change with the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act.

Most Read from MarketWatch

We fixed it, said Boudreau, president of the Rhode Island American Federation of Teachers/Retirees Local 8037R and a regional board member for the Alliance for Retired Americans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

President Biden earlier this week signed the Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset  two laws that cut Social Security benefits for workers and their spouses if they received pensions from public-sector jobs.

This wasnt just personal, said Boudreau, who attended the White House signing ceremony on Sunday. This was for millions of people.

More than 2.65 million Americans as of November 2024 have been affected by the WEP and GPO  including teachers, firefighters and police officers, among other public servants. These workers arent always aware that theyll receive reduced benefits until they get to retirement.

Boudreau, for example, received Social Security statements while he was still employed, but those documents showed him his earned benefits  not the reductions hed be subject to. Even though there is legislation that states new employees after Jan. 1, 2005 must recognize the fact theyll be penalized by those rules, Boudreau found in his research that the compliance for those forms was practically zero, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Judy Bryant, 76, knew about the law that would cut her benefits, and shes been fighting to fix it for the last 25 years. I was 51, 52, and thought surely by the time I get to the age I can start drawing Social Security, we will have this fixed, she said.

Bryant, who is a field organizer for the Alliance for Retired Americans in Texas, was a teacher for 32 years, but paid into Social Security before and after college and while working part time for her union. Still, because of WEP, her benefit was cut almost 50%.

I knew I wasnt going to get a huge amount. I wasnt expecting to live on Social Security when I retired, she said. It will mean a great deal for me to actually get the full amount that I earned and paid in.

It also means a lot to her that future generations, including those of her own, wont have to make the same sacrifices she faced. My son is earning Social Security, and my grandkids soon. Theyll get the amount they earned and not lose money for 10 [or] 11 years, Bryant said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another change she and her colleagues at the ARA are promoting is to scrap the cap, which would eliminate the income-ceiling limit workers pay taxes up to for Social Security. In 2025, the limit is $176,100, at which point employees no longer pay into the system.

Legislators have included provisions like this in Social Security-focused proposals, saying it, along with other provisions, would help the programs insolvency issues. Right now, the two trust funds that support Social Security benefits are expected to run out of money within the next decade, which would result in a 17% benefit cut across the board.

Critics of the Social Security Fairness Act said it would speed up the programs insolvency date. That increase in Social Security benefits would drive the programs spending even further above its revenues than it is already projected to be under current law, the Congressional Budget Office said in an analysis of the long-term effects of the new law.

Eliminating the income cap would relieve that issue, Bryant said.

Waiting for benefits

Along with benefit adjustments, the Social Security Fairness Act included retroactive pay for benefits from January 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres no set date for when those adjustments will happen, the Social Security Administration said in a statement, but updates will be available on a page dedicated to the changes. As our website says, at this time, people do not need to take any action except to verify that SSA has their current mailing address and direct-deposit information if it has recently changed, a spokesperson said. Most people can do this online with their personal My Social Security account without calling or visiting Social Security. Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount to sign in or create your account.

Social Security workers spend considerable amounts of time talking to claimants about the cuts theyll see because of their public-sector jobs, said Jessica LaPointe, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 220, which represents Social Security field workers.

This has been a real heartbreaker as federal workers when we have to sit down and explain to dedicated public servants for federal, state or local governments that theyre going to have their earned Social Security benefit reduced, she said.

The Social Security Administration is already understaffed, she said, but employees will spend 30 to 60 minutes during preliminary phone calls and sit-down meetings with beneficiaries explaining WEP and GPO and how they will impact their checks. With more than 2.5 million people affected, Social Security field workers are also often taking the brunt of the disgruntlement on behalf of Congress and this law, LaPointe said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Calls are flooding through the Social Security Administration as beneficiaries try to figure out the Social Security Fairness Acts impact on their checks. The volume of work will be maxed out with short staffing, LaPointe said, but the pain point will be temporary. When this is all said and done, everyone will be better off, she said.

This is obviously just a general win for public servants unfairly affected by this, LaPointe said. This is peoples retirement security. Up to $600 a month can make a difference with keeping the lights on, to be able to put groceries on the table, to be able to pay the rent, to have retirees not move in with family and live life with dignity through their golden years. This is the most significant Social Security expansion in the last 20 years.

Most Read from MarketWatch
 Flash

Chinese citizens coming to Thailand should be vigilant not to fall into the trap of "high-paying recruitment", reminded by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand on Saturday.

Chinese citizens coming to Thailand should not easily believe in false promises such as "high-paying jobs" and "free air tickets and accommodation" to avoid being deceived, said the statement.

The Chinese embassy confirmed on Friday that the Chinese citizen surnamed Wang has departed from Thailand for China on Friday night following collaborative efforts from both countries.

The Chinese embassy expressed its gratitude to the Thai government for prioritizing Wang's case, which was caused by cyber-fraud, and for promptly launching a rescue operation that ensured his safe return.
Amid the increasing tensions in the INDIA bloc, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday announced that his party will go solo in the upcoming municipal corporation in Mumbai and Nagpur. He said that he has discussed the same with Nagpur party chief Pramod Manmode. "We will fight Mumbai and Nagpur Municipal Corporation on our own, whatever happens will happen. We have to see for ourselves. We will fight Nagpur on our own. Uddhav Thackeray has given us a signal. I just now discussed it with our city Shiv Sena chief Pramod Manmode," Raut told reporters. The senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said that the decision comes with the view of strengthening the party at the local level. He said that workers don't get a chance to contest in general and assembly elections. "In the alliance, the workers do not get a chance to fight in the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assembly. This is affecting the party, in fact, the growth of the party. We should fight in the Municipal Corporation, Zilla Parishad and Nagar Panchayat on our own and strengthen our party," Raut said. This comes after Raut called upon the Congress party to take responsibility for saving the INDIA bloc, an alliance formed to contest the 2024 general elections. He expressed disappointment that not a single meeting of the INDIA alliance has been held since the elections, and it's up to the Congress party to convene one. "It is true that the INDIA alliance was formed for the Lok Sabha elections and after the elections not a single meeting of the INDIA alliance was held. Congress party was responsible for calling this meeting," Raut added. The alliance is currently facing challenges as the Congress and AAP in Delhi are at loggerheads ahead of the assembly elections, scheduled to be held on February 5. Earlier, Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D Raja admitted that the INDIA bloc "stands divided" after the Lok Sabha elections. Raja emphasised on left parties' objective to unite secular and democratic parties to put a "strong" fight against the BJP. (ANI)
MOGADISHU (Reuters) -Somalia's president visited Ethiopia on Saturday, his office said, the strongest sign yet of improving relations between the two neighbours after a year of tensions over Addis Ababa's plans to build a naval base in a breakaway Somali region.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud flew to Ethiopia from Uganda where he travelled earlier on Saturday to attend a summit on African agriculture, his office said in a statement posted on the X social media platform.

While in Ethiopia, he held discussions with Ethiopian leadership "to strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared priorities", the statement said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This renewed cooperation underscores a new era of collaboration between Somalia and Ethiopia."

They also agreed to restore and enhance bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their capitals, according to the joint statement on X.

On Jan. 2, Ethiopia sent its defence minister to Mogadishu, the first bilateral visit since relations between the countries soured.

Tensions erupted in January 2024 after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somalia's breakaway region, Somaliland.

In the MoU, Somaliland was to lease Addis Ababa a stretch of coastline for an Ethiopian naval base and commercial port in exchange for possible recognition of Somaliland's independence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since then, Somalia has accused Ethiopia of undermining its territorial integrity, threatened to eject its peacekeepers, and has also strengthened relations with Ethiopia's arch foes Egypt and Eritrea.

After months of escalating rhetoric and inconclusive international mediation efforts, Somalia and Ethiopia agreed on Dec. 11, after talks in Turkey, to work together to resolve the dispute and begin technical negotiations by the end of February.

"Underscoring the serious and evolving threat posed by extremist militant groups in the region, the leaders agreed to instruct their respective security agencies to bolster cooperation in promoting peace and stability in the region.", the statement added.

In the statement, Somalia said the president's visit to Addis Ababa was a follow-up to the agreement reached in Ankara.

(Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Writing by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Mark Potter and David Gregorio)
A local rapper, Royal Francis, whose real name is Robert McLaughlin remains missing more than seven years since he disappeared in September 2017.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

His car and belongings were found at his apartment near College Park; however, he vanished without a trace.

No arrests were ever made following his disappearance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Eight years is long enough for his mother, Angela McLaughlin, to demand answers, whatever they may be.

Theyre going to have to give me something definite like finding bones or his remains. I need something definite like that to feel closure, said Angela.

Robert McLaughlin was 35 years old and last seen on September 25, 2017, at 10 PM at his apartment at The Place at Capper Landing near College Park.

His mother said a neighbor saw him get into a car that night.

He said it was a black charger car that came up. He argued with them on the steps before they told him to get into the car. He left with them and went to a corner store.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She adds the camera footage at the corner store showed Robert then getting into a truck.

Angela Mclaughlin believes her sons missing persons case received very little attention from police and investigators which she says sends a message that black men and women can fall off the face of the planet, and that is ok.

They said he was of age and probably just did not want to be bothered. Everybody wanted to assume that he was into drugs, or he was a bad person, but that was never the case with him.

The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office told Action News Jax this case remains an active investigation, and it was never highlighted or featured by the office as a cold case. They add they do not typically highlight missing persons cold cases, but that does not mean they will not feature this case in the future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Angela McLaughlin said her son had a traumatic brain injury three years before he disappeared, but that did not cause him to forget who he was or where he was going- just events around the time of the accident when he was hit and seriously injured by a semi-trailer tractor.

If you have any information on this case, you are encouraged to call the authorities.

[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.
(Bloomberg) -- The African National Congress, which lost its three-decade stranglehold on South African politics in last years elections, vowed to regain the trust of voters and rebuild its support.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The outcome of the May elections was a sad moment for the ANC, President Cyril Ramaphosa told about 16,000 supporters gathered at a stadium in Cape Towns Khayelitsha suburb on Saturday for a rally held to mark the 113th anniversary of the partys founding and set out its policy priorities for the year. We are determined to regain public confidence and return as a majority party in the next election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Originally known as the South African Native National Convention, the movement was formed in 1912, uniting tribal chiefs, Black leaders, churches and civil rights groups in the fight for the rights of the countrys Black majority. It changed its name to ANC in 1923 and was banned by the apartheid regime in 1960.

Most of its leadership was arrested, including Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, while others went into exile. Popular resistance to apartheid and economic sanctions finally forced the White government to the negotiating table, and the ANC was legalized in 1990. It took power under Mandela four years later, winning almost 63% of the vote.

The party made initial strides in broadening access to housing, water, electricity and welfare grants, and its support peaked at almost 70% in 2004. It has fallen in every national election since then, though, in a backlash against the graft that became endemic during Jacob Zumas tenure as president as well as persistent poverty and unemployment.

The ANC lost its parliamentary majority last year, and to retain power it entered an uneasy alliance with its main competitor, the Democratic Alliance, and eight smaller parties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While investors have welcomed the new administrations commitment to grow the economy, attract investment and create jobs, its pro-business stance has angered its traditional labor union and communist allies.

Ramaphosa said it was pivotal that the ANC retain its close relationship with the unions and the South African Communist Party, and that they continue to wield power through through the state.

Let us not divide this revolutionary alliance, he said. The strategy of the enemy is to erode the ANC by forming breakaway parties.

The president also said his partys strategic objectives hadnt changed, and its decision to enter into a governing alliance was necessary to further its aims of transforming the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The false notion that the character of the ANC has changed by entering onto a tactical government of national unity is a distortion that should be dismissed, he said. The idea that a progressive party cant engage its opponents in short-term tactical agreements without selling out is false.

The main opposition to the ruling alliance has come from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, which was founded by Zuma in late 2023 and went on to win 14.6% support in the May elections, putting it in third position. It drew most of its support at the expense of the ANC and the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters, which finished fourth. A number of the EFFs senior leaders have since quit and joined Zumas party.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Candidates hoping to become the new leader of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will be in Charleston later this month for a forum focusing on the role of southern states in the partys future.

The in-person forum, co-hosted by the South Carolina Democratic Party, is scheduled for Jan. 24 at 6 p.m., though an exact location has not yet been announced.

It will come just over a week before the DNC elects its new officers as Democrats try to bounce back from widespread losses in Novembers elections.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Eight candidates are running to replace outgoing Chair and native South Carolinian Jaime Harrison, who is not seeking another term. Two state party chairs  Ken Martin of Minnesota and Ben Wikler of Wisconsin  have emerged as frontrunners in the race.

Former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson, former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley, New York State Sen. James Skoufis, former Homeland Security official Nate Snyder, former congressional candidate Quintessa Hathaway, and attorney Jason Paul are also running.

Illinois Rep. Johnathan Jackson, the son of Rev. Jesse Jackson, is also considering a bid for DNC Chair, according to Axios.

Democrats warn party must look beyond blue wall to win

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was not immediately clear whether all eight candidates plan to attend the Charleston forum, which officials said will focus on strengthening the Democratic presence across Southern states and addressing the priorities of diverse coalitions essential to Democratic victories.

SCDP Chair Christale Spain said she is excited to welcome Democratic leaders across the region to the Palmetto State for the event.

This forum is a unique opportunity for Southern DNC members to bring their voices, particularly those of Black and rural voters, into this critical DNC Chair election process, she said.

As Democrats look to the future, there is already talk of reordering the primary contests for the next presidential election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

South Carolinas primary was the first meaningful contest of the 2024 Democratic presidential race after a shake-up bumped the state to the first-place slot in the presidential nominating calendar.

The Biden-led effort signaled the presidents loyalty to the state that helped propel him to the nomination  and ultimately the White House  in 2020.

While some are pushing for a revamp, Skoufis has called on the committee to keep South Carolina first, arguing in a memo first obtained by The Hill that the current order better reflects the diversity of our party and our nation and places voters who are the backbone of our partybut with whom ties have frayedfront and center.

The DNC will hold its officer elections on February 1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX is one day away from the launch its first Starship flight of 2025, a mission that will test a new version of the world's largest rocket. But if you're hoping to watch the launch, now set to Jan. 16, live online, you'll need to know when and where, and for that we've got you covered.

SpaceX is scheduled to launch its Starship Flight 7 mission at 5 p.m. EST (2200 GMT) on Thursday, Jan. 16, -- three days later than an earlier Jan. 13 target -- from the company's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in South Texas. The mission will mark the seventh test flight of a SpaceX Starship, but it's the first of a new design for the rocket that includes significant upgrades. If all goes well, the company will attempt to catch the Starship rocket's huge Super Heavy booster at its launch site as it did last fall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You'll be able to watch the Starship Flight 7 launch live on Space.com, courtesy of SpaceX, in a livestream that will likely begin about 30 minutes before launch time. Follow our Starship live updates for more mission milestones.

What time is SpaceX's Starship Flight 7 launch?

SpaceX is currently targeting 5 p.m. EST (2200 GMT) on Thursday, Jan. 16, for the launch of its Starship Flight 7 test flight, a time that will ensure it will be daytime in the Indian Ocean when the Ship vehicle returns to Earth. It will be 4 p.m. local time at the Starbase launch site at liftoff

On Friday, Jan. 10, SpaceX reported on X that it conducted a successful fueling test of the stacked Starship rocket and Super Heavy booster, which stand nearly 400 feet (122 meters) when fully assembled. The megarocket is the world's tallest and most powerful rocket.

SpaceX was initially targeting a Jan. 13 launch date for Starship Flight 7, but changed that plan late Saturday night (Jan. 11). On Wednesday, with just seven hours to go, SpaceX announced another delay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Due to weather, we're now targeting Thursday, January 16 for Starship's seventh flight test," SpaceX wrote on X. The launch time remains the same on the new day.

SpaceX's Starship Flight 7 Ship and Super Heavy seen assembled for flight. | Credit: SpaceX

Starship Die Cast Rocket Model Now $47.99 on Amazon.

If you can't see SpaceX's Starship in person, you can score a model of your own. Standing at 13.77 inches (35 cm), this is a 1:375 ratio of SpaceX's Starship as a desktop model. The materials here are alloy steel and it weighs just 225g.View Deal

SpaceX's Starship rockets use 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy booster to lift off its Mechazilla pad at the Starbase facility. The upper stage is powered by six vacuum Raptor engines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The first Starship launch lifted off in April 2023 but failed to reach space. It was SpaceX's Flight 3 Starship that reached space for the first time in March 2024. The company launched three more missions in 2024, the highlight of which was the Oct. 14 launch of Starship Flight 5, which marked the first time SpaceX successfully caught the massive Super Heavy rocket with the Mechazilla gantry arms.

Related: Read our SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy guide for a detailed look

Can I watch the SpaceX's Starship Flight 7 launch?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yes, you will be able to watch SpaceX's Starship Flight 7 test launch online. You can use several different livestreams to track the mission, including one we'll simulcast on Space.com.

SpaceX's official launch webcast will stream live on the company's X social media account , as well as its Flight 7 mission page. The livestream should begin about 30 minutes before liftoff at 4:30p.m. EST (2030 GMT). Space.com's VideoFromSpace YouTube channel will simulcast SpaceX's official webcast, and it will appear on this page and at the top of our homepage.

NASASpaceflight.com is offering its own livestream YouTube. The channel also also offers 24/7 live views of SpaceX's Starship prepartions and Starbase operations.

If you live in South Texas or plan to drive to Starbase, you can try to watch the launch live in person, but you will have to find your own viewing site. SpaceX does not offer an official viewing location for its Starship test flights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Starship pad is visible from several public beaches near SpaceX's Starbase site. These include South Padre Island, where you can find clear line-of-sight views of SpaceX's Starship pad from Isla Blanca Park and its Cameron County Amphitheater. The nearby Port Isabel can also be a good viewing area, but be sure to scout potenital sites in advance. Traffic can be heavy driving into both sites, so plan to arrive early. And don't forget to pack snacks, folding chairs, bug spray and other essentials!

How long is SpaceX's Starship Flight 7?

SpaceX's Starship Flight 7 test flight is expected to last about just over 66 minutes, according to a flight plan released by SpaceX.

Per that plan, the Flight 7 Ship vehicle is expected to fly on a trajectory very similar to that of SpaceX's Flight 6 Starship launch in November. In that previous flight, Starship launched on a suborbital trajectory that reentered over the Indian Ocean, west of Australia.

During its hour-long flight, the Ship vehicle is expected to attempt to deploy its 10 simulated Starlink satellites about 17 minutes after liftoff. At the 37-minute mark, the spacecraft is expected to relight one of its six Raptor engines in a relight demonstration similar to one performed on Flight 6.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"While in space, Starship will deploy 10 Starlink simulators, similar in size and weight to next-generation Starlink satellites as the first exercise of a satellite deploy mission," SpaceX wrote in a mission overview. "The Starlink simulators will be on the same suborbital trajectory as Starship, with splashdown targeted in the Indian Ocean."

SpaceX's mission profile for the Starship Flight 7 test flight. | Credit: SpaceX

The Super Heavy booster launching Starship will also reenter Earth's atmosphere. SpaceX is hoping to catch the giant rocket stages just like the company did in October during its Starship Flight 5 test flight, when the rocket was captured by giant metal "chopsticks" on what SpaceX calls Mechazilla, its Starship launch pad structure.

"Distinct vehicle and pad criteria must be met prior to a return and catch of the Super Heavy booster, requiring healthy systems on the booster and tower and a final manual command from the mission's Flight Director," SpaceX wrote in its overview.

If those criteria aren't met, SpaceX will forego the rocket catch attempt and Super Heavy will automatically divert itself to a soft-landing attempt in the Gulf of Mexico. That's exactly what happened in November during the Flight 6 test flight. For Flight 7, both the Super Heavy booster and the Mechazilla structure are carrying hardware upgrades to make a catch more likely, "including protections to the sensors on the tower chopsticks that were damaged at launch" during the Flight 6 test flight, SpaceX said.

What if Starship can't launch on Jan. 16?

SpaceX's upper-stage Starship spacecraft inside a hangar at the company's Starbase facility in South Texas. SpaceX posted this photo on X on Jan. 8, 2025. | Credit: SpaceX

RELATED STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

 SpaceX's Starship Flight 6 launched a banana, skips catch

 Starship and Super Heavy: SpaceX's Mars transportation system

 China planning to build its own version of SpaceX's Starship

If SpaceX is unable to launch Starship Flight 7 on Jan. 16, it's unknown when the company could potentially try again.

A Notice To Airmen alert from the FAA related to Starship Flight 7 runs from Jan. 9 to Jan. 17, suggesting the company could have at least one more day in its line up for a Flight 7 launch.

However, any backup launch attempt for Starship Flight 7 depends on how far SpaceX goes into fueling process during a launch countdown. In the past, SpaceX officials have said it can take several days to restock the now nearly 11 million pounds of liquid methane and liquid oxygen propellant needed for liftoff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"As is the case with all developmental testing, the schedule is dynamic and likely to change, so be sure to check in here and stay tuned to our X account for updates," SpaceX wrote in its Flight 7 Starship overview.

Editor's note: This story was updated on Jan. 15 to reflect the latest launch date from SpaceX.
Special counsel Jack Smith, who pursued two federal criminal cases against President-elect Donald Trump, has resigned from the Justice Department.

News about Smiths resignation was tucked into a brief filed Saturday by the DOJ that requested U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon decline to extend a court order blocking the release of his final report on the Trump investigations. The special counsel separated from the DOJ on Friday, according to the brief, three days after submitting the report to the department.

Politico first reported the detail about Smiths departure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Smiths resignation comes as no surprise. NBC News reported in November, citing a source familiar with the matter, that Smith and his team intended to step down before Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Smith in 2022 to lead the federal investigations into Trump over his election interference efforts and his alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving office. Smith subsequently became a major Trump target; during the election campaign, Trump vowed that if he returned to the White House, he would fire Smith.

Both federal cases were ultimately dismissed. Cannon threw out the classified documents case in July after ruling that Smiths appointment violated the Constitution. After Trumps election win, Smith asked to dismiss the election interference case, citing DOJ policy against prosecuting a sitting president.

But Smith may yet have the last word. The Justice Department is expected to release his final report in the coming days.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
CANTON, N.Y. (WWTI)  A St. Lawrence County grand jury has indicted a 37-year-old Canton man with attempted murder and other various charges.

St. Lawrence County Sheriffs Deputies arrested Westley Daniels on Saturday, October 12, 2024 after an alleged domestic incident on the Jingleville Road in Canton.

Domestic incident in Canton leads to arrest

The grand jury handed down indictments on the following charges:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Second-degree murder

Second-degree assault

First-degree unlawful imprisonment

First-degree criminal use of a firearm

Second-degree menacing

Fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon

Daniels is currently being held in the St. Lawrence County Jail on $100,000 bond.

A no-contact order of protection has been issued in favor of the victim, according to 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 WWTI - InformNNY.com.
Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav on Saturday alleged that the Delhi government had not introduced any new policy for the welfare of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the last ten years. The Congress leader also questioned the silence of the Aam Admi Party (AAP) national convenor at a time when the Jats were allegedly "ousted" from the OBC list. "Delhi's OBC list includes the Jat community from the time of Sheila Dikshit. The second government of UPA gave OBC status to the Jat community in 7 states... This was challenged in the Supreme Court in 2014 and since this was not pursued properly by the NDA government, the Jats were ousted from the OBC list. Where was Arvind Kejriwal back then?...," Yadav told ANI. "The Environment Department of the Delhi government has some vacancies for engineers... Why was the Jat community not considered? They could have benefitted from this?... No new scheme was brought (by Delhi government) in for benefitting OBC in the last 10 years, children are not receiving scholarships...," he added. This comes after former Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to include Delhi's Jat community in the OBC list of the Centre. He accused the BJP-led central government of "cheating" the community in the name of OBC reservation for the last 10 years. The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17. The date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20. A three-way contest is on the cards in Delhi between the ruling AAP, BJP and Congress. Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got eight seats. (ANI)
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis alderwoman is proposing a significant shift in the citys governance, a plan that would strip the mayor of power in favor of a city administrator.

Daniela Velazquez, Ward 6 Alderwoman, has introduced a plan to transfer various responsibilities from the mayors office to a newly-appointed city administrator. She formally introduced the proposal as Board Bill 162 at a Friday aldermen meeting.

Under the proposal, the mayor would continue to serve as the citys political and policy leader, though the mayors office would lose oversight of city departments and the authority to appoint department heads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jingle! hires bankruptcy attorney, workers still not paid

Those powers would shift to a city administrator, who would take on general day-to-day management of city operations like appoiting and managing department heads. The bill would also prevent the mayor and board of aldermen from interfering with decisions under the city administrators authority.

The legislation would call for the St. Louis Mayor to nominate a city administrator after a national search and for the Board of Aldermen to approve the selection with a majority vote. Candidates would have at least five years of executive experience without holding an elected office in the City of St. Louis or the State of Missouri over the past five years.

Ultimately, the plan aims to redirect city management to an administrator while maintaining the mayors role as the political leader.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Velazquez told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the plan has nothing to do with the current administration, but rather represents a long-term look at ways to make St. Louis be more successful.

The cities of Kansas City, Missouri; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Phoenix, Arizona, have similar forms of governance to the one outlined in Velazquezs proposal.

If this plan gets approval from the Board of Aldermen, the changes could be in the hands of St. Louis voters in the August 2026 election. If approved from there, the city administrators news powers would take effect in April 2029.

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.
State grant funding will be coming to support a pair of local projects.

The state Homes and Community Renewal announced Friday, Jan. 10 that more than $27 million has been awarded to support 31 projects through the latest round of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.

The grants were awarded by HCR through the federal Community Development Block Grant Program. CDBG provides funds to cities, towns, villages and counties to assist low- and moderate-income communities, households and people by investing in a range of community planning projects, public infrastructure improvements and enhancements to public facilities, according to a news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Locally, the village of Sharon Springs in Schoharie County will receive $1 million for ADA modifications at Klinkhart Hall Arts Center. The city of Norwich in Chenango County will receive $50,000 to develop a water and sewer planning study.

Investment in modern infrastructure and forward-thinking planning are crucial for the health and safety of our communities, HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said in a statement. This $27 million will enhance critical infrastructure in these 31 communities and reflect Gov. Hochuls dedication to supporting local governments across the Empire State. We deeply appreciate our federal partners for providing this funding and extend our congratulations to the award recipients.

Funding for the program was included in Round 14 of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. The financing is awarded competitively through Homes and Community Renewals Office of Community Renewal. There are 1,300 cities, towns and villages with populations of fewer than 50,000 that are eligible for the program. Counties with populations of fewer than 200,000 also may apply for funding.
BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)This week at the State House in Boston, the governor called for inspections of the states emergency housing sites and signed a handful of bills that passed at the end of last session.

The inspections come after a shelter resident was arrested, who allegedly possessed one million dollars of fentanyl and a loaded AR-15.

Substance use disorder ceremonial bill signing

The governor said on Friday that she will be strictly enforcing background checks for all shelter residents to determine eligibility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Inspections of hotels are complete and we are moving through the rest of those sites as we speak, said Governor Maura Healey.

Four important bills were signed this week, including a pair of health bills that work to improve access to primary care and make prescription drugs more affordable, among other provisions.

In Massachusetts, patients should always come before profits, and Im proud that the Senate and the House came together to pass two bills that do just that, said Senate President Karen Spilka.

On Friday, the governor held a signing ceremony for a bill that increases the accessibility and affordability of substance use disorder treatment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is a disease that knows no bounds that touches and can touch just about any family anywhere, regardless of race or religion, said Governor Healey.

The governor also signed an animal welfare bill that prohibits puppies and kittens from being sold until they are at least 8 weeks old.

Looking ahead to next week, both branches have sessions on the books and Governor Healey will be delivering her annual State of the Commonwealth address.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln. March 1, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  A lawmaker booted from a legislative committee she served on the past two years turned her disapproval Friday into a serenade of Rod Stewarts Reason to Believe, saying it wouldnt deter her commitment to Nebraskans.

If I listened long enough to you, Id find a way to believe that its not true, State Sen. Jane Raybould sang, quoting the song on Stewarts 80th birthday. Knowing that you lied, straight-faced while I cried, still I look to find a reason to believe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Raybould was one of two Lincoln Democrats who lost seats on the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. They were swapped with Republicans on the Natural Resources Committee. Conservatives, who enacted the changes, will have a one-vote majority on both committees for the next two years.

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/raybould-singing-rod-stewart_011025.mp3

Because the Legislature is officially nonpartisan, committee assignments, as well as other parts of how the Legislature functions, arent assigned or negotiated by party leaders.

But with a 33-15 advantage between Republicans and Democrats, with one progressive independent who often joins with the Democrats, conservatives have started to assert themselves more this year.

Political machinations

Raybould criticized political machinations and party politics for why she lost her committee seat around the lyrics that she said she rehearsed ahead of time.

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln. Jan. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

State Sen. Danielle Conrad was the other lawmaker to lose her seat, now serving in her 11th year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Conrad voted for the final committee assignments but said her colleagues didnt acknowledge her seniority, as the longest current serving member, or her expertise. She said senators petty political squabbles  some said all legislative committees should mirror the states political demographics, which favor Republicans  are simply not found in our Constitution, our statutes or our precedent.

Your actions and motives speak for themselves and say very little about the work that I and others have done in this body and will continue to do, Conrad said.

Senators voted 44-2 on Friday to adopt the final report of the committee placements, which included only one change from Thursday: swapping two Republicans on the Government and Natural Resources Committees: State Sens. Bob Andersen of Omaha and Stan Clouse of Kearney.

Raybould and State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, who also voted against advancing the report Thursday, opposed the adoption.

State Sen.-elect Bob Andersen of Sarpy County talks with State Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus at a legislative retreat in Kearney on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

The swap for Andersen was sought by State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, chair of the Government Committee, because hes a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran with government experience, including as a defense contractor.

Attempt to preserve at least one spot

Earlier in the week, there was an effort that could have kept Conrad on the committee, while making it split evenly between the left and right, 4-4, rather than leaning 5-3 left.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A motion to advance the slate of assignments with a 4-4 Government Committee failed Wednesday, with seven Republicans opposing the plan and Sanders, whose end goal was getting Andersens experience on her team, joining four Democrats and one progressive nonpartisan in supporting the change.

I never wanted her [Conrad] to leave, Sanders told the Nebraska Examiner.

State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, left, joins Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen for a ceremonial bill signing of Nebraska National Guard recruitment and retention legislation. Dec. 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

The committee in charge of committee assignments returned and advanced by a 12-1 vote Thursday a different, more conservative-leaning slate of committee assignments.

State Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha, who chairs the 13-member Committee on Committees, said there was another attempt to put Conrad back on the Government Committee in the 24 hours between the preliminary committee report and final report adopted by lawmakers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The move would have switched Conrad with freshman State Sen. Dunixi Guereca of Omaha, a Democrat, keeping the 5-3 GOP-lean Republicans desired.

I just wanted to make it clear that we did try as hard as we could to switch back Conrad to the Government Committee, Armendariz said, explaining multiple senators approached Conrad.

Conrad told the Examiner she received texts and other inquiries but responded, Im fine, nobody needs to worry about me. She said shes excited to jump into her new committee.

I just didnt think that we needed to prolong the process in any way, and it was unclear to me whether any of those inquiries were serious or not, Conrad said.

State Sen. Christy Armendariz, left, talks with State Sen. Wendy DeBoer, both of Omaha, at a legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Omaha State Sens. John Cavanaugh and John Fredrickson, both members of the Committee on Committees, said they could have accepted the Conrad-Guereca swap if both agreed.

Fredrickson said he got the indication that neither Conrad nor Guereca was particularly for it.

The common good of Nebraskans

State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte said he appreciated Conrad and Raybould for taking a big view and being prepared to move forward. He said lawmakers can rest assured that Conrad will get her input on every bill anyway and remain focused on her service.

We could all dissect and rehash all of the discussions that went on the Committee on Committees, but it wouldnt serve any productive purpose, Jacobson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We have a lot of work to do this session, and Im really hopeful that with the large sophomore class and now the large freshman class, we can set a tone in this Legislature that we will work together for the common good of the taxpayers and the residents of this state, he continued. Thats what they deserve, and thats what we owe them.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
An August 2020 view of Sylvan Lake in South Dakota's Custer State Park. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)

South Dakota has largely sustained pandemic-era gains in park visitation and license sales for hunting and fishing, according to the Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

A widespread desire to get outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic caused state park visits to surge from 6.8 million in 2019 to 8.2 million in 2020, and visits have stayed around 8 million since then, including in newly reported numbers for 2024. That number was roughly even with the prior year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Director of Parks and Recreation Jeff VanMeeteren presented the data Thursday in Pierre to the departments oversight commission.

I think it just speaks volumes, he said. We were able to retain a lot of these folks that we introduced into our campgrounds and to our day-use operations during COVID.

The Division of Parks and Recreations revenue grew 5% last year, rising to $22 million.

Park license sales were the biggest contributor. The state sold 517,000 of them, generating $11.2 million, up from $10.6 million in 2023. Lodging revenues also grew by 2% to over $10 million.

George S. Mickelson Trail pass sales jumped to 7,907 from 6,377 the prior year. The passes brought $119,000 to the department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Flooding and construction projects caused dips in some parks numbers, such as the 45% decline at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, due partly to road construction. Custer and Palisades state parks experienced visitation increases of 5% and 35%, respectively.

Small game, fishing numbers

Hunting and fishing also maintained much of its pandemic-fueled boost.

Fishing licenses brought in $5.5 million in department revenue last year, close to the three-year average. Resident purchases remained strong, with annual licenses increasing over the prior year by 1,000 to over 55,000 sold. One-day nonresident license sales rose to 37,000 but remained below the three-year average.

The Missouri River system was really strong, said Wildlife Division Director Tom Kirschenmann. Lake Oahe, in particular, had probably the best year its had in the last couple of years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Small-game hunting licenses grew in 2024, driven by a strong pheasant season. Sales to out-of-state hunters jumped by 5,700 to nearly 84,000, generating $11.6 million of the $12.6 million in small-game license revenue last year.

Small-game license sales to South Dakota residents increased by 4,000 compared to the three-year average, bringing in nearly $1 million. Youth small-game licenses rose by 700 to over 6,300.

Combination licenses, which allow residents to fish and hunt small game, generated $2.5 million in revenue. Over 46,000 licenses were sold to residents and nonresidents, slightly below last years numbers.

The Habitat Stamp, a mandatory fee on the first license purchased each year, generated $5.5 million in revenue  up $291,000 from the three-year average. The funds support wildlife habitat and provide public access to private land. Nearly 314,000 stamps were sold in 2024, with nonresidents contributing $4 million of the total.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Jan. 11Derrell Boston has been cleared of murder charges, the Vermilion County State's Attorney announced Thursday, Jan. 9.

On Jan. 2, Boston was charged with First Degree Murder in the death of Joseph Jones, a Danville resident, who was killed Dec. 21, 2024. Danville Police issued a press release stating that Boston has been charged with First Degree Murder and had been arrested.

"During the continued diligent investigation by the Danville Police Department, new evidence was uncovered which has negated the evidence against Derrell Boston. As justice requires, the murder charges against Derrelll Boston have been dismissed," State's Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said. "The newly discovered evidence is being assessed and reviewed by the Danville Police Department and the Vermilion County State's Attorney's Office."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Illinois Rules of Professional Responsibility and the Illinois Rules of Evidence require the prosecution and the police to continuously disclose to the defense throughout the course of any prosecution any new evidence that is discovered.

"When a prosecutor knows of new, credible, and material evidence creating a reasonable likelihood that a defendant did not commit the offense charged, the prosecutor must remedy the circumstances," Lacy said. "Once new evidence is discovered, justice requires, in any criminal prosecution, that the prosecutor, in cooperation with the police, evaluate the new evidence and determine if the prosecution can move forward to a trial."

The Danville Police Department and the Vermilion County States' Attorney's Office are still investigating Jones's murder. In the State of Illinois, the charge of First Degree Murder has no statute of limitations.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Does it feel like everyone you know has a cold or is recovering from an illness right now?

Dr. Suzanne Bornschein, medical director and state epidemiologist at the Rhode Island Department of Health, joined 12 News at 4 to discuss the current trends in illnesses and share tips on staying healthy this season.

RELATED: Nasty norovirus is back in full force with US cases surging

What illnesses are on the rise?

Bornschein explained that COVID-19 and flu cases are just beginning to peak, while RSV cases have been high for several weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

From late September through December, Rhode Island saw approximately 139 flu-related hospitalizations and 364 COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to Bornschein.

SEE ALSO: 5 things we know and still dont know about COVID

Is it too late to get vaccinated?

Never too late, Bornschein said.

She noted that while vaccines take about two weeks to provide full immunity, its still a good idea to get vaccinated sooner rather than later, as the cold and flu season hasnt peaked yet.

How can you prevent the spread of germs?

If youre feeling under the weather, Bornschein recommends:

Washing hands frequently

Staying home until youre fever-free for at least 24 hours

Avoiding coughing into your hands

For more information and advice, watch the full interview in the player above.

NEXT: Some hospitals seeing increase in patients, wait times due to uptick in illnesses

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.
The Los Angeles County district attorney has issued a stern warning after a civilian drone grounded a water tanker as firefighters battled a Los Angeles area fire this week.

The incident occurrred Thursday afternoon when the aircraft hit the drone as it operated over the Palisdades Fire, according to officials.

A Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson said the Canadian plane, Quebec 1, sustained wing damage and remains grounded and is out of service. Its only one of two super scoopers being operated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. An image of the damage shows a large hole in aircrafts wing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The plane is likely to be out of operation until Monday.

No injuries were reported as a result of the collision. Ten people have died in the Los Angeles wildfires since they ignited earlier this month.

The FAA is investigating the incident. Flying a drone during firefighting efforts is a federal crime and is punishable by up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman vowed to go after drone lawbreakers.

A photo of Quebec 1, the airplane that was hit by the drone (Los Angeles County Fire Department)

If youre thinking that its fine to send a drone up in the area for your own amusement, or you want to get information that nobody else can get, and you do it in one of these areas that for which drones are not permitted  you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be punished to the full extent of the law, Hochman said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Federal Aviation Administration has not authorized anyone unaffiliated with the Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones under current temporary flight restrictions, the agency said. The FAA treats these violations seriously and immediately considers swift enforcement action for these offenses, it added in a statement.

Flying a drone near a wildfire is dangerous and can cost lives, the agency warned. When people fly drones near wildfires, fire response agencies often ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision. Delaying airborne response poses a threat to firefighters on the ground, residents, and property in nearby communities, and it can allow wildfires to grow larger.

The Palisades Fire began on January 7 and has scorched over 21,000 acres. Three people have been killed in the blaze, and more than 11,000 structures are threatened.

The blaze is only eight percent contained, CalFire said in an update on Friday afternoon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its one of six wildfires officials are fighting across the county, which has so far claimed a total of 10 lives. Several areas of the county are under evacuation orders. The fires are spreading due to the dry, hot Santa Ana winds that occur in Southern California each year.

Officials anticipate the fire weather will continue into next week.
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa  Sometime Monday night or early Tuesday, someone broke into Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 839 in Marshalltown. The thieves took the safe and nothing else. The safe contained some cash and documents for the Post.

This break-in is one of at least four burglaries in this region of the state since Christmas. In Marshalltown nothing else in the building was disturbed besides the safe.

Nothing that we could find apparently they werent interested in. We dont have that much stuff here we got, you know, the pictures and who would want that really, said Roger Dirks, Marshalltown VFW Quartermaster. Please bring back the papers that were in the safe, because we need the papers at least as much as we need cash, but we need those papers back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Newton thieves broke into American Legion Post 111 in Newton. They were able to make off with some gambling machines, which contained around $500. The post did not own the machines, so they sustained no loss.

We were hit Christmas morning by two lowlifes with crowbars, hoodies, and masks, said Post Commander Jerry Nelson. They appeared to be familiar with theft, our cameras are pretty good, but they had masks, gloves, and hoodies.

Death investigation underway after adult male found dead at Badger Creek Lake

The Newton suspects were driving a dark colored F-150 pickup with distorted plates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There were also reports of break-ins at the American Legion in Gladbrook and Garwin. Garwin City Clerk Michelle Vaverka said the theft happened last Thursday. The burglary did not net anything of value, but they did extensive damage to the door.

All these veterans up here at this post have served overseas and they served in wartime and to be mistreated like this, I dont like it, said Rick Johnson, a Marshalltown VFW member. All these guys up here have been like brothers to me. Ive leaned on them to help me through different times when I was down and sad.

The Marshalltown VFW post is struggling to get by, so the loss of cash was big. Even as members met on Friday, a donation came in to encourage the VFW from the Marshalltown American Legion Auxiliary.

In Marshalltown the VFW is hoping whoever took their safe, will at least return the documents. That includes the deed and abstract to the VFW building and the title to the van they use to transport the honor guard to funerals and parades.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If anyone wants to make a donation to help the Marshalltown VFW, you can send it to Marshalltown VFW PO box 1204 Marshalltown Iowa, 50158.

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.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Three magazines worth of gunfire shot into the air early in the morning on New Years Day in Savannah according to one neighbor who caught it all on his doorbell camera.

Mike Arcangelo, a Savannah resident, said he believed it to be celebratory gunfire, but that didnt make it any less dangerous.

All of a sudden we heard a dozen rounds at least right at midnightAbout a minute pause, same thing again, minute pause, same thing again. I mean, just get down was what was on our mind, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Arcangelos case, the title of the police report was listed as weapon firing. However, the Savannah Police Department said that if someone discharges a weapon and a person happens to be hit, that constitutes aggravated assault.

That same night, there was another close call.

Right when the clock hit twelve, the window just like exploded. I opened up the door to my room, I looked down, and theres just glass shards all over the floor. I look around, and then I see on the banister next to the staircase, theres a small indentation. Immediately, I picked up that it was a bullet, Zachary Osterman, said.



Jacquelin Osterman, Zacharys mother said, It was terrifying, when my son came downstairs shortly after the bullet had entered our home, I just thought  if you may have come down a minute earlier, you may have been hit.

The police report that was filed for the Ostermans incident said it was, Believed to be from random New Years Eve gunfire, which plagues Savannah.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A friend of Arcangelo, Patrick Wilver, who also lives downtown said the issues in that area even tend to go on beyond holidays.

New Years, Fourth of July, I dont even go outside anymore because of all the gunfire that you hear, he said. It seems to be once a week where I hear somebody dump a magazine whether theyre shooting into the air, shooting at somebody.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Congress MP Manish Tewari stated on Saturday that the opposition alliance INDIA bloc was formed to "safeguard the soul of the country" and said the alliance was not just forged for the Lok Sabha elections. His remark came a day after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut expressed concerns over the lack of coordination within the INDIA alliance, blaming Congress for its disarray since the Lok Sabha elections. "I agree with what Omar Abdullah said. We fought the Lok Sabha elections together and the results were also good. After that, it was the responsibility of all of us, especially Congress, to keep the INDIA alliance alive, sit together and show the way forward," Raut had said. "Leaders like Omar Abdullah, Mamta Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Arvind Kejriwal all say that the INDIA alliance has no existence now." Amid all this, Tiwari told ANI, "INDIA alliance gave a good performance in the country (Lok Sabha elections), because of which BJP could not perform well... The future course of action will be decided by all INDIA leaders together. INDIA alliance was not formed merely for the Lok Sabha elections, it was formed to safeguard the soul of the country..." "It was formed to save the 'Idea of India'," he pointed out. Meanwhile, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal has also said that the Delhi assembly elections will be a direct contest between the AAP and the BJP and not an election of the INDIA bloc "Delhi assembly election is between AAP and the BJP. It is not the election of the INDIA alliance. I wholeheartedly express my gratitude to all those parties for supporting us. Mamata Banerjee is supporting us. Akhilesh Yadav is supporting us. I have learnt through media that the (Uddhav) Thackeray ji's party is supporting us," Kejriwal had said. The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17. The date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20. A three-way contest is on the cards in Delhi between the ruling AAP, BJP and Congress. Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got eight seats. (ANI)
CAIRO (AP)  Sudans military and its allies have taken back a strategic city from the rebel Rapid Support Forces, officials said Saturday, dealing a major blow to the notorious paramilitary group which the United States accused of committing genocide in the countrys ongoing civil war.

The recapture of the city of Wad Medani, the capital of Gezira province, came more than a year after it fell to the RSF. Wad Medani had previously been a safe haven for displaced families in the early months of the war.

The conflict in Sudan started in April 2023 when simmering tensions between the leaders of the military and the RSF exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and other cities across the sprawling northeastern African country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The conflict has killed more than 28,000 people, forced millions to flee their homes and left some families eating grass in a desperate attempt to survive as famine swept parts of the country. It has been marked by gross atrocities including ethnically motivated killing and rape, according the United Nations and rights groups. The International Criminal Court said it was investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration said that the RSF and its proxies are committing genocide, and slapped sanctions on the RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, as well as seven RSF-owned companies in the United Arab Emirates, including one handling gold likely smuggled out of Sudan.

The military said in a statement that its forces had entered Wad Medani early Saturday and that they were working to clear the rebels remnants inside the city.

Congratulations to the Armed Forces, their supporting forces everywhere and to our people as they reclaim their dignity, security and stability, the statement said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There was no immediate comment from the RSF.

Culture and Information Minister Kahlid Aleiser, who is the government spokesman, said the military and its allies liberated Wad Medani, which is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Khartoum.

Soldiers posted videos on social media purportedly showing forces celebrating with residents in the city center. One video showed residents taking to the streets to celebrate the liberation of the city, and shouting, Allah is Great.

Since the RSF captured Wad Medani in December 2023, tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes in and around the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In recent months the RSF has suffered multiple battlefield blows, giving the military the upper hand in the war. It has lost control of many areas in Khartoum, the capital's sister city of Omdurman, and the eastern and central provinces.

The war has created the worlds largest displacement crisis, driving over 14 million people  about 30% of the population  from their homes, according to the United Nations. An estimated 3.2 million people have crossed into neighboring countries including Chad, Egypt and South Sudan.

Famine has been also detected in at least five areas, including three camps for displaced people in the western Sudanese region of Darfur, according to an international monitoring project, the Integrated Food Security Classification, or IPC. The IPC said five other areas are projected to experience famine in the next six months. More areas are also at risk of famine, it said.
CAIRO (Reuters) -Sudan's army said on Saturday it had entered the central city of Wad Madani and was pushing out its paramilitary rivals the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a step which if completed successfully would be its biggest gain in nearly two years of war.

The army posted a video appearing to show troops inside the city, which is the capital of El Gezira state, an agricultural and trading hub that has been held by the RSF since December 2023.

Recapture of the state as a whole could mark a turning point in the war that began in April 2023 over disputes on the integration of the two forces, which has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises with the displacement of more than 12 million people and half the population facing hunger.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The leadership of the Armed Forces congratulates our people on the entry of our forces into Wad Madani this morning. They are now working to clean up the remaining rebel pockets inside the city," an army statement said.

In a speech shared on Telegram, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the RSF - also known as Hemedti - acknowledged defeat but insisted that the battle was not over.

"We lost Wad Madani, but we will reclaim it. People just need to regroup, reorganize and reassess themselves," he added.

Hemedti also attributed the defeat to what he described as the Sudanese army's reliance on Iranian drones and fighters from Ethiopia's Tigray region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, a Reuters report found that dozens of planes had flown from the United Arab Emirates to Chad, likely to resupply the RSF in Chad. The UAE denies the accusations, though a U.N. panel of experts deemed them credible.

El Gezira state, located in the center of the country and south of the capital Khartoum has seen some of the RSF's bloodiest attacks on civilians, as well as the burning of fields, looting of hospitals and markets, and flooding of irrigation ditches.

Despite a long history as an agricultural trade hub, Madani has been marked by experts as an area at risk of famine due to the blockades imposed as part of the conflict.

The army had stepped up its campaign to retake El Gezira in recent months, after retaking Sennar state in the south, including by increasing airstrikes that have often hit civilians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The RSF's top commander in the state defected to the army in October, and his troops took part in Saturday's operations, though the RSF responded at the time with a series of attacks.

The army also on Saturday continued its operations on the city of Bahri, part of the greater capital, where it has also made advances in recent months.

The RSF controls most of the west of the country, where it is fighting the army for al-Fashir, its last stronghold in the Darfur region. The two forces are also actively fighting over White Nile state in the south of the country.

(Reporting by Menna Alaa, Ahmed Tolba and Khalid Abdelaziz; editing by Barbara Lewis, Angus MacSwan and Diane Craft)
During the debate over whether to approve Proposition 1, the citizens initiative that would have opened Idahos primaries and established ranked choice voting, many of the opponents decried the measure as a violation of the one person, one vote principle.

The argument was dishonest, as every single voter would have the exact same opportunity to cast a ballot for one candidate. Under ranked choice voting, in addition, every voter has the same opportunity to choose their second, third and fourth choice, similar to a system of a runoff election.

At the top of the list of opponents was the Idaho Republican Party, namely Idaho GOP chairwoman Dorothy Moon, House Speaker Mike Moyle and Gov. Brad Little.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

(Ranked choice voting) ... eliminates Idahos traditional one person, one vote elections, Moyle wrote in a guest opinion piece.

This expensive, complicated, and unnecessary scheme eliminates the time-tested one person, one vote method of electing candidates, Moon wrote in a statement.

The rest of the rank and file of the Republican Party fell lockstep in line, as Proposition 1 went down in flames, 70% to 30%.

But now, all of a sudden, Republican legislators, who were once so indignant at the thought of violating one person, one vote, want to violate that principle when it comes to a citizen initiative.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As the Idaho Statesmans Ian Max Stevenson reported, a group of Idaho Republican lawmakers hopes to make it harder to pass citizen-led ballot initiatives, with a bill from Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, that would raise the threshold to pass a ballot initiative to 60% from its current simple majority requirement.

This would be a clear violation of the one person, one vote.

With a 60% requirement to pass a ballot initiative, that means a person who votes no has a higher weighted vote than a person who votes yes.

In other words, it would take nearly two yes votes for every no vote to pass a ballot initiative under the bill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One-person, one-vote is a legal rule that one persons voting power ought to be roughly equivalent to another persons within the same state, according to an analysis from the Cornell Law School.

Its rooted in the concept of equal protection under the law, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitutions Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, and requires that each person be treated equally in their voting power.

Idaho already violates one person, one vote when it comes to requiring a supermajority to pass a bond measure, resulting in majorities voting for school bonds to fix their schools but still losing at the ballot because it failed to get 66.7% of the vote.

Skaugs bill also violates that tried and true principle of majority rules.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We elect our legislators with a simple majority. We even pass constitutional amendments with a simple majority.

Ironically, Skaugs bill would require only a majority of legislative votes to pass. Perhaps his bill should have to get 60% approval.

Finally, can Republicans just give up on this obsession with taking away the constitutionally protected power of the citizens?

For years, the Republican-controlled Legislature has tried to limit the ability for citizens to get an initiative on the ballot.

The Idaho Supreme Court in 2021 issued a scathing ruling that overturned the Legislatures ill-advised law that would have made it nearly impossible to get a citizens initiative on the ballot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ultimately, the effect of SB 1110 is to prevent a perceived, yet unsubstantiated fear of the tyranny of the majority, by replacing it with an actual tyranny of the minority,  according to the ruling. This would result in a scheme that squarely conflicts with the democratic ideals that form the bedrock of the constitutional republic created by the Idaho Constitution, and seriously undermines the peoples initiative and referendum powers enshrined therein.

With such a beatdown, Republican legislators are now trying a different approach. If they cant limit what gets on the ballot, theyre trying to make it harder for an initiative to pass.

If Idaho Republicans pass Skaugs bill, it will show that their loyalty to the one person, one vote principle wasnt really about protecting voters rights. Its always about protecting their power.

Their hypocrisy knows no bounds.

Statesman editorials are the opinion of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members Greg Lanting, Terri Schorzman and Garry Wenske.
As the TV industry evolves with online streaming platforms, Suffolk-based New Dominion Pictures finds it no longer needs a physical studio location  nor everything within it.

The television production company at 1000 Film Way is putting all of its buildings contents up for sale in an auction.

Dawn Wilfong, creative director of New Dominion Pictures, said the company will continue operations, but all five full-time employees have moved to a remote work model.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weve been looking to sell the building, honestly, for the last 10 years on and off, Wilfong said. Its been beneficial to have the studio, but not necessary.

As development increases in Suffolk, so does the interest in the land New Dominion Pictures has occupied since 1999, she said. Wilfong said the company is working separately with a buyer for the property, which includes the 6 acres the building sits on. Wilfong did not share any other details.

New Dominion Pictures, founded in 1989, has produced more than 30 series of factual, reality and scripted drama programming. Its programs appear on major TV networks, including the Discovery Channel, Destination America, The History Channel and National Geographic. The company is best known for its work on The New Detectives, The FBI Files and A Haunting.

The company is not currently in production on any shows nor has any plans for future productions. It is focusing on distributing 300-plus hours of programming domestically and internationally and partnering with M2 Productions to distribute its catalogs, Wilfong said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Norfolk-based Auction757 is handling the online auction. It is live now and runs through Tuesday. Auctioneer Tucker Freeman said there are more than 840 lots  and thousands of items  listed in the auction.

Sale items up for bid include a Quonset hut storage building; computers; professional camera; audio, visual and lighting equipment; ice machine; folding tables; storage shelves; portable canopy tents; office furniture; antique/vintage furniture; clothing/costumes; set props; and catering supplies.

Its been an interesting and unique auction to set up with just the sheer amount of items, Freeman said.

He said the auction already has attracted 100 bidders from as far away as New York. He expects the numbers to grow as the bidding draws to a close. Starting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, they will close one lot every 20 seconds, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The doors will be open to the public for a preview from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

As the day draws near to bid farewell to the decades worth of items, Wilfong said New Dominion Pictures has been really happy to be in Hampton Roads for more than 30 years.

And the plan is to stay in Hampton Roads because there is such a great talent pool here, she said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com
Federal response teams spent the week combating Los Angeles wildfires blazing across hundreds of acres, forcing local residents to evacuate from their homes as a result of the damage. Throughout the chaos, President Biden was on the ground to visit local agencies and brief the country with updates on the flames.

In the midst of burning embers, President-elect Trump remained largely critical of Biden, in addition to other Democratic leaders including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, accusing them of a lack of preparation leading up to the disaster. Vice President-elect JD Vance will likely address the unprecedented flames and suggested solutions during his appearance on FOX News Sunday in discussion with anchor Shannon Bream.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell may address these efforts, which come after two destructive storms ravaged the Southeast region in the later months of 2024, on the Fox News show. Criswell is also scheduled to join ABCs This Week, CNNs State of the Union and CBSs Face the Nation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The 119th Congress is set to oversee the disbursement of federal funds fueling longer term response efforts and will soon vote on a reconciliation package to address national spending and debt with heavy influence from Trump. GOP lawmakers are debating whether one bill will float his agenda or if two texts will be required to sustain the Republican leaders desires.

Rep. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), a Senate Budget Committee member, will likely discuss party strategy earlier into the new legislative season on Sunday Morning Futures. Marshall, also a Senate Finance Committee member, may discuss Chinas recent hack on the U.S. Treasury. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) will also likely share comments on the security breach and new efforts to secure the department and prevent foreign adversaries from gaining access to sensitive information.

All of these topics and more will be discussed on this weeks Sunday talk shows.

Here are the full list of appearances:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

NewsNations The Hill Sunday: Rep. Dave Min (D-Calif.) and Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.)

ABCs This Week: Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.); Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.); Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), national security adviser nominee

CBSs Face the Nation: Criswell; Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.)

CNNs State of the Union: Criswell; national security adviser Jake Sullivan; Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.)

NBCs Meet the Press: Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif)

Fox News Sunday: Criswell; Vice President-elect JD Vance; Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, (R-W.Va.); Ken Martin, chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and candidate to be chair of the Democratic National Committee

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sunday Morning Futures: Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and former Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.)

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 visited your local library? Has your child or grandchild, student or family member? Maybe you dont check out books, but do you attend programs at your library or participate in a summer reading program or read a book through the Libby app?

I hope for everyone reading this the answer is a resounding yes, and I also hope that means that you will reach out to your elected officials urging them to fight Gov. Noems proposed $1 million cut to the South Dakota State Library.

The proposed cut would be devastating for local libraries like our vibrant Doland Community Library, the Watertown Regional Library and all of the patrons who rely on the programs and services offered through them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Consider this: In 2024, more than 6,200 people visited the Doland Community Library. In a community of fewer than 200 people. Thats incredible.

Now imagine if the proposed cut to the State Library funding happens  what programs and services will be lost? Well, take a look at whats at stake:

The State Library helps with the costs associated with this service to allow patrons who are registered users to check out e-books on their devices.

The Doland Community Library has a certified librarian thanks to the State Library, which opens our library up to additional services and grants.

Our State Library provides crucial guidance and education to our librarian and library board members in the operating of our library as an accredited library.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Doland Community Library offers a top-notch Summer Reading Program that brings hundreds of adults and children to our community on several days of the six-week event. The training, manuals and funding for the program comes from the State Library.

Interlibrary Loan Support: Thanks to this program from the State Library, patrons can access books from across the state.

SD Reads: This program promotes reading across the state and you yourself were a recent participant who read to our students.

Legal guidance: The State Library holds each library accountable and helps ensure applicable laws are being followed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The State Library pays for several free databases available such as Ancestry.com, SAT study guides and practice tests.

The State Library provides additional tools to promote literacy such as Birth to Five, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, Canva, and the Stephanie Miller Summer Reading Program Grant.

It goes without saying that the State Library is an incredible resource for our local libraries. Any cut would be felt not just at the state level through reduced staff and diminished services, but also by me, my family and every other patron in our rural area.

If youre alarmed by this potentially devastating proposed cut, please consider contacting your elected officials. You can find your legislators at https://sdlegislature.gov/legislators/find. The more we can let our elected officials know how valuable our State Library is, the more inclined they will be to preserve the funding for our State Library, which serves so many of us at the local level.

Danielle (Troske) Teigen, Doland Community Library Board Member, Turton

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Save South Dakota libraries, fight $1M cut | Letter to the Editor
The Supreme Court will review a decision from a lower court that blocked a Biden administration rule that made it easier for student loan borrowers who had been defrauded by their colleges to have their loans forgiven.

As of April, the Biden administration has forgiven more than $17 billion from student loan borrowers who have been defrauded by their colleges under what's called the borrower defense rule, which has been in effect since 1994 and rewritten in 2016, 2019 and 2022. The 2022 rewrite by the Biden administration was meant to clarify the grounds on which a claim could be filed and went into effect in 2023.

With the court's latest decision, a rule that Joe Biden spent his presidency championing could now be significantly narrowed in scope.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jason Altmire, president and chief executive officer of Career Education Colleges and Universities, said the court's decision does not validate the Biden administrations arguments.

"It simply means that the Supreme Court will hear arguments as to the scope of the Department of Educations authority related to [the borrower defense rule]," Altmire said in a statement on Friday. "It remains to be seen how the incoming Trump administration will argue the governments side of the case, but we strongly believe the facts of the case will show the Departments onerous [borrower defense rule] went well beyond the agencys authority.

In 2023 Career Colleges and Schools of Texas sued the Biden administration over the borrower defense rule, arguing that it was too easy for students to engage in the borrower defense process. That same year the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with CCST, blocking the rule from taking effect nationwide.

The lower court said the department cant grant the relief unless a borrower has defaulted and the government has sued them to collect on the loan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The apparent goals of this new framework are to accomplish massive loan forgiveness for borrowers and to reallocate the correspondingly massive financial liability to institutions of higher education, the complaint said.

Borrower defense applications became more common in 2015 after revelations of widespread fraud led to the collapse of Corinthian Colleges, one of the countrys largest chains of for-profit colleges.

By June 2019, the department had a backlog of claims that had grown to more than 210,000 pending applications, spurring a class-action suit alleging that the Education Department had unlawfully withheld or unreasonably delayed borrower relief, according to court documents.

The Supreme Court will consider whether the lower court erred in ruling that the Higher Education Act of 1965 does not allow for borrowers to file for borrower defense before default.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Student debt relief advocates have said that the lower courts ruling was too harsh.

The reason the administration wanted the Supreme Court to look at the case is because it's fundamentally wrong and stripping away a critical protection for students that Congress inarguably authorized," Eileen Connor, the president of the Project on Predatory Student Lending said in an interview on Friday. I hope this will be an opportunity to correct the 5th Circuit.
Yesterdays live coverage has ended. The Supreme Court seemed likely to uphold a law that would ban TikTok in the United States beginning Jan. 19 unless the popular social media program is sold by its China-based parent company.

Hearing arguments in a momentous clash of free speech and national security concerns, the justices seemed persuaded by arguments that the national security threat posed by the companys connections to China override concerns about restricting the speech, either of TikTok or its 170 million users in the United States.

4:20 PM EST

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Congressman says TikTok ban would be about reducing risk imposed by foreign adversary

By DIDI TANG

Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, on Friday said the Supreme Court had highlighted the fact that the lawmakers were not talking about eliminating speech.

Were actually reducing the risk imposed by a foreign adversary to manipulate communications and steal data from the American people, the congressman said.

TikTok law was a priority for the Select Committee, formed just two years ago to build bipartisan consensus to identify threats posed by Beijing.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




The Supreme Court decided Friday to take up the Biden administrations appeal defending its proposal to ease applications for the Borrower Defense student debt relief program.

In a brief order, the justices agreed to review an appeals court ruling that favored a challenge brought by an association of schools in Texas that argue the administration was not authorized to expand the program.

The courts order grants the case in time to potentially be heard this term, which would result in oral arguments being held this spring and a decision by early summer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Biden administration looked to make borrowers have an easier time applying for Borrower Defense around the same time the president was fighting for universal forgiveness.

The Borrower Defense program allows individuals who were defrauded by their school to receive loan forgiveness. Notable examples include Corinthian Colleges and ITT Technical Institute.

Borrowers have been defrauded through tactics such as providing inflated job placement numbers or deceptive recruiting tactics.

The Department of Education argued to the high court the plaintiffs, Career Colleges and Schools of Texas, do not have standing and the new rule is legal under the Higher Education Act.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Education Act also makes clear that the Department may assess borrower defenses in administrative proceedings invoked by a borrowers request. Indeed, Congress necessarily would have understood that the agency would assess borrower defenses, a petition by the government read in October 2024.

Meanwhile, the Texas group said the federal government has gone beyond the scope of its powers.

The courts play an important role in ensuring that administrative agencies heed the limits that Congress has placed upon them, the group said in December.

The Borrower Defense program has been through political ping pong as the Obama administration created a formal application for the program, the Trump administration restricted parts of the program, and Biden aimed to expand it again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So far, President Biden has given out $28.7 billion of student debt relief for more than 1.6 million borrowers through the Borrower Defense program.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 part of the expansion of the Mahakaleshwar temple corridor, 'Mahakal Lok,' located in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district, the district administration on Saturday began the work of removing 257 marked structures near the corridor, an official said. A heavy police force was deployed in the area to monitor the situation while the structures were being removed. The district administration had properly acquired the structures before starting the removal process. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Anukul Jain told ANI, "Proper acquisition of around 257 structures near Shakti Path of the Mahakal Lok was done. On Saturday, the structures are being removed. It is being done in view of the expansion of the Mahakal corridor in the future." Meanwhile, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nitesh Bhargava stated that police personnels were deployed at the spot to prevent any unpleasant situation during the action. "An area near the Shakti Path of Mahakal Corridor was marked which has more than 250 houses. The administration has acquired it and after that structures are being removed by the district administration. We have been deployed here to prevent any situation of law and order developing in the region due to the action," ASP Bhargava said. He also said that the action was carried out with the consent of the local people. After vacating the site, the structures were dismantled by the Ujjain Municipal Corporation. "In a joint action of Ujjain Municipal Corporation and district administration, the marked structures, including religious and residential sites were vacated with the consent of the locals and then it was removed. The police, administration and municipal corporation team jointly talked to the people, they agreed and after that it (regilious site) was removed," ASP Bhargava added. Earlier on Friday, the police administration also made a public announcement about today's action in the area. All the legal formalities were observed before beginning the action. Additional SP Bhargava and SDM Lakshmi Narayan Garg appealed to the people to vacate the houses and to maintain peace in the area. (ANI)
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court agreed Friday to consider reinstating some preventative care coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act that were struck down by a lower court.

The federal government appealed to the high court after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with employers who argued they can't be forced to provide full insurance coverage for things like medication to prevent HIV and some cancer screenings. The lower-court ruling chipped away at the program sometimes referred to as Obamacare.

Challengers raised religious and procedural objections to some of the requirements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Not all preventive care was threatened by the ruling. A 2023 analysis prepared by the KFF, a nonprofit, found that some screenings, including mammography and cervical cancer screening, would still be covered without out-of-pocket costs.

Services and medications that might not be covered under the ruling include statins to prevent heart disease, lung cancer screening, HIV prevention, as well as medications to lower the risk of breast cancer for high-risk women, the group found.

The requirements now remain in place for now, except for the eight companies who sued.

The conservative 5th Circuit found that coverage requirements were adopted unconstitutionally because they came from a body  the United States Preventive Services Task Force  whose members were not nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

The court is expected to hear the case in the spring.

___
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV)  The Milwaukee Police Department said that the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office issued criminal charges against a man connected to an officer-involved shooting.

According to a release from the Milwaukee Police Department, Emilio A. Arner-Ortiz was sought out by officers on Monday around 9:37 p.m. for sexual assault of a child.

TikTok faces possible U.S. ban amid national security and privacy concerns

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officers were informed that Arner-Ortiz was in a residence, and he was contacted. Amidst the communication, Arner-Ortiz reportedly pulled out a firearm and a struggle ensued between officers and Arner-Ortiz.

One officer fired his gun, striking Arner-Ortiz, who was arrested and taken to a hospital for non-fatal injury treatment.

Arner-Ortiz was charged with the following:

Computer usage to facilitate child sex crimes

Abducting a child

Child enticement

Second-degree sexual assault of a child under 16 years old

Intentionally pointing a firearm at law enforcement

18-year-old arrested in Wisconsin for possession of child pornography

A conviction could see Arner-Ortiz face up to 126 years in prison with up to $360,000 in fines.

No more details were 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.
YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio (WDTN)  Police are investigating after a person was found fatally shot in Yellow Springs Friday night.

According to the Village of Yellow Springs, police were called to the 1200 block of Livermore Street around 11:30 p.m. Friday for a welfare check.

Miami Valley winter storm blog: What counties are under a Snow Emergency?

Upon arrival, officers discovered a person shot and killed. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations was called to investigate the scene as a homicide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A suspect was identified and taken into custody.

Yellow Springs says there is no threat to the community at this time.

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 WDTN.com.
BANGKOK (Reuters) - A suspected hitman accused of killing a Cambodian former opposition lawmaker in a brazen attack in Bangkok was handed over to Thai authorities on Saturday from Cambodia, where he had been arrested after crossing the border.

Thai national Ekkalak Paenoi, 41, faces charges including premeditated murder in the Tuesday shooting death of Lim Kimya, 74, in the Thai capital.

"The suspect confessed to the crime and to being the person in the arrest warrant," Somprasong Yentuam, assistant national police chief, told reporters. "He looked stressed."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ekkalak, a motorcycle taxi driver who police officers told Reuters was a former marine, was taken to Bangkok after Thai police coordinated with Cambodian authorities. A Thai court issued the warrant and he was arrested on Wednesday.

Lim Kimya, a Cambodian and French citizen, was killed by a gunman firing three shots, hours after arriving from Cambodia with his wife and brother and travelling to Bangkok by bus, police have said.

He was a member of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, a popular opposition group that was dissolved by a court over an alleged treason plot ahead of a 2018 election. The party dismissed the alleged plot as a fabrication.

Cambodia's government, led by the Cambodian People's Party for more than four decades, has conducted a ruthless, years-long crackdown on its opponents, with scores of politicians and activists receiving prison terms, many in absentia, and hundreds more fleeing into exile. It has denied persecuting the opposition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lim Kimya was not a prominent member of the opposition movement. Police and the Thai government said they had not to determined the motive for his killing.

(Reporting by Orathai Sriring, Kitiphong Thaichareon and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by William Mallard)
DIERKS, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS)  A winter storm covered southwest Arkansas in a blanket of snow, and many locals took the opportunity to make the most of the day off.

This is rare for us to get this kind of beautiful big snow, so were soaking it up the best that we can while its here, said Howard County residents Cameron and Luke Glasgow.

Many families were outside building snowmen and enjoying the winter wonderland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jesus Salazer was with his sister and said, Weve just been sledding around, building snowmen and having snowball fights and stuff, and drinking hot chocolate.

Many people stayed indoors or in their yards, choosing not to brave the roads.

According to Arkansas state police, they received calls for towing services.

More Arkansas News

The majority of our calls for service were vehicles that had merely slid off the roads, got in a ditch, got turned around facing the wrong way on the rural highways. Not necessarily an accident, but a call for service, said Lieutenant Jamie Gravier, Highway patrol troop commander, troop G.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He adds that there is still snow on secondary highways in the northern Hempstead County or Howard County North and East of Nashville, Arkansas.

Arkansas Department of Transportation, theyve been really diligent and trying to stay on top of it with their plows and graters. You know, whenever a trooper or another law enforcement officer reports an area that needs attention, theyre trying to get to it as soon as they can, but their primary concern was the major thoroughfares, said Lieutenant Gravier.

Cameron Glasgow says she has not braved the roads, but she gives a shoutout to the highway department.

They were covering our highway here on 278 from about 10:30 last night all the way through the night to make sure that people could get out to where they needed to be. So we havent had any problems personally. We havent lost power thats been a huge blessing, so that makes it where we can really enjoy it a lot more, said Glasgow.

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.
SYDNEY (Reuters) - A synagogue in Sydney was daubed in antisemitic graffiti, police said on Saturday, a day after the antisemitic vandalism of a separate synagogue in the New South Wales state capital.

Australia has seen a series of antisemitic incidents in the last year, including graffiti on buildings and cars in Sydney, as well as an arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne that police have ruled as terrorism.

In the latest incident, police said they were notified of graffiti on the synagogue, in the inner suburb of Newtown, early Saturday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A house in Sydney's east, a hub of the city's Jewish community, was also daubed with antisemitic graffiti, police said, adding they were also probing offensive comments on a street poster in the suburb of Marrickville.

On Friday, a special police taskforce was set up to investigate an attack on the Southern Sydney Synagogue in the suburb of Allawah in the early hours of Friday morning.

"(There is) no place in Australia, our tolerant multicultural community, for this sort of criminal activity," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday, referring to the Southern Sydney Synagogue incident.

Australia has seen an increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents since Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023 and Israel launched its war on Gaza. Some Jewish organisations have said the government has not taken sufficient action in response.

(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
A Syrian migrant was probably crushed to death in a leaking dinghy while trying to cross the English Channel to Britain, French authorities have said.

It was the first reported death at sea of a migrant seeking to travel to Britain from France so far this year.

Last night, 30 migrants tried to get into the water on the beach at Sangatte, on the northern coast of France, the Pas-de-Calais prefecture told AFP.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Only a few minutes later the group disembarked from the leaking dinghy. On the floor of the boat, a Syrian man in his twenties was found, the prefecture said, adding that he had suffered cardiac arrest.

He had probably been crushed to death, officials said.

According to the prefecture, 77 people died trying to reach Britain in flimsy inflatable boats in 2024, making it the deadliest year for migrants, who are taking ever greater risks to evade Britains border control.

Confiscated small boats and outboard motors used to cross the Channel from France at a warehouse in Dover on Jan 9 - Gareth Fuller/PA

Associations providing help to migrants recorded 89 fatalities last year. The count includes migrants who died at sea and on the coast of northern France.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the prefecture, two people have been arrested as part of an investigation opened by the Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutors office.

Due to unfavourable weather conditions, only 61 migrants arrived in the UK on small boats between Jan 1 and 10, according to British authorities.

More than 36,800 people were detected crossing the Channel last year, a 25 percent increase from the 29,437 who arrived in 2023, according to provisional figures from the interior ministry.

According to Downing Street, illegal migration was one of the issues discussed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer last Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Saturday evening, a UK Government spokesperson said: We can confirm there has been a tragic incident involving a small boat on the French coast which has resulted in the loss of one life. Our thoughts are with those affected.

This latest tragedy underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings, and we continue to do everything we can to prevent them. These criminals only care about profit, not the lives they put at risk, which is why they are cramming ever-greater numbers of people onto increasingly flimsy and dangerous boats.

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.
Afghanistan became the largest importer of Russian flour in 2024, Russia's state agricultural export agency Agroexport reported on Jan. 10.

The purchases doubled, compared to the previous year, to nearly $80 million.

This surge aligns with Russias efforts to strengthen ties with the Taliban government, including recent steps toward officially recognizing the regime.

Afghanistan depends on imported flour due to limited domestic production capacity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russias overall flour exports reached $300 million in 2024, with China and Turkmenistan also among the top buyers.

Russia has maintained contact with the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan without officially recognizing the new authorities. Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited Afghanistan on Nov. 25, saying that the removal of the Taliban from the list of terrorist groups is in its "final stage."

"Let me confirm our readiness to establish a constructive political dialogue between our countries and among the goals would be providing an impulse for the process of a settlement among Afghans," Shoigu reportedly said.

"We have tried to ensure conditions for a growth in exports of Afghan goods and a growth in foreign investment."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also: Putin to push for barring Ukraines NATO accession in expected talks with Trump, FT reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Delhi has witnessed a significant improvement in its law and order situation, according to the latest data released by the Delhi Police on Saturday. The data reveals a decline in cases of murder, robbery, rape, and molestation compared to the previous year. According to Delhi Police data, while 506 cases of murder were registered in 2023, it decreased to 504 in 2024. The case of robbery came down to 1654 in 2023 from 1510 to 2024. According to the police, cases of molestation were also reduced. While 2345 cases of molestation were registered in 2023, it has come down to 2037 in 2024. Not only this, according to police data, 2141 cases of rape were registered in 2023, while in 2024 it came down to 2076 cases. Meanwhile, Delhi Police's Special CP Law and Order, Ravindra Yadav said on Friday that whenever the topic (of Law and Order here) has been raised our DCP has countered it with all the facts. "I don't want to comment on political issues as I am a police officer and not a political leader... Also whenever the topic (of Law and Order here) has been raised our DCP has countered it with all the facts...," he said. This improvement comes amidst concerns raised by Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal regarding the law and order situation in the National Capital. Kejriwal had written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting Delhi's ranking as number one in crimes against women and murder cases among 19 metro cities in India. In December 2024, Kejriwal wrote a letter to Shah requesting a meeting to discuss concerns regarding law and order in Delhi. In a letter to Home Minister Shah, Kejriwal had said, "Delhi's law and order is under the Central Government., but Delhi is now being known as the capital of crime." "Delhi ranks number one in crimes against women among 19 metro cities of India, Delhi ranks number one in murder cases and extortion gangs are active across the city," Kejriwal had said. Earlier on November 19, the Delhi High Court instructed the Delhi Government and Delhi Police to develop a comprehensive action plan, including a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address bomb threats and related emergencies. The court set a deadline of eight weeks for the completion of these directives. Meanwhile, the Delhi assembly elections are scheduled to take place in a single phase on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8. (ANI)
Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) unanimously adopted their election manifesto at a party conference in Berlin on Saturday.

In the over 60-page document, the centre-left party promises tax cuts, a higher minimum wage, stable pensions and bigger public investments should they be returned to power in the February 23 federal elections.

It backs defence spending of at least 2% of economic output, in line with NATO's target, and reforms to Germany's so-called "debt brake," which places limits on government borrowing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Arms deliveries to Ukraine should be continued "with prudence and a sense of proportion," according to the party programme.

The document warns that Germany and NATO must not become parties to the war between Ukraine and Russia, and rules out the delivery of the long-range Taurus missiles requested by Kiev.

On the hot-button issue of migration, the SPD writes that it is committed to "quick and consistent deportations," especially of criminals, but continues to prefer the voluntary return of migrants without the right to remain in Germany to their countries of origin.

It says it rejects the relocation of asylum procedures to countries outside the European Union.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The manifesto also calls for Germany's high-speed train network to offer more frequent service between major cities and more night trains.

The party on Saturday officially confirmed Chancellor Olaf Scholz as its top candidate for February's parliamentary elections.

Scholz was nominated again as candidate for chancellor by the party's executive at the end of November, but still needed the approval of delegates.
Private schools are refusing to raise teachers pay and pressuring them into accepting pension cuts as Labours tax raid comes into effect, the countrys largest education union has said.

Teachers of less popular subjects such as Latin and foreign languages have also been sacked as curriculums are scaled back to afford 20pc VAT on school fees, while hundreds more jobs are under threat according to the National Education Union (NEU).

Parents have been warned the scale of belt tightening is so drastic that the quality of their childrens education is in jeopardy as schools respond to the new taxes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The union also claimed budget cuts at private schools are being enforced through fire and rehire practices, where employers terminate contracts and ask staff to sign on again with less favourable terms.

Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the NEU, told The Telegraph: We have had some reports from members that the VAT increase is impacting [upon] jobs, pensions and pay increases.

The NEU continues to talk to [the] Government about mitigating the unintended consequences on staff. Where terms and conditions are threatened by an employer, NEU will robustly defend our members.

It comes as schools across the country are forced to add VAT on to fees charged to parents for the first time in an unprecedented tax on education imposed by the Government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, told The Telegraph: These are the inevitable consequences of the dogmatic socialist assault on independent schools via VAT on fees and charging business rates.

Union member teachers are paying the price as well as parents. Once again Labour does not care about the workers.

Private schools across the country increased their fees on January 1 by more than the Government projected. In October, an impact assessment by the Treasury claimed fees would only rise by 10pc on average.

But Telegraph analysis of fee changes from 964 private schools in England, Scotland and Wales found around half of those schools had increased fees by 15pc or more, while a fifth had raised fees by the full 20pc. The average fee increase was found to be 14pc.

Abandoned pension schemes

In addition to raising fees, many schools are abandoning the generous Teachers Pension Scheme in which thousands of teaching staff at private schools are enrolled, a source familiar with the matter said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The scheme sees employers pay 28.68pc of salaries into pension pots, with teachers contributing between 7.4pc and 11.7pc depending on their pay. Last year, employer contributions in the scheme rose by 5pc.

Yet the generous retirement package is now one of several costs schools are attempting to reduce in response to Labours tax raid, the NEU also said, along with some schools implementing 0pc pay increases for staff.

Teachers are under pressure to self-fund between 3.5pc and 5pc more of their pension in an effective pay cut, the NEU said according to the reports it has received from members.

The NEU, which has close to half a million members nationally, is the largest single union in the independent school sector with 34,000 members in 1,700 schools, according to its website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Reports submitted to the union claim private schools are also dispensing with less popular subjects, such as Latin and modern languages, resulting in teacher redundancies.

We are witnessing a concerning trend among schools seeking to reduce fixed costs, with teachers remuneration packages, often the largest expenditure, being disproportionately targeted. This undermines teachers agreed terms and conditions and, in some cases, is being enforced through the draconian practice of fire and rehire, an NEU spokesman told The Telegraph.

Beyond pensions, cost-cutting measures are leading to the reduction of GCSE offerings and scaling back of less popular A-level subjects, such as Latin and modern foreign languages, resulting in teacher redundancies.

Many private schools have already implemented 0pc pay increases, and an alarming number are signalling similar freezes for this year and beyond. These practices collectively jeopardise the stability of teachers livelihoods, and the quality of education provided to students, he added.

Playing politics with education

Fewer pupils paying school fees could add pressure on private schools to make cuts elsewhere to pay VAT and business rates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Government projections last year projected the raid could drive 35,000 more pupils into state schools by the end of the decade, however, analysis has since suggested this figure could be much higher.

More than 3,000 private school students applied to join state schools between June and September, analysis found. A further 2,500 pupils have given notice to leave in January, according to separate figures compiled by the Independent Schools Council (ISC), which surveyed 900 members.

The ISC accused Labour of playing politics with education.

A spokesman said: Schools have been dealing with a range of financial challenges in recent years, including increases to teacher pension contributions and energy bills. Now they face a triple tax whammy of VAT on fees, the loss of business rates relief, and national insurance rises.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In such circumstances, difficult decisions have had to be made  and school leaders will continue to face unpalatable choices over the coming months and years.

When the employer contributions to the Teachers Pension Scheme were increased, unions  including the NEU  warned that the unfunded rise for independent schools would force more dropouts from the TPS.

When the current Government announced a rushed implementation of its tax on education, unions  including the NEU  warned that it risked teacher jobs and a narrowing of the curriculum in some schools.

It is a real shame that these warnings were not heeded, and that schools, teachers and ultimately children are now paying the price for ministers playing politics with education.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A government spokesman said: Through our Plan for Change we are determined to break down the barriers to opportunity children face, driving high and rising standards across education. Our teachers are integral to that mission.

Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise 1.8bn a year by 2029-30 to help deliver 6,500 new teachers and raise school standards, supporting the 94pc of children in state schools to achieve and thrive.

Neil OBrien, the shadow education minister, said: Labours education tax is hurting teachers and hurting those with special needs. They are taxing independent schools even as they attack good schools in the state sector. School leaders in the state system are warning teachers pay will be hit by the centralisation of pay in the disastrous Schools Bill, even as teachers conditions in independent schools are being hammered by the education tax.

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.
Technologists say the hazy definition of artificial intelligence leaves a wide opening for companies to over-promise or over-market the capabilities of their products  or even render AI more of a marketing gimmick than a real technology. (Photo illustration by tolgart/Getty Images)

In his college courses at Stanford University, Jehangir Amjad poses a curious question to his students: Was the 1969 moon landing a product of artificial intelligence?

It might sound like a work of science fiction, or time travel, he said, but understanding the history of AI answers the question for them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I would actually argue, yes, a lot of the algorithms that were part of what put us on the moon are precursors to a lot of what we are seeing today as well, said Amjad, a Bay Area technology executive and a computer science lecturer at Stanford. Its essentially precursors to the same kind of similar sort of next, next, next generation algorithms.

Amjad poses the question to his students to underline how hard it is to actually define artificial intelligence. This has become even more difficult as the technology explodes in sophistication and public awareness.

The beauty and the dilemma is, what is AI? is actually very hard to define, Amjad said.

That broad definition  and public understanding  of artificial intelligence can make it difficult for both consumers and the tech industry to parse out what is real AI and what is simply marketed as such.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Swapnil Shinde, the Los Altos, California-based CEO and cofounder of AI bookkeeping software Zeni, has seen it through his investment firm Twin Ventures. Over the last two years, Shinde has seen a huge uptick in companies seeking funding that describe themselves as AI-powered or AI-driven. The AI market is very saturated, and some AI companies in fact just use the technology in a very small part of their product, he said.

Its very easy to figure out after a few conversations if the startup is just building a wrap around ChatGPT and calling that a product, Shinde said. And if thats the case, they are not going to survive for long, because its not really deep tech. It isnt solving a very deep, painful problem that was driven by humans for a long period of time.

The rush to build AI

Since early 2023, Theresa Fesinstine said she has observed a race in the corporate world to introduce AI technologies in order to stay competitive and relevant. Its when she launched her AI education company, peoplepower.ai, in which she leads workshops, teaches organizations about how AI is built and consults them on which tools might be a good fit for their needs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a time where everyone wants to claim the most cutting edge tools, some basic education about AI can help both companies and their employees navigate the technology landscape, the Norwalk, Connecticut-based founder said.

In an effort to look more innovative, companies may tout basic automations or rule-based alerts as exciting new AI tools, Fesinstine said. While these tools do use some foundational technologies of AI, the companies could be overstating the tools abilities, she said, especially when they throw around the popular buzzword term generative AI, which uses complicated algorithms and deep learning techniques to learn, adapt and predict.

The pressure on companies to keep up with the latest and greatest may also lead some organizations to buy new AI software tools, even if they dont have a strategy to implement and train their employees how to best use it.

Its predatory, I would say, Fesinstine said. For companies, especially those that are feeling unsure of what AI is going to look like, what it should be, people have a fear of being left behind.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some technologists argue that ambiguity around what is or isnt AI allows for all kinds of tech products to be sold as such. Predictive analytics, for example, which uses data to forecast future outcomes, may be borderline AI, said Ed Watal, the Reston, Virginia-based founder of IT and AI strategy consultancy firm Intellibus.

True AI systems use algorithms to sort, analyze and review data, and make informed decisions on what to do with it, based on what humans prompt it to do. The learning aspects of these systems are how AI gets smarter over time through neural networks which take feedback and use history to get better at completing tasks over time.

But the purists, the purists, will argue that AI is only machine learning and deep learning, he said.

AI washing

Though there seems to be an AI-powered company promising to do pretty much any task for you, technologists warn that todays real AI has its limitations. Watal said the industry has seen some AI washing or over-promising and over-marketing the uses of AI.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A company that promises that its AI tool can build a website from the ground up could be an example, he said. While you could get ChatGPT or another AI algorithm to generate the code, it cant create a fully functioning website, he said.

You wouldnt be able to do things which require, lets say, something as simple as sending an email, because sending an email requires a [simple mail transfer protocol] server, Watal said. Yeah, you could ask this AI tool to also write the code for a mail server, but youd still have to host it and run it somewhere. So its not as simple as, oh, you click a button and you have an entire app.

Amjad, who is also the head of AI Platform at generative AI company Ikigai, said companies sometimes over-promise and over-market the ability of AI to perform original, creative tasks.

While artificial intelligence tools are great at pattern recognition, data sorting and generating ideas based on existing content, humans remain the source of original, creative tasks and output, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

People would argue that in the public imagination, AI is creating a lot of things, but really its regurgitating. Its not creating, right? Amjad said. And we should doubt wherever we start seeing claims of originality coming from AI because originality is a very human trait.

Its definitely not the first time that a new technology has captured the publics attention and led to a marketing frenzy, Watal said. About a decade ago, the concept of Web3, or a decentralized internet that relies on blockchain technology, quickly grew in popularity, he said.

Blockchain technology operates as sort of a public ledger, where transactions and records are kept in an accessible forum. Its the basis of many cryptocurrencies, and while it has become more mainstream in recent years, it hasnt taken over the internet as was predicted about a decade ago.

The cloud is another example of a technology marketing makeover, Watal said. The concept of remote servers storing information separately from your hardware goes back decades, but after Apples introduction of the Elastic Compute Cloud in 2006, every technology company competed to get their claim to the cloud.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Only time will tell if we are overusing or underusing the term artificial intelligence, Amjad said.

I think its very clear that both the hype and the promise, and the promise of applications is actually pretty real, Amjad said. But that doesnt mean that we may not be, in certain quarters, overdoing it.

Amjad suspects the interest in AI will only continue to rise, but he feels Ikigais technology is one that will prove itself amid the hype cycle.

Yes, its come and captured the public imagination. And Im absolutely thrilled about that part, but its something that builds upon a very long tradition of these things, Amjad said. And I wish that would help temper some of the expectations  the hype cycle has actually existed in AI, at least a couple of times, in the last, maybe, 50 years itself.
WILDWOOD, Fla. (WFLA)  A teenager accused of plowing through a cemetery and damaging several headstones in Florida has been arrested, NBC affiliate WESH reported.

The Wildwood Police Department said around 2:36 a.m. on Wednesday, a driver ran through the Greenwood Cemetery, located off Clyde Street in Wildwood, striking multiple tombstones.

Man accused of beating hotel resident to death with fire extinguisher in Florida

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The driver, in a dark-colored SUV, then fled the scene. According to WESH, police found parts of the SUV at the graveyard.

Detectives used surveillance video and other pieces of evidence to track down the vehicle and teen suspect at a home nearly two miles from the cemetery, WESH reported.

I got a message from my friend, and I rushed here because my friend said, Someone has damaged the graveyard, and I believe your grandmother was one of the headstones that got hit. I was heartbroken, a local resident told WESH.

DeSantis appointee to university board says women should become mothers, not pursue higher ed

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I just hope whoever did this really regrets what they did, changes their ways and comes out here and makes it right, a resident with loved ones buried at the cemetery said. This is our home cemetery here in Wildwood, and I just cant believe what went on.

The 18-year-old suspect, whose name was not disclosed, was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash and causing property damage.

WESH reported that the suspect will also face three counts of criminal mischief for property damage at a construction site back in October and December.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) provided updates about the winter storm impacting the state in a livestream Friday.

TEMA director Patrick Sheehan spoke on the agencys YouTube channel and explained there is still a Level 3  State of Emergency, not only because of the winter storm, but also due to continuing response to Hurricane Helene.

PREVIOUS: TEMA declares state of emergency ahead of snow

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sheehan added crews with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) have been dispatched and are working across the state. At the time of the press conference, TDOT was focusing on Priority 1 routes. Sheehan said the agency would move to Priority 2 routes as conditions allowed.

Give them lots of room if youre out and about driving today, Sheehan said. Weve already had one accident, at least, with a salt truck being struck from behind by a commercial motor vehicle. Please travel safely if you have to be out and about and give lots of room to our dedicated TDOT teams.

Additionally, Sheehan noted the forecast indicated snow will continue through much of the state and travel conditions could be impacted by thaws and subsequent refreezes. He said warming shelters are open in a number of places throughout the state. If you have any questions, Sheehan advised contacting officials in your area.

At the time of the press conference, Sheehan reported minimal power outages, with 2,800 reports of meters being impacted primarily in Fayette, Henderson and Shelby counties. Nevertheless, Sheehan recommended reducing energy consumption if your health and conditions allow. According to a later published flash report from TEMA, the number of statewide power outages was 800.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As of publication, there were no impacts to water service in Middle Tennessee due to weather.

Carbon monoxide poisoning risks increase in the winter

If you use a generator, use it outside and keep it dry, Sheehan said. You want to have it more than 20 feet from your livable space and you want to make sure that exhaust doesnt get blown back into your home.

Other tips Sheehan provided included dressing appropriately, including covering extremities, if youre spending time outdoors or minimizing time spent outside. If you use alternative heating sources, Sheehan encouraged responsible use and ample space so nothing catches fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A flash report from TEMA also encouraged residents to report any price gouging to the Attorney Generals Division of Consumer Affairs. You can follow this link to see TEMAs webpage dedicated to the winter event.

Dont forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  The Texas Comptroller will release its estimated revenue the day before the start of the next legislative session and the comptroller said the state will have another surplus.

Once again the legislature here is in a very positive position to make some real monumental decisions and life-changing decisions for Texans, Glenn Hegar, the Texas Comptroller, explained.

Two years ago state lawmakers were given a record $32.7 billion surplus which it used to make a lot of one-time expenses on infrastructure funding and giving out property tax cuts. The state was able to carry over some of that surplus into the next budgetary cycle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Texas could pass universal school choice in 2025

The surplus money could be used to set up an education savings account program, fulfilling one of the top priorities for state Republicans. An education savings account would allow Texas families to use state money to pay for their childs private school.

How that program would look is still a mystery right now. State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R  Conroe, told Nexstar late last year he believes the bill will be a universal program  meaning any family could take advantage of the program. Creighton said the program will have a set dollar amount and that money would come from the surplus. A school choice bill has not been filed yet.

There are some state Republicans who are not fully on-board with establishing an ESA program. State Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R  New Boston, voted against the bill last session. Ahead of the new session, he said he is open to discussion about a possible program but wants to make sure money is not taken away from public schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weve been told that certain proposals will not affect funding of public schools, and if thats the case then certinaly that is great. I appreciate that. We need to be careful that were not just looking at today but looking to the future implications of this bill, VanDeaver said.

Hegar said his office will most likely be responsible for standing up the program and managing it. He provided some insight into how it could be funded. He is suggesting the state start small, focusing on certain demographics, like economically disadvantaged students and those with disabilities.

If youre making it universal but youre also taking one step at a time so you know actually what are the parameters and how you balance the entire education system in the state of Texas, Hegar explained.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A Texas community is raising money for a man known for his "kind heart and infectious personality" after his wife of 25 years died in a home fire.

On Dec. 26, Robert Earl Davis and wife Diane Woffords home in Overton caught fire, according to a GoFundMe and local ABC affiliate KLTV.

As Davis recounted to KLTV, he and Diane  who were in different rooms of the home because they "dont like to watch the same television"  were separated by the fire and he couldn't hear her as he screamed for her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I am thinking shes gotten out. I am getting whooped by this fire and I go out the back. Shes always on the couch by the front door so I rush to the front and shes not outside, Davis, known locally as the "shoe shine man," told the outlet. I would trade places with her right now, but I cant. She was my heart. I didnt realize how much I loved her until now."

According a GoFundMe launched to assist Davis financially, firefighters were "able to get to Robert" at the scene, but Diane "sadly perished in the flames." Per an obituary, Diane died on Dec. 26 at 65 years old.

The Overton Fire Department told KLTV on Wednesday, Jan. 8, that it was still investigating the cause of the fire.

Related: What They Grabbed in the L.A. Fires and Why: Tender Stories from Those Who Left Almost Everything Behind (Exclusive)

Overton Fire Department/Facebook An Overton Fire Department vehicle An Overton Fire Department vehicle

Davis had been shining shoes in the Henderson area for several years "because of the outlet it gives me to meet new people and be a part of the community," he told KLTV. He was most recently shining shoes at Uppercut Barber Shop on Main Street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After his wife's death, he's also been unable to travel for work, he revealed. "I have no clue what Im going to do," Davis said.

Davis' community has since come together to assist him financially, as his daughter Mae has been "trying to find him a new place to live."

The fundraiser launched on the family's behalf has since earned more than $4,600 of a $7,500 goal as of Saturday, Jan. 11, the date of Diane's funeral services.

"If you'd like to donate to help them, it's not only greatly appreciated but would ensure that Robert has a chance to remain a part of the East Texas community that he calls family," the GoFundMe reads.

Read the original article on People
AUSTIN (KXAN)  On Saturday, Governor Greg Abbott announced Texas would send resources to aid Californias wildfire response.

Multiple state agencies are expected to deploy more than 135 firefighters, emergency management and medical personnel, and more than 45 fire engines, ambulances, command vehicles and equipment to California as crews battle ongoing wildfires.

Central Texas Firefighters head to California to help with wildfires. (Photo credit: Williamson County ESD 5/ Jarrell Fire/Rescue). Kyle Firefighters head to California to help with wildfires. (Photo credit: Kyle Fire Department). AFD firefighters head to California to help with wildfires. (Photo by: Lt. Mike Scott, Austin Fire).

The resources were granted after a request from CAL FIRE through the California Office of Emergency Services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The agencies involved include:

Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)

Texas A&M Forest Service

Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System

Texas Emergency Medical Task Force

They work 24 hours on, and then they will get 24 hours off, Lt. Stephen Gibbon with the Austin Fire Department said. Theyll be working through the nightwere here to serve.

The Central Texas Strike team was assigned to the Palisades fire according to Gibbon.

The crew arrived on Sunday night and began their 24-hour shift on Monday.

[Were seeing] houses burned down to the ground, stores burned down to the ground, Justin Rucker, a Kyle Firefighter said. We can see the devastation on the faces of those who have lost property.

According to the Governors Office, the deployment was coordinated under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which enables states to provide assistance and share resources with another state in response to a disaster or emergency.

Central Texas resources

A group of firefighters from several Central Texas agencies is also headed to California to help. According to a Facebook post from Williamson County Emergency Services District 5/Jarrell Fire and Rescue, a caravan with a strike team deployed to LA over the weekend and started helping with response Monday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The group includes firefighters from Jarrell, Hutto, Kyle, Austin, Killeen, Morgans Point, Bryan, and Round 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 KXAN Austin.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Youngstown firefighters had a warning Friday as they conducted ice-rescue training at Mill Creek Park.

Any moment, someone could walk out on this ice thinking its nice and solid and fall right through, said Youngstown Fire Lt. Pat Holcomb.

These firefighters are willing to take the plunge, however, to prepare for the event of an emergency.

Teamwork is the best thing to do and thats why were out here training, Holcomb said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Youngstown Fire Department holds ice rescue training like this every winter. Its not a situation they respond to often, but when it does happen, they need to be prepared.

The suits are very effective; they actually allow us about three hours we could be in this water and still be nice and warm, Holcomb said.

Time is of the essence in any emergency, but when dealing with someone who has fallen into frigid water, they have no time to freeze.

With the cold, hypothermia happens within minutes, Holcomb said.

Rescuers zipped up in watertight suits took turns pulling each other out of the water through a hole cut in the ice. Holcomb said the training allows them to practice for a real-life scenario.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The suit itself is buoyant. It allows us to float. You get underneath them, and were able to just push them out of there, he said.

The ice at Lake Glacier was about three inches thick on Friday, but the fire department and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recommend people avoid venturing out onto any body of water that is frozen or iced over.

Never come out here by yourself. If youre ever going around ice water, always have a partner or let someone know where youre at, Holcomb said.

Holcomb said if you do find yourself trapped in icy water, try not to flail because it uses up energy and reduces your body temperature faster.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

ODNR also offered the following tips:

Be mindful of changing conditions

Ice conditions can change rapidly due to fluctuating temperatures, flowing water beneath the surface, or snow cover. Warmer weather weakens ice and increases the likelihood of danger.

Wear proper safety gear

Dress in warm layers and wear a properly fitted life jacket. Carry essential safety items, including ice picks, rope, and a throwable flotation device, which can be lifesaving in an emergency.

Stay informed

Check local weather forecasts and ice conditions before planning activities. Pay attention to advisories or warnings issued by park officials or local authorities.

Avoid alcohol consumption

Alcohol impairs judgment and increases the risk of accidents. Celebrate safely after returning from your activities, not while engaging in them.

Chelsea Simeon 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.
A petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court requesting the immediate removal of Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi by the Secretary to the President of India and others. The plea, filed by advocate CR Jaya Sukin, stated that the Governor left the Legislative Assembly on January 6 without delivering his customary address. "He has completed a hat trick of walkouts from the Legislative Assembly. He claimed that the national anthem was not played, as per his request, at the beginning of his official address. Instead, the Tamil Nadu state anthem, 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' (Invocation to Mother Tamil), was sung," the plea stated. According to reports, Governor Ravi stirred controversy by staging a walkout from the state assembly before his customary opening address even began. He complained that despite his multiple requests, the national anthem was not played before the House convened for the first time this year. In the plea, the advocate said, "Article 153 of the Constitution states that there shall be a Governor for each State and under Article 155, the President appoints the Governor. Article 163 of the Constitution states that there shall be a Council of Ministers to assist and advise the Governor. It is not the Governor's duty to order the playing of the national anthem first. The Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has now crossed, and violated all terms and conditions of the Indian Constitution, The customary address to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly by the Governor at the beginning of a new year's session is turning into an unsavoury event year after year." "Since taking over as Tamil Nadu Governor, he has made charged political comments, ignoring the rules of conduct of the Governor's office, and has termed the Dravidian model of governance 'an expired ideology'," the plea added. "He has held up legislation by refusing to give his assent to bills. On occasion, he has sent back bills or withheld the bills," it further stated. The Governor has frequently criticized the Dravidian culture and Dravidian model of governance. The Supreme Court has previously stated that the Governor cannot enter the political arena and can only discharge the functions specified in the Constitution, the petition noted. (ANI)
(Editor's note: The part of the story past the marks was published in 2017 in the wake of the violence in Charlottesville, Va.)

Since the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, hate groups have been working hard to uphold beliefs in white supremacy in the United States, the Southern Poverty Law Center said in its 2023 "Year in Hate and Extremism" report.

Florida was second in the nation for the number of hate groups  115. Though none are Ku Klux Klan  considered the granddaddy of hate groups, neo-Confederates and white nationalists were on the list.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sometimes it helps to look back to history for understanding. The Klan has had several appearances in Palm Beach County, though often demonstrations fell flat.

Florida History: Ku Klux Klan exposed

'Covered cowards, hooded hoodlums, sheeted jerks'

On July 28, 1990, about 30 people affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan marched in Palm Beach, a meager showing considering local Klan leaders predicted 100 to 450 would march in the scheduled and permitted rally. The group, with five or six in robes and hoods, wended their way slowly down Worth Avenue, up South County Road and into Memorial Park next to Town Hall.

The governor of Florida in 1951 had no patience for the Ku Klux Klan. He called them covered cowards, hooded hoodlums, sheeted jerks.

Fuller Warren could afford to go after the shadowy group. Florida didnt need the Klan to press Jim Crow. It was the law of the land.

Florida, now considered the most northern of the Southern states, once was a hotbed of racism. Many will argue theres still plenty of it between Pensacola and Key West  including in Palm Beach County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Klan had emerged in Florida by 1868, not two years after it was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee. And the state has been one of the Klans strongest and most violent realms, Michael Newton wrote in his 2001 book, Invisible Empire: the Ku Klux Klan in Florida.

9/13/80 - A knight of the invisible empire (Ku Klux Klan) named Ron, (they refuse to give out their last names, to remain invisible) happily gives a passing motorist at Four Points in West Palm Beach a Klan newspaper and asks for a donation. (Russell Bronson/The Palm Beach Post)

The Southern Poverty Law Center no longer lists any Klan chapters in Florida. That wasnt always the case. The boomtown 1920s saw neighborhoods popping up across Palm Beach County, and at least two chapters of the shadowy group that insists its not about hate, just pride.

The first was believed to be the Albert Sidney Johnson Klan chapter, named for a Civil War general, and a chapter also was established in Lake Worth. Articles would announce the groups meetings and say refreshments would be served.

In that period after World War I, the new Klan had pivoted. It was continuing to go after Black people but was focusing more on what was described as the immigrant scourge and what it saw as a decline in family values, longtime Florida historian Gary Mormino said.

This September 1923 ad in The Palm Beach Post announced an initiation ceremony for the Ku Klux Klan's Lake Worth chapter, followed by a parade. (Palm Beach Post archives)

The Klan sold itself as a sort of moral guardian of an America that was going to hell in a handbasket because of immigrants; Jews; the new woman that emerged in the 20s that was smoking and doing the Charleston, Mormino said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

By the time Warren went after the Klan in the early 1950s, it still was strong in rural areas, but its extremism had made it not only in disrepute but pretty marginal as well, Mormino said.

Fuller Warren, governor of Florida, 1949-1953

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Florida, and Palm Beach County, he said, You didnt need the Klan to be a racist.

By the 1960s, Florida, and Palm Beach County, were becoming more northern, more immigrant, more Jewish and more Hispanic. The Klan was here. Mostly on the edges. But not always.

A 22-foot cross on fire in Loxahatchee

The Klan rallied in Loxahatchee in February 1980, complete with a 22-foot blazing cross. Its keynote speaker was the national Imperial Wizard, Robert Shelton, who told about 150 people that minorities are robbing this country of its milk and honey.

The Klan later scheduled a local rally for September 1980, but canceled due to some problems in Connecticut for national Klan leader Bill Wilkinson, whod been arrested there on weapons charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 1982, nine robed Klansmen stood along South Dixie Highway at Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach, at the headquarters of The Palm Beach Post and its-then sister paper, the Evening Times.

The Post Times reporting is biased, one sign read. The group accused the papers of failing to print letters to the editor and refusing a paid advertisement submitted by the Klan.

In the summer of 1984, police arrested nine members of the White Patriot party, formerly Confederate Knights of the KKK, in a series of attacks in Belle Glade and West Palm Beach. Participants were accused of bludgeoning one man with a spiked ax handle, running down another with a car, stoning Black pedestrians, slashing car tires and firing shots into local businesses that dared to employ Black people. Defendants said they formed their group to have something to do. Five people pleaded guilty and were sentenced to probation.

In June 1989, about 15 members of the Lantana-based Fraternal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan gathered in a cow pasture and orange grove west of the city. For most of the day, the participants listened to country music and stood under a tent where T-shirts, flags and other Klan paraphernalia were for sale. Nearby, organizers had planted poles bearing the Klan and American flags. But three separate thunderstorms cut short the evening event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And then, in 1990, the Klan opted to march down iconic Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. The city went to court, but judges said even the Klan had constitutional rights. About 30 Klansmen showed up.

A year later, at a march at Boca Ratons Mizner Park, just 14 showed up.

Today, with hate groups opting to be more visible, the Klan is not the most insidious threat.

Were more concerned, I would say, now, about people who are unaffiliated, said Lonny Wilk, a South Florida spokesman for the Anti-Defamation League said in 2017. People who are sitting behind a keyboard and being exposed and indoctrinated into hate, into bigotry, into extremism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And spreading that message in ways that dont require a hood and a burning cross.

Holly Baltz, Palm Beach Post investigations editor, contributed to this story.

Eliot Kleinberg is a historian and former staff writer for The Post.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Klan showed up in Palm Beach County for years but marches fell short
The Supreme Court heard arguments Friday about whether TikTok could be banned in the United States on Jan. 19.

By the end of the hearing, which went on for more than two hours, justices seemed likely to uphold the law that would force TikTok's Chinese owners to sell the U.S. business or be banned.

On April 24, President Joe Biden signed legislation into law that will require ByteDance to sell the app by Jan. 19. If it fails to do so by the deadline, TikTok will no longer be available to download and internet service providers will be legally prohibited from allowing access on U.S. internet browsers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Here's how TikTok users in Arizona can request a copy of their accounts before the social media app's Jan. 19 deadline.

All the details: Will TikTok be banned? Here's what Arizonans must know as deadline looms

How to request a copy of your TikTok account

In TikTok, go to your profile page and tap the 3-line menu at the top right.

Go to your Profile page (tap Profile at the bottom)

Tap the Menu bottom, three lines stacked vertically

Tap Settings and privacy

Tap Account

Tap Download your data

Select your data to download (all info or just select data) and the file format (easy-to-read text or JSON, which allows other services to import your file)

Tap Request data

You'll be notified in the app when the file is ready. It may take a few days to prepare the file, depending on how many videos you've uploaded and how many other people are doing the same thing.

To download your TikTok data:

Go to your Profile page (tap Profile at the bottom)

Tap the Menu bottom, three lines stacked vertically

Tap Settings and privacy

Tap Account

Tap Download your data

Tap Download data to see if you're request is ready and tap Download if it is

Your file will be available for up to four days.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How to save your TikTok account: What to know in Arizona
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The lawyer for TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance offered a warning during Supreme Court arguments over a law that would compel the sale of the short-video app or ban it in the United States: If Congress could do this to TikTok, it could come after other companies, too.

The law, which was the subject of arguments before the nine justices on Friday, sets a Jan. 19 deadline for ByteDance to sell the popular social media platform or face a ban on national security grounds. The companies have sought, at the very least, a delay in implementation of the law, which they say violates the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protection against government abridgment of free speech.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Noel Francisco, representing TikTok and ByteDance, argued that Supreme Court endorsement of this law could enable statutes targeting other companies on similar grounds.

"AMC movie theaters used to be owned by a Chinese company. Under this theory, Congress could order AMC movie theaters to censor any movies that Congress doesn't like or promote any movies that Congress wanted," Francisco told the justices.

The justices signaled through their questions during the arguments that they were inclined to uphold the law, although some expressed serious concerns about its First Amendment implications.

TikTok is a platform used by about 170 million people in the United States, roughly half the country's population. Congress passed the measure last year with overwhelming bipartisan support, as lawmakers cited the risk of the Chinese government exploiting TikTok to spy on Americans and carry out covert influence operations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jeffrey Fisher, the lawyer representing TikTok content creators who also have challenged the law, noted during the Supreme Court arguments that Congress with this measure was focusing on TikTok and not major Chinese online retailers including Temu.

"Would a Congress (that is) really worried about these very dramatic risks leave out an e-commerce site like Temu that has 70 million Americans using it?" Fisher asked. "It's very curious why you just single out TikTok alone and not other companies with tens of millions of people having their own data taken, you know, in the process of engaging with those websites and equally, if not more, available to Chinese control."

Democratic President Joe Biden signed the measure into law and his administration is defending it in this case. The deadline for divestiture is just one day before Republican Donald Trump, who opposes the ban, takes office as Biden's successor.

'FOREIGN ADVERSARIES'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, arguing for the Biden administration in defending the law, said it was crucial that it take effect on Jan. 19 as scheduled in order to force ByteDance to act on divestiture.

"Foreign adversaries do not willingly give up their control over this mass communications channel in the United States," Prelogar said.

"When push comes to shove, and these restrictions take effect, I think it will fundamentally change the landscape with respect to what ByteDance is willing to consider. And it might be just the jolt that Congress expected the company would need to actually move forward with the divestiture process," Prelogar said.

If the ban takes affect on Jan. 19, Apple and Alphabet's Google would no longer be able to offer TikTok for downloads for new users but existing users could still access the app. The U.S. government and TikTok agree that app would degrade and eventually become unusable over time because companies would not be able to offer supporting services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Supreme Court also debated whether the possibility of TikTok being used for covert influence campaigns or propaganda purposes by China justified the banning it.

"Look, everybody manipulates content," Francisco told the court. "There are lots of people who think CNN, Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times are manipulating their content. That is core protected speech."

Trump on Dec. 27 urged the court to put a hold on the Jan. 19 deadline to give his incoming administration "the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case."

Under the law, the U.S. president has the power to extend the Jan. 19 deadline for 90 days, but under circumstances that do not appear to apply to the current situation in which ByteDance has made no apparent effort to sell TikTok's U.S. assets. The law mandates that the president certify that significant progress has been made toward a sale, with binding legal agreements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Regardless, Trump does not become president until after the deadline - though Francisco said "we might be in a different world" once Trump is back in the White House.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked Prelogar whether the president could "say that we're not going to enforce this law?"

"I think as a general matter, of course the president has enforcement discretion," Prelogar said.

"Again, that's one of the reasons why I think it makes perfect sense to issue a preliminary injunction here and simply buy everybody a little breathing space," Francisco said.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Will Dunham)
(Bloomberg) -- TikTok content creator Tiffany Cianci is doing all she can to persuade President-elect Donald Trump to save the popular social media app, which the government calls a national security risk.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Cianci live-streamed outside the US Supreme Court on Friday, where justices were hearing arguments on whether to uphold the ban. She called on other TikTokers and their followers to join the campaign to flood Trump with messages and support TikTok across social media. A new law requires the apps China-based owner ByteDance Ltd. to sell its US operations by Jan. 19 or else shut down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We dont need the Supreme Court to save TikTok, Cianci said. Right now we have a president that is about to be inaugurated, she said, urging her followers to put pressure on Trump by posting comments on his X social media account. The handful of creators who joined her in front of the courthouse were a small fraction of those watching online, where Cianci estimated 180,000 people had tuned into her TikTok broadcast.

TikTok, Cianci and other users employed a similar campaign strategy last year when they flooded congressional offices with phone calls to get them to abandon the divest-or-ban legislation. While that effort failed and angered some lawmakers, Trump may be more receptive because hes publicly called for the ban to be delayed so he can work out a settlement.

Last month, Trump said he had a warm spot in his heart for TikTok, which helped him garner the support of younger voters in the November election. Hes met with TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Chew and he sent a letter to the Supreme Court asking for the law to be paused until he takes office Jan. 20.

This is a promise Trump made and it is a promise he used to get a large number of young people to vote for him, Cianci said in an interview a day before the Supreme Court hearing. We are calling on him to deliver immediately.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Her 223,000 followers are listening. I hope Trump is there today, one wrote on Ciancis livefeed. Trump can do this, wrote another.

Trumps name didnt come up much during the two hours of Supreme Court arguments, but the governments lawyer said it wasnt clear that the president-elect would be able to extend the divestiture deadline after taking office.

TikTok and content creators have spoken out against a ban, arguing that it infringes on constitutional free-speech rights. Cianci wasnt among a handful of users who sued to block the law. The US government said that TikToks current ownership needs to change because of the risk that China will use the platform to collect data on Americans and push propaganda.

On Friday, the Supreme Court justices signaled that they would likely uphold the law, rejecting a request by TikTok to block it. Analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence estimated TikTok has only a 20% chance of winning its legal fight. A lawyer for the app told justices Friday that the app would go dark and effectively shut down on Jan. 19 unless the court rules in its favor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, Cianci and other content creators remained hopeful.

I think we have a good chance to have it go our way, said Paul Tran, who was part of the group of content creators who sued to block the ban. If not, then Trump can come in and hopefully he will help us.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
This isnt your typical TikTok haul.

As the wildfires in Los Angeles continue to rage, evacuees are taking to social media to share their evacuation hauls, showing viewers what they before leaving their houses.

While some people only grabbed the necessities  such as a change of clothes, toiletries and important documents  other hauls were a bit less practical.

Creator Hana showed the necessities she packed in her bag, including a portable charger and important documents. Tiktok/@hanaisfinechina

Creator Sydney Sims revealed that she only had minutes to pack valuables and instinctively grabbed her merch from Taylor Swifts Eras Tour.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When you had 10 minutes to pack and evacuate the LA fires and didnt know what to bring so you just stuffed a bag with Eras Tour merch, she wrote.

Fellow evacuee Marlee Loiben posted a clip of her and her friends admitting what they threw into their bags that were too valuable to burn, which included items such as designer purses, personal devices and jewelry. Her pal, Izzy, revealed she packed a collection of knick-knacks, her grandmas 1850 first communion booklet and her Eras Tour friendship bracelets.

Another creator named Scott Kress revealed he didnt bring any clothes or toiletries  not even a toothbrush  and only threw a handful of things, such as a charger and a game of Uno, into his bag before rushing out the door.

Meanwhile, creator Sophia Isabella  who later revealed to NBC News that her home had burnt down and she had lost everything  brought her Rhode beauty products, family pictures, her new pair of Frye boots and her childhood stuffed animals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

ElsewhereiInfluencer Tara Lynn went through her suitcase with her followers to discover what her panicked brain found most important, unearthing her favorite leggings, sweater and necessities like toiletries. She also snagged her box of concert memorabilia, such as wristbands and ticket stubs, as well as her Lemme Sleep gummies and a book.

On Instagram, another evacuee unzipped her suitcase to unveil a jumble of personal belongings, such as a velvet Gucci jacket, a pair of heels, her brith certificate, multiple speeding tickets and a Texas license plate.

Anyways, I was in a rush, she quipped while giggling.

But some Californians refused to leave a bulk of their items behind, attempting to stuff as many things as they could into bags to bring with them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Emergency evacuation but I took 45 minutes to pack because Im just a girl who likes her girl things and [would] rather burn to the ground with my items than live without them, creator Michelle Shen wrote on TikTok alongside footage of her wheeling multiple suitcases in a parking garage as she fled the city.

This would be me I fear, one viewer commented.

Honestly so real, another said. What would you be without your stuff.

If you had time to grab what you could, good for you!! Why risk it!! championed someone else, as others agreed they didnt understand how residents were fleeing with only a single bag.

One creator named Michelle Shen refused to only leave with one bag, struggling to wheel multiple suitcases as she fled her home. Tiktok/@michelleshen

Sophia Isabella grabbed important photographs of her family. Tiktok/@sophrickenawesome

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While some residents panicked when grabbing their belongings, one TikTokker packed a practical go-bag with multiple days of extra clothes and toiletries. Tiktok/@steeniebeanie

Fellow TikTokers, however, offered some advice to people who needed to flee, making a list of necessities that everyone should bring, such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, important identification documents like passports and birth certificates, money in both cash and card, family photos, personal electronics, three days worth of clothes, blankets and pillows.

A creator named Hana said she threw together a bag of important documents, a portable charger, her Bible, sturdy shoes, clothes, personal hygiene products, a mask because of the air quality and pet food.

According to the LA Times, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, radio, toilet paper and batteries.

The wildfires have torched thousands of acres of land, pushing residents to evacuate their homes threatened by the blazes as some neighborhoods, including streets inhabited by Hollywood A-listers, are decimated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hurricane-force winds sent flames ripping through neighborhoods filled with multi-million-dollar homes, said AccuWeathers Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter, per The Posts previous reports.

Earlier this week, estimates for damage from the wildfires are predicted to cost between $135 billion and $150 billion.

Many families may not be able to afford to rebuild or repair and return, Porter added. Businesses may not be able to recover and jobs will be permanently lost.
Los Angeles firefighters have made progress containing wildfires that have claimed at least 10 lives and caused unprecedented damage. In the weeks ahead, officials and residents will examine whether local authorities' warnings and early responses adequately prepared the city for the escalating crisis.

CBS News examined public statements and warnings to trace how authorities sounded the alarm as conditions worsened. Here's what we know.

@media only screen and (max-width: 400px) { .embed__resizer { padding-top: 10600px !important; }

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

var pymChild = new pym.Child(); pymChild.sendHeight();

By the week's end hundreds of thousands of people had evacuated their homes, tens of thousands of buildings had been destroyed, and the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire had become among the most destructive in California history.

Officials also started to get questions about whether or not the public could rely on alerts from the government after evacuation messages were erroneously sent on Thursday to residents living outside warning zones.

CBS News national correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti asked Mayor Bass how she would restore residents' trust in the alerts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I want the residents of Los Angeles region to have faith in what we're doing 24 hours a day," Bass said.

Crews battle Palisades Fire flare-up in Mandeville Canyon

Hundreds of goats evacuate in Brentwood amid Palisades Fire

Death toll rises from L.A. area wildfires, officials confirm
Tontitown man sentenced for involvement with Jan. 6 riot

TONTITOWN, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Tontitown man has been sentenced for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot in Washington, D.C.

David Michael Camden, 43, will serve one year and one day in prison, followed by one year of probation, according to court documents. Additionally, he has been fined $5,000 and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.

Camden pleaded guilty in September to assaulting, resisting or impeding officers during the Capitol breach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He had requested a delay in his sentencing, citing potential clemency from President-elect Trump and the burden of preparing filings during the holiday season, but U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan denied the request.

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).

Camden attended the Stop the Steal rally in Washington, D.C. and later entered restricted areas of the Capitol grounds. He confronted the police, pushing a barricade into officers and deploying a fire extinguisher at the police line.

Walmart recalls 12,000 cartons of chicken broth

Camden was arrested by the FBI on July 1, 2024, in Arkansas. He is among nearly 1,600 individuals charged for crimes related to the Capitol breach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Jan. 10While 60-day legislative sessions in New Mexico tend to feature slow starts and frantic finishes, House Democrats said Friday they will not waste time during the upcoming session in advancing proposals related to public safety and behavioral health.

With the start of the session less than two weeks away, leading Democratic lawmakers also signaled they will push for the creation of an outside office overseeing New Mexico's long-troubled Children, Youth and Families Department.

"The agency is broken and our children need help," House Speaker Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque, said during a news conference outside a food market in Albuquerque's Martineztown neighborhood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That could set up a showdown with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has opposed similar measures in recent years.

The governor also blasted fellow Democrats in the Legislature last year for not approving her crime-focused agenda for a special session she called in July.

But lawmakers said the proposals were not fully vetted and would have prompted legal challenges if approved.

With this year's session rapidly approaching, Martinez said he's hopeful a compromise can be struck on issues dealing with crime and mental health but said that remains to be seen.

Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, said House Democrats will push for a slew of crime-related proposals in this year's session, including tougher penalties for human trafficking, shooting threats and fentanyl distribution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She also said changes to the juvenile justice system and the state's red flag gun law, which allows law enforcement to temporarily seize weapons from individuals deemed to pose a threat to themselves or others, will be among the caucus priorities.

"We all know how much more work needs to be done," said Chandler, who is the House Judiciary Committee's chairwoman.

"We expect much of this agenda to make its way quickly through both chambers and to the governor's desk," she added.

As things currently stand, Democrats would enter the session with a 43-26 majority in the House. One Grants-area state House seat remains vacant as Lujan Grisham considers a replacement for former Rep. Eliseo Alcon of Milan, who stepped down after winning reelection in November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition to public safety, top-ranking House Democrats said Friday they will also prioritize bills to improve New Mexico's mental health and substance abuse treatment programs.

House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe, said $200 million from a state revenue windfall could be earmarked for improving the state's behavioral health system.

That money would be deposited in a new state trust fund and could be used to build new facilities and recruit additional providers, she said.

"No one should have to make 10 calls for an appointment for themselves or for a loved one," said Szczepanski, who described the state's current behavioral health facilities as understaffed and overwhelmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lawmakers could also use the state's budget surplus to provide tax relief to New Mexicans, and House Democrats said Friday they will push specifically for tax cuts for middle-income residents.

Those changes could include an expansion of a tax break called the Low-Income Comprehensive Tax Rebate, which is currently offered to individuals with a modified gross income of $36,000 or less per year.

Overall, there will be 28 new lawmakers in the 112-member Legislature once the session gets underway  16 in the Senate and 12 in the House of Representatives.

However, four of those new senators were previously House members.

The 60-day session begins Jan. 21 at noon. Lujan Grisham will deliver her annual State of the State address on opening day.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A Topeka native, Cooper Olson, now living in Los Angeles, described the fires as devastating.

He spent the first part of the week concerned about his parents in Topeka, who were snowed in.

His worry quickly turned to fear, where he now lives.

We know 11 people so far that know for sure their houses are gone, said Cooper Olson.

Since our initial conversation, Olson said, the number is now 13 friends, left with nothing but rubble, where they once called home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its just devastating, said Olson.

He said he and his wife could see the Palisades Fire the night it started, creating an unsettling tone.

That yellowish, gray air, heavy, calm, that you know something bad is going on, it might not be right where you are right now, but you just feel it, said Olson.

Olson said they have taken in one of his wifes friends and plan to host several more people. This comes as many displaced people are not yet allowed to return to the site where they lost everything.

All the sort of chaos and helplessness and people just wondering what they could do, and basically figuring out that there was nothing they could do, said Olson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Although the Olson home is safe, he said, this tragedy is a wake-up call.

I just dont even know what I would do. Ive thought a lot about that, and just what your options would even be, and I have no idea, so the best thing I guess we can do is help out the people we know and take them in if we can, said Olson.

Lending a Kansans hand in a historic tragedy.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has hailed the Galo community for cooperating with the state government and supporting them in the successful implementation of government schemes and projects. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the three-day Silver Jubilee celebration of the Galo Welfare Society (GWS) at Aalo on Friday, Khandu said that the Galos have been at the forefront of the implementation of government schemes and projects. He asserted the state government's commitment to keep the trend of development on albeit at a faster pace. Khandu credited the track record for growth to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's concern for the North East while informing that during his tenure of nine years as chief minister several milestones were created. "Modi always says, 'We have to compensate for the 60 years of deprivation and neglect given by the Centre to the North East'. We have witnessed the transformation. We still remember what was the situation of Arunachal Pradesh before ten years,'" he insisted. Khandu said that as the revenue generation of the state has grown substantially in the last seven to eight years, the state government has been able to execute people-centric projects and welfare schemes. Stressing the need to tap the natural potential of the state for resource generation, he pointed out that the more revenue generated more development will come. He, however, cautioned that in the face of development and modernity, the cultural identity of the state's indigenous communities should not be diluted. "We cannot sacrifice our cultural identity and indigenous languages for the sake of development. And it is up to organisations like GWS, AITF and other CBOs to preserve our tribal identity alive for posterity," he said. Drawing attention towards reports of alarming drug addiction among Galo youths, Khandu called upon the GWS, especially its youth wing, to join with the government to fight against the menace. He said the state government and its police are combating the menace jointly with all the North Eastern state governments and police. However, he said, active participation of the society is needed in creating and spreading awareness. Khandu urged all not to treat addicts as outlaws or outcasts. "Treat them as you treat any other patient. They are patients and we need to care and treat them," he appealed. He appreciated the Mothers Vision NGO for running a rehabilitation centre at Aalo but also observed that due to the lack of advanced facilities, there is a need to take some of the patients to well-equipped facility centres outside. Khandu announced that in case patients from very poor family background need such shifting, the state government will bear their expenses. He asked the district administration to identify rehab centres where they will be shifted and the government will take over. Taking the opportune moment of the platform, the Chief Minister reiterated his stand on the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, the significance of which has grown manifold after the reports of China constructing the world's largest dam on the river in Tibet. "Please remember, this is not a hydroelectric project but a multipurpose project and a project of national importance," he added. (ANI)
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The City of Topeka reports it will be refocusing its efforts to clear roads in residential areas as part of ongoing efforts to remove snow this week.

City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett said in a press release on Jan. 10 that work crews will continue 24-hour snow-fighting efforts following the Jan. 5 blizzard and the arrival of more snow on Jan. 9. More than 25 city and contractor trucks have turned their efforts to treating and plowing residential areas.

After completing main roads and arterials Friday morning, 21 city trucks and 6 contractor trucks have refocused efforts to treating and plowing residential streets. Crews will continue their efforts until all city streets are passable. Dan Garrett press release excerpt

Autopsy results push Topeka police to investigate local mans death

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Garrett highlighted pretreatment efforts made before the weekend of Jan.4-5 which helped to keep main roads and collector streets cleared of snow. He also said the Topeka Fire Department is fully operational despite current conditions and is responding to calls as usual.

We appreciate the communitys support and ask for continued patience and understanding as we address road conditions following the third largest snowfall in Topeka history. Dan Garrett press release excerpt

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.
Peter Thiel, the billionaire supporter of Donald Trump, had much to say in an op-ed Friday in the Financial Times, resulting in some critical feedback.

In A Time for Truth and Reconciliationa reference to post-Apartheid policies in South AfricaThiel anticipates the Trump administration being fully equipped to, once and for all, expose the deep state. He mentions Jeffrey Epstein, the JFK assassination, and COVID-19.

Trumps return to the White House augurs the apokalypsis of the ancien regimes secrets, Thiel writes. The new administrations revelations need not justify vengeancereconstruction can go hand in hand with reconciliation. But for reconciliation to take place, there must first be truth."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thiels column drew a range of criticism, including from a columnist at the Financial Times, Edward Luce.

Inside the mind of a Silicon Valley fanatic, Luce reacted on BlueSky. Peter Thiel makes Orwellian analogy between todays liberal democracy and South African apartheidand calls for a truth and reconciliation commission to uncover the crimes of Americas Ancien regime. Beyond nuts.

Andy Craig, a scholar at the Cato Institute, had a similar response.

It reflects very poorly on FT to have published this crazy person rant, he wrote on the same site. Obviously he would have got it out there somewhere anyway, but there was no good reason to let it appear under their masthead. If it was by Peter Smith this would have gone straight into their crank submissions file.

And Brookings Institute fellow Quinta Jurecic added that Thiel, if he ever had it, has certainly lost it now.
President-elect Donald Trumps border czar Tom Homan has privately told Republican lawmakers to temper their expectations for the incoming administrations initial deportation operation, citing limited resources, according to multiple sources involved in the conversations.

While Trumps allies have floated measures to detain and deport people residing in the US illegally, the plans largely depend on the resources and funds available to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which historically has had budget shortfalls.

We are not having a discussion about 20 million (deportations). We are having a discussion about an order, and priority, and expectation, GOP Rep. Darrell Issa, who was in one of the meetings with Homan, told CNN.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The discussions are part of a broader level-setting that is occurring among House Republicans, who are now coming to terms with the challenges of turning one of their key campaign promises into a reality. Republicans are also grappling with the harsh realization that most of their border overhaul measures are unlikely to be included in Trumps massive agenda bill, given the strict rules around the reconciliation process that require proposals to either increase revenue or reduce spending, not change policy.

Many members are only now beginning to understand that, one GOP lawmaker told CNN.

Trump has vowed to launch the largest deportation operation in history, telling Time Magazine in December he believes there will be probably 15 and maybe as many as 20 million undocumented immigrants in the US by the time he takes office.

In recent meetings with House Republicans, Homan, a veteran of immigration enforcement, has outlined a tiered approach to Trumps mass deportation pledge, according to lawmakers and sources involved in the discussions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Homan and lawmakers are using current government funding levels to craft a plan that targets between 1 and 2 million undocumented immigrants who are eligible for removal as quickly as possible, according to multiple sources in the discussions. There are currently about 1.4 million people in the US with final immigration orders of removal.

Homan has been telling some of the members that Hey, if you want me to do all these things that youre talking about, this costs money, and its not being done with the CR thats in place now, one GOP lawmaker told CNN, referring to the continuing budget resolution that simply extends the current level of DHS funding.

President Trump will enlist every federal power and coordinate with state authorities to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals, drug dealers, and human traffickers in American history while simultaneously lowering costs for families. The American people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, like deporting migrant criminals and restoring our economic greatness. He will deliver, Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump-Vance transition team told CNN in a statement.

Another GOP lawmaker whose committee oversees the Department of Homeland Security budget told CNN that Homan is trying to work as fast as the confines of the system allow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His message is not code talk for, Nothing is going to happen or, Were going to slow down or whatever. But it is a responsible policy approach to getting stuff done quickly, but also in the context of realistic evaluation of how to best get that done and fulfill the promises that the incoming administration has made, GOP Rep. Mark Amodei told CNN.

Homan has repeatedly stressed that he remains focused on public safety and national security threats, but hasnt ruled out that others who are in the US illegally but do not pose a safety threat could be swept up in deportations.

In an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins, Homan said he would need a minimum of 100,000 beds to detain undocumented immigrants  more than doubling the 40,000 detention beds ICE is currently funded for  and would require more ICE agents. The agency has around 6,000 immigration enforcement officers.

It all depends on the funding I get from the Hill, Homan said on CNNs The Source. He wouldnt specify how many undocumented immigrants he hopes to see deported by the end of Trumps next four years in office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some Republicans told CNN they have gotten the funding message.

Hes going to need money right away, GOP Rep. Andy Biggs told CNN.

But many lawmakers are acknowledging that getting Homan the funding he would need to undertake an unprecedented deportation effort would be extremely challenging.

Republicans are trying to massively cut government spending across the board, yet all parties involved acknowledge that increasing deportations will cost significantly more than what the government has currently allocated.

According to an initial estimate by the American Immigration Council, deporting 1 million people per year would cost approximately $88 billion annually and $960 billion over a 10-year period. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported 271,484 immigrants last fiscal year under President Joe Biden, marking the highest level of deportations since 2014, according to an annual report. Former President Barack Obama deported around 400,000 in one year, but a large number of those were people who had only recently crossed the border. Trump faces a steeper challenge in targeting those already in the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yet with the next government funding deadline two months away, top House appropriators tell CNN they havent even been given top-line numbers to begin working with, making their ability to plan how to scale up funding for deportations that much more challenging.

While there may be some private discussions going on, nobody is talking publicly right now about March 14. And its going to get here pretty soon. Were right at two months away. We need to fund this government, GOP Rep. Steve Womack, a senior House GOP appropriator, told CNN. It will be unacceptable for us to blame our inaction that we just ran out of time.

It will cost a lot to deport, Biggs told CNN. But guess what? It will also save a lot. And itll be a net benefit.

But despite all of the pitfalls ahead, Republicans know they have to start somewhere, and argue that once the deportations under Trump start, there is a serious likelihood that undocumented immigrants will self-deport. There is also an acknowledgment that Trumps expected executive orders will do a lot to get the process of addressing deportations, closing down the border and overhauling the immigration system started. Republicans also say there is a serious need to address staffing at ICE and secure enough detention beds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Groups of Republicans are scheduled to be at Mar-a-Lago this weekend to meet with Trump directly and are looking for direction and an honest conversation about whats next.

GOP Rep. Clay Higgins, part of one of the groups expected to meet with Trump this weekend, said while Trump may see the challenges ahead, its not stopping him from aiming high.

He says, I understand the complications. Work through them. Make it happen. I want it done yesterday, Higgins said of Trumps mindset.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Donald Trump is working to smooth over roadblocks to his massive legislative agenda this weekend at his Florida resort, starting with a lavish dinner Friday night with some of Speaker Mike Johnsons biggest antagonists.

Members of the House Freedom Caucus encountered a lively and positive atmosphere at Mar-a-Lago, according to three Republicans familiar with the meeting. Billionaire Trump ally Elon Musk also made an appearance, posing for pictures with several lawmakers, they said.

Unity was a huge part of the meeting, said one of the Republicans. It also served as an open forum for members ideas on cuts and reconciliation, the person added, referring to the pending push from Trump and Johnson to assemble one big, beautiful bill addressing border security, energy production, and tax cuts, as well as massive spending offsets to keep it from exploding the deficit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) notably attended. A chief GOP rebel, Roy recently clashed with Trump, who called for a more loyal Republican to challenge him in his next primary.

According to photos of the dinner posted on social media, other attendees included Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris (R-Md.), Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.)  who threatened to block Johnson from the speakership last week before changing his vote under pressure from Trump.

Unity among the fractious House GOP conference will be a key factor for Trump and Johnson, with any single Republican member potentially able to derail the entire legislative package.

It was much more about a lot of members from the House Freedom Caucus who dont get a chance to engage with President Trump  they got the opportunity last night, said Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), a member of the group and close Trump ally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think that kind of team building, camaraderie is really important because we have a heavy lift in front of us, he added in an interview Saturday at the Republican Party of Floridas quarterly meeting in Orlando. It was really much more a fun, enjoyable dinner than a deep policy session.

Beyond a general discussion on spending, Donalds said the group also talked about defense issues and China. The rapidly approaching debt ceiling was also discussed, he added, though the topic didnt come up much. As expected, several Freedom Caucus members also said during the dinner that they prefer a two-track reconciliation strategy, citing urgency to tackle border security, according to one of the Republicans.

One Trump proposal got a chilly reception at the dinner: making Canada the 51st state.

I said, Mr. President, the Canadians, they are going to elect two Democrat senators; we dont want that. Territory status isnt too bad, Donalds told a group in Orlando.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump is set to meet with several other key House GOP factions later Saturday, including GOP lawmakers from New York, New Jersey and California who are pressing for an expansion of the state and local tax deduction, aka SALT.

House committee chairs will join Trump for dinner Saturday. Hell host another cross-section of House Republicans, including leaders of the business-oriented Main Street Caucus, for dinner Sunday.
As his time in the White House comes to a close, President Joe Biden has implemented a series of executive orders and rules, trying to cement his policies before Donald Trump returns with the threat of undoing them.

From using provisions in federal law to ban much offshore drilling to commuting the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, Biden has been determined to accomplish the political goals he set out to do four years ago.

Trump, never one to mince words against his rival, has condemned Biden's moves, claiming he was hurting his agenda -- what he says Americans voted for in November..

PHOTO: President Joe Biden participates in a bill signing ceremony for the 'Social Security Fairness Act' in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 5, 2025, in Washington. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

"They say we're going to have a smooth transition. All they do is talk," the president-elect told reporters Tuesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MORE: Biden's move to permanently block offshore oil drilling sparks Trump's ire

"I'm going to put it back on day one. I'm going to have it revoked on day one. We'll go immediately if we need to... they try to be sneaky," he said of Biden's drilling ban.

Some academic policy experts, however, say Biden's eleventh-hour decisions are not out of the ordinary, especially when it comes to a change of parties in the White House.

"This is pretty typical. Trump is just complaining about it louder," Jonathan Hanson, a political scientist and lecturer in statistics at the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, told ABC News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The experts noted that Trump's claims Biden is tying his hands are far from true as some of Biden's policies can be overturned and mitigated.

On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for asylum seekers from Venezuela, El Salvador, Sudan, and Ukraine. Over 900,000 current beneficiaries will now have 18-month extensions, according to the order.

TPS is one of the few ways that an administration can protect a large group of migrants without congressional approval, however, its also within the DHS secretarys power to end it. Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have vowed to end the program, which Trump attempted to do back during his first administration.

Biden announced earlier in the week a ban on offshore drilling using provisions in the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to push forward with the proposal. Under the act, the policy change can only be reversed through an act of Congress.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden makes a statement on the latest developments in New Orleans from Camp David, Md., Jan. 1, 2025. (Susan Walsh/AP)

Dan Mallinson, a professor of public policy and administration at Penn State Harrisburg, told ABC News that it's not unusual for administrations to pore through federal laws and regulations to find loopholes for executive orders that can't be easily overturned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MORE: Biden establishes largest corridor of protected land by adding 2 new monuments

"In a lot of cases, the executive order will be overturned even if it takes time, so those administrations will look for every win they can in the lame-duck session," he said.

Mallinson said that Biden's announcement this week of two national monuments in California which would preserve 840,000 acres from any federal drilling, was also done with the same kind of meticulous planning. He did note that Trump could change the plan by limiting the size of the monuments, which he did during his first term after similar moves by President Barack Obama.

Trump himself issued several of eleventh-hour orders during the last weeks of his first presidency, including one two days before he left office that would have scaled back punishments for regulations, only for Biden to reverse them in his first months in office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"On the face of it, it's pretty standard. Biden is not doing anything unusual compared to other presidents. It's the normal course of things for decades," Hanson said.

The experts pointed out that Trump also faced a similar situation in his first administration and undid several executive orders and changed various policies instituted by Obama in his first months of office, including his ban on offshore drilling.

PHOTO: President-elect Donald Trump speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago Club on Jan. 07, 2025 in Palm Beach, Fla. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Trump's reversal of Obama's order, however, was scaled back after then-Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a key Trump ally, raised concerns about how it would affect his state. The ban continued for Florida lands.

"It's not always crystal clear if executive orders or last-minute policy changes will be reversed by the new president," Mallison said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MORE: Trump won't rule out military force to retake Panama Canal, threatens 'all hell will break out' over Israeli hostages

The experts said when it comes to Biden's moves, what was different is the messaging.

The president has been mostly silent during his lame-duck session and pushed on his policy changes with little fanfare, however, Trump has been making more headlines by sounding off on social media, interviews and other media appearances, Mallison noted.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump (Reuters/AP)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And while Trump may make claims and boast as if he were in office, Biden still has power until Jan. 20, Mallison said.

"Trump is trying to exploit this mentality, which is wrong, that the government has to operate under the president-elect. But the reality is that, constitutionally, Biden is the president now and he can act on his authority," he said.

Trump claims Biden blocking his agenda at the last-minute. Policy experts weigh in. originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth said Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps Defense Secretary nominee, is the most unqualified pick ever for the job.

Being Secretary of Defense is a very serious job, Duckworth said on a call with reporters Friday. And putting someone as dangerously unqualified as Mr. Hegseth into that role is something that should scare all of us.

Duckworth is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee that will vote on the former Fox News host and Army Majors nomination next week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The second-term Democrat and former Army helicopter pilot has been an outspoken critic of Trumps pick to lead the Pentagon since the President-elect first announced him. Particularly, the Illinois senator has found his lack of high-level military experience to be concerning.

When Hegseth testifies before the committee, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Duckworth said shes planning to give him an opportunity to defend his record. However, shes requested to sit down with Hegseth prior to that, but hes only offered to meet after the hearings, Duckworth said.

Among other things, the senator said shes planning to ask him at the hearings about the largest budget hes ever run. Leading the Pentagon will require managing a budget of more than $830 billion, she said.

Shes also planning to ask about the highest level of international negotiations he has engaged in or led. If confirmed, Hegseth would represent the U.S. at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, and hed have to deal with adversarial countries like China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Also, shed like to know the largest organization in terms of personnel hes managed. The Department of Defense employs three million troops and civilian employees. Hegseth left the armed services with a rank of major, which can oversee a unit between 300 to 1,200, according to the military.

Although she may not have time in her seven minutes to question him about it, Duckworth has also objected to his comments about barring women from serving in combat roles. Duckworth lost her legs in combat after a rocket propelled grenade took down her helicopter in Iraq in 2004.

While shes not certain if Hegseth has the votes to be confirmed, Duckworth is hoping some of her Republican colleagues will vote their conscience and for the national security of the country rather than fearing retribution from Trump, she said.

Maybe he has hidden talents we dont know about, she said of Hegseth. But Im happy to sit down and meet with him and have him show me evidence that hes capable of running the largest organization in the United States government.

Send questions and comments about this story to feedback@stlpublicradio.org.
Get someone to keep Trumps lawyer away from Andrew Tate, like, now.

Alina Habba, who also will serve as incoming counselor to the president during Trumps second term, heaped fawning praise on the notorious self-proclaimed misogynist during a recent session of right-wing podcast The Benny Show.

Tates deep contempt for womenas well as his repeat arrests on charges, among other things, of organized crime, rape and sexual assaultappeared of little consequence to the attorney, who went so far as to tell the alleged sex-trafficker he was just the same as the incoming Republican president.

Trump Lawyer Alina Habba and Andrew Tate discuss Trumps CORRUPT New York sentencing:



"The time is now to stop being wimps. Trump got sentenced in the most tragic stories in American history and the justice system I used to be proud to be apart of." pic.twitter.com/DrUnKtQo0F  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 10, 2025

As Habba told Tate on Friday, I think your anger is the same that President Trump has for our country. And the time is now for us to stop being wimps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She then went on, I also have to say that I sympathize with you because I think you go through a lot of the same show me the person, Ill find the crime that President Trump has gone through.

Habba then added, There is literally only one person with the same amount of anger and fire. Thats probably me and President Trump. But its because you love whats right and youre being under siege. And I see it and just keep fighting, I mean Im here for it!

Her admiration was duly and enthusiastically returned by Tate, who said, I tell you, when I If I ever get stateside, and I think I will sooner or later, if I ever need a lawyer Im going to Ill be calling your phone.

Tate, who has denied the allegations against him and said that his wealth makes him a target, is under house arrest in Romania as he faces criminal accusations of sexual misconduct in two separate cases.
President-elect Donald Trump has used the devastating Los Angeles wildfires to revisit a policy disagreement with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, pushing a series of complaints that experts say are false or misleading.

Trump this week blamed Newsom for the fires, which have killed at least 10 people, forced 180,000 to evacuate and burned more than 10,000 structures.

I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA! He is the blame for this, Trump wrote Wednesday on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The availability of water has been a particular concern over the past few days after some fire hydrants in the Pacific Palisades temporarily dried up as firefighters attempted to contain a massive blaze there.

But three water policy experts said the problem wasnt the water supply  the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power filled all available water facility storage tanks ahead of the fires.

Rather, the citys water infrastructure wasnt equipped to fight major wildfires, they said.

After the hydrants dried up, the water department attributed the issue to excessive demand on the system. The department couldnt refill tanks quickly enough, it said, so the pressure dropped and water struggled to reach hydrants in the hills. A reservoir in the Palisades that could have helped with water pressure was also out of commission when the fire started.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Electrical outages further disrupted the flow of water to hydrants. President Joe Biden said in a public address on Thursday that utilities shut off power due to concerns about sparking additional fires, which in turn disrupted water pumps. Cal Fire is bringing in generators to get these pumps up and working again, he said.

Newsha Ajami, chief development officer for research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, said it can be easy to misattribute these issues to water scarcity.

I can understand, if you are not a water person per se, you might not know all the details that go into this system, she said.

Part of Trumps criticism seemingly refers to a plan put forth during his first administration to redirect more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta in Northern California to Central Valley farms and Southern California cities. Newsoms administration opposed it, saying it would endanger fish species in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to experts, the debate has nothing to do with the current fires, which were the product of heavy winds and a long period without rainfall in California.

To basically tie those two together is nothing short of irresponsible  Its just throwing gasoline on the fire, and the fire is bad enough, said Mark Gold, director of water scarcity solutions at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Gold worked in Newsoms administration in 2020, when the governor clashed with Trump over the Delta plan. Other experts have also said the wildfires are a product of extreme climate conditions and infrastructure not meant to handle wildfires.

Gold now serves on the board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and noted that the region has plenty of accessible water in reservoirs: I am not exaggerating when I say we have record storage as we speak.

Los Angeles County gets its water from several different sources, including local aquifers and imported water from the Colorado River, Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and Owens River in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At any given year, theres a fairly rigorous process to allocate water based on availability, looking at whats in storage and being able to evaluate how much water can be used this year versus what we need to save in case we have a drought next year, said Erik Porse, director of the California Institute for Water Resources.

But Trump has accused Newsom of restricting those allocations to Southern California.

Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way, Trump wrote on Wednesday.

Trump added that Newsom wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt, by giving it less water (it didnt work!), but didnt care about the people of California.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Newsoms administration sued the Trump administration in 2020 for failing to protect the smelt species. But Newsoms communications director, Izzy Gardon, said in a statement that there is no such document as the water restoration declaration  that is pure fiction.

The Governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need, Gardon added.

The Trump transition team did not respond to NBC News inquiry about what declaration Trump was referencing.

California officials and the Biden administration agreed to a new water distribution plan in December. The plan increases water exports from the Delta to Southern California, but cuts exports to some farmers in the San Joaquin Valley.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On top of his criticism of Newsom, Trump also blamed Biden for issues delivering water to fire zones.

NO WATER IN THE FIRE HYDRANTS, NO MONEY IN FEMA. THIS IS WHAT JOE BIDEN IS LEAVING ME. THANKS JOE! Trump said Wednesday on Truth Social.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Donald Trump has selected Ed Russo, a former environmental consultant to the Trump Organization, to head up the White Houses forthcoming Environmental Advisory Task Force. Russo has previously called the president-elect an environmental hero.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said Russo will advise him on initiatives to create great jobs and protect our natural resources, by following my policy of CLEAN AIR and CLEAN WATER.

Russo wrote the 2016 book Donald J. Trump: An Environmental Hero, and, according to Politico, turned down a job in the first Trump administration as White House environmental adviser.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russo insisted then that Trump, in the 17 years he worked for him, was a staunch supporter of clean air and clean water.

Yet Trump has refused to accept the realities of climate change, instead calling it a hoax. While president, he pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement, and rolled back more than 100 environmental rules designed to slow the warming of the planet.

Trumps pick to lead the EPA, former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, only has a 14 percent lifetime environmental voting record with the League of Conservation Voters.
The operation took place on Friday. The apprehended individuals have been identified as Ngurthanzami and Bikash Gharti.

"Assam Rifles recovered 13.590 gms of Heroin No 4 worth Rs 9.51 lakh and apprehended three individuals (one female and two male) (Ngurthanzami, age 29 yrs resident of New Champhai, Mizoram, Bikash Gharti, age 24 yrs resident of Zemabawk S.A Veng, Aizawl, Mizoram and Lalramthara, age 37 yrs resident of Tuikual South, Aizawl, Mizoram) from general area Zemabawk S.A Veng, Aizawl district on January 10," according to an official release.

The contraband was found in transparent white polythene carried by the individuals. The entire consignment, along with the apprehended individuals, was handed over to the Special Narcotics CID (Crime), Police Station, Aizawl, Mizoram for further legal proceedings.

"The operation was based on a specific input and was carried out by a combined team of Assam Rifles and Special Narcotics CID (Crime), Police Station, Aizawl, Mizoram," the release read.

On Friday, Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the Police and Tripura Forest Service, destroyed large areas of ganja plantation spread over 16.2 hectares in the general area in Boxanagar Forest Range under the Sonamura sub-division here in Mizoram.

The operation led to the eradication of 16,500 cannabis plants, valued at approximately Rs 70 lakh, said Assam Rifles in a press release issued on Thursday.

Earlier this week, Assam Rifles recovered 10,320 kgs of illegal Areca Nuts worth Rs 72.24 Lakhs approximately in general area Zote, Champhai district of Mizoram as per a press release.

The operation was carried out by a combined team of Assam Rifles and Reps of Customs Preventive Force, Champhai on January 4. (ANI)
Perhaps no two politicians in the United States are such consistent and bitter rivals as President-elect Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Newsom, momentarily floated to replace President Joe Biden in the 2024 race last summer, is hard at work safeguarding progressive plans in his state. His status as the figurehead of a state that is itself an avatar of liberalism has positioned him as the chief Trump foil heading into the president-elects second term.

An outbreak of horrifying wildfires in Los Angeles this month also reignited the president-elects criticism of Newsom. As thousands of homes burned, Trump responded to the tragedy by spreading conspiracy theories about the state's ill-preparedness. Trump went so far as to call for the governor's resignation in a frenzy of posts to Truth Social. Newsom urged Trump to keep things civil, slamming him for trying to politicize the blaze before inviting him to visit the fire-torn state.

Cooper: Trump chose to attack you, blame you for this.



Newsom: People are literally fleeing. People have lost their lives. Kids lost their schools, families completely torn asunder, churches burned down. This guy wanted to politicize it I stood next to a President of the pic.twitter.com/K7nZydcNik  Acyn (@Acyn) January 9, 2025

The pairs mutual admonishment is nothing new. Their history is littered with games of political one-upmanship, legal fights and loud, national back-and-forths in service of their policies and parties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Newsom's governorship of the Golden State began as an early referendum on Trumps leadership. In his 2018 victory speech, Newsom took jabs at the then-president and the politics of chaos andcruelty that he ushered in, promising future showdowns on issues like immigration and the environment.

Still, Newsom gave Trump a warm welcome later that year when the president came to tour the devastating aftermath of wildfire blazes in Paradise, California  or Pleasure, as Trump mistakenly dubbed it.

After taking office in 2019, Newsoms relationship with the commander-in-chief deteriorated quickly. A high-profile feud on immigration policy would cast the pair in the roles they've played for more than a half-decade.

The blue-state leader ridiculed Trumps vaunted plans for a southern border wall, dubbing it political theater and withdrawing a contingent of National Guardsmen that Trump had deployed to the border.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Newsom also angered Trump by approving a requirement that presidential candidates on primary ballots in California release their tax records. Newsom signed the bill, a pointed attack on Trump, into law in 2019. As with most legal attempts to wrangle Trump, it amounted to nothing. That law was later struck down by a California court.

The easily flattered Trump often changed tune on Newsom amid moments of cooperation. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump called the governor very nice & highly supportive but warned him to stay strong against the Radical Left Dems, MSDNC, etc. in a post to Twitter.

Governor @GavinNewsom of California has been very nice & highly supportive about the great job we have done, working together, for California. That is the good news, but this is the bad. He is unfairly under attack by the Radical Left Dems, MSDNC etc. He is strong! Will he fold?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2020

The pandemic would soon divide them, with Trump becoming enraged as Newsom and other Democratic governors took measures to stop the spread of the virus. In a May 2020 tweet  which also foreshadowed one of the pairs most bitter fights on mail-in voting  Trump blasted Newsom for leaving the restaurants, beaches and stores closed.

Trump frequently demanded California re-open on an expedited timetable, urging residents to protest disease prevention measures and embracing anti-scientific rhetoric in a ploy to rile up his base.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Later in 2020, Trump attempted to play politics with federal emergency relief funds. The then-president denied Newsoms request for aid as the state was burning, before later reversing course amid backlash. Trump had laid into California in previous posts to social media, blaming the state for the wildfires brought on by drought. Trump said in 2019 that he wanted the state to "get their act together" blaming supposedly lax forest management for the blazes. He said that he ordered FEMA to send no more money to the state until it changed its policies.

It wasnt the first time Trump had politicized disaster relief: a 2024 report revealed that Trump had initially withheld wildfire aid from Californians in 2018. The report claimed Trump changed his tune once an aide showed him voter data that revealed his millions of supporters in the state.

Democratic leaders labeled the actions sadistic and depraved, while Newsom worked with members of the California GOP to secure the funds.

Newsom hit the campaign trail in 2020, stumping for Biden-Harris as Trump sued California for leading a nationwide push for mail-in voting. Again in 24, Newsom went all-in for the Democratic Party candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris' loss has re-energized the governor, who during Bidens term faced slouching popularity and a recall battle. With Trump headed back into office in mere days, Newsom has tasked himself with resisting the incoming administrations agenda more than just about any other Democratic leader. And Trump, with a trifecta of government control, is all but certain to use Newsom as his blue-state boogieman once again.
(Reuters) -U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who led the federal cases against Donald Trump on charges of trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat and mishandling of classified documents, has resigned, as the Republican president-elect prepared to return to the White House.

Smith resigned on Friday from the Department of Justice, according to a court filing on Saturday to U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, asking her to lift a court order she issued blocking release of his final report.

Notice of Smith's resignation came in a footnote in the filing, which said the Special Counsel had completed his work, submitted his final confidential report on Jan. 7, and "separated" from the Justice Department on Jan. 10.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A former war crimes prosecutor, Smith brought two of the four criminal cases Trump faced after leaving office, but saw them grind to a halt after a Trump-appointed judge in Florida dismissed one and the U.S. Supreme Court -- with three justices appointed by Trump -- found that former presidents have sweeping immunity from prosecution for official acts. Neither case went to trial.

After Trump defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the Nov. 5 election, Smith dropped both cases, citing a longstanding Justice Department rule against prosecuting sitting presidents. In asking courts to dismiss the charges, Smith's team defended the merits of the cases they had brought, signaling only that Trump's impending return to the White House made them untenable.

Trump welcomed Smith's departure on Sunday, saying on Truth Social that Smith had accomplished nothing and accused the prosecutor of "destroying the lives of many people and families."

Smith's departure is another marker of the collapse of the criminal cases against Trump, which could end without any legal consequences for the incoming president and sparked a backlash that helped fuel his political comeback.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Smith's resignation from the Justice Department was expected. Trump, who has frequently called Smith "deranged," had said that he would fire him immediately upon taking office on Jan. 20, and has suggested that he may pursue retribution against Smith and others who investigated him once he returns to office.

Trump in 2023 became the first sitting or former U.S. president to face criminal prosecution, first in New York, where he was charged with trying to cover up a hush money payment to a porn star during his 2016 presidential campaign. Smith's charges followed, accusing Trump of illegally retaining classified material after leaving office and of trying to overturn his 2020 loss, a campaign that sparked the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. Prosecutors in Georgia also charged Trump over his efforts to overturn his election defeat in that state.

TRUMP CLAIMED POLITICAL MOTIVATION

Trump denied wrongdoing and assailed the prosecutions as politically motivated attempts to damage his campaign. He raised millions in campaign contributions from courthouse appearances and used the cases to drive a powerful narrative that the political establishment was arrayed against him and his supporters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Justice Department defended the cases, saying they were run by career prosecutors who operated free of political influence.

Garland appointed Smith in November 2022 -- nearly two years after the Capitol attack -- to lead the Justice Department's twin ongoing investigations into Trump. That move came just days after Trump announced a campaign to return to the White House in the 2024 election.

Garland, an appointee of Democratic President Joe Biden, said Smith would provide a degree of independence in the highly sensitive investigations. Garland had rebuffed earlier calls to name a special prosecutor, insisting he could appropriately oversee the Trump probes.

Smith returned to Washington from The Hague where he prosecuted war crimes cases arising from the 1998-1999 Kosovo War. He previously led the Justice Departments Public Integrity Section and worked in the federal prosecutors office in Brooklyn, New York, developing a reputation as a tenacious investigator.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the Hague, Smith won the conviction of Salih Mustafa, a former Kosovo Liberation Army commander who ran a prison where torture took place during the conflict.

HISTORIC FIRST

The indictments, the first federal cases against a former U.S. president, accused Trump of taking highly sensitive national security documents to his Florida resort and using false claims of voter fraud to attempt to derail the collection and certification of votes following his 2020 election loss.

"The attack on our nation's Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy. As described in the indictment, it was fueled by lies - lies by the defendant, targeted at obstructing the bedrock function of the U.S. government," Smith said in announcing the election indictment in August 2023, one of only two public appearances he made during his investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Smith faced a tight window to complete both prosecutions as it was clear Trump would be able to shut them down if he won the election. Both faced legal hurdles.

In the classified documents case, Florida-based U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump nominee, dismissed all charges in July after ruling that Smith was improperly appointed as special counsel.

Smiths office appealed that decision. Prosecutors dropped the appeal relating to Trump following his election win, but signaled they will continue a bid to revive charges against two Trump associates who were accused of obstructing the investigation.

The election case was paused for months while Trumps lawyers mounted an appeal for presidential immunity. The U.S. Supreme Court largely sided with Trump in August, ruling Trump could not be prosecuted for many official acts he took as president and sparking more delays in the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Smith acknowledged in court papers that his team faced an unprecedented circumstance after Trump won the election over Harris. His office concluded that both cases could not continue.

Trump was convicted of falsifying business records following a trial in the New York hush money case, which was brought by state prosecutors. His sentencing was delayed indefinitely after his election win and Trump's lawyers are seeking to have it dismissed in its entirety.

The Georgia case, which also includes charges against 14 Trump allies, remains in limbo while an appeals court determines if the lead prosecutor, Fani Willis, must be disqualified for misconduct over a romantic affair with a former top deputy. The case against Trump is unlikely to move forward while he remains president.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; Additional reporting by Michael Martina; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Mark Porter)
President-elect Trump is looking to get Republicans in line, hosting meetings with House and Senate lawmakers this week to avoid any surprises that could stall his agenda.

Trump met earlier this week with Senate Republicans in Washington and he is spending the weekend at Mar-a-Lago hosting several factions of the House GOP in an effort to quell any dissent over a host of complicated and onerous legislative matters.

The effort has Trump leaning into his undisputed grip on the party as he pushes toward ambitious, sweeping plans in his first few months in office. He has pledged mass deportations, regulation cuts and a legislative package that includes border security funding, tax policy and investments in energy production.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those plans will require constant communication and organizing to make sure various segments of the GOP are on board, especially in the House where Republicans can only afford a few defections on any party-line vote.

Trump and his allies have signaled there will be a carrot and stick approach, even as he and his advisers seek to remind Republicans that a primary challenge could be looming if they fall out of line.

He is not afraid to express his opinion publicly and clearly. Thats what hes done on policy and thats what he intends to get done as the president, and he expects the majorities in congress to help him with that, James Blair, who will serve as a deputy chief of staff in Trumps White House, said in a recent Fox News interview.

He is the one with the mandate, and the will of the people is behind him, and I think he will use that to his benefit to make sure the policies he ran on get enacted, Blair added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump himself has spoken about his relative inexperience and lack of familiarity with the people and workings of Washington upon arriving for his first term in office, and Trump struggled to pass health care reform or get an infrastructure package off the ground in his first few months in office in 2017.

But things appear to be different this time around, with Trump getting more of a head start before he gets to the White House instead of the mad scramble after he won the 2016 election.

Trump met Wednesday night with Senate Republicans in Washington. The two-hour discussion focused largely on whether to split Trumps agenda into two separate reconciliation bills, though the president-elect has expressed a preference for wrapping border security and tax policy into one massive piece of legislation.

The president-elect on Thursday night hosted Republican governors at Mar-a-Lago. The meeting mostly served as a way for Trump and the governors to present a united front before he takes office  Trump described it as a love fest  though state leaders are likely to be key in Trumps plans to carry out mass deportations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trumps weekend will then be filled with meetings with dozens of House Republicans at Mar-a-Lago. He met separately with various Republican groups, including the House Freedom Caucus on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, he will sit down with GOP committee leaders and then members with a particular interest in changing the state and local tax deduction (SALT) in upcoming tax policy negotiations.

The GOP can only afford a few defections on reconciliation bills in order to pass them with a simple majority, and Trumps ability to exert pressure over lawmakers to get in line could be the difference between passage and failure.

Thats why I think its going to be one of the most successful four years of four years in modern history, said Sean Spicer, who served as Trumps first White House press secretary. They know each other, which is important for most of these guysNumber two is, right now its heresy not to be out in front of helping him.

The president-elect has already shown a willingness to get involved, both privately and publicly, when Republican members dont fall in line with his preferences since winning a second term. Trump spoke on the phone with two GOP members who initially didnt back Mike Johnson (R-La.) for Speaker, leading to both lawmakers to shift their votes and secure the gavel for Johnson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump used a more forceful approach when he was lobbying Republicans to include a debt ceiling increase as part of government spending talks. The president-elect posted on social media that any Republican who did not support a debt ceiling increase should face a primary challenge, and he specifically called out Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), an independent-minded member of the House Freedom Caucus.

The president-elects threats were backed by Elon Musk, his billionaire ally, who similarly argued Republicans who backed a spending bill he disliked should be primaried.

Republicans ultimately bucked Trump and passed a spending bill without a debt ceiling increase. But once he takes office, Trumps team is hoping the entire party will be on the same page to make the most of unified control of Congress and the White House.

Some allies of the president-elect have also argued the last few weeks should serve as a reminder to GOP members of Congress of Trumps strength with Republican voters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We only have the House and the Senate, frankly, because of my father, because he was able to bring some of those candidates across that line, Donald Trump Jr. said on Fox News. Obviously, I think we got a lot of great new candidates in the Senate and some in the House. But I think they have to get in line.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President-elect Donald Trump wont face prison time, probation or a fine, but he will take office as the first U.S. President with a felony conviction.

New York Judge Juan Merchan sentenced Trump to an unconditional discharge, on Friday, for his hush money case. A New York jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels.

In laymans terms, no strings attached. Hes convicted and thats pretty much it, said Derrick Hogan, a criminal defense attorney who practices at the Tully Rinckey law firm in New York. If this was your ordinary citizen, I find it very hard to believe they would just receive an unconditional discharge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Judge Merchan said because of President-elect Trumps election, an unconditional discharge was the only reasonable outcome.

The considerable, indeed extraordinary legal protections afforded by the office of the Chief Executive is a factor that overrides all others, Judge Merchan said in court on Friday.

Merchan added, those factors do not reduce the seriousness of the crime.

President-elect Trump appeared for his sentencing virtually and spoke before he was sentenced.

I got indicted over calling a legal expense a legal expense, President-elect Trump said. It was done to damage my reputation so that Id lose the election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the case politically motivated, in a statement released after the sentencing. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) tweeted the case was a baseless NYC liberal activist charade.

President-elect Trumps attorneys are also fighting to prevent the release of Special Counsel Jack Smiths report.

Smith charged President-elect Trump with trying to overturn the 2020 election and illegally keeping classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home. After the election, Smith dropped the charges, because the Department of Justice doesnt prosecute sitting presidents.

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon initially blocked the release of the Special Counsels report. An appeals court overturned her ruling. The Department of Justice indicated its still trying to release the report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) urged the Department of Justice to release the report, before President-elect Trump takes office, because hell order the reports destroyed, Whitehouse said in a tweet.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
With a little more than a week until his inauguration, Donald Trump and his team are trying to plan the executive orders that will fulfill his campaign promise of closing the U.S.Mexico border and implementing mass deportation on day one  a task that comes with complications.

For months, Trump and his team have been looking for ways to bypass the traditional immigration legislative process to close the border and deport millions of undocumented immigrants. But as January 20 draws closer, its unclear if they can succeed.

Trump is reportedly considering invoking Title 42  the public health order that allows authorities to block people from entering the United States to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Donald Trump plans to enact swaths of executive orders to carry-out his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration (Getty Images)

Re-instating Title 42 would effectively shut down the border by preventing migrants from certain countries from entering the U.S.  but it would also require Trump to identify a communicable disease that poses a threat to U.S. citizens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump and his team of loyal anti-immigration advisers, such as Stephen Miller, used Title 42 during the Covid-19 pandemic to expel people from entering the U.S.

The team has spent the past few months trying to identify a disease that they can use, according to The New York Times. Should they fail to find one, they could make a broad claim about possible unfamiliar diseases, though its unclear if that would hold up in a court.

While time is running out to iron out the complications of immigration-related executive orders, Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, has reportedly begun trying to manage expectations with Republican members of Congress.

Homan  the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement now tasked with implementing Trumps deportation operation  told lawmakers that deporting millions of people will require extensive funding and resources which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) currently does not have, according to CNN.

Tom Homan, Trumps border czar, plans to carry-out anti-immigration policies (AP)

To carry out a mass deportation of its kind, the American Immigration Council, a nonprofit that advocates for fairer immigration policies, estimates it would cost $88 billion  about $80 billion more than what ICE is allocated now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His message is not code talk for, Nothing is going to happen or, Were going to slow down or whatever, Republican Representative Mark Amodei of Nevada told CNN.

But it is a responsible policy approach to getting stuff done quickly, but also in the context of realistic evaluation of how to best get that done and fulfill the promises that the incoming administration has made, he said.

Trump has insisted there is no price tag on carrying out the deportations.

One way the president-elect and his team could fund his immigration plans would be to declare a national emergency, which would unlock funding within the Department of Defense.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump has already said he wants to use the U.S. military to help carry out his mass deportation plan by having them partner with state and local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws.

The president-elect could also declare a national emergency to continue building the border wall, build immigration detention centers, and invoke the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize local and state law enforcement to carry out the responsibilities of ICE.

President Trump will enlist every federal power and coordinate with state authorities to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals, drug dealers, and human traffickers in American history while simultaneously lowering costs for families, according to Karoline Leavitt, the incoming White House press secretary. The American people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, like deporting migrant criminals and restoring our economic greatness.
(Reuters) -Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, Semafor news website reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.

Meta and Trump's transition team did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The U.S. tech giant on Friday said it is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including those for hiring, training and picking suppliers, in a memo to its employees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The social media company earlier this week also scrapped its U.S. fact-checking program and reduced curbs on discussions around contentious topics such as immigration and gender identity, bowing to criticism from conservatives as Trump prepares to take office for a second time.

(Reporting by Devika Nair in BengaluruEditing by Shri Navaratnam)
Tim Heaphy served as chief investigative counsel for the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol and wrote the official after-action report about the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally for the City of Charlottesville. As he puts it, he has become an accidental expert on political violence. That's why Heaphys new book, Harbingers: What January 6 and Charlottesville Reveal About Rising Threats to American Democracy must be viewed as a wakeup call about the possibility of more political violence in the near future.

I spoke to Heaphy for Salon Talks recently, and he said that he is very concerned we will see more political violence in the future. One specific reason he cited is that Donald Trump has not been held accountable for his role in inciting Jan. 6 attack. In Heaphy's words, Trump was "the leader" of that attack and "the head conspirator who put in motion a series of legal steps that ultimately culminated in storming the Capitol."

Heaphy noted that as a former U.S. attorney, he understands that accountability is designed to deter people from engaging in future criminal conduct. The egregious failure to hold Trump accountable, coupled with the incoming president's repeated promise to pardon the Jan. 6 attackers, "almost encourages" more violence, Heaphy explained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Heaphy added that his investigation found that the fuel for political violence is generally not a powerful individual, but a widespread sense of grievances. His research found that both the Jan. 6 attack and the Charlottesville riot were not truly a conflict of right or left. Rather, both were about "insiders versus outsiders or people who believe in institutions, who are invested in them, who rely on them, and people that don't trust those institutions." Those who resort to political violence, he added, "don't trust government, don't trust media, don't trust higher education or even science in some cases."

Those views were amplified in both incidents by social media, which Heaphy says became the primary avenue for radicalization. As an example he offered Stephen Ayers, who testified as a witness in the Jan. 6 hearings. Ayers said he had learned about Trumps claims of election fraud from Facebook, and once he began clicking on that kind of content, the Facebook algorithm pushed him toward much more of the same. Ultimately, that drumbeat of pro-Trump falsehoods incited Ayers to travel from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Washington on Jan. 6 to "fight for Trump."

Watch my Salon Talks interview with Heaphy or read a transcript of our conversation below to hear more of Heaphy's conclusions from studying the Charlottesville and Jan. 6 tragedies, and his prescription for reducing the potential of political violence moving forward.

This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

In your book, you talk about "accidentally" becoming an expert on political violence. How did that happen?

I live in Charlottesville, Virginia, and have lived there for over 20 years. I was U.S. attorney for that district and when Aug. 12, 2017, happened, the racial violence in our community, it was really troubling, really disconcerting. I wanted to do something to help understand and recover from that event. I actually reached out to the city, to the mayor, to the city council, and said, "Look, you ought to do some kind of after-action and evaluate how the preparations and management went," because it obviously had not gone well. They hired me, as a lawyer in private practice, to do an independent report of how the city managed the Unite the Right rally. That was very intense. It was 90 days, it was a sprint to put together that report, which was ultimately very critical of our client, the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When Jan. 6 happened some years later, I was the general counsel at the University of Virginia, and saw a lot of parallels right away. When the select committee was formed, I had a mutual friend in Congress who connected me to the speaker's staff. I had done the Charlottesville report, which clearly had some parallels, and they hired me to run the Jan. 6 investigation. I didn't go out and decide I was going to be an expert in mass demonstrations and violence. It just sort of happened because of those circumstances.

What parallels did you find between Charlottesville and Jan. 6? You mention that the divide you observed was deeper than just right versus left.

Both Charlottesville and Jan. 6 started with an impetus, an issue that created an initial conflict. In Charlottesville, it was Civil War statues. At the Capitol, it was the election. Each event started from that core impetus to become a much broader forum for anger, for grievance, for people that were just mad at institutions. Charlottesville became about race and the great replacement theory and what's going on more broadly in this country, way beyond the statues. At the Capitol, a lot of people were there motivated by the election, but some of them were there because they were angry about COVID restrictions or some of the same motivations from Charlottesville, the sense that they were being replaced.

What we're dealing with in this country is really a conflict, not of right or left, but of insiders versus outsiders. People who believe in institutions, who are invested in them, who rely on them, and people that don't trust those institutions, don't trust government, don't trust media, don't trust higher education or even science in some cases. That's the fundamental tension that I think those two events point out.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Do you see a potential for tension like that as we see a rising oligarchy in our nation? Some people in the rank and file on the right think the super-wealthy are their friends. Ultimately, I think they're going to learn theyre not.

You look around the world and this same pattern, insider versus outsider, creates a vacuum in which oligarchs rise. Yes, you see hints of that here. I do think that ultimately those super-wealthy people, those titans of tech or other industries, are really in it for themselves, not for the common good. We're not electing them to anything and their influence. I think, is troubling.

You talk about social media being something that fueled both attacks. Now we have Elon Musk, who has taken the guardrails off X, with Mark Zuckerberg apparently following suit at Meta. What are your concerns, going forward, when you see that?

I was surprised in investigating both Charlottesville and the Capitol attack at how many people in this country only get their news, their information about what's going on in the world, from these curated social media feeds. Rather than going directly to Salon or the New York Times or NPR, they're only really seeing any reporting if it's fed to them through the algorithm-driven platforms. That results in people only getting content that reaffirms their perspective. That's what the algorithms do  they pump you stuff that is similar to things with which you've engaged.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There's also very little content moderation. There's a lot of stuff out there that is pumped through the algorithm that's just wrong. It's just false. The biggest example of this is Stephen Ayers, who was a witness in the Jan. 6 hearings. He's a carpenter from Erie, Pennsylvania, and going to work every day, hes surprised that President Trump lost the [2020] election. He started reading about it on Facebook and pretty soon he's getting content through his suggesting all this widespread fraud, with no basis in fact. He finds himself at the Ellipse and goes down to the Capitol. Now, he's not a victim, we all have a responsibility to educate ourselves, to sift the information we get. But that more and more is how Americans are receiving information.

A lot of people at Trump rallies are not getting their news anymore even from X or Facebook, they're getting it from Truth Social. How do you reach them?

It's very difficult. I think you reach them by starting really early. We have to teach young people how to navigate this information ecosystem. Weve got to make them educated consumers, and we all have to be that way ourselves. I think some transparency about these algorithms and how they work would be helpful. I think trying to restrict these bots or fake accounts pumping lots of information and driving the algorithms would help. But it's not social media's fault, it's really the consumer's fault. It's our fault. They're profit-driven companies and they should be maximizing profit for shareholders. We collectively need to be better at navigating that landscape, starting with young kids.

You worked on the Jan. 6 committee. From what you found, what was the role that Donald Trump played in the insurrection that day?

He's the proximate cause. He's the leader. He's the head conspirator who put in motion a series of legal steps that ultimately culminated in storming the Capitol. It started with a bunch of lawsuits, which is the prerogative of any candidate, to file lawsuits challenging the integrity of the vote. All of them failed. We then moved on to pressure on state legislators to recount or to pause the certification of the electors. We then moved on to the submission of fake elector certificates, pressure on members of Congress to object and, ultimately, pressure on the vice president to do something that had no basis in law and fact. None of those things worked. He continues to pull each lever, and none of them are opening the door. The last and biggest lever he has is his angry crowd, and he fires them up at the Ellipse and sends them down to the Capitol where they literally interrupt the joint session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This was a multi-part conspiracy that he led at each step that resulted in the attack on the Capitol. He's the leader. He's responsible for what his campaign lawyers did, for what his chief of staff and his administration did. He's responsible for all of it, and he was directly involved, as the committee's evidence showed, in each of these steps, methodically pulling each of those levers.

From your perspective as a former U.S. attorney, what does it say that Donald Trump has not been held accountable for his role on Jan. 6?

It's really disconcerting, and it undermines the rule of law. I say in the book that I think aggressive prosecutions by the Justice Department would have a deterrent effect. It's more likely that people will pause before they're willing to engage in the kind of thing that we saw at the Capitol if they remember how many people's lives were upended, justifiably, by the criminal justice involvement.

The same thing happens in reverse, though. If people are allowed to commit those kinds of violent acts  way beyond speech; this was conduct  and are not held accountable, it almost encourages more. It can be a deterrent, but it can also be a facilitation if there's no accountability. I worry that pulling back from these jury verdicts, these guilty pleas, sends the wrong message and empowers people in the future to do similar things.

Donald Trump has pledged to grant mass pardons to people prosecuted for their involvement in Jan. 6. What message do you think he is trying to send?

The message that he is trying to send, which is incorrect, is that people are being prosecuted or have been prosecuted for their political views. That's just not the case. The only people who have been criminally charged went beyond speech and engaged in conduct which was criminal. If this rally had been a lot of angry people chanting "Stop the Steal" and waving Trump flags, but not assaulting police officers and not breaking windows and climbing through them to get into the Capitol, there's no crime. No one is prosecuted simply for believing that the election was stolen and being at the Capitol. They had to go beyond that into conduct.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There's a range of culpability. Some simply stepped over that broken glass and those bloody stairs and went in, and they were charged with trespassing or disorderly conduct. Those are misdemeanors, they're the least culpable. Some were convicted of seditious conspiracy, advocating the use of force to disrupt the lawful function of government. That's the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, that's the most serious. There are some in between, who were at the Capitol and who did commit acts of violence. I'm not sure if the president will draw any sort of distinction between them. Will he equate the misdemeanor trespassers with the seditious conspirators and give them all a blanket pardon? I hope not. I hope there's some recognition that a pardon to some of the people on that most culpable end of the spectrum would send a horrible message to law enforcement and everybody else. We're going to have to wait and see, after Jan. 20, what comes out.

Was Donald Trump not being prosecuted an example of the system failing, or is it more accurate to say that the system is designed to protect the wealthy and powerful?

No, I think the system failed. I think the system was slow-footed here. When we at the select committee were conducting our investigation, we were getting people before they'd been interviewed by the Department of Justice, and these were people that were centrally involved, pulling these levers in this multi-part plan. We were talking to high-placed members of the White House staff or the president's own family or members of his administration who said, "Nope, we haven't received any inquiry from the Department of Justice."

It wasnt until the select committee actually started having these hearings that people over there said, "Hey, wait a minute, maybe there really is criminal conduct here." I don't know why that is. I don't know what informed those discussions inside the Justice Department. We didn't even start until the end of 2021, so we were even a year late. If everybody had focused on this right away, arguably you could have had charges and adjudication prior to the election.

What are your concerns about our institutions under this administration, considering that your work has been literally devoted to protecting those institutions?

I say in the book that we can't wait for government to fix this problem, this lack of faith in institutions. Unfortunately, in my view, in our representative government the rules are designed more to protect incumbency than to solve real problems. I look at my own congressional district in Charlottesville, the 5th district of Virginia, which is gerrymandered to be a safe Republican district. The people who live in Charlottesville, my liberal college community, really have no voice every two years in selecting our member of Congress because the district is drawn to be very favorable [to Republicans]. When you couple gerrymandering with the incessant amounts of money that flow in, primarily to incumbents, the system is designed to entrench those that are in power. They're the ones who write the rules and therefore they don't have much incentive to change them. I think that creates cynicism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I do think there's a basis for some people's anger at institutions, and then I worry about that. Unless we fix that process, create more incentive to compromise, create more general political competition, I think government will continue to be somewhat distant and unable to solve the problems of real people.

What happens if there's growing apathy and people continue to check out? We just had an election where many commentators said, "Our democracy w on the line," and a third of Americans still sat out.

I'm glad you raised that, because I think that's as big of a threat, or a bigger threat, than anger. You can have one of two reactions to cynicism about the system. Anger: You go to the Capitol and charge it, you fight with people that disagree with you, like in Charlottesville. Or you can just say, "You know what? It doesn't matter. I don't need to vote. I don't need to pay attention, because they're all the same."

A third of registered voters didn't vote in this election. That doesn't even touch all the people who could register, who have not. I think if everybody in America votes, pays attention, participates, educates themselves, we're fine. Democracy will be there. But if people don't, if their cynicism makes them withdraw, then we give outsized power to these extreme perspectives and we are in real trouble.

How can we reach out and get people informed? Is it about trying to get people in the Republican community to speak to their fellow Republicans, and the same thing for Democrats?

I think it has to be really organic. It has to start in your family, has to start in your school, your community. It has to start in your church, in your neighborhood. It has to be ground-up rather than top-down. And how do we encourage that? I'm really attracted to things like a creative, incentivized national service where we put people together who are different, and they're building trails in Colorado or working in nursing homes in New York City. Let's find ways to bring people who are different together in lots of different settings, educational or work settings. That's the kind of organic ground-based solution that I think it's going to take.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think what's going to happen politically, though, is that some things that happen with this new administration are going to prompt a really strong backlash. If you believe what Dr. King said, that the arc of history bends toward justice, it'll be jagged, there'll be steps backward, but maybe some of the things that happen in the next four years will prompt participation, or prompt people to care more and engage more fully going forward.

How concerned are you about more political violence going forward?

I'm very concerned about it. We've seen event after event where people sort of scratch their heads and say, "Wow, did that really happen?" Well, yeah, and you should be less and less surprised going forward. When you have things like lack of accountability, I think that only encourages the potential for more violence, so I'm very concerned.

I do think law enforcement is getting better at preparing for some of these things, but not always. We can't always count on our law enforcement to protect us from political violence.
By Maayan Lubell and Nidal al-Mughrabi

JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday amid a push to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, Netanyahu's office said.

After the meeting, Netanyahu dispatched a high-level delegation which included the head of the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency to Qatar in order to "advance" talks to return hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, a statement from Netanyahu's office said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Earlier on Saturday, an Israeli official said some progress had been made in the indirect talks between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, to reach a deal in Gaza.

The mediators are making renewed efforts to reach a deal to halt the fighting in the enclave and free the remaining Israeli hostages held there before Trump takes office on Jan. 20. A deal would also involve the release of some Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Families of Israeli hostages welcomed Netanyahu's decision to dispatch the officials, with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters describing it as a "historic opportunity."

Witkoff arrived in Doha on Friday and met the Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatars foreign ministry said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Egyptian and Qatari mediators received reassurances from Witkoff that the U.S. would continue to work towards a fair deal to end the war soon, Egyptian security sources said, though he did not give any details.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed across its borders in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, more than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, with much of the enclave laid to waste and gripped by a humanitarian crisis, with most of its population displaced.

On Saturday, the Palestinian civil emergency service said eight people were killed, including two women and two children, in an Israeli airstrike on a former school sheltering displaced families in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Israeli military said the strike had targeted Hamas militants who were operating at the school and that it had taken measures to reduce the risk of harm to civilians.

Later on Saturday, the Gaza Civil Emergency Service said five people were killed and several others were wounded in two Israeli strikes. One of the two strikes killed three people in a house near the Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City.

The Israeli military said it struck a Hamas militant "in that area" at that approximate time.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem and Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo. Additional reporting by Ahmed Mohamed Hassan in Cairo; Editing by Mark Potter and Conor Humphries)
By John Irish

PARIS (Reuters) - The world must return to a policy of "maximum pressure" against Iran to turn it into a more democratic country, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's incoming Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg told an Iranian opposition event in Paris on Saturday.

Trump has vowed to return to the policy he pursued in his previous term that sought to wreck Iran's economy to force the country to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme, ballistic missile programme and regional activities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"These pressures are not just kinetic, just not military force, but they must be economic and diplomatic as well", Retired Lieutenant-General Kellogg, who is set to serve as Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, told the audience at Paris-based Iranian opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).

He said there was an opportunity "to change Iran for the better" but that this opportunity would not last forever.

"We must exploit the weakness we now see. The hope is there, so must too be the action."

Iran's foreign ministry, in a statement on Saturday, said, "The hosting of a terrorist group by France is a clear example of support for terrorism and a violation of the French government's international legal obligation to combat terrorism."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kellogg has previously spoken at NCRI events, most recently in November, but his presence in Paris, even if in a personal capacity, suggests the group has the ear of the new U.S. administration.

He postponed a trip to European capitals earlier this month until after Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.

It was unclear whether he would use his trip to Paris to meet French officials to discuss Ukraine. The French presidency, foreign ministry and Trump's transition team did not immediately respond for comment.

Incoming U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also spoken at NCRI events in the past. The group has repeatedly called for the fall of the existing Iranian authorities, although it is unclear how much support it has within Iran.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Speaking at the start of the event at Auvers-sur-Oise, the group's headquarters on the outskirts of Paris, NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi said the regional balance of power had shifted against Iran's leadership with the fall of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and the "crushing blow" suffered by its most important ally Hezbollah is its war with Israel.

"It is time for Western governments to abandon past policies and stand with the Iranian people this time," she said.

The NCRI, the political arm of the People's Mujahideen Organisation of Iran (PMOI), has held frequent rallies in the France, often attended by high profile former U.S., European and Arab officials critical of the Islamic Republic.

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Alex Richardson and Christopher Cushing)
Ahead of the launch of the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that his government is working to create employment opportunities for youth. The Yuva Shakti mission will be launched on January 12 to mark Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, which is also observed as National Youth Day. The initiative aims to foster youth-oriented activities and consolidate them into a coordinated platform for the socio-economic development of the state's youth. Yadav said the seventh edition of the Regional Industry Conclave was scheduled to be held in Shahdol division on January 16 and preparations were in place. He said in the six regional industry conclaves held so far, investment proposals of over Rs 4 lakh crore have been received. He expressed hope that over 3 lakh employment opportunities would be generated. "I am happy that under the Yuva Shakti Mission, the Madhya Pradesh government is taking the state forward with regards to youth employment... There are about 1.5 crore youth in Madhya Pradesh... On January 16, our 7th Regional Industry Conclave is going to be held. We are looking for the role of our sisters in Yuva Shakti," he said. The Chief Minister said youth should be able to work according to their potential. "After launching the Yuva Shakti Mission tomorrow, we will deposit the instalment of the monthly-aid of Ladli Behna Yojana as well on the same day," he said. Yadav said different departments would make presentations and encourage new investment during the Regional Industry Conclave on January 16. (ANI)
I always had the belief that anything can be turned around. Its just a matter of time, and resources, and a little money to make that work.

Thats what Dwayne Tucker, Tennessee State Universitys new interim president, told a group of Tennessean staffers when he visited the newsroom on Dec. 18. Hed just assumed the role, following the resignation of Ronald Johnson, Ph.D., whod taken the interim position over the summer.

During a special meeting of TSUs board of trustees, held the morning of Dec. 13, Tucker, a TSU alumni and then-CEO of LEAD schools, resigned from his board position. He then immediately accepted the offer to lead the institution through this particularly challenging time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The following Monday, he stood before the State Building Commission, the same body that held Johnson to task and questioned the agreement to pay $1.7 million to former president Glenda Glover following her resignation  and amid ongoing financial struggles.

The spotlight on TSU, and Tucker, was as bright as ever as the Commission once again pressed for extreme remedy for the institutions ongoing issues:

The sale of valuable assets, including the downtown Avon Williams campus and a plot of land located at the airport. And, if necessary, a declaration of financial exigency. The latter is a drastic step that would trigger drastic cost-cutting measures, including, potentially, the termination of tenured faculty.

By focusing on what he deems the low-hanging fruit of TSUs management processes, Tucker said he hopes to avoid both options.

TSU is attractive to Black students, but it's in a poor position to recruit them

As a businessman (he once owned Wall Street and Park Avenue, two popular North Nashville clubs), Tucker views TSU through a business lens.

Dwayne Tucker

A business that provides educational services, sure, but a business nonetheless. In that context, faculty and staff become service providers; students and their families are the customers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And TSU, Tucker says, needs to get back to serving those customers.

Its a subtle but significant shift from the perspective that students are little more than tuition vehicles, their fees the fuel that keep the lights on and faculty and staff paid.

For Black students looking to attend a university in Middle Tennessee  or, perhaps, anywhere else in the state  TSU will always have the cultural advantage. It will always attract students who are family of alumni, of either TSU or another HBCU. It will likewise attract Black students who seek the safety of a historically Black space, students who value a community of Black peers, teachers and administrators above all else.

But for other students who may be weighing multiple options  perhaps with scholarship offers from multiple schools, or for whom TSU isnt a perfect academic fit  the university is currently in a poor position to earn their enrollment.

Tucker wants to increase efficiency of TSU facilities

At the Tennessean offices, Tucker spoke of major changes that need to occur in order to get TSU on the right footing. Among them: an ongoing need to improve TSUs facilities and a push to form mutually beneficial partnerships with local corporations  partnerships he hopes can fill some funding gaps.

From left, Interim President Ronald A. Johnson, Board Chair Dakasha Winton, Board Vice Chair Charles Traughber and Trustee Dwayne Tucker at the TSU Board of Trustees meeting at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.

But the little things matter, too, and Tucker believes that grabbing ahold of some of that low-hanging fruit can shift TSUs circumstances enough that fire sales and financial exigency wont be necessary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some of it is the proper management of processes (Some dollars arent being used efficiently, he said). Some of it is better hiring (getting the right people and giving them the resources to be successfuland holding them accountable"). Some of it is plain ol customer service.

He talked about staffers not answering the phones in a timely manner and of administrators parking in reserved spaces in prime locations, thereby making campus visits for prospective and current students (and their families) considerably more inconvenient.

Opinion: Beyonce Bowl was a success for her, though little has changed in country music

Just go to Opryland and I guarantee you that the staff arent parking at the ballroom because they want [the customers] to be there, Tucker said. And I think what I'm trying to do at Tennessee State is to say, Hey look, students come first; our staff comes second.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Instagram, beneath the Dec. 13 post announcing Tuckers appointment, comments were heavy on congratulations, but there was also some sharing of grievances  some confirmation, essentially, of Tuckers stated concerns.

therapyforbradford wrote about confusion over his credits, which led to him being purged from his classes over the summer. Everyone in my department knows the university is wrong, he wrote. I been at TSU since 2020 and not a single semester was easy for registration or financial aid.

go up there in person if you can, or send someone on your behalf, responded ron_the_accountant. In person is the best way to yield results.

Rather than being upset about negative feedback, TSU should fix what's not working

Since I began writing about TSU this fall, Ive gotten some feedback suggesting that its better to not draw attention to the negative, that too much airing of dirty laundry can do more harm than good for the historic institution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But while I agree that no business wants to receive a negative review, I also know that the best ones read those reviews, consider their validity, and make the necessary adjustments to their operations.

Andrea Williams

I dont know that I can recall hearing an HBCU administrator openly address the issues that are so glaring to outsiders, to those whose loyalty the university is still hoping to earn.

But Tucker did, and its the most promising sign Ive seen from an institution proclaiming its readiness to turn the corner and leave a problematic past behind.

Andrea Williams is an opinion columnist for The Tennessean and curator of the Black Tennessee Voices initiative. She has an extensive background covering country music, sports, race and society. Email her at adwilliams@tennessean.com or follow her on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @AndreaWillWrite and BlueSky at @andreawillwrite.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TSU's new president wants to improve student outcomes | Opinion
A Brooklyn businessman admitted Friday to funneling illegal campaign contributions to Eric Adams 2021 campaign  in the first guilty plea connected to the federal bribery case against the mayor.

Erden Arkan, the Turkish-born owner of KSK Construction Group in Williamsburg, copped to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in Manhattan federal court, telling the judge he knowingly broke the law by helping to coordinate the straw donor scheme.

When I wrote the checks, I knew that the Eric Adams campaign would use the checks to apply for public matching funds, Arkan said in English, while listening to a Turkish translation of the hearing on headphones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Arkan reimbursed employees of his construction firm for their campaign donations at the request of a Turkish diplomatic official allegedly at the center of the case against Adams.

Erden Arkan, the Turkish-born owner of KSK Construction Group, admitted to illegally making the donations Friday. William Farrington

Straw donor schemes are illegal because theyre used to skirt campaign contribution limits or shield whos actually funding a candidate.

When you did these things, did you know that what you were doing was illegal? Judge Dale Ho asked.

Yes, Arkan, who wore a gray suit, softly replied.

Erden Arkan struck a plea deal with the feds last month. Instagram/@teachstats

The federal charge could come with a sentence of up to five years in prison and $250,000 fine, but prosecutors recommended that the judge only jail Arkan for up to six months, if at all, and fine him up $9,500 as part of the plea deal, court papers show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The feds allege that Adams personally sought the donations from Arkan and the Turkish official at an April 2021 dinner, according to the indictment against the mayor.

The diplomat allegedly arranged free or heavily discounted luxury travel for Adams, the then-Brooklyn borough president, in exchange for political favors, including fast-tracking the opening of the Turkish Consulate.

Erden Arkan runs the construction company KSK. instragram @erden1949

Adams has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing since the indictment dropped in September.

It was unclear if Arkan, who agreed to the plea deal last month, will testify against Adams.

Prosecutors requested the judge schedule Arkans sentencing after the mayors trial, which is set for April.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Arkan was released on $100,000 bail and ordered to return for sentencing on Aug. 11. He agreed to pay $18,000 in restitution.

It was unclear if Arkan will testify against the mayor in April. GC Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His lawyer, Jonathan Rosen, declined to comment on his way out of court.

Adams defense team was unfazed by the deal, saying the government hasnt turned over any evidence in discovery connected to Arkan that would incriminate the mayor

The deal comes just days after the feds signaled more charges could be coming down the pike soon  telling the judge they had unearthed additional criminal conduct by Adams and his associates.

KSK Construction in Williamsburg was one of the locations raided by the feds in November 2023 when news of the Southern District of New Yorks probe first began public.
NEW YORK  Brooklyn real estate magnate Erden Arkan pleaded guilty on Friday in federal court to funneling thousands of dollars to Mayor Eric Adams 2021 campaign in coordination with a Turkish government official, setting him up to testify against the mayor.

Speaking with a hoarse voice from the lower Manhattan courtroom, Arkan, 76, admitted to orchestrating straw donations to Adams mayoral campaign through workers of the construction company he partly owns, KSK, and then reimbursing them. Arkan indicated he planned to enter the plea last month  the first resulting from the ongoing probe of illicit foreign donations to the mayors campaign.

When I wrote the checks, I knew the Eric Adams campaign would use the checks to apply for public matching funds, Arkan said, referring to the system under which city political candidates get donations from local residents matched eightfold with city dollars.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Cohen told the court that if Arkan had gone to trial, prosecutors would have provided testimony, photographs, video electronic records and other evidence to establish he illegally colluded with a Turkish consular official to funnel money to the mayoral campaign that Adams personally solicited at a restaurant in April 2021. Manhattan Federal Court Judge Dale Ho accepted Arkans plea and set his sentencing for Aug. 15.

While it wasnt explicitly stated that the plea deal requires Arkan to testify against the mayor, his cooperation in the feds ongoing corruption investigation is all but certain, with Cohen asking his sentencing to be scheduled after Adams April trial. It is common for federal defendants who take plea deals to agree to testify or cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for leniency at sentencing.

The plea comes as prosecutors with the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office recently said in a filing theyd uncovered additional criminal conduct the mayor and others engaged in and may bring more charges.

Adams is accused of soliciting and accepting illegal straw donations from Arkan and others, as well as luxury travel upgrades and perks in exchange for doling out political favors for the Turkish government. He is expected to head to trial on the five counts of bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud in April  just two months before hes up for reelection in the June primary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He has pleaded not guilty.

Arkan appears in Adams indictment as Businessman #5. Per the indictment, he hosted a fundraiser for the soon-to-be mayor at his firms Brooklyn office in May 2021, a month after the dinner with the mayor mentioned in court Friday. On the day of the fundraiser, records show that Arkan and 10 employees of the firm donated nearly $14,000 cumulatively to Adams campaign, for which Arkan reimbursed them.

Records show that after submitting those contributions for public matching funds, the Adams campaign raked in an additional $22,000 in taxpayers cash off of them.

All of those donations were illegal straw contributions funded by Arkan and made at the behest of Reyhan Ozgur, Turkeys consul general in New York, according to Adams indictment. Ozgur and Arkan allegedly agreed to make the illegal donations during the dinner with Adams in April 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We are supporting you, Ozgur told Adams at that dinner, according to court papers.

As part of his plea, Arkan agreed to making $18,000 restitution payments and not to contest a sentence below six months. He also faces the risk of being denaturalized, deported, and denied entry to the U.S. in the future, Ho warned him.

The offense Arkan pleaded to could result in a maximum of up to five years in federal prison, three years supervised release and $250,000 in fines.

Arkans attorney, Jonathan Rosen, had no comment after Fridays plea hearing.

_____
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that his country continues to "strongly support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Source: Fidan, quoted by Hurriyet

Quote: "We continue to strongly support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In 2022, more than 33 million tonnes of grain came into the market thanks to a grain deal brokered by our country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We are continuing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on shipping in the Black Sea."

Background:

Fidan said in November that he believed a "new situation" on the front line in Ukraine was possible in the coming year due to the exhaustion of both sides in the war.

In September, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called his country's relations with Russia multidimensional and noted that they would continue to expand.

Support UP or become our patron!
Jan. 10MITCHELL  Mitchell School District students on a long cross-state bus ride have a few ways to occupy their time as they travel. They can listen to music, talk with their fellow students or take in the passing countryside through the window.

Now, thanks to a new program being piloted by the district, those students have another option to pass the hours: working with their artificial intelligence tutor to improve their understanding of classroom lessons.

"Anywhere essentially that you've got the internet now, you've got artificial intelligence," Joe Childs, superintendent for the Mitchell School District, told the Mitchell Republic during a recent interview. "Instead of just having OpenAI, which is a reasonable source of information, this is a platform that safeguards things and keys students in more academically than what other artificial intelligence platforms might do."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The program is known as Khanmigo and is an offshoot of Khan Academy, itself an online non-profit educational organization that offers a variety of learning resources, including videos, practice exercises, personalized learning features as well as content for educators and test preparation tools.

Khanmigo is set up specifically as an artificial intelligence tutor and teaching assistant, giving students access to a number of tools to assist with their studies. Those include instant feedback on homework problems, step-by-step explanations for difficult concepts, engaging conversations to boost understanding, a debate tool and writing tutor as well as critical thinking encouragement.

The program was launched by Khan Academy in 2023, and though there is no figure on how many schools are using the service in South Dakota, Khan Academy estimates that

over 221,000 individuals nationwide were using Khanmigo in some capacity during the 2023-24 school year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The program began its pilot phase at the Mitchell School District earlier this year in high school algebra classes, but has since slowly been incorporated into a handful other classrooms in the district as school leaders assess its effectiveness.

Justin Siemsen, principal for Mitchell High School, said officials with the district began exploring the use of the service following an introductory discussion with Childs and other district leaders.

"Honestly, I hadn't perused Khanmigo at that point yet, so I did a little bit before I went to (Child's) office, and I found it was just a wealth of knowledge," Siemsen said. "I will be honest, I'm more of an old-school type, where I was probably less on board initially as far as what AI can provide educationally. But as we got into it a little bit more, my eyes were opened."

Artificial intelligence in recent years has found its way into practically every industry and field, ranging from manufacturing to medicine. Familiar artificial intelligence services such as ChatGPT, which can generate human-like responses to questions and problems, is used widely in writing, coding and research.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unlike ChatGPT, Khanmigo does not simply answer questions or solve problems on request. Instead of returning an answer to an algebra problem, for example, it guides the students through it step-by-step, asking questions and then giving the student feedback on their thinking process and progress.

The student has access to the online service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing them to work on their skills at their convenience. That could include during their study hall, a free period, over their lunch hour or when they're at home  essentially any time they might not have direct access to their teacher. With wifi available on district buses, students can even access the service and study on bus trips to sporting events or on their way to or from school.

The service is useful for students of all learning levels and it leans into constructive criticism and encouraging feedback, Siemsen said.

"It's something that's going to be helpful for not just struggling students, but for other students who might just need a little bit of further understanding in a particular area," Siemsen said. "We try to use it as an attachment to certain lessons and things like that. Khanmigo has the ability to delve into certain areas in each discipline."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Khanmigo meets each student at their learning level and customizes its approach based on the skills of that student. That provides a high level of flexibility that can assist students struggling with basic concepts or more complex problems. The system can also help bridge language barriers while tutoring.

The student must work toward the solution and is not just handed an answer, said Sarah Timmer, curriculum director for the Mitchell School District. Part of the learning experience is overcoming the problem, not skipping past it.

"Unlike OpenAI where you are given the answer, Khanmigo doesn't do that. It lets them sit in that projective struggle and asks the right questions to help them get out of it or to go back a step," Timmer said. "So it really reaches where every student is."

Classroom teachers work in conjunction with the service. Khanmigo provides resources for those instructors as well, including lesson planning, creating rubrics, providing feedback as well as a summary of student activity and skill mastery. Parents also have the option to acquire access to their child's Khanmigo work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Khanmigo is an impressively useful tool for students, but teachers and in-person learning is still the cornerstone of a solid educational experience, Childs said. Teachers can still provide hands-on lesson help whenever needed and remain the focus of the lesson planning and the presentation of materials, and that will not change with the introduction of artificial intelligence into the school setting.

"This isn't any kind of teacher replacement. It's a teaching assistant," Childs said. "We understand that the teacher is always the best, this is just an assistant that allows the teachers to work with students and allow students to get the feedback they need when the teacher is working with another student."

The program is being used in Algebra I and Algebra II at the high school level, and has slowly been expanded into a handful of other classrooms in the district as school officials, teachers and students become more familiar with the service. Khan Academy is well-known for its online math tutoring videos and classes, so piloting the program in math made sense as a starting point, Timmer said.

The district secured 250 licenses for the program at $15 per license, opting to go with the minimum purchase option for the pilot program, though the district is not using all 250 licenses yet. For individual learners or parents, access can be acquired for $4 per month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The potential benefits of the program are clear, but officials note that the pilot program is just that  a pilot program. The realm of artificial intelligence as a high-level teaching and tutoring tool is still a relatively new concept for everyone involved, from the superintendent to the students themselves.

Feedback so far has been encouraging, and more discussion is expected on the topic when the district holds professional development later this month.

"They're still trying to understand how to use it. Once that part is really grasped by the teacher, then I think we will understand the noticeable benefit," Siemsen said.

As the pilot program progresses, school officials will continue to assess its effectiveness. Childs said the district plans to eventually use all 250 licenses currently on hand as it evaluates the program's strengths and weaknesses. If the district determines the program to be an overall benefit, the program could find itself in wide use throughout the district.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Whether that happens remains to be seen, but if anything is clear it is that artificial intelligence is here to stay, and that likely includes the school classroom at some level.

"Number one  it's not going away. And number two  why wouldn't you take advantage of something that can be so useful to teachers as well as students?" Siemsen said.
Jacob Soboroff, a national correspondent for NBC News with deep roots in the community, showed viewers the remains of his family's former home on Frontera Drive in Pacific Palisades.

This week, Soboroff visited the site of a nearby playground where he romped as a child. His father, longtime civic leader Steve Soboroff, had led the effort to renovate the recreation facility after it fell into disrepair. It was gone. The home of his pregnant sister's in-laws, where she was staying during her own home's renovation, was also leveled.

Soboroff no longer lives in Pacific Palisades. But he knows its now-unrecognizable streets as well as if he had a Google map in his head, he told The Times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The pictures don't match the muscle memories," he said. "I grew up here and we'd do ... drills in school for an earthquake. It looks like what the city would look like after the Big One, not after a wildfire."

Those feelings are now all too familiar. The world watched as large parts of the Los Angeles area burned this week, giving ample TV time to the national correspondents based in the city.

The stunning devastation that engulfed Pacific Palisades, Altadena and other neighborhoods entered the national consciousness through wall-to-wall TV news coverage, overshadowing major news events such as the funeral of former President Carter and the sentencing of Donald Trump in his New York hush money case. The unprecedented inferno filled screens with shocking images since Tuesday.

Often the biggest challenge for the L.A.-based journalists, who worked around the clock since the blazes broke out, was coping with their own emotions, fears and feelings of loss as they reported on their home city's transformation into scenes that resembled war zones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fox News correspondent Jonathan Hunt reported on the flames that encroached Palisades Charter High School, where his 17-year-old daughter is a student. While informing viewers about the threat, he privately worried she would be back to remote learning after losing a year in the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hunt was relieved that the school "was largely OK," but local landmarks where he spent time with his children were wiped out.

"I was just wandering around the village area just now and much of the retail is gone," he said. "The Starbucks we used to stop at so many days after school is just gone."

Longtime CNN correspondent Nick Watt told viewers Wednesday how after he finished his reporting he was headed to his home in Santa Monica to hose it down, hoping it would deter embers from starting a blaze.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It's extraordinary to cover something like this in your own community," he said. "I've been covering fires for a long time. You have sympathy for people. Now I have empathy."

Correspondents said they were deluged by West Coast-based colleagues, friends and strangers asking them to check whether their homes were still standing.

Soboroff noted that having his reports stream on NBC News Now and social media sites such as TikTok brought in requests from around the world. In some cases, he didn't have to check, knowing that whole blocks in Pacific Palisades were in ruins.

Hunt received inquiries as well and went a step further for Kennedy, a former MTV host who is now a contributor at Fox News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kennedy, who was in New York, asked Hunt to enter her Palisades home, less than 100 yards from structures that were gutted by the flames. She wanted him to gather certain framed family photographs and drawings made by her children. Hunt entered the undamaged structure, where he also retrieved a sword one of Kennedy's relatives saved from World War I.

"I was dreading the idea of going to this friend's house and having to send a photo of rubble," Hunt said. "Thank God that I didn't."

Nancy Loo, a veteran Los Angeles-based reporter for NewsNation, was on the case Tuesday morning as she and her camera operator Nathan Fiery had covered numerous wildfires along the West Coast since she joined the network in 2020. They started traveling toward the blaze when they saw smoke in the direction of Culver City.

Loo joined NewsNation so she could be closer to family members, who she said were spared from the danger and destruction. But Fiery had been evacuated from his Hollywood Hills home and worked with the fear that it would be gone. (It was spared.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Loo made her bones as a local New York anchor who reported for eight hours straight during the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. She moved on to become a reporter on Chicago's WGN, where she frequently started her day covering a homicide that occurred overnight.

The destruction of Pacific Palisades is yet another traumatic scene she has to process, one of many over a long career.

"I've learned to compartmentalize because it does take an emotional toll," Loo said.

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.
PARIS (Reuters) - At least 20 people were injured when two trams collided in Strasbourg in eastern France, French media said on Saturday.

The Bas-Rhin region's Fire and Rescue Service asked to avoid the area to facilitate access for emergency services.

The crash occurred after one of the trams switched tracks and collided with a stationary tram at Strasbourg's central station, BFM TV said.

(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Alex Richardson)
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  The City of Tyler is upgrading 10,000 feet of water main pipes that date back to the 1940s.

On Wednesday, Tyler City Council approved a $1,813,982 project with Capps-Capco Construction to replace 10,000 feet of two-inch galvanized metal water main lines with new six-inch PVC lines.

The 10,000 feet of old lines include many dead-end mains and these new lines will include looping dead end mains which will be more safe and reliable.

A map of the upgrade project locations. Photo courtesy of the City of Tyler.

Water mains getting replaced in this project are near the following streets and avenues:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

West Elm Street

South Confederate Avenue

South Ross Avenue

East Elm Street

East Richards Street

East Earle Street

South Clayton Avenue

Tyler Water Utilities is working closely with the Streets Department to try and limit disruption on newly repaired streets. The city council also approved an $168,550 engineering agreement with C.T. Brannon Corporation on Wednesday.

This summer, theyll be designing larger-diameter water main replacements for areas near the following streets and avenues:

Rice Road

Plantation Drive

Warwick Drive

Wimbledon Drive

West Rieck Road

North Palace Avenue from West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to West Vance Street

The C.T. Brannon Corporations area of focus for this summer. Photo courtesy of the City of Tyler.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Tyndall Air Force Base has equipment on the Apalachicola Regional Airport for the first time in 80 years.

Base personnel have parked a mock-up of an SA-17 missile battery near the runway.

It looks mean but it is harmless, these are not missiles. These are just mockups. These are just fuel containers and theyre steel tubes and made to look really mean, Tyndall Air Combat Training Center Director Puck said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shalimar Church Friar arrested on 30 counts of possession of child pornography

The vehicle is what we know as an emitter. Equipment used as a visual aid to train pilots for combat situations. In this case, its acting as a training aid for F-35 pilots.

While its peaceful, no ones shooting at you, no ones bothering you then. Now you have the ability to locate that in a calm, methodical manner. That way, once you understand how it works, now you can find it quickly. When tensions arise then its all muscle memory, you know how to do that, Puck said.

The Apalachicola Regional Airport is one of the many places Tyndall is using to deploy emitters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres several of these sites on the Gulf and its to assist the F-35 pilots with training over the Gulf. And Franklin County is very excited about helping provide for our nations defense, Apalachicola Regional Airport Interim Manager Steve Kirschenbaum said.

This is something of a homecoming.

Tyndall actually built the Apalachicola Regional Airport in 1939 as a forward base. Its located close to the Gulf of Mexico, allowing Tyndall quick access to the militarys gulf training range.

Apalachicola Regional Airport has the distinction of being dead center of the Gulf Coast branch and the Gulf Test Range goes from Franklin County all the way down both the Key West and Nassau. We happen to be in a great spot to help our military, Kirschenbaum said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tyndall pilots wont be the only pilots trying to locate the SA-17 in Apalachicola. Other bases across the southeast will also use the training aid.

Cold weather emergency shelter opens in DeFuniak Springs

The government has signed a 20-year lease to keep the equipment at Apalachicola Regional Airport.

Tyndall plans to add as many as five more emitters for training.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday visited the Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya to offer prayers and seek blessings for the welfare and progress of the people. "Today, I offered prayers and performed darshan of Lord Hanuman at Shri Hanumangarhi, located in Shri Ayodhya Dham, and prayed for the welfare and progress of all," CM Yogi wrote in a post on X. The Chief Minister was in Ayodhya on the first anniversary of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla's idol at the Ram Mandir. On the occasion, he performed puja and offered prayers during the Pratishtha-Dwadashi program. "Blessed is Avadh, which is famous for Ram... In the Pratishtha-Dwadashi program organised on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Pran-Pratishtha of the idol of Lord Shri Ramlala Sarkar in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple at Shri Ayodhya Dham... Jai Jai Shri Ram," CM Yogi added. The historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony took place on January 22, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the main rituals. However, the first anniversary is being celebrated on January 11, 2025, in alignment with the Hindu calendar. Last year, the sacred event was celebrated on Kurma Dwadashi during the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu calendar's Paush month. This year, Shukla Paksha falls on January 11, prompting the celebration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to the people, calling the temple a "great heritage of our culture and spirituality." "Best wishes to all the countrymen on the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. This temple, built after centuries of sacrifice, penance and struggle, is a great heritage of our culture and spirituality," PM Modi said in a post on X. "I am confident that this divine and magnificent Ram temple will become a great inspiration in the accomplishment of the resolution of a developed India," he added. The three-day celebrations commenced on Saturday, starting with an Agnihotra ritual accompanied by mantras from the Shukla Yajurveda. This was followed by the chanting of 'Ram Naam' six lakh times, along with the recitation of the Ram Raksha Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa. At the temple's ground floor, 'Rag Seva' was organised from 3 pm to 5 pm, and was to be followed by a congratulatory song at 6 pm. A Musical Manas recitation was also held on the first floor of the passenger convenience centre. Other events include a Ram Katha at the 'Angad Tila' inside the temple premises, followed by a Manas Discourse and a cultural program. Lakhs of devotees have been visiting Ayodhya since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla. The Hanumangarhi temple has also witnessed a sharp increase in the number of daily visitors. (ANI)
NORTHERN MICHIGAN  Ice is starting to creep over the surfaces of the Great Lakes, and the U.S. Coast Guard has officially launched Operation Taconite for the 2024-25 winter season.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes announced the start of the annual ice breaking efforts on Jan. 6. Operation Taconite is the Coast Guards largest domestic ice breaking operation, with efforts taking place on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, the St. Marys River, the Straits of Mackinac and Georgian Bay.

"One of the missions of the U.S. Coast Guard is to facilitate interstate and international commerce. We are there as stewards of the waterways, so we need to make sure the free flow of people and goods can occur throughout the year," said U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Philip Gurtler.

The USCGC Mackinaw breaks ice on March 16, 2022 northeast of Marinette, Wisconsin.

Ice breaking involves the use of specially designed ships that can ram through ice and clear passages for other vessels.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"There's actually a couple of different ways that you can do ice breaking," said Gurtler. "What we'll actually try to do is less pushing through the ice, but actually get on top of the ice and then use the weight of the vessel to break it up and maneuver through it."

Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes is designating several cutter ships to the annual effort.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw is assigned to manage the ice breaking needs of western Lake Superior, specifically the twin ports of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay is assigned to Green Bay, and U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Katmai Bay and Neah Bay will manage the St. Marys River and the Straits of Mackinac.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As ice coverage expands, U.S. Coast Guard officials will assign additional icebreakers as needed.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay breaks ice in the bay of Green Bay near Sturgeon Bay.

Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our coverage

During this time, some waterways will close and others will stay open due to the needs of marine environment, ferries and island residents throughout the Great Lakes region. Some waterways will stay closed as island residents use naturally formed ice bridges.

While Operation Taconite is in place, there will also be limited movement on some commercial vessels depending on the area where they operate. Some additional safety measures include restricting movement to daylight hours, reducing speed and requiring additional reporting points.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw has been assigned to manage the ice breaking needs of western Lake Superior, specifically the twin ports of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin, for the 2024-25 winter season.

Some areas will be set aside for public use for activities such as ice fishing. The Coast Guard advises people to take all necessary safety precautions when on the ice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Make sure that you've got a plan and that somebody else knows about it. And then at least understand the steps to perform a self rescue," said Gurtler.

For more information, contact the U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service at (906) 635-3299.

 Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: U.S. Coast Guard begins annual icebreaking efforts with Operation Taconite on the Great Lakes
Ukraine has captured two injured North Korean soldiers from the battlefield in Russias Kursk region and transferred them to Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.

Two soldiers, though wounded, survived and were transported to Kyiv, where they are now communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine, Zelenskyy wrote on X, alongside a series of photos of the prisoners.

South Koreas National Intelligence Service confirmed the capture in a phone interview Sunday after it aided in questioning the soldiers with translation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine in December died from his injuries, but this is the first time Ukraine has detained soldiers fit for questioning since Pyongyang deployed an estimated 11,000 soldiers to support Russia late last year, according to the United States and its allies.

Neither Russia nor North Korea have publicly acknowledged the troop deployment.

As with all prisoners of war, these two North Korean soldiers are receiving the necessary medical assistance, Zelenskyy said, adding that their capture was not an easy task and noting the claim that Russian and North Korean soldiers "usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Koreas involvement in the war against Ukraine.

According to South Korea's intelligence service, one of the soldiers revealed during questioning that he had arrived in Russia in November and undertook a week of military training from Russian forces before he was deployed to the battlefield.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The soldier believed he was being sent for training and learned about the deployment only upon arrival in Russia, the agency said, adding that the soldier claimed there were significant troop losses during combat.

Zelenskyy's post showed a man with both arms bandaged and a striped sweater pulled over his shoulders. Another man is pictured with swollen lips and a bandage wrapped around his head.

Two other images showed the cover and inside pages of a Russian document.

Ukraine's military warned last month that Russia was trying to "conceal the presence of North Korean military personnel by issuing them false documents."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It said that military cards for North Koreans killed in the conflicts were "missing all the stamps and photographs" and that the signatures on the documents are in Korean, which indicates the real origin of these soldiers.

In October, South Korean intelligence services said that North Korean special forces soldiers received Russian military uniforms and Russian-made weapons, as well as fake identification documents to make it look as if they came from Russias Far East, where people can resemble North Koreans.

Zelenskyy said he had instructed Ukraine's security service to allow journalists access to the prisoners.

The world needs to know the truth about what is happening, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Zelenskyy said last week that 4,000 North Korean soldiers have died or been wounded in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have launched a cross-border incursion since August.

The same month, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said some North Korean soldiers had taken their own lives rather than surrender to Ukrainian forces.

The suicides, he said, were most likely out of fear of reprisal against their families in North Korea in the event that theyre captured.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Ukrainian troops captured two North Korean soldiers as prisoners of war (POWs) in Russia's Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 11.

"This task was not easy," he said in a Telegram post.

"Usually, Russia and other North Korean military personnel finish off their wounded and do everything possible to ensure that no evidence of the participation of another state  North Korea  in the war against Ukraine is preserved."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The two wounded soldiers received necessary medical care and are in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Kyiv, according to Zelensky. The president applauded Ukrainian paratroopers and soldiers from the Special Operation Forces for capturing the North Koreans.

North Korea deployed around 12,000 soldiers in Kursk Oblast, where Ukraine launched a surprise cross-border incursion in August 2024 to bring the war to Russia, a senior Ukrainian official familiar with the intelligence told the Kyiv Independent in December 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Zelensky's statement comes nearly two weeks after the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) said that Ukrainian troops had captured a wounded North Korean soldier in late December who died soon of his wounds.

"We confirmed through a friendly nation's intelligence organization that a North Korean soldier, captured alive on Dec. 26, died a short while ago as (his) wounds worsened," the NIS said on Dec. 27, as cited by South Korean Yonhap News Agency.

Applauding the "irrefutable evidence" of North Korean soldiers' participation in the Russian war against Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on Jan. 11 that the POWs are being questioned with the help of Korean translators and South Korean intelligence.

Read also: As Russia cuts Transnistria from gas, stranded locals search for someone to blame

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One of the North Korean POWs said he was born in 2005 and was a rifleman who had been going through military service in North Korea since 2021, according to the SBU.

"It is noteworthy that the prisoner, like the Russian military at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, emphasizes that he was supposedly going for training and not for a war against Ukraine," the SBU said in its Telegram post.

The other POW was born in 1999 and has served in the North Korean army since 2016 as a sniper reconnaissance officer, the SBU said, citing its preliminary data.

The first POW was issued with an ID document under the name of another person from Russia's Tuva Republic, while the second one had no documents at all.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Special Operation Forces shared a video purporting to show the capture of the North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast by operatives of the Tactical Group 84.

"After evacuating them from the battlefield, the Special Operation Forces operatives provided first aid to the North Korean captives," the statement read.

0:00

/

1

Western nations condemned the two authoritarian states' deepening cooperation, with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin calling it a clear sign of Moscow's growing desperation on Jan. 9.

The first small-scale combat clashes between Ukrainian and North Korean troops happened in November 2024, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said. Then, in December, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a "significant number" of North Korean soldiers had begun participating in assault operations in Kursk Oblast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

North Korean troops have thus far suffered over 1,000 casualties since December, though other estimates are much higher, Austin said on Jan. 9. Zelensky placed the number of North Korean casualties as high as 4,000, but the figures cannot be independently verified.

Only limited videos of the North Korean soldiers appeared online, making it difficult to draw conclusions about their combat abilities.

Read also: North Korean troops in Kursk Oblast boost Russias manpower, despite vulnerabilities

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Ukraine has captured two North Korean soldiers alive after they were wounded while fighting for Russia, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Saturday.

The two North Korean soldiers were captured in the Kursk Oblast, a region of Russia bordering Ukraine, Zelensky said in a lengthy post on X.

"I am grateful to the soldiers of Tactical Group No. 84 of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as our paratroopers, who captured these two individuals," Zelensky said on X.

Our soldiers have captured North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region. Two soldiers, though wounded, survived and were transported to Kyiv, where they are now communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is granting journalists access to the two men because "the world needs to know the truth about what is happening." Photo courtesy of President of Ukraine This was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North... pic.twitter.com/5J0hqbarP6 Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) January 11, 2025

North Korean soldiers began arriving to augment Russian forces late last year.

Ukraine has captured two North Korean soldiers alive after the pair was wounded while fighting for Russia, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Saturday. Photo courtesy of President of Ukraine

Earlier in the week, the U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations said the organization estimates North Korea has deployed over 12,000 soldiers to Russia to support Moscow's war in Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In late December, Zelensky said estimates put the number of North Korean soldiers killed in combat with Ukrainian forces at around 3,000.

The two were taken to Kyiv where they are being questioned by Ukrainian forces. Photo courtesy of President of Ukraine

At the end of December, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported the first North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine later died.

"This was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North Korean military personnel usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Korea's involvement in the war against Ukraine," Zelensky said on X Saturday.

Ukraine said both North Korean soldiers are receiving the necessary medical assistance. Photo courtesy of President of Ukraine

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The two were taken to Kyiv where they are being questioned by Ukrainian forces.

Zelensky said he is also making them available to international journalists and posted photos of the two men.

In late December, Ukraine said estimates put the number of North Korean soldiers killed in combat with Ukrainian forces at around 3,000. Photo courtesy of President of Ukraine

"As with all prisoners of war, these two North Korean soldiers are receiving the necessary medical assistance," the Ukrainian president said on X.

"I have instructed the Security Service of Ukraine to grant journalists access to these prisoners. The world needs to know the truth about what is happening"

The news comes a day after the Biden administration announced some of the strongest-yet sanctions against Russia's oil production and exports.

Earlier in the week, Ukrainian military forces attacked a targeted Russian oil depot used to provide fuel for strategic bombers.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his military has captured two North Korean soldiers fighting on the Russian side in the Kursk region, likely the first such development since Pyongyang dispatched soldiers to help with the Kremlins war in Eastern Europe.

Zelensky wrote Saturday on social media the two soldiers, when captured, were wounded and were taken to Kyiv, the countrys capital, to be interrogated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), also known as SBU, the nations main internal security agency.

This was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North Korean military personnel usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Koreas involvement in the war against Ukraine, Zelensky said in a Saturday post on the social media platform X while adding that the North Koreans are getting medical attention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Ukrainian president added that he instructed the SBU to give reporters access to the pair of prisoners because the world needs to know the truth about what is happening.

The intense combat in Kursk has continued with the Kremlins troops looking to push Ukrainian soldiers back across the Russian border.

In late October last year, the Pentagon said that North Korea sent around 10,000 troops to train in Russia and be eventually utilized on the battlefield.

The White House said in late December 2024 that North Koreans were getting injured at a rapid rate, with more than 1,000 being killed or wounded in just one week. The figure is lower than what Zelensky said just days earlier, claiming that the number of North Korean soldiers who are either injured or dead already exceeds 3,000 people, according to preliminary data.

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.
Ukrainian special forces have captured two North Korean troops, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday.

The wounded soldiers have been transported to Kyiv for questioning by intelligence services, the Ukraine president said, in what is believed to be a first since North Korean troops entered the war on the side of Russia.

The two men were reportedly captured by Ukrainian special operations forces and paratroopers in Russias Kursk region

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These are two soldiers who, although wounded, survived and were brought to Kyiv, and are talking to SBU investigators, Mr Zelensky wrote on social media, referring to Ukraines security service.

The Ukrainian president also posted photos of the prisoners of war, showing one soldier with both hands wrapped in bandages and another wearing a bloodied dressing around his chin.

Further photos appeared to show a red Russian army ID card issued to a 26-year-old man from Russias Tyva region bordering Mongolia, and a view through the porthole of a cell marked detention of prisoners of war, 411.

Our soldiers have captured North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region. Two soldiers, though wounded, survived and were transported to Kyiv, where they are now communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine.



This was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North pic.twitter.com/5J0hqbarP6  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) January 11, 2025

This was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North Korean military personnel usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Koreas involvement in the war against Ukraine, the president continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The world needs to know the truth about what is happening, he said, announcing that journalists would be given access to the prisoners.

Ukrainian forces announced in late December they had captured several wounded North Korean soldiers but they later succumbed to their injuries.

Our soldiers managed to take them prisoner. But they were very seriously wounded and could not be resuscitated, the Ukrainian president said at the time.

Mr Zelensky said on Jan 5 that around 3,800 North Koreans had been killed or wounded since Pyongyang deployed more than 10,000 troops to Russia in late October to reinforce Moscows forces in the Kursk border region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The White House said on Dec 27 that North Korean troops were being sent on futile human wave attacks by Russian generals who see them as expendable.

We now assess that North Korean forces are conducting massed dismounted assaults against Ukrainian positions in Kursk, and these human wave tactics that were seeing havent really been all that effective, said John Kirby, a US national security council spokesman.

Mr Zelensky posted a photo that shows a view through the porthole of a cell marked detention of prisoners of war, 411 - X

Kyiv has previously claimed that North Korean soldiers have been issued with fake Russian IDs, while Mr Zelensky posted footage before Christmas that appeared to show Russian forces burning the faces of killed North Koreans to conceal their identities.

Ukraines Western allies previously branded the deployment of North Korean troops as a dangerous expansion of the conflict.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Zelensky made the comments days after Ukraine began pressing new attacks in Kursk to retain ground captured in a lightning incursion in August that resulted in the first occupation of Russian territory since World War II.

Moscows counter-attack has left Ukrainian forces outstretched and demoralized, killing and wounding thousands and retaking more than 40 per cent of the 984 square kilometers (380 square miles) of Kursk Ukraine had seized.

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.
By Max Hunder

(Reuters) -Ukraine has captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday, the first time Ukraine has announced the capture of North Korean soldiers alive since their entry into the war last autumn.

North Korean regular troops entered the war on Russia's side in October, according to Kyiv and its western allies, who initially estimated their numbers at 10,000 or more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a post on X, Zelenskiy said that the soldiers had been brought to Kyiv and were communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the country's domestic intelligence agency.

"As with all prisoners of war, these two North Korean soldiers are receiving the necessary medical assistance," Zelenskiy said. He said that journalists would be given access to speak to them.

Kyiv says that North Korean troops are fighting in the Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an incursion in August. Kyiv says it still controls several hundred square kilometres of territory there.

Pyongyang has also been supplying Russia with vast quantities of artillery shells, according to Kyiv and its western allies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia has neither confirmed nor denied the presence of North Korean troops in Kursk, and there was no immediate reaction from Moscow or Pyongyang to the latest report.

Ukraine had previously said it captured North Korean soldiers in combat, but that they had been badly wounded and died shortly afterwards.

SPECIAL FORCES OPERATION

Zelenskiy said in a later video address that the troops had been captured by Ukraine's special forces working alongside paratroopers.

The special forces posted a video filmed from a drone claiming to show part of the operation. It showed five men in ghillie suits in a forested area, although other details were hard to make out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A video posted by the SBU appeared to show the two captured men. One had his jaw bandaged due to an apparent wound, while the other was drinking through a straw.

A doctor interviewed for the SBUs video, who was not named and had his face blurred, said one of the soldiers had a facial wound and would be treated by a dentist, while the other soldier had an open wound and a lower leg fracture.

The SBU said the North Koreans had been transferred to Kyiv for questioning, and that because they could not speak Ukrainian, Russian or English, their questioning was being done in Korean with the help of South Korea's NIS intelligence agency.

The SBU said one of the soldiers had been captured with a Russian military document with the name of another person registered in Russia, while the other did not have any documents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The agency said the soldiers had been born in 2005 and 1999, and had been serving in the North Korean armed forces since 2021 and 2016 respectively.

The SBU said the two prisoners were being held in conditions that were in accordance with international law, and that a criminal investigation was being conducted to see if the men broke Ukraine's law against planning or conducting a war.

(Reporting by Max Hunder in London, additional reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Mark Potter, Conor Humphries and Alex Richardson)
Ukraine is leaning into its efforts to hold onto the Russian territory of Kursk amid intense pressure from Russian and North Korean forces to take it back, apparently gambling that the region could be a valuable card in potential negotiations with Moscow.

After weeks of Russian and North Korean advances in Kursk, Ukraine launched a minor offensive on Sunday to push forces back and retain a grip on the roughly 300 square miles Ukrainian troops still hold.

With less than two weeks before President-elect Trump takes office with a promise to negotiate an end to the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appears to be doubling down on Kursk as both a strategic necessity and a bargaining chip, despite lingering questions about the operations tactical value.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Zelensky called the Kursk operation, which was launched in a surprise attack in August and marked the first time Russia was invaded by a foreign ally since World War II, one of our biggest wins, not just last year but throughout the war.

Russia had to pull almost 60,000 troops off the Ukrainian front to deal with it. As of this Monday, its been five months since our troops have maintained a buffer zone on Russian territory, he wrote Thursday on the social platform X.

Ukraine likely has the ability to hold onto that territory for the foreseeable future, but troops face a stark challenge against the some 12,000 North Korean troops allied with Russian forces in Kursk.

Serhiy Grabsky, a reserve colonel in Ukraines military, said the new push in Kursk was more about military strategy than negotiations and was focused on distracting Russia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The main idea of this in simple words: to keep Russian forces busy, he said.

Grabsky said it was also about a message to Trump.

This action  shows Western alliances that Ukraine did not lose battle capabilities, that Ukraine can and will resist with American support or without it.

Since Russia began taking back territory over the fall, Ukraine has lost about 40 percent of the ground it once held in Kursk. But a senior defense official said that despite the pressure, Ukraine continues to hold out against an extraordinary Russian set of assaults in Kursk and on the eastern front lines of Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The official told reporters this week that Kyiv can only be in a position to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin with more pressure on Moscow.

Our calculation is that Putin is not one to give up something that he doesnt have to give up, the official said. And Putin is going to be most impressed as he faces a negotiation and as he faces a war in which he has not yet achieved his objectives and which the costs are building up on him, he is going to be more inclined to be reasonable.

Ukraines new offensive is aimed toward the towns of Berdin and Bolshoye Soldatskoye, north of Sudzha, but it has been a limited effort, securing some three Russian villages and around nine square miles.

Russian military bloggers claimed Thursday that Ukraine had been cleared out of Berdin, and that Russian forces are advancing northwest and southeast of Sudzha, according to the latest Institute for the Study of War report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mick Ryan, a retired major general in the Australian Army who closely tracks and writes about Ukraine, said the country was likely exploiting an opportunity to inflict casualties on Russia. Zelensky said this week that Russia has suffered 38,000 casualties in Kursk.

They imposed a significant number of casualties on the Russians and North Koreans recently, and saw an opportunity to either take more ground or even out the front line, he said.

Ryan said Ukraine will also benefit from holding any amount of territory it can when and if negotiations start.

Russia occupies 18 percent of Ukraine, and Kursk is much, much smaller than 1 percent of Russia, he said. Theres a fairly significant differential in terrain held. That said, its always better to hold some of the enemys territory when you go into a negotiation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ukraine is facing a ticking clock as Trump prepares to come into office on Jan. 20. The president-elect campaigned on a promise of ending the war within his first day in office but has scaled back those ambitions in recent weeks.

Both sides face acute challenges, with Russia suffering heavy losses and facing an economic recession, while Ukraine struggles to secure manpower and hold ground.

Rafael Loss, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said he was unsure if Ukraine could hold onto the Kursk territory for much longer, describing the region as increasingly difficult to defend.

If the Ukrainians can prove throughout the next couple of months that they will not be cut off in Kursk and the overall situation for the Russian armed forces inside of Ukraine and on the whole front continues to deteriorate at a rate that is unsustainable, that might very well be part of the negotiations, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But at this point in time, I think the Kremlin probably looks at the trend lines that are looking bad for Russia, but looking worse for Ukraine, Loss added.

President Biden has tried to strengthen Ukraines hands for the expected negotiations. The U.S. has sent $122 billion in total assistance to Ukraine, around $66 billion of which is military aid.

If its going to oversee such a negotiation, [we want] to make sure [Ukraine is] doing it from a position of strength and that President Trump could get the strongest possible deal, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a Wednesday press conference in Paris.

The last security aid of the Biden administration was announced Thursday, and several billions of dollars approved by Congress will be left over for the Trump administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump has offered few details about how he might solve the war, but his top Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, has called to threaten to dial back aid to get Kyiv to the table and surge weapons if Moscow becomes an obstacle in the talks.

The centerpiece of the discussions is reportedly that Russia would claim the four territories it occupies in eastern Ukraine in exchange for security guarantees for Ukraine.

But Robert Kagan, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said Ukraine will likely lose the war within the next 12 to 18 months and that Putin is not interested in real negotiations that keep Ukraine intact.

Ukraine will not lose in a nice, negotiated way, with vital territories sacrificed but an independent Ukraine kept alive, sovereign, and protected by Western security guarantees, he wrote in a piece for The Atlantic. It faces instead a complete defeat, a loss of sovereignty, and full Russian control.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kagan said Trump should consider the choice between accepting a humiliating strategic defeat on the global stage and immediately redoubling American support for Ukraine while theres still time.

Since the Kursk invasion, Ukraine has faced questions of whether the operation was pulling crucial arms and manpower from the front lines in the east, where Russian continues to advance, particularly in the Donetsk region.

But Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials insist the Kursk attack has been vital in redirecting Russian troops from the front lines, taking out military assets, creating opportunities for prisoner exchanges and seizing ground that could be used potentially for negotiations.

Brock Bierman, visiting senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund, said the limited nature of the Kursk operation might point to Ukraine feeling out Russias capabilities and could lead to a larger offensive maneuver.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bierman also said Ukraine will benefit from any operations to strengthen its position as the time draws near for the Trump administration to take power.

Anything they can do in advance, both Russia and Ukraine, theyre going to do whatever they can because once the Trump administration comes in, theyre going to be much more bottom line, he said. I look at both sides trying to leverage as much they can because Trump is going to, in effect, end this war one way or the other.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said it is Ukraine's "dream" to end the war in 2025, as the country seeks to obtain security guarantees that would "prevent Russia from returning with aggression," the president said in a television interview on Jan. 10.

"It's crucial for us that peace comes. We desire peace more than anyone else. And it's obvious, as we are the ones suffering the most, particularly in terms of lives lost," Zelensky said in an interview with Italian broadcaster RaiNews24.

"It is our dream to obtain these (security) guarantees this year and to end the war this year. We will do everything to achieve this," Zelensky added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk of ending Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has increased as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is poised to take power on Jan. 20. The new administration aims to end Russia's war against Ukraine 100 days from inauguration, Keith Kellogg, Trump's choice for special Ukraine peace envoy said on Jan. 8.

"People need to understand, he's not trying to give something to Putin or to the Russians, he's actually trying to save Ukraine and save their sovereignty," Kellogg said during an interview on Fox News

Kellogg did not discuss details of any potential peace agreements under consideration by the incoming administration.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump reportedly discussed with Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron the prospects of European leadership in stopping the war during a visit to Paris in December.

Zelensky said on Dec. 9 that Ukraine "may consider" Macron's proposal to deploy foreign peacekeepers on its territory but only after getting a clear understanding of the NATO membership timeline

Before his visit to Italy, Zelensky attended the Ramstein summit in Germany on Jan. 9. At the meeting, several of Ukraine's allies pledged additional support. Ukrainian diplomats held bilateral meetings with key allies. Zelensky called for increased cooperation between Ukraine and its allies.

"It's clear that a new chapter starts for Europe and the entire world just 11 days from now, when we have to cooperate even more, rely on each other even more, and achieve greater results together," Zelensky said in his opening address alongside outgoing U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Jan. 9.

Read also: Trump says Putin wants to meet, arrangements already underway

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Trump's expansionist remarks widely rebuked

Xinhua) 09:27, January 11, 2025

Former U.S. President Donald Trump (C) is interviewed at the U.S. presidential debate spin room after the first presidential debate with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

State leaders have spoken out against U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's expansionist remarks.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- With his second term yet to begin, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has made a series of expansionist remarks, including plans to make Canada a U.S. state, rename the Gulf of Mexico, and gain control of the Panama Canal and Greenland.

In response, leaders from the countries he has targeted have spoken out, firmly rejecting his claims.

HOW ABOUT "MEXICAN AMERICA"?

At a press conference on Tuesday, Trump announced his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America," a name he said has a "beautiful ring to it."

"We're going to change because we do most of the work there, and it's ours," Trump said. "It's appropriate, and Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country."

Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard rejected Trump's suggestion to rename the shared water body later on Tuesday.

"Today, I'd tell you if we saw each other in 30 years, the Gulf of Mexico will still be called the Gulf of Mexico," said Ebrard.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to Trump's proposal with sarcasm. During her daily press briefing on Wednesday, with a world map behind her, Sheinbaum jokingly proposed that North America be renamed "America Mexicana," or "Mexican America," citing an 1814 document predating Mexico's constitution that used this name for the region.

"That sounds nice, doesn't it?" she said.

Sheinbaum also pointed out that the Gulf of Mexico has been known as such since 1607, with the United Nations officially recognizing the name.

The U.S. Capitol building is pictured in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

GREENLAND "NOT FOR SALE"

Greenland, the world's largest island with a population of roughly 60,000, is a self-governing territory of Denmark. Its vast natural resources, including oil, gas, and rare earth elements, along with its location in the Arctic Circle, make it a key player in the region with great strategic value.

Trump's interest in Greenland dates back to his first presidential term. In 2019, he proposed purchasing the territory, a move Denmark swiftly rejected and dismissed as "absurd" by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

On Tuesday, Trump said he would not rule out using military or economic measures to acquire the island. "We need Greenland for national security purposes," he declared, threatening to impose high tariffs on Denmark.

Greenland has made it clear that the island is "not for sale and will not be in the future either," said Frederiksen on Tuesday. "I don't think it's a good way forward to fight each other with financial means when we are close allies and partners."

At a press conference late Thursday, the prime minister mentioned that the Danish government had requested a phone call with Trump following his controversial remarks on Greenland, but no official response had been received.

Frederiksen added that Denmark currently had no reason to believe Trump would act on his statements, while Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said: "We should take him seriously, but not literally."

Some European leaders have also warned against Trump's recent remarks regarding Greenland.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the inviolability of borders is a fundamental principle of international law, which applies to every country, regardless of its size or power. He said that in discussions with European partners, there was a lack of understanding regarding recent statements from the United States.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned of the resurgence of "might makes right" policies, calling on Europe to bolster its strength. Speaking to France Inter radio, Barrot noted that Greenland is a "territory of the European Union and of Europe."

"It is undoubtedly no way that the European Union would let other nations of the world, whoever they are, attack its sovereign borders," he said.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Thursday warned of the potential threat to NATO unity and European stability.

"It is unacceptable to suggest the use of military force against an ally or to imply intentions to claim territories under another nation's sovereignty," Store told national broadcaster NRK.

A drone photo shows a cargo vessel sailing on the Panama Canal near Panama City, Panama, Aug. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

PANAMA CANAL'S OWNERSHIP "NOT NEGOTIABLE"

In mid-December, Trump floated the idea of retaking control of the Panama Canal if Panama does not decrease toll rates for U.S. ships crossing the artificial waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

The canal remained under control of the United States until the Torrijos-Carter Treaties expired on Dec. 31, 1999, when the United States returned the complete administration of the canal to Panama.

Panama has repeatedly rebuked Trump's threats. "I want to express precisely that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to Panama, and will continue belonging to Panama," Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino posted on social media platform X last month.

On Tuesday, in response to Trump's renewed comments about the canal, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha told reporters, "The only hands that control the canal are Panamanian, and that's how it will continue."

Former foreign ministers from various Latin American countries have expressed their support for Panama's sovereignty over the canal. In a joint statement, over 20 former foreign ministers from more than 10 Latin American countries noted that Panama's sovereignty and independence over the Panama Canal are "not negotiable."

"It is indisputable that the Republic of Panama and its people have managed the Canal responsibly, guaranteeing its contribution to international maritime trade and global economic development, which constitutes a symbol of Latin American autonomy and pride," they noted.

The screenshot from a video shows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaking to media in Ottawa, Canada, on Jan. 6, 2025. (Photo by Mick Gzowski/Xinhua)

CANADA "NEVER BACK DOWN"

Since winning the November election, Trump has repeatedly raised the idea of making Canada "the 51st state." He brought up the issue again on Tuesday, suggesting that he might consider using economic pressure to acquire Canada.

On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Trump's proposal was a tactic to distract attention from the potential impact of his proposed tariffs.

Trump, who has long complained about Canada's trade surplus with the United States, has threatened to impose a 25-percent tariff on Canadian imports.

"What I think is happening in this is President Trump, who is a very skillful negotiator, is getting people to be somewhat distracted by that conversation," Trudeau told CNN when asked about Trump's comments.

The outgoing prime minister had previously said there isn't "a snowball's chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States."

"Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other's biggest trading and security partner," he added.

On Tuesday, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on X that Trump's comments "show a complete lack of understanding of what makes Canada a strong country," adding, "We will never back down in the face of threats."

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the law enforcement agencies on Saturday for their continuous campaign against drug trafficking. HM Shah revealed that more than Rs 16,000 crore worth of drugs were seized by the Narcotics Control Bureau and all the states police combined in the year 2024. "It is a matter of joy that in the year 2024, breaking all records of the value of seized drugs, the police and NCB have succeeded in seizing drugs worth Rs 16,914 crores. This is the biggest figure after independence," Amit Shah said. Union Home Minister's remarks were made during regional conference on 'Drug Trafficking and National Security,' attended by representatives of different states in North India. During his speech at the conference, Shah highlighted that along with curbing drug trafficking, it has simultaneously exposed the operations of various 'terror networks' in multiple states. "Not only drugs, the terror networks which is connected to the drugs have been exposed in various states by the police force of various states in Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh. This is a big achievement for us," Shah said while addressing the attendees. Talking about the fight against drugs, Shah mentioned how for the last two years it has been specific focus of the conference. "For the last 2 years, it has been our routine that in the regional conference, we review our fight against drugs, discussions also take place and later the Home Ministry makes a new strategy on this basis and shares it with the states," he added. He further shared the figures from the previous years, comparing the amount of drugs seized between 2004-2014 to 2014-2024, highlighting that there has been a 7 fold increase within the decade. Giving the figures, he added, "From 2004 to 2014, about 3 lakh 63 thousand kg of drugs were seized. There is no count of the number of tablets, there has been such an increase, but against these 3 lakh 63 thousand kg, we have seized 24 lakh kg within 10 years. This is a 7-fold increase. This is a very big achievement and our efforts are getting a good response from the public, the courts and the entire ecosystem." Shah also revealed that the law enforcement agencies have disposed off Rs 56,851 crore worth of drugs in 2014-2024, showing an eight fold increase from the previous decade. "If we talk about the value, the value of the disposed drugs was Rs 8,150 crores in 2004-14 and now it has become Rs 56,851 crores in 2014-24, that is 8 times," Shah mentioned. The regional conference was attended by the Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Chief Ministers and senior officers from eight participating states and UTs. Additionally, senior officers from various ministries, departments and law enforcement agencies will also attend the conference. According to an official statement by the ministry, Shah also launched the Drug Disposal Fortnight effective from January 11 to January 25. During this, a total of 44,792 kilograms of seized narcotics, whose international market value is Rs 2411 crore, will be disposed of. Additionally, the Home Minister also inaugurated the new office complex of the NCB's Bhopal zonal unit, and announced the extension of the MANAS-2 helpline to all 28 states and 8 union territories. The statement added, "The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is implementing a three-pronged strategy to achieve a drug-free India by 2047. This includes strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing coordination among narcotics agencies, and launching a massive public awareness campaign." (ANI)
Kyiv and Rome are discussing the possibility of purchasing Italian-made air defense systems and ammunition using profits from immobilized Russian assets, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Jan. 11.

"We are interested, among other things, in ammunition of various calibers and air defense systems," Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Anatolii Klochko said after talks with Italian defense officials.

Italy delivered a highly advanced SAMP/T system to Ukraine in cooperation with France in 2023. The second system was said to have been in late September 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last December, the Italian government approved a decree extending Italy's military support for Ukraine through the year 2025.

The Western countries and other partners immobilized around $300 billion in sovereign Russian assets placed in their bank accounts at the start of the full-scale war.

While Kyiv called for the full confiscation of these funds, the G7 has instead announced a $50 billion loan for Ukraine that will be paid back through profits generated by the frozen assets. The funds will be used for the country's reconstruction and military needs.

The scheme allows Ukraine to obtain arms without relying on Western donations or further straining its already tight budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also: Kyiv, Washington in talks on licensing air defense production in Ukraine, Zelensky says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine and Italy have discussed the possibility of using the proceeds generated by frozen Russian assets to purchase Italian-made air defence systems and ammunition.

Source: Ukraine's Defence Ministry; European Pravda

Details: The Defence Ministry noted that the use of proceeds from frozen Russian assets for the purchase of Italian air defence systems had been discussed at a meeting between Anatolii Klochko, the Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister, and a delegation from the Italian Defence Industry Agency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We're interested in, among other things, ammunition of various calibres and air defence systems. However, it's crucial to understand the cost and timeframe within which they can be delivered to the Ukrainian defence forces," Klochko said.

In addition, Klochko, representatives of Ukraine's Strategic Industries Ministry and the General Staff examined the products made by Italian defence companies.

Marcello Mele, a representative of Italy's Defence Industry Agency, presented the key areas of the agency's work and outlined the mechanisms of potential cooperation.

The parties agreed to continue working to implement the idea of creating joint industrial projects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Background:

In 2024, the G7 agreed to jointly provide Ukraine with a US$50 billion loan, which will be backed by the proceeds from frozen Russian assets. The funds will be issued as a formal loan, with repayment to be made from the revenue generated by these frozen assets.

At the end of December, Ukraine received the first tranche of the planned US$20 billion contribution to the loan from the United States.

In January, Ukraine obtained the first tranche of 3 billion from the EU's contribution to the joint loan of the Group of Seven, which will be repaid using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.

Support UP or become our patron!
Ukraine and Poland have exchanged lists of places to search for and exhume the remains of victims of historical conflicts.

Source: Andrii Nadzhos, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Culture for European Integration, in a comment to Polish news agency PAP, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Nadzhos, who heads the Polish-Ukrainian working group on historical issues on the Ukrainian side, assured the agency on Saturday of his positive intentions to resolve disputes related to the topic of exhumations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Quote: "We have made an essential first step: we have exchanged requests, with the Polish side seeking authorisation to carry out work on Ukrainian territory and us requesting corresponding activity on Polish territory.

We are now examining these requests and gathering documentation in order to make favourable decisions and openly comment on the outcomes of such work with the cooperation of both parties."

Details: Another Ukrainian official, who requested anonymity, told PAP that Ukraine has granted authorisation to look for remains at the site where Polish graves were discovered in 2023.

"Ukraine has granted permission under Ukrainian law to exhume the remains found during the search operations in 2023," the source told the agency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The official did not disclose the location where the remains of the Poles had been found. However, in 2023, then-Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki visited the village of Puzhnyky in Ukraine's Ternopil Oblast, where Polish and Ukrainian experts discovered a grave containing the bodies of villagers murdered in 1945.

The PAP source noted that "the issue of restoring the names of Ukrainians (members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army) on the tombstone on Mount Monaster (on Polish territory) remains open".

The official stated that permits for search and exhumation in Ukraine would be issued separately for each burial site.

"Ukrainian legislation stipulates that permits are issued for work at specific sites only after the submission of properly executed and necessary documents by companies authorised to carry out the relevant work," they said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Background:

On 10 January, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that a decision had been made to conduct the first exhumations of the victims of the Volyn tragedy in Ukraine, though he did not elaborate. [The Volyn (Volhynia) tragedy was a series of events that led to the ethnic cleansing of the Polish and Ukrainian populations in 1943 during World War II. It was part of a long-standing rivalry between Ukrainians and Poles in what is now Ukraine's west. Poland considers the Volyn tragedy a genocide of Poles  ed.]

Commenting on Tusk's statement, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed hope for "further implementation of agreements with mutual respect and reciprocity"

Karol Nawrocki, Head of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and a presidential candidate, said that he was unaware of the decisions announced by Donald Tusk.

Support UP or become our patron!
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not believe that achieving long-term peace in Ukraine is possible without granting Ukraine NATO membership.

Source: Johnson in an interview with Baltic states news website Delfi, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Johnson emphasised that prior to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainians could not reasonably expect NATO membership soon because "the reality was that the French were very much against it, the Germans were very much against it, not to mention the Hungarians and others."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Quote from Boris Johnson: "It was not on the international agenda. There could be no invitation to NATO for Ukraine. But the paradox is that Putin's invasion, his barbaric decision to do it, has now, I think, made it [Ukraine's membership in NATO - ed.] a moral and strategic imperative."

Details: However, the former UK PM says that the current problem is that this issue is not being actively discussed.

Quote from Boris Johnson: "I don't hear anyone saying that when this catastrophe is over, the solution should be Ukraine's membership in NATO. People have stopped talking about it. And I think it's a big loss because the West is retreating again."

Background:

In November, Johnson urged the international community to provide Ukraine with a US$500 billion loan to help it end the war and announce when Ukraine would become a NATO member.

He also said British troops might be deployed in Ukraine if US President-elect Donald Trump cuts military aid to Kyiv.

Support UP or become our patron!
A Ukrainian drone hit the Taneko oil refinery in Tatarstan, Russian Telegram channel ASTRA reported on Jan. 11.

The refinery is one of the country's largest oil-processing facilities.

Workers at the refinery in Nizhnekamsk were evacuated amid the attack, and local footage showed smoke rising from the site.

Andrii Kovalenko, Head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, confirmed the strike, and emphasized its strategic importance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The refinery plays a key role in providing fuel to the Russian military. Taking out refineries and oil depots directly affects Russia's ability to wage an intensive war," he said.

The refinery, which processes over 16 million tons of oil annually, was previously targeted in a drone attack in spring 2024, causing damage to its primary processing unit.

Taneko refinery is located in the city of Nizhnekamsk, around 1,300 kilometers from the country's border with Ukraine.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Ukrainian defence forces have stated that as of the morning of 11 January, they were holding their positions within the town of Kurakhove, Donetsk Oblast.

Source: Viktor Trehubov, spokesman for the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group, speaking on air with Suspilne. Studio

Details: Trehubov stressed that the Ukrainian military were holding positions within Kurakhove, and the Russians had not completely occupied the town.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Quote: "According to my information, there are battles in the area of Kurakhove.

Among other things, the Ukrainian forces are maintaining positions at the thermal power plant, which is part of Kurakhove, so we cannot say that Russian troops have taken the town completely.

Although, of course, most of the town has been destroyed. We have to admit it."

Background: On the night of 10-11 January, DeepState analysts reported that Russians had completely occupied Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast.



Support UP or become our patron!
In response to the ongoing wildfires pummeling Los Angeles County, the Walt Disney Company said Friday that it is donating $15 million for initial and immediate response and rebuilding efforts.

As thousands of homes and buildings have been burned, at least 10 people are dead and tens of thousands of acres in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Pasadena and the Hollywood Hills are scorched, a portion of Disneys money will go to the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, among others, the company said.

More from Deadline

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As this tragedy continues to unfold, The Walt Disney Company is committed to supporting our community and our employees as we all work together to recover and rebuild from this unbelievable devastation, Disney CEO Bob Iger said at the end of a horrible week for most populous county in the U.S.

RELATED: L.A. Wildfire Photos: Widespread Destruction in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena & Beyond

Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world, he added. We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need.

Praising first responders like the LAFD and the efforts this week of the round-the-clock journalists at KABC, Disney says in addition to the $15 million donation Disney intend to provide further resources to our Employee Relief Fund to help those facing hardship as a result of this crisis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Beyond critical relief efforts, we will be working closely with the business community to find ways to support important rebuilding efforts in the region, the company noted.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The number of displaced people worldwide has reached 122 million  the largest on record. Of this group, 38 million are categorized as refugees  another tragic record. Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan and Venezuela each recently lost over 6 million people as refugees. South Sudan is in the grip of ethnic violence, and Sudan is facing starvation amid a civil war, with refugees fleeing both countries.

Twenty percent more refugees will need resettlement in 2025 than in 2024, yet pathways to safety in the West are narrowing rapidly.

President-elect Donald Trumps second term might usher in an era of cruelty. Trump has vowed to start mass deportations of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and scale back humanitarian protections for many individuals legally residing here. Many of these migrants are refugees who have the right to apply for asylum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Opinion

The contrast between the worlds dire humanitarian moment and the president-elects rhetoric could not be sharper. Refugee fatigue and anti-immigrant sentiments sweep across the Global North. At the time of greatest need, the worlds wealthiest societies are turning their back on refugees. They are restricting the right to asylum by violating domestic and international laws.

Anti-refugee sentiments have been fueling the rise of far-right parties, and Trumps second term will see these movements in full bloom.

Far-right parties that were previously regarded as untouchable for their racist and antisemitic rhetoric now sweep European elections. In the past year, the Freedom Party came first in the Austrian elections; the Alternative for Germany won its first state election and is poised to do well in German federal elections in 2025; and Marine Le Pens National Rally won the European Parliament elections in France. These parties made refugee admission their top issue and flaunted hard-line policies to reduce immigration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump also made immigration central to his 2024 campaign, promising the largest deportation program in American history. Trump also vowed to scale back the Temporary Protected Status program for Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio. TPS provides a work permit and protection from deportation to nationals of 17 countries deemed unsafe to return to, including Haiti, Ukraine and Syria.

Refugee resettlement is likely on the chopping block for the incoming administration. When Trump first took office, he reduced President Barack Obamas cap of 110,000 refugee admissions for 2017 to 50,000. The Trump administration further decreased the cap every year until setting it at 15,000 for 2021  a record low. Bidens administration, predictably, moved in the opposite direction, raising the ceiling. It is now set at 125,000 for 2025, but Trump will likely start cutting it again.

Despite higher quotas, only 197,000 refugees were admitted to the U.S. under Biden, versus 118,000 refugees under Trump. Those are not high numbers; they rank among the three lowest for a presidential term since the creation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in 1980.

Even more alarming is the practice of offshoring asylum. Recently, western states started making legally dubious deals, paying third countries to hold refugees as their cases slowly move through asylum review. Trumps first administration implemented the Remain in Mexico program in 2019, making migrants wait for their asylum hearings while in Mexico (the Biden administration ended that program).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2024, Italy finalized a deal with Albania, which will host Italian processing facilities for asylum seekers. In 2022, Denmark signed an agreement with Rwanda to hold its asylum seekers, and the United Kingdom considered a similar scheme in Rwanda. These practices place refugees in dangerous situations, are costly and ineffective in preventing irregular migration and violate domestic and international laws on asylum.

There is a solution that meets this historic moment: expand domestic infrastructure in processing and housing asylum seekers while their cases undergo review, thereby creating thousands of jobs and growing local economies, especially near the border. This solution upholds laws on asylum and saves the lives of the most vulnerable.

Trumps administration is likely to do the opposite.

Vladimir Hamed-Troyansky is an assistant professor of global migration and forced displacement at UC Santa Barbara. He is the author of Empire of Refugees and a public voices fellow of The OpEd Project.
The University of Michigan is ending its long-standing partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, becoming the latest major United States research institution to sever ties with a Chinese counterpart under pressure from lawmakers.

The announcement was made on Friday, three months after the House select committee on China sent a letter to the University of Michigan's president, Santa Ono, arguing that the Chinese university played a "critical role in the Chinese Communist Party's military-civil fusion strategy".

The joint institute drew the attention of US lawmakers when five Chinese University of Michigan students were charged in October with misleading authorities about their activities near a remote military site.

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.

In a statement, Ono said the University of Michigan must "prioritise our commitment to national security" even as "international academic partnerships have deeply enriched our academic offerings and strengthened the global education of our students".

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, known for its strength in science and engineering, is not on any US government blacklists, although the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a Canberra-based think tank, listed it as "high-risk" in its defence-related tracker of Chinese universities.

The partnership between two top-ranking public universities involved a joint institute that placed American students in China and Chinese students in the US. Established in 2005, the institute offered English-language engineering degree programmes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The provost's office at the University of Michigan said the institute had offered global learning experiences to over 1,000 undergraduates, and would work to ensure current students can complete their degrees without disruptions.

In a statement Friday, John Moolenaar, the Michigan Republican who chairs the House committee on China, commended the university for making "the right decision".

"Too many American universities are collaborating with CCP [Chinese Communist Party] researchers on critical technologies including weapons, artificial intelligence, and nuclear physics," he said, adding that more universities should follow suit in shuttering partnerships.

The University of Michigan is the latest of several universities to announce the termination of joint programmes with China after scrutiny from Moolenaar's committee.

The programme offered US students a chance to study at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Photo: Shanghai Jiao Tong University alt=The programme offered US students a chance to study at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Photo: Shanghai Jiao Tong University>

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In September, Georgia Tech announced the end of its partnerships in the Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Tianjin. Previously Alfred University in New York said it would close its Confucius Institute, a Chinese government-funded programme focused on language and culture.

Across the US, universities are increasingly coming under political scrutiny for their ties to China. In Florida last year, multiple educational partnerships were cancelled after a state law made it more difficult for them to get approval.

But some new partnerships have still been launched. In 2023, Temple University's Beasley School of Law began a new student and faculty exchange with Hebei-based North China University of Science and Technology.

And last year, Harvard University launched a new study abroad initiative with Shanghai's Fudan University focused on the city's culture and East Asian economics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Universities are institutions that outlast political moments," William Kirby, the programme's lead, said at the time.

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.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2025 by releasing a tricolour balloon into the sky from Ahmedabad. In his address, the Chief Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming the Uttarayan festival into a global celebration, the 'International Kite Festival.' The CM said that the prime minister has introduced modern elements to the festival, integrating it with tourism. The Kite Festival serves as a global identity for Gujarat. Every year, ambassadors from various countries visit Gujarat to witness the event, with ambassadors from 11 countries present this year, said a release from Gujarat CMO. The CM also stated that the Prime Minister's 'Vocal for Local' initiative has gained significant momentum through the influx of tourists attending the Kite Festival. The event also provides a significant source of income for food and craft stall owners. Last year, over 5.5 people attended the festival. Gujarat has earned global recognition as the leading state for kite manufacturing, driven by the passion of Gujaratis. Ahmedabad, Nadiad, Khambhat, and Surat have become key kite production centres. Gujarat now holds a 65 per cent share of India's kite market, with kites being exported annually to countries like the United States, the UK, and Canada, the release said. The CM mentioned that Prime Minister Modi has set the vision of transforming India into a Viksit Bharat by 2047. To realise this, he called for Gujarat's development kite to soar high in the global development sphere by aligning with nature and the environment. The Chief Minister shared that the Uttarayan festival is not only a celebration of charity and religion but also a tribute to the Sun. Observed with devotion and generosity, the festival embodies a deep respect for the environment. The CM appealed to all citizens of the state to celebrate the festival safely, showing sensitivity towards all living beings and being cautious while flying kites. The CM also extended his heartfelt greetings to everyone celebrating Uttarayan, the release mentioned. In his welcome address at the International Kite Festival, Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera mentioned that Uttarayan provides a unique opportunity to worship the Sun, carrying a message of nature and progress. He further noted that Gujarat's annual Kite Festival not only motivates people to soar towards development but also serves as a crucial source of economic support for underprivileged families. Providing details about the festival, the tourism minister mentioned that the Gujarat Tourism Corporation has organised the 'International Kite Festival - 2025' from January 11 to January 14. Events will be held at the Statue of Unity (Ekta Nagar), Rajkot, and Vadodara on January 12, and at Surat, Shivrajpur, and Dhordo on January 13, the release added. This year, 143 kite flyers from 47 countries, alongside 52 kite flyers from 11 Indian states, are participating. A total of 417 kite flyers from 11 cities in Gujarat are also joining the festivities. In total, 153 global kite flyers from 55 countries, 68 national kite flyers from 12 states, and 865 local kite flyers from 23 cities across Gujarat will be part of this celebration, the release added. On this occasion, a cultural programme was organised, and Aditya Stuti Vandana was presented. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries were warmly greeted by the parade of kite flyers from across the globe and various Indian states. The inauguration of the International Kite Festival 2025 was attended by Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibhaben Jain, Rajya Sabha MP Narhari Amin, Ahmedabad East MP Shri Hasmukh Patel, local MLAs, Ahmedabad Collector Praveena D.K., Gujarat Tourism Secretary Rajender Kumar, Gujarat Tourism Commissioner and Managing Director S. Chhakchhuak, as well as guests from Gujarat and abroad, kite flyers, diplomatic representatives, AMU officials, councillors, and other dignitaries, said the release. This year, kite flyers from Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam are participating in the International Kite Festival 2025, the release mentioned. (ANI)
An upcoming executive order soon to be signed by President Joe Biden will include language around using artificial intelligence for cyber defense, along with efforts to broadly tighten the cybersecurity of federal technologies, according to a summary of the executive order shared with POLITICO.

The executive order is the third that Biden will have signed while in office and is aimed at fortifying the nations cybersecurity through the use of AI and much-needed upgrades to federal security standards. This order will represent a grab-bag of final cyber requirements before Biden departs.

It is unclear whether President-elect Donald Trump will allow the order to remain in place once he takes office, as he has not yet signaled his intentions for strengthening cyber policies or agencies, though cybersecurity issues are typically of bipartisan concern. The order comes as federal agencies are continuing to assess the fallout from recent high-profile China-backed hacks, including a breach of the U.S. Treasury Department and an intrusion into U.S. telecommunications providers that allowed hackers to spy on the phones of several high-ranking U.S. officials, including Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the summary, the executive order would establish a program at the Pentagon for using AI models to plus-up cyber defense efforts. In addition, the executive order would create a pilot program in the energy sector for using AI to enhance cybersecurity.

This would likely build upon work by the Pentagons Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to investigate how to use AI to build up cybersecurity of critical systems. Anne Neuberger, deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology, told POLITICO in August that she was working to connect the Energy Department and DARPA to put the findings into use.

The order also addresses wider issues, like software security, which in recent years has become a headache for the Biden administration. Multiple major cyber incidents have been caused by hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in faulty software used broadly by federal agencies and private companies alike.

The executive order would change federal acquisition regulations to require software companies providing their products to federal agencies to submit documentation to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency proving they have implemented strong cybersecurity efforts. This is a formalization of the process that CISA rolled out early last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cloud security is another focus of the executive order. The order would require the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, or FedRAMP, to develop policies to push private sector cloud service providers to step up the security of their systems, particularly if they are securing federal data.

Among the provisions is a requirement, first reported by POLITICO, for federal agencies to move to only purchasing internet-connected devices that have been given the voluntary Cyber Trust Mark label. The program, overseen by the Federal Communications Commission, allows companies to obtain a label certifying the cybersecurity of their products if they are built to specific standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The summary indicated that there would be efforts to create digital identity documents and validation services, though did not go into further details. NextGov reported earlier this week that this will involve a push for agencies to use more digital documents, like driver's licenses, to help speed up the process of applying for public benefits.

The order is also calling to step up the cybersecurity of U.S. satellites, an issue increasingly in the spotlight as nations like Russia and China threaten U.S. assets in space. Another clause in the order would establish working groups at CISA to help with conducting more threat hunting in federal networks, and end point detection and response.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council was not immediately able to comment on the details of the executive order, or when Biden plans to sign it. Neuberger, who spearheaded the order, is planning to step down from her role on Jan. 17 at the end of next week, limiting the timeline for signature.

Trump has not commented on the pending order publicly, though he did sign an executive order to strengthen critical infrastructure cybersecurity in 2017.
FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO)  UPDATE: Police say Danarion has returned home.

ORIGINAL STORY: Police in Freeport are asking for the publics assistance in locating a missing 7-year-old boy, Danarion Sheriff.

According to police, Danarion was last seen leaving his home, in the 500 block of W. Garfield Street, on his bicycle earlier today.

Danarion was last seen wearing a black and gray coat and black pants.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Freeport Police Department at 815-235-8222.

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.
HENDERSON  Work began late last year on constructing a new building to house a Fast Pace Health Urgent Care facility at the corner of Cardinal Drive and East Andrews Avenue.

Hutton, a Chattanooga, Tennessee-based commercial real estate manager, applied for a zoning permit from Henderson back in September and broke ground on the project on Dec. 3.

The lot, owned by local real estate manager WW Properties, is just shy of an acre, and the building clocks in at around 3,726 square feet, according to said zoning application.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The applicant, Associate Development Project Manager Sarah Murray, said the building is currently estimated to be complete in April, with the tenant opening its doors in late May, assuming they can get enough employees.

Fast Pace also hails from Tennessee, having opened its doors first in 2009. It has spread out throughout its home state, parts of the Midwest and the Deep South over the years. According to the map of locations on its website, Hendersons location will be the companys third in North Carolina and by far the easternmost.

Fast Paces website describes the company as primarily working in rural communities that are often overlooked.

As for Henderson, according to a search of medical clinics in the area, Fast Pace will be one of a few medical clinics open south of Garnett Street, bringing services closer to home for folks in the eastern part of the city.
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden said on Jan. 10 he did all he could to help Ukraine and voiced hope that U.S. support will continue even after he leaves office.

"There is a significant number of Democrats and Republicans on the (Capitol) Hill who think we should continue to support Ukraine," Biden said during his remarks on the state of the U.S. economy.

"It is my hope and expectation they'll speak up and not agree to if president... if (U.S. President-elect Donald) Trump decides to cut off funding for Ukraine."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump is set to return to the White House on Jan. 20. His reelection sparked concern about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine as the president-elect has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration over funneling assistance to the embattled country.

After his reelection, Trump hinted at a possible reduction of U.S. assistance but said he would not "abandon" Ukraine, aiming to use the support instead as leverage to push for quicker peace talks.

Biden said that during his time in office, he did "everything (he) possibly could" to "give Ukraine every advantage it could have" to defend its independence.

Under Biden, Washington became the leader of the pro-Kyiv coalition, though the president has often been criticized for a supposedly self-restrictive and hesitant approach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Biden administration has allocated over $170 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022, providing more than $60 billion in military aid.

Earlier this week, the U.S. announced a $500 million military assistance package for Ukraine and the largest yet package of sanctions against the Russian oil industry.

When asked how long Ukraine can hold if Trump cuts aid, Biden voiced his conviction that as long as the European partners remain united, "there is a real chance that the Ukrainians can prevail because the cost to Russia is incredibly high, over 600,000 dead or wounded."

Biden added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has his own problems economically... as well as politically at home."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Biden administration said it would seek to aid Ukraine as much as it can in its last months and weeks in office to put the country in the strongest possible negotiating position.

Read also: Trump says Putin wants to meet, arrangements already underway

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Residents in northern Minnesota's Cook County have reported not receiving any mail in 2025, according to U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN).

In response to a congressional inquiry submitted Wednesday, the United State Postal Service's District Consumer Affairs stated the route was handled by a contractor whose contract expired on Dec. 31.

The Minnesota-North Dakota District leadership was not made aware of the lapse, according to Klobuchar and Smith.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a joint letter Thursday to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, the senators said the disconnect is a "cause for grave concern."

"The buck stops with you," they wrote. "If your oversight practices fail to notify you of disruptions of this magnitude, that failing is yours."

USPS

Lawmakers say the disruptions hurt businesses and force Minnesotans and those in other affected communities to go without lifesaving medications, paychecks and Social Security benefits.

"We appreciate the hard work of postal workers in Minnesota who serve their communities despite the pressures of staffing shortages, weather events, and ever-growing parcel volumes," Klobuchar and Smith wrote. "But without accountable, honest leadership, they struggle to do their jobs."

The senators have submitted a series of questions to DeJoy, requesting a response no later than Thursday, Jan. 16.
Rumors of the death of ideas have been greatly exaggerated. Our politics may run on vibes, and some combination of influencers and tribal loyalty may shape Americans intuitions. Yet there is still a throughline between ascendant ideas and important policy decisions.

It can happen like this: Young people, their approval and votes coveted by tastemakers and policymakers, embrace an idea so exotic they cannot muster the lexicon or courage to question it; that idea shapes their general orientation toward a hot-button political issue, like race or the Middle East; political campaigns rush to capitalize on this new-found enthusiasm with some policy item that resonates with that orientation, like an arms embargo on an ally fighting a war against several enemy proxies.

As the terminus of that example suggests, unfortunately, most good ideas have already been around for a while, so the new ones with the power to dislocate our politics and culture tend to be bad. Indeed, as the literary critic Adam Kirsch examines in his recent book On Settler Colonialism, the exotic new ideas shaping young progressives view of the West are disastrousintellectually indefensible, analytically facile, and prescriptively useless at best and murderous at worst.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Settler colonialisms core stated insight is that invasion is a structure, not an event. Everything that happens in any place not ruled by indigenous peoples is an extension of that original sin. It is all genocideand for some theorists, it isnt actually necessary for anyone to be killed in order for genocide to take place. Even reconciliation between colonizers and colonized is genocide, because it is part of the extinction of otherwise irreducible forms of indigenous alterity. Peace and stability are thus vices, not virtues. Violenceof the kind celebrated euphemistically as resistance in the days after October 7, 2023, by those who have bought into these ideasis progress.

Why the focus on Israel, though? The Jewish state was not founded after an invasion. Jews who had been exiled from their homeland rejoined the few who had never left. At worst, they and Arab tribes that had moved in during the intervening centuries have competing claims as natives. Yet for the ideology of settler colonialism, the conflict that has ensued has taken on a totemic quality, concludes Kirsch. As he displays through theorists strained analogies comparing Israel to every ill imaginable, Palestine is the reference point for every type of social wrong.

Kirschs chapter on The Palestine Paradigm is the books most valuable, revealing settler-colonial theorys true face. Though it may appear at first as one garish float in a parade of increasingly radical movements for justice, somewhere between feminism and antiracism, it is really a spiritualist movement that relies on unfalsifiable axioms about the Romantic connection between the blood of certain people and the soil of certain land.

Kirsch points out that the other key term whose redefinition must be understood is indigenous. It was always a questionable way to refer to groups of people. Homo sapiens is a bipedal species; we did not spring forth from the ground like a cactus or a Douglas fir. To the extent any of us belong to a place, we are from a patch of land in East Africa. Then there is the ill-fitting but popular use of the term to mean priority, as in the case of Native Americans predating Europeans arrival. (Even this definition is fraught with analytical obstacles. For one, Native American is only a meaningful category from a Eurocentric perspective, and not to the tribes that warred and conquered one another.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

All of that goes by the wayside, precisely because Israel, bearing a title deed from millennia ago, would pass this test. In the discourse of settler colonialism, Kirsch explains, indigeneity has a meaning beyond chronology. It is a moral and spiritual status, associated with qualities such as authenticity, selflessness, and wisdom. These indigenous values stand as a reproof to settler ways of being, which are insatiably destructive.

To the academic wing of the anti-Israel brigades, then, Palestinians must be some kind of combination of Pocahontas and John Brown. Academic Steven Salaita writes that Palestinians have a culture indivisible from their surroundings, a language of freedom concordant to the beauty of the land. (He also celebrated October 7 as the Palestinian resistance in Gaza launch[ing] a remarkable offensive, unprecedented in its scope and design, before engaging in rape denialism.) Jamal Nabulsi, who won the 2024 British International Studies Association Colonial, Postcolonial, and Decolonial Paper Prize, explains that Palestinian Indigenous sovereignty is in and of the land. It is grounded in an embodied connection to Palestine and articulated in Palestinian ways of being, knowing, and resisting on and for this land. (On October 7, 2023, Nabulsi tweeted: There is no purity in resistance. But there is always purpose. Free Palestine, from the river to the sea. His account is now private.)

As to the competing claim that the Jews are the rightful sovereigns, these fanatics can muster essentially no response. One key settler-colonial theorist insisted on his book having separate chapters about Jewish history in the Middle East specifically to emphasize discontinuity, because an honest history would reproduce a crucial tenet of Zionist ideology. The ideology of settler colonialism thus drags its supposed factual underpinnings around by the nose. Theorist-to-the-stars Rashid Khalidi of Columbia University writes in The Hundred Years War on Palestine that establishing the colonial nature of the conflict has proven exceedingly hard given the biblical dimension of Zionism, which casts the new arrivals as indigenous and as the historic proprietors of the land they colonized. Is this dimension wrong? Khalidi maintains plausible deniability by calling the Jewish connection to the land an epic myth, playing on the vagueness of those words to suggest that either the Jews are lying about who they are, or that Westerners are smitten with a story of biblical proportions. Never mind that the Jewish connection to the land in the post-biblical era is also well-established; the important part is to downplay the importance of facts altogether in favor of something less tangible that can ennoble anti-Israel savagery.

Kirsch summarizes this line of reasoning perfectly. It is distinct in its irrationalism  the idea that different peoples have incommensurable ways of being and knowing, rooted in their relationship to a particular landscape, comes out of German Romantic nationalism. That idea naturally led to the blood-and-soil ideology of Nazism, which deplored Jewish contamination of otherwise pure Germanic realms like music and science. The Nazis destroyed the gravesites of Jewish musicians whose popular work defied indigenous structures and forms, and derided Albert Einsteins theory of relativity as Jewish science.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Todays settler-colonial theorists may not be drawing on Nazi ideas about Jewish defilement of pure indigenous ways of beingthough they are surely influenced by Karl Marxs revulsion at the Judaized economy of barter and free exchangebut the two schools of thought share what Max Weber called an elective affinity. That is, they are two strands of thought that have certain core insights in common and become mutually reinforcing. Salaita certainly sounds a Streicherian note when he writes, as quoted by Kirsch, that for Zionists and their ruthless schema, land is neither pleasure nor sustenance. It is a commodity  Having been anointed Jewish, the land ceases to be dynamic. It is an ideological fabrication with fixed characteristics.

This doesnt make sense and isnt supposed to. It is not an attempt at a rational argument. It is a peculiar combination of pseudo-psychology, spiritualist incantations, and multisyllabic words plucked seemingly at random. It is not designed to advance anyones understanding of the world. It is designed instead to intimidate the college students who will be assigned Salaitas book in their Middle Eastern Studies courses to get with the program.

Kirsch, to his credit, lets readers draw their own conclusions about what might be motivating the settler-colonial theorists kampf against a nation that doesnt even fit their claimed paradigm. He spends a significant amount of time grappling with another pressing question raised by the theorists rising influence among activists. What do they want? Its clear that they want the Jews of Israel expelled, killed, or serving as dhimmi in an Arab state in the Levant. Subjugating a few million Jews is, relatively speaking, within reach. But as to the rest of the colonies they consider ontologically genocidalprimarily the U.S., Australia, and Canadawhat endgame do they have in mind for the hundreds of millions of citizens they call settlers?

Kirschs answer serves as a valuable criticism of the theory, but one that undersells its adherents unhinged barbarism. He proposes that settler-colonialist believers have no endgame in mind, because they cannot kill and expel everyone in the West. They instead fixate on tearing down every artifact of a past defined by exploitation. We have certainly seen this tendency play out concerning language, icons, historical narratives, and so much more in recent years. Even land acknowledgmentsone seemingly benign introduction to this malign ideologysuggest that there is hope in returning to Year Zero if we simply pretend the last half-millennium was an aberration. Kirsch suggests, accordingly, that what these ideologues want is violence, directed wherever they can bloodlet, like a depressed individual who cuts himself and hurts others because he feels unworthy of comfort in a broken world.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is hard to disagree with that, except to say that it is an understatement. The sheer inhumanity of the throngs of Westerners boasting their support for the Arab Einsatzgruppen that terrorized the Gaza Envelope, students of Khalidi, Salaita, and the rest of the charlatans, tells a more ominous story. They believe, like the Nazis before them, that they have unlocked the key to a properly ordered world based on a set of crazy ideas about which groups are innocent and which are guilty of everything. And like all Marxists, they want to play God. But they want to play Him in the Noah story, not in the tale of the creation of man, which imbues in us the image of the divine. They want to destroy the world, because they think it is corrupted beyond all measure.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
The Salt Lake City business community asked Utah legislative leaders at a summit on Friday to prioritize affordable housing for young families, child care for working parents and to take a balanced approach on immigration.

To set the state up for continued economic success, Utah lawmakers should pass policies to help them attract, train and retain Utah workers, business advocates said at the event hosted by the Salt Lake Chamber and Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

When housing becomes prohibitively expensive, workers are forced to relocate far away, even leaving the region altogether, said Mary Catherine Perry, the vice president of public policy and government affairs at the Salt Lake Chamber.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since 2020, the median monthly mortgage payment for a single-family home along the Wasatch Front has increased from $1,500 to $3,500, a Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute analysis found.

Perry asked lawmakers to build on the last few years wave of housing policy in the 2025 legislative session by further streamlining the real estate development process, offering more tax incentives for starter home construction and continuing to reform outdated zoning restrictions.

These regulatory changes should be paired with investments in infrastructure and housing near employment hubs to reduce commutes and improve quality of life, Perry said.

Immigration to grow the workforce

To grow the workforce, Perry called on lawmakers to boost returnship programs, which provide training to individuals after a career break; expand access to affordable child care through tax incentives and business partnerships; and welcome more legal immigrants who contribute to our economy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With declining birth rates across the nation, we need their contributions for continued economic growth, but that system must be rooted in legal immigration, Perry said, referring to the principles outlined by the Utah Compact.

Over a decade ago the Salt Lake Chamber partnered with hundreds of government officials, community leaders and faith representatives in signing the Utah Compact. The statement put forward Utahs commitment to approach immigration with a focus on enforcing the rule of law, integrating migrants into the economy and avoiding the separation of families.

The statement was followed a year later by a historic package of state laws under the same name that included a guest worker program for migrants, in-state college tuition for undocumented migrants and a requirement for law enforcement to check the immigration status of anyone suspected of a class A misdemeanor or felony.

On Monday, Utah Republican lawmakers announced a slate of immigration bills increasing penalties for migrant-related crimes and reversing previous policies that prevented deportations by relaxing E-Verify standards and reducing sentencing standards for certain misdemeanors.

Legislators signal support for business community

A high-powered panel of state legislators told the room of executives and entrepreneurs gathered at the Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City that they were committed to support most, if not all, of these priorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and House Speaker Schultz, R-Hooper, heaped praise on Utah business leaders, saying they were responsible for much of the states nationwide recognition on economic indicators.

You are doing all the great work, and we get to take credit for all the great things youre doing, Adams said.

But the two top leaders in the state Capitol framed the most fundamental issues to Utahs economy slightly differently.

Adams argued that without serious advances in energy production, Utah will fail to keep up with the impending explosion of artificial intelligence. Schultz said a rethinking of higher education is a prerequisite to meeting the states workforce needs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both lawmakers have signaled that reform is coming to Utahs 16 institutions of higher education to cut seats in low-performing majors and align programs with the states industry demands and values.

The panel of mostly Republican lawmakers, including House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, and Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, R-Draper, also emphasized the importance of private sector innovation and light-handed regulation to promote growth ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics.

House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, recommended more careful approaches to renewable energy and family support, while the panel remained noticeably quiet on the topic of immigration, which is one of the issues set to divide the two sides of the aisle this legislative session.

Building for the future

On housing, Schultz, himself a former homebuilder, said government inspection and zoning processes account for 25%-30% of housing costs. He stressed the importance of collaborating with municipalities, saying that cities efforts to increase high density apartments in recent years has led to falling rents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If we dont do that with housing, its whats going to force our kids and grandkids into apartments and they will not have the opportunity to live the American dream, Schultz said. So its really about home ownership.

To address the scarcity of affordable child care options, Lisonbee said she has introduced a bill that will offer large tax credits for companies that provide child care options onsite or close to the parents place of work.

There is also room for deregulation, such as removing the requirement for child care facilities to have a full kitchen, as opposed to a warming kitchen, Lisonbee said.

One of the issues of most concern to the legislative panel was energy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Adams said increasing energy production is No. 1 on his list for 2025. As the United States competes with China, artificial intelligence will soon become ubiquitous in the work place and this will require large data centers, including in Utah, which in some cases use as much energy as the entire state of Wyoming, Adams said.

If we dont solve our energy crisis and the energy production, were not going to be able to develop AI, Adams said. The key to that arms race is energy production.

The state must maintain sufficient base-load power with natural gas and coal while it explores renewable energy sources like wind, solar and geothermal, with the goal of making Utah the nuclear capital of the world, as far as energy production, Adams said.
In the fall of 2018, Utahs state government launched a pilot program aimed at encouraging what was known as telecommuting to save money on new building construction and leased office space. Within months, it was seen as such a success that Gov. Spencer Cox, then lieutenant governor, declared himself a televangelist for telework.

That fervor only increased after the COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2020 made working from home a default for employees everywhere. Utah was seen as well-positioned to handle the transition from state employees reporting to an office every day to handling government business from their homes.

Yet over the past year, there are Utah state agencies pulling back on remote work, telling employees it is time for us to move to a more sustainable model of teleworking. Many workers have been told they must come into the office at least two days a week, while supervisors are expected to be there at least three.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What triggered the shift in the states approach to remote work is not clear.

Asked about the governors position on remote work by state employees and whether he eventually will expect state workers to be back in the office full time, Cox spokesman Robert Carroll indicated more changes could be coming.

The pandemic dramatically accelerated the adoption of widespread remote work. We know that our employees value the flexibility of remote work and we want to retain some of that flexibility. We also know that there is a great benefit to the state and the people we serve when employees are able to collaborate, problem solve and team build together and in person, Carroll said in a statement.

As the workplace continues to stabilize from the pandemic, and as the (governors) second term begins, we have an opportunity to reevaluate the way we manage our state workforce to ensure that we are providing the highest level of service to all Utahns, the statement concluded.

The state of Utah's Taylorsville campus stands on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Looking to balance more in-office work

Officials from the state Department of of Government Operations that includes the Division of Human Resources Management see the pendulum swinging back towards working in the office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think what were trying to do is find a balance, said Marilee Richins, the government operations departments deputy director. Richins, who ran the telework pilot project, said state agencies have missed the collaboration and the value that comes from employees experiencing each other in person.

Still, the days when most state employees work solely in the office are gone, she said, noting a lesson learned from the pilot program is that its very difficult to have just blanket policies when it comes to remote work. I think teleworking in some form is here to stay.

Exactly what that may end up looking like remains to be seen.

I wouldnt say were saying no to remote work, Richins said. Were trying to get all the benefits that happen when you interact in person with your colleagues and were trying to get the benefits and the job satisfaction that comes when you get to work at home. We want it all.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Marvin Dodge, the departments executive director, said the state is following the private sectors lead.

Certainly, were paying attention to the world around us. Because even many of the tech firms have brought their folks back several days a week, Dodge said, adding, thats triggered lot of conversation on the state side with my cabinet colleagues and I for bringing folks back, not necessarily full time in all instances but at least to have in the office a couple of days a week.

State agency heads are also feeling pressure to keep offices filled with employees so as to not lose out as a new master plan is being developed for allocating space in state-owned buildings like the State Office Building in Taylorsville as well as leased facilities. Today, giving up space is seen as limiting their future growth.

The state of Utah's Taylorsville campus stands on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Remote work seen as a privilege, not an entitlement

Telework is a privilege, not an entitlement, according to a list of frequently asked questions for employees provided by the government operations department. Those FAQs warns that long-term decisions about state office space are being made now, and if we give up all the space currently available, we tie the hands of future bosses and employees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That tone is very different from the voluntary Utah Works pilot program, described in a 2019 progress report out of the governors budget office as modernizing the workplace by managing performance over presence by setting a minimum of three days a week of working from home.

The expectation then, state employees were told, was for remote workers to be out of the office a majority of the time.

In July 2019, the pilot was touting a 23% increase in productivity from the 135 employees chosen to participate and Cox announced another 2,555 state government workers, about 30% of those eligible, would be able to work remotely within 18 months. The then-lieutenant governor saw the program as a way to help meet the administrations goal of adding rural jobs.

However, by the time January 2021 rolled around, the world was immersed in the pandemic and approximately 40% of state employees were working remotely. Soon after being sworn in as governor, Cox issued an executive order requiring all state agencies to review every job to determine whether it can be performed remotely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Then, the governors push for remote work went beyond dealing with the deadly virus.

Cox cited a long list of benefits, including curbing commutings significant contribution to poor air quality and road conditions, supporting families by limiting the time and money state employees spend getting to and from work and anticipated cost savings from needing less office space.

Utah faces unprecedented growth in the coming years and an increasing demand for government services, the executive order declared, predicting that expanding remote work would allow the state to save an estimated $13 million a year by giving up leased office space plus an estimated $300 million in new construction costs over the next decade.

A Remote Work Guide published in June 2021 intended to spell out post-pandemic expectations set a target for state government agencies of having half of their eligible employees work remotely for more than half of the week, meaning theyd be scheduled to report to the office no more than two days a week.

Employees walk toward their cars on the state of Utah's Taylorsville campus on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

How many Utah state employees work from home?

Now, though, the state seems to be moving in a different direction. Its up to each state agency to set a remote work policy, and no one appears to be collecting detailed information on what theyre all doing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Richins said among the states some 22,400 executive branch employees, 8,890 have jobs where they can participate in the telework program two to three days a week. There are 3,982 jobs that could be full-time telework, meaning they never actually come into a state office building. They could be rural or they could be full-time telework, she said.

The actual number of state workers who do work from home part or full time apparently hasnt been tracked since the pilot program. Richins said some state agencies may be monitoring how many employees are working from home, but this has been kind of a moving target.

There are 8,806 employees in urban areas who regularly mark TW code on their time cards to indicate work from home, she said, although there may be others not reporting it properly. There are 2,403 employees who live in rural parts of the state or otherwise always work remotely. The exact number of rural employees is not known, but they make up the bulk of the group, Richins said.

She said she has been in touch with every agency about remote work because of ongoing efforts to plan for future space needs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weve got to know what theyre going to do, Richins said. Only the Department of Workforce Services is continuing to keep many of its employees located around the state working from home full time, she said. They have not made any widespread effort to bring folks back.

The communications director for the states workforce services department, Christina Davice, said in a statement more than half of the departments employees work from home.

The Utah Department of Workforce Services employs about 2,100 people statewide, and approximately 55% participate in remote work. Our department provides many services to Utahns via phone and online, which allows some employees, including those living in rural areas of the state, to work remotely, Davice said.

Other state agencies have embraced a hybrid model over the past year, requiring employees to return to the office at least a couple of days a week. But that may change, Richins said, because most of the agencies are very much in the process currently of developing their policies.

Reactions to Utahs remote work policies

While there was concern about requiring a return to the office, Richins said the impact on employee retention has actually been fairly negligible. Fewer than 20 of the 1,400 or so government operations department employees chose to quit rather than accept a hybrid work schedule, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The reason many are sticking with state employment despite having to be back in the workplace several days a week, Richins believes, is because the private sector is really going in that direction as well. So its harder to find jobs in the private sector that are completely remote.

When the states pilot telework program was launched nearly seven years ago, she said there were government employees who balked at spending too much time away from the office. That resulted in supervisors having to spell out that participants had to work from home at least three days a week.

That was a fascinating experience. We had people who only wanted to work from home one day a week. Were like, No, we need you to work at least three days at home so we can really judge the impact of this, Richins said, adding she was stunned at the reaction.

I did not expect the response. We had employees that had a difficult time making that transition, she said, expressing concerns about how the pilot program would affect their career progression. Some questioned whether they would remain relevant after giving up a desk decorated with family pictures to share a work space.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Then we had COVID and then everyone went home and some of those concerns went away because everyone was teleworking, Richins said, adding, For some employees, its been very difficult to come back. For other employees, they have expressed gratitude and said, We probably wouldnt have come back unless you asked us to, but this is so much better.

What the Utah Public Employees Association says about returning to the office

Jessica Bruner, director of the Utah Public Employees Association that represents state workers, She said the labor organization, which does not have collective bargaining power, got a ton of emails and calls from workers worried about losing their work-life balance when they were told last year theyd have to return to the office part time.

Bruner said she expects the push to return to the office to expand beyond requiring two days a week, maybe even to full time.

I could see them extending it to that. I dont know how quickly that would happen, but I do them headed that way, she said, adding that conversations are underway with state human resources officials and legislators about preserving the option of working from home.

Bruner said shes not aware of any pending legislation on telework. In 2011, the Utah Legislature reversed former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.s four-day work week for state employees, intended to save money by keeping government offices open Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

State rules already make it clear its up to state agencies to determine who gets what employees see as a benefit, Bruner said.

We understand that not every employee has the opportunity to work remotely, she said. But there are a lot of employees who do have the opportunity and can work well from home. We want to work to get them that opportunity to still have that a few days a week instead of coming in the office all the time. I think a lot of people can do their jobs well and adequately from home.
Utah state Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson announced Friday she will step down from her post in June.

Dickson, who has decades of experience as an educator, was tapped as one of the five state superintendents in 2016 after working at the state's education office since 2007. She will end her tenure as superintendent at the end of June after just over nine years in the role.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the students, educators, and families of Utah," she said in a statement Friday. "I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished together to improve educational outcomes and opportunities for all children."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During her tenure, Dickson played a key role in creating the state's Portrait of a Graduate program to prepare students for success later on in life. She also helped oversee the state's expansion of full-day kindergarten, technology enhancements in schools and dual language immersion programs, according to a news release from the state Board of Education.

"Superintendent Dickson's commitment to educational excellence has had a profound impact on our state," said Molly Hart, board vice chairwoman. "Her leadership and vision will be deeply missed."

The board will begin searching for Dicksons replacement in coming months, according to a news release.
Appreciating the centre for announcing the 'Cashless Treatment' scheme to cover expenses of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for seven days of treatment for road accident victims, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that he feels happy that the central government has learnt from 'Farishte Yojana' run by the Delhi government and requested Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to remove the limit of Rs. 1.5 lakh from this scheme, saying that there is nothing more precious than human life. "I am happy that the Centre is also thinking about it after learning from the 'Farishte Yojana' of Delhi. My only request to Gadkari ji is to remove the limit of Rs 1.5 lakh from this scheme. Accidents never have a limit. There is no limit in our angel scheme of Delhi. In Delhi, we have saved the lives of more than 26,000 people through the angel scheme. There is nothing more precious than human life," Kejriwal posted on X. Earlier, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the "Cashless Treatment" scheme, under which the government will cover expenses of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for seven days of treatment for road accident victims. Gadkari stated that the government would bear the cost of treatment if the police are informed about the accident within 24 hours. The Union Minister also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs two lakh for the families of deceased victims in hit-and-run cases. He also underlined that the government's top priority is road safety, citing the alarming statistic that nearly 1.80 lakh people lost their lives in road accidents in 2024. Of these, 30,000 fatalities were due to not wearing helmets, Gadkari added. The announcement followed a meeting chaired by Gadkari with transport ministers from all states and union territories at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting aimed to facilitate collaborative efforts between the union and state governments and to discuss transportation-related policies. (ANI)
BANGKOK (AP)  A group of Uyghur men who were detained in Thailand over a decade ago say that the Thai government is preparing to deport them to China, alarming activists and family members who say the men are at risk of abuse and torture if they are sent back.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, 43 Uyghur men held in Bangkok made a public appeal to halt what they called an imminent threat of deportation.

We could be imprisoned, and we might even lose our lives, the letter said. We urgently appeal to all international organizations and countries concerned with human rights to intervene immediately to save us from this tragic fate before it is too late.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Uyghurs are a Turkic, majority Muslim ethnicity native to Chinas far west Xinjiang region. After decades of conflict with Beijing over discrimination and suppression of their cultural identity, the Chinese government launched a brutal crackdown on the Uyghurs that some Western governments deem a genocide. Hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs, possibly a million or more, were swept into camps and prisons, with former detainees reporting abuse, disease, and in some cases, death.

Over 300 Uyghurs fleeing China were detained in 2014 by Thai authorities near the Malaysian border. In 2015, Thailand deported 109 detainees to China against their will, prompting an international outcry. Another group of 173 Uyghurs, mostly women and children, were sent to Turkey, leaving 53 Uyghurs stuck in Thai immigration detention and seeking asylum. Since then, five have died in detention, including two children.

Of the 48 still detained by Thai authorities, five are serving prison terms after a failed escape attempt. It is unclear whether they face the same fate as those in immigration detention.

Advocates and relatives describe harsh conditions in immigration detention. They say the men are fed poorly, kept in overcrowded concrete cells with few toilets, denied sanitary goods like toothbrushes or razors, and are forbidden contact with relatives, lawyers, and international organizations. The Thai government's treatment of the detainees may constitute a violation of international law, according to a February 2024 letter sent to the Thai government by United Nations human rights experts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The immigration police said they have been trying to take care of the detainees as best as they could.

Recordings and chat records obtained exclusively by the AP show that on Jan. 8, the Uyghur detainees were asked to sign voluntary deportation papers by Thai immigration officials.

The move panicked detainees, as similar documents were presented to the Uyghurs deported to China in 2015. The detainees refused to sign.

Three people, including a Thai lawmaker and two others in touch with Thai authorities, told the AP there have been recent discussions within the government about deporting the Uyghurs to China, though the people had not yet seen or heard of any formal directive to do so.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two of the people said that Thai officials pushing for the deportations are choosing to do so now because this year is the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, and because of the perception that backlash from Washington will be muted as the U.S. prepares for a presidential transition in less than two weeks.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity in order to describe sensitive internal discussions. The Thai and Chinese foreign ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Beijing says the Uyghurs are jihadists, but has not presented evidence. Uyghur activists and rights groups say the men are innocent and expressed alarm over their possible deportation, saying they face persecution, imprisonment, and possible death back in China.

Theres no evidence that the 43 Uyghurs have committed any crime, said Peter Irwin, Associate Director for Research and Advocacy at the Uyghur Human Rights Project. The group has a clear right not to be deported and theyre acting within international law by fleeing China.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Saturday morning, the detention center where the Uyghurs are being held was quiet. A guard told a visiting AP journalist the center was closed until Monday.

Two people with direct knowledge of the matter told the AP that all of the Uyghurs detained in Thailand submitted asylum applications to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which the AP verified by reviewing copies of the letters. The U.N. agency acknowledged receipt of the applications but has been barred from visiting the Uyghurs by the Thai government to this day, the people said.

The discussions of possible deportation had also reached the UN.

We heard the unconfirmed reports as well and promptly checked with the authorities who have assured us to the contrary," said Babar Baloch, a spokesperson for UNHCR. "We continue to remind the authorities of their obligations on non-refoulement and to advocate for alternatives to detention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The principle of non-refoulement, under international law, states that no one should be returned to a country where they may face torture.

Relatives of three of the Uyghurs detained told the AP that they were worried about the safety of their loved ones.

We are all in the same situation  constant worry and fear, said Bilal Ablet, whose elder brother is detained in Thailand. World governments all know about this, but I think theyre pretending not to see or hear anything because theyre afraid of Chinese pressure.

Ablet added that Thai officials told his brother no other government was willing to accept the Uyghurs, though an April 2023 letter authored by the chairwoman of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand first leaked to the New York Times Magazine and independently seen by the AP said there are countries that are ready to take these detainees to settle down."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Abdullah Muhammad, a Uyghur living in Turkey, said his father Muhammad Ahun is one of the men detained in Thailand. Muhammad says though his father crossed into Thailand illegally, he was innocent of any other crime and had already paid fines and spent over a decade in detention.

I dont understand what this is for. Why? Muhammad said. We have nothing to do with terrorism and we have not committed any terrorism.

___

Kang reported from New York. Associated Press writers Jintamas Saksornchai and Haruka Nuga contributed to this report.
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Venezuela on Saturday condemned new sanctions that the U.S., Britain, and the European Union imposed the previous day, when the country swore in President Nicolas Maduro for a third term after a six-month election dispute.

"The Venezuelan Armed Forces categorically and energetically rejects the new sanctions imposed by the infamous imperial brotherhood," wrote general Domingo Hernandez Larez, head of the Strategic Operational Command of the National Armed Forces of Venezuela in a statement posed on social media.

He called the sanctions a "desperate action, outside the rule of international law."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The condemnation came after outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden's administration increased its reward to $25 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Maduro on drug trafficking charges. The previous reward was $15 million.

It also issued a $25 million reward for Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and a $15 million reward for Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, as well as new sanctions against eight other officials including the head of state oil company PDVSA Hector Obregon.

The U.S. indicted Maduro and others on narcotics and corruption charges, among others, in 2020. Maduro has rejected the accusations. In Hernandez's statement, he said the Venezuelan government has carried out a "head-on attack against the scourge of drug trafficking."

The U.S. move coincided with sanctions by Britain and the European Union, each targeting 15 officials including members of the National Electoral Council and the security forces, and Canadian sanctions targeting 14 current and former officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Maduro, president since 2013, was declared the winner of July's election by both Venezuela's electoral authority and top court, though detailed tallies confirming his victory have never been published.

Venezuela's opposition says ballot box-level tallies show a landslide win for its former candidate Edmundo Gonzalez.

Maduro's nearly 12 years in office have been marked by deep economic and social crisis and a exodus of millions of Venezuelans fleeing the country. His government has always rejected all sanctions, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an "economic war" designed to cripple Venezuela.

(Reporting by Laura Gottesdiener in Mexico; Editing by David Gregorio)
Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term on Friday, following an election that many in the international community and the opposition considered rigged.

State television showed the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, placing the presidential sash around Maduro's neck.

The United States, Britain, Canada and the European Union responded by slapping new sanctions on Venezuelan officials close to the president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Washington announced punitive measures targeting eight individuals, including the president of the state-owned oil company PDVSA and the president of the state-owned airline Conviasa, as well as senior military and police officers.

"Since last year's election, Maduro and his associates have continued their repressive actions in Venezuela," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T Smith.

The US State Department also increased the reward offers to up to $25 million each for information leading to the arrest of Maduro and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, the Treasury said in a statement.

Canada, Britain and the EU also announced new sanctions on Venezuelan individuals following Maduro's swearing-in ceremony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

London sanctioned 15 individuals associated with Maduro, including military officials and judges, while the EU member states extended punitive measures to 15 additional members of Venezuela's electoral authority, the judiciary and the security forces.

The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Maduro "lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president."

Maduro's rival candidate in the election, Edmundo Gonzalez, who has since fled the country, had announced his intention to return to be sworn in as president of the South American country, despite an arrest warrant issued against him.

This will happen once "the conditions are right," opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said, accusing the Maduro regime of violating the constitution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gonzalez, who at the beginning of September left for Spain where he applied for political asylum, has declared himself the winner of the July presidential election.

In a video posted on his X account following Maduro's swearing in, Gonzalez referred to himself as "the elected president of the Republic of Venezuela," and accused Maduro of carrying out a coup d'etat.

"I represent the will of almost 8 million Venezuelans within the country, and that of the millions of compatriots who were prevented from voting abroad, and I have a duty to defend that mandate," Gonzalez said.

He added that he was "ready" to return to Venezuela "at the right moment" and called on the country's military to "reject illegal orders" issued by Maduro's regime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I continue working to set up the conditions for my return to Venezuela and to assume the presidency of the republic," Gonzalez said.

The US, Canada and several Latin American countries recognize Gonzalez as the true winner of the vote.

However, the electoral commission, which is loyal to the ruling party, declared Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner.

The EU has not recognized Maduro's victory, instead demanding the publication of the election documents, a request the electoral authority is yet to fulfill.

There was a large security presence for Maduro's swearing-in ceremony on Friday, with the armed forces deployed to the streets of Caracas to ensure there were no disruptions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Only a few high-ranking state guests attended the inauguration, including Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega and Cuba President Miguel Diaz Canel.

China and Russia, important allies of Maduro, sent special delegates.

Latin American states such as Brazil, Colombia and Mexico were only represented by diplomats.

One day before Maduro's inauguration, thousands of people took to the streets in Venezuela to protest against him.

For the first time in months, Machado also made a public appearance and was enthusiastically received by crowds at a rally in Caracas.

According to her own account, she was briefly arrested afterwards and later released. Cabello denied this occurred.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the United Nations International Independent Commission of Inquiry, several people have been arrested in the country in the last few days.

The government recently reported the arrest of more than 120 foreign nationals on suspicion of terrorism.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a child in his arms after being sworn in for a third term in office. Milagros Nunez/Prensa Miraflores/dpa
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  The inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro left his opponents to grapple with with conflicting feelings of hope and disappointment on Saturday, pondering why the self-described socialist leader could not be stopped despite credible evidence that he had lost the election last year.

Some described their mood after Friday's ceremony at the legislative palace in Caracas, Venezuela's capital, like an emotional hangover while others said they feel abandoned.

Many expressed cautious optimism, finding a measure of comfort in the social media videos released by two opposition leaders  popular former lawmaker Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez, the opposition's candidate in the vote  who had promised to topple Maduro.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the end, it feels as if the soup got cold, college professor Nelson Perez said. Weve been on the subject of not losing hope for a while. ... But then you realize its more of the same.

That realization is hard to process for millions of Venezuelans who, like Perez, had imagined a different Jan. 10  one with Gonzalez receiving the presidential sash and Machado giving one of her signature fiery speeches before the National Assembly.

Instead, Gonzalez and Machado sent messages on social media while Maduro placed his hand on Venezuelas constitution and took the oath of office, defying overwhelming evidence contradicting his victory claim in the July presidential election.

Maduro compared himself to a biblical David fighting Goliath and accused his opponents and their supporters in the United States of trying to turn his inauguration into a world war. He said his enemies failure to block his inauguration to a third six-year term was a great victory for Venezuelas peace and national sovereignty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I have not been made president by the government of the United States, nor by the pro-imperialist governments of Latin America, he said after being draped with a sash in the red, yellow and blue of Venezuelas flag. I come from the people, I am of the people, and my power emanates from history and from the people."

Venezuelas National Electoral Council, stacked with government loyalists, had declared Maduro the winner of the July 28 election. But unlike in previous contests, electoral authorities did not provide detailed vote counts to back the announced result.

The opposition, however, collected tally sheets from 85% of electronic voting machines and posted them online  showing its candidate, Gonzalez, had won by a more than a two-to-one margin. U.N. experts and the U.S.-based Carter Center, both invited by Maduros government to observe the election, said the tally sheets published by the opposition are legitimate.

Machado, in a message on social media Friday, said Maduro was guilty of a coup by not leaving office by Jan. 10, when by law, Venezuelas presidential term begins. She also said she was confident that the countrys freedom is near but stopped short of saying anything about future steps the opposition could take to end Maduros presidency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Today, Maduro didnt put the sash on his chest. He put a shackle on his ankle, which will tighten every day, she said.

A day earlier, Machado  who was banned from running for office but remains the driving force behind Venezuelas beleaguered opposition  had emerged from months of hiding to join an anti-Maduro protest in Caracas. She said security forces had briefly detained her after leaving the rally, an allegation the government promptly denied.

Thursdays rally drew far smaller crowds than the massive demonstrations Machado and Gonzalez had led during the election campaign, primarily because of fears over the government's brutal crackdown on dissent. More than 2,000 people were arrested during and after the civil unrest that followed the election.

You see people, and they look like they have a hangover, bricklayer Luis Carlos Moreno, 55, said of the mood among those who had stayed away from the inauguration ceremony. We have to wait until next week to see how things go and if  everyone goes to work and the kids go to school.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In contrast, Maduros supporters near the legislative palace were jubilant, some unable to hold back tears of joy.

State TV said 10 heads of state attended the ceremony. But far more governments around the world have rejected Maduro's victory claims, pointing to credible evidence validated by election observers.

Underscoring Maduros growing isolation, the U.S., Canada, Britain and the European Union announced new sanctions Friday on more than 20 Venezuelan officials, accusing them of gutting the country's democracy. Those sanctioned included Supreme Court justices, electoral authorities, the head of Venezuelas state oil company and Cabinet ministers.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez, who left for Spain in September to avoid arrest, was in the Dominican Republic, which was supposed to the last stop on his tour of the Americas before attempting to return to Venezuela to be sworn in. In his video message, he told supporters that Maduros government will end soon, very soon and reiterated his promise to return to Venezuela.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I am ready for safe entry at the right time, he said.

Those struggling with the idea of Maduro's rule for six more years included poll workers  many of them were harassed or arrested following the election.

I'm very disappointed, said Caracas resident and poll worker Marlyn Ruiz. Reality is not as we were led to believe.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (DC News Now)  A Northern Virginia woman is sounding the alarm after her unfortunate encounter with a towing company cost her a car and hours of stress  and she is not the only apparent victim.

Bethany Selvages car was hit while parked on the side of a road in Prince William County. When she saw the damages, she called her insurance company to have her car towed.

I thought my car being hit was the worst of it, and it turned out thats not the worst-case scenario, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After a tow truck driver showed up and took her car, Selvage got an invoice for approximately $8,300, which raised her suspicions.

Arlington police: Substitute teacher arrested for sexual relationship with female student; additional victims sought

Thats when I went to the storage lot to see if my car was there, she said. It was not.

My insurance was telling me they were going to total it, she continued.

After that, Selvage reached out to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, the Virginia Attorney General and an attorney, requesting help. She also reported her car as stolen.

Eventually, her complaints led to charges being filed against 39-year-old Michael Tillman, who was charged with grand larceny.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The criminal complaint alleged that Tillman arrived in a tow truck and misrepresented himself. Prince William County police warned of predatory towing practices, which in some cases can happen because towing requests can be heard over public airways.

I felt overwhelmed, Selvage said. I felt duped. Just dumb. And I dont want anyone else to feel those things.

Since Selvages action led to Tillmans arrest, he has been charged in two separate grand larceny cases. Court documents obtained by DC News Now indicated the other incidents featured some similarities to Selvages.

In one case, Tillman is accused of charging someone more than $12,000 after he towed a car he was not authorized to take. The insurance company paid that money.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I want them to learn from my mistakes, Selvage said of people who may be in a position where their car is towed. Please check with your insurance what tow company they sent before allowing anyone to take possession of your vehicle.

Selvage ultimately received money from her insurance company and used it to help pay for a new vehicle.

DC News Now reached out to an attorney listed for Tillman and has yet to hear back. His next court appearance is on Jan. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The Walt Disney Company has committed $15 Million to the Los Angeles area for fire relief as well as rebuilding efforts.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

In a statement released by the company, they stated how they intend to support organizations offering essential services to the community, such as the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Walt Disney Company also stated they plan to increase resources to the Employee Relief Fund to help any employees who have been affected.

Also in the statement, the company states they will be working with the local business communities to find ways to rebuild and strengthen the region.

As this tragedy continues to unfold, The Walt Disney Company is committed to supporting our community and our employees as we all work together to recover and rebuild from this unbelievable devastation, said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. We are proud to assist this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need.

Click HERE to read the full statement.

[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.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  During a Thursday Senate hearing, Superintendent Ryan Walters introduced his $3 million Bible-in-the-classroom ask for next years budget.

Included, and what was relatively not known, was a $5 million pot that he asked to be set aside in part for legal battles surrounding Bibles being in the classroom.

Thats the pot of money that will pay for those legal responsibilities, Senator Mary Boren (D-Norman) asked Superintendent Walters Thursday. Yes, replied Walters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For months there has been a push from Supt. Walters to put Bibles in every classroom, but he has held that the push will come at a cost.

OKLAHOMA EDUCATION: State Supt. Walters announces 500+ Bibles purchased for AP Government classrooms

However, many churches and others have said that they would be happy to donate the Bibles if it was needed.

Weve been clear in our guidance and standards that the Bible would be used in its historical context, said Supt. Walters Thursday.

It doesnt feel like any of this is for the benefit of our children, said Satyra Mahaffey, a parent whose students go to public schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its all going to fight these legal battles instead of teaching kids, said Senator Boren to News 4 Friday.

Boren believes that Walters is pushing for the extra legal fees and making taxpayers essentially pay for the Bibles going in the classroom because she says he is trying to bring it to the U.S. Supreme Court.

State tax dollars that would be going to classrooms are being prioritized for a legal battle to change the Oklahoma constitution, said Senator Boren.

Walters has not stated that, but during the hearing he argued against federal government agencies. At one point he said he looked forward to the dissolving of the U.S. Department of Education.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its ironic; Ryan Walters is using the education budget to bring them in and ask the United States Supreme Court to come in and get rid of an Oklahoma provision that we all like, said Senator Boren.

She said that this all still has to be introduced before the House, but the real push comes sometime after April.

News 4 reached out to an OSDE spokesperson Friday but did not hear back from them.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  In Los Angeles, where fire has destroyed thousands of homes, officials say they dont need any more items like blankets or clothing. Whats needed is money to help people try to get back on their feet.

Here in Connecticut, if you want to give there are some things you should know to avoid being scammed.

Connecticut firefighters provide insight into what California crews face amid wildfires

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A warning from the Connecticut Better Business Bureau says that before you open your heart and your wallet, do your due diligence before you donate and verify which charities truly have a proven track record of helping.



One of the more common scams you may see is a direct message in your social media feed.

So, an acquaintance on Facebook messages you and says my uncle was a victim of the fire in LA and Im collecting money, and youre asked to click to donate or send me some cash via Venmo, but what you dont know if that FB page has been hacked, Kristen Johnson of Connecticut Better Business Bureau said.

The best advice is to pick up the phone and call that Facebook friend and ask are you really collecting money for LA relief. And if you can, make sure the charity you give to is registered with the state of California.

And another thing that happens and this isnt a scam, but people who want to help they set up charities to help but they dont have boots on the ground  theyre not established, Johnson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In other words, avoid grass roots efforts even though their heart may be in the right place. Experts also say never send cash and only a use a credit card.

If a charity says 100% of your gift goes to the LA cause thats a red flag. Whys that?

Because every charity has some overhead right even your credit card payment will come with a transaction fee, Johnson said.

The Connecticut Better Business Bureau has certain charities that meet their criteria. Just go to give.org to see the list.

Watch the full story 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 WTNH.com.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind will be the chief guest at a lecture on 'One Nation One Election - in the context of economic political reform and developed India' on January 18 at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. According to the Uttar Pradesh Information and Public Relation Department, "The event is part of a series of seven talks on contemporary issues being conducted during the Maha Kumbh." The lecture event, organized by Divya Prem Seva Mission, Haridwar will include topics on terrorism, women empowerment, social media, and India's cultural and political challenges. The first lecture, held on 12 January, focused on 'Swami Vivekananda's global vision of Sanatan Dharma'. Other lectures are scheduled for 17, 20, 25, 31 January, and 6 February. Experts will share insights on these pressing issues during the series. Earlier last month, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had extended invitations for the Mahakumbh 2025 to Former President Ram Nath Kovind and newly appointed Governor of Mizoram, General VK Singh (retd). The Mahakumbh, held every twelve years, will commence from January 13 and conclude on February 26, 2025. According to a press release, the Tourism department is set to mesmerise the attendees at Mahakumbh 2025 with a spectacular drone show, showcasing mythological tales linked to the Mahakumbh and Prayagraj. The show will feature 2,000 drones and light up the skies over Sangam Nose, marking the grand opening and conclusion of the world-famous religious gathering. District Tourism Officer, Aparajita Singh stated that the drone show will be held at the Sangam Nose during the opening and closing of the event."A fleet of around 2,000 illuminated drones will bring to life the legendary tales of "Prayag Mahatmyam" and the Mahakumbh. The spectacular show will depict iconic events like the mythical Samudra Manthan (ocean churning) and the emergence of the Amrit Kalash (Nectar Pot), creating a magical visual narrative in the evening skies", she added. The event will feature floating restaurants, water activities, hot air balloons, and laser light shows. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is introducing innovative attractions to enhance the experience for visitors. Starting in early January, a musical fountain laser show on the Yamuna River at Kali Ghat will provide a mesmerizing experience for tourists visiting Prayagraj. Moreover, the spectacular lighting drone show will be a highlight during the Mahakumbh, offering a memorable experience for both visitors and residents of Prayagrai, (ANI)
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Multiple Hawaii businesses and organizations are taking the lead on efforts to raise money for those affected by the Los Angeles fires.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Community members including businesses emphasized the importance of giving back, especially in light of Californias response to the 2023 Maui wildfires.

Former Hawaii resident recalls events leading up to LA evacuation

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Eight Red Cross volunteers from Hawaii have just left for California to help with disaster response.

There are over 200 Red Crossers already on the scene, so were adding our forces to that, and its us looking to take care of immediate needs, said Matthew Wells, Communications Director for the Hawaii Red Cross.

Wells said its hard not to draw a parallel between the LA fires and the Lahaina fires, especially when you see some of the horrifying footage coming from the area.

The Hawaii National Guard is also on standby, ready to assist if called upon.

Weve been leaning forward, so right now were checking the availability of our soldiers and airmen to see if any of them would be available in case the call does come, said Maj. Jeff Hickman with the Hawaii National Guard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They sent over 100 personnel and helped us on the road to recovery, said Hickman of CAL Fires response after the Maui fires. So if we have a chance to help them, we will.

Popular local apparel brand, Aloha Revolution (VH07V), is one of the many stepping up with its California Love fundraiser tee, where 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to fire victims.

We did the Maui fundraiser a couple of years ago and we had a fairly decent impact on the community there so we thought wed do a similar thing with California after seeing all the destruction and craziness going on over there, said Ed Sugimoto, owner of Aloha Revolution.

The shirts are available for pre-order on VH07Vs website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Donation drives, like the gift card collection campaign at The Lei Stand in downtown Honolulu, are going to help former Hawaii residents now evacuated from their homes in LA and for first responders.

Its more of a grassroots effort getting this help into the hands of people who need it, said Jen Lee, an employee at The Lei Stand.

To donate to The Lei Stand Gift Card Collection, stop by on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1115 Bethel Street or email events@theleistand.net for where to send your donation.

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are assisting with immediate efforts by donating $100,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Officials added the joint brand will donate five million Mileage Plan miles to the American Red Cross to help support its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies like the Los Angeles wildfires.

Those part of the Mileage Plan can also donate their miles to the relief effort on Alaska Airs website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Jan. 10WAPAKONETA  A Wapakoneta man was sentenced Friday to one year in prison for engaging in sexual conduct with a 14-year-old boy he met on an app.

Scott Austin, 58, pleaded guilty in November in the Auglaize County Common Pleas Court to fifth-degree felonies of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles and importuning. He will be a tier-one sex offender and will be required to provide his information to law enforcement annually for 15 years.

Austin's attorney, Rob Wiesenmayer II, and Assistant Prosecutor Benjamin Elder agreed before sentencing that a proper sentence could be probation. Judge Frederick Pepple seemed to weigh the options for about 15 minutes before making his decision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Elder previously told the narrative that the victim's mother called police on Nov. 28, 2023, saying her 14-year-old son met up with Austin, who he met on Sniffies, which is a "location-based social networking app for gay, bi, and curious guys looking to meet like-minded partners to explore their sexuality. The modern-day cruising platform empowers users to express themselves openly across a fully interactive map which shows nearby users as well as popular local meetup destinations," according to Sniffies' LinkedIn page.

The victim went to Austin's apartment and they allegedly engaged in mutual masturbation.

"I didn't want to make anyone a victim. I didn't want to hurt anybody," Austin said as he profusely apologized. "All I can say is I'll do better."

Another man from Wapakoneta, Timothy Schroer, was sentenced to probation and 180 days in jail in November for meeting up with a 15-year-old boy after talking on Sniffies.

Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.

Featured Local Savings
Jan. 10Some educators are touting A state report cards while other administrators question their low marks.

The Oklahoma Department of Education recently released A-F report cards on each public school. Schools receive letter grades on overall performance, academic achievement, improvement from previous year, chronic absenteeism and English language proficiency progress. High schools also are graded on graduation rates.

Both Warner Elementary and Warner High received overall A grades. School Superintendent David Vinson said 2024 marked the fourth time since 2019 both schools received As. Scores were not given for 2020 and 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We focus on the education environment as a whole, so that is structure, discipline and curriculum," Vinson said. "We use the state testing data to tell us where kids are and how we're performing as a district. And we use that data to have internal discussions as to where we need to improve."

Vinson said neither Warner school received lower than a B since 2013.

"It's just that constant high expectation and constant focus on improvement has led to the success we've seen," Vinson said.

Forbidding cellphones in school for the past 13 years also has helped, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Charemon Jenkins taught eighth grade math and algebra at Warner for eight years.

"I don't want to say I teach to the test, but I teach the standards we are going to be tested on," Jenkins said. "We teach bell to bell, so I make sure I plan my class period from the beginning to the end.

Seventh- and eighth-grade English teacher Shiloh Wiedel said she seeks to show students she cares about their future.

"Once you get that caregiving role towards them, showing them you're there for them, I feel they work to please you," she said.

Other schools receiving overall A grades were Checotah's Intermediate Elementary and Muskogee's Sadler Arts Academy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Three area high schools  Braggs, Okay and Porum  received overall F grades.

"I strongly believe we are not an F school," Okay High Principal Mark Hayes said, adding that the school earned Cs and Ds in four categories, but got an F overall.

"All the students I taught in class, if they made three Bs and an A, they're not going to end up with a C," Hayes said. "We're trying to figure out why that grade is what it is."

The state report card website showed Okay High had 94.4% participation in statewide academic assessments, shy of the federally required 95% mark. Hayes said the percentage should have said 100%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"That basically comes down to two students," he said. "One is listed as not being in a full academic year and the other tested the previous year, so that's kind of a duplicate entry."

Hayes said he has called the Oklahoma Department of Education and is trying to get the figure fixed. He said Okay High has 110 students, and 33 juniors took the test.

"If we'd have had one more student pass in one area, we would not have gotten that F," Hayes said. "If we're weak in an area. I want to identify that and get stronger, at the same time, if we're being misreported in that area, I want to get it fixed."

Okay does use the state figures as benchmarks for improvement, Hayes said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We do pre-ACT test for our high school students toward the beginning of the year and end of the year," he said. "We try to see where we have strengths and weaknesses."

Porum High Principal Brandon Turley said the school is focused on student improvement "every day and every year."

"Are they getting better every day, and are they advancing yearly," he said. "If we're doing that, then our teachers are doing a good job."

Turley, who became principal last summer, said the school is "hitting the ACT hard ... specifically focusing on math."

"An attempt for any organization to apply a letter grade is  the word that pops in my head is asinine," he said. "Are your kids graduating? Can a child read? Can they read comprehensively? Can they comprehend mathematics. A big one we think about is getting kids to think critically. If they can do those four things and be good people, they're doing a good job."
Jan. 10A recurring effort since the COVID-19 pandemic, free hot lunches could soon become a reality for every public school student in Washington.

Governor-elect Bob Ferguson intends to trim $4.4 billion from the state budget, but listed universal free lunches for Washington schoolchildren in his budget priorities announced Thursday. He spent part of his day Friday visiting Whitman Elementary in Spokane emphasizing his commitment to free lunches.

The push for universal free lunches in Washington started after the federal government instituted the practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Incoming Spokane Sen. Marcus Riccelli, then a state representative, took up the cause of continuing free lunches regardless of ability to pay after the federal funding ended. The Democrat successfully rallied bipartisan support to pass three bills gradually expanding funding for universal free lunches in the state. Currently 70% of Washington students have access to the universal free lunch program, which also includes breakfast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We need to finish that important job," Ferguson said Friday. "It will require an investment, but that investment will have impacts."

A single parent earning $19 an hour makes too much to qualify for free lunches under federal guidelines, but doesn't make enough to make ends meet, Ferguson said.

"That is not OK ," he said. "That's not acceptable."

Ferguson acknowledged that adding funding to the free meal program may be difficult in a time of an estimated shortfall of $12 billion in the state budget over the next four years, but said the government has to prioritize just like families do when they budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"There is no greater priority for us as a state than our student's education and keeping our students fed," he said.

Washington has the fourth-highest average grocery bill in the contiguous United States, Ferguson said, making the meal program even more important.

"Hungry kids can't learn," he said. "We can't talk about test scores until every kid is fed."

His budget principles don't detail a specific amount earmarked toward this priority, but the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in October reported more kids in more schools eating free meals than the state expected, with a cost of $108 million per year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Riccelli appeared with Ferguson on Friday in Spokane, helping him hand out snacks to students in an after-school program and joking with them.

"We saw during the pandemic what happens when every child has access to free meals," he said.

Spokane Public Schools began offering universal free lunch in the 2022-2023 school year. Whitman Elementary Principal Jody Schmidt said she's seen how the program has impacted her school, which has a free and reduced lunch rate of 86%.

"Our disciplinary issues are down," she said. "Our academics are up. It does make a huge difference for our students."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It also means parents don't have to worry about feeding their child during the school day, she said.

"It definitely does support our families," she said. "No one is turned away."

Spokane Public Schools Superintendent Adam Swinyard said the program is particularly important for families who make too much to qualify for assistance programs but are barely getting by. Data suggests that nearly a quarter of families in the Spokane district fall into that category, Swinyard said.

"This program has significant impact on families who are underemployed," he said. "Historically, we've been at 50% free and reduced lunch."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, over 300,000 students in Washington state pay for school lunches.

"70% is a C-, and our kids deserve an A+," Riccelli said in an interview Friday.

Schools qualify for state subsidized meals if 40% of their student body is classified as low income, identified through applications for free or reduced-priced lunches or enrollment in other government assistance programs like food stamps or some Medicaid plans.

In past years' legislative debates, opposing lawmakers shared concerns the expansion may unintentionally disqualify some schools from poverty-based federal funding.

Schools compile financial information from families in the process of applying for free meals  information that qualifies schools for federal and state benefits based on proportions of low-income students. In removing the process to apply for free meals, lawmakers were concerned fewer parents would complete the form and schools would miss out on benefits because of fewer reported poor families.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Swinyard said most families are still filling out the form required for federal funding.

"That information is really important because some of our federal funding is based on poverty levels," he said. "For the most part, we're getting the information we need."

Riccelli said anecdotally he's heard of a "slight dip" in applications in some schools last school year, with improved completion this school year through schools urging parents to apply.

In an interview Friday, Rep. Leonard Christain, R-Spokane Valley, said potential future legislation should have exceptions for some schools. He pointed to Orchard Prairie, a 78-student school district within his legislative district that may struggle with a state mandate. With no industrial kitchen on their two-school campus, the school doesn't have the capacity to serve hot lunch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Orchard Prairie doesn't have enough low-income students for state-sponsored free lunches under the 2023 bill, which does allow for exceptions should a school make a case for noncompliance.

Interest in free school lunches is growing among state lawmakers around the nation as eight states guarantee free meals in their schools. California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico and Vermont passed laws in the past three years. Minnesota's law garnered significant national attention in the lead-up to the presidential election as Democratic vice-presidential hopeful Tim Walz, the Minnesota governor, repeatedly touted his state's policies as a win against child hunger in the Harris-Walz campaign.

Funneling free food for every student in the state has been a "passion project" for Riccelli since the pandemic, and he's confident with Ferguson's support, this is his year. He plans to introduce a governor-endorsed universal free school meal bill early in the session that starts Monday.

"It's the right thing to do," Ferguson said. "I'm going to work very hard to make this happen."
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Video recorded by Ernesto Campos, a United States citizen, shows federal immigration agents detaining him after slashing his tires.

I dont know why he popped my tires, he already had my , says Ernesto Campos in the video.

He had a reason, answers an agent.

He already had my license, pleaded Campos.

A 44-year-old father of four, Campos, has lived in the U.S. for 30 years and became a citizen over a decade ago. Hes lived in Bakersfield for over 20 years and owns a landscaping business with four employees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was driving to work when an unmarked car turned its patrol lights on. Campos says he stopped, shut off his engine and gave agents his driver license.

When he wouldnt give them his car keys, they slashed his tires he told 17 News.

Targeted enforcement arrests: Border Patrol breaks silence, reveals details on Kern County operation

In the video, Campos tells his coworker Isaias Alejandro to roll down the window, which he does.

Whats the problem, asked Campos.

OK, Im going to have to break your window, do you understand? said the agent. Its your fault. Im going to have to break the window if you do not open it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The agent then demands the door be opened and the passenger, Alejandro, to step out of the car to be detained.

Hes in the process of immigration. He has a lawyer, explained Campos.

Oh! Abogado? Lawyer? Thats good, said the agent.

The agent proceeds to collect Alejandros belongings. Campos complains to the agent about slashing his tires.

You have my license, says Campos. Why am I going to take off?

Im not going to argue with you, bro. You did what you did, I did what I did, said the agent.

US CBP issues statement on ongoing Operation Return to Sender in Bakersfield area

Campos was then detained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Youre under arrest for now, for alien smuggling, a federal felony, said another agent. Im going to tell you, if you resist, we will have a fight. Is that what you want?

Campos tried to explain Alejandro has an ongoing immigration case.

The guy has a case, says Campos.

Campos was detained for about four hours and then was released when his citizenship was confirmed. He says hes still coping with the situation and only half of his employees showed up to work after the raids.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
I grew up in Pacific Palisades, one of the Los Angeles neighborhoods burned down by the wildfires still ravaging southern California.

Its a small town and a big city, one of the many neighborhoods that make up the patchwork of Los Angeles, the second biggest city in the country. But it feels like youre in a tiny town anywhere in the United States. Theres a village thats the town square, two supermarkets, places of worship, many schools. Its a very community-oriented place. The annual Fourth of July parade is a highlight of the community. Everyone comes out and lines the legendary Sunset Boulevard with their lawn chairs and their umbrellas and their red, white and blue. Its a place where you know your neighbors.

But Pacific Palisades, as we all once knew it, has been wiped off the map.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The two grocery stores that I frequented? Gone. Im standing on a street right now where the restaurant that I would go for brunch with my parents and my siblings, Cafe Vida, is gone. The Chinese restaurant, Cathay Palisades, is gone. The Starbucks at the end of the block is gone. The dry cleaners where my mom used to go is gone. I could list dozens and dozens of places that are pictures of my childhood and are no longer here.

Miraculously, our synagogue survived. While a third of the congregation lost their homes, the temple remains as a spiritual home for them and people of all faiths in the Palisades.

Fires were a part of my childhood, but never like this. I remember evacuating at least once when I was a kid, and there was always the fear of brush fires, living in the shadow of the Santa Monica Mountains. But I dont think in a million years anybody ever thought that you would have hurricane-force winds combined with a bone-dry season, creating a tinder box ready to go, but thats exactly what happened.

While reporting on the wildfires, we drove past my childhood home, which was burned to the ground. Its gone. Nobody in my family has lived there since I was 10 years old, but its the kind of place that, even to this day  as recently as last week  I would drive by with my wife and kids. It has a permanent place in my story and in my memory because I was born into that house. I went to elementary school there. My best friends I still have today are the friends I met when I was living there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Covering the fires has been a bit of an out-of-body experience. My friends are texting, asking me to check if their homes are still standing. As journalists, this is what we sign up for. Whether Im on the plaza at TODAY, or in a polling place on Election Day, or on the floor of the party conventions during the campaign season, or reporting on horrific, awful events like this, I love connecting with other people. Theres something beautiful about being here, in a place I know so well, using the tools that Ive learned on this job to help share this story.

I can close my eyes and you could put me in a car and I could probably drive the streets of this community, knowing the curves and the twists and the turns  its all just in my bones. This is a place that I know better than the back of my hand. I havent lived here in many years  I live on the other side of L.A. now, and my immediate family is OK  but Im back here all the time. I spent my formative years as a kid here. Its all in my DNA. So Im really proud to be here. Its hard. This morning, driving back here was very, very emotional  almost for the first time, because you dont really access it in the moment. In a way, doing this job is part of my grieving experience for the Palisades.

This is about people right now. These buildings are, by definition, temporary. But the lives we all have lived here are not; theyll always be here. Everything is gone, but were still here and we still have each other, and thats what going forward is going to be all about.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
The West must get it across to Vladimir Putin that Russia is no longer an empire, former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in an online interview with Delfi published on Jan. 10, calling the Russian leader a "f***ing idiot."

Johnson made a parallel to the British Empire, saying that though almost nothing is left of the once-greatest empire in the world, the U.K. is content in its post-imperialist role.

Talking in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, the ex-prime minister called for Ukraine's accession to NATO and criticized the alliance's "chronically ambiguous" approach toward Kyiv.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In office between 2019 and 2022, Johnson was one of the staunchest supporters of Ukraine at the onset of the full-scale invasion, visiting the country several times during the war.

The former head of the British government told the Baltic news outlet that Russia's war is "archaic and barbaric" and that Moscow needs to learn that Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and other countries are also not part of the Russian empire anymore.

As Russia's full-scale invasion nears its third anniversary, Russian forces continue to occupy roughly 20% of Ukraine's sovereign territory. Moscow illegally declared the annexation of four partially occupied regions in September 2022, in addition to Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula seized in 2014.

Read also: Russian colonialism is not reformable, says historian Botakoz Kassymbekova

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Local health care advocates, lead by Protect Our Care, spoke out against President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Robert Kennedy Jr. to lead the federal Department of Health and Human Services. They urged West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Sen.-elect Jim Justice not to confirm Kennedy. (Courtesy photo)

Health care advocates from West Virginia have joined with thousands of physicians and public health professionals around the country in asking the U.S. Senate to reject President-elect Donald Trumps nomination of Robert Kennedy Jr. as head of the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Former state Del. Barbara Fleischauer joined representatives of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and West Virginia Citizen Action Group to speak against Kennedys confirmation during a news conference Friday by Protect our Care, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect health care for all Americans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kennedy, a member of the Kennedy family and the founder of the anti-vaccine organization Childrens Health Defense, has repeated the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism and called COVID-19 vaccines crime against humanity.

Hes also said that fluoride should be taken out of the countrys drinking water, despite experts assertion that its safe and effective at decreasing dental decay.

Lynette Maselli, state director of Protect our Care, said that Kennedys lack of leadership experience in public health and government and his radical views on vaccination make him a threat to West Virginians.

Health and Human Services oversees the federal governments Medicaid and Medicare programs as well as the federal health insurance marketplace. Combined, the programs provide health care coverage to more than hundreds of thousands of West Virginians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Congress is considering proposals that would reduce the federal match for Medicaid, including making the program funding by block grants and imposing per capita caps, Maselli said.

These proposals to slash billions in federal funding for Medicaid would blow a $235 million hole in West Virginias state budget and lead tens of thousands of our friends and family uninsured, she said.

Rhonda Rogombe, health policy analyst for the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, said its important to protect Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, because of the health care coverage options they provide.

Without them, hospitals will have to provide uncompensated care, which puts a strain on our health care system, which provides jobs and economic activity in West Virginia, and is one of our biggest industries, and plays a huge role in keeping people healthy and supporting our local economy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nationally, more than 15,000 physicians signed on to a letter this week urging the U.S. Senate not to confirm the RFKs nomination to health secretary, according to NBC News. The head of the American Public Health Association has also spoken against Kennedys nomination, saying that the country deserves better.

To effectively lead our nations top health agency, a candidate should have the proper training, management skills, temperament and the trust of the public, Dr. Georges C. Benjamin said in a statement in November. Unfortunately, Mr. Kennedy fails on all fronts.

Mindy Holcomb, a patient advocate for Citizen Action Group, said Friday that Kennedy should absolutely not be leading the nations health care system. She said one of the organizations legislative priorities is to protect Medicaid.

In West Virginia, we have a lot of immunocompromised people. Were not the healthiest of states, she said. So a lot of people are going to be at risk if vaccination rates decline in any way. In terms of Medicaid, the [Affordable Care Act] and Medicare, ugh. Im sorry, its so concerning. Medicaid is something that our people in West Virginia depend on for health care. Our rural health centers would almost be decimated by getting rid of or cutting those programs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fleischauer, a Democrat who represented Monongalia County for more than 20 years and served on the House Health committee, said she was initially open minded about Kennedys nomination, but the more she looked into it, the more shocked she was about the implications of Kennedys statements.

Kennedy has been blamed for a 2019 measles outbreak on the island of Samoa that killed 83 people. He had traveled to the island prior to the outbreak and met with activists who called for islanders to skip the measles vaccine and use alternatives.

Fleishauer said the Samoa outbreak in particular has scared her.

They had 83 children die, she said. This is a small island. Eighty-three innocent children died because they werent vaccinated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

West Virginia has some of the best health care policy laws in the country, she said, and theyve helped the state avoid similar outbreaks.

West Virginia is one of five states that do not allow religious or philosophical exemptions for school vaccine requirements. Sen.-elect Jim Justice, as governor last year, vetoed a bill that would have loosened the states school vaccination requirements, allowing private schools to come up with their own regulations. Health professionals have said the high vaccination rates have helped contribute to the state having only one reported measles case in the last 15 years.

Misinformation kills people, especially children and the elderly. I really hope Sen. Justice and Capito both oppose his nomination, she said. I think it would be very bad for the state of West Virginia and very bad for our country.

Justice has previously said hes supportive of allowing his friend, President-elect Donald Trump, to appoint the team that, absolutely, that he believes in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Justice held his last virtual administration briefing as governor Friday but, in a departure from his usual practice, did not take questions from reporters.

Capito did not comment for this story.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Bengaluru came alive with thrilling displays of military might on Saturday morning as the Indian Army's Know Your Army Mela 2025, held at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground, captivated the city's residents. Celebrating the 77th Army Day, the event featured a dazzling showcase of roaring motorcycles, soaring para-motors, and a striking exhibition of combat equipment, including tanks, artillery and drones, offering a unique insight into the strength and versatility and highlighting the technological advancements, strategic capabilities of the Indian Army. The Know Your Army Mela 2025, organized to mark the 77th Army Day, saw an enthusiastic turnout from the people of Bengaluru, who were eager to witness the might, professionalism, and versatility of the Indian Armed Forces. According to an official release from the Defence Public Relations Officer in Bengaluru, the event offered attendees a rare chance to engage with the equipment and interact with personnel from various branches of the military. The day's activities also included a live demonstration of military drills, expert talks, and an interactive exhibition, all contributing to a deeper understanding of the armed forces' role in safeguarding the nation. Hosted by the Headquarters Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, the event highlighted the Indian Army's operational capabilities, technological advancements, and its strong cultural ties with citizens. The event was inaugurated by Major General V T Mathew, General Officer Commanding, Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, PVSM, YSM, who released tricolour balloons and felicitated the Veer Naris. The ceremony began with the National Anthem played by the Army Pipe Band, followed by a thrilling para-motor gliding demonstration. The Mela saw enthusiastic participation from NCC cadets, school children, civil dignitaries, ex-servicemen, and a large number of citizens. The highlights of the event included honouring the bravehearts, wherein the Army honoured the Veer Naris and acknowledged their sacrifice for the nation. It included daring performances wherein the SHWET ASHWA Motorcycle Display Team of the Corps of Military Police stunned the audience with breathtaking stunts. Established in 1952 at CMP Centre and School, Faizabad, the team holds three Guinness World Records, including one for carrying 48 members on a single motorcycle in 2010. Their display embodied the daring spirit and precision of the Armed Forces, having previously performed at national and international events, including the 9th Asian Games (1982) and in Mongolia (2011). The cultural highlights included the Khukri Dance performed by 4/8 Gorkha Rifles. It was a vibrant cultural display symbolizing the courage and warrior spirit of the Gorkhas. The Army Pipe Band added grandeur to the event with their synchronized tunes, captivating the audience. Over 2000 schoolchildren from various Army, government, and private schools performed cultural dances, showcasing their creative talent and enthusiasm. The event also had a combat weapon display in which a state-of-the-art equipment display featured a variety of combat technologies, including tanks with mine-clearing capabilities, bulletproof vehicles, bridges such as the Wayanad Bailey Bridge, Army animals, missiles, NBC warfare suits, drones, communication systems, and indigenous innovations. Soldiers in full battle gear interacted with visitors, offering them an opportunity to experience the equipment firsthand. Thrilling para-motor gliding demonstrations, daring motorcycle stunts by the Tornadoes team, and combat bridge-laying exercises displayed the Army's technical expertise and adaptability. Sporting activities, including ceremonial and fun horse riding, engaged young citizens and thousands of schoolchildren. Children interacted with Army dogs and horses, while simulators provided a unique opportunity to experience Army vehicles. Informative stalls on recruitment, medical assistance, the Army Placement Cell, and the Veterans' Help Desk attracted many aspirants and ex-servicemen. The Mela highlighted the nature of Indian Army as the "People's Army," with deep connection with citizens and it's involvement in nation building. Visitors had the chance to interact with soldiers, learn about their vital roles in national security, and explore career opportunities in the Army. The event also highlighted the Army's recent rescue operations, such as during the Wayanad landslide, demonstrating the Army's commitment to serving the nation beyond its combat duties. The overwhelming response to the Know Your Army Mela 2025 underscored the nation's pride in its armed forces and the collective spirit of patriotism. The event was not just a celebration of valour and military might but also a tribute to the culture, diversity, and unwavering dedication of the Indian Army to serve and protect the nation. (ANI)
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  Many West Virginians have noticed discrepancies between their weather apps and the weather that actually happens, especially when it comes to snow, so who can you trust?

We sat down with StormTracker 12 Chief Meteorologist Justin Kiefer to figure out why West Virginia weather can be tricky. According to Kiefer, although weather apps are generally accurate, they are manned by computer programs that dont take into account all of the information that a human meteorologist does. And because north central West Virginia is located between two National Weather Services headquarters in Charleston and Pittsburgh, there are some things that get missed by the computers.

West Virginia getting another 2-8 of snow Friday & Saturday

Q: Can people trust the weather apps on their phones?

The interesting thing about weather apps is that they pull the data that shows up on your phone from computer model algorithms. And if those computer model algorithms are not correct, or theres a little butterfly effect there where if theres a little problem at the beginning, there might be a bigger problem at the end in a modeling. If your app just pulls from one particular model, then its just going to show that data and that forecast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What a human meteorologist does, it looks at all the models and sort of delineates, okay, this ones not seeing the situation correctly. This one maybe is overboard. Where is there a happy medium? So in general, yeah, the model apps on your phone are usually pretty good, but there are times when they dont completely paint the picture correctly.

Q: What would you say to people in West Virginia who are lacking trust in their weather sources because theyre seeing some discrepancies?

Theres a stretch of north central West Virginia, its essentially about 80 miles from Pittsburgh and 80 miles from Charleston where the next Red Doppler radar sites are. So there is a little bit of a shadow right there that doesnt pick up all of the low end, light precipitation that may fall out of the sky. Part of those measurements get incorporated into the models in the initiation point. Some of the really high resolution models will take the situation thats ongoing and put that into the modeling along with all of the computer algorithms to calculate a forecast. If the radar is not picking up the moisture, which is likely because of the distance from the radar site to this little window which is over Clarksburg at Bridgeport, and so theres that shadow sometimes comes into play. Low topped clouds with light precipitation may never show up on radar, but we can see snowfall accumulate.

And so it is a product of our location of the locations of the most powerful radar sites in Charleston, National Weather Service sites in Pittsburgh that cover us. And just the uniqueness to the geography of north central West Virginia to put someone at ease over, Hey, the phone says its not going to snow and its snowing. I dont know if there is a suitable answer for that. You have to kind of look and listen to the trusted local source thats putting eyeballs on all of it and incorporating that into a forecast. So theres local knowledge, theres intuition, theres experience that comes with the human part of meteorology, whereas the computers are just spitting out numbers. And as we all know from the old days of computer programming, garbage in, garbage out, if the data at the beginning is bad, its going to put out bad data at the end.

How to measure & report snowfall where you live in West Virginia

Q: Why is it that sometimes weather apps or different models seem inaccurate?

One of the things that you have to look at is that the percentage of precipitation, the rain chance, the snow chance, now it may say 20%, and in most peoples estimation that 20% means thats probably not going to snow. But what that number is, its actually the result of a calculation. Its the confidence of the forecaster or the model multiplied by the area that will see precipitation. So if you have a band of snow that stretches from Elkins to Parkersburg, but its only 20 miles wide, thats only about 20% of the WBOY market area. But if theres a 100% confidence that its going to snow in that band, its still just a 20% chance. So theres a misconception or a misperception, if you will, of that precipitation chance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The probability of precipitation or the POP that youll see on your phone might say 20%. If its less than 20%, your phone may not actually even put it on your phone as a precipitation chance, but its not the fact that theres very little chance for it to precipitate it. Its a multiplication equation of a confidence in the forecast multiplied times the area that forecast will land precipitation on, whether its a hundredth of an inch, a 10th of an inch of snow that comes up to a number and that will show up on your phone. So theres an art in that and theres also a science in that. And so the combination that a human forecaster does is takes all that into account to come up with their own forecast.

Q: Where should people look if they want the most accurate forecast?

I wouldnt rely specifically on the app that puts the weather on your phone, whether you have an Android phone or you have an Apple or you use Google or theres whatever platform you might have might put a forecast on your phone. My recommendation is to go to a lot of different sources to make sure that one app may be correct or incorrect. National Weather Service is always a great spot, so you can look them up, just Google your town and look for National Weather Service forecast thats going to show up with a reasonable forecast. Always go to our website. Our forecasters, our meteorologists are going to give a fairly accurate forecast for the area.

One thing that has to be stressed is that your phone uses GPS and so that GPS is then calculated into the forecast. And if your phone location is not correct, your forecast may not be for where you are. One thing to think about, so go to a lot of different sources in order to get an estimation overall of the forecast.

Why heavy snow in West Virginia is good for farmers

Q: How far out can you trust a forecast to be accurate?

I am highly confident in three to five days, without a doubt. I would stake a forecasting claim on three to five days of confidence. Five to seven days, maybe a little bit of a moderate confidence. Seven to 10 days, I am in the 50/50 ballpark as far as, okay, 10 days from now its going to snow. Thats a little far out. Anything beyond 10 days is it is subject to extreme variability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are models that put out, theres a company that has a 30 day forecast that you can look at every day forecast between now and the next 30 days for a point in north central West Virginia. And I would argue that you could flip a coin and do better than that. Just say, Hey, is it going to snow on Groundhog Day? Flip a coin heads, yes. Okay. Im going to say yes. But the fact of the matter is people want that data, they want that stuff coming in, they want to be able to look at it. But I would not rely on anything past about 10 days as far as confidence and certainly anything between 10 and 15 days50/50 at best.

Have other questions related to forecasting and weather in north central West Virginia? You can email WBOYWeather@nexstar.tv or send a message to the StormTracker 12 Weather team on Facebook.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WESTVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  As wildfires continue to decimate Southern California, a firefighter in Central Illinois is lending some insight into the fight against devastation.

So far, there have been a total of 300,000 evacuations for the areas around Los Angeles. On Friday, one Vermilion County firefighter is sharing his perspective on the situation.

Westvilles Fire Chief, Mark Ames, explained how dry conditions and wind create struggles for firefighters everywhere. While the scale of destruction is different, he said strategies for combating such fires remain consistent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Man detained near Kenneth Fire not accused of arson

Unfortunately, as we know during events like this, we are at the mercy of the wind, Ames said. Im thinking about those crews that are working with minimal relief.

First responders on the West Coast have bravely put service over safety this week as they battle wildfires. Now, Ames, nearly 2,000 miles away in Westville, explains why fires like these are so tough to combat.

A wind-driven fire, as we saw this summer, can make a fire just unstoppable, Ames said.

He also said firefighters in Central Illinois have some experience with similar challenges. He references responses throughout 2024 when dry conditions and wind created destructive field fires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

LA fire chief says city failed department amid ongoing Southern California wildfires

This past summer, we had some wind-driven fires both in Champaign County and here in Vermilion County, which took maybe two or three times the number of resources that we generally need to put at it in order to bring those things under control, Ames said.

Battling wind-driven fires requires increased manpower and water equipment. While Ames acknowledges the magnitude of wildfires in California compared to field fires in Illinois is vastly different, he notes that containment strategies, such as using natural divides and barriers, are relatively universalwhether in Los Angeles or Westville.

The tactics are what they are, and you have to work the problem, which is what we train to do in the fire service, Ames said. Theyre certainly equipped properly and ready for what they have to do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fires are ongoing in the area around Los Angeles, with more than 300,000 evacuations and 58 square miles burned in Southern California. So far, the destruction totals more than 10,000 structures destroyed and a death toll of at least 11.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Juan Fernandez-Barquin has been Miami-Dades county clerk since the summer of 2023 but never with the watchdog powers he inherited this week.

On Tuesday, the former Republican lawmaker assumed control of a newly empowered Clerks Office. Thanks to a change in the Florida Constitution, this week the Clerks Office took over the auditing and accounting staffs that previously were under the control of Miami-Dades Democratic mayor, Daniella Levine Cava.

READ MORE: DeSantis names Republican ally to succeed Miami-Dades longtime Democratic clerk

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At his ceremonial swearing-in on Friday, Fernandez-Barquin promised to use his offices expanded powers to give residents a clearer look at how the county government spends tax money.

Juan Fernandez-Barquin before he is sworn in as clerk of court and comptroller of Miami-Dade County at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in Miami on Jan. 10, 2025.

We will ensure greater transparency, Fernandez-Barquin, a 41-year-old lawyer, told the crowd gathered for the ceremony in the chambers of the County Commission, where the clerks staff is responsible for paperwork and record-keeping.

The 1,100-person clerk staff also runs the court offices where residents access the legal system to pay parking tickets, file for divorce, record deeds and report for jury duty.

Fernandez-Barquin said his staff will be rolling out an online dashboard devoted to the countys nearly $12 billion budget. He said the site would be offering near real-time insights into how taxpayer dollars are utilized.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fernandez-Barquin became clerk in June 2023, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the position left vacant by the death of Harvey Ruvin, who won his first election to the post in 1992. Ruvins widow, Risa, was given a front-row seat at Fernandez-Barquins ceremony, and the newly elected clerk praised his Democratic predecessor in the partisan office.

When I stepped into this office, I stood in the shadow of the legendary Harvey Ruvin, who served this community for over 30 years, Fernandez-Barquin said.

Congressman Carlos Gimenez presents Clerk Juan Fernandez-Barquin with a congressional record after Fernandez-Barquin was sworn in as clerk of court and comptroller of Miami-Dade County at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in Miami on Jan. 10, 2025.

Before his appointment, Fernandez-Barquin was serving his third term in the Florida Legislature, representing a House district in Kendall. He went on to win a full four-year term as county clerk in November.

The clerks expanded powers come from a 2018 amendment to the Florida Constitution that required Miami-Dade to have the same slate of elected officers as the other counties in the state by 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Changes included electing a sheriff, elections supervisor and tax collector  posts that previously were under Levine Cavas authority as mayor. The terms for those offices, all held by Republicans who won their November elections, also began Tuesday.

Juan Fernandez-Barquin smiles as he is sworn in as clerk of court and comptroller of Miami-Dade County at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in Miami on Jan. 10, 2025.

The statewide change in local governmental power also required the clerk to also have the power of county comptroller  the post that brings with it Fernandez-Barquins new auditing and financial-management authority.

In his swearing-in speech and in an interview after, Fernandez-Barquin said he also plans to:

Use artificial-intelligence technology to speed up processing of civil filings so that theyll show up quicker on the clerks website.

Hire a vendor to jumpstart the offices lagging efforts to post images of criminal filings online.

Make it easier for people without credit cards or bank accounts to pay fines and filing fees.

Work with Miami-Dades school system to create a curriculum for high school students interested in starting a career in the clerks office after graduation.

Create an interactive portal that would allow residents to learn more about the budget that the mayor proposes each year and that is approved by the County Commission.

I would like something thats very robust  and something that is easy, he said. If the residents want to look at the budget of Miami-Dade County, they wont have to look through three volumes that are about an inch-and-a-half thick. Something thats searchable.
The White House has said that new sanctions against the Russian energy sector will significantly reduce Russia's revenues and put significant pressure on the Russian economy.

Source: John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House, at a briefing, quoted by Holos Ameryky (Voice of America)

Details: Kirby said that due to the new restrictive measures, the Russian leadership will be forced to make difficult choices and lose billions of dollars every month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He stated that the new sanctions were putting significant pressure on the Russian economy, which will increasingly force the Russian leadership to make difficult choices.

Kirby reiterated that sanctions against Russian banks with international ties, including Gazprombank, imposed in November last year, had hit the Russian energy sector hard.

He added that the administration believed this should increase the pressure on Russia and contribute to the already bleak economic outlook for 2025 and beyond for Putin and his wartime economy.

Background:

The day before, the US announced new sanctions that will hit the Russian oil refining industry. In particular, Russian oil giants Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas were hit by the restrictions.

Following this, the UK government announced sanctions against Russian companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas.

Support UP or become our patron!
When Haitis government announced the reopening of the countrys main international airport and domestic terminal in Port-au-Prince last month, many passengers had hoped to see a return of flights to the country.

But in a notice to customers, the main domestic airline  the countrys only direct commercial air link to the U.S. amid an ongoing ban on U.S.-based airlines flying into the capital  said it will resume operations only when certain conditions are met, including the re-establishment of insurance coverage.

Haitian-owned Sunrise Airways did not go into specifics, and didnt respond to a request for comment. But aviation experts who closely monitor global conflict zones say the airlines notice illustrates how the ongoing violence by powerful gangs could have far-reaching consequences for air travel to Haiti beyond the Federal Aviation Administrations ban on U.S. commercial and cargo flight operators. Haitis security crisis is creating challenges that are akin to countries at war, the experts said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Even if the FAA rescinds its restriction, airlines may not return, and it may not be simply because its safe or not safe, said Matt Borie, chief intelligence officer for Osprey Flight Solutions, an aviation-security firm. Its a financial decision. Its a reputational decision. Its a risk decision.

While JetBlue Airways has suspended all flights to Haiti until April 30, American Airlines announced an indefinite suspension of its daily Miami-Port-au-Prince service.

Its not simply down to Is my aircraft going to be targeted by bullets or not?  said Borie, who follows aviation-related issues in conflict zones. Its If that does happen, will I have insurance coverage? If it happens to someone else, am I willing to take the reputational damage? Am I willing to cancel flights and take on the cost that comes from flight cancellations, and if our company gets into the paper, how does this affect our reputation? 

Haiti is conflict zone

Haitis escalating gang crisis is not like a traditional war. But the violence, which claimed at least 5,601 lives last year, makes the Caribbean nation a conflict zone. And in the world of aviation safety and insurance costs, that places the country in the same category as cities like Tel Aviv and Beirut, where concerns about rockets hitting airplanes have ramped up insurance costs, Borie said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For future exposure, war-risks underwriters have a very limited appetite right now, especially in places where they know that aircraft are being subjected to direct threats, he said.

Even before gangs opened fire in November on three U.S. jetliners over Port-au-Prince airspace, Haiti air travel was under pressure. Pilots with major carriers were uneasy about flying into the capital and insurance companies warned charter plane operators that they would not be covered.

We have aircraft being targeted by small arms fire on approach to an international airport in a densely populated, urban environment, Borie said. When these aircraft get damaged by these bullets, these are insurance claims that are significant.

Partial view of the empty main terminal at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. U.S. carriers canceled flights on March 4, 2024 and resumed flights nearly three months later before canceling again in November.

Fort Lauderdale-based Spirit Airlines Flight 951 was approaching the runway in Port-au-Prince on Nov. 11 when it was struck by bullets. A flight attendant was injured and Spirit landed in the neighboring Dominican Republic. JetBlue Airways and American Airlines also reported being struck by gunfire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No passengers were injured in any of the incidents, but all three carriers immediately announced a pause in service to Haiti.

After the attack, Haiti closed the international airport and the FAA instituted a 30-day ban, before exempting the international airport in Cap-Haitien in the north. The FAA ban on flying to Port-au-Prince was extended until at least March. The extension came on the same day that Haitian authorities reopened Port-au-Princes Toussaint Louverture International Airport and the adjacent Guy Malary domestic terminal.

In a statement at the time, the Haitian prime ministers office said police and soldiers, along with Kenyan-led multinational mission, had boosted security in the area and a test flight was successful.

Still, there have been no regular flights at the airport. Last month the Colombian government opted to land in Cap-Haitien rather than Port-au-Prince when it sent a plane to pick up a Haitian government delegation for meetings in Bogota. Officials got to the northern Haiti city from the capital on a helicopter being leased by Taiwan for Haitian officials to move security forces to hot zones.

Unclear when service will resume

Mathilde Tisserand, Ospreys specialist on Haiti, said its unclear when Sunrise Airways will be able to resume operations in the capital. The companys woes, she said, are linked to the deteriorating security environment, not the FAA ban.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When you look at the statistics of criminality in Haiti over the last two years, between 2022 and 2024, based on statistics from the United Nations and so on, it keeps deteriorating, Tisserand said.

In late February and March, the airport was among several government structures targeted by armed gangs, along with the nearby seaport. At the time, several Sunrise aircraft had been struck by gunfire before the airport was closed for nearly three months.

The Haitian government at the time announced a four-phase plan to beef up security. The plan included the demolition of nearby homes and buildings; the construction of a road to serve as a buffer zone and the implementation of strategic checkpoints by the police and army. The only thing that has been achieved so far, Tisserand said, is the demolition of approximately 200 homes.

Nothing happened during the entire summer up until October, which is when we only began the second stage of that project, which is to demolish other houses, she said. You still have those three other stages to be completed and we honestly dont know whats the time frame for this to be achieved because theyve already been considerable delay. As long as this is not completed, the security risk will continue.

Insurance costs

The decision over the restoration of air service to Port-au-Prince doesnt just depend on security assessments, the experts said. Insurance costs are also a factor. Underwriters are taking into account a string of incidents, which include the March 2022 burning of a private airplane in southwest Haiti, and attacks that forced the closure of the main seaport.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, the seaports main operator was again forced to suspend operations after a gang leader, Micanor Altes, issued threats. The leader of the Wharf Jeremie gang, Altes was accused of massacring more than 200 mostly elderly Haitians last month.

Gangs taking over a port facility in Port-au-Prince is going to mean that that insurance company is also probably going to be concerned about gangs taking over another part of critical infrastructure, Borie said.

Spillover effect

Borie said insurers are very cautious about underwriting coverage for aircraft flying into Port-au-Prince, which falls under the already strained war-risk insurance market.

That market has become very strained since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to a dozen aircraft being stuck on the ground in Ukraine and insurers being subjected to up to $1 billion in claims after failing to cancel policies, he said. Hundreds of insured aircraft that were also confiscated by Russia are now subject to insurance claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres about $10 billion worth of liabilities here that are being negotiated and dealt with in court cases, primarily in Europe right now, and insurance companies, hypothetically, are on the hook for more risk losses in the billions of dollars, Borie said.

Any time you have aircraft being fired on and damaged, insurance prices are going to go up, he added. But when you start to factor in the number of aircraft that were confiscated related to Russia, Ukraine, and the pending claims there, and then you start to look at the additional full-haul losses that have happened in the last three years, theres not a lot of appetite for insurance companies to take on risks that they can clearly see, especially in places where its difficult to mitigate that risk.

A structure built using shipping containers along the northern perimeter of Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti is now allow Haitian army officers to keep watch over the grounds.

Haitis economic situation makes it very difficult for the Haitian government, for example, to come in and say, Well take on your full liability for flights in and out of Port-au-Prince airport, because were a catastrophic event to occur, how would they pay for that financially? Borie said.

The analysts said there are no guarantees that the FAA will lift the ban in March, especially with a new president, Donald Trump, in the White House. Either way Haiti, at the very least, needs to carry out the second and third phases of making the international airport more secure, the experts warned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tisserand said it could be a long time before Haiti sees a return to regular commercial flights, especially since the ongoing Kenya-led security mission still doesnt have the envisioned 2,500 troops and continues to struggle against armed gangs.

Last weekend, 150 Guatemalans and an advanced team of eight Salvadorans arrived in Port-au-Prince to join the 416 foreign officers already in Haiti. Days later, Barbados Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds told Barbados Today the Caribbean nation would no longer deploy its troops to join the security mission because Haiti had become too dangerous and the effort lacked strategic planning.

Right now, the international security mission is very unlikely to prove successful, Tisserand said. The national police dont have enough funds for personnel. They dont have enough materiel to combat the gangs.... Its still unlikely to be enough at this time to considerably improve the security environment from one day to another. If I may say, it is going to take probably years still.

The airlines calculations are not just about safety, but about costs and profit, Borie said.

The cost of insurance versus the demand that theyre going to generate from the flight on the pricing, those things need to equate as well, Borie said. Airlines may consider it to be safe at the time to conduct the flight, but it may not be a profitable route.
This article was originally published in GreatSchools.

Every day, 402.74 trillion bytes of data are added to the internet, presenting a daunting challenge to K-12 students. The new information provides vast new troves of knowledge, but its also a breeding ground of disinformation, intrusion, and scams. How can children navigate their education amidst this overwhelming influx of data?

Education experts say the answer lies in acquiring data and AI literacy skills. Such skills, they argue, lead to improved critical thinking, academic gains, and career prospects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unfortunately, U.S. schools lag behind other nations in teaching data literacy. A 2022 report by DataScience 4 Everyone, a coalition seeking to expand access to data science education, shows how other countries are implementing data and AI literacy education for children throughout the K-12 grades. From Canadian fourth graders learning about the importance of data in science class to Chinese middle and high school students getting new textbooks dedicated to AI, a range of countries have already embraced new curricula, standards, and teaching strategies to help their students master these hugely important skills.

So, what is data literacy anyway?

Data literacy is a deceptively simple concept. On the one hand, it means exactly what it sounds like. On the other hand, it includes such a vast array of academic and critical thinking skills, that its helpful to break it down.

Data refers to information in any form: words, images, numbers, statistics, charts and graphs, audio, video, etc.

Literacy is the ability to read, understand, analyze, question, and communicate new information.

Data literacy is the ability to explore, analyze, comprehend, and communicate with data in a productive way.

Data literacy involves both a collection of technical skills as well as all the thinking and communication skills needed to make data useful in the real world.

Kristin Hunter-Thomson is a former teacher and researcher who now works to help educators understand and incorporate data literacy into their classrooms through her company, Dataspire. I approach data literacy from the perspective that every citizen in the 21st century should be data literate, in the same way we are able to read, write, and have numeracy skills, she explains. Many people think of data literacy as large datasets driving corporate decision-making, but I think about it in terms of what data visualizations show up on your electricity bill or through your smartwatch or in the news. Teaching students data literacy is teaching them the language of data so that they can be successful going about their lives in our data-filled 21st century.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In other words, data literacy cant be taught in a vacuum. Its a skill set that can only be learned after many other skills are in place, including:

Research. Students need to understand how to find information not just by googling or ChatGPTing a query, but by pinpointing their searches.

Being savvy consumers of information. Once presented with information, students need to learn how to evaluate different sources: Are they valid? Whats their point of view? Where is the information coming from? Answering these questions requires domain knowledge (including academic subjects like history or science and current events like the news or technological trends).

Critical thinking. When analyzing information, students need to know how to question assumptions and employ logic as they evaluate the information they find.

Technical fluency. Students need a range of technical skills to understand and manipulate data, including managing data sets, mining existing data, warehousing, and organizing data. To extract meaning from the data they need to be adept at using a variety of data-related tech tools (e.g. Excel, sheets, Tableau, Mixpanel) and may require programming, statistics, algebra, or calculus.

Communication is essential. To be truly data literate, students need to be able to communicate with others about their work, findings, and thought processes. This requires strong communication skills, including active listening, writing, public speaking, and presentation design  including visualization  skills.

With these skills in place, students can interact with data in smart and meaningful ways. Are these skills enough for your child to be ready for a world of fast-changing jobs and technology? Not quite. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), experts are arguing that students also need AI literacy to help them navigate the technology that is expected to upend everything from office work and truck driving to medicine and manufacturing.

What is AI literacy?

Artificial Intelligence (AI), the transformative technology that enables computers to perform human-like tasks by organizing huge quantities of data, has already changed many students lives. According to a 2023 ACT survey, about 46 percent of high school students have used an AI tool (most commonly ChatGPT) with school work as their primary reason. Since so many high school students are already using AI it stands to reason they should also acquire AI literacy skills.

AI literacy involves both the ability to:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

understand how artificial intelligence works; and

use AI technologies competently.

Many underlying critical thinking skills needed for AI literacy are similar to those needed for data literacy, but students need additional technical skills and knowledge of Artificial Intelligence to use AI effectively and ethically.

As an example of an AI-focused curriculum, Inspirit, an online program taught by students and graduates of Stanford, Harvard, and MIT, offers fifth to seventh graders an AI education that starts with learning block-based programming tools and advances to machine learning models for chatbots and self-driving cars. For seventh and eighth graders, the Inspirit curriculum includes programming in Python and RunDexter, training AI to fight disease or understand human language, and applying algorithms to real-world data sets. Classes for high school students offer small mentor-led groups that use AI to design socially useful projects that are presented to parents and guests on the last day of the class.

Hunter-Thomson, founder of Dataspire, believes teachers need to help students understand how AI is trained by previous human input and how to think critically about AI tools and outputs. In the era of AI, when there can be less transparency about information sources, she says its essential that students understand where information shared online comes from, how it is created, and how to vet the source since AI can both generate falsehoods unintentionally and can easily be used to deceive.

The benefits of data literacy and AI literacy

Academic gains. The Thinking With Data Project in 2012 conducted a quasi-experimental study where seventh graders in two different schools in Ohio learned data literacy skills in math, science, English language arts, and social studies while students in the control group did not learn data literacy skills. The students who learned data literacy skills ended up earning higher test scores in both math and social studies than the control group.

Ethical thinking skills. Some research suggests data literacy also helps K-12 students ethical understanding. For instance, in a 2022 study, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston College found that AI literacy in middle school helped students identify bias and understand ethical and societal concerns.

Future prospects. Data literacy may also ensure students have a crucial set of skills for their careers. The Data Literacy 2023 Report surveyed 558 business leaders in the U.S. and the U.K. about the need for data literacy skills when hiring new employees. According to the report, 66 percent of business leaders would be willing to pay a higher salary to candidates with strong data literacy skills. Seventy-seven percent of the business leaders suggested a salary increase of 10 to 15 percent for data-literate candidates, and approximately 25 percent said they would offer a 30 percent hiring bonus. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the current median salary for the occupation Data Scientist is $108,000 and projects that the occupation will grow 35 percent between 2022 and 2032  with related fields also being in high demand and earning high pay.

Where does the U.S. stand compared to other countries in teaching data literacy?

In countries around the world, schools are rushing to teach data and AI literacy. In Germany, starting in fifth grade all students do a year-long data science project focused on machine learning and data exploration. In U.K. secondary schools, students learn to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to collect, map, analyze, edit, and visualize geographic data. In grade nine, students in India study ethics in data science.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Other nations stand out as leaders in the field of data and AI education. China published AI textbooks for middle and high school students in 2018, while downgrading geometry, algebra, and calculus from mandatory courses to optional. Questions related to these downgraded math classes were also removed from the college entrance exam and replaced, in part, by questions related to data analysis.

Equally sweeping is Singapores Smart Nation strategy. The initiative helps teachers use AI to customize education for every student, especially those with special needs. AI companions provide individualized feedback to motivate every pupil after identifying how they respond to classroom activities and materials. Similarly, South Korea plans to provide every student with an AI tutor that understands their specific learning behaviors and guides them toward personalized homework assignments. In addition, they have pledged to implement AI as a subject in the K-12 curriculum nationwide by 2025.

In New Zealand, each year 30,000 primary and secondary students participate in the Census at School project that teaches data science, probability, and statistics using data they collect. New Zealand also has early learning centers that embrace data literacy as a form of language for kids as young as 4 and 5. The work that folks are doing in New Zealand  is really exciting and pushing the field forward, shares Kristin Hunter-Thomson of Dataspire.

Slower progress in the U.S.

American schools trail behind the nations listed above, but efforts are being made to catch up. A data literacy crisis was announced in the U.S. after math scores for 15-year-olds plummeted 13 points during the Covid-19 pandemic. To combat this, a bipartisan group of legislators have supported the passage of H.R. 1050, the Data Science and Literacy Act. The bill would provide funding to develop curricula in data literacy, purchase high-quality learning materials, and hire and train data science educators. The bill is expected to be introduced in the U.S. Senate in September 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the meantime, data literacy is gradually taking hold at the state and federal levels. Data Science for Everyones map indicates that as of March 2024, a dozen states have added data science to their course catalogs, nine more have added pilot courses or professional development training for teachers in data literacy, and six others are working on adopting standards. Zarek Drozda, Director of Data Science for Everyone, also noted in a recent interview with Ed Week that 19 states have a subject code that allows them to offer data literacy and data science programs to their students.

AI literacy lags farther behind. In November 2023, the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC) published a report that recommends education in AI Literacy. Unfortunately, the NAIAC proposal prioritizes college and university students, all but ignoring K-12 students.

Whats the future of data and AI literacy in our childrens classrooms? To paraphrase an old cliche: AI is the limit. Just as AI itself is transforming our economy, workplaces, and everyday tools, its inevitable that it will ultimately change how our children learn as well. The question remains: how fast will Americas schools and families adapt?
Shoppers might have already noticed, but egg prices have escalated at Boise-area grocery stores  if the stores can even get their usual supply.

The cause? Bird flu.

The WinCo Foods at 8200 W. Fairview Ave. in Boise taped a sign to the doors of its refrigerators indicating that its egg suppliers have been affected by outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, leading prices to go up for the remaining stock.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We will continue to monitor eggs costs closely, and as soon as costs come down, we will adjust our prices accordingly to pass those savings back to you, the sign read.

A pack of 12 large grade-AA eggs was listed for $4.53 last week. In 2022, the same pack of eggs at WinCo cost $1.78, according to a report on grocery prices from KTVB. Since then, bird flu has caused persistent outbreaks in flocks in Idaho and across the country, making it difficult for commercial poultry farms to keep up with demand.

Signs at the WinCo Foods store on Fairview Avenue in Boise on Jan. 4 tell customers that bird flu is causing the price of eggs to go up.

This has been ongoing, Idaho State Veterinarian Scott Leibsle said Friday. Its been ebbing and flowing for the last two years.

Right now, its flowing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In late November, reports of bird flu in Idaho began to trickle in, but only in backyard chickens. By January, we started to see a surge, Leibsle told the Idaho Statesman by phone.

Five backyard farms in the state reported positive cases of bird flu in the past week, he said. So far, no commercial poultry farms in Idaho have been affected.

But a number of large farms that distribute eggs around the country have been. In the last month, there were 63 bird flu detections on commercial poultry farms in the U.S., according to a news release Thursday from United Egg Producers.

The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average cost of a dozen large grade-A eggs rose to $3.65 in November, a 40% increase from January 2024, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the record-high prices were driven, in part, by bird flu outbreaks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the Fred Meyer at the corner of Franklin Road and Orchard Street in Boise, another sign explained the situation to shoppers.

Due to recent supply shortages, the cost to source cage-free eggs that meet our strict quality standards has increased drastically, the sign said.

Signs posted in the refrigerated section at a Fred Meyer store in Boise warn of cage-free egg shortages.

The main way bird flu spreads to poultry farms is through migratory birds that fly into barns or land on coops. The birds interact with the hens, Leibsle said. The virus also can spread through waterfowl by similar means, especially when the property is near a river or a pond.

The state veterinarian said workers should always be cognizant of what they might be tracking off or around the farm on their clothes, boots or equipment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bird flu outbreaks cause egg prices to spike because the flocks that get it are culled, according to Leibsle.

When a facility is identified as positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza, we have to depopulate all the birds that remain alive, because they can continue to be a source of the virus, he said. Once these commercial poultry operations are cleaned and disinfected, theyll look to repopulate, but that takes time. You need to get the birds and let them grow and start laying.

On a major commercial poultry farm, it can cause a significant disruption. In the past week, Ohio identified a farm that had 250,000 hens affected by a bird flu outbreak, and North Carolina had a farm with 2.7 million hens affected, he said.

Theyre just so massive that when they get hit, it takes down millions of birds at a time, Brad Keasal, the owner of Western Farm of Idaho, told the Statesman on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said that when the commercial farms raise their prices, he sells more eggs.

Keasal has about 2,000 hens and a small amount of shelf space at local Albertsons and Natural Grocers stores. His farm hasnt been affected by bird flu yet, and hes taken a number of precautions to make sure it isnt.

Weve reeled them in, Keasal said by phone. Ive taken free range off of our packaging, because theyre not going outside anymore. Its just too risky, especially when youve got migratory geese, ducks, doves, you name it. Any bird that migrates south during the winter is a potential hazard to a chicken organization.

Business and Local Government Editor David Staats contributed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thousands of wild birds are dying of bird flu in Boise area, Idaho Fish and Game says

Egg prices surge to record high, USDA says. Consider these substitutes at home

Largest medical group in Idaho reports explosion of flu cases in the Boise area
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  Parts of West Virginia have gotten more than a foot of snowfall this week, which could be a good sign for farmers come growing season.

Snow does more than bring water to the ground. According to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA), as snow falls through the atmosphere, nitrogen attaches to it, and then when the snow melts, it slowly releases it into the soil, providing a natural fertilizer.

Although rain can carry some of the same minerals as snow, it falls too fast for the soil to absorb them. The slow melt of snow gives the ground more time to absorb the benefits and helps replenish the nutrients.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Because of this, snow has been given the nickname poor mans fertilizer.

How to measure & report snowfall where you live in West Virginia

Additionally, snow can help store water and insulate the ground during the winter. According to expert opinions posted by the Ohio Farm Bureau, snow can act as a big, fluffy, warm blanket on the ground, keeping the ground up to twice as warm as the air outside, especially during extreme cold snaps like West Virginia has been experiencing this week.

The snow can also help insulate the ground against evaporation, keeping the ground moist. That, along with the extra precipitation, can help prevent the ground from drying out even into the warmer months.

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.
An incarcerated firefighter is seen at the Sunset Fire on Vista street on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA. Credit - Jason Armond/Los Angeles TimesGetty Images

As fires continue to blaze across Los Angeles, more than 12,000 personnel have been deployed to support the ongoing firefight. Among those attempting to quell these fires are incarcerated persons working in a three-way partnership between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), CAL FIRE, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department LACFD.

The current state of the fires is that at least 16 people are thought to have died, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office. Unfortunately I think the death toll will rise, L.A. Sheriff Robert Luna said on Jan. 9. And the sheer volume of land destroyed is massive. As of Sunday morningover 40,000 acres have been decimated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read More: L.A. Fires Show the Reality of Living in a World with 1.5C of Warming

As of Friday morning, 939 incarcerated firefighters have been working around the clock cutting fire lines and removing fuel behind structures to slow fire spread, CDCR told TIME in an emailed statement. This includes 110 members of a support staff helping the firefighters.

Heres everything you need to know about how and why inmates are currently fighting the L.A. fires.

Incarcerated firefighters have been working all week

Incarcerated firefighters have been on the frontlines of the multiple fires breaking out in Los Angeles County and Southern California since earlier this week. On Wednesday, the CDCR told the Washington Post it had deployed 395 imprisoned firefighters to the frontlines. A day later, that number had nearly doubled to 783. The department said the crews also have 88 staff members supporting them. By Friday morning, almost 1,000 firefighters from the program were fighting the blazes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read More: How to Help Victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires

Businesses on Lake Ave. go up in flames in Altadena, Calif. on Jan. 8, 2025. Robert GauthierLos Angeles Times/Getty Images

A look into the program making this happenand what the firefighters can gain

The incarcerated firefighters are a part of the Conservation (Fire) Camp Programa partnership between CDCR, Cal Fire, and LACFD, which jointly operates 35 conservation camps across 25 counties in California.

Participants in these camps support state, local and federal government agencies as they respond to all types of emergencies such as fires, floods, and other natural or manmade disasters, according to the CDCR website.

Inmates must apply to be a part of the program and no one is involuntarily assigned to work in a fire camp, per the CDCR. Thus, incarcerated people do not face disciplinary action if they choose not to serve their time in a fire camp.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those who participate in the program can also receive time credits, according to the CDCR. Most of those who work as firefighters can receive two-for-one credits, meaning they receive two additional days off their sentence for every one day they serve on a fire crew, while those working as support staff receive one-for-one credits.

The program started in 1915, though the modern protocol of training the inmates at camps began during World War II.

Since their rates were doubled in 2023, the fire crew members now earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, paid by CDCR, with an additional $1 per hour during emergencies paid by CAL FIRE. This is the salary that the inmates currently fighting the California fires are receiving, in great contrast to their non incarcerated counterparts (salaries for the LACFD begin at around $85,000 according to their website).

In recent years, the camp sizes have shrunk, thanks largely to a combination of prison reform efforts and overcrowding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-COVID, incarcerated firefighters made up around 30% of California's firefighting workforce; post-COVID, this is now closer to 10 to 15%, according to The Nature Conservancy.

The Palisades fire burns near homes in Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7, 2024. Hans GutknechtMediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News/Getty Images

The dangers of the job

Though the CDCR emphasizes that inmates working as firefighters have the opportunity to gain employment from their training with CAL FIRE, graduates of the program have reported difficulties accessing firefighting jobs once released despite their experience and training.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read More: Formerly Incarcerated Firefighters in California Speak Out On What Needs to Change

Royal Ramey is a formerly-incarcerated individual who worked in the Conservation Fire Camp Program in 2012, and experienced first hand the struggle of finding work after his release in 2014.

The harsh reality is that once they get out [of prison], they face an uphill battle getting a job, he tells TIME.

Now, Ramey is the co-founder and chief program officer of his own nonprofit, the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, where he helps fellow formerly incarcerated individuals find paths to employment in forestry and wildland firefighting. The FFRP has a 10% rate of recidivism, compared to the California state average of 41.9%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its a difficult situation, Ramey says. On the one hand, he found his calling as a firefighter while in prison, and he fell in love with the work.

It really gave me the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be a little bit more confident, to understand how to communicate effectively with different folks, and also have a shared vision with a group of men, Ramey says.

On the other hand, he recognizes how little firefighters like him were getting paid in comparison to their counterparts, and when he first signed up, he says he didn't really know what I was getting myself into.

A 2018 TIME report found that incarcerated firefighters were, at the time, four times more likely to experience object-induced injuries, such as cuts, bruises, dislocations and fractures, compared with professional firefighters working on the same fires. Inmates were also more than eight times as likely to be injured after inhaling smoke and particulates compared with other firefighters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For Ramey, the work is making sure that incarcerated firefighters are not just utilized in times of extreme need, but that they have pathways to employment after their release and mentorship along the way as well.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

On Friday, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could determine the fate of TikTok for every American seeking to use or publish on the platform: Absent the justices intervention, the app will be banned in the United States on Jan. 19 under a law enacted last year. Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed the arguments with Gautam Hans, a professor at Cornell Law School, who specializes in speech, privacy, civil liberties, and technology policy, on this weeks episode of Amicus. A preview from their conversation, below, has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Dahlia Lithwick: One of the ironies of this case is that the court was able to fast-track this oral argument and get all the briefing in really quickly. And yet there are no time limits left at oral arguments. So it sprawled on for what felt like 200 million years.

Gautam Hans: I think my main takeaway from this argument is that this is why judicial deliberation is a virtue in many situations. There are so many complicated issues in this case that I think really deserved a lot of time  but preferably not in a two-hour-and-40-minute argument on an expedited basis. There are important governmental interests here; I think basically everyone concedes national security is one. But what is the tailoring thats appropriate? Do we think there are real problems with the data economy of collecting massive amounts of data and not really deleting it? How do we think about corporate structures? Does the foreign ownership dynamic versus domestic ownership make a difference?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is a big swirl; its a complicated case. And I started out as a privacy attorneyI am really concerned about data collection. I understand that national security is an issue. Those are all good justifications, but this law doesnt do a great job of answering the moment, and thats where I think the First Amendment problems lie.

Part of what is really, really complicated in this case is that theres two different justifications for the law and thats sort of looming over everything. There was a drumbeat throughout the entire argument that these two justifications dont necessarily rub along together with equal force.

Mark Joseph Stern: Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar put the rationales behind the law into two buckets. The first justification is that this law is about data protection and security: TikTok is collecting a massive amount of data from users: their age, location, activity, all this sensitive stuff. Its owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company, so the Chinese government has access to TikToks data. And the American government is worried that the government of China will access that data and somehow weaponize itmaybe even turn American users into spies against the U.S. government. I think most of the justices favored that rationale.

Then theres the second justification, which is that the Chinese government can manipulate speech on TikTok to further the interests of the Chinese Communist Party and undermine America.The second justification seems aimed at speechits Congress saying, We dont like this speech, we want less of it. That seemed to rankle several of the justices across ideological lines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hans: Part of the challenge with this law and this issue is that its all swirled up with politics. Now, Im of the opinion that most laws are swirled up with politics. But we have, at the time of its enactment, former Rep. Mike Gallagher saying this is digital fentanyl, and wont, please, someone think of the children. We have other members of Congress complaining that the app is biased in favor of Palestinians. These are all classic First Amendment problems. And what we then get are some really politically inflected concerns about China, and who can influence the American populace.

In regard to your first point about the Chinese data collection, Mark, I think the solicitor general conceded that some of this is future-looking, right? This idea that someday a future president who had liked things on TikTok that maybe were a little prurient is going to be a problem. But thats not a TikTok only concern. What happens if Iran buys Facebook? Or we go to war with Sweden and Spotify Wrapped ends up being something thats humiliating? Whats the limiting principle, and why are we singling out one company when we could be doing some better thought out, more generally applicable regulation?

I agree with you on the second point; that concerns about foreign propaganda manipulation are just editorial discretion by another name. I think that the challenges here are going to be, as they often are in First Amendment cases, line-drawing ones. And the lines, I think, are not nearly as stable as the court might want us to believe.

The argument really felt like a national security case and a First Amendment case walk into a bar. Theres two totally different cases, and you could feel everybody toggling back and forth, depending on which of those they thought they were going to win in the moment.

I think all three of us agree that the Biden administration won after the arguments. This felt like a rout, like it would be 81 or 72. And yet what was really interesting were these confounding First Amendment questions youre both raising. The court certainly roughed up Elizabeth Prelogar. They were not, in the main, mollified by the answers she was giving. The really central issue here, as Justice Elena Kagan told Prelogar, is that concern about content-based manipulation inherently raises First Amendment problems. The government cant just say, We dont like the content-based manipulation thats coming from this platform and then pretend its making a content-neutral decision to ban it.

Hans: Right. Last year, the NetChoice case asked the question about what it means to have editorial discretion in the context of an internet platform. And I think NetChoice made sure that editorial discretion for internet companies was pretty clearly protected by the First Amendment. The implications of that holding are relevant in the TikTok case, yet I dont think the justices were there in their questioning. Maybe theyll engage with it on a meaningful level upon further reflection and deliberation. Or it may be more likely that well get a short opinion that defers these complexities for another day, given the speed at which the courts going to have to make a decision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stern: I just want to add that I think theres an open question about whether the law can be sustained on one ground alonedata protection or content manipulationor whether the court has to approve both rationales to uphold it. TikTok and the content creators argued vociferously that Congress relied on both of these rationales, that theyre intertwined with each other, and if one of them is illegitimate, then the law has to fall.

I dont know if I agree with that. To me, that would be a strong argument if this were a regulation published in the Federal Register by the Department of Commerce. But this is an act passed by Congress, signed by the president, duly enacted into law, that reflects bipartisan concerns of lawmakers whom we have elected to represent us and protect our country. Im not one for mindless deference to the political branches or flag-waving in the face of serious free speech concerns. But it does seem to me that if these two rationales can be plausibly disentangled, and one of them stands up on its own, then the court has got to let it stand up, and not bootstrap the forbidden justification to kill the whole law. It just seems that some deference is owed to the decisions of Congress, and we shouldnt encourage five lawyers in robes to overrule its decisions that easily.

Hans: For me, at a fundamental level, I would really love the court to be more thoughtful about not overruling Congress or an agency all the time, just because it doesnt like something they did. But this is not the case where I want them to start doing that, because whats going to happen is what we always fear in the First Amendment contextthe court could say, Which speaker do we like today, and which do we not? Now, I think the court does that all the time. I understand how these things work. But I dont think we should validate that kind of ad hoc decision-making. We know thats where we are, but we dont have to agree thats where we should be.
Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan on Saturday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his commitment to the principle of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas,' emphasizing that this approach is driving the country's growth and development. Speaking to ANI, Khan also highlighted the impactful leadership within the BJP, noting that several ministers have earned their positions through their actions rather than empty rhetoric. "PM Modi works on the principle of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas' and this is why the country is growing so much and much work is being done...Maharashtra is moving towards development...there are such ministers in the BJP who became leaders because of their work and did not become leaders by talking nonsense, they introduced their work. They have shown their work," Khan said. Meanwhile, on the occasion of National Youth Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 on January 12, at around 10 AM, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. "Tomorrow, 12th January, is a very special day as it is the Jayanti of Swami Vivekananda. On this occasion, I will spend the entire day with my young friends at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025," the PM Modi said in a post on X. The Prime Minister will engage with 3,000 dynamic young leaders from across India. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue aims to break the 25-year-old tradition of holding the National Youth Festival in a conventional manner. It aligns with the Prime Minister's Independence Day call to engage 1 lakh youth in politics without political affiliations and provide them with a national platform to turn their ideas for a Viksit Bharat into reality. In line with this, on National Youth Day, the Prime Minister will participate in multiple activities designed to inspire, motivate, and empower the nation's future leaders. Innovative young leaders will make ten PowerPoint presentations representing the ten thematic areas pivotal to India's development before the Prime Minister. These presentations reflect the innovative ideas and solutions proposed by young leaders to address some of India's most pressing challenges. The Prime Minister will also release a compilation of best essays written by participants on the ten themes. These themes encompass diverse areas such as technology, sustainability, women empowerment, manufacturing, and agriculture. In a unique setting, the Prime Minister will join the young leaders for lunch, providing them an opportunity to share their ideas, experiences, and aspirations directly to him. (ANI)
California was getting ready to fight President-elect Donald Trump. Instead, it's fighting raging wildfires and a crisis that risks tarnishing the state's image just as its leaders were positioning it to be a shining example of progressive governance.

A special session of the state Legislature that Gov. Gavin Newsom called shortly after the November election to position California to counter Trump has been overshadowed by the wildfires, the speed of which seemed to catch many officials off guard.

Newsom and other California Democrats have long held the state up as a national leader in addressing environmental issues, social inequality and economic innovation. But the wildfire crisis has exposed vulnerabilities in the states infrastructure and governance that critics argue undermine this narrative.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fires themselves were propelled by an unusual confluence of extremely dry brush and violent winds, which have also grounded the aircraft that are firefighters best weapon.

But empty fire hydrants, a dispute about Los Angeles fire budget and preparedness, and a statewide insurance crisis (which has the potential to ruin homeowners who could not secure coverage for their destroyed homes) have converged into a political mess in a part of the country conservatives portray as representing everything they see wrong with America.

And the fires are only the latest challenge to occur on the watch of California Democrats, who for more than a decade have controlled every statewide office and have supermajorities in both chambers of the state Legislature. Increased crime, homelessness, droughts, fires, above-average gas and grocery costs and the most expensive housing prices in the contiguous United States have led many residents and businesses to leave a state that for a century saw only in-migration.

Trump wasted no time blaming the fires on Newsom, whom many expect to run for president in 2028, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has come under criticism for being out of the country when the fires began.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground. Its ashes, and Gavin Newscum should resign. This is all his fault!!! Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, using his derogatory monicker for the governor.

In another post, he accused Newsom and Bass of gross incompetence and falsely claimed that President Joe Biden wasted the budget of the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the Green New Scam, referring to a progressive climate proposal that never made it close to being enacted into law.

Newsom has experience as the target of Trump's social media tirades. This time, he and other leaders in California are also facing criticism from angry residents who lost everything, like a woman who chased down Newsoms motorcade to confront the governor about what he would do for students at her childs school, which had just burned down.

Officials were grilled at a Friday news conference about apparent missteps, the latest of which was an erroneous evacuation alert that caused panic overnight after being mistakenly sent to the phones of almost 10 million Los Angeles-area residents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With the fires poised to be potentially the most expensive natural disaster in American history, attention is turning to the states ongoing insurance crisis. Insurers say increased disasters driven by climate change have made it impossible for them to offer financially viable policies at current prices to many homeowners in the most populous state in the country.

Fire-prone areas often now have zero private insurance options, and some companies have even refused to renew existing policies. That has forced homeowners to choose between using a state-backed insurer of last resort, which offers limited protection at high prices, or taking the risk of going without coverage.

Newsom and the political leaders in Hollywoods hometown were likely to become a political target regardless of what they actually do.

Indeed, many of Trumps claims about Newsom have turned out to be misleading or outright fabrications, such as the president-elects claim that Newsom refused to sign a water-sharing agreement that appears not to exist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The image of empty fire hydrants have gained traction online as an indictment of government preparedness, though the actual cause of the dry hydrants is more mundane: Firefighters have simply exhausted the capacity of a system designed to fight one-off structure fires, not neighborhoodwide conflagrations, especially on days aircraft could not join the fight.

Mike Madrid, a California Republican strategist who has been critical of both Newsom and Trump, noted that people have been writing Californias obituary since at least the 1990s  and its never panned out.

Indeed, the California Dream has survived earthquakes, draughts, fires, riots, mudslides, power outages, rising costs and more. The states natural beauty, favorable climate and world-leading economic vitality have kept it desirable.

The states population has even begun to recover as people move back to the state after Covid. It still remains below pre-pandemic levels, however. California is projected to lose up to four seats in the House of Representatives after the next census, while Southern red states like Texas and Florida are poised to gain seats as they continue to attract new residents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Just like the actual recovery on the ground, the political fallout from the wildfire crisis will take time to unfold. One veteran Democratic operative who requested anonymity to speak candidly said that the California wildfires have finished Newsom. The operative said the destruction is so vast and the questions around his role in preparedness seemingly so deep, that they didnt see how Newsom could emerge from the catastrophe as a front-running presidential contender.

Madrid said Trumps decision to so viciously attack Newsom, even while the fires are still burning and residents evacuate, could also have the unintended consequence of boosting him as a national counterweight to Trump.

Trump has a really good track record of picking winners in Democratic primaries by attacking them. Ask Adam Schiff, said Madrid, referring to the states new senator, who won a hotly contested Democratic primary last year by positioning himself as Trumps chief antagonist and the candidate he feared most.

Hes elevated Gavin Newsom to be the tip of the spear here, Madrid added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Newsom's office waved away politics in a statement to NBC News.

"The governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need," said Newsom spokesperson Izzy Gardon.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
When devastating wildfires erupted across Los Angeles County this week, David Torgerson's team of firefighters went to work.

The thousands of city, county and state firefighters dispatched to battle the blazes went wherever they were needed. The crews from Torgerson's Wildfire Defense Systems, however, set out for particular addresses. Armed with hoses, fire-blocking gel and their own water supply, the Montana-based outfit contracts with insurance companies to defend the homes of customers who buy policies that include their services.

It's a win-win if the private firefighters succeed in saving a home, said Torgerson, the company's founder and executive chairman. The homeowner keeps their home and the insurance company doesn't have to make a hefty payout to rebuild.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It makes good sense," he said. "Its always better if the homes and businesses dont burn."

Read more: More than 9,000 structures damaged or destroyed, at least 10 killed in L.A. County fires

Torgerson's operation, which has been contracting with insurance companies since 2008 and employs hundreds of firefighters, engineers and other staff, highlights a lesser-known component of fighting wildfires in the U.S. Along with the more than 7,500 publicly funded firefighters and emergency personnel dispatched to the current conflagrations, which have burned more than 30,000 acres and destroyed more than 9,000 structures, a smaller force of for-hire professionals is on the fire lines for insurance companies, wealthy individual property owners or government agencies in need of additional hands.

Their presence isn't without controversy. Private firefighters hired by homeowners directly have drawn criticism for heightening class divides during disasters. This week, a Pacific Palisades homeowner received backlash for putting a call out on X, the social media site formerly named Twitter, for help finding private firefighters who could save his home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades? Need to act fast here. All neighbors houses burning," he wrote in the since-deleted post. "Will pay any amount."

"The epitome of nerve and tone deaf!" someone replied.

In 2018, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West credited private firefighters for saving their $60-million home in the Santa Monica mountains during a wildfire. But those who serve wealthy clients make up only a small fraction of nonpublic firefighters, according to Torgerson.

Contract firefighters who are hired by the government are the vast majority, he said. The federal government has been hiring private firefighters since the 1980s to support its own forces. According to the National Wildfire Suppression Assn., there are about 250 private sector fire response companies under federal contract, adding about 10,000 firefighters to U.S. efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some private firefighting companies, including Wildfire Defense Systems, are known as Qualified Insurance Resources and are paid by insurance companies to protect the homes of their customers. Wildfire Defense Systems refers to its on-the-ground forces as private sector wildfire personnel.

Read more: L.A. officials admit firefighters were overwhelmed and outgunned by deadly firestorms

Wildfire Defense Systems only works with the insurance industry, but other privately held firefighting companies contract with industrial clients such as petrochemical facilities and utility providers. Wildfire Defense Systems declined to disclose company revenue or what it charges for its services.

Allied Disaster Defense, a company that has sent personnel to the fires in Los Angeles, offers services to both property owners and insurance companies. Its website says its services will enhance the insurability of properties and contribute to reduced claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The website also has a page dedicated to services for private clients , which include emergency response and assistance with insurance claims for high net-worth and celebrity customers. The company does not list prices for its services and has nondisclosure agreements with its private clients.

Several other private firefighting companies are based in California, including Mt. Adams Wildfire , which contracts with government agencies, and UrbnTek , which serves Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego among other areas. Along with spraying fire retardant on trees and brush to stop an advancing fire, the company offers "a double layer of protection by wrapping a structure with our fire blanket system."

Torgerson, a civil engineer with 34 years in emergency services, said he has been struck by the speed of the current wildfires. While typically it takes two to 10 minutes for a fire to sweep through a home, he said, the Palisades fire is traveling at higher speeds.

Its moving so fast, itll likely take one to two minutes for these fires to pass over the properties, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said his company responded to all 62 of the wildfires that threatened structures in California in 2024 and didn't lose a property.

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.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  The Williamson County Sheriffs Office said on Saturday that fire crews worked to extinguish a large fire off State Highway 138 in Williamson County near US 183.

According to a spokesperson with Williamson County, there are no injuries, but some structures have been impacted.

The fire was contained just before 4:00 p.m., but firefighters are still monitoring hot spots according to the spokesperson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

About 30 acres burned in the fire according to the spokesperson.

The Florence Fire Department is the lead agency. Overall 9 agencies responded to the fire according to a Williamson County Spokesperson.

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 KXAN Austin.
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WWLP)  A man from Windsor Locks has been found guilty of committing two robberies in February 2020, and faces a maximum of 40 years of imprisonment.

Geoffrey Shapiro, 44, was charged with one count of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of armed bank robbery. The trial began on January 8, and the verdict was returned on January 10.

Drugs, gun seized during Holyoke investigation

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Evidence presented during the trial stated that Shapiro visited a Dunkin Donuts in Simsbury on February 9, 2020, first ordering and then pulling out a handgun and pointing it at the cashier. Shapiro was quoted saying Give me the money twice to the employee and was given approximately $390 before he left the building.

Later that month, on February 21, Shapiro went to Webster Bank in Glastonbury. He handed the bank teller a note that included statements such as Stay calm and I have a gun, and the teller gave Shapiro $1,837 from her drawer. Shapiro returned to his home, and later in the day Glastonbury officers came and arrested him.

Police searched Shapiros vehicle and found a handgun, the demand note that was used during Shapiros bank robbery, clothes worn during the robberies, and additional evidence.

The Westfield Police Department has also made a public statement, saying that Shapiro has been identified as the man who robbed the Westfield TD Bank in February 2020.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Westfield Police looking for suspect who robbed TD Bank

Shapiro is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. Each offense Shapiro has been charged with carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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.
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WTNH)  A Windsor Locks man was found guilty on Friday of committing two robberies in 2020, according to the Department of Justice.

Man charged with robbing East Haven smoke shop at knifepoint

Geoffrey Shapiro, 44, allegedly entered a Dunkin Donuts in Simsbury on Feb. 9, 2020, placed an order and then displayed a small handgun, pointing it at the employee at the register. Shapiro told the employee to give him money twice before they gave him $390. He then left the store.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A few weeks later on Feb. 21, 2020, Shapiro allegedly entered a Webster Bank in Glastonbury, handed the teller a note that said stay calm, I have a gun, ordered the teller to give him over $1,800 from her drawer and exited the bank.

Glastonbury police arrested him on the day of the Webster Bank incident. He was found guilty of one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of armed bank robbery. He is facing a maximum sentence of 40 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 WTNH.com.
As firefighters continue to battle devastating wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area, several prominent conservatives have focused their energy on publicly criticizing the Los Angeles Fire Departments efforts to be more inclusive and equitable.

Conservatives have long weaponized the term DEI  which refers to practices that value diversity, equity and inclusion  as a dog whistle to suggest that members of marginalized groups dont actually earn their achievements.

The whole conversation around DEI is a tired discourse used to discredit the abilities of historically marginalized communities who have been systemically left out of certain fields, LaGarrett King, professor of social studies education in the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo, told HuffPost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Such has been the case with the catastrophic wildfires, which have killed at least 10 people and destroyed thousands of structures. Many right-wing commenters have suggested this weekthat the firefighter responsemight have been more effective had the LAFD not announced its priorities in recent years to foster a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace in a historically white and male department that had been plagued by allegationsof racism, sexism and harassment.

On Wednesday, Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, formerly Twitter, responded to a post on the platform that shared a 2021 racial equity plan from the LAFD, writing: They prioritized DEI over saving lives and homes.

While speaking about the wildfires on her SiriusXM show earlier this week, former Fox News personality Megyn Kelly criticized Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin M. Crowley for making diversity at least among the top priorities for the department.

And during a recent panel discussion on CNNs NewsNight With Abby Phillip, conservative pundit Scott Jennings expressed frustration with the LAFDs response to the disaster, saying a main interest in the fire department lately has been in DEI programming and budget cuts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We have DEI, we have budget cuts and yet Im wondering now, if your house was burning down, how much do you care what color the firefighters are? he said earlier in the segment.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who was on the panel, shut Jennings down. What diversity, equity and inclusion has always been about is saying, You know what, open this up. Dont just look at the white men. Open it up and recognize that other people can be qualified.

King, who is the director of the Center for K-12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education at the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo, called the conservative talking points disappointing.

This is not a time for political maneuvers when real people are experiencing such tragedy, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Alvin B. Tillery Jr., a professor of political science and African American studies at Northwestern University, told HuffPost that commentators like Jennings and Kelly are seeking to exploit the fact that this tragedy is happening under the leadership of a woman fire chief.

He said its a real shame Jennings continues to have a platform on TV to share such outrageous statements.

Fire ravages the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on Tuesday. Ethan Swope/Associated Press

Social media platforms are also rife with people making erroneous and offensive claims about Crowleys qualifications, leveling attacks that she was a DEI hire.

The fire chief, who in 2022 became the first woman and first LGBTQ+ person to lead the department, has been with LAFD for more than 20 years. She was promoted through the ranks, from firefighter, to paramedic, to engineer, to fire inspector and on up to chief deputy before becoming the fire chief, the departments website states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Crowley had released a LAFD strategic plan for 2023 to 2026 in which she designated the departments top goal as delivering exceptional public safety and emergency services. The third priority on the list of seven key goals was a commitment to embracing diversity, equity and inclusion. The LAFD launched its first-ever Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Bureau in 2022.

When asked during an interview with CBS Evening News this week to respond to accusations that the fire department prioritized diversity over its commitment to fight fires the best way it can, Crowley responded that is absolutely not true.

She noted that the departments priority, emphasized in the strategic plan, has been to ensure the LAFD has the capability to respond to our emergency calls.

Again, my No. 1 priority is making sure that we can take care of the community that we took an oath to take care of, and with that is our ability to respond to emergency, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There has been no evidence to suggest a connection between the spread of the fires and the LAFDs efforts to be more inclusive.

Moreover, the hateful rhetoric surrounding the departments efforts to be inclusive reveals despicable politics of white supremacy, said Tillery, who directs the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy at Northwestern.

What we know about the LA fire department is that they are absolutely doing their best to contain this crisis, and thats what matters now, Tillery said. We also know that Chief Crowley is fully qualified for her position by every metric that is available.

He said that Crowley also has a fundamental right to be proud that she is the first woman and LGBTQ+ chief in the departments history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The rightwing echo chamber just wants to tear down any policy that they believe diminishes the standing of white people in American culture, he said, later adding that a core part of Crowleys job is to ensure the fire department, which has been sued for racial and gender discrimination, recruits talent from every corner of the city.

King said that DEI criticisms are, overall, dishonest, since the arguments commonly surround the idea of meritocracy  which refers to a system or society in which people get rewarded or chosen for positions based on merit.

The United States labor history has never practiced pure meritocracy as some would like you to believe, he said. The labor system largely has been predicated on your personal connections and who you know.

He said that those practices have historically left out qualified people of color and other marginalized groups who may lack necessary connections to get certain jobs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

King emphasized that DEI initiatives are meant to level the playing field because it encourages employers to look in different places they normally would have not looked.

In essence, DEI initiatives actually strengthen the job market because a larger net is placed, he said.

In reality, the overarching focus now has been to help the people of the LA region deal with devastating loss. Here are a few ways to do that no matter where you live.

Related...
Though the snow may have stopped, the impacts from the winter storm are not over.

Temperatures are going to continue to fall throughout the night making conditions very icy over parts of North Georgia.

Were all going to settle down to below freezing and stay there for hours overnight, Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz said.

The winter storm warning for all of North Georgia remains in effect until 7 a.m. because of icy conditions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nitz said the biggest impacts from the ice will be dangerous travel and power outages.

As of about midnight there were 103,000 power outages across North Georgia.

Weve already had tens of thousands of power outages. And I expect thats going to increase overnight and into the morning hours, Nitz said.

Ice Amounts:

Most of the southwest metro will see about 1/10th of an inch of ice.

The northeastern part of the metro could see up to 1/4 of an inch of ice in parts. Between Lawrenceville, Gainesville and Athens, people could see up to 1/2 inch of ice.

RELATED STORIES:

The spots that get up to 1/2 an inch of ice, do not drive. Just as simple as that, Nitz said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nitz said that area will likely see downed trees and branches, widespread power outages, and dangerous driving conditions.

What to expect Saturday:

The day will start out cloudy with very little precipitation across North Georgia, with possible popup flurries in some areas.

But temperatures for hours will still remain just below freezing.

Its not going to get super cold, but well have many hours, a good 6-8 hours continuously below freezing.

After about 8 a.m. things will warm up a bit through the afternoon. We get above freezing and will see some breaks in the clouds.

Another thing that will help dry things out is we will have gusty winds beginning in the morning.

Though it will make things colder, well see gusts of 25-30 mph, drying up some of the slushiness and wetness left from Fridays storm.
Poor weather conditions have delayed a medical teams life-saving flight to Ethiopia.

The team of doctors and nurses were set to fly out from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 9:00 am Friday morning.

Every minute kind of counts, Dr. Tesfaye Telila explained to Channel 2s Courtney Francisco.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Dr. Telila is an interventional cardiologist at Piedmont Healthcare, and he founded Heart Attack Ethiopia. He and a team of volunteers travel to Africa twice a year to perform heart surgeries and procedures.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Most of these are very young patients, he said. These patients are pulled from the outskirts of Ethiopia, and theyve been on the waiting list for long time.

During this trip, 60 patients are scheduled to receive treatment over the course of two weeks.

Theyre very eager to get this surgery done, and if we are delayed by a day that means so many patients will have to have their procedures cancelled, said Telila.

RELATED STORIES:

By 12:30 p.m., the team received a ray of hope: flight staff allowed them to board their plane.

Were all excited. The volunteers are here. Everyone is ready to go, and were going to save more lives than ever, said Jon-Alan Manning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They spent hours waiting on the plane after another ground stop was issued at the airport. Very few planes were permitted to take off during that time.

If the flight is able to leave on Friday, the medical team will arrive in Ethiopia on Saturday evening. Pre-op appointments can begin Sunday. Operations can begin Monday.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday attended the last rites of Ludhiana MLA and AAP leader Gurpreet Gogi and called his demise "extremely sad" and a "big loss." "The news of the demise of Shri Gurpreet Gogi ji, MLA from Ludhiana West, is extremely sad. Gogi ji always worked for the service and betterment of the people. His demise is a big loss. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this loss. My condolences are with his family and supporters," said CM Mann while speaking to reporters. "Today, while attending the funeral of our party's respected MLA Gurpreet Gogi ji in Ludhiana West, I shared my grief with the family. I pray to God to grant the departed soul a place at his feet and strength to the family members to bear this profound pain. Our entire party and I will always stand with Gogi ji's family in this sad hour," the CM posted on X. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi condoled Gurpreet Gogi's demise and posted on X, The news of the demise of Shri Gurpreet Gogi ji, MLA from Ludhiana West, is extremely sad. Gogi ji always worked for the service and betterment of the people. His demise is a big loss. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this loss. My condolences are with his family and supporters." Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also expressed grief and wrote on X, "Deeply saddened by the shocking & tragic demise of Gurpreet Gogi, MLA from Ludhiana West. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, & loved ones. May Waheguru ji grant eternal peace to the departed soul." AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi was found dead with bullet injuries late on Sunday night after he accidentally shot himself, a Punjab Police official confirmed. The incident reportedly occurred around 12 am. Gogi was rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC), where he was declared dead. Gogi joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2022 and defeated two-time former Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu during the Ludhiana assembly elections. (ANI)
Myrtle Beach warms up

(Updated at 9:47 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11)

By 9:45 a.m., Myrtle Beach has thawed and lost its icy edge. The dampness on the Boardwalk showed signs of last nights frozen rain.

By the morning, no signs of precipitation were in the air in downtown Myrtle beach. The sky was gray and the ocean was relatively calm. Businesses along the boardwalk were beginning to open as usual on Saturday morning just before 10 a.m.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk is wet after a night of freezing rain. Jan. 11, 2025

The storm has passed  but watch for ice overnight

(Updated 9:08 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The storm made its way over the ocean, meaning skies should clear later today as residual clouds move on, said Tim Armstrong, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 40s on Saturday before dropping into the 20s overnight. There will also be 10 to 15 mph winds with gusts up to 25 mph.

Make sure the roads are dry before heading out Saturday evening as the cold weather could create ice overnight.

On Sunday, it will be sunny with temperatures in the 40s and 5 mph winds, Armstrong said.

With warmer temperatures hitting the coastal areas, Broadway at the Beach was open as normal on Saturday morning with no signs of the winter weather the night before.

Murrells Inlet remains wet but not frozen

(Updated 9:16 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11)

As air temperatures remain above freezing, Murrells Inlet is wet after the storm. There were no visible signs of ice or icy conditions on the MarshWalk by 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Meteorologists said by Saturday afternoon conditions in the Grand Strand would be dry.

A bench at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk on Jan. 11, 2025 shows visible signs of the rain that came through the area the night before.

Myrtle Beach area sees icy conditions

(Updated 8:55 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11)

Areas of Myrtle Beach woke up to icy conditions from the freezing rain the area received Friday evening and early Saturday morning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Roads in Market Common had a thin layer of ice early Saturday morning.

The roads in Market Common in Myrtle Beach had a thin layer of ice early Saturday morning after the area received freezing rain overnight. Jan. 11, 2025

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pier reopens

(Updated 8:51 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11)

After closing due to inclement weather on Friday afternoon, the Surfside Beach Pier was open again by early Saturday morning with no visible signs of ice.

The city decided to close the pier after concerns of slippery conditions from the freezing rain that hit the Grand Strand.

Freezing rain & ice in Myrtle Beach and inland Horry County

(Updated 1:45 p.m. Jan. 10)

This weekend the Grand Strand could see a mixture of winter weather precipitation, forecasts show.

The latest update from the National Weather Service out of Wilmington, North Carolina, shows that light pressure moving through the Southeastern United States will cause inland areas of Horry County to experience light freezing rain on Friday night and possibly early Saturday morning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the beginning of the precipitation, the NWS forecast said some sleet and snow will mix in with the freezing rain, but the total accumulation levels are expected to be under an inch.

Horry County was under a winter advisory beginning Friday evening.

While significant ice accumulations are not in the forecast for Horry County, some roads could become slick - typically bridges and overpasses first as they are not warmed by the ground, according to Horry County Emergency Management.

Airport seeing flight cancellations

(Update 1:25 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10)

Myrtle Beach International Airport is seeing several flights canceled because of the impending winter storm that is expected to hit the Grand Strand area Friday evening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several American Airline flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, were canceled, as well as flights to Atlanta.

At least 700 flights were canceled at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Friday as a snow system is expected in that area, according to WBTV.

FlightAware data from Jan. 10 showed 700 flights were canceled as of 12:50 p.m., with more than 90 flights delayed at that time.

The majority of cancellations were for American Airlines flights.
MADISON, Wis. (WFRV)  With snow predicted for most of the state next week, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging caution to people as they go out on frozen waters.

In a Friday afternoon release, the DNR said that ice is still forming and thickness varies especially as hazards can be covered by even a light snowfall.

Driver uninjured after crash into Lake Winnebago, plans to remove vehicle made

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The DNR doesnt monitor the ice conditions, but they are monitored locally. Some local businesses, such as outfitters, bait shops or even fishing clubs are the DNRs top recommendations for local conditions.

Every body of water has varying characteristics, so its important to check for inlets, outlets or narrows, along with currents because all of these may thin the ice.

Those who plan to go out on ice should stay alert for pressure ridges or ice heaves, they may be dangerous due to thin ice. This could happen on Lake Winnebago and the Bay of Green Bay.

Safety tips include:

Bringing a cell phone and letting somebody know where you are and when youll be back

Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a flotation device

Bring mittens or gloves, and an extra pair too

Carry a spud bar to check ice

Wear creepers that attach to boots as it may help prevent slipping

Do not travel at night or in unfamiliar places

Leave a written note of plans and make sure the cell phone is fully charged

Kewaunees Winter Park set to open this weekend

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If you fall in, it is crucial to carry hand-held spikes and the length of a light rope in a pocket to pull yourself or others out of the ice. In addition, it is crucial to remain calm and call for help while attempting to get out of the water.

For more information, visit the DNRs Ice Safety page.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Jan. 10As he prepares to step down amid ethics investigations, Western New Mexico University President Joe Shepard told the campus community on Friday that he'll fight litigation the state attorney general is pursuing to claw back a severance contract that includes a $1.9 million payout.

Shepard, who has served in the top job since 2011 and will resign on Wednesday, said in remarks at the spring convocation in Silver City that it's OK for campus members to discuss his contract, but he offered a "spoiler alert": he will not comment on it.

"It's now in litigation and we'll pursue whatever that means," Shepard said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His remarks came at the end of his last full week as president. But the last week has not been without new challenges for Shepard, as New Mexico's attorney general announced Thursday that he is seeking a court order on Monday to place what he described as Shepard's "golden parachute," approved last month by the university's Board of Regents, into a trust fund. Torrez also wants to strip the departing president of his separation agreement, which includes a full professorship in the School of Business making $200,000 a year.

Shepard did not mention the AG on Friday.

He told constituents that the university's budget has grown from $800,000 to $12 million since he took office.

"People have worried  about what? My contract settlement (and) all that's going to mean," Shepard said. "Our reserves are healthy."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shepard told constituents he holds "no issue" with the recent faculty and staff senate votes of no confidence in the five-member board, who all stepped down earlier this month after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asked them to resign.

Shepard also addressed the search for a new president, which is in flux until a new Board of Regents is appointed. University officials recently backed off of appointing Provost Jack Crocker as interim president because there are not enough board members  only WNMU student Trent Jones remains to fulfill treasury duties until his successor is confirmed by the state Senate.

"The selection of the next leader at this institution is yours to influence, is yours to help, is yours to embrace," Shepard said. "Don't let it be somebody else's choice."

The departing president also rattled off numerous accomplishments, including solar panels and turf fields on campus, saving 1.5 million gallons of water.

"I'm proud of these things," Shepard said. "They're not going away because I'm going away."
It's been heartbreaking to see so many LA residents realize their lives will never be the same after historic wildfires ruined homes and communities.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

One woman is going viral for her confrontation with California Gov. Gavin Newsom. More than 11 million people have watched her tense conversation with him after her daughter's school burned down in the Pacific Palisades.

Tiktok: @skynews / Via tiktok.com

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Governor, governor, I live here, governor. That was my daughter's school, governor. Please tell me what you're going to do about it," yelled Pacific Palisades resident Rachel Darvish.

She ran to meet the governor as he appeared to be getting into a car. Tiktok: @skynews / Via tiktok.com

Gov. Newsom pointed to his phone and said, "I'm literally talking to the president right now to specifically answer the question of what we can do for you and your daughter."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Can I hear it? Can I hear your call? Because I don't believe it," she said.

"I'm sorry, there's literally  I've tried five times. That's why I'm walking around to make the call," the governor responded. "Why is the president not taking your call?" she asked. "Because it's not going through, I have to get cell service," he said.

"So let's get it. Let's get it. I want to be here when you call the president," she repeated. "I appreciate  I'm doing that right now, and it's to immediately get reimbursements, individual assistance, and to help you," the governor said.

"Why was there no water in the hydrants, governor? Is it gonna be different next time?" she asked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It has to be. Has to be. Of course," the governor quickly responded. "What are you gonna do?" she repeated. The governor appeared to briefly laugh before repeating, "I'm doing everything I can."

"I would fill up the hydrants myself, but would you do that?" she yelled as he started to get into the car. "I would do whatever I can," he repeated.

In the video's comments, many people admired Gov. Newsom's willingness to speak with Darvish. "The fact that he actually stopped to speak to her and didn't pass her off to a security guard says everything," this person pointed out.

"I'm not sure how I feel about this exchange. I don't know if I would've been so diplomatic with her," this person questioned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many people wished she had made better use of her time with the governor. "I get the panic when you are desperate, but at least ask him a reasonable question," this person suggested.

"She just wanted to yell at him and blame him to make this all political. not actually help or make a difference," this person said.

"I'm not a Newsom fan at all but when does a civilian get the authority or clearance to listen to a call between the president and a governor," this person asked.

Others defended the woman's approach. "I don't think she actually intended to hear the phone call. I think that was meant to say that she doesn't believe he's actually making it," this person suggested.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"She wasn't in her right mind... Give her a break like he did," the person said.

President Biden announced the federal government would cover 100% of the cost of the initial disaster response to the wildfires. He also called on Congress to "step up" when it's time to get people "the kind of help they need."

I immediately approved Governor Newsoms request for a Major Disaster Declaration, allowing folks impacted by the Southern California wildfires to get cash assistance to cover things like groceries and medicine.Contact https://t.co/swj8W7NBov or call 1-800-621-3362 now.  President Biden (@POTUS) January 10, 2025

Twitter: @POTUS

We are thinking of everyone who has been impacted by these fires.
A woman serving a nearly 72-year prison sentence for her role in a 2010 homicide in Edgewood that began with a Craigslist ad for a diamond ring saw her punishment cut to 32-and-a-half years Friday after her murder conviction was overturned.

Amanda Christine Knight was one of four people who went to the home of 43-year-old Jim Sanders under the guise of purchasing the ring. While Knight and an accomplice were discussing it, the accomplice drew a handgun, according to prosecutors, and Sanders and his wife were restrained in zip ties.

Sanders two sons were in the home, ages 10 and 14, and they were brought into the kitchen at gunpoint. The family was beaten, and while Knight ransacked bedrooms, Sanders was shot to death in front of his wife and children by Kiyoshi Higashi when the father tried to protect his older son from being pistol-whipped.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In November 2023, a divided opinion from the Washington State Supreme Court overturned Knights conviction by a jury for first-degree murder. The lead opinion was that there wasnt sufficient evidence to support Knights conviction in the particular way it was presented to the jury.

In Pierce County Superior Court on Friday, elected Prosecutor Mary Robnett sought to convince Judge Thomas P. Quinlan to impose high-end punishments on Knights remaining convictions: two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree assault and first-degree burglary, including five firearm sentencing enhancements.

Robnett argued for a 33-year sentence, calling the crime a dreadful and violent attack. She prosecuted Knight and her three codefendants, Higashi, Clabon Berniard and Joshua Reese, in four separate trials following their arrests. All were originally convicted of multiple offenses including murder and continue to serve long prison sentences each close to or greater than 100 years.

The prosecutor pointed out that the crime was committed in a premeditated way. Knight waited until after dark to go to Sanders home to avoid being detected, backed her car in for a quick getaway and used a Bluetooth device to signal to two codefendants waiting in the car to come inside after Sanders and his wife were restrained in zip ties.

Prosecutor Mary Robnett speaks at the resentencing of Amanda Knight, 36, for her role in the 2010 home invasion murder of Jim Sanders, at Pierce County Superior Court, on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash.

Many of the items taken from the Sanders home were pawned and sold the next day. Robnett said Knight and two of the others fled to California, where they were arrested for a traffic violation and then recognized at a jail due to a televised news story.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Knights defense attorney, Paula Olson, requested a 21-year sentence, arguing that Knights youthfulness when the crime occurred  she was 21  reduces her culpability, and that based on her abusive childhood, she may have been reacting in fear of her older, male codefendants.

Olson also highlighted Knights accomplishments while in prison, including working as a technical drafter creating drawings for architects and engineers to pay off $15,000 of restitution and legal financial obligations. She also works with Prison Pet Partnership training service animals for veterans.

Sanders widow, Charlene, and his younger brother, Derek, testified in court Friday about how this crime had affected their family. Derek Sanders asked that the judge impose the maximum sentence allowed.

Charlene Sanders said she believed her husband would still be alive if not for Knight, who she said set the whole crime up when she convinced him that she wanted to buy the ring for her mother for Mothers Day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was Knight who talked to her husband about the ring, and Charlene Sanders said she was convinced her female voice softened his heart to the point that he let his guard down. Sanders said Knight was responsible for his pointless death.

We have spent almost 15 years trying to go on with life in the midst of all this PTSD, and from what I have witnessed I will say this. The evil act has altered my son, Chandlers life, and his future, so I cannot even imagine how detrimental it still must be for Jimmy Jr., losing his dad right before his eyes.

Charlene Sanders, wife of Jim Sanders and victim, speaks at the resentencing of Amanda Knight, 36, for her role in the 2010 home invasion murder of Jim Sanders, at Pierce County Superior Court, on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash.

Knight, 36, was the last to testify in a courtroom packed with at least 40 people in the gallery. Through tears, she said that over the course of her prison sentence she had been asked if she thought she deserved to go home.

There have been so many days where I wish it could have been an easy answer of yes, but even today sitting here, I cant say that I deserve that, Knight said. I cant say that I deserve that forgiveness. But I do ask for mercy, and I ask for grace.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When the crime happened almost 15 years ago, Knight said she didnt take responsibility, she was a liar, and at the beginning of her prison sentence she couldnt fathom why she owed as much responsibility as her codefendants. She said it took her a long time to truly understand that had she not driven to the Sanders home, not made a phone call, the Sanders family would still have a father for two sons, a husband to a wife, a brother.

I did more than take Mr. Sanders life through my actions, Knight said. I took safety. I took trust and abused it. So much more was lost and they did not deserve that. Im sorry.

The bulk of the punishment Knight received was the result of five firearm sentencing enhancements included in her convictions that are mandated to be served consecutively and amounted to 21 years.

Time imposed for the types of offenses Knight was convicted of in 2011 is to be served at the same time due to state law. The most severe of those crimes was first-degree robbery, for which Quinlan imposed 138 months, just above the middle of the standard range.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After court adjourned, Derek Sanders, 51, told The News Tribune the sentence Quinlan handed Knight was as good as his family could hope for and he was happy with the outcome. He said he felt Knight had true remorse and that prison had been good for her. But he said that didnt dismiss the fact that she needs to serve for what she did.

Derek Sanders, brother of Jim Sanders, speaks at the resentencing of Amanda Knight, 36, for her role in the 2010 home invasion murder of Jim Sanders, at Pierce County Superior Court, on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash.

She was young when she went in, but definitely able to make decisions, Derek Sanders said. She did the same thing two weeks earlier, so it wasnt an act of where it was impulsive. It was something that shed already done once. She knew what she was getting into.

Most of Sanders family still lives locally, he said, and they still get together to celebrate Jim Sanders birthday and recognize the day that he died.

Robnett told The News Tribune she was heartbroken that Jim Sanders family was back in court Friday. She said she agreed with Derek Sanders and admired what Knight had done in the years since the crime. Robnett said Knights words in court were moving.

As for the punishment given by the judge, Robnett said she thought Quinlan did justice within the law.
The Washington Post (WP) has released an article stating that after almost a week of active fighting on the Kursk front, Ukraine's progress was minimal, with minor gains in some areas, but Russia advanced on the left flank and captured Ukrainian soldiers.

Source: WP

Details: WP noted that Ukraine is gradually losing territory due to intense Russian attacks.

"'Those were difficult days," a Ukrainian soldier deployed to the region wrote in a message. "Russians attacked from different directions at the same time. They succeeded in some of them.  They crossed the border [into Ukraine] in a few points, but we managed to retake the positions."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The journalists write that Ukraine's continued focus on Kursk shows the region's importance to Kyiv. As Trump's inauguration approaches, this could increase pressure on both sides to reach a negotiated settlement.

Russia, meanwhile, is seeking to regain control of the area but maintains a significant portion of its military forces in Ukraines east, where Russian forces reportedly captured the Ukrainian town of Kurakhove this week. Ukrainian officials denied the reports on the morning of 11 January.

As Trump's inauguration approaches, Moscow, which has a superiority in power and resources, has less reason than Ukraine to believe that Trumps rise to power will be an immediate game changer, WP notes.

The article also talks about the North Korean military, which "often appeared to ignore drones flying above and moved ahead even as their comrades were wounded or killed beside them". Russian troops are following them to consolidate their gains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last month, as soldier Oleh said, 400 to 500 North Korean troops attacked Ukrainian positions, far outnumbering the Ukrainian military. The battle lasted eight hours until the Ukrainians used up all their ammunition and were forced to retreat.

WP stressed that the Ukrainians had captured one North Korean and provided him with first aid, but the soldier died of his wounds before he could be interrogated.

Oleh said that the North Koreans had a completely different approach to combat: "They are very fresh. When Russians assault our positions and experience losses, they retreat. But North Koreans just keep moving forward."

Background: On the night of 4-5 January, Ukrainian defence forces launched an offensive in Russias Kursk Oblast. In particular, it was reported that the Ukrainians were advancing from Sudzha towards the village of Bolshoye Soldatskoye.

Support UP or become our patron!
Outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray stressed during his farewell address that the bureau must sidestep partisanship and politics in maintaining independence and objectivity.

Wray delivered his speech during a farewell ceremony at FBI headquarters, days before he is expected to resign from the post he has held for over seven years.

He emphasized the FBI needs to do its work with professionalism, with rigor, with integrity while following the facts wherever they lead.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It means conducting investigations without fear or favor. And it means not pursuing investigations when the predication is not there, Wray said during the Friday ceremony.

Thats what the rule of law is all about, he added. Weve got to maintain our independence and objectivity, staying above partisanship and politics. Because thats what the American people expect, and I think thats what they deserve.

Wray said in early December last year that he plans to resign from the position before President-elect Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20. He was nominated by Trump in 2017, succeeding then-FBI Director James Comey, who the president-elect fired. Wray is leaving the post three years ahead of his formal tenure end date in 2027.

During his time as FBI director, the agency has faced increased scrutiny over its investigations into Trump, particularly with agents raiding Mar-a-Lago, Trumps Florida residence, in 2022 over keeping documents from his time in the White House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The bureau has also probed President Biden over classified documents and his son, Hunter Biden, over gun and tax violations that resulted in convictions. The president eventually pardoned his son.

During his Friday address, which was also attended by Department of Justice (DOJ) officials, FBI leaders, intelligence officials and others, Wray thanked his colleagues for essential work and highlighted various partnerships the agency strengthened across local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement.

Our most important asset is our peopleall of you. You are what makes the FBI the extraordinary organization it is. For more than 116 years, the American people have seen you rise to the challenge, again and again, to keep our nation safe, Wray said. And day after day after day, Im inspired by the caliber and the character of the men and women in the FBIs ranks.

Trump nominated Kash Patel, an ex-DOJ prosecutor who has been critical of the FBIs past probes into Trump, to be the agencys next leader.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What we do here at the FBI is more than a job; its a calling. And our work could not be more essential. Is it challenging? Absolutely. But Ive never once questioned the bureaus ability to do it because, over my seven plus years as director, Ive seen the FBI rely steadily on the values, the principles, and the strengths that have long sustained our organization, he said on Friday. And they are what enable us to meet those challenges head onto keep calm and tackle hard.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said forces operating in the Kursk region of Russia have captured two North Korean soldiers, marking the first time that Kyiv has captured alive soldiers from the isolated state.

Our soldiers have captured North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region. Two soldiers, though wounded, survived and were transported to Kyiv, where they are now communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine, Zelensky said Saturday in a statement on X, which included several images of the injured soldiers.

According to Ukrainian and Western assessments, some 11,000 North Korean troops are deployed in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces occupy several hundred square kilometers after staging a cross-border incursion in August last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said more than 1,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded in Kursk in the last week of December.

Zelensky said of the two Korean soldiers who had been captured: This was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North Korean military personnel usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Koreas involvement in the war against Ukraine.

A video and still photograph show a Russian military ID which Ukraine claims was carried by a North Korean soldier taken captive by Ukrainian forces. CNN has blurred the name and date of birth on the ID. - Security Service of Ukraine

Soldiers in bunk beds

The Ukrainian Security Service, the SBU, released video purportedly showing the soldiers.

In the video, the SBU spokesman says one of the North Koreans was captured on January 9 by Ukrainian special forces, and the other by Ukrainian paratroopers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They are being held in appropriate conditions that meet the requirements of international law, the SBU said.

The video shows the two soldiers in bunk beds in a cell. One has a wound to his jaw. Neither is heard speaking. An unidentified doctor says that the second soldier has a fractured leg.

The SBU spokesman said that communication with them is carried out through interpreters of Korean, in cooperation with South Korean intelligence services.

Saturdays capture is the first time that Ukraine has caught North Korean soldiers alive from the battlefield.

The SBU released images of a Russian military ID card issued in the name of another person from Tuva in Russia, which it said was being carried by one of the captured soldiers. According to the SBU, the soldier said he had been issued the document in Russia last autumn. He also said that some of North Koreas combat units had just one week of training with Russian troops. The other captive had no documents, the SBU said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The soldier said he had been in the North Korean military and had thought he was being sent to Russia for training rather than combat, according to the SBUs account.

It comes as Ukraine on Sunday renewed its offensive on Kursk, where its troops have been holding territory after last summers shock incursion.

Ukraines military said on Tuesday that it had conducted a precision strike on a Russian military command post near the town of Belaya.

Although Kyivs troops quickly advanced through Kursk in the summer  in the first ground invasion of Russia by a foreign power since World War II  Russia eventually managed to push the forces back. The lines had been mostly static for weeks before Ukraines latest push.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In his daily address on Monday, Zelensky said the Kursk offensive was important in preventing Russia from redirecting its troops to Donetsk and other regions in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Despite both sides being drained after nearly three years of war, frontline fighting has ramped up in recent weeks. With Donald Trump set to return to the White House this month  promising to end the war in a day, without saying how  Moscow and Kyiv appear to be making an 11th-hour push to gobble up territory and strengthen their negotiating hands ahead of potential peace talks.

This story has been updated.

CNNs Sophie Tanno, Christian Edwards, Nick Paton Walsh and Daria Tarasova-Markina contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Two North Korean soldiers have been taken prisoner during fighting in Russia's southern Kursk region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday.

The men had survived despite their combat injuries and had been taken to Kiev, where Ukrainian intelligence operatives were interrogating them, Zelensky posted on social networks.

The press would be given access to the prisoners, he said: "The world must know what is happening."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was not his first report about captured North Koreans. However, previous prisoners had died of their injuries, according to Zelensky.

North Korea is believed to have sent around 12,000 soldiers to Russia to support its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022.

Moscow is currently using North Koreans to reinforce its units in the counter-attack in the Kursk region, parts of which Ukrainian troops seized in a surprise offensive last August.

According to estimates by both Ukraine and the US, the North Koreans are suffering heavy losses there.

Zelensky attached photos to his posts that allegedly show the prisoners.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is difficult to capture North Korean soldiers alive, he wrote. The Russian and North Korean military would rather kill injured North Koreans than allow them to be taken prisoner, he claimed.

"Like all prisoners, these two North Korean soldiers are being provided with the necessary medical care," Zelensky wrote.

Under international humanitarian law, prisoners of war may not be put on public display. According to the Red Cross, reports on prisoners of war are not prohibited, but the captives should not be identified.
Two North Korean soldiers have been taken prisoner during fighting in Russia's southern Kursk region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday.

The men had survived despite their combat injuries and had been taken to Kiev, where Ukrainian intelligence operatives were interrogating them, Zelensky posted on social networks.

The press would be given access to the prisoners, he said: "The world must know what is happening."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was not his first report about captured North Koreans. However, previous prisoners had died of their injuries, according to Zelensky.

North Korea is believed to have sent around 12,000 soldiers to Russia to support its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022.

Moscow is currently using North Koreans to reinforce its units in the counter-attack in the Kursk region, parts of which Ukrainian troops seized in a surprise offensive last August.

According to estimates by both Ukraine and the US, the North Koreans are suffering heavy losses there.

Zelensky attached photos to his posts that allegedly show the prisoners.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is difficult to capture North Korean soldiers alive, he wrote. The Russian and North Korean military would rather kill injured North Koreans than allow them to be taken prisoner, he claimed.

"Like all prisoners, these two North Korean soldiers are being provided with the necessary medical care," Zelensky wrote.

Under international humanitarian law, prisoners of war may not be put on public display. According to the Red Cross, reports on prisoners of war are not prohibited, but the captives should not be identified.

A Russian military ID card was also shown by Zelensky, according to which one of the North Koreans was given a birthplace in the Russian republic of Tuva.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Russia gives the Koreans these documents, but they are not deceiving anyone," Zelensky commented in a video. "Russia itself is doing everything to prolong and expand the war and will take responsibility for it."

Drones hit houses in small Russian town

A drone struck two apartment buildings in the small town of Kotovsk in the Tambov region of western Russia, injuring several people, Governor Evgeny Pervyshov said early on Saturday.

Pervyshov said on his Telegram channel that several people suffered injuries from glass shards and were being treated. The governor added that there were no fires and that the buildings only sustained minor damage.

Russian state news agency TASS reported that the drones were Ukrainian. The agency added that authorities in other parts of Russia also reported Ukrainian drone attacks on Friday night.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, said that he is has been "eagerly awaiting" his visit to Sonmarg to inaugurate the Z-morh tunnel next week. He was reacting to the post of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who had visited the site to review preparations ahead of the PM's visit. Prime Minister Modi also lauded CM Abdullah for pointing out benefits of the project for tourism and the local economy "Visited Sonmarg today to review preparations for PM @narendramodi ji's visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-morh tunnel will open Sonmarg to tourism all year round. Sonmarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter, and the travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also reduce," the J-K CM posted on X. Reacting to his post, PM Modi said, "I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos!" https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1878057971768229924 Two significant projects in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to be inaugurated in the beginning of 2025. On Monday, January 13, PM Modi will officially open the vital Z Morh Tunnel. The rail connectivity project, which would connect Kashmir to the rest of the nation for the first time ever, is also scheduled for later this month. The Z-Morh tunnel will guarantee year-round connection between Kashmir and Sonamarg when it opens to the public on January 13. The construction of the 6.5-kilometre tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh highway in the Ganderbal district's Gagangir sector is worth Rs 24 billion. The road to Sonamarg was rendered impassable during snowfall and severe winters due to the construction of the Z-morh tunnel in an avalanche-prone location. Because Sonamarg used to be closed during periods of severe snowfall, the tunnel is key to the region's tourism industry. The tunnel will enhance connectivity from Srinagar to Sonamarg and, eventually, to Ladakh. It is also strategically crucial to the military forces. Located at an elevation of more than 8,500 feet, this road segment is especially susceptible to winter weather. The tunnel work was commenced by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012, with the project being awarded to Tunnelways Limited. However, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) later took over the project and reissued the tender for the project. (ANI)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued an order on 11 January to increase the number of drone orders for the Ukrainian military, describing it as a guarantee of independence.

Source: Zelenskyy on social media

Details: Drone operations and procurement were the focus of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff meeting held on 11 January.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "I've heard reports on contracts currently underway and those in the planning stage. It's a shared goal for arms manufacturers, government officials and everyone involved to make this year a record-breaking one for drones of all types while also significantly boosting the production of Ukrainian missiles, artillery and essential equipment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I've ordered that the number of drone orders be increased. This is already being implemented. Our arsenals are one of the guarantees of our independence, as is the accuracy of our soldiers."

Details: Zelenskyy also expects to conduct greater strikes on Russian territory.

Support UP or become our patron!
Ukrainian soldiers captured North Korean soldiers in Russias Kursk Oblast.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Quote: "These are two soldiers who, although they sustained injuries, survived, were taken to Kyiv and are talking to investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine.

This was not an easy task: usually, the Russians and other North Korean soldiers finish off their soldiers with injuries and do everything to prevent evidence of the participation of another state  North Korea  in the war against Ukraine."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Details: Zelenskyy thanked the soldiers of the Tactical Group No. 84 of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the paratroopers who captured these soldiers.

Details: The SSU stated that the prisoners do not speak Ukrainian, English or Russian, so communication is being conducted through Korean interpreters with assistance from South Korean intelligence.

At the time of their capture, one of the prisoners was found to possess a Russian military ID card issued in the name of another person, registered in the Republic of Tuva, a federal subject of the Russian Federation in the Far East.

During the interrogation, the North Korean soldier with the ID card told the SSU that it had been issued to him in Russia in the autumn of 2024. He explained that, at that time, some of North Korea's combat units had participated in one-week coordination exercises with Russian groups.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He stated that he was 19, held the position of rifleman, and had been serving in North Korea's armed forces since 2021. Notably, similar to Russian military personnel at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the prisoner claimed he was travelling to the country for training, not to join the war against Ukraine.

Another prisoner of war corroborated his fellow soldier's testimony. Due to an injured jaw, he provided some of his answers in writing.

Early reports suggest that he is 25 years old and has been serving as a sniper in the North Korean armed forces since 2016.

Background: On the night of 4-5 January, Ukrainian defence forces launched an offensive in Russias Kursk Oblast. In particular, it was reported that the Ukrainians were advancing from Sudzha towards the village of Bolshoye Soldatskoye.

Support UP or become our patron!
Mark Zuckerbergs shock decision to scrap fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram has sparked concern and outrageincluding from inside the top ranks of the company.

Michael McConnell, co-chair of Metas Oversight Board, said in an interview Friday that the move looks like buckling to political pressure.

I would have liked to have seen these reforms laid out in less contentious and partisan times, so that they would be considered on the merits rather than Donald Trump is president and now theyre caving in, McConnell told NPR.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to him, neither he nor the board, an international group of experts in law, human rights, and journalism, were told about the new policy in advance.

Meta executives, however, allegedly informed Trump officials about the change in policy prior to the announcement, a source with knowledge of the conversations told The New York Times.

On Tuesday, Meta announced it would be ending its fact-checking program, aimed at stopping the proliferation of disinformation accross its platforms. The move is the latest of Zuckerbergs several strategy shifts in response to what he called a cultural tipping point from the 2024 election

Its time to get back to our roots around free expression, Zuckerberg said in his announcement. He added that the companys old policy had reached a point where its just too many mistakes and too much censorship.

The Meta exec explained that it would rely on users to correct inaccurate or false information, in a manner akin to Xs Community Notes, taking a backseat to more political content.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Although Zuckerberg acknowledged that the new program would catch less bad stuff, he argued well also reduce the number of innocent peoples posts and accounts that we accidentally take down.

McConnell, meanwhile, appeared less than convinced by Metas new plan.

Im not, you know, overly confident that this is going to be the solution. There is really no magic bullet to this problem, he said.

Regardless of efficacy, McConnell described the optics of Zuckerbergs strategy as bad.

Since Donald Trumps election victory, the Meta chief has joined a growing number of tycoons cozying up to the MAGA candidate. Zuckerberg dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November and later donated $1 million to the president-elects inauguration. And, on Monday, he announced Dana White, a close ally of Trump, would join the Meta board.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Biden administration officials would scream and curse at his employees when they disagreed with the governments takedown requests over pandemic-related content.

These people from the Biden administration would call up our team and scream at them and curse, he said on an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience posted Friday.

Zuckerberg discussed his shift on fact checking following his announcement earlier this week about Metas plans to overhaul its content moderation policies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I was really worried from the beginning about basically becoming this decider of what is true in the world, the Meta CEO said of his foray into combatting misinformation. Thats kind of a crazy position to be in for billions of people using your service.

It just got to a point where its just OK this is destroying so much trust, especially in the United States, to have this program, he added.

He announced Tuesday that his company, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, would eliminate its third-party fact-checking program and replacing it with a community-based program called Community Notes.

Much like the program of the same name on Elon Musks social platform X, Metas Community Notes will rely on users to correct and provide context on potentially misleading posts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Zuckerbergs social media giant is also changing its policies on various divisive issues, like immigration and gender, including rolling back some protections for LGBTQ users on its platforms.

Meta also told employees on Friday it plans to cut the companys diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) team and roll back related programs, pointing to the changing legal and policy landscape in the U.S.

The changes come just weeks before President-elect Trump is set to take office. Zuckerberg, who has had a rocky relationship with Trump, has appeared keen to reconcile with the president-elect in recent weeks, visiting Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., and donating $1 million to Trumps inaugural fund.

Zuckerberg pointed to the recent election in announcing the changes at Meta earlier this week, saying it felt like a cultural tipping point towards, once again, prioritizing speech.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Meta CEO previously voiced frustration with the Biden administrations approach to COVID-19-related takedown requests in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee in August.

He said at the time that he regretted not being more outspoken about government pressure, accusing Biden officials of repeatedly pressuring his company to censor content.

The Biden administrations communications with social media companies over COVID-19 and election-related misinformation was at the heart of a case before the Supreme Court last year.

The court ultimately rejected the challenge brought by two Republican attorneys general and several individuals, finding that they lacked standing. As a result, the justices did not rule on the First Amendment question in the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Hill has reached out to the White House 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 The Hill.
Hitting back at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday, announced that he will hold a press conference on January 12 to expose the "dirty intentions" of the Bharatiya Janata Party against slum dwellers. In a post on X, Kejriwal stated that the presser would take place at a slum which the BJP had allegedly planned to demolish after the elections. He also accused Amit Shah of "lying" and "abusing" him and the people of Delhi. "Today Amit Shah ji abused me and the people of Delhi a lot. The people of Delhi will answer this in the elections. Amit Ji told a lot of lies to the slum dwellers. Tomorrow morning, I will hold a press conference from a slum which they have planned to demolish after the elections. I will expose the dirty intentions of the BJP with full evidence," Kejriwal stated in a post on X. https://x.com/arvindkejriwal/status/1878080355510477079?s=48 Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the toilet in Kejriwal's 'Sheesh Mahal' is more expensive than the slums in the national capital, while strongly asserting that Delhi will be freed from the "AAP-da" on February 5. Addressing the 'Slum Dwellers' conference here in New Delhi, Shah emphasized that the BJP's manifesto is the guarantee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The BJP has listened to the pain, inconvenience and anger of the slum dwellers against the broken promises. They have made a list of all your problems and given it to BJP national president JP Nadda and Prime Minister Modi. Our manifesto will provide you relief from all your problems. The BJP manifesto is the guarantee of Prime Minister Modi...The BJP manifesto is not like the manifesto of 'AAP-Da'. We do what we say," he said. Further attacking the former Chief Minister, Shah said that if Kejriwal is not able to do anything, then he should leave the government. "People living in slums of Delhi are getting dirty water. People living in slums are asking us why Delhi is the most polluted city in the world. What did Arvind Kejriwal do in Delhi in the last 10 years? If you are not able to do anything Arvind Kejriwal, then you should leave the government, BJP will give all the benefits," Amit Shah said. The Home Minister further highlighted that PM Modi has given houses to more than 3.58 crore poor people in the country. "This is PM Modi's guarantee and every person living in a slum will be given a permanent house. The toilet in his (Arvind Kejriwal) 'sheeshmahal' is more expensive than the slums," Shah said. The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. (ANI)
BJP leader and Bihar Minister Prem Kumar on Saturday emphasized that the people are standing with the NDA and Lalu Yadav has no importance in the state. Speaking to ANI, Kumar, asserted that the people want a double-engine government in Bihar. "The public has rejected Lalu Yadav. Now Lalu Yadav has no importance in Bihar. The people of Bihar are standing with NDA... The people of Bihar want a double-engine government here so that Bihar can develop more rapidly," Kumar, the minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Bihar government, said. Earlier on Thursday, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan exuded confidence in NDA forming government in Bihar in assembly polls later this year and said the ruling alliance will win over 225 seats. The Bihar assembly has 243 seats. "NDA will not break. this is not going to happen. One thing is certain. The five constituent parties of Bihar will fight the upcoming Bihar assembly elections together. A strong NDA government is going to be formed in the Bihar assembly elections. We will form the government in Bihar by winning more than 225 seats," Chirag Paswan. JD(U) Chief Nitish Kumar leads the NDA government in Bihar which also includes BJP, HAM, LJP (Ram Vilas) and RLSP. On January 5, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar emphasized his government's commitment to women's empowerment through initiatives like the 'Jeevika Didi' scheme, asserting that his administration has worked for the welfare of all communities. Speaking to the media, CM Nitish took a veiled dig at the opposition and said that he mistakenly gone with them but now he is with his old friends. "What was the condition of women earlier? Since we started the 'Jeevika Didi' scheme - women are happy, and whenever they need help, they are given help...I had mistakenly gone with them (opposition), but now I am with my old friends. Did they (Opposition) do any work for women? We have worked for everyone - be it Hindus, Muslims, upper castes, backward, Dalits or women. People should remember this," he said. (ANI)
Mumbai: Before Kangana Ranaut's highly-anticipated drama "Emergency" releases in the cinema halls on 17th January this year, the makers will be hosting a special screening of the film on 11 January 2025, which will be graced by the esteemed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

Apart from Nitin Gadkari, the special screening of the forthcoming period political drama will also be attended by Kangana Ranaut and Anupam Kher.

Recently, Anupam Kher took to his official Instagram handle and posted a clip with his "Emergency" co-star Kangana Ranaut. The video featured the 'Queen' actress seeking blessings from Anupam Kher's mother Dulari for their upcoming venture. Along with the video, the veteran actor wrote, ''Kangana and Dulari: Two strong women of the mountains. A few days ago Kangana suddenly decided she would like to take blessings from my mother! Mom didn't get a chance to dress up. I teased them a lot for this! Dulari showered Kangana with a lot of love and blessings. My beauty was also mentioned during the conversation. My mother's favorite dialogue- clothes do not matter when the heart is good.''

He further added, "dearest #KanganaRanaut for meeting Mom. She was so so happy to meet you. You both are the biggest example of #WomenEmpowerment! I pray to God that our film #Emergency becomes a big success. Jai Ho!"

"Emergency" enjoys an ensemble cast with Shreyas Talpade, Ashok Chhabra, Mahima Chaudhary, Vishak Nair, Satish Kaushik, Milind Soman, Larry Newyorker, and Richard Klein, among others.

Also Read: Emergency: Kangana Ranaut Regrets To Have Theatrical Release; 'Would Have Got A Better Deal On OTT'

While Zee Studios, Manikarnika Films, and Renu Pitti have jointly financed the film, Sanchit Balhara, and G.V. Prakash Kumar have provided the soundtracks for "Emergency". The screenplay, and dialogues for the drama have been penned by Ritesh Shah. While Rameshwar S. Bhagat is responsible for the editing of the movie, Tetsuo Nagata has looked after the camera work.

Directed by Kangana Ranaut, the film is a cinematic adaptation of the infamous Indian Emergency. The movie will see the 'Panga' actress as the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings in the world, held every 12 years at four sacred locations in India: Allahabad (Prayagraj), Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. Known for its spiritual significance and massive scale, the Kumbh Mela attracts millions of devotees from across the globe. While most people are aware of its importance as a religious event, there are many lesser-known facts that make this grand gathering even more intriguing. Here are 10 secrets about the Maha Kumbh Mela that you may not know:

1. The Celestial Connection:

The Kumbh Mela is linked to a celestial event. According to Hindu mythology, the Kumbh Mela coincides with the movement of the planets, and the timing is based on an alignment of the sun, moon, and Jupiter. This alignment is believed to create a potent spiritual energy, making the holy rivers at the Mela more sacred for pilgrims who bathe in them.

2. The Origin of the Name Kumbh:

The word "Kumbh" means "pot" or "pitcher" in Sanskrit. The Kumbh Mela is believed to commemorate the mythological event of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) when the nectar of immortality (Amrit) was discovered. It is said that a drop of this divine nectar fell into the rivers at the four locations where the Mela is held, giving these places immense spiritual significance.

3. The Unique Role of the Naga Sadhus:

Among the millions of devotees who attend the Kumbh Mela, the Naga Sadhus (ascetic holy men) hold a special place. These ascetics, who renounce worldly pleasures and possessions, are known for their distinctive appearanceoften naked and smeared with ash. The Naga Sadhus are believed to have extraordinary spiritual powers, and they play a pivotal role in the rituals and processions during the Mela.

4. A 12-Year Cycle:

The Maha Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years at each of the four locations, with the event rotating between them. This long period is based on the belief that every 12 years marks a cosmic cycle, a period in which the influence of the gods and the celestial bodies reaches its peak. The Kumbh Mela thus becomes an opportunity for devotees to purify themselves and attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death).

5. The Magical Power of the Ganga:

The river Ganga is central to the Kumbh Mela, especially in Prayagraj (Allahabad), where the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati is believed to be a place of great power. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the Ganga at the Kumbh will wash away all sins and grant spiritual liberation. The water from this sacred river is considered to have curative powers and is often taken home by pilgrims.

6. The World's Largest Gathering:

The Kumbh Mela is not only a religious event but also a logistical marvel. At its peak, the event attracts upwards of 120 million people over the course of the gathering, making it the largest religious or spiritual gathering on Earth. The sheer scale of the event requires meticulous planning and organization, with temporary cities set up to accommodate the vast numbers of people.

7. Rituals Beyond the Bath:

While the most famous ritual at the Kumbh Mela is the sacred bath in the holy rivers, the event also includes a series of spiritual practices such as yajnas (fire rituals), prayers, and religious discourses. Devotees engage in meditation and chanting, with a focus on spiritual growth and cleansing. The Mela also serves as a platform for spiritual leaders to address their followers on a variety of religious topics.

8. The Significance of the Akhadas:

The Akhadas are religious orders of ascetics, and each Akhada plays an essential role in the Kumbh Mela. The Akhadas hold processions, rituals, and lead the masses in bathing in the sacred rivers. There are different types of Akhadas, each following unique traditions and practices, and they often compete for dominance in the spiritual arena. The Naga Sadhus, in particular, belong to certain Akhadas and are known for their fierce devotion.

9. The Secret of the Kumbh Symbolism:

The symbolism of the Kumbh (pitcher) is profound. In addition to representing the nectar of immortality, it is also seen as a representation of the universe and the human body. During the Mela, the Kumbh is seen as the divine container holding the nectar of wisdom and spiritual knowledge. This represents the journey of self-discovery and awakening that devotees aim for during their participation in the event.

10. A Place of Unification:

The Kumbh Mela is not only a place for religious purification but also a venue for unification. People from various regions, cultures, and social backgrounds come together, setting aside differences to participate in a common spiritual goal. The Mela acts as a bridge between Indias diverse spiritual traditions, bringing together a unique blend of sects, practices, and beliefs that reflect Indias religious pluralism.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is much more than just a religious gathering; it is a spiritual phenomenon that captivates the hearts and minds of millions. Its roots in ancient mythology, its celestial significance, and its role in personal and collective transformation make it an event like no other. Whether you're drawn by its spiritual allure or its cultural grandeur, the Kumbh Mela remains a captivating and profound expression of faith, unity, and the quest for ultimate liberation.

(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
New Delhi: Over the past two years , workforce reductions have impacted a range of industries, including technology, finance, manufacturing, media, and retail. A Business Insider report highlights that companies are offering various reasons for recent layoffs with a key factor being the rise of technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

As per the recent reports, layoffs are expected to continue in 2025 with major companies like Microsoft, BlackRock and Ally Financial planning to reduce their workforce. A January 9 report from Business Insider points out that these companies are focusing on cost-cutting measures, largely driven by rapid technological advancements, especially the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Companies like Dropbox, Google, and IBM have already announced job cuts related to AI. Heres a look at the firms expected to follow suit in 2025:

BlackRock

BlackRock plans to cut about 200 jobs from its workforce of 21,000, as reported by Bloomberg. These layoffs are part of a strategy to better align the companys resources with its changing goals. However, BlackRock will offset these reductions with significant hiring, adding 3,750 new employees in 2024 and another 2,000 in 2025. The companys president, Rob Kapito and COO, Rob Goldstein said that these changes are crucial for reshaping the organisation to meet its future objectives.

Bridgewater Associates

Bridgewater Associates, the worlds largest hedge fund, recently laid off 7 per cent of its workforce as part of a strategy to streamline operations. These cuts have brought the company's staffing levels to where thet were in 2023. The firm has struggled with employee retention in the past; in 2019, founder Ray Dalio revealed that almost 30 per cent of new hires left within 18 months.

The Washington Post

The Washington Post plans to cut fewer than 100 jobs as part of its cost management strategy. It was confirmed by a spokesperson that these reductions will not affect the newsroom and are aimed at supporting the companys transformation and long-term sustainability. The goal is to adapt to industry changes and engage audiences across modern platforms, according to Reuters.

Microsoft

Microsoft is planning to reduce its workforce by targeting underperforming employees. The company has stated that it focuses on nurturing high-performing talent while the exact number of layoffs hasnt been revealed. A spokesperson emphasized Microsofts dedication to employee growth and said that non-performance would be addressed with appropriate actions, according to Business Insider.

Ally Financial

Ally Financial has confirmed plans to lay off around 500 employees or about 4.5 per cent of its 11,000-person workforce. The company explained that these layoffs are part of its ongoing efforts to optimize staffing while continuing to hire for other key areas of the business. Ally had previously carried out a similar round of layoffs in October 2023, according to the Charlotte Observer.

According to the latest data from Layoffs.fyi, 545 tech companies laid off 152,074 employees in 2024. In comparison, 1,193 companies let go of 264,220 employees in 2023. These workforce reductions reflect wider industry changes driven by technological advancements and economic pressures. While they highlight the challenges of automation, they also point to opportunities for growth and adaptation in a fast-changing job market.
New Delhi: Government-owned NLC India Ltd on Saturday announced that its renewables arm has entered into a joint venture agreement with Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) for developing 1000 MW solar power projects in the state. According to the agreement, NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL) will have an equity shareholding of 51 per cent in the joint venture while APDCL will hold a 49 per cent stake.

NIRL will bring its expertise in renewable energy project development. APDCL will facilitate land acquisition, regulatory approvals, and power evacuation infrastructure. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) will be signed with Assam DISCOMs for the sale of 100 per cent of the generated power for 25 years, according to the NLC statement.

"This initiative will not only ensure energy security for Assam but also catalyse socio-economic development by creating green jobs and enhancing the state's sustainability index," NIRL Chairman Prasanna Kumar Motupalli said.

The joint venture aims to address Assams growing energy demands by developing renewable energy projects, ensuring affordable and reliable power supply, and contributing to the States long-term energy security. The partnership aligns with the Government of Indias focus on increasing renewable energy penetration in the countrys energy mix to combat climate change and support sustainable development, the statement added.

The Joint Venture Company is set to play a pivotal role in addressing the energy needs of Assam in an environmentally responsible manner and also to meet the Renewable Purchase Obligation. It will focus on the deployment of innovative technologies to maximise efficiency and minimise the carbon footprint, thereby paving the way for a greener future.

This JVA represents a significant collaboration to promote green energy and sustainable development in Assam, addressing the States energy needs while aligning with Indias renewable energy targets. NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), as the renewable energy arm of NLC India Limited, is focused on consolidating the renewable assets of its parent organisation and spearheading future renewable energy projects.

Established to enhance operational efficiency and streamline renewable energy investments, NIRL plays a pivotal role in advancing NLC Indias vision of contributing to the nations energy transition while maintaining environmental sustainability, the statement said.
Gurpreet Gogi Bassi, 58, Aam Aadami Party (AAP) MLA from Ludhiana West constituency in Punjab was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his residence late on Friday night with gunshot wounds to the head. Authorities are yet to ascertain the exact cause of death.

AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi Bassi from Ludhiana West was found dead late Friday night with gunshot wounds. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

The incident occurred around midnight. Gogi was rushed to the DMC Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The incident happened around midnight, and he was declared dead when he was brought to the DMC hospital, ANI quoted Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskaran Singh Teja as saying.

According to the police, preliminary information suggests that Gogis licensed pistol accidentally fired while it was being cleaned. The autopsy report will determine whether MLA Bassi's death was a result of suicide or an accidental firing.

The police have launched an investigation into the case. Investigation is underway, the DCP added.

Singh Teja further told IANS, "As per the family, he shot himself accidentally and sustained bullet injuries to his head. Gurpreet Gogi was declared dead at the hospital. His body has been kept at the mortuary in DMC hospital," Teja said.

The DCP added that the exact cause of death will be determined once the post-mortem report is received. "Cause of death will be clear once the post-mortem reports come," he further added.

The incident took place around midnight. Gogi was brought to DMC hospital but was declared dead on arrival. District AAP President Sharanpal Singh Makkar and Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh Chahal confirmed his death.

"The incident happened around midnight, and he was declared dead when he was brought to DMC hospital," DCP Teja stated. Investigations are ongoing.

Gogi joined AAP in 2022 and won the Ludhiana Assembly elections, defeating former Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu. His wife, Sukhchain Kaur Gogi, contested the Municipal Corporation elections but lost to Congress candidate Inderjit Singh Indi.

Earlier in August 2024, Gogi had destroyed the foundation stone of a pipeline project in Buddha Nullah due to delays in its completion. The Speaker had promised action following Gogis concerns.

On the day of his death, Gogi visited Prachin Sheetla Mata Mandir and assured devotees that he would act against burglars who stole silver from the temple two days earlier.

(With ANI, IANS inputs)
NEW DELHI: In a significant judgement, the Supreme Court has ruled that a woman can be given the right to maintenance from her husband even after she has not complied with the decree to cohabit with her spouse if she has valid and sufficient reason to refuse to live with him. A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar settled the legal dispute over the question whether a husband, who secures a decree for restitution of conjugal rights, stands absolved of paying maintenance to his wife by virtue of law if his wife refuses to abide by the said decree and return to the matrimonial home.

The bench said there can be no hard and fast rule in this regard and it must invariably depend on the circumstances of the case. It said the question as to whether noncompliance with a decree for restitution of conjugal rights by a wife would be sufficient in itself to deny her maintenance, owing to Section 125(4) of CrPC has been addressed by several high courts but no consistent view is forthcoming, as their opinions were varied and conflicting.

After analysing various judgements of the high courts and the apex court, the bench said, "Thus, the preponderance of judicial thought weighs in favour of upholding the wife's right to maintenance under Section 125 CrPC and the mere passing of a decree for restitution of conjugal rights at the husband's behest and non-compliance therewith by the wife would not, by itself, be sufficient to attract the disqualification under Section 125(4) CrPC." The bench said it would depend on the facts of the individual case and it would have to be decided on the strength of the material and evidence available, whether the wife still had valid and sufficient reason to refuse to live with her husband, despite such a decree.

"There can be no hard and fast rule in this regard and it must invariably depend on the distinctive facts and circumstances obtaining in each particular case. "In any event, a decree for restitution of conjugal rights secured by a husband coupled with non-compliance therewith by the wife would not be determinative straightaway either of her right to maintenance or the applicability of the disqualification under Section 125(4) CrPC," it said.

The bench gave the authoritative pronouncement, in the case of an estranged couple from Jharkhand, who entered into the wedlock on May 1, 2014 but parted ways in August, 2015. The husband moved the family court in Ranchi for restitution of conjugal rights and claiming that she left her matrimonial home on August 21, 2015 and did not return thereafter despite repeated efforts to bring her back.

His wife, in her written submission before the family court, alleged that she was subjected to torture and mental agony by her husband, who demanded Rs 5 lakh dowry for purchasing a four wheeler. She alleged that he had extramarital relations and she had suffered a miscarriage in January 1, 2015 but her husband did not come to see her from his workplace.

The wife further claimed that she was willing to return to her matrimonial home on the condition that she should be allowed to use the washroom in the house, as she was not allowed to do so earlier, and she should also be allowed to use an LPG stove to prepare food, as she had to do so by using wood and coal.

The family court on March 23, 2022, gave a decree for restitution of conjugal rights while noting that the husband wanted to live with her. However, the wife did not abide with the decree and instead filed a plea for maintenance with the family court. The family court ordered maintenance of Rs 10,000 per month to be paid to the wife by her estranged husband.

The husband subsequently challenged the order before the Jharkhand high court, which noted that his wife had not returned to the matrimonial home despite the decree for restitution of conjugal rights, which she had not chosen to challenge by way of appeal. The high court ruled that the wife was not entitled to maintenance. Aggrieved by the order, the wife challenged the order before the apex court, which ruled in its favour.

The top court said the high court ought not to have given such undue weightage to the said judgment and the findings therein. It said the fact that she was not allowed to use the toilet in the house or avail proper facilities to cook food in the matrimonial home, facts which were accepted in the restitution proceedings, are further indications of her ill-treatment.

"The appeal is accordingly allowed, setting aside the judgment dated August 4, 2023 passed by the high court of Jharkhand at Ranchi in", the bench said. It added the order of family court order dated February 15, 2022 is upheld and restored and directed the husband to pay Rs 10,000 to his estranged wife. "Such maintenance would be payable from the date of filing of the maintenance application, August 3, 2019. Arrears of the maintenance shall be paid in three equal installments," it said.
Jammu and Kashmir Police have claimed to have solved the grenade attack on a Territorial Army camp in Hamray Pattan within 24 hours, arresting three terrorists, including a surrendered militant.

Addressing a press conference, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Operations Baramulla, Feroz Yehya, said the swift police response following the attack led to the identification and arrest of the suspects.

The arrested individuals include a surrendered terrorist, the son of another surrendered terrorist, and a third person described as the mastermind of the attack. The mastermind had been evading arrest for two years and is also involved in a narcotics case, the officer stated.

"Through diligent investigation, we were able to connect the dots and apprehend those responsible. The case was solved within 24 hours," Feroz said, thanking other agencies for their cooperation.

The police, however, did not disclose the identities of the accused, citing concerns that revealing them could hamper the ongoing investigation. "We are now probing possible links between the attack and other criminal activities in the area. The activation of released surrendered terrorists has created a dent in trust, and from now on, we must be more cautious," the officer added.

The attack, which targeted the 163 Territorial Army MI Room on January 7, caused significant damage to the camp's roof but fortunately resulted in no casualties.
Ganga Sevadoots (volunteers), appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government to assist in the cleaning of the Ganga, are set to organize a 'Namami Gange Yagna' on January 12 (Sunday), a day before Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025. Atharva Raj, the nodal officer for the 'Namami Gange' program, has extended an invitation to the public and various organizations to participate in the event, aimed at promoting cleanliness and rejuvenation of the Ganga. The program is scheduled to take place at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Prayagraj. "On Sunday at 11 am, just a day before the start of the Amrit Snans of Maha Kumbh, a Namami Gange Yagna will be organized by the Ganga Sevadoots working for cleanliness in the fair area. Representatives of all Namami Gange supporting organizations will participate to pray for the cleanliness of the Ganga and its ghats," the invitation read. The Namami Gange program, launched in 2014, is a flagship initiative of the Union government with a budget outlay of Rs 20,000 crore. According to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the program's twin objectives are the effective abatement of pollution and the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga. Moreover, NMCG is also using advanced technologies for sewage treatment, ghat cleaning, and waste management. Prayagraj has 10 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a cumulative capacity of 340 MLD. Among them, the 42 MLD Naini 2 STP, developed using innovative FCR/Organica technology, stands out. Other key plants include the 80 MLD STP at Naini 1 and the 14 MLD STP at Phaphamau. Surender Singh Parmar, Project Manager at Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam Gramin, said, "The 42 MLD (Million Liters Per Day) STP located at Naini 2, built under the Namami Gange program, is a newly constructed facility. It began operations in February 2023 and utilizes FCR (Food Chain Reactor) technology. Sewage (wastewater) from all areas of the Naini region is pumped through drains to reach the STP." Earlier on Jan 3, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had given a message of maintaining cleanliness in the Maha Kumbh. "To make the Swachh Maha Kumbh campaign successful, not only the best arrangements for cleanliness will have to be made, but full care will also have to be taken of the Swachhata Mitras working in the Mela and their families," read an official statement. The Ganga is an important river for the Maha Kumbh as pilgrims flock to the river to take a holy dip. The dip is believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation). The upcoming Mahakumbh is expected to host over 45 Crore visitors, marking a historic occasion for India. (ANI)
PC George, a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala, has been booked by the police for allegedly making hate speech during a TV debate earlier this week.

The remarks, reportedly aimed at a minority community, sparked outrage and led to a formal complaint by the Muslim Youth League Municipal Committee in Erattupetta, Kottayam district. According to local police, the case was filed based on the statements of the complainants and is being pursued under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Legal Proceedings Underway

A police officer confirmed that the case was registered after the complainants' statements were recorded. The legal process will proceed, and further actions are expected to be initiated soon, according to the police.

BJP Responds

In response to the case, BJP leaders in Kerala have strongly criticized the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. Prakash Javadekar, a former Union Minister and BJPs Kerala in-charge, labeled the FIR against PC George as a "political vendetta" orchestrated by the LDF government.

Javadekar also took aim at the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), accusing the opposition of appeasing "extremist politics." He further claimed that the LDF government has failed to speak out against Hamas, which he sees as contributing to a broader issue of political hypocrisy.

K. Surendran, the head of BJPs Kerala unit, condemned the legal action against George. Surendran criticized the LDF government for allegedly bowing to pressure from communal forces. He declared that the case would be fought both "legally and politically."

PC Georges Clarification

PC George himself has issued a clarification, asserting that his comments were intended to express opposition to extremism, not to target any specific community. He emphasized that his remarks were meant to address the threat posed by radical elements, asserting that Kerala stands united against extremism in all forms.

PC George, who has served as a seven-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), merged his regional party, Kerala Janapaksham (Secular), with the BJP in February 2024. His transition into the BJP further solidified his political alignment with the national party.
Kerala Lottery Results Saturday 11-01-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "KARUNYA KR-688" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya Kr-688, January 11, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Karunya KR-688" 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 Karunya KR-688 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 80 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KR-688 results today.

Kerala Lottery Result 11-01-2025 Jan: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA KR-688 Draw

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKHS IS: KH 495793

LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS: KF 538700

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: KA 783896 KB 594770 KC 603130 KD 654773 KE 960455 KF 529288 KG 535405 KH 551695 KJ 800470 KK 163507 KL 897209 KM 316180

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: KA 495793 KB 495793 KC 495793 KD 495793 KE 495793 KF 495793 KG 495793 KJ 495793 KK 495793 KL 495793 KM 495793

(For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below)

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 1441 1494 2658 3893 4225 4411 4464 4470 4884 5446 6344 6539 7170 8073 8289 9378 9762 9842

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 0783 3676 3692 4159 4808 5511 7717 8059 8653 9987

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0841 2286 2505 2753 2999 4069 5109 5471 7094 7564 7648 7835 9530 9607

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0077 0087 0103 0185 0213 0428 0452 0479 0520 0623 0746 0795 0820 0825 0949 0958 1068 1127 1369 1413 1418 1533 1593 2124 2171 2245 2277 3001 3110 3169 3175 3290 3512 3586 3924 4075 4139 4330 4364 4452 4568 4640 4883 5063 5156 5473 5540 5575 5586 5700 5827 5883 5888 5955 5956 6115 6206 6376 6379 6670 7092 7370 7388 7568 7776 8026 8167 8374 8407 8459 8595 8860 8895 8946 9179 9417 9885 9902 9914 9934

LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0175 0178 0617 0633 0664 0685 0860 0891 1017 1069 1088 1186 1322 1343 1355 1879 1890 2008 2324 2486 2628 2750 2773 2870 2873 3014 3108 3126 3396 3440 3597 3661 3783 3829 3909 3919 3941 4261 4271 4367 4505 4533 4539 4544 4550 4576 4585 4606 4747 4770 4858 4898 4922 5022 5025 5040 5200 5213 5366 5391 5463 5467 5687 5809 5815 5816 5982 6128 6152 6319 6320 6374 6442 6463 6536 6555 6556 6589 6841 6914 6957 6987 6993 7126 7195 7198 7386 7666 7715 7782 7825 7935 7984 8036 8141 8245 8290 8453 8580 8786 8811 9035 9055 9056 9081 9157 9222 9229 9274 9367 9394 9411 9577 9660 9666 9674 9686 9691 9758 9818 9861 9980 9988

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 11-01-2024 January TODAY: KARUNYA KR-688 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS

1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakhs

2nd Prize: Rs. 5 lakhs

3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs. 5,000

5th Prize: Rs. 2,000

6th Prize: Rs. 1,000

7th Prize: Rs. 500

8th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

(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 the lottery in any way.)
MP Shocker: The decomposed body of a woman was found inside a refrigerator in a house in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas city on Friday. Following the discovery, police detained a former tenant for questioning.

The woman, in her 30s, was dressed in a saree and wearing jewelry. Her hands were tied, and a noose was around her neck, according to officials. Police suspect she may have been murdered in June 2024.

The house, located in Vrindavan Dham Colony under Bank Note Press police station, belongs to Dhirendra Shrivastava, who resides in Indore.

Body Found in Refrigerator After Foul Smell Alert

The incident came to light when the refrigerator stopped working after the power was cut. A foul smell began emanating from the locked rooms, prompting neighbors to contact the landlord.

"We suspect the woman was killed in June 2024. Neighbors noticed a foul smell coming from the house and informed the landlord. When he opened the locked portion of the house, he found the body in a refrigerator. The fridges shelves had been removed to fit the body," Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlot shared details of the incident, reported PTI.

"The landlord immediately alerted the police," he added.

The house had been rented out to Sanjay Patidar, a resident of Ujjain, in June 2023. "Patidar vacated the property after a year but left some of his belongings in the study room and master bedroom," Gehlot explained.

"Patidar told the landlord that he would return later to clear these rooms."

Inspector Amit Solanki of Bank Note Press police station provided further details.

"Patidar occasionally visited the house even after vacating it. Recently, the current tenant asked the landlord to unlock the locked portion of the house. The landlord showed the rooms to the tenant but locked them again as Patidar's belongings were still there. On Wednesday, the landlord switched off the power supply to the locked portion," Solanki said.

"The body was found after the rooms were reopened. Patidar has been taken into custody." Solanki added.

Live-in Relationship Gone Wrong

During interrogation, Sanjay Patidar confessed that he and the victim, Pratibha, had been in a live-in relationship for five years, according to a PTI report. The couple lived together in Ujjain for three years before moving to Dewas.

Patidar, who is married and has two children, claimed Pratibha was pressuring him to marry her, police said. "On the day of the incident, I sat with her and tried to end the relationship," Patidar reportedly told the cops. "But she refused to accept it," he added, as per the PTI report.

Meanwhile, Patidar told the landlord that Pratibha had gone home after her father suffered a heart attack. To avoid suspicion, he reportedly paid two months rent in advance, as per PTI.

Police are investigating the case further to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to her death.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: In his debut podcast appearance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath for a conversation released on Friday. Discussing India's global technological prowess, PM Modi highlighted the country's success in democratizing technology, asserting that India has set an example for the world to follow.

"In just thirty seconds, I can transfer money into the accounts of 100 million farmers. I can do the same for cylinder subsidy for 13 crore people in 30 seconds...India has taught the world how to democratise technology. All you need is a mobile. This is a tech-driven century. We have made an innovation commission and innovation fund," PM Modi said.

Modi reflected on India's rising global stature. He recalled predicting a future where the world would queue for an Indian visa. Modi shared the anecdote of when he was Gujarats Chief Minister and was denied a US visa.

"As the head of the state, America had refused me a visa. I held a press conference that day where I had said, "One day the world would stand in line for an Indian visa". I gave this statement in 2005. Now, it is 2025. I can see that this is now is the time for India... I used to say publicly that you (NRIs) will regret if you don't come back to India, the world is changing," PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his experiences and views on India's future during a recent interaction. Recalling a visit to Kuwait, he spoke about an encounter with an Indian laborer who asked, "When will there be an international airport in my district?" Modi said such aspirations reflect the driving force that will shape a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047.

Addressing global conflicts, the Prime Minister emphasized that India's stance is not about neutrality but about promoting peace. "During the Ukraine crisis, we were not neutral. We are in favor of peace," he said, adding that this position has bolstered India's global credibility.

He noted that India's advice to countries in conflictRussia, Ukraine, Iran, Palestine, and Israelhas been trusted. "They trust us. This is the reason that India's credibility has increased...the world has faith in what we say," he stated.

(With ANI inputs)
A new video has surfaced on social media showcasing Indian Army soldiers marching in sync with Robo Dogs. These robotic canines are equipped with cameras and sensors. They are seen patrolling alongside the soldiers, with their operators controlling them remotely.

In a significant move, the Indian Army recently inducted 100 Robo Dogs into its ranks. These high-tech devices are primarily used for delivering supplies to forward posts and navigating challenging terrain.

In todays episode of DNA, ZEE News has analyzed and explained several features of Robo Dogs and how they are contributing to security forces.

Watch Full Episode Here

The Robo Dogs, however, are not just limited to logistics; they are also equipped with cameras and sensors, allowing them to perform surveillance missions. The robots can enter potentially dangerous areas, gather intelligence, and send real-time images back to their operators.

So we have robo dogs in our Indian army pic.twitter.com/DNErGKRGuT  Trends Catchers (@Trendscatcherss) January 11, 2025

Additionally, these Robo Dogs are capable of transporting explosives to specific locations, aiding in bomb disposal operations, and helping to mitigate the risks posed by landmines. The Desert Corps of the Indian Army had already tested these Robo Dogs in November during a military exercise. The robots assisted soldiers in completing search and surveillance missions, proving their potential in real-world scenarios.

This latest integration of Robo Dogs marks another milestone in the Indian Armys ongoing efforts to merge man and machine. The Army had previously made advancements with drones for tasks like delivering supplies and dropping explosives. With Robo Dogs now in action, the Indian Army has taken another significant step towards enhancing its operational capabilities.
In a sharp no-holds-barred attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals governance, accusing him of neglecting slum dwellers and indulging in corruption. Shah asserted that Delhi would be "freed from AAP-da" on February 5, the day of the upcoming assembly elections.

Addressing a 'Slum Dwellers' conference in New Delhi, Shah emphasized that the BJPs manifesto was the "guarantee" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offering relief to slum residents. He claimed that the BJP had taken note of the anger and inconvenience faced by slum dwellers due to unfulfilled promises. Shah highlighted that the BJP manifesto, unlike AAP's, would ensure real change and benefit for the people of Delhi.

Shah Criticizes Kejriwals Governance

The Union Home Minister took aim at Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of failing to improve Delhis conditions over the past 10 years. He cited issues such as poor quality water, pollution, and unkempt infrastructure as major problems under Kejriwals leadership. Shah urged Kejriwal to step down if he could not deliver on promises, asserting that the BJP would ensure all necessary benefits for the citizens.

PM Modis Housing Guarantee for Slum Dwellers

Shah also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts to provide housing to the poor, stating that over 3.58 crore people had been provided homes across the country under his leadership. He promised that every slum dweller in Delhi would be given a permanent house, contrasting Modi's promises with Kejriwals alleged neglect of the citys poor.

Toilets in Sheesh Mahal Expensive than Slums

Taking a further swipe at Kejriwal, Shah mentioned that the toilet in Kejriwals "sheesh mahal" (palace) was more expensive than the slums in Delhi. He criticized the AAP government for its alleged hypocrisy and extravagant spending while slum dwellers continued to live in squalor.

Corruption Allegations

Shah also accused AAP of indulging in massive corruption, breaking records set by previous governments. He attacked Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, claiming that their leadership was associated with corruption and scandal. Shah alleged that AAP had turned Delhi into a "living hell," citing pollution, poor infrastructure, and mismanagement as evidence of their failure.

The Union Home Minister also accused AAP of betraying Anna Hazare, who once led an anti-corruption movement alongside Kejriwal. He further claimed that AAP had misled the people of Delhi and Punjab, contributing to the deterioration of both regions under their governance.

Shah concluded his speech by promising that February 5, the day of the Delhi assembly elections, would be the day that Delhi would be liberated from the "disasters" of AAPs rule. He stated that the BJP would provide real solutions for the problems facing Delhi's residents.

The Delhi assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with vote counting set for February 8.
An under-construction building at Kannauj Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh collapsed on Friday, leaving dozens of workers trapped under debris. The accident occurred during ongoing work for a beautification project at the station, which involved constructing a two-storey building.

Incident Details

The collapse took place while construction was underway, with around 35 workers present at the site. The building, part of a broader renovation plan for the station, experienced a tragic failure when the shuttering for the roof gave way. This caused a significant portion of the structure to collapse, burying the workers beneath rubble.

#WATCH | Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh: An under-construction lintel collapsed at Kannauj railway station; several workers trapped



More details awaited pic.twitter.com/vqefsjtXDc  ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2025

Rescue Operations Underway

Emergency teams, including railway officials, police personnel, and local administrative staff, swiftly launched rescue operations. As of now, 23 workers have been successfully rescued from the debris, with search efforts continuing in hopes of finding additional survivors.

#WATCH | Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur Commissioner K Vijayendra Pandian says, "Some workers were trapped in this incident. There were a total of 23 people, out of which 5 people were seriously injured but they are out of danger now... All the teams of district administration, https://t.co/sacrrUnY1R pic.twitter.com/7WH1USCXBW January 11, 2025

District Magistrate Shubhrant Kumar Shukl provided details on the situation, confirming that the collapse occurred due to the failure of the roofs shuttering during the construction process. "Our first priority is to rescue the workers who are trapped. We are using all resources at our disposal for the rescue efforts," Shukl said.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the collapse to determine whether safety protocols were adequately followed during the construction process. Further updates are expected as rescue teams continue their work.
New Delhi: Hitting back at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday, announced that he will hold a press conference on January 12 to expose the "dirty intentions" of the Bharatiya Janata Party against slum dwellers. In a post on X, Kejriwal stated that the presser would take place at a slum which the BJP had allegedly planned to demolish after the elections. He also accused Amit Shah of "lying" and "abusing" him and the people of Delhi.

"Today Amit Shah ji abused me and the people of Delhi a lot. The people of Delhi will answer this in the elections. Amit Ji told a lot of lies to the slum dwellers. Tomorrow morning, I will hold a press conference from a slum which they have planned to demolish after the elections. I will expose the dirty intentions of the BJP with full evidence," Kejriwal stated in a post on X.

Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the toilet in Kejriwal's 'Sheesh Mahal' is more expensive than the slums in the national capital, while strongly asserting that Delhi will be freed from the "AAP-da" on February 5.

Addressing the 'Slum Dwellers' conference here in New Delhi, Shah emphasized that the BJP's manifesto is the guarantee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The BJP has listened to the pain, inconvenience and anger of the slum dwellers against the broken promises. They have made a list of all your problems and given it to BJP national president JP Nadda and Prime Minister Modi. Our manifesto will provide you relief from all your problems. The BJP manifesto is the guarantee of Prime Minister Modi...The BJP manifesto is not like the manifesto of 'AAP-Da'. We do what we say," he said.

Further attacking the former Chief Minister, Shah said that if Kejriwal is not able to do anything, then he should leave the government. "People living in slums of Delhi are getting dirty water. People living in slums are asking us why Delhi is the most polluted city in the world. What did Arvind Kejriwal do in Delhi in the last 10 years? If you are not able to do anything Arvind Kejriwal, then you should leave the government, BJP will give all the benefits," Amit Shah said.

The Home Minister further highlighted that PM Modi has given houses to more than 3.58 crore poor people in the country. "This is PM Modi's guarantee and every person living in a slum will be given a permanent house. The toilet in his (Arvind Kejriwal) 'sheeshmahal' is more expensive than the slums," Shah said.

The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.
Guwahati: A man who made derogatory comments on Assam's history and traditions on social media has tendered an apology on Saturday claiming that his his intention was not to hurt anyone.

The police have already filed a case against Abhishek Kar for a video on a YouTube channel for his derogatory comments and for spreading misinformation, a senior police officer said, adding that an investigation has already been started.

Kar on Saturday tendered an apology and claimed that his intention was not to hurt anyone. Kar, who identifies himself as a 'trader, investor and mentor' in his YouTube channel description, assured of confirming 'secondary information' in future before putting it out to the public.

Kar had drawn the ire of the Assam government over his remarks made in a podcast.

"A video from a YouTube channel, named Riya Upreti, is in circulation where an individual named Abhishek Kar is seen making unacceptable comments on Assam's history and traditions. Appropriate action may be initiated against the said individual for spreading misinformation," the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) had posted on X on Friday, asking the police to pursue the matter.

Responding to it, Director General of Police GP Singh said, "Noted Sir. Lawful action shall be taken. Warm regards."

Additional DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta told PTI on Saturday that an FIR against the accused has been lodged.

"He has made the offensive remarks and we have started our due process of investigation," Gupta said.

In a section of the video on the YouTube channel, Kar claims that there is a village in Assam, with dominant tantric practices, where women have such power that they convert a person into a goat and again back to a human...

Kar, replying to the CMO post on X, wrote: "Apologies to people, @CMOfficeAssam, @gpsinghips and every concerned party who was hurt. The intent wasn't to hurt anyone and it will be kept in mind going forward that such incidents dont (sic) happen again."

Kar also said that he will be "more vigilant in research before using existing secondary data".
New Delhi: Punjabi music sensation Singga is ready to make waves in 2025 with his latest release, Eni Sohni, a song that blends his musical brilliance with a heartfelt tribute to Bollywoods evergreen diva, Rekha Ji. Known for his signature mix of Bhangra, pop, and hip-hop, Singga has once again pushed musical boundaries, with Eni Sohni set to be his standout track of the year.

Teaming up with the talented Jassi X, Singga delivers a vibrant, high-energy sound that captures both catchy rhythms and emotional depth. The song's dynamic instrumental arrangement sets the perfect mood, creating an atmosphere that makes it impossible not to move to the beat. However, its the lyrics that truly shine, as Singga paints a vivid image of a woman whose beauty is unmatchedwhether draped in a traditional saree or dressed in modern, western attire. This poetic imagery directly reflects the timeless elegance of Rekha Ji, whose presence continues to captivate audiences.

One of the songs most memorable moments comes when Singga compares the womans beauty to that of the moon, a fitting tribute to Rekha Ji's luminous and ageless charm. Eni Sohni masterfully blends romance with playfulness, celebrating admiration and beauty in a way that resonates deeply with listeners.

Listen To The Song Here:

As Singga embarks on his 2025 musical journey, Eni Sohni stands as a testament to his growth as an artist and his ability to infuse genuine emotion into his music. While fans eagerly await his future releases, this track serves as a perfect homage to Rekha Jis enduring legacy, capturing grace, beauty, and love in every beat.
Bharatiya Janata Party workers on Saturday protested outside the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital over the death of a pregnant woman allegedly due to 'medical negligence'. Speaking on the incident, Union Minister and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "doesn't care" about the lives of the common man. "During the investigation in the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case, it was revealed that fake medicines are being supplied in the medical colleges in West Bengal...CM Mamata Banerjee does not care about the lives of the common man," he said. Several members of the Left Students, Youth and Women's movement (RSM) also held a protest outside the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital over the incident. Meanwhile, ruling Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh said that the health administration is investigating the incident. He also said that opposition BJP and CPI (M) shouldn't do 'politics' on the issue. "This incident is very bad. The health administration is investigating the incident...CPI (M) and BJP have no right to comment on the incident...There should be no politics over the incident," Ghosh said. Earlier, West Bengal Leader of Opposition and BJP leader, Suvendu Adhikari, in a post on X alleged that the lady died after being administered with "expired" saline at Medinipur Medical College. "One pregnant lady died after child birth and four other pregnant women are admitted in Critical Care Unit (CCU) & Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Medinipur Medical College after becoming "critically ill" when administered with "expired" saline," Suvendu Adhikari said. He also demanded a proper investigation into the incident by Drugs Controller General of India and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. "A proper investigation should be launched by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to find out if this firm flourished by flouting any norms and if its nexus with the ruling party of WB has helped them gain access to the State-run facilities," the BJP leader added. (ANI)
PM Modi AI Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in France from February 10 to 11, said French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday.

While addressing the 30th Conference of Ambassadors, President Macron said, "France will be hosting the AI Summit on February 10-11. A summit for action, as we call it. This summit will allow for an international conversation on AI. There will be Prime Minister Modi, who will move up to a major visit in our country as we want to forge a dialogue with all powers on AI."

The French President emphasised the importance of AI as a global conversation, stating that it will include countries such as the US, China, and India, as well as, the countries from the Gulf, which have significant roles in developing and regulating AI technologies.

French President #EmmanuelMacron announces Prime Minister #NarendraModi is set to embark on a state visit to France, followed by his participation in the AI Summit, scheduled to be held in February.



File Pic pic.twitter.com/b63pNe6e2P  All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) January 11, 2025

"The US, China, and major emerging countries such as India have a key role to play, as well as the Gulf," Macron said. He also highlighted that the summit will focus on innovation, talent, and positioning France and Europe at the centre of the global AI landscape.

"Beyond that conversion, what we want to do for public interest with the foundation will be setting up... The summit's core for me will be innovation and the ability to attract talent and to have France and Europe at the heart of the AI battle," he added.

Notably, the French Presidency earlier confirmed India's invitation to the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in December, describing India as a "very important country". During a press briefing about the summit, the French Presidency announced that 90 countries, including India, had been invited to participate.

"We have invited India and are working very closely with India in the run-up to the summit. Misinformation and misuse of AI are themes that will be addressed," the French Presidency said.

"India is a very important country, particularly in terms of its potential to make a concrete impact on people's lives. We look forward to India's contributions to the summit's various teams," it added.

The summit, to be hosted by France at the Grand Palais in Paris, will convene Heads of State and government, leaders of international organisations, CEOs from large and small companies, representatives from academia, NGOs, artists, and members of civil society.

The event will focus on five key themes: public interest in AI, the future of work, innovation and culture, trust in AI, and global AI governance. The French Presidency further highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to disinformation and the misuse of AI, which are central topics for the summit's discussions.

On February 10, various stakeholders, including heads of state and government representatives, will participate in multiple sessions. Macron will host a formal dinner for heads of state and other VIPs that evening. On February 11, the summit will feature a dedicated leaders' session exclusively for heads of state.
Washington: President Joe Biden's administration announced Friday that it's expanding sanctions against Russia's critically important energy sector, unveiling a new effort to inflict pain on Moscow for its grinding war in Ukraine as President-elect Donald Trump gets set to return to office vowing to quickly end the conflict.

The outgoing Democratic administration billed the new sanctions as the most significant to date against Moscow's oil and liquefied natural gas sectors, the driver of Russia's economy. Officials said the sanctions, which punish entities that do business with the Russians, have the potential to cost the Russian economy upward of billions of dollars per month.

More than 180 oil-carrying vessels that are suspected to be part of a shadow fleet utilised by the Kremlin to evade oil sanctions as well as traders, oil field service firms and Russian energy officials are also targeted by the new sanctions.

Several of the vessels targeted are also suspected of shipping sanctioned Iranian oil, according to the Treasury Department.

The United States is taking sweeping action against Russia's key source of revenue for funding its brutal and illegal war against Ukraine, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.

With today's actions, we are ratcheting up the sanctions risk associated with Russia's oil trade, including shipping and financial facilitation in support of Russia's oil exports. In a move coordinated with Washington, the UK also slapped sanctions on Russian energy firms. The US and Britain are both targeting two of Russia's major oil producers, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, and dozens of the companies' subsidiaries.

The Foreign Office said that between them the two companies produce more than 1 million barrels of oil a day, worth USD 23 billion a year. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said oil revenues are the lifeblood of Putin's war economy. Taking on Russian oil companies will drain Russia's war chest  and every ruble we take from Putin's hands helps save Ukrainian lives, he said.

The UK has already sanctioned almost 100 vessels in Russia's oil-transporting shadow fleet as Ukraine's Western allies seeking to increase economic pressure on Moscow ahead of any negotiations on ending the war.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the Biden administration chose this moment  just 10 days before Biden leaves office  for tougher oil measures because worries about world oil markets have subsided.

This was really based on market conditions, Kirby said. And so the time was propitious for this decision, and that's why the president made it. The State Department also announced it was hitting 14 senior Rosatom officials and executives with travel bans that also affect their immediate family members.

Biden administration officials said that it will ultimately be up to Trump's administration whether to keep or scrap the new sanctions.

Trump's transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the sanctions.

Asked if the Biden administration consulted with the incoming Trump team, Kirby responded, We have at every step and on every major issue been keeping the transition team informed of our decisions, what we're doing and why we're doing it. Trump's incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, wrote in an opinion piece for the Economist published shortly before Election Day that the US should use economic leverage for cracking down on Russia's illicit oil sales to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.

Meanwhile, Trump told reporters on Thursday that Putin "wants to meet, and we are setting it up. Trump's warm relationship with Putin over the years has come under heavy scrutiny. The Republican president-elect has also balked at the cost of aid to Kyiv, pledging to move quickly to end the conflict upon his return to office on Jan. 20.

Trump added a new layer of doubt about future American support earlier this week when he appeared to sympathize with Putin's position that Ukraine should not be part of NATO. The president-elect has criticized the Biden administration for expressing support for Kyiv's eventual membership in the transatlantic military alliance.

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday as the sanctions were announced, discussing his administration's ongoing support for the effort to hold Russia at bay and underscored the need for that support to continue. The White House said Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for the U.S.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Friday warned that a pullback in support for Ukraine would have reverberations far beyond Kyiv. He noted that the US has relied on European allies cooperation over the last four years as it devised a strategy to deal with growing economic competition posed by China.

I think it's evident that if the US pulls the rug out from under Ukraine, that will have an impact on the health of our European alliances and it will have reverberations in the Indo-Pacific, Sullivan said in a conversation with a small group of reporters at the White House.

The Kremlin on Friday dismissed the new sanctions ahead of the anticipated announcement.

We are aware that the administration will try to leave as difficult legacy in bilateral relations as possible for Trump and his team, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The designation comes under a sanctions authority approved during Russia's 2014 invasion and annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, according to administration officials who briefed reporters on the the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.

Should the Trump administration move to roll back the sanctions, it would have to first notify Congress, which would have the ability to take a vote of disapproval of such a move, the officials added.

The shadow fleet is made up of aging tankers bought used, often by nontransparent entities with addresses in non-sanctioning countries such as the United Arab Emirates or the Marshall Islands, and flagged in places like Gabon or the Cook Islands. Some of the vessels are owned by Russia's state-owned Sovcomflot shipping company. Their role is to help Russia's oil exporters elude the USD 60 per barrel price cap imposed by Ukraine's allies.

Finnish authorities suspect a Russia-linked shadow fleet vessel was involved in possible sabotage, cutting critical power and communications cables under the Baltic Sea between Finland and Estonia on Dec. 25.

The Biden administration unveiled a new USD 500 million military aid package on Thursday as Zelenskyy met with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Seoul: South Korea placed an import ban on German pork on Saturday ,following an outbreak of highly contagious foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease in the European nation, the agriculture ministry said.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said the decision was made after Germany reported its first FMD case since 1988. FMD is one of the most infectious diseases for cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle and pigs, and can spread rapidly if uncontrolled, reports Yonhap news agency.

The ministry said it will conduct FMD virus tests on German pork products shipped to the nation since December 27. Currently, approximately 360 tons of German pork, shipped between October 26 and November 17, is awaiting quarantine inspection.

The ministry said it will proceed with clearance procedures for the products through the normal process as the maximum latent period for the FDM virus is 14 days. Meanwhile, South Korea reported two additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) Monday, bringing the country's total number of outbreaks this season to 23, authorities said.

The new cases were detected at a broiler breeder farm in Dangjin, 79 kilometers south of Seoul, and a meat duck farm in Buan, 204 kilometers south of Seoul, according to the central disaster management headquarters for AI outbreaks.

Authorities are monitoring 69 poultry farms located within the quarantine zones of the two infected farms to prevent further spread, the anti-disaster office said, according to the report.
Catastrophic wildfires have wreaked havoc across upscale neighborhoods in Los Angeles, claiming 11 lives and destroying thousands of homes since Tuesday. Firefighters are battling relentlessly against the raging flames, which have spread further due to strong winds, creating an apocalyptic scene in iconic parts of the city, including the Hollywood Hills.

The fires have damaged nearly 10,000 structures, leaving entire neighborhoods unrecognizable. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna described the devastation as akin to an atomic bomb strike, saying, "It looks like an atomic bomb dropped in these areas. I don't expect good news, and we're not looking forward to those numbers."

With the fires continuing to blaze through the eastern and western flanks of Los Angeles, officials warn the death toll is likely to rise. While the cost of the damage hasnt been officially released, private firms estimate it could soar to $135 billion to $150 billion.

Firefighting Efforts Gain Ground, But Threat Persists

Firefighters have made progress in some areas, gaining partial control over two wildfiresPalisades Fire is now 6% contained, while the Kenneth wildfire has reached 35% containment after scorching 960 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Meanwhile, combined efforts in Hurst and Lidia have controlled 37% and 75% of the fires, respectively, over a total of 1,200 acres. However, conditions remain dire as red flag warnings persist across Los Angeles and parts of Southern California. Gusts exceeding 160 kmph earlier this week briefly subsided, allowing rescue teams to dump water from helicopters, but winds picked up again Thursday night.

Power Outages and School Closures Add to Misery

Over 100,000 homes and businesses remain without power. Schools in affected areas are shut, leaving communities in chaos. Sunset Fire, which had burned dangerously close to Hollywood Boulevards Walk of Fame, was fully contained Wednesday night, but the threat of new fires looms large.

Arson Suspected and Looting Rampant

Authorities detained a man on suspicion of arson related to the Kenneth wildfire, though conclusive evidence is yet to emerge. In the chaos, 20 individuals have been arrested for looting in evacuation zones. Sheriff Luna announced efforts to enforce curfews with assistance from the California National Guard to protect vulnerable areas.

Survivors Survey the Ruins

Scenes of devastation are everywhere as residents return to sift through the wreckage. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ash and debris. Some areas are only identifiable by the outlines of streets, while others show a stark contrast of standing homes amid smoldering ruins. A married couple was seen staring at the remnants of their charred home, while others walked past burning structures, covering their faces from the acrid smoke.

The Kenneth Fire, named for its location near the boundary of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, has prompted fresh mandatory evacuation orders. "The Los Angeles Fire Department is issuing an immediate evacuation order for all residents within this area," officials warned, as they scrambled to prevent the fires spread.

Despite the devastation, residents and first responders are pressing forward, determined to endure one of the worst wildfire crises in Los Angeles' history. With firefighters working around the clock and communities rallying together, hope flickers amid the ashes.
A pregnant woman died allegedly after being administered with "expired" saline at Medinipur Medical College. Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari made this allegation on Saturday. He also said that four other pregnant women are admitted to Critical Care Unit (CCU) for the same reason. "One pregnant lady died after child birth and four other pregnant women are admitted in Critical Care Unit (CCU) & Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Medinipur Medical College after becoming "critically ill" when administered with "expired" saline," Suvendu Adhikari said in a post on X. He said that the tragic incident rekindles the memories of a similar tragedy in Karnataka last year, where four maternal deaths were linked to the use of the same "defective" Ringer's Lactated (RL) saline supplied by a firm called "Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Ltd". "Karnataka Chief Minister then directed officials to blacklist Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Ltd. which supplied substandard ringer lactate solution (an intravenous (IV) fluid that Doctors commonly use to restore hydration and fluid balance in the body) to Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd. (KSMSCL). A criminal case had also been filed against the said company," Adhikari said. "Following Karnataka's letter to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to investigate the standard quality (SQ) certification issued by the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL), Kolkata, to Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Ltd., which allegedly supplied substandard compound sodium lactate injection I.P. (Ringer's lactate solution) to Karnataka, the company was directed to stop operations 'till rectification of deficiencies'," he added. Adhikari said that soon after, the West Bengal Health Department banned the use of saline linked to the said firm. Following an order from the Drugs Control Authority, West Bengal's primary supplier of 14 essential medical items; Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical, was instructed to halt manufacturing until further notice, he said. "This information was to be updated in the Store Management Information System of the WB Health Department. Yet, the unfortunate tragedy happened and pregnant women belonging to poor families who rely on State Healthcare have suffered grossly," Adhikari added. The LoP in West Bengal further alleged citing sources, that the Directors of the Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Ltd. have hundreds of bogus companies registered in their names. He also demanded a proper investigation into the matter by the Drugs Controller General of India and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. "Sources tell me that the Directors of the Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Ltd. have hundreds of bogus companies registered in their names. Despite such serious sanctions on their firm they have been allowed to supply substandard medicines to the State run Healthcare facilities in West Bengal," he said. He added, "A proper investigation should be launched by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (@CDSCO_INDIA_INF) to find out if this firm flourished by flouting any norms and if its nexus with the ruling party of WB has helped them gain access to the State run facilities." (ANI)
Udhampur police attached movable property worth lakhs belonging to notorious drug peddler namely Mohd. Hafiz from Poonch on Saturday. "As a part of its relentless effort against drug peddlers and smugglers, Udhampur Police has executed an attachment operation by Tikri Police Post resulting in the seizure of a car worth Rs 20 lakhs approximately owned by a drug peddler namely Mohd Hafiz son of Mohd. Hussain resident of Jhullas, Poonch," an official statement read. The drug peddler Mohd Hafiz is presently in Judicial custody under relevant sections of the NDPS Act of Police Station Rehambal and is also involved in multiple cases registered under the NDPS Act. The movable property (Car) was identified as illegally acquired property during the course of the investigation by Udhampur police. The property was, prima facie, acquired from illicit trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances by the drug peddler. Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called on all states to collaborate with the central government in the fight against the drug menace, vowing to eradicate it entirely from the nation and pledging that not a single kilogram of narcotics will either enter India or be smuggled out of the country. Shah's appeal came while addressing a regional conference on 'Drug Trafficking and National Security' in the national capital to address growing concern about drug trafficking and its impact on national security, with a special focus on eight states and Union Territories of northern India that included Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Shah said the conference for the northern states is called to take stock of the situation of drug trafficking and national security. For the last two years, Shah said, it has been a routine that in the regional conference, "we review our fight against drugs," discussions also take place and later the Home Ministry makes a new strategy on this basis and shares it with the states. (ANI)
The alleged incident occurred on Thursday, January 9.

As per the police, a few parents lodged a complaint on Saturday with the district administration demanding action on the matter.

Deputy Commissioner of Dhanbad Madhavi Mishra said that a committee including the District Education Officer (DEO), district welfare officer and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) has been constituted to enquire into the matter.

The official also assured that appropriate legal action will be taken in the matter.

"District administration has taken the matter very seriously. A committee including the district education officer, district welfare officer and SDPO has been constituted to enquire into the matter. Action will be taken based on the committee's findings. We will talk to the school administration, and at the same time, appropriate legal action will be taken. Such behaviour of any school will not be tolerated," the Deputy Commissioner said.

Further details are awaited in the case. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday conducted a field inspection of the works of the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project being operated in Karnaprayag, Sewai of Chamoli district. According to a release, the CM took detailed information from the officials of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited about the work being done at the railway station, infrastructure facilities and the progress of the project. During this, the Chief Minister met the workers playing an important role in the project and also inquired about their well-being. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the dream of reaching the mountains by rail is now being fulfilled. "Through the gift of Rishikesh Karnaprayag rail line, the PM has shown his special love for Uttarakhand and the thinking of developed India. This railway line will prove to be a milestone in the development of Uttarakhand," the CM said. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the PM on behalf of the people of Devbhoomi and said that the Prime Minister has given many gifts to the state of Uttarakhand in the field of infrastructure development. In which all types of facilities are included along with transportation in Uttarakhand with the construction of all-weather roads, air connectivity and rail lines. After the construction of the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line, all four Dhams of Uttarakhand will be connected with rail connectivity. "After the completion of the construction work of the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line, the people of the state will not only get the facility of traffic here but the pilgrims and tourists coming to Badrinath and Kedarnath will also get the full benefit of it," the CM said. CM Dhami also mentioned how this will also facilitate convenient travel in the winter. "Passengers will also get convenience in winter travel. This rail project will improve the future along with the present and will prove to be a milestone for the state, this rail project will improve the future along with the present and will prove to be a milestone for the state," the CM added. The Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project spans 125 km, according to rail project officials. It has 16 tunnels and 12 stations. The project is expected to be completed by December 2026. The railway station of Karnaprayag is being built in Sewai. The 6.3-kilometre escape tunnel from Bhattnagar to Sewai in Gauchar was broken through on 25 December, while the 6.2-kilometer main tunnel will be broken through in the coming March. 695 meters of work is remaining on the main tunnel, on which work is going on from both sides. Officials of the railway project said that the work of a road bridge and a rail bridge is also in progress under the project in Sewai. (ANI)
Congress Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the mine collapse in Assam's Dima Hasao district. As of now, the bodies of four workers have been recovered, while five others remain trapped underground in the flooded rat-hole mine. "I write to you with deep concern and a heavy heart regarding the tragic incident that occurred on January 6, 2025, at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Dima Hasao district, Assam, where at least 10 coal mine workers are believed to be trapped after water inundated the mine, causing a collapse and flooding the narrow tunnels. As of now, the ongoing rescue operations have entered the fifth consecutive day, but the fate of these miners remains uncertain," the Congress MP wrote in his letter. He pointed out that illegal mining in the region has been ongoing for years, with numerous similar accidents occurring in the past. "Illegal rat-hole mining continues to thrive in Assam, despite being banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014 and the subsequent retention of the ban in 2015. The report submitted in 2021 by the one-man judicial commission, led by Justice Brojendra Prasad Katakey, which was investigating allegations of illegal mining in Assam's Digboi forest division, has found that rat-hole mining is flourishing unchecked in the region," the letter reads. "The commission's findings indicate that these illegal mining activities are thriving due to a combination of insufficient law enforcement, corruption, and lack of accountability. The Union government too has acknowledged the continued existence of rat-hole mining in the Reserve Forests (RFs) and Proposed Reserve Forests (PRFs) of the Digboi Division, as revealed by data shared in the Lok Sabha in 2019," the letter added. Gogoi stated that the illegal mining in the region has caused multiple fatal accidents, exacerbated by the complicity of local authorities. He further noted negligence will continue to jeopardise workers' lives and harm the environment. "If left unchecked, this ongoing negligence will continue to jeopardise workers' lives and further harm the environment," he said in the letter. Citing the severity of the situation, Gogoi urged the Prime Minister to take immediate action and constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate this incident thoroughly. "The SIT should not only look into the illegal operation of the mine and identify those responsible for this tragedy, but it must also address the broader issues at play," he added. "This includes the failure to enforce the NGT's ban on rat-hole mining, the complicity of local authorities, including the district administration and district police have enabled these illegal activities to persist despite repeated accidents and warnings," Gogoi added. "The SIT should also examine safety standards and working conditions in these mines, which are consistently ignored, leading to deadly incidents. Furthermore, the investigation should expand its scope to identify and map out other illegal mining sites across Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and Upper Assam, areas where these activities continue unabated. Additionally, the investigation must address the environmental impact of such illegal mining operations and recommend necessary actions to curb the long-term damage to both human lives and the environment," the letter of Congress' MP reads. Meanwhile, Coal India will deploy a pump to assist in the rescue efforts of the trapped miner in the 3 Kilo Umrangso area in Dima Hasao district. (ANI)
Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state following the collapse of an under-construction lintel at Kannauj railway station on Saturday and called for maximum assistance to the victims. Akhilesh Yadav said, "The incident that took place in Kannauj is very sad. Safety should have been maintained during the construction which was neglected and this incident took place. We hope that all the labourers are safe. This is a case of both negligence and corruption on the part of the BJP. This is the first time we are seeing that when a contractor is allocated work then it is outsourced twice, and later people from BJP exert pressure that till they would not be benefitted the work will not progress." He further mentioned that as a result of this, the contractors have to compromise with the quality. "The contractors have to compromise with quality and there are inadequate safety measures. Quality has deteriorated as a result of such incidents are taking place. This is a failure from the government side. We demand that the government should ensure all the medical facilities and other facilities for all the victims. We demand to provide maximum aid to these workers," he added. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya assured that action would be taken against those found guilty. He said, "The government's instruction is that immediate relief and rescue work should be done there. The accident will be investigated and action will be taken against whoever is found guilty." A rescue operation was carried out with the assistance of a dog squad. Kanpur Commissioner K Vijayendra Pandian said, "Around 28 people have been rescued. They were admitted to the hospital. 15 people have been discharged. 6 people are seriously injured but out of danger. There are no head injuries. Some people have received fractures. They are under observation. We have done inspection by drone and manually. SDRF snipper dogs have been pressed into service. No casualties have been reported yet. The debris will be cleared in some time. 28 people have been identified." Uttar Pradesh Minister Rajni Tiwari has said that 24 people have been injured in the lintel collapse at Kannauj railway station and those responsible for negligence would be punished after an investigation. "A railway building was being constructed at Kannauj Railway station and a lintel was being applied when it collapsed and as per information received 24 people got injured. Some of them are grievously injured. Four of them are in the medical college and 20 in the district hospital. Teams are trying to find out if any more persons are trapped and the injured are being treated. An inquiry will be conducted and those guilty of negligence will be punished," the minister said. Northeast Railway CPRO Pankaj Kumar Singh said that a compensation of Rs 50,000 has been announced for the seriously injured. "We received information that during slab casting at Kannauj Railway Station, five workers have been injured and have been sent to the hospital. A compensation of Rs 50,000 has been announced for the seriously injured and Rs 5,000 for those who have suffered minor injuries. Ex-gratia will also be given. Railway and state government teams are present at the spot. Relief and rescue work is going on," he said. Uttar Pradesh Minister Asim Arun said that 23 people were rescued and 20 received minor injuries in the incident and are undergoing treatment. "Work was going on for the new terminal at Kannauj railway station, today the under-construction structure collapsed here. 23 people were rescued, 20 people received minor injuries, and they are undergoing treatment. 3 people are seriously injured and they have been referred to Lucknow. Some more people are feared to be trapped," he said. A senior Railways official said that Kannauj is among the stations selected under the Amrit Bharat Yojana - which provides for the development of railway stations. "An under-construction lintel has collapsed here. The administration immediately came into action and the officers and the local people also did the rescue work. Further investigation is underway," he said. (ANI)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mohinder Goyal on Saturday denied any involvement in the creation of fake Aadhaar cards and termed the allegations as "politically motivated". "They said that this is a matter of making (Aadhar) cards for Bangladeshis. Whereas nothing like this has been done from my side to date. This is only politically motivated. We neither do any wrong nor are we in favour of any wrongdoing... all this is politically motivated. And I think our local candidates have some hand in this," Goyal told ANI. Mohinder Goyal represents the Delhi's Rithala Assembly constituency. This comes after Delhi Police issued a notice to the AAP MLA and his office staff to join the investigation in a case involving fake Aadhaar card documents, in which several Bangladeshis were arrested, and fake Aadhaar cards were recovered during the investigation, according to Delhi Police sources. However, AAP MLA Mohinder Goyal said that he has not received any notice yet. "I have come to know that two officials of Delhi Police came to my house to give me a notice around 5 pm," he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party over the issue of alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators and accused the AAP government of garnering the support of 'anti-national' forces to win the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi. BJP National Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said that a probe into fake voter registrations in the national capital has revealed that votes of Bangladeshi infiltrators were being added using fake Aadhar cards. He further alleged the involvement of two AAP MLAs--Mohinder Goyal and Jai Bhagwan Upkar--of being involved in the "conspiracy." "After the scandals involving alcohol and health fraud, a new and dangerous tendency of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is emerging. Investigation into fake votes in Delhi has revealed that votes of Bangladeshi infiltrators are being made by making fake Aadhar cards and signatures of two AAP MLAs--Mohinder Goyal and Jai Bhagwan Upkar have been found in this conspiracy... AAP is taking support from anti-national forces...What is the secret of Arvind Kejriwal's love for anti-national forces?" Trivedi said. The issue of Bangladeshi infiltrators has been taking centre stage ahead of the assembly polls, with the BJP alleging AAP of 'illegally' settling Bangladeshi nationals in Delhi. The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17. The date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20. A three-way contest is on the cards in Delhi as the incumbent AAP vying for a record fourth term is being challenged by both BJP and Congress. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Smriti Irani on Friday addressed the launch event of "Her Skill, Her Future: Empowering 100,000 Widows," an initiative with contributions from the Loomba Foundation aimed at supporting widows by providing them with skills and resources to build sustainable livelihoods. During her speech, Irani stressed that women are not victims, either of circumstances or challenges, but have the capacity to overcome adversity. She also highlighted the significance of various international days, including the International Day of Non-Violence, the International Day of Yoga, and the International Day of Widows and acknowledged the contributions of Lord Loomba for the establishment of the International Day of Widows. Irani emphasised the importance of these days in promoting human potential, justice, and non-violence. "United Nations celebrates three international days, one being the International Day of Non-Violence, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi; one the International Day of Yoga, courtesy of the leadership of Prime Minister Modi; and a day dedicated to widows the world over, courtesy of Lord Loomba... All these three days celebrate human potential, our capacity to ensure justice and a non-violent way of life... A woman is anything but a victim, either of circumstances or her own inabilities to meet certain challenges," the BJP leader said. Irani, who also serves as the Vice President of The Loomba Foundation, expressed her pride in contributing to this initiative alongside the President of the foundation, Cherie Blair. The initiative aims to foster economic independence and social equity for widows across different communities. Founded in 1997, The Loomba Foundation was initially known in the UK to care for widows and their children and to change the culture that discriminates against them. Till now, the Loomba Foundation has empowered more than 20,000 impoverished widows in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Syria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, Rwanda, Chile and Guatemala. In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the project to empower 5,000 widows in his constituency of Varanasi. (ANI)
Leaders, diplomats and foreign ministers expressed great pleasure and support on the concluding day of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Bhubaneswar, noting the optimism for future collaborations and development among the participants there. The three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which began on January 8, concluded on Friday. The flagship event, organised by the Government of India in partnership with the Odisha government, focused on the theme 'Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.' Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha KV Singh Deo highlighted the enthusiasm of the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) attending the convention. He mentioned their interest in bringing investments to Odisha, particularly in the energy, agriculture, tourism, and mining sectors. "The three-day convention of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is concluding today and if you have seen the enthusiasm of the NRIs who came to the convention and the smile on their faces... they were telling how eager they are to bring investments to Odisha. I am confident that in the coming days, investments will come here; energy, agriculture, and the tourism and mining sectors will develop," he said. Mahendra Gondeea, Minister of Arts and Culture, Government of Mauritius, spoke about his participation, saying, "It is a great pleasure for me to be here...I am the newly inducted minister and leading the delegation here. In the next PBD, we will try to bring more and more people here." Vanisha Dhiru, representing UNESCO in New Zealand, shared her thoughts on the importance of the Indian diaspora maintaining strong ties to both their home countries and India. "It is important for all Indian diaspora to belong to the country they are from but also have strong roots to India and understand the values of Hinduism, of Sikhism, of Muslims... I'm very privileged to be part of PBD 2025," she stated. Ritu Karidhal, senior scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), expressed her appreciation for the contributions of the women in the diaspora, noting their alignment with India's vision of development. "I am overwhelmed seeing the contribution made by mainly the women diaspora there, how they are aligning it to our vision of Viksit Bharat. So, it was amazing and we had a very interesting discussion... I am very happy connecting to the women diaspora," she said. Over 50 countries were represented by members of the Indian diaspora, who shared insights on leadership, innovation, and cultural integration. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas brought together leaders and dignitaries from around the world to share insights and experiences that underscored resilience, cultural integration, and innovative contributions to society. The event aimed to highlight the contributions of the diaspora toward India's development, encouraging them to be a part of the country's progress. (ANI)
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term on Friday, following a controversial election in which his opponent, Edmundo Gonzalez, accused him of voter fraud and declared himself the legitimate winner, as reported by Al Jazeera. Maduro begins his new term despite international pressure and sanctions led by the US, which has recognised Gonzalez as the legitimate winner of the July election. "May this new presidential term bring peace, prosperity, equality, and a new democracy," Maduro stated during the swearing ceremony, affirming his commitment to uphold the country's laws. "I swear on history, on my life, and I will fulfil my mandate," he said as quoted by Al Jazeera. According to Al Jazeera, Maduro's inauguration came a day after opposition leader Maria Corina Machado led a protest against his government. Machado's team claimed she was briefly detained during the demonstration. After her release, Machado expressed on social media her continued resolve to challenge Maduro's rule. Maduro, who rose to power following left-wing leader Hugo Chavez's death in 2013, has faced criticism for authoritarianism and for navigating Venezuela through economic and political crises. In 2018, he also faced a contested election, with key opposition figures barred from participating. After that election, opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself president, and several Western nations, including the US, recognised him as such, Al Jazeera reported. Following Guaido's claim, the US imposed additional sanctions on Venezuela, which deepened its economic struggles. Venezuela has seen nearly 7.7 million citizens flee the country, many citing political repression and economic instability as their reasons. The July election gave the opposition hopes of peacefully unseating Maduro, but he quickly declared victory, claiming 51 per cent of the vote. Venezuelan electoral authorities sided with Maduro, though they did not provide the usual breakdown of voting results, which sparked criticism about transparency. The opposition released its own tally sheets, claiming Gonzalez won by a large margin. As per Al Jazeera, some left-wing leaders in South America also questioned the election results, and protests broke out following the announcement of Maduro's victory. However, a government crackdown resulted in 2,000 arrests and 25 deaths during the post-election demonstrations. The opposition continued to pressure Maduro's government, calling for protests in the days leading up to the inauguration. While a few hundred demonstrators joined Machado on Thursday, the turnout was smaller than in the post-election protests. Maduro's government accused the opposition of plotting with foreign powers to overthrow him and issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez, who fled the country and sought asylum in Spain. Gonzalez, a former diplomat, visited the US earlier this week and met US President Joe Biden to discuss concerns about Maduro's actions. The White House expressed deep concerns about Maduro's repression of peaceful protests and democracy activists. According to Al Jazeera, the US also referred to Gonzalez as Venezuela's "president-elect" and condemned Maduro's inauguration as a "desperate attempt to seize power." In response, the US raised its reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest from USD 15 million to USD 25 million. Additionally, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on eight of Maduro's allies, including Hector Andres Obregon, the president of the state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela. (ANI)
Brazil's federal government issued an extrajudicial notice to Meta on Thursday (local time), demanding clarification on its practices for fact-checking to address hate speech and disinformation on its platforms, as reported by Anadolu News Agency. According to Anadolu News Agency, the Attorney General's Office in Brazil gave Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, 72 hours to explain its decision to discontinue its data verification program earlier this week. "Brazil has strict legislation to protect children and adolescents, vulnerable populations, and the business environment, and we will not allow these networks to turn the environment into digital carnage or barbarism," the government stated as quoted by Anadolu News Agency, citing a release. The notice also called for the removal of a manipulated video posted on Thursday that falsely attributed remarks to Brazil's Finance Minister, Fernando Haddad, regarding a proposed tax on pets and prenatal animals. The video, generated through Artificial Intelligence (AI), was flagged for spreading misleading information. "The post, manipulated through artificial intelligence, contains fraudulent information and attributes to the minister statements that never existed," the notice added as quoted by Anadolu News Agency. This week, Meta announced it would replace its traditional fact-checking method with a "community notes" feature, similar to that used by X (formerly Twitter). "In light of the changes announced in Meta's policy, it is essential to emphasise the company's need to promote and protect fundamental rights in accordance with infra-constitutional legislation and the 1988 Constitution," the Attorney General's Office stated as quoted by Anadolu News Agency. This action is part of broader efforts by the Brazilian government to hold social media platforms accountable for spreading disinformation and harmful content. Brazilian authorities have previously pursued legal action against platforms like TikTok and X, leading to temporary service suspensions in the country. (ANI)
Police in Bangladesh on Friday arrested the main accused, Md Subaj Hossain, in connection with the murder of a 60-year-old Hindu man, Tarun Chandra Das in the northern Natore district. Das's body was found tied up and strangled at a cremation ground from Bara Harishpur cremation ground in Natore district on December 21, police said in a statement. At the time of recovery, the body's hands and feet were tied with rope and the face was tied with a cloth, the statement added. "Initially, it is believed that the victim Tarun Kumar Das tried to scream when he saw the thieves while the unidentified thieves were stealing from the Bhogar inside the cremation ghat and the thieves tied his hands and feet and strangled him to death," the statement said. "It is initially known that some Kasar plates were stolen from the Bhoghar of the crematorium. It may be noted that the victim was mentally ill for a long time and was staying at the said crematorium for quite some time," the statement added. According to the police, Hossain confessed to the crime, stating that he killed Das with the help of his accomplices while stealing from the crematorium. The police are investigating the matter further. In a statement late Friday, the police said, "On January 9, the Natore police arrested the main accused Md Subaj Hossain (24) from Chittagong in connection with the incident. The accused gave a confessional statement to the court that he killed the victim with the help of his co-accused Hasan Mondal, Sajib Hasan, Tota, Talha and Al-Mutakabbir," the statement said. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday called India's allegation of the "mistreatment of Indian fishermen" as "baseless and fabricated." The Bangladeshi MOFA said that the allegations undermine the spirit of trust between the two countries. "Bangladesh expresses its utter dismay and deep disappointment over the unfounded remarks and fabricated allegations of ill-treatment including physical abuses of the detained Indian fishermen by the Bangladesh authorities. Bangladesh firmly rejects such unfounded allegations which undermines the spirit of trust, goodwill and mutual respect between Bangladesh and India. Concerned authorities of Bangladesh have confirmed that, under no circumstances, were the detained fishermen physically abused. The matter was thoroughly investigated and it was found that no such ill-treatment or incident of physical abuse happened," the statement said. (ANI)
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Friday that the Biden administration coerced Facebook into censoring content around COVID-19 vaccines. Zuckerberg made the statement at the Joe Rogan Podcast. During the interview spanning several topics, Zuckerberg spoke about the issue of government censorship and noted, "This hit the most extreme. I'd say it was during the Biden Administration when they were trying to roll out the vaccine program. Now I'm generally pretty pro rolling out vaccines, I think on balance the vaccines are more positive than negative but I think that while they're trying to push that program they also tried to censor anyone who was arguing against it". "They pushed us super hard to take down things that were honestly true. I mean, they basically pushed us and said, 'You know anything that says that vaccines might have side effects, you need to take down' and I was just like well we're not going to do that'", Zuckerberg added. He said that people in the Biden Administration told him "to take down things that talk about vaccine side effects". Referring to the investigation and committee set up to look into the government censorship, Mark Zuckerberg said, "We produced all these documents and it's all in the public domain. I mean these people from the Biden administration would call up our team and scream at them and curse". Zuckerberg further added, "It just got to this point where we were like, no, we're not gonna take down true things. That's ridiculous. They want us to take down this meme of Leonardo DiCaprio looking at a TV talking about how 10 years from now or something, you're going to see an ad that says, okay, if you took a COVID vaccine, you're eligible for this kind of payment, this sort of like class action lawsuit type meme. And they're like, no, you have to take that down. We said, no, we're not going to take down humour and satire. We're not going to take down true things. And then at some point, I guess, I don't know, it flipped a bit. I mean, Biden gave some statement at some point, I don't know if it was a press conference or to some journalists where he was like, these guys are killing people. And, and, I don't know, then like all these different agencies and branches of government just like started investigating coming after our company. It was, it was brutal. It was brutal." In his attempt to further democratise Facebook to ensure freedom online, Zuckerberg announced earlier that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, was closing its censor-susceptible fact-checking shop in the US and replacing it with a user-fueled "Community Notes" system like that used by X, the New York Post noted. (ANI)
Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is set to visit India on January 15, marking a significant milestone in the 60th year of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Diplomatic sources told ANI that this visit is expected to take India-Singapore relations to new heights, with a focus on non-traditional areas of cooperation such as energy, industrial parks, and skills. India-Singapore ties are expected to reach a new high this year as it is the sixtieth year of diplomatic ties between the two countries. A series of events and engagements are lined up to mark this special year. Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will visit New Delhi on January 15. Later this year, Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong is also expected to visit India and the next round of the India-Singapore ministerial roundtable is also slated to take place a few months later. The relationship got a major boost last year after the India-Singapore ministerial roundtable, followed by Prime Minister Modi's visit to Singapore last year, according to diplomatic sources. Earlier during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Singapore in 2015, the India-Singapore relationship was upgraded to a strategic level partnership. After Prime Minister Modi visited Singapore in September 2024, the Indian High Commission in Singapore noted that India-Singapore relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Singapore is the second country after Australia to share this level of relationship. Diplomatic sources told ANI that Singapore wants to mark the upgrading of the relationship with a series of high-level visits and increased cooperation. India and Singapore will also be unveiling the logo for the 60th year of diplomatic ties soon. During President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's visit, Singapore will also confer the highest honour of citizenship to the former director of the Confederation of Indian Industries Tarun Dass. This honour was earlier bestowed upon the late Ratan Tata. During the President's visit, the focus will be on non-traditional areas of cooperation such as semiconductors, energy, industrial parks, and skills. According to diplomatic sources, two pacts related to semiconductors and skill development are also in the pipeline. Apart from meeting Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu, the Singaporean President will also meet top economists and academics and top NITI AAYOG officials. Southern states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have remained the main attractions for investments from Singapore. Diplomatic sources told ANI that Singapore is looking to diversify its investments into new states, with Odisha being a key focus area. The President will visit Odisha and hold talks with the Chief Minister to explore new avenues of cooperation. With this view, Singapore's President will be visiting Odisha during his visit to India and explore new avenues of cooperation. He will also hold talks with Odisha's Chief Minister. Diplomatic sources told ANI that with the Indian government's focus on diversifying areas of investments, Singapore is also looking out for new engines of growth. Talks on improved connectivity will also be held during the visit. The Singaporean President is also expected to tour the World Skills Centre in Bhubaneshwar. Notably, the centre was developed with the help of Singapore. He is also likely to tour the vaccine manufacturer, Bharat Biotech and UNESCO sites, the diplomatic sources said. India wants to have a first-mover advantage and Singapore will be making significant investments in India's northeast via Assam, with already fresh fruits from the state being exported to Singapore via cargo flight. Singapore will be working very closely with the Tata group for semiconductors, sources further added. Notably, last year India and Singapore signed a pact on a semiconductor ecosystem partnership. Interestingly, Singapore is one of the biggest contributors of foreign direct investment to India. Last year, Singapore invested USD 12 billion and this year it is expected to exceed further, the diplomatic sources told ANI. (ANI)
US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held discussions on Friday to reaffirm the United States' support for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression. The conversations also highlighted a new US sanctions package targeting Russia's energy sector. The White House in a readout of Biden's call with Zelenskyy said, "President Joseph Biden spoke today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to discuss US support for Ukraine in its courageous defence against Russian aggression. President Biden updated President Zelenskyy on US efforts to surge support to Ukraine and strengthen its position vis-a-vis Russia. Today, the United States announced a comprehensive sanctions package against the Russian energy sector, which builds upon the unprecedented sanctions regime that the United States has put in place against the Russian economy since 2022." Biden also asserted that support of the US is crucial for Ukraine in its fight for "freedom." Sharing a post on X, Biden wrote, "I spoke with President Zelenskyy today to update him on the United States' surge of support to Ukraine. Continuing this support for Ukraine is important in its fight for freedom, so that the Ukrainian people can secure the just and lasting peace they deserve." President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the US' support and thanked the political parties and the Chambers of Congress for "supporting just pressure on Russia for its unprovoked and brutal aggression." In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "I thanked him for the unwavering support of Ukraine's independence and for the vital role the United States has played in uniting the international community. We discussed the details of the new US sanctions package targeting Russia's energy sector, which helps Putin bankroll the war. It is significant that these sanctions now strike at Russia's shadow tanker fleet and key companies such as Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, which funnel funds directly to Putin. He must feel the cost of his war by seeing it directly impact his own pockets. I am grateful to the United States, both political parties, and both chambers of Congress for supporting this just pressure on Russia for its unprovoked and brutal aggression." He added, "We also discussed the battlefield situation and the ongoing need to strengthen our air defences to protect lives in Ukrainian cities and villages from Russian terror--daily missile and drone attacks. The "Patriots" in Ukrainian hands have proven their effectiveness, and we must continue to enhance this capacity." (ANI)
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee brought to attention the escalating cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, highlighting the recent incident of security forces abducting local shopkeepers in Khuzdar. In a post on X, BYC said, "After the Incident in Zehri tehsil of Khuzdar, the security forces have forcibly abducted three local shopkeepers with their whereabouts unknown." It noted that fearing for their safety, the victim families and local community had organized a protest sit-in in front of the Levies Thana Zehri. The post noted that the identities of all the disappeared are not confirmed because of the total shutdown of communication lines halting access to information of the ground situation. "Reports are that one of the shopkeepers has been released while others are still missing. In another tragic incident, the security forces during search operation in Zehri, a youth named Siraj Ahmed son of Nazir Pandrani was shot dead without any reason. Baloch Yakjehti Committee urges the Baloch nation to raise voice and resist against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The collective agony must be turned into collective resistance." https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1877735606241132599 Amid the continuous rise in cases of Baloch people facing brutality, barbaroity and violence at the hands of Pakistan, leading Baloch human rights activist and organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), Mahrang Baloch gave a call on Thursday for a national gathering to be held at Dalbandin on January 25 to highlight the plight of Baloch people. "Over the past several years, they have developed a systematic plan to assert their illegal power and ruthlessly exploit the resources of Baloch land, under which continuing the genocide of the Baloch nation is a key part of their plan", she added. Mahrang Baloch explained that January 25 marks the 2014 discovery of over 100 mutilated bodies in the Tootak region of Balochistan. She said that these remains belonged to Baloch individuals forcibly disappeared by Pakistani military and intelligence agencies. (ANI)
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed willingness to extend the deadline for talks with the government beyond the January 31 deadline, Dawn reported. Earlier in December, the PTI leadership announced the ultimatum following a meeting with the imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan. So far, the committees established by the PTI and the government have held two rounds of dialogue, according to Dawn report. The first meeting between the government and the PTI took place on December 23 while the second took place on January 2. The PTI has demanded the release of Khan and other party leaders who have been kept in prison and a judicial probe into May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024 protests. The dialogue between two sides apparently hit a snag since the last meeting on January 2, with reports that both sides could not see eye to eye on the modalities of the talks, with PTI demanding "unmonitored" access to Khan in prison becoming a new subject of disagreement. As the deadline given by Imran Khan-founded party was 20 days away, there were fears that dialogue would break down. However, PTI leader Shibli Faraz said talks could take place after January 31 and it was "not a big deal." He made these remarks while speaking on DawnNewsTV programme Dusra Rukh. In his remarks on the programme aired on Friday, Faraz said, "The deadline is still 20 days away, and by that time, it would become clearer which way the dialogues are headed," Dawn reported. He noted that a few days extension in the deadline won't be much of an issue in case of "positive developments" in talks. Earlier this week, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has said that the party will engage in the third round of talks with the government, The Express Tribune reported. Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Gohar Khan said that PTI founder Imran Khan has asked the party to present their demands in writing to the government. He said Imran Khan had allowed the PTI to hold talks with the government even if they could not meet him directly. Gohar Khan said that PTI will reassess the situation if the negotiation committee is not allowed to meet Imran Khan in the future. He expressed PTI's commitment to engage in talks and said that the party would ensure that their demands were clearly conveyed, according to The Express Tribune report. He further mentioned that PTI has two primary demands, which do not need to be presented in writing. He stated that PTI does not want these demands to be used as leverage for any deal. He reiterated that there is no ongoing deal as both PTI and Imran Khan have rejected such suggestions, making it clear that the discussions are not linked to any deal-making. The PTI chairman stressed that Imran Khan-founded party is open to hold talks with the government for the benefit of the nation. He said the discussions will be focused on the establishment of a commission and the release of PTI workers. (ANI)
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Friday approved the bail of 153 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers who were arrested on November 26 when law enforcement agencies conducted a crackdown on protesters at D-Chowk in Islamabad, Dawn reported. During the hearing presided over by ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Mohammad Zulqarnain on Friday, the petitions of 177 PTI workers were heard. Subsequently, 153 PTI workers were granted bail while the court rejected the bail pleas of 24 workers. PTI workers were represented by lawyers: Ansar Kayani, Sardar Masroof Khan, Mirza Aslam Baig, Fataullah Burki, and Murtaza Turi. Of the 48 workers whose cases were lodged at the Karachi Company Police Station, the court granted bail to 43 workers while the case of five were dismissed, according to Dawn report. The cases of seven PTI workers were lodged at the Tarnol Police Station, of which two were given bail while the cases of five were rejected. 10 cases were lodged at the I-9 Police Station, of which bail of nine workers was approved and the case of one was rejected. Case no 1033 was lodged at the Kohsar Police Station and 28 of the arrested were issued bail while the applications of five were rejected. The bail of all 25 workers whose cases were lodged at the Secretariat Police Station was approved. Of the 45 cases lodged at the Margalla Police Station, 42 workers were issued bail while the applications of three were rejected. The bail of one PTI worker registered in Kohsar Police Station was accepted. PTI workers were granted bail against Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 5,000 surety bonds, Dawn reported. On January 3, an Islamabad ATC approved post-arrest bail of 250 PTI arrested on November 26. In January 192 PTI workers, who were detained in Jhelum district jail, were released after ATC accepted their bail petitions in Islamabad. Earlier on November 13, Imran Khan called for nationwide protests on November 24, demanding the restoration of PTI's electoral mandate the release of incarcerated party members and the reversal of the 26th Amendment which he said had strengthened a "dictatorial regime". Several PTI workers were arrested in the crackdown while multiple cases were registered against the party leadership. According to the Islambad's police chief, over 1,400 suspects had been arrested by the Islamabad and Rawalpindi police. Human rights organisation Amnesty International has called for a transparent probe into the state's "deadly crackdown" to disperse PTI supporters from D-Chowk. (ANI)
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly announced her decision not to run for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, citing the need to focus on addressing international challenges, including economic pressures and tariff threats from the President-elect of the US, Donald Trump. Her announcement follows Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's declaration on Monday that he would resign as leader of the Liberal Party and as Prime Minister as soon as a new candidate is found for the post. He also said that the Canadian Parliament would be prorogued or suspended until March 24. Sharing a letter on X, Joly wrote, "Over the past week, I have spoken with dozens of friends, colleagues and close advisors; many of whom have encouraged me to run for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. While I know I am ready to become the first woman to lead the Liberal Party of Canada, I must also recognise that the current international situation, especially the unjustified threat of tariffs and other economic pressures from the President-elect of the United States, requires a firm and urgent response. This is happening now." The letter added, "As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I must dedicate every minute of my time and all my energy to defending the interests of Canadians. Which is exactly what I am doing and will continue to do." Meanwhile, Canada is preparing to retaliate with an exhaustive list of tariffs on American goods if President-elect Donald Trump follows through with his plans to add a steep 25 per cent import tax on Canadian goods, people familiar with the matter told CNN. Canadian officials are working on a list of dozens of American products that the United States exports to Canada, targeting items that both send a political message and inflict a reasonable amount of economic damage, two sources said. According to CNN, Canada is the United States' largest trading partner. The United States imported USD 419 billion worth of Canadian goods in 2023. Canada is also the largest source of foreign oil into the United States. (ANI)
A survey by the US think tank Council on Foreign Relations, released on January 7 for the fifth consecutive year, found a "moderate" likelihood of a cross-strait conflict in 2025 that could have a "high" impact on US interests, according to a report by Focus Taiwan. The report, published by the Center for Preventive Action (CPA) of the US think tank, identified "increased military and economic pressure by China on Taiwan" as one of the "top conflicts to watch in 2025." It classified the potential conflict as a "Tier I (High Priority)" concern. In its report, the CPA said, "Intensified military and economic pressure by China toward Taiwan precipitate a severe cross-strait crisis involving the United States and other countries in the region. A highly disruptive cyberattack on US critical infrastructure by a state or nonstate entity." It added, "Aggressive Chinese actions in the South China Sea, especially toward the Philippines, lead to an armed confrontation involving China, the United States, and US allies. Heightened political antagonism in the United States resulting from the reelection of Donald Trump leads to acts of domestic terrorism and political violence." Meanwhile, "Increase in militant activity and popular unrest in Pakistan, leading to growing political instability and escalating clashes with the Taliban in Afghanistan" is listed in Tier II under moderate likelihood; moderate impact The report, titled "Preventive Priorities Survey 2025," is based on 680 survey responses from foreign policy experts collected in November 2024 and "evaluates ongoing and potential conflicts based on their likelihood of occurring in the coming year and their impact on U.S. interests," Focus Taiwan reported. The Taiwan-China issue is a complex and longstanding geopolitical conflict centred on Taiwan's sovereignty. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), operates its own government, military, and economy, functioning as a de facto independent state. However, China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists on the "One China" policy, which asserts that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital. This has fuelled decades of tension, especially since the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Beijing has consistently expressed its goal of reunification with Taiwan, using diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally. Meanwhile, Taiwan, supported by a significant portion of its population, continues to maintain its independence. (ANI)
A majority of the judges on the US Supreme Court on Friday seemed inclined to uphold a federal law that would impose a ban on the video-sharing app TikTok in the US after January 19 if the Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance divests from the platform, ABC News reported. TikTok vs Garland is the legal case that pits the social media platform against all three branches of the US government, which have a similar view that the app poses a serious risk to national security. During arguments, concerns regarding intelligence threats posed by China and potential future weaponization of the app appeared to override concerns about potential restrictions on free speech rights. During the hearing, "Are we supposed to ignore the fact that the ultimate parent of TikTok is doing intelligence work?" Chief Justice John Roberts asked the company's attorney, Noel Francisco, according to the ABC News report. Justice Brett Kavanaugh stated that concerns regarding foreign data collection on Americans were "very strong" and that there are legitimate fears the data could be used to "turn spies or blackmail people" in the future. Justice Amy Coney Barrett appeared skeptical of the argument that law was silencing people of the US. Barrett said, "The law doesn't say 'shut down' [TikTok]," Barrett said. "It says ByteDance must divest. If it did that we wouldn't be here." Justice Samuel Alito said that the ban's consequences might not be drastic or necessarily long-lived. Alito stated, "If TikTok went dark," and asked, "is there reason to doubt some other media company won't jump in?" Justice Elena Kagan stated that constitutional protections for free speech were not applicable overseas. She said, "The law is only targeted at this foreign corporation that doesn't have First Amendment rights." Lawyers who represented company and a group of TikTok creators said that the government could have created a law less restrictive on the speech of users by outlawing retention or transfer of data to a foreign power, ABC News reported. Francisco said, "We're not disputing the risks," and added, "we're disputing the means" the government took to stop it. Jeffrey Fisher, the attorney for the creators, said that the law was against history and tradition and the right to work with foreign speakers. Justice Neil Gorsuch was the most sympathetic on the bench to the free speech arguments presented by the lawyers representing the company, suggesting that the law is "paternalistic" and "the best remedy for problematic speech is counter-speech." Francisco created a stark picture of what happens if the ban takes effect. US administration Solicitor General Elizabeth Preloger said that scenario could bring a "jolt" to ByteDance to finally divest, although the company stresses divestiture is impossible considering the global nature of the app. Prelogar admitted that "millions of Americans enjoy expressing themselves" on the app. However, she stressed that "the important thing to recognize is that the act leaves all of that speech unrestricted once TikTok is freed from foreign adversary control," as per the ABC News report. Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump, who had previously signed an executive order to impose a ban on the app has recently said that he wants to "save" it. The justices discussed the possibility of giving Trump administration some time to try one last time to work out a deal. Attorneys for two sides agreed that the Supreme Court could issue an immediate, temporary administrative stay of the ban -- buying time for them to work on making a careful opinion while also giving Trump administration a chance to work out a deal. According to legal analysts, its likely the Supreme Court will weigh in within the next week, ABC News reported. In April last year, the US Congress passed the law with large bipartisan majorities to target foreign adversary-owned platforms that gathered data on individual Americans and shared propaganda or disinformation. US President Joe Biden signed it and lower federal courts have upheld it. ByteDance, which owns TikTok and is headquartered in China, has claimed no malign activity in the US and has stressed the law breaches free speech rights of the 170 million Americans who it said use the app every month. If the ban is implemented, it would become unlawful for app stores run by US companies like Apple and Google to offer TikTok downloads or updates with new features or technical fixes. Over a dozen countries, including India, Canada, Australia, and Taiwan, have already blocked or restricted TikTok. Earlier in 2023, the Biden administration banned the use of TikTok on any federal devices. (ANI)
Police have launched an investigation after offensive graffiti was spray-painted on a synagogue and a house in Australia's Sydney, ABC News reported. Police received information on Saturday at about 7:30 am (local time) after graffiti was spray-painted on a synagogue on Georgina Street, Newtown in Sydney. Several red swastikas were painted along the front fence of the synagogue. The NSW Police has released pictures which show two people, one on a bike, wearing light-coloured shoes, black hoodies and dark clothes outside the building. Earlier on Friday, the Allawah synagogue in southern Sydney was vandalised with several swastikas spray-painted onto exterior walls in what police have termed an "offensive" graffiti, ABC News reported. On Saturday, officers arrived at a house on Henry Street, Queens Park in Sydney, after it was informed that an anti-Semitic slur had been spray-painted on the front of the property. The words "F*** Jews" were sprayed outside of the home. It is the second such incident on the street this week. Earlier on Monday, the same phrase was scrawled on the side of a car. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident and said, "anti-Semitism is a scourge." Police have started an investigation into each of the incidents. A police investigation has also started into offensive words written on a poster on Marrickville Road in Marrickville. NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip said the targeting of synagogues should "sicken us all." He said, "No one should think that these are just acts of vandalism." He stated, "These hate-filled cretins need to know that they will not succeed." On Saturday, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced a USD 340,000 grant to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies to contribute towards increased temporary security steps, ABC News reported. In his remarks on the graffiti, he said that "these acts designed to intimidate and divide will not work". Minns said, "These people are determined to divide our community in two. We will always call out these acts for what they are -- monstrous and appalling." Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich called the incidents "terrorism against our Jewish community." He said, "When Nazi symbols appear once, it's horrifying. When they appear twice in rapid succession, it's a crisis demanding immediate action." (ANI)
This harsh sentence is part of a broader crackdown on religious expression in Xinjiang, where Uyghurs are increasingly penalized for practising their faith. Rozi's sons also received prison sentences - 10 years for one and 7 years for the other - for participating in what authorities called "illegal religious education" from their mother.

A neighbour, Yakup Hidayet, who received religious instruction from Rozi, was sentenced to 9 years in prison.

According to Radio Free Asia, Rozi, a resident of Saybagh village in Kashgar's Konasheher county, was convicted of providing religious lessons. A local police officer overseeing her case stated that these activities were deemed illegal under China's strict regulations targeting religious education.

Critics argue that these measures are an attack on the fundamental religious rights of the Uyghur population, rather than a legitimate effort to combat separatism, terrorism, and extremism.

The Chinese government's policies have sparked widespread international condemnation, with human rights advocates urging an end to the repression of Uyghur culture and religion.

According to RFA, this case is not isolated. Numerous reports, including leaked Chinese government documents, testimonies from former detainees, and data from Uyghur rights organizations, indicate that Uyghurs are routinely punished for engaging in religious activities. The government's policies have drawn widespread international condemnation, with human rights advocates calling for an end to the repression of Uyghur culture and religion in the region.

Recently, the UK Parliament's House of Lords held a pivotal event addressing the ongoing genocide and human rights abuses against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Turkic groups in East Turkistan, a region that China calls the "Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region." (ANI)
Doha [Qatar], January 11 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, held talks today in Doha with Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East, on the latest developments in the region. The discussions focused on efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, according to Qatar News Agency. (ANI/WAM)
Incarcerated former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke to lawyers and media inside Adiala Jail and gave a call for transparent investigation, and formation of a judicial commission on November 26 and May 9 violence cases in Pakistan. He also directed the lawyers to raise the issue of violence and torture against Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf (PTI) party members at international forums and mentioned the country's dwindling economy among other pressing issues. Speaking about the negotiation talks ongoing in Pakistan, Khan said, "The lack of seriousness regarding the negotiations can be gauged from the fact that I was not even invited to a meeting with the negotiating committee - it seems as if the purpose of the negotiations is simply to waste time in order to reduce the public reaction to the November 26 Islamabad massacre." "On November 26, peaceful citizens were massacred, they were shot dead in D-Chowk and bloodied, many of our people are still missing. In any civilized society, after such an incident, the shooters would have met their end, but this government has not yet been able to form a judicial commission. The judicial commission has the status of a third umpire and only an impartial commission can bring justice to the martyrs of November 26 and May 9", Khan added. Khan gave a call for a "transparent investigation" into both these incidents. "Our innocent people who were in military custody were subjected to the most severe mental and physical torture... We could not get justice despite repeatedly approaching the Pakistani justice system, after which we were left with no option but to raise our voices at international forums. The government of Pakistan is bound by international laws and treaties regarding human rights. I have directed the lawyers to raise these issues at international forums and to make their voice heard to the world about the ongoing human rights violations in Pakistan", Imran Khan said. Quoting a recent report by the World Bank, Khan said, "Another 13 million people have gone below the poverty line. Every institution including the judiciary, NAB, FIA, police, etc. has been put behind the PTI, due to which the country's political and economic system is in disarray and instability is on the rise. As long as political instability persists, the growth rate will be zero. All this has been done to strengthen the ten-year dictatorship plan. Whoever supports this lawlessness is forgiven for stealing billions." https://x.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1877693838908916019 As per Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaaf, Imran Khan has been in jail for over 520 days now. (ANI)
Police in Bangladesh have reported on communal attacks and claims since August 2024, Chief Adviser's Press Wing said in a statement on Saturday. "The Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Unity Council has claimed that a total of 1,769 communal attacks and acts of vandalism took place against minorities in Bangladesh. The Council said those attacks, acts of vandalism, and incidents of looting included 2,010 incidents on the lives, properties, and places of worship of the minority community," the statement said. "Bangladesh police have collected the list of allegations prepared by the Council. Police have communicated with the persons and authorities claimed to have been the targets of the violence. The police have also visited all and every place, establishment, and person mentioned in the report of the Council", it added. "All aggrieved persons have been requested to lodge complaints with the police. Proper security of the aggrieved people has been ensured. Regular cases, general diaries, and other appropriate lawful measures have been taken according to the findings of the investigations", it said. "Of the 1,769 allegations, police have so far registered 62 cases on the merits of the claims. At least 35 culprits have been arrested based on the findings of the investigations", the statement said. "It was found that in the majority of the cases, the attacks were not communally motivated--rather, those were political in nature", it said. "The police investigation revealed that 1,234 incidents were political in nature and 20 incidents were communal. At least 161 claims were found to be false or untrue", it said. According to the claims of the Council, 1,452 incidents--or 82.8 per cent of total claims--took place on August 5, 2024, when Hasina was ousted from power. At least 65 incidents took place on August 4 and 70 incidents on August 6, according to the Council--a copy of which has been obtained by police. "Apart from the Council claims, police have also received 134 allegations of communal violence from August 5 through January 8, 2025. Police responded to all those complaints with utmost importance. At least 53 cases have been filed over those complaints. A total of 65 offenders have been arrested in these cases", the statement said. "In all, since August 4, a total of 115 cases have been registered over complaints of communal attacks. And at least 100 people have been arrested over the cases", the statement said. "The Interim Government has a zero-tolerance policy towards any communal attacks in the country. Police have been ordered to arrest the culprits. The government has also announced that it would compensate the victims. The Interim Government attaches the highest importance to the establishment of human rights in the country irrespective of creed, colour, ethnicity, sex, and gender", it said. "Police have set up a WhatsApp to receive allegations of communal violence. They maintain continuous contact with the minority community leaders. National Emergency Services 999 connects a Focal Point from police headquarters whenever an allegation of communal violence is reported to the Helpline number. Police have attached the highest importance to addressing all the allegations", it said. (ANI).
Officials from the US and Taiwan held consultations in Washington on Wednesday to expand Taiwan's meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international forums. The details of the meeting were shared by the US Department of State on Saturday. In the press statement issued by the US Department of State it was noted, "On January 8, 2025, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) convened representatives of the U.S. Department of State and the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consultations in Washington on expanding Taiwan's meaningful participation in the United Nations system and in other international forums. This discussion focused on near-term opportunities to support Taiwan's expanded participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) and other global public health bodies, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as Taiwan's meaningful participation in non-UN international, regional, and multilateral organizations." The press release noted that the participants exchanged views on addressing global challenges, such as global public health, aviation safety, environmental protection, and transnational crime. American representatives underscored Taiwan's exceptional expertise and valuable contributions in these critical areas, particularly in health, aviation safety and security, environmental protection, and law enforcement cooperation. They reiterated America's commitment to Taiwan's meaningful participation at the World Health Organization and ICAO, the press statement by the Department of State noted. It was observed that all participants recognized the importance of working closely with partners who share concerns about attempts to exclude Taiwan from the international community. The press statement concluded with, "U.S. support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international fora is in line with our one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances." (ANI)
At least six people died and seven others were wounded after being trapped under the debris as the roof of a house collapsed due to an explosion at a firework warehouse in Mandi Bahauddin area of Pakistan's Punjab on Saturday, Dawn reported. According to Rescue 1122's District Emergency Officer Imran Khan, the explosion took place due to a short circuit when two people were making fireworks on the first floor of the house. Station House Officer Mohammad Akram Hanjan of Pahtarianwali Police Station said that further investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the explosion. The deceased people included a man, three women and two girls and their bodies were taken to a hospital, according to the incident report released by the police, Dawn reported. Among the six deceased, four were in the same house, where the explosion occurred, one woman was in the adjacent house while another was a pedestrian. The report further said that the injured were four men and three men. All the people who were injured were in stable condition, the report said. According to Rescue 1122's District Emergency Officer Imran Khan, the fireworks material weighed around 12 to 15 kilograms, Dawn reported. Earlier in October, seven people, including a minor and a woman, died in Multan as the roof of their house collapsed due to an explosion in fireworks stored in the house. In April, two labourers were killed when a fire broke out at a fireworks manufacturing factory in Faisalabad. (ANI)
Dubai [UAE], January 11 (ANI/WAM): Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), in collaboration with NVIDIA GeForce Middle East, will celebrate innovation in video game development by hosting NVIDIA RTX AI GameCraft, as the emirate cements its reputation as a global hub for gaming and AI. Held within the framework of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), the event on 23rd January will gather game developers, students, and industry professionals from around the world at Emirates Towers Boulevard to imagine and create cutting-edge games using NVIDIA RTX AI technology. Under the theme of "Dubai: Between the Past and the Future", challengers will craft games that celebrate the city's rich heritage and its vision for tomorrow. At the end of the competition, a team of expert judges will shortlist 15 finalists and the top three winners. Faisal Kazim, Head of the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, said, "The convergence of AI and human creativity is redefining the gaming landscape on a global scale. By collaborating with NVIDIA, we aim to provide developers, creatives, and entrepreneurs with cutting-edge opportunities to create unique digital experiences in Dubai. We strive to collaborate with industry leaders to help nurture creative talent and strengthen our ecosystem, ensuring that Dubai is at the forefront of new breakthroughs in gaming and interactive technologies." DPG33, launched in November 2023 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation, with the aim of positioning Dubai among the top 10 cities in the US$200 billion global gaming industry and generating 30,000 new jobs. The programme also aims to significantly boost the sector's contribution to the growth of Dubai's digital economy and increase the GDP by approximately USD 1 billion by 2033 in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Kazim added, "At Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, we remain committed to our mission to position Dubai as a premier hub for the global games industry. Our work centres on attracting leading studios and talent, cultivating strategic partnerships, and strengthening our vibrant gaming community. By combining forward-thinking governance with emerging technology, Dubai is poised to spearhead the future of gaming, demonstrating new possibilities in the digital world." Chantelle Tavid, Marketing Director at NVIDIA MENAT/CIS, said, "We're honoured to collaborate with Dubai Future Foundation for this exciting event, uniting our shared passion for innovation and storytelling. We're combining our strengths to spotlight the transformative potential of AI in gaming and creative industries. Together, we're fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of what gaming experiences can achieve." Registration for the event is now open via www.rtxaigamecraft.com. (ANI/WAM)
A group of passionate youths from Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) raised voices against the ongoing load shedding in the region, as reported by WTV. According to WTV, the young activists gathered at the Secretary of Power and Water office, demanding immediate action on electricity shortages, which have been plaguing the entire region for months. The protesters voiced their frustration, pointing out that while the citizens of PoGB are entitled to water rights, they continue to be denied their basic right to consistent electricity. According to the PoGB youths, the government's response to the energy crisis has been inadequate, with no meaningful solutions being proposed. Instead, the authorities have opted to distribute fuel for generators, rather than addressing the root cause of the issue - inadequate electricity supply. WTV further reported that the group had scheduled a meeting with the Secretary of Power and Water, but upon arriving at the office, they were informed that the Secretary was unavailable. The absence of the key official only added to the protesters' frustrations. They strongly believe that the government's failure to provide essential services like electricity is a direct result of corruption in the region's development projects. Three major electricity projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, which are crucial for improving the power supply, remain incomplete, fueling further anger among the public. The PoGB youths claim that corruption is obstructing the timely completion of these projects, and they are demanding transparency and accountability from those in power. "We demand our rights to electricity, and we are against corruption that hinders our progress," said one of the protest leaders. "If our demands are ignored by the Secretary, we will be forced to escalate our protest and stage a demonstration outside the Secretary's office." The protestors' message is clear that the people of PoGB will no longer tolerate being denied their basic rights, and they are prepared to take further action until their demands are heard and addressed. (ANI)
Nepal marked the 303rd birth anniversary of then King Prithivi Narayan Shah- the founding father of modern Nepal with fanfare and gaiety on Saturday. A 108-foot long flower garland, bouquets to the circumnutating statute of King Shah that stands tall in front of the nation's administrative capital- the Singhadurbar was crowded throughout the day. Amongst those who paid homage to the campaigner of national unification included Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel, as well as Chief of Army Staff, Members of Parliament and commoners. "The unification day is a special occasion when the epitome of about 30 million Nepali citizens and Nepal's unification epitome was born- high Highness Prithivi Narayan Shah. Born some 300 years back, if he hadn't initiated the movement to unite all the factional states- we wouldn't have been Nepali nor Nepal would have existed, I would say. He is our Icon of national unity and strength," Bhola Adhikari, a resident of Kathmandu told ANI after paying homage to the founder of modern Nepal. Prithvi Narayan Shah was born on 7 January 1723 as the first child of Nara Bhupal Shah and Kaushalyawati in the Gorkha Palace. He ascended to the throne of Gorkha Kingdom on April 3, 1743, and started the unification of Nepal. He is also credited for moving the royal seat of power from Gorkha to Kathmandu. Before the unification, Nepal was divided into 52 principalities. King Prithvi Narayan Shah became successful in expanding Nepal's borders to the Tista River in the east to the Chepe River in the west. After his death, his successors further expanded Nepal's western borders to Kangada. "The Royal Highness Prithivi Narayan Shah unified all the small states including the Kathmandu Valley and gave birth to modern Nepal. That's why he also can be credited as the creator of this nation," Nagamal Baidhya another denizen of Kathmandu told ANI. Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Nuwakot in 1744 and the Kathmandu Valley 25 years later in 1769. After conquering the Nepal Valley as the Kathmandu Valley was called at that time, Prithvi Narayan Shah gradually annexed Chaudandu Bijayapur and other principalities towards the east. He died in January 1775. Prithvi Narayan Shah is credited with initiating the unification of Nepal with the support of all castes and communities. In line with the teachings of the former king of the Himalayan Nation, President Ram Chandra Paudel in his best wishes on the 303rd birth anniversary states that the teachings of Prithivi Narayan Shah are equally relevant and popular even today. President Paudel said that while remembering Prithvi Narayan Shah we should also recall his 'Divyopadesh' (divine teachings). "These teachings still guide economic development, patriotism and building diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries," the President said. President Paudel also acknowledged Prithvi Narayan Shah's pivotal role in uniting small, scattered states to establish modern Nepal. Further highlighting the steps by former King, President Paudel said, "this campaign by Nepal's brave ancestors throughout history, which enabled Nepalis today to take pride in a sovereign and independent nation. Building on this foundation, Nepal has been declared an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, democratic, socialism-oriented federal democratic republic." President Paudel emphasised that the contributions of many predecessors in transforming Nepal from small, scattered states into its current form must never be forgotten. Further expressing his hope that the occasion of National Unity Day would inspire all citizens to uphold the nation's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity while striving for the people's happiness and prosperity. "May this day strengthen our commitment to national unity and inspire progress towards a prosperous Nepal," he added. (ANI)
The Tibetan exile community has strongly condemned the Chinese government's policies in Tibet, particularly its education system, which it claims is being used to impose Chinese Communist ideology on the Tibetan people. At the 8th Tibetan General Conference on Education, organised by the Department of Education under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), speakers highlighted how Beijing's policies are undermining Tibetan identity, language, and culture, as reported by Tibet.net. According to the report, the Chinese government's recent education policies, aimed at further Sinicizing Tibet, have led to the forced separation of Tibetan children from their families. Approximately one million children have been sent to state-run boarding schools, where the medium of instruction has been switched to Chinese. This shift is seen as a deliberate effort to eliminate the Tibetan language and culture. The latest measure to make Tibetan language optional in middle and high school exams is expected to further erode Tibet's cultural heritage, severely limiting Tibetan youth's chances for higher education and employment while making it increasingly difficult for them to preserve their national identity, the Tibet.net reported. In the face of such challenges, the Tibetan community in exile has found solace in the guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Under his leadership, Tibetans in exile have made significant strides in preserving their religion, culture, and language. Notably, more than 27,000 Tibetans who fled Tibet have found refuge in monasteries and religious institutions, while over 34,000 Tibetan children are receiving an education that blends both traditional and modern knowledge. Crucially, all Tibetan children born in exile have access to education that upholds their cultural heritage and language. According to Tibet.net, the Tibetan community in exile has called for stronger efforts to protect and promote the Tibetan language, religion, and culture. Urging all Tibetans living in free countries to intensify their efforts, the community emphasized that preserving Tibetan identity is essential not only for Tibetans themselves but also for safeguarding a unique and invaluable world heritage. As the Chinese government's hardline policies continue, the Tibetan exile community remains resolute in its determination to uphold Tibetan culture and resist efforts to erode its identity. (ANI)
This uptick highlights a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies in the region.

The Express Tribune further reported that the police registered 1,486 new cases throughout the year and arrested 1,510 individuals.

Significant recoveries were made in anti-narcotics operations, including 743 kilograms of cannabis, 172 kilograms of opium, 29 kilograms of heroin, 4.5 kilograms of ICE, and 19,478 liters of illegal alcohol. Additionally, 88 illicit distilleries were dismantled in these efforts.

According to The Express Tribune, a notable portion of the crime surge stemmed from illegal arms-related activities. The police registered 996 cases and arrested over 1,000 suspects. In the process, they confiscated 814 pistols, 66 shotguns, 44 rifles, 10 Kalashnikovs, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, shedding light on the growing menace of weaponry in the area.

Further, the police also intensified their hunt for fugitives and habitual offenders, with 462 Category A fugitives, 3,946 Category B fugitives, 2,108 court absconders, and 2,674 habitual criminals arrested. This large-scale operation reflects the increasing number of individuals involved in ongoing criminal activities in the region.

On the property crime front, over 3,500 cases were solved, recovering stolen goods worth a staggering Pakistani currency (PKR) 325.9 million. Police also dismantled 43 criminal gangs, seizing an additional PKR 43.1 million worth of stolen assets. However, despite these successes, property crimes remain a major concern.

In terms of violent crime, police operations led to six criminals being killed, five injured, and 20 arrested. Investigators also solved 10 out of 12 blind murder cases.

The increase in both serious and property-related offences indicates a challenging year ahead for Sahiwal's law enforcement agencies. (ANI)
China is reportedly building a fleet of specialised barges with road bridges or piers extending from the bow designed to facilitate the unloading of tanks and other military equipment, sparking concerns for 'putative invasion of Taiwan', according to Taiwan News. Three to five of these barges are being built at the Guangzhou Shipyard International (China State Shipbuilding Corporation) on China's Longxue Island, Taiwan News reported citing a report by Naval News, an online publication in Europe. The vessels feature extended road bridges, estimated to be up to 120 meters long, allowing them long enough to "reach a coastal road or hard surface beyond a beach" adding that the "aft ends of the barges have platforms that allow other ships to dock and unload." Experts believe these features are not suited for commercial use, drawing comparisons to the barges built by the Allies for the Normandy landings during World War II, as per Taiwan News. According to defence analyst Damien Symon, the barges seemed designed to dock with dual-purpose civilian ferries, which would be used in a putative invasion of Taiwan. Citing "multiple sources," the report said the barges would give China the ability to land tanks and military forces at places that were previously considered unsuitable. This would be a game changer as Taiwan would be prepared to defend ports and similar sites. "Instead of relying on Taiwanese ports, China can now sail its own mobile port across the straits," the article concludes. Notably, the Taiwan-China issue is a complex and longstanding geopolitical conflict centred on Taiwan's sovereignty. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), operates its own government, military, and economy, functioning as a de facto independent state. However, China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists on the "One China" policy, which asserts that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital. This has fuelled decades of tension, especially since the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Beijing has consistently expressed its goal of reunification with Taiwan, using diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally. Meanwhile, Taiwan, supported by a significant portion of its population, continues to maintain its independence. (ANI)
Over 40 people, including women and children were killed in air attacks by Myanmar's military in the western state of Rakhine this week, AL Jazeera reported citing a United Nations' statement. The military government forces hit Kyauk Ni Maw, a village in Ramree island township, killing more than 40 people and destroying about 500 homes, the UN said in the statement late on Friday, the UN said. The country has been plagued by violence since the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. The coup sparked mass protests, which eventually escalated into a widespread armed rebellion, claiming thousands of lives, as per AL Jazeera. Women and children were among those who were killed in Rakhine, according to the statement, which was attributed to the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Myanmar. According to the UN statement "Fighting in Rakhine has recently escalated, with civilians paying the highest price of the conflict" adding that "Civilians face extreme risks, acute food insecurity and a near total collapse of critical public services." Following the attack, the government has denied the accusations of the Myanmar military committing atrocities against civilians, saying it is trying to combat "terrorists." The military has been struggling to fight opposition to its rule on multiple fronts around the country, and several areas have now fallen under the control of different rebel groups. According to AL Jazeera, the UN urged on Friday that all parties adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. It also called on all parties "to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver aid to the most vulnerable". Last week, the UN said more than 3.5 million people have been displaced by the conflict in Myanmar - an increase of 1.5 million from last year, the AL Jazeera reported. (ANI)
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Saturday, met Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the two leaders discussed ways to enable masses of Syrian refugees in Lebanon to head home during his first official visit to Syria to meet with the new government, the New York Times reported. The Lebanese prime minister's office informed that Mikati met in the Syrian capital of Damascus with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday afternoon. https://x.com/Najib_Mikati/status/1878102088695079064 In a post on X, Mikati wrote, "We affirm that the historical ties, good neighborliness, and close, equal relations between the two peoples that unite Lebanon and Syria are the basis that governs the nature of existing or required cooperation between the two countries at all levels." Al-Shara leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist group that spearheaded the lightning offensive that toppled the decades-long rule of Bashar al-Assad, the former Syrian president, last month, as per the New York Times. During the news conference in Damascus urged for a quick resolution to the Syrian refugee crisis Mikati said both countries should quickly resolve the matter of the more than one million refugees that Lebanon took in as a result of the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011. While some have since returned, many others still remain in Lebanon. "It has become urgent today -- in the interest of both countries -- to deal with this issue as quickly as possible and return the displaced to a Syria that is thankfully recovering," said Mikati, adding that he believed Mr. al-Shara supported the effort. Al-Shara said the two leaders had discussed "outstanding issues" including border security, but did not make any comment about the return of refugees. He further stated that the committees would be set up to examine how to sort out various problems, but he urged Syrians to lower their expectations for a speedy overhaul of the impoverished country. "We have a lot of problems in Syria," al-Shara said. "We won't be able to solve them all at once. We have to divide them up and look for solutions to each one." Mikati's visit to Damascus came after the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon's president this week after two years in which the office lay vacant. Aoun will soon begin consultations on nominating a new prime minister next week. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha recently held talks with Al-Sharaa, his counterpart Asaad Hassan al-Shaybani and other officials in Damascus and expressed willingness to restore relations with Syria, Al Jazeera reported. Further, Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani expressed his country's desire for "strategic partnerships" with Ukraine, highlighting the shared experiences and suffering of both nations. Notably, the meeting marks one of the most consequential visits since the fall of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, last year. (ANI)
Border Patrol agents arrested Kazakhstan citizen Timur Praliev after he allegedly crossed the Rio Grande River with cash, passports, and a drone. Dave Thompson - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

A former Russian mercenary who allegedly crossed the Rio Grande illegally has been arrested by Border Patrol in Roma, according to a Valley Central report.

Timur Praliev is accused of trudging across the Rio Grande River carrying two passports, $4,000 in cash and 60,000 pesos. He is also believed to be a part of an organization affiliated with the Russian government.

Border Patrol charged Praliev with illegally entering the country, a federal misdemeanor. He has pleaded guilty to the charge.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In a criminal complaint obtained by Valley Central, Praliev was questioned by an agent near Roma on Jan. 4.

The agent questioned his citizenship and Praliev said he was a citizen and national of Kazakhstan. He admitted to entering the United States illegally that same day by crossing the nearby Rio Grande River.

During a search of Praliev, agents also found a drone in his backpack.

Praliev then told agents that he worked for the Wagner Group  "a paramilitary organization" affiliated with Russia, the report states.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

According to a report published by the Congressional Research Service, "(The) Wagner (Group) has played a key role in Russia's war in Ukraine and operates in multiple countries, particularly across Africa."

The U.S. Treasury Department considers the Wagner Group a criminal organization that has "engaged in an ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity, including mass executions, rape, child abductions, and other brutalities," in Africa, according to a 2023 news release.

It is unclear what Praliev did for the Russian-affiliated organization or why he crossed the border carrying a drone, Valley Central states.

According to the report, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan, the federal prosecutor, requested a 15-day sentence for Praliev during a hearing on Tuesday.

McColgan said the government is concerned about the community's safety when Praliev is released because of his connection to Wagner Group.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

During the court hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker questioned whether Praliev's affiliation with the political group justifies the sentence length.

READ MORE: Aspiring Texas congresswoman Valentina Gomez shoots immigrant in back of head in campaign video

Hacker said that Praliev would be in some kind of federal custody after serving his sentence.

Darrell Lee Bryan, the federal public defender for Praliev, requested a sentence of time served  a term imposing a sentence that is deemed to be completely satisfied by the defendant's previous time spent in custody while awaiting sentencing, according to Cornell Law School.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
The Biden administration announced Friday it would extend temporary deportation relief to nearly 1 million people from El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine and Venezuela, just days before Donald Trump enters the White House with a vow to restrict the program.

The move allows people from these countries who currently have Temporary Protected Status to renew work permits and deportation protections  extending the program for El Salvador until March 2026 and Sudan, Ukraine and Venezuela until October 2026. The TPS designation, created by Congress in 1990, has been used by presidents from Republican and Democratic administrations to offer legal reprieve to people from countries struck by natural disaster, armed conflict or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

The Trump administration is expected to scale back the policy as the incoming president looks to enact tougher immigration rules and forge ahead with mass deportations. While TPS designations can be revoked by the DHS secretary  as long as the government provides a 60-day notice  President Joe Bidens move to extend protections could delay Trumps attempts to end them. During his first term, Trump tried to end TPS protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants, only to be stymied by court challenges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For weeks, Biden administration officials have been privately weighing whether to take a swath of final actions to protect immigrants before Trumps return to Washington. Since his November victory, Democratic lawmakers and immigration advocates have been pressuring the White House, holding press conferences and sending letters to the administration.

Chaos at the southern border haunted Biden for a large part of his administration, becoming one of the top issues in the 2024 election  aiding Trumps triumph. The president-elect has long signaled his opposition to TPS, arguing that the Biden administration has abused the authority.

President Trump will enlist every federal power and coordinate with state authorities to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals, drug dealers, and human traffickers in American history while simultaneously lowering costs for families, Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. The American people reelected President Trump by a resounding margin, giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, like deporting migrant criminals and restoring our economic greatness. He will deliver.

Bidens moves on Friday still fell short of the demands from advocates and some Democratic allies. The president did not increase the number of immigrants eligible for TPS, ignoring advocates pleas for another layer of protection against Trumps deportation plans. The Biden administration also didnt expand the pool of Nicaraguans eligible for TPS, nor did it extend existing TPS protections for people from this country that run through July 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), who pushed Biden on these extensions, said in a statement that she was glad to see TPS for El Salvador and Venezuela, but that it was unfortunate that President Biden didnt also redesignate TPS for Nicaragua and Ecuador.

Advocates have warned the White House that Nicaraguans who came in through Bidens temporary CHNV humanitarian parole program are particularly vulnerable. Once their parole grants expire, they are not categorically eligible to apply for another legal status  forcing them to decide whether to remain in the U.S. illegally and face deportation or return to Nicaragua, where Biden declared a national emergency in November due to the violence of Ortega-Murillos regime.

As the administration nears the end of its term, we strongly urge President Biden to fulfill his foreign policy commitments and redesignate TPS for countries like Nicaragua, where conditions clearly meet the programs statutory requirements. This is especially urgent for individuals who entered under the Biden administrations own CHNV parole program and face losing deportation protections in the coming weeks, said Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, an immigration advocacy group, in a statement.

But administration officials have been wary of issuing an early redesignation for Nicaragua and appearing as if they were making a political move to handcuff Trumps team, according to two people familiar with the discussions granted anonymity to describe the considerations.
A body has been found in the search for a father who went missing while in Spain, with local police arresting a 32-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

The alarm was raised for the whereabouts of John George after the generous 37-year-old failed to return to his children in Belfast, Northern Ireland before Christmas.

His family, including his father Billy and younger brother Darren, joined dozens of volunteers to search the mountains and waste dumps around Alicante.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But on 7 January, a body was discovered in the small village of Rojales, outside of Valencia.

A Guarda Civil police spokesperson told The Independent: At this time, the relevant procedures are being carried out to determine the causes of death and proceed with the identification of the body, although in the absence of forensic results, everything indicates that it could be a missing person whose family reported his disappearance.

Due to these events, on the same day a 32-year-old man was arrested for an alleged crime of homicide.

Mr Georges brother Darren, previously told The Independent he feared his brother was dead after disappearing on telling the family he was going to pick up his passport on 14 December.

Family handout photo of John George, (left), also known as John Hardy, with his brother Darren (Family/PA) (PA Media)

He told the BBC: I have climbed through mountains, I have crawled through drainpipes and sewers. Ive done everything in my power to find my brother. But no family deserve this. This has been a living nightmare and it will continue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His sister posted on Facebook: John my big brother, my biggest protector in life. I honestly cant get my head around the fact I will never see or hear from you again.

Mr Georges father, Billy, said he had laid flowers close to where the body was found.

He said: I never thought in my life I would have to lay flowers in a foreign country. You will never be forgotten. I cant even speak my heart is broken.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said they were made aware, on Tuesday, of the discovery of the body.

DI Jennifer Rea said: My thoughts are, first and foremost, with Mr Georges family at this distressing time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Our dedicated family liaison officers continue to provide support to the family, and we continue to work closely with international law enforcement agencies.

I am keen to reiterate our appeal for anyone with information that could assist the Spanish Investigation Team with their enquiries to please contact us on 101.
Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede said on Friday he was ready to speak with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has said he wants control over the Arctic island, and urged respect for the islands independence aspirations.

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has described US control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, as an absolute necessity. He did not dismiss the potential use of military or economic means, including tariffs against Denmark.

At a Copenhagen press conference, when asked if he had had contact with Trump, Egede responded: No, but we are ready to talk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who also addressed the press conference, said on Thursday she had asked for a meeting with Trump, but did not expect it to happen before his inauguration.

Greenland, home to 57,000 people, was a Danish colony until 1953 but is now a self-governing Danish territory. In 2009, it secured the right to claim independence through a vote.

The U.S. maintains a military base in the northern part of the strategically important territory.

Egede emphasized Greenlands aspirations, saying: We have a desire for independence, a desire to be the master of our own house  This is something everyone should respect.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But that doesnt mean we are cutting all ties, all cooperation and all relations with Denmark, he said.

An independence movement has gained momentum in recent years, which Egede discussed in his new year speech.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Haitians who are in the U.S. legally under temporary programs say they are concerned about their ability to remain in the country as President-elect Donald Trump plans to end the programs and carry out mass deportations on Day One of his administration.

Warrens Dolcine, 23, was a political science and international relations student at the Universite dEtat dHaiti, when gang violence began to spread through Port-au-Prince, the capital, and the surrounding area, putting her and her mother in constant peril.

The gangs didnt take over in one day, she said. It was gradual. They worked on your mind first. They started kidnapping people in 2021, and I had to keep leaving my house to stay with my family. Eventually, it wasnt safe for me or my mom anymore.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The mother and daughter spent two years shuttling between their home and staying with family members outside of Port-au-Prince. As the violence escalated, they fled Haiti. After a tumultuous escape, Dolcine and her mother came to the United States under the Biden administrations Humanitarian Parole Program, which currently creates a legal pathway for temporary visas for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.

Eligible individuals are granted permission to stay in the country for up to two years, allowing them also work. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including passing security screenings, and are required to have a U.S.-based sponsor. The program, known as the CHNV, aims to address the growing refugee crises in countries like Haiti.

By the end of August 2024, about half a million people from the four countries came to the U.S. under Humanitarian Parole during the Biden administration and 210,000 were Haitian, according to the National Foundation for American Policy.

Sponsored by her great-aunt, Dolcine and her mother entered the U.S. legally in December 2023. She now works full time as an assistant at her church in New York City, while caring for her mother, who is disabled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On the campaign trail, Trump announced plans to launch an unprecedented deportation initiative targeting undocumented criminals, drug traffickers and human traffickers. During a NewsNation interview, Trump also mentioned his intention to end programs like Temporary Protected Status, which is set to expire in 2026 and would need to be renewed. The program has been adopted by administrations going back to George H.W. Bush.

However, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services emphasizes that potential beneficiaries of the program undergo rigorous background checks to ensure they pose no security threat to the U.S. Trumps team did not specifically address the impact of these plans on Haitian migrants when reached by NBC News.

Dolcine said she is determined to stay in the U.S., but is worried about her mother, who depends on her both financially and emotionally.

If my mom has a problem, I have a problem, she said. She asks, What will happen to us? I dont have the answers, but I have faith that God will work it out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Orilas Jean Francois was also forced to leave Haiti, under extenuating circumstances, he said. Back home he owned construction and finance businesses, which provided a stable life for his family, he said. But in early 2024, Francois started to conceive an escape plan from the violence and economic collapse that define the island nation today.

It wasnt a choice I made lightly, he said. I had to leave to find safety and a way to provide for my wife and children.

Port-au-Prince is facing a surge in violence, with at least 5,600 killings and nearly 1,500 kidnappings reported last year, according to the United Nations. A December massacre in Cite Soleil claimed at least 207 lives, with victims mutilated, burned or dumped at sea by the Wharf Jeremie gang.

Political unrest and gang violence delayed his departure from Haiti multiple times, even after he was authorized to enter the U.S. under the Humanitarian Parole Program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In March, I had my ticket and my documents ready to travel, but a massive prison break left the streets unsafe and flights were canceled, Francois said. His trip was delayed so many times that his initial authorization expired, forcing him to petition USCIS for an extension. The stress was unbearable.

Francois finally arrived in the U.S. in July under the program.After living with his family in New York City for a few months, Francois said he is focused on learning English and finding steady work.

I dont want to rely on others for support, he said. I want to work, provide for my family and show my gratitude to those who sponsored me.

Francois and Dolcine both emphasized their commitment to self-sufficiency, pushing back on rhetoric about migrants relying on government aid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The temporary programs, however, come with issues. Last year, the Humanitarian Parole Program was briefly paused after at least 101,000 applications were filed by so-called serial sponsors, repeatedly using the same contact information and Social Security numbers, according to USCIS.

Nonetheless, Dolcine highlighted the contributions of Haitian migrants in the United States, who are predominantly employed in service-related occupations, with a significant presence in health care support roles. According to the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank, 71% of Haitian immigrants aged 16 and older participate in the civilian labor force, compared to 66% of the overall foreign-born population.

Every Haitian I know is a skilled worker, she said. We work in the medical field, construction, and other professions. I plan to study nursing while working full-time and helping my mom.

For Francois, deportation would mean extreme risk. We left because we had no choice, he said. Theres no life in Haiti. If were sent back, well be at even greater risk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yolette Williams, CEO of the Haitian American Alliance of New York, which provides help for Haitians locally and in their home country, underscored the emotional toll of living in limbo.

The lack of a clear plan is devastating, she said. People need stability to rebuild their lives. At the very least, the government must provide clarity and extend protections for those who have already proven they are contributing to society.

As Trump threatens to dismantle programs that provide a lifeline for migrants like Dolcine and Francois, they remain steadfast, drawing strength from their faith and dreams. He talks a lot, Dolcine said with a smile, referring to the president-elect. Im just going to live in the moment and let things be.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
American sign language interpreter Jennifer Alleman, left, and Rhode Island Chief Digital Officer Brian Tardiff, who oversees IT for the states various agencies and departments, are seen at a press conference on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at the Rhode Island State House. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Approximately 709,000 notification letters went out in the mail Friday to Rhode Islanders whose data was leaked in the RIBridges data breach.

If youre like me, I dont read my mail very often, Gov. Dan McKee told reporters at the State House during a press conference Friday. Lets pay special attention to the mailings thatll be coming over the next week or so.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The letters, which bear a state seal upper left hand corner, contain a code for five years of free credit monitoring from Experian. McKee said the letters should arrive in the next few days, and theyve also been translated into Spanish and Portuguese.

April 30 is the deadline to sign up for the credit monitoring.

Its been almost a month since the governor first informed Rhode Islanders that their personal data on RIBridges  the intricate and massive public benefits system used by consumers and state workers that checks eligibility for Medicaid and social services, along with enrollment in commercial health insurance plans  was compromised in a cyberattack. Deloitte, the systems vendor and architect, negotiated with the cybercriminals, later identified as Brain Cipher, an international outfit that previously grabbed headlines in Indonesia.

The estimated number of people whose personal information was exposed is 657,000, although some people will receive multiple letters because they are guardians or parents of minors and others also affected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deloitte is still reviewing the contents of all breached files, McKee said, adding that additional letters will be mailed if more victims are confirmed.

Brain Cipher originally boasted that it stole 1 terabyte of RIBridges data from Deloitte. Whether that number represented uncompressed data or was exaggerated is unclear, as the cybercriminals only uploaded around 576 gigabytes when the data appeared online. Its also unclear if the group uploaded all the stolen data.

If you think you are impacted and do not receive a letter in the next few days, we ask you to be patient and give the mail a couple extra days to arrive, said McKee.

The letters are the only way the state will confirm if your information was affected. The state cannot verify if a person is affected over the phone or at state offices, said McKee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deloitte is obligated to pay for the entirety of the credit monitoring services for all those impacted by the breach, estimated to be nearly 60% of Rhode Islands population. Reporters asked McKee and the cabinet members who joined him Friday how much that was going to cost.

A lot, McKee said as Rhode Island Department of Administration Director Jonathan Womer maneuvered to the podium with an answer.

Whatever it costs is what they will pay, Womer said, adding the state would work on calculating an exact figure

Deloitte will also assist the state in paying for additional expenses incurred in the process of mitigating the hack, Womer said.

System coming back online in pieces

The state received a Deloitte report last week summarizing the consulting firms technical analysis of how the breach occurred and what data Brain Cipher posted on Dec. 30 to the dark web, said Chief Digital Officer Brian Tardiff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The summary gave the state a high level of confidence as to how the system was hacked, Tardiff said. With that knowledge, and some work on the systems backend, the security threat has been remediated, he said, and added that officials are in the process of validating Deloittes findings with a third party vendor.

That means the RIBridges network  which was taken offline mid-December to prevent further movement by bad actors, as is standard in cyberattacks  is being revived piece by piece, with Tardiff estimating that it should be fully operational again by mid-January.

Access for state case workers has been restored, Tardiff said, which is why Department of Human Services employees were able to begin processing applications for programs like food stamps or child care assistance that have been backlogged since the system went down. The next phase of network restoration is bringing the customer-facing portal, HealthyRhode.RI.gov, back online.

If you think you are impacted and do not receive a letter in the next few days, we ask you to be patient and give the mail a couple extra days to arrive.

 Gov. Dan McKee

Human services Director Kimberly Merolla-Britosaid the agencys employees have started to process new benefits applications received since the start of the breach, all of which had to be submitted on paper because of the network outage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The states insurance marketplace HealthSource RI is linked to RIBridges, and Director Lindsay Lang said that customers paid up for January wont see any interruptions in coverage.

Our call center is available if there are specific questions, Lang said. I dont wanna comment on anyones particular account. We are picking up the phone in under a minute.

Tardiff said the state has not yet received any reports from people whose finances or identities have already been impacted.

Sluggish dark web downloads slow down analysis

Breaches often comprise massive databases which are not always human-readable or easily parsed. The file folder names advertised on Brain Ciphers dark web site match some of the RIBridges system tiers described in a 2024 state document.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But determining exactly what information is in those database files has not been a speedy process. Tardiff explained that while the summary report was enough to finally and safely bring parts of the network back online, Delotittes technicians are still puzzling over the breach contents in a three-step process. The data needs to be checked for corruption and malware before the final step of verifying its authenticity, Tardiff said.

While the state employee side of the RIBridges system has been restored, the online portal for clients is still being repaired, state officials said Friday. Visiting HealthyRhode.RI.gov redirects to the Department of Administrations website, which sports a bright yellow alert message about the breach and site outage. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Deloitte has downloaded most of the files, Tardiff said, with one thing holding the analysts back: The dark web platform Brain Cipher used to share the files they stole.

The site is intermittently inaccessible, Tardiff said.

The sites sluggish download speeds could be the result of a lackluster server configuration by the hackers or poor service from the platforms dark web hosting provider.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Whatever the results of the final report, Tardiff said, it will contain sensitive security information and the bulk of it will not be made public.

Deloitte spokesperson Karen Walsh confirmed in an email Friday that the breached data came from the states servers, located in a data center in Warwick.

That contrasts earlier comments by McKee, who told radio host Matt Allen in a Dec. 17, 2024, interview that the problem was on Deloittes end.

I think thats safe to say, McKee said then. I dont want to speculate definitively on that, but yeah, I think thats safe to say.

The consulting firm has received more than $10 million in state payments since the fiscal year began July 1, 2024, but has yet to send a representative to field questions at any of the numerous press briefings held by McKee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deloittes absence has not gone unnoticed by state officials. For now, Tardiff said, We are making sure Deloitte is responding appropriately to restoring the system.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
The controversial MBTA Communities Act is a constitutional law that the attorney general can enforce with legal action, but the measure is "ineffective" until the Healey administration takes another pass at crafting regulations, the state's highest court ruled Wednesday.

In a 23-page decision with implications for state efforts to influence housing affordability by facilitating more housing production, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled the 2021 zoning reform law does not run afoul of the state Constitution and that Attorney General Andrea Campbell is allowed to sue cities and towns that fail to comply.However, the court found that the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities did not follow state law when promulgating relevant guidelines, rendering them "presently unenforceable."

Oxford Development Group has proposed a two-building canal-side complex off Main Street in Bourne. The town is considering complying with the MBTA's directive to build multi-family housing near transit hubs even though Bourne's status as a "T" community is hazy.

Gov. Maura Healey and her deputies praised the decision upholding the law, and said they would move to craft new emergency regulations by the end of the week to plug the gap opened up by the ruling. Campbell, who sought to enforce the law against Milton and also defended its constitutionality in court, called the decision "a resounding victory for the Commonwealth and a major step forward in our work to address the unacceptably high cost of housing for our residents."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It's crystal clear based on this decision: not only is the MBTA Communities Law mandatory and we have the authority to enforce it, but communities that are within the purview of the MBTA Communities Law must come into compliance, and they must work with their local legislative body on zoning that is compliant," Campbell told reporters.

Kevin Martin, an attorney who represented Milton in the legal proceedings, said town officials are "very pleased the Court recognized the critical importance" of mandatory regulatory steps.

"In that respect today's decision was a victory not only for Milton but also the rule of law," Martin said in a statement. "We hope that in issuing new Guidelines, the Executive Office takes account of the many serious substantive concerns raised not only by Milton, but also by other affected communities."

The ruling sets a major precedent affecting close to half of the state's cities and towns, and it drew support from organizations representing tenants, real estate industry leaders and more. Groups that issued statements of praise included Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the Greater Boston Real Estate Board and Homes for All Massachusetts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More than two dozen cities and towns that have hesitated to enact the required zoning changes or outright resisted the mandate will now need to come into compliance, but the timeline is unclear.

This development at the MBTA station on Hancock Street in Quincy satisfies the MBTA Communities Act.

Healey said the forthcoming emergency regulations "will be effective immediately upon filing," but neither the governor nor other administration officials would say Wednesday how that will impact the original compliance deadlines that in many cases have already passed.

Speaking with reporters after an unrelated event, Healey did not directly answer when asked what the new compliance dates would be.

"We're going to be out soon with more on that," she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Campbell said she is confident the new regulations will land "sooner (rather) than later."

"This may require additional time, but it does not in any way stand in the way of a municipality working to come into compliance," she said.

The MBTA Communities Act requires 177 municipalities that host or are adjacent to MBTA service to zone for multifamily housing by right in at least one district.

Cities and towns are classified in one of four categories, and there are different compliance deadlines: host to rapid transit service (deadline of Dec. 31, 2023), host to commuter rail service (deadline of Dec. 31, 2024), adjacent community (deadline of Dec. 31, 2024) and adjacent small town (deadline of Dec. 31, 2025).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Milton Town Meeting in December 2023 approved a zoning plan that would have complied with the law and HLC's guidelines. Some opponents pursued a townwide referendum vote, however, and about 54 percent of voters in February 2024 rejected the zoning proposal.State officials said Milton's resistance made it ineligible for some grant funding, and Campbell also filed a lawsuit seeking to force the town into compliance. The town contended in response that the attorney general could not seek additional action, and that the only allowable penalty was the loss of certain grant eligibility.

Justices on the state's high court disagreed with the town on that front, ruling that the law is constitutional and that the AG can seek additional injunctive relief.

"As the purpose of [the MBTA Communities Act] is to increase housing stock, the town's proposed reading of the act would thwart the Legislature's purpose by converting a legislative mandate into a matter of fiscal choice," SJC Chief Justice Kimberly Budd wrote in the decision.

The Legislature approved the law in 2021, adding it to a sweeping economic development package at the last minute with little discussion ahead of time. Supporters view it as a way to spur more housing production, which for decades has lagged behind demand in Massachusetts, affecting inventory and driving up prices.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities  previously known as the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development  began its work to produce guidelines under former Gov. Charlie Baker, then issued the final guidelines in August 2023 under Healey.

A state law known as the Administrative Procedure Act requires state agencies crafting regulations to follow certain steps designed to maximize public input and comprehension.

The mandatory checklist includes submission of a proposed regulation with the secretary of state's office and a small business statement, two steps that "HLC has admitted that it failed to take," Budd wrote in the court's decision.

Campbell argued that the APA should not apply because the MBTA Communities Act called for "guidelines" and not "regulations," and that even if it did apply, the state's missed steps "should be considered harmless error."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But justices ruled that the APA requires "strict compliance" by state agencies.

"Because HLC failed to comply with the APA, HLC's guidelines are legally ineffective and must be repromulgated in accordance with (state law), before they may be enforced," Budd wrote.

Most cities and towns subject to the MBTA Communities Act have already complied with the mandatory zoning changes. Opponents view the law as unnecessarily heavy-handed, voicing fears that allowing more multifamily housing by right will impact neighborhood character.

Twenty-eight cities and towns are deemed noncompliant, according to the latest state tally, because they failed to submit required zoning plans by the deadlines outlined in HLC's original guidelines. They will likely get a bit more time to come into compliance as the department works to craft new emergency regulations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Three other communities -- Gloucester, Needham and Shrewsbury -- are in an unusual middle ground. All three towns approved zoning reforms that would comply with the law, but in each case, opponents are pursuing referendum votes to scrap those plans, leaving the municipalities technically noncompliant.

The SJC's decision could recolor the campaigns ahead of those three votes, starting with Needham's referendum on Jan. 14.

Some in Milton argue the town should not be designated a "rapid transit community" -- carrying with it the strictest requirements and earliest compliance deadline -- because its T service primarily consists of the light-rail Mattapan trolley.

Sen. William Driscoll, who lives in Milton, echoed that point Wednesday, calling the new guidelines the state will need to craft "an opportunity to right-size what's being asked of communities."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Milton does not have subway service, so it's my hope that in the future iteration of the guidelines, Milton is classified fairly and appropriately. I hope that as that process begins, they are open to making those changes," he told the News Service.

House Speaker Ron Mariano said the Healey administration now has "a lot of work to do" as it sets out to repromulgate regulations.

"Obviously there's concerns when you're passing laws and you have no idea how you're going to make them work, and you're told by the administration, the legal administration, that this won't work," he said.

(Sam Drysdale, Sam Doran and Colin A. Young contributed reporting.)

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Healey administration must draw up new regs on MBTA housing law
The left-of-center leaders of Mexico, Brazil and Colombia have just made a mockery of their claims to support democracy. Ignoring a diplomatic boycott by most Latin American democracies, they sent official envoys to the sham inauguration on Friday of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro for a new six-year term in office.

In other words, they gave an official blessing to Maduros fraudulent power grab, even while some of them timidly recognized that Venezuelas July 28 election was bogus.

Voting tallies made public by the opposition and certified as authentic by most experts show that opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the elections with 67% of the vote, against Maduros 30%. But the Venezuelan autocrat proclaimed himself the winner anyway, without ever showing official voting records.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Granted, the presidents of Mexico, Brazil and Colombia didnt fly to Venezuela for the inauguration ceremony, nor did they send cabinet-level delegations. Instead, they ordered their respective ambassadors to be at the ceremony, which still amounted to an official recognition of Maduros installation.

Among the few visiting dignitaries attending Maduros inauguration were the dictators of Cuba and Nicaragua, who sat in the front row at the swearing-in ceremony.

To their credit, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, Ecuador, Panama and several other countries condemned Maduros fraudulent re-election and did not send any representatives to his inauguration. The United States, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Costa Rica have recognized Gonzalez Urrutia as Venezuelas legitimate president.

Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum, who recently claimed that Mexico is the most democratic country, announced shortly before Maduros inauguration that she had instructed Mexicos ambassador in Venezuela to attend the event. She argued that Mexicos constitution calls for non-intervention in other countries internal affairs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thats a pathetic excuse, or at the very least a very misleading interpretation of Mexicos Constitution.

Article 89 of Mexicos charter calls on the president to follow a foreign policy guided by both the principle of non-intervention in other countries affairs and the respect, protection and promotion of human rights. Sheinbaum chose to focus on the first guideline, and to ignore the second one.

In Venezuelas case, Maduro not only shamelessly stole the most recent elections, but has since unleashed a massive wave of repression.

In the months following the July 28 elections, Maduros security forces caused at least 25 deaths, more than 2,000 arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances and other grave human rights violations, according to a Jan. 7 report by the Organization of American States Inter-American Human Rights Commission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has voiced doubts about Venezuelas election results, saying that Maduro owes explanations about them. But the Brazilian president nevertheless sent his ambassador to attend the inauguration ceremony claiming that Venezuelas problems are for the Venezuelan people to resolve.

In similar display of political inconsistency, Colombias President Gustavo Petro admitted in his social media account that Venezuelas election results were not free, but sent his ambassador anyway to Maduros swearing-in ceremony.

Asked about Petros wishy-washy stance, Venezuelas most important opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, told Colombias NTN24 network that you cant be in good standing with God and with the devil the Spanish-language equivalent of you cant have your cake and eat it, too.

Machado is right. Recognizing Maduro as Venezuelas legitimate leader is not only a moral blunder, but also a serious economic miscalculation by the leaders of Mexico, Brazil and Colombia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These countries are likely to be among the most affected by the massive migration from Venezuela that is likely to follow Maduros latest power grab, as Venezuelas economic crisis will probably worsen amid new U.S. and European Union sanctions.

In a recent interview, Machado told me that if Maduro was inaugurated for a new term, three, four, five, six million more Venezuelans would be leaving the country. She may not have exaggerated; nearly eight million have already left since Maduro took office in 2013, according to United Nations numbers, and polls show that many Venezuelans are planning to leave.

Where are they likely to go? With President-elect Trump vowing to close the U.S. border to all undocumented migrants, including Venezuelans, they will probably head for neighboring Colombia and Brazil, and some to Mexico. And Venezuelan criminal organizations such as the Tren de Aragua gang are likely to expand across Latin America.

In a nutshell, the presidents of Mexico, Brazil and Colombia are shooting themselves in the foot. They should follow the steps of Chiles leftist president Gabriel Boric, who said Jan. 9 that as a leftist, Im saying that Maduros government is a dictatorship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition, they should recognize Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate president of Venezuela, and prioritize democratic principles and regional stability over outdated ideologies.

Otherwise, their claims to support democracy sound like a joke, and the economic consequences of Venezuelas collapse into a full-blown narco-dictatorship will hurt them  and countries across the Americas  badly.

Dont miss the Oppenheimer Presenta TV show on Sundays at 9 pm E.T. on CNN en Espanol. Blog: andresoppenheimer.com
New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald wrote that the state went too far in applying the civil rights statute. (Dana Wormald | New Hampshire Bulletin)

The New Hampshire Supreme Court held that a local white supremacist group, NSC-13, did not violate the states Civil Rights Act when it displayed a banner reading KEEP NEW ENGLAND WHITE from an overpass.

In a 4-0 decision released Friday, the court dismissed a lawsuit brought by the state against leaders of the group under the Civil Rights Act. Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald wrote that the state went too far in applying the civil rights statute and impinged on the activists free speech rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The overbreadth of the States construction of the Act creates an unacceptable risk of a chill on speech protected by Part I, Article 22 of our State Constitution, MacDonald wrote.

The case stems from an incident in July 2022 in which 10 members of NSC-13 hung the banner from the overpass. They were stopped by Portsmouth police, who informed them that they were violating a municipal ordinance to hang banners from overpasses without a permit. After that instruction, they removed the banner and departed the bridge within 25 minutes.

The Attorney Generals Office attempted to bring a lawsuit against the NSC-13 members under a provision of the states Civil Rights Act, RSA 354-B:1, that protects residents from actual or threatened damage to or trespass on property when such actual or threatened conduct is motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, or disability.

The state argued that because the activists were trespassing on a public roadway in order to display the sign, and were motivated by race to do so, they were violating the act. But the defendants said that was an incorrect reading of the statute, and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire helped provide them legal support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rockingham Superior Court Judge David Ruoff sided with the group, finding that the states strategy of using the anti-trespassing language was overly broad and violated the state constitutional free speech rights.

MacDonald concurred with that ruling. The Supreme Court opinion narrows part of the Civil Rights Act, holding that moving forward, the state must show that defendants knew they were violating an anti-trespassing law in order to punish them for trespassing under the act.

We hold that, to state a claim for a violation of the Act predicated upon actual trespass on property, the State must establish that the actor, with knowledge that he or she is not licensed or privileged to do so, enters land in the possession of another or causes a thing or a third person to do so  and that the trespass was motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, or disability.

The state had argued that those conditions were met, noting that the NSC-13 members had worn masks and refused to identify themselves to police, an indication they knew they were breaking the law. But MacDonald disagreed with that argument.

The decision was signed by Associate Justices James Bassett, Melissa Countway, and Patrick Donovan. Associate Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi is on administrative leave from the court as she faces felony charges related to alleged improper interference with an investigation into her husband, Geno Marconi.
The devastation of the Palisades Fire is seen in the early morning in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher/Associated Press

Texas is sending personnel and equipment to help Californians battle the wildfires blazing in the Los Angeles area, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Saturday.

More than 135 firefighters and other emergency management and medical personnel are being deployed, according to the state.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

"Our hearts grieve with the entire Los Angeles community as they continue to respond to these destructive wildfires, Abbott said. Texans know all too well the devastation wildfires can cause to our communities, and our country is stronger when we come together in times of crisis. I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy firefighters, fire engines, and firefighting equipment to help our fellow Americans battle these wildfires."

The response comes after California sent out a request for help through the state's Office of Emergency Services

The Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, and Texas Emergency Medical Task Force are all contributing to Texas' response.

Texas is also sending more than 45 "fire engines, ambulances, command vehicles and equipment."

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
As the 2025 New Hampshire legislative session kicks off, educators are bracing for what could be a pivotal year for our students, our classrooms, and our profession.

As the president of NEA-New Hampshire, I represent thousands of educators across the state, many of whom feel like their voices are increasingly drowned out by political forces that do not understand the challenges we face daily.

New Hampshires public schools have weathered a global pandemic, navigated staffing shortages, and dealt with the escalating mental health crisis that affects both students and educators. Despite these struggles, we have remained committed to the students we serve. We are ready to defend the rights of educators, advocate for better funding, and ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to build a bright future.

Megan Tuttle

At the core of our unions strength is our ability to advocate for our members and our students. There are at least two bills already filed that are an attack on unions and collective bargaining, including the perennially filed so-called right-to-work" bill. These initiatives would erode our collective voice and make it harder for us to advocate for better working conditions, fair pay, and improved resources for students. We will fight these efforts tooth and nail because without a strong voice, educators lose the ability to push for the changes that our schools desperately need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New Hampshires public schools are a bedrock of opportunity, serving students from all backgrounds and providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. The funding challenges we already face  due to insufficient investment from the state  are made even worse when we divert public dollars to programs that do not meet the same standards. We cannot afford to abandon our public schools in favor of private institutions that do not serve the same diverse student body.

We must reject efforts to expand vouchers and ensure our tax dollars are spent on the nearly 90% of New Hampshire students, and 95% of students with special education needs, who attend our public schools  not subsidizing private institutions with little oversight.

Weve long been fighting for more equitable funding for our schools, but too many legislators remain content with the status quo  despite repeated court rulings that New Hampshire has not fulfilled its constitutional requirement to adequately fund public education. Instead of looking to fix the fundamental issue of underfunding, some lawmakers have chosen to perpetuate a harmful narrative that teachers and schools are somehow the problem.

While there are several proposed bills that could alter the funding formula or redefine what constitutes an adequate education, many of these proposals seem designed to reduce state support. This is unacceptable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now is the time for lawmakers to push for fair and equitable funding for public schools. We must prioritize robust funding for public education, including special education, without further diverting funds to private schools.

This year we will also see the return of culture war bills aimed at politicizing education, including so-called parental rights bills, classroom censorship efforts, and book bans. These bills not only create unnecessary division but also undermine the professional judgment of educators. Teachers should not be used as pawns in a political game. Our job is to provide students with the tools they need to think critically, engage with diverse perspectives, and learn about the world around them. We will fight against any attempt to limit the scope of what we can teach, and we will protect the right of students to learn in an inclusive, respectful, and open environment.

Another significant threat on the horizon is the continued push to weaken the teaching profession. Attempts to allow unlicensed teachers who lack credentials or training are not a solution to the educator shortage. Instead, lowering standards for teachers undermines the quality of education our students receive. We need policies that raise the bar for educators, not ones that lower it to meet budget lines.

As educators, our number one job is creating a sound and effective learning environment. Every day we see the impact that cell phones, extreme temperatures, and poor air quality in school buildings have on both student and educator health and ability to focus on learning. We look forward to working with lawmakers as they consider policies to improve student learning environments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Educators face a challenging legislative landscape, but we are not alone in this fight. As demonstrated by voters in the Kearsarge Regional School District recently, communities overwhelmingly support their local public schools and are committed to protecting public education.

Together, we can send a powerful message to lawmakers that New Hampshires future depends on investing in its public schools and ensure that our state is a place where all students are given the opportunity to succeed  regardless of their zip code.

Megan Tuttle is president of NEA-New Hampshire.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Tuttle: NH educators stand united for students and public schools
Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers fighting with Russia's army, alive but wounded, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday.

It marks the first time Ukraine said it took North Korean soldiers prisoner since they arrived in Russia to fight in the war in October, according to Ukraine and the U.S.

In a post to X, Zelensky said the soldiers were captured in Kursk, a Russian region on the border that Ukraine is trying to hold after it staged an incursion into the area last summer. They were transported to Kyiv, where they are communicating with Ukrainian officials, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North Korean military personnel usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Koreas involvement in the war against Ukraine," Zelensky said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has tightened his alliance with Russia since the Ukraine war began.

North Korean forces have already suffered "heavy casualties" in the region, with more than 1,000 killed or wounded within a week, White House National Security Advisor John Kirby said at a news conference late last month. Some soldiers reportedly took their own lives to avoid surrendering to Ukraine, he said.

The North Korean troops have been deployed to the frontlines in Kursk, mostly as light infantry soldiers and mortar teams, a senior U.S. military official told reporters in December. Many have never been in combat before, the official said.

Trump says he will meet with Putin

Zelensky's announcement comes as President Joe Biden prepares to hand off the White House on Jan. 20 to President-elect Donald Trump, who said this week that he is arranging a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"He wants to meet, and we are setting it up, Trump said on Thursday at a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. "We have to get that war over with," he added, calling it a "bloody mess."

Donald Trump, in his first term as U.S. president, gestures during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

The Kremlin said the next day that it was open to the meeting, although nothing was yet on the books.

Trump's well-documented closeness with Putin and his vow that he could quickly end the war have raised concern from Ukraine and its supporters about whether the former and future president will curtail or end U.S. aid to Ukraine. Proposals articulated by incoming Vice President J.D. Vance include freezing Ukraine's borders where they are now and indefinitely suspending Ukraine from joining NATO.

Since Russian forces invaded Ukraine nearly three years ago, the U.S. has sent more than $30 billion in military assistance and weapons. The lame duck Biden administration on Thursday announced another $500 million aid package, including air defense missiles, air-to-ground munitions and support equipment for F-16 fighter jets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, as Biden prepares to leave office, his administration on Friday imposed its hardest sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies and more than 180 of its oil tankers. Many of the tankers ship oil to India and China, which have made up a growing share of Russia's oil exports after it was fenced out of European markets after the invasion.

The measures are "the most significant sanctions yet against the Russian energy sector, the largest source of revenue for the Kremlin's war machine," a senior official told reporters.

In October, South Korea reported that more than a thousand North Korean troops had gone to training bases in eastern Russia. Working with Ukraine, the country's intelligence service used facial recognition technology and artificial intelligence to identify North Korean military officers in the Donetsk region.

Putin has steadily tightened his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with the two leaders signing a defense pact when the Russian leader paid a visit to North Korea in June.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine captures first North Korean soldiers alive, Zelensky says
Here are some of The Providence Journal's most-read stories for the week of Jan. 5,supported by your subscriptions.

Here are the week's top reads on providencejournal.com:

From left: Adel Arruda, Danielle Arruda and Felix Arruda, who police said were slain by Nicholas Arruda last week.

WEST GREENWICH  A 39-year-old West Greenwich man last week shot and killed his pregnant wife and his two children and then died by suicide, police said Wednesday morning.

Nicholas Arruda shot and killed 39-year-old Danielle Arruda, their 5-year-old daughter and their 2-year-old son, according to West Greenwich Police Chief Richard N. Ramsay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Danielle Arruda was seven months pregnant with the couple's third child, bringing the total number of deaths to five, Ramsay said.

The shooting happened between 8 p.m. on New Year's Day and 5:20 a.m. on Jan. 2 inside the family's home on Cheyenne Trail.

"I wish there could be an explanation to help you make sense of this horrific act," Ramsay said. "But the truth is we may never know why it happened."

For more details, including the earlier felony domestic violence arrest of Nicholas Arruda, read the full story.

Crime: 'We may never know why': Police release more details in West Greenwich murder

The troubled westbound span of the Washington Bridge.

PROVIDENCE  Contractors accused of doing shoddy work on the Washington Bridge are relying on flawed legal arguments in hopes of getting the lawsuit against them dismissed, according to a response filed by the state on Tuesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The filing does not shed new light on what caused the bridge to fail, but it reiterates the state's argument that the companies that inspected the bridge before its emergency closure were negligent and failed to flag "critical deficiencies," as did those hired to work on the repair project that was underway when the problems were found.

AECOM Technical Services, the Barletta-Aetna Washington Bridge Joint Venture, Commonwealth Engineers and Jacobs Engineering, who are among more than a dozen companies named as defendants, each filed separate motions to dismiss the lawsuit earlier this winter. For a breakdown of the state's response to those motions, read on.

Local news: Washington Bridge contractors want the lawsuit against them dismissed. Here's the state's response.

Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.

PROVIDENCE  In an effort to increase their pay and improve working conditions and patient care, resident physicians and fellows at Rhode Island Hospital have voted to join a union, making them the first doctors in Rhode Island to unionize.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The vote by secret mail ballot passed, 464-27, doctors who've led the effort announced Tuesday night.

The doctors voted to join the Committee of Interns and Residents for the purpose of collective bargaining with their employer, Brown University Health, formerly Lifespan. The Committee of Interns and Residents is the largest such union in the country, with more than 34,000 members.

After the vote result was announced, Brown Health said in a statement: "Brown University Health is grateful to our residents, interns, and fellows for their important contributions to delivering high-quality care with empathy and kindness. We appreciate all who made their voices heard through this election and look forward to working with CIR in good faith while best serving our patients and communities."

Health care: Residents, interns at Rhode Island Hospital are first doctors in RI to join a union

The Rhode Island Convention Center, on Sabin Street in Providence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

PROVIDENCE  In what has become a tradition, the private company that manages operations for the heavily taxpayer-subsidized Rhode Island Convention Center Authority has awarded end-of-year bonuses of up to $40,541 to top staff.

Putting the bonuses in perspective, taxpayers were required to pay $24.9 million to the Convention Center this year to cover debt and operating costs, according to Daniel McConaghy, executive director of the authority.

The largest end-of-year bonus  totaling $40,541  went once again to general manager Larry Lepore, on top of his $191,231 salary. See who else got a big payday by reading the full story.

Local news: RI Convention Center staff reap 5-figure bonuses. Here's who got how much.

The problem-plagued intersection of Phillips Street, Boston Neck Road and Brown Street in North Kingstown's Wickford village, seen through a shop window of Buttercup Flower and Wine Bar.

There's one thing most residents of Wickford seem to agree on when it comes to the intersection of Phillips Street, Boston Neck Road and Brown Street: It needs work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Phillips Street has a stop sign, Boston Neck Road a yield sign and Brown Street no sign at all. The result is confusion, anxiety and panic when people come to the intersection, says Lauren Scowcroft, owner of Buttercup Flower and Wine Bar, which looks out at the intersection.

What no one seems to agree on, however, is a solution. Some have suggested traffic lights while others think simply installing stop signs would solve the issue.

A 2020 traffic safety study commissioned by the state Department of Transportation concluded that a single-lane mini roundabout would have the least impact on traffic at the intersection. But many Wickford residents are balking at the idea.

Read the full story to find out why.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Infrastructure: Wickford residents protest installation of proposed roundabout.

To read the full stories, go to providencejournal.com. Find out how to subscribe here.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: West Greenwich killings; Washington Bridge lawsuit; RI doctors union
Owoade

Kingmakers in Oyo Town on Friday rejected Gov. Seyi Makindes appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The kingmakers, in a letter signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobalolu, and addressed to the state governor, declared the appointment of Owoade as null and void; illegal and unlawful.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls the Oyo State Government had earlier on Friday announced Owoade as the Alaafin-elect.

The kingmakers claimed they never recommended Owoade to the state government at any time.

They insisted the only person they recommended on Sept. 30, 2022, by the majority of the kingmakers lawful votes as the next Alaafin, was Prince Lukman Gbadegesin.

NAN reports that five kingmakers are objecting to the governors appointment of the Alaafin-elect.

The five kingmakers are the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Layinka; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo, and the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf.

The two others are Chief Wahab Oyetunji, the warrant chief standing in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, the warrant chief standing in for Alapinni of Oyo.

Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin, having obtained the majority of votes of the kingmakers present, was deemed appointed and his name was forwarded to Your Excellency as the candidate appointed by the kingmakers as Alaafin of Oyo for your approval, which you refused to approve for no disclosed reason at all.

The kingmakers thereafter filed an action to stop Your Excellency from truncating the process, which culminated in the present appeal at the Court of Appeal, they said.

They noted they were surprised the government claimed in its announcement that Owoades selection was made after wide consultation and divination.

We must emphatically state that the Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but in strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967.

This codifies the native law and custom governing the selection process for the vacant stool of the Alaafin.

Under the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, it is only the Bashorun of Oyo, the head of the Oyomesi and Kingmakers, that can summon a meeting of the kingmakers for the purpose of selecting a candidate to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.

In this instance, the Bashorun did not summon any such meeting, nor was there any meeting convened in the Alaafins palace, as custom demands, where the said Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade was selected or appointed as the new Alaafin. they said.

The kingmakers said the meeting held at the Governors Office or elsewhere on Thursday to select the governors preferred candidate was unlawful and illegal.

It is not the duty of the governor to convene the meeting of few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs to select or appoint a new Alaafin on the 9th of January 2025 and hurriedly approve the appointment on the 10th of January 2025, said the kingmakers.

They, however, said they had appealed to sons and daughters of Oyo Kingdom to remain calm as they intended to challenge the action in court.
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju

A fire outbreak engulfed a weekly marketplace in Ipetumodu, Osun State, Akinola Market, destroying goods worth millions of naira.

Naija News learnt that the incident happened late on Friday, causing panic among traders who had all gone home after the days activities.

A trader who spoke with Punch said the cause of the fire had not been determined, noting that the section affected was where tubers of yam were stored.

The trader said, I was called late on Friday. I had left the market about four hours earlier. The part affected is the stalls where yam sellers usually keep their produce.

Those who contacted us also informed NSCDC operatives, and they responded. But the destruction was massive.

Confirming the incident on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kehinde Adeleke, suggested the fire might have been caused by refuse burning.

He stated that operatives of the command were immediately deployed to the scene upon receiving the distress call.

He said, Akinola Market in Ipetumodu was gutted by a late-night fire on Friday, 10th January 2025. The fire broke out in a section of the market where foodstuffs, particularly yams, were being sold.

Properties and foodstuffs worth millions of naira were destroyed. Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire started from refuse set ablaze by yet-to-be-identified individuals after the close of business on Friday.

Akinola Market is a weekly market held every Friday. After the last market day, traders collected their refuse for burning but negligently left the fire unextinguished before heading home, which led to the inferno. Upon receiving a distress call, we immediately deployed operatives to the scene.
By Williams Odunze

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma has appealed to unknown gunmen still hiding in the bush to perpetuate insecurity in some parts of the state to come out and lay down their arms and join society in contributing positively to the progress of the state.

He also promised that the government will be willing to assist them in any kind of business they choose to go into to be useful to themselves and society.

The Governor, made the appeal at the funeral of the slain former Imo APC Woman leader, Orlu zone, Jenny Rachael Okonkwo, who was murdered in 2022 by suspected hoodlums who dumped her lifeless body in the bush.

Addressing a gathering of mourners at the country home of the late APC woman leader in Ogberuru, Orlu LGA, the Governor condemned the conditions under which the woman leader was assassinated, insisting that the Party and the State lost a gem in her.

Uzodinma prayed for the repose of her soul and the souls of the four other women assassinated with her and proceeded to approve the sum of N10 million for each of the deceased families.

He also promised that the government will be willing to employ any of their children who is employable or in the alternative train them if they are willing to learn a trade or skill.

The number one citizen of the state, pointed out that the sole reason why Okonkwo was assassinated, was not because of any offence she committed but because she was an APC member who did her job effectively as a woman leader and mobilizer.

She was one of the best organizers and mobilizers, not only in Orlu Local Government but in Imo State in general. A very committed party woman, who worked, suffered, served the Party and the government, and because of her commitment, political opponents assassinated her.

When Rachael was assassinated alongside four others, the senseless political violence and gruesome killings in the area was not known. Those who are behind the political killings in Orlu zone are still at work but very soon the wrath of God will catch up with them. the Governor maintained

Uzodinma hinted that strangers were recruited by unscrupulous politicians to kill and assassinate their own brothers and sisters in the name of politics.

He, however, said with the help of God, Orlu people are beginning to see that those behind the killings in the LGA and other areas do not mean well for the state.

The Governor, called on all affected by the death of late Okonkwo to take heart and remain committed to the Party and the state.

It is a thing of conscience. What one sows is what one will reap. If you shed blood God will judge you, if you are innocent God will judge you, if you are killing for political power, God will judge you; at the end of the day you will answer to God. he further maintained.

Uzodinma used the moment to condole with the bereaved family and members of APC in the State, especially members of Camp Hope, acknowledging their efforts in uniting the party.

He urged all members of the party to remain firm, committed and resilient, assuring that they will never regret their sojourn in the Party.
There will be at least four new City Council members when the new mayor and 10-member council are sworn in this June. Billy Calzada /Staff photographer

City Hall is in for a major shakeup come June.

Along with a new mayor, almost half the 10-member City Council will be new faces. Thats because four of the 10 seats on the May 3 ballot will be open, meaning an incumbent isnt running.

Along with bringing new ideas for policies and programs, the newcomers could shift the councils priorities and voting blocs.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The North Sides council Districts 8 and 9 are open because Councilmen Manny Pelaez and John Courage are prevented by term limits from seeking reelection in May  though Pelaez will still be on the ballot as a mayoral candidate.

District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda and District 4 Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia were eligible to serve two more years, but decided to seek the mayors seat. That left their far West Side and Southwest Side seats open sooner than some potential contenders expected, leading board members of the Alamo Colleges District and the South San school district to shift their sights to City Council.

The fact that council members will now serve four-year terms rather than two-year terms and will earn $70,200 annually, up from the current $45,722 salary, may also entice political novices to seek local office. Voters approved those changes in Novembers city charter amendment election.

Candidates will be able to file to appear on the May ballot with the City Clerks Office come Wednesday. The filing period closes on Feb. 14  plenty of time for more candidates to throw their hat in the ring.

Heres how the races for the City Councils four open seats are shaping up, based on who has named a campaign treasurer, which allows candidates to raise money for their campaign.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

District 4

Longtime District 4 staffer Edward Mungia, 31, is vying to succeed his boss.

Rocha Garcia named him director of special projects when she won the Southwest Side seat in 2019. He was constituent services and special projects manager under her predecessor, Councilman Rey Saldana.

I feel as though both of my bosses have been very encouraging and let me occupy some spaces with them to show me exactly what they go through and what they work on, Mungia said.

He served on the South San Antonio Independent School District board in 2018, after being appointed to fill a vacancy that January. He lost his bid for the seat that November.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

South San Trustee Ernesto Arrellano Jr., who was one of five candidates who unsuccessfully challenged Bexar County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores in last Marchs Democratic primary, now has his sights on City Council.

Arrellano, 62, is a business analyst at USAA and a former San Antonio Water System trustee. First elected to the school board in 2020, he ran unopposed for a second four-year term in November. If elected to council, he would have to resign from the board.

Arrellano said the potential state takeover of South San and the removal of the elected board  at the recommendation of a state-appointed conservator who called the board dysfunctional  had no bearing on his decision to run for District 4.

It was something that I was going to do regardless, he said, adding that Rocha Garcias decision not to seek a final term influenced his decision. It kind of pushed my calendar to run for City Council up a little bit.

Other contenders include Johnathon Cruz, the principal of Ronald McNair Middle School, and Jose Pepe Martinez, the owner of PNS Transport, a trucking company.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Cruz, 34, first ran for office in 2014 when he unsuccessfully sought a seat on the Southwest ISD board. I just feel at this time that we need authentic individuals at City Hall to do the peoples work, he said.

Martinez, 35, has never run for office. Serving on council, he said, would be a way to give back to my community.

District 6

The open far West Side seat has drawn considerable interest from current and former council aides.

This includes Ric Galvan, who has worked as director of special projects for District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo since 2022; Vanessa Chavez, district director for former District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval; Lawson Alaniz-Picasso, communications director for former District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino; and Gerald Lopez, chief of staff for former District 6 Councilman Ray Lopez.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Chavez, 53, also worked for former council members Richard Perez, Roland Gutierrez and Jennifer Ramos. Currently, she is a regional enrollment manager for IDEA Public Schools.

She and Galvan, 24, are both first-time candidates. Galvan has been president of the Pipers Meadow Neighborhood Association since last April.

Alaniz-Picasso, 32, unsuccessfully challenged Commissioner Clay-Flores in the March 2024 primary, leaving her job as a communications and public involvement manager at engineering firm WSP USA to campaign for that seat.

Lopez, 56, owns a lawn care company. He ran unopposed for the Alamo Colleges District board in the May 2024 election. He had to step down as a Northside Independent School District trustee, a position hed held since 2015, to serve on Alamo Colleges board.

Carlos Antonio Raymond, a perennial Republican candidate for state office, is also running, as is Chris Baecker, who was one of two candidates to challenge Cabello Havrda in the May 2023 municipal election.

Most recently, Raymond, 75, ran as the Republican candidate in the 2022 general election for Texas House District 125, losing to Democrat incumbent and former Councilman Ray Lopez.

Baecker, 53, teaches eighth grade economics and algebra at Basis Charter Schools Jack Lewis Jr. campus and economics at Northwest Vista College.

District 8

The race for the open North Side seat has drawn the least number of candidates so far, though those vying to replace Pelaez were some of the earliest to launch their campaigns.

Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, one of several candidates for Bexar County judge in the March 2022 Democratic primary, is seeking to return to City Hall. She left her job as Mayor Ron Nirenbergs chief of staff to run for county judge, having previously worked as Nirenbergs director of public policy and engagement.

Meza Gonzalez, 43, works for Andrade-Van de Putte and Associates, a lobbying firm founded by former Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade and former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, a 2015 mayoral candidate.

First-time candidates Sakib Shaikh and Paula McGee are also running for District 8.

Shaikh, 40, owns a Shell gas station in Boerne, has a real estate practice and is a homebuilder. He was Pelaezs director of constituent services for part of 2017 and was recently elected president of the Laurel Hills Neighborhood Association.

McGee, 66, is an attorney who served on the San Antonio Zoning Commission and the citys Ethics Review Board. Reed Williams, who represented District 8 from 2009 to 2013, is her campaign treasurer.

District 9

Courages departure could create an opening for a Republican to once again represent District 9, which is the most politically conservative of the citys 10 council districts. Though the City Council is a non-partisan office, the partisan leanings of its members are well-known. Viewed as a progressive when he first took office in 2017, Courage is now considered a moderate Democrat.

Two former partisan candidates have entered the race to replace him: Misty Spears and Angela Angi Taylor Aramburu.

Spears, 44, was the Republican candidate for Bexar County District Clerk in the November 2022 election, losing to Democrat Gloria Martinez. Spears is director of constituent services for Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Grant Moody, the lone Republican on Commissioners Court. Moody has endorsed her council campaign.

Taylor Aramburu, 48, was the Democratic candidate for Texas House District 122 in 2022s general election, losing to Republican Mark Dorazio. She owns a fitness company and sits on the Mayors Fitness Council, an initiative to promote physical activity and healthy eating. Courage is backing her campaign.

Both Spears and Taylor Aramburu said they arent campaigning on partisan platforms.

I think most people will agree that they want someone who will be careful with tax dollars, make sure that were maintaining our neighborhoods and that were all feeling safe, and ensure theres prosperity in the future for our district and our city, Spears said. I dont think those are partisan issues.

Taylor Aramburu said she doesnt think any of the social issues belong on the City Council.

I, of course, have my own personal opinions, but I dont plan on bringing those to council, nor do I think its appropriate, she said. City Council has a job: to manage the budget, the tax dollars, to improve the quality of life for citizens, and I dont think pushing any social agenda or political agenda for either party serves the community.

Also running is first-time candidate Emily Joy Garza, who owns Dollistic, a permanent cosmetics studio that caters to clients who have lost their hair because of cancer, alopecia or trichotillomania. She is also a business consultant for entrepreneurs.

Garza, 40, said her experience speaking before the City Council during its weekly public comment session sparked her interest in representing District 9. She initially spoke about animal control issues, such as responsible pet ownership and the importance of spay and neuter, but has shifted to a range of topics about government transparency and accessibility.
Africas agriculture ministers are meeting in Uganda this week to discuss sustainable agriculture and food production systems in light of the climate change, which comes amid warnings that climate crisis is pushing temperatures to levels never experienced by modern humans.

The extraordinary African Union (AU) summit on agriculture opened in Ugandas capital Kampala on Thursday (9 January), as agricultural ministers and more than 2,000 delegates from across the continent seek measures to boost Africas development in the sector. With a sharp increase in food prices due to droughts, floods, conflict and climate change on the continent, the ministers aim to discuss the ways to adapt Africas farming practices to climate change and modern technology. Coinciding with the AU summit, the European Unions climate monitor issued a warning on Friday (10 January) that 2024 was the first full year in which global temperatures exceeded 1.5C above pre-industrial times.

The milestone was confirmed by the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), whose director, Carlo Buontempo, described how every month in 2024 was the warmest or second-warmest for that month since records began. The trajectory is just incredible, C3S director said. According to the UN trade and development agency (UNCTAD), the number of people affected by food insecurity around the world soared from 512 million in 2014 to more than 790 million in 2021. Speaking at the AU summit, Ugandas prime minister, Robinah Nabbanja, urged Africas agricultural ministers to provide policies and solutions within a 10-year action plan in a bid to make the continent food self-reliant given the changing weather, peoples food preferences, increased conflicts and shrinking agricultural farmlands.
Ethiopia has become the latest African country to launch its own stock exchange on January 10 to open-up its growing economy to private investors.

The launch is part of economic reforms to end the state control of the economy of the near 100-million-nation.

Dubbed, the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), the bourse is expected to provide a platform for local and international investors to invest in Ethiopian companies, thereby boosting the economy.

So far one company, Wegagen Bank, was listed on the Ethiopian Security Exchange (ESX), although ESX chief executive Tilahun Kassahun said he expected 90 companies to eventually join over the next 10 years, Reuters reported.

State-owned telecom Ethio Telecom, which is preparing for IPO, is also widely expected to list shares on the exchange, the agency said.
Jose Israel Teran Jr., 21, is in the Bexar County jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and for the purchase and sale of human organs. Courtesy Bexar County Sheriff's Office

A man accused of shooting a semitruck driver after a crash on Interstate 35 in San Antonio had also offered $500,000 to harvest a baby's organs.

Jose Israel Teran Jr., 21, is in the Bexar County jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and for the purchase and sale of human organs. A judge set Teran's bail at $225,000.

On Monday, Teran was involved in a collision between his SUV and a semitruck during rush hour traffic on the north lanes of Interstate 35, near Thousand Oaks Drive.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Teran pulled out a gun and fired several shots at the semitruck driver, wounding him in the leg, a sergeant said at the scene.

Teran was arrested at the crash site.

An affidavit supporting Teran's arrest details how one week before the shooting, Teran responded to a group text message that wasn't meant for him.

On Dec. 30, a mother sent a text to several relatives, inviting them to her 9-month-old daughter's baptism at a church on the Northwest Side. She attached the baby's photo in the message. She included Teran's cell number, thinking that it still belonged to her uncle.

"Good morning and happy early new year! I am attaching an invitation to Lucy's baptism. No pressure to attend I just wanted to invite everyone ..." she said, adding the name of the church. "We will attend the 12 noon mass then the baptism starts at 1:30. We will have a light lunch and refreshments to follow at our house afterwards. Hope you can make it. "

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Teran immediately replies: "That's a nice Caucasian baby how much you want?" an affidavit states.

The mother immediately blocks Teran, but her aunt notices more texts from him.

"Are you not interested in selling? I'm willing to start the bid at 500k," Teran texts, according to the affidavit.

The girl's father then calls Teran's number.

Teran answers, telling him that he was interested in purchasing their child and would be willing to pay for their child "in cash or bitcoin," the affidavit states.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Teran tells the father that he purchases babies for their organs, and that he's willing to meet that same night for the purchase. He said he knew both the address of the church and their home address of the baby, according to the affidavit.

After the call, the mother told police that she was in fear for the safety of her children. She had been checking her street for unknown vehicles and taking extra precautions when her children played outside. They also stopped taking evening walks through the neighborhood.

As the detective was typing the search warrant, they discovered Teran had been detained in connection with an unrelated case Monday  the I-35 crash turned shooting.

A detective met with Teran at the SAPD Public Safety Headquarters downtown to discuss the text messages.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Teran told the detective that he thought the message thread he received was spam. The detective noted that it is unknown why Teran continued sending messages even though the mother told him she had a "wrong number," the affidavit states.
Moroccos treasury has gained an additional 600 million dollars (6 billion dirhams) following a tax amnesty program that expired on Dec 31, 2024.

At least 127 billion dirhams ($12.7 billion) has been injected in the Moroccan banking system thanks to the tax amnesty, which allowed cash-holders to pay a reduced 5% tax on their deposits, government spokesman said.

The pre-dominance of cash has often been a salient issue in Moroccos economy, contributing to the growth of the informal sector and promoting tax evasion.

The newly injected cash will be conducive to help banks finance the Moroccan economy and offer the treasury additional resources to reduce the deficit in line with the governments 2025 target of 3.5% of GDP.

Those holding undeclared assets abroad had to pay a preferential tax of 10% during the amnesty program.
An Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group on Friday claimed responsibility for an attack in northern Benin near the borders with insurgency-hit neighbors, Burkina Faso and Niger that killed at least 28 troops this week.

The raid that took place on Jan.8 was the deadliest the Beninese army has suffered in years, authorities have confirmed.

National Guard chief of staff, Colonel Faizou Gomina, said the assault that occurred in the Alibori region, targeting one of the countrys most fortified military positions, was a very hard blow. While Colonel Gomina did not elaborate on who perpetrators were and how many Beninese troops had been killed during the attack, a security source put the death toll at 28. In response to the latest attack, cleaning-up military operations are underway, with 40 assailants have been neutralized so far, the military source added.

Attacks in northern Benin have increased in recent years with authorities accusing the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda groups based in neighboring countries, including the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

The west African country has in the past four years suffered increasing attacks in the northern region blamed on jihadist groups based in neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, in which more than 120 Beninese troops were reportedly killed. In December, gunmen killed three soldiers and injured four others guarding an oil pipeline in the northeast.

Following the latest deadly attack, which he described as one of the strongest and most militarized, the army chief of staff urged military leaders to rethink strategies to address the growing security challenges. Wake up, officers and section chiefs, we have battles to win, he said.
Chairwoman of Moroccos National Human Rights Council (CNDH), Amina Bouayach, was granted the 2025 Mediterranean Foundation Award (Fondazione Mediterraneo) and was appointed Ambassador of the US to the World Foundation, in recognition of her significant contribution to the defense of human rights.

The award, presented to her on Friday in Naples, Italy, recognizes individuals or organizations dedicated to upholding the values of human dignity and freedom.

Established by Italian sculptor Mario Molinari, the Mediterranean Prize is a symbol of peace and coexistence between countries. It recognized Bouayachs work in advancing equality, justice, and fundamental freedoms, the foundation said in a statement.

At the opening of the ceremony, the Foundations president, Michael Capasso, hailed Bouayachs remarkable impact on human rights, as this award reflects her tireless dedication and dynamism in the field.

Capasso said that the award, a trophy crafted by renowned Italian sculptor Mario Molinari, symbolizes dialogue and cooperation between peoples. It comes as no surprise that Bouayach has unanimous support, especially within civil societies, where she enjoys continually renewed credibility.

For her part, Moroccos Ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Rajae Naji Mekkaoui, praised the commitment of a tireless activist involved in the defense of human rights.

She highlighted that this well-deserved award reflects the Kingdoms constant commitment to promoting human rights, and improving the status of Moroccan women.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Bouayach said this award is a great pride and immense honor for her both as a woman and as an activist, and serves as a tribute to Morocco for its dedication to the universal values of dignity, justice, and equality, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

She highlighted that the Kingdom has positioned itself as a determined player, acting as a bridge between continents, cultures, and religions, while promoting an open and tolerant vision based on plurality and inclusion.

The past year was marked by a historic step with the vote for the universal moratorium on the death penalty, a decision aimed at strengthening fundamental freedoms and promoting a more inclusive and equitable Moroccan society, she said.

Mrs Bouayach also praised the proposed amendments to the Family Code, presented last December after a thorough consultative process, as ambitious and promising.

She noted that the Mediterranean Prize 2025 celebrates the journey of all women and individuals who, often under challenging conditions, work with courage and selflessness for dignity and justice.

Bouayach, born in the northern city of Tetouan, has been a tireless advocate for womens and childrens rights, often speaking out against the injustices they face. She has also worked to improve the rights of marginalized groups around the world.

In recognition of her dedication and leadership, King Mohammed VI appointed her as president of CNDH in 2018.

She has also held significant positions in global human rights organizations, including Vice-President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and Vice-President of the International Federation for Human Rights.

In addition to her work in human rights, Bouayach has had a career in diplomacy, having served as Moroccos Ambassador to Sweden and Latvia.
Marrakech police arrested on Friday evening a French national wanted internationally for attempted murder.

Carried out in coordination with Moroccos General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), the arrest was based on an international warrant issued by French judicial authorities.

The 25-year-old suspect was in Morocco illegally and was apprehended during a routine search. A suspected forged passport was found in his possession.

A background check through Interpols database revealed that the individual was subject to a Red Notice by Interpol, following a request from French judicial authorities. Investigations indicate his involvement in an attempted murder case, making him a fugitive under a judicial sentence.

The suspect was placed in police custody and procedures are underway to notify French authorities of the arrest through international security cooperation channels.

The French citizens arrest came one day after Moroccan police at Bab Sebta checkpoint arrested a Swedish young man, wanted under an international arrest warrant, for his alleged involvement in the possession of assault weapons for criminal purposes, according to security sources.

The suspect is currently in police custody pending extradition procedures.

These arrests are part of Moroccos commitment to implementing international security cooperation mechanisms, particularly in the pursuit and apprehension of individuals sought internationally for transnational crimes.

Interpol has repeatedly praised Moroccos contributions in facilitating the arrest of suspects involved in various crimes.
As Morocco is celebrating this Saturday the 81st anniversary of the presentation of the Independence Manifesto on January 11, 1944, King Mohammed VI has granted pardon to 1,304 individuals convicted by various courts of the Kingdom, the Ministry of Justice announced in a statement.

The Ministry of Justice, which unveiled the list of the beneficiaries of the royal pardon, said these include inmates who were granted pardon over their remaining jail terms, convicts who had their prison terms reduced, and prisoners who saw their sentences commuted from life imprisonment to fixed jail terms.

Some convicts benefited from pardon over their imprisonment terms but their fines were maintained. Other convicts saw their fines canceled, while others benefited from both a pardon over their prison terms and fines.

The King usually grants free pardon to inmates and convicts on religious and national holidays.

The presentation of the Independence Manifesto was a landmark event in the history of the national struggle for Moroccos independence and the defense of its sacred values.

Commemorated by the Moroccan people, led by the family of the national movement, the resistance and the army of liberation, this highly symbolic epic page of the kingdoms history illustrated a perfect symbiosis between the Alaouite throne and the Moroccan people, in favor of the liberation of the country from the colonialist grip and the preservation of national dignity.

The Moroccan people stood together against the colonialist regime, which divided the country into zones of trusteeship under the French protectorate (central Morocco) and the Spanish protectorate (north and south of the Kingdom). Tangier was considered an international zone, making the mission of liberating the national territory all the more difficult.

Alongside military actions, the history of the national fight for independence is punctuated by decisive moments, such as the uprising against the Berber Dahir of 1930. Guided by instructions from Sultan Mohammed V, the Moroccan Action Committee, the bud of the national movement, presented a reform plan to the French government in 1934 and 1936.

The late Sovereign seized the opportunity of the Anfa Conference in January 1943 to put the question of Moroccan independence on the agenda, highlighting the effective participation of Moroccan soldiers alongside the Allies, as well as their feat, which drew admiration wherever they fought.

The ambition formulated by Sultan Mohammed V at this conference won the support of the United States of America, expressed by President Franklin Roosevelt in support of the Moroccan peoples legitimate aspiration to independence.

The signing of the Independence Manifesto by sixty-seven leading resistance figures and its delivery to the colonial authorities constituted an explicit demand for Moroccan independence under the reign of Mohammed Ben Youssef.

This major event awakened a sense of resistance among the Moroccan people, all the more so as the late Mohammed V had taken the opportunity of his historic visit to Tangier in 1947 to reiterate the same demands contained in the Manifesto, refusing to bend to the will of the colonial authorities who would eventually force the Sovereign into exile. Resistance was all the stronger after this move, paving the way for the return of the Father of the Nation and the proclamation of the Kingdoms independence in 1956.

The commemoration of this epic event symbolizes the attachment of Moroccans to their history of liberation, the synergy between the people and the monarchy, and is a recognition of the tremendous sacrifices in order to deal a crushing blow to the policy of occupation, with the ultimate aim of regaining independence.
Giuliani leaves the New York Federal Courthouse on November 7, 2024, in New York City. Photo: Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images

Rudy Giuliani has to be setting some kind of record for legal drama. At the very least, he has to be the only former New York mayor to be held in contempt of court twice in one week.

Giulianis current predicament began late last year, when election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss won a $148 million defamation judgement against him in federal court. Giuliani falsely accused the mother and daughter of election fraud as part of his effort to help Donald Trump steal the 2020 election.

On Monday in Manhattan, Federal Judge Lewis Liman found Giuliani in contempt for missing multiple deadlines to turn over financial information to the two women. On Friday afternoon in Washington, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell also found Giuliani in contempt, this time for failing to comply with an agreement that he stop making defamatory comments about Freeman and Moss.

During episodes of his nightly livestreams in November, Giuliani repeated his false claims that security-camera footage showed the women fixing voting machines.

Giulianis attorney, Eden Quainton, noted that he had gone several months without defaming the women prior to his November broadcast, and he didnt actually say their names on his show. Quainton also argued that Giuliani did not show actual malice because he truly believes his election lies. Judge Howell wasnt convinced.

So what, youre saying this defamation is never going to stop? Howell responded, per NBC News. Hes never going to stop saying this because he thinks hes right? Thats chilling.

Judge Howell said Giuliani had engaged in the worst kind of defamation as she read her verdict. This takes real chutzpah, Mr. Giuliani.

For now, Howell only ordered Giuliani to acknowledge that there was no election fraud, as CNN reports:

In addition to finding Giuliani in contempt, Howell ordered that within 10 days  Trumps Inauguration Day  he must swear in a statement sent to the court that hes reviewed and acknowledges several records showing that there was no fraud in the 2020 election. If he doesnt do that, hell be fined $200 a day.

Howell suggested that she may consider more serious penalties, like jail time, if Giuliani continues making false statements.

Giuliani will be in court again on January 16. Judge Liman has scheduled a trial to decide whether Giuliani should be allowed to hold onto his Yankees World Series rings and his condo in Palm Beach, Florida. And Moss and Freeman are still trying to have him held in contempt for failing to turn over assets.

Giuliani probably didnt help his case by blasting both judges on X ahead of Fridays hearing:

And unfortunately for the former mayor, Donald Trumps return to the White House on January 20 probably wont be much help to him. The president can only issue pardons for federal criminal offenses, so Trump cant absolve Giuliani in any of these civil defamation-related matters or his many other legal troubles.
Photo: Intelligencer; Photo: Getty Images

The looming TikTok ban is barely a week away and the company is running out of time to do anything about it. On Friday, the Supreme Court heard last-minute arguments about the ban, with TikTok angling for an intervention or, at least, a temporary ruling to buy it a bit more time. They didnt go especially well for TikTok  even justices who sounded sympathetic to the companys arguments about free speech seemed satisfied by the governments core national security argument.

As a matter of law, in other words, its looking like the ban is going to happen, and probably right before Donald Trump once again takes office. This is a completely unprecedented event  a massively popular app with a major cultural and economic footprint in the United States might just get switched off  but also something that the incoming president, who effectively originated the ban in the form of an executive order in 2020 but has since become aware that some people on the app actually like him and has also raised a bunch of money from one of its biggest American investors, now says he doesnt want to happen.

The court was concerned, mostly, with the substance of the law, which requires that TikTok either be sold to an American company or banned entirely, but the justices did briefly touch on the urgent question of what might practically happen next in the real world. Congress passed a law. Trump can say he doesnt support it, but its still on the books, and it passed with substantial bipartisan support. If he really wants to stop it, hell have to do something about it, and the available options are all pretty messy.

According to the law, he could, as president, temporarily pause the ban if the company demonstrates its intent to imminently sell, but TikTok parent company ByteDance has strongly suggested that this isnt possible, not least because of tightening Chinese export controls around algorithms and AI. Should ByteDance agree to offload an algorithmically stripped-out version of TikTok  something at least one credible buyer has nonetheless expressed interest in  Trump, who would also be able to unpause the ban, would have a great deal of influence over the terms of the deal. But the app would almost certainly experience an interruption in service and return, eventually, as something fundamentally different.

Near the end of the hearing, though, Justice Kavanaugh floated the possibility thats most aligned with how Trump is talking about this at the moment: Could the president say we are not going to enforce this law? Indeed, this is an approach hes been implying, it certainly matches his mental model of how government should work  TikTok is unbanned if I say so  and it seems like something he might at least attempt.

Kavanaugh helped answer his own question: Trump could do this, he noted, but it would create serious practical problems. One way the ban is intended to work is by making it illegal to provide services to distribute, maintain, or update such foreign adversary controlled application, meaning that Apple and Google, which between them maintain the app stores on virtually all of Americas smartphones, would be legally required to delist the app. A promise by Trump not to enforce a TikTok ban, or to unilaterally and/or counterfactually declare TikTok in compliance with the law, would leave Apple and Google in a risky position. They could relist an app thats still technically illegal but which the President says is actually fine in support of a company to which they have no particular reason to help and which is in fact, in Googles case, a direct competitor.

Or they could just say: Hey, hosting a service that has been declared a FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTROLLED APPLICATION by lawmakers isnt worth the trouble even if the president says hes personally totally cool with it. This would be prudent  unless, of course, such an action would be interpreted as a slight against the president and wielded against them publicly or privately, in which case two of Americans largest companies, each facing ongoing antitrust cases, might just have to hire a few dozen more lobbyists and OFAC attorneys and figure out how to make things work. Welcome to the new tech industry.
The highly anticipated trailer for Mussolini: Son of the Century, an 8-part Sky Original drama, has been unveiled. Directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Joe Wright (Darkest Hour, Atonement), the series will debut on Sky Atlantic and NOW on 4 February 2025.https://t.co/iRghytAYIA pic.twitter.com/3RCpItfWdM  Jonn on TV  www.jonn.co.uk (@JonnOnTV) January 9, 2025

Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers brings an electrifying and explosive score to M - Son of the Century, driving and mirroring the chaos, power, and revolution on screen in Skys gripping new series - out now alongside the full soundtrack!



 https://t.co/47s6aLu1eC pic.twitter.com/EYJY7ckcVB  Sony Music Soundtracks (@SonySoundtracks) January 10, 2025

Joe Wright's Italian-language bio-miniseries about Benito Mussolini, "MSon of the Century," premieres February 4th on Sky in the UK (no word on a US release yet).- Stars Luca Marinelli ("The Old Guard", "Trust", "Martin Eden") as Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.- The score was composed by Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers. This Reddit post talks about an interview with a banned source that gives some more background on how this movie is anti-fascist, for fans of "Scarface", and draws from rave culture (and also how Hideo Kojima is supposedly a fan of "The Old Guard" but that's neither here nor there).
Gilbert Sanchez winces as he gets a jab in the 1954 polio vaccine trials. The vaccine was given in schools to every second-grader whose parents gave written permission. EXPRESS-NEWS FILE PHOTO A playground in Brackenridge Park stands empty in 1946, the year of a polio epidemic that saw closure of parks, schools, movie theaters, pools and other public places. UTSA Special Collections Porter Loring Sr., founder of Porter Loring Mortuaries, looks over the iron lung, or mechanical respirator, he donated to the city in 1937 for use in treating polio patients whose respiratory systems had become paralyzed by the virus. UTSA Special Collections Dr. Jonas E. Salk, University of Pittsburgh bacteriologist, supervises a laboratory process on the vaccine a month before the nationwide test in 1954. Mrs.Ethel Bailey. research assistant in bacteriology, draws fluid from culture tubes. In the upcoming field tests, between 500,00 and a million children will get trial shots of the vaccine. San Antonio was chosen among 10 Texas cities to take part in the trials. AP Herff Elementary second-graders play the roles of doctor, nurse and patient as a drill to prepare them for participation in the 1954 polio vaccine trials. Their age group was chosen to receive the vaccine because children ages 7-9 were most affected by the disease. Express A letter to a 1954 vaccine trial participant came with a button to identify the recipient as a Polio Pioneer, as well as offering a free movie and asking for help with fundraising. Courtesy of Linda Berlanga Cheatum City workers spray a downtown street with DDT insecticidal fog during the 1946 polio epidemic. It was thought that polio might be spread by flies, although it was later determined that contact with an infected person was the primary cause. UTSA Special Collections

I enjoyed the article on Polio Pioneers (Dec. 19, 2020), having happily volunteered for blood tests for the polio vaccine as a young child at Hot Wells Elementary School. My mother said I raised my hand for everything. However, my memory and my understanding at that age left me with a lot of curiosity as to how all this was done. Are there records? Have others responded?

I dont recall that it was the vaccine and thought it was just bloodwork, but now wonder how much Ive forgotten. Is there any history that explains Hot Wells students participation?

 Ann Toussaint

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

San Antonio was chosen among 10 Texas cities considered for the 1954 trial of the polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for several reasons: Our population (408,442 in 1950) was high enough to yield significant participation, incidence of the disease had been comparatively high for the past 10 years and the program had community backing.

The Bexar County Medical Society endorsed the program, and the medical directors of the city and county health departments managed it through area schools, public and faith-based. There were 31 in the city and 25 in the county.

Hot Wells, formerly its own district, had consolidated in 1949 with San Antonio Independent School District, so it would have been included in the trials along with other SAISD schools.

The vaccine was administered by local doctors and nurses to second-graders, the age group identified nationwide as most susceptible to the poliomyelitis virus, which attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis or death.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Written parental permission was required, and there was no charge. The vaccine was funded by the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (now March of Dimes), paid for mostly by small-dollar donations from the public. Volunteers were recruited from school PTAs to keep records for the foundation, where the overall efficacy of the trial would be determined.

Even San Antonios own Judson Candy Co. was involved, providing a stick of candy to each child as soon as hes had his inoculation, says the San Antonio Express, May 4, 1954.

All participants received the three-shot sequence, with the second shot given one week after the first and the third four weeks later. Clinics at schools  several on one date, usually in the same geographical area  were staggered, with the first held on March 29, 1954, and others through June of that year, when the last make-ups were given in the offices of the city health department.

If the vaccine worked, these children would be protected through the summer polio season, marked in the years leading up to the trials by closed parks and playgrounds, trucks spraying DDT insecticide, advertisements for polio insurance and news reports with grim statistics (cases and fatalities) or photos of patients in iron lungs or mechanical respirators.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Some children in the trial received a few extra pokes. Several hundred boys and girls, drawn by lot from city and county participants, were given three rounds of blood tests  one before the first shot, another after the last and a third in November 1954  to detect antibodies against the disease before and after the shots.

At the time the original Polio Pioneers column ran in 2020, San Antonio author Taddy McAllister  daughter of civic leader Edith McAllister and banker Walter McAllister Jr., granddaughter of Mayor Walter McAllister Sr.  remembered her experience as a pioneer at Cambridge Elementary School: The researchers needed blood, and I was one who gave.

So maybe at least some of the children who donated blood samples were drawn from a group of willing volunteers that included you and McAllister.

About 13,000 area second-graders overall took part at the outset of the test, though not all completed the three-shot sequence. The percentage of eligible students whose parents permitted them to take the shots in San Antonio is close to the state average of 60 percent, said the Express, May 22, 1954. In other communities, participation has ranged from 49 percent to 87 percent.

Of those who received the test shots, there were only five calls from parents who reported that their children were somewhat upset or feverish the day after the shot, Dr. George Rice, city health director told the Express, May 22, 1954. None of these ailments was serious, and none was attributable to the injections.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The trial results showed that this first vaccine was 80% to 90% effective, according to a history on the American Academy of Pediatrics website, www.aap.org. The Salk vaccine was licensed the following year, and replaced in 1962 by another developed by Dr. Albert Sabin.

The last cases in the U.S. from wild polio virus happened in 1979. Thanks to the researchers, volunteers, parents and especially the young Polio Pioneers who helped eradicate what was called the Great Crippler, the worst thing about San Antonio summers now is the heat.

COTTAGE COMMUNICATION: Responding to columns (July 20, 2024, and July 27, 2024) about the TB cottages for tuberculosis patients at Grace Lutheran Hospital, reader Joseph Tondre wrote to remember his own stay there.

I was a TB patient at the Grace Lutheran Hospital and lived in the cottages from March through May 1970, Tondre said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Tondre, whos from Castroville, was a junior at Medina Valley High School when he contracted the bacterial infection. It was pretty bad in my lungs and one of my kidneys, he said. As part of his treatment, Tondre took meds and had a shot in the you-know-where every morning.

Once he was out of quarantine, he was allowed visits from classmates and teachers who came to help him with his studies: I had great teachers and great classmates. One evening, I had about 12 of my friends in to visit!
After decades of low interest in Libyas oil and gas sector due to sanctions and the civil war, a possible new chapter could open in 2025. Based on the potential tender by the Libyan National Oil Company (NOC) for 22 onshore and offshore exploration blocks, expectations are high that international oil companies (IOCs) are returning. Despite the current political and security instability, interest in Libya is growing, as evidenced by Spains Repsol, which is drilling its first exploration well. The main driver behind the IOC push is a security guarantee provided by the Libyan National Army (LNA) and NOC.

In December 2024, NOC announced plans to offer 22 onshore and offshore exploration blocks in 2025 to attract foreign investment and bolster the countrys energy sector. Libya's current production levels remain far below its targets. The country claims to hold reserves of 48 billion barrels and aims to increase production to 2 million bpd in 2025, up from the current 1.5 million bpd in 2024.

Repsol began drilling its A1-2/130 exploration well on December 31, 2024, 12 kilometers from Libyas largest oil field, Sharara. Repsol is committed to drilling six wells in its NC115 and NC186 license areas in the southwestern Murzuq basin. Concurrently, Italian major ENI and British major BP have also initiated exploration projects in partnership with the Libyan Investment Co. in Area B of the Ghadames Basin, northwest Libya. Exploration drilling at well A1-96/3 (Hasheem Prospect) is tied to the 2007 Type IV Contracting Agreement.

ENI and NOC, both partners in the 50/50 JV Melittah Oil & Gas, are overseeing drilling activities based on their experience in the Al Wafa field. NOC has stated that promising geological formations will be tested at well A1-96/3, with the final well expected to reach 3,147 meters (10,327 feet). Meanwhile, Austrian energy company OMV is currently working in the Sirte Basin. A JV involving NOC, OMV, Equinor, TotalEnergies, and Repsol, known as Akakus, is operating the Sharara oil field, aiming to boost production by around 260,000 bpd. Shararas production capacity is set at 320,000 bpd.

Related: Indias Refiners Brace For Major Disruption to Russian Oil Supply

The optimism shown by IOCs and Libyas NOC may, however, face geopolitical risks of significant magnitude. While Libyas overall security situation is relatively stable, regional developments, especially involving Syria, Iran, and Israel, could soon have a destabilizing effect. Libyan media have recently reported discussions between Libyan government officials and Israel, sparking political unrest. However, the primary destabilizing factor in 2025 is expected to be Russias expanding role in Libya.

The removal of the Assad regime in Syria, resulting in the establishment of a pro-Turkish fundamentalist government and the end of Russias military and naval presence there, has direct implications for Libyas security and future. Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently seeking new military bases and naval ports in the Mediterranean, with Libya being a top priority. The country serves as a critical power base for Russias interests and operations in Africa. Libyan ports and military bases in border regions with the Sahel are being assessed or actively built up. Russias supply routes to mineral-rich African nations are constrained following the loss of its bases in Syria.

In recent weeks, there has been significant movement of personnel and military equipment from Syria to Libya. Flight trackers have logged daily military transport flights from Russias Syrian airbase at Hmeimim to three bases in Libya since mid-December. Vessel trackers have recorded four Russian transport ships heading to the Mediterranean, likely destined for Libya with heavy equipment. The ships have turned off their AIS systems near Libyas coast in recent days. This military buildup has set off alarm bells in NATO. Italys defense minister, Guido Crosetto, compared Moscows redeployment from Syria to Libya to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

Russias alignment with General Haftar, who controls several major oil and gas-producing regions, is of particular concern. Since 2014, Moscow has supported Haftar with military aid and weapons, positioning him as its main power broker in Libya. This includes granting access to ports and military bases.

A broader concern is the possibility of a renewed Russian-Turkish confrontation. Following the Turkish-backed militias removal of Assad in Syria, effectively ending Russias presence there, Libya may face a similar scenario. This time, Moscows stakes are higher. Without Libya, Russias aspirations for an African empire could collapse. A confrontation between the UN-Turkey-backed Western government and Haftars Russia-UAE-supported forces is increasingly plausible. Meanwhile, Russias oil giant Rosneft has shown interest in Libyas vast oil and gas reserves.

Renewed instability in Libya appears imminent. Western IOCs and oilfield service companies should weigh Libyas vast potential against the shifting military-security environment. While Libyas oil and gas future remains promising, the growing possibility of a Russian military presence complicates the outlook.

By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Natural gas prices are forecast to rise due to strong demand, particularly in Europe and Asia, as the continent transitions away from Russian gas.

Commodity prices are expected to decrease on average in 2025 due to ongoing economic slowdowns across the world. While oil prices are expected to fall, due to a slowdown in demand growth and an increase in production, natural gas prices will likely rise as countries across the globe continue to rely on LNG as a transition fuel. The demand for critical minerals is expected to continue rising, however, this may not be reflected in all commodity prices. The race to expand lithium production has led to an oversupply of the mineral, which is expected to eventually shift to a shortage as EV uptake increases sharply over the coming decades. Meanwhile, the demand for copper is expected to grow overall, as several countries increase their demand in line with the expansion of their renewable energy industries. However, China, which drives copper demand, will likely contribute to a smaller-than-anticipated role in the copper market due to its ongoing economic slowdown.

Oil

Oil prices fell in 2024 as demand in China fell while crude production rose worldwide. China is the worlds biggest oil importer and the second-largest consumer, contributing around 15 percent of global demand. However, its consumption contracted in 2024 due to slowing economic growth following the COVID-19 pandemic, the rollout of widespread renewable energy projects, and greater electric vehicle (EV) uptake across the country.

In the International Energy Agencys (IEA) November Oil Market Report, the organization predicted that global oil demand will increase by almost 1 million bpd, compared to nearly 2 million bpd in 2023. This, the IEA suggests, is largely owing to the slowdown in growth from recent years reflect the end of the post-pandemic release of pent-up demand and below-par underlying global economic conditions, as well as clean energy technology deployment.

Experts expect the Brent benchmark could fall to below $70 a barrel this year due to the ongoing economic troubles across the globe and the increase in supply. In 2024, the U.S. produced an average of 13.2 million bpd of crude throughout 2024, surpassing the previous record of 12.9 million bpd set in 2023. With production expected to keep growing under the new Trump administration, there will likely be a supply glut, driving prices down.

Gas

While oil prices are expected to fall in the coming year, gas prices are more uncertain. Gas prices have risen in recent weeks due to higher demand in the winter months and other factors. Ukraines halt of Russian gas exports to Europe at the beginning of the month has made the outlook more uncertain. The move drove gas prices up, but this could quickly change if Ukraine decides to once again open its export links.

A recent BMI forecast suggests that gas prices could rise by around 40 percent this year, to $3.4 per million British thermal units (MMbtu) compared to an average of $2.4 per MMbtu in 2024. This will be largely driven by increased demand in the LNG sector and higher net pipeline exports.

With gas being viewed as a transition fuel in several parts of the world, demand for the fossil fuel remains strong. Europe and Asia are driving the demand growth, and the U.S. is happy to respond, with several new LNG projects expected to come online in 2025. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects the countrys LNG exports to increase by 15 percent this year, reaching almost 14 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d).

Lithium

In 2024, lithium production grew rapidly, while the growth in demand for the critical mineral slowed as automakers reined in their EV manufacturing ambitions due to lower-than-expected consumer uptake. The surplus seen last year is expected to fall in 2025, from 84,000 mt of lithium carbonate equivalent to a 33,000 mt surplus. It will likely continue falling through 2027 as EV uptake increases and the global race to expand lithium production slows.

Rick Anton, the Chairman of U.K.-based Savannah Resources, said hes optimistic about a rebound in the lithium market. Anton explained, My confidence in this recovery is sustained due to the lithium market's secure foundation, which is built upon emission reduction-related legislation in all major global markets and the established position that lithium-ion batteries have achieved as the energy storage technology of choice for multiple applications.

Copper

China, which consumes around half of the worlds copper output, experienced an economic slowdown in 2024 that contributed to a fall in the demand for copper. However, the increase in advanced manufacturing and clean energy activities worldwide is expected to contribute to a rise in demand in the coming years. Global copper mine production increased by around 5 percent in 2024, driven by expansions and new projects, as companies worldwide prepare for the growth in long-term demand driven by the global green transition.

Copper prices are expected to average $9,477 per tonne in 2025 and rise to $9,690 a tonne the following year. The faster-than-expected deployment of renewable energy in several countries, as well as accelerated global infrastructure spending and delays in major mining projects, could contribute to price shifts in the coming years.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
The All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader Bola Tinubu on Wednesday urged Nigerians to look forward to the next four years with hope and hands ready to work.

Mr Tinubu made the call in a statement made available to journalists in Lagos by his media aide, Tunde Rahman.

He was reacting to the outcome of the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Mr Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 15,191, 847 votes to defeat his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 11,255, 978.

The president-elect won in 19 states while his greatest opponent, Mr Abubakar won in 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr Tinubu said the presidential election was a fair and honest exercise that permitted the full expression of the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.

In a decisive manner, the electorate have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to serve a second term.

Thus, we should look forward to the next four years with hearts filled with hope and hands ready to work.

Only God can create the Promised Land. Yet, with Gods help, we endeavour to make of Nigeria a land of greater promise and prosperity for all her children.

With President Buhari at the helm for four more years, I know we can achieve this. Congratulations to President Buhari on your re-election, he said.

Mr Tinubu said with the election, Nigeria signaled to the world its unalloyed embrace of democracy and its unflinching determination to perfect the democracy.

On the electoral violence that led to loss of lives, he said that Nigerians should dedicate themselves to the principle that elections were meant to better the lives citizens.

While this election was free and fair, we also must acknowledge the isolated incidents of violence.

Nigerians were killed and injured during what otherwise was an exemplary democratic procession. Such things should never happen and do us no good.

Let us work even harder to ensure that the March governorship and state assembly elections be devoid of such unfortunate incidents, he said.

Mr Tinubu said Nigeria was stronger under the leadership of Mr Buhari who had continued to lay the critical reforms that constituted the foundation for durable, broadly-shared economic development.

No doubt, Nigeria has its challenges, but it stands undaunted as a nation.

President Buhari, in his second term, will continue to install peace, battle corruption head on and build a political culture of civility, tolerance and equality.

The tasks before us are hard. We dare not underestimate the challenges that await, but the rewards that beckon are profound, he said.

The former governor of Lagos State congratulated Mr Buhari and commended APC supporters and Nigerians for their patience, and their commitment to the democratic electoral process.

The people of Nigeria are industrious and brave. Our plans are visionary and bold. Our goals are just. And the president you have re-elected is honest and true.

There is no aspect of national greatness and achievement that lies beyond our reach.

Posterity shall reward you for what you established on election day.

Today the sun shines brighter on Nigeria. If we work hard, tomorrow we shall be able to say the same thing.  Mr Tinubu said.


New year, new laws

By Oregon Sate Senator Daniel Bonham,

On behalf of my family to yours, Happy New Year. New years provide a fresh perspective on how we tackle issues, find solutions and work to make Oregon a better place to live. Here are some bills that are going into effect:

 HB 4113: Expand cost-sharing support for prescriptions  I was honored to support this bill, which removed cost-sharing assistance limits in order to reduce patients co-pays. There is still so much to be done with our healthcare system, but this was a good start.

 SB 1596: Mandating technology to provide repair equipment to third-party repair companies  Masked as a consumer protection bill, this direct government intervention into a private industry will only serve to raise costs for consumers, stifle innovation and disrupt technology security measures. I could not vote for this measure and will be tracking these unintended consequences.

 SB 1553: Increasing penalties for drug use on public transit  This seems like a no-brainer but I was honored to be a sponsor of this bill.

 SB 1502: Requiring school boards to make recordings of their hearings available to the public  With all the decisions being made surrounding our kids, this bill will be critical for parents, policymakers and the media to track decisions made at board meetings. I was happy to support this bill.

 SB 340: Giving prosecutors the tools to hold shoplifters accountable  Property loss from shoplifting reduces tax revenue for local services, causes businesses to shut down and reduces morale for staff and shoppers. This is the least we could do to help our retailers combat this trending crisis.
Joining BRICS to bring positive impact for Indonesia, region, world: Indonesian FM

Xinhua) 10:05, January 11, 2025

JAKARTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Days after being announced as a full member of BRICS, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said here on Friday that joining the group will bring a positive impact to Indonesia, the region and the world.

The Brazilian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday the official entry of Indonesia as a full member into BRICS, marking the first expansion of the group after Brazil assumed the rotating presidency for 2025.

"This decision is not the result of overnight work but rather the outcome of Indonesia's diplomatic efforts, consistency, and determination," Sugiono said in its annual press statement, adding the decision aligned with the country's long-standing foreign policy of free and active engagement in the global order.

The foreign minister said that as a member of BRICS, Indonesia aims to bridge the interests of developing countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, and contribute to easing geo-economic and geopolitical tensions.

Initially established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010, BRICS now boasts a total of 10 full members.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
The Texas Capitol building. Sean Hannon/Getty Images/iStockphoto

A Republican Texas House member is calling for the state party chair to be investigated, alleging that he illegally threatened and intimidated lawmakers who are not supporting the partys preferred candidate for House speaker.

In a complaint filed to the Texas Ethics Commission last Wednesday, Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, alleges that Republican Party of Texas Chair Abraham George violated numerous ethics rules  including those related to bribery  by threatening to send mailers or censure lawmakers who support Rep. Dustin Burrows for House speaker.

Burrows, of Lubbock, and his main opponent in the race, fellow Republican Rep. David Cook of Mansfield, have been in an increasingly acrimonious political standoff since late last year, when a majority of House Republicans voted to support Cooks speaker bid. The same day, Burrows announced that he had enough bipartisan support in the 150-member chamber to win a majority and become speaker.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Burrows defiance of the House caucus, by continuing his campaign for speaker relying on Democratic support, soon prompted a pressure campaign from the Texas GOP. The party and George have since vowed to send negative mailers about Burrows supporters into their districts, and to censure any Republican who does not vote for Cook  a move that, under recently adopted party rules, would bar those lawmakers from appearing on a primary ballot for two years.

Harris cited those two moves in his complaint. He alleged that Georges threats to expend funds on mail pieces amount to an economic benefit for a primary candidate who might run against Harris, and thus constitute a bribe. Harris also took issue with the partys new Rule 44, which was passed last year and prohibits censored Republicans from appearing on primary ballots for two years.

While the constitutionality of amended Rule 44 is doubtful, Harris wrote, the rule in conjunction with the respondents threatening rhetoric amount to a violation of the Texas government codes section on legislative bribery.

George blasted the complaint in a statement posted by the party on Wednesday, accusing Harris of seeking to imprison George and calling it a baseless complaint.

The delegates of the 2024 Texas Republican Convention adopted our rules and legislative priorities and I will continue to serve as a strong advocate of our party and our rule of law, George said.

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:

Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and Pacific island nations are the only countries that remain free of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The deadly bird flu virus was first detected in the southern hemisphere in 2023 and spread through South America to the sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic peninsula. It has devastated wild bird populations globally, with millions of dead birds recorded at more than 2,600 separate clusters, according to reports by the World Organization for Animal Health.

An outbreak poses a significant risk to wildlife in New Zealand but the country's conservation volunteers could provide a crucial defense line.

Conservation in New Zealand depends on the goodwill and enthusiasm of passionate people who walk our beaches doing shore bird surveys, monitoring bittern calls in wetlands and tramping our mountains and rivers to maintain predator traps. Mobilizing these groups is crucial to ensure the earliest possible detection.

Preparing for bird flu

Bird deaths have been reported from every continent except Australia and outbreaks are slowly moving closer to New Zealand. Globally, the virus has also spilled over into mammals, causing deaths in cats, dogs, bears, foxes and skunks.

Sustained transmission to mammals has now occurred in farmed mink in Spain, in dairy cows in the United States and in elephant seals in South America. The number of human infections fortunately remains very low but the mortality rate in people is high.

In New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries is responsible for the control of exotic disease incursions. In December last year, an outbreak of the H7N6 variant of avian flu in a poultry farm led to the culling of 160,000 chickens.

In a recent outbreak of the H7N3 variant in Australia, almost half a million birds (including poultry, turkey, farmed emus and pets) were culled.

If the highly pathogenic H5N1 variant were to be discovered in poultry in New Zealand, the ministry would likely adopt an eradication strategy. However, in wild birds, eradication would probably not be attempted. The ministry has been working with the poultry industry, but we have yet to see detailed guidelines for outbreaks in other farmed animals and wild bird populations.

Incursion of the virus would have far-reaching effects on domestic and wild birds and the people who work with them. Waterfowl and seabirds are the most likely way the virus would spread within New Zealand, moving rapidly across the country within a few weeks.

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.

Impacts on wildlife

Zoos and other facilities holding captive birds have already begun making plans, mostly focusing on movement restrictions and excluding wild birds. Core populations of our most critical endangered species such as kaki (black stilt), takahe, kakapo, tuturuatu (shore plover) and kakariki karaka will be vaccinated.

However, if this virus behaves as it has in other countries, New Zealanders should prepare to see dead and dying birds on beaches and in parks. Common signs include seizures, tremors, paralysis, nasal discharge, head swelling, diarrhea and sudden death. Animals dying of this disease undergo considerable suffering.

Our conservation community would be faced with an unparalleled wildlife tragedy, with very limited options for effective and safe responses. Other communities of people that interact with wild birds would also be affected. An outbreak would likely mean cancellations of shooting seasons for several years.

People who keep free-range poultry and waterfowl would have to consider moving birds indoors, or culling flocks with little or no veterinary support. Veterinarians would need to focus on managing the biosecurity of their own hospitals and staff.

Responding to highly pathogenic bird flu in wild birds

If New Zealand has an outbreak in wild birds, the ministry will pass responsibility for operational responses on conservation land to the Department of Conservation and to local authorities on other public lands. Private landowners will be responsible for dealing with dead and dying birds on their own land.

On conservation land, affected areas will be closed to the public but there are no plans for culling, euthanasia or removal of dead birds. Removing ill and dead birds does not help to control local disease spread, but the virus persists in carcasses for extended periods. Scavengers and predators could transfer infections to new areas.

Our challenges will be to ensure that any disease management strategies protect the health of workers and volunteers, that affected animals are killed humanely and that bodies are disposed of safely. The tikanga (protocols) of tangata whenua must also be considered in all wildlife interventions.

Keeping communities safe and able to help

New Zealand's current strategy is focused on preventing human harm by insisting any interventions are made by the relevant authorities. Our experiences suggest this approach is unrealistic as local communities are unlikely to stand by while animals are dying, especially when authorities advocate minimal or no intervention, however well motivated.

Wildlife rehabilitators are being asked to cease their activities in the event of an incursion, yet people will continue to bring them animals in need of care. Indeed, the number of animals brought to these volunteers is likely to increase substantially.

The mental health impacts of exposure to the trauma of animals are now well understood. An outbreak will likely affect the well-being of people involved in the response. Compassion fatigue and post-traumatic stress disorder are common and can be especially severe without adequate training and support to help people cope.

It is imperative that authorities develop strategies that will keep people safe while addressing their concerns for wildlife welfare. Community groups will inevitably deal with this pandemic, but to do so safely, they need clear guidelines and personal protective equipment.

We argue New Zealand should urgently develop a more detailed national strategy, focused on empowering local responses to prevent animal suffering wherever it is safe to do so.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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:

Figure showing that the dark matter waves (in red) drive the ionosphere's plasma to produce photons (in green) which propagate down (to the left) to the Earth's surface. Credit: Physical Review Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.251001

Dark matter, predicted to account for most of the universe's mass, remains highly elusive. Physicists have been searching for various particles that could be promising dark matter candidates, such as dark photons and axions, focusing on signatures associated with their presence or interactions with other particles under specific conditions.

Researchers at the University of Geneva, CERN and Sapienza University of Rome recently explored the possibility of searching for dark matter particles by focusing on their predicted conversion into low-frequency radio waves in the Earth's ionosphere. Their paper, published in Physical Review Letters, could open new possibilities for future dark matter searches, by highlighting a parameter space that has so far been unexplored.

"Many researchers have considered the resonant conversion of ultralight dark matter (ULDM) candidates, such as axions or dark photons, into standard model photons in astrophysical environments," Carl Beadle, first author of the paper, told Phys.org.

"This was, for instance, explored in neutron stars, the solar corona and even on planets in our solar system like Jupiter. We asked whether such a signal could be provided to us from our local, naturally occurring plasma: the ionosphere. Given that it is extremely well monitored and understood, it seemed to us like a very good place to look."

Within theoretically motivated models, a large fraction or the entirety of dark matter may be comprised of axions or dark photons. The idea proposed by Beadle and his colleagues is that these particles can convert into regular photons within the ionosphere, which would make them detectable using affordable antennae on Earth.

"The resonant conversion occurs if the mass of the dark matter particles coincides in value with a frequency characterizing the plasma," explained Beadle. "One can think of this 'plasma frequency' as being like the number density of free electrons in the plasma, and because this density changes with height in the ionospheric plasma, this coincidence can occur if the mass of the dark matter happens to fall somewhere in the correct range."

The researchers computed the conversion rate for the signal they predicted, accounting for various effects that could weaken it. They then compared photons exhibiting this signal to noise (i.e., unrelated photons) that could reach a potential antenna, to estimate the potential of their approach for detecting dark matter axions or dark photons in a real-world experiment.

Their findings suggest that an electrically small dipole antenna could detect their predicted signal. This hypothesis could be tested in future experiments.

"It should be stressed that we think this experiment would be reasonably cheap to produce and run, and it allows for a large part of theory space to be experimentally probed," said Beadle. "There is also less astrophysical uncertainty associated with this proposal because the ionosphere is so well known and due to its location."

The recent study by this team of researchers introduces a new avenue for exploring uncharted regions of the dark matter parameter space. Beadle and his colleagues have already started working with other experimental physicists, to plan future dark matter searches based on their predictions.

"We have been in contact with various experimental groups and there is pre-existing data to sort through to look for our signal," added Beadle. "There are other researchers interested in constructing our proposal. We are now very excited to get involved with experimentalists to perform tests, while also working on improving the calculations for the signal."

More information: Carl Beadle et al, Resonant Conversion of Wave Dark Matter in the Ionosphere, Physical Review Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.251001. Journal information: Physical Review Letters

 2025 Science X Network
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 New Glenn rocket sits on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, in December 2024.

Blue Origin, the US space company founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos in 2000, is poised for a historic first: its maiden voyage into orbital space with a brand new rocket, New Glenn.

Here are five key things to know about the heavy-lift vehicle aiming to challenge SpaceX's dominance in the commercial space market.

Homage

New Glenn honors a legendary astronaut: John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth in 1962.

It follows in the steps of New Shepard, Blue Origin's first rocket which was named for Alan Shepard, the first American in space.

Standing 320 feet (98 meters) tallroughly equivalent to a 32-story buildingNew Glenn is both larger and more powerful than its smaller sibling, which is used for suborbital space tourism.

Heavy-lift

New Glenn is classified as a "heavy-lift launcher," capable of placing substantial payloads into low-Earth orbit. It is expected to carry up to 45 tons into orbit.

That is more than double that of SpaceX's Falcon 9, which can lift around 22 tons, though it falls short of the Falcon Heavy's 63.8-ton capacity.

However, New Glenn has a unique edge: its wider payload fairing, which can accommodate larger objects.

It "has the largest capacity to put objects in space, large objects" as a result of its wider payload fairing, Elliott Bryner, a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, told AFP.

Swiss knife

Its versatility means New Glenn could become a "Swiss Army knife" of rockets, capable of deploying a diverse array of payloads to both low and higher orbits.

These are set to include commercial and military satellitesas well as Project Kuiper, Bezos's planned space internet constellation, to compete with SpaceX's Starlink.

New Glenn also has the potential to carry crewed spacecraft, notes George Nield, president of Commercial Space Technologies. "One other potential use is for commercial space stations," he adds.

With the International Space Station slated for decommissioning in 2030, the race is on to develop replacements. Blue Origin is among the contenders vying to build the first privately run platform.

Partially reusable

Like SpaceX's Falcon 9, New Glenn features a reusable first-stage boosterdesigned for up to 25 flightsand an expendable second stage.

But to reuse the rocket, Blue Origin first has to land it. The company has mastered the technique with its much smaller New Shepard rocket, which touches down on solid ground. However, reusing New Glenn will require a successful landing on a drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

This is no small feat: It took SpaceX six years to perfect the maneuver with Falcon 9 after its debut launch in 2010.

"Landing a rocket like this, the way they're doing it, is definitely not simple," said Bryner. "The level of technology required to do this is unbelievable."

Yet achieving reusability is crucial to reducing costs and broadening access to space, added Nield.

Higher tech

Under the hood, New Glenn's propulsion system represents a step up.

The first stage is powered by liquid methane, a cleaner and more efficient fuel than the kerosene used in both stages of Falcon 9.

Its second stage uses liquid hydrogen, an even cleaner and more powerful fuel, though more challenging to handle due to its cryogenic properties.

"It's the difference between driving a, you know, a Ferrari or a Volkswagen," William Anderson, a professor of aeronautics and astronautics at Purdue University told AFP, comparing the technology behind New Glenn and Falcon 9.

 2025 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

It's unlikely you've missed the story. In recent weeks, US President-elect Donald Trump has again repeatedly voiced his desire for the United States to take "ownership and control" of Greenlandan autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Trump first floated the idea of the US buying Greenland back in 2019. At the time, he argued, quite correctly, that he was not the first US president to come up with the idea.

Modern-day territory sales are rare. Whether Trump will revive them remains to be seen. But the question is intriguinghow would one decide what to offer for an entire state, territory or nation?

Not a new idea

Greenland's strategic position has been of great value to the US since the early days of the Cold War.

In 1946, then-President Harry Truman offered to buy the Danish territory for US$100 million in gold. It is reported the Danes had much the same reaction to that offer as they did in 2019, and again in 2025: "No, thank you."

One sovereign nation buying territory from another may seem strange today, but there are many instances where this has happened over time.

The US purchased much of its Western expansion in the early 19th century.

This included the "Louisiana Purchase," vast swathes of land in North America, bought from France in 1803 for US$15 million (an estimated US$416 million in 2024 figures).

About half a century later, the US paid Mexico for large amounts of territory after the Mexican-American War. The US also bought Alaska from Russia in 1867, for US$7.2 million (over US$150 million today).

And it bought the US Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917 for US$25 million (over US$600 million today) in gold coin.

It isn't just the US. Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Germany and Saudi Arabia have all purchased territory, transferring jurisdiction over local inhabitants and gaining land, access to critical waterways or simply geographical buffers.

What is a country's value?

Valuing a country (or an autonomous territory like Greenland) is no simple task. Unlike companies or assets, countries embody a mix of tangible and intangible elements that resist straightforward economic measurement.

A logical place to start is gross domestic product, or "GDP." Simply put, GDP is the value of all the final goods and services produced in an economy in a given time (usually one year).

But does this really capture the true "value" of an economy? When we buy something, the benefits derived from it lastwe hopeinto the future.

So, basing a purchase price on the value produced in a given time period may not adequately reflect the value of that object (in this case, an entire economy) to the buyer. We need to consider the ability to continue to generate value into the future.

Greenland's productive resources include not only the existing businesses, governments and workers used to generate its current GDP (estimated at about US$3.236 billion in 2021), but also its (difficult to measure) ability to change and improve its future GDP. This will depend on how productive these resources are expected to be in the future.

There are other attributes of value not captured in GDP. These include the quality of its capital (both human and infrastructure), quality of life, natural resources and strategic position.

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.

Unexploited resources

Beyond what is already there, from a market perspective, it's the as-yet unexploited resources that make Greenland valuable.

Greenland has been mining coal for decades, with large, confirmed reserves. The subsoil has been shown to contain rare earths, precious metals, graphite and uranium.

In addition to coal mining, there is gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, graphite and marble.

Finally, there is the potential for major oil exploitation off the waters of Greenland. None of this potential is reflected in Greenland's current GDP.

National assets are easier

Putting a price on a large national asset, such as the Panama Canal (which Trump also wants under US control), is a much easier prospect.

The theory of asset valuation is a fundamental part of the finance discipline and dates back to the 18th century.

The "asset pricing model" has evolved over time, but fundamentally, it's about estimating the future net income flows from an asset, based on a few inputs.

For the Panama Canal, this would involve estimating the future net income that could be generated, based on factors such as fees generated by its use and the level of anticipated traffic.

You'd then take steps to subtract the anticipated costs of maintaining the equipment and any expected damage to the health of the waterway. Another factor in determining what you would pay is the risk of actually realizing that net income.

The value or "price tag" of such an asset is usually determined by working out the present value of all of these future (net) income flows.

Modern territory sales are rare

The decline in territorial sales is tied to several factors. Historically, land sales often benefited ruling elites rather than ordinary citizens. In modern democracies, it is nearly impossible to sell land if local citizens oppose the idea.

Such democracies operate on the principle that national assets should serve the people, not the government's coffers. Selling a territory today would require demonstrating clear, tangible benefits to the population, a difficult task in practice.

Nationalism also plays a powerful role. Land is deeply tied to national identity and selling it off is often seen as a betrayal. Governments, as custodians of national pride, are reluctant to entertain offers, no matter how tempting.

Compounding this is a strong international norm against changing borders, born of fears that one territorial adjustment could trigger a cascade of claims and conflicts elsewhere.

In today's world, buying a country or one of its territories may be little more than a thought experiment. Nations are political, cultural and historical entities that resist commodification.

Greenland may theoretically have a price, but the real question is whether such a transaction could ever align with modern values and realities.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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 Palisades Fire burns vehicles and structures in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 7, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File

It was a week of fire and ice. It began with millions of people across the U.S. shivering amid blizzard conditions and frigid air that lasted for days, thanks to a jet stream that slips out of its usual path more often these days. Then, catastrophe in California, with wind-whipped flames taking off in a landscape parched by months of drought to become Los Angeles' worst-ever wildfires.

To cap it off, major weather monitoring agencies confirmed 2024 as the hottest year in global history. Even more dire, four of the six agencies said it was the first full year Earth went beyond a warming threshold seen as critical to limiting the worst effects of climate change.

Welcome to one wild week of the climate crisis, scientists say. There will be more.

"For the average person, this means the changes you're experiencingmore extreme weather, rising costs due to climate impacts, threats to food and water securityaren't anomalies," said Victor Gensini, a meteorology professor at Northern Illinois University. "They're the new normal unless we take action."

"The last week of weird weather has been alarming," said Natalie Mahowald, chair of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell University. "I hope it's not a sign of things to come, because we've barely seen any climate change compared to what we are going to get unless we radically cut CO 2 emissions."

Here's how the week unfolded.

Monday

The cold came first.

The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the world, which means the difference between temperatures up north and down south are shrinkingalong with sea ice that releases more heat into atmosphere. That means more energy bouncing off and warping or moving the polar vortex, scientists say. And climate change is also messing with the jet stream, the air currents that circle the globe.

Cosimos Cendo, of Washington, D.C., skis down Main Street in Annapolis, Md., Jan. 6, 2025, during a snow storm. Credit: AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File

The result? More frequent blasts of intense cold in winter even as global temperatures heat up overall.

The blizzard dumped more snow in some parts of Kansas than they usually get in a year, one Kansas State University meteorologist said. Ice-coated trees downed power lines in eastern Kentucky, and a U.S. Olympian skied on the National Mall in Washington.

Farmers rushed to move cows to keep them from freezing to death and to feed and water them as rural roads became impassable. Travel stalled as multiple states warned motorists not to chance the treacherous snow and ice.

About 200 people, many homeless, sheltered at a roller rink in Cincinnati. The alternative was frostbite or worse in exposure to temperatures that were expected to slip from freezing to sub-freezing overnight.

Tuesday

Out West, wildfire took hold.

The Palisades Fire erupted in the Santa Monica mountains and moved quickly on Santa Ana winds gusting to 100 mphmuch faster than normal. The winds were so strong they grounded airplanes normally used to drop water on the flames.

The blaze reached near the Getty Museum and by the end of the day, several celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore and Jhene Aiko, had lost homes. Less than 72 hours before, many stars had convened to walk the Golden Globes' red carpet.

The Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, killing 2 people and closing about 10 school districts.

Climate change laid the groundwork for California's megafires. Atmospheric rivers dumped huge amounts of water on the region that caused plenty of plant growth. Then, a fast onset of drought dried them out, providing plenty of fodder for the flames.

Jagmeet Singh, a manager at Clifton Market, shovels the sidewalk in front of the store during a winter storm, Jan. 6, 2025, in Cincinnati. Credit: AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel, FIle

Wednesday

The water system used to fight the Palisades fire in Los Angeles buckled in the morning, as some hydrants ran dry as they were overstressed without assistance from firefighting aircraft.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was pumping from aqueducts and groundwater into the system, but demand was so high that it wasn't enough to refill three 1-million gallon tanks in hilly Pacific Palisades. At least 1,000 buildings were engulfed in flames.

The Sunset Fire started, too, threatening the Hollywood Hills and forcing mandatory evacuations in Hollywood.

President-elect Donald Trump criticized state and local officials' water management policies. But experts said critics were connecting unrelated issues and spreading false information during a crisis.

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.

Thursday

By the afternoon, calmer winds aided firefighters in making some headway, though by that point at least five fires were still active and some burned out of control in the L.A. area.

Scenes of the destruction started to emerge. Recovery crews pulled a body from the rubble of a beachfront residence in Malibu.

AccuWeather, a private company that provides data on weather and its impact, estimated the overall wildfire damage could reach $57 billion, though much of the destruction remains to be surveyed.

At the same time, another winter storm bore down on the South, with warnings and advisories for at least 20 states. Many had gone through the same thing just days earlier.

People walk near the Washington Monument during a winter snow storm in Washington, Jan. 6, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File

Friday

Major weather monitoring agencies said 2024 was the hottest since record-keeping began, easily passing 2023.

Even more significant: 2024 was the first year with a global average that broke the long-term warming limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since the late 1800s that was set as a goal by the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

Extreme weather like this week's is "affecting so many more people all at one time," said Barbara Hofer, a professor emerita of psychology at Middlebury College. "Increasingly, the scale is changing. The loss is mounting."

Hofer said the growing impact may make some people deny climate change, ignore it or become numb to it as "a way to avoid what's psychologically uncomfortable."

Such a week can also energize positive change, she said. But Hofer said she thinks that will be harder, at least in the U.S., as Trump takes office. He's promised to halt federal climate action and repeal existing legislation aimed at the problem.

"I worry about the denial, the misinformation, and the forces that are feeding that denial," she said. "That's what we have to address."

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Climatic water deficit is a shortfall of water necessary to fully supply plants needs. If those needs are met, the deficit is zero. A higher number indicates drier conditions. Climate change will increase plants water needs, intensifying climatic water deficits in many areas. Credit: U.S. National Climate Assessment, 2023, CC BY-ND

What does the future hold for forests in a warmer, drier world? Over the past 25 years, trees have been dying due to effects of climate change around the world. In Africa, Asia, North America, South America and Europe, drought stress amplified by heat is killing trees that have survived for centuries.

Old trees may have grown through entire millennia that were wetter than the past 20 years. We are scientists who study forest dynamics, plant ecology and plant physiology. In a recent study, we found that trees can remember times when water was plentiful and that this memory continues to shape their growth for many years after wet phases end.

This research makes us optimistic that young trees of today, which have never known 20th-century rainfall, have not shaped their structure around water abundance and thus may be better equipped to survive in a chronically dry world.

What if we water the forest?

This study built on nearly 20 years of forest research in response to early warning signs of forest loss in the 1990s in the dry Rhone River Valley of the Swiss Alps. At that time, scientists observed that Scots pine trees that had stood for around 100 years were declining and dying. They wondered whether drought or other climate factors were driving this loss.

To tackle this question, researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research designed an ecological experiment. To understand the impacts of drought, they would irrigate a mature forest, doubling natural summertime rainfall, and then compare how these water-rich trees fared in comparison with those receiving only natural precipitation.

The Pfynwald experiment, launched in 2003, has shown that trees survived at higher rates in irrigated plots. After 17 years of irrigation, the team found that irrigation didn't just help trees survive dry phasesit also increased their growth rates.

Tree physiologist Leonie Schonbeck conducts research at Pfynwald, a natural reserve in southern Switzerland, to learn how trees take up and store energy and use their reserves to recover from drought.

Legacy effects are forests' memories

Trees experiencing drought alter their leaves, wood and roots in ways that prime them for continued dry conditions. Wood under drought might have smaller cells that are less vulnerable to future damage, and roots might increase relative to leaf area. These structural changes persist after the drought has passed and continue to influence the tree's growth and ability to tolerate stress for many years.

Known as "legacy effects," these lingering post-drought impacts represent an ecological memory of past climatic conditions at the tree and forest level. Knowing that trees hold a persistent memory of past dry phases, researchers wondered whether they might also show structural changes in response to past wet periods.

Eleven years after summertime irrigation started in Pfynwald, scientists stopped irrigating half of each plot in 2013 to address this question. The formerly irrigated trees, which at this point were about 120 years old, had experienced a lasting period of irrigationbut now those times of plenty were over.

Would the trees remember? A decade later, we found out.

Trees, trains and particle accelerators

On an early March morning in 2023, two of us (Alana Chin and Marcus Schaub) met at Pfynwald to collect very fresh leaf and twig samples so that we and colleagues could look inside to search for signs of lasting effects of past water richness.

At the site, we climbed canopy access towers to collect newly grown treetop leaves and twigs from control trees that had never been irrigated; trees that had been irrigated every summer since 2003; and formerly irrigated trees that had not received irrigation water since 2013.

We took our samples to the Swiss Light Source, an intensely powerful synchrotrona type of particle accelerator that produces the world's most intense beams of light. This facility is the home of the TOMCAT, an extremely high-resolution X-ray that allowed us to look inside our leaves and twigs without disturbing their structure.

Scanning our samples took all night, but when we stumbled out of the building, we had images capturing every cell in exquisite detail.

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.

The memory of water

We found that the new leaves of once-irrigated trees were different from both continually watered trees and never-watered control trees. Leaves carry out photosynthesis that fuels a tree's survival and growth. Inside them, we could see the legacy of past water abundance, written in the size, shape and arrangement of cells.

Reading this cellular signature, we observed that, at the expense of structures promoting productivity, formerly irrigated trees showed every sign of chronic water stresseven more so than never-irrigated trees. In their anatomy, we saw why these trees that had it easy for 11 wet years were now growing slowly.

Every cell in a leaf comes with a trade-off. Trees must balance investments in rapid photosynthesis with others that promote leaf survival. Rather than building the cells used to harvest sunlight and ship sugar to the rest of the tree, leaves on the trees that had been irrigated showed every indication of drought stress we could think to measure.

After receiving extra water for an 11-year stretch and then losing it, the trees were producing new, tiny leaves that invested mostly in their own survival. The leaves were structured to protect themselves from insects and drought and to store water reserves. Compared with leaves on trees that had never known irrigation, these looked as though they were in the middle of the drought of the century.

While this memory of water might seem negative, it likely once helped trees "learn" from past conditions to survive in variable environments. The formerly irrigated trees did not know that humans had played a trick on them. Like trees experiencing climate change, they had no way of knowing that the water was not coming back.

A leaf cross section from a formerly irrigated Scots pine tree. In contrast to leaves of trees that have never experienced irrigation, trees that have lost abundant water place more emphasis on features such as water storage (black cells in the center) and protection (large resin ducts that look like holes ringing the leaf) than on the cells needed to produce energy for tree growth (spotted cells). Credit: Alana Chin, CC BY-ND

When trees experience a drought event, recovery can mean reaching a "new normal" state, in which they are prepared to survive the next drought, with smaller, less vulnerable cells and increased energy reserves to 'save up' for future dry periods. They may have deeper roots or a smaller pool of leaves to support, helping them prepare for an unstable environment.

We wanted to know whether the same was true of trees that had experienced water abundance. Were they waiting in distress for the water to return?

Hard times may make tough trees

In some temperate forests, like the ones we studied in Switzerland, old trees once knew levels of water abundance that now are gone, thanks to climate change. That past abundance may have locked into place structural and epigenetic changes in the trees that are mismatched to today's drier world. If this is true, then some of today's devastating global tree mortality events may be, in part, due to the legacy effects of past water abundance.

In most of the world's temperate forests, however, the current cohort of young forest treesthose sprouting in the past 15 to 20 yearshas managed to establish itself under conditions that once would have been considered chronic drought. Those young trees, which have survived an endless dry period, will form the forests of the future.

In all, our observations in Pfynwald have provided us some room for hope that young trees currently taking their place in many forests worldwide may be better prepared to cope with the world as humans have shaped it. Climate shifts in recent decades have primed them for hard times, without the lingering memory of water.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Media outlets around the world have been left scratching their heads over the future of their fact-checking operations after Meta's shock announcement that it will halt its US programme.

Here are the key facts about how the practice has developed and what could lie ahead for the sector.

Fact-checking emerged in the United States in the early 2000s to become a genre of journalism all its own.

The practice rode the rising wave of internet usage and was the lifeblood of new media operations pitting politicians' statements against reality.

PolitiFact, a landmark of the sector, was launched in 2007 and won a Pulitzer prize in 2009.

Methods like live corrections to figures provided on TV or online articles marked up as true or false spread around the world, providing the foundation for the next stage.

Social media giants were already labouring under allegations that their platforms were being used to spread disinformation and conspiracy theories when scrutiny increased following 2016's shock Brexit vote and the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency.

Meta and other web firms stoked the spread of fact-checking beyond politics, enlisting media organisations that saw the activity as a welcome new revenue opportunity in a sector struggling to stay afloat.

Ten organisations are affected by Meta's announcement that it will end fact-checking in the US.

Some, such as Check Your Fact, are totally dependent on income from the tech firm, US outlet Business Insider reported.

Others including PolitiFact are less exposed, with the outlet receiving a little over five percent of its revenue from the Meta partnership, according to the New York Times.

AFP currently works in 26 languages with Facebook's fact checking programme, in which Facebook pays to use fact checks from around 80 organisations globally on its platform, WhatsApp and on Instagram.

The news agency's management has said it is "evaluating the situation".

African media appear particularly exposed should Meta's worldwide fact-checking programme be stopped.

"There are business models that are more or less dependent on Facebook" such as the Johannesburg-based Africa Check, said Laurent Bigot, a journalism professor who also vets applications to join the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

Several media were founded purely to join Facebook's scheme, including Data Check in Cameroon, Balobaki Check in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or TogoCheck, Bigot pointed out.

He warned that "this verification work will never be done anywhere else, while disinformation kills people every day in these countries".

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg said in announcing the pullback that "the fact-checkers have just been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they've created, especially in the US".

His company would be "restoring free expression on our platforms," he added.

Elon Musk, who owns X and has Trump's ear, and many Republican politicians have for years accused fact-checkers of "censoring" conservative voices.

Such criticism misunderstands fact-checkers' role in regulating social media content, said Angie Holan, head of the IFCN network that now includes 137 organisations.

Fact-check journalism "has never censored or removed posts" from platforms, Holan said in a statement.

Rather, it has "added information and context to controversial claims" under a "Code of Principles requiring nonpartisanship and transparency", she added.

Digital investigation journalists have often experienced increased pressure and even threats during election campaigns -- as seen last year in India, South Korea or Croatia.

Meta's new policy is "part of a global strategy of marginalizing journalism and its actors in the name of a freedom of expression perverted to serve ideological interests," Reporters Without Borders said in a statement.

Philippine Nobel peace laureate Maria Ressa said Meta's decision would "allow lies, anger, fear and hate to infect every single person on the platform".

Zuckerberg had chosen a "world without facts," warned Ressa, founder of the Rappler news site that spent years fighting online disinformation while battling court cases filed under former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte after critical reporting of his deadly drug war.

Bigot was less categorical, saying that Meta had simply "put an end to an abnormal situation".

"The platforms spread vast amounts of disinformation and buy themselves a clear conscience with this type of programme," added Bigot, who teaches at the University of Tours in France.

French left-wing daily Liberation ended its own partnership with Meta in 2021.

Cedric Mathiot, who heads its CheckNews arm, believes such contracts can be both "a financial crutch that helps out" but also "perhaps prevent" further development of fact-checking.

Mathiot said that without Meta "paradoxically, fact-checking could be pushed to be more ambitious" with more in-depth investigations and varied topics.
An estimated 3.2 million children under the age of five are expected to face acute malnutrition this year in war-torn Sudan, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

"Of this number, around 772,000 children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition," Eva Hinds, UNICEF Sudan's Head of Advocacy and Communication, told AFP late on Thursday.

Famine has already gripped five areas across Sudan, according to a report last month by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed assessment.

Sudan has endured 20 months of war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), killing tens of thousands and, according to the United Nations, uprooting 12 million in the world's largest displacement crisis.

Confirming to AFP that 3.2 million children are currently expected to face acute malnutrition, Hinds said "the number of severely malnourished children increased from an estimated 730,000 in 2024 to over 770,000 in 2025."

The IPC expects famine to expand to five more parts of Sudan's western Darfur region by May -- a vast area that has seen some of the conflict's worst violence. A further 17 areas in western and central Sudan are also at risk of famine, it said.

"Without immediate, unhindered humanitarian access facilitating a significant scale-up of a multisectoral response, malnutrition is likely to increase in these areas," Hinds warned.

Sudan's army-aligned government strongly rejected the IPC findings, while aid agencies complain that access is blocked by bureaucratic hurdles and ongoing violence.

In October, experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council accused both sides of using "starvation tactics".

On Tuesday the United States determined that the RSF had "committed genocide" and imposed sanctions on the paramilitary group's leader.

Across the country, more than 24.6 million people -- around half the population -- face "high levels of acute food insecurity," according to IPC, which said: "Only a ceasefire can reduce the risk of famine spreading further".
The records show that, since 2016, city officials have put out three solicitations for bid  which are public requests for contractors to submit proposals to do needed work for the city  indicating that the switchgear needed upgrading and modification.

The solicitations were published in 2016, 2021 and 2022, but the work was never done. Officials were not immediately able to say how many bids the city had received on the projects, but were looking into it on Friday afternoon.

The part has not been replaced in at least two decades, staff at the plant confirmed to the newspaper on Friday afternoon.

3 solicitations for work on switchgear

Mayor Danny Avula said Thursday afternoon that during Mondays power outage, the switchgear failed to automatically transfer the plant to its primary backup power source. Instead, Avula said, the plant diverted to a secondary, battery-powered source that lasted for 45 minutes.

That battery source died before power was restored to the facility, leaving valves stuck open and causing catastrophic flooding. Avula said Thursday that the switchgear had functioned properly through many previous blackouts, but at the time he could not say, precisely, when the component had last been replaced.

The solicitation issued by the city in October 2016, obtained by The Times-Dispatch, shows that officials sought modification of the existing switchgear to ensure it could automatically operate the facility.

Officials also wanted to replace ... the existing controls in the ... switchgear, the records show.

The solicitation included four pre-qualified vendors who had been approved by the city, though it is not clear how much each vendor quoted the city before the project was scrapped.

Five years later, in 2021, officials put out a nearly identical request, seeking contractors who could perform the same work on the switchgear.

Yet another switchgear-related solicitation was sent out in 2022. It requested the same services, but the original part remained.

In a statement, Zach Marcus, manager of former Mayor Levar Stoneys Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial campaign, pointed out that under state code, the mayor is not responsible for securing contracts with vendors.

(Stoney) did not and would not be involved in any procurement decision per the Virginia Public Procurement Act, Marcus said, but budgets Mayor Stoney proposed included funds available for needed updates to the switchgear.

Ultimately, solutions for aging water infrastructure throughout our Commonwealth will require real, sustained state investment in addition to local and regional partnerships, Marcus added.

Asked whether Stoney stood by his choice to appoint April Bingham as director of the Department of Public Utilities, the spokesperson did not immediately respond.

City water passes first test

In a release sent at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, officials said the first of two water quality tests had come back negative for bacterial contamination.

Officials must test the water before lifting the boil advisory to ensure that low water pressure through the citys system did not allow for harmful bacteria to infiltrate pipes and other fixtures.

The first sample was taken Thursday. The city said a second sample had been collected at 7:30 a.m. Friday.

If that second sample also shows no sign of contaminants, officials will finally be able to revoke the boil advisory on Saturday morning  six days after it was put in place.

In the meantime, bottled water distribution continued at sites across the city.

In a Friday morning news conference at Richmonds Main Public Library, Avula promised an independent investigation by a third party.

I think, in the immediate aftermath, we needed to get in there and figure what we could say (to) get prepared for tonight, said Avula, referring to incoming winter weather. But absolutely, we have already looked up several different vendors and I expect, early next week, we will have an ... investigator onboard.

Asked whether he had heard from Stoney, Avula said he had received texts of encouragement, but that the texts were the extent of (their) interactions.

Hanover, Henrico estimate drinkable water by Saturday

Officials with Hanover and Henrico counties announced Friday morning that they estimate their countywide boil water advisories will be lifted as early as Saturday following successful initial water-quality test results.

Henrico saw water services restored to its central and eastern portions, which had previously experienced outages starting late Monday and early Tuesday.

With forecasts calling for snow beginning Friday evening, Henrico government buildings will close at 8 p.m. This includes locations that have been offering bottled and potable water as well as access to showers and bathroom facilities.

The county has set up a 24-hour call center for residents who may have questions regarding the ongoing boil advisory. Folks with questions can call (804) 501-4275, option 2.

Officials with the Hanover DPU estimate that their boil water advisory will be lifted sometime Saturday afternoon. The department is in the testing process after regaining water pressurization and is also waiting for the green light from Richmond.
Narcotics dog sniffs out Dutch mans drug stash during PDC foot patrol

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  A man from Holland has been arrested by the Secretary of Citizen Security (SSC) police on drug charges. According to the SSC, Berry N was arrested after a narcotics dog sniffed out his drug stash.

The arrest took place in central Playa del Carmen when the dog, along with its handler, were patrolling the city center on foot. As the dog passed the man, it marked him positive for illegal substances.

During an inspection, municipal police reported finding a variety of narcotics on the Dutch citizen. In a statement, the SSC (Seguridad Ciudadana Solidaridad) said a Dutch citizen was arrested by the Municipal Citizen Security Secretariat and 13 bags with possible narcotics and two grinders with green and dry vegetable residues with the characteristics of marijuana were seized from him.

Berry N, 32 years old, originally from Holland, was arrested during a police operation in the first square of the city after one of the members of the canine team sat in front of him and sniffed him insistently, as a passive marking when recognizing odors of some illicit substance.

After the arrest, he was placed at the disposal of the Specialized Prosecutors Office for possible drug dealing.
Solidarity has no borders: Mexico sends team of forest firefighters to battle California flames

Mexico City, Mexico  Mexico has sent a team of forest firefighters to the U.S. to help battle California flames. The team of 74 specialized men and women left early Saturday. According to California Governor Gavin Newsom, the team will join others on the ground this weekend.

Firefighters from Mexico are en route to the Easton Fire, joining more than 10,000 personnel already on the ground. California is deeply grateful for President Claudia Shein(baums) support as we work to suppress the Los Angeles wildfires. Our partnership and shared commitment to helping communities in need is greatly valued, he posted.

Mexicos Civil Protection also announced the departure of the forest firefighting team on instruction of President Sheinbaum.

Following instructions from the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the head of the CNPC of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, Laura Velazquez Alzua, together with authorities from the Secretariat of National Defense, the National Forestry Commission of SEMARNAT, and the SRE, are joining forces to support the fight against serious forest fires in southern California.

The Mexican delegation will depart on a solidarity mission to protect lives and nature. Mexico is with the United States. Solidarity has no borders, the Coordinacion Nacional de Proteccion Civil posted on their social media.

In a press release late Saturday, the government of Mexico, through the National Forestry Commission (Conafor) said 74 elements of specialized firefighting and civil protection technicians will collaborate in responding to the forest fire contingency in California.

Photo: CHP  West Valley

Through this operation, the Government of Mexico shows its solidarity within the framework of international cooperation, with the aim of supporting a neighboring country with which it maintains strong commercial and cultural ties.

To date, at least 11 people have died from the fires. According to the LA County medical examiners office, five were from the Palisades fire and six from the Eaton fire. More than 12,000 structures have also burned since the wildfires started January 7, 2025.
Houston City Council member Mario Castillo asks a question as CenterPoint Vice President of Regulatory Policy Brad Tutunjian addresses the city council Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Houston City Council denied CenterPoint Energys latest rate hike application, which city staff said would raise the average households bill by $1.83 per month, in a unanimous vote Wednesday morning.

CenterPoint is expected to appeal the city's denial to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the state agency with final say over the investor-owned utilitys rates. The PUC must decide on the request by Feb. 3.

Alyssia Oshodi, CenterPoints director of communications, reiterated the companys goal to build the most resilient coastal grid in the country in an email statement. CenterPoint began proclaiming this as its goal following widespread criticism of its handling of Hurricane Beryl, which knocked out power to a record amount of the utilitys customers in July.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

These investments (in the application) are essential to meeting the current and future demand for one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation and include improvements to reliably deliver power to the hundreds of thousands of people who have relocated to the Greater Houston region in recent year, Oshodi said. Most of the time period covered in the application came before Beryl's landfall.

CenterPoint owns the power lines and poles that deliver electricity to 2.8 million homes and businesses across 12 counties in the Greater Houston region. Similar to peer utilities, the company is allowed to fully recover its costs maintaining this infrastructure, as well as earn a 9.4% profit on its capital investments, through customer rates.

Since Beryl, CenterPoint has overhauled its emergency preparedness and response, accelerated its plans to install stronger utility poles and underground power lines and improved its communications to the public, including the launch of a new outage tracker.

Power lines with transformers mounted on the poles are shown on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 in Spring. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Compressed timeline

CenterPoint filed its latest application to increase rates in December. Through the request, the utility aims to recover its costs building and upgrading neighborhood-level power lines, known as distribution lines, from January 2019 to September 2024.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The companys request would enable it to recover nearly $323 million in total, an approximately $102 million increase from its most recent rate hike approved in March.

CenterPoints latest rate increase application and its request approved in March are proceedings known as distribution cost recovery factor applications, which the PUC is allowed to consider for only 60 days. The expedited timeline comes from a law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023, which also allowed utilities like CenterPoint to file such requests twice per year, instead of once per year as was previously the case.

Billy Rudolph, public information officer with Houstons administration and regulatory affairs department, said its not uncommon for cities to deny distribution cost recovery factor requests because of the compressed timeline.

"The city of Houston cannot determine if CenterPoints request is reasonable or complies with DCRF requirements until we have reviewed the application and questioned CenterPoint about details within the filing," Rudolph wrote in an email statement. "The short deadline for a municipality to make a decision on a DCRF filing means the city of Houston will not have completed its review before the deadline has expired."

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Pending rate hikes

Linemen tend to fallen power lines in the East End neighborhood of Houston, days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall, on Thursday, July 11, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Electric delivery utilities are also required to file what is known as a base rate case, a comprehensive breakdown of its spending, at least every four years. CenterPoint attempted to withdraw its base rate case, filed in March, after the Beryl backlash. Cities and consumer groups protested, arguing a withdrawal would prevent them from advocating for a rate decrease  a position that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Mayor John Whitmire agreed with.

CenterPoint announced it would no longer try to withdraw its rate case in November. Settlement discussions between the company, cities and consumer groups are ongoing.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Also pending approval is CenterPoints November request to increase rates so it can recover approximately $502 million of its costs restoring power after the May derecho. The utility has not yet filed a rate-hike request for its Beryl expenses, which its leaders have previously pegged at approximately $1 billion.

CenterPoint executives have also said the company would file an application with the PUC by the end of January requesting permission to fund an approximately $5 billion resiliency plan to harden the utility's infrastructure against extreme weather. CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells previously said this could add more than $3.50 to the average residential customers monthly electric bill.

Staff writer Abby Church contributed reporting.
" " Greek philosopher Pythagoras believed that everything in the universe could be explained by numbers. Polina Antonova/Shutterstock

In their study of mathematical concepts, the Pythagoreans sorted numbers into categories. Numbers like one, four and nine are square because a corresponding number of dots or pebbles can be arranged in a perfect square. One, three, six and 10 are triangular  one, three, six or 10 dots can be arranged into regular triangles. Two, six and 12 are oblong, since the corresponding number of pebbles form rectangles.

Along with describing numbers in terms of math and geometry, the Pythagoreans also described them in terms of non-numerical traits. These traits had more to do with intuition and mysticism than science or mathematics.

Advertisement

For example, odd numbers are masculine and even numbers are feminine. The No. 1 is creative, since the addition of multiple ones can create any other number. Two represents duality and is female, while three is male. As the sum of two and three, five represents marriage, and since it falls exactly in the middle of the numbers one through nine, it also represents justice.

Ten is a sacred number, largely because it is the sum of the first four digits.

After the death of Pythagoras, interest in mathematical mysticism faded. It reappeared in the late 1800s when Mrs. L. Dow Balliett published several books on number vibration, music and colors. According to Balliett, each number has a specific vibration. People, foods, objects and colors also vibrate. In order to live a productive and harmonious life, people should make sure their environment vibrates in harmony with their own vibrations. This concept appears frequently in other new age practices, some of which describe it as an affect of the movement of subatomic particles. However, there has been little scientific study to identify or quantify such a vibration or to analyze its affect on human existence.

Unlike the Pythagoreans, modern numerologists apply numbers to people in addition to applying intangible concepts to numbers. According to most numerologists, the numbers one to nine have unique properties that are the direct result of their inherent vibration. Some of these properties come from Pythagorean writings, and others come from how cultures around the world use and approach numbers.

Some systems designate numbers with repeating digits as master numbers, which include all the attributes of two other numbers:

11: 1 and 2

22: 2 and 4

33: 3 and 6

44: 4 and 8

Numerology purports to tell the future, guide human behavior, predict the outcome of relationships and otherwise divine the unknowable by figuring out a person's numbers. For example, if the No. 9 has a particular vibration, a person whose number is nine has the same vibration. That person can choose what to eat, where to go and how to live based on which choices have a vibration that is compatible with nine.
This is Checking Out, a column about how we shop, what we buy, and how it all makes us feel. Email tips and ideas to checking.out@slate.com.

Since college, Ive been drawn to apartments because of a great roommate situation or proximity to a park. All of these apartments were in neighborhoods that just happened to be highly family-friendly, with babies abounding. But the last time I moved, I sought out a baby neighborhood by design. It was time for me to have a baby! And I felt a vulnerable, delicate eagerness to join a community of parents, not dissimilar to how Id felt when I entered the queer community. I was ready to see a new realm make itself visible to me.

And as soon as I was obviously pregnant, our neighbors across the street, who have two little kids, told me to join the local online parent group for our neighborhood. I was ready for my initiation. I thought Id get sunny posts about meeting in the park with the new babies or neighborhood gossip or recommendations for a babysitter. Instead, according to my calculations over the past several months, 85 percent of posts are about stuff (acquiring, discarding).

Do you want to know if someone has a set of small plastic boats to give away? Do you want to know if someone needs a changing table topper with beveled sides, preferably before Friday? Ive found the community for you.

The local online parent group, where Id hoped to find new friends, was basically a random yard sale. Yes, the neighbors were there, but they were hiding behind their unwanted piles of old toddler clothes. My excitement over joining this exclusive club gave way to feeling overwhelmed, tricked, and disappointed.

Honestly, I looked at these groups and I got out really quickly, Angela Garbes, the author of Essential Labor: Mother as Social Change, told me. Ten years ago, she had learned about a sort of famous listserv in Seattle and joined it looking for a nanny share after shed had her daughter.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

It was a super overwhelming volume of postsjust like sifting through hundreds of messages, some about baby clothes, some about baby food, products on offer, advice. And I just wanted to find someone who shares values with me about child care, she said. She ended up finding a nanny share through a classic, informal network: her friends. Since I became a parent, everything is refining: What are my values actually? she said, explaining that she didnt want her search for community resources to involve so much sifting through online posts about stuff.

Advertisement

All of that stuff can have outsize power in our lives, especially when it comes to parenting. This stuff promises to solve a problem, and in the early days of being a parent, especially, your life seems like a constellation made of only problems. Kim John Payne, who wrote Simplicity Parenting with Lisa M. Ross, sees the compulsion to prioritize things almost like a relational replacement. When parents dont feel like theyre spending enough time with their kids, they want to compensate by acquiring something for them. Its a leapbut I sense its a correct oneto suggest that this occurs at a community level, too. In place of socializing, were using a parent community as a bartering platform.

Advertisement

My local online parent group seemed like a warning of both buying too much (a highly priced doll collection haunts me) and a reminder of how much you could want (people posting eagerly for a gently used helper tower for their toddler to learn early meal prep). I found myself, with twitchy fingers, ready to respond to any posts about a free travel stroller, which I did acquire (one broken wheel, fixed to, like, 82 percent functionality).

Advertisement

Now, not every local online parent group seems as flooded with detritus as mine does. I conducted a small, informal focus group consisting of my new-parent friends, who range geographically from Oxford, England, to Los Angeles. With their local groups, people mostly posted helpful advice or commiseration. Often these groups were smaller (about 40 people) and started by people who knew one another. One friend said she only suspected that her Chicago neighborhoods large group of baby wranglers remains helpful about things like summer camps and park events because the moderators corralled all giveaways and sales to a separate trading-post group.

Advertisement

Julie Danaher, a realtor in Vermont, is a moderator of a 6,000-member group in Burlington, and told me that if they didnt actively moderate, the group would be swamped with resell posts. She joined the group five years ago, started moderating a year and a half ago, and says they already had a system in place where members can only post for-sale items on Monday and within a singular thread. Whats more, she also said that the moderators actively need to foster posts that reflect more community-building spirit by commenting. If other people see a post seeking recommendations for great playgrounds goes ignored, no one will have the courage to write their own posts of this nature.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Just because my local group drowns in consumerism doesnt mean its devoid of human spirit. On a random Thursday, there were nine posts, with eight of them being about stuff, and one of those eight was looking for clothes for a couple who didnt have housing. The calls for in-person community are rare but existent.

Ive been struck by the generosity there and charmed by the oddities. I know what the kids wanted to mostly dress as for Halloween (ISO old sheets, big sunglasses for kids to be the ghosts from Taylor Swifts Anti-Hero video). You can really learn about the neighborhoods character through its discardsIve seen multiple birth tubs posted for free. On a random Sunday, there were 15 posts: one about a playgroup location, and 14 about free things. But the free things were fun. There was a free ticket to a Mets game, packs of temporary tattoos, and 92% of a Molly Yeh cake posted by someone who had been doing a test kitchen of Funfetti cakes for her niece, and everyone she knew simply couldnt take another bite.

Advertisement

These posts are sweet and scrappy and funny. Its the same way I feel about our neighborhoods stoop culture, where people leave out unwanted items neatly stacked on their stairs. First, I think: I will take that full set of Anais Nin diaries, but then: I want to talk to whoever was giving them away. I want to know these people.

Advertisement

While my local parenting group has been overrun by the stuff people want to get rid of, Ive found that baby stuff occupies more conversational ground in my life than it ever had before. Especially when talking to potential new we-both-have-a-baby friends, chatting about our stuffexcruciatingly boring stuff like bedside bassinetshas often been a safe conversational resource to return to. Our items are a way to communicate, to give advice about how we attempted to solve seemingly unsolvable problems like sleep.

Related From Slate Why Is This Simple Wardrobe Staple in Decline? Read More

As much as I might want to, I have never actually replied to say, I dont like Funfetti much, but you seem fun and I love a test kitchen project, are you normal and do you want to be friends? Its yet another missed connection with someone who I seemingly have common ground withwe both, after all, are in the neighborhood parent group. But without the stuff that brought us together, what might we commiserate over? This, Michaeleen Doucleff, author of Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans, tells me, is a common yearning among parents in the digital rummage sale mess.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The whole point of this is to get to know your neighbors, she said. Even if youre not consciously doing it, your dopamine system is there to get you to make close relationships.

Advertisement

Finding connection in these local online groups, like the communities that generate them, takes luck. Ive gotten lucky in so many ways with my neighborhood; Ive found a family to do a baby-watching trade with and very fun toddler neighbors across the street who are inexplicably obsessed with my 11-month-old. These toddlers parents kept me alive and happy after I gave birth by making me weeks worth of breakfasts.

Ive seen both of these families post on the online local parent group about their stuff, and I just felt very lucky that I actually knew themand that they have so much more to give. Maybe the stuff is in the way. Or the stuff makes us think that we should be able to acquire things like community as quickly as we can pick things up from a neighbors porch.
We get where Senate Democrats are coming from. The party got roasted on immigration in the recent election and is tryingespecially for the sake of its most vulnerable membersto pivot more toward the less permissive approach currently favored by the American public. That doesnt, however, mean that they need to throw all critical thinking on the subject out the window. Right now, a bill called the Laken Riley Act, which flew through the House last week, is on the move in the Senate, with 84 senators agreeing to debate and amend the bill.* We forget who coined it, but to paraphrase a saying: If a bill is named after the victim of a horrible tragedy, watch out. The bill would require that any immigrant lacking permanent legal status who is arrested or charged with theft, including shoplifting, be detained by the authorities without bond. And so, right off the bat, theres a substantial due process issue. Immigrants with permanent legal status would be caught up too. The bill would cede much of the federal governments power over individual immigration decisions to state attorneys general, and it would allow courts to prevent the State Department from issuing visas to countries that dont accept deportations of their nationals. That list includes India. Democrats hope that they can amend the bill to make it more reasonable. Even if they dont, though, there may still be 60 votes for it in the Senate as is. This may not be an easy bill, especially given its title, for Democrats to reject after the recent election. But they may regret showing their newfound moderation by supporting a bill that puts much of the feds immigration policy into the hands of the attorney general of Texas.
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

On Friday, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could determine the fate of TikTok for every American seeking to use or publish on the platform: Absent the justices intervention, the app will be banned in the United States on Jan. 19 under a law enacted last year. Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed the arguments with Gautam Hans, a professor at Cornell Law School, who specializes in speech, privacy, civil liberties, and technology policy, on this weeks episode of Amicus. A preview from their conversation, below, has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Dahlia Lithwick: One of the ironies of this case is that the court was able to fast-track this oral argument and get all the briefing in really quickly. And yet there are no time limits left at oral arguments. So it sprawled on for what felt like 200 million years.

Gautam Hans: I think my main takeaway from this argument is that this is why judicial deliberation is a virtue in many situations. There are so many complicated issues in this case that I think really deserved a lot of time  but preferably not in a two-hour-and-40-minute argument on an expedited basis. There are important governmental interests here; I think basically everyone concedes national security is one. But what is the tailoring thats appropriate? Do we think there are real problems with the data economy of collecting massive amounts of data and not really deleting it? How do we think about corporate structures? Does the foreign ownership dynamic versus domestic ownership make a difference?

This is a big swirl; its a complicated case. And I started out as a privacy attorneyI am really concerned about data collection. I understand that national security is an issue. Those are all good justifications, but this law doesnt do a great job of answering the moment, and thats where I think the First Amendment problems lie.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Part of what is really, really complicated in this case is that theres two different justifications for the law and thats sort of looming over everything. There was a drumbeat throughout the entire argument that these two justifications dont necessarily rub along together with equal force.

Advertisement

Mark Joseph Stern: Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar put the rationales behind the law into two buckets. The first justification is that this law is about data protection and security: TikTok is collecting a massive amount of data from users: their age, location, activity, all this sensitive stuff. Its owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company, so the Chinese government has access to TikToks data. And the American government is worried that the government of China will access that data and somehow weaponize itmaybe even turn American users into spies against the U.S. government. I think most of the justices favored that rationale.

Then theres the second justification, which is that the Chinese government can manipulate speech on TikTok to further the interests of the Chinese Communist Party and undermine America.The second justification seems aimed at speechits Congress saying, We dont like this speech, we want less of it. That seemed to rankle several of the justices across ideological lines.

Advertisement

Hans: Part of the challenge with this law and this issue is that its all swirled up with politics. Now, Im of the opinion that most laws are swirled up with politics. But we have, at the time of its enactment, former Rep. Mike Gallagher saying this is digital fentanyl, and wont, please, someone think of the children. We have other members of Congress complaining that the app is biased in favor of Palestinians. These are all classic First Amendment problems. And what we then get are some really politically inflected concerns about China, and who can influence the American populace.

Advertisement

Advertisement

In regard to your first point about the Chinese data collection, Mark, I think the solicitor general conceded that some of this is future-looking, right? This idea that someday a future president who had liked things on TikTok that maybe were a little prurient is going to be a problem. But thats not a TikTok only concern. What happens if Iran buys Facebook? Or we go to war with Sweden and Spotify Wrapped ends up being something thats humiliating? Whats the limiting principle, and why are we singling out one company when we could be doing some better thought out, more generally applicable regulation?

Advertisement

Advertisement

I agree with you on the second point; that concerns about foreign propaganda manipulation are just editorial discretion by another name. I think that the challenges here are going to be, as they often are in First Amendment cases, line-drawing ones. And the lines, I think, are not nearly as stable as the court might want us to believe.

Related From Slate The Surprise Winner of the TikTok Ban Read More

The argument really felt like a national security case and a First Amendment case walk into a bar. Theres two totally different cases, and you could feel everybody toggling back and forth, depending on which of those they thought they were going to win in the moment.

Advertisement

I think all three of us agree that the Biden administration won after the arguments. This felt like a rout, like it would be 81 or 72. And yet what was really interesting were these confounding First Amendment questions youre both raising. The court certainly roughed up Elizabeth Prelogar. They were not, in the main, mollified by the answers she was giving. The really central issue here, as Justice Elena Kagan told Prelogar, is that concern about content-based manipulation inherently raises First Amendment problems. The government cant just say, We dont like the content-based manipulation thats coming from this platform and then pretend its making a content-neutral decision to ban it.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Hans: Right. Last year, the NetChoice case asked the question about what it means to have editorial discretion in the context of an internet platform. And I think NetChoice made sure that editorial discretion for internet companies was pretty clearly protected by the First Amendment. The implications of that holding are relevant in the TikTok case, yet I dont think the justices were there in their questioning. Maybe theyll engage with it on a meaningful level upon further reflection and deliberation. Or it may be more likely that well get a short opinion that defers these complexities for another day, given the speed at which the courts going to have to make a decision.

Advertisement

Stern: I just want to add that I think theres an open question about whether the law can be sustained on one ground alonedata protection or content manipulationor whether the court has to approve both rationales to uphold it. TikTok and the content creators argued vociferously that Congress relied on both of these rationales, that theyre intertwined with each other, and if one of them is illegitimate, then the law has to fall.

I dont know if I agree with that. To me, that would be a strong argument if this were a regulation published in the Federal Register by the Department of Commerce. But this is an act passed by Congress, signed by the president, duly enacted into law, that reflects bipartisan concerns of lawmakers whom we have elected to represent us and protect our country. Im not one for mindless deference to the political branches or flag-waving in the face of serious free speech concerns. But it does seem to me that if these two rationales can be plausibly disentangled, and one of them stands up on its own, then the court has got to let it stand up, and not bootstrap the forbidden justification to kill the whole law. It just seems that some deference is owed to the decisions of Congress, and we shouldnt encourage five lawyers in robes to overrule its decisions that easily.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Hans: For me, at a fundamental level, I would really love the court to be more thoughtful about not overruling Congress or an agency all the time, just because it doesnt like something they did. But this is not the case where I want them to start doing that, because whats going to happen is what we always fear in the First Amendment contextthe court could say, Which speaker do we like today, and which do we not? Now, I think the court does that all the time. I understand how these things work. But I dont think we should validate that kind of ad hoc decision-making. We know thats where we are, but we dont have to agree thats where we should be.
From left: Misty Roegels, Russell Roegels and Brenda Brotherton at Brotherton's Black Iron Barbecue, Plugerville J.C. Reid/Contributor Turkey, brisket, pork ribs, sausage and pulled pork at Brotherton's Black Iron Barbecue, Plugerville J.C. Reid/Contributor Brotherton's Black Iron Barbecue, Plugerville J.C. Reid/Contributor Awards at Brotherton's Black Iron Barbecue in Plugerville J.C. Reid/Contributor Brotherton's Black Iron Barbecue, Plugerville J.C. Reid/Contributor The late John Brotherton at the 2023 Houston Barbecue Festival Robert J. Lerma/Contributor

Like they did every year in January, John Brotherton and Russell Roegels spoke by phone in the days leading up to Camp Brisket, the Texas A&M University-sponsored weekend of professional and amateur pitmasters rubbing elbows and swapping stories about Texas barbecue.

I just dont feel good, Brotherton told Roegels. I dont know if Im going to make it [to Camp Brisket].

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Its fine, I got it if you cant make it, Roegels said. Dont come up here if youre sick.

Still, it was rare for Brotherton to miss an event, no matter how difficult the circumstances. So Roegels knew something was seriously amiss when he didnt show up for the start of camp on Friday morning.

Thats when Roegels got a text from Brotherton's wife, Brenda. John had gone into cardiac arrest that morning, and was in an ambulance headed to the hospital in Round Rock, north of Austin.

So, I dont know whats going on but we had a show to put on but our mind was with John, says Roegels. As soon as Camp Brisket was over, we came straight [to Round Rock].

After being in a coma and never regaining consciousness, John died on January 15, 2024.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

His death led to an outpouring of grief and remembrances from the Texas barbecue community. Even as the shock and sadness settled in, there was still a business to run  Brothertons Black Iron Barbecue, Johns namesake restaurant in Pflugerville.

Brenda, a longtime school teacher, began getting calls and texts about the business. However, except for the occasional consultation with John  I was just a taste tester, says Brenda  she was not involved in the day-to-day management of the business.

She wondered if shed have to give up teaching to run the business. She solicited advice from friends and family including their son Braeden, Johns mother, Marie, and Roegels. The unanimous decision was for her to continue teaching.

I said, you handle teaching, says Roegels. Let me help out here at the restaurant.

They put together an informal committee to work with the existing staff to keep the business running. It included Roegels, Elizabeth Montoya (Johns accountant), Kelly Gerry (Johns original business partner), as well as Kerry Bexley of Snows BBQ and Bryan Bracewell of Southside Market & BBQ.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In the ensuing months, Roegels, his wife Misty, and Brenda began discussing the future of the restaurant. They shared a common goal: honoring Johns legacy while securing the businesss future.

Our goal was to take care of her [Brenda] and keep Johns dream alive, says Russell.

That squared with Brendas vision for the restaurants future.

Russell and John were like twin brothers, says Brenda. I know what he decides to do is exactly what John would have decided to do.

At the beginning of this year, Russell and Brenda became partners in the ownership of the restaurant going forward. Russell makes weekly visits from Houston (where Russell and Misty own two locations of Roegels Barbecue Co.) while Brenda continues her teaching career. Her son Braeden continues to help out at the restaurant.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Its a win-win for Texas barbecue  keeping Johns dream alive while one of the states best barbecue joints stays open to serve an outstanding menu of smoked meats, sandwiches and sides.

I really feel like I'm blessed and lucky, says Brenda. Because, from the get go, Russell and Misty have been there. Ever since meeting them, I know that I can trust them and I know that they only want the best. So that, for me, that was an easy transition to make and an easy decision to make.
William Earl "Billy" Vallandingham, 65, of Clements, MD, died suddenly on January 5, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.



Born December 31, 1959, in Leonardtown, MD, Billy was the son of Joseph Wilbur Vallandingham, Sr. and Mary Moonyeen Graves Vallandingham. He was a lifelong resident of St Mary's County. MD, living on the Vallandingham Farm.



Billy is survived by his loving and devoted mother, Mary Vallandingham, and two siblings, Dana Russell (Willie) and Lisa Estevez (Steve), and, as close as a brother, Mark Allshouse (Janie). He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Vallandingham, Sr. and two siblings, Wanda Farrell (Joe; deceased) of Compton, MD and Joseph Vallandingham, Jr. (Tere) of Clements, MD.



Billy graduated from Chopticon High School and studied carpentry at the Tech Center, building homes in the local community. Billy worked hard with his family on the farm, especially while growing tobacco. His physical strength was like no other in the family; his nephews still remark about his incredible strength.



Billy was a member of the Tractor Club, attending most of the meetings and events, and assisting with the tractor pulls. He never met a stranger and was always happy. He could converse with anyone and told many jokes. Billy loved riding his gator and visiting local members of his community.



Billy's greatest love was his family. He loved family gatherings and was always concerned about the progress of planting and harvesting crops on the farm. He always enjoyed it when his great nieces would visit and watch TV with him in his room and discuss his collections of various items and family pictures. He enjoyed the Washington Nationals and Green Bay Packers, rarely missing any of their games. In his later years, he developed an interest in game shows, Law and Order, MASH, and Little House on the Prairie.



Billy was a devout Catholic. He watched the Catholic Mass daily on TV followed by the recitation of the Rosary with Sister Angelica. He had a strong faith and would always pray for anyone in need of his prayers. Billy was kind and generous, offering anything he could to always help others. We are confident in faith that upon his sudden death, God met him with open arms along with the many family members, friends, and neighbors who have gone before us in their redemption.



Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, Chaptico, MD on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM officiated by Father Chip Luckett. Interment will follow in St Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Morganza, MD.



Serving as pallbearers will be Patrick Russell, Chris Russell, Daniel Estevez, Bailey Johnson, Brian Allshouse, Kevin Allshouse, Steve Sanchez, and Josh Johnson.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250111/death-toll-from-los-angeles-wildfires-rises-to-11-1121406274.html

Death Toll From Los Angeles Wildfires Rises to 11

Death Toll From Los Angeles Wildfires Rises to 11

Sputnik International

The death toll from the ongoing wildfires in and around Los Angeles has risen to 11 people, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner said.

2025-01-11T07:03+0000

2025-01-11T07:03+0000

2025-01-11T07:03+0000

americas

us

joe biden

los angeles

california

california national guard

wildfires

wildfires

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/01/0b/1121406116_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_fbe7be8f700bb0a11631807ef3e75209.jpg

Six people have died in the Eaton fire in Altadena, and five others have been killed by the Pacific Palisades fire, the data showed. The department has earlier said that the identification of the deceased might take several weeks as the department was not able to respond to all deaths due to the fire conditions and safety concerns. US President Joe Biden said that the death toll from the Los Angeles fires was likely to increase as many people remained unaccounted for. Multiple wildfires have broken out in California since Tuesday, prompting tens of thousands to evacuate. California Governor Gavin Newsom said in the early hours of Friday that the California National Guard had arrived in Los Angeles to prevent looting in the evacuation zone.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250111/los-angeles-mayor-cut-fire-department-budget-by-49mln-shortly-before-wildfires---reports-1121405667.html

americas

los angeles

california

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

los angeles wildfires, los angeles department of medical examiner, ongoing wildfires
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250111/gagarin-center-65-years-of-cosmonaut-training-excellence-and-counting-1121409777.html

Gagarin Center: 65 Years of Cosmonaut Training Excellence, and Counting

Gagarin Center: 65 Years of Cosmonaut Training Excellence, and Counting

Sputnik International

Created at the dawn of the space age, the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Szvezdny Gorodok (lit. Star City) outside Moscow prepared the first cosmonauts for humanity's first small steps into outer space. Heres what makes the center unique.

2025-01-11T19:18+0000

2025-01-11T19:18+0000

2025-01-11T19:22+0000

russia

russia

star city

yuri gagarin

ussr

air force

mir space station

science & tech

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/01/0b/1121411125_0:0:1874:1054_1920x0_80_0_0_01b1cb8144df88b88f997b2dae67dc95.png

The need to establish a dedicated center for the training of cosmonauts became apparent to scientists in charge of the Soviet space program in the late 1950s, immediately after the successful launch of Sputnik-1  the worlds first artificial satellite, in October 1957.In 1959, two resolutions were issued by the government On the Preparation of Humans for Space Flights, tasking the fledgling space program with the selection of qualified candidates (the choice ultimately fell on Air Force pilots). A grueling selection process was held from October 1959 to April 1960, with 20 candidates enrolled as the first student-cosmonauts.Sergei Korolev, one of the fathers of Soviet/Russian cosmonautics, found an ally in Air Force Commander-in-Chief Marshal Konstantin Vershinin, who lobbied the state for the creation of a cosmonaut preparation center under the auspices of the Air Force.Just over a year later, in January 1961, the first six potential cosmonauts  Yuri Gagarin, German Titov, Valery Bykovsky, Grigory Nelyubov, Andriyan Nikolaev and Pavel Popovich passed all exams to be deemed ready for space flight aboard the new Vostok spacecraft  developed in 1958 by the Special Design Bureau OKB-1 under Korolevs supervision.Gagarin was chosen for the maiden flight, which launched from Baikonur, Kazakhstan on April 12, 1961, ushering in a new era for humanity. The Cosmonaut Training Center came to carry Gagarin's name after his tragic and untimely death in 1968.Zvezdny Gorodok continued to develop, taking advantage of the latest advances in Soviet and global space-related and general scientific progress, and reached a series of important milestones in piloted cosmonautics  starting with the training of the first group of women cosmonaut candidates in 1963, leading to the historic June 16, 1963 space flight by Valentina Tereshkova.Confirmation of human beings ability to live and work in space, and the launch of the worlds first space station, the Salyut 1, in 1971, created new opportunities and challenges for the Cosmonaut Training Center. Training for the first group of space station dwellers began in 1966.In April 1967, a decision was made to share the USSRs space achievements with allied and friendly countries, in a program known as Interkosmos. Czechoslovakia became the third country to send a human being to space in March 1978, and cosmonauts from Poland, East Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary, Vietnam, Cuba, Mongolia, and Romania followed suit over the next three years. France joined the club in 1982, with India following in 1984, Syria in 1987 and Afghanistan in 1988.In the early 1980s, the Cosmonaut Training Center was responsible for training cosmonauts for the 1986 launch of the Mir Space Station, with full-scale mock ups of facilities and modules built to prepare pilots for the stations operation.From the mid-80s on, the Center also began training pilots for the ambitious Energiya-Buran space shuttle program.In the 90s, the Center took a leading role in training Russian and international crews for work aboard the International Space Station, launched in 1998 and based on the Mir and Mir-2 modular space station design principle. This work increased significantly in 2009 on, after ISS crews were increased from three to six people. In the second half of 2009 alone, the center trained 17 Russians, 12 NASA astronauts, 2 European Space Agency astronauts and 4 JAXA (Japanese) astronauts.The Center contains everything an aspiring cosmonaut/astronaut needs, from medical observation and testing facilities, to an 18 meter, 300 ton centrifuge, the worlds largest, Zero-G training aircraft, and mockup models and simulators of all of the USSR and Russias space vehicles, from Soyuz and Salyut to Mir and Buran.It can be said with confidence that our [cosmonaut] flight preparation system is the best in the world. Our foreign colleagues also recognize this, Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov said in a congratulatory message Saturday marking the Center's 65th anniversary.Whats next for the Gagarin Center? Training cosmonauts for the Russian space programs next steps, from a new Russian space station, and eventually, new manned missions to the Moon, and one day, on to Mars.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230412/lets-go-world-marks-anniversary-of-gagarins-epic-space-flight-1109398267.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20180306/valentina-tereshkova-amazing-facts-1062273198.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20171027/afghan-cosmonaut-sputnik-interview-1058608271.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20211015/declassified-docs-reveal-ussr-planned-to-build-advanced-control-system-for-moon-mission-spacecraft-1089955839.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240819/russian-scientist-suggests-to-secure-moons-north-pole-during-luna-27-space-mission-1119820450.html

russia

star city

ussr

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

Russia's best-in-the-world Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center marks 65th anniversary Sputnik International Russia's best-in-the-world Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center marks 65th anniversary 2025-01-11T19:18+0000 true PT1M18S

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Ilya Tsukanov

where is russia's cosmonaut training center, when was russia's cosmonaut training center created
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250111/mineral-wars-global-conflicts-fueled-by-competition-for-rare-resources-1121407138.html

Mineral Wars: Global Conflicts Fueled by Competition for Rare Resources

Mineral Wars: Global Conflicts Fueled by Competition for Rare Resources

Sputnik International

The coming years are shaping up to exacerbate the global geoeconomic competition for the worlds mineral resources, with President Trump openly eyeing 12 million sq km of territory containing untold riches. These are the conflicts, present and potentially future, to watch out for.

2025-01-11T15:16+0000

2025-01-11T15:16+0000

2025-01-11T15:20+0000

economy

donald trump

lindsey graham

bolivia

ukraine

nato

elon musk

venezuela

resources

natural resources

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104850/94/1048509437_0:53:1200:728_1920x0_80_0_0_fa61877215c2b894c98f5ec04635d364.jpg

UkraineThe US cannot afford to let Moscow achieve victory in Ukraine, which is sitting on $10-12 trillion of critical minerals, Senator Lindsey Graham said in a quiet part out loud interview moment last year, revealing what NATOs proxy war against Russia is really about.Ukraine is endowed with $3-11.5 trillion in lithium alone, plus trillions more in silver, gold, uranium, aluminum, copper, iron, manganese, titanium, and hydrocarbons. Its also got Europes biggest supply of rare earths, beryllium, niobium, and zirconium.BoliviaMarking its 200th birthday this year, Bolivia has faced 190+ coups and revolutions over its history. Its little wonder, given its vast resource wealth, from gold and silver to tungsten, zinc, led, tin and nickel.We will coup whoever we want! Deal with it, Elon Musk tweeted in 2020 in response to news that the US had organized yet another coup in Bolivia. Bolivia has 23 million tons of lithium. It also has scandium and yttrium, two of the most sought-after rare earths for industrial and military use.VenezuelaIt will make a big difference to the United States economically if we could have American oil companies really invest in and produce the oil capabilities in Venezuela, former Trump advisor John Bolton said in 2019 amid Washingtons attempts to oust President Maduro.It certainly would. Sitting on top of up to 300 billion barrels of proven oil reserves  the biggest anywhere, Venezuela is an energy powerhouse. Its also a minerals giant, with eyewatering reserves of gold, uranium, iron ores and the precious mineral coltan - labeled "blue gold" by late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in 2009, and used in a broad array of electronics.No wonder the US has labeled Venezuela and its $14 trillion resource pile as an unusual and extraordinary threat.IranAnother country classified by the US as an unusual and extraordinary threat, Iran is home to an estimated $27 trillion in resource wealth. No wonder its been a regular target for regime change since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.While proven resource reserves consist mostly of oil and gas, Iran regularly discovers vast stocks of minerals. In 2023, Tehran discovered a massive, 8.5 million-ton lithium deposit. In 2022, the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization reported that some $28.7 billion in mineral resources, from iron ore, lead and bauxite to antimony had been discovered since 2013 alone.CanadaThe joke is over, Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said in response to Donald Trumps string of comments about Canada becoming the 51st state. Its a way for him to sow confusion, to agitate people, to create chaos knowing this will never happen.Endowed with $33 trillion in resources, from oil, gas and uranium, to phosphates, cadmium, lead, titanium, zinc, and an array of ferroalloys, a sprinkling of rare earths mines dot the True North Strong and Free, mining cerium, neodymium, and promethium.Who knows if Trumps really joking?GreenlandGreenland is for the Greenlandic people. We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be AmericanWe have a desire for independence, a desire to be the master of our own house, PM Mute Egede told reporters Friday amid Trumps inquiries about buying the island.Greenland is sitting on mineral wealth the scale of which has not been fully explored, from precious metals and stones to graphite, uranium, and of course rare earths  at least 1.5 million tons of them, including yttrium, scandium, neodynmium and dysprosium.Even if Trumps dreams dont come true, a quiet battle  confined to boardrooms (for now), is already raging amid US efforts to block a series of Chinese investments in Greenlands mineral resources.AfricaWracked by a post-colonial legacy of instability and violence, the African continent also happens to be home to some of the worlds largest untapped mineral reserves. Recent years have shown that with great wealth come great risks as global power centers vie for control.The Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, has the worlds largest cobalt reserves (6 million tons). Its also faced repeated coup attempts, most recently in 2024, when a US and Belgium-backed politician unilaterally declared himself president. Besides cobalt, the DRC is rich in monazite, euxenite, niobium, tantalum and zirconium.Guinea, also suffering its share of coups (1984, 2008, 2021) happens to be the worlds second-largest producer of bauxite - used to produce the strategic metal aluminum. It also has among the largest untapped high-grade iron ore deposits in the world, plus gold and diamonds.Zimbabwe, which saw a coup against long-time Western-reviled president Robert Mugabe in 2017, has Africas largest lithium reserves (11 million tons). Local economists believe that with more exploration, their country can come to rival Chinas rare earths superpower status.Kenya, whose president got a red carpet welcome in Washington last May, is also (unsurprisingly) a key rising rare earths giant, with deposits discovered at the Mrima Hill mine alone estimated to be worth some $62.4 billion. Besides rare earths, Kenya is rich in iron ore, gold, limestone, gemstones and manganese ore.No wonder the US has labeled the country a major non-NATO ally  the only one in Sub-Saharan Africa.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240626/ukraines-minerals-what-the-west-is-fighting-for-1119119104.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250110/battle-for-tech-metals-what-are-17-rare-earth-elements-and-what-are-they-used-for-1121400309.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250108/geography-lessons-with-trump-future-potus-shares-map-with-canada-as-part-of-us-1121378405.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250110/is-greenland-the-new-arctic-battleground-for-us-and-china-1121403227.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240914/americans-sentenced-in-congo-coup-plot-recalling-history-of-us-interference-in-africa-1120155914.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240523/scramble-for-east-africa-whats-behind-the-us-charm-offensive-in-kenya-1118600532.html

bolivia

ukraine

venezuela

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

where are rare earths, which countries have major rare earth mineral deposits, who is fighting who over rare earths, will rare earths start a war
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250111/ukraine-loses-up-to-240-soldiers-in-kursk-region-in-past-day---mod-1121407885.html

Ukraine Loses Up to 240 Soldiers in Kursk Region in Past Day - MoD

Ukraine Loses Up to 240 Soldiers in Kursk Region in Past Day - MoD

Sputnik International

The Ukrainian armed forces have lost up to 240 soldiers in the Kursk region in the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

2025-01-11T13:16+0000

2025-01-11T13:16+0000

2025-01-11T13:16+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

kursk

ukraine

russia

russian defense ministry

kursk

russian armed forces

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/11/1120913092_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_8d29dba1c825ca15bb180e29d2710501.jpg

"Over the past day, the Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 240 servicepeople, two infantry fighting vehicles, an armored combat vehicle, four vehicles, four mortars and an electronic warfare station," the ministry said in a statement. Russias Battlegroup Sever also repelled nine Ukrainian counterattacks in border areas of the Kursk Region, the ministry said. In total, Ukraine has lost over 50,840 servicepeople and 296 tanks during the offensive in the Kursk region, the ministry added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241229/ukraine-lost-up-to-400-troops-in-russias-kursk-region-in-past-day-1121299193.html

kursk

ukraine

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

ukraine loses, russian defense ministry, kursk region, ukrainian armed forces
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250111/ukrainian-armed-forces-suffer-significant-losses-due-to-low-quality-ammunition-1121406943.html

Ukrainian Armed Forces Suffer Significant Losses Due to Low-Quality Ammunition

Ukrainian Armed Forces Suffer Significant Losses Due to Low-Quality Ammunition

Sputnik International

Soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces suffer significant losses due to the use of low-quality ammunition and improvised explosive devices - at best, they "get their hands torn off and their faces burned," Ukrainian media reported, citing the head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Aerial Reconnaissance Support Center, Maria Berlinska.

2025-01-11T11:59+0000

2025-01-11T11:59+0000

2025-01-11T11:59+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

ukrainian armed forces

ukroboronprom

ukrainian defense ministry

ukraine

ammunition

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0c/1117885863_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_5c411a07902e92cbd0381cf4e56b8c6b.jpg

Ukrainian soldiers are suffering significant losses due to the use of low-quality ammunition and improvised explosive devices  at best, they "get their hands torn off and their faces burned," Ukrainian media reported, citing the head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Aerial Reconnaissance Support Center, Maria Berlinska.In late November 2024, Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation opened a criminal case after the supply of defective 120 mm shells to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As previously reported by Ukrainian media, servicemen complained about a low-quality batch of 120 mm shells produced by the state Ukroboronprom corporation. Later, Ukrainian journalist Yuliya Kiriyenko-Merinova said that Ukroboronprom had also supplied the Ukrainian Armed Forces with a batch of defective 82 mm shells.Earlier, Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko*, referencing a report in the publication Zerkalo Nedeli (Mirror of the Week), highlighted that the Ukrainian government had invested substantial sums into developing domestic weaponry, including shells. However, the Ukroboronprom factory responsible for the project lacked the necessary capacity to produce compatible detonators, instead using incompatible ones that failed to operate effectively. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry allegedly kept this information from the public, remaining silent at each stage of the production process. As a result, only one out of ten shells detonated correctly.*Goncharenko is listed as a terrorist and extremist in Russia

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241227/ukraines-forces-hope-for-ceasefire-with-russia-do-not-believe-it-arrives-soon-1121279784.html

ukraine

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

ukrainian armed forces, significant losses, low-quality ammunition
Houston Chronicle/Breaking News Houston Chronicle

The Texas Medical Board suspended the medical license of a Houston neurosurgeon who is facing criminal charges that accuse him of causing a patient to overdose on an anesthetic.

The temporary suspension order, issued Thursday, says Dr. Samer ElFallal negligently overdosed the patient with lidocaine, causing a seizure, near cardiac arrest and neurological deficits. The patient needed to be admitted to an ICU for treatment after the incident, which took place Dec. 28, 2022, according to the medical board. The medical board did not say where the incident occurred.

READ MORE: Houston doctor suspended by Texas Medical Board after positive cocaine test

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

ElFallal, 44, was indicted last month in Harris County on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, according to court records.

He is scheduled to appear at an arraignment March 26, according to court records.

ElFallals attorneys in the criminal case did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday evening.

ElFallal obtained his medical license in Texas in 2018 and has been affiliated with six HCA Houston Healthcare hospitals, according to Texas Medical Board records. He earned his medical degree from Michigan State University in 2008.

A spokesperson for HCA Houston Healthcare said in a statement that ElFallal is no longer affiliated with the health system.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

"Dr. ElFallal has not had medical staff membership and clinical privileges or been affiliated with HCA Houston Healthcare since March 2024," the statement said. "The safety of our patients is our highest priority. We remain committed to providing high quality care.

Texas Medical Board records do not show any prior discipline against ElFallal.

ElFallal is accused of injecting the patient with 1% lidocaine, then injecting her with 4% lidocaine, during a pain management procedure. The patient suffered seizures, and is still suffering from memory fog and pain in one of her legs, according to court records.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that, when injected, causes numbness or loss of feeling during medical procedures. Studies have found that an overdose of lidocaine can cause symptoms ranging from dizziness to seizures and cardiac arrest.

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:

Mark Zuckerberg recently went on influencer Joe Rogan's podcast, where he criticized the Biden administration for asking that content be censored on Meta platforms during the coronavirus pandemic.

Social media giant Meta announced Friday it is dismantling its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs across the company, marking another major shift in strategy as it aligns with politically conservative priorities.

In an internal memo to employees, the company outlined sweeping changes including the elimination of its diverse slate hiring approach and the disbanding of its DEI team.

The move comes amid what Meta describes as "a changing legal and policy landscape" following recent Supreme Court decisions against programs that allowed for increased diversity priorities at US universities.

The memo, first reported by Axios, landed days after Meta abruptly overhauled its content moderation policies, including ending its US fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram, in a major shift that conforms with the priorities of incoming president Donald Trump.

That announcement echoed long-standing complaints made by Trump's Republican Party and X owner Elon Musk about fact-checking and moderating hate speech on social media.

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has been moving aggressively to reconcile with Trump since his election in November, including donating $1 million to his inauguration fund and hiring a Republican as his public affairs chief.

On Friday he sat down for an interview with popular podcaster Joe Rogan in which he bitterly criticized the Biden administration for asking that content be censored on Meta platforms during the coronavirus pandemic.

Threats from Trump

Trump has been a harsh critic of Meta and Zuckerberg for years, accusing the company of bias against him and threatening to retaliate against the tech billionaire once back in office.

Republicans are also fiercely against DEI programs in corporate America, many of which were established in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement and the nation's attempt to reckon with longstanding racial disparities.

In the immediate aftermath of Trump's election victory in November, Walmart and a string of prestige brandsfrom Ford, John Deere and Lowe's to Harley-Davidson and Jack Daniel'salso scaled back programs aimed at bolstering minority groups.

In its memo, Meta said its Chief Diversity Officer Maxine Williams will transition to a new role focused on accessibility and engagement, as the company phases out its dedicated DEI initiatives.

The parent company of Facebook and Instagram will also terminate its supplier diversity program, which previously prioritized sourcing from diverse-owned businesses. Instead, Meta says it will focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses more broadly.

"We serve everyone," the memo stated, emphasizing that the company will continue to source candidates from different backgrounds while eliminating specific representation goals for women and ethnic minorities that were previously in place.

 2025 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

The US government alleges TikTok allows Beijing to collect data and spy on users.

The US Supreme Court appeared likely on Friday to uphold a law that would force TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the wildly popular online video-sharing platform or shut it down.

A majority of the conservative and liberal justices on the nine-member bench appeared skeptical of arguments by a lawyer for TikTok that forcing a sale was a violation of First Amendment free speech rights.

Signed by President Joe Biden in April, the law passed by Congress would block TikTok, which boasts 170 million American users, from US app stores and web hosting services unless ByteDance divests from the social media platform by January 19.

The US government alleges TikTok allows Beijing to collect data and spy on users and is a conduit to spread propaganda. China and ByteDance strongly deny the claims.

"This case ultimately boils down to speech," TikTok counsel Noel Francisco said during two-and-a-half hours of oral arguments. "What we're talking about is ideas. If the First Amendment means anything, it means that the government cannot restrict speech."

Several of the justices pushed back, pointing to TikTok's Chinese ownership.

"There's a good reason for saying that a foreign government, particularly an adversary, does not have free speech rights in the United States," said Justice Samuel Alito. "Why would it all change if it was simply hidden under some kind of contrived corporate structure?"

Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts raised the national security concerns behind the lawthe Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

"I think Congress and the president were concerned that China was accessing information about millions of Americans, tens of millions of Americans, including teenagers, people in their 20s," Kavanaugh said.

Their concern, he added, was "that they would use that information over time to develop spies to turn people, to blackmail people, people who a generation from now will be working in the FBI or the CIA or in the State Department."

Roberts asked the lawyer for TikTok whether the court is "supposed to ignore the fact that the ultimate parent is, in fact, subject to doing intelligence work for the Chinese government?"

Francisco said Congress could have chosen other means to address its concerns such as requiring data from TikTok's US users not be allowed to be shared with anybody.

"They never even considered that most obvious alternative" of saying "you can't give it to ByteDance, you can't give it to China, you can't give it to Google, you can't give it to Amazon," he said.

'We go dark'

Francisco was asked what happens after January 19 if ByteDance declines to sell TikTok.

"We go dark," he said. "Essentially the platform shuts down."

Justice Amy Coney Barrett took issue with Francisco's characterization.

"You keep saying shut down," Barrett said. "The law doesn't say TikTok has to shut down. It says ByteDance has to divest. If ByteDance divested TikTok, we wouldn't be here, right?"

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, representing the Biden administration, also raised national security concerns, calling Chinese government control of TikTok a "grave threat."

"The Chinese government could weaponize TikTok at any time to harm the United States," Prelogar said. "There is no protected First Amendment right for a foreign adversary to exploit its control over a speech platform."

The potential ban could strain US-China relations just as Donald Trump prepares to be sworn in as president on January 20.

Trump, who has 14.7 million followers on TikTok, has emerged as an unlikely ally of the platformin a reversal from his first term, when the Republican leader tried to ban the app.

Trump's lawyer, John Sauer, filed a brief with the Supreme Court last month asking it to pause the law, "thus permitting President Trump's incoming Administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case."

In an 11th hour development on Thursday, US billionaire Frank McCourt announced that he had put together a consortium to acquire TikTok's US assets from ByteDance.

"We look forward to working with ByteDance, President-elect Trump, and the incoming administration to get this deal done," McCourt said.

AFP, among more than a dozen other fact-checking organizations, is paid by TikTok in several countries to verify videos that potentially contain false information.

 2025 AFP
Houston Police cars block access to Main Street near Sam Houston Parkway on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023 in Pearland. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A handgun is displayed Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, in a firearm storage room at the Houston Forensic Science Center in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Houston police arrested nine people in connection with firing guns on New Years Eve and responded to nearly 300 gunfire calls, a stark drop from the 680 calls a year ago.

Between Dec. 31, 2023, and Jan. 2, 2024, police received a total of 680 firearms-related calls, according to an open records request. That included everything from 194 Shot Spotter calls, almost 400 discharge of a firearm calls and more. The numbers in 2025 declined to around 295.

Similarly, police responded to 349 firearm calls around the Fourth of July in 2023 and 268 in 2024, records show.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

New Years Eve and the Fourth of July have long been among the busiest days for patrol officers in the Houston Police Department, according to Greg Fremin, a retired captain. In addition to the many citywide fireworks, some parts of the city have become known for a barrage of gunfire reports.

At the stroke of midnight, depending on what part of town youre working in, you almost want to seek cover, he said. It sounds like a war zone. Theres a lot of weaponry out there. People are shooting out in the open. And what goes up must come down.

MORE FROM HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Harris County violent crime dropped in 2024, records show

Juan Sauceda, 55, Cristobal Martinez Herrera, 25, Deigo Javier Lopez, 21, Alan Valdez-Rivera, 21, Cristian Meza, 19, Terrell Trevon Norris, 24, and Angel Antonio Hernandez, 29, were all charged with discharging a firearm in a metro area, according to the Houston Police Department. A minor was also arrested and charged, police said.

In addition to the nine arrests police have made in the days since the holiday, investigators in the major assaults division are also looking into four other celebratory gunfire reports that ended in injuries, said Shay Awosiyan, a spokesman for the department. Two were graze wound injuries.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Police investigating viral video

The arrests come after a video circulated on social media showing multiple people firing guns, purportedly in Houston. Police officials confirmed that theyve seen the video, but theres no evidence in the video that the incident actually happened in town and not somewhere else. Investigators were probing the video, but officials said anyone with more information should call.

Fremin said police face a tall task properly investigating celebratory gunfire given the overall number of calls on major holidays, combined with the scarcity of evidence in most reports.

I dont want to say its impossible, but with the lack of resources and the sheer volume of people doing it, its almost impossible to make an arrest unless someone is caught on video doing it, he said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Leading up to the holiday, Houston police urged residents to refrain from celebratory gunfire.
Close-up of marijuana plants in Austin, 2018. Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle

The Houston Police Department will destroy hundreds of thousands of pounds of unneeded drugs and other evidence that have caused rat infestations and property rooms to overflow for decades, officials announced Friday.

Officials plan to start burning old evidence for solved cases to fix what Mayor John Whitmire called a "broken system of maintaining evidence" during a news conference. Whitmire was joined by Police Chief Noe Diaz and Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare.

The move will both help law enforcement cut down on the hefty cost of destroying drug evidence, as well as free up officers to focus on crime, officials said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

We have 400,000 pounds of marijuana in storage, Whitmire said. The rats are the only ones enjoying it.

Drug evidence is prone to infestation from fungus, bugs and rats, said Houston Forensics Science Center President Peter Stout. The problem is not unique to Houston, he said, but affects police departments nationwide.

Diaz said the department first became aware of the rat issue in October 2024, and immediately began cleanup. Diaz noted the rat issue is only affecting old evidence, not current evidence. He said destroyed evidence will still be tracked through bar codes and tags.

Cocaine from the '90s

HPD's evidence room held 1.2 million pieces of evidence, including notes from a 1947 homicide case and cocaine from the 90s, according to Diaz. He added that it costs millions of dollars to destroy evidence.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

We want to make sure were not storing stuff that has no value in the legal system, Diaz said. The evidence accumulation is massive.

The evidence slated to be destroyed includes drugs from cases in which people have been arrested, convicted and served their entire sentence, officials said. Other items are from relatively minor cases that were never solved, but are now decades in the past.

Teare, who took office in January, said his new policy will allow narcotics evidence from cases earlier than 2015 to be destroyed. The office's previous policy was to hold on to evidence dating back to 2005.

Teare said the DAs office will put a senior attorney in charge of working with HPD and the judiciary to obtain destruction orders, and would start filing destruction orders at the time plea deals are made in court.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Claire Partain is a Houston ISD reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering student achievement. She can be reached at claire.partain@houstonchronicle.com.

She got her start as sports editor at Texas State University (go Cats!) before covering professional soccer team Austin FC and other Austin news at digital startup Austonia.

Claire has also freelanced with her hometown paper, appearing in the Fairfield Recorder, Teague Chronicle and Corsicana Daily Sun.
IMF acknowledges resilience of Hong Kong's financial system

Xinhua) 10:26, January 11, 2025

HONG KONG, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's financial system remains resilient, supported by robust institutional frameworks, ample policy buffers, and smooth functioning of the linked exchange rate system, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team said in a statement released on Friday.

The staff team reaffirmed Hong Kong's status as an international financial center in its concluding statement for the 2024 Article IV Consultation with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

IMF staff noted that Hong Kong's economy is on a path of gradual recovery, albeit facing multiple headwinds. Hong Kong's real gross domestic product is estimated to grow by 2.7 percent in both 2024 and 2025, according to the statement.

The authorities' plan for a more gradual fiscal consolidation path is appropriate as it would help sustain economic recovery, said IMF staff. Going forward, the fiscal deficit is projected to narrow further, supported by new revenue measures, efforts to contain expenditure, and the winding down of pandemic-related support.

To restore fiscal balance in the next few years, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR government Paul Chan said Hong Kong will identify new revenue sources while managing expenditure growth, with a focus on the latter.

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Eddie Yue said that the linked exchange rate system remains the most suitable arrangement for Hong Kong given its highly open economy as well as its large and globally connected financial services industry.

"We will continue to stay vigilant and safeguard financial stability while enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international financial center," said Yue.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
South Carolina charter schools could lose access to crucial federal startup grants if the state doesnt step up its regulation of charter school sponsors, the U.S. Department of Education has warned.

Federal officials notified the S.C. Department of Education in November that its monitoring of the groups that sponsor charter schools was inadequate. The federal agency pressed state officials to develop new written oversight policies within 90 days, according to emails obtained by The State Media Co.

The U.S. Department of Education tied the state agencys compliance to a $31.5 million federal grant the state agency has used to support more than two-dozen new South Carolina charter schools since 2022.

Its not clear what prompted the federal governments demand or whether the U.S. Department of Education will continue to press the issue under President-elect Donald Trumps administration. The federal agency directed all questions about the matter to the state Department of Education.

The state agency filed a formal appeal requesting reconsideration of the order shortly before Christmas and is awaiting a response, spokesman Jason Raven said.

Raven, who characterized the U.S. governments demand as federal overreach, said the state department also plans to alert key members of South Carolinas Congressional delegation about the matter.

This situation represents one more example of why the SCDE looks forward to working with the incoming Administration to cut federal red tape and return education dollars and decisions to the states, he said in a statement.

Charter school sponsors, also called authorizers, can be either local school districts, the Public Charter School District or institutions of higher education.

They receive taxpayer dollars to vet new charter applications, regulate schools they approve and hold accountable schools that fail to live up to their commitments.

When the states charter schools law passed in 1996, only local districts could serve as charter school sponsors. A decade later, with the sectors growth stalled, lawmakers opened up the authorization process by establishing a statewide charter district, and in 2012, giving colleges and universities authority to sponsor schools.

Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access.

The State reported last year, as part of a series of investigative stories about South Carolina charter schools, that lawmakers did not fully comprehend the potential implications of permitting institutions of higher education, in particular, to oversee charter schools. For that reason, the law does not explicitly address the review and enforcement of college and university authorizers, leaving them to operate in a legal gray area that critics assert can lead to unchecked financial waste and abuse.

A bill filed in 2023 by Senate Education Committee Chair Greg Hembree, R-Horry, would have given the state Education Department authority to monitor, evaluate and potentially sanction or even terminate charter school authorizers, but the bill stalled and never received a floor vote.

In the meantime, the Charter Institute at Erskine, an authorizer affiliated with Erskine College, has taken heat from lawmakers over several of its enterprising recent projects that critics say push the boundaries of the law.

While not illegal, the Charter Institutes entrepreneurial ventures have raised conflict-of-interest questions that last year provoked discussions about authorizer reform and spurred an investigation into the organizations financial relationship with charter school vendors.

The investigation, which Charter Institute leaders have welcomed and believe will vindicate their actions, remains pending.

Let the results come, Charter Institute Chief Operating Officer Vamshi Rudrapati told The State in an interview late last year. An investigation, he said, is the only way for us to get salvation.

Ongoing federal concern

The U.S. Department of Educations outreach to the state began in August 2023, when it sought information about the authorizers of schools that had received money under the $31.5 million Charter Schools Program grant awarded in 2020.

Over the next 15 months, state education officials communicated with the U.S. Department of Education via email and virtual meetings to clarify the role charter school authorizers play in South Carolina and demonstrate the states oversight of them, Raven said.

The departments oversight, he said, includes supplying authorizers with documented procedures in accountability, finance, auditing functions, governance, and other administrative acts.

While Raven said the discussions initially focused on the S.C. Department of Educations administrative oversight of authorizers, the conversation recently shifted to the agencys oversight of authorizing practices.

On that front, the feds asked state education officials to provide documentation demonstrating it provided monitoring and oversight of authorizing activities, particularly those undertaken by South Carolinas two higher education authorizers, Charter Institute at Erskine and Limestone Charter Association, an affiliate of Limestone College. (The state has since added a third higher education authorizer, the Voorhees Charter Institute of Learning, associated with Voorhees University in Bamberg County).

In a Nov. 21, 2024, letter obtained by The State, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education Bernadine Futrell informed state education officials that the information and documentation submitted do not demonstrate that SCDE (or another State agency) is conducting the requisite monitoring and oversight of the authorizing activities of charter school sponsors to ensure that they are complying with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Futrell wrote that the U.S Department of Education would be imposing a specific condition on South Carolinas federal grant award, making its approval contingent on state education officials developing and implementing written procedures for overseeing charter school sponsors authorizing activities.

Those procedures, the federal condition specifies, must include demonstrating how the SCDE will conduct reviews of sponsors performance and the appropriate enforcement actions SCDE will take against sponsors that fail to comply with statutory or regulatory requirements governing such authorizing activities.

Raven said the U.S. Department of Education has not identified what federal officials consider to be the authorizing practices of concern and questioned why the feds had not raised the issue during an April 2024 monitoring visit.

(The South Carolina Department of Education) believes this revised line of inquiry goes well beyond the role and authority of the (U.S. Education Department) under the terms of the grant and instead delves into questions reserved to state law, he said in a statement.

A decision by the U.S. Department of Education to cease federal grant funding for charter schools sponsored by some or all of the states authorizers could significantly harm the viability of those schools.

The funding, which the state distributes annually as Charter School Planning & Implementation grants, provides up to $1 million in support over three years for schools in the process of opening or that have recently opened.

Charter school experts have said the grants are critical to the success of new charter schools because they reduce the need for private startup money, which can be tough to raise.

Even with P&I grants, charter schools sometimes struggle to survive.

A study released last year by the Network for Public Education found more than a quarter of charter schools close within five years and only about half make it to 15 years.

In South Carolina, which has one of the poorer success rates for charter schools in the nation, about a third of charter schools that have ever opened are now closed, the study found.
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has awarded major contracts to Chinese group BYD Auto Company and Saudi utility major Alfanar Projects for developing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with a combined capacity of 2,500 MW/10,000 MWh across Saudi Arabia.

As per the deal, BYD Auto, a key brand of Chinese multinational manufacturing company BYD Company, will be responsible for the design, supply and supervision of installation, testing and commissioning work of BESS as well as its maintenance, while Alfanar Projects will take care of the EPC work for the BESS substation.

Unveiling the list of BESS projects, Saudi Electricity Company said these will come up in the following key locations across the country - Riyadh (500 MW/2,500 MWh); Qaisumah (500 MW/2,500 MWh);

Dawadmi (500 MW/2,500 MWh); Al Jouf (500 MW/2,500 MWh) and Rabigh (500 MW/2,500 MWh).

On the BESS plants, SEC said it will provide load shifting as main application while providing black start, frequency regulation and voltage support application through a selectable part of the systems total capacity for the network at their respective Point of Interconnection (POI).

The BESS is expected to replace part load operation of existing power plants by charging and discharging according to the system load variations, primary and secondary reserve and shall also operate to provide voltage and frequency regulations, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Octavia Johnson is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Bluesky (@octaviajnews.bsky.social), TikTok (@octaviaj_news) and Facebook (Octavia R. Johnson).

Before joining the Chronicle, Octavia worked as a digital content producer at WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tenn., where she became a leader in producing fast-paced, audience-focused content.

Octavia graduated from UNC Pembroke with a bachelor's degree in journalism before earning her master's degree in media and communications at Norfolk State University.
Leading UAE business conglomerate Al Futtaim has announced the launch of Blue AI, a groundbreaking feature within the Blue Rewards app that empowers customers to interact with all their favourite brands in new and dynamic ways.

The feature will reach more than five million Blue Rewards customers in the first year.

The announcement was made at Al-Futtaim's AI Summit, showcasing the group's ongoing focus on integrating cutting edge technologies to improve customer experiences.

The first AI platform of its kind in the Middle East, Blue AI developed by Al Futtaim is a smart lifestyle advisor and customer engagement platform that offers seamless guidance and tailored insights across the Blue ecosystem of products and services, setting a new standard in personalised customer engagement.

Blue AI offers several core features designed to enhance the customer journey; users can browse fashion essentials tailored to their unique tastes, get instant access to beauty products with expert guidance, enjoy automated product recommendations, access test drive bookings at their fingertips and also seamlessly integrates a streamlined one-click multi-brand checkout experience that simplifies shopping like never before.

Designed with customers at its core, this innovative platform enriches the user journey by offering experiences uniquely suited to every individuals preference.

Moza Al Futtaim, Chief AI Officer at Al-Futtaim, said: "At Al-Futtaim, we are dedicated to driving innovation across our ecosystem, inspiring meaningful change and making everyday life better. Thats why we are so excited to introduce Blue AI, created to enrich the customer journey and enhance their experience."

"AI has emerged as a powerful tool for personalisation, and we are harnessing it to better understand what truly matters to our customers. Blue AI helps us turn deep insights into meaningful actions, making every minute on the app smarter, smoother, and more in tune with your needs," he noted.

"The launch of Blue AI goes beyond technology  its about using innovation to spark genuine connections and transform the way we serve each individual user," he stated.

According to him, the launch of Blue AI aligns with the UAEs overarching vision to become a global leader in innovation, where advanced technologies such as AI are harnessed to enhance everyday life.

It also comes as part of Al-Futtaim's broader commitment to adopting data-driven technology in the quest to enhance customer experience and provide diverse avenues to navigate the digital shopping landscape, he added.

Himanshu Shrivastava, Group Chief Technology Officer at Al Futtaim, said: "Human centred approach is at the heart of how we design our platforms, and Blue AI exemplifies our dedication to continuous innovation in the retail space."

"With this new feature, we are transforming how customers shop, learning from their preferences while elevating the experience to new levels. By fostering deeper connections between customers and the brands and products they love, Blue AI delivers a faster, more intuitive, and ultimately more enjoyable shopping journey," he added.

Blue AI is initially launching in the UAE, before expanding to eight markets across the region in its first year, bringing its groundbreaking capabilities to an even broader audience.

This launch underscores Al-Futtaim's dedication to customer-centric innovation, empowering individuals to make smarter, more convenient choices through tailored, intuitive solutions.-TradeArabia News Service
AN unused piece of equipment intended for NiQuan Energy Trinidad Ltds operations is among several assets now up for sale by the receiver, just after the seventh anniversary of the gas-to-liquid plants grand opening.

The unused FT Max Catalyst-T 2811, weighing 231,000 pounds and used in gas-to-liquids (GTL) processes, is being sold by receiver manager Varune Mungal.
Most adults should be familiar with the maxim nip it in the bud, as a result of its frequent use by aphoristic parents in our earlier years. It is usually conjured to hasten a person, a group or organisation into addressing or resolving an issue or situation before it spirals out of control.

Unfortunately, in our twin-island State, many shrubs that began as mere twigs were never nippeda failure that continues every day in our beloved nation. By virtue of the following paradigms, there is no doubt that the relevant authorities fall short of resolving issues in their infancy, often leaving simple matters to mature into misery.
No criminal charges will be filed in connection with a Jan. 3 crash that killed a 10-year-old girl riding a scooter, Pima County authorities said Friday night.

"The findings were thoroughly reviewed by the Pima County Attorney's Office. After careful consideration of all available facts, it was determined that no criminal charges would be filed against any party involved. The investigation into this incident is now closed," the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a news release.

Emily Ramirez was killed the afternoon of Jan. 3 when she collided with the side of a pickup truck while riding a scooter, the Sheriff's Department previously reported.

The crash occurred on a neighborhood street near West Irvington Road and South Camino de Oeste, on Tucson's southwest side.

Ramirez was not wearing a helmet, deputies said.

The unidentified driver of the pickup stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
Dong Nai Province in southern Vietnam partnered with Viet Phat Group to launch a shopping mall and office complex project in the provincial city of Bien Hoa on Friday, with its price tag exceeding VND6 trillion (US$236 million).

Located along Dang Van Tron Street in Hiep Hoa Ward, also known as Cu Lao Pho - an island of Bien Hoa City, the project, named Aeon Mall Bien Hoa, will cover nearly 12 hectares, with over 10 hectares allocated for the shopping mall and 1.5 hectares for surrounding infrastructure, including three connecting roads.

The eight-story shopping mall will feature modern architecture and include a wide array of services such as dining, kid zones, event spaces, and leasing opportunities.

It will also host premium products from renowned brands and offer services meeting international standards, making it one of the largest and most modern malls in the region.

Expected to open in 2027, the mall is projected to welcome approximately 10 million visitors annually.

Local officials and business representatives attend a ceremony to launch a shopping mall and office complex project in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam, January 10, 2025. Photo: A.B

Vo Tan Duc, chairman of the provincial administration, emphasized the project's significance as a key milestone in the provinces development.

He said that it is expected to be a prominent destination for shopping, leisure, and tourism on Cu Lao Pho.

Work on the project is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025.

The official urged local authorities and agencies to treat the project as a priority, providing support to resolve any challenges quickly and creating favorable conditions for its completion.

He called on Viet Phat Group, Aeon Mall Vietnam - an arm of Japanese retailer Aeon, and their partners to focus resources on finalizing legal procedures and accelerating construction, so as to put the project into operation on schedule.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!
VinBrain, formerly an artificial intelligence (AI) subsidiary of the Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, has appointed Mark Steven Hoose, Nvidias chief tax officer, as chairman and legal representative following its acquisition by the U.S. semiconductor giant.

According to VinBrain Company Limiteds recent updates in the national business registration system, Mark Steven Hoose, born in 1967, has become chairman and legal representative of the AI company starting from the end of December 2024.

The companys ownership has also shifted, with Nvidia International Inc., headquartered in the U.S., now holding control.

VinBrains charter capital has exceeded VND627 billion (US$24.71 million), according to the business registration.

Mark Steven Hoose currently serves as Nvidias chief tax officer, as well as chairman and CEO of Nvidia Vietnam Company Limited, Nvidias legal representative in Vietnam, established in May 2024.

In early December 2024, Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, announced the acquisition of VinBrain, calling it the starting point for a major future design center.

While the deals value has not been disclosed, the 2024 third-quarter financial report shows that the Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup holds 49.74 percent of VinBrains shares, worth over $126 million.

Founded in 2019, VinBrain was originally VinBrain Automatic Management Solutions Consulting Limited Liability Company, with a charter capital of VND30 billion ($1.18 million).

It was completely owned by Vintech Technology Development Joint Stock Company, in which Vingroup holds 86.67 percent.

At the close of 2024, the Vietnamese government and Nvidia also signed an agreement to cooperate in establishing an AI research and development center in Vietnam.

This partnership is expected to fuel Vietnams billion-dollar AI technology sector in the years to come.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham Vietnam) on Friday announced Dr. Dam Thi Hoang Lan, external affairs director at MSD Vietnam, as its new chair for the 2025 term.

The new chair succeeded Ramachandran A.S. (RamC), Citi country officer for Citibank in Vietnam.

Lan graduated from several prestigious universities in Vietnam and abroad during the 1990-2016 period, including Hanoi Medical University, the National Economics University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, and the University of Cambridge in the UK.

Her academic achievements, ranging from bachelors degrees to a doctorate, reflect her relentless commitment to learning and personal growth, AmCham Vietnam, one of the largest foreign business associations in the country with 3,150 members, said in a press release on Thursday.

AmCham Vietnam highlighted her participation in numerous significant healthcare projects and programs, and her contributions to policy development that enhances patient access to advanced treatments at various organizations, including the Ministry of Health.

Since joining MSD Vietnam in 2016, she has been responsible for government affairs and policy, market access, and communications.

MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme), a global biopharmaceutical giant with a 130-year history, is headquartered in the U.S. It is also known as Merck & Co. in the U.S. and Canada.

Lan has served on AmCham Vietnams board of governors for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025.

Speaking about her new role, she said, taking on the role of chair is not only a profound honor but also a tremendous responsibility.

For the 2025 term, AmCham Vietnam also elected James Meffen, chief financial officer of AES Vietnam, and Philip Ziter, senior associate at Russin & Vecchi, as vice chairs.

Jesse Boone, director of Facilities and Campus Development at Fulbright University Vietnam, was appointed treasurer, while Le Thi Thanh, senior attorney at Baker & McKenzie, will serve as secretary.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade forecast the local retail sales at US$350 billion this year, contributing 59 percent of the domestic goods sales.

The retail sales in 2024 rose 8.8 percent over 2023, according to the General Statistics Office.

Vietnam needs many breakthrough solutions to maintain the attractiveness of its retail sector, experts said.

Foreign cosmetics brands report growth

The Body Shop, a British cosmetics brand that is popular in Vietnam, especially among the young, filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. and Canada, closing 50 and 33 stores in the two countries, respectively, in March 2024.

Meanwhile, its operations in Vietnam remained unaffected and even expanded in major cities.

The brand currently has 41 retail outlets in Vietnam.

Many enterprises have suffered the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fluctuations over the past few years, but The Body Shop has boosted its online retail, especially through social media, in Vietnam.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, The Body Shop Vietnam has achieved an annual revenue growth rate of over 20 percent, while its parent companys consolidated revenue has declined.

Nguyen Thi Xuan, an employee of a The Body Shop store on Mac Thi Buoi Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, said she had been working at the store for nearly seven years. Despite difficulties, customers have increasingly bought products at the store.

A representative from cosmetics group L'Oreal in Vietnam told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that its retail revenue in Vietnam grew 17 percent in 2024.

The retail market in Vietnam is competitive, especially amid the growth of e-commerce, the representative added.

The firm has built sales channels on various platforms, offered diverse products and increased promotion programs with an aim to increase the growth rate to 20-25 percent this year.

Purchasing power rising

Besides cosmetics, the retail sales of food, beverages, and processed products have also increased.

GC Food, a leading Vietnamese exporter of aloe vera products to 20 countries and territories, such as Japan, South Korea, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, with a volume of 15,000-17,000 metric tons per year, earned nearly VND720 billion (US$28.3 million) in net revenue and nearly VND100 billion ($3.9 million) in after-tax profit last year.

A young woman has a look at a The Body Shop store in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre

GC Food chairman Nguyen Van Thu said the result was thanks to the retail sales in the domestic market.

The retail sales of processed aloe vera and coconut jelly products surged 60 percent last year, Thu informed.

Changing strategies to boost retail sales

Many store chains scaling up their business, foreign investment rising, and e-commerce booming after the COVID-19 pandemic have fostered the retail industry in Vietnam.

However, the competition from foreign direct investment (FDI) companies also poses a challenge, requiring domestic retail companies to make significant efforts.

Thu predicted that economic growth would slow further in 2025, with reduced global demand. Enterprises, including retailers, need to adjust their strategies to adapt to current trends.

According to Le Trung Nam, director of EPS Investing Vietnam, Vietnam's population is predominantly young, with Gen Z being the primary consumer group.

Even in the face of economic difficulties or saving trends, this generation maintains its spending habits, boosting the retail sector.

Another reason contributing to the growth of Vietnam's retail sector is China's retail stimulus policies as Chinese goods meet the demands of the Vietnamese market.

To further develop Vietnam's retail sector, Nam emphasized the importance of supporting investors and creating a transparent and open business environment.

Catering to the needs of young consumers is essential. In this data-driven and AI-powered era, enterprises should rely on data analytics to make decisions, Nam recommended.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan, head of the Financial Markets Department at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, said three pillars of Vietnam's economy are export, public investment, and domestic consumption.

Huan assessed the potential of Vietnam's retail market as immense, explaining that Vietnam is among the Southeast Asian countries with the fastest-growing middle-class population.

The proportion of this class in the total population is projected to increase to 26 percent by 2026. When people's incomes rise, their demands for healthcare, beauty products, and luxury goods will also increase.

To boost Vietnam's retail sector, Huan proposed rolling out red carpets for domestic enterprises and mandating FDI firms to partner with domestic companies in joint ventures to operate in the domestic market.

Vietnam does not have many incentives for domestic startups and small and medium enterprises.

Meanwhile, the country has offered many preferential policies for foreign firms, such as 50-year land rent exemptions and value-added tax reductions.

As a result, Vietnamese enterprises also need support to avoid being overshadowed, Huan added.

Shortage of large e-commerce retailers

Foreign retailers have rushed to channel capital into the Vietnamese market, putting heavy pressure on domestic enterprises.

FDI enterprises boasts global supply chains, strong competitiveness, and large-scale operations, while domestic firms are increasingly being overshadowed in their home market due to high costs and weak competitiveness.

Consumers choose products at MM Mega Market in Thu Duc City, a district-level administration unit under Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

Phan Dinh Quan, director of EZ Shipping Co. Ltd. in Hanoi, claimed that the domestic retail market lacks large retailers, especially in the e-commerce sector.

Logistics costs account for a large portion of retailers total expenses, ranging from 10 to 20 percent. Domestic retailers need to have a deep understanding of the market, their retail models and customers.

Quan advised local retailers to build various sale channels and focus on product trial, return and exchange, as well as convenient and quick payment.

According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnams wholesale and retail sector attracted nearly $1.37 billion in FDI as of November 2024, ranking third among all sectors.

The sector took the lead in terms of the numbers of new projects and share acquisitions, accounting for 35.3 and 42.4 percent, respectively.

The growth demonstrates that Vietnams retail market is attractive to foreign investors.

Many conglomerates from Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore have expanded to the Vietnamese market.

According to the International Monetary Fund, the Vietnamese F&B market is projected to reach VND655 trillion ($25.8 billion) in the next five years, positioning Vietnam as one of the countries with the most significant growth potential in the global F&B sector.

As a result, many global enterprises are actively seeking opportunities to venture into the Vietnamese retail market.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
HPD's dive team found the body of a woman in a vehicle, seen here in this image captured by an OnScene TV reporter, submerged in White Oak Bayou Friday evening. OnScene TV

A man was found dead in a vehicle submerged in White Oak Bayou near Heights Boulevard Friday evening, according to the Houston Police Department.

A Houston Fire Department spokesperson told the Chronicle firefighters were initially dispatched Friday afternoon to help recover a red vehicle that was found flipped and submerged in White Oak Bayou. Firefighters contacted the police dive team, members of which later found a man dead in the vehicle.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: A 1924 tale of a body found on Buffalo Bayou

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Loading...

The HFD spokesperson said while it was too soon to tell if the man's death was accidental, a firefighter was overheard on the radio saying he thought the body had "been there for a while."

The vehicle has since been recovered and an investigation into the fatality was ongoing, police said.

Officials did not say if the weather may have been a contributing factor, although the body was discovered amid a stretch of heightened rainfall and low temperatures throughout the Houston area. Local government organizations have taken to social media to warn residents of potentially dangerous driving conditions.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Houston residents are encouraged to take precautions to stay safe during these cold temperatures. Here are some safety tips! pic.twitter.com/D3nBjyRk7h  Houston OEM (@HoustonOEM) January 9, 2025
COPENHAGEN -- Denmark's government has proposed purchasing two new Arctic inspection vessels and increasing dog sled patrols to boost its military presence in Greenland, as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump sets his sights on the island, local media reported.

The government has also proposed upgrading the airport in Kangerlussuaq, a former U.S. military base in western Greenland, to accommodate F-35 fighter jets, broadcasters DR and TV2 said on Friday.

Denmark has already set aside $400 million to strengthen surveillance and intelligence in the Arctic and North Atlantic with long-range drones.

Trump this week reiterated his ambition to gain control over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Arctic territory of Denmark that the incoming U.S. president views as crucial to American security.

Denmark, while responsible for Greenland's security and defense, has limited military capabilities on the vast island. At present, these include four aging inspection vessels, a Challenger surveillance plane and 12 dog sled patrols, all tasked with monitoring an area four times the size of France.

The tradition of using sled dogs for patrolling Greenland dates back to World War II, with the patrol being a specialized unit of the Royal Danish Navy.

Defense spending talks

Following more than a decade of drastic cuts in defense spending, last year Denmark allocated 190 billion Danish crowns ($26 billion) for its military over a ten-year span, some of which will be for the Arctic.

Danish lawmakers began long-delayed talks on Friday on how to apportion those funds, which are being progressively allocated via political agreements. The discussions that commenced on Friday focused on what portion of the budget should be go to Greenland's defense requirements.

Earlier this week, Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he looked forward to informing Trump about Denmark's "massive" military build-up since his last term as president.

However, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen acknowledged on Thursday that necessary military investments had been "neglected for many years."

Poulsen last month said more funds should be allocated towards Denmark's military presence in the Arctic, although he did not provide specifics.

"The U.S. concerns are real, and there are some very concrete, huge problems in relation to Greenland," defense analyst and retired navy commander Jens Wenzel Kristoffersen told Reuters.

"The U.S. needs to feel safe in this area, and if Denmark doesn't do something about this, then they will have to deal with it themselves."

The U.S. military maintains a permanent presence at the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland's northwest. The strategic location is vital for the U.S. military and its ballistic missile early-warning system, as the shortest route from Europe to North America runs via the island.

On Thursday, the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen stated that there were no plans to increase the U.S. military presence in Greenland.

($1 = 7.2425 Danish crowns)
Police in Vietnam have detained two skippers for allegedly sending seamen to Thai waters for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), a practice for which the European Commission (EC) has imposed a yellow card warning on Vietnamese seafood since 2017.

The police department of southern Kien Giang Province on Friday said it had detained and prosecuted Vo Minh Man, 43, and Nguyen Van Hien, 46, who captained fishing boats KG 91771-TS and KG 91020-TS, respectively, for allegedly organizing illegal exits for others to commit illegal fishing in foreign waters.

The arrest came after the two men were sent back to Vietnam by Thai authorities who had captured them for their IUU fishing acts.

rAccording to the case file, Thai functional units on March 6, 2024 caught the two vessels, with a total of 15 people onboard, illegally fishing in Thai waters.

Thai authorities later released the boat KG 91020-TS with all fishermen onboard, while continuing to keep the vessel KG 91771-TS along with its entire crew in custody until December 18, 2024.

In the wake of the arrest, the Kien Giang police department requested local fishers to strictly comply with the laws and regulations governing fishing activities at home and abroad.

In a related development, the provincial Peoples Court in January 2024 gave sentences of one to eight years in prison to four fishermen for committing IUU fishing in Malaysian waters.

These cases occurred amid the relentless efforts by Vietnams concerned agencies for the removal of the IUU fishing yellow card warning that has been imposed by the EC on Vietnamese seafood since October 2017.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on November 4, 2024 issued a directive asking all relevant agencies to prepare for the EC's upcoming fifth inspection on IUU fishing, with the goal of lifting the yellow card warning as soon as possible.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Season 3 of Below Deck Down Under will stream on Hayu in February.

Returning is Captain Jason Chambers is joined by last seasons Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph and Deckhand Harry Van Vliet.

New crew members include Bosun Wihan Du Toit, Chief Stew Lara Rigby, Deckhands Johnny Arvanitis and Adair Werley, Stews Brianna Duffield and Marina Marcondes de Barros and Sous-Chef Anthony Bird.

Captain Jason Chambers will be in Sydney for a fan event next month.

Its always special for me to come home to Australia and its especially sweet this time as its to celebrate the new season of Below Deck Down Under on Hayu. Im really looking forward to connecting with Hayu fans at a special event. I cant say too much, but Hayu is going to make a big splash in Sydney!

I am so excited about season three  Aussies are going to love it. Its great to be back again at the helm, and exciting to showcase a bigger yacht and bigger crew. We really got the best out of the location and you wont want to miss it!

Coming up this season:

This season the crew sets sail to a stunning first-ever series destination  the pristine turquoise waters of the Seychelles off the coast of Africa. Jason is at the forefront of Motor Yacht Katina, the franchises largest vessel yet. With clashing department heads and hard-to-entertain guests, he must explore new depths to face this seasons challenges.

Now in the galley of her dreams with a sous chef by her side, Chef Tzarina is ready to explore the vibrant flavors of East Africa. However, a weevil infestation and rising tension with her sous chef threaten to turn her kitchen into chaos. New Chief Stew Lara excels at keeping her department in tip-top shape, going to great lengths to make sure her guests have a spotless experience  even if it means scaling four flights of stairs for every service. Amid a series of on-deck blunders leading to a jet ski accident that ends in a hospital visit, Bosun Wihan faces an uphill battle to keep team morale. afloat. The interior runs like a well-oiled machine until one stews request for more responsibility rocks the boat.

An explosive incident that leads to a shocking firing leaves the crew shorthanded while fresh faces bring a wave of new energy on board. The love boat atmosphere boils over as flings, hook-up crossovers and budding relationships begin to spill over into the workplace flow.

Below Deck Down Under is produced by 51 Minds, a Banijay Americas company, with Lauren Simms,

Cristina Lopez, Mark Cronin, Tania Hamidi, Julie Pizzi, Zachary Klein and Nicole Elliott as executive producers.

Tuesday February 4 on Hayu.
Mariyam Usmani, TwoCircles.net

Tampakmayum Akhtar, who belonged to the Kwatka area of Imphal, the capital of ethnic conflict-torn Manipur, found his life turned upside down after a casual conversation at work spiraled into a brutal, life-altering ordeal. The 18-year-old boy, a chef at Kafyah Cafe in the Keshampat area, was used to the daily rhythms of his job, surrounded by co-workers and customers. He had no reason to anticipate the violence that would soon befall him.

Support TwoCircles



It all started with a harmless joke Akhtar made while talking with the younger brother of the cafes owner. Jenita, a waitress at the cafe, grew upset and allegedly reported the incident to her brothers, who reached out to Arambai Tenggol (AT), a Meitei armed group with a history of violence toward the Muslim community. What followed was a horrific assault that would forever mark Akhtars life.

The accusations against him, which  he says  had no basis in reality, were centered around an alleged assault on Jenita. Akhtar is clear in his defense. We co-workers often chit-chat casually. After I cracked a normal joke with the younger brother of our cafe owner, the waitress became angry and complained to her brothers, who reported this to Arambai Tenggol, he told TwoCircles.net, alleging, They hurt my religious faith, forced me to kneel and threatened me. Despite denying all the charges, I was viciously beaten until I could barely breathe.

The violence was brutal. Akhtar was not only allegedly assaulted. His nails into his feet and hands were allegedly hammered. The attackers did not subjected him to physical torture only. Akhtar was allegedly forced to swallow pork, consumption of which is not permissible in Islamic beliefs.

They deliberately stuffed his mouth with bacon, which he vomited out of disgust. He somehow managed to keep a piece of pork in plastic wrap as evidence of assault, said Saddam, a member of the All Meitei Pangal Youth Association (AMPYA) while speaking out about the incident.

The physical abuse was accompanied by psychological torment. Akhtar was allegedly pressured to falsely accuse local imams (prayer leaders) and the Muslim community of engaging in love jihad  a conspiracy theory claiming that Muslims are attempting to convert non-Muslim women through deceptive relationships. They made me say that Pangals (indigenous Muslims) were promoting love jihad and conspiring against the Meitei community, alleged Akhtar, recalling the horror. They forced me to record videos to circulate on Meitei-led social media platforms to spread lies about my community.

The incident left deep scars on Akhtar. For his family, the attack was both a personal tragedy and a reflection of the alleged growing communal tensions in the region. Expressing anguish, his father, Tampakmayum Kamal Hassan, said, Our locality is still comparatively safe, but we cannot imagine our lives in Imphal because of the fast-growing communalism. We are more shocked at how they are tarnishing the entire community of Pangals.

Akhtar has lost his job at the cafe. Fearing for his safety, the cafe owner is considering closing the business due to alleged mounting threats.

Despite the horror he had endured, Akhtars resolve remained strong. I want the officials to take action against those who harassed me, he said, though his words lacked the confidence of someone who felt secure in the justice systems response.

The assault on Akhtar ignited outrage among civil society organisations and student groups. The All Manipur Muslim Students Organisation (AMMSO) on January 5 issued a statement condemning the violence and demanding accountability. The AMMSO questioned the validity of the accusations against Akhtar and called for an end to the alleged toxic influence of groups like Arambai Tenggol. Targeting Islam and its principles, along with defaming imams of the mosque, is unacceptable, read outfits statement.

The political response, however, has allegedly been largely inadequate. Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, a member of the Rajya Sabha, issued a resolution in response to the incident, but it failed to offer any concrete protection for Akhtar or his family. According to regional reporter Safiur Rahman, Akhtars family and CSOs, including the AMMSO, have rejected the resolution because they were not even invited to the meeting. This dismissal only deepened the sense of abandonment felt by the Muslim community in Manipur.

AMMSO President Imtiyas Heibokmayum emphasised the broader implications of the attack. The Manipuri Muslims are quite unique due to their indigenous status, but Tenggols are slowly poisoning young minds against us. It seems like the general Meitei population is getting fed with the ideology of RSS. Love jihad accusations are just an aftermath of the pervasive sociopolitical hoopla, he noted, highlighting the alleged role of radical ideologies in inflaming tensions.

For many in Manipur, the incident has underscored the vulnerability of the Muslim community, who have long been targets of unfounded accusations and scapegoating. Manipur, historically, has been a place of relative harmony between different communities. But now, the indigenous Muslim population finds itself caught in the crossfire of alleged growing communal discord.

Talking about the broader impact, Safiur Rahman said, Not a single Meitei driver has been able to drive through the national highway in Manipur during turmoil. However, Pangals have been driving on this way to ensure the supply of basic essential commodities and food in the valley areas of Manipur. But our contribution is not valued by anyone, anywhere.

Still unresolved, Akhtars case highlights the alleged growing insecurity faced by indigenous Muslims in the region. The alleged threat to the Muslim community will only grow if the silence of the authorities persists.
Local experts and economists have highlighted the urgent need for strategies to boost the localisation rate in the Vietnamese car industry.

Currently, the production value of the supporting industry for automobiles represents only 2.7 per cent of the overall industry value, which is alarmingly low compared to regional standards.

The local car industry still faces significant challenges related to competitiveness and localisation. Despite having 377 automobile enterprises, with nearly half being foreign direct investment (FDI) firms, the country relies heavily on imports, sourcing about 80 per cent of car components, according to the experts.

The number of local suppliers remains limited, with fewer than 100 tier 1 suppliers and around 150 tier 2 and 3 suppliers. This lack of a robust local supply chain hinders the industry's ability to increase its competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

To address these problems, stakeholders are looking for solutions to foster local production and reduce dependency on imports, ultimately aiming to enhance the overall development of Viet Nam's automobile industry.

Director Le Ngoc Anh of VinFast highlighted the critical need for collaboration and integration to overcome these barriers. The focus on long-term strategies to foster a stronger local supply chain will be crucial for Viet Nam to position itself as a competitive player in the global automotive market.

Investments in technology, favourable policies and industry-wide cooperation could significantly boost localisation, paving the way for sustainable growth in Viet Nam's auto industry.

Pham Chi Lan, former vice president of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), has highlighted significant challenges in developing the country's supporting industries.

Viet Nam has since the 1990s welcomed 11 global automobile manufacturers, which were offered various incentives to generate local jobs and achieve a localisation rate of about 30 per cent within 10-15 years, along with technology transfer. However, many foreign investors tend to rely on their own supporting businesses from abroad, benefitting from the same incentives without promoting local industry growth.

This reliance hinders the development of Vietnamese supporting industries, especially given the disparity in corporate tax rates. Local enterprises face rates starting from 25 per cent (then reduced to 22 and 17 per cent), while foreign companies enjoy a lower rate of 10 per cent. This imbalance creates a challenging environment for local businesses.

VinFast director Anh addressed the challenges in Viet Nam's automobile manufacture by emphasising the company's commitment to producing cars while fostering the domestic supporting industry.

From the outset, VinFast has aimed to enhance localisation, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth. The company has dedicated over 30 per cent of its production complex to supporting industrial zones, facilitating domestic enterprises' participation in the supply chain.

Currently, VinFast's localisation rate for electric vehicles exceeds 60 per cent, incorporating critical components like the body, engine, roof and shock absorbers. The company has successfully automated over 90 per cent of its production processes, ensuring quality and scalability that meet international standards.

VinFast's factory in Viet Nam features state-of-the-art workshops for stamping, welding, assembly and engine production, equipped with advanced technology from Germany, Austria and South Korea.

Anh highlighted VinFast's plans to increase the localisation rate to 84 per cent by 2026, focusing on producing components such as seats, wiring, lights, rims and brake-steering systems. Achieving domestic battery production would significantly increase the localisation rate, as batteries represent one of the highest value components in electric vehicles, he said.

Collaborative efforts

VinFast is actively pursuing its goals by collaborating with domestic enterprises experienced in manufacturing spare parts and components, as well as in logistics, assembly, and processing. The company is also partnering with FDI enterprises in the country to increase access to advanced technologies and modern management practices.

VinFast has established an integrated production ecosystem within its factory area, including a production support centre and a compatible supply chain. The company is committed to signing long-term contracts with qualified supporting enterprises, providing security for these businesses to invest and expand.

Tran Quoc Minh ang, general director of Y Chi Viet, underlined the significance of their collaboration with VinFast since 2020. They have supplied over 80 components and 60 plastic frames for VinFast vehicles, including the VF e34 and VF 9 models.

Y Chi Viet has provided highly precise plastic components, including those for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), showcasing their technical capabilities and commitment to quality.

Dr Bui Quang Tuan, an economist, praised VinFast's achievements and expressed hope that the company would lead Viet Nam into a new era of innovation and high technology. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and rapid advancement in Viet Nam's economic model, focusing on science, technology, and sustainable development.

Experts agree that increasing the localisation rate is crucial not only for VinFast as a company, but also for the broader goal of enhancing the local supporting industry. VinFast's efforts contribute to building a robust ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth in Viet Nam. VNS
HCM CITY  HCM Citys agricultural sector will strive to achieve 1-1.5 per cent growth and average production value per hectare of VN650-750 million (US$25,600-29,600) for 2025, according to the city Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

It also aims to develop sustainable urban agriculture by using high technology on 50-60 per cent of lands.

Speaking at a conference the department organised to review its performance in 2024 and outline tasks for 2025 in HCM City on January 10, Nguyen Xuan Hoang, the departments acting director, said the citys agro-forestry and fisheries output reached nearly VN20 trillion ($788 million), up by 0.2 per cent compared to 2023.

Though the citys farmlands continue to disappear due to rapid urbanisation, productivity has increased over the years, reaching VN619 million ($24,400) per hectare last year, up 0.7 per cent over 2023, he said.

This was the result of following an urban agricultural model, which meant reducing low-yield rice growing areas and increasing the area under high-value ornamental trees and safe vegetables as well as dairy farming, besides promoting of ornamental fishes breeding.

He noted that to date, the city has granted One Commune One Product (OCOP) certification to 272 products from 88 establishments, with 79 products achieving 4-star rating and 193 products 3-stars under the OCOP programme.

Trade promotion activities have regularly organised, creating opportunities for farmers, cooperatives, and businesses to introduce and showcase their products such as organic and VietGAP products, and OCOP items, he added.

To achieve this years targets, he said the department would continue to move towards high-efficiency urban agriculture and enhance the development of key products with a focus on adoption of high technology, organic practices, and circular agriculture.

Additionally, the department aims to accelerate the conversion of rice, sugarcane, and rubber farms with low efficiency into other crops or aquaculture that offers higher economic value.

It is developing concentrated production areas in line with approved programmes and plans, including a project on developing safe vegetable production areas in the city until 2030 and a flower, ornamental plants and ornamental fish development programme until 2030.

In addition, the department plans to foster collaboration with the Department of Tourism to promote agriculture tourism.

Speaking at the conference, Vo Van Hoan, deputy chairman of the city People's Committee, appreciated the sectors achievements amid the rapid urbanisation and shrinking agricultural land.

He affirmed that despite accounting for a small proportion of the citys GRDP, the agricultural sector plays a crucial role in maintaining stability in rural areas of suburban districts and leading the development of urban agriculture and high-tech agricultural models in the southern region.

He urged the department to continue to implement the urban agriculture development programme in line with the citys approved master plan, and promote green agriculture production to meet the demand for direct consumption and provide raw materials for green food processing.

Additionally, the sector must speed up digital transformation and apply technologies in management and production to enhance product quality and economic efficiency. Localities, especially suburban districts, need to quickly map out plans for developing key and potential products to contribute to develop an effective and sustainable high-value urban agriculture, he said.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's January 9-10 visit to Laos, the first foreign trip of a Vietnamese leader this year, has been hailed as a success by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs o Hung Viet.

The visit, aimed at co-chairing the 47th meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee, has bolstered the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos, Viet told the press.

He highlighted the visits timing, noting that it was also the first trip by a foreign delegation to Laos this year, a clear signal of the highest priority both nations place on deepening their bilateral ties.

Though lasting only two days, the visit was packed with nearly 20 activities, including meetings with all highest-ranking Lao leaders and co-chairing three major events such as the 47th meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee, the Viet Nam-Laos investment cooperation conference, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Viet Nam-Laos Friendship Park.

The visit's outcomes were both effective and comprehensive. Leaders from both countries committed to regular high-level exchanges, both bilaterally and multilaterally, while implementing bilateral cooperation and consultation mechanisms and increasing discussions on theory and experience in Party building, socio-economic development and international integration.

They agreed to educate their young generations about the historical bonds that define this relationship, considering it an invaluable asset that must be preserved and passed down to future generations.

Under the close direction of high-ranking leaders and the prompt action of various ministries, agencies and localities, the two sides have managed to settle several delayed projects, paving the way for a new phase of more dynamic and substantive cooperation.

A coal and electricity trade agreement and a framework for local currency payments and bilateral retail payment connectivity were reached at the 47th meeting, providing an important legal foundation for the continued coordination and effective delivery of commitments while facilitating trade and meeting financial needs of businesses and people of the two countries, especially in the border areas, he said.

Both sides reached a high consensus on the strategic direction for projects in infrastructure connectivity, transportation, and energy, as well as enhancing business linkages to usher in a new era of stronger cooperation between their economies. Lao leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to offer all possible support to Vietnamese firms investing in the country through mechanisms and policies benefiting them.

They promised to continue discussions with Cambodia to hasten joint projects among Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia, thus bringing about practical economic benefits, aligning with new development requirements, and improving economic integration that matches the robust political and diplomatic ties.

PM Chinh reaffirmed Viet Nam's consistent priority to developing relations with its close neighbours like Laos and Cambodia, and staying ready to encourage firms to cooperate, invest and grow together, Viet said.

In multilateral cooperation, the two sides committed to continuing mutual support at global and regional forums, particularly within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They also agreed to actively contribute to building a united ASEAN community and reinforcing ASEAN's central role in addressing common challenges, including East Sea and the Mekong River water resources, he added.  VNS
HA NOI  Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin's official visit to Viet Nam from January 14-15 at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh aims to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and prepare for important activities in bilateral relations in 2025, according to a Vietnamese diplomat.

In a recent interview granted to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Moscow, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia ang Minh Khoi highlighted the significance of the visit, saying it demonstrates both countries' strong commitment to their traditional friendship, highlighting their determination to further intensify the comprehensive strategic partnership.

According to the diplomat, Russia has affirmed Viet Nam as a reliable partner and an important priority in its Look East policy, expressing a desire to deepen all-around cooperation with Viet Nam. In 2024, Viet Nam was one of the first countries that Russian President Vladimir Putin visited after officially taking office for his new term.

For its part, Viet Nam consistently regards Russia as one of top priorities in its foreign policy. PM Chinh visited Russia to attend the expanded BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man made an official visit to Russia in September 2024, Khoi said.

The two-day visit will mark the beginning of a series of high-level activities to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the diplomatic ties between (January 30, 1950  2025). This is a significant milestone in the history of the Viet Nam-Russia relations.

It is expected to contribute to accelerating the implementation of major directions to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, as discussed and agreed upon during Putin's state visit to Viet Nam in June last year, and the phone talks between Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and President Putin in August 2024.

The trip reaffirms the strong commitment of both sides to maintaining and advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership, making it more intensive, substantive, and effective. It will also provide an opportunity for Vietnamese and Russian leaders to discuss, and reach consensus on important issues, while outlining future strategic orientations, and clearly defining key areas of cooperation, spanning from economy, trade, energy, and science-technology, to education, culture, and defence-security, Khoi stressed.

The two sides will look into existing obstacles to bilateral cooperation and progress on key cooperative projects in energy, industry, and other fields. They will also map out solutions to expand cooperation in potential areas, creating momentum to further foster the bilateral relations.

The diplomat said over the past 75 years, the exchange of high-level delegations have played a crucial role, offering opportunities for the two sides to discuss strategic directions and long-term goals of their relationship, and to resolve existing challenges to the bilateral cooperation through the strong political commitment and decisive directions of high-ranking leaders during their visits.

He pointed out the immense potential and ample room for the relations to grow stronger and more intensively in the time ahead, adding that bilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, the inter-governmental committees on economic, trade, and scientific-technical cooperation, as well as military and technical collaboration, and the Viet Nam-Russia Committee on Educational, Scientific and Technological Cooperation will play a significant role in driving this progress.

With the political will of leaders and the unwavering determination of the people of the two nations, 2025 will mark the beginning of a new phase in the comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Russia, he stressed.  VNS
HA NOI  Ha Noi Peoples Court sentenced a lawyer to three years in prison for 'abusing the rights to freedom and democracy to violate interests of the State, rights and legitimate interests of organisations and individuals' at a first-instance trial held from January 9 to 10.

Tran inh Trien, born in 1959, worked as a lawyer and was head of the Vi Dan Law Office under the Hanoi Bar Association.

According to the indictment issued by the Supreme People's Procuracy, on February 3, 2023, Trien created a Facebook account named 'Tran inh Trien', which was solely managed and used by him without sharing the administrator right with anyone else.

While working as a lawyer, the defendant developed personal grievances related to the judicial sector and the leadership of the Supreme People's Court. From April 23 to May 9, 2024, he drafted and posted three articles on his Facebook page.

The forensic conclusion confirmed that the posted information adversely impacted the reputation and dignity of the People's Court system and leaders of the Supreme People's Court, infringing upon their rights and legitimate interests and causing a negative impact on security, public order and social safety.

During the investigation and at the trial, Trien admitted that the information and contents in his posts were collected by himself and based on his subjective opinions without any verified information, documentation, or evidence substantiating them.

The first-instance verdict stated that the right to freedom of speech is recognised by the Constitution and law. However, when exercising this right, every individual and organisation must comply with legal regulations, and not abuse the right to freedom of speech to infringe upon national interests, the rights and interests of the State, or the rights and legitimate interests of other organisations and individuals.

Trien's use of social media to draft and post content infringing on the rights and legitimate interests of other entities as stated in the forensic conclusion constitutes a violation of the law.

Therefore, the defendant must bear responsibility for his actions, the verdict said, adding that the arguments presented by Trien and some lawyers claiming that the drafting of these posts was an exercise of his right to freedom of speech are unfounded.  VNS
Income tax forms are show. The 2025 tax filing season will begin Jan. 27. Dreamstime

The Internal Revenue Service on Friday announced that the nations 2025 tax season will start Jan. 27.

According to information from the IRS, the agency expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024 to be filed ahead of the April 15 federal deadline.

The 2025 tax filing season will reflect continued IRS efforts to modernize and add new tools and features to help taxpayers.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

These taxpayer-focused improvements weve done so far are important, but they are just the beginning of what the IRS needs to do," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel.

The Get Ready page on IRS.gov highlights steps taxpayers can take now to streamline the filing process and the many resources available to interact with the IRS before, during and after filing their federal tax return.

THC INFUSED DRINKS: Houston restaurants are turning to THC drinks during Dry January slump

The Internal Revenue Service 1040 tax form for 2022 is seen. The 2025 tax filing season will begin Jan. 27. Jon Elswick/Associated Press

Direct File with the IRS

On the first day of the filing season, Direct File will open to eligible taxpayers in 25 states to file their taxes directly with the IRS for free. Texas was a part of the pilot program last year and will be participating in Direct File again for 2025.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Direct File will include new features this year to make filing taxes quicker and easier. Similar to commercial tax software, a data import tool will allow taxpayers to opt-in to automatically import data from their IRS account, including personal information, the taxpayers IP PIN and some information from the taxpayers W-2.

Free File opens early

Although the IRS will not begin accepting tax returns until Jan. 27, taxpayers have several options available now to get a head start on their taxes. Starting today, almost everyone can file electronically for free by using IRS Free File, available only on IRS.gov.

The following partners are participating in IRS Free File this year: 1040Now, Drake (1040.com), ezTaxReturn.com, FileYourTaxes.com, On-Line Taxes, TaxAct, TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA) and TaxSlayer.

For 2025, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free File product in Spanish.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The IRS is shown. The 2025 tax filing season will begin Jan. 27. Patrick Semansky/AP

April 15 - Deadline to file 2024 taxes

The tax deadline typically falls on April 15 each year but can be delayed if it falls on a weekend or holiday. This year the date is on a Tuesday. Those filing for an extension will have until Oct. 15 to file their taxes.

2024 tax brackets

The IRS released brackets for tax year 2024 in November 2023.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

37% for incomes over $609,350 ($731,200 for married couples filing jointly)

35% for incomes over $243,725 ($487,450 for married couples filing jointly)

32% for incomes over $191,950 ($383,900 for married couples filing jointly)

24% for incomes over $100,525 ($201,050 for married couples filing jointly)

22% for incomes over $47,150 ($94,300 for married couples filing jointly)

12% for incomes over $11,600 ($23,200 for married couples filing jointly)

10% for incomes of $11,600 or less ($23,200 for married couples filing jointly)

NEW LIFE FOR TURKEY LEG HUT: Midtown brunch hot spot opening new location in former Turkey Leg Hut space

When will I get my refund?

According to IRS information, most refunds are issued in less than 21 calendar days. Taxpayers can use Where's My Refund? to check the status of their 2024 income tax refund within 24 hours of e-filing. Refund information is normally available after four weeks for taxpayers who filed a paper return. Information on Where's My Refund? will update overnight so there is no need to check the tool more than once a day.

IRS staff suggest filing electronically (e-file) and selecting direct deposit for the fastest return.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

According to Treasurys Bureau of the Fiscal Service, paper refund checks are 16 times more likely to have an issue, like the check being lost, misdirected, stolen or uncashed.

Find tax help for free in Houston

Free tax preparation services in the Houston area can be found at these locations.

 Harris County Public Library: AARP Tax Aide offers free tax preparation assistance at select Harris County Public Library locations.

 Memorial Assistance Ministries: Free tax preparation help for those making $58,000 or less.

 Houston Community College: Neighborhood Tax Centers offers free, quality tax preparation services at 15 convenient locations throughout the Greater Houston area during the tax season. Neighborhood Tax Centers, United Way of Greater Houston and Houston Community College have partnered to offer this free service to students from a trusted source.
Less than four months after the catastrophic Typhoon Yagi ravaged northern Viet Nam in September last year, the once-devastated Nu Village in Phuc Khanh Commune, Bao Yen District, Lao Cai Province, has risen anew as a shining symbol of hope and resilience.

Forty stilt houses, built in the traditional architectural style of the Tay ethnic group, now stand proudly in the village, each with 96 square metres of floor space.

These homes, painted in bright, uplifting colours, have been handed over to families whose lives were upended by landslides during the disaster.

The disaster claimed 52 lives, left 14 people missing and injured 15 others in Nu Village alone.

Entire homes crumbled under the landslides, while all sources of livelihood were swept away in a cascade of mud.

Despite these heartbreaking losses, the villages swift recovery epitomizes the indomitable spirit and solidarity of the Vietnamese people.

At the inauguration of the newly rebuilt residential area, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh lauded the unwavering unity displayed by the people and authorities in the face of tragedy.

National solidarity, he said, has been the bedrock upon which we have persevered through challenges, and Typhoon Yagi has once again amplified this enduring spirit.

He praised the deeds of humanity, camaraderie and mutual support demonstrated during the crisis.

This spirit, the prime minister said, is the key to overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges, turning adversity into opportunity.

The most disastrous calamity

Yagi was one of the most complex and powerful tropical storm to form over the East Sea in decades, intensifying to super typhoon status over water and unleashing unprecedented devastation upon Viet Nam.

Pham uc Luan, director of the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, described the typhoon as an extraordinary phenomenon.

Within 45 hours, its wind speeds escalated by eight levels. When it made landfall in the Quang Ninh-Hai Phong region, its central winds roared at levels 13 to 14, with gusts reaching level 17.

The storm unleashed torrential rain over 26 provinces and cities, with some areas recording rainfall exceeding 700 millimetres or four to six times higher than the ten-day average for early September.

Catastrophic floods, flash floods and landslides compounded the destruction, paralysing socio-economic activities and crippling infrastructure across coastal, plains, central and mountainous regions.

As of late September, the typhoon and its aftermath had resulted in 344 casualties, including 318 deaths and 26 missing, while injuring 1,976 people.

Over 281,000 homes were damaged, nearly 3,800 schools and 852 medical facilities were affected and total economic losses surpassed VN81.5 trillion (US$3.34 billion).

Swift response

Despite these challenges, the resolute leadership of the ruling Party, particularly General Secretary To Lam, and the proactive, timely response from the Government, led by PM Chinh and supported by various ministries, agencies and local authorities, minimised losses and accelerated recovery efforts.

The Prime Minister allocated VN350 billion and nearly 432,600 tonnes of rice from national reserves to support affected families and provide relief to those at risk of starvation.

Central and local organisations, as well as individuals, contributed VN432.98 billion to aid affected families.

Emergency disaster response measures included the application of high technology in search and rescue operations, communication, forecasting and warnings, effectively helping residents, particularly in remote areas, prepare and reduce losses.

In Nu Village, the Second Military Region Commander deployed 300 personnel for search and rescue operations.

In Phong Chau Bridge's collapse in Phu Tho Province on September 9, police and military forces swiftly carried out search and rescue missions.

Meanwhile, the Engineer Corps surveyed river flows to install a pontoon bridge, ensuring continuous and safe travel for locals.

Deeds of kindness spanned across the country, from Thanh Hoa residents offering instant food, to Nghe An villagers donating rice and beans for flood-affected communities.

These heartfelt gestures exemplify the Vietnamese spirit of mutual assistance and solidarity.

As Typhoon Yagi battered the island district of Co To, in Quang Ninh Province, heartwarming stories of solidarity and compassion emerged, shining through the storms devastation.

Among these was the generosity of Le Thi Loan, owner of the CoTo View Hotel, who offered shelter to those seeking refuge from the typhoon.

Anticipating the storms severity, Loan and her husband decided to open their hotel to residents living in unstable homes.

To ensure the message reached those who needed help, Loan posted the hotels address and contact details on social media. For individuals unable to reach the hotel independently, Loan, her husband and their staff collaborated with local authorities to arrange means of transport.

By the night before Yagi made landfall, the hotel had become a sanctuary for more than 40 persons, including migrant labourers and families living in unsafe houses homes or rented accommodation.

Meanwhile, in Ha Noi, which was also within the storms destruction, another tale of kindness unfolded.

Nguyen Phuong Anh, a resident of Thanh Xuan District, offered her familys apartment as a safe haven for those in need.

Anhs generosity extended beyond shelter. Her family also paid for taxi fares to ensure those who needed a temporary place to stay could safely reach the apartment. This gesture of compassion resonated widely, touching thousands and spreading a message of hope amid the chaos.

These selfless acts of kindness epitomize the Vietnamese spirit of unity and mutual assistance. In the face of adversity, all the people join hands, reinforcing the nations enduring strength and resilience.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam aims high for 2025 with a goal to collect 1.85 million units of blood across the country, of which 99 per cent is expected to come from voluntary donors.

This goal, announced at Saturday's conference reviewing blood donation efforts in 2024 and planning for 2025, reflects the ongoing commitment to saving lives through voluntary blood donations.

The goal also envisions 1.9 per cent of the population participating in blood donation campaigns, and repeat donors making up more than 60 per cent of the national blood figure.

The new target builds on remarkable achievements in 2024, where nearly 1.75 million blood units were collected. Impressively, over 98 per cent of these donations came from volunteers, with more than 63 per cent of donors returning to give again.

The growing generosity of donors was also evident in the fact that 68 per cent of donations were 350ml or larger.

Key initiatives such as the Tet Blood Donation Campaign and the Spring Red Festival contributed over 300,000 units of blood, while Summer Blood Drops and the Red Journey added another 500,000 units.

Nationwide events such as National Blood Donation Day on April 7 and World Blood Donor Day on June 14 also played a pivotal role in raising awareness and engaging communities.

To meet the 2025 goal, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan emphasised the need for tailored local plans that align with the specific needs and capabilities of each region.

Blood donation goals will increasingly be based on population size, while investments in infrastructure and medical equipment will ensure smoother operations and greater capacity to store and distribute blood.

Improved communication will be a cornerstone of the strategy. Efforts will focus on leveraging social media alongside traditional platforms to reach a wider audience.

A unified blood management software system will be adopted to improve coordination, reduce shortages, and enhance efficiency.

The country also plans to complete the development of four major blood centres in Ha Noi, Hue, HCM City, and Can Tho. These centres, part of a broader healthcare development plan, will serve as regional hubs for blood collection, storage, and distribution.

Special focus will be given to retaining a dedicated pool of regular and reserve donors, particularly those with rare blood types. The Government is committed to recognising and supporting donors through incentives, ensuring they feel valued for their contributions.

Blood donation in Viet Nam is a deeply communal effort, drawing support from all walks of life. In 2024, over 7,400 awareness events were organised to engage more than 1.8 million people, underscoring the power of collective action.

The contributions of donors and volunteers have not gone unnoticed. Over 48,000 individuals, families, and organisations were recognised nationwide for their efforts in 2024.

The National Steering Committee honored 100 outstanding blood donors, highlighting their dedication and inspiring others to join the cause.  VNS
HA NOI  All 18 Vietnamese crew members aboard Dolphin 18 were successfully rescued after their ship sent a distress signal in the early hours of January 11.

The dramatic rescue, which took place in international waters under severe weather conditions, highlights the effectiveness of global maritime cooperation.

The distress signal was sent at 4.30am from a location about 182 nautical miles northeast of Kuantan, Malaysia, and 202 nautical miles south-southeast of Cape Ca Mau, Viet Nam.

Battling winds of up to level 7 on the Beaufort scale and waves reaching 5m, the ship was in imminent danger. Despite repeated efforts by the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (VMRCC) to contact the vessel, no response was received, making the situation increasingly critical.

The VMRCC quickly took emergency measures, coordinating with international agencies such as Singapores Maritime and Port Authority, Indonesias Rescue Coordination Center, and the Malaysia Coast Guard. Urgent maritime alerts were also broadcast, urging vessels in the area to assist.

At 6.55am, Nicolai Maersk, a Hong Kong-flagged ship, responded and located the 18 crew members drifting on two life rafts. The timely intervention ensured the sailors safety despite the challenging sea conditions.

Dolphin 18, meanwhile, was reported to sink completely.

The rescued crew received medical attention onboard Nicolai Maersk and were reported to be in stable condition. The vessel is now en route to Tanjung Pelepas Port in Malaysia, with an expected arrival time of 6.00am on January 12.  VNS
This marks a significant milestone in OCBs comprehensive digital transformation journey, promising groundbreaking advancements in the banks operations and service quality.

Photo: OCB

In the financial and banking sector, Exadata Cloud at Customer (ExaC@C) is recognised as the most advanced database platform, hosted within the customers data centre.

It enables rapid deployment, flexible resource utilisation, high performance, and ensures data security and compliance with stringent organisational standards.

Oracle Database 23ai, integrated with ExaC@C, simplifies the adoption of AI, accelerates data analysis processes, and automates IT system management and operations.

OCB selected the ExaC@C solution with Oracle Database 23ai integration to establish a robust data service platform that supports the banks governance and operations.

This solution not only modernises OCBs centralised data reporting and analytics systems but also aligns with its data-driven business strategy, optimising analytics capabilities, forecasting, and decision-making efficiency.

Pham Hong Hai, CEO of OCB, giving a speech at the event. Photo: OCB

"OCB serves more than four million customers, but much of our data remains scattered across different business units. Therefore, we have partnered with FPT Corporation to modernise our data analytics platform using Oracles cutting-edge technology. This venture aims to consolidate data into a single source to enable comprehensive analysis, giving OCB more in-depth insights into the market and customer needs, enhancing risk management, and boosting data-driven competitiveness," said Pham Hong Hai, CEO of OCB, during the event.

As the first undertaking in Vietnam to implement ExaC@C integrated with the latest Oracle Database 23ai cloud services, we believe this collaboration marks a pivotal step in OCBs comprehensive digital transformation. It will establish an optimised and in-depth data management and analytics platform, creating groundbreaking advancements in our operations and service quality, Hai added.

Nguyen Hoang Minh, CEO of FPT IS under FPT Corporation, speaking at the event. Photo: OCB

Representing the implementation partner, Nguyen Hoang Minh, CEO of FPT IS, a part of FPT Corporation, said, "With our technological expertise in data solutions and a profound understanding of digital transformation challenges in the financial and banking sector, FPT is proud and honoured to be entrusted by OCB to execute this critical ExaC@C initiative integrated with Oracle Database 23ai cloud services."

"This solution, the first of its kind in Vietnam, will enable OCB to integrate and manage data effectively, optimise analytics capabilities, and support its long-term business strategy. FPT is committed to providing comprehensive support to ensure expectations are exceeded, creating a significant milestone in OCBs digital transformation journey and advancing Vietnams financial and banking sector," added Minh.

The signing ceremony for the Data Analytics Modernisation Project is regarded as an important step in OCBs journey towards building a comprehensive and in-depth data management and analytics platform, supported by AI.

OCB and FPT have previously collaborated on several key technology projects, such as implementing Human Resource Management Software and obtaining Provincial Competitiveness Index DSS certification for payment card data security.

These initiatives have helped OCB improve HR management processes, including recruitment, training, and offboarding, as well as enhance attendance tracking and payroll efficiency. Additionally, they have strengthened the banks card services with international security standards.

IFC considers $150 million investment in OCB International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is considering investment of up to $150 million in Vietnam-based OCB.

FPT collaborates with Oracle to drive regional financial risk management FPT Corporation and Oracle signed an MoU to implement Oracle Financial Services Analytical Applications (OFSAA) across six countries and territories on November 11.
Where can Houstons homeless population go when the temperatures dip to near freezing? Officials said Houston had warm beds available for homeless people this week at facilities that require a police escort. Problem was that police had to search you and place you in handcuffs to take you there. Mayor John Whitmire's administration finally opened a walk-in, overnight warming center on Thursday, days after near freezing temperatures arrived. It shouldnt be so hard to get a warm place to sleep.

No gloves. No winter cap. Only a thin red sleeping bag between her and the concrete. That's how we found Teresa Whiteley on Wednesday night beneath the Bayou Place building downtown as windchills dipped into the mid-30s. Less than five feet tall, her graying hair pulled into a scattered ponytail, the 60-year-old woman needed somewhere warm to go.

But Houston's limited nonprofit shelter beds fill up quickly and the city had not opened any overnight warming centers that accepted walk-ins.

In a Tuesday editorial, we urged the city to reevaluate what seemed like a high threshold for opening such shelters. Houston requires a hard freeze, as defined by the National Weather Service, which is 24 degrees or 15 degrees wind chill sustained for two hours or more. The policy was set in 2019, according to a spokesperson for the citys Office of Emergency Management.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Jesse Morin, 67, panhandles at I-69 and Weslayan Street on Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Morin said that he would go to a warming center if he could find one. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann

We asked U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who was mayor at the time, about the threshold and he texted that the city opened warming centers and utilized the George R. Brown Convention Center when temperatures dropped below freezing and it was forecasted that it would stay there for an extended period of time. Former Mayor Annise Parker recalls a similar policy.

Houston Police Officer J. Garza asks Jimmye Smith and a friend of hers if theyd like to go to extra beds at the Sobering Center in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann Reginald A. Self, eats a meal as people sleep on the sidewalk on Bagby Street between Capitol and Texas in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann Houston Police Officer J. Garza asks people if theyd like to go to extra beds at the Sobering Center in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann A school bus driven by church volunteers empties half a dozen unhoused people they fed and warmed up during a Bible study back onto the street at Bagby Street between Capitol and Texas because there was nowhere else the church group knew to take them in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann Houston Police Officer J. Garza asks Teresa Whitley, 60, if shed like to go the Sobering Center in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann Houston Police Officer J. Garza asks Teresa Whitley, 60, if shed like to go the Sobering Center in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann

Checking with other cities, we found that Dallas, which opened Fair Park as an overnight shelter on Sunday, has a threshold of temperatures below 36 degrees in wet weather or 32 degrees in dry weather.

Austin opened an overnight shelter, too. Their threshold is 35 degrees or below.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Two emergency room doctors here told us that hypothermia can occur above freezing, or 32 degrees, especially in wet conditions. A Harris Health spokesperson said that both the LBJ and the Ben Taub emergency rooms have treated patients for hypothermia. Others arrive with chronic or minor medical issues, seeking a place to warm. A lot of our social services get dealt with at the medical system, said Dr. Cedric Dark, an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine and emergency room specialist at Ben Taub.

Houston officials, meanwhile, contend that even though they didnt open the George R. Brown or other warming centers, they did make available limited beds at the Houston Sobering Center and Judge Ed Emmett Mental Health Jail Diversion Center. Mayor John Whitmires chief of staff, Chris Newport, told us anyone could call 311 and request transportation to the facilities. The city wasnt blasting out information about those options to the media. Instead, the Houston Police Departments Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) was reaching out face to face, but Newport told us that the vast majority of people on the streets are turning down the offers.

People line the sidewalk to sleep on Bagby Street between Capitol and Texas in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann

Was that true? And if so, why? We wanted to see for ourselves how homeless people were getting by in the cold and how easy, or hard, it was for unhoused people to find a warm place for the night if they wanted one.

On Wednesday at 8 p.m., an editorial board writer and videographer arrived at the downtown encampment on Bagby between Capitol and Texas, the same area wed walked last year with Whitmire as he tried to open our eyes to Houstons shelter crisis. Every night, roughly 20 people set up in the tunnel under the Bayou Place building. During the day, the city bans them from sleeping or placing personal items on the sidewalk.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The scene was at once distressing and carnivalesque. A veterans group dropped off hand-warmers, sleeping bags and jackets while luxury cars sped by and the Book of Mormon played at the Hobby Center next door. A school bus driven by Impact Houston Church of Christ volunteers emptied half a dozen unhoused people into the street after feeding them and warming them up during Bible study; the driver said she didnt know where else to take them.

Anthony Rodriguez, 65, sits under a blanket on Bagby Street between Capitol and Texas in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann

The first man we interviewed, Anthony Rodriguez, 65, said that officers had come by to offer blankets and meals, but not a trip to a warming center. Not that he would go. Rodriguez doesnt trust most offers of help. Besides, he has handled subzero temperatures while homeless on the East Coast.

The two men next to Rodriguez said they might go somewhere to warm up but not to the Sobering Center. They avoid people with addictions and one said he didnt want to be around people vomiting.

Eventually, we found two older gentlemen and one woman, Jimmye Smith, 51, who said they would welcome a spot in a warm place. So we called 311.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Jimmye Smith, 51, looks at her phone as she tries to stay warm on Bagby Street between Capitol and Texas in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann

The operator told us that after regular hours, only the police could help. She transferred us. Police dispatch told us to call 311, but when we told them thats where wed started, we were transferred to a dispatcher who said officers would arrive soon.

As we waited, we began to experience a bit of what Houstons unhoused people have suffered all week on the streets. Our fingers became stiff and numb so that we couldnt write out notes and we fumbled in pulling out a spare camera battery from a gear bag.

By 9 p.m., two enforcement officers arrived by car. They were on regular duty, not part of a specialized homeless outreach team. When they turned on their flashing lights, all the reflective surfaces seemingly for blocks alternated from red to blue, an effect that was both hypnotic and alarming.

The two men who told us they wanted to go to a warming center suddenly changed their minds.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Officer J. Garza, who has as soothing, patient and professional a presence as any cop weve encountered, told us the Sobering Center only had two spots left. He worked quickly, asking each unhoused person on Bagby if he or she wanted to be taken to a warm place for the night. One man with a gray beard said yes initially, but backed out when Garza informed him that standard protocol would require him to be handcuffed to be driven in the police car.

Houston Police Officer J. Garza, right, and Officer Perales ask a man if hed like to go to the Sobering Center in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The man refused after he was told that hed have to be searched and travel in handcuffs to the center. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann

Ive never been to jail in my life, the man said. Even though Garza assured him he wouldnt be jailed, the handcuffs were a deal breaker.

Thats when we encountered Teresa Whiteley. When she realized she had met our videographer before, back in September on the steps of City Hall, Whiteley flashed an off-kilter smile. She told Garza she didnt mind being searched for weapons or handcuffed. If she didnt get into the Sobering Center, she said she would try to get to the airport, presumably by bus, to spend the night there.

Houston Police Officer J. Garza asks Teresa Whitley, 60, if shed like to go the Sobering Center in Downtown Houston, TX on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Houston area is experiencing its coldest temperatures in nearly a year. Sharon Steinmann

Then Garza made a call and his face dropped. Bad news. Apparently, in the time it took for him to walk the block-long encampment, the Sobering Center had filled up. When he called over to the Jail Diversion Center, he was told it was not operating as a warming center. He persisted, though, saying hed been told differently, and finally, he secured Whiteley a spot there. He had to hurry, though, lest that one get taken, too. Only six spots were left for the entire city. First, though, he called for a female officer, who arrived in a second police car, to conduct the required weapons search of Whiteley. In the end, after the officer had carefully patted down the woman, a supervisor gave Garza permission not to handcuff her. By 10 oclock, the officers all drove off, with Whiteley buckled in the backseat

Getting a warm bed for the night shouldnt be so hard.

Wouldnt it have been so much simpler to open up walk-in community centers on Sunday ahead of the storm? The city needs compassionate, clear protocol, not just on temperature thresholds but in the process for getting help.

On Thursday, Whitmires administration did the right thing and opened Fonde Community Center at 110 Sabine Street as an overnight warming center. People could walk in, request a Z Trip cab ride there through 311 or ask a Houston police officer to take them.

Harris County and Fort Bend County, which did not open any overnight shelters, should take note.

Such temporary warming centers are particularly important in our region, where we have a nationally recognized system that focuses on moving the chronic homeless into permanent housing but inadequate short-term shelter for everyone else. Weve been researching this issue for a year and a half for a special series on homelessness. It was the mayor who began speaking out about the gap and trying to find solutions.
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod celebrates Year of Croeso with 4000 competitors in 2025

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Jan 11th, 2025

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will celebrate the Year of Croeso when it welcomes more than 4,000 competitors to the town this summer.

Taking place between July 8-13, the world-renowned event is stepping up its plans for a festival thats bigger and better than its record-breaking event in 2024.

The Year of Croeso  Only in Wales is being organised by Visit Wales. It aims to celebrate the distinct and varied ways in which people from across the UK and the world can feel welcomed when they visit Wales.

In 2025, some 4,000 competitors from choirs, dance groups and ensembles will head to Llangollen from around the world, along with 60 groups from across the UK.

This represents the highest number of international competitors for many years, as the town once

The Year of Croeso is the perfect opportunity for our festival to continue to reach out to the world, in the same way that we have done each year since 1947 in the aftermath of a world war, said John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

Each year we have welcomed all to share cultures and celebrate difference through the common language of music and dance in an annual International Eisteddfod.

Last year, we welcomed over 50,000 people to Northeast Wales during an unforgettable Summer. This had a massive benefit on our local economy.

Not only did we welcome some of the worlds biggest artists like Bryan Adams, Tom Jones and Paloma Faith to Llangollen but we also welcomed over 3000 performers from 30 different countries.

This year, we have had the best response from around the world for years and we cant wait to welcome even more competitors, even more countries and bring even more colour to Llangollen.

Groups confirmed for Llangollen 2025 come from as far away as Burundi, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kurdistan, Morocco, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, USA and Zimbabwe.

There will also be 22 non-competing groups bringing a variety of choirs, dance and ensembles.

Taking place from Tuesday 8 to Sunday 13 July 2025, the week-long festival will include evening concerts from The Whos Roger Daltrey, BRIT Award-winner KT Tunstall, classical crossover group Il Divo, West End star Lucie Jones and leading opera star Sir Bryn Terfel with Fishermans Friends.

The festival is also co-promoting a series of Live at Llangollen Pavilion concerts with Cuffe and Taylor, featuring bands like Human League, Texas and The Script.

Artistic Director of the festival, Dave Danford, said The Llangollen International Eisteddfod really has something for everyone in 2025.

From World Class artists like Roger Daltrey, KT Tunstall and Sir Bryn Terfel to competitors from every corner of the globe, our festival is uniquely placed to match Visit Wales ambitions for the Year of Croeso.

Our outside stages will be themed this year with Croeso in mind and we cant wait to welcome the world once again to Wales.

Like Visit Wales, we celebrate our unique sense of place, from culture and language to our huge range of events and activities.
The Washoe County District Attorney's Office has a new chief investigator - Stephanie Shuman.

She will be taking over the role due to the retirement of longtime Chief Michelle Bays.

Shuman will work as the offices new Chief of the Investigations Division and Victim Services Unit.

Shuman began her law enforcement career with the Division of Parole and Probation in 2004. She also worked in several task forces, such as the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Regional Repeat Offender Program, and the Regional Sex Offender Notification Unit.

Bays started her law enforcement career in 1994.

(The Washoe County District Attorney's Office contributed to this report.)
Ever since the innovative two-version (tvN and TVING) release strategy of the latest tvN and TVING drama "The Queen Who Crowns" right across Sakauraok has dropped, the K-drama scene has settled into a shambles.

Featuring Cha Joo Young and Lee Hyun Wook, this series is available in both 19+ and 15+ versions, depending on viewer preference.

The drama focused on the intricate association of Queen Wongyeong and King Taejong Lee Bang-won, which was released with 19+ installments on OTT platforms before broadcasting the 15+ versions on tvN.

According to Newsen, this strategy has been praised for successfully striking the right balance between mature material and more family-friendly content.

Its premiere attracted an average 5.1 percent rating in the Seoul metropolitan area, with a peak of 5.9 percent, according to Nielsen Korea.

Its launch rating makes it the highest-rated TVN Monday-Tuesday drama to premiere in over a year, breaking the 5% mark.

The Queen Who critics have well-received crowns for its skillful direction that uses alternative content in the 15+ version instead of explicit scenes. It guarantees no TVN viewer feels cheated.

The praise continues for Cha Joo Young's ability to make the show's dramatic but sensitive material watchable, serving to carry it through the rough patches with dignity.

The 19+ episodes are available on TVING every Monday, and the 15+ versions are broadcast on tvN every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 p.m. KST. The staggered release also received some positive feedback for appealing to different viewing preferences and improving the ratings for both networks.

The Queen Who Crowns has effectively captured audiences interest by making an interesting comparison between two formats.

They can also indulge their curiosity with the TV version through a TVING pre-release that can enhance their viewing experience.

The drama unfolds and continues to create buzz, as well as strong viewer engagement, effectively executing its dual-track strategy in a competitive market led by streamer Netflix.
This weeks top campaigns blend creativity with purpose, delivering messages that inspire, connect, and innovate. From heartfelt narratives celebrating everyday heroes to thought-provoking visuals that harmonize with nature, these ads redefine storytelling. They showcase how style, sustainability, and human connection take center stage, proving that impactful advertising goes beyond words. Lets dive into these standout moments that are leaving a mark!



Protean eGov Technologies Limited



The storyline of the film is a tribute to the 1.45 billion heroes  filled with aspirations and optimism  who overcome numerous everyday obstacles to fulfil their dreams. It is in doing so that they become the Heroes of their own life story. And Protean is a humble enabler in these hero stories, as summarized in the tagline  Protean: Impacting Everyone, Every day.









INDIE By Induslnd Bank



The campaign, titled "Start something new with IndusInd Bank #NewBeginnings", focuses on the enduring power of human connection and the importance of nurturing relationships with loved ones. Through a series of poignant narratives, the TVC showcases the profound impact of genuine human interactions and reminds viewers that the most rewarding investments are often the ones that cannot be measured in monetary terms.





is an OOH series that stands-out for a simple reason: these billboards literally take the shape of trees around them, establishing both metaphorically and visually, how one of India's biggest organisations adapts to nature and not the other way around. Each billboard comes accompanied with a message about Britannias progress in sustainability across various facets: from plastic neutrality, to waste management and harnessing a circular economy; to water stewardship and energy management.





Jitendra Electric Vehicles



As he rides, the scooter is depicted as not just a mode of transport, but as an extension of his personalitystylish, efficient, and masculine. The TVC subtly weaves in the scooters key features (speed, eco-friendliness, ease of use, and sleek design) by paralleling them with the mans activities, his workout symbolizes power and performance, his preparation represents modernity and readiness, and his ride represents freedom and strength.



The essence of the TVC lies in the narrative of man's day, showing that, like his routine, the Yunik is a dependable companion for modern-day challenges, while offering a sense of freedom and style.





Also Read: Weekly Ad Inspirations: Unveiling Creativity and Storytelling
NewJeans' Hanni has been reported to South Korea's Immigration Office for alleged illegal stay.

An anonymous citizen filed a complaint regarding the idol's visa status to the National Petition, according to SPOTV News.

Seoul Immigration Office's Investigation Division of the Ministry of Justice released a statement on January 10, announcing a plan to take action once Hanni and NewJeans' contract termination proceedings are settled with label ADOR.

"We plan to take appropriate measures as soon as the employment relationship between the parties is resolved," they said.

Hanni, a dual citizen of Australia and Vietnam, does not possess Korean citizenship and remains in the country because of her E-6 artist visa, which allows her to reside and work in Korea.

In order to continue to reside and work in Korea, the NewJeans member would need to extend her E-6 visa, which is usually granted for a period of a year and is renewed annually through their agency.

Hanni's visa, issued through NewJeans' label ADOR, expired in December, according to a report by TenAsia.

If the girls' claims of contract termination hold up, Hanni will technically have been an illegal resident in Korea since December 14.

Seoul Immigration Office, keeping track of the ongoing cases, explained that the situation regarding Hanni's visa remains convoluted without ADOR's contract resolution.

"It is difficult to answer personal details such as whether or not a specific foreigner violated the Immigration Control Act," they said.

"For foreign entertainers staying in Korea with an E-6 visa, the immigration office determines the domestic residency qualification and period of stay based on employment contracts with domestic agencies, and plans to take corresponding measures once the employment relationship is settled between the parties."
Bimla Bissell, a pioneering figure in Indian textiles and the driving force behind FabIndia's legacy, passed away at the age of 93 due to age-related complications. She is survived by her son, William, and daughter, Monsoon..

Fondly known as Bim, she was the wife of FabIndia founder John Bissell and played a crucial role in shaping the brand that has become synonymous with Indian textiles. Bims journey began in 1958 as a fellow advisor at the Foundation of Cottage Industries Emporium, Delhi. With her expertise and deep understanding of Indian weaves, she guided John Bissell to establish FabIndia in 1960. The brand, which started as a small venture, has grown into a global phenomenon, celebrating the richness of traditional Indian textiles like Chanderi, Sanganeri, Kutchi, and Banarasi, with over 300 stores worldwide, including in Italy, Singapore, and the US.



Beyond FabIndia, Bim served as the Social Secretary to US Ambassadors and later as an External Affairs Officer at the World Bank in New Delhi from 1975 to 1996. Her role was pivotal in bringing elements of Indian design to a global stage. In 1992, Bim co-founded Udyogini, an NGO aimed at empowering landless women in India, alongside Ela Bhatt of SEWA, leveraging funds from the Japanese government and the World Bank.

Bims impact on Indian fashion went beyond textiles. Her efforts at the Cottage Industries Emporium in the 1950s laid the groundwork for a revival of Indian handlooms. Long before conversations about sustainability and native weaves gained prominence, Bim had championed these causes, blending tradition with modern aesthetics. Her vision helped redefine Indian chic, influencing not only garments but also furnishings and crafts.

Art and textile historian Jyotindra Jain described Bim as a key figure in India's aesthetic transition post-independence. "She and John Bissell had an extraordinary eye for the traditions of weaving, embroidery, and tie-dye. They saw the immense potential in Indian handlooms," he noted.

Even in her later years, Bims energy and joie de vivre inspired those around her. Social worker and craft activist Laila Tyabji recounted how Bim attended a scheduled lunch while hospitalized, radiating her signature style and spirit. Tyabji described her as a down-to-earth Punjaban with a sharp wit and a keen eye for authenticity, someone who balanced practicality with compassion.

Bimla Bissell leaves behind a legacy that goes beyond textilesa legacy of empowerment, cultural preservation, and timeless style. Her contributions will continue to inspire generations in the realms of fashion, craft, and social entrepreneurship.
Crisil Limited, a provider of ratings, data, research, analytics and solutions, unveils its new brand logo.

The new brand identity, Crisil (earlier written as CRISIL), reinforces the companys position as a global, insights-driven analytics firm, building on a distinguished legacy of close to four decades.

Large and highly respected firms partner with us for the most reliable opinions on risk in India, and for uncovering powerful insights and turning risks into opportunities globally. We are integral to multiplying their opportunities and success.

Says Amish Mehta, Managing Director & CEO, Crisil, Our reimagined brand expresses a more progressive vision of our future. It celebrates a pioneering and illustrious past and showcases our commitment to deliver actionable insights to clients. Our peoples analytical rigour and domain expertise will continue to set standards and empower clients to make mission-critical decisions with confidence. The new brand identity guides us in shaping how we present ourselves to the world, influencing every interaction internally and externally to help us deliver exceptional client value.

The strategic brand transformation positions Crisils businesses  Crisil Ratings, Crisil Intelligence (formerly MI&A), Crisil Coalition Greenwich, and Crisil Integral IQ (formerly GR&RS)  under a cohesive identity that offers a consistent and more connected experience for clients around the world.

Crisil Ratings: Offers independent credit ratings in India that empower informed decisions and objective benchmarking by lenders, investors and issuers.

Crisil Intelligence: Offers insights, consulting, technology-driven risk solutions and advanced data analytics, serving clients across government, private and public enterprises, empowering them to make informed decisions.

Crisil Coalition Greenwich: Offers strategic benchmarking, analytics and insights to the financial services industry and specialises in providing unique, high-value and actionable information to help clients measure and drive their business performance.

Crisil Integral IQ: Offers solutions and actionable intelligence to financial institutions around the globe to deliver strategic transformation, optimise risk and drive operational excellence.

The main logo in bold black is simple yet strong, symbolising excellence and the certainty that we deliver. Complementing this, our business logos now feature a distinct teal colour that conveys the confidence and trust rooted in rigour and domain expertise.

Also Read: Print Ad revenue to reach pre-pandemic levels in FY24: CRISIL
Sanjay Raut's Bold Stand: Shiv Sena (UBT) to Contest Local Body Polls Solo 2

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut announced on Saturday that his party will independently contest the upcoming local body elections, distancing itself from alliances like the INDIA bloc and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Speaking to reporters, Raut clarified that these alliances were formed for the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, not for local polls.

Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, emphasized that alliances often hinder the growth of individual parties and their workers. We will fight elections to municipal corporations in Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, and other local bodies, including zilla parishads and panchayats, on our own strength, he said, adding that party chief Uddhav Thackeray had signaled this move.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also hit out at Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar for blaming the MVA for its state assembly defeat. Those who cannot embrace consensus and compromise have no place in an alliance, Raut asserted.

Taking a dig at the INDIA bloc, Raut revealed that no meetings were held after the Lok Sabha elections. He criticized the Congress, as the largest alliance party, for failing to convene even a single meeting or appoint a convenor for the bloc.

Raut also targeted Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for sidestepping the BJPs poll promises, including farm loan waivers and financial aid for Laadki Bahin beneficiaries. These promises are in the BJPs manifesto. As finance minister in their government, he must deliver, Raut insisted.

When questioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modis podcast comment that he is human and capable of mistakes, Raut offered a sharp retort. Modi is god, not human. If he claims to be human after being declared a god, something is wrong. Theres a chemical locha (imbalance), he quipped, in a statement laced with sarcasm.

Rauts remarks underscore the growing divisions within political alliances and set the stage for a fierce battle in Maharashtras local body elections.
Carlos Santana, the legendary guitarist and founder of the band Santana, has canceled several shows set for January and February at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The iconic musician, 77, took a hard fall at his home in Hawaii and broke his finger, according to a recent Instagram post by his management team. Recovery is likely to take about six weeks, the post said.

From Team Santana: Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana has postponed the next run of residency shows this month beginning January 22 at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino because of a accidental fall at his home in Hawaii, Michael Vrionis, President, Universal Tone Management announced today.

I am sorry to say that Carlos was out taking a walk at his vacation home in Kauai. He took a hard fall, and he broke his little finger on his left hand, Mr. Vrionis said. He had to have pins inserted in the finger. Unfortunately, he wont be able to play guitar for approximately six weeks. Doctors do say that he will recuperate fully.

Carlos is doing well and is anxious to be back on stage soon. He just needs to heal, Mr. Vrionis added. Santana profoundly regrets these postponements of his upcoming performances, but accidents happen, and his health is our number one concern. He is looking forward to seeing all of his fans very soon.

According to the Mandalay Bay website, Santana dates scheduled Jan. 22-Feb. 2 have been canceled, and refunds will be issued to Ticketholders. Ticketmaster also lists the shows as canceled. The concerts were part of Santanas residency at the House of Blues venue at the hotel, which resumes in May, the Mandalay Bay website says. Tickets for the spring shows, set for May 14-25, already are on sale via Ticketmaster.

Santanas residency at the House of Blues in Las Vegas is a long-running affair that started in 2012. It typically has included about 80 dates per year. In December 2021, Santana also canceled shows at Mandalay Bay after undergoing a heart procedure, according to NBC News.

Santanas career dates back to the 1960s and 70s, when he hit the charts with radio singles such as Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, Everybodys Everything and No One to Depend On. The guitarist earned a reputation for his creative and fiery fusion of Latin rock with blues, jazz and world music.

He experienced a major resurgence in 1999 with Supernatural, an album that featured duets with contemporary pop, R&B and hip-hop artists.

Santana is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and has 10 Grammy wins to his credit, including eight awards in 2000 linked to Supernatural. The song Smooth, recorded with Rob Thomas, won awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals, along with the other trophies.

I play the guitar. I made a decision long ago that I wouldnt wash dishes for a living, Santana said in a 2008 interview with The Birmingham News. I decided to be a total musician, 24 hours a day.

He has performed in Alabama several times over the years, including a 2015 date at the BJCC Concert Hal in Birmingham and a 2008 show at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham (then called the Verizon Wireless Music Center).

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Santana at No. 11 on its list of The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

Like Miles Davis, B.B. King, and very few other musicians, Santana is the rare instrumentalist who can be identified in just one note, Rolling Stone said. He says that he attempted to imitate his own heroes, especially jazzmen like Wes Montgomery and Grant Green, but as hard as I tried, I couldnt  I always sounded like me. In turn, no one can replicate Santanas exquisite, crystalline guitar tone, but his impact has truly been global. Prince, for one, has claimed him as a bigger influence than Jimi Hendrix, explaining simply that Santana played prettier.

Santana reflected on his life and work in The Universal Tone: Bringing My Story to Light, published in 2014 by Hachette Book Group.
National champion? You betcha. Alabamas Abbie Stockard is the new Miss America, crowned on Jan. 5, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Shes the fourth Alabama woman to be named Miss America, and the first Miss Alabama to receive the national title in 20 years.

The four pillars of the Miss America organization are style, service, scholarship and success, and significant college funding is at stake during the competition. As the 2025 winner, for example, Stockard received a $50,000 scholarship. She earned another $39,000 in scholarships while competing for Miss Alabama over a three-year span.

Since were talking education, its a fine time to tip our caps  OK, our tiaras  to colleges that have been influential and inspirational for Alabamas Miss America winners. Lets take a closer look.

Alabama's Abbie Stockard was crowned as Miss America 2025 on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida.(Courtesy of Miss America IP LLC)

Title: Miss America 2025.

Crowning glory: Stockard competed in the national pageant in January in Orlando, Florida, after earning the state title in July 2024. For talent, she performed a contemporary dance to Lauren Daigles You Say. Her philanthropic platform is Be the Change: Find a Cure  Cystic Fibrosis Awareness. Stockard also was one of six women who earned the AHA Go Red for Women Leadership Award at Miss America, in affiliation with the American Heart Association. These awards go to contestants who promote womens heart health in their communities.

School days: Stockard, 22, is a student at Auburn University, where she majors in nursing. Her goal is to earn an advanced degree, a doctorate of nurse anesthesia practice, and specialize in pediatrics. Shes taking time off from school to fulfill her obligations as Miss America, and will be a senior when she returns to Auburn to complete her bachelors degree.

After her win: Stockard received a glittering crown and a bouquet of roses. She also received hugs from her fellow contestants and took her first walk on stage as Miss America. As a blizzard of confetti filled the air, Stockard immediately began a yearlong reign. Shell travel across the country, make public appearances, connect with people she meets and serve as a brand ambassador for the Miss America organization.

READ: Who is Abbie Stockard? Miss America 2025 is the fourth winner from Alabama

Deidre Downs of Alabama waves after being crowned Miss America during the pageant finals at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Sept. 18, 2004. (Noah Addis/The Star Ledger)

Title: Miss America 2005.

Crowning glory: Downs competed in the national pageant in September 2004 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, after earning the state title earlier that year. Her philanthropic platform was Curing Childhood Cancer. For the talent portion of Miss America, Downs sang Im Afraid This Must be Love. She also earned the Quality of Life Award during the Miss America preliminaries.

School days: Downs is a 2002 graduate of Samford University in Birmingham. A Pelham native, she initially attended the University of Virginia on a volleyball scholarship, then transferred to Samford in her sophomore year. With the goal of earning a medical degree, Downs began to compete in local pageants to earn scholarship money. She graduated from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine in 2010, and went on to complete a residency in obstetrics and gynecology in 2014, according to her website. She earned nearly $110,000 in scholarship money over the course of her 5 years of participation in the Miss America Organization, paying for all of her college tuition and a portion of her medical education, Downs website says.

After her win: Downs served as a spokesperson for CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation. She became an obstetrician-gynecologist at UAB, a fertility doctor and a womens health advocate. Downs, 44, married Andrew Gunn in 2008; the couple had a son, Jack, before divorcing. She came out as gay in 2018  the first Miss America to do so  announcing her marriage to attorney Abbott Jones. The couple confirmed that they were expecting a child in 2021, via in-vitro fertilization. They have a daughter, Ella.

READ: Who is Deidre Downs? Former Miss America weds girlfriend; Miss America pageant sends best wishes

Heather Whitestone, an Alabama native, was named Miss America 1995. Whitestone lost her hearing at age 18 months, due to a severe ear infection. (Photo courtesy of Miss America Organization)

Title: Miss America 1995.

Crowning glory: Whitestone competed in the national pageant in September 1994 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, after earning the state title earlier that year. At the Miss America pageant, Whitestone danced ballet en pointe to Via Dolorosa. She won a talent award and swimsuit award during the preliminaries. Whitestones philanthropic platform was S.T.A.R.S.: Success Through Action and Realization of your Dreams. Whitestone was the first deaf woman to become Miss America. The Dothan native, 51, lost her hearing in early childhood, due to a severe ear infection. As she took her first walk on stage as Miss America, Whitestone signed I love you to her family in the audience.

School days: Whitestone is a graduate of Jacksonville State University in Calhoun County. Inspired by the life of Helen Keller, she learned to overcome obstacles and was an achiever in school.

After her win: Whitestone served on the executive board for the Presidents Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, was a board member of the Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education and became a motivational speaker. She also led a public service campaign, created with the Miss America Organization, to identify early signs of hearing loss. She has written four books, including 1997s Listening With My Heart. Whitestone married John McCallum in 1996 and regained her hearing in 2002 through a cochlear implant. She lives in Georgia with her husband and four sons.

READ: Alabamas Heather Whitestone McCallum made history as the first deaf Miss America

Yolande Betbeze, of Mobile, Ala., walks on the runway after she is crowned Miss America 1951 at Atlantic City, N.J., on Sept. 9, 1950. The 21-year-old Miss Alabama won the title among 54 contestants. (AP Photo)

Title: Miss America 1951.

Crowning glory: Betbeze competed in the national pageant in September 1950 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, after earning the state title earlier that year. Betbeze, a Mobile native, won Miss Torch in her hometown, then went on become Miss Alabama. She was skilled as an opera singer, and performed Caro Nome from Rigoletto in the talent competition at the national pageant.

School days: Betbeze was educated in Roman Catholic convent schools and the extension division of the University of Alabama, according to The New York Times. She attended Spring HIll College in Mobile and studied philosophy at the New School for Social Research in New York.

After her win: Betbeze broke with tradition after winning Miss America, declining to pose in a swimsuit during public appearances around the country. Betbeze was modest, according to various reports, but just as important, she felt that Miss America should be known for her brains, not just her beauty. A primary sponsor of the pageant, the Catalina swimsuit company, split with Miss America because of Betbezes decision, and this led to the founding of the Miss USA pageant. Betbeze continued to sing and model, and worked as a theatrical producer. She also became a social activist, championing feminism and civil rights, among other causes. She married Matthew Fox, the former president of Universal Pictures, in 1954. The couple had one daughter, Yolande Dolly Fox Campbell. Betbeze Fox died in February 2016 at age 87.

RELATED: Where did Miss Alabama winners go to college? Which school has the most winners?
The Alabama Supreme Court on Friday upheld a judges order to appoint a certified public accountant to take possession of and administer a trust fund that is the subject of lawsuits involving top state officials and Regions Bank.

The justices agreed with the appointment to protect the trust funds assets but rejected a second part of the judges order that authorized the CPA to help make factual findings in the case.

The dispute is over the Mabel Amos Memorial Fund, which awards college scholarships to Alabama students.

Amos was a Conecuh County native who was Alabama secretary of state from 1967 to 1975 and who died in 1999. Amos established the Memorial Fund to help Alabama students pay for college. The trust fund board determines which student applicants receive scholarships.

Attorney General Steve Marshall and others, in consolidated lawsuits in 2022 and 2023, claim that Regions Bank and some Memorial Fund board members, including Alabama Ethics Commission Executive Director Tom Albritton, breached their duties as trustees.

The lawsuits allege that Regions Bank charged excessive fees to administer the fund and that the board violated a prohibition against self-dealing. The Memorial Funds tax records show that Albrittons children received $135,000 from the fund to help attend the University of Texas.

The cases are pending in Montgomery County Circuit Court.

After a hearing, Montgomery County Circuit Judge Greg Griffin issued a ruling in August 2024 appointing CPA James C White Sr., as special fiduciary of the fund, controlling its assets and administering the fund. Plaintiffs in the cases had requested the appointment of a special fiduciary.

Under Griffins order, White was also to conduct a full accounting to make a recommendation to the court whether breaches, if any, justified removal of the trustees and if they should be required to repay the fund and legal cost because of the breaches.

AG Marshall asked the Supreme Court to vacate Griffins order appointing the special fiduciary.

In Fridays ruling, the Supreme Court upheld Griffins order to the extent that the CPA will administer the fund and protect its assets while the case is pending.

But the justices granted Marshalls request to vacate the part of Griffins order calling for White to make findings of fact and legal determinations in the case. The Supreme Court agreed with Marshall that the judge did not have the authority to delegate those responsibilities to a special fiduciary.

Seven of the nine justices agreed with the ruling. Justice Will Sellers agreed in part and dissented in part. Justice Greg Cook recused.

Lawyers for Regions Bank and the board members have previously filed motions to dismiss the lawsuits. Lawyers for Albritton said the lawsuits did not establish why the scholarship money awarded to his children amounted to a breach of his duties as a trustee.

Griffins order last year appointing the special fiduciary noted that Marshall and the trustees told the court that they had reached a settlement in principal, but had not given the court any specifics on that.

Griffin wrote that the special fiduciarys report on the extent of any breaches by the trustees would help determine whether he should approve any proposed settlement.
Emmanuella Funmi Ford is a lifestyle and fashion blogger whose TikTok following is over 251,000, and she has her two sons to thank for it.

In 2023, her sons  then 3 and 6 years old  cut their hair so they could look like their dad, who is balding.

Im laughing but Im not laughing, Ford said in the TikTok video that has been viewed over 10.7 million times and has 13,181 comments.

Its a touching moment between mother and two sons busted for doing something mischievous. Its not hard-hitting stuff, but its the type of moment TikTok influencers like Ford have counted on to generate an audience.

Soon, it could be no more. The U.S. Supreme Court Friday hinted it would uphold a federal law requiring TikTok be sold or otherwise banned in the U.S. The law requires TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, to sell to a U.S. company by Jan. 19 or be banned nationwide.

The legal battle pitting TikToks arguments of First Amendment rights against national security concerns has upended the enormously popular social media site utilized by more than 17 million Americans.

Related: TikTok ban: Alabama TikTok content creators on uncertain future of town square of our generation

There is no doubt that the current ownership of TikTok presents a risk to our national security and the privacy of American citizens, Republican U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama said on Friday. I believe the most immediate problem with TikTok is effective control of the application and its data by the Chinese Communist Party, which is no friend to America. In my view, we shouldnt allow the CCP to have such easy access into the lives of Americans via TikTok.

The end of TikTok is likely to have an impact for the many Alabama influencers who have used the site to create or heighten their brands. Here are three of their stories:

Important for small businesses

Lifestyle and fashion influencer Funmi Ford of Birmingham, Ala.Supplied photo by Funmi Ford

Ford, 39, of Birmingham was a content creator at the time she joined TikTok in 2022. The site, she said, allowed her to express myself more creatively.

Its helped influencers build a platform easily, she said. Its helped business owners get their products in front an audience easier. Its helped a lot of people. What is going on now with it possibly banned in the U.S. is sad, not just because we get on there and scroll all night and laugh. But its helped people pay their bills, feed their kids and bring artistic works before an audience.

Fords focus is on lifestyle and fashion, though TikTok has allowed her to put a personal spin on her appeal. Her hair-cutting children were included in her most popular TikTok video, and the diverse range of videos has helped her draw an audience since.

Born in Nigeria, Ford grew up in Montgomery where she went to high school and college before moving to Birmingham, where her husband practices law. Before her influencer career, Ford worked for Allstate, the insurance company, and was a videographer at her church.

Since Im a full-time creator now, I show up every day and its my job, Ford said. Ill take maybe one day off a week. But I work this like its a 9 to 5 job. If Im not doing a brand deal, Im posting content that is relatable and insightful for an audience.

Fords audience is also diverse. She estimates her TikTok following is comprised of about 70% from the U.S., with a large base of followers in Birmingham, New York City and in Georgia. She also has an international following in Africa and Europe.

What we influencers do, and I wont say were doctors out there doing heart surgery, but what we do is important for small businesses, the economy and for ourselves, Ford said. We are, ourselves, small businesses.

Ford said her influence has helped take obscure, small brands and heighten their popularity. A purse she purchased from a small business owner in Georgia was included in a TikTok video she did last year, helping to elevate its profile.

Because of the work I did for her, free of charge, Bloomingdales called her in the Atlanta store (and offered to sell the purse at its store), Ford said. People think, oh, you take pictures and dont do anything. But they forget its a multi-billion-dollar industry. People buy from influencers. It creates jobs for women who want to be entrepreneurs  who otherwise would not have a budget for TV (commercials) or to put a billboard out.

Ford said she is confident her brand will be healthy if TikTok shuts down soon. She is on Instagram with approximately 138,000 followers and has a following of more than 17,000 people on YouTube.

I advise other influencers to get on other platforms, Ford said. You dont own these platforms. None of us owns them. We are renting real estate in someone elses land. We have to make sure you have other coals in the (fire), so to speak.

Maintaining a list of old-school electronic mail addresses is also vital at this time, Ford said.

Having an email list is No. 1, she said. You can always still contact your audience directly.

Impactful

Birmingham resident LaDarrius Hutcherson, who goes by the handle LHut on TikTok, has reached nearly 60,000 followers on the popular social media site.The Price Approach Photography

LaDarrius Hutcherson also had that singular viral moment on TikTok that has since helped create a brand that includes highlighting small restaurants throughout Central Alabama.

On Aug. 15, 2022, a video he filmed inside Ruths Place in Irondale went viral. Since then, under the handle LHut, he has built a following of nearly 60,000 on TikTok, using the platform to spotlight small, minority-owned and unheralded restaurants in Central Alabama.

Other restaurants are drawing attention from LHut. A video about his 2023 visit to Yo Mamas on 2nd Avenue in Birmingham drew over 337,000 views. A visit to Urban Parc that same year has amassed over 180,000 views.

Hutcherson refers to his followers as cousins, and the 33-year-old Birmingham resident has hopes of someday taking his TikTok experience to greater fame with a show on The Food Network or writing restaurant reviews.

Hutcherson, who is currently working on a doctorate in business administration with a focus on rural business innovation at the University of West Alabama, is a 2010 graduate of GW Carver High School and a 2014 graduate from Jacksonville State University.

My goal is that I wanted to start a marketing firm, and I also want to do more independent teaching, not necessarily at a college, but more of doing workshops for new and up and coming business owners, Hutcherson said. There are so many things that people dont know about businesses.

Hutchersons work on TikTok has already helped out businesses in Birmingham, and hes been compared to TikTok food review sensation Keith Lee, who has an astonishing 16.8 million TikTok followers.

I try not to get caught up in that, Hutcherson said about the comparisons. Hes internationally known.

For now, Hutcherson said hes heartened with stories about the impact his TikTok handle has had on Birmingham and its foodie scene. He said there have been small businesses that have reached out to him before with appreciation for his videos, saying they help increase foot traffic and their bottom lines.

Ive helped businesses in the process of closing to stay open, Hutcherson said. Small mom and pop shops. The business owners (that I profile)  they are truly thankful for what I do and they support me and I, of course, support them and its been impactful.

Hutcherson said his food reviews are positive. He said that if a restaurant isnt worth the praise, he will simply move on and not post a review on TikTok.

I understand my influence, and Im not in the business of taking people out of business, he said. Thats not my thing. Im practical in understanding the impact and the influence I have.

Hutcherson said that without TikTok, that influence will have to come from elsewhere. He said he has been working to build up his other social media channels in order to continue with his work.

If you asked me that question a year ago, I mightve been frightened, Hutcherson said about the prospects of TikTok vanishing. But on Facebook, my videos do exceptionally well. Im not necessarily concerned about it, but I do love TikTok.

Drastically change

For 21-year-old Jackson Dean, a Los Angeles influencer who grew up in Madison, TikTok has consumed his young influencer career.

Dean, whose TikTok following is over a whopping 5.7 million people, got his start during the pandemic while he was in high school.

When COVID happened, I was really bored and out of school with nothing to do, he said. I saw a bunch of people on TikTok getting thousands of followers and likes. I thought, let me give this a try. I did and saw some success right away. I kept going until now, its my whole life.

Dean moved to Los Angeles when he was 17, when his manager at the time persuaded him to move into a house with other influencers. Now, Dean lives with his girlfriend, fellow TikTok influencer Paige Taylor, and his TikTok videos are mostly focused on their day-to-day lives together.

They are also extremely popular. A video of his girlfriend styling Deans hair drew 4.4 million viewers.

And then there is the cucumber video where Dean cuts himself while slicing the vegetable. The entire segment went viral and generated national interest.

TikTok fame aside, Dean said he loves Alabama, is not a huge fan of L.A., though he says, its a nice place. He said his parents have been supportive of his work.

As far as the TikTok lawsuit, Dean said he is concerned about people who have gained attention on the site but who will lose everything if it shuts down. He is not worried about his own brand, as he anticipates his massive audience following him to YouTube or other sites.

By TikToks own estimate, around 2 million creators would suffer $300 million in lost earnings in just one month if the app is banned.

I think if everyone is going to ban TikTok for national security (reasons), then they should look at the other big players of social media as well in the U.S., Dean said. If this app does get banned  some peoples lives will drastically change.
A manufacturing company plans to shut down its auto parts plant in Alabama by March, according to a notice filed with the state.

Nitto Inc. will lay off 56 employees as its manufacturing facility in Jasper closes, the company said in a WARN notice published this week by the Alabama Department of Commerce. The plant will close by March 7, the notice said.

The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Nitto Inc. is the American subsidiary of Japanese company Nitto Denko Corporation. The Jasper plant, a 53,000 square-foot manufacturing facility thats operated since 2003, is in the citys Bevill Industrial Park, according to its website. The Jasper Industrial Development Board lists the company as the citys ninth largest employer.

Green Suttles, executive director for the Jasper Industrial Development Board, said that the company offered severance to employees and is working with the board to connect employees with the local career center.

Nitto Denko has treated their people spectacularly in my opinion, he said in an interview with AL.com. I was very pleased with the company working hard to communicate with their people.

Suttles said the company informed the city that the shutdown was happening because the company is consolidating its southern auto plants into one location in Kentucky. Nitto is also closing its Ohio plant and laying off most of its employees there.

Thats their business, Suttles said. Thats what theyre doing, but everybody but Kentucky lost.

Suttles said that Bevill State Community College is already in talks to buy the site from Nitto, and plans to turn it into a training center as part of a plan with Alabama Power to create the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Training Center and Network in the industrial park, expanding on its HVAC workforce development program.

AL.com has reached out to Bevill State for comment.

Its my understanding that thats going forward, he said. I hate losing the 50 jobs, and I hate losing the industrial building, as Alabama needs more industrial space. But Im getting a whole lot more out of the deal.

Suttles added that many of Jaspers Nitto employees already have new jobs lined up.

Jasper is going to absorb virtually all the people that are being displaced, Suttles said. Im extremely optimistic. Its not going to be a bloodbath at all. And at the end of the day, when the dust settles, were going to be a lot better off.
Fixing Birminghams problem with gun violence is going to take not just the police, but commitments from employers and regular citizens in the community, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said today.

Woodfin took to the airwaves and Instagram this morning for a live discussion of the recently released Crime Commission report and the strategies in it toward making Birmingham a safer place to live. In the Magic City Spotlight on WATV, Woodfin was joined by Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. David Hicks and Birmingham Police Deputy Chief Rod Mauldin.

The Birmingham Crime Commission, launched several months ago to address the citys homicide crisis  specifically gun-related murders  rolled out an initial report calling for a multifaceted crime-fighting strategy focusing on both immediate and long-term solutions, on Jan. 6.

The report has been made public and pushed out through city social channels.

Woodfin talked today about the push to act on the reports provisions, some in the next 90 days.

I think its going to be extremely critical that when we look at this unfortunately formula of concentrated poverty plus boys who are not in school, plus young men unemployed equals higher crime, that we address those things, Woodfin said. That tells me one, the important stakeholders here are not just the Department of Health and the police department, but also Birmingham City Schools, Birmingham Public Housing Authority, those are critical partners in addressing this.

But we got to talk to our employers too about how to employ these young Black men between the ages of 18 and 30 who are right there at the center of being killed or doing the killing.

Woodfin said that the city of Birmingham would match employers willing to pay young unemployed Black men a wage of $11 an hour, bringing their compensation to the minimum livable wage of $22 per hour.

More options to address crime issue

He said, as the Crime Commission report noted, the city wants to convene all organizations in the city that hold themselves out as focused on youth, to convene all those stakeholders to say whats optimal and working, whats not working and whats working. The city of Birmingham needs to be in the best position through public private partnerships, not just with tax dollars, but again, corporate dollars and private dollars, to fund these programs that have the best and most impact, positive impact on investing in our young Black boys.

Woodfin and the report place much of the blame for gun violence on the formula the mayor emphasized: Concentrated poverty plus young Black boys not in school and young Black men unemployed equals higher crime.

Birmingham, Alabama, is a majority Black city, one of the Blackest cities in America, Woodfin said. And so we unfortunately have those numbers at a higher rate than any other city in the state of Alabama. And so you can track it that way.

Breaking through that formula is one step toward a safer city, Woodfin said.

How do we employ our young Black men? What are the alternative programs if our young boys dont want to go to a traditional K12 school? Can we empower them? Can we give them a trade? Whatever it is, we have to take care of those two groups. Young Black boys, young Black men. What are the carrots? What are the tools? What are the resources? What are the opportunities? And literally fund them daily.

He also talked about the alternative to the carrot  the stick, meaning more robust and intentional police action against young men who insist on committing violence.

Whats the carrot? Can we get you off the street, what assistance you need? Can we help you get gainfully employed? How do we empower and encourage you? I think at the same time, for the ones who throw their nose up to us, who want to stay out there hell-bent on illegal activity that leads to shooting and death, we arrest them, Woodfin said. We sit them down. We put them in jail, because they didnt want the carrot. And heres the full stick for you, because either way, you should not be allowed to continue to be out here in the streets hurting people.

Mauldin said that the Birmingham police have specific intentional strategies against violent crime in 2025.

One thing going into this year that we wanted to do is be in more of a proactive and offensive posture, Mauldin said. We believe in making those deposits into our community and making sure they know that were there when we need them. But were also here to know that if you decide to be that small number of individuals that make people feel unsafe, were going to meet you where you are.

The Crime Commission report calls for addressing what has become a well-known problem for the BPD  a shortage of officers. As of the reports release, the city had 233 vacancies to fill on the police force. To meet its goal of 850-1,000 sworn officers and ensure adequate public safety staffing, BPD must significantly increase its annual hiring rate, the report says.

The optimal approach lies in adopting a 150-200 hires per year range, which balances urgency with feasibility.

Woodfin said recruitment for new officers is under way.

We just had a recruiting class this past Thursday that graduated 10 officers, the mayor said. Theres a current recruiting class that just started in November. Next recruiting class is in March.

About $16 million was recently allocated to improve BPD staffing levels, and Woodfin said he is an ambassador for the BPD marketing efforts.

 Im part of the marketing recruitment team, he said. So we have to be intentional about wanting people to be BPD.
Doug Teal recently embarked on the cross-country journey from Thornton, Colorado, to Wallace State Community College in Hanceville so he can get back to doing what he loves.

Prior to a life-altering T6 spinal cord injury that resulted in his current wheelchair use, Teal worked as a commercial driver.

And after two and a half years, he says he is eager to get back behind the wheel.

I dreamed about driving since I was a kid, he told Wallace States Gail Crutchfield in a recent release.

After a challenging search for a Commercial Drivers License training program that could accommodate his needs, Teal found out about Wallace States classes.

It is one of the few in the nation offering training for individuals using wheelchairs, according to the release.

The program provides specialized equipment, such as trucks equipped with hand controls surrounding the steering wheel and connected to the gas and brake pedals. It also allows Teal to use a lift to transition from his wheelchair to the trucks drivers seat.

The college has graduated three other wheelchair users from its CDL program, and they are all currently employed as Commercial Truck Drivers, according to the release.

Teal told Crutchfield that he hopes his story inspires others to try to do the same and not give up.

Wallace State offers CDL classes on its main campus in Hanceville, as well as in Oneonta and Winston County. The next classes for wheelchair users will be in June, the release says.
An Alabama congressman who is a staunch supporter of President-elect Donald Trump on Friday announced he has cosponsored a bill that would allow Trump to negotiate to reacquire the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal is a critical asset that we built and should have never given up, said U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise.

Chinas growing influence in this region is a threat to our national security and economic interests. President Trump is right. We need to put America first and prevent any foreign power from having undue influence over a waterway that is essential for U.S. commerce. This bill empowers President Trump to negotiate for its reacquisition, ensuring that America remains strong and secure.

Along with annexing Canada and purchasing Greenland from Denmark, Trumps new expansionist foreign policy includes returning the Panama Canal to American control from the Republic of Panama, which assumed control of the strategic waterway on Dec. 31, 1999.

On Friday, Moore cosponsored the Panama Canal Repurchase Act, introduced by Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D.

Trump, who said the Carter administration foolishly ceded control of the Panama Canal, cannot acquire the canal without congressional approval.

Congressman John Murphy with Sen. Paul Sarbanaes at the signing of the Panama Canal Treayt in 1978.murphy

The Panama Canal Repurchase Act would allow Trump to enter negotiations to reacquire the canal.
A long litany of antisemitic and anti-Christian hate crimes, and terroristic violence, supports the conclusion that the European Union should be selective as to which migrants it welcomes. This has nothing to do with the race, religion, or ethnicity of the migrants, but rather the incompatibility of their cultures with that of Europe, and also the inability of many European countries to assimilate even people of the same ethnicity who speak the same language.

Ronald Reagan pointed out that the United States is almost unique in its ability to assimilate immigrants from anywhere in the world. A man wrote me and said: You can go to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey or Japan, but you cannot become a German, a Turk, or a Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the Earth, can come to live in America and become an American. The United States is the only country in the world with a centuries-long history of assimilating immigrants from all corners of the world. Other nations lack this experience and are far less able to assimilate newcomers.

Consider for example the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which disintegrated in the aftermath of the First World War. Its people never regarded themselves as Austro-Hungarians, but rather Austrians, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Serbs, Bosnians, Croats, and other ethnicities. About all they had in common was that the Hapsburg dynasty married the right people, inherited duchies or kingdoms from the right people, and won the right wars to create an empire. Burgundy, now part of France, was once an Austrian domain because, upon the death of Charles the Bold, his heir Mary of Burgundy married Maximilian, the Holy Roman Emperor. The duchys peasants, who had no say in the matter, probably did not care one way or the other, although the king of France did. Flanders also was, as a result of the Peace of Utrecht, part of the Holy Roman Empire.

One of the functions of the emperor was to get his subjects to kill the nations enemies rather than one another. The Hungarians revolted against the Austrians in 1848, and when the empire lost the First World War, it disintegrated into its components, including Czechoslovakia, which later separated peacefully into Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Serbia succeeded in creating a South Slavic (Yugoslav) entity, which broke up in the 1990s, whereupon its former components started to kill one another. Lets just say that they werent really into diversity and inclusion.

Neither, in fact, are the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain. The Irish never really liked the British, and there is even talk of Welsh and Scottish secession. All these people look roughly alike; talk alike, albeit with different accents; and share pretty much the same enlightened values about human rights and nondiscrimination, along with more than three centuries of common history, but some question whether they should belong to the same country. Why do they think they can assimilate migrants from drastically different cultures and backgrounds, many of whom are unwilling to assimilate at all? Ben Shapiro discusses this in Episode 2110.

Germany is an amalgamation of dozens of countries with their own identities. Some Bavarians, in fact, want to secede and take Oktoberfest, lederhosen, and sauerkraut with them. Why does Germany think it can assimilate migrants when it cant even get all Germans to think of themselves as Germans? Catalonia has expressed an interest in seceding from Spain. Its to be remembered that Spain was not even a single country until the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella  that is, its a country only because two monarchs decided to marry and pool their collective domains.

The Belgians and Dutch also were killing each other back in 1830 because the Belgians did not want to be part of the Netherlands. Once Belgium seceded, its Flemish and Walloon people could then concentrate on disliking each other, although they now limit their hostility to vandalism of road signs in each others languages. If many Flemings and Walloons cannot really see themselves as fellow Belgians, why do they think they can get migrants to do so? The same goes for Canada, where there is friction between English-speakers and French-speakers despite more than two hundred years of shared history. Why does Canada think it can assimilate the migrants (and their home-grown allies) who are wreaking havoc in their cities and universities?

The United States Unique History of Assimilation

The United States, unlike European countries, never had one specific ethnic background, so we had to become a melting pot in which everybody can and must assimilate. We speak English only because the United Kingdom won what we call the French and Indian Wars, which was part of the Seven Years War in Europe. How many people know we were fighting not only the French and their native allies, but also Austria-Hungary, Russia, Spain, and Sweden (among others)? It was fortunate for us that the Austrians never sent their Pandurs and Grenzers over here to join the French and the natives in shooting at us from behind trees.

France once owned the Louisiana Territories (named for Frances patron saint), which we purchased during the Napoleonic Wars. Detroit (Michigan), Saint Louis (Missouri), and New Orleans (Louisiana) are all French names, and Lasalle, Illinois is named for a French explorer. New York was once New Amsterdam, and -kill (a common suffix for streams in New York) is Dutch for stream or river. Spain, meanwhile, owned a good part of what is now the western United States  e.g. San Diego (Saint James) is named for the patron saint of Spain. Los Angeles (the Angels, short for Our Lady or Queen of the Angels), San Francisco (Saint Francis), and Las Vegas (The Meadows) speak for themselves. Spain also owned Florida, and Saint Augustine was once a Spanish settlement. We are therefore the product of at least four major colonial powers (England, France, Spain, and the Netherlands), along with substantial German immigration as shown by (for example) King of Prussia in Pennsylvania, and of course Native Americans who lived here before our ancestors. More than half our states have Native American names. In any event, it was clear ever since the founding of the United States that, although we might speak English and derive our Constitution from English common law, we could not be another England, France, Netherlands, or Spain. We had to largely forget our ethnic origins and assimilate.

Viktor Orban is right about migrants who are not Hungarians and have no intention of becoming Hungarians, but want instead to live in parallel societies. We do not know who these people are, what their plans are, how they wish to maintain their own ideals, and we do not know if they will respect our culture and laws. This is an unregulated, uncontrolled process, the definition of which is invasion, he stressed.

Even the United States, which has had more than three centuries experience in welcoming and assimilating people from all over the world (as happened even before we became a country), is now having similar problems with migrants who want to globalize the intifada, as a homegrown terrorist did in New Orleans. We must reject these migrants, and it is even more imperative that Europe do so before the inhabitants find themselves living in a caliphate, where Jews, Christians, Hindus, those deemed to be the wrong kinds of Muslims, women, and LGBT people have few if any human rights whatsoever.

Civis Americanus is the pen name of a contributor who remembers the lessons of history and wants to ensure that our country never needs to learn those lessons again the hard way. The author remains anonymous due to being subjected to cancel culture for denouncing Black Lives Matters incitement of civil disorder.

Image: woodleywonderworks via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Donald Trump is standing astride the world like a Colossus, weeks before his second inauguration. The Zuckerbergs of the world are making a beeline to Mar-A-Lago to try to gain the president-elects favor. Other world leaders like Trudeau and Starmer are teetering or falling like dominoes. This is part of the Trump effect. The man draws out strength from the ranks, but also exposes weakness. Its the mark of a great leader.

At the same time, Americans are jittery because of the January 1st terror attacks, and are hoping there wont be any more. But thanks to Joe Biden, or whoever has been operating Bidens brain for the last four years, we dont know how many scum-of-the-earth types have come in through our porous borders, with the worst terror intentions. Lets pray that Tom Homan and his team keep the situation under control.

Terrorists at the border is bad enough, but what about allowing official diplomats like ambassadors into the country, if they too have ties to terrorism? Since the Hamas attacks on October 7th, a level of antisemitic insanity never seen in the U.S. has been unleashed. The protests and takeovers at college campuses arent happening anymore, and that can also be attributed to the election of Trump. The kids know that they have to behave, and are keeping a low profile. But that doesnt mean we can let down our guard.

The actions of South Africa against Israel in the last few years have been maddening and tragic, and my home country of South Africa has instigated criminal proceedings against Israel and its prime minister at the International Court of Justice. The victim of terrorism (Israel) is being blamed for being a victim. The instigators of that terrorism, Hamas, are lauded and lionized by the fools in the Biden administration and their flying monkeys in the media. Its an upside-down world.

South Africa has announced that their new Ambassador to the U.S. will be Ebrahim Rasool, who supports Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood and has called Trump Hitler. In the recent election, the Hitler insult was a Democrat talking point, and its one of the reasons they lost so badly. But ambassadors are supposed to be more diplomatic, and a little more clever.

Insulting your host, especially when its a once-in-a-generation leader like Donald Trump, is one thing, but having ties to the terror were trying to eradicate in the world is unacceptable. President Trump should refuse the appointment of Ebrahim Rasool as Ambassador to the U.S. It would be good for the world, for South Africa, and for the people of the United States of America.

Mark Hyman is the Founder and CEO of Citizens for Integrity, and is a dedicated advocate for democracy, the rule of law, and community service, with leadership roles spanning healthcare, governance, and Jewish communal organizations. He can be contacted at mark@citizensforintegrity.org.za

<a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:mark@citizensforintegrity.org.za" href="mailto:mark@citizensforintegrity.org.za" cursor:="" pointer;"="" target="_blank">Image: Department of Defense
The Defund the Police movement, which really took off with the 2020 Summer of Love and its two billion+ in damages, seems to have peaked and with the second advent of Donald Trump is on the downslope to sanity, but the damage wrought may never entirely be repaired.

Its a vicious cycle. Cops know they can only do their jobs if they have the respect and willing compliance of the public. The thin blue line of civilization has proved to be thinner than anyone suspected. They also know if their superiors wont give them the benefit of the doubt, or cant because their ruling politicians wont let them, their options are few and all bad.

Graphic: Twitter Screenshot

Take away cops legitimate, constitutional tools like stop and frisk and criminals delightedly start carrying concealed handguns and using them with abandon. Drug dealing increases exponentially, which fueled by unrestricted illegal immigration costs hundreds of thousands of lives. Crime rates skyrocket, which causes crime rate gaslighting to skyrocket. Democrats/socialists/communists (D/s/cs) claim crime rates are declining, and you have them to thank. Who you gonna believe, them or your own lyin eyes and criminal-beaten bodies?

Every problem caused by Defund the Police mania is exacerbated in blue states and cities, many of which, apart from hamstringing their police, have decriminalized crime. In Illinois, for example, the police arent allowed, in virtually all cases, to chase fleeing crooks. Add Soros prosecutors whose primary motivation is prosecuting cops for legally doing their jobs while refusing to prosecute criminals, and the consequences are foreseeable.

Cops close to retirement retire. Cops who can leave for places that allow them to do their jobs leave. Those that remainpeople who have unbreakable ties to their communities or who arent very good at their jobs and know they cant be hired elsewheresettle into non-work. They do as little as possible and absolutely avoid contact with criminals, particularly black criminals who commit crimes at rates far beyond their population density. As a result, poorer, largely black communities suffer most.

Graphic: Twitter Screenshot

Police forces are chronically short-handed and the quality of applicants is so poor they dramatically reduce entry requirements, hiring the obese, unhealthy, mentally ill, stupid and criminal. Its going to take a very long time, particularly in blue cities, for qualified, competent people to want to be police officers again. The invaluable John R. Lott surveys the damage:

FBI data shows arrest rates plummeted over the last few years, starting in 2020. For cities with over 1 million people, the arrest rate for reported violent crime averaged 41% in the 24 years from 1996 to 2019, but it dropped to 20.3% in 2022  a 50% drop. The lowest arrest rate in the preceding 24 years before COVID-19 was 32.6%. That is still 61% higher than the rate in 2022.

Thats one of the few things the FBI has more or less accurately reported in recent years. Blue cities and states, desperate to hide their out-of-control crime, dont report it.

The arrest rate for murder fell by 37%, rape by 58%, robbery by 50%, and aggravated assault by 54%. The collapse in the arrest rate for property crime is even more dramatic. The average arrest rate for reported property crime fell from an average of 13% in the 25 years from 1996 to 2021 to 4.5%  a 64% drop. The lowest arrest rate in the preceding 24 years between 1996 and 2019 was 12%. The arrest rate in 2022 was still 61% lower than the previous low rate. The drop in reported larceny theft, the largest property crime category, is dramatic. It declines from an average arrest rate of 14.6% to just 3.8%  a 75% drop. If you look at arrests as a percentage of all crime (reported and unreported), in these large cities only 8% of all violent crime and 1% of all property crime results in an arrest.

Those are apocalyptic levels of arrests. Unlike the criminal masterminds of TV and movie cop dramas, most crooks arent particularly bright, but their feral intelligence tells them if theres little chance of being caught, go for it. Shortly after New York Governor Kathy Hochul did a PR stunt on a NYC subway train, a homeless woman was burned alive, and subway murders have doubled.

Ive always maintained we get the policeand politicianswe deserve. To be sure, vote fraud is rampant in D/s/c-ruled hellhole cities, but the very people so beaten down by the criminal coddling policies of D/s/cs vote in even worse politicians, replacing Lori Lightfoot with Brandon Johnson in Chicago.

D/s/cs make the mistake of relying on political messiahs to provide them with everything they need. Republicans and other Normal Americans tend not to make the same mistake. Donald Trump can accomplish much. He can reestablish the conditions necessary for prosperity and safety, but he cant fix states and cities determined to destroy themselves. They will fall or rise on their own expectations and votes.

As Pogo said: we have met the enemy and he is us. Unless blue cities and states set out to vanquish that enemy by upholding the law and prosecuting criminals instead of cops, the enemy is going to win.

On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
Ten people are dead. 10,000 buildings are incinerated. Acrage burned is the size of San Francisco. 130,000 people have evacuated.

And in Los Angeles, the one reservoir that could have been used to stop the apocalyptic wildfires that destroyed Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and parts of other towns was somehow empty.

The incompetence is now reaching the stratosphere.

According to the Los Angeles Times:

A large reservoir in Pacific Palisades that is part of the Los Angeles water supply system was out of use when a ferocious wildfire destroyed thousands of homes and other structures nearby. Officials told The Times that the Santa Ynez Reservoir had been closed for repairs to its cover, leaving a 117 million gallon water storage complex empty in the heart of the Palisades. The revelation comes among growing questions about why firefighters ran out of water while battling the blaze. Numerous fire hydrants in higher-elevation streets of the Palisades went dry, leaving firefighters struggling with low water pressure as they combated the flames.

Scandalous.



A DWP official acknowledged that the reservoirs absence likely contributed to some diminished pressure and dry hydrants in upper regions of the Palisades.



Who are you going to fire, @GavinNewsom @MayorOfLA ? Nobody, right? https://t.co/FLSXrXuMA8 pic.twitter.com/eFiwCk7164  Michael Shellenberger (@shellenberger) January 10, 2025

So the firemen were sent out into the inferno with nothing to work with, and the County water officials responsible for keeping the huge reservoir they could have used who didn't fill it during fire season are doing a helluva job.

Within the Times report, the water officials claim demand for water was too high, slyly citing the three tanks with one million gallons apiece as the water to be used, which as they drained out, was enough to make the water pressure fall and the fire hydrants go dry.

They left out the part about the 117-million gallons they could and should have gotten from this reservoir that would have kept those tanks stocked.

In the story, one claims the missing 117-million gallon reservoir would not have made much difference from the 3 ditzy tanks they had, which doesn't make sense.

At a minimum, it could have put out a small fire in order to keep it from becoming a big fire. And incidentally, why'd the fire get so big?

Even a water official admitted the reservoir's extended "maintenance" schedule at peak fire season created a problem.

A DWP official acknowledged that the reservoirs absence likely contributed to some diminished pressure and dry hydrants in upper regions of the Palisades. However, a spokesperson for the utility said in a statement that DWP was still evaluating the effect of the reservoir being placed offline, and that staffers were conducting a root-cause analysis. Our primary focus is to provide water supply throughout the city, the DWP spokesperson said, adding, The system was never designed for a wildfire scenario that we are experiencing.

I think by 'some' he means 'a lot.'

The Times reported that it had been offline for that repair to its cover "for a while," not specifying how long that was, probably because DWP officials didn't want that to get out there. Sure, systems need maintenance. But it's rather insane to schedule that maintenance during peak fire season, or with a week's warning about dangerous Santa Ana winds.

That calls to mind just how bad the leadership of that water agency seems to be. A couple days ago, Janisse Quinones, the Department of Water and Power's CEO, who pulls in a $750,000 annual salary, showed us just how prepossessing she was:

Here she was making excuses a couple days earlier:

DEI: LA Department of Water and Power CEO Janisse Quinones makes $750,000 per year. Listen to her explain how LA ran out of water. One job pic.twitter.com/PV8rVlE2Vo  @amuse (@amuse) January 9, 2025

There was also this dereliction of duty from the state:

The Santa Ynez reservoir was one of the old ones.

Her two big accomplishments were in converting water into a greenie DEI project for the "underserved" as this surreal interview with American Public Power Association indicates:

My long-term goals are very well defined  100% clean energy and 70% local water by 2035. Im ensuring that everybody understands thats where were heading, because this is not just DWP; our communities have to be part of the equation. They have to be actively involved in the transition  our policymakers, our environmental community, any stakeholder that has a say on how we move policy and how we move technology and innovation. So, a lot of collaboration is going on, engagement, ensuring that we are having the right conversations at the right time with the right people. Its critical.



We have a lot of work to do, not only in securing more renewable resources, but increasing the transmission capacity to bring those resources into the local basin while at the same time increasing our local renewable resources, like utility-owned solar in the community.



One of my No. 1 goals, and I think our differentiator for our energy transition, is making sure that we do this equitably and we dont leave any community behind. One of the goals that drives me every day is really ensuring that Im an enabler of creating a new middle class in L.A. by increasing high-paying jobs that are staying in L.A. to support the L.A. clean energy transition. Some of the work that were doing locally is creating EV charging hubs, which will have local storage capacity so that we can store that excess power in those hours that its not peak hour and redispatch it when we need it locally. And those are going to be primarily in disadvantaged communities. In L.A., 54% of our community is disadvantaged. This is going to have multiple benefits for the community, including resiliency, microgrids, EV charging at residential rates, and creating local jobs.

And what was she last seen doing?

Im out in the field almost every week, making sure that I connect with my employees, but also the communities were serving. Last week we had an event in Watts, one of our underserved, disadvantaged communities. We were able to provide 600 portable AC units for low-income elderly seniors, because of the heat wave and how much heat is impacting our most vulnerable populations, like our young kids and our elderly. I was in the Watts Community Center making sure that we were there to provide not only the AC units, but information on our programs and a level pay plan, so that they can use the air conditioners that were given to them to improve their health. Im working a lot with the tribes in Owens Valley on the water side as well, and I did that the first two weeks in the job, making sure that they know theyre on my mind and that theyre a priority for the way that we engage with stakeholders.

The one thing she wasn't doing was paying attention to whether the most fire-vulnerable zones in a wealthy high-tax area was getting any water at all with the Santa Ana winds coming. Like Mayor Karen Bass, she had her week's warning. Maybe because it was just too white.

She did vote herself a pay increase, though:

As wildfires tear through Los Angeles and up the Hollywood Hills and LA ran out of water for firefighters, LA city officials and LAs top water utility officials just recently gave themselves major increases in pay as Democrats cut the firefighting budget by more than $17 pic.twitter.com/cLlABKZgZW  Elizabeth MacDonald (@LizMacDonaldFOX) January 9, 2025

What a miserable, incompetent creature, every bit as stupid as she sounds in all her media presentations, clearly in over her head, zero idea about what her water job was really about. But clearly rewarded by the system for the wokester virtue-signalling she did.

Just not providing water. This one would be a good one to fire and throw out on her ear as an accountability measure, given her incredible failure in keeping the critical reservoirs stocked. It makes one wonder what else she hasn't done as she goes ladling out goodies like Hugo Chavez used to do to the shack dwellers in exchange for votes.

There must be an incredible mess at that agency, given the neglect seen in this critical juncture.

Image: Screen shot from X video
It's been a tough week for DEI. Maybe many on the Left are singing that song by Hank Williams about having a feeling called the blues since the fire hydrants didn't pump water.

It's hard to believe that a city (or state) can spend so much money on DEI and end up with so many incompetent people running things. Maybe they need to check out the courses and ask if anyone is teaching anything about resolving anything. I guess it was all about feelings and social justice.

Like other blue spaces, Los Angeles is paying the price for focusing on DEI rather than results. Let's check the story from Joel Kotkin:

This disaster reflects the failure of the one-party progressivism currently dominating governmental structures. In this worldview, basic infrastructure is less important than addressing climate change and social justice; measures such as building dams or hardening the electric grid are demoted to a secondary role, with catastrophic effects. While the fire may not reverse this mentality, it has demolished the reputations of two major adherents: LA Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Even as federal authorities warned of fires, Bass elected to take a junket to Ghana at the behest of President Biden. She came back to a city ablaze, with thousands of Angelinos having lost their homes and businesses.

Yes, a bad day for Karen and Gavin too. Of course, Karen can always move to Cuba and tell us about their wonderful power grid and health care system. Or Gavin can always pursue a career doing Brylcreem commercials. Wouldn't you love to see Gavin saying "A Little Dab'll Do Ya!"

The LA fire episode will convince many to vote differently while others will restart their lives elsewhere. It will be the nightmare of nightmares to rebuild these homes in light of all the regulations in what they used to call the Golden State. Add to this that the insurance companies pulled out and most people can't just write a check to bring back their dream homes. It may be cheaper to cut your losses and head to another state where starting over might be a better option.

What about voters? Will they change? I'm not sure because so many have benefitted, and will continue to benefit, from government or the public sector unions. Of course, it may change when the Democrat legislature realizes that there is no money no matter how much they hate Trump.

Maybe the silver lining is that voters will finally figure out that having a city run by lesbians may not be as important as having fire hydrants that pump water. In the end, city councils and local government are about taking care of people, not just fulfilling gender equity fantasies that cost money and graduate such incompetent people.

Our prayers and best wishes are with those impacted. We'd love to have you in Texas but please don't forget why you left California.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

Image: National Archives
When progressive icon and communist dictator Mao Zedong launched his so-called Great Leap Forward (and later his Cultural Revolution) in China, he was rumored to have invoked an old French saying about cracking a few eggs to make an omelet.

In the ensuing madness, millions of the demographically disfavored in China were put to death, or starved from Mao-caused famines. Engulfed by progressive hysteria, many farmers were told to don a surgeons smock as they were now surgeons, while many real surgeons were stripped of their duties and ordered to work the collectivized farms.

Decades later, Anita Dunn and Ron Bloom of the progressive Obama administration, whose mission statement was to fundamentally transform America, proudly paraphrased Mao, declaring: Political power comes from the barrel of a gun. We will attempt the power of persuasion but we will not hesitate to use the persuasion of power.

In modern America, the closest thing to Maos and Obamas progressive Utopia is to be found in the sad, violent, debauched state of California.

In the wake of the latest devastating wildfires in Southern California, it has been asked repeatedly: How can Californias voters continue to vote for the likes of DEI mayor Karen Bass, a dyed-in-the-wool racist who idolized Fidel Castro and shrugged off warnings of imminent fire danger in Los Angeles in order to go party in West Africa on the taxpayers dime?

Or Gov. Gavin Newsom, an oily narcissist with tiny, delicate hands and wide hips, for whom everything is a performative virtue signal to the progressive Left, and who obsesses over the amount of melanin people have in their skin and their choice of bedroom partners?

Newsom and Bass think its more important to install a woefully unqualified but outspoken lesbian as fire chief rather than promote the highest qualified applicant, whether its a lesbian, a black or Hispanic transgender, or (gasp) a straight white male. Recall how Mao told the farmers they were now doctors, and vice versa.

The death toll from the Los Angeles area fires is now in double digits, and because Newsom and Bass were well aware of the dangers for years but did nothing to prevent the catastrophe, a strong case can be made that both are legally culpable and guilty of negligent homicide.

Newsoms decidedly unscientific fantasy about apocalyptic anthropogenic global warming (supposedly caused by the evils of greenhouse gases and capitalism) enables him to keep both the wildfires and the lucrative, government and activist-driven climate change grift alive. Thus, the smelt fish lives while people die in preventable, government-caused wildfires.

They die because Gavin Newsom keeps flushing trillions of gallons of rainwater out to sea rather than building up and maintaining Californias reservoirs to fight fires.

And much of the taxpayer money supposedly allocated for firefighting infrastructure instead goes to social engineering/DEI boondoggles or disappears as untraceable graft into the bank accounts of Californias well-connected, super-rich progressive elite (both in and out of government).

What do ultra left-wing progressive celebrities in the destroyed Pacific Palisades think of all this?

Karen Basss fellow Fidel Castro admirer Steven Spielberg (who was as starstruck as any fanboy upon meeting The Maximum Leader) and actor/cabana boy Tom Hanks raise money and vote for moral monsters whose grifting and progressive policies lead inexorably to despair, destruction, and death. Spielbergs and Hankss homes were thankfully spared.

But why do others like Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins have to lose their homes on account of all this? Or the thousands of others who lost their precious houses and businesses, their lives permanently ripped asunder by Californias DEI-obsessed Uberklasse?

What about the idealistic if misguided waitress in South Central LA who donated a hard-earned $50 to the Kamala Harris campaign, only to see Kamala give that money to billionaire Oprah Winfrey or other celebrities from the progressive Uberklasse? Is there some cognitive dissonance for the waitress, or will she mindlessly vote for Karen Bass for mayor again, and Kamala for governor in 2026?

How about the sexually confused UCLA gender studies major who can quote a quackademic like Howard Zinn or Ta-Nehisi Coates as readily as Matt Damon but who, like the baizuo Damon, would never be caught dead reading Heather Mac Donald or Christopher Rufo of City Journal, or Dinesh DSouza or Douglas Murray, assuming she/he/they/zir had ever even heard of such real and heavyweight scholars?

Progressives, whether rich or poor, white or black, famous or anonymous, refuse to abide ideas or acknowledge basic facts which conflict with their ideology, all the better to avoid any troublesome cognitive dissonance that forces them to re-examine their totalizing Manichean assumptions about the world and human nature.

Decades ago, crackpot progressive social theories like DEI, Critical Race Theory (CRT), Queer Studies, and their endless postmodern offshoots, were confined to the eccentricities of the campus, with professors outside of the STEM fields parroting academic nihilists like Michel Foucalt, Noam Chomsky, Bill Ayers, and Saul Alinsky.

Unfortunately, the woke mind virus, like the COVID virus, did not stay confined to the lab or the campus. It infected all of society, but especially California, and now its getting lots of people killed, whether the proximate source is the district attorneys office, the genocide-promoting campus, the governors mansion in Sacramento, or the mayors office in Los Angeles.

For progressive true believers, Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass might represent the apotheosis of the progressive movement. For the reality-based, they are its nadir.

The authors are brothers and previous contributors to AT.

Image: Screen shot from KXLY 4 News Now video via YouTube
A recent story details how President-elect Trump complained about designing a U.S. Navy frigate that, once in the development phase, was modified by other naval stakeholders prior to actual construction. It was the presidents opinion that these design changes were to the ships detriment. Im sure a lot of people are scoffing and asking what Trump could possibly know about designing warships. In response to that, I offer this very true cautionary tale.

I was in the 82d Airborne division in 1984 when I first learned about the incoming HMMWV (High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle) soon to be christened the Hummer. I was in the Anti-Armor Leaders Course at Fort Bragg and part of our overall strategy was focused on defeating the USSRs numerical advantage in main battle tanks. As paratroopers, our mission was always to jump in while relatively lightly equipped (though it never felt that way) and hold key positions like airfields or mountain passes. We took these positions to deny their use to the enemy and wait for heavier reinforcements to arrive and finish them off.

One of our mainstays was the TOW-II anti-tank missile. This is a tube launched, optically tracked, wire guided missile that had an incredible success rate. If I recall correctly, it had a 98% hit rate and a 98% kill rate that meant that it was effective 96% of the time even if the enemy tank was on the move. However, that was only if the gunner could keep the crosshairs of his sights on the target. The Russians had developed an incredibly fast tank round that could hit the gunner before the missile hit the tank, so ideally the TOW had to be dug in behind some good protection. We also used decoys that fired a large amount of smoke so that the enemy tank had a 1 in 3 chance of picking the right target for his one shot. If the tank round landed close by, the gunner might flinch and send the missile off track.

At that time we were using M-151 jeeps to transport the TOW as it required a crew to transport and operate it. The jeeps were overloaded by all the weight so wear and tear was high, and their battlefield life was limited. Because it was likely to be mobile warfare, you had to dig a position so the jeep could drive into the position and fire from within some level of protection. This was tough for a few guys with entrenching tools (we loved the combat engineers when they showed up with earth movers).

The army called for the HMMWV program to address this problem of wear and tear on the Jeeps. They wanted a platform that could easily transport the TOW, its crew, and ammunition across all sorts of terrain efficiently. It was great in concept.

During the HMMWVs development, a whole bunch of modifications were added to the design that had nothing to do with the TOW. It had to be an ambulance, troop transport, supply vehicle, and many other things to address the needs of many other situations. In the end, we got what is commonly referred to as the Hummer (first generation).

The instructor in my anti-armor course explained that the Hummer is six feet high by itself, and the TOW launcher adds another four feet to the overall height. He added that the vehicle is six feet wide and fifteen feet long! The first thing we asked was how we were going to dig that monster in, and the answer was that wed always have engineer support. I remember thinking at the time that what he really meant was four privates with entrenching tools (very small foldable shovels).

In the end, the Hummer may have been a good all-around vehicle, but it did not meet the original expectations of the TOW crews. We had to protect the vehicle, convincingly fool Soviet tankers to shoot at the wrong target and keep those crosshairs on the enemy (while under fire) and while missile made its way to the target.

President-elect Trump may be right or wrong about what other stakeholders are doing to the frigate design he laments, but I for one can see exactly what hes saying. It reminds me of an acronym: KISS. Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Image: USMC
Recently, Elon Musk reignited a controversy by criticizing the U.K. governments handling of rape gangs. Musk has accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of complicity in these crimes, suggesting that he should resign and face charges for his role during that period. Unfortunately, this is not isolated to the U.K. but is a broader epidemic that has been plaguing European nations for over a decade. It is the direct result of wholesale adoption of multiculturalism  at any cost.

How debased has society become when, arguably, the vilest of crimes are deemed less important than maintaining a false narrative about an entire group of offenders? What do progressives gain from this blatant disregard for facts? Sadly, the answer appears to be nothing more than not wanting to be wrong.

The political left in the United States and Europe has entered a sick covenant with political correctness, and the effects are becoming blatantly septic.

This behavior should come as no surprise. My fellow veterans who served in Afghanistan are aware of the ancient Afghan tradition of bacha bazi  literally translated playing with boys. We all witnessed the little chai boys with dyed hair and eye makeup, who would politely serve you tea and then go sit on the laps of their handlers, to be displayed as a status symbol.

Yet none of this moves the lefts position. On the contrary, leftists have been telling Western women to dress more modestly to accommodate the culture of the migrants.

An American Special Forces soldier was discharged from the Army for standing up to a brutal child rapist. The Special Forces motto is de oppresso liber  to free the oppressed. Unfortunately, Sergeant 1st Class Charles Martland learned the hard way that children being raped in Afghanistan doesnt fall into the oppressed category. Abused children are less important than our partnership with degenerate allies.

For decades, leftist leaders have been promoting multiculturalism, and Western societies have slowly accepted the idea of their countries becoming more pluralistic. The reality, however, has been a continued demand from Western governments, that their citizens continue to surrender their culture to accommodate the transplanted one, despite the obvious fact that most Muslim migrants have zero desire to Westernize their culture. The easiest solution, therefore, is to expect empathetic Westerners to be more indulgent and accepting.

How much must Western nations compromise? What would capitulation look like?

Should womens rights be the first to suffer? Should Western women dress more modestly and avoid going out alone due to the obvious clash of civilizations? Should Western societies double down on limiting free speech  something that has become popular among leftist politicians, as well as the U.K. police commissioner? Should female genital mutilation be normalized? Can Western morality ever be twisted enough to accept the Afghan tradition of bacha bazi?

It would be wise to consider the statements made by German ex-chancellor Angela Merkel. In December of 2015, after more than one million refugees flooded into Germany, she stated, Those who found refuge and protection with us must obey our laws, values and traditions. And to understand us, they must learn the German language. It remains true that multiculturalism leads to parallel societies, and multiculturalism, therefore, remains a lie.

At the very least, we should view the migrant turmoil in Europe as a signpost for what the United States can expect from mass immigration from Islamic cultures. In 2015, Barack Obama gave a speech where he referred to the influx of Syrian refugees as a modern-day reverse hijra. He referred to the mass immigration as reminiscent of the Mayflower Pilgrims and stated that Americans are not afraid of widows and orphans. On the contrary, as the recent controversy in the U.K. has demonstrated, it is out of fear for our widows and orphans that open border policies are being challenged.

There has been a steady chipping away on the lefts reckless pursuit of open borders and mass migration, but a complete demolition and overhaul may be approaching sooner than anyone could have predicted.

How ironic that the impetus for change will likely result from one of the lefts sacred cows: multiculturalism.

Anthony is a nine-year veteran of the United States Army Special Forces. He holds an M.A. in Strategic Security Studies from National Defense Universitys College of International Security Affairs with a concentration in Irregular Warfare and an MSN from Seattle University. When hes not working as a nurse practitioner in a local urgent care, he raises cattle on his 30-acre ranch in Central Oregon. Follow on X @exceptionism.

Image: tomaszmichalkania via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
As we enter peak vaccine silly season, we are counselled by our public health betters in government and academia to get vaccinated for the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 viruses. A worthy article could be written on any one of these viruses. But our interest here is on the effectiveness (or rather ineffectiveness) of the influenza vaccine  the flu shot  for people aged 65 years or older, which includes us.

Numerous medical studies promote the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine for elderly people to prevent hospitalizations and deaths. For example, see here, here, or here. However, the types of designs used in these studies suffer from a bias known as selection bias. Very simply, a healthy-user effect  the tendency of healthier people to be more likely to get vaccinated for influenza than the general population  may render the effectiveness measures in these studies not credible.

On the other side of the coin, a 2020 Annals of Internal Medicine (AIM) study examined patient surveys and administrative records in the U.K. for influenza vaccinations, hospitalizations, and mortality. It used a particular design that protected against selection bias. The study included 9.6 million patient-years of data collected between 2000 and 2014.

What did the AIM investigators report? Our results showed a sharp increase in influenza vaccination rates at age 65 years with no matching decrease in hospitalization or mortality rates. Although more elderly people were getting vaccinated for influenza, it did not result in fewer hospitalizations or deaths.

Secondly, Carl Heneghan and Tom Jefferson penned a 2024 article showing that only about 11% of reported flu cases are actually caused by influenza. The other 89% are caused by a category of influenza-like illnesses  a flu-like syndrome caused by some 200 known and countless unknown microorganisms. They rightly offer the following: no wonder the [flu] vaccines dont work. The reality is that most cases of flu have nothing to do with influenza.

Thirdly, a 2024 Journal of Infectious Diseases (JID) study examined the effect of repeated annual influenza vaccinations in five U.S. locations. Their data set was collected over eight seasons (20112012 through 20182019). It included 55,728 people from Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

What did the JID investigators report? Timing of vaccination and clinical infection history, cannot fully explain the increased infection risk in repeat vaccinees compared with non repeat vaccinees. People getting vaccinated for influenza each year were more likely to get infected with an influenza virus than those not getting vaccinated.

There you have it. Getting vaccinated for influenza may or may not prevent you from being hospitalized or dying, and there appears to be an increased risk of influenza infection from getting annual vaccinations compared to not getting vaccinated.

Nothing has changed since Doshi noted in the British Medical Journal back in 2013 that influenza vaccinesupporters employ the rhetoric of science to push an influenza vaccines save lives policy. Yet the scientific studies underlying this policy are often of low quality, suffer from bias, and do not substantiate officials claims.

Americans have just cause to mistrust public health advice from government and academia regarding vaccines, given the lies they fed us about social distancing, lockdowns, masking, and the rollout of the vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully, Americans will smell a rat being pressed into taking flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines.

So as vaccine-supporters prattle on about why we should get a flu shot, evidence and common sense say you may want to think twice and ask more questions about whether it is worth it. Public health betters: The ball is back in your court!

Warren Kindzierski, Ph.D. is a retired college professor (public health) in St Albert, Alberta. S. Stanley Young, Ph.D. is the CEO of CGStat in Raleigh, North Carolina and is director of the National Association of Scholars Shifting Sands Project.

Pixabay, Pixabay License.

" captext=" Triggermouse " src="https://images.americanthinker.com/imported/2023-03/244892_640.jpg" />

Image: Triggermouse via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
As is now widely known, Judge Juan Merchan denied Donald Trumps motion to delay sentencing in the most corrupt and nonsensical of all the lawfare cases against him. Trumps appeal to New Yorks appellate division, as expected, was likewise denied. New Yorks courts are apparently beyond embarrassment. They are complicit in unethical, unconstitutional lawfare and determined, as is CNN and the rest of the media, to salvage something from the wreckage of every lawfare attempt:

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.

The Supreme Court too denied Trumps motion, and former Federal Prosecutor Andrew McCarthy noted this locked Merchan into the unconditional dischargeno jail, no fine, no punishment--he earlier telegraphed.

Fascinating too is the reality that Trump was convicted on 34 nonsense felony counts. Surely such a wanton criminal was deserving of some punishment, lest the continuing farce be even further exposed? Trump was wisely magnanimous in responding to the Supreme Courts 5/4 decision:

Graphic: X/Truth Social Screenshot

Merchan was not foolish enough to betray the Supreme Court, and sentenced Trump as he earlier suggested, thwarting Prosecutor Alvin Bragg, who with Merchan wanted to keep the case hanging over Trumps head for four years, preventing appeal and allowing him to impose essentially a life sentence when Trump left office. The sentence lifted the gag order and allowed Trump to respond:

Graphic: X/Truth Social Screenshot

Law Professor Jonathan Turley, no Trump fan but an honest man, was not impressed with Merchan or the New York legal system:

Once considered the premier legal system in the country, figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Justices Arthur F. Engoron and Juan Merchan have caused the system to be weaponized for political purposes. Trump will walk away from this trial and into the White House in less than two weeks, but the New York system will walk into infamy after this day. Those paying attention have recognized the case, based on a novel legal theorymade-up nonsense--was an abomination from the beginning, compounded by serial Merchan irregularities: The case has long been denounced by objective legal observers, including intense Trump critics, as a legal absurdity. Even CNNs senior legal analyst Elie Honig denounced the case as legally flawed and unprecedented while Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., simply called it total bst. It is a case based on a non-crime. Bragg took a long-dead misdemeanor and zapped it back into life with a novel and unfounded theory. By using federal violations that were never charged, let alone tried, Bragg turned a misdemeanor into dozens of felonies and essentially tried Trump for federal offenses. Merchan not only allowed those charges to be brought to trial but then added layers of reversible errors in the effort to bag Trump at any cost.

Among those errors was Merchans blatant familial conflict of interest. His daughter was handsomely compensated for raising millions for Kamala Harris and other Democrats in her presidential race against Trump! The federal crime essential to propping up the entire case was obviously some sort of campaign finance crime, but past federal officials admitted none were applicable in what was a common and lawful civil settlement, and none were ever mentioned in the trial or jury instructions. Even better, Bragg had no authority to prosecute, nor did Merchan have authority to try, any federal charge. Merchan bizarrely told the jury they could choose between multiple crimes and didnt have to render a unanimous verdict. Its hard to imagine more obvious violations of due process and a defendants rights than multiple choice, non-unanimous verdicts.

The Supreme Court, as was expected, turned down Trumps appeal because they virtually never accept any case until it has wended its way completely through the lower courts. Arguably, because Trumps case implicates several vital federal interests, they could have and the minority appear to have understood this. However, all that is necessary to grant cert is the concurrence of four justices, and this decision makes plain should the case make it to the Supreme Court, there will be sufficient votes to hear it.

Turley, who has been reliably forthright and honest in his denunciation of all the lawfare, and this case in particular, deserves the last word:

The verdict is in. The New York legal system has rendered it against itself.

On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
A Labour MP has backed calls for a national inquiry into grooming gangs, urging Sir Keir Starmer to use the full power of the state to deliver justice.

Dan Carden, who represents Liverpool Walton, is the first Labour MP to break ranks and call for an inquiry.

Speaking to his local paper, The Liverpool Echo, Mr Carden said: The public compassion for the victims, thousands of young British working-class girls and children is real. The public call for justice must be heeded.

It is shocking that people in positions of power could have covered up and refused to act to avoid confronting racial or cultural issues or because victims were poor and working class.

We must question and challenge the orthodoxy of progressive liberal multiculturalism that led to authorities failing to act. We need a new doctrine to take our multi-ethnic society into the future.

Insisting that the issue was not an obsession of the far-right, he said he was speaking out as over the decades there have been far too few Labour voices expressing clear disgust and outrage at these heinous crimes, their cover-up and the lack of action.

Pressure has mounted on the Prime Minister to launch an inquiry specifically into grooming gangs since billionaire Elon Musk posted a slew of attacks on him over the issue at the start of the year.

The Conservatives used an attempt to block the Governments Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill on Wednesday to force a vote on calls for a new inquiry, although Mr Carden did not record a vote.

Dan Carden has backed a national inquiry into grooming gangs (Richard Townshend/UK Parliament/PA)

But on Saturday, he said: Both Keir Starmer and (safeguarding minister) Jess Phillips have strong records in this area and yet the government has failed to take the high ground. It must communicate a clear message about whose side it is on and now direct the state to implement the rule of law without fear (or) favour and deliver justice.

The Prime Minister must use the full power of the state to deliver justice. It must continue to unflinchingly pursue the perpetrators and bring to account those in positions of authority who turned a blind eye, failed to act, or gave political cover to the gangs.

So far, Sir Keir has resisted calls for a new inquiry, saying the Government will focus on implementing the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse chaired by Professor Alexis Jay.

In addition to its main report, that inquiry published a 200-page supplemental report specifically on abuse by organised networks in February 2022.

Prof Jay has previously said that she would not be in favour of another inquiry, warning it would delay implementation of her recommendations.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said his party would launch its own inquiry if the Government failed to act (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Until Mr Carden spoke out, the only significant Labour figure to back calls for an inquiry was Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a move Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said had added to the immense pressure on the Prime Minister.

Speaking at his partys North-West regional conference on Saturday, Mr Farage reiterated his pledge that Reform would launch its own inquiry if the Government did not act by the end of January.

Describing the previous Independent Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse as a shotgun approach, he said a new inquiry needed to be a rifle shot dealing with gangs predominantly of Pakistani origin preying on young, in most cases working-class white girls.

His speech came a day after the director of the National Police Chiefs Councils Hydrant programme targeting sexual abuse said there was no significant issue with any particular ethnicity or setting.

Richard Fewkes said data released on Friday reflects what you would expect to see across the country and people involved in grooming gangs were predominantly white.

New figures from the police database show that, where ethnicity data was available, 85% of group-based child abusers were white in the first three quarters of 2024.

The same data for the whole of 2023 showed 83% of offenders were white.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Government would begin to implement Professor Alexis Jays call for mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, with further details expected to be set out in the coming weeks (James Manning/PA)

Previous inquiries into areas where grooming gangs operated have found they targeted children

Earlier on Saturday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting had warned that irresponsible and coarse public discourse on the issue could lead to violence against Muslims in general.

On Monday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Government would begin to implement Professor Alexis Jays call for mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, with further details expected to be set out in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, polling by More in Common suggested most people thought the Government had not done enough to tackle grooming gangs.

Some 60% of people told the pollster that the current Labour Government had not done enough, while 69% said the same about the previous Conservative administration.

More than half of the 2,011 people surveyed said they had no or not much confidence that the justice system took allegations of child sexual exploitation seriously, while 41% thought the activities of grooming gangs had been deliberately covered up.
Half the public think Elon Musk is having a negative impact on British politics following his slew of attacks on Sir Keir Starmer and other Labour figures.

The South African-born billionaire has spent much of the past week using his social media platform X, attacking the Prime Minister over his opposition to another national inquiry into grooming gangs.

In other posts he has expressed support for Reform UK, but called for its leader Nigel Farage to step aside, and asked his 212 million followers whether America should liberate the UK from its tyrannical government.

He has also been reported to be looking into ways to help remove the Prime Minister from office, and was previously said to be considering a large donation to Reform UK, something senior figures in the party have now dismissed.

But a poll published on Saturday suggested widespread opposition to Mr Musks involvement in British politics.

Mr Musk has taken aim at the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Some 53% of people told pollster Opinium they thought Mr Musk was having a negative impact on British politics, compared to just 12% who thought he was having a positive one.

On his comments about grooming gangs specifically, 47% said they thought Mr Musk was being unhelpful, compared to 26% who thought the opposite.

Reform UK voters were similarly unmoved by his claim that Mr Farage should stand down as party leader, with 71% saying the Clacton MP was the best leader they could have now.

Adam Drummond, head of political and social research at Opinium, said a lack of enthusiasm about a foreign billionaire involving himself in British politics was one area of agreement among the public.

Earlier this week, Mr Farage insisted he could repair relations with the Tesla chief executive and incoming adviser to US President-elect Donald Trump, but said Mr Musks support was not crucial and it was more important to maintain his long-standing opposition to jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

The split between Mr Farage and Mr Musk came after the billionaire expressed strong support for Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

Mr Musk suggested Nigel Farage was not the right person to be leading Reform UK (Jonathan Brady/PA)

The Opinium poll found that the public was split on the issue of holding another national inquiry into grooming gangs, with 36% backing such a probe.

Some 28% thought local councils should hold their own inquiries instead while the Government focused on implementing the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse that reported in 2022.

Mr Drummond said: If you ask voters should there be an inquiry into an important issue the answer will be yes.

An inquiry sounds like doing something about the problem and doesnt really consider opportunity costs. So its not surprising that the numbers are more nuanced when we put actual courses of action in front of people.

But there was also widespread disapproval for both main parties handling of the issue.

Approval of the Labour Governments handling of the issue was a net minus 17%, but approval of the previous Conservative governments approach was even lower at minus 27%. There was little support for the Tories current approach either, which scored a net approval rating of minus 11%.

The Opinium poll surveyed 2,050 UK adults online between January 8 and 10.
Yang Tengbo built ties with Prince Andrew through the Chinese arm of his Pitch@Palace initiative

The alleged Chinese spy who had a close business relationship with the Duke of York is still a director at six British companies, filings show.

Despite being banned from entering the country on national security grounds, Yang Tengbo has not yet been removed from the UKs corporate register.

That is despite mounting scrutiny from MPs, who have urged regulators to urgently review whether Mr Yang, 50, can still meet the requirements of being a fit and proper person.

Liam Byrne MP, chairman of the Business and Trade Committee, recently wrote to Companies House to question why the alleged spys directorships were still active.

However, in a response published last week, Companies House said it was unable to intervene.

It said: Whilst Mr Tengbo [Yang] has been refused entry into the UK, unless Mr Tengbo [Yang] is disqualified as a director, or appears on the UK sanctions list, we have no powers to act in relation to his appointments as a director.

Prince Andrew has said he ceased all contact with Yang Tengbo when concerns were first raised about him by the Government

This has fuelled confusion over which regulator can act on the issue, as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the regulator for financial services firms, also claimed last night that it was unable to strip Mr Yang of his directorships.

AN FCA spokesman instead claimed it was a matter for the Insolvency Service, a separate Government agency.

Mr Byrne said: If were to safeguard our country better from foreign threats then we have to make sure that Companies House is no longer a weak link in the defence against economic crime and malevolent influence.

He said it was now essential that the relevant regulator reviews this matter urgently to help understand whether Mr Yang can still be judged a fit and proper person to be a UK company director.

Mr Byrne added: [It is] surprising in many ways that while Mr Yang is denied leave to enter the country, he is still allowed to carry on with his duties as a director of companies listed at Companies House.

One of the companies that still lists Mr Yang as a director is Hampton Group International, a lobbying firm that has extensive links to China.

The businessman was thrust into the spotlight last month when he was named by the High Court as an alleged Chinese spy, raising concerns over his relationship with the Duke of York.

The Home Office excluded Mr Yang from the UK last year after MI5 deemed him to be an agent engaged in covert and deceptive activity on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Mr Yang, who was referred to as H6 before an anonymity order was overturned, built ties with the Duke through the Chinese arm of his Pitch@Palace initiative.

This led to Mr Yang being invited to the Dukes birthday party in 2020, with judges having described him as a close confidant of the Duke.

However, in a statement issued last month, Mr Yang said he had done nothing wrong or unlawful, claiming that the widespread description of him as a spy was entirely untrue.

The Duke has said he ceased all contact with Mr Yang when concerns were first raised about him by the Government.

As well as building a close relationship with the Duke, Mr Yang also met some of Britains most influential figures, including David Cameron and Theresa May, former prime ministers.

Mr Yang also kept pictures of the encounters on the desk of his London office.

The Chinese national, who began using the anglicised name of Chris Yang, was also a central figure in arranging the first UK-China Business Leaders Summit, where he was seen with George Osborne, the then chancellor.

Mr Yang said: I am in the process of resigning from all my UK directorships and am closing those companies that never traded, which were created for opportunities that did not materialise.

As an entrepreneur, it is entirely normal and commonplace to register multiple entities at Companies House in anticipation of future business opportunities.

All reporting was done correctly, with professional advice, and in compliance with UK company law.
Plans to fly the USAF Global Hawk drones from RAF Fairford will disrupt flights at Birmingham airport, its bosses have warned - Reuters

US military drone flights from an air base in Gloucestershire are set to cause chaos and delays for thousands of holidaymakers, aviation bosses fear.

Plans to fly the drones from RAF Fairford 2-3 times per week will disrupt thousands of passengers aboard flights to and from Birmingham airport, its bosses have warned.

Drones have to be segregated from all other flights because the uncrewed aircraft cannot detect and avoid them to prevent collisions.

Yet introducing the long-range RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance drones to the Gloucestershire base means severing a vital flight path used by airlines serving the West Midlands airport several times a week.

Now airport managers have written to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) warning that flights could be extended by hundreds of extra miles and delayed by up to 20 minutes while the Global Hawks are flying to and from Fairford.

Chris Cole, of anti-drone campaign group Drone Wars UK, said: There has been a significant push to open UK skies to large military and civil drones for some time, with advocates arguing that bureaucratic red tape is simply frustrating progress.

Yet in this significant test case, which saw large US military drones fly over the UK for the first time, the regulatory process was clearly insufficient as one of the key stakeholders with important responsibility for public safety was simply overlooked.

Public consultation documents published late last year show that Birmingham bosses found out about the US Air Force (USAF) drone flights just a few months before they were due to go ahead  even though aviation rules say they should have been notified as long ago as 2021.

Extra CO2 emissions

In letters seen by The Telegraph, senior airport managers then highlighted airline bosses concerns about blocking the airport flight path to the CAA.

Ryanair said that if the USAFs plans went ahead in full, more than 2,800 passengers could be delayed every week, affecting 15 flights and wasting almost nine tonnes of fuel  leading to 34 tonnes of extra CO2 emissions  while routing around the blocked flight path.

Jet2 flights from Portugal, Spain and the Canary Islands could face delays of more than 20 minutes while being forced to fly for an extra 145 miles because of the drones, the airline said. The extra distance would add costs of up to $1,100 per flight, raising fears of passengers being charged more to cover the increased costs of avoiding American drones.

The drones flying from RAF Fairford have to be segregated because they cannot detect and avoid other flights - David Goddard/Getty Images Europe

Fears of disruption came to pass last August when two Global Hawk test sorties resulted in 10 scheduled flights by Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet and TUI having to be re-routed on their way into Birmingham, a CAA public consultation document revealed.

The problems are arising because a new aerial danger area complex intended to keep the US military drones separate from airliners clashes with one of the existing approach routes to Birmingham, meaning it cannot be used for drones when commercial flights are passing through it and vice-versa.

The danger area complex  blocks of sky that can be closed to passing flights, similar to lane closures on a motorway  was set up to the south-west of Birmingham so the Fairford drones can climb safely away from their base.

Yet the complex, called D218, overlaps one of the permanent approach routes to the West Midlands airport which is known as FIGZI 1B. Airliners descending along FIGZI 1B to land at Birmingham enter part of D218.

American military presence

Senior US officers want Global Hawk drones based at RAF Fairford as part of the American military presence in Europe.

While nominally a British military airfield, RAF Fairford has been a US base since 1948. The USAF says it serves as the preferred bomber forward operating location in Europe for USAF Global Strike Command.

Fairford also hosts the annual Royal International Air Tattoo, a military airshow.

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: We continue discussions with the relevant parties and remain hopeful of a mutually acceptable solution.

A spokesperson for the MoD said: We are working closely with the relevant air traffic control services to ensure that the USAF can safely use the airspace around RAF Fairford to operate drones.

No final decisions have been taken and we are working to minimise any potential impact to other airspace users.

Ryanair did not comment beyond the public consultation documents. Jet2 did not respond to a request for comment.
Arron Banks at the Hay-Adams hotel n 2016 - Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg Finance

One of the architects of Brexit has been told he cannot enter the US to attend his own inauguration party, it has been reported.

Arron Banks, the British businessman who put millions of pounds behind a campaign for the UK to leave the European Union, was due to travel to Washington DC this week for the party before his entry was blocked.

He has branded the rejection of his electronic entry permit, or ESTA, a political decision made by President Joe Bidens administration.

The party, said to have cost 150,000 to organise, was due to go ahead without him in the US capital on Friday night as a celebration of Donald Trumps inauguration, set to take place the following Monday.

Three hundred guests have been invited, including president-elect Donald Trump, X boss Elon Musk and former prime minister Liz Truss.

The Hay-Adams hotel near the Whiter House - Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Members of the Trump family were also invited to the lavish event, booked for the roof of the Hay-Adams hotel near the White House.

The event was organised with Gerry Gunster, the president of Washington-based lobbying firm Gunster Strategies Worldwide.

Mr Banks, who has met Mr Trump and is close with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, in an interview with The Sunday Times, said: I am shocked that the US embassy have blocked our visa to the US. This is a political decision and revenge for the failed Russia Hoax [attempt to help elect Hillary Clinton and defeat Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election] perpetrated on both sides of the Atlantic.

Mr Banks business partner and fellow Brexit backer Andy Wigmore is also understood to have been denied entry to the country. They were due to fly out on Thursday.

Mr Banks said: With my visa blocked, I guess Andy and myself will have to cross the Rio Grande from Mexico into the US, along with the hundreds of thousands of gang members and bad hombres on the border, and claim our free hotel room and mobile phone in DC when we arrive.

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who was due to attend the party, has accused the Biden administration of blocking internationally known leaders of the Populist Nationalist Movement from gathering in the imperial capital.

A spokesperson for the US Embassy in London said: Visa records are confidential under US law. Therefore we cannot discuss the details of specific visa cases.

Mr Farage is due to attend the inauguration of president-elect Trump. Sir Keir Starmer was not invited to the event, but the UK will be represented by current ambassador Dame Karen Pierce.
Rule of law, equal citizenship cornerstones of Syria's future: FM

Xinhua) 10:29, January 11, 2025

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani (3rd R) shakes hands with Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (2nd R) during their meeting in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 10, 2025. Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani on Friday reaffirmed his government's commitment to guaranteeing freedom for all Syrians, stressing the rule of law and equal citizenship are cornerstones of the nation's future. He made the remarks during a joint press conference in Damascus with visiting Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. (Syria's interim Foreign Ministry/Handout via Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani on Friday reaffirmed his government's commitment to guaranteeing freedom for all Syrians, stressing the rule of law and equal citizenship are cornerstones of the nation's future.

He made the remarks during a joint press conference in Damascus with visiting Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

"We remain dedicated to principles and values that ensure freedom for every Syrian, regardless of sectarian, ethnic, or religious background, within the framework of law and citizenship," al-Shibani said, adding these principles and values form the foundation of Syria's unity and stability.

Al-Shibani also highlighted an upcoming national conference, which intends to bring together all segments of Syrian society.

"We aim to shape the next phase comprehensively, ensuring a smooth political transition that includes everyone and holds accountable those responsible for crimes against the Syrian people," he explained, without giving a timeframe for the much-awaited conference.

At the press conference, al-Shibani further announced that he would lead a high-level delegation on a tour of several European countries to boost cooperation in various sectors.

"I invite global delegations and companies to launch more initiatives and partnerships on Syrian soil," he added, stressing the new government's pursuit of international engagement.

For his part, Tajani stressed the need to lift the sanctions on Syria, saying those sanctions imposed on the former Syrian government should not persist.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani (3rd R) meets with Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (2nd R) in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 10, 2025. Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani on Friday reaffirmed his government's commitment to guaranteeing freedom for all Syrians, stressing the rule of law and equal citizenship are cornerstones of the nation's future. He made the remarks during a joint press conference in Damascus with visiting Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. (Syria's interim Foreign Ministry/Handout via Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
Joe Biden said Metas decision to walk away from factchecking and not countering discrimination was contrary to American justice. Photograph: REX/Shutterstock

Joe Biden has pushed back on Meta chief executive officer Mark Zuckerbergs decision to replace Facebook factchecking departments with company-moderated community notes, calling the decision a really shameful choice.

The whole idea of walking away from factchecking as well as not reporting anything having to do with discrimination regarding  I find it to be contrary to American justice, the outgoing president told reporters during a press call on Friday. Telling the truth matters.

Zuckerberg said last week that the decision to end the factchecking practice on Facebook, Instagram and Threads was made because Facebooks factchecking, brought in December 2016, had done more harm than good in terms of public trust.

The recent elections also feel like a cultural tipping point towards, once again, prioritizing speech, Zuckerberg said. So were going to get back to our roots and focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying our policies and restoring free expression on our platforms.

Related: Meta has heard the message from Trump, says whistleblower Frances Haugen

The dispute between the Meta CEO and Biden  who leaves office on 20 January as Donald Trump begins a second presidency  comes as Zuckerberg has, like most tech titans, signaled his willingness to do business with the incoming administration. For Zuckerberg, that includes contributing to Trumps record-setting second inauguration fund.

Zuckerberg claimed during an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience released on Friday that Biden administration officials had pressured Facebook to remove certain content from the social media platform. In a letter last year to Jim Jordan, the Republican chair of the US House judiciary committee, Zuckerberg said that the White House repeatedly pressured Facebook to remove certain Covid-19 content including humor and satire.

In his conversation with Rogan, Zuckerberg said: Basically, these people from the Biden administration would call up our team and, like, scream at them and curse. It just got to this point where we were like, No, were not gonna, were not gonna take down things that are true. Thats ridiculous.

Zuckerberg said he was not against vaccines per se. But he said that while the Biden administration was trying to push the Covid-19 vaccination program, they also tried to censor anyone who is basically arguing against it.

He said that Facebook had at times bended to the administrations bidding and made decisions that with the benefit of hindsight and new information, we wouldnt make today.

The tech giant informed workers on Friday that it was abandoning its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) team and rolling back related programs, citing the evolving legal and policy landscape in the US. The move echoed those by companies including Walmart and Ford that had also rolled back DEI programs.

After Zuckerberg made the call to for his company to abandon its formal factchecking service, the White House said the administration had encouraged responsible actions to protect public health and safety.

Our position has been clear and consistent: we believe tech companies and other private actors should take into account the effects their actions have on the American people, while making independent choices about the information they present, it added.

But the decision by Zuckerberg to place Metas social media factchecking in the hands of other users, in keeping with the practice on Elon Musks X platform, comes as information control  or lack thereof  and the spread of misinformation become paramount political issues.

Biden said during an interview with USA Today published on Wednesday that the biggest regret of his presidency was a failure to counter misinformation, including assertions by Trump.

During Bidens press call on Friday, likely to be the last of his lone term as president, he said Zuckerbergs decision to drop factchecking on Metas social media sites in favor of free speech while maintaining prohibitions on content that crossed into illegality was irresponsible.

I dont know what thats all about  its completely contrary to what America is about, Biden said. We want to tell the truth. The idea that a billionaire can buy something and say that they wont factcheck, and then you have millions of people reading it  I think its really shameful.
President Joe Biden meets Pope Francis at the G7 in Italy in June - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom and praised him as the Peoples Pope.

Mr Biden, who leaves office in just over a week, spoke with the Pope on Saturday and named him as a recipient of the USs highest civilian honour.

He had been due to meet the Pope this month on his final foreign trip as commander-in-chief but cancelled the visit after wildfires broke out in Los Angeles.

Although Mr Biden has recently announced a number of recipients of the award, including the former Democrat presidential contender Hillary Clinton, it marks the first time he has presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.

The White House, in a statement, praised the Popes work on poverty, world peace and religious tolerance.

President Biden with the Popes Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction - X

It said: For decades, he served the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina. As Pope Francis, his mission of serving the poor has never ceased.

A loving pastor, he joyfully answers childrens questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet

A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different faiths.

The first pope from the southern hemisphere, Pope Francis is unlike any who came before.

Above all, he is the Peoples Pope  a light of faith, hope and love that shines brightly across the world.

Mr Biden, the USs second Catholic president after John F Kennedy, has also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to a group that includes the actor Michael J Fox and fashion designer Ralph Lauren.

Robert F Kennedy, the former attorney general assassinated in 1968, and George Romney, the former Michigan governor, both received posthumous awards.
What Putin is doing is archaic and barbaric, Boris Johnson told a Baltic news website - Alexander Kazakov/AP

Boris Johnson has called Vladimir Putin a f------ idiot and told the Russian leader: No more empire.

The former prime minister made the comments as he declared that Ukraine and other Eastern European countries would never rejoin the Russian imperium.

He also warned that the West was in retreat and that Donald Trump would not do everything ... to help Ukraine unless Nato members started spending more on defence.

Mr Johnson told Delfi, a Baltic news website: What Putin is doing is archaic and barbaric, and he needs to understand that Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania  none of these countries are part of the Russian imperium anymore. And nor is Ukraine.

Its over  over, over, over.

No more empire, Vladimir, you f------ idiot, he said, adding: Excuse my language.

Former British PM Boris Johnson to Putin:



It's over, Vladimir, you f***ing idiot, the Russian Empire is gone. pic.twitter.com/wnHa7vMgv8  Clash Report (@clashreport) January 11, 2025

Elsewhere in the interview, Mr Johnson warned world leaders that they needed to renew efforts for Ukraine to join Nato to deter a future Russian invasion.

People have stopped talking about it. And I think thats a great, great loss, because the West is retreating again, he said.

We have to be much more decisive. We will not solve the Ukraine problem without Article 5 guarantees or long-term Nato membership.

The former prime minister hit out at Germany and other Nato members for demanding that Mr Trump send aid to Ukraine while failing to live up to their military spending commitments.

Until we get serious about that, I dont see how we can convince the Trump administration to do everything it can to help Ukraine, he said.

I dont see how Germany can just sit there and refuse to spend enough on defence, demand that Trump help Ukraine, and say they dont want to send frozen Russian 300 billion to Ukraine. Its absurd.

Mr Johnson, a strong supporter of Volodymyr Zelensky, said that Ukraine would never rejoin the Russian imperium - No10 Downing Street

Mr Johnson also complained that stupid objections by officials to arming Ukraine meant that British anti-tank missiles only arrived in the country about a month before the Russian invasion.

The problem was the British system itself  our officials in the Foreign Office and elsewhere who simply ... made the stupidest arguments, he said.

Im not saying they were stupid, but I think their objections were wrong.

Mr Johnson is credited with galvanising European support for Ukraine following the Russian invasion in February 2022.

He was the first Western leader to visit Kyiv following the outbreak of war, and returned to the Ukrainian capital twice more during his time in office.
The Palace of Westminsters renovation could cost billions and take decades - PA

Officials have spent more than 100 million of taxpayers money on the renovation of Parliament before works have begun.

New disclosures by parliamentary authorities reveal that 108.75 million has been spent since 2020 by two bodies overseeing the restoration of the Palace of Westminster, a project expected to take decades and cost over 20 billion.

The Restoration and Renewal or R&R programme is managed by the Delivery Authority, a group of officials tasked with undertaking the works, and the Client Board, which represents Parliament and is co-chaired by Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle and Lords Speaker Lord Fall.

Since 2020, the R&R Delivery Authority has spent 28 million on surveys of the Palace of Westminster. Around 60 million went on staffing costs for the two bodies.

The Palace covers 34 acres of land and comprises over a thousand rooms, 65 different floor levels and more than a hundred staircases.

The buildings share the same water, power, heating, and sewage systems. Parliamentary authorities have judged that many of these, which are more than 50 years old, have reached a state of disrepair.

The surveys so far have included drone surveys of the Palaces many spires and towers, along with borehole examinations of underground conditions.

Millions spent on deciding alternative location

Half a million pounds was paid out in severance fees for executives and an accounting manager when the Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body was dissolved and reconstituted as the Restoration and Renewal Client Team in 2023. This figure does not include employer pension and National Insurance contributions.

More than 700,000 was spent on recruitment fees for the Delivery Authority.

Officials have spent 12 million in their effort to determine whether the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre in Westminster is suitable as an alternative sitting place for the House of Lords.

In 2018, MPs voted the QEII, which is a few moments from the Palace of Westminster, as their preferred alternative location for the Lords.

But in March 2022 it was ruled out as a venue by the then Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove, who told parliamentarians that they should move out of London. Some suggested York as an alternative home for the Lords.

In 2024, the Conservative government backtracked and said that the QEII was once again the preferred home of the Lords during renovations.

The Delivery Authority is now understood to be designing plans for the QEIIs use as a temporary House of Lords.

Extensive roof repairs

Over a hundred other locations have been identified as potential alternative venues for the work of Parliament and will have their suitability assessed.

Richmond House, constructed in the 1980s, has been repeatedly suggested as a temporary home for the House of Commons.

The Government has not yet decided whether the Houses of Parliament will conduct a full decant, where all business moves off-site, or a rolling arrangement.

MPs are expected to be given a vote on the various decanting proposals at some point this year according to Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons.

A spokesperson for UK Parliament said: Work is already happening across the Parliamentary estate to ensure the safety of those working here and visiting, including refurbishment of historic office buildings, fire safety improvements, and extensive roof repairs. This includes detailed building surveys, planning, and design work for future restoration work.

We are on track to bring costed proposals for the restoration of the Palace of Westminster to both Houses for a decision by the end of the year detailing costs, timescales, risks and benefits of three delivery options, all of which represent a significant, multi-billion pound investment in the Palace.
Donald Trump has promised to ban DEI programmes from federal agencies and set his sights on universities - Evan Vucci/AP

It was 20 days after the American election result that the countrys biggest employer announced it would be scrapping its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Weve been on a journey and know we arent perfect was Walmarts response to years of promoting DEI. We are willing to change alongside our associates and customers who represent all of America.

It was a blunt rejection of corporate Americas whole-hearted embrace of these programmes. While diversity and inclusion are certainly worthwhile values to strive for in any company, they lost practically all their meaning along the way. The pursuit of diversity pushed out diversity of thought. Inclusion meant ugly box-ticking exercises. Rather than uniting workforces, they alienated employees from each other.

Plenty more change is on its way. As Mark Zuckerberg said this week, It feels like were in a new era now. Donald Trump has already pledged an ousting of DEI programmes from federal agencies. He has got his sights set on universities, too.

After the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action at the university level in June 2023, a rise of anti-DEI lawsuits followed suit. This all suits Trumps agenda, who has pledged to weed out what he deems Leftist indoctrination at the university level, which will include going after the DEI programmes still running.

Expect every level of government and every institution that receives taxpayer funds to start feeling the pressure. While the wildfires in Los Angeles still rage, the Maga movement is pointing the finger of blame at none other than DEI policy, with Elon Musk posting on X that the local county prioritised DEI over saving lives and homes and DEI means people DIE.

DEI means people DIE https://t.co/f86ZXam5oz  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 9, 2025

With the X founder set to co-run the Department for Government Efficiency  tasked with finding $2 trillion (1.6 trillion) of savings  there is little doubt that these initiatives are unlikely to survive in areas he has remit over. And while he will not control local budgets, it is clear he will have plenty to say about how politicians are spending the money.

It would be easy for Trump, Musk and the Maga gang to claim this radical shift is their doing. McDonalds is another major company to announce this week that it would be removing DEI rules for recruiting into top leadership positions. But plenty of Americas most recognisable companies were making the shift away from DEI long before Trump won big.

Meta, Google, John Deere, Home Depot, Boeing  these are just some of the companies that started scaling back their own DEI initiatives before Washington turned to red again. When reasons are provided for the shift away from these programmes (plenty of companies arent drawing attention to the decision as Walmart did), the broad consensus seems to be that de-prioritising talent was  surprise, surprise  bad for business.

Yes, it has been shown time and time again that more diversity produces better decision-making  and often higher profits. But that is when real diversity is being promoted. The same cannot be said when politics and blatant ideology is attached to the meanings of DEI  a reality these companies learnt the hard way, by implementing policies that werent inclusive but Left-wing. The results spoke for themselves.

Walmart, the largest US employer, has announced it will scrap DEI programmes - Dado Ruvic/Reuters

Might British business follow suit?

There are no signs of company-driven backlash as was so prominent in the United States last year. While there was speculation throughout 2024 that the corporate revolution in America might drift over to the UK, it seems  so far, anyway  that British attitudes remain broadly in favour of such programmes.

But not everyone is convinced. Then-trade secretary Kemi Badenochs damning report into DEI in March last year found such interventions to be counterproductive or even unlawful in some cases  and that despite British companies unsurprisingly desperate to engage in ethical hiring processes, these new, politicised versions of inclusion were often having the opposite effect.

The report was deemed controversial when it was published  and then quickly overshadowed by events. But the findings remain pertinent for the future of business in Britain, especially as American companies toss the politics out and get back to the basics of freely and fairly generating revenue.

Kemi Badenochs report last year describes DEI hiring practices as counterproductive or even unlawful - Eddie Mulholland

At the time, Pamela Dow, the operations chief of Civic Future, who chaired the panel looking into inclusion, pointed to LinkedIn data showing the UK employs almost twice as many EDI workers as any other country. Thats a serious uphill battle for any chief executive who is potentially considering a shift in direction.

A Labour Government with a substantial majority is likely to take the opposite strategy to Trump when it comes to Whitehall reform. But can British businesses really afford to wait? Companies are already preparing to be hamstrung by the incoming National Insurance hike for employers  a tax on jobs that is going to hinder the hiring process.

Looming changes to employment law are also going to make the hiring process harder, as a bigger and earlier commitment must be made to an employee to bring them onto the payroll.

With DEI ideology hanging over all this, chief executives may find that their hands are not only tied behind their backs but that there is no way of freeing themselves. Better to tackle immediately, then, what not so long ago was deeply frowned upon: the unequal treatment of employees in the workplace.

Kate Andrews is economics editor at The Spectator.
Candles are lit at York Minster to mark International Holocaust Day - Charlotte Graham for The Telegraph

An Iran-linked group funded by a registered charity is urging councils and universities to boycott Holocaust Memorial Day.

The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has written to 460 town halls and educational institutions calling on them to snub the official commemorations at the end of the month.

The group argues it is morally unacceptable that Gaza is not included as a genocide alongside the Holocaust.

This years Holocaust Memorial Day, on January 27, will mark 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.

Karen Pollock, the chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said the IHRCs call for a boycott of Holocaust Memorial Day was shocking and disgraceful.

This is a cynical attempt to denigrate and undermine the memory of the Holocaust by drawing false parallels between the Holocaust  a unique and unprecedented episode in history  and unrelated current events, she said.

Such demands, including calls to make the day more inclusive or to insert contemporary political agendas, not only insult the memory of the 6 million Jewish men, women, and children who were systematically murdered, but also undermine the fundamental purpose of Holocaust Memorial Day.

It is vital that commemorations maintain their focus on the Holocaust, that Jewish victims are properly honoured, and that the central role of anti-Semitism in this genocide is unequivocally recognised.

Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, posted this photo to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day on Instagram

The IHRC describes itself as a campaign, research and advocacy non-profit which struggles for justice for all peoples.

Set up in 1997, it has special consultative status with the economic and social council of the United Nations.

It was criticised in the 2023 independent review of the Prevent counter-terror strategy by Sir William Shawcross, who described it as an Islamist group ideologically aligned with the Iranian regime, that has a history of extremist links and terrorist sympathies.

The official report notes: Several senior figures within IHRC have espoused support for violent jihad, expressed sympathy for convicted terrorists, and advocated for the extraction and eradication of Zionists.

Campaigns have supported high-profile associates of a number of terrorist or extremist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Zionist financiers

Last summer, the IHRC claimed Zionist financiers abroad were to blame for enabling far-Right groups during the riots which spread across cities in the UK following the death of three young girls at a dance class in Southport. Axel Rudakubana, 18, is charged with their murders and will stand trial later this month.

Massoud Shadjareh, the chair of IHRC, took part in a vigil in 2020 for the late Qassim Soleimani, a senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who was credited with masterminding the spread of Iranian influence across the Middle East.

Mr Shadjareh said at the vigil: We hope and we pray and we work hard to make sure that there will be many many more Qassim Soleimanis. We aspire to become like him.

A memorial to Qassim Soleimani, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard commander killed by a US strike and praised as a role model by the chair of IHRC - Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS via Getty Images

The IHRC organises the annual Al Quds rally, at which many attendees have waved the Hezbollah flag in the past.

Saied Reza Ameli, who was a director at the IHRC from 2006 until 2022, is secretary of Irans Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution, a key figure in the Tehran regime.

The IHRC is a limited company, but receives a six-figure grant each year from the IHRC Trust, which is a charity. The two organisations are registered at the same address in Wembley.

Responding to the Governments official review of the Prevent strategy, a spokesman for the IHRC accused the reports author of being Islamophobic, adding that his animosity towards Muslims is overt and unhinged.

A spokesman said: No amount of rehashed false accusations and demonisation of our organisation will undermine our steadfast concern that Holocaust and genocide memorials, founded on the principle of never again, are being rendered meaningless when the genocide of our time, unfolding before our very eyes, is deliberately ignored.

A Charity Commission spokesman said that it has previously engaged with IHRC Trust and provided regulatory advice and guidance regarding its relationship with the non-charitable organisation Islamic Human Rights Commission.

They added: We have an ongoing case into the charity to assess compliance with this advice and guidance.

UPDATE: This article has been amended to include a response from the IHRC
Lawyers have written to David Lammy asking for the chairman of the Dubai Islamic Bank to be placed on a UK sanctions list effectively freezing his assets in Britain - Chris Ratcliffe/Shutterstock

The family of a British businessman jailed in Dubai has urged the Government to impose financial sanctions on one of the Gulf emirates most senior officials.

Lawyers acting for the family of Ryan Cornelius, who has been languishing in prison since 2008, have called on David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, to target Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani, director general of Dubais Rulers Court.

They have written to Mr Lammy asking for Shaibani, who is also chairman of the Dubai Islamic Bank, to be placed on a list of individuals under UK sanctions laws, effectively freezing his assets in Britain.

Mr Cornelius and Charles Ridley, his business partner, have spent more than 16 years in jail after being convicted of fraud involving a 372 million loan to his business from the Dubai Islamic Bank.

Mr Cornelius, 70, served his original 10-year sentence, but in 2018 was given another 20 years under retrospective application of a law designed to keep debtors in prison until they can discharge their debts.

The extended sentence means he will not be eligible for release until he is 84 years old.

Ryan Cornelius has spent more than 16 years in jail after being convicted of fraud involving a 372 million loan from the Dubai Islamic Bank - Belinda Jiao

The United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has ruled that Mr Cornelius is being held arbitrarily over the allegations of unpaid debts.

Lawyers for Mr Cornelius have now submitted a file to Mr Lammy recommending sanctions against Shaibani for his involvement in corruption and the abuse of human rights.

In their submission, Rhys Davies and Ben Keith, international criminal law and human rights barristers, stated: Mr Cornelius has been arbitrarily detained and mistreated. His fundamental human rights have been violated and his assets have been stolen.

He is the victim of state-sanctioned persecution of the most serious kind. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani is responsible for those rights violations.

Their submission to Mr Lammy added: The United Nations Working Group has examined this matter in detail and concluded that the ongoing detention of Mr Cornelius is arbitrary, falling within Categories I and III of their criteria for arbitrary detention.

In the circumstances, there can be no doubt that Mr Cornelius ongoing detention is both unlawful and that the person responsible for his detention, Mohammed Al-Shaibani, should be designated.

Lawyers for Ryan Cornelius have stated Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani is responsible for these rights violations - Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Europe

Heather, Mr Cornelius wife, maintains that her husband was arrested on what she described as a trumped-up charge at the request of the Dubai Islamic Bank.

A property development founded by Mr Cornelius, which Dubai Islamic Bank declared worthless after it was seized, is now being marketed as a luxury complex with an estimated value of billions.

Mr Cornelius plight was raised by Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Conservative leader, during a debate in the Commons last month.

During the debate, MPs criticised the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Offices (FCDO) handling of similar cases and called for a more effective use of sanctions.

Sir Iain called on the Government to impose targeted Magnitsky sanctions on Shaibani and a number of other individuals connected to Dubai Islamic Bank, who he has said were responsible for Mr Cornelius arbitrary detention and the seizure of his assets.

Sir Iain told MPs: Mr Cornelius should now be released immediately, or sanctions, I believe, should follow.

Magnitsky sanctions are named after Sergei Magnitsky, a tax lawyer who uncovered a multi-million fraud committed by tax officials in the Russian interior ministry. He died in a Russian prison in 2009 after suffering from extreme conditions.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith raised Ryan Cornelius case during a debate in the Commons last month - Anadolu

In their submission, Heather Cornelius lawyers state: Al-Shaibani, as chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank, has systematically engaged in both serious corruption and gross violations of fundamental human rights, as evidenced by the UN Working Groups findings.

The imposition of Magnitsky sanctions would demonstrate the United Kingdoms respect for UN findings and commitment to protecting its citizens while sending a clear message that such actions against British citizens will not be tolerated, particularly when they have been condemned by the United Nations.

Shaibani, who is considered one of the most influential officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a member of the Executive Council of Dubai and sits on the boards of several state-owned enterprises.

He denies that Mr Cornelius was held on his orders.

Ryan Cornelius was given 20 more years in prison under a law which keeps debtors in prison until they can discharge their debts

The UAE has always insisted Cornelius received a fair trial and had failed to repay money owed to the bank.

A UAE official stated: The UAE judicial system is independent and equitable.

In line with international standards, the UAE has stringent laws, regulations and procedures in place to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of detainees in its prisons.

All inmates receive medical care as required. UAE state-level officials, the public prosecution and diplomatic missions regularly visit correctional institutions, including the prison Mr Cornelius is held in, to verify and maintain the high standards of living conditions and treatment.
Doctors have accused their regulator of putting the career prospects of physician associates ahead of patient safety - Jose Carlos Cerdeno Martinez/Moment RF

The doctors watchdog tried to water down tough new rules that stop physician associates from treating patients on their own, The Telegraph can reveal.

It was announced last month that physician associates (PAs) would be banned from treating patients without a senior doctor supervising them in person after concerns about patient safety and avoidable deaths occurring.

However, while the new guidance was being put together, the General Medical Council (GMC) lobbied to make the proposals less restrictive over fears they would reduce the professions employability.

Documents seen by The Telegraph show the GMC fought against guidance intended to improve supervision of the workers and protect patients from further harm, saying it was too burdensome.

Doctors have accused the regulator of putting the career prospects of PAs ahead of patient safety as a result.

Prof Phil Banfield, chair of the British Medical Association, said the national guidelines for doctors were the basis of any solution to the dangers to patient safety raised by the way PAs are currently employed in the NHS.

It has been worrying to see the GMC, a patient safety regulator, resist all calls to publish its take on the Royal Colleges attempt to set these scopes. As it begins to regulate PAs, the public deserves to know what it thinks they can and cant do, he told The Telegraph.

After refusing to release these opinions for months it tried to do so quietly just before Christmas. It is now clear why it wanted to hide them. They have astonishingly tried to claim that national scopes of practice should not be burdensome and restrictive on PAs in case it might lead to employers thinking twice before hiring them.

Prof Phil Banfield has said the public deserves to know what it thinks [physician associates] can and cant do - BMA

He called on the regulator to explain why it was pressuring Royal Colleges to set laxer standards for PAs in order to make them easier to hire and said patient safety should be the only priority when defining what PAs can do, not their employment prospects.

Keeping patients safe is not burdensome  it is essential, he added.

The guidance by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), which was first revealed by The Telegraph, said PAs would be banned from treating patients alone and their work would be tightly supervised by a senior doctor.

The crackdown on the professions work remit came after reports of patients coming to harm or dying after seeing a PA, with medics criticising hospitals for allowing them to do the work of doctors despite having no medical degree.

While the RCP guidance is not legally binding, the GMC is expected to use it while the Government conducts a review of the PA and anaesthetic associate (AA) professions.

But now submissions from the GMC  which regulates doctors and last month started regulating PAs  reveal it argued for the restrictions to be watered down.

In response to the RCP guidance, the regulator criticised plans to limit PAs work as dissuading employers from employing PAs.

Burdensome and restrictive

In a letter seen by The Telegraph, the GMC said: We are also concerned that the guidance on PA supervision and scope of practice appear in places to be somewhat burdensome and restrictive, to the extent that, if adopted as drafted, it could have the effect of dissuading employers from employing PAs.

The regulator has also taken a similar stance against plans to limit the PA role in other medical specialties, including general practice and anaesthesia.

In response to the Royal College of GPs plans to prevent PAs seeing patients who have not first seen a doctor, the GMC gave the exact same response in relation to it being burdensome and dissuading GP practices from employing PAs.

For AAs, the Royal College of Anaesthetists has introduced similar limitations pending the outcome of a Government-commissioned review led by Prof Gillian Leng, president of the Royal Society of Medicine, which is due to be published in spring.

The GMC told the Royal College it was concerned that the contents of each table represent an insufficiently flexible approach to individual scope that could have the effect of inhibiting professional development for AAs and unnecessarily limit the contribution that suitably trained AAs could make to the NHS workforce.

Ultimately, these limits could have consequences for the viability of the profession, with impacts for employers as well as the very small number of course providers currently operating in the UK, it added.

There are currently about 3,700 PAs and AAs working across GP surgeries and NHS hospital trusts in England.

No medical degree

PAs and AAs do not require a medical degree and must only study a two-year postgraduate course.

Plans to expand their use across the NHS have caused controversy over the last 18 months with a series of patients coming to harm after being cared for by a PA.

Emily Chesterton, a 30-year-old actress, died after she was misdiagnosed twice by a PA as having an ankle sprain, when she actually had a blood clot that travelled from her leg to her lung. She thought she was seeing a GP.

Under new GMC guidance, any PA who allows a patient to believe they are being cared for by a doctor will face a fitness-to-practise hearing. If found guilty, they could face suspension or be struck off.

A spokesman for the GMC denied it had published its responses quietly and said it had done so as soon as the Royal Colleges published their scope documents.

Our regulation of these professions will strengthen patient safety by specifying the minimum knowledge, skills and capabilities PAs and AAs must have to begin practising in the UK. PAs and AAs will now need to demonstrate that they have met the standards we set by sitting and passing a two-part assessment of their clinical knowledge and skills before they can register with us. They can also be held to account if serious concerns are raised about their practice, they said.

Like other professional healthcare regulators, it is not appropriate for us to provide advice on how PAs and AAs might develop their skills and competencies over time.
The coffin of former far-Right National Front party leader Jean-Marie Le Pen at the church in Trinite-sur-Mer, western France - Mathieu Pattier/AP Photo

The private funeral of Jean-Marie Le Pen has taken place amid heightened security, after the polarising post-war French party leader died aged 96 on Tuesday.

Dozens of police were deployed to implement a ban against any demonstrations that could disturb services for Le Pen, whose death at a care facility in Garches sparked celebrations by those who opposed him.

Barriers were also erected at the cemetery where he was buried in the same vault as his late parents.

The funeral, in the strictest privacy with family, was held in his hometown of La Trinite-sur-Mer in the Morbihan region of Brittany in north-west France. A public ceremony is scheduled for Jan 16 in Paris.

Le Pens daughters, Marine Le Pen, the far-Right politician, and Marie-Caroline, one of her two sisters, walked from the family home to the church for the funeral.

French far-Right leader Marine Le Pen, right, and her sister Marie-Caroline Le Pen arrive for the funeral of their father - Sebastien Salom-Gomis/Getty Images

His granddaughter, Marion Marechal  also a prominent far-Right politician  and Jordan Bardella, the leader of the far-Right party that Le Pen founded, were not seen entering the church at the main entrance.

About 200 people were said to be inside the church for the funeral.

Weve come to pay tribute to a great man who had the courage to say things, one person told Agence France Presse. He was a visionary. He loved France and its people and they had values that are being lost, like love of the nation.

Not everyone felt the same, though, as some had taken to the streets of Paris and other cities to mark Le Pens passing, popping champagne in celebration and chanting: Happy New Year, Jean-Marie is dead.

Around 200 people were said to be inside the church for the funeral - AP Photo/Mathieu Pattier/AP Photo/Mathieu Pattier

The French government, however, denounced the joyous celebrations.

Nothing, absolutely nothing justifies dancing on a corpse, said Bruno Retailleau, Frances interior minister. The death of a man, even if he is a political opponent, should inspire only restraint and dignity. These scenes of jubilation are deeply disgraceful.

Francois Bayrou, French prime minister, described Le Pen as a fighter and Figure of French political life.

Emanuel Macron, the French president, did not make a personal comment. Instead, his office issued a statement saying that history would judge Le Pen, and that the president sent condolences to the family.

Jean-Marie Le Pen was a Holocaust denier and had been convicted for his inflammatory statements multiple times - PIERRE GUILLAUD/AFP

For years, the National Front party that Le Pen founded in 1972 sought to distance itself from its former leader, given his often inflammatory remarks that were openly racist and anti-Semitic.

They were so pointed that he was convicted multiple times, including for statements that downplayed the Holocaust. On multiple occasions, Le Pen described Hitlers gas chambers as a detail of history.

Le Pen was such a firebrand that his daughter, Marine Le Pen, who took over the party in 2011 and renamed it the National Rally, kicked him out as part of efforts to draw more mainstream support.

Many who opposed Le Pens views took to the streets of Paris and other cities to celebrate his death - Ameer Alhalbi/GETTY

The move drew so much ire that Le Pen at the time demanded his daughter stop using the name Le Pen, even launching legal proceedings to that effect, which ultimately failed.

Their personal relationship continued to be fraught but Ms Le Pen paid a personal tribute to her father shortly after his death, calling him a warrior on X, formerly Twitter.

Many people he loved are waiting for him up there. Many who love him mourn him here below, she wrote. Fair winds and following seas, Papa!
Residents wearing MAGA hats greeted Donald Trump Jr - DANIEL L JOHNSEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock

Just a few hours before Donald Trump said he would not rule out taking Greenland by force on Tuesday, Donald Trump Jr flew to the sparsely populated but strategically vital arctic nation.

His man on the ground - for what Don Jr described as a very long, personal day trip - was Jrgen Boassen, a stocky 50-year-old bricklayer and the biggest Trump fan on the island.

Mr Boassen had been hand-picked by team MAGA a few days prior to show the younger Trump around the country that his father says he hopes to annex.

The Greenlander has already been involved with Trumps inner circle. He was invited by MAGA supporters to help out with the US election campaign in November and rubbed shoulders with Nigel Farage at the Mar-a-Lago victory party.

The Reform UK leader told The Telegraph he was a great personality and that he thoroughly enjoyed meeting him.

At Nuuk International Airport on Tuesday, Mr Boassen rushed forward to greet Don Jr with a hug, before the incoming presidents son met a small but welcoming crowd of 1015 people, some of whom were wearing MAGA hats as a show of support.

Don Jr during his very long, personal day trip to Greenland - X

Charlie Kirk, a prominent Right-wing US influencer and one of Trump Jrs entourage, said they had found the Greenlanders wearing MAGA hats, but several academics spoken to by The Telegraph said they believed the caps had been handed out to locals in advance of Don Jrs arrival.

The elder Trumps threat of military action did not seem to worry Mr Boassen, who later told journalists: You know Trump, its best to take everything he says with a pinch of salt.

Trump always does tricks like this to make people overreact. Then he can see who is his friend and who is his enemy, he told Finnish broadcaster Yle.

Mr Boassen explained why some Greenlanders would welcome a closer relationship with the US, but stopped short of backing a takeover by Washington.

Proximity to Russia

He told Norwegian newspaper VG that the US was better able to defend Greenland against any aggression by Russia or China than Denmark, which has ruled the country since 1814.

East Greenland is very close to Russia, and if something happens to either Russia or China here, we only have Danish soldiers patrolling with dog sleds.

Russia has noticed this, and that Greenland is far away from Denmark. If Russia wants to provoke Denmark, we could be the victims of that.

Donald Trump has said that Greenland would benefit economically by becoming part of the US, a point that was noted by Mr Boassen.

He said: 75 per cent of Greenlanders live in some form of poverty, and by the end of the month they are always out of money.

Several academics said they believed the MAGA caps had been handed out to locals in advance of Don Jrs arrival - DANIEL L JOHNSEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock

Greenland has enormous natural resources, oil, natural gas and rare earths. Denmarks resources are not enough to exploit them. We need a good deal with the United States.

The CIA estimated in 2015 that 16.2 per cent of Greenlands population lived below the poverty line, although the agency did not say how the figure had been calculated.

Mr Boassens economic concerns were echoed by Karen Kielsen, a cleaning assistant, who told CNN: Everything is just getting more and more expensive here. Goods from Denmark are extremely expensive, so of course the USA seems more attractive.

Student Imaakka Boassen said: I dont completely trust the Danes. Maybe I would have more trust in Trump.

There are so many Danes in leading positions in Greenland, but when we live in Greenland, it should be Greenlanders who lead, he added.

Greenlandic and Danish politicians, as well as academics, have expressed opposition to Donald Trumps plan to take over the country, and some poured scorn on Greenlanders who may be sympathetic to the incoming US president.

Marginal weirdos

The only Greenlanders who support Mr Trump are marginal weirdos, one Danish researcher who has lived in Greenland for several years told The Telegraph.

Don Jr invited around 30 locals to lunch at the Hotel Hans Egede during his visit, where his father dialled in over speakerphone to tell those gathered that Greenland was a very special place. It needs security for itself, but also needs security, very much, for the world.

Mr Trumps remarks were met by at least one cheer from the crowd.

One Greenland-based academic told The Telegraph that those who attended the lunch were likely from the social underclass.

They said that they were not interested in politics and were the kind of people who when you invite them for lunch, they will come.

Mariekathrine Poppel, an emerita professor from the University of Greenland, said: The Greenlanders who are supporting Trump are very few. I suspect most people in the airport in Nuuk and at the hotel receiving the free meal were mostly curious.

Donald Trump Jr.s plane on his visit to Nuuk, Greenland - Emil Stach/Reuters

Ebbe Volquardsen, an associate professor of cultural history at the University of Greenland, said it was absolutely not the case that there was a fully-fledged MAGA movement in Greenland and that any support was limited to a few individuals.

Mette Frederiksen, Denmarks prime minister, said on Tuesday that Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, adding that the territory is not for sale.

However Mute Egede, Greenlands prime minister, said at the start of the year that he wanted Greenland to be independent from Denmark.

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, Mr Egede said in his new year speech.

Donald Trump has said he wants to take over Greenland because of its strategic location and because of its vast mineral resources, including rare-earth minerals.

He floated the idea of buying it during his first term in 2019, but Greenland and Denmark rejected the proposal.
Young men are more likely to live with their parents than young women, although researchers could offer no explanation for this. Photograph: Pikselstock/Alamy

The hotel of mum and dad is the busiest it has been for two decades as an increasing number of young adults in the UK choose  or are forced by low wages and rising rents  to live with their parents, research has found.

The prohibitive cost of renting, let alone buying, a home explains why more twenty- and thirtysomethings are co-residing with family at an age when their parents would have been living independently, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said.

An estimated 1.7 million adults in the UK aged 24-34 are living with parents, almost 20% of the total cohort and an increase of 450,000 since 2006, when 13% of this age group lived at home. The trend is most acute in London and other areas where housing costs are high.

The cohort of young adults who return to the family home to live after university, relationship breakups, or other life shocks has been dubbed the boomerang generation.

Previous studies suggested the phenomenon of co-residence over the first 10 years of adulthood was likely to be permanent, and could require a recalibration of expectations and life plans for parents and offspring.

The IFS said the benefits of staying at home were not evenly distributed. Of parents who live with their young adult children, nearly two-thirds own their own home, while 25% are in social housing.

Young adults living in London might expect their stay in the parental home to save them about 1,000 a month on rent, compared with the national average of 560 a month, and 340 for young adults in Wales.

As well as the financial advantages of paying little or no rent, the possibility of co-residence may offer more benefits to those living near areas with more job opportunities and good public transport  again, cities like London.

Bee Boileau, a research economist at the IFS and co-author of the report, said: We should not ignore the inequalities that arise [from the hotel of mum and dad].

Although the difficulty of paying rent was the main driver for co-residence, researchers said the post-Covid surge in the number of young adults with mental and other health issues accounted for some of the increase.

The decline in marriage and parenthood among 24- to 34-year-olds may also play a minor part in the rise in co-residence  although researchers pointed out that this arrangement may itself delay people having babies or tying the knot.

The boomeranger trend is not confined to the UK. The IFS said similar increases had been identified in the US, Australia and Canada. UK rates were higher than those in Nordic countries and significantly lower than in southern European countries.

Cultural norms about living with parents into adulthood also explained some big differences in co-residence in the UK, for example in Bangladeshi communities 62% of 24- to 34-year-olds live at home.

Young adults frustrated with the hotel of mum and dad  and parents who may wonder when their children will check out  may be comforted by data which shows that while 43% of 25-year-olds live at home, this falls to 9% for 34-year-olds.

Young men are more likely to live with their parents: 12% compared with 5% of women at the age of 34. Researchers could offer no explanation for this, although the gender differences also existed in other high-income countries.
Shaun Davies

A serving Labour MP initially rejected calls for an inquiry into grooming gangs that later found more than 1,000 children had been abused while authorities turned a blind eye.

Shaun Davies, who now represents Telford in the Commons, was leader of Telford and Wrekin council when he wrote to the home secretary and prime minister in 2016 rejecting a call for an inquiry into child sexual abuse in the town.

The letter, seen by The Telegraph, was signed by Mr Davies and nine other local authority figures.

In it, they wrote: We do not feel at this time that a further inquiry is necessary.

A local inquiry was established in Telford three years later after the council changed its position following a journalists investigation.

Shaun Davies, the Labour MP for Telford

The local inquiry by Tom Crowther KC, now hailed as the gold standard by government ministers, found that thousands of girls had been sexually abused in Telford for generations while local authorities ignored obvious evidence of the crimes.

Mr Davies was elected as the Labour MP for Telford in July and stepped down as leader of the council.

The letter, dated Sept 22 2016, was sent to Amber Rudd, then home secretary, and a copy was sent to Theresa May, prime minister at the time.

It came after Mrs May opened the door to a local inquiry during a session of Prime Ministers Questions. She was responding to a request by Lucy Allan, the Conservative MP for Telford at the time, for an inquiry into abuse in the town.

The letter was signed by Mr Davies as council leader, along with other Telford councillors, the local police and crime commissioner, the director of children and adult services and the chair of the local Safeguarding Children Board.

The signatories said: We have had three inquiries into this issue in 2016 and understand that the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse chaired by Professor Alexis Jay OBE will assess the extent to which we have learned lessons.

The three inquiries cited included two Ofsted inspections of the local childrens services provision and the Safeguarding Children Board, along with an independent all-party scrutiny review of the councils approach to child sexual exploitation.

The final report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), or Jay Inquiry, did not mention Telford when it was published in 2022, despite an initial belief that the town would be included.

Ms Allan described the arguments in the letter as weak, bureaucratic excuses.

The signatories wrote: We are not sticking our heads in the sand or sweeping it under the carpet. We feel that good progress has been made in tackling this issue in Telford in recent years.

Telford and Wrekin Council remained opposed to a local inquiry until 2018, when an investigation by the Sunday Mirror triggered an about-turn.

At an Extraordinary General Meeting in April 2018, councillors agreed to green-light a local inquiry. Mr Davies, still council leader at the time, said he supported the move but it would not have enough power to change laws or bring people to justice.

After the Crowther inquiry reported back in 2022, Mr Davies apologised to victims on behalf of the council. He described the report as harrowing and said: I had no sense of the scale over the three or four decades that the reports covered.

Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, has held up the Telford inquiry as an example of why leaving inquiries to local authorities is more effective than a government-led national probe.

She said: The difference I saw in Telford compared with what Ive seen from the national inquiry into child sexual abuse is things changed way quicker and so when, like, having a Home Office-led inquiry into Oldham. That is not what I have seen work. I have seen work the alternatives and so I will base my decisions on evidence not on very rich men in America.

Last week, GB News revealed that Ms Phillips had rejected a request from Oldham Council for a Home Office-led inquiry into grooming gangs.

The decision sparked a national conversation about the scandal, which stretches back decades.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has refused to back a national inquiry, claiming that it would not deliver justice for victims.

A spokesperson for Shaun Davies MP said: To suggest Shaun Davies attempted to obstruct a local inquiry would be completely incorrect. The previous Conservative government rejected requests from Telford & Wrekin Council for a nationally led inquiry, which Shaun had been pushing for at the time. Following these rejections, the council commissioned a locally led independent probe.

After acting on the findings from this inquiry, the progress of the councils work under Shaun Daviess leadership was found to be positive without exception and a model for safeguarding victims last year. This work has earned praise from survivors and a Conservative government minister.

The Labour Government is bringing forward the biggest child protection reforms in a generation and is taking forward recommendations from independent inquiries, including making it an offence with professional and criminal sanctions for covering up or failing to report child sexual abuse.

Since being elected to Parliament, Shaun has raised the scourge of child sexual abuse and the implementation of national recommendations on multiple occasions. He will continue to campaign on this important issue, to ensure justice for the victims and protect people from abuse in future.
Rachel Reeves has said the UK must engage confidently with China, as she arrived in Beijing amid market turbulence at home.

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats had demanded the chancellor call off her China trip after the value of the pound plummeted to its lowest level in a year. But ministers argue that improved relations with the worlds second-largest economy will help boost growth, and that under the Conservatives the UK lagged behind the US and EU when it came to high-level engagement with Beijing.

The chancellor described the visit as a significant milestone in Britains relationship with China.

When asked by reporters in Beijing if closer ties to China carried any risk for the UK, Reeves said: We need to make sure we have a pragmatic and good relationship with countries around the world. That is in our national interest.

Its what our allies around the world do and its what I will be pursuing as chancellor: always acting in the national interest while looking to help British businesses export overseas.

Writing in the Times, Reeves said: We cannot ignore the fact that China is the second-largest economy worldwide and our fourth-largest trading partner, with exports supporting close to half a million jobs in the UK.

Choosing not to engage with China is therefore no choice at all.

Related: Chinese AI chip firms blacklisted over weapons concerns gained access to UK technology

Labour MPs have urged Reeves to demand the release of the pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai during her visit to China, which is the first by a UK chancellor in nearly a decade.

Nine Labour MPs have joined a cross-party call for Reeves to raise the detention of political prisoners in Hong Kong and ask for Lais immediate and unconditional release during her two-day visit. A government official said Reeves intended to raise Lais case. The Treasury said the chancellor would express concerns about Hong Kong  whose police have issued warrants for pro-democracy activists living in the UK  and Chinas support for Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking on Saturday during a visit to Beijings flagship store of UK bicycle maker Brompton, Reeves focused on the economic importance of the visit, and vowed to stand firmly behind her October budget, insisting the fiscal rules laid out in the papers were non-negotiable.

The chancellor refused to be drawn into a discussion on recent turbulence in the global financial markets, telling reporters she would not alter her economic plans, with the budget designed to return the UK to economic stability.

Growth is the number one mission of this government, Reeves said. The fiscal rules laid out in the budget are non-negotiable. Economic stability is the bedrock for economic growth and prosperity.

Reeves met the vice-premier, He Lifeng. She was accompanied by the Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey; the FCA chief, Nikhil Rathi; and executives from major banks. The delegation was scheduled to hold an economic and financial dialogue with China for the first time since 2019.

Speaking at a meeting with He Lifeng, she said: I believe that increasing trade and investment with an economically important partner like China is crucial for achieving my number one mission in government  economic growth.

Improving market access is essential for enhancing our bilateral trade, reducing barriers to trade and creating a level playing field for businesses will benefit not only our economies but also consumers and citizens in our countries.

Though this weekends trip is focused on financial services, one area where ministers see potential is green tech. The government has held early-stage talks with at least two Chinese electric car manufacturers about investment in the UK, the Guardian has been told. Unlike the US and EU, the UK has not put tariffs on Chinese electric cars.

A senior business source said Labour had acknowledged the UK economy was critically dependent on international trade and investment flows and needed to be talking sensibly in a grownup, well-informed way to the Chinese as major players in that global economy. They said: Reeves is going to be an important building block in rebuilding the normal relationship that other western powers have with China.

But Charles Parton, a former diplomat who spent more than two decades in China and Hong Kong, said ministers were overestimating the economic ramifications of the UKs political relationship with Beijing. He said: 2022 and 2023 were record years for exports to China, and those are the years where Labour says the Conservatives messed up the China policy by being too hostile.

Critics also say the government is compromising on human rights and security concerns for the sake of improving relations. Labour has already backtracked on its pledge to declare Chinas treatment of Uyghur Muslims in the north-western province of Xinjiang as genocide, and now says it is a matter for international courts.

The issue is likely to gain fresh attention as the Chinese fast-fashion retailer Shein prepares to list on the London Stock Exchange this year  a move Labour said it would welcome. In a tense hearing with the business select committee this week, Sheins general counsel in Europe could not say whether any of its manufacturers were based in Xinjiang or used Xinjiang cotton.

Lai, a British citizen who founded the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, is accused of conspiracy to commit foreign collusion in Hong Kongs most high-profile national security trial. He has been in jail since December 2020 and turned 77 in solitary confinement last month. Keir Starmer raised concerns about Lais health when he met Xi Jinping in November.

A letter coordinated by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (Ipac) said Lais trial was emblematic of the destruction of Hong Kongs freedoms and the impunity with which Beijing believes it can now behave.

Related:I was so naive: 10 years after Umbrella protests, Hongkongers remember Chinas crackdown

Signatories included the newly elected Labour MPs Alex Barros-Curtis, who is Labours former executive director of legal affairs, Blair McDougall, Phil Brickell, Connor Rand and James Naish. Several of these MPs have joined Ipac, which campaigns for a tougher stance towards Beijing.

The government is carrying out a cross-Whitehall audit of its China policy, the publication of which has been pushed back to the spring. Ministers face two crunch decisions that will have important ramifications for China relations this year. The first is whether to approve the construction of a huge Chinese embassy building in Tower Hamlets. The second is whether to designate China a security threat on a par with Russia and North Korea in the forthcoming foreign influence registration scheme (Firs).

MI5 and Home Office officials are said to believe it is vital that China is designated an enhanced risk in the Firs, but businesses have said this would have a chilling effect on trade and economic exchanges.

With PA Media
Attorney and former Mahoning County Democratic party chair Dave Betras in his Canfield, Ohio, office on 2 January. Photograph: Justin Merriman/the Observer

The last time Donald Trump was president, he travelled to Youngstown, Ohio, among the most depressed of Americas rust belt cities, and promised voters the impossible.

The high-paying steel, railroad and car industry jobs that once made Youngstown a hard-living, hard-drinking blue-collar boom town were coming back, he said. Dont move. Dont sell your house, he crowed to a rapturous crowd in 2017. Were going to fill up those factories  or rip em down and build brand new ones.

None of that happened. Indeed, within 18 months, General Motors (GM) announced that it was suspending operations at its one remaining manufacturing plant outside Youngstown, throwing 5,000 jobs into jeopardy in a community with little else to cling to. Trumps reaction was to say the closure didnt matter, because the jobs would be replaced in, like, two minutes.

That, too, did not happen. People moved away, marriages broke down, depression soared and, locals say, a handful of people took their own lives.

Ordinarily, politicians who promise the moon and fail to deliver get punished at the ballot box. But that did not happen to Trump either. Instead, he has steadily built up his popularity in Youngstown, a city that was once a well-oiled Democratic party machine but has now turned into one of his most remarkable bases of working-class support.

Does [Trump] understand at all what youre going through? Joe Biden asked Ohio voters during the 2020 presidential campaign, referring directly to the GM closure. Does he see you where you are and where you want to be? Does he care?

To which the answer, in Youngstown, has been an astonishing and vigorous yes.

Trump might have lost to Biden overall that year, but he became the first Republican presidential candidate in almost half a century to win in Youngstown and surrounding Mahoning County. This past November, he extended his margin there to a decisive 13 points, giving so much cover to local Republican party candidates that they won a majority of county-wide offices for the first time in 90 years.

Anyone seeking to understand the earthquake that has shaken US politics  to the point where a convicted felon, serial liar and twice-impeached former president can return to the White House in triumph, as Trump will do on 20 January  might learn a lot from the disillusioned working-class voters of north-east Ohio.

They tell blunt, profanity-laden stories of watching their city slump ever deeper into decline and express a real bleakness about the future. They see a political class corrupted by big-money donors who, they say, dont care about communities like theirs. White voters point to conversations about justice  for racial minorities, for the children of immigrants, for women worried about losing their reproductive rights, for transgender teenagers  and question why nobody ever talks about justice for them.

Few expect Trump to fix everything or believe him when he says he will. What they do believe is that the system is broken and corrupt, just as Trump says it is, and that a candidate who promises to tear it down and start again might just be on to something.

We just want a change, a change in the weather, a retired aluminium worker wanting to go just by his first name, Paul, said as he sat with a group of friends in a cigarette shop in Struthers, a down-at-heel overwhelmingly white Youngstown suburb once known for its thick clusters of bars, pizza parlours, strip clubs and illegal gambling joints.

Paul and his friends come to the shop most days not to smoke  smoking is not allowed  but to scratch away at lottery tickets and reminisce about the old days, when a single factory salary could support a whole family and the main drag in Struthers was packed every Friday night with working men flush with their weekly pay packet.

Back then, a local mafia ran the gambling rackets, which were secreted away in the back rooms of laundries or in private clubs posing as something innocuous like a knitting circle.

Now that same drag, the Youngstown-Poland Road, is reduced to a handful of pawn shops, dollar stores and auto repair shops in half-deserted mini-malls. The high-paying factory jobs started disappearing in the late 1970s with the closure of Youngstown Sheet & Tube, based in Struthers, and the bars and other businesses followed soon after. The mob was broken up in the late 1990s, ceding its turf to small-time street gangs who now run the drug rackets and make the locals a lot more nervous.

We feel left behind, said another cigarette shop patron, a former railroad worker who wanted to be known just as Joe. People whove lived here all their lives are working two or three jobs just to pay their bills.

Insecurity is woven into the fabric of Youngstown now. Part of the reason Paul, Joe and their friends come to the cigarette shop each morning is to make a show of strength in the front room and deter would-be burglars. Theres a corner gang on every street, the owner of Cigarettes 4 Less, Brian Acierno, said. Theres no organisation. People get shot and killed wherever.

When Youngstown first sank into decline in the 1980s, voters turned to a populist congressman named Jim Traficant, a Democrat who had a Trump-like disregard for the ordinary rules of political decorum and was widely adored because he would stand up for his constituents in Washington and yell at his colleagues to stop ignoring them.

Traficant was also a crook, with longstanding ties to the Youngstown mob and a pattern of taking bribes and falsifying his taxes that eventually sent him to prison for seven years  but most of his working-class voters didnt care. In their view, politics was corrupt and government authority fundamentally untrustworthy, but he at least was on their side. We got the best politicians money can buy, Joe the former railroad worker joked.

Now they see the same virtues  and the same flaws  in Trump. As Acierno explained: The Democrats and the Republicans are all a den of crooks. Only one side lies about being crooks, and one doesnt. If youre going to be a crook, Id rather know it than be lied to.

Trump, in other words, comes across as someone who doesnt pretend to be anything other than what he is, and that perceived authenticity counts for more with many Youngstown voters than his character flaws or even his policy positions. Theyd rather have his gut instincts, ugly as they often are, over the carefully scripted messaging of a Democrat like Kamala Harris or even a mainstream Republican.

Tex Fischer, a Republican state representative who cut his teeth working on Mitt Romneys doomed 2012 presidential campaign, said Trump had done the party a huge favour by ripping the old order apart because it chimed with voters anti-establishment instincts and gave them real hope for the change they thirst for.

When Romney came to Youngstown, Fischer recalled, he wore blue jeans and rolled up his sleeves, and nobody bought it. Trump doesnt pretend  here he comes in his suit and tie and gold jewellery, and people respect that.

Local Democrats dont necessarily disagree. American voters have a unique ability to smell bullshit, and they smell bullshit with the Democrats, said Dave Betras, a former Democratic party county chair who believes his partys brand has to be rebuilt from the ground up.

Betras said Trumps success was a symptom of the Democrats failure to address the catastrophic impact of international trade agreements on manufacturing jobs in the US  a failure he pins on Bill Clinton and Barack Obama  and its further failure, under Obama, to take any meaningful action against Wall Street or the big banks after the housing collapse of 2007-08.

Most Americans think the system is rigged. And Trump shuffled the deck on us, Betras said. Not only does Trump say this thing is rigged, but he says: I know, because I rigged it. I was part of the rigging.

Not only does Trump say this thing is rigged, but he says I know because I rigged it Dave Betras, former Democratic party chair

Trump, in other words, has exposed the Democrats as hollow and ineffectual as much as he has proposed any viable alternative. Few issues illustrate that better than a catastrophic 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, 15 miles south of Youngstown, that filled the air and local creeks with a toxic brew of burning chemicals that have severely compromised local residents health.

President Biden did not visit for a year, whereas Trump showed up the same month and distributed Trump-branded water off a truck. His future vice-presidential pick, Ohio senator JD Vance, wrote letters to the White House to demand a more vigorous response. That was enough to sway local residents like Jami Wallace, a lifelong Democrat who now campaigns full-time to publicise the impact of the disaster.

[The Biden administration] abandoned us for money, she said after listing the physical symptoms she has suffered: hypothyroidism, asthma and a periodontal disease that has cost her three teeth. Thats what people need to stand up and realise. Its what they do to communities they think wont stand up for themselves.

Wallace agreed that distributing water was not much of a response either, but it earned Trump her vote all the same. It was more than we got from the Biden administration, she said. We never got one bottle of water from them.

In contrast to other parts of the country, where political disagreements over Trump have ended lifelong friendships and split families apart, Youngstown is remarkable for the consensus between people of opposing views about the underlying problems and the frustrations that stem from them. They disagree only on the remedy.

Some Trump supporters are actually alarmed by parts of his platform  one cigarette shop patron said he was worried the future administration might make his kidney dialysis unaffordable  but their anger at the Democrats outweighs those concerns.

Some anti-Trump voters, conversely, agree that the Democrats have abandoned the working class but believe that backing Trump is the worst possible answer. I never liked Trump even when he was only a builder in New York  because he stiffed union workers and he generally seemed like a douche bag, said Tim OHara, a former president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union at Lordstown. One thing I wasnt then and Im not now is a racist, misogynistic, uninformed dipshit who enjoys supporting a rapist, felon, traitor  These people have no clue yet what theyve done, but they will find out.

Then there is a third group of voters who loathed both presidential candidates and wished theyd had some other choice. We were screwed either way, said Sonja Woods, one of the GM workers forced out in 2018 who is also an official with the UAW. Weve been lied to, let down. Its disappointing.

Woods personal story expresses much of the heartache and frustration felt across the community. After the closure of GMs Lordstown plant  presented not as a closure at first, but as something more temporary  she was forced to commute to a GM job in Kentucky. Between the cost of renting an apartment and driving back and forth, she lost money over the next six years and had to rely on her husbands salary to make ends meet. When she returned to Youngstown to work for a car battery company called Ultium, a new joint venture between GM and a South Korean firm, she was devastated to see that the old Lordstown plant, once a symbol of US industry, now belonged to Foxconn, a company based in Taiwan. The job losses had gutted the community, including a number of schools and businesses that had closed down in her absence.

It was desolate, eerie, she said.

Woods, like many in Youngstown, sympathises with Trumps zero-sum view of the world  that if one group is benefiting, it is usually at the expense of another. Seeing Afghan refugees move into government-subsidised housing when she had to finance her move to Kentucky infuriated her. Reading about Bidens plans to forgive student debt when she paid off her daughters student loans in full struck her as deeply unfair.

She was unwilling to give the Biden administration much credit for spurring clean-energy businesses like her current employer, and she was too angry at GM to place much, if any, blame on Trump for allowing the old plant to close. What she saw, rather, was a general indifference from the political class, especially now that Ohio is no longer regarded as a swing state. Nobody showed up in Youngstown this time, not Trump or Kamala, she observed. There are a lot of bitter people, and Im one of them.

Related: Youngstown, Ohio: why voters are supporting Trump in a bellwether city

Conversation at the Struthers cigarette shop reflected many of these complex, contradictory feelings. The retired blue-collar workers offered hints of the misogyny OHara mentioned  they said they didnt like Harriss Hollywood girlboss energy  and clearly responded to the Trump campaigns aggressive but unsubstantiated charge that the Democrats were more interested in subsidising gender reassignment surgery than in helping working people.

None, though, were Trump ideologues. They spoke with contempt of two Maga true believers who came into the cigarette shop and started swinging fists at anyone who disagreed with them. Their worries were about the cost of living and taking care of friends theyve loved for decades and what it means to be working class in an era that has either outsourced or mechanised the work they used to do.

They are waiting for us older white guys to just die and get out of the way, Paul the retired aluminium worker said. He did not say it forlornly, though. He and his friends are tough people, and nobody in Youngstown is going down without a fight.

 This article was amended on 11 January 2025. Foxconn is a Taiwanese company, not a Chinese company as an earlier version said.
Elon Musk has criticised Keir Starmer over the grooming gang inquiry issue and Nigel Farages leadership of Reform. Photograph: Allison Robbert/Reuters

More than half of voters think Elon Musk is having a negative effect on British politics following his criticism of Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage, according to the latest Opinium poll for the Observer.

The South African-born billionaire has spent much of the past week using his social media platform X to attack Starmer and the Labour government for their opposition to another national inquiry into grooming gangs. He accused Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, of being a rape genocide apologist and falsely claimed Starmer was deeply complicit in the mass rapes in exchange for votes. Despite strong suggestions that Musk is preparing to make a large donation to Reform UK, he also recently tore into Nigel Farage, saying he was not up to the job of leading the party.

In one post on X Musk asked his 212 million followers whether America should liberate the UK from its tyrannical government under Starmer.

Last week the Financial Times reported that he had been discussing with allies ways to remove Keir Starmer from Downing Street.

But when Opinium asked for views on Musk, it found that 53% of voters believed Musk was having a negative impact on British politics, compared to just 12% who thought he was having a positive one. On his comments about grooming gangs specifically, 47% said they thought Musk was being unhelpful, compared to 26% who thought the opposite.

Reform UK supporters were unimpressed by his claim that Farage should stand down as party leader, with 71% saying the Clacton MP was the best leader they could have now.

Adam Drummond, head of political and social research at Opinium, said a lack of enthusiasm about a foreign billionaire involving himself in British politics was one area of agreement among the public. Farage has said that he disagrees with Musk over his support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson and that he has spoken to Musk since his comments about him not being up to the job. Farage says he does not believe that any lasting damage has been done to their relationship.

Opinium found that the public was split on the issue of holding another national inquiry into grooming gangs, with 36% backing the idea. A total of 28% thought local councils should hold their own inquiries while the government focused on implementing the recommendations of the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse that reported in 2022.

Drummond said: If you ask voters Should there be an inquiry into an important issue the answer will be yes. It sounds like doing something about the problem and doesnt really consider opportunity costs. So its not surprising that the numbers are more nuanced when we put actual courses of action in front of people.

Approval of the Labour governments handling of the issue was a net minus 17%, but approval of the previous Conservative governments approach was even lower at minus 27%. There was little support for the Tories current approach either, which scored a net approval rating of minus 11%.

Opinium surveyed 2,050 UK adults online between 8 and 10 January.
Infrared imaging shows the number of burning buildings in the Altadena region of LA on Wednesday - Maxar Technologies

A deadly combination of hot winds and a lack of rain created the conditions for wildfires to rip through Los Angeles this week.

The first blaze started in the Pacific Palisades area  home to countless Hollywood A-listers  on Tuesday morning, initially burning an area of around 1,200 acres.

Fast-forward four days and the blaze was consuming 19,000 acres of land and was just 6 per cent contained. Several other major wildfires had also popped up across the city.

Heres how the wildfires started and turned into the most destructive ever experienced in LA.

Tuesday, 7

On Tuesday morning a small bush fire started up on the ridgeline of the Santa Monica Mountains, which border the Palisades on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.

Within minutes the fire had rapidly progressed to another ridgeline, with large flames and plumes visible from the nearby residential neighbourhoods.

Residents started to panic.

Self-ordered evacuations rapidly began  even before Californias fire department had put out a statement  with hundreds of residents fleeing in cars causing traffic chaos on Sunset Boulevard.

A man pushes his mother in a shopping trolley as they evacuate from their home in the Pacific Palisades - Richard Vogel/AP

A fire helicopter drops water onto the flames below engulfing homes - CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Within hours the fire had spread  dramatically. Some 1,200 acres were burning by the evening and 16,000 by the morning. To put this into perspective, this is around the same size as the city of Wolverhampton.

The problem  for firefighters already facing the prospect of waterless fire hydrants  was that another fire had broken out just hours later.

The fire in Pasadena, known as the Eaton fire, popped up at around 6pm on Tuesday and rapidly tore through hundreds of acres in north Los Angeles, around 30 miles from the original blaze.

A separate third blaze  the Hurst fire  a smaller blaze, also started on Tuesday.

The Palisades fire ravages a neighbourhood amid high winds - Ethan Swope

A firefighter runs towards the blaze in a race to extinguish the flames - Ethan Swope

How did fires start?

Both the Palisades and Eaton fires grew exponentially within hours of beginning on Thursday, thanks to strong Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation in the midst of a drought.

Santa Ana windstorms happen regularly in southern California  but the winds are stronger than usual, reaching up to 100mph.

High-pressure systems form over the deserts of the Great Basin. This pressure circulates clockwise, pushing winds toward the coast.

As they move towards the coast, winds pick up speed and the air gets hotter and drier.

All of a sudden, dry, hot air is speeding towards the coast.

2023 saw a lot of rain in parts of California, creating the conditions for new vegetation to grow.

However, LA has experienced a dry spell in recent months, meaning dry hot air meeting dry vegetation creates tinderbox conditions.

Wednesday, 8

The combination of hot air and dry land contributed to the rapid spread of the fires. By Wednesday morning, four separate fires were burning.

Later that evening, 17,000 acres of land had been scorched in the Palisades fire and nearly 14,000 in the Eaton fire. Three smaller fires  Lidia, Sunset and Woodley  had also begun.

It was already one of the most destructive in LAs history.

Livelihoods were lost in an instant and thousands of homes  belonging to celebrities and regular residents alike  were destroyed.

More than 100,000 residents, powerless to the flames engulfing their homes, had fled. What was left were biblical, apocalyptic scenes.

A car and home is completely destroyed by fire - JOSH EDELSON/AFP

The view of the wildfires from a plane landing into LAX - Mark Viniello

Thursday, 9

The two major fires, Eaton and Palisades, remained 0 per cent contained by Thursday morning. It was not clear just how vast the devastation was going to be.

Famous Hollywood landmarks were now also at risk as flames spread through the Hollywood hills, near the Walk of Fame.

Was Hollywood writing its own disaster movie? The fire Sunset was quickly contained by firefighters, but others raged on.

Anger was also starting to boil over.

Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, was forced to defend her absence after she was on a trip to Ghana when the fires broke out.

Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, was confronted by an angry resident who complained about the lack of water in LAs water hydrants.

Karen Bass and Gavin Newsom are briefed on the fire - ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Donald Trump was throwing shots left, right and centre as Joe Biden cancelled his final foreign trip as president to deal with the crisis.

A death toll had started to emerge too. By the end of play on Thursday, 10 people had been named dead  however one of LAs most senior police officers said this was absolutely going to change  with fears of a much higher figure.

Authorities had confirmed 11 deaths by late Friday night.

The scale of the devastation was also becoming clearer. Some 10,000 structures were destroyed, including homes, cars, and businesses. Shocking footage showed how restaurants that stood firm just the day before had been turned into ashes.

Dark smoke hangs over the famous Hollywood sign - AaronP/Bauer-Griffin

Mr Newsom said he expected firefighters to make a lot of progress on Friday.

However, Mr Newsom also asked communities to stay unified in the face of misinformation.

He said: People want to divide this country and were going to have to address this as well.

Friday, 10

Mr Newsom asked Los Angeles relevant agencies to launch an inquiry into what caused the fire. We need answers as to how that happened, the California governor said.

In an embarrassing admission, the citys water and power department admitted the Santa Ynez Reservoir, which helps supply water in Pacific Palisades, was offline for scheduled maintenance on Tuesday when the first, most devastating blaze started.

The death toll rose to at least 11 with preliminary estimates saying that 13,000 structures had been destroyed.

Robert Luna, LA countys senior sheriff, said in a press conference that it looks like an atomic bomb dropped in these areas and predicted the death toll would rise.

Smoke rises from homes caught in the blaze in Malibu - JOSH EDELSON/AFP

Meanwhile, the citys water department struggled to come up with an answer as to why fire hydrants had run dry during the catastrophic wildfires, which had burned 21,317 acres by Friday evening.

Janisse Quinones, LAs water chief who earns $750,000 (609, 750) a year, said during a press conference that the consumption of water was faster than we can provide water in our trunk line amid growing outrage at the failings.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the World Central Kitchen in Pasadena to distribute food and supplies to victims of the Eaton fire, while Mel Gibson revealed his $14.5m Malibu mansion burned down as he recorded a Joe Rogan podcast in Austin, Texas.

Saturday, 11

The political row continued as Mr Newsom told Mr Trump to visit the disaster area and not to politicise human tragedy or spread disinformation.

Mr Newsom also made an ill-fated appearance on the podcast Pod Save America in which he said he wasnt getting straight answers from local officials, adding to the tension over the citys response to the wildfires.

In a worrying development, the Palisades fire veered east and prompted mandatory evacuation orders in Brentwood, which is home to dozens of celebrities and landmarks like the Getty Centre.

More celebrities also revealed they had lost their homes, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former governor of California, Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney, LeBron James, a basketball star, and actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Fire crews said they had contained 11 per cent of the Palisades fire, which had destroyed nearly 24,000 acres, and 15 per cent of the Eaton fire, which stood at 14,000 acres near Altadena and Pasadena, according to local authorities.

The two blazes had killed 16 people as of Saturday but Anthony Marrone, the Los Angeles fire chief, said crews were going from house to house looking for bodies.

There was a rare shining light as one Malibu homeowner showed how their property was the last one standing after their neighbours houses had turned to ashes.

Sunday, 12

Looters were seen dressing up as firemen as a 6pm to 6am curfew failed to stop criminals from trying to take advantage of the carnage caused by the fires.

Mr Luna said he had requested reinforcements from the California National Guard after at least 29 people were arrested in the fire zones. Two men were detained by police for a curfew violation after reports of a burglary at the Brentwood home of Kamala Harris.

Credit: Fox 11

Containment of the major fires remained low, with just 11 per cent of the Palisades blaze contained and 15 per cent of the Eaton fire. However, the others, including the Hurst fire, were nearing 100 per cent contained.

Some 84 aircraft and 14,000 personnel from California and other states, plus crews from Mexico, were all battling the blaze.

Mr Trump kept up his attacks on the response, calling it one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our country. In a post online he said: They just cant put out the fires. Whats wrong with them?

Deanne Criswell, the federal emergency management agency (FEMA) administrator, insisted that Los Angeles was very prepared for the wildfires but couldnt cope with the 100mph winds.

She also announced that red flag warnings were back in place due to winds which were getting dangerous and strong again.

Monday, 13

It emerged on Monday that the wildfires may have been a reignition of a blaze that began on New Years Eve due to residents setting off fireworks.

The blaze began on part of the Temescal Ridge in the Santa Monica Mountains, a place where an earlier fire had been put out, according to an analysis by the Washington Post.

Meanwhile, satellite imagery showed that 20 minutes after the Palisades blaze began last Tuesday, the outline of the smoke matched with the burn scar from the previous fire.

At least 24 people had been confirmed dead by early Monday morning as a result of six simultaneous blazes that ripped across LA since Jan 7.

Firefighters work to clear a firebreak in Mandeville Canyon - Ringo Chiu/Reuters

Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, surveyed damage during the Palisades fire - Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register

Mr Newsom said the fires could become the countrys worst natural disaster in terms of just the costs associated with it, in terms of the scale and scope.

The Palisades fires had burned through 23,713 acres of land and were just 14 per cent contained, while the Eaton fire had scorched more than 14,000 acres and was 33 per cent contained.

While containment was increasing, national forecasters were warning about the return of high winds, threatening a resurgence in the spread of wildfires.

Tuesday, 14

The so-called devil Santa Ana winds had returned by early Tuesday. The hot, dry gusts had blown in from the north-east last week, contributing to the spread of the wildfires.

Investigators continued to consider whether the fires were started deliberately but the speed and heat of the winds certainly assisted the rapid spread.

A car drives past burned-down homes and vehicles destroyed by the fire at the Pacific Palisades bowl mobile estates - Noah Berger/AP

Throughout Tuesday, the winds picked up speed as they hit the mountains around Los Angeles, plunging humidity levels and increasing the risk of further fires.

A forecast for the rapid winds was expected to last until at least noon on Wednesday, the national weather service said.

More than six million people in the Los Angeles area remained under a critical fire threat, while the confirmed death toll increased to 25.
Chief Petty Officer Donald Bunces medals will go on sale for 100,000 - BNPS

The medals of a fearless Second World War airman who survived a suicidal dash over the English Channel have been put up for sale for 100,000.

Chief Petty Officer Donald Don Bunce had already taken part in the famous sinking of the German battleship Bismarck when he was again called into action.

In 1942 he was part of a three-man crew of one of six Fairey Swordfish biplane bombers that chased after German ships attempting to break out from the French port of Brest into the Channel.

But the firepower of the enemy fleet, who were protected by six destroyers, 34 E-boats and masses of Messerschmitts and Fw 190s, made it a suicide mission.

Nonetheless, the Swordfish crews flew at just 50ft above the water as they swooped down on the enemy to unload their barrage while running the gauntlet.

P/Off Bunce, of 828 Naval Air Squadron, who was in the Swordfish piloted by Sub-Lieutenant Kingsmill, stayed at his gun even when his aircraft was on fire.

His seat was shot away so he braced his legs to avoid falling into the sea and still managed to take out a swarming enemy fighter.

They ditched into the sea and P/Off Bunce was plucked from the icy water 10 minutes later by a Motor Torpedo Boat.

All six Swordfishes were destroyed, with only five of the 18 aircrew surviving the mission.

P/Off Bunce, aged just 20, earned the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for his coolness which was unshaken.

P/Off Bunce was part of key missions, including laying down the Bismarck - BNPS

His citation reads: Naval Airman First Class Donald Arthur Bunce, FAA/SFX. 631, who was Air Gunner in the Swordfish aircraft piloted by Sub-Lieutenant Kingsmill.

With his machine on fire, and the engine failing, he stayed steadfast at his gun, engaging the enemy fighters which beset his aircraft.

He is believed to have shot one of them down.Throughout the action his coolness was unshaken.

Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, Flag Officer Dover, wrote of the participants: The gallant sortie of these six Swordfish constitutes one of the finest exhibitions of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty that the war had yet witnessed.

P/Off Bunces medals are going under the hammer at London-based auctioneers Noonans Mayfair.

Christopher Mellor-Hill, head of client liaison at Noonans, said: Already a veteran of the celebrated Swordfish attack against the German flagship, the Bismarck, in May 1941, it was in the English Channel in February 1942, he was awarded his CGM when the German ships made their bid for freedom  in what became known as the Channel Dash.

Having rendezvoused his small flight of Swordfish with just 10 Spitfires of 72 Squadron over Ramsgate  not the intended escort of five whole squadrons  the forces leader, Lieutenant-Commander Eugene Esmonde, dived, in an almost kamikaze attack to just 40 feet over the Channel and set off in pursuit.

Less than 20 minutes later, his entire flight had been shot down, with just five of the 18 aircrew surviving the ordeal with Esmonde awarded the well-deserved posthumous Victoria Cross.

Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, Flag Officer Dover, wrote that the gallant sortie of these six Swordfish constitutes one of the finest exhibitions of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty that the war had yet witnessed.

P/Off Bunce was born in Oxford in 1921 and joined the Fleet Air Arm as a Naval Airman Second Class in January 1940, when he commenced training as a Telegraphist Air Gunner (TAG.).

He was first posted to 825 Naval Air Squadron (N.A.S.) at Campbeltown in mid-April 1941.

He and the squadron were embarked in the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Victorious a month later, shortly before the famous pursuit of the Bismarck.

He was part of a three-man crew of one of six Fairey Swordfish biplane bombers - BNPS

P/Off Bunces aircraft, part of the first wave, went into the attack at midnight into the face of a vigorous German barrage.

They dropped a torpedo off the Bismarcks port beam from 100ft before another Swordfish hit the dreaded battleship causing vital damage.

In early 1942, and having re-mustered at Lee-on-Solent, 828 NAS. was ordered to RAF Manston as part of Operation Fuller.

This was a much-flawed plan to counter the anticipated breakout of enemy capital ships from Brest, namely the battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen.

When the German ships made their bid for freedom  in what became known as the Channel Dash  the response mounted by air and sea proved entirely inadequate.

The breakout was daringly enacted in daylight, whereas Fuller had been planned around a nocturnal breakout.

Lieutenant-Commander Eugene Esmonde told his fellow aircrew: Fly at 50ft, loose line astern, individual attacks, and find your way home.

The entire flight was shot down within 20 minutes of the attack starting.

P/Off Bunce spent the remainder of the war on instructional duties in various squadrons and establishments, latterly in the rank of Chief Petty Officer (Air).

He left the naval service in 1946. P/Off Bunce died in September 2008.

His medal group consists of Conspicuous Gallantry Medal; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45.

The sale takes place on January 15.
Face-to-face assessments for disability benefits are at their lowest level since the pandemic - iStockphoto

More than nine in 10 disability benefit claims are being assessed remotely as civil servants work from home, raising fears of widespread fraud.

Face-to-face assessments for disability benefits are at their lowest level since the pandemic, figures show.

It has heightened concerns that scroungers and fraudsters could abuse the welfare system because of a lack of thorough checks on claimants.

The number of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims linked to anxiety and depressive disorders has doubled since the start of lockdown.

Around 4.2 million adults in the UK are expected to be claiming PIP by 2030, according to projections by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), up from 3.2 million currently.

It can now be revealed that the proportion of assessments for PIP taking place in person was just two per cent in September and October this year, and four percent in August and November.

The figures are the lowest recorded since February 2022, when Covid-19 restrictions were still in place.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former government efficiency minister, said: Without face-to-face assessments scroungers and fraudsters may play the system to the cost of honest taxpayers. It is time Britons got back to work.

The DWP has noted a significant increase in benefits fraud since the pandemic.

The department has said that a range of evidence indicates that there is a long-term rising trend in fraudulent behaviour towards organisations and a softening of attitudes regarding fraud in wider society.

Benefits fraud cost taxpayers over 7 billion in 2023 according to the governments most recent figures.

Pandemic-era working practices

In March 2020 all face-to-face assessments for benefits were suspended as part of the government response to the emerging Covid-19 pandemic. The majority of Covid restrictions were lifted in the UK in March 2022.

The vast majority of PIP assessments now take place remotely via telephone and video call, as pandemic-era working practices remain common in the DWP.

The department has the lowest proportion of workers in the office, Telegraph analysis has found. Just 58 per cent of desks were full in the first three months of the Labour government.

Assessments are carried out by health professionals working for private contractors hired by the DWP.

The Governments own research has shown that claimants are almost evenly split on their preference for face-to-face and remote assessments. A post-Covid report by the DWP said: In total, 45 per cent of claimants said they would prefer telephone and 42 per cent face-to-face.

It comes as the Government plans to slash billions of pounds from the disability benefits bill in an effort to calm the markets, which are apparently losing confidence in the Chancellors economic plans.

Rachel Reeves has reportedly told Treasury officials she wants to get tough on spending.

Officials are said to be drawing up plans to tighten the rules on the proof of disability required when claiming PIP.

The department assumes in its forecast that 250,000 more people will claim PIP each year this decade, with one in eight working age people on some form of disability or incapacity benefit by 2030.

PIP payments are not means-tested and are currently worth up to 798.63 a month for an individual on the highest rate.

Liz Kendall, the Welfare Secretary, has also promised a crackdown on fraudulent benefit claims which is expected to yield 1.6 billion over the next five years. This includes plans to take money directly out of the bank accounts of fraudsters.

Last year a Bulgarian gang was convicted of the largest benefits fraud operation in British history.

The case, which cost the taxpayer 50 million, involved Bulgarian nationals flying to British job centres to claim Universal Credit under false identities for a number of years.

A government spokesman said: All PIP assessments are conducted rigorously and professionally regardless of which channel is used, and are independently audited to ensure claimants are receiving the same high-quality service.

Building on our Get Britain Working White Paper, we will bring forward proposals for reforming the health and disability benefits system in the Spring. This will be part of a proper plan to help disabled people who can work secure employment, while ensuring support is provided for those who need it.
Taha Tadmori looks onto the the former political security directorate of Homs from his balcony. Photograph: David Lombeida/The Observer

The three floors and subterranean prison of the Homs security directorate have loomed over 65-year-old Taha Tadmoris daily life since he was a teenager. His family often shut their window blinds and doors in an attempt to block out the constant sound of screams and cries of pain from the facilitys basement prison, loud enough to reach their third-floor apartment overlooking it.

The moustachioed man with a gentle smile was 15 when he watched the construction of the neighbouring building that would later terrorise him and other people in Homs.

In the five decades since, the Tadmoris apartment that has a direct view of the security directorate and the growing complex around it gave them an unsparing window into the torture and suffocating surveillance that were the hallmarks of the regime of Hafez al-Assad and his son and successor, Bashar.

Its location also meant the officials who detained and forcibly disappeared Tadmoris brother Firas 12 years ago were their neighbours.

Flats in this building were cheap  nobody dared to live near these people, said Taha. This place instilled constant fear in us.

Bashar al-Assad was swept from power by an insurgency led by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham last month, ending almost 25 years of draconian rule. For people across Syria, the crumbling of Assads regime meant an end to life under the all-seeing eyes of his security apparatus.

For Tadmori, it meant the end of the regular appearance of security officials at his door.

Every two months for five decades the knock on the door came. Each time, one or two officials among the hundreds employed in the political security directorate arrived at the Tadmoris apartment. The surrounding neighbourhood is majority Sunni muslim, but the officers were almost always from the Alawite sect that Bashar al-Assad leant on to staff the ranks of the security state.

Who lives here, who visits you, and where are your children, they would ask politely, before taking copies of the familys identity cards and noting the details of anyone who entered their home, down to the personal history of all those who arrived to repair the air conditioning or plumbing.

Information was a weapon they wielded all the time. They wanted information about everything, said Tadmori. It was something that dominated our lives  we were controlled and seen all the time.

He had to beg doctors to come to the apartment to tend to his ailing mother, as most refused to set foot inside their building once they learned its address, fearing this could lead to their detention.

Sometimes the security officials would shout angrily up to their balcony, insisting they go back inside and shut their windows to avoid seeing the abuses the Tadmoris knew were taking place next door. They were banned from using their roof.

In 2011, Tadmori started to see a terrible new development in the courtyard of the complex, one that meant the officials demanded they close the windows more often. Each Friday, and sometimes more often, buses and even taxis would offload hundreds of terrified passengers, who had pulled their clothes over their heads to avoid being identified, at an entrance to the courtyard.

The Assad regime was just beginning the climax of its repression against its own people, one that focused heavily on crushing protests as well as an uprising centred on the city of Homs.

Tadmori knew some of the younger people who attended his local Al-Furqan mosque  whose pointed minaret is visible from his balcony and the security directorate compound  who would spill out into the street outside each Friday to protest.

I saw them, but because I feared for my family, my children, I didnt go with them, he said, tears in his eyes and admiration in his voice. They didnt feel fear. But believe me, every Friday I wept. I knew they would face such dark days.

Then he saw the crowds in the courtyard. Sometimes there were 50 people, but then the regime began arresting so many they had to crowd people into buses. He recalled sometimes seeing 300 people handcuffed and pushed through the doors of the building to be tortured. When there were too many to fit, he said, some were taken straight to a nearby military prison.

Then in 2013 his brother Firas called to say he had been summoned. My brother, they want me in the political security building, he told Taha. Firass only crime was working in a building where someone had filmed a video of an anti-government protest in Homs. The security services arrested hundreds inside, including Firas. I asked him if he did anything wrong, and he said no. I told him it was OK to go, and we would wait here in our apartment for him. We waited the entire night, he said.

Tadmori and his father went to see the notorious directorate chief, Husam Louka, later sanctioned for torturing dissidents, and asked about Firas. You are our neighbours, Louka said, trying to reassure them, telling the Tadmoris that Firas would be released soon and there was nothing to worry about.

He was lying, said Taha. Firas stayed in the complex for two weeks. His family later discovered that he was sent to another nearby military prison in Homs before he was dispatched to a fearsome subterranean facility known as Branch 215 in Damascus.

Firas was never seen again.

The uprising against Assad spiralled into a brutal civil war, with forces loyal to Damascus regularly bombing entire neighbourhoods of Homs. The Tadmoris were spared due to their location, but the visits never ceased. They took down everything: details of our aunts and uncles, where the rest of our wider family work. They knew everything about my family, Tadmori said.

In recent years he had developed an almost personal relationship with Abu Abdo, the security official who spied on him. Abu Abdo visited the offices of the family planning organisation where Tadmori worked, and made clear that Tadmori was to provide him with regular updates every time anyone from the United Nations visited, pulling out his phone to scroll through their message exchange on WhatsApp.

Abu Abdo knew so much about the Tadmoris that he remembered distant relatives that Taha had long forgotten. Tadmori recalled with a chuckle how the official once asked about an uncle who moved to Saudi Arabia and died two decades ago.

They last spoke a week before the Assad regime fell. Days later he watched the security officials place sandbags around the complex, bring in metal oil drums, and place dozens of armed men around the building. He feared a battle at the complex loomed.

Instead, he watched the fall of the regime that had terrorised his family from the viewpoint of the same balcony they were often prevented from using. Late on the night of Saturday 7 December, Tadmori watched as the officials who staffed the security directorate began to flee. He stood on the balcony and relished the silence.

His daughters asked him to send videos, he said, but he was too afraid. Instead he walked constantly from the living room  where the television blared news of the insurgent advance to topple Assad  to his balcony, to see what was happening. As news of Assads fall trickled in, his neighbours began chanting God is great while others showed up to loot the security directorate and attempt to free any prisoners still held inside.

They called up to him to use his hammer to break open the prison doors, he said, finding only one detainee inside. We dont know where the rest went, he said. The new visitors to the security directorate vented their anger at the Assad regime by beheading a statue of his brother Bassel that had long stood on its roof.

Tadmori celebrated from his balcony, but was too afraid to enter the security directorate building, fearing it had been booby-trapped by officials as they fled.

He now hopes it can be rehabilitated by the new government into something useful, and joked that perhaps it could be converted into a school.

The familys search for Firas after the fall of the regime came to nothing, crushing 12 years of their hopes that he could be found alive in one of the Damascus prisons.

Tadmori doesnt know where the men he felt obliged to wave to every morning and night have gone, nor does he know where Abu Abdo is. The officials who knew every detail of his familys lives vanished overnight as the regime crumbled. By chance, he later encountered the familiar face of one security official at a pharmacy in Homs, where the mans daughter worked. When Tadmori asked what the man was doing in the neighbourhood, he replied that he was checking on his house.

I embraced him, said Tadmori. I wanted to tell him we havent done anything to you, but you have done so much to us. Instead, I said: Please say hello to your daughter, I have nothing against you. Now go.
Police officers beat and pepper-sprayed protesters, demonstration organisers said - Jan Woitas/Avalon

Protesters launched fireworks at police in Germany as demonstrations delayed the far-Right AfD partys election campaign launch.

AfD (Alternative for Germany) is holding a two-day gathering in Riesa, one of its strongholds in the eastern state of Saxony. On Saturday, it formally nominated Alice Weidel, its co-leader, as its candidate for chancellor and finalised details of its platform.

A heavy police presence was put in place as thousands of demonstrators shouting No to Nazis protested outside the venue

Officers partly broke up a seated blockade at a crossroads and fireworks were thrown towards police on the sidelines of another protest, German media reported.

Ms Weidel dubbed Germanys mainstream conservative opposition Union bloc a party of fraudsters at the launch event, urging people to vote for the original and strengthen her party.

She called for Germanys borders to be closed to undocumented migrants, and for large-scale deportations of asylum-seekers, making clear that she had no problem with the politically charged term re-migration.

Ms Weidel pledged to return to use the Nord Stream gas pipeline damaged in explosions shortly after Russia cut off gas supplies to Germany in 2022, and won loud applause for saying that her Russia-friendly party would tear down all wind turbines, which she described as windmills of shame, if it came to power.

Alice Weidel said AfD would tear down all wind turbines, which she described as windmills of shame - Reuters/Matthias Rietschel

The AfD gathering was delayed by two hours as protests prevented delegates reaching the venue. Police said at least 8,000 demonstrators had assembled outside the towns convention centre.

The protesters braved the cold to shout slogans and listen to music from a temporary stage.

Late on Saturday morning, a police spokesman said there was no serious unrest but that one road to Riesa remained blocked by protesters.

Protest organisers said earlier on Saturday that police had beaten and pepper-sprayed demonstrators.

A statement by protest organisers said more than 12,000 people had turned out from all over Germany to voice their opposition to the AfD.

The congress was delayed by wide-ranging, colourful and determined protests in many locations inside and outside the town, the statement said.

Maria Schmidt, spokeswomen for the protest organisers, said: Today we are protecting the right of people to live in safety without the fear of deportation or being attacked. We are all making it clear: Riesa is not a peaceful place for fascism.

Organisers said more than 12,000 people had turned out from all over Germany to protest against the AfD - Cover Images/Jan Woitas

Over the past year, the the AfD has weathered scandals over some senior members playing down SS war crimes, being fined for using Nazi slogans in speeches and being alleged to have taken suspicious payments from China and Russia.

Polls have shown AfD in second place ahead of Germanys election on Feb 23, with around 20 per cent support, despite the controversies, which have prompted other hard-Right parties in Europe to distance themselves.

The election is being held seven months earlier than originally scheduled.

Ms Weidel, who held a live chat with Elon Musk this week on his X platform, has little chance of securing the chancellorship as other parties have refused to work with AfD, blocking the partys potential route to power.

The conservative opposition Union bloc leads polls with around 30 per cent and Friedrich Merz, its candidate, is the favourite to become Germanys next leader.

Olaf Scholz, the centre-Left chancellor, is hoping for a come-from-behind victory but there has been little sign of significant support for his Social Democrats party, which stands at 14-17 per cent in polls.

Mr Scholz leads a minority government after his unpopular three-party coalition collapsed in November when he fired his finance minister in a dispute over how to revitalise Germanys stagnant economy.

A police spokesman said there was no serious unrest - Shutterstock /Martin Divisek

Ms Weidel insisted that her party was the opposite of the Nazis on Thursday night when speaking to Mr Musk, and stressed that Adolf Hitler was a socialist.

Since I am an economist I would like to shed some light on the idea when we talk about Hitler, she said. Back then during the Third Reich the national socialists were socialists.

They state-funded private companies and then they asked for huge taxes and nationalised the entire industry, and the biggest success [for Left-wing groups] after that terrible era in our history was to label Adolf Hitler as Right and conservative  he was exactly the opposite.

He was a communist socialist guy, full stop, no more comment on that. We are exactly the opposite, the libertarian conservative party.

Although the German Nazi party called itself the National Socialist German Workers Party, historians describe the party as having been far-Right totalitarian and entirely fascist in character.
Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - Sudanese army on Saturday scored a major victory over its foes, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, flushing them out of a strategic town of Madani, capital of Central Sudan region of Gezira, seen as the breadbasket of the country and lifeline linking its diverse regions
Rachel Reeves delivers a press statement for the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue in Beijing - Florence Lo/REUTERS

Rachel Reevess visit to China is well-timed, at least from her perspective. With bond yields soaring, fiscal headroom evaporating, and the country running perilously low on gas reserves in the middle of a cold snap, the Chancellor is likely to be enjoying her reprieve from domestic travails.

The purpose of her trip is to hold talks on developing a closer trading relationship, which Ms Reeves claims could lift Britains GDP by a few hundred million. While all growth is worthwhile, such a small proportional increase in the size of our economy seems unlikely to offset the damage done by the Autumn Budget tax raid, Energy Secretary Ed Milibands net zero zealotry, or the rising cost of borrowing.

It is an alarming thought that this may genuinely be the best idea for growth that Labour has to offer. Having tried practically nothing in their quest to get the economy moving, Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Reeves appear to be all out of ideas, reduced to writing around to regulators and Cabinet colleagues, begging for proposals. As an approach, this is akin to asking a man making off with your possessions how best to combat burglary.

Excessive regulation and misguided government policies lie at the heart of Britains growth malaise. The culpable parties are not suddenly going to change course and suggest a great liberation of the economy, no matter how strongly the evidence might point in that direction.

Nowhere is this clearer than in energy policy. With each passing day, we learn yet more about the disastrous costs of net zero, from the hundreds of millions of pounds paid to wind farm operators to turn off their turbines to the punishing cost of carbon permits. We also learn more about the unreliability of this new approach, with cold weather and low winds pushing the country close to blackouts. As former energy secretary Claire Coutinho has noted, it is a shame that Mr Miliband has decided to axe analysis of the full system costs of renewables, which could have triggered the sort of change that really could boost growth.

As things stand, we appear to be taking a gamble with our energy security, and attempting to offset it with another gamble on our national security. The wisdom of cosying up to China at this point in time is questionable. Even leaving aside the more hawkish US posture likely to be adopted by the White House under Donald Trump, Ms Reeves herself last year cited Chinas rise alongside Russian aggression as two of the factors leading to our current age of insecurity.

In these circumstances, attempting to develop closer ties to Beijing looks less like a thought-out plan and more like an act of desperation. For the good of the country, we should hope that Labour finds new ideas soon.
Rachel Reeves shakes hands with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng - Florence Lo

Facing criticism for travelling to China during financial market turmoil at home, Rachel Reeves said on Saturday that pragmatic and predictable relations with Beijing would help boost the UKs economic growth and trade.

The Chancellor justified her overseas travel and defended her budget at the start of the two-day visit to China, where she is seeking to revive high-level economic and financial talks that have been frozen since 2019.

The fiscal rules that I set out in my budget in October are non-negotiable, and growth is the number one mission of this government to make our country better off, Ms Reeves told reporters at a Brompton bicycle shop in Beijing.

Thats why Im in China to unlock tangible benefits for British businesses exporting and trading around the world to ensure that we have greater access to the second-largest economy in the world.

The rise in British government borrowing costs, due in part to a global bond sell-off, prompted comparisons with the 2022 mini-budget crisis that forced then-Prime Minister Liz Truss out of Downing Street.

However, this weeks market moves have been less sharp and there has so far been no evidence of the strain on institutional investors that forced the Bank of England into emergency bond purchases in 2022.

After her bicycle shop visit, Ms Reeves met Vice President Han Zheng, telling him it was important to have open and frank dialogue in areas where we agree, but also in areas where we have different views.

Ms Reeves met Vice President Han Zheng at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing - Florence Lo

Ms Reeves joins the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue meeting in Beijing with Vice Premier He Lifeng later on Saturday, before travelling to Shanghai, accompanied by Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and other finance leaders.

She will discuss financial services, trade ties and the importance of cooperation on issues like climate change, the Treasury said.

Ms Reeves visit follows a dialogue opened last year between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping, the first between the two countries leaders since 2018.

The approach taken by Sir Keirs Labour government contrasts with that of the previous Conservative administration, which took a robust approach to differences with China  particularly over human rights, Hong Kong and allegations of Chinese espionage.

Asked on Thursday if Ms Reeves would raise human-rights issues, Sir Keirs spokesperson said her visit would fit with Londons stance that it would take a strategic approach to China and challenge it robustly when necessary.

The Prime Minister has long described his desire to build a relationship with China that is rooted in the UKs national interests by boosting trade, a task that may become more difficult if US President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his threat to impose tariffs on all imports.

Asked whether Britain would follow Washington and Brussels in imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Ms Reeves said: We keep issues under review but we make decisions in our national interest.

British car manufacturers like Jaguar Land Rover export substantially to Chinese markets, and we want to help them to grow.

China is Britains fourth-largest trading partner, accounting for goods and services trade worth almost 113 billion.
Warren Davidson participates in a ceremonial swearing-in on 3 January in Washington DC. Photograph: Allison Bailey/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock

A Republican US congressman from Ohio has called for federal disaster relief to be withheld from California unless the state reforms its forestry management practices that some blame for the rapid spread of wind-fanned fires that broke on Tuesday.

Warren Davidsons remarks to Fox Business Maria Bartiromo on Friday came as Californias Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, urged officials to avoid politicizing the response to the blazes which had killed people and destroyed thousands of homes.

Davidsons comments came in the context of a spending bill that Congress would need to pass before March to prevent a government shutdown would include disaster relief for California.

Davidson pointed to the American Relief Act, 2025  passed in December  that contributed $110bn to disaster relief for areas affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, including North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Other disaster-affected areas were also included.

Related: As wildfires devastate LA, Republicans point fingers at Democratic California leaders

The congressman said that Congress will need to address fires as it had with the previous hurricane damage, but  if they want the money, then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies with respect to forestry management.

I mean, we support the people that are plagued by disaster, but we have to put pressure on the California government to change course here.

The politicization of the Los Angeles fires, which started almost as soon as they took hold, show signs of intensifying in the aftermath. Donald Trump  who begins a second presidency on 20 January  weighed in, alluding to his having accused state leaders of gross mismanagement of forests in 2018 after wildfires devastated Malibu and Paradise, California.

At the time, Newsom defended Californias wildfire prevention efforts while criticizing the federal government for not doing enough to help protect the state. You dont believe in climate change. You are excused from this conversation, Newsom told Trump in a post on X.

Trump more recently accused the Democratic-controlled state of withholding water from northern parts of the state to southern California as part of environmental efforts to help protect a small fish  the Delta smelt  and blamed environmentalists for hampering the states fire response.

But Friday, Newsom temporarily sought to put that dispute to one side, inviting Trump to visit areas affected by the fire disaster and to meet with first responders, firefighters and Americans affected by the catastrophe.

In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines, Newsom wrote in a letter to Trump on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of Americans  displaced from their homes and fearful for the future  deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild.

But hours later, Newsom amplified comments critical of Trump in an interview with Pod Save America in which he rejected Trumps claim that water is being withheld to save the endangered fish, calling the messaging delusional and a consistent mantra from Trump going back years and years, and its reinforced over and over within the right wing ... and its profoundly ignorant.

Newsom said fears that Trump could try to withhold federal relief funds from California was reasonable. Hes done it in the past, not just here in California, he said, and pointed to prior efforts in Puerto Rico, Utah, Connecticut and Georgia. The rhetoric is very familiar, its increasingly acute, and obviously we all have reason to be concerned about.

Newsom added that Trumps assertions about a state water project and the delta smelt were a salad, its the form and substance of a fog, its made-up, its delusional.

Trumps claims, Newsom added, were sort of an indelible misinformation thats he sort of manifested, a falsehood, and he decided to bring it into this crisis in a profoundly demeaning and damaging way.

Related: US right wing fans misinformation fires as firefighters battle Los Angeles blazes

Joe Biden has already approved a disaster declaration for the southern California fires, committing the federal government to covering all of the fire management and debris removal costs for six months. But with days left in Bidens presidency, the federal recovery assistance that California receives will soon be up to Trump and a Congress controlled by his fellow Republicans.

Newsom thanked Biden  his fellow Democrat  for having approved our major disaster declaration. According to Politico, in his letter to Trump, Newsom wrote Bidens action was a strong indication of the partnership California needs and appreciates with any federal administration.

However, Newsom added, the threat to lives and property remains acute. Higher-than-normal winds of up to 70 miles per hour are still forecast for the next several days, and more extreme winds are likely early next week, with no change to dry conditions.

According to Politico, an unnamed Trump official downplayed the idea that he would withhold aid to the state.
Covid vaccine is injected

The Royal College of GPs has been accused of failing to declare payments from Pfizer when advocating for a childrens Covid vaccine during the pandemic.

In September 2021, the UKs chief medical officers (CMOs) asked parents to vaccinate their children to keep schools open and reduce educational disruption.

The advice was issued despite the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) having decided not to recommend the mass vaccination of 12- to 15-year-olds. It concluded the jab would provide only a marginal benefit to that cohort, which was at low risk from the virus.

The CMOs held a series of crunch meetings in the run-up to their announcement, including one with the leading medical royal colleges just days before.

The aim was for the CMOs to obtain advice from public health experts as well as the leaders of the relevant Royal Colleges, according to the official record of the meeting.

GPs had strong consensus, meeting told

The minutes of the meeting, seen by The Telegraph, were obtained under freedom of information laws by the childrens campaign group UsForThem.

The document reveals that Prof Martin Marshall, the then chair of the Royal College of GPs, spoke in favour of rolling out the childrens Covid vaccine, saying there was strong consensus among doctors for this.

The Royal College of General Practitioners have consulted widely across GPs, and there is a strong consensus in favour of vaccinating 12-15s, the minutes say.

Again, they emphasised the importance of how the communication is done. They are very concerned about inequalities  which works in both ways  if we dont vaccinate then inequalities will be exacerbated, if we do and there is differential uptake then this will also exacerbate.

All those present at the meeting were asked to state any conflicts of interests before any intervention.

However, Prof Marshall failed to declare that the Royal College had previously received payments from Pfizer, the only pharmaceutical company at the time with a Covid vaccine authorised for use in children.

Prof Martin Marshall, who was chair of the Royal College of GPs at the time of the pandemic and spoke at a key meeting

During 2021, it received more than 100,000 from Pfizer, according to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

Their register shows that during that calendar year, 102,820 was given for donations and grants as well as benefits in kind.

This was more than double what the organisation received the previous year from Pfizer  49,324  and up from 4,309 in 2019 for event sponsorship, donations, grants and benefits in kind.

Molly Kingsley,the founder of UsForThem, said: The CMO decision to proceed with the vaccination of children despite the fact that the JCVI had previously declined to authorise a mass rollout was one of  if not the  single most ethically contentious decisions of the entire pandemic.

In that context, surely one has to question not only what looks to be a material conflict of interest that was not declared, but also why an apparently conflicted party was in the meeting in the first place.

Representatives from the Faculty for Public Health, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health were also at the meeting.

It took place on Sept 7 2021, six days before the CMO announcement on childrens vaccines.

Prof Sir Chris Whitty, the CMO for England, said on Sept 13 that the plan was to give a single dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech jab to 12- to 15-year-olds, with letters due to be sent out to parents about it.

College had no decision-making role

About three million pupils would be offered the jab, with the first vaccinations for this group expected to take place the following week.

A spokesman for the Royal College of GPs, said: As the organisation representing 54,000 GPs on the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic, the College took part in many meetings relating to the care of patients during the outbreak and finding solutions to the health emergency. This particular meeting was purely advisory in nature, and the College had no decision-making role.

The College follows a strict sponsorship policy when working with partners, including those in the pharmaceutical sector, developed in consultation with our GP members. This includes that any partnership arrangements should comply with the ABPI Code of Practice  and that all content produced as a result of sponsorship is done so independently, and editorial control and copyright sits with the RCGP and is not meant for any product promotion, in line with ABPI guidelines.

The Colleges income from Pfizer for the year ending March 31 2022 was related to educational resources on migraine and arthritis, amounting to 0.26 per cent of total RCGP income, and had no bearing on discussions related to the pandemic.

A spokesman for Pfizer said that all its payments to the Royal College of GPs have been disclosed publicly and transparently, as per our industry requirements.

They added: Legitimate and transparent payments made by Pfizer to a healthcare organisation are in no way related to, or contingent on, the organisation or individuals affiliated with the organisation prescribing or recommending the use of Pfizers medicines or vaccines. This is made clear in all our contractual agreements with healthcare organisations.
Farmers plan to disrupt supermarket distribution centres with a go-slow drive - Jamie Lorriman

A major supermarket has backed farmers as they protest against the Governments planned inheritance tax raid, in a blow to Sir Keir Starmer.

Sophie Throup, the head of agriculture at Morrisons, told farmers on Saturday that the supermarket was with their community and understood frustrations about the raid.

Farmers are planning protests at supermarkets across Britain on Friday to oppose the tax raid on inherited agricultural land.

Ms Throup, who farms at her home in Yorkshire, said Britains fifth-biggest supermarket had raised concerns with the highest level of government since the changes were announced in the Autumn Budget.

Sharing a video on X, formerly Twitter, Ms Throup said: We want to send a message of support today for the whole of the farming community.

We understand your anger and your frustrations at the inheritance tax  and were with you.

Farmers protest against the planned tax increase in Hampshire - Max Stephens

She added: We share your concerns about the long-term future the inheritance tax is going to have on farms  particularly smaller, family farms  and we know that you want something done about it.

Weve been raising these concerns at the highest level of Government since November last year and we will continue to do so.

Ms Throup, who joined Morrisons in 2017 after 10 years in the veterinary sector running research and training programmes, also encouraged farmers to contact her directly.

She said: We know its important, we are with you, were here to help you. If you want to talk to me, please message me. We are here to help.

The Government has so far refused to back down on planned changes to inheritance tax on farmland, despite warnings they could devastate family farms.

Some farmers questioned the supermarkets committment to their cause, suggesting it might be a PR opportunity - Jamie Lorriman

Under the changes, farming estates worth more than 1 million will be liable for 20 per cent inheritance tax from April 2026.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has faced calls to make adjustments to the tax, including delaying its implementation to protect older farmers, and increasing the threshold.

People can pass on their estates tax-free while they are alive, but only if they live for another seven years.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, external affairs director at the Countryside Alliance said: This is a major development in the ongoing fight to get Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves to see sense.

Their hated tax hike threatens the future of small family farms, the very people these supermarkets depend on to do business. We hope more supermarket chains stand with farmers and use their might to help force a government rethink before its too late.

Responding to Ms Throups video on X, several farmers welcomed the support. However, others were not so quick to take the supermarket giant at its word.

The changes to tax from April this year will mean farmland worth more than 1 million is no longer exempt from inheritance tax - Steve Allen for The Telegraph

Clive Bailye, founder of online platform The Farming Forum, told The Telegraph: I dont believe that supermarkets really care about farmers. If they did ,our returns wouldnt be at the embarrassingly low levels they are.

Their duty is to shareholders and there is nothing new about them claiming to support farmers, for marketing gain.

He added: What farmers have asked for, consistently, since the Budget, is to meet with and discuss solutions with the Government  so far that has not been offered. Its not a big or unreasonable ask, really.

Supermarket CEOs and chairs may just be able to encourage the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to offer that meeting  its the only thing they can offer farmers that may place a hold on further action.

An NFU spokesperson said: We have been liaising with all retailers since the Budget on 30 October and we know that many have been lobbying Government at the highest level about the inheritance tax issues and other changes within the Budget.

A Government spokesperson said: Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast  we have committed 5 billion to the farming budget over two years, including more money than ever for sustainable food production, alongside our New Deal for Farmers to deliver a profitable farming sector and unlock rural growth.

Our reform to Agricultural and Business Property Relief will mean farmers will pay a reduced inheritance tax rate of 20 per cent, rather than the standard 40 per cent, and payments can be spread over 10 years, interest-free. This is a fair and balanced approach, which fixes the public services we all rely on, affecting around 500 estates a year.
Keir Starmer visits school children in Orpington; the Government says the private school levy will improve the state sector - Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street

The third private school in a week has closed after Labours introduction of VAT on fees at the start of the month.

Godolphin Prep, which opened in 1993 and charges 12,196 a year for girls aged between three and 11, told parents on Wednesday that it would close at the end of the school year.

The school, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, blamed declining pupil numbers, and in a letter to parents said: In the current climate, ensuring each pupil is able to enjoy the full range of learning and socialising opportunities becomes much harder to deliver.

The school is the third to announce closure in the fortnight following the implementation of Reeves VAT raid on January 1.

Private schools now have to pay 20pc to the Treasury on tuition fees, and from April will have to pay business rates, which they were previously exempt from.

Pupils at the closing school will transfer to the nearby Chafyn Grove, and will automatically be offered places at the senior school at Godolphin.

In a letter sent from Chafyn Grove School on Wednesday, parents were warned that the position of preparatory schools was particularly precarious as a result of the introduction of VAT on school fees, the Salisbury Journal reported.

A letter to parents reportedly said: The future for stand-alone prep schools is particularly precarious at present; not only due to the introduction of VAT on fees but also in terms of ensuring we remain at the cutting edge.

Sarah McQuillen, chair of governors at Chafyn Grove, said: We are future-proofing Chafyn Grove for the challenges of the years ahead whilst also giving certainty and surety to our existing families.

Julie Robinson, the chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), which represents 1,400 members, warned of further closures, leading to redundancies for staff and disrupted education for students.

She said: Many people warned the Government that VAT would prove a bridge too far for schools already under financial pressure  we are now seeing the reality: school closures, dedicated staff losing their jobs and children having their education disrupted.

Ms Robinson added: This is something that we will unfortunately see again over the coming months and years  with more communities losing an employer, a partner and an educational hub for local children. We urge the Government to think again and work with us to mitigate the effects of this damaging policy.

Other schools have also announced closures due to the financial pressures of the tax raid.

Maidwell Hall, which was attended by Earl Spencer, announced its closure on January 7, and was followed by Amherst School in Loughborough later that week.

Barbara Matthews, who chairs the trustees at the 114-year-old Maidwell Hall, said the tax raid had forced the trustees to recognise that the economic consequence was unavoidable.

When the closure was announced, the Good Schools Guide told The Telegraph: If this can happen to Maidwell, it can certainly happen to other schools that share their profile  the smallish, country prep with boarding that is at the upper end of the fee spectrum.

Other schools have warned that the number of bursaries on offer for poorer students will be cut as budgets are tightened as a direct impact of the tax raid.

Last week, concerns were raised by David Woodgate, chief executive of the Independent School Bursars Association (ISBA), that some schools might have to sell off land in order to cut their tax bills.

A Treasury spokesman said: Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise 1.8bn a year to help the 94pc of children in state schools achieve and thrive. Pupil numbers at independent schools have remained steady since 2000, despite fees increasing by around 75pc in real terms since then.

We conducted a thorough and careful analysis and published a detailed costing methodology and from this, we and the OBR concluded that on average, private school fees are expected to rise by 10pc as a result of VAT. We remain committed to that conclusion.
Hawaiian lovers in Norwich are headed towards a narrow victory with 51 per cent voting to keep pineapple on Lupa pizzas - Lupa Pizza/Facebook

It is arguably the most divisive culinary combination.

Topping the traditional Italian favourite with pineapple now comes with a hefty price tag at one trendy pizzeria.

Lupa Pizza, in Norwich, is charging customers 100 for their Hawaiian pizza on the food delivery service, Deliveroo, because they disapprove of the combination so strongly.

The pizzeria, where the average base costs 11.70, has nailed its culinary colours to the mast, telling customers: Yeah, for 100 you can have it. Order the champagne too! Go on you Monster!

Theres definitely a lot of controversy, Quin Jianoran, the head chef, told The Telegraph.

People have been talking about it for so many years. Ive worked in pizza for eight years now and its always been the one thing. Its very split, people either love or hate it so I thought it would be a good way to engage with the public.

Francis Woolf, co-owner of Lupa Pizza, loathes pineapple on pizza and Quin Jianoran, the head chef, would rather put a strawberry on a pizza

Quin Jianoran, Lupa Pizzas head chef, has said he would rather put a strawberry on pizza than pineapple - Lupa Pizza/Facebook

Francis Woolf, the co-owner of Lupa Pizza, told the Norwich Evening News: I absolutely loathe pineapple on a pizza.

It is a sentiment shared by Mr Jianoran, who added: I love a pina colada, but pineapple on pizza? Never. Id rather put a bloody strawberry on one than that tropical menace.

Their views, however, are not shared with the majority of the British public. In the most recent YouGov survey on the subject, 53 per cent of Britons admitted they enjoyed the taste of pineapple on pizza, while 41 per cent of people do not.

Lupa agreed to feature the Hawaiian special on its main menu if the people of Norwich voted in favour of the combination in an online poll, which closes on Jan 24.

Quin Jianoran, Lupa Pizzas head chef, says: If pineapple wins the vote, Ill make it ... I might charge 200 next time

Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Jianoran  who claims you cant go wrong with a margarita  explained: It started off with us opening up on Deliveroo. It was originally for a laugh. No one has bought it yet, obviously, because of its extortionate price but we get people leaving comments saying, Oh I really wanted this though.

If people say yes on the poll, we are going to do it because we want to stay true to our word.

If pineapple wins the vote, Ill make it. But I wont be happy about it. And I might charge 200 next time.

As of Saturday, the poll stands at 51 per cent in favour of the Hawaiian.

Lupa Pizza will include Hawaiian pizza on its menu if the people of Norwich vote in favour of it in an online poll, which closes on Jan 24

Quin Jianoran has threatened to charge 200 if the poll result favours keeping pineapple on pizza - Lupa Pizza/Facebook

Earlier this year, Gordon Ramsay, the celebrity chef, was exposed by his daughter as a Hawaiian pizza hypocrite.

In a TikTok reel, the celebrity chef is seen making the public declaration: I absolutely curl my toes when some muppet puts pineapple on a freaking pizza. Pineapple does not belong on pizza.

The reel then cuts to show a hooded Ramsay secretly polishing off a Hawaiian.

The topping has even strained political ties in the past. In 2017, Guni Johannesson, the then president of Iceland, was forced to clarify his outspoken stance on Hawaiian pizza after admitting he would ban the combination if he could.

In a post, titled Statement on the Pizza Controversy, Mr Johannesson said: I like pineapples, just not on pizza. I do not have the power to make laws, which forbid people to put pineapples on their pizza. I am glad that I do not hold such power.

Presidents should not have unlimited power. I would not want to hold this position if I could pass laws forbidding that which I dont like. I would not want to live in such a country.

Mr Johannesson concluded: For pizzas, I recommend seafood.

Justin Trudeau, Canadas prime minister who announced his resignation earlier this week, weighed in on the row to voice his support for the delicious southwestern Ontario creation, stating his loyalty to #TeamPineapple.

Like Mr Johannesson, 15 per cent of Britons said they would ban pineapple on pizza. But it is not the most hated topping. Anchovies took the top spot with 35 per cent calling for a ban, followed by olives, tuna and jalapenos.
Volodymyr Zelensky said that journalists will be given access to the prisoners. - Shutterstock /Paolo Gianotti

Ukrainian special forces have captured two North Korean troops, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday.

The wounded soldiers have been transported to Kyiv for questioning by intelligence services, the Ukraine president said, in what is believed to be a first since North Korean troops entered the war on the side of Russia.

The two men were reportedly captured by Ukrainian special operations forces and paratroopers in Russias Kursk region

These are two soldiers who, although wounded, survived and were brought to Kyiv, and are talking to SBU investigators, Mr Zelensky wrote on social media, referring to Ukraines security service.

The Ukrainian president also posted photos of the prisoners of war, showing one soldier with both hands wrapped in bandages and another wearing a bloodied dressing around his chin.

Further photos appeared to show a red Russian army ID card issued to a 26-year-old man from Russias Tyva region bordering Mongolia, and a view through the porthole of a cell marked detention of prisoners of war, 411.

Our soldiers have captured North Korean military personnel in the Kursk region. Two soldiers, though wounded, survived and were transported to Kyiv, where they are now communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine.



This was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North pic.twitter.com/5J0hqbarP6  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) January 11, 2025

This was not an easy task: Russian forces and other North Korean military personnel usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Koreas involvement in the war against Ukraine, the president continued.

The world needs to know the truth about what is happening, he said, announcing that journalists would be given access to the prisoners.

Ukrainian forces announced in late December they had captured several wounded North Korean soldiers but they later succumbed to their injuries.

Our soldiers managed to take them prisoner. But they were very seriously wounded and could not be resuscitated, the Ukrainian president said at the time.

Mr Zelensky said on Jan 5 that around 3,800 North Koreans had been killed or wounded since Pyongyang deployed more than 10,000 troops to Russia in late October to reinforce Moscows forces in the Kursk border region.

The White House said on Dec 27 that North Korean troops were being sent on futile human wave attacks by Russian generals who see them as expendable.

We now assess that North Korean forces are conducting massed dismounted assaults against Ukrainian positions in Kursk, and these human wave tactics that were seeing havent really been all that effective, said John Kirby, a US national security council spokesman.

Mr Zelensky posted a photo that shows a view through the porthole of a cell marked detention of prisoners of war, 411 - X

Kyiv has previously claimed that North Korean soldiers have been issued with fake Russian IDs, while Mr Zelensky posted footage before Christmas that appeared to show Russian forces burning the faces of killed North Koreans to conceal their identities.

Ukraines Western allies previously branded the deployment of North Korean troops as a dangerous expansion of the conflict.

Mr Zelensky made the comments days after Ukraine began pressing new attacks in Kursk to retain ground captured in a lightning incursion in August that resulted in the first occupation of Russian territory since World War II.

Moscows counter-attack has left Ukrainian forces outstretched and demoralized, killing and wounding thousands and retaking more than 40 per cent of the 984 square kilometers (380 square miles) of Kursk Ukraine had seized.
Benjamin Netanyahu met the incoming US Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff (right), on Saturday. Photograph: handout

The US Middle East envoy chosen by the president-elect, Donald Trump, met the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday amid efforts to secure a hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza, an Israeli official said.

On Friday, Steve Witkoff met the Qatari prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, to discuss the latest developments in the region, especially the efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Qatari foreign ministry said.

After Witkoffs visit to the mediator in Qatar, the envoy, who has reportedly assured that the US would continue to work towards a deal to end the war soon, flew to Israel where he met Netanyahu.

After their talk, Netanyahus office said the prime minister would send the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency, David Barnea, to Qatars capital, in order to continue advancing a deal to release our hostages.



It was not immediately clear when Barnea would travel to Doha, but the US is pressing for a deal before Trump takes office on 20 January. Barneas presence means high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved.

In an interview with National Public Radio, William Burns, the director of the CIA, said the White House was working to reach a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas before Trumps inauguration.

Negotiations going on right now are quite serious and do offer the possibility, at least, of getting this done in the next couple of weeks. This administration will work very hard at that right up until 20 January. I think the coordination with the new administration on this issue has been good. President-elect Trump has made clear his interest in trying to get a deal, you know, before his inauguration, Burns said.

The CIA directors interview with Mary Louise Kelley on NPRs All Things Considered took place as Israel and Hamas appeared to be edging closer towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal that could bring the bloodshed in the Gaza Strip to an end amid reports of optimism among decision-makers.

Hamas said on Monday that it had given mediators a list of 34 Israeli captives who were seized during the groups attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 that triggered the war, and who could be freed as part of the first phase of a prisoner exchange deal.

The list included the remaining women, children and older and injured people, Hamas said, although Israel said the militant group had yet to convey whether those named were alive or dead.

Ive learned the hard way not to get my hopes up about the ceasefire hostage negotiations, Burns said. I do think there remains a chance to get a deal. The gaps between the parties have narrowed.

Several rounds of talks mediated by the US, Egypt and Qatar have failed to produce a lasting ceasefire. Officials have repeatedly voiced optimism that a breakthrough was close only for the negotiations to founder.

Just one brief ceasefire has been achieved in 15 months of war, in the earliest weeks of fighting. The talks mediated by the US, Egypt and Qatar have repeatedly stalled since then.

Hamas insists that any negotiations to secure the release of hostages must form part of a comprehensive pact to end the hostilities in Gaza, while Netanyahu is seeking a more segmented agreement, aiming for a deal that would see the liberation of some, though not all, hostages, while simultaneously preserving Israels prerogative to recommence hostilities against Hamas upon the deals expiration.

In recent weeks, the issue of the hostages and a ceasefire agreement have been at the heart of an intensive debate in the Israeli media. Critics accuse Netanyahu of deliberately stalling the deal, ostensibly to await Trumps assumption of office.

Western intelligence services estimate that at least one-third of the remaining 95 or so Israeli captives in Gaza have been killed. Despite the latest talks, Israel has stepped up airstrikes on the Palestinian territory, which killed at least 100 people last weekend, local health officials said.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Netanyahu is betting that Trumps pressure campaign will bring Hamas to its knees, but said the prime minister has been wrong many times before about the impact of different events on the groups negotiating positions.

Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Israeli thinktank the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy, told Agence-France Presse earlier this week: I cannot foresee significant progress until President Trump assumes office.

Trumps return to office could prove advantageous for Netanyahus expansionist policies, particularly regarding settlement expansion and potential annexation in the West Bank.

Trump has said there will be hell to pay if Hamas does not release its hostages before he takes office, suggesting he is seeking a deal before the inauguration day.

Conditions in Gaza, where almost all of the population of 2.3 million are living in makeshift accommodation, are deteriorating in the face of cold and wet winter weather, which has caused flooding.

Israels offensive in Gaza has killed at least 46,537 Palestinians and wounded 109,571 since 7 October 2023, the Palestinian territorys health ministry said on Saturday. About 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 taken hostage in the Hamas attack.
The Prime Minister is under immense pressure to call a national inquiry into grooming gangs, Nigel Farage has said as he reiterated his demand for a new review.

Comparing previous inquiries to a shotgun approach, the Reform UK leader told his partys north-west regional conference on Saturday that a new inquiry needed to be a rifle shot dealing with gangs predominantly of Pakistani origin preying on young, in most-cases working-class white girls.

He said: Unless we get to the bottom of what has happened here, to understand the full extent and scale of what has happened here, to understand the motives of those who perpetrated these crimes  which frankly I believe are more than likely to be deeply racist in nature  unless we confront this head on, we are never going to have a path to stopping it.

Mr Farage added that he welcomed Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnhams decision to break ranks and call for an inquiry, saying: I think the pressure on the Prime Minister is becoming immense.

Mr Farage made his remarks after an introduction by Elizabeth Harper, a survivor of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, who also called for an inquiry.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham is the most senior Labour figure to call for a national inquiry (Aaron Chown/PA)

Insisting that a new inquiry should be completed within nine months, he reiterated his pledge that Reform would establish its own review if the Government did not act by the end of January.

His speech comes a day after the director of the National Police Chiefs Councils Hydrant programme targeting sexual abuse said there was no significant issue with any particular ethnicity or setting.

Richard Fewkes said data released on Friday reflects what you would expect to see across the country and people involved in grooming gangs were predominantly white.

New figures from the police database show that, where ethnicity data was available, 85% of group-based child abusers were white in the first three quarters of 2024.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned coarse public discourse on the issue could lead to violence against Muslims (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The same data for the whole of 2023 showed 83% of offenders were white.

Earlier on Saturday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned that irresponsible and coarse public discourse on the issue could lead to violence against Muslims in general.

Pointing to the attack on a mosque in New Zealand in 2019, where the killer had written For Rotherham on one of his weapons, Mr Streeting told The Guardian: There are people in my community who have either Pakistani heritage or look different, who are now more fearful today than they were before.

Criticising the well-meaning, but ultimately fundamentally misguided and warped views of political correctness of police and councils who had let down thousands of victims, he added: We have to be extremely clear about the failings and the nature of it, and not allow political correctness, fear of stating the truth as it is to fail victims, as has happened before.

We must also make sure that entire communities are not tarred with the same brush.

On Monday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Government would begin to implement Professor Alexis Jays call for mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, with further details expected to be set out in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, polling by More in Common suggested most people thought the Government had not done enough to tackle grooming gangs.

Some 60% of people told the pollster that the current Labour Government had not done enough, while 69% said the same about the previous Conservative administration.

More than half of the 2,011 people surveyed said they had no or not much confidence that the justice system took allegations of child sexual exploitation seriously, while 41% thought the activities of grooming gangs had been deliberately covered up.
Becoming a parent, whether it's through giving birth, surrogacy, or adoption, is a life-changing experience, and with that change comes a host of new tax matters to understand.

While filing taxes may not be at the top of your list right now, especially when you're sleep-deprived, the law requires you to prepare your tax return.

To help make the process smoother for you, this guide explains some of the most important federal tax benefits, credits, and rules in 2025.

Social Security Benefits for Children

If you've recently had or adopted a child, it's a good idea to get a Social Security number for them as early as possible. A valid Social Security number is usually required for various benefits and tax credits.

For instance, children may be entitled to Social Security benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or has passed away. Qualifying children can receive up to 50% of a parent's retirement or disability benefit or up to 75% of a deceased parent's Social Security benefit. Benefits typically stop once your child reaches age 18 unless the child is still in high school (in which case benefits can last until two months after turning 19) or has a qualifying disability that began before age 22.

New parents can usually apply for this document at the hospital after their baby is born. However, if you haven't gone through the process, you can do so through this website.

The Social Security Administration would need to verify your child's birth certificate and identity before providing them a number. The process could take some time, so it may be beneficial for you to file for a six-month tax extension while verification is underway.

Filing as Head of Household

When you have a child and you're unmarried, you may be eligible to file as Head of Household. This filing status usually offers a higher standard deduction (around $21,900) and more favorable tax brackets than filing as a Single ($14,600).

To qualify, you generally need to:

Be unmarried (or considered unmarried) at the end of the tax year.

Pay more than half the household costs for you and the qualifying child for the year.

Ensure the qualifying child lives with you for at least half the year.

Adoption Tax Credit

Adopting a child can be expensive, and the federal government offers an Adoption Tax Credit of up to $16,810 to help offset certain qualified costs. The credit covers costs such as adoption fees, court expenses, attorney fees, and other necessary adoption-related fees.

The credit is not refundable, meaning it can bring your tax bill down to zero, but you generally will not receive a refund for any excess. However, you can carry forward any unused amount for up to five years.

Child and Dependent Care Credit

If you're paying for child care so you can work or look for work, you may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Here are a few key points:

You can typically claim a percentage of your eligible child care expenses, up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more children.

The credit percentage is generally between 20% and 35%, depending on your income.

To claim the credit, you must provide the name, address, and tax ID number (or Social Security number) of your care provider.

Earned Income Tax Credit Qualifications

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families. Specifically, the EITC is for filers with one child and an adjusted gross income of $49,084 (single) or $56,004 (joint filers) in 2024. The credit may amount to up to $4,213 in refundable tax credit.

Updating Your W-4 Form

If you started a new job or experienced a big life change, like having a baby, you might need to adjust your tax withholding on Form W-4. This is to make sure your documents indicate that you now have a dependent.
Police have widened their search of the River Dee in Aberdeen as they continue to look for two sisters who disappeared four days ago.

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV in the citys Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.

The sisters crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee  heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club.

Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been assisting efforts to trace the pair, who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary.

The River Dee remains the focus of the search as officers said no evidence has emerged suggesting the missing women left the immediate area.

Police Scotland is also liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters as the search continues.

Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: Eliza and Henriettas family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.

We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.

Officers have extended their search of the River Dee in Aberdeen as enquiries continue to trace missing sisters Eliza and Henrietta Huszti. They were last seen on CCTV on Market Street at Victoria Bridge, Aberdeen, around 2.12am on Tuesday, 7 January.https://t.co/T2HhFv5568 pic.twitter.com/LzggMWdwCz  Police Scotland North East (@PSOSNorthEast) January 11, 2025

We are again urging the public to come forward with any information relating to Eliza and Henriettas whereabouts.

The focus of our search remains the River Dee and I would again ask, if you were in the area at the time, please think back, did you notice anyone matching their description?

Even if it doesnt seem significant, please pass any information on and let us be the judge of that.

I would again urge businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to please review their CCTV footage for early morning on Tuesday January 7 2025 and contact us if it holds anything that may be relevant to our investigation.

We are also keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 0735 of Tuesday January 7 2025.
Temperatures are set to drop again overnight on Saturday and could hit minus 15C, the Met Office said.

The cold spell is set to continue overnight after temperatures plummeted to minus 18.9C on Saturday morning in Altnaharra, which is in the most northern region of the Highlands and was the UKs coldest January night in 15 years.

The average low in northern Scotland for this time of year is about 0.3C, while for England, overnight lows are about 1.5C to 1.6C.

It's another very cold and frosty start for many on Sunday morning, with some freezing fog patches in places  Less cold in the west with patchy rain moving into Northern Ireland pic.twitter.com/ouLwyW6266  Met Office (@metoffice) January 11, 2025

Temperatures ranged between the far north and south of the UK during the day on Saturday, with maximums of 11.3C recorded on the Isles of Scilly and minus 9.3 in Altnaharra.

Zoe Hutin, Met Office meteorologist, said rural spots in Scotland could reach minus 15C on Saturday night, which is about 10C lower than the average for this time of year.

She said: This is probably the last very, very cold night expected, weve got a trend towards something a little bit milder.

Making plans for Sunday? It's looking largely dry and cold for many areas, with some sunny spells, but also some fog patches too  Skies will cloud over across Northern Ireland and Scotland with some patchy rain  pic.twitter.com/NsXgvhxsPp  Met Office (@metoffice) January 11, 2025

The Met Office will also be keeping an eye out for any freezing fog overnight on Saturday, which could be in the east.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended its cold weather health alert for all of England until Tuesday.

Amber alerts have been extended and will now run until January 14, meaning a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, is likely, the agency said.

Sunday day will see an east/west divide with a maximum of 3C or 4C in the east, while the west could see between 7C and 8C or potentially 9C.
The British governments independent terrorism legislation reviewer has said politicians need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture when it comes to stateless persons and the balance of national security.

Repatriation would not be moral absolution, if someone came back it wouldnt prevent them from potentially being prosecuted for what theyve done, Mr Hall told BBC Radio 4s The World Tonight programme.

It could be quite a pragmatic decision in the overall interests of national security to bring someone back.

His comments come after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage admitted he had been thoughtful when asked if the UK should consider bringing back UK woman Shamima Begum.

Mr Farage said that instinctively it is not something he would want to do but he is now thoughtful about the matter.

Ms Begum was disallowed to challenge the removal of her British citizenship at the Supreme Court, judges ruled in August last year.

The now-25-year-old hoped to overturn the Governments decision to revoke her citizenship on national security grounds after she travelled to Syria as a 15-year-old to join the Islamic State group.

Mr Hall went on to outlay the pros and cons of allowing stateless persons to return to the UK.

There is obviously some national security benefit of leaving people there because you dont have to monitor them, he said.

On the other hand, there havent yet been any attacks in Europe by anyone who has been repatriated in this way and if they are left there and then they escape, they would be much more dangerous, actually, to the UK.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during the Reform UK South East conference in 2025 (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Earlier this week, Donald Trumps incoming counter-terrorism chief called for the repatriation of British members of the so-called Islamic State being held in Syrian prison camps.

Sebastian Gorka said that any nation that wishes to be seen as a serious ally of the US should commit to the international fight against the extremist group by taking back citizens currently in the north east of Syria.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said that a Conservative government with her as leader will never take back Ms Begum.

She added: Citizenship means committing to a country and wanting its success. Its not an international travel document for crime tourism.

In an interview with The Times, Mr Gorka said: Any nation which wishes to be seen to be a serious ally and friend of the most powerful nation in the world should act in a fashion that reflects that serious commitment when asked if the UK should be forced to accept Isis members back.

That is doubly so for the UK which has a very special place in President Trumps heart and we would all wish to see the special relationship fully re-established.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that Ms Begum will not be coming back to the UK.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that Shamima Begum will not be coming back to the UK (Leon Neal/PA)

Speaking to Good Morning Britain on Thursday, he said: Its gone right through the courts. Shes not a UK national.

We will not be bringing her back to the UK. Were really clear about that.

We will act in our security interests. And many of those in those camps are dangerous, are radicals.

Ms Begum was 15 when she travelled from Bethnal Green, east London, into territory controlled by IS in 2015.

She was married off to an IS fighter and was stripped of her British citizenship in February 2019.

Shamima Begum was 15 when she travelled to Syria via Turkey with two other girls (Metropolitan Police/PA)

The upheaval in Syria following the collapse of Bashar Assads regime has put the future of the camps holding IS-linked prisoners in doubt.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, the anti-Assad group allied with the West, has been guarding tens of thousands of captured foreign IS members and their children in sprawling camps and detention centres.
US actor James Woods has revealed his home survived the Los Angeles wildfires that continue to ravage the star-studded Californian neighbourhood.

The Ghosts Of Mississippi star said he went to visit what he believed was the remnants of his home in the Pacific Palisades, to find it was still standing.

A miracle has happened, he wrote on X, as he shared footage of the destroyed properties surrounding his home.

A miracle has happened. We managed to get to our property and our home, that we were told is gone forever, is still standing. In this hellish landscape standing is relative, but smoke and other damage is not like the utter destruction around us. The view from our deck area: pic.twitter.com/JZU2kTJC52  James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 10, 2025

We managed to get to our property and our home, that we were told is gone forever, is still standing.

In this hellish landscape standing is relative, but smoke and other damage is not like the utter destruction around us.

Woods said he was so happy and grateful to return to his home but described the area surrounding the property as looking like the dark side of the moon.

Its so fundamentally gut-wrenching and upsetting, its almost hard to celebrate the joyous news that our home survived, he said.

While we rejoice to find our house intact, in the midst of a hellscape like this, you can only think of your neighbours.

I was so certain our house was gone a day ago, but the fickle finger of fate decided otherwise.

So many beautiful messages from all of you. Im so happy and grateful, but honestly the entire area looks like the dark side of the moon. Its so fundamentally gut-wrenching and upsetting, its almost hard to celebrate the joyous news that our home survived. pic.twitter.com/kpBhL1432l  James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 11, 2025

The actor also revealed he had orchestrated the rescue of his 94-year-old neighbour after the mans replacement caregiver had allegedly left him behind amid evacuation orders.

It comes days after the Golden Globe and two-time Emmy winning actor confirmed he had evacuated his home as he shared security camera footage of flames engulfing a nearby home and the bottom of his balcony.

We were blessed to have LA fire and police depts doing their jobs so well. We are safe and outCan not speak more highly of the LA fire and LAPD, he wrote on X.

It tests your soul, losing everything at once, I must say, he wrote, when he believed his home had burnt down.

Woods has remained critical of Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, calling for their resignation over the response to the wildfires.
TheDoeNetwork Jessica O'Grady

Its been nearly 20 years since Jessica OGrady was last seen or heard from, but authorities say in a new interview with PEOPLE they're still determined to keep looking for the aspiring teacher who vanished the night she planned to tell a man that she was pregnant with their child.

Although this case is solved, we are still searching for the remains of Jessica OGrady, Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson confirmed in a recent interview with PEOPLE. We are hopeful that we will continue to receive tips and leads from the public about information that they may be aware of to give the family closure and recover Jessicas remains.

PEOPLE is looking back on the 2006 case as it's gained newfound attention on social media nearly two decades later. Here's what happened.

The Night Jessica Went Missing

TheDoeNetwork Jessica O'Grady

O'Grady, a 19-year-old restaurant worker, went missing late on the night of May 10, 2006, after driving to see a coworker with whom she'd recently began a romantic relationship. The teenager was on her way to tell her coworker, Christopher Edwards, that she was pregnant with his baby, then-Omaha Police Detective Eric Nordby said in a 2019 interview.

Court records showed that OGrady sent a text to her longtime friend Keri Peterson moments before she vanished: No shenanigans for Jessica, she wrote to Peterson, who told a Nebraska courtroom during Edwards 2007 trial it was a coded message which meant she was not planning to have sex that night.

Nordby said in his 2019 interview with the U.S. Armys website that he interviewed Edwards about OGradys disappearance shortly afterwards, initially believing the missing womans boyfriend was being helpful. But then he started to suspiciously deflect questions and provide false statements about their interactions that night.

"He claimed that he and O'Grady decided not to meet on the night of May 10, Nordby said. He said she did not come to his home. On May 11th he sent a text to her to find out why she did not come over.

But phone records showed OGradys last phone call was an outgoing call to Edwards late on May 10, and that Edwards never did text OGrady the following day as he'd claimed to police. Then Nordby helped lead a search of Edwards home, finding bloodstained towels tucked away in trash bags in the garage and traces of blood all over his bedroom that apparently had been tried to be washed away.

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Christopher Edwards

Edwards Had Been Involved with Another Woman

Investigators would later discover Edwards was involved in another serious relationship at the time, according to records from the Supreme Court of Nebraska. Edwards met Michelle Wilkin in 2005 and got her pregnant in January 2006, roughly four months before OGradys disappearance on the night she planned to tell him she was also pregnant with a child, according to the court.

Once Wilkin asked Edwards why he was under investigation for OGradys disappearance, he admitted to sleeping with O'Grady. At his trial, Wilkin testified that Edwards had told her at some point that he had heard [O'Grady] was pregnant," according to the state Supreme Court records. But Wilkin said Edwards told her that after Wilkin and Edwards had discussed marriage, he had met with O'Grady at his house to tell O'Grady that he and O'Grady would no longer be involved.

Local KMTV reported that Edwards was convicted a year later for OGradys murder and sentenced to 100 years in prison. However, Edwards refused to cooperate with investigators, who have still yet to find OGradys remains nearly two decades later.

TheDoeNetwork Jessica O'Grady

The Search for O'Grady's Body Continues

During a recent interview with PEOPLE, Sheriff Hanson said investigators do have a strong suspicion about where Jessicas remains are, however based on a multitude of factors in that area, they are virtually inaccessible if they are in the location that we suspect.



We are hopeful as time goes on that so will the quality of ground and concrete penetrating radar, that that technology will improve as well so that we can hopefully confirm or deny our suspicions once and for all, the sheriff added, mentioning that the location where investigators believe OGradys remains are is physically inaccessible for a multitude of reasons.

It would require some very specific and highly technological presence of ground and concrete penetrating radar, the sheriff added. Now, were hopeful that technology will exist and if it does already exist, wed love to have any private entities that would be willing to approach the sheriffs office and offer their services.



Almost 20 years later, Edwards has exhausted all possible appeals to his prison sentence, the sheriff says. However, according to Hanson, the convicted murder still has shown no interest in cooperating with investigators to tell them where OGradys remains are located.

Obviously if Christopher Edwards would be willing to help give the family that closure, we would be happy to take his testimony on that so that we could do so, Hanson said.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The sheriff adds that investigators have reason to believe others besides Edwards know where OGradys remains might be located. Theres always reason to believe that, the sheriff said, noting that his office has continued to receive anonymous or known tips and are hoping to hear more.

That would be most helpful, Hanson added. So, the public should know that theyre safe if they want to approach the sheriffs office and help give the OGrady family closure. They can call our tip line, 402-444-6000 and they could also contact Omaha Crime Stoppers, as well.

Read the original article on People


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



Sure signs youre a Starbucks superfan: You can rank the best Starbucks menu items of all time , you know all the good copycat recipes for the chains most popular menu items, like the pink drink and caramel frappuccino , and you consider Starbucks points a form of currency.

But even if youre a Starbys regular, youre most likely making some ordering mistakes and missing out on secrets that baristas keep close to their green vests. Read on to find out what mistakes even Starbucks regulars makewere spilling the (coffee) beans!



1. You Ask For Less Ice

Less ice likely wont translate to more drink in your cup. Instead, when you make this customization, you risk watering down your drinks, Michelle Plett, a former barista who worked for Starbucks in the UK and Canada for three years, tells Delish. Starbucks already has a low coffee-to-dairy ratio, and so adding more dairy just makes the drink taste less good, she explains.

2. You Use A Straw To Drink Anything With Foam

Pro tip from this barista on TikTok : If you order an iced coffee with cold foam, resist the urge to shake it up or use a straw because at that point youre missing out on the foam and you might as well have just ordered a drink with sweet cream. The lids come with sippers so that you can enjoy the foamy goodness sans straw.

3. You Keep The Pay It Forward Chain Going

The scenario: Youre in the Starbucks drive-thru to pick up your latte when a barista lets you know the car in front of you paid for your order and asks if you want to keep the chain going. But what if the next person in line, say, orders coffee for their entire office or is picking up a bunch of breakfast sandwiches in addition to their coffee order and all of a sudden the $6 you planned to spend on your morning coffee becomes 10X that much?

You should absolutely not feel bad about breaking the pay it forward chain, according to several employees past and present who chime in on Reddit threads. The person who is in the drive-thru can afford their order, thats why they placed it, one says . In fact, some baristas on Reddit say theyll be grateful that you break the streak. Some will even do it themselves because the charitable chain can get confusing, especially during the morning rush!

If youre feeling especially generous, baristas suggest leaving a tip (or a bigger one).

4. Youre Not Using The Secret Pastry-Warming Setting

Do you frequently go to Starbucks for a sweet treat? If you want better tasting pastries, request that your brownie or cookie be heated on setting two, Plett says.

It's just the setting for putting two items in, but melts everything and makes it more gooey and yummy, she explains.

Her other pro tip: If you're having your sandwich heated up, ask the employee to open it up so that the cheese actually melts.

5. Youre Blowing Your Starbucks Points

If youre a regular at Starbucks, youve probably been amassing stars with each order. You get 1 star for every $1 spent. Regulars have lots of theories on how to best spend your points to get the most bang for your Starbucks bucks. Much internet thought has gone into breaking down the math to show how far your stars go for different orders cashing in your stars for a chocolate croissant, for example, nets you a value of 5.45 cents per star, while caffeine fiends could get an iced coffee with eight (!) shots of espresso, which would bump the value of each star up past 16 cents per star.

In Pletts opinion, though, the best bang for your stars is using 300 points to get an entire bag of whole-bean Starbucks coffee, rather than spending200 points on a latte or Frappuccino blended beverage. (Heres the official breakdown of how you can spend your points.)

6. Youre Sticking To The Set Frappuccino Menu

Frozen coffee lovers have come up with some fantastic custom Frappuccino creations over the years. Some have become so popular that theyve gained secret menu status, meaning your barista may just know what you mean if you try to order the Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino, but you're better off knowing how to ask for the custom order. In this case, your script would be: A Java Chip Frappuccino with 1 pump hazelnut syrup, 1 pump, toffee nut syrup, and caramel drizzle on top for a drink that tastes just like the chocolate and hazelnut Italian confection.

One barista-favorite Frap is the mocha cookie crumble one with blended strawberry puree, which tastes like a chocolate-covered strawberry . (Here are more Frappuccinos to order from the secret menu ).

7. You're Oversharing In The Drive-Thru Line

When youre ordering at the drive-thru speaker boxes , not only can Starbucks employees likely hear everything that youre saying, but they can also see whats going on in your car. Starbucks employees have heard and seen it all , from litterbugs to customers rolling their eyes and flipping off the screen to private conversations and singalongs in the car.

I had a lady GO OFF about this b*** named Teresa who got paid more than she did but she literally didnt do sh*** AND was mean and my poor custie was working 12 hour days, 6 days a week and she just wants to come home and put her feet up but her husband (who was in the car) was an inconsiderate dolt, shared one worker on the thread. She was so sweet at the window too  We all said that if we ever meet Teresa that its hands on sight.

Another dished: Ive heard customers have screaming matches with their family in the drive thru. Its wild. I will never forget "what do you want? You TOLD ME STARBUCKS WAS FINE!!!!!!!" (Relatable!)

By the way, this isnt exclusive to Starbucksyou can pretty much assume youre on camera every time you roll up to a drive-thru speaker.



You Might Also Like
Courtesy of Netflix Peter Eggers as John and Mattias Nordkvist as Per in Netflix's series 'Breakthrough' (2025).

The Breakthrough follows a double murder that took 16 years to solve  much like a real-life incident that occurred in Sweden in 2004.

Based on the 2021 novel of the same name, the Netflix series recounts the chilling story of a long-unsolved case involving the fatal stabbings of a young boy and a middle-aged woman. Sixteen years later, police officers teamed up with a genealogist who use advanced technology to identify the killer. Although it is a fictional drama series, it is inspired by real-life events that were explored in the novel.

In November 2022, scriptwriter Oskar Soderlund told Netflix that upon reading The Breakthrough, he was "struck by the fact that there was such strong human destinies behind this massive murder investigation."

"Police officers who refuse to give up, relatives who wanted answers and last but not least the genealogist who finally came up with the solution," he said. "It is a terrible trauma that has affected the people and the city of Linkoping and I want to respectfully tell about the attempts to move on from such trauma."



So, what is the true story behind The Breakthrough? Here's everything to know about the real double murders that struck Sweden in 2004  and why it took 16 years to find the killer.

Is The Breakthrough a true story?

Courtesy of Netflix Peter Eggers as John, Annika Hallin as Karin and Magnus Mark as Bjorn in Netflix's series 'Breakthrough' (2025).

The Breakthrough begins with a young boy on his way to school when he is stabbed by an unidentified man. A middle-aged woman intervenes, and as a result, he stabs her, too.

A bystander reports the crime to the police, but despite the clues she brings, the case remains unsolved. Throughout the four-episode series, officers and genealogists work over the course of 16 years to uncover the truth behind the brutal attack and identify the killer. In the end, it's the DNA of a journalist trying to write about the technology's role in the case that leads investigators to a man named David Nilsson.

Although the Netflix show is considered a fictional drama series, it is based on the nonfiction book written by journalist Anna Bodin and genealogist Peter Sjolund in 2021. In a November 2022 statement to Netflix, the authors said they were excited that a story based on their "extensive work" would be told by FLX and Netflix.

"This is the first criminal case in Europe that has been solved with genetic genealogy, and it is a case that has touched both of us, the city of Linkoping and Sweden deeply," the statement continued.



What happened in the real-life case of The Breakthrough?

Courtesy of Netflix Annika Hallin as Karin in Netflix's series 'Breakthrough' (2025).

Much like the series, a double homicide occurred in 2004 when an 8-year-old boy and 56-year-old woman were fatally stabbed by an unknown attacker, per The Local Sweden.

According to the outlet, the boy had been on his way to school, while the woman was headed to work. Police were called to the scene early in the morning, where they first discovered the woman had been stabbed in the stomach. She was transported to a local hospital and died during surgery. Meanwhile, the boy was found at the scene lying nearby with a cut throat and was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital.

Witnesses described the killer as being in his twenties, dressed in a beige knee-length jacket and blue or black woolen hat, and told police that he "did not run but strolled away from the murder scene," per The Local Sweden.

As illustrated in The Breakthrough, the murder weapon was believed to be a butterfly knife.

According to The Guardian, the weapon was found at the scene alongside the suspect's DNA and a bloody cap. But despite the clues, the case sat unsolved for years as investigators struggled to identify the killer.

How was the murder in The Breakthrough solved?

Courtesy of Netflix Peter Eggers as John in Netflix's series 'Breakthrough' (2025).

According to The Guardian, new legislation was passed in January 2019 that enabled police to search for DNA matches on commercial genealogy websites. This development led law enforcement to collaborate with genealogists to reopen and continue investigating the cold case 16 years after the tragic event.

The genealogists interviewed and tested the DNA of thousands of people. After creating family trees, the results led investigators to a pair of brothers  as they did in the Netflix series  before they ultimately found their match, per a September 2020 report from The Nomad Today.

In June 2020, police identified a killer and released a statement that said they "received a match almost immediately," per The Guardian.

They added that "his DNA was taken and matched 100%," as shown in the Netflix series.

Who was the real-life killer from The Breakthrough?

Courtesy of Netflix Mattias Nordkvist as Per in Netflix's 'Breakthrough' (2025).

After matching his DNA on a popular genealogy website, Daniel Nyqvist was identified as the killer. According to The Guardian, Nyqvist  who was 21 at the time of the attack  admitted to police that he had obsessive thoughts about killing and chose the victims randomly.

Medical experts concluded he had suffered from a psychiatric disorder, which became his lawyer's defense for rejecting the charge of premeditated murder, per the outlet.

Additionally, The Guardian reported that the killer said during the police interrogation that he never expected he would go unscathed for so many years.

"I remember that I didnt brush my teeth because I was just going to die or get caught that day," he said. "But I had to do it. I did it mostly on automatic."



Nyqvist had been unemployed and living at his parent's home during the murders and continued to live a quiet life near Linkoping following the attack, per The Guardian.

Who were the real-life victims from The Breakthrough?

Courtesy of Netflix Bahador Foladi as Saad in Netflix's series 'Breakthrough' (2025).

The young boy killed by Nyqvist was identified as Mohamad Ammouri. According to The Local Sweden, it was a normal morning for Ammouri, who was on his way to school when he was killed.

"Mohamad overslept and got up at about quarter past seven. He was worried about being late for school," Ammouri's brother Ali told the outlet. "My mum prepared a simple breakfast which he ate before he took his schoolbag and ran off."

Soon after he headed to school, Ammouri's sister Iman followed him, only to be met by disturbance in the streets and the image of a body lying in the road  the same way the scene unfolded in the Netflix series.

However, police prevented anybody from getting close enough to identify the body. Ammouri's school then called his family to ask why he hadn't arrived, per the outlet, which led them to find out the tragic news about their son.

"Just after nine we found out that our son had been killed," Ammouri's father told The Local Sweden. "He was radiantly happy and loved to joke with people. Why would anyone want to kill him? We have no enemies in the whole of Sweden."

The 56-year-old woman was identified as Anna-Lena Svensson, who worked for an educational company and was on her way to work when she was killed, per the outlet. She and her husband had a 28-year-old daughter.

According to The Local Sweden, the victims did not know each other, and police did not believe there was any connection between them and the killer.



Where is The Breakthrough killer Daniel Nyqvist now?

Sixteen years after the attack, Nyqvist confessed to the crime and was convicted of murder in October 2020, per The Local Sweden. According to the outlet, he was sentenced to psychiatric care after being found to have "committed the acts under the influence of a severe psychological disorder."

Nyqvist was also required to pay damages to the young boy's family, while the woman's relatives did not request anything, according to Swedish outlet SVT NYheter. Following his conviction, Nyqvist's lawyers said he would not request an appeal to the verdict, per a translated report from Swedish outlet Corren.

According to Nyheter24, as of October 2024, Nyqvist  who goes by a different name now  remains in forensic psychiatric care at Regional Clinic in Vadstena, Sweden, per a request from the Administrative Court in Linkoping.

Court records reviewed by the outlet reveal that his healthcare has been running smoothly, with no psychiatric symptoms observed in the past six months. The documents also noted that he recently began taking medication as a precaution and feels that his sleep has improved.



Read the original article on People
A Bronx man with a history of arrests and mental illness has been charged with murder for fatally stabbing a 14-year-old in an unprovoked attack  prompting NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to decry the systems that  continue to fail us.

Waldo Mejia is also facing manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon charges in the Friday morning slaying of Caleb Rijos, who was walking to school on East 138th Street, when Mejia, 29, allegedly stabbed him twice in the chest, cops said.

Waldo Mejia getting walked out of the 40th Precinct in the Bronx on Jan. 11, 2025 after allegedly killing 14-year-old Caleb Rios. Tomas E.Gaston

Caleb Rios, 14, was standing on the sidewalk on East 138th Street when he was fatally stabbed. Family photo obtained by NYP

As he lay dying, Caleb called his father.

You know, he called his father and told his father that he couldnt breathe and that he was scared, and his father heard him dying, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark told reporters at a Saturday news conference. Its unfathomable to think about the level of this tragedy.

Rijos was taken to Lincoln Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries, cops said.

Tisch blamed the system.

Today, a 14-year old-boy is dead. A family is devastated, a city is in mourning, and the systems that we have in place to deal with repeat offenders and individuals with severe mental health issues continue to fail us, Tisch said.

There have been 63 stabbings and slashings in the city as of Jan. 5, compared to 78 incidents in the same period in 2024, police data shows.

Mejia is also facing manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon charges. TOMAS E. GASTON

Surveillance footage of the suspect released by the NYPD. DCPI

Detectives captured an image of Rijos suspected killer from surveillance video, and were led to Mejia after combing the neighborhood for other crimes, Tisch said.

They found a case in which a resident near the crime scene reported their doorbell camera had been stabbed with a kitchen knife on Nov. 27, the commissioner said.

They identified Mejia because he had been charged in the crime and released on his own recognizance the next day in the non-bail eligible case, she said.

Detectives showed the arresting officer in the doorbell camera case photos of the suspect in the stabbing and she recognized the stabber as Mejia, Tisch said.

Mejia is also believed to be responsible for a Jan. 5 stabbing in the Bronx. TOMAS E. GASTON

They obtained footage from the same ring camera hed stabbed weeks prior, and saw him leaving his residence a few minutes before Fridays stabbing, she said.

The commissioner slammed the revolving-door criminal justice system in the Big Apple for Rijos murder.

The status quo is just not working for New Yorkers, Tisch said during the news conference. We do not have a system that puts the rights and needs of victims first. And my message to New Yorkers is something has to give.

Caleb Rios was stabbed to death in a senseless attack in broad daylight, cops said. Robert Miller

A brutal, unprovoked killing of a 14-year-old child by a career criminal or recidivist over and over again, with [a severe] history of mental health interactions with the NYPD. How many times [does] the mayor have to keep talking about this before something changes? Im hopeful something will change. Let this be a call to action, Tisch added.

Mejia is also believed to be responsible for a Jan. 5 stabbing in the Third Avenue and East 138th Street subway station in Mott Haven, during which a 38-year-old man was slashed in the left arm while standing on the steps, police said.

Mejia has at least four prior criminal cases, police sources said.

He is due in court on Jan. 21 for the November incident, according to public records.

He was also arrested in The Bronx in April 2019 on burglary and arson charges after he intentionally set the lobby of his ex-girlfriends building on fire, according to authorities. He pleaded down to reckless endangerment in the case, and was granted a conditional discharge, officials said.

In May 2017, Mejia was arrested on criminal possession of weapons charges when he was found with a nine-millimeter pistol loaded with nine rounds, including one in the chamber when cops caught up with him, Tisch said.

And in January 2015, police caught him with a gravity knife, police sources said.

The outcome of the weapons cases wasnt immediately clear.

On top of his lengthy criminal record, Tisch said Mejia has a documented history of mental health interaction with the NYPD.
Orla Joelsen wants to Make Greenland Great Again but is pretty sure ditching Denmark and allowing the Arctic territory to be annexed by a superpower is not the best way to go about it.

President-elect Donald Trump is not the first American leader to promote the idea of buying the United States' strategically located northern neighbor, which is rich in minerals and oil, for security reasons. President Harry Truman offered $100 million  about $1.3 billion today  in gold bullion for the world's largest island in the post-World War II era.

But Trump's amplification this month of an idea he first floated in his first term, backed by his refusal to rule out using U.S. military power to achieve it, has left Greenlanders not only wondering if it's a joke; it also has left them worried, intrigued, excited, bewildered and everything in between.

Who owns Greenland? What to know as Trump floats idea to buy Arctic island

"It's shocked us," Joelsen, a native Greenlander and a prison official in the island's capital, Nuuk, said by telephone. "We need to talk about the independence of Greenland from Denmark. But not like this." Joelsen's prisons job falls under the authority of Denmark's justice department. He said he was speaking in a private capacity.

Funny and absurd. Then there was a big airplane with Trump's name on it.

Christian Ulloriaq Jeppesen is a radio producer from Nuuk who lives in Denmark. He said that when Trump initially proposed purchasing Greenland in 2019 it was something he, his friends and family found funny  even absurd.

"Then suddenly there was a big airplane with Trump's name on it in Nuuk and people were walking around with MAGA hats on it and the whole thing got real," he said by phone from Copenhagen. Trump's eldest son landed in Nuuk on Tuesday and spent the day handing out red caps, filming a documentary and speaking to residents.

Donald Trump Jr. arrives in Greenland: his father reiterates interest in the island

A view of Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) in Greenland, on Oct. 4, 2023.

"I would say some Greenlanders are a bit concerned and scared about this," Jeppesen said. "It's also a little bit of a joke. It's weird. I'm personally quite mad about the whole idea that someone thinks they can just buy a country."

Trump wants Greenland. What to make of that?

So which is it? A staged joke or serious threat? Why does Trump appear to be so intent on taking control of a territory that has been an established part of the Danish crown since 1830? And how rattled are Greenlanders and Danes about the possibility, real or remote, of Trump's desire to acquire Greenland?

Aaja Chemnitz is one of two Greenlandic lawmakers who represents the 836,000-square-mile island's 57,000 inhabitants in Denmark's Folketing, its Parliament. As an autonomous territory of Denmark, Greenland has its own legislature, known as the Inatsisartut, with 31 seats. It's a chamber that administers various internal affairs. Greenland's defense, national security and financial policies remain the responsibility of Denmark and the Folketing.

On Thursday night, Chemnitz attended what she called a "crisis meeting" in Copenhagen about Trump's Greenland pitch with party leaders from across Denmark's political spectrum. Greenland's prime minister, Mute Egede, flew in Wednesday to meet with his counterpart in Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, and King Frederik X.

Trump wants to buy Greenland: It's not for sale. Denmark's first move? Alter its royal coat of arms

"Some people in Greenland are a little startled by all the attention we're getting globally," Chemnitz said in a phone interview Friday. "A close dialogue between Greenland and Denmark is important right now. It's also important to be very calm and think about how we can make a wise decision.

"It's not a question of whether we should be Danish citizens or American citizens. It's a question of how can we be Greenlanders and have a good Greenlandic future."

The majority of Greenlanders are Inuit, an indigenous people who also live in Alaska and Canada. Greenlandic, the language they speak, is vastly different from Danish. Ulrik Pram Gad, a researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies in Copenhagen, said the culture and traditions in Greenland are also highly distinct from what's found in Denmark and Western Europe more generally. But he said that many Greenlanders today are related to Danes through marriage, partnership or blood and that many go to Denmark for schooling, work and vacation. Most, he said, prize the Scandinavian country's welfare state, which gives them access to free education and health care.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, right, and Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede attend a press conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Jan. 10, 2025.

Gad also said, however, that polls over the past few decades have consistently shown the majority of Greenlanders want independence from Denmark for reasons connected to its dark colonial past and persistent discrimination, though there is division over the timing of it and concern over what it could mean for living conditions.

An independence movement in Greenland has nevertheless gained traction amid revelations that Danish doctors in the 1960s and 1970s fitted thousands of Inuit women and girls, often without their knowledge, with contraceptive devices as part of an involuntary birth control campaign. In the 1950s, Danish authorities separated Inuit children from their families as part of a social experiment in which they were "reeducated" as "model" Danes.

"Greenlanders still feel today that they are treated unequally and not on their own terms," said Gad, who worked in Nuuk for Greenland's government before moving full-time into academic research.

"The Danish system feels like an imported system, with Danish terms and conditions, for a different culture."

Greenlanders don't want to be Americans or Danes

In a New Year's speech, Greenland's leader Egede said it was "about time 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."

Greenland's "history and current conditions," he said "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."

Yet it's far from clear that most Greenlanders view that next step as being in sync with Trump's ambitions.

Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa is Greenland's national public broadcaster. When it canvassed Nuuk's residents this week about Trump's stated desire to purchase Greenland it found a few local voices, such as those of Karen Kielsen and Imaakka Boassen, who seemed interested in the idea of becoming part of the U.S.

"The U.S. is more attractive. Everything just gets more and more expensive here," said Kielsen, described by KNR as a cleaning assistant. Boassen, a student, said he didn't "fully trust Danes. Maybe I will have more trust in Trump."

Boassen expressed some disaffection with job prospects. "There are so many Danes in leading positions in Greenland, but when we live in Greenland, it should be Greenlanders who lead," he said.

Greenland's flag flies in Igaliku, a settlement in Greenland, on July 5, 2024.

Others described Trump as "dangerous" and "worrying" and questioned whether he really had Greenland's best interests at heart.

"We are so few inhabitants," Jens Danielsen said. "I fear our language would disappear very quickly (under the U.S.), so I would prefer to stay with Denmark." Danielsen added he believes the only reason Trump may be interested in Greenland is because he wants to extract its uranium and other raw materials.

Still, Gad, the researcher, said that if part of Trump's motivation for wanting to buy Greenland is because he wants to wrench minerals from its frozen tundra, he doesn't need to purchase it to do that. He said that companies, not governments, extract such resources and that Greenland's authorities have long been open to approaches from American, Canadian, Australian and even Chinese firms who may want to open or run a mine there, but none have worked out. He said Chinese investors nearly got one off the ground about a decade ago before it fizzled out.

"All a company needs to do is apply for a license," Gad said.

In a recent interview, John Bolton, a former national security adviser in Trump's first term, said controlling Greenland would allow Washington to better protect its interests in the region  including crucial shipping lanes  against expansionist efforts by Russia and, more recently, China.

Why Trump wants Greenland, Panama Canal: One reason may surprise you

Donald Trump Jr. arrives in Nuuk, Greenland, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in this screen grab taken from a video. Donald Trump Jr. is on a private visit to Greenland. Mads Madsen Arctic Creative/Ritzau Scanpix/Handout via REUTERS

But Rasmus Jarlov, a Danish opposition Conservative lawmaker, said the two reasons mentioned by Trump and the people around him for his interest in Greenland  resources and national security  don't really make sense.

"Trump needs to understand he has no legitimate claim to Greenland, and also the difference between 'yours' and 'mine' and respect that," Jarlov, a former minister of business affairs, said in a phone interview.

Greenland and the Panama Canal: Trump refuses to rule out military force to acquire them

"With regards to the military argument, well, there are no big military threats against Greenland. Russia and China don't have any aspirations to take it over. The only real threat is the United States. Denmark has a defense agreement with the U.S. The U.S. used to have a bigger military presence in Greenland," he added, referring to when about 10,000 U.S. troops were stationed at a dozen bases scattered around Greenland's coast.

Now, Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, is one of the most remote U.S. military assignments in the world. Built on permafrost in Greenland's far north, it hosts about 200 troops.

"The U.S. voluntarily downgraded its Greenland military presence  itself," Jarlov said. "If the Americans change their minds and want a bigger presence, then by all means we're more than open to that."

Speaking at a joint news conference Friday in Copenhagen with Frederiksen, Denmark's prime minister, Greenland's leader Egede said he had not been in contact with Trump and urged everyone to respect Greenlands wish for independence. He said Greenlanders did not want to be Americans or Danes.

'Buy us! Buy Greenland!'

In Nuuk, prisons official Joelsen said he favors an independent Greenland so it can pursue partnerships, economic and diplomatic, with other countries without having to seek approval from policymakers in Denmark.

"Part of the USA? No, no, I don't want that," he said. "I don't really know about the culture there."

Jeppesen, the radio producer, said that when he moved to Copenhagen from Greenland in 2017, he experienced discrimination and often felt he was the butt of a racist joke usually involving Greenlanders who drink too much. He said he has tried to educate Danes, but it's an uphill battle. Jeppesen 28, said he hopes to eventually move back to Greenland once he has established himself more with his career.

Donald Trump Jr. visits Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 7, 2025.

"There's a lot problems between Greenland and Denmark, but I don't see any benefit in becoming part of the U.S.," he said.

One person who said he does is Timmy Zeeb, a Greenlander who is widely known in Nuuk for all the wrong reasons, according to Jeppesen and multiple Danish media reports. Zeeb is a local drug dealer with a long list of convictions for that activity and other crimes, some of them violent, stretching back many years.

He was featured in a video shared by Trump when he posted on his Truth Social media platform that he was hearing from his son in Nuuk that the people of Greenland are MAGA'" and that "Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation."

Zeeb has a big bushy beard and is heavyset. He had just come out of a store when he ran into members of Donald Trump Jr.'s entourage in Nuuk. They put a MAGA cap on his head, stuck a camera in his face and pressed record.

"Buy us! Buy Greenland!" he says in the 30-second video, in which he directly addresses the president-elect.

Zeeb then said "he loves America but people are too fat over there" before sticking his tongue out and bursting into laughter. He later told Denmark's state broadcaster that even those with a criminal past are entitled to an opinion.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Greenlanders think about Trump's zeal for Arctic territory
A career criminal accused of pummeling an elderly man on a Lower Manhattan train was released back on the street without bail  despite having a record of dozens of arrests throughout the years, The Post has learned.

Johnson Earl, 44  who sources say has been busted 14 times  was most recently nabbed on New Years Day and charged with second-degree assault for viciously beating his 83-year-old victim for bumping into his foot on Dec. 20, cops said Friday.

But he was granted supervised release the next day on the felony by Judge Beverly Tatham  despite prosecutors request for $75,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond, which they argued would help ensure Earls return to court, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office said.

Johnson Earl is accused of pummeling an elderly man who tripped over his foot on the subway.

The Bronx man allegedly flew into a rage on a southbound No. 5 train approaching the Fulton Street station around 6:10 a.m. when the elderly victim stumbled over his foot, according to cops and the DAs office.

Earl then punched the senior in the face, sparking a brawl that ended with the aggressor putting the victim in a chokehold and pummeling him even more, an assistant district attorney charged during the suspects Jan. 2 arraignment.

The attack left the victim with cuts on his face and head, and he went on his own to the Kings County Hospital Center for treatment.

Most recently, Earl was arrested in the Bronx in July for repeatedly punching a security guard at a 99-cent store, according to that complaint.

Why are you not attending to me? he allegedly seethed at his victim in that incident.

In that case, Earls case was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal  though its unclear why  and he was ordered to stay away from the victim, Bronx prosecutors said.

Earl has been arrested at least four other times for assault dating back to 1999, according to law enforcement sources.

Earl has been arrested at least 14 times, including four times for alleged assault.

He has also been arrested in the past for criminal possession of a weapon and marijuana possession, the sources said.

When contacted by The Post Friday, Earls Legal Aid Attorney Lizzie-anne Beal would only comment, I will just say that he was rightfully released.

Earl is next scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 27, records show.

The attack came during a violent stretch for the citys transit system that also saw a woman burned to death, a man shoved in front of a train and multiple stabbings or slashings.

There were 579 felony assaults recorded by the NYPDs transit bureau in 2024  slightly higher than 2023s numbers, preliminary data shows.

Ten murders were reported on the rails last year  matching a 25-year high set in 2022, authorities said.

Major crime in the transit system did, however, drop 5.4% overall compared to 2023.
Blog Archive: Mar 2025 (65) 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)
Molly Stern/Instagram (2) Molly Stern

When celebrity makeup artist Molly Stern first felt her hands start to shake in March 2023, she chalked it up to too much caffeine.

She was on a work trip to Las Vegas with a client and she had gotten a strong cup of coffee to start her day. She tells PEOPLE she was rushing and felt the usual amount of pressure she did with her job, so the shaking didn't immediately concern her.

But then it didn't stop.

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.

"It kept happening, but then it wasn't my hands shaking  my hands were completely steady," she tells PEOPLE exclusively. "I felt shaky on the inside of my body, but had no outside ramifications of it. Just that one time after drinking the coffee, and then I also developed a twitch in my left leg. It was like a frequent twitch."

Stern admits she did what many of us do and googled her symptoms and diagnosed herself with a "zillion things."

The makeup artist, who works with the likes of Julia Roberts, Maya Rudolph, Eve Hewson and more, says that at the time, she could still do liquid liner with ease, but internally, she knew something wasn't right, so she went to her regular doctor, who sent her to a neurologist.

Related: Celebrities with Parkinson's Disease and What They've Said About It

The neurologist ordered an MRI but told Stern at the time that there was no conclusive answer for what was going on with her. This was now November 2023, and Stern says she could feel herself physically slowing down  and she couldn't relax her hands anymore. Despite noticing all of these changes in herself, the initial MRI showed that her brain looked great, which she says was a relief.

However, Stern says her symptoms only got worse, and she says the coming months were when she was the "sickest"  and it was when she dealt with them in silence while working with director Greta Gerwig through the 2024 awards season, at which Barbie made a strong showing.

The mom of three was largely keeping all of this to herself, which she tells PEOPLE was really hard on her, because she's typically an open book. In the past few years, she also went through a divorce, moved out of the home she lived in for almost two decades and saw her oldest daughter through cancer  and she shared each of these stories with her clients, friends and community on social media. But her symptoms, which at this point were still undiagnosed, were still mostly a secret.

Stern's symptoms  the slow-moving, the shakiness  got to a point, however, that they were very obvious, and she says people really started to notice.

John Salangsang/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Maya Rudolph and Molly Stern in 2020

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

"I started to get really self-conscious, because I was like, 'I don't want everybody noticing that something's wrong with me or off with me,'" she says. "Then another massive heartbreak during that period was I couldn't dance and I love to dance. I could not connect my brain to my body, and I didn't realize that it was because I was having a dopamine deficiency, which has everything to do with your motor skills."

So she went back to the neurologist for more answers.

"I was moving as if I was in molasses," she says of her life at this point in June 2024. "I walked into her office and just burst into tears. I apologized for crying, and just told her I feel like something is really wrong with me. She was like, 'Clearly you have Parkinson's.'"

Stern says the doctor diagnosed her just like that, like it was so obvious.

Once she got over the initial surprise of her diagnosis, she saw a motility specialist who helped her get on the right medication for her Parkinson's  which is a neurological disorder that affects balance, coordination and movement  and she says there are days now when she feels upwards of 90% herself, which is a huge improvement from where she was.

She has had to slow down a bit with her work, though, because the high-intensity of Hollywood was not what she needed while figuring out her health.

Related: Michael J. Fox on Blowing Past His Parkinsons Disease Prognosis from 1998: 'You Can Do Anything' (Exclusive)

"I've been taking a little more time to just get my rhythm, and first I needed to get over the shock of it and then regulate my medication, so that it actually was doing what it was supposed to do," she says. "I hope to stay busy and keep doing what I do. I mean, oh my God, I've been doing it since I was 16."

Stern has a surprisingly positive outlook for someone who was handed a Parkinson's diagnosis less than a year ago at only 52 years old, but she admits that one of the hardest parts was keeping it to herself. She didn't tell her clients, even though she's known many of them for years, and she didn't share on social media until December 2024. She says the secret was "stifling."

"I wear my heart on my sleeve. I can't help but be vulnerable. It's just sort of my nature," she says. "It was really hard for me and hard for my kids because I didn't know how people would react. I didn't want people to assume something like I did when I got my diagnosis, because I assumed the worst. I needed to give people space to understand."

She says that once she felt like she understood her Parkinson's, she felt more ready to share it, because she no longer had a "victim" standpoint.



"I'm good. I'm actually really freaking good. I'm so much better than I had been."



Read the original article on People
Kimberly Holland/Southern Living

Costco's butter croissants are legendary. They're much larger than any others you'll find at traditional grocery stores, and of course they come in a super-sized quantity, perfect for feeding a crowd ham and cheese croissants or making several breakfast casseroles. We even selected them as our favorite store-bought croissant in a head-to-head taste test with other croissants.

So when I spotted all-new croissants in Costco's bakery, imagine how quickly I rushed to pick up a box and try one. (I might have set a land-speed record.)

Now in Costcos, you'll find almond croissants, a decidedly sweeter pastry than the original croissants. And instead of the traditional crescent shape, these are round and stacked extra tall. (From my estimation, they're made in the same pan as Costco's famous over-sized muffins.)

Once you get a bite or two into the buttery layers, you'll find that the croissant is filled with what Costco calls an "almond filling" and sliced almonds. Each is also topped with (depending on the box you get) a healthy dusting of powdered sugar or a meager one (add more if your own, in that case).

I tried the croissant at room temperature, right out of the box. These pastries are every bit as flaky as you'd hope. The outside layers shatter at first bite. The almond filling has a true marzipan flavor, so if you swoon for sweet almond-sugar dough, you will want to buy two boxes of these croissants. The bits of almond are a nice textural contrast to the buttery, sugary filling and pastry.

To be honest, I had hoped for more of a custard filling, something a bit creamier against the croissant, but the almond filling manages to not be dense or chewy.

Kimberly Holland/Southern Living

Costco members who've already spotted and snatched up a box of these croissants seem to agree with us in their positive praises. The creators of @costcoguide on Instagram described these as "incredible" and "perfection."

One commenter suggested warming the pastry in the microwave for 30 seconds. "They are delish," they wrote.

A box of six croissant pastries is just shy of $12, making each one just about $2. That's an unbeatable bargain, especially considering how large each pastry is. I honestly was only able to eat half before I was entirely too full.

If you're a Costco loyalist, you may think these are not in fact new, but let me assure you they are. Some people are confusing the almond croissants for the almond danishes, which have been around (intermittently) for several yearsand I did spot those with the other danishes a table over from the croissants at my store in suburban Birmingham, Alabama. These are all-new and never released before, so if you need a reason to hop in the car and hit the warehouse store this weekend, here's a good one.

Related: How I Stretch A $20 Costco Meal Kit To Feed My Family Of 5

Read the original article on Southern Living
US regulators in Washington got another warning about the new limits of their power when an Ohio appeals court struck down federal "net neutrality" rules earlier this month.

The court in Cincinnati said the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) lacked the authority to reinstate these rules  which prohibited broadband providers from slowing down or blocking web traffic  after they had been repealed by President Donald Trump in his first administration.

To justify their decision in Ohio Telecom Association vs. FCC, the judges cited a blockbuster US Supreme Court ruling last year that reined in the power regulators have to intervene in many industries.

That ruling, Loper Bright Enterprises v. US Secretary of Commerce, flipped a 40-year-old precedent known as the "Chevron deference" on its head by saying that courts were no longer required to give agency officials the last word over interpretations of unclear statutes.

A view of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington. REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt/File Photo (Reuters / Reuters)

"Applying Loper Bright means we can end the FCC's vacillations," the court said in its ruling. "We no longer afford deference to the FCCs reading of the statute," it added.

The net neutrality case offers the latest example of how the Supreme Court's landmark 2024 Loper Bright ruling could upend actions taken by all sorts of agencies across Washington, D.C.

"I think it is fair to say that Loper Bright, the effect of it, will be to diminish the power of the federal agencies, and in that sense, enhance the power of the judiciary," said Randolph May, founder of the Free State Foundation and former chair of the American Bar Associations administrative law and regulatory practice section.

What he expects instead is a "rebalancing" of regulatory authority.

Federal Communication Commissions at a 2015 hearing where they voted 3-2 Thursday in favor of rules aimed at enforcing "net neutrality." (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Some companies have already been citing the Loper Bright ruling as they try to weaken other federal rules in court.

Some of these challenges have resulted in major victories. A federal judge in Texas blocked a controversial Federal Trade Commission ban on noncompete agreements that was set to take effect in early September after the rule was challenged by tax service provider Ryan LLC and the US Chamber of Commerce.

When Dallas US District Judge Ada Brown issued her decision blocking the FTC's noncompete ban, she cited Loper Bright.

'Flip flopping'

The FCC "net neutrality" rules struck down earlier this month by the Ohio appeals court were passed during the Obama administration.

They prevented internet service providers from blocking content from outlets like YouTube, and thus were supported by tech giants and opposed by telecommunications companies.

Trump repealed the rules and the Biden administration restored them, in 2024, arguing more aggressive oversight of broadband providers would protect consumers.

After a meeting voting to end net neutrality, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai smiles while listening to a question from a reporter, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

"This order  issued during the Biden administration  undoes the order issued during the first Trump administration, which undid the order issued during the Obama administration, which undid orders issued during the Bush and Clinton administrations," the Ohio appeals court said in its opinion.

Susan Dudley, a George Washington University professor and founder of the universitys Regulatory Studies Center, said the Ohio case makes it clear that regulatory power is undergoing a big change.

Previously, she said, courts had upheld "flip flopping" on varying interpretations of federal statutes, as federal agencies came under new administrations.

"On net neutrality," Dudley said, the court upheld "diametrically opposed interpretations" of the statute that gave rise to the concept.

Regulatory agency power could be headed for additional rebalancing, May said, because cases that involve both an ambiguous statute and a legal concept known as the major questions doctrine have yet to be tested under Loper Bright.

The major questions doctrine requires that absent clear authorization from Congress, federal agencies are limited in their authority to make decisions on issues of significant economic or political importance.

If a court applies the major questions doctrine, May said, it's almost always going to do it in an instance where it is restricting the agency's authority.

And don't expect Trump's FCC to revisit the net neutrality rules, either. His pick to run the agency, Brendan Carr, has advocated for the repeal of those rules in a right-of-center policy proposal known as Project 2025.

Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on X @alexiskweed.

Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Americas largest companies havent tried to camouflage their efforts to win favor with a new Trump administration.

Amazon, OpenAI, Meta, Apple, and others have donated generously to Trumps overflowing Inaugural Committee fund, and several CEOs have beelined to Mar-a-Lago to dine with the president-elect.

Still, governance experts say Meta may have taken the game to a new level this week when it added Dana White, chief executive of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and one of Trumps closest friends, to its board of directors. Metas move may even represent a questionable new trend, they say: recruiting Trumps political allies to keep a company aligned with the political party in office.

I would be surprised if Meta's competitors haven't had similar conversations at the board level about adjusting to potential government scrutiny changes, said Jason Schloetzer, an associate professor at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. Such adjustments, he adds, could include tweaking a boards composition, or changing lobbying or campaign contribution tactics.

But while Schloetzer also believes Metas board pick makes sense, others are wary of a future where board picks are politicized.

Charles Elson, founding director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware, for instance, says he wouldnt be surprised to see other companies follow suit with their board picks to meet the demands of the current political environment. But he discourages the practice, saying he has never asked a CEO or board member about their political attachments. Someone's political affiliations should be irrelevant to a board appointment, he told Fortune.

What exactly did Meta do?

UFCs White was one of three new directors added to Metas expanded board this week, along with John Elkann, executive chairman of Stellantis and Ferrari, and Charlie Songhurst, a noted technology investor and former global corporate strategy leader for Microsoft. However, Whites arrival at the company has caused the biggest stir.

The CEO played a critical role in putting Trump in front of young male voters who are also loyal followers of UFCs theatrical and violent cage fights. Indeed, few companies are as associated with whats known as the manosphere, an online community driven by male conservative influencers who subscribe to arcane and often alarming maxims about mens rights, are usually obsessed with mens health and fitness, and are thought to have helped Trump win the 2024 election. Trump has made special, much-hyped appearances at UFC fights, while White and Trump have a long history. It was Trump who in 2001 gave the UFC a home at his Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, just when White was struggling to build the company. The UFC is now worth an estimated $12 billion.

Zuckerberg said in a press release about Metas newest board members that all three new appointees will add a depth of expertise and perspective that will help us tackle the massive opportunities ahead with AI, wearables, and the future of human connection. But the media has cast Whites appointment to Metas board as an obvious attempt to embed a Trump insider at Meta, ready to wield influence as needed over the next four years. Its also seen as one of many moves the company has made to position itself for Trumps return, given that the president-elect has been a vocal critic of Meta in the past.

Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment; UFC and White declined to comment.

Could Meta have other motivations in adding Dana White to the board?

Yes. It should be said that White isnt only a Trump associate. Zuckerberg is himself a diehard fan of mixed martial arts, a hobby that has greatly influenced his identity. But while handing out board seats to friends and celebrities was once common for corporations, over the past two decades public company boards have become increasingly professional. These days most investors insist that companies elect truly independent board members who arrive with specific skills, whether in strategy and leadership roles within the same industry, or in areas such as finance and auditing, emerging technology, or cybersecurity. White may be a successful entrepreneur, but he has little experience outside the UFC and has no other governance experience.

Metas dual-class shareholder voting structure, however, gives Zuckerberg control over Metas decisions, including its board composition. Such founder- or family-controlled boards are often more like showpieces for the CEO, says Elson. And that ultimately puts investors and a companys future at risk.

Nell Minow, vice chair of ValueEdge Advisors and a corporate governance expert, similarly sees Whites directorship as a consequence of Zuckerbergs lopsided power at the board level, where he has amassed cheerleaders, rather than overseers.

This is not a normal company in terms of corporate governance, she said. Basically they want the access to capital of a public company and the control of a private company, and those kinds of arrangements tend to work out well for a while, but not indefinitely.

In other words, whether White was given his directorship for political reasons or because of Zuckerbergs fascination with the UFC, the companys corporate governance could be at risk.

Ex-politicians sometimes join boards, so how is this different?

Whites board pick could be seen as part of a time-honored practice in corporate America of building bridges to Washingtons power brokers through board picks. Companies, particularly those in regulated industries, or that rely on government contracts, have long hired retired lawmakers and ex-military as directors, whether to help a company navigate Congress or to add to its prestige. Gerald Ford even sat on corporate boards in his post-presidential career.

Schloetzer, the Georgetown professor, argues that Meta may now be looking ahead to a future of intense government scrutiny of online activity. Meta may believe it is facing a political environment in which appointing a director with views consistent with the prevailing winds of government agencies that can take action against the company can help mitigate these political risks, he says.

However, political affiliations are not usually part of a companys reasoning for choosing one lawmaker over another. Ford was not invited to become a board director because he was a Republican president and could therefore curry favor with a Republican administration, Elson notes, adding, Companies werent as political then.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Dana White and President-elect Donald Trump pose for a photo during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by

How did Metas employees respond?

Whites new position of power at Meta triggered mixed reactions inside the company, according to investigative tech reporting site 404 Media. Some employees celebrated the news, the site found, while others pointed to yet another reason White is an unusual choice for the board. In 2022, a video surfaced of him in a physical altercation with his wife at a New Years Eve party in Cabo, Mexico. She can be seen slapping him and he hits her back. The couple later apologized and expressed embarrassment, and White said there was no excuse for his actions.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
This is a KFF Health News story.

Preparing cancer patients for difficult decisions is an oncologist's job. They don't always remember to do it, however. At the University of Pennsylvania Health System, doctors are nudged to talk about a patient's treatment and end-of-life preferences by an artificially intelligent algorithm that predicts the chances of death.

But it's far from being a set-it-and-forget-it tool. A routine tech checkup revealed the algorithm decayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, getting seven percentage points worse at predicting who would die, according to a 2022 study.

There were likely real-life impacts. Ravi Parikh, an Emory University oncologist who was the study's lead author, told KFF Health News the tool failed hundreds of times to prompt doctors to initiate that important discussion -- possibly heading off unnecessary chemotherapy -- with patients who needed it.

MORE: How artificial intelligence is being used to detect, treat cancer -- and the potential risks for patients

He believes several algorithms designed to enhance medical care weakened during the pandemic, not just the one at Penn Medicine. "Many institutions are not routinely monitoring the performance" of their products, Parikh said.

Algorithm glitches are one facet of a dilemma that computer scientists and doctors have long acknowledged but that is starting to puzzle hospital executives and researchers: Artificial intelligence systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and to keep them working well.

In essence: You need people, and more machines, to make sure the new tools don't mess up.

PHOTO: A stock photo of AI and a doctor. (STOCK PHOTO/Adobe)

"Everybody thinks that AI will help us with our access and capacity and improve care and so on," said Nigam Shah, chief data scientist at Stanford Health Care. "All of that is nice and good, but if it increases the cost of care by 20%, is that viable?"

Government officials worry hospitals lack the resources to put these technologies through their paces. "I have looked far and wide," FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said at a recent agency panel on AI. "I do not believe there's a single health system, in the United States, that's capable of validating an AI algorithm that's put into place in a clinical care system."

AI is already widespread in health care. Algorithms are used to predict patients' risk of death or deterioration, to suggest diagnoses or triage patients, to record and summarize visits to save doctors work, and to approve insurance claims.

If tech evangelists are right, the technology will become ubiquitous  and profitable. The investment firm Bessemer Venture Partners has identified some 20 health-focused AI startups on track to make $10 million in revenue each in a year. The FDA has approved nearly a thousand artificially intelligent products.

Evaluating whether these products work is challenging. Evaluating whether they continue to work -- or have developed the software equivalent of a blown gasket or leaky engine -- is even trickier.

MORE: How artificial intelligence is being used to detect, treat cancer -- and the potential risks for patients

Take a recent study at Yale Medicine evaluating six "early warning systems," which alert clinicians when patients are likely to deteriorate rapidly. A supercomputer ran the data for several days, said Dana Edelson, a doctor at the University of Chicago and co-founder of a company that provided one algorithm for the study. The process was fruitful, showing huge differences in performance among the six products.

It's not easy for hospitals and providers to select the best algorithms for their needs. The average doctor doesn't have a supercomputer sitting around, and there is no Consumer Reports for AI.

"We have no standards," said Jesse Ehrenfeld, immediate past president of the American Medical Association. "There is nothing I can point you to today that is a standard around how you evaluate, monitor, look at the performance of a model of an algorithm, AI-enabled or not, when it's deployed."

Perhaps the most common AI product in doctors' offices is called ambient documentation, a tech-enabled assistant that listens to and summarizes patient visits. Last year, investors at Rock Health tracked $353 million flowing into these documentation companies. But, Ehrenfeld said, "There is no standard right now for comparing the output of these tools."

And that's a problem, when even small errors can be devastating. A team at Stanford University tried using large language models -- the technology underlying popular AI tools like ChatGPT -- to summarize patients' medical history. They compared the results with what a physician would write.

"Even in the best case, the models had a 35% error rate," said Stanford's Shah. In medicine, "when you're writing a summary and you forget one word, like 'fever' -- I mean, that's a problem, right?"

Sometimes the reasons algorithms fail are fairly logical. For example, changes to underlying data can erode their effectiveness, like when hospitals switch lab providers.

Sometimes, however, the pitfalls yawn open for no apparent reason.

Sandy Aronson, a tech executive at Mass General Brigham's personalized medicine program in Boston, said that when his team tested one application meant to help genetic counselors locate relevant literature about DNA variants, the product suffered "nondeterminism" -- that is, when asked the same question multiple times in a short period, it gave different results.

Aronson is excited about the potential for large language models to summarize knowledge for overburdened genetic counselors, but "the technology needs to improve."

MORE: Texas hospital is reportedly 1st in US to use holograms for doctor-patient visits

If metrics and standards are sparse and errors can crop up for strange reasons, what are institutions to do? Invest lots of resources. At Stanford, Shah said, it took eight to 10 months and 115 man-hours just to audit two models for fairness and reliability.

Experts interviewed by KFF Health News floated the idea of artificial intelligence monitoring artificial intelligence, with some (human) data whiz monitoring both. All acknowledged that would require organizations to spend even more money -- a tough ask given the realities of hospital budgets and the limited supply of AI tech specialists.

"It's great to have a vision where we're melting icebergs in order to have a model monitoring their model," Shah said. "But is that really what I wanted? How many more people are we going to need?"

Health care AI, intended to save money, turns out to require a lot of expensive humans originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Richard C. Miller/Donaldson Collection/Getty Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean on the set of 'Giant' in 1955.

When James Dean became a massive movie star in 1955 with the back-to-back classics East of Eden and Rebel Without a Cause, he set a new standard for iconic masculinity. And while that brooding, dangerous-but-squishy-on-the-inside schtick made women swoon and cleared the way for the emergence of rock & roll teen idols like Elvis Presley, Dean, according to age-old Hollywood lore, was secretly gay.

His sexuality is explored in depth in Jason Colavito's book Jimmy: The Secret Life of James Dean. The new biography covers the women and men who came in and out of Dean's short life  including lovers like Liz Sheridan (best known as Jerry's mother on the sitcom Seinfeld) and publicist Rogers Brackett and Hollywood rivals like Marlon Brando and Rock Hudson.

John Kobal Foundation/Hulton Archive/Getty James Dean on the set of 1955's 'Rebel Without a Cause'

One of the more significant relationships the book addresses is the one Dean had with Elizabeth Taylor, his costar in the 1956 film Giant. According to Colavito, the two got off to a somewhat rocky start as Dean "purposely provoked Taylor early on by ignoring her."

"When she demanded to know why," Colavito writes, "she proved to him she cared, and they became fast friends. She saw him as a wounded puppy, and he saw her as sensitive, caring and (most importantly) safe."

Never romantically involved, they were more "like siblings," Colavito notes, and Taylor became a confidant to the sensitive but impenetrable star.

John Kobal Foundation/Getty James Dean in 1955's 'East of Eden'

"They stayed up long nights talking, and Dean found that once he started to let slip bits of emotional truth, the words poured out," Colavito writes. "He told Taylor that his minister  he almost certainly meant the Reverend [James] DeWeerd  had sexually abused him, and Taylor felt that the trauma of the abuse had hurt him deeply and profoundly."

"As he shared more of his life, his loves and his pain," Colavito adds, "Taylor developed the distinct impression that Dean was trying to tell her he was gay."

Related: James Dean's Supposed Gay College Romance Will Be Explored in New Biopic

After Taylor died in 2011, writer Kevin Sessums said she had told him about the molestation during a 1997 interview for POZ magazine but made him promise it would remain off the record until after her death, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"I think that haunted him the rest of his life, Taylor said, according to Sessums. "In fact, I know it did. We talked about it a lot. During Giant wed stay up nights and talk and talk, and that was one of the things he confessed to me."

Taylor was well known for being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community decades before "ally" became a buzzword, and she had close friendships with closeted actors Roddy McDowall, Montgomery Clift and Rock Hudson, the latter of whom costarred with Taylor and Dean in Giant. Colavito notes that this may have made her more sympathetic to what Dean was going through as a closeted gay man in 1950s Hollywood.

ullstein bild via Getty Natalie Wood and James Dean in 1955's 'Rebel Without a Cause'

"For the first time, he shared his deepest pain with someone who neither dismissed nor mocked nor blamed him," Colavito writes. "Yet even now, his discomfort and his fear prevailed. After baring his soul, he couldn't look Taylor in the eye and would sulk in silence for days, wracked with guilt or embarrassment, until he worked up the courage to share more of himself."

Dean died in a car accident in 1955 at 24, just as his star was beginning its ascent. Giant was released the following year, and Dean received his second posthumous best actor Oscar nomination for his performance in it. (His first was for East of Eden.)

Applause 'Jimmy: The Secret Life of James Dean'

"The story of James Dean is also the story of our times," Colavito writes in his book's introduction, "and there is still much to learn from one who blazed a trail forward, attempting, however imperfectly, to live a 21st-century life in the 20th centurys stifling embrace."

Jimmy: The Secret Life of James Dean is published by Rowman & Littlefield and is available wherever books are sold.



Read the original article on People
Slaven Vlasic/Getty; James Woods/X James Woods' home is still standing

James Woods' home is still standing as the Palisades Fire rages on.

The actor, 77, posted a video to X, writing that he went to visit what he thought would be the remnants of his home, but instead was surprised to find it still standing.

A miracle has happened, Woods wrote of the view from his deck. We managed to get to our property and our home, that we were told is gone forever, is still standing. In this hellish landscape, 'standing' is relative, but smoke and other damage is not like the utter destruction around us.

Related: Celebrities Who Have Lost Homes or Had to Evacuate in the Los Angeles Fires, and What They've Said

In the video, Woods stood on top of the hill overlooking what he said was Palisades High School, showing everything below us. The destruction from the fire extends as far as the eye can see in the video. Meanwhile, helicopters can be heard in the background as Woods shows whats left of his surrounding community.

As Woods panned over to the left, short of breath, the Ghosts of Mississippi actor said Oh My God. Thats our neighbors house.

A miracle has happened. We managed to get to our property and our home, that we were told is gone forever, is still standing. In this hellish landscape standing is relative, but smoke and other damage is not like the utter destruction around us. The view from our deck area: pic.twitter.com/JZU2kTJC52  James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 10, 2025

Woods also showed his yard pointing out a young man named Francis helping out.

James Woods/X James Woods' neighbor's yard

Francis, whos father we saved, is now putting out fires now on our hillside.

Woods gave a full 360 view of the surrounding area with billows of smoke rising in the distance. He narrowed back in on his neighbors yard. Jeez, look at this. Oh my God, Woods is heard saying.

Related: Jennifer Garner Says She Feels 'Guilty' Walking Through Her House After She 'Lost a Friend' amid Wildfires

In another post, Woods shared more about Franciss 94-year-old father, whom Woods and a neighbor helped rescue.

The man on the left, Robert Trinkkeller, is a hero, Woods captioned the photo on X. By the grace of God, he stayed behind when the evacuation order was given. When I called the man on the right, our neighbor, in Boston to be sure his 94 year-old father had been evacuated, he was devastated that a replacement caregiver had left his father behind."

Woods wrote that the man's son flew out the next day as they continued to distinguish remaining fires on the hillside.

If you are blessed to have such wonderful neighbors, you are luckier than you know, Woods continued.

On X Tuesday, Jan. 7, Woods said he had just recently finished renovating his home before the Palisades fire broke out. The next day, Woods gave an update that the fire had grown near his home in the Palisades, triggering the smoke detectors.

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.

I couldnt believe our lovely little home in the hills held on this long. It feels like losing a loved one, Woods wrote on X.

Woods also thanked fans and anyone who reached out to him. "To all the wonderful people whove reached out to us, thank you for being so concerned," he wrote on X. "Just letting you know that we were able to evacuate successfully. I do not know at this moment if our home is still standing, but sadly houses on our little street are not."

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.

Read the original article on People
ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Jerry Springer and Katie Springer in 2023.

Katie Springer lived a life outside the spotlight before stepping forward in defense of her dad, Jerry Springer.

A letter written by a then 15-year-old Katie is discussed in Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action, a new two-part Netflix documentary that looks back at The Jerry Springer Show.

Jerry welcomed Katie in 1976 with Micki Velton, to whom he remained married until his death in April 2023 at age 79. Former Chicago Sun-Times media critic Robert Feder reads the heartfelt letter from the controversial talk-show host's daughter in the documentary.

Related: Jerry Springer Producers Were 'Petrified to Pitch' Man Who Left His Family to Marry a Shetland Pony: 'Train Wreck'

"At the height of all the controversy, Jerrys teenage daughter, Katie, writes a letter to a newspaper which was the first time we had ever heard from her in any form at any time," he explains.

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 letter read, My name is Katie Springer, and Im Jerry Springers daughter. The city of Chicago seems to be in need of some facts about the man that they have so slanderously dubbed the King of Sleaze."

"First of all, my dad has more education than many of the so-called journalists in this town. Chicago is blessed to have my dad on TV. Yes his show is crazy, but that doesnt mean he is. People shouldnt judge before they listen. Signed Katie S. Springer.

Ralf-Finn Hestoft/Corbis via Getty Jerry Springer on the set of 'The Jerry Springer Show'

The Jerry Springer Show, which debuted in 1991 and ran for 27 seasons, until 2018, was one of the most-influential shows in TV history. It got off to a slow start as a run-of-the-mill talk show, but its ratings skyrocketed in the mid '90s when it was reinvented as a tabloid-style spectacle.

The documentary covers one infamous 1998 episode that featured a man who left his wife and two daughters to marry a Shetland pony. Another episode that aired in 2000 featured a love triangle that ultimately led to a husband murdering his ex-wife.

To have a guy on that married a horse, that was kissing a horse on stage, this was the most vile, grotesque freak show on television," Feder says of the former episode in the documentary.



Getty Jerry Springer on a 1998 episode of his show.

Speaking with PEOPLE earlier this year, Katie, now 48, said her father viewed his popular, long-running talk show and its onscreen drama with good humor and a sense of pragmatism, understanding it enabled him to provide for his family in a good way.



He knew the show was ridiculous. He would say that, she said, adding, Always, when he would meet someone, and they would say, I love your show, he would jokingly say, May you never be on it. 

Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action is now streaming on Netflix.

Read the original article on People
FILE - Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to the media about an indictment of former President Donald Trump, Aug. 1, 2023, at an office of the Department of Justice in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Justice Department after submitting his investigative report on President-elect Donald Trump, an expected move that comes amid legal wrangling over how much of that document can be made public in the days ahead.

The department disclosed Smith's departure in a court filing Saturday, saying he had resigned one day earlier. The resignation, 10 days before Trump is inaugurated , follows the conclusion of two unsuccessful criminal prosecutions against Trump that were withdrawn following Trump's White House win in November.

At issue now is the fate of a two-volume report that Smith and his team had prepared about their twin investigations into Trump's efforts to overturn the results of his 2020 election and his hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

The Justice Department had been expected to make the document public in the final days of the Biden administration, but the Trump-appointed judge who presided over the classified documents case granted a defense request to at least temporarily halt its release. Two of Trump's co-defendants in that case, Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira, had argued that the release of the report would be unfairly prejudicial, an argument that the Trump legal team joined in.

The department responded by saying that it would withhold from public release the classified documents volume as long as criminal proceedings against Nauta and De Oliveira remain pending. Though U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon had dismissed the case last July, a Smith team appeal of that decision related to the two co-defendants remained pending.

But prosecutors said they intended to proceed with the release of the election interference volume.

In an emergency motion late Friday, they asked the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to swiftly lift an injunction from Cannon that had barred them from releasing any portion of the report. They separately told Cannon on Saturday that she had no authority to halt the release of the report, but she responded with an order directing prosecutors to file an additional brief by Sunday.

The appeals court on Thursday night denied an emergency defense bid to block the release of the election interference report, which covers Trump's efforts before Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, to undo the results of the 2020 election. But it left in place Cannon's injunction that said none of the findings could be released until three days after the matter was resolved by the appeals court.

The Justice Department told the appeals court in its emergency motion that Cannon's order was plainly erroneous.

The Attorney General is the Senate-confirmed head of the Department of Justice and is vested with the authority to supervise all officers and employees of the Department," the Justice Department said. "The Attorney General thus has authority to decide whether to release an investigative report prepared by his subordinates."

Justice Department regulations call for special counsels to produce reports at the conclusion of their work, and its customary for such documents to be made public no matter the subject.

William Barr, attorney general during Trump's first term, released a special counsel report examining Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and potential ties to the Trump campaign.

Biden's attorney general, Merrick Garland, has also released special counsel reports, including about Bidens handling of classified information before Biden became president.
Every year between fall and spring, Southern Californians experience gusts of dry wind that can cause runny noses or watery eyes  and sometimes powerful enough to halt traffic or topple trees.

The Santa Ana winds, as theyre known, are a naturally occurring phenomenon made possible by the geography in the western U.S. They become particularly dangerous when combined with other climate conditions such as drought, which increases the risk of wildfires like the ones currently raging in the Los Angeles area.

This years gusts  at times approaching hurricane strength  were more widespread than usual. Coupled with an exceptionally dry winter, they created ideal conditions for blazes to spread. Around 37,000 acres have been scorched by the Palisades and Eaton fires that began Tuesday, as well as three smaller fires that started Wednesday.

The wind whips embers as the Palisades Fire burns during a windstorm on the west side of Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The low-moisture content in the vegetation that we get in these extreme dry periods leads to these highly, highly vulnerable conditions, said Mark Gold, director of water scarcity solutions at the Natural Resources Defense Council. And boy, when a big Santa Ana hits, thats when the nightmare for our firefighters really kicks in.

The Santa Ana winds form in a western area of the country known as the Great Basin, which includes Nevada and part of Utah. The basin sits at a higher elevation than Southern California.

In cooler months  typically September to May  cold air in the basin is forced downhill and westward toward low-pressure areas along the Southern California coast. As the air travels, its squeezed through mountain passes and canyons, picking up speed and becoming hotter and drier along the way.

By the time they reach Southern California, the winds can move at a speed of 40 mph, with gusts that are even stronger.

Robert Fovell, a professor of atmospheric and environmental sciences at the University of Albany, said the windiest areas tend to be Ventura County in Los Angeles and Santa Ana in Orange County, from which the winds derive their name.

But this year, he said, the winds were able to travel over the San Gabriel Mountains down to Pasadena and Altadena, where the Eaton Fire is located.

Embers fly through the air in the Highland neighborhood of Los Angeles during the Palisades Fire on Wednesday.

It surmounted the San Gabriel Mountains, and it formed what is called a downslope windstorm, he said. That targeted the strongest winds for the foothills around Eaton Canyon.

Tripti Bhattacharya, an associate professor of earth and environmental sciences at Syracuse University, said her models dont predict that Santa Ana winds will get worse this century. But they do predict more overlap between the winds and the fire season, she said, creating more opportunities for devastating blazes like the ones seen this week.

In California, we used to think of fire as a late-summer occurrence, but now fire season is extending into January, Bhattacharya said. So that fire season is more likely to coincide with Santa Ana winds in the future.
In Texas, Florida, and more than a dozen other states, users who try to access the worlds largest pornography website are greeted by a surprising sight: a message on a black screen telling them theyre blocked because of the actions of their state legislature.

Over the last two and a half years, 19 states  home to more than a third of Americans  have passed laws that require pornography websites to confirm a users age by checking a government-issued ID or scanning their face, among other methods.

The new laws, which have been pushed by allies of President-elect Donald Trump, have led some of the largest adult sites, including Pornhub, to block users from specific states, rather than paying millions for ID-checking services.

Next week, the Supreme Court will hear a challenge to the constitutionality of the new laws, setting up a battle over free speech, censorship and how to protect kids online. The case could end up eroding landmark precedents protecting pornography, following previous decisions from the court that have overturned decades-old case law.

To supporters, the restrictions in the age verification laws are common-sense measures to prevent children from seeing explicit content. But critics say the push to restrict porn undermines free speech protections and infringes on privacy rights. It could also put some porn companies out of business because of the high costs of verifying the age of every visitor, while doing little to stop foreign or fringe porn websites that dont comply with US laws.

Porn is the canary in the coalmine of free speech, said Mike Stabile, a spokesperson for the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry that is among the plaintiffs of the lawsuit against Texas. These bills are meant to put the adult industry out of practice.

Targeting the adult industry

For decades, users visiting online porn sites have been met with a popup asking a question thats as easy to fake as it is ubiquitous: Are you 18 or older?

Texas law, like others passed around the country, says thats no longer enough. It requires websites on which more than a third of the content is sexual material harmful to minors to actually verify each users age, such as by having them upload a state ID or through AI-powered software that estimates a persons age based on a photo of their face.

Some states laws also mandate porn websites display health warnings, such as the Alabama requirement that sites tell their users porn is proven to harm human brain development and increases the demand for prostitution, child exploitation, and child pornography. And Kansas law includes in its definition of pornography any act of homosexuality.

The explosion of new laws in recent years has been pushed by groups associated with Project 2025, a controversial conservative policy blueprint written in anticipation of Trumps second term. Project 2025s more than 900-page policy memo declares that pornography should be outlawed, argues that the people who produce and distribute it should be imprisoned and says companies that facilitate its spread should be shuttered.

In a hidden-camera video released last year by a British journalism nonprofit, one of the documents co-authors, former Trump administration official Russell Vought, discussed the legislative strategy for banning pornography.

Vought, who is set to return to government in Trumps second term, says in the video that wed have a national ban on pornography if we could. But instead of such a drastic action, which would likely be unpopular and unconstitutional, he suggested using laws aimed at restricting porn for minors as a way to target the adult industry.

Weve got a number of states that are passing this and, you know, what happens is the porn company then says, were not going to do business in your state, which of course is entirely what we were after, right? Vought said. Were doing it from the back door, starting with the kids. A spokesperson for Vought did not respond to a request for comment this week.

The new laws passed across the country appear to be putting the same strategy into action. The two main groups that have lobbied in favor of anti-porn laws at the state level, according to legal observers  Voughts organization, the Center for Renewing America, and the faith-based group American Principles Project  are both on the advisory board of Project 2025.

Russell Vought, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to be director of the Office of Management and Budget, arrives for a meeting at the office of Sen. Chuck Grassley last month. - Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc./Getty Images

Proponents of the laws say theyre simply taking advantage of new technologies that make online age verification more feasible than it was in the past  essentially putting the same practices that would take place at any brick-and-mortar adult store into effect online.

Texas law protects the innocence of childhood and helps prevent the destructive behavior resulting in porn addiction, State Rep. Matt Shaheen, the laws author, wrote in an op-ed last year. He noted that the law does not allow ID verifiers to retain personal information about users, and argued that for decades, laws restricting similar content found in books and magazines have been upheld.

But opponents say they still have privacy concerns about users uploading their IDs or scanning their faces. And the new methods have led to a business hit: After Louisiana became the first state to pass an age verification law, Pornhub implemented an ID-checking system for Louisianans, and then saw its traffic there fall by about 80 percent, according to the company. Online ID-checking services can also charge $1 or more per user, costing the sites exorbitant amounts, said Solomon Friedman, the co-founder of the private equity firm that owns Pornhub.

Just as Vought predicted, Pornhub has decided not to operate in other states that passed similar laws, instead redirecting users from those states to a message urging them to contact your representatives about the restrictions.

The rise of age verification laws is not about keeping young people safe, it is about controlling what adults can experience as legal and consensual, Friedman said in an interview. They want to abolish the existence of the adult industry.

Supreme Courts porn precedent faces challenge

Now, the Supreme Court is set to decide whether the new laws are constitutional or not. The justices will hear a challenge to Texas age verification law on Wednesday, and their decision will likely determine the fate of similar laws around the country.

The case, which was brought by the adult industry trade association and several porn websites and producers, is likely to hinge on the precedent set in the landmark 1997 case Reno v. ACLU. In that case, the court held that the government cant protect minors through an unnecessarily broad suppression of speech addressed to adults when less restrictive alternatives are available.

Under the courts precedents, laws that restrict broad areas of speech must stand up to strict scrutiny, a higher level of skepticism from courts. A federal judge struck down the Texas age verification law based on that standard in 2023, writing that it would allow the government to peer into the most intimate and personal aspects of peoples lives.

But the Fifth Circuit appeals court decided to review the Texas law using a lower standard, and ruled that it was constitutional because Texas had a rational basis for wanting to protect minors from viewing pornography.

One of the main issues up for debate among the Supreme Court justices will be which standard to use.

Geoffrey R. Stone, a University of Chicago law professor and First Amendment expert, said the case was just the latest in a half-century of Supreme Court cases dealing with the constitutional ramifications of protecting kids from explicit material.

Under existing law, you can protect children from access to whats obscene, Stone said. The key question is to what extent you can do that in a way that interferes with the access of adults to this material which is constitutionally protected for them.

The Texas law would probably not be constitutional under existing precedent, he said, but added that given the courts conservative majority, the justices could decide to change that precedent.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the age verification law case on Wednesday. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The courts decision isnt likely to be released until this summer, and the justices have allowed the Texas law to continue in effect while the case proceeds (although a provision that requires porn sites to post a health warning has been blocked). The outcome will likely decide a host of other lawsuits against other states laws.

One of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Louisianas age verification law is Elizabeth Henson, who said she sometimes views the same pornographic videos as her husband as a way of staying intimate together when hes deployed away from her as part of his service in the Coast Guard. After the couple moved to Louisiana when he was assigned to a new base, Henson tried to sign onto a pornography website, and found it asked for a state ID to verify her age. But her out-of-state ID wasnt accepted, essentially blocking her from using the site, she said.

Henson, whos also a Coast Guard veteran herself, told CNN she wanted to join the lawsuit as a plaintiff to help give voice to other military families who dont have a choice where theyre deployed.

Its not anybodys business whats happening in my bedroom, or anybody elses bedroom, Henson said. Thats kind of where it came down for me.

Getting around the bans

The decision by sites like Pornhub to pull out of some states has led more and more Americans to download the same kind of technology that people in authoritarian countries use to get around their governments draconian online censorship regimes.

In states where Pornhub has blocked users, theres been an apparent spike in interest in virtual private networks, tools that can trick websites into thinking the user is in a different location. In Florida and South Carolina, where age-verification laws went into effect on January 1, Google searches for VPN more than doubled between the last days of 2024 and the first days of 2025, data from Google Trends shows. Other states followed a similar trend when their laws took effect.

At the same time, some other pornography websites that are run outside the US are simply ignoring the new age verification laws  and its unclear whether states will be able to force them into compliance. That means that more users will just be going to sites with fewer safety measures and content moderations in place than the Canada-based Pornhub, Friedman argued.

Pornhub and other pornography providers say they want to help protect minors, and dont want kids coming to their websites at all. Theyd like to see different methods to prevent that that dont put a burden on adults, such as parental controls on phones and computers, or the possibility of age verification systems built into operating systems.

If the Supreme Court upholds the age verification laws, some conservative activists may push for a national law in the same mold. Trump hasnt said anything about whether he supports the idea, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a request for comment.

During his first run for president in 2016, Trump did sign a pledge from a conservative group agreeing to give serious consideration to appointing a Presidential Commission to examine the harmful public health impact of Internet pornography, although he did not appoint such a commission.

Opponents of the age verification laws say that even though access to pornography doesnt rise to the same civil rights issue as bans on abortion or efforts to restrict LGBTQ rights, theyre coming from the same conservative Christian playbook thats scored notable wins in recent years.

Holly Randall, a pornography producer and photographer, helped pay for political ads raising awareness of the anti-porn statements in Project 2025 during last years presidential campaign. Randalls mother was one of the first female pornographic film directors, working in the industry at a time when it operated in a legal gray area.

Now, Randall said, shes realizing that the First Amendment precedents that her mothers generation fought for may no longer be secure.

Roe v. Wade being overturned, I think, was a real wake up call for a lot of us, she said. That was a sign that we cant just rest on our laurels and assume porn is going to be fine, theyre never going to outlaw it.

CNNs Steve Contorno contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrives at the National Assembly for his swearing-in ceremony for a third term in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (Matias Delacroix/AP)

On the same day Nicolas Maduro was sworn in to serve a six-year term as the president of Venezuela, the U.S. announced a $25 million reward for his arrest.

The reward is part of a program aimed at "disrupting and dismantling transnational drug trafficking organizations."

"Maduro helped manage and ultimately lead the Cartel of the Suns, a Venezuelan drug-trafficking organization comprised of high-ranking Venezuelan officials," the U.S. government alleges. "As he gained power in Venezuela, Maduro participated in a corrupt and violent narco-terrorism conspiracy with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

RELATED STORY | Maduro is declared winner in Venezuela's presidential election as opposition claims it prevailed

Maduro has been in power since 2013 following the death of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. In July, he declared himself the winner of a disputed presidential election.

The Associated Press reports that hundreds of anti-Maduro protesters took to the streets of Caracas on Friday  expressing their support for opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security announced Friday it was extending Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans for 18 months due to "extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent eligible Venezuelan nationals from safely returning."

President Joe Biden met with Gonzalez this week in Washington, calling him the president-elect. The White House said the two men spoke about their "shared efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela."
In the capital of Transnistria, a self-declared microstate sandwiched between Moldova and Ukraine, the festive New Years lights have gone dark ahead of schedule. This separatist sliver of Moldova will run out of energy in three weeks, the head of its Russia-backed government has said.

Once proud, go-it-alone and richer than their neighbors in Moldova proper, Transnistrians are now burning wood to keep warm through hours-long blackouts as winter bites.

The crunch began when Moscow stopped pumping natural gas through pipelines in Ukraine to Europe. Transnistrian officials have declared a state of emergency. They say their region is facing not only an energy crisis, but a humanitarian one. Analysts say this understates the problem, which has raised questions about the future of the de facto state.

This is an existential question (for Transnistria), Vadim Pistrinciuc, director of the Institute for Strategic Initiatives (ISI), a think tank in Moldova, told CNN.

Heres what you need to know.

How did the crisis start?

For years, Russian gas flowed through Ukraine to Moldova and elsewhere in Europe. The last transit agreement with Kyiv, signed before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, was due to expire on January 1. Ukraine said for months it would not renew the agreement  and made good on its promise.

Some countries prepared for this. Austria said it did its homework and now sources gas elsewhere. Hungary and Slovakia have also found alternative, much costlier, supplies.

Transnistria did not. After splitting from Moldova in 1990 as the Soviet Union crumbled, Transnistria has relied entirely on Russian gas  delivered through Ukraines pipelines, mostly free of charge  to keep the lights on.

Thats over. With Russia unwilling to send gas via other routes, Transnistria is going dark.

How has Transnistria been affected?

Home to more than 300,000 people  mostly Russian speakers  Transnistria celebrated Orthodox Christmas on Tuesday. The usually festive occasion was interrupted by the regions self-proclaimed government announcing daily eight-hour power outages.

The government said it took the decision after electricity consumption had jumped fourfold in recent days. With no gas to keep homes warm, residents had turned to electric heaters  putting huge strain on the regions creaking power grid.

The system created during the Soviet period is not coping, President Vadim Krasnoselsky said at a meeting of the regions energy council on Monday. He urged residents to use electric heating selectively.

Vadim Krasnoselsky has blamed the Moldovan authorities for the crisis. - Vladislav Bachev/Reuters

Videos posted online show a glimpse of how residents are coping. Transnistrians are cooking meals on electric mini-stoves and burning firewood and coal to heat their homes. Hot water is now supplied on a strict schedule, causing some to boil water in kettles and take showers using buckets.

Some alternative heating methods have proved hazardous. Orthodox Christmas was marked by two cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, one of them fatal.

On Tuesday, a family of four in the city of Bendery, including a 7-year-old child, fell ill due to fumes from a gas water heater. They were treated and released in a stable condition. The following night in the capital, Tiraspol, a woman died while showering in a poorly-ventilated apartment where a chimneyless gas water heater was in use, according to the regions Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Unable to keep classrooms warm, schools and colleges have extended the winter vacation until January 20, far later than scheduled. Many kindergartens have not reopened after the holidays. The ones that have are burning firewood for heating.

Sergey Obolonik, minister for economic development, said Wednesday that the regions gas reserves will last for another 24 days.

Has Moldova also been hit?

Yes, but not as badly. Before Russias invasion of Ukraine, Moldova was almost entirely reliant on Russian gas. But a few months into the war, Russias energy giant Gazprom sharply cut gas supplies to the country and hiked its prices, citing unpaid debts.

Moldovan officials were perplexed  and some cried foul, describing the move as an attempt to blackmail the country for a pivot towards the West. With winter approaching, Moldova swiftly arranged energy supplies from Europe.

Despite ending gas purchases from Russia, it still bought large amounts of its energy from Transnistria, which uses Russian gas to generate electricity at the Cuciurgan power plant.

The Cuciurgan power station in Transnistria turns Russian gas into electricity, some of which it sells to Moldova. - David Cruz Sanz/Sipa USA/AP

Now Russian gas supplies have been cut off, that plant is producing vastly less energy. Moldova has had to buy from emergency European markets  mostly via Romania  at nearly twice the price.

Further costs are on the horizon, too. Moldovas government in Chisinau, led by the recently re-elected pro-Western President Maia Sandu, has said it will provide support to residents fleeing from the freezing temperatures and energy shortages in Transnistria.

Will Transnistria accept help from Chisinau?

Chisinau has offered to sell gas and energy to Transnistria, although officials in Tiraspol show little sign of accepting the offer.

The main reason is economic. Unlike Moscow, Chisinau is not proposing to send gas for free. After 30 years of abundant, low-cost energy, Transnistrians would now have to pay the same rate as those in Moldova proper.

Its a problem of costs for the residents of Transnistria, Nicu Popescu, Moldovas former foreign minister, told CNN. Moldova has been much more prepared for such a situation. Transnistria has not done anything in 30 years to be prepared.

Another reason is political. After decades of proclaiming its independence from Moldova, to be seen accepting help from it would be akin to admitting failure.

Instead, Tiraspol is attempting to pin the crisis on Chisinau. Krasnoselsky has accused Moldova of trying to strangle the region and force it to renounce its claims to statehood.

Maia Sandu (center) visits Varnita, a Moldovan town affected by the energy crunch on Thursday. - Aurel Obreja/AP

Whats Russias role?

Russia could provide gas to Transnistria but is choosing not to. Although it can no longer transit gas through Ukraine, other pipelines are available under the Black Sea via Turkey, albeit at a higher cost than before.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that the situation is critical, but added that the decisions of Ukraine and the Moldovan authorities had deprived Transnistria of natural gas.

Peskov said some European countries, including Slovakia, still wanted Russias more competitive supplies. He also criticized the United States for profiting from the crisis, saying it had boosted its costlier gas exports to Europe.

Russia may also stand to gain from declining to end the energy crisis in Transnistria  whose people it claims to support.

Russia has long worked to destabilize Moldova, most recently in its presidential election in October, which was framed as a choice between Moscow and the West.

Although polls had predicted a comfortable victory for Sandu, she ultimately won re-election by the thinnest of margins. She later said the vote had been marred by an unprecedented assault by foreign actors. CNN has previously reported on Russia-backed efforts to sway the result through a vast vote-buying campaign, accusations the Kremlin consistently denied.

Although Sandu clung on in October, Moldova has parliamentary elections later this year. The crisis in Transnistria  which could prompt thousands of residents to flee across the border  provides Russia with an opportunity to sow more chaos in Moldova, Popescu warned.

Russia doesnt care much about residents in Transnistria. It has the goal of destabilizing the Moldovan economy, political system and social fabric. It doesnt care about Transnistrians freezing in winter, he said.

Why did Ukraine not renew the gas transit agreement?

Ukraine was widely expected to let the agreement lapse, sensing an opportunity to inflict costs on Russia and its allies.

After Russian gas stopped flowing through Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky called the move one of Moscows greatest defeats. He accused the Kremlin of using energy as a weapon with which to blackmail its partners.

Although Ukraine now faces a loss of some $800 million a year in transit fees from Russia, Gazprom stands to lose far more, at up to $5 billion a year in sales, according to Reuters.

Russian officials have responded furiously to the move. Russias Embassy in Moldova said Kyiv had cynically stopped the flow of gas to condemn the population of Transnistria to suffering. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called the decision bullying and neo-Nazism.

Pistrinciuc, director of the ISI think tank, said he hoped these narratives did not take hold among Transnistrians. He said the crisis might make some confront what he described as the reality of their situation: Its a very isolated region We hope that they see the impotence of this type of unrecognized state.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius violin will be auctioned by Sothebys in New York in February - Aaron Chown/PA

A violin made by renowned Italian craftsman Antonio Stradivari is headed for auction next month, where it is expected to fetch a record $18 million (15 million).

The New England Conservatory (NEC) in Boston, Massachusetts, is offering the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius violin for sale, with proceeds going towards student scholarships in fulfilment of the wishes of musician and NEC graduate Si-Hon Ma, who donated the instrument to the school.

The Sothebys auction will take place on Feb 7 in New York as part of its Masters Week.

Strad is... like a household name for the violin... like the Picasso of the violin world, Helena Newman, the chairman of Sothebys Europe, told Reuters news agency in London, where the violin went on public display on Friday.

We are estimating the violin in the region of $12-$18 million, which sits comfortably within the record price already achieved for a Strad.

While the instruments rich golden-brown varnish enhances its visual allure, it is the violins remarkable overall preservation that really stands out - Sotheby's

Stradivaris violins, which can sell for millions of dollars, are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, with the most sought-after from his 1700-1720 Golden Period. Instruments he built during this time are generally considered to be of higher quality than his earlier work.

They are especially prized by collectors and fetch much higher prices than instruments those built earlier in his career, or those he built from the late 1720s to his death in 1737 when his instruments began to show signs of his advanced age.

The 1721 Lady Blunt Stradivarius sold for a record $15.9 million (13 million) in 2011.

Before Si-Hon Ma, the Joachim-Ma violin was owned by Joseph Joachim, the 19th century Hungarian violinist.

Joachim was a close collaborator of composer Johannes Brahms and almost certainly performed on the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius at the 1879 premiere of Brahms Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77, Sothebys said.

Before Ma, the violin was owned by Joseph Joachim, one of the most influential violinists of the 19th century - Sotheby's

This extraordinary instrument was given to the New England Conservatory with the provision that it could be sold to support student scholarships, Andrea Kalyn, president of the NEC, said in a statement.

After years of individual use by our students, now, we can establish the largest named student scholarship program in the history of NEC, honouring our mission to educate and train the next generation of musicians.

While it has been a privilege to have one of the worlds finest violins, this sale will be transformational for our students, Ms Kalyn added.

The violin will also go on display in Hong Kong and New York before the auction.

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.
By Maayan Lubell and Nidal al-Mughrabi

JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday amid a push to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, Netanyahu's office said.

After the meeting, Netanyahu dispatched a high-level delegation which included the head of the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency to Qatar in order to "advance" talks to return hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, a statement from Netanyahu's office said.

Earlier on Saturday, an Israeli official said some progress had been made in the indirect talks between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, to reach a deal in Gaza.

The mediators are making renewed efforts to reach a deal to halt the fighting in the enclave and free the remaining Israeli hostages held there before Trump takes office on Jan. 20. A deal would also involve the release of some Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Families of Israeli hostages welcomed Netanyahu's decision to dispatch the officials, with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters describing it as a "historic opportunity."

Witkoff arrived in Doha on Friday and met the Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatars foreign ministry said.

Egyptian and Qatari mediators received reassurances from Witkoff that the U.S. would continue to work towards a fair deal to end the war soon, Egyptian security sources said, though he did not give any details.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed across its borders in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, more than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, with much of the enclave laid to waste and gripped by a humanitarian crisis, with most of its population displaced.

On Saturday, the Palestinian civil emergency service said eight people were killed, including two women and two children, in an Israeli airstrike on a former school sheltering displaced families in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military said the strike had targeted Hamas militants who were operating at the school and that it had taken measures to reduce the risk of harm to civilians.

Later on Saturday, the Gaza Civil Emergency Service said five people were killed and several others were wounded in two Israeli strikes. One of the two strikes killed three people in a house near the Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City.

The Israeli military said it struck a Hamas militant "in that area" at that approximate time.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem and Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo. Additional reporting by Ahmed Mohamed Hassan in Cairo; Editing by Mark Potter and Conor Humphries)
PARIS, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The world must return to a policy of "maximum pressure" against Iran to turn it into a more democratic country, President-elect Donald Trump's incoming Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg told an Iranian opposition event in Paris on Saturday.

Trump has vowed to return to the policy he pursued in his previous term that sought to wreck Iran's economy to force the country to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programs, ballistic missile programs and regional activities.

"These pressures are not just kinetic, just not military force, but they must be economic and diplomatic as well", Retired Lieutenant-General Kellogg, who is set to serve as Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, told the audience at Paris-based Iranian opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).

He said there was an opportunity "to change Iran for the better" but that this opportunity would not last forever.

"We must exploit the weakness we now see. The hope is there, so must too be the action."

Retired Lt. General Keith Kellogg speaks at a campaign rally at Defender Ammunition Company in Raeford, N.C., on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024.

He has previously spoken at NCRI events, most recently in November, but his presence in Paris, even if in a personal capacity, suggests the group has the ear of the new U.S. administration.

Kellogg postponed a trip to European capitals earlier this month until after Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.

It was unclear whether he would use his trip top Paris to meet French officials to discuss Ukraine. The French presidency, foreign ministry, Trump's transition team did not immediately respond for comment.

Incoming U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also spoken at NCRI events in the past. The group has repeatedly called for the fall of the existing Iranian authorities, although it is unclear how much support it has within Iran.

Speaking at the start of the event at Auvers-sur-Oise, the group's headquarters on the outskirts of Paris, NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi said the regional balance of power had shifted against Iran's leadership with the all of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and the "crushing blow" suffered by its most important ally Hezbollah is its war with Israel.

"It is time for Western governments to abandon past policies and stand with the Iranian people this time," she said.

The NCRI, the political arm of the People's Mujahideen Organisation of Iran (PMOI), has held frequent rallies in the France, often attended by high profile former U.S., European and Arab officials critical of the Islamic Republic.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's Ukraine envoy: World must reinstate 'maximum pressure' on Iran
This weeks deadly wildfires in Southern California have destroyed or damaged thousands of structures, including many landmarks that hold spots in cinematic and cultural history.

The Los Angeles-area blazes, which authorities say have killed at least 16 people, have leveled homes, businesses and schools at an alarming speed. Among the areas hardest hit is Pacific Palisades, an affluent neighborhood west of downtown Los Angeles that the Beach Boys referred to in Surfin USA, their 1963 ode to sunny coastal California life.

Here are some of the well-known landmarks that have been damaged:

Palisades Charter High School: This public school has been a popular location for Hollywood productions, including the 1976 supernatural horror classic Carrie and the 2003 remake of Freaky Friday, starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Its one of several Los Angeles County schools that sustained significant fire damage, the Los Angeles Unified School District said.

Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said about 30% of the high schools campus was damaged. The Los Angeles Times printed a dramatic photo of him walking up a concrete stairway that used to lead to a classroom building and now towers over nothing but a pile of rubble.

Follow along for live coverage

The main structure of the high school was still intact Wednesday, according to the Times, with most of the damage in the back of the campus, including to athletic facilities.

The high school counts singer-songwriter will.i.am, filmmaker J.J. Abrams and actor and singer Katey Sagal among its alumni. Its about 3,000 students were on winter break when the fire started.

Will Rogers ranch house: Actor Will Rogers owned this 31-room house until his death in 1935. His widow, Betty, donated the ranch in 1944 to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, which turned the grounds into a state park. The department said in a news release that the Palisades Fire destroyed the house and other structures on the property. The ranch home had been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Palisades Fire destroyed Will Rogers former ranch house.

California State Parks mourns the loss of these treasured natural and cultural resources, and our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area, State Parks Director Armando Quintero said.

Topanga Ranch Motel: Also owned by the state parks department, the Topanga Ranch Motel was constructed in 1929 by newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst. The bungalow-style motel offered an inexpensive retreat across from Topanga Beach in Malibu for families and writers when it opened. It appeared in TV and film over the years, including in the 1990s in the Bridget Fonda movie Leather Jackets.

The Topanga Ranch Motel in 2017.

The state parks department acquired the motel in 2001 and had plans to restore about 20 cabins for public use. The department confirmed in a news release that the Palisades Fire had destroyed the motel.

The aftermath of the fire at the historic Topanga Ranch Motel.

Reel Inn Malibu: Staff members at this iconic seafood restaurant in Malibu said in an online fundraiser that after 36 years in business we have lost our beloved restaurant. The Malibu Times published a video of smoke and fire embers surrounding the restaurant.

A staple along Pacific Coast Highway, the Reel Inn was a favorite among locals and celebrities alike, including model Cindy Crawford and comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

The Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center before the fire.

The Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center: The Eaton Fire engulfed this synagogue, which dates to the early 20th century. Melissa Levy, the executive director, told NBC Los Angeles that staff members evacuated Tuesday night and that the Torah scrolls were safely removed from the property.

The Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center burns Tuesday during the Eaton Fire in Pasadena, Calif.

Theater Palisades, Pierson Playhouse: This Pacific Palisades community theater, founded by three TV writers in the 1960s, has suspended operations because of the serious damage sustained in the Palisades Fire, it said on its website.

The Bunny Museum: Billed as the worlds only museum about everything bunny, this eccentric museum in Altadena displayed over 45,000 rabbit-related items. It had been Guinness World Record-certified several times for having the biggest collection of bunny products.

Firefighters in front of the burning Bunny Museum in Altadena on Wednesday.

Staff members shared on Facebook that the museum had burnt to the ground and later posted: Not a hoppy day, today.
President-elect Trump filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in December siding with TikTok in the dispute.

After lawyers for TikTok appeared before the Supreme Court on Friday and received a skeptical reception, it seems only a few pathways remain for the platforms future in the U.S.

If the Supreme Court votes to uphold the law that President Joe Biden signed in April, TikTok will shut down on Jan. 19, the day before Donald Trump takes office. The law requires TikTok to divest from its Chinese ownership and sell to a U.S. company. If the justices declare the law unconstitutional, TikTok can continue to exist as it is today for its 170 million American users  around half of the U.S. population.

But the direction of Fridays oral arguments put that possibility into question.

There are a few factors that could play into other options. TikTok has asked to extend the timeline of the Supreme Courts decision, a choice the justices can make to push back their final judgment. Trump has supported TikTok, filing an amicus brief in December to the Supreme Court to advocate for such an extension, which would bring the sale deadline into his presidential term. An extension, he said, would allow his administration (which is divided on TikTok) to pursue a political resolution for the apps future.

Its not entirely clear what form that would take.

One of Trumps options would be to grant a 90-day extension for TikTok to continue its effort to find an American buyer  a provision specifically written into the law forcing a sale. However, TikToks Chinese parent company ByteDance said it will not approve a sale of the app. If ByteDance were to approve a sale, there are U.S. buyers willing to purchase TikTok, including billionaire business executive Frank McCourt.

Gautam Hans, a professor of law at Cornell University, said TikTok had a tough go with the Supreme Court and added he finds it unlikely that the justices will side with the platform. He called Trumps brief unprecedented and said that its unclear how Trump will seek a political resolution, with a few unlikely possibilities.

There might be a possibility that he pressures Congress to rescind the law, Hans said. That would be pretty extraordinary, given that the law passed on a partisan basis overwhelmingly. Youd have to have a lot of reversals from legislators to undo the law.

Hans said that Trump could also direct the Justice Department not to enforce the law, meaning that it would not prosecute Google and Apples app stores for hosting the app. But Hans didnt think that the legal counsel for either company would be comfortable defying the law on Trumps word alone.

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who defended the U.S. governments position on TikTok to the Supreme Court, indicated during her argument that she believes ByteDance could pivot to selling the company if the law is upheld.

I think Congress expects we might see something like a game of chicken, ByteDance saying we cant do it, China will never let us do it, Prelogar said in court on Friday. But when push comes to shove and these restrictions take effect, I think it will fundamentally change the landscape with respect to what ByteDance will consider, and it might be just the jolt that Congress expected the company would need to actually move forward with the divestiture process.

Rita McGrath, the academic director in executive education at Columbia Business School, said that buyers like McCourt are betting that TikTok will decide to sell to a U.S. owner after all, if the company is left with no other options.

If they do get shut down, which seems to be likely, I think it opens up a second tier of bargaining possibilities, McGrath said. TikTok has taken the time - since the law was passed until these court hearings - to not investigate buyers, to not investigate an alternative, to not look into whatever legal remedies they might have. Theyve been going on a lobbying and charm offensive. This is kind of a Hail Mary for them.

McGrath said that whether TikTok sells or not, she believes creators will be able to transition to alternatives. Platforms like Meta, with Instagram Reels, and Google, with YouTube Shorts, would see an advantage in the short-form video space if TikTok disappears. Still, McGrath said it would be a loss for the people who have built up large, profitable and influential TikTok followings.

Users have real interests here. They are using the platform to communicate, to share content, to discuss, to make money. Shutting this down is going to be a major social, political and economic consequence for those individuals, not just the company, Hans said. So that is what I think is going to be really challenging from a First Amendment perspective, the rights and interests of the users, which are really important given there are over 170 million of them in this country that are going to be affected in ways that cant easily be fixed.
Catastrophes Choisies Translation by Bertrand Grimault [Monoquini, 2025]



Catastrophes Choisies is not Sinclair Beiless first poetry collection to appear in French, but it is the most elaborate. The South African emigre poet, writer, and editor was born in Uganda of Russian-Jewish descent, in 1930, and grew up in Johannesburg from the age of six. An ex-patriate for most of his life, Beiles lived at various times in Tangiers, Athens, London, Rotterdam, and Paris, and sporadically had himself committed to hospital wards to deal with his sometimes fragile mental health.

As part of the Beat Hotel crowd in Paris during the late-1950s and early 60s, Beiles collaborated on the first book of avant-garde cut-ups, Minutes to Go, with Brion Gysin, William Burroughs, and Gregory Corso. While working for Maurice Girodiass Paris-based Olympia Press, he was a key editor who helped shepherd Burroughss Naked Lunch into print.

It is his incandescent poetry, however, for which he should be most remembered. But despite winning a prestigious South African literary prize in 1969 for his early poetry collection, Ashes of Experience, as well as praise for his poetry from such luminaries as Burroughs and Leonard Cohen, his writing has rarely surfaced outside the small-press literary world. By the time he died in 2000, two dozen collections of his poems, plays, and stories had appeared in print. Many are now rarities sought by connoisseurs. Here is a taste of the man and his work.

Title page and inside flap with photo of, from left, Brion Gysin, William Burroughs, Jean Fanchette, and Sinclair Beiles standing in front of the English Bookshop, in Paris, 1960.

Two interior illustrated pages of Catastrophes Choisies.
by Melani Manel Perera

On 6 January, Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, launched the initiative as part of the digitisation process initiated by Dissanayake. A pilot project is active in seven embassies, including Japan, Qatar and Kuwait. Jasintha Subasinghe, Sinhalese in Italy: Visits to the homeland were races for documents. Cases of abuse of power by officials in some countries.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - This online system is very valuable for us who are abroad. We are very grateful to benefit from such an effective measure. Until now we had to rush and waste time. We are facilitated because we only go on holiday to our homeland for a short period of time'.

AsiaNews gathered the views of some Sinhalese living abroad on the 6 January launch of the digital platform that allows overseas citizens to quickly obtain birth, marriage and death certificates through their respective embassies, without any delay.

The initiative is part of the ambitious digitisation programme initiated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. In this context, on Monday, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath inaugurated the new platform: a website managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

The pilot project is being implemented in seven embassies in Sri Lanka, Japan, Qatar, Kuwait, as well as in Milan, Toronto, Melbourne and Dubai. The project aims to cover all embassies in the future.

This opportunity for Sri Lankans abroad is the result of dedicated efforts over the past two months by officials of the presidential secretariat, said Minister Herath.

Although the officials could have implemented it earlier, they did not have the necessary leadership. However, with the new political leadership, the officials managed to turn it into reality within two months. This is the first successful initiative of the President's digitisation process'. For Herath, the new service would also support the economy: Sri Lankans abroad can obtain documents for a fee of about USD 22.

The minister also announced that a tender had been issued for the printing of new passports. In this way, we intend to get the quantities of passports quickly and provide the same technology for renewing and obtaining new documents, he added. With over three million Sinhalese currently living abroad, this is a critical step.

Lester Jans, who lives in Los Angeles, California, US, told AsiaNews that the system needs to be set up as soon as possible to allow Sri Lankans living abroad to obtain documentation online. Even in his case, visits to Sri Lanka turned into office runs.

The short time we have to spend with our relatives back home, we have to spend on getting these documents. So, my friends and I appreciate these new measures. We abroad are very grateful to the new government for making this progress,' Jasintha Subasinghe, who represents herself and her friends living in Breccia (Como), Italy, told AsiaNews .

Philippe Ratnayake, a resident of Brussels, Belgium, sees this step by the government with two perspectives. Firstly, we congratulate the government for taking a step forward towards Sri Lankan citizens abroad. Because some had to wait a long time to get the necessary certificates through embassies and offices in their respective countries, he told AsiaNews.

Then, he says he is aware of cases where officials in some countries have extorted money from people by claiming to provide those documents quickly.

He explained that when we go to make requests for documents we are given a yellow sheet. That yellow sheet indicates that we are Sri Lankan citizens and the officials try to trick us and get money by saying that it is a long process. There have been friends of ours who have faced similar situations'.

Another thing Philip explained is that only migrant workers or people who have a visa can be involved in this process, but people staying abroad under political protection cannot be involved in the new process. Everyone said that this new step will have to be kept under control to avoid any drift, because it is still a pilot project.
Today's news: Violent protests in Pucheng, northwest China, over the accidental death of a student; Summit between Ishiba and Prabowo revives cooperation between Tokyo and Jakarta on security; Smog causes transport chaos in Delhi; Myanmar junta airstrike kills over 40 people in Rakhine.

ISRAEL - GAZA - LEBANON - YEMEN

The Israeli army said it attacked several sites in Yemen controlled by Houthi fighters, including a power plant near the capital Sanaa and the ports of al-Hudayda and Ras Isa. In addition, several people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, despite the ceasefire agreement. Yesterday in Gaza at least 21 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks. At least 46,006 Palestinians have been killed and 109,378 injured since 7 October 2023.

CHINA

The death of a teenager sparked violent protests in a northwestern Chinese city of Pucheng in Shaanxi province. Authorities said the teenager died on 2 January in an accident in his school dormitory. After his death, accusations of a cover-up spread on social media. Protests broke out soon afterwards and lasted several days before apparently being quelled.

JAPAN-INDONESIA

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said his country had agreed to provide high-speed patrol boats to Indonesia at a summit in Bogor with President Prabowo Subianto. The two countries are increasing security cooperation, also confirming bilateral cooperation on energy security, human resources development and disaster prevention.

INDIA

Smog is causing travel chaos in the Indian capital Delhi. In the early hours of yesterday, visibility in several areas was zero, causing disruption to flights, trains and road transport. More than 150 flights were delayed and dozens of trains were delayed. This is a recurring problem in northern India every winter, where low temperatures between December and January trap pollutants close to the ground.

MYANMAR

Dozens of people were killed in an air strike by Myanmar's military junta in Rakhine state this week, as the civil war in the Southeast Asian country approaches its fourth year. The junta struck the village of Kyauk Ni Maw in Yanbye commune on Wednesday afternoon, destroying about 500 homes and killing more than 40 people, according to the Government of National Unity (GUN) and a UN agency.

GEORGIA

The former president of Georgia, Salome Zurabisvili, declared that she will continue to serve as president from her new office, after handing over the Orbeliani palace to her illegitimate successor Mikhail Kavelasvili, and that the only way out for the country is to hold new and honest elections, which she intends to discuss with Donald Trump, at whose inauguration she will be present.

RUSSIA

As is tradition in Russia, the peak of alcohol sales occurs during the New Year's holidays, and these days also see a percentage increase in the number of deaths, 14% more than at any other time of the year, figures that have continued to rise since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, after the Federal Control Service reported that 108.5 million decalitres had already been drunk in the first 11 months of 2024, an absolute record.
by Nirmala Carvalho

In Maharashtra, the gesture of a Catholic couple who, because of financial problems, took their own lives on the day of their wedding anniversary wearing their wedding dress, has caused a stir. Fr. Jose Kurian told AsiaNews: A story that in this Jubilee of Hope challenges us to be close to those who experience dismay in their lives.

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - The gesture of a Catholic couple in Nagpur, in the State of Maharashtra, who celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary with friends and relatives and then took their own lives wearing their wedding clothes, has made a deep impression in India.

Jeril Damson Oscar Moncriff, 57, was found hanged in the kitchen while his wife, Anne, 46, lay motionless in her wedding dress on a bed in the living room. According to preliminary investigations, the couple - who had no children - were experiencing financial difficulties.

Police said the couple recorded a video with their mobile phone before making the extreme gesture, posted it on social media and sent it to relatives. Probably, reads the report drafted by the Nagpur officers, the man allowed his wife to end her life first.

After freeing her body from the rope, he covered her with a cloth and put flowers on her before hanging himself with a scarf'.Jeril had worked as a chef in several luxury hotels before losing his job to the Covid-19 pandemic, while Anee was a housewife.

The story deeply shocked the local Catholic community. Fr Jose Kurian, pastor of the Syro-Malabar Church of St. Jude in Nagpur, commented to AsiaNews: Life is a gift from God and no one has the right to take it away. The Church always upholds and defends the dignity of life. So every case of suicide is a sad and unfortunate for the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines it as a gesture gravely contrary to right self-love and an offence also to love of neighbour because it unjustly breaks the bonds of solidarity with the family, national and human society, to which we have obligations.

But the Church does not judge people who have taken their own lives. And the Catechism itself states One should not despair of the eternal salvation of people who have given themselves to death. God, through the ways He alone knows, can prepare for them the occasion of a salutary repentance. The Church prays for people who have made an attempt on their lives.

In 2025, the Jubilee Year of Hope, adds Fr Kurian, the Church is also called to be close to the people who are experiencing dismay in their lives. Meetings for specific groups could be promoted through which we could discover people who might need mental and spiritual support and then organise professional help. Setting up teams of people selected and properly trained to deal with mental health problems would be a great sign of hope for our communities'.
11 January 2025 15:30 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) continues to think no small beer of itself, acting as if it holds significant sway over American politicians by assigning them ratings. The latest embarrassment came when ANCA awarded Senator Rubio an A+ rating. One might think that Senator Rubio spends his days and nights praying for a rating from an organization as obscure as ANCA.

ANCA claims the Senator is a defender of Section 907, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that ANCA is out of touch with the realities of regional states and uses Armenia as its benchmark. Why? Because unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan does not receive military or any other aid from the United States or any other country. On the contrary, Azerbaijan provides material, moral, and technical assistance to states and nations in need around the world. The only state in the region that begs for aid from other countries and constantly seeks to outsource its defense is Armenia. Therefore, the defense or even implementation of Section 907 has neither benefit nor harm to Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, ANCA and other Armenian organizations should remember that better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off. Of course, the United States is not and will never be Armenia's brother. Therefore, instead of seeking brothers in different corners of the world and begging for money and defense from them, it would be more appropriate for Armenia and the Armenian community to maintain normal relations with their neighbors. This way, both they and their neighbors would be more comfortable. Prosperity in the region would increase, and people would lead happier and more prosperous lives.

For example, over the past 30 years, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes due to the actions of Armenians who have become pawns in the hands of big brothers in different parts of the world. Thousands of people have lost their lives as a result of Armenia's foolish expansionist foreign policy. Hundreds of villages and cities have been erased from the political map. Billions of dollars are needed to restore all of this. However, this has not been a lesson for Armenia. Armenia continues to arm itself.

In short, if the Armenian community wants a prosperous future for Armenia, the way to achieve this is not by giving A or B ratings to any politician across the ocean. The way to achieve this is by finding common ground with their neighbors and working for peace.

The Armenian diaspora must realize that political gestures and symbolic ratings do not translate into tangible benefits for Armenia's future. Diplomatic ratings might offer temporary validation, but they do little to address the underlying issues that plague the region. Genuine progress requires Armenia to engage in meaningful dialogue with its neighboring countries, recognizing shared interests and working collaboratively to build a stable and prosperous region. This involves fostering economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and cooperative security arrangements that can benefit all parties involved.

Armenia's persistent militarization and reliance on foreign aid undermine its potential for long-term development. By prioritizing peace and collaboration over conflict and dependency, Armenia can break free from its cycle of isolation and stagnation. Embracing a forward-looking approach, Armenia can invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, thereby improving the quality of life for its citizens and creating a more attractive environment for investment and tourism.

The Armenian leadership and community should take a proactive stance in mending relations with Azerbaijan, focusing on reconciliation and mutual benefit. This requires addressing historical grievances and building trust through consistent and transparent communication. By demonstrating a genuine commitment to peaceful coexistence, Armenia can pave the way for a brighter future, not only for itself but for the entire region.

In conclusion, the Armenian community's focus should shift from seeking validation from distant political entities to fostering genuine, constructive relationships with its neighbors. This approach will lead to sustainable development, regional stability, and a more prosperous future for Armenia and its people.
11 January 2025 23:18 (UTC+04:00)

By Farman Aydin | AzerNEWS

The senseless and biased statements against Azerbaijan in the European Parliament are no longer surprising. On the contrary, objectivity and honesty are so rare that it is strange to hear a decent conversation by a member of the European Parliament. The members of the European Parliament, who have been making speeches full of all kinds of lies and slander for the past five years, are still in their ampoules and continue their anti-Azerbaijani campaigns. The only reason for adhering to such a tradition is the unaccountable financial resources of the Armenian lobby, which every time, due to these financial resources, brings different parliamentary elements to the stage like clowns and makes them ridiculous with empty and meaningless statements.

Since the issue of the Zangazur Corridor has returned to the agenda in recent days, as well as after President Ilham Aliyev's interview with local television channels, Armenia has restarted its propaganda machine both at home and abroad. Certainly, the Armenian agenda is changing according to Azerbaijan's decisions these days, especially given Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's recent media statement.

However, what is not normal is the illiterate and illogical approach of the members of the European Parliament to the issue. The other day, MP Martin Sonneborn allegedly tried to criticize Azerbaijan's communication strategy. Perhaps Sonneborn, traditionally unaware of the latest processes like his precious colleagues, tried to join the pro-Armenian demonstration and made himself look ridiculous with his absurd ideas.

According to Sonneberg, Azerbaijan should not unite with Nakhchivan and part of the country should remain in a state of blockade. We wonder if such a situation had happened in Germany, would Mr. Sonneberg still support Armenians?

Representatives of the European Parliament generally perceive this as aggression, since they do not understand the realistic and accurate views of President Ilham Aliyev which are based on international law. Historical facts and today's realities are not interesting to them.

For more than thirty years, Azerbaijan has been passing through the territory of another state to its territory, Nakhchivan. Some Western elements, relying on their power, see international law as a force. If the force factor is calculated in this way, then Azerbaijan will not retreat from that battleground. Because what happened in 2020 was Azerbaijan's rightful cause, and it achieved it on the ground.

When Armenia signed the November 10 declaration, the article on the opening of all communications was included in that document. Armenia was supposed to ensure the opening of the corridor between Nakhchivan and Azerbaijan about five years ago, but just as each of the articles left undone this issue was postponed until now.

So, Armenia, contrary to the unfounded statement of the German MP, has destroyed peace itself. If the agreement document is betrayed, there can be no talk of lasting peace there; this will eventually lead to failure. Therefore, it seems that Azerbaijan itself will have to complete Armenia's unfinished work once and for all.
11 January 2025 12:10 (UTC+04:00)

A seminar on "Leadership and Effective Communication" was held in Baku, organized by MUSIAD Azerbaijan and the Education and Culture Commission, in partnership with the Baku Speech Center, Azernews reports, citing MUSIAD.

The main speaker of the seminar was Parvin Perlan, a professional trainer and marketer from the Baku Speech Center.

He shared his practical knowledge and experiences in the field of leadership and effective communication with the participants, discussing skills essential for success in professional and daily communication.

The training was conducted in a practical and interactive format. Participants engaged in simulation games on real situations and discussed solutions to various problems through group work.

Additionally, practical recommendations and individual support opportunities were presented to participants within the framework of the event. Participants' individual questions were answered, and valuable advice on leadership was provided.

At the end of the seminar, participants emphasized that the event positively impacted their personal and professional development and highly appreciated it.

Certificates were presented to the participants by MUSIAD Azerbaijan at the end of the event.
11 January 2025 12:45 (UTC+04:00)

A joint action plan for 2025 on combating religious radicalism in the Azerbaijan Army has been signed between the Ministry of Defense and the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Defense.

According to the document, the locations, execution times, and responsible persons for the events to be held in the units, formations, military units, and special education institutions under the Ministry of Defense have been determined.

During the year, meetings with military personnel will be organized to promote the idea of Azerbaijani nationalism, the preservation and development of national, moral, and cultural values, the fight against radical religious movements and extremism, cooperation between cultures, civilizations, and confessions, and other related topics.
11 January 2025 16:05 (UTC+04:00)

Georgias Foreign Minister, Maka Bochorishvili, will make an official visit to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as she said at a meeting between Bochorishvili and Azerbaijans Ambassador to Georgia, Faig Quliyev.

"During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues on the mutual agenda of the two countries. In this context, special attention was given to the expected official visit of the Georgian Foreign Minister to Azerbaijan, including the 10th session of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between the two countries, which will be held in Baku," the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

The minister emphasized the strategic importance of relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan, which cover numerous areas.

It was noted that the results of successful cooperation in trade and economy, transportation, and energy sectors were highly appreciated.

Additionally, issues related to ensuring the development of the region based on the principles of stability and peace were discussed. Both sides expressed their readiness to further strengthen strategic cooperation and give it a higher dynamic.
11 January 2025 16:40 (UTC+04:00)

A presentation of the newly published books of the Institute of Caucasian Studies of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) has been held.

Azernews reports that the director of the institute, Dr. Ramil Dadasova, who is also the acting director, stated that the scientific and analytical results, proposals, and recommendations of the institutes staff are annually reflected in fundamental works that are published and sent to state institutions as well as academic circles. She noted that scientific works serving the interests of the Azerbaijani state are published in journals indexed in high-impact scientific databases. It was also mentioned that the institutes staff has published 51 monographs and books in Azerbaijan and 10 books abroad. Additionally, in 2024, the institute will publish 10 books, including 3 monographs, 2 collective works, the scientific-theoretical journal Caucasian Studies, a collection of articles titled Current Problems of Caucasian Studies, and the materials of 3 conferences.

Next, the book titled Georgia-Armenia Relations: Formation, Current Situation, and Problems, written by the institutes department head Vahid Omrov, Naziy Mmmdova, and Nigar Mustafayeva, was presented. The scientific work, based on reliable sources, examines the establishment, current situation, and problems of Georgia-Armenia relations. Most of the scientific materials used in the book are being introduced to the academic community for the first time. The idea author and scientific editor of the book is Professor Musa Qasml, a corresponding member of ANAS. The books reviewers, Professor Qasm Hacyev, Gunel Musayeva, and Samir Hbibbyli, shared their thoughts on the work.

Following that, the book The Armenian Community in Krasnodar and Stavropol Regions of the Russian Federation, authored by Liliya Mirzzad, Gunay Feyziyeva, and Sahnaz Rhimova, was presented. Using various sources, this work examines the history, demographic situation, and socio-economic and political conditions of the Armenian community in the Krasnodar and Stavropol regions of the Russian Federation. The idea author of the book is Professor Musa Qasml, a corresponding member of ANAS, while the scientific editor is Vahid Omrov, and the reviewers are Qasm Hacyev and Elnur Klbizad.

Samir Hbibbylis monograph Azerbaijan-Republic of Georgia Relations was also presented. The author provided information about the goals and objectives of writing the book and the scientific results obtained.

Academic Muxtar Imanov, political commentator Elsad Hsnov, and the head of the Trade Union of the Geography Institute, Kamran Ramazanl, who attended the event, shared their thoughts on the presented books. They stated that the publications are valuable scientific research for Azerbaijani science.

The scientific secretary of the Institute of Caucasian Studies, Sudab Huseynova, and the deputy director, Mzahir Sadxov, also shared their thoughts on the publications and congratulated the authors.
11 January 2025 21:00 (UTC+04:00)

South Korea placed an import ban on German pork Saturday following an outbreak of highly contagious foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease in the European nation, the agriculture ministry said, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said the decision was made after Germany reported its first FMD case since 1988.

FMD is one of the most infectious diseases for cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle and pigs, and can spread rapidly if uncontrolled.

The ministry said it will conduct FMD virus tests on German pork products shipped to the nation since Dec. 27.

Currently, approximately 360 tons of German pork, shipped between Oct. 26 and Nov. 17, is awaiting quarantine inspection.

The ministry said it will proceed with clearance procedures for the products through the normal process as the maximum latent period for the FDM virus is 14 days.
Oregon Coast Winter Chills the Rates at Lincoln City, Cannon Beach

Published 01/07/25 at 12:25 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon)  January's chilly drama is just part of the allure on these beaches, with stormwatching being the big draw in places like Lincoln City and Cannon Beach. This time of year it always gets cheaper on the Oregon coast, but some places dive down even farther. (Above: Looking Glass Inn, Lincoln City)

Even so, rock-bottom special deals at hotels and such are a bit of a holy grail just before the Valentine's season kicks in. In Cannon Beach and Lincoln City, Westover Inns has a handful of lodgings that are touting some rad rates through the end of January.

In Lincoln City's Taft district, right across from Siletz Bay, you can perch yourself on the second floor and check out all the oceanic melee and frolicking of sea beasties like seals and sea lions. The cool thing is since it's famously pet friendly, you can bring your own furry friend to watch the proceedings.

Looking Glass Inn has been the go-to place in this area for a couple of generations now  for reasons just like that. It's gotten markedly cheaper for this month, according to company spokesman Heather Zink.

Looking Glass has bay view, two-queen studios for $89 midweek and ocean and bay view King Whirlpool Suites for $99 midweek, she said. Through the end of January excluding 1/19.

It's a Cape Cod-style inn, just steps away from a sometimes raucous beach that's usually perfect for walking, exploring, building sand castles, and playing in the water. However, during stormier moments  like you find in January  you can watch massive waves slowly nudge those enormous chunks of driftwood onto shore.

You can choose from an array of room options, including whirlpool tub suites, one-bedroom deluxe suites, two-bedroom fireplace suites, or suites with two queen beds, a living area, and two bedrooms. The Looking Glass Inn is within close walking distance to a variety of shops and well-known restaurants, many of which are less than a block away. 861 SW 51st Ave. Lincoln City, Oregon. 800-843-4940. www.lookingglass-inn.com

Right in the center of the central Oregon coast town, the Shearwater Inn is a luxurious hotel overlooking the D River beach with stunning ocean views. There's a classic vibe to this place: giving it an atmosphere that blends modern with sometimes historic elements, creating a unique upscale experience.

Some of these rooms are going for extraordinarily cheap this month.

Shearwater Inn has partial ocean view King Standards for $89 midweek and ocean view King Studios for $99 midweek through the end of January, Zink said.

That also excludes the holiday night of 1/19.

Guests here can enjoy spacious rooms and suites, complete with gas fireplaces, decks, easy beach access, an outdoor hot tub, and numerous dog-friendly options. Many rooms provide panoramic ocean vistas. Each room features a flat-screen TV, DVD player, wireless internet, and some suites come equipped with full kitchens. 120 NW Inlet Court. Lincoln City, Oregon. (541) 994-4121. 800-869-8069. www.theshearwaterinn.com





Located at the northern end of Lincoln City, Pelican Shores Inn offers up a breathtaking view with every room. You're close to the cliff's edge in full sight of rolling surf and just steps away from one of the area's more secluded beaches.

All this is a bit less in January, too. Zink said once again: Sundays through Thursdays see a huge price drop for the month.

Pelican Shores Inn has 'Stay 2 nights or more midweek for $89 per night' in an oceanfront King Deluxe Studio, she said.

Again, the only blackout date there is January 19.

Newly renovated suites, some featuring oceanfront patios or gas fireplaces, come with free Wi-Fi, DVD players and and kitchens. King studios boast sliding glass doors that open to oceanfront patios at lawn level. For your nighttime enjoyment, the surf is illuminated. Guests will also get to dig into a heated indoor pool, complimentary continental breakfast, a large selection of DVDs for rent, guest laundry, and barbecues. 2645 NW Inlet Ave. 800-705-5505. www.pelicanshores.com

Hotels in Lincoln City - Where to eat - Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours

On the north Oregon coast, in Cannon Beach, the Tolovana area is laidback and yet dramatic at the same time. During the winter, a lot can happen here, especially when storms bring the tides right up to the edge of the walkway, knocking objects around and creating a spectacle. There are rather chilling moments after storms you can see the wheelchair ramp completely filled with ocean debris and the insane power of it becomes clear.

Just across the street from all this sits The Wayside Inn, a longtime family favorite in this lovely locale. It's a charmer and well-known for being rather inexpensive as well  not to mention dog-friendly.

It gets even cheaper this month, especially family-oriented units.

The Wayside Inn has ocean view Two-Queen Studios for $89 midweek and ocean view One-Bedroom King Suites for $99 midweek, Zink said.

You'll get to enjoy ocean view rooms and suites, gas fireplaces, small kitchens (many with ovens), flat screen TVs, complimentary Wi-fi, and decks. After a day at the beach you can take a swim in the heated indoor pool or soak in the spa. 3339 S. Hemlock Street, Cannon Beach, Oregon, 888-659-6397. www.thewayside-inn.com

Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach 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
Donald Trump's incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles, is determined to have a drama-free White House comprised of hard-working staff who don't seek the spotlight.Wiles told Axios in an interview this week.Wiles, who was Trump's 2024 co-campaign manager and will be the first female White House Chief of Staff, has become one of Trump's most trusted advisors. Under her leadership, his campaign had fewer leaks than in the past and sailed to victory in 2024 - but she shies away from taking credit, even refusing to speak on Election Night when prompted by Trump.Trump said as he spoke in the wee hours of the morning on Election Night.Wiles told Axios that the most critical period of the Trump administration will be between the inauguration and the 2026 midterms, while Republicans have full control of Congress. Trump's plan includesshe said.Trump's first administrationdespiteWiles added, telling Axios,Trump now has a much better understanding of howshe elaborated, as she discussed how this administration will be different from Trump 45,she noted.Wiles continued.The 2025 West Wing will be a mix of new and old staff, she went on, noting that many of these staff are young.Wiles added.Trump instructed his team to beshe said, reminding his team to remember what he promised the American people he would do:Wiles drew on her experience on the campaign trail as she explained her attitude towards the White House.she said.
Beaufort County Schools are building a new school on the same ground where Eastern Elementary already exists, at a cost of $10,500,000.00 to Beaufort County's Taxpayers. Is this a wise expense of taxpayer dollars at this time?

20.93% Yes, Beaufort County has been awarded a 42 million dollars of grant money from the state of North Carolina (FREE MONEY) to construct school at 3.00 per squ. ft.67.44% No, this is the wrong time, to build the wrong school, on the wrong placement - its lowest point - of Eastern Elementary's existing location, when community schools work best.11.63% Why should I care about the public's education?
UPDATE: Two months ago, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kirstin Crowley sent a memo to the Mayor Karen Bass administration saying that they needed more resources and only had half the firefighters she needed to fight a serious wildfire. She said staffing and other resources had not increased since the 1960s even though population had risen substantially since then. That memo has apparently been scrubbed. Not only did the LAFD did not get any more resources, but Bass proposed an additional $49 million cut in their budget on top of the $17.6 million she cut last year.

https://freebeacon.com/california/two-months-before-deadly-blazes-la-fire-chief-said-she-needed-more-firefighters-then-karen-basss-admin-scrubbed-the-memo/

___________________________________________________________________________________

ORIGINAL POST:

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kirstin Crowley, appearing on a local television station, blasted liberal Democrat Mayor Karen Bass for failing the citizens of the city in poor preparation to defend against wildfires. Crowley took aim particularly at Bass' move to cut millions from the fire departnment's budget, which left the department not fully prepared. Crowley had previously warned of the danger of just the problem that has occured at the time of the cuts but was overruled by Bass. Bass originally asked for a $23 million cut in the fire department budget but settled for $17.6 million in fire department cuts.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14273495/la-fires-mayor-failed-fire-chief-blasts-karren-bass-funding-cut.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14274157/Los-Angeles-mayor-Karen-Bass-responds-fire-chief.html

The opposition to Mayor Bass for her poor leadership on wildfires crosses ideological lines. A petition from leftist group Change,org has already gathered over 73,000 signatures of upset Los Angeles residents calling for Bass' resignation.

https://www.change.org/p/demand-the-immediate-resignation-of-mayor-karen-bass

There is also a blame game going on about who was responsible for the main resevoir feeding the fire hydrants in Pacific Pallisades being closed and empty at the time the fire broke out. The Santa Ynez Resevoir would normally hold 177 million gallons of water to serve the area, which would have been critical in the early stages of the fire when it might have been contained. Fire season would be the worst possible time to have it off-line.
A friend says its like getting a new suit: The rise of Brotox and cosmetic tweakments for men

The wives who used to call Gay Byrne to complain about their husbands hygiene habits would never have imagined Irish men signing up for salmon sperm injections and facelifts

Personal trainer Conor Murray (Photo: Philip Magowan / Press Eye)

Kirsty Blake Knox Sat 11 Jan 2025 at 09:00

There used to be a stereotype that Irish men left much to be desired when it came to cosmetic maintenance.
Joe Lynskey with the Price sisters in Say Nothing

Investigators searching for The Disappeared have received new information on the back of the Disney+ series Say Nothing.

Jon Hill told The Irish Times a handful of people who had seen the drama about those disappeared by the IRA in the 1970s had come forward.

He said it is too early to determine the value of the information.

The nine-part series, based on the book of the same name by Patrick Radden Keefe, aired in late 2024.

Cases featured in the drama include the disappearances of Jean McConville and Joe Lynskey. They were among 17 people abducted, murdered and secretly buried by republicans during the Troubles. Four of the victims are still missing.

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains is leading the search for their remains.

Mr Hill (72), a former senior Met detective, is lead investigator with the commission, which was established by the UK and Irish governments in 1999.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Irish Times, he said the commission had been contacted by a handful of people affected by Say Nothing. Information has come forward from some people who have suggested its as a result of that drama. Whether that information is any use yet, I dont know because its too early to say, he said.

These people have decided to speak to us because of the impact it has had on them. It might be someone has seen something that they thought was relevant to us. So, yes, its promoted that interest.

Mr Hill has watched the nine-part series, saying it is quite powerful but he also takes issue with its accuracy.

I dont see how anyone cant be affected by watching it, he said.

I have to say, as I watched it, I dont think some of it is accurate. I cant really go into detail around that because then thats saying what I do know.

So far, the remains of 13 people have been recovered. The remaining four victims to be found are Mr Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Seamus Maguire and Robert Nairac.

Mr Lynskey was abducted and murdered by the IRA in 1972. Last November, remains were exhumed from a cemetery in Co Monaghan by investigators searching for his body.

It came after the ICLVR was contacted about suspicious activity during the 1970s at a grave in Annyalla cemetery near Castleblaney.

Mr Hill dismissed any suggestion the development was connected to Say Nothing, saying the process was under way months before the dramas release in November.

Mr Hill also said the process to formally identify the remains is ongoing.

We believed when we started out that we were looking for the remains of Joe Lynskey; we still hope that we are but until we get a DNA result we cant conclude that, he said.

Separately, in December, the Belfast Telegraph reported that a republican had disclosed the names of three people he says were involved in the IRA disappearance of Mr McVeigh, who went missing in 1975.

He said he was coming forward after appeals made over the Disappeared in the wake of Say Nothing.

Searches for Mr McVeigh at Bragan Bog, Co Monaghan, have failed to find his remains.
Radius Housing Inverary Fold resident Linda Sittt with her dog Dolly at Inverary Community Centre in east Belfast where she and other residents of Radius Housing Inverary Fold have been given shelter by Belfast City Council.. Credit: Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

NIFRS attend the scene of an incident at Radius Housing Inverary Fold in east Belfast. Credit: Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Inverary Community Centre in east Belfast where residents of Radius Housing Inverary Fold have been given shelter by Belfast City Council.. Credit: Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

NIFRS attend the scene of an incident at Radius Housing Inverary Fold in east Belfast. Credit: Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Inverary Fold is a retirement housing complex built in 1984 and run by Radius Housing.

Radius Housing Inverary Fold resident Linda Sittt with her dog Dolly at Inverary Community Centre in east Belfast where she and other residents of Radius Housing Inverary Fold have been given shelter by Belfast City Council.. Credit: Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

NIFRS attend the scene of an incident at Radius Housing Inverary Fold in east Belfast. Credit: Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

PSNI officer helping Radius Housing Inverary Fold residents in east Belfast walk to Inverary Community Centre for shelter after an incident has occurred at the fold with PSNI, NIFRS and the ambulance services attending. Credit: Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service at the scene of the fire at Inverary Fold on Saturday evening 11.01.2025

A number of tenants were treated in hospital following a fire at a flat within a retirement complex yesterday, Radius Housing has said.

The blaze broke out shortly after 4pm on Saturday at the Fold Housing Association, which is located around Inverary Drive in the Sydenham area of east Belfast.

On Sunday a spokesperson for Radius Housing said: We are grateful to the NI Fire Service and other emergency services for how quickly and efficiently they responded to the fire, and ensuring that all tenants were safely evacuated from the building.

"We are also grateful to Belfast City Council, elected representatives and the wider community for the support provided to tenants who had to leave their homes.

Radius staff were on site throughout yesterday evening and again this morning to begin a deep clean of the building. Most tenants were able to return to their homes on Saturday evening and Radius staff will be supporting them during this difficult period.

A number of tenants were treated in hospital, and we hope they are able to make a full recovery.

On Saturday a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said that crews wearing Breathing Apparatus carried out a search of the flat and rescued two persons and extinguished the fire.

"Three persons were also led to safety from neighbouring flats by NIFRS personnel and our colleagues in the PSNI.

The rescued persons were left in the care of the NI Ambulance Service.

The incident was dealt with by 9:29pm, and the cause of the fire was believed to be accidental and not being treated as suspicious.

Seven fire appliances and a support appliance attended the incident and were supported by colleagues from the PSNI and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

The surrounding roads were closed to motorists as a result.

The ambulance service was contacted for further details.

Occupants of the retirement housing complex were also taken to local community centre, which was opened for the affected pensioners by Belfast City Council workers.

Linda Stitt has been a resident within the building for the last nine years, and spoke to the Belfast Telegraph from the nearby community centre with her three-year-old Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu mix dog, Dolly.

Tonight our fire alarm went off just after 4pm and I live in one of the very first flats, she said.

NIFRS attend the scene of an incident at Radius Housing Inverary Fold in east Belfast. Credit: Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

I have my own front door, which none of the others have. I was sitting with my friend, and she looked out. She told me it must be serious because there was smoke coming out of one of the flats above the wee common room. Because I have an outside door, and am not really connected to the main building, I opened the door and brought in a few residents to make them a cup of tea.

We just wanted to make sure people were comfortable. Next thing, the windows were blown out of the flat above, and we saw the ambulances and fire brigade arrive, and we knew it was very serious then.

I know the fire brigade were working with one person in the foyer of The Fold, doing CPR. They were taken away in an ambulance.

Three people went in an ambulance that I saw - they then started to evacuate people who were bedridden and were unable to leave their apartments on their own.

They are people that we dont evacuate normally, unless it is a serious situation.

Radius Housing Inverary Fold resident Linda Sittt with her dog Dolly at Inverary Community Centre in east Belfast where she and other residents of Radius Housing Inverary Fold have been given shelter by Belfast City Council.. Credit: Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Linda praised the emergency services and Belfast City Council for being tremendous in their speedy efforts in dealing with the incident.

The council were very quick when they were asked to get the community centre here open for us.

We were all asked to go over, and I think the electricity and gas has been turned off in the [Fold] building due to the risk.

Our fire alarm, whenever it goes off - even if its for something minor like someone burning their toast - they are always here immediately, with no hesitation.

I must commend them, they are always here.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service at the scene of the fire at Inverary Fold on Saturday evening 11.01.2025

What is the future of the Great Northern Mall ?
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom tour the devastated business district of Pacific Palisades on Wednesday. Both leaders have faced criticism over their handling of the deadly Los Angeles wildfires. Eric Thayer/TNS

If you were to scan social media for what was behind this weeks deadly Southern California wildfires, you might think leaders in Los Angeles and Sacramento went out of their way to push policies to invite disaster.

The mayor of Los Angeles cut the citys fire department budget, one pervasive criticism goes. The fire department hired the wrong people, others say. The city didnt fill the reservoirs that feed the fire hydrants, another asserts. The state didnt send enough water from Northern California for the firefight, yet another criticism goes.

While the series of wind-driven fires that has blasted Los Angeles County certainly exposed government shortcomings, media experts are quick to note that many of the accusations circulating online are less about real problems and more about pushing an agenda. And some are flat-out wrong.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In the absence of information that inevitably follows disaster  remember it takes time to gather facts and draw conclusions, no matter how quickly people want them  theres an opening for half-baked truths and targeted criticism. Strong emotions, which are common during crises, also make people more susceptible to misinformation and more heated in their response, experts say.

I would like to think that 10 years ago we would have had more of an outpouring of empathy and concern, said Mindy Romero, a political sociologist and director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy at the University of Southern California. But were in a time now that is so polarized. Were seeing people promote this (firestorm) as an example of Californias ineptness and Californias deficiencies. Its a narrative weve seen before, all the California-bashing. Its not helpful.

Online criticism is further amplified with climate-related disasters. Events like fires and floods, which are exacerbated by the warming world, have a sometimes scientifically complex tie to the warming. Such intricacy is easy for partisan opportunists to dismiss and replace with easily digestible sound bites, even if theyre false.

One of the earliest criticisms that emerged during the fires was that water supplies for fire hydrants in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades were not being attended to by the city.

The reservoir was not refilled in time and in a timely manner to keep the hydrants going, billionaire developer and onetime mayoral candidate Rick Caruso said in a statement to a local television station that went viral. This is basic stuff.  Its all about leadership and management that were seeing a failure of.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

While the hydrants did go dry, officials with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power said it wasnt because the reservoirs werent being maintained but because water demand during the fires was four times what it normally was. Furthermore, it was difficult to get more water to the reservoirs when the area was on fire.

Simply put, the municipal water system wasnt designed to handle firefighters dealing with hundreds of burning buildings. This may be a significant problem and one that needs to be addressed, but its a systemic one and one that city officials say cant be pegged solely on the current officeholders. Gov. Gavin Newsoms office called Friday for an investigation into the areas water system.

Theres a kernel of truth in every piece of misinformation, said Kim Bisheff, an assistant professor of media innovation in the journalism department at California Polytechnic State University, noting this is one of the reasons that falsehoods are often received as entirely credible. Its really easy to exploit the information ecosystem.

Bisheff also noted that complex issues can be easier to grasp when theres someone to blame: Theres no room for nuance in the social media discourse, she said.

Another criticism that has circulated widely is that the Los Angeles Fire Department was more concerned about diversity hires than firefighting, a refrain thats emerged before in various forms in right-wing circles.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Businessman Elon Musk was among those stoking the furor over the citys diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

DEI means people DIE, Musk recently posted on X.

The claim of disaster relief going to migrants was another familiar provocation.

Whenever something like this (disaster) happens, its some of the same stuff that circulates, said Dan Evon, senior manager of education design at the News Literacy Project, a nonpartisan group that promotes media literacy and advocates for a better informed society.

Evon said most of the misinformation about the fires seems to be coming from the right.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

These attacks are on the people in charge. Theyre against Biden and the Democrats in California, he said. If this was in red states a year from now when Trump is in charge, you might see a flip in that. Thats just how politics work.

The left and the politically agnostic, however, havent sat out of the blame game entirely.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was criticized by people across the political spectrum for slashing funds to the fire department and hamstringing its performance.

Fires in LA are sadly no surprise, yet the Mayor cut LA Fire Departments budget by $23M, Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, said on X.

The accusation, like the others, is not entirely fair. Because the city was working on a new contract with the fire department, money for the agency was temporarily held in a separate account, according to the office of Los Angeles Council Member Bob Blumenfield. Once the money was restored, Blumenfields office said the budget actually increased by $53 million.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Thats not to say that some havent wanted much bigger increases in the fire departments budget.

Bass was also criticized for being in Ghana when the fires broke out in Los Angeles.

President-elect Donald Trump was yet another prominent voice weighing in on the fires with an agenda. He used the opportunity to double down on previous concerns hes had with California water management.

Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way, Trump posted on Truth Social, using his preferred nickname for Newsom.

There is no such thing as the water restoration declaration, as Newsoms team quickly pointed out. If the president-elect is referring to past disagreements over how much water should be pumped from Northern California to the south, as a spokesperson for Trump later told the Chronicle, that water supply has little bearing on how much water Los Angeles uses to fight fires.

Media experts encourage the public to exercise discretion when scrolling through their social media feeds, particularly during times of breaking news when misinformation tends to spike.

Its important for people to be on the lookout for that, Evon said. We need accurate information to make good judgments and decisions about our lives and our country.

Bad information, experts say, can be both an immediate threat to health and well-being and complicate long-term fixes that society needs most.

If theres false information circulating about how homeowners should react when they get an evacuation notice, theres a safety issue, Bisheff said. And the longer it takes us to find a common solution about a public policy issue, the worse the issue is going to get.

In a White House news briefing Friday, Newsom had his say on the falsehoods spreading online. He called for an end to the hurricane force winds of misinformation and disinformation that have come with the fires.
Aziz Ziriat (left) and Sam Harris (right), who went missing in Italys Dolomite mountains (Family handout/PA)

A close friend of a British hiker who has been missing in the Dolomites for more than a week said there is an acceptance that it wont be good news as the search to find him continues.

Sam Harris, 35, and Aziz Ziriat, 36, both from London, had not been heard from since January 1.

The body of Mr Harris was found in the Passo di Conca area on Wednesday, rescuers said.

Joe Stone, a university friend of Mr Ziriat, told the PA news agency that authorities are trying everything to find the 36-year-old who has now been missing for 10 days.

There is an acceptance among us that its not going to be good news, Mr Stone said on Saturday.

But it would be really nice to find him and be put out of this limbo.

The pairs last known location had been a mountain hut called Casina Dosson, close to the town of Tione Di Trento, near Riva Del Garda on Lake Garda.

Italys National Alpine Cliff and Cave Rescue Corps (CNSAS) said on Saturday that the search for Mr Ziriat, who works for Crystal Palaces charity Palace For Life, resumed at first light.

Around 40 rescuers have been airlifted to high altitudes and are digging into the snow to search for Mr Ziriat in the area where Mr Harriss body was found.

On Wednesday, the alpine rescue service said ground teams had found a body in the area of Passo di Conca sadly deceased, buried under the snow.

The rescue teams had been searching the area after tracking a phone of one of the two mountaineers.

Palace For Life posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying: We are aware of reports that the body of Sam Harris has been recovered.

We are devastated to receive this news and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones.

No further information is currently available regarding the whereabouts of Aziz.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Friday: We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in northern Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.
Firefighters watch as water is dropped on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon as strong winds are forecast to return (Jae C Hong/AP)

Firefighters raced to cut off spreading wildfires on Saturday before the return of potentially strong winds that could push the flames toward the world-famous J Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), while new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge.

A fierce battle against the flames was underway in Mandeville Canyon  not far from the Pacific coast where Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities live  where swooping helicopters dumped water as the blaze charged downhill.

Firefighters on the ground used hoses in an attempt to beat back leaping flames as thick smoke blanketed the chaparral-covered hillside.

At a briefing, CalFire operations chief Christian Litz said a main focus on Saturday would be the Palisades fire burning in the canyon area, not far from the UCLA campus.

We need to be aggressive out there, Mr Litz said.

Water is dropped on homes as the Palisades Fire advances (Jae C Hong/AP)

County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said the LA area had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak, and even more Angelenos evacuated due to the northeast expansion of the Palisades Fire.

Only light breezes were fanning the flames, but the National Weather Service warned that locally strong Santa Ana winds  the nemesis of firefighters  could soon return.

Those winds have been blamed for turning wildfires into infernos that have levelled entire neighbourhoods in the LA area, where there has been no significant rainfall in more than eight months.

A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon (Jae C Hong/AP)

The fire also was threatening to jump over Interstate 405, a main traffic artery through the area, which could become a gateway to densely populated areas in the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.

Even as the fires spread, the grim work of sifting through the devastation continued on Saturday, with teams conducting systematic grid searches with cadaver dogs, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.

A family assistance centre was also being set up in Pasadena, said Mr Luna, who urged residents to abide by curfews.

The disaster has destroyed entire homes with flames hitting churches, schools, a synagogue, libraries, bars and playgrounds (Jae C Hong/AP)

We have people driving up and around trying to get in just to look. Stay away, he said. We understand that this is extremely stressful and absolutely challenging, but we appreciate the publics co-operation as we work together to get through this crisis.

The fires have consumed about 56 square miles (145 square kilometres)  an area larger than San Francisco.

Tens of thousands of people remained under evacuation orders and new evacuations were ordered on Friday evening in an area that includes part of Interstate 405 after a flare-up on the eastern side of the Palisades Fire.

Homes have been destroyed in the fires, which firefighters are battling to control (EJ Soto/AP)

On Friday, many residents returned to the area in a state of shock.

For some, it was a first look at the stark reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the ominous challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.

Bridget Berg, who was at work when she saw on TV her house in Altadena erupt in flames, went back for the first time with her family two days later just to make it real.

Firefighters have criticised the lack of water available after fire hydrants had run dry (Eric Thayer/AP)

Their feet crunched across the broken pieces of what had been their home for 16 years.

Her children sifted through debris on the pavement, finding a clay pot and a few keepsakes as they searched for Japanese wood prints they hoped to recover.

Her husband pulled his hand out of rubble near the still-standing fireplace, holding up a piece of petrified wood handed down by his grandmother.

Firefighters monitor the advance of the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon (Eric Thayer/AP)

Its OK. Its OK, Ms Berg said as much to herself as others as she took stock of the destruction, remembering the patio and pool from which her family watched fireworks.

Its not like we just lost our house, everybody lost their house.

While some residents sifted through rubble for keepsakes, officials urged them not to, warning that the ash can contain lead, arsenic, asbestos and other harmful materials.

Residents have been urged to stay away from their homes and the rubble, warning that it may contain harmful chemicals (John Locher/AP)

If youre kicking that stuff up, youre breathing it in, said Chris Thomas, a spokesman for the unified incident command at the Palisades Fire. All of that stuff is toxic.

Residents will be allowed to return  with protective gear  after damage teams have evaluated their properties, Mr Thomas said.

Since the fires first began popping up around a densely populated, 25-mile (40-kilometer) expanse north of downtown LA, they have burned more than 12,000 structures, a term that includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings and vehicles.

Luke Dexter kneels as he sifts through the remains of his fathers fire-ravaged beachfront property in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire (John Locher/AP)

No cause has been identified yet for the largest fires.

Allegations of leadership failures and political blame have begun alongside investigations.

Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 117 million-gallon (440 million-litre) reservoir was out of service and some hydrants had run dry.

A person walks through a neighbourhood destroyed by the Palisades Fire (John Locher/AP)

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said city leadership failed her department by not providing enough money for firefighting. She also criticised the lack of water.

When a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect theres going to be water, she said.

At least 11 people have been killed, five in the Palisades Fire and six in the Eaton Fire, according to the LA County medical examiners office.

The disaster took homes from everyone  from waiters to movie stars.

The government has not yet released figures on the cost of the damage, but private firms have estimated it will climb into the tens of billions.

A swing hangs from a tree in front of a fire-damaged residence in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire (Eric Thayer/AP)

The Walt Disney Co. announced Friday that it would donate 15 million dollars to respond to the fires and help rebuild.

The flames hit schools, churches, a synagogue, libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and local landmarks including the Will Rogers Western Ranch House and a Queen Anne-style mansion in Altadena that had stood since 1887.
The inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro left his opponents to grapple with conflicting feelings of hope and disappointment on Saturday, pondering why the self-described socialist leader could not be stopped despite credible evidence that he had lost the election last year.

Some described their mood after Fridays ceremony at the legislative palace in Caracas, Venezuelas capital, like an emotional hangover while others said they feel abandoned.

Many expressed cautious optimism, finding a measure of comfort in the social media videos released by two opposition leaders  popular former lawmaker Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez, the oppositions candidate in the vote  who had promised to topple Mr Maduro.

In the end, it feels as if the soup got cold, college professor Nelson Perez said. Weve been on the subject of not losing hope for a while But then you realise its more of the same.

That realisation is hard to process for millions of Venezuelans who, like Mr Perez, had imagined a different January 10  one with Mr Gonzalez receiving the presidential sash and Ms Machado giving one of her signature fiery speeches before the National Assembly.

Instead, Mr Gonzalez and Ms Machado sent messages on social media while Mr Maduro placed his hand on Venezuelas constitution and took the oath of office, defying overwhelming evidence contradicting his victory claim in the July presidential election.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

Mr Maduro compared himself to a biblical David fighting Goliath and accused his opponents and their supporters in the United States of trying to turn his inauguration into a world war. He said his enemies failure to block his inauguration to a third six-year term was a great victory for Venezuelas peace and national sovereignty.

I have not been made president by the government of the United States, nor by the pro-imperialist governments of Latin America, he said after being draped with a sash in the red, yellow and blue of Venezuelas flag.

I come from the people, I am of the people, and my power emanates from history and from the people.

Venezuelas National Electoral Council, stacked with government loyalists, had declared Mr Maduro the winner of the July 28 election. But unlike in previous contests, electoral authorities did not provide detailed vote counts to back the announced result.

The opposition, however, collected tally sheets from 85% of electronic voting machines and posted them online  showing its candidate, Mr Gonzalez, had won by a more than a two-to-one margin. UN experts and the US-based Carter Centre, both invited by Mr Maduros government to observe the election, said the tally sheets published by the opposition are legitimate.

Ms Machado, in a message on social media on Friday, said Mr Maduro was guilty of a coup by not leaving office by January 10, when by law, Venezuelas presidential term begins. She also said she was confident that the countrys freedom is near but stopped short of saying anything about future steps the opposition could take to end Mr Maduros presidency.

Today, Maduro didnt put the sash on his chest. He put a shackle on his ankle, which will tighten every day, she said.

A day earlier, Ms Machado  who was banned from running for office but remains the driving force behind Venezuelas beleaguered opposition  had emerged from months of hiding to join an anti-Maduro protest in Caracas. She said security forces had briefly detained her after leaving the rally, an allegation the government promptly denied.

Thursdays rally drew far smaller crowds than the massive demonstrations Ms Machado and Mr Gonzalez had led during the election campaign, primarily because of fears over the governments brutal crackdown on dissent. More than 2,000 people were arrested during and after the civil unrest that followed the election.

You see people, and they look like they have a hangover, bricklayer Luis Carlos Moreno, 55, said of the mood among those who had stayed away from the inauguration ceremony.

We have to wait until next week to see how things go and if everyone goes to work and the kids go to school.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stands before supporters during a protest against Mr Maduro (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

In contrast, Mr Maduros supporters near the legislative palace were jubilant, some unable to hold back tears of joy.

State TV said 10 heads of state attended the ceremony. But far more governments around the world have rejected Mr Maduros victory claims, pointing to credible evidence validated by election observers.

Underscoring Mr Maduros growing isolation, the US, Canada, Britain and the European Union announced new sanctions on Friday on more than 20 Venezuelan officials, accusing them of gutting the countrys democracy.

Those sanctioned included Supreme Court justices, electoral authorities, the head of Venezuelas state oil company and Cabinet ministers.

Meanwhile, Mr Gonzalez, who left for Spain in September to avoid arrest, was in the Dominican Republic, which was supposed to be the last stop on his tour of the Americas before attempting to return to Venezuela to be sworn in.

In his video message, he told supporters that Mr Maduros government will end soon, very soon and reiterated his promise to return to Venezuela.

I am ready for safe entry at the right time, he said.
A Belfast man with limited vision is taking on his biggest challenge yet  to raise funds for the treatment of glaucoma in Northern Ireland.
An iconic Belfast music shop has deemed Ed Sheeran a true gent after the chart-topper popped by the city centre store for a quick purchase on Friday - and to make some donations of his own.
A beret and gloves are placed on a Irish Tricolour on the coffin of republican Kevin Hannaway at his funeral in west Belfast.

The head of the New IRA and other senior dissident republicans attended the military-style funeral of hooded man and veteran republican Kevin Hannaway in west Belfast on Saturday.

The most senior figure in the New IRA following a recent split in the organisation, Derry man Thomas Mellon, was spotted at the ceremony alongside his sidekick Fergal Melaugh.
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.

BENNINGTON  Tax rate estimates for local school districts currently reflect small to moderate increases for member towns for fiscal 2026 as the spending plans are close to being warned for the March town meetings.

According to the most recent estimates  as presented during a January 7 meeting of the elementary school board  the increases for homestead properties would range from .7 percent for Shaftsbury to 6.3 percent in Pownal.

Bennington currently is expected to see a 1.3 percent increase in its education tax rate, and Woodfords rate would rise by 2.4 percent.

The tax rate figures are expected to be updated before the two board meetings next week, and the information will be posted in the meeting agenda packets.

Further information on the fiscal 2026 budget proposals also is posted on the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union website.

The Southwest Vermont Union Elementary School District will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, at the SVSU Central Office at 184 North St. in Bennington.

The Mount Anthony Union School District Board is scheduled to meet at the Central Office on Wednesday, January 15, at 6 p.m.

Estimated rates

The estimated tax rates that were presented during the board meeting Tuesday show that, under current information from the state and other factors, Benningtons school homestead tax rate would climb from $1.5205 per $100 of property value to $1.5397 per $100; Pownals homestead rate would rise from $1.3410 per $100 of value to $1.4251 per $100.

Shaftsburys homestead rate is estimated to rise from $1.3809 per $100 to $1.3910 per $100, and Woodfords rate would rise from $1.3310 per $100 to $1.3623 per $100.

If there are no further revisions  and no further adjustments made at the state level  the rate would reflect a $38.47 tax bill hike on a Bennington home assessed at $200,000, a $168.24 bill increase on a similarly valued Pownal home, a $20.18 increase for a home at that value in Shaftsbury and a $62.60 increase for a home assessed at $200,000 in Woodford.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 29F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 29F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Maldives president meets Chinese FM to deepen bilateral cooperation

Xinhua) 10:35, January 11, 2025

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Maldives on Jan. 10, 2025. The meeting was held during Wang's stopover in the Maldives on his way back from Africa. (Xinhua/Che Hongliang)

MALE, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday, with both sides vowing to deepen bilateral cooperation in various areas.

The meeting was held during Wang's stopover in the Maldives on his way back from Africa. Wang is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Muizzu recalled his successful state visit to China last year and said the two countries have always treated each other with understanding and sincerity.

The two sides have maintained close high-level exchanges and achieved fruitful cooperation, said the president, adding that he was glad to see that China has become the largest source of tourists for the Maldives.

The Maldives is willing to always be China's closest partner, continuously consolidate their traditional friendship, strengthen cooperation in various fields, and push for greater development of bilateral relations, said the president.

The Maldives appreciates China's leadership in safeguarding world peace and stability and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in international and regional affairs to jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, Muizzu said.

For his part, Wang said that Muizzu's successful state visit to China was a highlight moment in China-Maldives relations. During the visit last year, the two heads of state agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and jointly commit to building a China-Maldives community with a shared future, which has laid out broad prospects for bilateral relations.

China-Maldives cooperation has set a good example of mutual respect, equal treatment and common development between big and small countries. China appreciates the Maldivian president and government for firmly pursuing a friendly policy towards China and firmly abiding by the one-China principle, said Wang.

China will, as always, support the Maldives in safeguarding national independence and sovereignty and actively explore a development path suited to its national conditions, Wang said.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
Neil Desai rubs his head as he describes defending his Pacific Palisades home, which made it through the Palisades Fire intact. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

LOS ANGELES  As firefighters continued to battle several destructive and deadly wildfires across the Los Angeles region Friday, officials and residents started to look at the grueling days, months and years ahead to rebuild a sense of normalcy out of an apocalyptic landscape.

As of Friday afternoon, 11 people had been reported dead, with officials predicting the death toll would rise, and thousands of homes, restaurants, stores, churches, schools and cars had been reduced to ash and unidentifiable remains of peoples lives. Over four days, entire neighborhoods had been wiped out in Pacific Palisades and in Altadena, 50 miles east.

The danger had not passed as dry Santa Ana winds were expected to continue in the coming days, conditions that could take a tiny spark and turn it into an unstoppable freight train of fire moving across wide swaths of rain-deprived land.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Two of the fires, Palisades and Eaton, already appear to be the third and fourth most destructive wildfires in California history  and they were still burning Friday with limited containment. Officials said Friday morning that about 153,000 residents were under evacuation orders, with around 57,830 structures at risk. More than 10,000 structures, a preliminary estimate based on aerial surveys that included some large vehicles, had been damaged or destroyed.

Even by Friday, however, the future was beginning to loom large. While it will be a long time before neighborhoods fully recover, perhaps a decade or more, the Los Angeles firestorm communities will have a clear path to follow, one laid out by wildfire-ravaged communities up and down California in recent years.

It will start with identifying the dead, a process that can take weeks, given some bodies were burned so badly there are no fingerprints or physical characteristics to identify them. And then it will take months to clean up the toxic debris at every fire ravaged site.

At some point in the process, investigators will determine how each of the many fires started. They were looking at possible arson in at least a few cases.

Nearly 40,000 acres had burned since Tuesday morning, when the first fire sparked in Pacific Palisades. Nearly 5,000 firefighters were battling the Palisades, the Eaton and the Hurst fires, with more dispatched to the Kenneth Fire, which started Thursday in West Hills, and the Lidia Fire, which ignited Wednesday in Acton.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

More than 600 California National Guardsmen were also dispatched to the region to help with traffic management and to maintain order, with 200 military police focused on security. Several areas were under a curfew order, given reports of looting in evacuated communities.

At the same time, insurance companies were already seeing the first of thousands of insurance claims resulting from the billions of dollars in damage.

The final leg of the recovery will start slowly, and only once the fires are out, the debris removed and insurance payments are in hand. The slow process of rebuilding will begin, with the appearance of construction crews suddenly appearing on a few vacant lots, wielding fresh lumber and bags of concrete, the sounds of saws and hammers filling the air.

Neil Desai hoses down his intact home Friday after successfully defending it against the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

It was hard to imagine that scene Friday as Neil Desai, 60, stood outside his still-standing Pacific Palisades home, where he has lived for two decades. Up and down his small street, his immediate neighbors houses were gone, and hundreds more in the immediate vicinity were piles of ash.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

He had evacuated Tuesday afternoon after turning on a sprinkler system and soaking his property with a 2-inch hose he bought after a previous fire threatened the area. He returned Wednesday, shocked to see his house still standing amid a smoky, blackened landscape of ruin.

It will be a long process, Desai said from his front lawn Friday as he prepared to hose down his roof, pumping water out of his ashy pool to guard against flare-ups. Its gonna take years. A long time.

He was arguably lucky his home survived. But it now stands in a community without neighbors, schools and businesses nearby. His future was as uncertain as those who lost everything.

We have to evaluate all that next, Desai said. Just because our house is still standing doesnt mean were staying here.

Then, he switched on his hose and watched the ash-filled water roll off his roof and down the tile steps leading to the empty street below.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Right now, he said, I just need to water stuff down.

Nearly 50 miles inland in Altadena, Gene Huang Lee, 32, stood in front of the ruins of his home and wondered about the future as well.

Im definitely devastated right now. Its just so hard to process and take in. I dont know if part of me is just refusing to accept that my house went up in flames, he said. But give it some time. Were optimistic we can rebuild and come back to this community. This whole neighborhood is extremely vibrant. Just right now, it feels like a war zone.

His wife Demmi Choo, 31, said she was hopeful.

I have whats important, which is my husband and my family, she said. My plants are still here trying to grow. If they can rebuild, so can we.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass pledged Friday to expedite the recovery process.

Were going to clear the red tape and unnecessary delays and cost and headaches that people experience in ordinary times so that we can rebuild your homes quickly, Bass said. This is a massive effort, but we will be ready.

Newsom promised a record time recovery.
MOUNT WASHINGTON  A forest scientist says that a stand of sugar maples in an area slated for logging by the state should be defended for its climate-cooling features.

Lee E. Frelich, director of the Center for Forest Ecology at the University of Minnesota, was hired by an environmental nonprofit to investigate the area of Mount Washington State Forest known as the Cattle Barn Lot. He studied the area over two days in November.

In his report, released this week by Green Berkshires, Frelich says that cutting these maples at a time when they are sorely needed is a bad idea.

The core sugar maple stand is likely to persist in a warming climate, said Frelich, who specializes in this tree species. The crown architecture and leaf arrangement of sugar maple (dome effect) leads to a local cooling effect.

In addition, Frelich says, the location of the trees at the bottom of the valley makes the maple stand a climate refugium with cold air drainage and pooling, as well as good water supply.

By "refugium, Frelich means that climate-wise, it would stand apart from regional temperatures and effects of global warming. Frelich told The Eagle that anywhere these refugiums exist, they should be defended, like those on the edge of the prairie" where he lives.

We actually have a lot of sugar maple stands like that in Wisconsin and Minnesota and even in Iowa, Frelich said, so for me, it was easy to see when I got there.

The property in question is part of 816 acres donated for preservation by a late resident. The DCR named this 362-acre management area after the old cow barn that sits near this forest, and can be seen from the road. The state reduced the cutting zone to 178 acres of the lot. It includes cutting a total 458,000 Mbf, or "thousand board feet" of cut lumber, of six different tree species. Of that, sugar maples account for 121,000 Mbf.

The state has paused the plan for further study following pushback by Green Berkshires, residents, town officials and scientists.

Frelichs is one of three studies commissioned by Green Berkshires in an effort to amass more information about the property and in the interest of helping state officials decide how to proceed with the project  or not. The nonprofit has sent the reports to state officials.

DCR spokesperson Ilyse Wolberg said that the agency's team, having only recently received the reports, "are in the early stages of reviewing."

Opponents of the plan point to harm from equipment and the removal of mature and healthy trees, the immediate loss of carbon storage, and the use of weed killers on invasive species in the Karner Brook watersheds stream network that feeds into Egremonts water supply. They also point to the aesthetic and cultural impact on mountain views and the forest environment in a town that is mostly state forest.

The DCR says the plan would help with climate resiliency so that younger trees will store carbon into the future. This will create, the agency says, a mixed-age forest for that purpose. The plan involves cutting dead or dying ash for both safety and to rid the trees of a disease.

The state also says the invasive plants are harmful to the forest and the watershed. The agency relied on research showing that their use of the chemicals on invasives last summer will not pollute the area.

It also acknowledges that it wants to support a local timber harvest industry in the age of imports.

Green Berkshires co-founder and Executive Director Eleanor Tillinghast says the nonprofit is continuing to study the area so the state can "make informed decisions," and says the sugar maple findings alone are reason to leave the entire 816 acres alone by placing them into the the forest reserve.

"Lee Frelich's report confirms that," Tillinghast said. "The whole system of the Karner Brook watershed depends on the integrity of that sugar maple stand."

MIGHT CURB FLOODING

Frelich says that climate refugium tree stands are always several degrees cooler than surrounding forests in the nearby landscape. Cranberry bogs also are climate refugium sites, he said, because they pool cold air.

The sugar maple stand, he said, has the best chance of any place Ive seen around there of staying cold because it has [mountain] ridges on every side" that shelter it.

It doesnt have to deal with being hit by sunshine for hours and hours, he added, even in the middle of summer.

Given all this, the sugar maple stand also would minimize flooding in this watershed and downstream, says William Moomaw, a Williamstown-based climate scientist and professor emeritus at Tufts University. Moomaw also was on Gov. Maura Healey's Climate Forestry Committee.

Having read Frelich's report, Moomaw explained that the trees draw water in through the roots and send it out as water vapor through the leaves. This not only has a cooling effect but also would reduce flooding in what is just one part of the trees' "miraculous complex chemistry that we still can't possibly duplicate."

VERY SENSITIVE

Apart from Frelich, two other scientists found a multitude of species they say should not be trifled with. These include a bevy of different ferns, three species of salamanders, endangered timber rattlesnakes and even two rare orchids.

Botanist Charles Eiseman documented multitudes of tree and plant species at the site, and is concerned about what a logging project might do to the entire ecosystem. Some of it relies on shade, like the uncommon, spotted coral-root orchid. He also found a large whorled pogonia orchid in the tree-cutting zone. The latter, he noted, is on MassWildlifes Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Watch List.

Eiseman, who said he found three intermittent streams that were not on the states project map, also questioned plans for cutting some dead or dying white ash trees, given that insects and animals that feed on or use dead trees for dens or nests. But he acknowledges that these trees near the road pose a safety hazard.

And Eiseman writes, Cutting the healthiest trees, risks eliminating individuals that have some genetic resistance to emerald ash borer attack."

Another scientist says that such a logging project here could harm this wildlife ecology so much that it could take a century or more to reestablish.

Michael W. Klemens, a biologist who has researched stream salamanders in New England for 50 years, said the 1,567 salamanders found during his field research during just 48 hours and during a severe drought, is unusual when compared to many other areas of Massachusetts and Connecticut."

It is, Klemens writes, testament to the value of a densely forested watershed in maintaining stream quality.

Stream salamanders are very sensitive, not only to chemical pollution, but to disturbances like that from equipment and logging on the steeply graded forested slopes. Use of herbicides here, he adds, could "further destabilize and pollute the Karner Brook watershed.

The end result of these habitat disturbances, Klemens wrote, will be that the stable ecosystem of Karner Brook will become damaged, and its recovery, if even possible, to the mature second forest that presently exists will take close to a century if not more.
Healey administration officials on Thursday sought to sooth anxieties around the incoming Trump administration and potential federal threats to health care for people with disabilities.

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to extend his tax cuts when he takes office again this year, and some conservatives have proposed cuts to Medicaid to reduce federal spending. Medicaid costs taxpayers about $800 billion a year, and many people with disabilities are reliant on the insurance for their care.

Additionally, Project 2025  led by the Heritage Foundation and written by many conservatives who worked in or with incoming President Donald Trumps administration  calls for eliminating or reducing federal oversight of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Trump says Project 25 is not a blueprint for his second term.

"Following the November election, many in our community are feeling scared and vulnerable," Maura Sullivan, president of the Arc of Massachusetts, a disability advocacy organization, said during a webinar on Thursday.

Members of Healey's administration present for the forum run by the Arc said they understood people's concerns, and were determined to protect individuals with disabilities  but also emphasized that dismantling Medicaid or the ADA may be more easily said than done.

"As we look at some of the promises made around the campaign trail, we are a little bit worried, especially Medicaid funding. Medicaid is sort of our foundation for people with disabilities," Sullivan said. "We have struggled in the last couple years too worrying about funding coming in on the state level for MassHealth and some of our [long-term services and supports] programs. But now we're really concerned."

Mary McCauley, executive director of the Massachusetts Office on Disability, responded that cutting Medicaid would be a heavy political lift for Trump.

"There's a complexity," McCauley said. "Something may have been stated on the campaign trail, it could be a fairly simple statement, but that simple statement would mean multiple actions at a variety of levels to make it happen."

Mary McGeown, undersecretary of human services at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, added that Medicaid is a popular program around the country.

"We have a lot of other states that have an investment in this. When I think about moving forward, I think it's really important as a new administration comes in, and again, whoever comes in, to really work on common ground. Where can we partner and what are issues we share?" McGeown said.

MassHealth  the state's version of Medicaid  also offers home and community based services waivers for individuals who get long-term care services in their home or community, who would otherwise require care in an institutional facility.

Department of Developmental Services Acting Commissioner Sarah Peterson addressed concerns that these types of waivers, specifically, could be cut.

"We're one of 47 states that operates [these] waivers, and so I'm hopeful that the incoming administration will really see this as a human issue and not a partisan issue, because we're talking about a huge segment of the country that would be potentially impacted  particularly if it comes to waiver services," Peterson said.

Officials reiterated throughout the webinar that the Healey administration would do what it could to safeguard disability rights, and that they recommended a "wait and see" approach to Trump's disability policy.

The governor and her team are also under pressure to support state services, with advocates for personal care attendants warning her against proposing cuts again and supporters of home care services pressing the state to shore up accounts that are running out of money.

Beacon Hill decision makers in recent years have picked up major costs associated with free school meals that were launched by the federal government, but face fiscal pressures in trying to sustain those services and other growing programs given that non-surtax revenues are forecast to grow only 2.2 percent next fiscal year.
BillOReilly.com is not available in this country.



We apologize for any inconvenience.
Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos. The Palisades Fire burns Saturday morning toward the Encino and Tarzana neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Bronte Wittpenn / The Chronicle

A new surge of evacuation orders emptied the neighborhoods of Brentwood and Encino as the siege of Los Angeles fires continued to lay waste to broad swaths of the city over the weekend.

Los Angeles County spokesperson Jesus Ruiz called the Palisades Fires easterly shift toward Brentwood significant Friday, directing crews toward a new flare-up in a blaze that had previously been headed west.

 California fire map & tracker: Latest updates on active fires throughout the state

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

 L.A. before and after fires: Latest updates on businesses and landmarks destroyed

Residents of Brentwood, among the citys wealthiest neighborhoods, are the latest to be forced out of their homes in the fifth day of the deadly blazes.

About 200 people occupied cots Saturday afternoon on gym floors covered in huge blue tarps at the Westwood Recreation Center, a short drive from the latest evacuation zone. Though the people whod sought out that evacuation center for free meals and a place to sleep were all displaced by the wildfires, they spanned a wide range of Los Angeles-area communities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Weve had people coming from Brentwood, Topanga, the valley  from all over, said Ingrid, who has stayed at the center since losing her family home Tuesday in the Palisades Fire.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

There were some people who came last night from Brentwood, and I think its a reminder that not everyone who lives in these communities is a celebrity or super wealthy, said Ingrid, who asked to be identified by only her first name. There are some people who live fairly humbly, worked for years, have a pension and some investments. They lost everything.

Others saw things slightly differently. RJ Rael, a caregiver who had been living in his Toyota Sienna for three months before arriving at the rec center this weekend, dismissed the notion that people from areas such as Brentwood would need federal aid to help them rebuild their lives.

A Cal Fire tanker releases retardant Saturday while battling the Palisades Fire in the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Firefighters navigate a steep hill Saturday while battling the Palisades Fire in the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle A Cal Fire hand crew walks past a swimming pool toward its next assignment Saturday during the Palisades Fire in the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle A firefighter stands as a lookout Saturday while battling the Palisades Fire in the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Firefighters move items in a backyard to create a defensible space Saturday during the Palisades Fire in the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Carol Box takes photos from a dog park Saturday as smoke from the Palisades Fire rises over a ridge in the Encino section of Los Angeles. Richard Vogel/Associated Press Homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire are seen during sunset in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles on Friday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle The Palisades Fire burns on a hilltop near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles on Friday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Brentwood is the least of our problems, he said. Even the people in the Palisades have less money than the people in Brentwood. You know why? They bought it cheap.

Among the properties situated in areas under mandatory evacuations was the Getty Center, a world-renowned museum and villa perched on a hilltop in Brentwood. The museum features works from Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Monet, and is enveloped by gardens featuring more than 500 varieties of plants.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The Getty Center remained safe from the Palisades Fire, Katherine E. Fleming, president and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, said in a Saturday update.

It was a watchful but fortunately uneventful night at the Getty Center, she said, adding that a small emergency team on site is closely monitoring the situation. Our galleries are safe and secure, and the Villa remains stable, with only a few hot spots. We remain deeply concerned for the safety of our Getty neighbors and the entire region, and we will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.

The Getty Center has touted its own protection measures as a marvel of anti-fire engineering, according to a 2019 article on its webpage.

The Gettys architecture and landscaping were designed with fire prevention in mind, the article stated. The buildings are made of highly fire-resistant stone, concrete, and protected steel.

The article said there was no need to evacuate the art or archives during a nearby 2019 fire because they are already in the safest place possible: the Getty Center itself.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Flames from the Palisades Fire burn along the ridge line near Mandeville Canyon on Saturday as fire crews try to prevent northern expansion toward homes around and into the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. The fire has set in place new evacuation warnings and can be seen near Encino and Tarzana neighborhoods. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

All off-ramps along southbound Interstate 405 from Highway 101 in the north to Interstate 10 in the south were closed Saturday as the Palisades Fire shifted eastward, according to Caltrans. The heavily traveled I-405 is just east of the fire evacuation area, and the Getty Center is located along the route. The off-ramps for Getty Center Drive were closed in both directions, along with the southbound off-ramps for Sepulveda Boulevard, Valley Vista Boulevard, Skirball Center Drive, Sunset Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard and Olympic/Pico Boulevard.

All Saturday morning and afternoon, fire aircraft worked to keep the blaze from creeping closer to I-405, a major north-south thoroughfare that serves as an important exit route for commuters, snakes through 20 cities in Los Angeles County and ranks among the nations busiest freeways. Aircraft appeared to be productive, making repeated trips from the Encino Reservoir to drop fire retardant and water on the fire lines. The loud whop-whop-whop of low-flying helicopters, as well as the large plume of smoke billowing from the nearby hills, heightened both nerves and intrigue for residents.

Around 1:45 p.m. Saturday in an affluent Tarzana neighborhood, about two dozen people stood outside parked cars along the sides of Reseda Boulevard, filming the helicopters overhead on their smartphones. Through a loudspeaker, police officers outside the Silverhawk Ridge Gated community demanded that the areas nonresidents leave immediately.

Farther up Reseda Boulevard, about 15 residents of another gated community chatted in anxious tones as helicopters dropped water on the charcoal-colored cloud looming nearby. Though people in that part of town hadnt been told to evacuate, some had packed up and left, worried that unpredictable winds might send the flames back their way.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

People still just cant believe this is happening, a security guard working part of Reseda Boulevard said. They dont really know what to do.

Actor Dennis Quaid was among the many to evacuate his Brentwood home Friday, and he praised the citys first responders in an interview with KNBC TV in Los Angeles. Quaid said the blaze came within 150 yards of his house.

Those helicopter pilots, theyre incredible.  And I cant say enough about the firefighters, the first responders in this town, Quaid said. We got some good ones, good people here. Were fighting as hard as we can to save our city.

Aerial crews battle the Palisades Fire along the ridge line near Mandeville Canyon on Saturday while firefighters try to prevent northern expansion toward homes around the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Fire crews braced for northeast winds Saturday that were expected to increase in strength in the evening and overnight, and officials issued a fire weather watch beginning at 6 p.m., to remain in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday.

Several additional Santa Ana wind events are predicted through Tuesday, possibly longer.

Still, officials reported significant progress on containing the Eaton and Palisades fires: By Sunday, crews had contained 11% of the Palisades Fire and 15% of the Eaton Fire.

Smoke from the Palisades Fire rises over a ridge Saturday, as seen from the Encino section of Los Angeles. Richard Vogel/Associated Press

The fires together are believed to have killed at least 16 people, though some reported deaths had not yet been confirmed as of Saturday evening, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office. The blazes have burned more than 40,000 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 12,000 structures, including vehicles. At least 150,000 residents are under evacuation orders. The two largest blazes  the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire  have become the most destructive in Los Angeles Countys history, according to Cal Fire.
An Irish woman has died after suffering a fall in a popular rock climbing area near Malaga in southern Spain.

The victim, aged 21, was killed after plunging around 500ft.

Advertisement

Her body was rescued by emergency services after the alarm was raised just after 7pm on Friday.

A male friend she was with miraculously cheated death by grabbing onto a bush-covered rock that was jutting out from the rest as he fell alongside his climbing companion.

He was said to have been in a state of shock when he was rescued alive.

Friday evenings drama occurred near to the village of El Chorro close to the famous Caminito del Rey pathway. The spot the climbers were in is called the Swiss Sector next to a hiking area called the Arabic Staircase.

Advertisement

The unnamed mountaineers are understood to have spent the day practicing sport and are thought to have suffered their accident as they made their descent after taking the wrong route by mistake.

The survivor has told police they lost their balance and went over the side of a ravine.

Local press initially reported the victim was of British origin, in line with the information given out earlier by police sources.

But this afternoon the Civil Guard, the police force investigating the incident, confirmed she was an Irish nationall.

Advertisement

A spokesman for the force in Malaga said: I can confirm the woman who died was an Irish 21-year-old.

It was not immediately clear if she was on holiday in the area or lived in Spain or where in Ireland she came from. The nationality of the man she was with is not yet known.

Last month a British climber died in the same area.

That tragedy occurred on December 11th when a man aged around 20 fell and hurt himself in an area known as Puente del Mono which translates into English as Monkey Bridge close to the village of El Chorro.

Advertisement

He was knocked unconscious and had gone into cardiac arrest by the time the first emergency responders arrived.

The Brit, who was not named, was pronounced dead after the chopper rescue. The area where that tragedy occurred is also close to the famous Caminito del Rey path, which has once known as the most dangerous walk in the world after it fell into disuse before it was reopened following a restoration.

The dead man is understood to have been crossing a protected climbing route called a via ferrata where a metal rail is bolted into the mountain that users can clip into and use as a safety line.

A spokesman for the Guardia Civil in Malaga said after last months tragedy: Members of the specialist Civil Guard Greim mountain rescue team based in Alora near Malaga, supported by a Civil Guard helicopter based in Granada, have rescued the body of a young British man.

Advertisement

He had suffered a fall while he was crossing a via ferrata in the area known as Monkey Bridge near to El Chorro.

When officers reached the man he had gone into cardiac arrest.

Despite practicing CPR on him and evacuating him rapidly from the scene by helicopter to a nearby heliport where medical services were waiting, they were only able to confirm his death."
A plan is being put in place to protect Irish livestock after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany.

Authorities there have introduced strict controls to prevent onward spread following the country's first case in 37 years.

Advertisement

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said no animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth have been imported from Germany to Ireland since November 1st.

Speaking to Newstalk, deputy president of the Irish Farmers' Association, Alice Doyle, urged farmers here to stay vigilant.

She said the Department of Agriculture must ensure that there is no imports of animals or food products from the affected area in Germany.
Flames from the Eaton Fire consume a home in Altadena (Los Angeles County) on Wednesday. The Watch Duty app has seen a surge in downloads from people eager for live updates on fire activity in the Los Angeles area. Jason Armond/TNS

Like approximately 10 million other people in Los Angeles, I received a terrifying yet erroneous notification Thursday that I was in a wildfire evacuation warning zone.

My group chat with my neighbors  and the one with my book club, and the one for the moms at our day care  promptly exploded. And most of us were saying the same thing: This cant be right. Watch Duty says were nowhere near the fires.  Watch Duty doesnt show us as an evacuation zone.  Im looking at Watch Duty right now and I dont see anything.

A week ago, Id never heard of Watch Duty, a free app created by a Bay Area nonprofit that displays maps and live updates on fire activity. Now, as deadly wildfires rage across the Los Angeles area, everyone I know is glued to it.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Co-founder and CEO John Mills told multiple media outlets that 1.4 million new people downloaded it between Tuesday and Thursday this week, adding to the 7.2 million users the app had in 2024. It was the No. 1 free app Friday on both the Apple and Google app stores.

What is Watch Duty, where does its information come from, and how can you sign up? Read on to find out.

What is Watch Duty?

Watch Duty is an app and website with maps of current fire activity in 22 states west of the Mississippi River, including California. The default settings include active fire perimeters, evacuation zones, power outages (only available in California), shelter locations, and fire weather and red flag warnings. You can also toggle options like live wildfire cameras, satellite hotspots, wind direction and air quality index, as well as live flight tracking for paid members.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

If you activate push notifications, you can get alerts about fire activity and updates for fires in the counties youre monitoring.

It was founded in 2021 by Santa Rosa-based nonprofit Sherwood Forestry Service, helmed by Mills.

How do I sign up for Watch Duty?

You can download Watch Duty as an app in your phones app store (iOS and Google Play) or look at it in an Internet browser from the website app.watchduty.org. You dont need to sign up or create an account to see information from Watch Duty on the website or app. If you create an account from your phone or tablet, you can sign up for notifications and toggle notifications for individual fires.

In the menu at the top left in the app, you can select Notifications and select which counties you want to receive notifications for. You can also add an individual place to mark on the map, like your house or a relatives address.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

A screen shot of the Watch Duty fire information phone app. Courtesy of Watch Duty

Is Watch Duty free?

Watch Duty is free for alerts from up to four counties, with the ability to change selected counties. You can scroll around the map and see fire activity anywhere Watch Duty is active. It has no ads. The company, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, offers memberships for $25 a year to help support its mission, and accepts individual donations through the app and website. Membership includes alerts for an unlimited number of counties and a firefighting flight tracker, and it allows users to save more than one place in the app.

Theres also a professional tier of membership intended for government employees and other emergency personnel that lets you see land ownership, infrastructure locations and pre-planned evacuation zones.

How do I know if Watch Duty is accurate?

Watch Duty employs about half a dozen staff reporters and more than 150 volunteers, according to its website. Mills said he was inspired to start the app after a small fire started and was extinguished near his off-the-grid ranch without public updates from local government or media. Less than a year later he was forced to evacuate during the Walbridge Fire, and he found the most reliable information coming on social media from people who were listening to radio scanners and posting updates. He hired many of those people to be his first reporters and volunteers.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Most of the people listed as staff reporters and volunteers on Watch Dutys website dont have traditional journalism backgrounds, though some are independent freelance reporters. Most are active or retired fire department or emergency personnel, or fire survivors. Many ran or continue to run accounts on Facebook, X and other social media sites dedicated to fire and emergency updates.

The information on Watch Duty is not crowdsourced  in other words, random people cant submit reports to be automatically included in updates. It all comes from those reporters and established volunteers.

Information comes from a variety of sources, including updates from law enforcement, fire services and other officials, as well as radio communications. Watch Dutys overview of the process says it uses an automated monitoring system for 911 dispatches. When a report comes in, reporters and volunteers begin to monitor radio scanners, wildfire cameras, satellites and public information sources.

The team vets all available information and awaits for on-scene personnel to give an official report on conditions, the website overview says. If we perceive a threat to life or property, we will notify the affected public via the Watch Duty app. Our reporters follow a strict code of conduct when notifying the public.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Elon Musk has been making headlines lately after he called for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to quit over what he said was Starmer's failure to tackle a child sexual abuse scandal when he was the country's leading prosecutor.

The scandal revealed how gangs of mostly Pakistani men had groomed, trafficked, and raped young white girls more than a decade ago.

Advertisement

Musk accused Starmer of being "complicit in the rape of Britain", and later went on to accuse Britain's safeguarding minister Jess Phillips of being a "rape genocide apologist" who should be in jail.

Musk, as the world's wealthiest individual, is no stranger to making headlines, but how much do you actually know about him? Take our quiz and find out.
US President Joe Biden will deliver a farewell address to the nation on Wednesday from the Oval Office, five days before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in.

The presidents remarks at 8pm Eastern time are set to be his last significant opportunity to speak to Americans and the world before he leaves office at noon on January 20.

Advertisement

They will follow a speech on Monday at the State Department, where he will deliver an address focused on his foreign policy legacy.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters earlier on Friday that Mr Biden would reflect on his 50-plus years as a public official.

He has some thoughts on the future, not just of the country, but how this country moves forward as a leader, when you think about global events, important global issues, and certainly he will lay that out, she said.
The FBI must remain independent, above the partisan fray and committed to upholding the rule of law, outgoing director Christopher Wray said in a farewell address just days before his expected retirement at the conclusion of the Biden administration and following more than seven years on the job.

No matter whats happening out there, Mr Wray said, in here, weve got to stay committed to doing our work the right way every time, with professionalism, with rigour, with integrity.

Advertisement

That means following the facts wherever they lead, no matter who likes it or doesnt  because trust me, if theres anything Ive learned in this job, theres always someone who doesnt like you.

The remarks at the packed farewell ceremony at FBI headquarters steered clear of any direct political reference, with no overt mention of President-elect Donald Trumps scathing criticism of him or the turmoil the bureau has encountered amid a spate of highly charged investigations into both Mr Trump and President Joe Biden.





But the backdrop was unmistakable, coming amid concerns that Mr Trump  who last month forced Mr Wrays departure by naming loyalist Kash Patel to the job  could seek to use the FBIs law enforcement powers to exact retribution against adversaries.

Adhering to the rule of law, Mr Wray added, means conducting investigations without fear or favour and it means not pursuing investigations when the predications not there.

Advertisement

Thats what the rule of law is all about, he said. Weve got to maintain our independence and objectivity, staying above partisanship and politics because thats what the American people expect and I think thats what they deserve.

Mr Wray has announced his intent to resign ahead of Mr Trumps inauguration on January 20, roughly three years short of the 10-year tenure given to FBI directors.

The move followed Mr Trumps statement that he would install Mr Patel, a former Justice Department prosecutor who has sharply criticised FBI investigations into Mr Trump, called for major overhauls of the bureau and talked about going after members of the so-called deep state in Washington  a pejorative term Mr Trump and his allies used for entrenched civil servants.

Mr Wrays tenure saw the emergence of increasingly sophisticated Chinese cyberespionage campaigns, brazen assassination plots by Iran  including one that targeted Mr  and, most recently, a New Years Day attack in New Orleans that killed 14 revellers and that the FBI is investigating as an act of terror.

Advertisement

But the FBI in recent years has found itself mired in politically explosive investigations that have dominated attention and affected public perception of the bureau.

Those include investigations into Mr Trumps hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate  agents searched the Florida property in 2022  and his efforts to undo the 2020 presidential election, both of which resulted in indictments.

The FBI also investigated Mr Bidens handling of classified information and the presidents son, Hunter, on tax and gun violations. Mr Biden was not charged but his son was convicted and was eventually pardoned.

The specifics of those investigations went unmentioned during the packed farewell ceremony, attended by current and former FBI colleagues, Justice Department leaders, state law enforcement officers and intelligence officials such as CIA director William Burns.

Advertisement





The speakers who paid tribute to Mr Wray focused instead on his dedication to the job as well as to the workforce he has led.

Going forward, as we continue to collaborate with our good friends at FBI, CIA officers will keep asking ourselves one thing: What would Chris want us to do? said Mr Burns, who called the relationship between his agency and the bureau closer than it has ever been.

Mr Wray was appointed by Mr Trump in 2017 after the then-president sacked his predecessor James Comey, giving up a successful law career in Atlanta and returning to Washington and to public service following an earlier stint as a senior Justice Department official.

He had certainly enjoyed the right to stay there and never come back, Attorney General Merrick Garland, drawing laughs from the audience.

Advertisement

His life could have been a relaxing stream of practising big law, tailgating at (Georgia) Bulldogs games, watching his beloved New York Giants on television and, most important, walking his dog without a protective detail.

Chris Wray, Mr Garland added, is public-spirited to the core. So no one was surprised in 2017 when he once again answered the call, this time to fill one of the most critical and difficult rules in all of government.

Mr Garland said his favourite part of the day is the morning briefing on threats to the homeland that he and Mr Wray attend together, where no politics are discussed.

If the American people could witness those meetings, they would be so proud, he said.
Firefighters raced to cut off spreading wildfires on Saturday before the return of potentially strong winds that could push the flames toward the world-famous J Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), while new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge.

A fierce battle against the flames was underway in Mandeville Canyon  not far from the Pacific coast where Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities live  where swooping helicopters dumped water as the blaze charged downhill.

Advertisement





Firefighters on the ground used hoses in an attempt to beat back leaping flames as thick smoke blanketed the chaparral-covered hillside.

At a briefing, CalFire operations chief Christian Litz said a main focus on Saturday would be the Palisades fire burning in the canyon area, not far from the UCLA campus.

We need to be aggressive out there, Mr Litz said.



Water is dropped on homes as the Palisades Fire advances (Jae C Hong/AP)

County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said the LA area had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak, and even more Angelenos evacuated due to the northeast expansion of the Palisades Fire.

Advertisement

Only light breezes were fanning the flames, but the National Weather Service warned that locally strong Santa Ana winds  the nemesis of firefighters  could soon return.

Those winds have been blamed for turning wildfires into infernos that have levelled entire neighbourhoods in the LA area, where there has been no significant rainfall in more than eight months.



A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon (Jae C Hong/AP)

The fire also was threatening to jump over Interstate 405, a main traffic artery through the area, which could become a gateway to densely populated areas in the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.

Even as the fires spread, the grim work of sifting through the devastation continued on Saturday, with teams conducting systematic grid searches with cadaver dogs, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.

Advertisement

A family assistance centre was also being set up in Pasadena, said Mr Luna, who urged residents to abide by curfews.



The disaster has destroyed entire homes with flames hitting churches, schools, a synagogue, libraries, bars and playgrounds (Jae C Hong/AP)

We have people driving up and around trying to get in just to look. Stay away, he said. We understand that this is extremely stressful and absolutely challenging, but we appreciate the publics co-operation as we work together to get through this crisis.

The fires have consumed about 56 square miles (145 square kilometres)  an area larger than San Francisco.

Tens of thousands of people remained under evacuation orders and new evacuations were ordered on Friday evening in an area that includes part of Interstate 405 after a flare-up on the eastern side of the Palisades Fire.

Advertisement



Homes have been destroyed in the fires, which firefighters are battling to control (EJ Soto/AP)

On Friday, many residents returned to the area in a state of shock.

For some, it was a first look at the stark reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the ominous challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.

Bridget Berg, who was at work when she saw on TV her house in Altadena erupt in flames, went back for the first time with her family two days later just to make it real.



Firefighters have criticised the lack of water available after fire hydrants had run dry (Eric Thayer/AP)

Their feet crunched across the broken pieces of what had been their home for 16 years.

Advertisement

Her children sifted through debris on the pavement, finding a clay pot and a few keepsakes as they searched for Japanese wood prints they hoped to recover.

Her husband pulled his hand out of rubble near the still-standing fireplace, holding up a piece of petrified wood handed down by his grandmother.



Firefighters monitor the advance of the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon (Eric Thayer/AP)

Its OK. Its OK, Ms Berg said as much to herself as others as she took stock of the destruction, remembering the patio and pool from which her family watched fireworks.

Its not like we just lost our house, everybody lost their house.

While some residents sifted through rubble for keepsakes, officials urged them not to, warning that the ash can contain lead, arsenic, asbestos and other harmful materials.



Residents have been urged to stay away from their homes and the rubble, warning that it may contain harmful chemicals (John Locher/AP)

If youre kicking that stuff up, youre breathing it in, said Chris Thomas, a spokesman for the unified incident command at the Palisades Fire. All of that stuff is toxic.

Residents will be allowed to return  with protective gear  after damage teams have evaluated their properties, Mr Thomas said.

Since the fires first began popping up around a densely populated, 25-mile (40-kilometer) expanse north of downtown LA, they have burned more than 12,000 structures, a term that includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings and vehicles.



Luke Dexter kneels as he sifts through the remains of his fathers fire-ravaged beachfront property in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire (John Locher/AP)

No cause has been identified yet for the largest fires.

Allegations of leadership failures and political blame have begun alongside investigations.

Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 117 million-gallon (440 million-litre) reservoir was out of service and some hydrants had run dry.



A person walks through a neighbourhood destroyed by the Palisades Fire (John Locher/AP)

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said city leadership failed her department by not providing enough money for firefighting. She also criticised the lack of water.

When a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect theres going to be water, she said.

At least 11 people have been killed, five in the Palisades Fire and six in the Eaton Fire, according to the LA County medical examiners office.

Officials said they expected that number to rise as cadaver dogs search levelled neighbourhoods and crews assess the devastation, and on Friday authorities established a centre where people could report the missing.

The disaster took homes from everyone  from waiters to movie stars.

The government has not yet released figures on the cost of the damage, but private firms have estimated it will climb into the tens of billions.



A swing hangs from a tree in front of a fire-damaged residence in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire (Eric Thayer/AP)

The Walt Disney Co. announced Friday that it would donate 15 million dollars to respond to the fires and help rebuild.

The flames hit schools, churches, a synagogue, libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and local landmarks including the Will Rogers Western Ranch House and a Queen Anne-style mansion in Altadena that had stood since 1887.
Many watched their homes burn on television in a state of shock.

Since the flames erupted in and around Los Angeles, scores of residents have returned to their still smouldering neighbourhoods even as the threat of new fires persisted and the USs second-largest city remained unsettled.

Advertisement

For some, it was a first look at the staggering reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the gargantuan challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.

Calmer winds enabled firefighters to start gaining some control of the biggest blazes in metropolitan LA on Friday, before gusty weather returns over the weekend to an area that has not seen rain for more than eight months.

Bridget Berg, who was at work when she saw on TV her house in Altadena erupt in flames, went back for the first time with her family two days later just to make it real.



Luke Dexter kneels as he sifts through the remains of his fathers fire-ravaged beach-front property in Malibu (John Locher/AP)

Their feet crunched across the broken pieces of what had been their home for 16 years.

Advertisement

Her children sifted through debris on the pavement, finding a clay pot and a few keepsakes as they searched for Japanese wood prints they hoped to recover.

Her husband pulled his hand out of rubble near the still-standing fireplace, holding up a piece of petrified wood handed down by his grandmother.

Its OK. Its OK, Ms Berg said as much to herself as others as she took stock of the destruction, remembering the patio and pool from which her family watched fireworks.

Its not like we just lost our house, everybody lost their house.

Advertisement

Since the fires first began popping up around a densely populated, 25-mile expanse north of central LA, they have burned more than 12,000 structures, a term that includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings and vehicles.

No cause has been identified yet for the largest fires.

Allegations of leadership failures and political blame have begun and so have investigations.



Beach-front properties smouldering in the aftermath of the Palisades fire on Friday (John Locher/AP)

Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 117-million gallon reservoir was out of service and some hydrants ran dry, calling it deeply troubling.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Los Angeles fire chief Kristin Crowley said city leadership failed her department by not providing enough money for firefighting. She also criticised the lack of water.

When a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect theres going to be water, she said.

At least 11 people have been killed, according to the LA County medical examiners office.

Officials said they expected that number to rise as cadaver dogs go through levelled neighbourhoods to assess the devastation in an area larger than San Francisco.

Advertisement

Officials on Friday set up a centre where people could report those missing. Tens of thousands of people remained under evacuation orders, and the fires have consumed about 56 square miles.

The disaster took homes from everyone, from waiters to movie stars.

The government has not yet released figures on the cost of the damage, but private firms have estimated it will climb into the tens of billions.



A property is destroyed along Sunset Boulevard (John Locher/AP)

The Walt Disney Co said on Friday it will donate 15 million dollars (12.3 million) to respond to the fires and help rebuild.

The flames hit schools, churches, a synagogue, libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and local landmarks like the Will Rogers Western Ranch House, and a mansion in Altadena that dated back to 1887.

Neighbours wandered around ruins on Friday as they described now-vanished bedrooms, recently remodelled kitchens and outdoor living spaces.

Some spoke about the views that drew them to their properties, their words contrasting sharply with the scene of soot and ash.

In the coastal community of Pacific Palisades, Greg Benton surveyed where he lived for 31 years, hoping to find his great-grandmothers wedding ring in the wreckage.

We just had Christmas morning right over here, right in front of that chimney. And this is whats left, he said, pointing to the blackened rubble that was once his living room.

Its those small family heirlooms that are the ones that really hurt the most.

Elsewhere in the city, people at collection sites picked through cardboard boxes of donated items to restart their lives.





This is an emergency. This isn't about politics  it's about making sure people are alive.



I want the President-elect to visit LA County to understand the magnitude of the devastation we're experiencing right now and how we can be partners in recovery. pic.twitter.com/i1l3jGj322  Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 11, 2025

Firefighters on Friday had made progress for the first time on the Eaton fire north of Pasadena, which has burned more than 7,000 structures. Officials said Friday most evacuation orders for the area were lifted.

LA mayor Karen Bass, who faces a critical test of her leadership as her city endures its greatest crisis in decades, said several smaller fires were also stopped.

Crews earlier on Friday had been gaining ground on the Palisades fire, which burned 5,300 structures and is the most destructive in LAs history.

California National Guard troops arrived on the streets of Altadena before dawn to help protect property in the fire evacuation zone, and evening curfews were in effect to prevent looting after several earlier arrests.

The level of devastation is jarring even in a state that regularly confronts massive wildfires.

Anna Yeager said she and her husband agonised over going back to their beloved Altadena neighbourhood near Pasadena after fleeing with their six-year-old daughter and three-year-old son, their two dogs and some clothes.

A neighbour told them their house was gone.

Now she regrets not grabbing her childrens artwork, her husbands treasured cookbooks, family photos, and jewellery from her mother, who died in 2012, and her husbands grandmother, who survived Auschwitz.



A home destroyed by the Palisades fire (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle/AP)

When the couple returned, they saw blocks of only chimney after chimney.

Power lines everywhere. Fires still going everywhere, she said, adding that when they walked up to their home it was just dust.

Charred grapefruits littered their yard around a blackened tree, a few still hanging from its branches.

Ms Yeagers neighbourhood was planning to celebrate its 100th anniversary in May.

You build a world for yourself and your family, and you feel safe in that world and things like this happen that you cannot control, she said. Its devastating.

There were remnants of the front porch where Ms Yeager had photographed her children nearly daily since 2020 and had planned to keep doing that until they reached high school. That gave her hope.

The porch is still there and its to me, its a sign to rebuild and not leave, she said.

You know, its like saying, Hey, Im still here. You can still do this.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to send the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar in a sign of progress in talks on the war in Gaza.

Mr Netanyahus office announced the decision on Saturday evening.

Advertisement

It was not immediately clear when David Barnea would travel to Qatars capital, Doha, for the latest round of indirect talks between Israel and the Hamas militant group.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on destroying Hamas ability to fight in Gaza (Stoyan Nenov/AP)

His presence means that high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved.

Just one brief ceasefire has been achieved in 15 months of war, and that was in the earliest weeks of fighting.

The talks, mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, have repeatedly stalled since then.

Advertisement

Under discussion is a phased ceasefire, with Mr Netanyahu signalling he is committed only to the first phase, a partial hostage release in exchange for a weeks-long halt in fighting.

Hamas has insisted on a full Israeli troop withdrawal from the largely devastated territory, but Mr Netanyahu has insisted on destroying Hamas ability to fight in Gaza.

On Thursday, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war.

Also being sent to Qatar are the head of Israels Shin Bet internal security agency and military and political advisers.

Advertisement

Mr Netanyahus office said the decision followed a meeting with his defence minister, security chiefs and negotiators on behalf of the outgoing and incoming US administrations.



President-elect Donald Trump with Steve Witkoff, his incoming special envoy to the Middle East (Evan Vucci/AP)

The office also released a photo showing Mr Netanyahu with President-elect Donald Trumps incoming special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who was in Qatar this week.

Families of the roughly 100 hostages still held in Gaza after being seized in the militant attack on October 7 2023 that sparked the war are pressing Mr Netanyahu to reach a deal to bring their loved ones home.

The recovery of two hostages bodies in the past week renewed fears that time is running out.

Advertisement

Hamas has said that after months of heavy fighting, it isnt sure who is alive or dead.

A statement by a group representing some hostages families said: Return with an agreement that ensures the return of all hostages, down to the last one  the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for proper burial in their homeland.

Israel and Hamas are also under pressure from outgoing US President Joe Biden and Mr Trump to reach a deal before the inauguration on January 20.



US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that a deal is very close and hoped to complete it before handing over diplomacy to the incoming Trump administration (Yara Nardi/AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this week a deal is very close and he hoped to complete it before handing over diplomacy to the incoming Trump administration.

Advertisement

However, US officials have expressed similar optimism on several occasions over the past year.

Issues in the talks have included which hostages would be released in the first part of a phased ceasefire deal, which Palestinian prisoners would be released and the extent of any Israeli troop withdrawal from population centres in Gaza.

Hamas and other groups killed some 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages into Gaza in the attack that started the war.

A truce in November 2023 freed more than 100 hostages, while others have been rescued or their remains have been recovered over the past year.
Ukraines forces have captured two North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Russias Kursk border region, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday, the first claim of its kind by Kyiv since North Korea sent thousands of troops to shore up Moscows war effort on the other side of the world.

Mr Zelensky made the comments days after Ukraine, facing a slow Russian onslaught in the east, began pressing new attacks in Kursk to retain ground captured in a lightning incursion in August  the first occupation of Russian territory since the Second World War.

Advertisement

Moscows counterattack has left Ukrainian forces outstretched and demoralised, killing and wounding thousands and retaking more than 40% of the 984 square kilometres of Kursk that Ukraine had seized.

Our soldiers have captured North Korean soldiers in Kursk. These are two soldiers who, although wounded, survived, were taken to Kyiv, and are communicating with Ukrainian security services, Mr Zelensky said in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

He shared photos of two men resting on cots in a room with bars over the windows. Both wore bandages, one around his jaw and the other around both hands and wrists.

Mr Zelensky said capturing the soldiers alive was not easy.

Advertisement

He asserted that Russian and North Korean forces fighting in Kursk have tried to conceal the presence of North Korean soldiers, including by killing wounded comrades on the battlefield to avoid their capture and interrogation by Kyiv.

Ukraines security service SBU said one of the soldiers had no documents at all, while the other had been carrying a Russian military ID card in the name of a man from Tuva, a Russian region bordering Mongolia.



Damaged cars are parked in the yard amid debris after a Russian drone hit a multi-storey apartment house in Kyiv, Ukraine (Dan Bashakov/AP)

According to the SBU, one of the soldiers claimed he had been told he was going to Russia for training, rather than to fight against Ukraine.

He said his combat unit, made up of North Koreans, only received one week of training alongside Russian troops before being sent to the front.

Advertisement

A senior Ukrainian military official said last month that a couple of hundred of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk have been killed or wounded in battle.

Ukraine estimated that 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia.

The White House and Pentagon said the North Korean forces have been battling on the front lines in largely infantry positions.

They have been fighting with Russian units and, in some cases, independently around Kursk.
The inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro left his opponents to grapple with conflicting feelings of hope and disappointment on Saturday, pondering why the self-described socialist leader could not be stopped despite credible evidence that he had lost the election last year.

Some described their mood after Fridays ceremony at the legislative palace in Caracas, Venezuelas capital, like an emotional hangover while others said they feel abandoned.

Advertisement

Many expressed cautious optimism, finding a measure of comfort in the social media videos released by two opposition leaders  popular former lawmaker Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez, the oppositions candidate in the vote  who had promised to topple Mr Maduro.

In the end, it feels as if the soup got cold, college professor Nelson Perez said. Weve been on the subject of not losing hope for a while But then you realise its more of the same.

That realisation is hard to process for millions of Venezuelans who, like Mr Perez, had imagined a different January 10  one with Mr Gonzalez receiving the presidential sash and Ms Machado giving one of her signature fiery speeches before the National Assembly.

Instead, Mr Gonzalez and Ms Machado sent messages on social media while Mr Maduro placed his hand on Venezuelas constitution and took the oath of office, defying overwhelming evidence contradicting his victory claim in the July presidential election.

Advertisement



Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

Mr Maduro compared himself to a biblical David fighting Goliath and accused his opponents and their supporters in the United States of trying to turn his inauguration into a world war. He said his enemies failure to block his inauguration to a third six-year term was a great victory for Venezuelas peace and national sovereignty.

I have not been made president by the government of the United States, nor by the pro-imperialist governments of Latin America, he said after being draped with a sash in the red, yellow and blue of Venezuelas flag.

I come from the people, I am of the people, and my power emanates from history and from the people.

Venezuelas National Electoral Council, stacked with government loyalists, had declared Mr Maduro the winner of the July 28 election. But unlike in previous contests, electoral authorities did not provide detailed vote counts to back the announced result.

Advertisement

The opposition, however, collected tally sheets from 85% of electronic voting machines and posted them online  showing its candidate, Mr Gonzalez, had won by a more than a two-to-one margin. UN experts and the US-based Carter Centre, both invited by Mr Maduros government to observe the election, said the tally sheets published by the opposition are legitimate.

Ms Machado, in a message on social media on Friday, said Mr Maduro was guilty of a coup by not leaving office by January 10, when by law, Venezuelas presidential term begins. She also said she was confident that the countrys freedom is near but stopped short of saying anything about future steps the opposition could take to end Mr Maduros presidency.

Today, Maduro didnt put the sash on his chest. He put a shackle on his ankle, which will tighten every day, she said.

A day earlier, Ms Machado  who was banned from running for office but remains the driving force behind Venezuelas beleaguered opposition  had emerged from months of hiding to join an anti-Maduro protest in Caracas. She said security forces had briefly detained her after leaving the rally, an allegation the government promptly denied.

Advertisement

Thursdays rally drew far smaller crowds than the massive demonstrations Ms Machado and Mr Gonzalez had led during the election campaign, primarily because of fears over the governments brutal crackdown on dissent. More than 2,000 people were arrested during and after the civil unrest that followed the election.

You see people, and they look like they have a hangover, bricklayer Luis Carlos Moreno, 55, said of the mood among those who had stayed away from the inauguration ceremony.

We have to wait until next week to see how things go and if everyone goes to work and the kids go to school.



Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stands before supporters during a protest against Mr Maduro (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

In contrast, Mr Maduros supporters near the legislative palace were jubilant, some unable to hold back tears of joy.

Advertisement

State TV said 10 heads of state attended the ceremony. But far more governments around the world have rejected Mr Maduros victory claims, pointing to credible evidence validated by election observers.

Underscoring Mr Maduros growing isolation, the US, Canada, Britain and the European Union announced new sanctions on Friday on more than 20 Venezuelan officials, accusing them of gutting the countrys democracy.

Those sanctioned included Supreme Court justices, electoral authorities, the head of Venezuelas state oil company and Cabinet ministers.

Meanwhile, Mr Gonzalez, who left for Spain in September to avoid arrest, was in the Dominican Republic, which was supposed to be the last stop on his tour of the Americas before attempting to return to Venezuela to be sworn in.

In his video message, he told supporters that Mr Maduros government will end soon, very soon and reiterated his promise to return to Venezuela.

I am ready for safe entry at the right time, he said.
President Nicolas Maduro extended his rule over Venezuela until 2031 when he was sworn in on Friday, despite credible evidence that his opponent won the latest election.

The swearing-in followed protests against his plan to serve a third six-year term and came as the US increased its reward for his arrest.

Advertisement

Venezuelas legislative palace, where Mr Maduro was sworn in, was heavily guarded by police, military and intelligence officers.

Crowds of people, many sporting pro-Maduro T-shirts, gathered in adjacent streets and a nearby plaza.



Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores arrive at the National Assembly for his swearing-in ceremony (Cristian Hernandez/AP)

Mr Maduro accused the opposition of trying to turn his inauguration into a world war, and said the factions failure to stop the inauguration was a great Venezuelan victory.

He accused external powers of attacking Venezuela, specifically the US government, and promised to guarantee peace and national sovereignty.

Advertisement

Today more than ever I feel the weight of commitment, the power that I represent, the power that the constitution grants me, he said.

I have not been made president by the government of the United States, nor by the pro-imperialist governments of Latin America.

On Friday, the European Union imposed sanctions on 15 top Venezuelan officials who had a role in the countrys 2024 election, including the president and vice president of Venezuelas Supreme Court, the electoral agency and others.

The 27-nation bloc said those officials have put the nations democracy at risk.

Advertisement

The US State Department also boosted its offer for information leading to the arrest of Mr Maduro and his interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, to 25 million dollars (20 million) each, and placed a new bounty of 15 million dollars (12 million) for information about defence minister Vladimir Padrino.

In 2020, the department had offered a reward of up to 15 million dollars for information on Mr Maduro. It also imposed new travel restrictions on an undisclosed number of Maduro-aligned government officials who the US believes undermined the electoral process and were complicit in repression.

The US Treasury Department also slapped a new round of sanctions on Venezuelan officials, including the president of Venezuelas state oil company, Maduros transportation minister and state-owned airline, among others.

On Thursday, as hundreds of anti-Maduro protesters took to the streets of the capital, Caracas, aides to opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she was briefly detained by security forces and coerced into recording videos.

Advertisement

Ms Machado, whom the government has barred from running for office, had emerged from months of hiding to join the rally to demand that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez be sworn in as president instead of Mr Maduro.

Ms Machado addressed the rally then left on a motorcycle with her security convoy.

Ms Machados press team later announced on social media that security forces violently intercepted her convoy.

Her aides then confirmed to The Associated Press that the opposition hardliner had been detained.

Advertisement

Leaders in the Americas and Europe condemned the government for suppressing opposition voices and demanded her release.

US President-elect Donald Trump expressed his support for Ms Machado and Mr Gonzalez.

These freedom fighters should not be harmed, and MUST stay SAFE and ALIVE! Mr Trump said on Truth Social.

Mr Maduros supporters denied that Ms Machado was arrested, saying government opponents were spreading fake news to generate an international crisis.



Maria Corina Machado addresses supporters during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro the day before his inauguration (Matias Delacroix/AP)

Electoral authorities loyal to the ruling party declared Mr Maduro the winner hours after polls closed on July 28, but unlike in previous presidential elections, they did not provide detailed vote counts.

The opposition, meanwhile, collected tally sheets from more than 80% of electronic voting machines, posted them online and said the tallies show Mr Gonzalez won twice as many votes as Mr Maduro.

Global condemnation over the lack of transparency prompted Mr Maduro to ask the countrys high court  also filled with allies of his United Socialist Party of Venezuela  to audit the election results.

The court reaffirmed Mr Maduros victory without providing thorough evidence and encouraged the electoral council to release the vote counts.

But neither the council nor the ruling party produced any evidence that Mr Maduro had won, even though their voting centre representatives also were entitled to tally sheets from every voting machine.

The US-based Carter Centre, which observed the election on the governments invitation, declared the opposition-published tallies legitimate.

Other election experts that the government allowed to witness the vote said polling records published online by the opposition faction appear to exhibit all of the original security features.

The dispute over the results prompted international outrage and nationwide protests.



Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in for a third term (Matias Delacroix/AP)

The government responded with full force, arresting more than 2,000 demonstrators and encouraging Venezuelans to report anyone they suspect to be a ruling-party adversary.

More than 20 people were killed during the unrest and many protesters reported being tortured in custody.

It is unclear whether any heads of state were planning to attend Fridays inauguration ceremony hosted by the ruling party-controlled National Assembly at the legislative palace in Caracas.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a close Maduro ally, said he would skip the event citing the detentions earlier in the week of another longtime Venezuelan opposition member and a human rights defender.

Mr Maduros last inauguration, in 2019, was attended by Cubas President Miguel Diaz-Canel and then-Bolivian President Evo Morales.

The 2018 election was widely considered a sham after his government banned major opposition parties from participating.

And it remains unclear if Mr Gonzalez, who left for exile in Spain in September, will fulfil his promise to return to Venezuela by Friday.

Government officials have repeatedly threatened Mr Gonzalez with arrest should he step on Venezuelan soil.

On Tuesday, Mr Gonzalez said his son-in-law Rafael Tudares had been kidnapped in Caracas.

Mr Gonzalezs daughter, Mariana Gonzalez de Tudares, suggested in a statement that the government was behind her husbands disappearance.

At what point did being related to Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia become a crime? she said.

Later, Ms Machado called Maduros inauguration a coup and said she has asked Mr Gonzalez not travel to Venezuela until the moment was right.

The announcement reverses previous promises by Venezuelas opposition that Mr Gonzalez would travel to the country on Friday to take control from Mr Maduro.





In a video message posted to her 8.7 million followers on Instagram, Ms Machado said she was in constant contact with regional leaders and that she believed freedom was close.

She did not say, however, what the oppositions plan was to continue to push back against Mr Maduro.

We all know that as of today the pressure will increase even more until Maduro understands that this is over, she said.

Today Maduro didnt put the sash on his chest. He put it on is ankle as a shackle, which will tighten more every day.
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 When he was 13, Ralph Fiennes told his mother he wasnt going to go to Mass any more. My mother was a committed Catholic, very much so, he says. In his early teens, the Fiennes family was living in Ireland. He went to a Catholic boys school. I didnt like the heaviness. There was a very claustrophobic, dominant feeling from the church in Ireland. I hated the sense of compulsion and constriction. Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence in Conclave. Credit: AP So he bowed out, to his mothers distress, but God was always at the dinner table. On her side we had theologians and priests. My uncles a Greek archimandrite, my great-uncle was a Benedictine monk and recognised theologian and my mothers second brother was also a famous Catholic theologian. Discussions of faith, God, belief: those were the ... sorts of conversations going on around me when I was growing up. I know the atmosphere. That knowledge underpins his performance in Conclave, a pacy adaptation of Robert Harris novel about a papal election scripted by Peter Straughan, who has just won a Golden Globe for his incisive adaptation of Harris racy yarn, and directed by Edward Berger, whose last film was the multiple Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front (2023). Fiennes plays the softly-spoken Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, dean of the college of cardinals After the death of an elderly Pope to whom he was personally devoted, Lawrence must set aside grief and his simmering doubts about the Church to which he has devoted his life to oversee the conclave. The assembled cardinals of all countries must be confined within the Vaticans quarters, meeting each day to vote  and vote again  until a majority coalesces around the choice of a new Pope. The genius of Fiennes performance is that so little of it is worn on the surface, wrote Wendy Ide in The Observer when the film screened at the London Film Festival. And yet he draws us in. We are invited to share Lawrences turmoil rather than just observe it. Lawrence is the fulcrum of a process that is as bitterly competitive as any boardroom battle, but for higher stakes. This election will be the last chance at the top job for most of the contenders, a couple of whom harbour ambitions as dangerous as coiled snakes, silent but ready to strike. At least one cardinal has been buying supporters for years; when Lawrence gets wind of this, along with numerous other muttered betrayals that rise like a tide over their days shut in the cloisters, he must decide what to do  whether to get evidence of wrongdoing from outside, whether as convener he should say anything at all. What is the godly thing?

Advertisement

He could pray for guidance, but his faith is tottering. I felt empathy with a man struggling to find his path, Fiennes said in an interview with The Times. Lawrences instincts are to be more monastic. But hes found himself in an institution where hes got to be a bureaucrat. He wants the election to be beautifully done and all smooth, and it isnt smooth because human frailty and fallibility comes at him from the shadows. There is also a more elevated, but no less vicious, battle over ideology. Stanley Tuccis Cardinal Aldo Bellini is the reluctant candidate for the liberals; the vituperative Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto) makes no bones about his determination to mount the throne and restore old disciplines, bring back Latin and excise the kind of rot advocating women clergy, gay marriage and anything else he sees as a fad. There is some support for Cardinal Joshua Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati) as potentially the first African Pope, but his homophobic attitudes will not sit well with wavering young Catholics in the West. And what would the outside world have to say? The Pope is a statesman as well as a spiritual leader. Optics are important. Even Catholics do not know very much about the nitty-gritty of the election process, conducted in strict privacy as it is. Harris delved into its mechanics, which include numerous traditions of medieval provenance, meticulously. Berger and Fiennes followed this up with their own researches. My mother is no longer here, but I told her sister  my aunt  about the film, says Fiennes. She said oh, that will be very interesting, but everyone will be watching! Meaning that in the Catholic community, theyll all know if youre holding the crucifix correctly, so youd better get it right! Fiennes insisted that they should have a religious adviser on set, an idea Berger immediately embraced. To get those nuances that none of us would have a clue about. Things that are not about ostentation. There is an everyday-ness within the rituals, that is something I learned. Outside his family, he asked several cardinals and priests for advice and was impressed by how helpful they were. Theyre thinking philosophically a lot about these big questions, he said in a US radio interview. I didnt meet anyone who I felt was locked in defensively in relation to Heres an actor playing a cardinal. They were very ready to acknowledge how challenging faith can be, that priests and even cardinals are only human. I found it quite inspirational. Isabella Rossellini in Conclave: remarkably powerful. Credit: AP What is striking in Conclave, in fact, is how delicately even the most poisonous of these people treat each other. As Tedesco approaches, Lawrence mutters that it would have been too much to hope that the challenges of travel would keep him away, before greeting him warmly. Common hypocrisy, you might say, but there is a strong sense that Lawrence is summoning his better self. Tedesco, for his part, is all bonhomie with these snowflakes he so deplores. Even with a cardinal whose sexual peccadilloes find him out, Lawrence is solicitous; he kneels to pray with him.

Advertisement

I think that makes sense, says Fiennes. I think everything would be grounded in the conviction that we are all frail. I dont think Lawrence would see himself as superior morally. Im your friend, Im your guide, Im your colleague; I see there is a transgression. I have to tell you this is not right but that doesnt mean I would be furious or angry. Whatever power play theyre in, their whole training has to be grounded in humility. And therefore, isnt it the nature of those lives that we have to gently help each other? And reflect back to each other where we go wrong? Nothing about their surroundings speaks of humility, however; Berger has an extraordinary eye for grandeur, for the flashes of red among the marbled interiors, for the shafts of heavenly light streaming through the clerestory windows, for the feasts brought in by the nuns (led by a remarkably powerful Isabella Rossellini), for the weighty heritage furniture in the papal bedchamber. Their robes, reproduced almost exactly but with somewhat cheaper fabrics than the Church would use, define them. That certainly doesnt invoke a sense of pervasive humility, does it? Its a weird paradox that while the acknowledgement of poverty is at the heart of Christs teachings, we see this particular Church having grown in its grandeur and goldenness, Fiennes agrees. Obviously, that opulence works its own magic on the faithful. As a small child in the south of England, he recalls, there were two Catholic churches nearby. One was plain, austere, almost Protestant; his mother was instinctively drawn to it. Then there was a very small Catholic chapel full of Baroque paintings and gold leaf everywhere. It was fancier and more fun; it felt more special, more ornate, and was tucked away in the wing of a country house. The children would beg to go to that one; they wanted that pomp, ceremony and art. It worked for the medieval faithful; it worked for them. Fiennes has never been cynical, he says, about that enduring need for wonder or the sense of community that churches can provide. Look, I know the history of these churches. I think one can probably think of priests who have done terrible things  and they have, havent they? The Catholic Church has that padding of forgiveness. You can wash away your sins in confession which is possibly somewhat dubious, but nevertheless is a sort of safety net. He shakes his head. Its a hornets nest. At the same time, he says, there are human beings in there struggling in their way to find better answers. Loading And, in a way, it continues to be familiar. The theatre is also a supportive community; Fiennes can even name a particular production where he felt that everyone brought out the best in each other (a Royal Shakespeare Company production of King John in 1988.) The best the Church can be, he said in a Guardian debate with his fellow cardinal characters, is as a fantastic group. Groups everywhere are wonderfully self-supportive. Working on a film, on the other hand, is not unlike the conclave. Thats so right, Fiennes agrees. I love the structure that doing a film gives me, because you have to be ready for your 5am pick-up, you know the scenes, your life is taken care of and although its not as literally closeted as the conclave, you embrace the mental sense of enclosure. Im doing this, I cant talk to you, I cant deal with certain things, Im doing a film. Ive created a kind of mental tunnel and I cant deal with anything outside it until Ive finished.

Advertisement
Actor Jennifer Garner has joined forces with celebrity chef Jose Andres World Central Kitchen to help feed those who were impacted by the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. Jordan Strauss/Associated Press 2024

Jennifer Garner revealed that she lost a friend to the Los Angeles fires, and is now working alongside celebrity chef Jose Andres to help feed evacuees.

The Elektra actress, who reprised the role in last summers Deadpool & Wolverine, told MSNBC on Friday, that she feels almost guilty for walking through her home while others in the area have lost everything.

I did lose a friend. She didnt get out in time, Garner, whose organic snack company Once Upon a Farm is based in Berkeley, said. My heart bleeds for my friends. I mean, I can think of 100 families, and there are 5,000 homes lost.  What can I do? How can I help? What can I offer? What do I have to offer with these hands and these walls and the safety that I have?

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Garner lives in Brentwood, and her home has remained safe so far. Wanting to support those who werent as lucky, she reached out to Andres, who has made frequent appearances at BottleRock Napa Valleys Culinary Stage over the years, to see if she could help through World Central Kitchen. Andres nonprofit organization has been helping to deliver fresh meals to the frontlines of crises like Puerto Ricos Hurricane Maria, the COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Chido, which devastated Southern Africa, since 2010. The organization has a number of popup locations around Los Angeles County to support those impacted by the fires.

Ive lived in and around the Palisades for 25 years, Garner said, so I just think all of us, we want to get our hands into working, somehow, to be helpful.

Chef Jose Andres with World Central Kitchen visits a temporary shelter for the victims of the Southern California wildfires at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena on Thursday. Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press

While Garner has been lucky to escape the flames, some of her Hollywood peers such as Billy Crystal, Milo Ventimiglia and Mel Gibson have been displaced by the Palisades Fire.

San Francisco-formed band Poolside launched a GoFundMe fundraiser on Friday to support its frontman Jeffrey Paradise, who lost his Malibu home to the Palisades Fire.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

We are heartbroken to tell you all that the Palisades Fire in LA took everything from Poolside. Our home, recording studio, every flyer, poster, record collection, heirloom  everything is gone, the band wrote in an email. Wed like to ask that if you are able to, help support us in rebuilding our life.

Meanwhile, Jamie Lee Curtis, whose latest film The Last Showgirl is an awards contender, recently announced she and her family have pledged $1 million to support relief efforts.

As the fire still rages on and @calfire @losangelesfiredepartment and all the available first responders and agencies involved in fighting fire and saving lives are still hard at work and neighbors and friends are banding together to save each other, she wrote, my husband and I and our children have pledged $1 million from our Family Foundation to start a fund of support for our great city and state and the great people who live and love there.

Curtis noted that she is in communication with Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., to figure out where is best to direct the funds.

As the fires rage on, Hollywoods awards season has come to a halt. Three ceremonies that had been scheduled for this weekend have been canceled, including the Critics Choice Awards, and the Oscar nominations announcement has been postponed by two days to Jan. 19.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
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 If youre born a Xylouris, theres really only two ways you can go. You either embrace your destiny and pick up a musical instrument, or you reject it out of hand, and do anything but. For siblings Apollonia, Nikos and Adonis  children of Cretan musical legend George Xylouris and his similarly musical Irish-Australian wife Shelagh Hannan  music won out. Albeit on their own terms. Since 2016, Nikos, 32, and Adonis, 30, have been playing in Xylourides, performing traditional Cretan music in all-night sessions, in the same vein as their parents Xylouris Ensemble (father George also plays with the Dirty Threes Jim White in the more rock-oriented Xylouris-White). Apollonia, 27, dabbles in the traditional space too, playing a Persian drum called the tombak and singing. But it is as Frenzee, a high-powered punk-leaning trio that is rapidly developing a following in both Greece (where they played before 20,000 people at an anti-fascist rally in Athens) and Australia (opening at Meredith in December), that the three have found a space to call their own. George Xylouris and his children Nikos, Apollonia and Adonis in Crete, from the 2015 documentary A Family Affair. Credit: Anemon Productions I reckon they definitely inform each other, energy wise, says Apollonia, who sings and writes most of the lyrics for their blistering rock songs. It might be a different setting, and a different kind of atmosphere, but the energy is just as raw, I reckon. In a packed front bar at the Tote in Collingwood on a ridiculously hot Sunday afternoon, Frenzee are pumping out a steady stream of that energy. Theres no stage, just a small space left by the audience. Apollonia struts around inside, and sometimes outside, this circle, jaw out, head back, as if to say, I f---ing dare ya. Nikos pounds the drums and Adonis reels off the riffs on electric guitar, the bands influences  Rage Against the Machine, AC/DC, Nirvana  immediately apparent.

Advertisement

In 40 minutes, its all over. Dripping in sweat after the set, Apollonia tells me she loves getting in the faces of the crowd. Its the best thing, she says, beaming. Frenzee is definitely their own thing, free of the considerable shackles of the family legacy (their grandfather is still performing, aged 84; their uncles and cousins are musicians too). With the Cretan stuff, if youre named after a certain person, people tend to compare, and we dont like that, Nikos says. We just want to be authentic, no matter what lineage were in. But theyre not rejecting that heritage at all. Sometimes theyll play a couple of sets of the traditional music over a few hours, take a break, then come back and blow the roof off as Frenzee. These musical idioms arent antithetical, Apollonia says. Theyre aspects of the same thing. Jim White and George Xylouris: Two potent musical personalities. Credit: Lara Bohdanowicz We grew up with all these gigs, we saw our dad do 10-hour gigs, the boys are now doing these gigs that last all night  no drugs, just making that very clear; people cant believe that, right? Maybe a little bit of araki or gin and tonic, thats about it. I feel that has been pretty hardcore training for them to go and do a punk gig for 40 minutes. Its sick. The Xylouris kids were all born in Melbourne but moved back to their fathers native Crete when they were little (Apollonia was just one). They each came back to Australia separately for the final years of high school and university, and the boys started gigging professionally around 2016.

Advertisement

Frenzee was born during the pandemic when Apollonia moved back to Crete. It was quarantine, you couldnt do anything, and my brothers were living together at the top of the village, looking out over the little mountains, she recalls. Youd go up there, and its all olive trees, you can see the sea in the distance, the cicadas  thats the soundtrack in summer there. Theres five dogs running around the place. We set up the basement as a rehearsal space, and the house they were renting had a pool so we were just playing music all day and having a swim, hanging out with the dogs. It was very wholesome. It doesnt sound much like what people might imagine the punk lifestyle to be. The Xylouris family (plus Jim White) in 2013. Grandfather Psarantonis is at the rear. Credit: Jason South Its very non-punk, to be honest, the setup, she says. Out in nature, nothing dirty or grimy about it at all. The energy, though, is another matter. The bands album Whats Wrong with Me, which came out last October, clocks in at just 21 minutes for nine songs. Theyve got about 24 tracks in the catalogue now, and the sound is evolving, Adonis says. Its heavier, he says. So, not exactly mellowing with age.

Advertisement
Karina Lester speaks from her brightly lit office in central Adelaide. She comes from Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands at a homeland called Walatina .  The country is quite stunning, actually. Theres lots of woodland area, so mulga acacias growing there, but theres beautiful sand dunes through that country and where my late father Yami was born is a creek called Walkinytjanu Creek, which is a beautiful spot as well.

The nuclear waste problem is unavoidably tied to nuclear energy reactors, a cornerstone of Duttons energy policy for 2025. Nuclear waste will also be a major challenge for future governments as they inherit radioactive waste from AUKUS submarines.

The intergenerational fear of radioactive contamination and distrust of government is fuelling community opposition, particularly among some traditional landowners, to a potential nuclear energy industry here in Australia. And its why every proposal for a national nuclear waste repository across the country has, so far, failed.

It is little acknowledged that Australias nuclear story is largely an Indigenous one. It starts in the 1950s, when radioactive fallout from bomb tests silently settled over Aboriginal communities that were not adequately protected by the government of the day. It encompasses the very beginning of the nuclear cycle: the mining of uranium, to its end  the storage of nuclear waste.

W hen Opposition Leader Peter Dutton proposed nuclear energy reactors on almost every mainland state last year, he reignited divisive public debate. Its a debate Indigenous Australians are likely to be at the heart of.

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

Operation Totem was the first of two major nuclear weapons tests conducted by the British in Emu Field, signed off by the Menzies government. It was the 1950s, the beginning of the Cold War. Britain was developing its nuclear capabilities and the Australian outback was the perfect location with its vast remoteness.

Nana recalls a very strong stench to it like a really oily toxic smell and that oil had fallen over the plants, you know, over the trees. Within hours, oranges withered. So, nana mob were digging holes in the sand dunes and trying to bury the children and hide them and protect them.

What Yami and his family peered up at were the remnants of a giant mushroom cloud from a nuclear weapons test in Emu Field, about a six hour-drive south-west of Walatina.

That morning was when they felt the ground shake, and the black mist roll. And one thing many of my old people had spoken about was the fact that this black mist rolled silently, so it came with no wind or no, you know, picking up sticks and leaves and grasses. And it didnt come with a noise like dust storms do. It travelled silently. And it was that that was the real fear. They knew how country operated and worked. But this one was very different.

Lester is describing a special part of the South Australian outback, a 12-hour drive north of Adelaide, where her father, Yami Lester, worked for pastoralists. But on October 15, 1953, Yami, who was only a young boy at the time, playing in the dunes noticed something above.

With Dads eyesight, it was a gradual process, Lester says. By three, four years after 53 he was completely blinded, then, by those nuclear tests. So there was a lot of fear, there was a lot of sickness. And there werent a lot of answers of what the hell happened in 1953.

Aboriginal people were not the only victims. Aircrews flew through radioactive clouds and scientists walked around sites with minimal protective clothing, sometimes none at all.

It was tough as it was there, being in 1953, working on a pastoral property, let alone trying to understand what government of the day was going to do, says Lester. And then, all of a sudden, experience what happened, without any control or knowledge or understanding.

Decades later, in 1985, the McClelland Royal Commission into British Nuclear Tests in Australia concluded that: Inadequate resources were allocated to guaranteeing the safety of Aboriginal people. Commissioners concluded the one native patrol officer on duty had an impossible task of locating and warning Aboriginal people scattered over more than 100,000 square kilometres.

Within hours of that toxic fallout, people became really sick  There was panic because that oily sort of black mist rolling put people into panic. And then, of course, peoples eyes became really sore and red and pussy. Nana had skin rashes on her shins, people became really sick, like a lot of the elderly.

Emu Field was the location of just two of 12 major weapons trials across Australia, and hundreds of minor trials until the 1960s. Some nuclear bombs had a kiloton yield as large as that of Hiroshima.

Britain agreed to contribute 20 million towards a $100 million clean-up of Maralinga, the largest and most used site, and modest clean-up efforts were undertaken at the other sites. The Australian government paid $13.5 million to the Indigenous people of Maralinga as compensation for contamination of the land.

And theres not really a lot of data around the health of people. If you look back in clinic records, perhaps at Yalata, or even Oak Valley, there was a period of time that there was a high spike for thyroid cancers. And people have passed now.

In Woomera, 600 kilometres downwind of the tests, is a grave where 23 stillborn babies delivered in the years following the tests are buried, according to a class action case against the British Ministry of Defence .

The government commissioned a study in the 1990s into the link between Australias nuclear testing, including that at Emu Field, and the number of cancer cases among mostly military personnel. It didnt establish a direct link between cancer cases and radiation exposure, but the study did find the mortality and cancer rate were higher than that of the general population.

It was something that I always miss, Lester says. That hed never really seen me grow up, he saw me in a different way of growing up with his disability, of course.

Yami dedicated his life to Aboriginal activism. His case was pivotal to the McClelland royal commission, although the commission could not link radiation to health issues, including establishing the cause of Yamis blindness. Yami died, aged 75, in 2017.

And the solution that you put on the table constantly to First Nations peoples is stick it in your traditional lands. No, we say no to nuclear waste, full stop.

Lester has, like her father, dedicated her adult life to activism. In 2023 , she represented the Australian wing of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, at the United Nations in New York. She says she will be at the forefront of community opposition. Our government of the day has a level of responsibility. It is negligent of them to be sticking waste out in community that they think is out of sight, out of mind. Like the industry has completely outdone itself, like yes, it does all these amazing things. But you havent worked out your waste solution.

When Dutton announced plans for a nuclear reactor on nearly every mainland state, Lester felt fearful again. It came on top of bipartisan support for the AUKUS deal, which locks Australia into storing high-level nuclear waste. Whats going to happen when you have agreements like the AUKUS agreement? Lester says. You know, its a real fear for us ... the waste of, you know, the UK and the US coming to potentially South Australia, or anywhere in Australia.

Royal commissioner James McClelland (right) at a campsite at Wallatinna station where elder Kanytji (centre) viewed the fallout cloud of the Totem 1 test at Emu field in 1953. Credit: Charlton

Because we still go digging for witchetty grubs, and we go eating the animals like goannas and perenties, and turkeys, and, you know, we still practise those things because thats part of our Anangu culture. So its the unknown, that is the fear for us.

The government nuclear safety watchdog says it conducts regular safety checks and is committed to building trust with Maralinga Tjarutja peoples to feel confident to live on and engage with their land. But Lester says that trust may take a while to build. Theres a whole lot of data missing around the safety of our environment and our traditional lands [in Emu Field]. And so, you know, we need to look at the path of where Totem 1 had fallen over, which is Walatina, and how safe is it there? You know: whats in the dust, whats in the soil? Whats in our waters? How safe are our trees?

A spokesperson from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) told this masthead that, Emu Field, Walatina and Maralinga have been returned to traditional owners following extensive radiation monitoring and assessment. The risks posed by the residual contamination at Emu Field was considered in the mid-1990s and found to be negligible.

Duttons nuclear vision

When Dutton unveiled his nuclear plans in June, Nationals leader, David Littleproud congratulated him on committing to the long-held view of the Nationals party that nuclear power was a source of reliable energy and a way of reducing emissions.

Last month, the Coalition revealed its costings. Opposition climate change and energy spokesman Ted OBrien claimed the Coalitions energy plan would cost about $331 billion by 2050, 44 per cent less than Labors plan.

Peter Dutton announces the Coalitions nuclear plan with Liberal MPs Angus Taylor and Sussan Ley. Credit: Rhett Wyman

This is rejected by the government and scientists, with CSIROs research showing that nuclear power is still about 50 per cent more expensive than renewables, and would take at least 15 years to develop, years longer than Duttons projections.

And the nuclear waste question that had dominated AUKUS-related news in the months prior cropped up again. The intractable problem with nuclear energy is its byproduct, radioactive waste, specifically spent nuclear fuel, which contains high-level radioactive waste that is toxic to humans for tens of thousands of years.

The Albanese government has committed to disposing of nuclear waste from AUKUS submarines, assuring the public that process wont begin until the 2050s, when the reactor from the first of the boats will be due to be decommissioned.

Dutton leans on this in his nuclear energy proposal, suggesting it can safely piggyback on the AUKUS commitment. The prime minister signed up to the nuclear submarines and therefore sent a very clear message to Australians that there are no safety concerns about the latest technology in relation to nuclear, he says. The government signed up to disposing waste, including end-of-life reactors, under the AUKUS agreement.

If Duttons projections are correct, hell have his first nuclear plant up and running by 2037, with all the others completed by 2050. So his first nuclear plant will be producing high-level waste from 2037. Thats several tonnes a year being produced for 13 years before high-level waste from nuclear-powered submarines will need storage. (The government will, however, have to safely dispose of low-level waste from maintenance of submarines after it acquires them in the 2030s. It says it will store all low-level waste  thats mostly cleaning materials, filters, resins and disposable clothing  on Defence sites in Australia.)

Ted OBrien told this masthead that the Coalition plans to temporarily store spent fuel on site of power plants, consistent with standard practice around the world, before being transported to a permanent waste repository, where spent fuel from AUKUS nuclear submarines will also be stored. Although an election is due this year and theoretically the Coalition could find itself in power, he said responsibility for locating a permanent site would lie with the Albanese government. We stand ready to co-operate constructively, he said.

Finland is one of the few countries in the world preparing to open deep underground storage sites, while the rest of the world tends to store its waste above ground, on site, and in large containers.

The newest nuclear reactor on Olkiluoto, Finland.

Thats what Australia does. It stores some of its low and intermediate-level nuclear waste at Lucas Heights, the Sydney suburb home to the countrys only nuclear reactor. Now a radioactive medicine factory, it produces products such as the dye injected into patients for scans to monitor cancers.

Australia has accumulated about 5000 cubic metres of intermediate radioactive waste, about two Olympic-sized swimming pools, and five more pools worth of low-level waste.

And while commercial companies such as Tellus Holdings are now accepting low-level hazardous waste in deep geological repositories with the consent of local Aboriginal people, the federal government has failed to secure a centralised national waste repository of its own.

The Commonwealth government has been struggling for 20 years to find a site for permanent storage of low-level waste, says Ian Lowe, emeritus professor at the School of Environmental Science at Griffith University in Queensland. He has dedicated his life to studying energy supply and sustainability, and has written books on nuclear technology and its role in the energy mix.

Lowe says that the nuclear energy reactors Dutton wants built will produce high-level nuclear waste, requiring disposal in deep geological layers, several hundred metres underground.

Even transporting low-level waste to a centralised repository is not without some risk. It is fair to say, though, there have been very few accidents that I know of, involving contamination of local areas by accidents with transport of radioactive waste. I dont know of any accidents where the transport of waste has been compromised by an accident leading to local contamination.

And there is a distinction between nuclear fallout from bomb tests and nuclear waste here, too. Nuclear waste, stored hundreds of metres underground and managed safely, poses much less risk of contamination than the very immediate fallout from nuclear weapons tests like at Emu Field, or even in the worst-case scenario, a nuclear reactor blowing up.

Proponents of a nuclear industry argue the benefits outweigh the negatives. Those benefits include: life-saving cancer treatment from nuclear medicine and reliable, emissions-free energy for Australias energy grid. Newer technology, namely small modular reactors (included in Duttons policy proposal), promises safer, smaller and more efficient production, but doesnt yet exist.

But its Lester and regional communities who are likely to find themselves at the centre of the debate, out in the far-flung regional towns, living in and with deep connections to the kinds of places governments have previously favoured as locations for waste disposal sites.

We have a powerful relationship with the ground and with the land and with the environment and with the animals. Thats the bottom line. And thats why Anangu often speak strongly about protection of that country, and no to nuclear waste, whether its medical waste, whether its waste from power. We say no to any nuclear waste because of the risk that it gives to our country, that gives us what we need, as First Nations peoples across our country, Lester says.

Karina Lester and her daughter say no to nuclear waste. Credit: Jesse Boylan

The Indigenous community is permanently scarred by the experience of the bomb tests in rural South Australia and the harm that came to some people as a result of those. And every proposal by the Commonwealth government for a low-level waste storage has been resisted by the local Indigenous community, says Lowe.

So if we began to set up a site to manage intermediate level waste and high-level waste in the long term, there will have to be very delicate and sensitive negotiations with Indigenous communities to get their permission for an activity like that on their land.

The Kimba decision

There have been numerous attempts at establishing a national nuclear waste repository in Australia since the late 1990s. The most recent failed nuclear waste depository was in Kimba, a five-hour drive north-west of Adelaide and with a population of just over 1000.

The Kimba proposal became a bureaucratic nightmare, spanning eight years and rife with community divisiveness.

In 2020, a site was chosen just west of Kimba, called Napandee. The then resources minister, Matt Canavan, promised the facility would create 45 new jobs and would give the community a fund of $31 million.

The Kimba story is a microcosm of the nuclear debate raging today; those who advocated for the waste repository argued along the familiar lines of economic opportunity and long-term community survival.

Its what local business owner Megan Lienert reminded the Senate committee panel into the site selection process in 2018.

I realise that we are vulnerable. Kimba has changed a lot over the past 30 years, decreasing in size and population with currently well over 40 houses publicly for sale. Farms are getting bigger using less employees and small businesses are finding it tougher.

The realisation by more of the community that Kimba cannot continue to rely on just agriculture in the low rainfall area for its long-term survival is strong motivation to explore every opportunity, Lienert told the panel.

The site of Napandee was chosen, following a community ballot result of more than 60 per cent in favour. The only catch was that, of the more than 700 locals who voted, none were traditional owners of the land, the Barngarla people.

Traditonal owners oppose the Kimba dump site. Credit: AAP

The Barngarla people fell outside the local council area and were therefore exempt from voting. In a short video posted online at the time, Barngarla elders expressed their concerns about the site selection process, about the generations to come and being treated like the flora and fauna of the country.

Canavan acknowledged opposition among the Barngarla people and said: We will work with traditional owners to protect culture and heritage, and to maximise economic opportunities and outcomes for local Aboriginal communities near the future facility.

The Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation then mounted a legal challenge to the federal governments plan.

Nick Llewellyn-Jones, a principal at Norman Waterhouse law firm in Adelaide, led the Barngarlas case to victory in the Federal Court last year. I think our clients felt there was a very strong desire to push it through no matter what, he says.

Justice Natalie Charlesworth found there had been apprehended bias in the decision-making process under Canavans successor then-Nationals minister Keith Pitt.

Llewellyn-Jones says exclusion from the ballot was just one of the claims the court considered. It also considered the federal governments attempt to remove the Barngarlas right to judicial review.

There was a very strong desire to push it through no matter what, and whether that was, how they structured the ballot, whether that was starting construction work before the court case was resolved, whether that was trying to pass legislation to remove any court challenge to it.

This was part of a broader mentality about pushing this project through come hell or high water, and, in fact, it was that mentality which actually, largely led to the court result in a way because that was what led to [the] apprehension of bias finding.

In 2023, the Albanese Labor government announced it would not appeal against the Federal Courts decision.

Opponents of the Muckaty Station nuclear waste dump. Credit: Eddie JIm

Challenges ahead

Australias almost 40-year-history of failed nuclear waste development proposals is less than encouraging for the Coalitions hopes of a nuclear energy future.

There have been decades of development proposals for a centralised, national nuclear waste repository in states and territories across the country, including Woomera in South Australia in 2004, Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory in 2014, Flinders Ranges in South Australia in 2019, and most recently Kimba. Not one proposal has succeeded.

Loading

Many have been met by Aboriginal opposition, and involved concerning tactics by successive governments to rush developments, entice vulnerable communities with large funds, override state laws or, in the case of Kimba, attempt to legislate a site directly without judicial review.

In the early 2000s, Julie Bishop, then federal science minister, said Northern Territory proposal sites were some distance from any form of civilisation. Years before that, her predecessor Brendan Nelson said: Why on earth cant people in the middle of nowhere have low-level and intermediate level waste?

The failed Kimba project highlights the overwhelming challenge for governments after nearly a decade spanning three ministers, of site assessment and selection, landowner and community consultation and consent, Senate committee hearings and inquiries, legal challenges at state and local levels and countless regulatory hurdles.

Loading

And thats just for a waste repository, at the end of the nuclear fuel cycle, let alone the infrastructure planning needed for a nuclear energy reactor itself.

Dutton says he wants this years election to be a referendum on energy.

Lawyer Llewelleyn-Jones says the key will be to take legitimate interests into account.

I think people are going to be very pro nuclear, and people are going to be very anti-nuclear and people are going to be in the middle of it. The difficulty in a debate like this isnt necessarily working out whos right. The difficulty in a debate like this is creating a structure where peoples rights dont get sacrificed by one side or the other, he says.

Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter.
A 31-year-old man appeared before court on Saturday charged with murder, torture, armed robbery, and kidnapping after three men were beaten and one died in Richlands last Sunday.

Police were called after a 52-year-old man with significant head injuries was taken by two friends to Logan Hospital about 12.30am on Monday.

Detective Inspector Chris Knight said the extent of the damage to the mans brain only became apparent in hospital.

Detective Inspector Chris Knight said a 31-year-old man had been charged over the beating of three men that resulted in one dying. Credit: Queensland Police

The man was transferred to a specialist facility at Princess Alexandra Hospital but within 24 hours, he unfortunately died as a result of those injuries, Knight said.
When prominent accounts such as Musks spread false or divisive narratives about the states response, it can make it difficult for the people affected to find reliable information. If people dont trust their government, but the government is saying you are in an evacuation zone and need to evacuate people, people might not do that, or they might do it too late, Richards said. Musk and X did not respond to a request for comment. X, formerly Twitter, has long been a hub for breaking news about disasters  and, for just as long, a hub for viral hoaxes and unsubstantiated claims about them. In 2012, Photoshopped images of sharks swimming down flooded freeways mingled with citizen journalism and mainstream news articles about Hurricane Sandy.

In the years before Musk bought the company, it had worked to elevate reputable sources and counteract falsehoods, hiring a team of former journalists to curate its trending section. Public agencies came to rely on it as a utility to reach the media and public with real-time updates in crises such as Hurricane Ian in 2022. But since Musks 2022 purchase of the site, X has been transformed. The company has cut the bulk of its trust and safety team, replaced professional fact-checking with crowdsourced community notes and downgraded posts that link to news articles while elevating those of conservative and right-wing influencers who pay for blue verification check marks once reserved mostly for public figures and the press. With more than 200 million followers and a habit of posting around-the-clock, Musk has the loudest online megaphone in US politics. A recent Post analysis found that his online reach far outstrips that of accounts for major political figures, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris  and even Trump. Xs user base is far smaller than those of some other social media sites, like Facebook, but it has long held outsize influence in breaking news and politics. Musks newfound role as one of Trumps closest advisers has increased the weight of what he says on the platform. Musk posts far more about politics now than he did in the past: nearly 40 per cent of his posts in October and November focused on electoral politics, according to The Posts analysis, a sharp uptick compared with previous months.

Loading While the bulk of his posts on X are one-word replies or emojis, Musk is increasingly using the platform to wield political influence with the masses. Since Trumps reelection  Musk donated at least $US277 million ($450 million) to the campaign  the billionaire entrepreneur has triggered a huge political fight by pressuring Congress to scrap a compromise spending bill; rankled the president-elects advisers by criticising a cabinet pick to his millions of followers; and clashed with far-right activists on H-1B (foreign worker) visas. Musk has also become increasingly vocal on a range of national news events, at times spreading false information to millions of people. Elon Musk (left) and Donald Trump tapped into fears about so-called woke policies during the election. Credit: AP During the presidential election, Musk stoked a conspiracy theory that because Michigan had registered more voters than there are eligible voting-age adults, it indicated mass fraud in the swing state, a claim that got 32 million views. The assertion was debunked by state election officials, who said federal law requires the state to keep voters on its rolls until they have missed two elections.

Musk claimed after Hurricane Helene that private relief flights to North Carolina were being blocked by the Federal Aviation Administration, a claim refuted by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. On Thursday afternoon, the Southern California wildfires topped Xs trending news tab, with a post from Musk the first to surface when users clicked on it. Of the top four posts, including Musks, three were from conservatives blaming Democrats for the destruction. In a post, Musk downplayed the role of climate change, faulting overregulation and bad governance for a disaster that scientists say is probably linked to climate-change-fuelled effects on Californias atmosphere. Loading Many of Musks posts matched themes gaining traction with Trump and far-right activists. The president-elect accused Newsom of failing to control the fires. Musk joined in, saying: New government is needed for California. In response to a post about the Los Angeles Fire Department by right-wing X account Libs of TikTok, Musk said the department had prioritized DEI over saving lives and homes. Social media experts said the discourse on X around the Palisades fires stands in contrast to that around previous disastrous events.

X used to be the place to go to for accurate information in emergencies, said Renee DiResta, a research professor at Georgetown University who studies online influence. But changes to how the platform curates content and the increasing prevalence of economically motivated ragemongers have made it far less useful for that. But even as X has become less reliable in some respects, it remains the de facto online hub for real-time news on fast-moving crises, said Isabelle Frances-Wright, director of technology and society at the nonprofit Institute for Strategic Dialogue. Thats thanks in part to pullbacks from news and politics by rivals Meta and TikTok and the declining influence of mainstream media. So when the discourse on X revolves around blaming certain groups for natural disasters, that can have a real impact on public perception. Loading A lot of people who are generally disconnected from civic or public events, the time when they tune in is around these major crises, Frances-Wright said. So the way these events are framed, particularly when framed around the broader failings of politicians or political parties, can really shape peoples view of the country longer-term. The Washington Post
Los Angeles: Many watched their homes burn on television in a state of shock.

Now four days since the flames erupted in and around Los Angeles, many residents have returned to their still smouldering neighbourhoods even as the threat of new fires persisted and the nations second-largest city remained unsettled. For some it was a first look at the staggering reality of what was lost as the region grapples with the gargantuan challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.

Metropolitan LA and its 13 million residents, who havent seen rain in more than eight months, woke up on Friday to another day of strong winds that later eased, enabling firefighters to start gaining some control of the biggest blazes.

Luke Dexter among the remains of his fathers fire-ravaged Malibu beachfront property in the aftermath of the Palisades fire. Credit: AP

Bridget Berg, who was at work when she saw on TV her house in Altadena erupt in flames, came back for the first time with her family just to make it real.
Washington: New areas of Los Angeles and surrounds are being evacuated as fire crews battle to contain the most destructive blaze in the citys history, which was spreading quickly despite a lull in the winds.

The Palisades fire, which had already burnt through more than 8500 hectares, was threatening hillside homes in Encino in the San Fernando Valley  the opposite side of the mountains from the Pacific Palisades, which was ravaged earlier in the week.

Evacuation orders were issued for parts of Encino, as well as Crestwood Hills and Brentwood. Further away from the hills, evacuation warnings were in place up to Ventura Boulevard to the north, Sunset Boulevard to the south and Bel Air in the east.

News networks broadcast footage of police controlling traffic on major roads out of the evacuation zones as a steady stream of vehicles headed towards shelters. People are just completely freaked out, the neighbourhood council president, Josh Sautter, told The New York Times. Theres cars leaving everywhere on our block.
From left, Chyanne Chen, her daughter, Mayor Daniel Lurie, Connie Chan and her son pose for a photo at Far East Cafe in San Francisco on Friday. The Chinatown banquet celebrated the District 1 reelection of Chan and the District 11 election of Chen. Emily Steinberger/Special to the Chronicle Connie Chan, right, addresses guests at Far East Cafe in San Francisco on Friday. The Chinatown banquet celebrated the victories of Chan and Chyanne Chen in races for seats on the Board of Supervisors. Emily Steinberger/Special to the Chronicle Guests wave to Supervisor Connie Chan, not pictured, at Far East Cafe in San Francisco on Friday during a banquet in Chinatown. Emily Steinberger/Special to the Chronicle Former Supervisor Aaron Peskin speaks to the crowd at Far East Cafe in San Francisco on Friday. The Chinatown banquet celebrated election results that saw Connie Chan and Chyanne Chen win races for seats on the Board of Supervisors. Emily Steinberger/Special to the Chronicle Chyanne Chen listens as Mayor Daniel Lurie, not pictured, speaks to guests at Far East Cafe in San Francisco on Friday. Emily Steinberger/Special to the Chronicle

At a Chinatown banquet on Friday night, San Francisco Supervisors Connie Chan and Chyanne Chen paid tribute to a constituency that was instrumental in making them the only two Chinese American supervisors on the 11-person board in a city where almost a fifth of the population is of Chinese descent.

Both were elected on narrow margins in contentious races that saw public safety top of mind for voters, especially Asian American voters. Even as Chan and Chen drew adulation Friday night in the neighborhood that raised them, they now face the task of uniting the citys politically diverse and increasingly active Asian American communities, including those that didnt support them.

Were not monolithic in our political views, Chan, who grew up in Chinatown after immigrating as a teen from Hong Kong with her family, said in a speech at the banquet. Please look around and know that were diverse and lets not forget that.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The newly-sworn-in board will have three Asian American representatives in total: Chan, Chen and Bilal Mahmood, the newly elected supervisor of District 5 whose parents immigrated from Pakistan.

Connie Chan, left, and Chyanne Chen, right, pose for a photo at Far East Cafe in San Francisco on Friday. The Chinatown banquet celebrated their victories in races for supervisor seats in San Francisco. Emily Steinberger/Special to the Chronicle

David Ho, a Chinatown-based political consultant, told the Chronicle at the celebrations that he hopes the citys Chinese American political leaders and advocates can join forces with Mahmood, the South Asian American community and broader AAPI communities to accentuate their voices. He said that the communitys politics are still not as inclusive as they should be.

We want to have pan-Asian solidarity and not just a Chinese-centric conversation, Ho said.

Asian American political representation in San Francisco, which is 37% Asian and 22% Chinese, has fluctuated in the past decade. In 2014, the 11-member Board of Supervisors had five Asian American members as well as Mayor Ed Lee, the citys first Chinese American mayor. Last year, the board had only one: Chan.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Chan, whose district has a significant Chinese population, said that gaining even just one seat for a Chinese American representative is significant.

Nancy Siu, left, and Patty Deng, right, raise their glasses in honor of supervisors Connie Chan and Chyanne Chen at Far East Cafe in San Francisco on Friday. The Chinatown banquet celebrated District 1 reelected supervisor Connie Chan and District 11 supervisor-elect Chyanne Chen, both of whom were elected by the slimmest of margins. They now are the only Chinese and Asian American supervisors in San Francisco. Emily Steinberger/Special to the Chronicle

Is it enough? No, she said before the celebrations. We need to continue to strive for representation of the AAPI community not just on the Board of Supervisors but across elected and appointed leadership.

The reasons behind the decline are complex and reflect an ideological misalignment between the citys Asian American political candidates, who historically lean progressive, and residents, who tend to be moderate and have become more politically involved in recent years.

That schism culminated in the ousting of District 4 Supervisor Gordon Mar in 2022, when the progressive incumbent was defeated by the more moderate Joel Engardio in the majority-Asian district that encompasses the Outer Sunset District.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Progressive politics was front and center at Fridays celebration, with progressive former Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin tying Chan and Chens electoral victories to what he considered the end of a billionaire-backed moderate political group, TogetherSF.

Chyanne Chen, third from right, takes a photo with guests at Far East Cafe in San Francisco on Friday during a Chinatown banquet. Emily Steinberger/Special to the Chronicle

The group announced Friday it was merging with a similar group, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco. The two groups leaders are married to each other. TogetherSF had backed Chan and Chens moderate opponents in last years election and opposed Chan.

This is a great day because this is the day that the organization that was harassing (Chan and Chen), the organization that was engaging in toxic politics, no longer exists, Peskin said. The reason TogetherSF went away today  is because money does not buy love, money does not buy brains, money does not buy elections.

The Chronicle has reached out to Jay Cheng, the Neighbors executive director who will lead the merged organization, for comment.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

During the heated District 1 race last year, the Neighbors group paid for two billboards in the Richmond District that criticized Chans public safety record.

Guests hold hands and sway to a performance by saxophonist Francis Wong and San Francisco Poet Laureate Genny Lim at Far East Cafe in San Francisco on Friday during a banquet in Chinatown that celebrated victories by Connie Chan and Chyanne Chen in races for seats on the Board of Supervisors. Emily Steinberger/Special to the Chronicle

Cheng said the merger is intended to align two groups that have a lot of overlap. Cheng also said the city was in a new era with leadership under moderate Mayor Daniel Lurie and the new Board of Supervisors shift to the center.

Yi Hung Huang, president of the Chinatown-based Community Tenants Association, touted in a speech at the banquet Chan and Chens working-class roots and experience as working moms.

They understand the struggle of low income individuals like (those in the) Community Tenants Association, Huang said in Cantonese through a translator.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

People rush to take photos of the group of elected officials at Far East Cafe in San Francisco on Friday. The Chinatown banquet celebrated victories by Connie Chan and Chyanne Chen to seats on the Board of Supervisors. Emily Steinberger/Special to the Chronicle

Progressives are outnumbered on the new board by their moderate colleagues.

Chen, a former union organizer, and Chan, a former community organizer, have downplayed their progressive labels, saying instead that they prioritize pragmatic policy-making.

I want to quote my mentor, Aaron Peskin, who often reminds me there are no progressive or moderate potholes, said Chan, referencing one of the boards most progressive members, who lost his 2024 mayoral bid. Its straightforward. We just have to deliver for the AAPI community.

Connie Chan waves to guests at Far East Cafe in San Francisco on Friday. The Chinatown banquet celebrated wins by Chan and Chyanne Chen in races for seats on the Board of Supervisors. Emily Steinberger/Special to the Chronicle

In her second term, Chan said her top priority is addressing the citys looming budget deficit. She also vowed to increase police patrols, graffiti removal and curb illegal dumping in the Richmond District, where residents last year were alarmed over a rise in home break-ins as well as the fatal 2023 beating of a local shopkeeper. That said, the Richmond District remains one of the citys safest areas.

The first-ever Asian American supervisor in District 11, Chen won her seat by 198 votes against her leading opponent, Michael Lai, a day care business founder who was part of the centrist slate that took over the powerful local Democratic committee this March.
Chandler Tang, left, at her store post.script. in San Franciscos Pacific Heights neighborhood. Right, Gina Peterson inside her Postscript cafe and food market in San Franciscos Jackson Square area. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Chandler Tang always loved writing letters, which inspired the name of her San Francisco store post.script. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Olive oil and spices for sale at Postscript cafe and food market in San Francisco. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Early last year, after her Lower Pacific Heights gift shop was hit by back-to-back shoplifting incidents, post.script. owner Chandler Tang posted a video on TikTok to document the theft. In a city where business owners often complain about unregulated crime, her video went viral.

But, along with messages from sympathetic customers, the newfound notoriety brought with it a flurry of comments and questions that she found baffling, and eventually concerning.

Do you have the smoothies? One Tik Tok user posted in November. Its a strange question, considering her 5-year-old shop sells only gifts and stationery goods.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Throughout the year, she was tagged in posts and videos about juices, artisan coffee and more. And the queries went beyond social media. Tang said shes been inundated by calls asking about her assortment of pastries and salad deliveries, which dont exist. When a milk delivery arrived at the gift shops door, she realized that she was dealing with something beyond the understood frustrations of being a small business owner in San Francisco: a case of mistaken identity.

Postscript cafe and food market in San Francisco was opened by Gina Peterson, who said, P.S. on letters means an afterthought. This (business) is our P.S. to the city to say, Thank you, we love you, and were here. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

The confusion, according to Tang, stems from a new business that launched in another part of town with an almost identical name: Postscript. That venture is an upscale coffee shop, specialty grocer and juicery combo that opened roughly 1 years ago at 499 Jackson St., in the Jackson Square neighborhood.

The problem shows how an unexpected issue can challenge two innovative, female-led businesses working to improve their communities.

We really wanted to do something that was leaning into the neighborhood. This was our love letter to the city, and everything that it actually has given us as young professionals coming to San Francisco to start a career, said Postscript owner Gina Peterson, adding that this sentiment is what inspired the name of her business. P.S. on letters means an afterthought. This (business) is our P.S. to the city to say, Thank you, we love you, and were here.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

When Peterson launched her Jackson Square shop in the summer of 2023, it came as welcome addition to the coveted Jackson Square neighborhood on the edge of the citys Financial District, which, despite downtowns dire commercial vacancy issues, has emerged as a hot spot, in recent years drawing artificial intelligence startups, law and design firms and venture capitalists.

Postscript cafe and food market in San Francisco is an upscale coffee shop and specialty grocer and juicery combo. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

A block over from Postscript, New York real estate investor Michael Shvo recently completed a major renovation of the iconic Transamerica Pyramid, which he hopes to reposition for tenants seeking high-end office space. On the other side of Jackson Street, famed iPhone designer Jony Ive has purchased multiple properties to house his design collective, Lovefrom.

The area has seen a resurgence of high-end retailers with the arrival of Polo Ralph Lauren and Paul Smith; and a new owner is infusing fresh life into a decades-old gem in the neighborhood, the Williams Stout Architectural bookstore.

Artis Ventures, a venture capital firm that funds companies delivering artificial intelligence to biology and health care and is headed by Petersons husband, Stuart Peterson, is in the same building as Postscript. Despite reports that the firm provided funding for the coffee venture, Peterson said Artis is not an investor in the business.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

With her shop, Peterson hopes to offer a communal space to the neighborhoods flourishing business ecosystem while tapping into the recent momentum.

Andy Rose Gonzales, left, and Jose Rodriguez make coffee for customers at the Postscript cafe and food market in Jackson Square. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Postscripts coffee shop component, a sleek and modern space, is anchored by a Loring roaster and features a modular espresso machine system that is somewhat hidden behind floor-to-ceiling shelves that separate the space from the market at the front of the store.

Peterson has trademarked her in-house coffee roasting operation, which she says pays homage to San Franciscos rich history as a coffee frontier. Postscript supplies wholesale coffee beans to a list of local restaurants like Quince and Lux Provisions.

Postscript states its ethos on its website: All to see, nothing to hide. Its products are sourced from local partners with a focus on sustainability, community impact and transparency.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Owner Chandler Tang opened her store post.script. in Pacific Heights after she left a job in the fashion industry. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

But Tang questioned some of those values. From her vantage point, shes locked in a battle for survival with a well-funded competitor, a fight that she said often doesnt end well for independent shops like mine.

"Their resources are simply too vast to make it a fair fight," Tang said.

A few years ago, Tang trademarked her post.script. retail business and certain categories of retail goods and brands like clothing, greeting cards, candles, books and home goods that she alleges have also been sold at Postscript in Jackson Square.

I saw these categories at their business, and we have a very, very similar name, and theres already been confusion, and so I was really alarmed, Tang said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The post.script. store in San Francisco sells stationery and other assorted items. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Tang is a third-generation immigrant who grew up in San Francisco and comes from a family of small business owners. She studied art history at UC Berkeley and worked a corporate job in the fashion and beauty industry, but she wanted to create her own store that she could curate. And Tang has always loved letter writing, which is how she landed on the name for her shop.

The stretch of Pacific Heights where her shop is located has fared better than many of the citys other commercial corridors in the wake of the pandemic, but there have been losses: Last year, a 45-year-old restaurant located two blocks up from Tangs gift shop closed its doors after its building sold to an investor with a new vision for the area. The long-shuttered Clay Theater on Fillmore Street adds to the areas list of vacancies, though new businesses have been promised.

Tang aims to add a splash of color and uniquely San Francisco flair to the citys shopping scene, showcasing independent brands and artists.

The bowls at Postscript cafe and food market in San Franciscos Jackson Square neighborhood. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

A lot of the stores that I grew up going to arent here anymore. I really wanted to bring back a unique small business to the neighborhood, Tang said. I love the neighborhood and am invested.

Opening post.script. a few months before the pandemic was tough, but the business managed to survive. In recent years, her shop was repeatedly hit by shoplifting and vandalism, forcing her to install a security gate and cameras.

Distinguishing her shop from Petersons has become her latest battleground.

With the help of an attorney, Tang sent cease and desist letters to Peterson last year, requesting that she stop selling the trademarked items, and said that an agreement has been reached on some, but not all.

Items for sale at the post.script. store in Pacific Heights. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

San Francisco trademark attorney Adam Bell said that a federal trademark registration gives a business the exclusive right to use the registered trademark in conjunction with selling the trademarked goods and services.

Other people who use the same or a similar mark to do the same thing are infringing and may be liable to substantial damages and attorneys costs, he said. Trademark laws (the Lanham Act) also prohibit registration of any marks that have a likelihood of confusion  this is the key standard  with an existing one.

Bell does not represent either business, but said that trademark disputes can be complicated and expensive, as they involve both "federal and common law issues." He said the issues between the businesses could potentially be sorted out with a "simple co-existence agreement and by some careful indexing and SEO," or search engine optimization.

Andy Rose Gonzales tops off a customers drink at Postscript cafe and food market in San Francisco. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Peterson said that she is aware of Tangs concerns and that their legal teams are addressing the situation. She declined further comment.

Despite the physical distance between the two businesses, Peterson said she faces some of the same struggles as Tang does in Pacific Heights.

We have a lot of loss and shrinkage, because people come in and steal, and theres nothing that I can ask my employees to do, she said, adding that the neighborhood is still evolving and becomes quiet in the afternoon hours, when everybody is going home.
Tom Tuite

A young Dublin man has been denied bail after being accused of striking another male from behind with a hurley several times, causing severe head injuries during a feud-related attack.

Andrew Thomas, 18, of Wad River Close, Ballymun, appeared at Dublin District Court on Saturday, charged with assault causing harm at the AppleGreen shop on Swords Road in Santry, north Dublin on September 28th last year.

He was also charged with possessing a knife as a weapon during an incident at St Mary's Abbey in Dublin 7 on September 20th 2024.

He faced court after investigating gardai spent months searching for him, believing the teenager had "gone to ground" and may have left the country.

However, Mr Thomas was spotted and arrested at Dublin Airport on Friday while getting a haircut.

Judge Treasa Kelly refused bail and remanded him in custody.

Garda Sean Clyde alleged the incidents were connected to an ongoing feud, which has already involved gun attacks on the accused and his home.

He stated that during the assault, the injured party was at the till area when he was attacked from behind by the accused. The officer maintained, "Mr Thomas struck the man with a hurley on three occasions to his head."

A contested bail hearing revealed claims that the male sustained severe injuries, including a broken nose and swelling to his right eye.

It was alleged the attacker, wearing a black ski mask, took 20 from him, and fled. The court heard that gardai recovered an identical ski mask two days later during a search of the defendant's address.

Garda Clyde maintained that the accused also got involved in an altercation at St Mary's Abbey.

Youths were verbally abusive to each other, and it was claimed the accused produced a knife, and a more serious charge could arise from that incident.

The court heard there were independent witnesses and CCTV evidence.

Mr Thomas's passport had been seized earlier.

However, Garda Clyde suggested the accused "disappeared" and was gone for three months after the violent incident in the Applegreen shop.

The officer believed he could have left the country by ferry.

He said the accused had been in a feud with another individual in Ballymun, which had caused serious concerns, and it was maintained that shots were fired at his home and the accused himself had once been shot in the arm.

The garda feared there would be more incidents and that "members of the public could be dragged into this".

Defence solicitor Edward Bradbury highlighted that his client had no prior convictions.

In cross-examination, the garda agreed that Mr Thomas did not have a passport or a ticket on him when found at the airport, and "there was nothing to suggest he was going anywhere".

He also acknowledged that the accused had been identified solely by gardai, not by external witnesses.

Pleading for bail, Mr Bradbury asked the judge to consider his client's young age, he had just turned 18, and that there was no evidence of drug addiction.

The accused, who did not address the proceedings, was supported in court by family members.

His solicitor emphasised that his client had the presumption of innocence and he argued that the court could set bail with specific conditions.

However, the application for bail was denied, and Judge Kelly remanded the teenager in custody.

He is scheduled to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Friday via video link. Legal aid was granted.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

A man has appeared in court charged with the shooting of an off-duty police officer in Northern Ireland.

Kyle Knell, with an address at Tynan Drive in Newtownabbey, was brought before Belfast Magistrates Court on Saturday.

The 29-year-old was charged with nine offences including the attempted murder of the off-duty officer on the Beverley Road area of Newtownabbey at around 9.30pm on Monday.

The court heard the officer was currently considered vulnerable because of his injuries.

The other charges included unlawfully imprisoning and assaulting another man, the assault of a woman, and the possession of a Glock 17 and ammunition with intent to endanger life or serious injury to property or to enable another person to endanger life or serious injury to property.

He was further charged with the possession a loaded firearm while drunk or under the influence of drugs, the theft of a Glock 17 magazine and ammunition which belonged to the PSNI, and trespassing at another address in Newtownabbey with a firearm.

Wearing a grey T-shirt and grey sweatpants, Mr Knell spoke only to confirm he understood the charges.

A PSNI officer told the court that he was able to connect Mr Knell to the charges.

The officer confirmed that it was fair to say that it was not a targeted attack and that there was no evidence that the incident was pre-planned.

There was no application for bail.

Under application, the court ordered an article 51 inquiry into Mr Knells mental or physical condition.

Legal aid was also granted and the matter was to return to court on February 6, with the possibility of that date being brought forward.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Greens will return to Government in the future, party leader Roderic OGorman has predicted despite a disastrous General Election result.

Mr OGorman told his annual party convention at the Castleknock Hotel in Dublin on Saturday that the Greens had a very successful period in government but acknowledged the subsequent hugely disappointing election result.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are in the process of forming a new government without the Greens, with the parties expected to rely on several independents to secure a stable majority.

Mr OGorman, the outgoing childrens minister, revealed to the convention that he had assured his erstwhile coalition partners that he was going to be a bollocks in opposition.

I know what questions ministers fear and Ill be asking those questions and holding the government to account across a broad range of areas.

He was returned as the partys only TD following a near wipeout in the General Election. The party is now in the middle of a campaign for the upcoming Seanad elections.

Senior party figures were buoyed by the attendance at Saturdays convention as they noted that Greens had recovered from catastrophic election results in the past, with one official noting that the conference was being held in the Phoenix Room of the hotel.

The Greens lost all their Dail seats in the 2011 election, before climbing to a high of 12 seats in 2020.

Mr OGorman, who was chairman of the party between 2011 and 2019, said the party could rebuild again.

Speaking during his first leaders speech at the convention, he tried to paint an optimistic picture of the party while being realistic about the near-term future.

The next number of years are going to be challenging. Were going to have significantly fewer resources, less staff, much less money, and were going to find it harder to get our message across.

However, he said his key message was: We know how to do this. Weve done this before, and weve done it from a far more challenging position.

Mr OGorman expressed concern that the next Government would be scared of tackling difficult issues, retreat from social policy, see climate action watered down.

He said there was a risk that the conservative politicians would be focused on implementing a patchwork of local deals rather than looking for the national interest.

He said he was really worried about anti-climate independents being included in formation talks.

Mr OGorman also took aim at Labour and Social Democrats for not using their higher seat count as leverage and entering into Government.

The speed with which these parties have dropped the mandate that they were given by the electorate is genuinely shocking.

I have to ask, what is the point in chasing the vote if youre afraid to do anything with it.

Mr OGorman said there was always a risk for smaller parties in coalitions but cautioned: The alternative were about to witness here in our country now is to cede power to the ultimate status quo arrangement: Fianna Fail and Fine Gael propped up by a group of independents  who all used to be in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

He was among party figures who said the Greens must be prepared to repeat that risk again and spend political capital to enter into Government, even if it results in a boom and bust cycle for Dail seats.

Deputy leader Roisin Garvey told the Green convention that one of the lessons from the election was that the party needed to stop being so bloody nice.

Weve nothing to apologise for, nothing. we are on the right side of history because the climate is absolutely screwed.

She added: We have to have balls. Okay, this is what happens if you dont have balls, we get annihilated.

Ms Garvey also said that if the climate was important to Labour and the Social Democrats, they would have entered into government.

The convention has invited intense introspection for the party, with some members even proposing the removal of the role of cathaoirleach.

The position is currently occupied by outgoing senator and the partys director of elections Pauline OReilly.

Asked about her reflections on the election, Ms OReilly said the partys challenges date back years to a negative reaction to the Greens in Government.

I dont think we ever kind of recovered from that. And I think thats going to be the challenge for us now over the next few years, tackle that earlier, tackle that more head on.

Senior party figures stressed that there was only a percentage point difference of 1.7% between the Greens and Labour, while the latter secured 10 more seats.

Mr OGorman said: Those margins mean a lot, and because of the particular position we were in coming out of government  those margins, we were punished there.

The Green Party is obliged to hold leadership elections within six months of the appointment of a taoiseach.

Asked if he felt safe, Mr OGorman said: Its obviously open to anyone to contest the leadership, but Ill certainly be putting my name forward.

Ms Garvey interjected: There mightnt be a challenge.
Longtime Dreamworks Animation collaborator Conrad Vernon has returned to the studio to direct Universal/Dreamworks Animations Shrek 5 alongside previously-announced Walt Dohrn, who remains onboard as director.

Along with todays directorial news, the studio announced that the films release is being pushed back from July 1, 2026, to Wednesday, December 23, 2026. Another Universal animated feature, Minions 3, which had been planned for summer 2027, will now move into Shreks summer 2026 date.

Vernon was a member of the directing team on Shrek 2, and most recently directed The Addams Family 2 and The Addams Family. His other directing credits include Sausage Party, Monsters vs. Aliens, and Madagascar 3: Europes Most Wanted. He is also the voice of the Gingerbread Man in the Shrek universe.

As announced earlier, Brad Abelson, co-director of Minions: The Rise of Gru, will co-direct the film.

Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri will produce the film. Shay is a Dreamworks vet who produced Shrek Forever After, while Meledandri is the founder of Illumination, makers of Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
New data from TomTom suggests that it takes nearly 26 minutes, on average, to drive 6 miles in San Francisco. Benjamin Fanjoy/The Chronicle

Traffic is rebounding as San Francisco workers continue their return to the office, and new studies show what many drivers would say through gritted teeth: that commutes to the city have become perceptibly slower.

But its not bad enough to lure people out of their cars.

Im still good, said Mark Nicolas, a commuter from San Bruno who was paying for parking in a Mission Street garage Thursday evening. Like other motorists who spoke with the Chronicle, Nicolas said he has experienced the sit-and-wait game of rush hour, and flirted with the idea of taking BART, only to dismiss it. He hasnt yet reached that point.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Recently I was thinking about taking BART, he said. Then I thought about the fares, and the homeless situation, and all the horror stories Ive heard and, nah.

New data published by the Dutch technology company TomTom seems to reflect the mindset of Bay Area drivers who flood into downtown San Francisco each day. As the pandemic receded, commuting steadily increased on roads and freeways, though never quite becoming the hell people endured in prior years.

TomToms report depicts the uptick in stark numbers. Last year, it took nearly 26 minutes, on average, to drive 6 miles in what the company describes as the San Francisco metro areas city center, or the top 20th percentile of car trip density. The only U.S. city with a higher traffic time was New York.

Loading...

All that time adds up. The average motorist fritters away 81 hours per year  or two full work weeks  in rush hour jams.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Still, transportation officials who hoped the citys economic recovery would pack BART and Muni say ridership has fallen short. Muni is inching back, with weekday boardings in December at roughly 70% of 2019 levels. Downtown BART exits are at about a third of what the agency logged in 2019.

The value calculation hasnt shifted enough, said John Goodwin, spokesperson for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

Some observers see the return of traffic as a good omen. It means people are going to work, shopping at downtown stores, eating at restaurants.

Every month, more and more people are coming back to San Francisco, said Nick Josefowitz, the commissions acting chair. And we need to keep accelerating that trend, he added.

Unperturbed by the surge in vehicles on roads and freeways, Josefowitz warned that the real traffic apocalypse will come if we start to see service cuts on BART and Muni, which are facing financial instability that could lead to death spirals.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Emily Loper, vice president of public policy at the Bay Area Council business association, said she isnt surprised to see drive times slowing down. In large part, she said, TomToms San Francisco data squares with the new return-to-office requirements that many Bay Area employers have adopted.

Looking at this highway congestion data, it just reinforces the need to provide many commuter alternatives for people, Loper said. It also reinforces the work the Bay Area Council is doing to make transit as safe, clean, reliable and comfortable as possible, so that its a preferred alternative to sitting in traffic on a road.

A handful of policymakers and advocates want to revive the push for congestion pricing in San Francisco following a rollout in New York City this week. The calculus is simple. Motorists pay a fee to drive downtown, generating revenue for bus and train infrastructure. As transit becomes more attractive, and driving more expensive and miserable, the scales eventually tip, supporters say.

When that will happen is an open question. At this stage of the downtown recovery its still easy and convenient to drive. Workers say theyre able to contort their schedules to avoid rush hour. Parking fees, choked freeways, and $8 bridge tolls havent scared motorists away. Meanwhile, complaints about cleanliness and safety have steered people away from BART, and AC Transit has reduced transbay bus service, making it more difficult for riders to commute from the East Bay.

For people who grew accustomed to driving during the pandemic, that habit is hard to break.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Back in the days when traffic was really bad, I used to bike and take BART, Nicolas said, noting that he switched to driving before pandemic lockdowns took hold. BART raised fares and he bought a Tesla, which granted discounts to freeway express lanes  a perk that could end this year.

I tend to adjust, he said.

Drivers are keenly aware of any moderate rise in traffic, and quick to complain about it. On social media, San Franciscans blame gridlock on the closure of major arteries, including John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park, soon to be followed by the Great Highway. Some worry about the loss of more parking spaces in the city, or whether ride-hail vehicles  including self-driving cars  are snarling the roads.

Whatever the cause, San Franciscos increased congestion hasnt discouraged Ema Glowaski from driving downtown from the inner Sunset  a trip that took 45 minutes Thursday morning, she said.

No one likes a crowded bus or train, Glowaski explained before heading to her car in the Fifth and Mission Street parking structure. Asked what it would take to nudge her over to transit, she paused for 10 seconds, then conceded that she didnt know.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Other drivers expressed mounting frustration, suggesting that traffic may one day become untenable.

Its horrible, said Anne Evans, who drove three friends from the South Bay to San Francisco on Thursday morning, and was heading back that afternoon.

Bracing for the trip home, Evans couldnt help but wince.
Recently, amid a deluge of last-minute political medals issued by the departing Biden administration, there were seven that were not presidential awards, and they stood far above and beyond the others. Those seven were Medal of Honor recipients, and it was disgraceful to lump them in with the other award ceremonies as if they were commensurate with the 47 presidential medals dolled out by Joe Biden.

Today, I am profiling four of those Medal of Honor recipients, all posthumously awarded to Veterans of the Korean War. Profiles of the others will follow.

As I have noted before regarding long delays between service rendered and recognized, to a person, these men are, first and foremost, humble soldiers  warrior bravado over good whiskey and cigars notwithstanding. Inherent in their willingness to lay down ones life for his friends is the ultimate expression of humility, valuing the lives of others above ones own. Thus, it is not in their nature to advocate for their own recognition. It falls to others, often many decades later, mostly those with whom they served, to advocate for upgrading their fellow warriors prior awards to a Medal of Honor.

I invite you to take a moment and honor these four recipients by reading the citations detailing their service and pausing to pray for the families they have left behind.

Bruno R. Orig was from Honolulu, Hawaii  one of eight children raised by their parents, Gregoria and Hilario Orig. His parents had emigrated from the Philippines. Bruno graduated from Farrington High School in 1949 and enlisted in the Army in August 1950.

His citation notes:

"Private Bruno R. Orig distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea, on February 15, 1951. While returning from a wire laying mission, Private Orig observed a number of his comrades who had been wounded in a fierce enemy attack that was still in progress. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private Orig went to the aid of these men and remained in an exposed position in order to administer first aid to them. With the assistance of several comrades from the company command post, Private Orig began removing the wounded to a place of safety. While returning from one of these trips, Private Orig noticed that all except one man of a machine-gun crew had been wounded. Without hesitation, he volunteered to man the weapon. Remaining in this position, Private Orig placed such effective fire on the enemy that a withdrawing friendly platoon was able to move back without a single casualty. Private Orig continued to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy until the company positions were overrun. Later that day, when the lost ground was recaptured, Private Orig was found dead beside his weapon and the area in front of his gun was littered with enemy dead. Private Origs extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Wataru Nakamura was from Los Angeles, California, the second of seven children. After his high school graduation, he worked in a relatives business until 1942, when Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 requiring Japanese Americans to live in internment camps. He and his family were relocated to a camp in Rohwer, Arkansas. In 1944, he enlisted in the Army and initially served with Company K, 442nd Infantry Regiment, in Europe during World War II. He left the Service after being honorably discharged but was recalled to active duty in 1950 at the beginning of the Korean War.

His citation notes:

"Private First Class Wataru Nakamura distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in the vicinity of P'ungch'on-ni, Korea on May 18, 1951. At about daybreak of that date, Private First Class Nakamura volunteered to check and repair a communications line between his platoon and the command post. As he made his way along the line in the early morning half-light, he was brought under fire by an enemy force that had surrounded friendly positions and were threatening to break the company defense lines. Immediately, without regard for his own safety and without waiting for help, Private First Class Nakamura rushed the enemy with fixed bayonet engaged. Singlehandedly he attacked and destroyed a hostile machine-gun nest and drove the enemy from several of the bunkers they had captured. When his ammunition was depleted, he withdrew under intense enemy fire. Then he met an ammunition party ascending the hill. Quickly briefing the officer in charge, Private First Class Nakamura rearmed himself and, covered by the fire of the officer and two comrades, returned to the attack. In a fierce charge he killed three of the enemy in one bunker, and killed and seriously wounded another in the last enemy-held bunker. Continuing to press the attack, he fell mortally wounded by an enemy grenade. Private First Class Nakamuras extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Fred B. McGee was born in Steubenville, Ohio. He was the sixth of eight children raised by his parents, Spanish and Perrie McGee. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 1951.

His citation notes:

"Corporal Fred B. McGee distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea, on June 16, 1952, in an assault on enemy fortified positions. As gunner on a light machine gun in a weapons squad, Corporal McGee delivered a heavy volume of supporting fire from an exposed position despite intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire directly on his location. Though forced to move his gun several times, he continued to support the assault and give covering fire to the assault elements of his platoon. When his squad leader was wounded, together with several other members of his squad, he assumed command and moved the squad even farther forward to a more exposed position in order to deliver neutralizing fire on an enemy machine gun sweeping the other assault platoon with deadly flanking fire. When his machine gunner was mortally wounded, he again took over the gun. On order, he directed his squad to withdraw and voluntarily remained behind to help evacuate the wounded and dead. Though wounded in the face, he heroically exposed himself by standing straight up in intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire while attempting to evacuate the body of the company runner. Forced to abandon the body, he aided a wounded man to be moved to the rear and safely through a huge volume of enemy mortar and artillery fire. The gallantry displayed by Corporal McGee reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service."

Charles R. Johnson was born in Millbrook, New York, to Robert and Pearl Johnson. He was the third of six children, and his nickname was Buddy. He was a great athlete and student. He attended Howard University for one semester in 1951 and, in 1952, was drafted into the Army. He deployed to South Korea as a Browning automatic rifleman.

His citation notes:

"Private First Class Charles R. Johnson distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity beyond the call of duty while defending Outpost Harry, against overwhelming odds, and making the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of his comrades in the Republic of Korea during the period of June 11, 1953 to June 12, 1953. Private First Class Johnson was serving as a Browning Automatic Rifleman with Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Chinese forces attacked his unit during a massive nighttime assault. During the ensuing battle, overwhelming numbers of Chinese troops assaulted the trenches and bunkers defended by Private First Class Johnson and his squad. Private First Class Johnson, wounded from a direct artillery hit on his bunker and subsequently from a hand grenade thrown inside the bunker, at the personal disregard for his injuries, administered first aid to those more seriously injured. Understanding the seriousness of the situation and being under direct fire from the enemy, Private First Class Johnson personally dragged a wounded soldier to the safety of a secure bunker, stopping intermittently to aid injured soldiers and kill several enemy troops in hand-to-hand combat. Departing the safety of the second bunker, he conducted a search for weapons and ammunition then returned to rearm everyone. Recognizing their untenable situation and disregarding his personal safety, he exited the bunker, placing himself between the enemy and his injured comrades, informing them he would hold off the enemy forces as best as he could. His brave and selfless efforts were directly attributed to saving the lives of as many as ten soldiers. Private First Class Johnsons extraordinary actions in close combat with the enemy, unyielding courage and bravery, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Bruno Orig, Wataru Nakamura, Fred B. McGee, and Charles Johnson: Your examples of valor  humble American Patriots defending Liberty for all above and beyond the call of duty, and in disregard for the peril to your own lives  is eternal.

"Greater love has no one than this, to lay down ones life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Live your life worthy of his sacrifice.

Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis

Pro Deo et Libertate -- 1776

Join us in daily prayer for our Patriots in uniform  Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen -- standing in harms way in defense of American Liberty, and for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

Please consider a tax-deductible gift to support our historic hometown National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. Make a check payable to NMoH Sustaining Fund and mail to: Patriot Foundation Trust, PO Box 407, Chattanooga, TN 37401-0407. Visit the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center at Aquarium Plaza. (https://www.MOHHC.org)
Photo Credit: Pexels/ Max Fischer

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a parental rights bill that allows students to be taken off campus for religious instruction. The law also mandates that schools must inform parents if their child seeks to identify as the opposite sex.

Known as House Bill 8, or the Parents Bill of Rights, the law was signed on Wednesday alongside various other legislative proposals.

The bill, primarily sponsored by Ohio Representatives D.J. Swearingen and Sara Carruthers, asserts that a parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent's child.

According to the bill, A school district board of education shall collaborate with a sponsoring entity of a released time course in religious instruction to identify a time to offer the course during the school day. It further states that while in attendance in a released time course in religious instruction, a student shall not be considered absent from school, and no student may be released from a core curriculum subject course to attend a religious instruction course.

HB 8 requires school districts to ensure that any sexuality content is age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate for the age of the student receiving the instruction.

The bill also prohibits schools from directly or indirectly encouraging a student to withhold from a parent information concerning the student's mental, emotional or physical health or well-being, or a change in related services or monitoring.

Aaron Baer, president of the Columbus-based Center for Christian Virtue, praised the signing of HB 8, stating that DeWine has done an incredible service for Ohio families. He asserted, Parents, not government bureaucrats, should be making healthcare and education decisions for their kids, adding that HB 8 protects children by safeguarding parents' rights to make important decisions for their children.

Conversely, progressive groups, including the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, condemned the legislation, referring to it as the Forced Outing Bill and the Unsafe Students Act.

The ACLU of Ohio claimed, House Bill 8 would restrict how so-called sexuality content can be taught in schools and would potentially put students safety at serious risk, particularly LGBTQ+ students, and eviscerate the trusted relationships between students and their teachers.

The Ohio Senate passed the bill with a vote of 24-7 last month, while the Ohio House voted 57-31 to concur with any changes made to the legislation.
Home News Mel Gibson talks Hollywood opposition to 'Passion of the Christ,' says Gospels are 'verifiable history'

Actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson went on the "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast, where he discussed his faith, the challenges of creating Christian-oriented films in Hollywood and why he believes Darwinian evolution is a flawed theory.

Best known for the Oscar-winning "Braveheart" and "The Passion of the Christ," Gibson, 69, discussed the challenges he faced in making 2004's "Passion," which became the highest-grossing R-rated film in U.S. history, raking in $370.8 million against its $30 million budget.

"There was a lot of opposition to it," said Gibson on the episode, which debuted Thursday. "I think if you ever hit on that subject matter, you're going to get people going because, of course, it's a big subject matter.

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 idea was that we're all responsible for this, that His sacrifice was for all mankind, and that for all our ills and all the things in our fallen nature," he added. "It was a redemption, so you know, and I believe that."

Rogan, a self-described agnostic who was raised Catholic, agreed with Gibson, saying he believes that Christianity, unlike other religions, is often subject to criticism, especially in secular Hollywood.

"Christianity is the one religion that you're allowed to disparage," he said, adding that while Hollywood is full of "progressive, open-minded leftist people" who might embrace various religions, Christianity, "for whatever reason that represents like white, male, colonialism, whatever it represents, it's negative."

Gibson, who at one point was named the "most powerful Christian in Hollywood," said despite facing such resistance, it was "an honor" to get the film made in the first place.

"I was born into a Catholic family. I'm very Christian in my beliefs," he said. "I do actually believe this stuff to the full."

When the topic of the veracity of the resurrection of Christ came up, Gibson said he considers the Gospels to be "verifiable history," pointing to extra-biblical historical accounts that confirm the existence of Jesus of Nazareth.

He also pointed out that all the apostles who spread the message of Christianity were willing to sacrifice their lives to spread the Gospel.

"Every single one of those guys died rather than deny their belief," said Gibson, adding that "nobody dies for a lie." The resurrection, however, remains the most challenging part of the story for many to accept, as it "requires the most faith and the most belief."

But, added Gibson, "Who gets back up three days later after he gets murdered in public? ... Buddha didn't do that."

When Rogan asked him about his views on evolution, Gibson was skeptical.

"I don't really go for it," he said. "Ice Age dinosaurs ... what did they turn into?"

While Gibson said he believes he "was created," he said he remains open to some form of natural micro-evolutionary processes like "gain of function," but within the framework of a larger "creation."

He also said he believes that the world has order and that "anything left to itself without some kind of intelligence behind it will devolve into chaos," implying a need for a "big intelligence" orchestrating everything.

Gibson said he sees humans as distinct from other creatures. "I think we have a soul," he said. "We're created with a soul."

After recording the episode of Rogan's podcast, Gibson said Thursday he learned his girlfriend and young son were evacuating their home to escape the raging Palisades Fire as he sat in Rogan's famous studio.

He made reference to the multiple wildfires burning through Southern California during the podcast.

"I think all our tax dollars probably went for [Gov. Gavin Newsom's] hair gel," Gibson told Rogan. "It's sad. The place is just on fire."

Gibson later said in a phone interview with News Nation that he was "ill at ease" during the podcast, adding, "I knew my neighborhood was on fire, so I thought, 'I wonder if my place is still there.'"
Home News Pastor AR Bernard resigns from NYCs Charter Revision Commission amid residency questions

The Rev. A. R. Bernard, leader of New York City's largest Evangelical church, the Christian Cultural Center, has resigned from the city's Charter Revision Commission following questions about his ability to meet the residency requirement to serve on the panel of leaders that help shape the city's government.

The New York City Charter "defines the organization, functions, and essential procedures and policies of" the city's government while charter revision commissions "are temporary commissions that review the entire Charter and put any proposals for its amendment before the voters," according to the city's website.

To legally serve on the commission, however, members must be residents of one of the city's five boroughs. Bernard, according to Board of Elections paperwork cited by the Daily News, is a registered Republican who lives in a six-bedroom home in Suffolk County, Long Island.

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

Responding to questions from the Daily News about whether Bernard had met the residency requirement to serve on the commission, Frank Dwyer, a spokesman for the commission, said Bernard had resigned.

"Reverend Bernard has informed the commission that he will be stepping down due to the time commitment that serving would require," Dwyer told the outlet. "The commission is grateful for his initial offer to serve. A suitable replacement will soon be named."

Bernard, 71, has been a key player in the city's development over the years.

In 2018, Bernard partnered with Gotham Organization to build 2,100 affordable apartments on his 37,000-member church's 10-acre parking lot next to Starrett City, the nation's largest federally subsidized apartment complex. The development, named "Innovative Urban Living," was initially set up to be a mixed-use community, with 13 buildings ranging from two to 17 stories. It was expected to include retail space, a daycare, a school, parking, a trade school and a public park.

A Constructive Dive report last summer said a development team had secured a $270 million construction loan to start phase 1A of the project, which will feature 376 affordable rental residences for individuals or families earning 30% to 80% of the area median income.

Phase 1A will also include some 17,000 square feet of retail and commercial space and 45,000 square feet of below-grade parking. An additional 441 affordable rental residences for individuals or families earning 30% to 80% of the area's median income will be added in Phase 1B, which was expected to start at the end of 2024.

"We are honored to be collaborating with our partners to fulfill our commitment to create a sustainable, mixed-income community in East New York," Bernard said of the progress in a news release. "This milestone speaks volumes to the belief in our vision as well as the community, and we couldn't be more excited to begin construction."
Home News Mark Vroegop selected as new president of The Gospel Coalition

The Gospel Coalition has announced that pastor and board member Mark Vroegop will become the third president of the popular Evangelical Christian ministry organization.

In an announcement on Friday afternoon, TGC Board Chairman Juan Sanchez explained that Vroegop was unanimously elected earlier in the day by the ministrys council.

Whats most exciting about Marks appointment is his deep love for the local church and his heart for pastors, stated Sanchez. Mark understands how to support and encourage pastors and other church leaders in advancing the Gospel and glorifying God.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

Vroegop has served as lead pastor of College Park Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, since 2008. He became a TGC Council member in 2018 and a board member in 2023.

He will officially assume the presidency on March 3. Vroegop will be replacing interim President Sandy Willson, pastor emeritus of Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, who took on the role in 2023 after TGC President Julius Kim ended his tenure.

Willson is pastor emeritus of Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, having served at the church as senior minister for 22 years. He had served two other churches as interim senior pastor.

The election of Vroegop comes a few months before TGC will celebrate its 20th anniversary at its April conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, which has the theme of Alive Together: Faithful Living in a Faithless Age.

According to his website, Vroegop graduated from Cedarville University with a bachelor of arts and later Cornerstone Theological Seminary with a masters in divinity. He previously served as the senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Holland, Michigan, from 1996-2008.

Vroegop has authored multiple books, including Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament, and Waiting Isnt a Waste. He is married with four children and two grandchildren.

Vroegop served as a trustee at Cedarville until July 2020, when he resigned in protest after the university reinstated President Thomas White who had hired someone for a faculty position with a known history of sexual abuse.

At the time, Vroegop had stated that the circumstances surrounding the hiring were "deeply troubling" and that the steps the trustees had taken were not sufficient given the findings of an independent report on the matter.

Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, had also resigned from the board of trustees in 2020 over the decision.
Home News Nearly 10K Nigerian Christians slaughtered in 2 years; thousands abducted or assaulted: report

Boko Haram militants shot Suzanne in the head as the Christian woman attended a field, murdering her father and robbing her of eyesight in an attack that exemplified the persistent violence impacting Nigerian people of faith in the last several years.

Nearly 10,000 Nigerian Christians (9,814) died at the hands of Boko Haram and other Islamic extremist groups between November 2022 and November 2024, according to the newly released 2025 Global Christian Relief Red List. The data for the Red List comes from the Violent Incidents Database maintained by GCR, a U.S.-based nonprofit monitoring Christian persecution worldwide.

Suzannes story, featured in the report, included a prayer for Christians in Nigeria, which advocates have warned for years have faced genocidal violence in a country marred by Islamic extremism, ethnic violence and crime.

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 Christian woman, who must now rely on her husband to be her eyes, prays that the Boko Haram militants who attacked her will come to accept Jesus one day.

"God, our hearts go out to the family members of those who have been senselessly killed," the GCR prayer reads. "Please shield Nigerian Christians like Suzanne from harm and comfort them in their loss."

"Cause Nigeria's politicians to enact policies that will protect believers from religious extremism," the prayer continued. "Stop the bloodshed and bring peace to the land. Amen."

GCR previously highlighted the woman's testimony in April 2024, with the persecuted Christian recounting the day that Boko Haram left her for dead. As the Red List report noted, despite losing her father and her vision due to the extremist group's actions, Suzanne forgave her attackers.

The Red List purports to be the "first-ever quantifiable and verifiable index exposing the top offenders of Christian persecution worldwide." GCR called attention to the 25 worst countries for Christian persecution across multiple categories, including killings, building attacks, arrests, displacements, and abductions and assaults. GCR ranked Nigeria in the top spot in the first and last categories in the report.

"Most of the killings are concentrated in the northern 'sharia' states, where Christians often live in remote villages in semi-arid landscapes, making them particularly vulnerable to attacks," the report stated.

"Despite government assurances that they will defeat the extremists, the violence continues to escalate. Nigeria's grim statistics are unmatched," the document continued.

In addition to Boko Haram, Nigerian Christians are targeted by Armed Fulani herdsmen and the Islamic State West Africa Province. The violent groups not only slaughter Christians but also create further feelings of terror and unrest by abducting people of faith.

Nigeria topped GCR's list in the abductions and assaults, with 9,311 taking place within the reporting period spanning November 2022 to 2024. The abductions often lead to ransom requests, which siphon wealth from Christian communities to fund organized crime, non-state militias and terrorist organizations.

Church leaders and pastors are frequent targets because a congregation can raise a large amount of money for their release. Young women are another kidnapping target, as many are snatched to be brides for jihadis.

GCR referred to the practice of kidnapping victims in Nigeria for ransom as a "terrible industry," citing the report's findings as evidence of "a clear and systemic attack designed to funnel money and women away from Christian communities."

Regarding the number of abductions, Nigeria exceeded the other countries on the list, including Mexico and Haiti, "by the thousands."

The Democratic Republic of the Congo saw the second most Christians killed during GCR's reporting period, 390, most of which came in the Kivu province plagued by Islamic militant groups like the Allied Democratic Forces.

Facing the rise of the Islamic State Mozambique, the southern African country saw 262 recorded deaths. At least 181 Christians were killed in Ethiopia, where converts often face violence in regions dominated by Islamic militants. Russia ranked fifth with 164 Christian deaths, mostly in the Muslim-majority Dagestan, where Muslim militants are waging war and targeting religious sites.

India, plagued by the rise of Hindu nationalism in the last decade, led the way with 4,949 attacks on Christian properties during the reporting period. Mozambique saw at least 1,600 homes destroyed by the Islamic State Mozambique, which claimed to have also destroyed 18 churches in three weeks.

Amid ongoing civil war, Myanmar ranked third in attacks on Christian properties (1,490). While ranking fourth on the list with over 1,200 recorded incidents, Ukraine saw the most attacks on churches amid the Russian invasion. Ethiopia saw over 488 instances of violence against Christian properties as Islamic militants have focused attacks on majority-Christian villages.

China led the way during the reporting period with 1,559 arrests of Christians. Eritrea ranked second with over 475 confirmed arrests, followed by Nicaragua with at least 226 arrests. Russia ranked fourth with 224 arrests, mostly of Evangelical Christians. Although North Korea had 208 confirmed arrests, the report states that the total is likely only a "fraction" of the overall total.

While Nigeria led the way with 9,311 recorded abductions and assaults, Mexico was second with 138 verified Christian disappearances in lawless regions. Amid the rise of organized crime and gangs, Haiti saw 101 reported incidents, which include busjackings and kidnapping of pastors from parishes and homes. Cameroon saw 83 incidents, including one incident in which 15 people were kidnapped and held for ransom while on the way to worship.

Across the globe, the report warns that Christian persecution has grown globally since 2014, driven by various influences, including Islamic extremism, Hindu nationalism, authoritarian regimes and government corruption.

"Working closely with our partners on the ground in these high-risk areas, we provide emergency aid, safe houses, and trauma counseling to Christians facing violent persecution," Brian Orme, the acting chief executive Global Christian Relief, said in a statement.

"Despite the intense challenges in places like Nigeria, China, and India, we continue to see remarkable resilience in these communities. Even in the darkest circumstances, the Church not only survives but grows strongermillions are choosing to follow Jesus despite knowing the risks they face."

The GCR report offered various solutions to address the issue of Christian persecution worldwide. For Nigeria, the advocacy group recommended that the president of the United States and the secretary of state designate the multinational state as a "Country of Particular Concern."

Nigeria held this designation in 2020 under the first Trump administration, which the Biden administration removed in 2021.

"In concert with this designation, the United States should apply targeted sanctions on Nigerian officials responsible for allowing the mass killing of Christians," GCR recommended.
Home News US troops must stay in Syria to maintain a 'foot on the throat of ISIS,' Austin warns

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has said American troops must remain in Syria to prevent the Islamic State from regaining a foothold, warning that pulling out prematurely would allow the terror group to reconstitute as a major threat.

Austin asserted in a recent interview with The Associated Press that U.S. troops remain essential to preventing the Islamic State group from rebuilding its combat strength in Syria.

As President-elect Donald Trump previously expressed a desire to pull forces out of Syria, Austin believes if U.S. forces withdraw too quickly, militants could "enter back into the mainstream," posing a renewed danger after the recent toppling of Bashar al-Assad's government.

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 United States still needs a "foot on the throat of ISIS," he asserted, referring to the acronym of the Islamic extremist group that enacted what it called its own "caliphate" in parts of Iraq and Syria during the mid-2010s, enslaving and killing thousands.

Austin indicated that one of the military's principal objectives is to secure detention camps where up to 10,000 Islamic State fighters are being held. At least 2,000 detainees are deemed "very dangerous," he said, making it critical to keep the camps under close watch.

Speaking shortly before the end of his tenure, Austin said American forces have partnered with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to provide security in those areas, including camps holding families of captured militants.

"At some point, the SDF may very well be absorbed into the Syrian military and then Syria would own all the (IS detention) camps and hopefully keep control of them," Austin was quoted as saying. "But for now I think we have to protect our interests there."

Turkey, which regards the SDF's Kurdish component as an affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, has opposed U.S. ties with this local force. Turkey has increased airstrikes to remove Kurdish forces from strategic areas, causing additional complications for the SDF.

Last month, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh clarified that there were no immediate plans to increase the existing U.S. troop presence in Syria but added that Washington remains determined to ensure the safety of the troops that are there.

While the U.S. has officially counted around 900 troops in Syria, there are also reportedly undisclosed numbers of contractors and special operations forces that frequently move in and out of the country. Those forces have been stationed there for a decade, initially deployed when Islamic State militants seized large areas in 2014.

Meanwhile, the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump will inherit the question of whether to remove Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, now leading Syria's transitional government, from the U.S. terrorist designation list.

The Biden administration will maintain HTS's designation for the remainder of President Joe Biden's tenure, shifting the decision to the new administration, according to U.S. officials cited by The Washington Post.

Among the reasons for the terror label is HTS's earlier affiliation with al-Qaeda, although its leadership claims to have severed those ties. HTS's seizure of power in Damascus last month has raised questions about stability, leaving a leadership vacuum and prompting concern in Washington that militant groups could exploit the upheaval.

The posture of the new U.S. administration on Syria could also potentially affect alliances on the ground.

Trump recently wrote on his Truth Social network, "THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT," in reference to Syria's conflicts. He further commented, "LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!"

Trump has previously urged a withdrawal from the region during his first term, which contributed to the resignation of former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in 2018. Plans to pull troops out of Syria also faced criticism from Evangelical leaders, including the late Pat Robertson, Tony Perkins and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Huckabee, a former Baptist pastor and Trump's nominee for the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, has stated in the past that while he typically agrees with Trump's foreign policy, he thinks it would be a "huge mistake to abandon the Kurds."

"They've never asked us to do THEIR fighting-just give them tools to defend themselves," Huckabee wrote in a 2019 social media post. "They have been faithful allies. We CANNOT abandon them."

Former Ambassador Robert Ford, who served under the Obama administration, told the BBC in December that the new U.S. administration might keep some involvement in the region, partly because officials in the president-elect's circle worry about counterterrorism risks.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby told CNN News Central last month that the U.S. was working on ways to communicate with all factions that contributed to Assad's removal. Kirby said the administration "will be working through all the processes we can, including at the U.N.," to forge pathways for collaboration or to maintain existing security frameworks.
Justin Welby addressing the Church of England Synod. (Photo: Church of England)

Monday 6 January marked the last working day of Justin Welby as Archbishop Canterbury. His resignation was forced on him after his failure to act competently in the oversight of a devastating sexual abuse scandal. But it would be unfair to take that single act of incompetence and use it as a lens to judge his entire performance as Archbishop. Tragic though the end of his tenure was, we need to look at the other elements of the way he held office in order to assess it fairly.

There are four areas in which an archbishop needs to be competent in order to justify that existence: parish, province, communion and country. As regards the parish, ecclesially the C of E has always embodied two theologies it holds in tension: congregationalism - the priority of the parish on one hand; and episcopacy - the authority of the bishop on the other. The Archbishop of Canterbury has to find a way of balancing this contradiction, and at the same time motivate and enable the flourishing of parish churches and communities. This balance has always been very difficult to achieve.

As senior Archbishop he has to try to hold together and facilitate the two Provinces and the bureaucratic machinery which serves the Church as an organisation. Most people don't understand that the institution is organically so complex that the normal levers of management you might expect hardly exist. Welby set himself the task of creating them in order to control the organisation better. It didn't work.

The international Anglican Communion is chaired by the Archbishop of Canterbury by historic right. He is chairman of the forty two autonomous provinces of the Anglican Communion, and needs to be able hold them together in the absence of any concept of authority. The provinces were just about to pass a historic resolution repudiating his right of chairmanship and replacing it with an election instead, that he would have lost.

The Archbishop needs also to be able to connect with the nation, the majority of whom have no allegiance to the faith or the Church by exemplifying the best and truest aspects of Christianity. Despite his platform at both the royal funeral and coronation, the nation never took him to its heart. Sadly for Welby, nowadays appearance counts for a good deal. Michael Ramsey and Rowan Williams at least looked like different versions of what people hoped an archbishop should look like - and looking as though you are suited for the role has become an even more important aspect of functionality in an age where image plays such a powerful part in our assessment of things.

It wasn't Justin Welby's fault that he looked like a slightly crumpled, middle-ranking bank branch manager, but neither did it help inspire confidence or affection. Welby's predecessors during the last century all excelled in at least one of these four areas. Tragically, Welby failed in all four.

The task was never going to be an easy one. The Church of England is an organisation like no other. It is immensely complex, lacking all kinds of instrumentation for governance. It is the hybrid to beat all hybrids. It was born as an organic compromise of different political and theological parties and groups coming together to keep at bay the alternatives they all feared more than they feared each other. Holding it together meant finding some kind of working balance for the successors of the Puritans (evangelicals), the Sacramental nostalgics (Anglo-Catholics), and the spiritually-minded socialists (liberals).

It used to be that they took turns under the protective patronage of their respective archbishops. But rather to everyone's surprise, that game has changed over the last 30 years. The culture has redefined everyone's allegiance in the Church just as much as elsewhere. The shadows of the Reformation battles have grown suddenly dim as a new shift of conceptual tectonic plates reconfigures Western society.

The advent of feminism and following quickly afterwards, the attempt to legitimise same-sex relationships not only divided secular society but also split all the tribes that constituted the historic Anglican factions. Welby kept up the appearance of neutrality for a while, but it seems as if his patience suddenly snapped. And that snapping took place months before personal debacles. Conservatives see his abandoning of historic Christian ethics as the metaphysical cause of his downfall. Whether that is true or not, it is the case that after that public gesture of impatience with the Biblical position - when Welby suddenly came off the fence and came out in personal favour of the legitimisation of homosexual relationships - his demise followed swiftly.

Welby presided over a sudden shift in theological and ideological culture that changed the shape of the tribal equilibrium in the Church of England. In fact, it was during the last 30 years that the landscape of theological and philosophical conflict embodied in the Reformation and its aftermath, changed profoundly and dramatically. It was no longer a matter of Protestant versus Catholic so much as progressive versus non-progressive.

One of the primary responsibilities of the Archbishop of Canterbury was to hold together both the Church of England, but also the Anglican Communion which emerged from the evangelisation of the British Empire. Despite his own profound personal preferences, Rowan Williams managed to hold the warring factions together with a skilful chairmanship that practised a diplomatic inaction.

Welby lacked both the intelligence and the diplomatic stature of Rowan Williams. He was unable to hide his preference for the progressive sexual agenda of the liberal faction. Where Williams took the trouble to ensure the episcopacy represented all the constituencies of the Church, under Welby only theological look-a-likes stood much chance of preferment. He was ideologically tribal before he was pastorally competent.

Perhaps the welfare of the parishes were a sign of his greatest failure. Under his tenure the parishes felt ignored, demoted and demoralised. It wasn't just the mountain of red tape that imposed impossible safeguarding burdens on elderly ladies who turned up to implement the flower rota, or churchwardens who became overwhelmed by bureaucratic overkill - as did their clergy.

Parishes were wholly demoralised on a series of fronts, when for example they found themselves robbed of their own capacity to make decisions for their own survival. They became unable, for example, to install new boilers to replace brown ones to keep people warm during evensong in winter, because the institutional bureaucracy had committed to an ecological Net Zero and re-written the rules to impose it.

Faced with the enormous difficulties of raising enough money to repair the roof, the infrastructure and pay for pastoral ministry, the pensioners on whom the church depends - the average age of congregations being about 70, the parishes were demoralised once again. Justin Welby dramatically and publicly committed himself to spending the investment resources of the Church Commissioners on the sixth generation descendants of slaves in reparation. It didn't matter that academic historians pointed out that the Church had, in fact, not benefited directly from slave income at all. The exercise turned out to be more about virtue signalling and the woke revisionist rewriting of history, without regard either to whether reparation should be done, or could be done.

Then there is Welby's appointment itself as Archbishop of Canterbury, following a startlingly and somewhat incomprehensible rapidity of promotion, which included very little parish experience. It was the product of a change in fashion driven by the former human resources admin from British Gas who became secretary to the Crown Appointments Commission. Instead of appointing experienced parish clergy balanced by spiritually-minded academics to the episcopate, a decision was made to exclusively appoint middle-managers who had experience in the business world before ordination.

It is certainly true that organisation with the internal contradictions of the Church of England is impossible to manage. The contradiction is that it is effectively driven by the parish, while at the same time being cosmetically directed from the episcopate. This has always been an almost impossible balance to maintain constructively, but under Welby, the balance was destroyed completely. He tried to create the levers of control and management efficiency that the business model might suggest, but they proved counter-productive by moralising, and diminishing the integrity and morale of the parish. Towards the end of his tenure, Welby even saw the rise of the Save the Parish movement. It was a grassroots movement directed by some extremely competent people who were afraid that Welby's managerial blinkeredness was going to destroy the very raison d'etre of the Church of England.

In the area of representing Anglicans in the public space to the rest of the population, and the interests of the rest of the population to the Church of England Welby opted for the easiest and most destructive course. He used the House of Lords as a soapbox for left-wing progressive politically-correct views and, his critics claimed, vacuous political propaganda.

He might have got away with this had he been representing the Anglican mind in the country. But endless social surveys showed that the people in the pews were by a large majority committed to looking at the world through centrist or conservative lenses. They were badly alienated from Welby and the rest of the episcopate who were speaking as if they were paid up members of the Labour party. Only one single bishop spoke in favour of Brexit for example.

As many critics pointed out, this wasn't just a disparity between the people in the pews and the managers. Neither Welby, nor his fellow bishops, managed to talk much about God or Jesus or discipleship, or the Kingdom of Heaven or redemption in the House of Lords. They stuck to socialism.

If you employ a manager to manage the Church and he fails to manage, the consequences are bound to be bad. The Smyth abuse case was a terrible tragedy. All Welby's inept managerial instincts might have been redeemed by just dealing with that one crisis well. Instead, he ignored the victims, allowed subordinates to kick the can down the road, appeared to be covering for his own culture, and forgot that justice delayed is justice denied.

Although he attempted to present his resignation as taking a bullet for the team and resigning on behalf of the whole inept, safeguarding incompetence of the Church of England, it remains a fact that he was personally responsible. He knew about the crisis from the 1980s. And so, when the facts first appeared over his desk, at a point where he had institutional responsibility, no excuse exists for his inactivity. Yet his tone deaf speech in the House of Lord displayed his moral and existential deafness in a way that many found profoundly offensive.

As just one example of his flawed moral judgement, people pointed to his support of Paula Vennells for the bishopric of London. It beggared belief in the judgement of many that a woman who not only had no experience of ministry in the parishes, but had failed catastrophically in institutional management - and as it turned out, proved to be unkind, incompetent and unaccountable - could be his preferred candidate to become bishop of London.

Welby failed the parishes by demoralising them, he failed the Anglican Communion by being unable to restrain his progressive partisanship, he failed the organisation by 'doing management' badly, and he failed the country by offering it socialism instead of Christianity. He is probably the worst Archbishop of Canterbury in living memory. Only historians are equipped to judge whether he was the worst Archbishop of all time.

Gavin Ashenden is Associate Editor of the The Catholic Herald and a former chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II.
Joyce Meyer YouTube/Joyce Meyer Ministries

Joyce Meyer, the bestselling Christian author and longtime ministry leader and speaker, is pausing her programming with Daystar Television Network after years as a leading host at the influential Christian television broadcaster, according to an email obtained from an unnamed spokesperson for Joyce Meyer Ministries.

Meyer, whose popular show "Enjoying Everyday Life" has aired daily on Daystar, is the latest in a series of Christian leaders to break ties with the network after a controversy involving allegations of an abuse cover-up. Her ministry will pause its programming with Daystar starting on Monday.

"Daystar has been a long-standing broadcast partner, helping our ministry to share the life-changing message of Jesus around the world. However, in recent weeks, we have become troubled by allegations surrounding the Daystar Television Network," Joyce Meyer's son, Dan Meyer, wrote in an email to staff of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

"Due to the nature of these allegations and my mom's own story, we feel a profound responsibility to stand for truth and create space for its discovery. In addition, we must always be sensitive to the hearts of those walking on this journey with us. As many of you are aware, we have received a significant and growing amount of concern from our partners and viewers regarding the Daystar situation."

The email, sent to staff on Friday, indicates that Joyce Meyer Ministries may consider returning to Daystar "when and if this situation is satisfactorily resolved". According to internet archives, Meyer's programme has aired on Daystar since at least 2005. Her programme "Enjoying Everyday Life" can be viewed on the Joyce Meyer Ministries website, Joyce Meyer app, YouTube and several other TV networks, including TBN and Lifetime.

Daystar did not respond to requests for comment regarding Meyer's departure. On X, Daystar released a statement Friday afternoon saying it loves Meyer and "we appreciate her desire to see closure in this situation."

"Her time slots will be filled by programmers from our waiting list, ensuring our mission remains uninterrupted. We have it on good report that law enforcement is concluding their evaluation of the facts with no charges, and we are confident these false allegations will soon be put to rest. Daystar remains steadfast in our commitment to preaching the Gospel. We refuse to operate in fear, trusting God fully and standing on the assurance that truth is prevailing."

Unlike Meyer, four of the most recent leaders to exit the network  evangelical heavyweights Jack Graham, Jesse Duplantis, Lance Wallnau and Hank and Brenda Kunneman  did not cite the Daystar scandal as reason for their departure. Canadian author Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson cut ties with Daystar in November over perceived "ethical deficits" of senior executives, and an international ministry led by Baruch Korman halted its programme with the network a month later due to unspecified concerns with the network's ability to "embrace God's standards."

In fall 2024, investigative journalist Julie Roys reported that Joni Lamb, president of Daystar, was accused by her son, Jonathan Lamb, and his wife, Suzy Lamb, of covering up abuse against their 5-year-old daughter, an allegation Joni has repeatedly denied.

Prior to news of Meyer's departure, Daystar told RNS the recent exits represent a small percentage of the network's 100 third-party programmers and said it's typical for Daystar to see small turnover near the Dec. 31 contract renewal deadline. Some of the programmers who left indicated they hope to return to Daystar in 2026, according to the network. Daystar said the departures of Graham, Duplantis, Wallnau and the Kunnemans were not related to Daystar or the ongoing scandal. Jonathan and Suzy Lamb have also accused Joni Lamb of spiritual abuse and financial misconduct, allegations Joni Lamb also denies.

"Daystar does not support these false allegations and is deeply saddened by Jonathan's refusal to participate in and work toward peaceful reconciliation and relational restoration, for which Daystar and other Lamb family members had hoped," Daystar said in an email to RNS on Wednesday.

 Religion News Service
The vaulted ceiling of Winchester Cathedral. (Photo: Getty/iStock)

It had been a bad morning. A day when nothing seems to be going right  and a lot wrong. One solution: retreat to a quiet place and look at something totally unrelated. My eyes alighted on a copy of Crockfords in the library. Out of mild interest I flipped through to the page listing the Bishops of Winchester  my birthplace  and counted them. At the time, some forty years ago, there were ninety-eight and "One Hundred Bishops" struck me as a good title for my new book on this topic, The Winchester Powerhouse.

In the decades that followed I researched names I had heard since childhood  and many I had not. I soon discovered that no one had looked at the whole list since the early 1820s when the Reverend Stephen Hyde Cassan had collated all that he could find and published in 1827. High time, therefore, for an up to date appraisal.

To some, the writing of my book became an obsession, not least to members of my family. 'Where is he?' 'He's in the study  with his bishops' would come the almost mocking reply. I became a well-known face in county record offices, at the National Archives and, perhaps, best of all, at Lambeth Palace Library. Naivety was replaced with knowledge in depth and a growing appreciation of the important place the Winchester prelates occupied in English history.

Early on, I discovered the significant role that the evangelists, notably St Berin (Birinus), played in the re-introduction of Christianity into Saxon Albion during the 7th century - arguably more effective than St Augustine of Canterbury and the many Celtic saints in the North. The secret to the Winchester success was the symbiotic relationship forged between the Wessex kings and their spiritual advisers. Out of appreciation for the advice a well-educated bishop could provide and the support he could engender, the king passed large areas to episcopal ownership, not least in those parts of his realm threatened by neighbours. By the time the Danes were engulfing the very existence of Wessex, the Church had established a parochial network which could be used to rally forces strong enough to face down the Norse invaders. The battle of Edington in AD 878 would not have been won by Alfred the Great without this facility.

Study of St Berin's successor, Agilbert, revealed a bishop's frequent involvement in crucial diplomacy. The Synod of Whitby in AD 664 that united the early English Church did not just happen. In the several years before, Bishop Agilbert visited the northern petty kingdoms to persuade their rulers that Roman, not Celtic, practices should be followed. The Synod merely put this stamp on the proceedings and the resulting agreement stuck.

By the 10th century, the Old Minster in Winchester had become not just a royal mausoleum; its scriptorium was a library of ancient texts which underpinned government proceeding in both the State and the Church. The monks and secular clerks who lived there were increasingly called on to administer the Wessex court which from Alfred's day was usually based in Winchester. His worthy successors developed machinery of government in which the chief minister, the Chancellor, was invariably the Bishop of Winchester. Well before the Norman Conquest, England had been united under the Wessex kings as a unitary state which held together even though assailed by almost continuous invasion by Norsemen.

One other salient contribution. It was episcopal influence at the end of the 7th century that raised the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 16 and introduced a humane dimension to social order. From then until the Norman Conquest law courts were presided over by the bishop and an ealdorman - a high-ranking official in Anglo-Saxon England who was appointed by the king - as equals. The king's law and God's law were unified, a unique and benevolent feature of Saxon England that has been too often undervalued.

Anthony Paice is the author of The Winchester Powerhouse, out now priced 16.99.
(Photo: Getty/iStock)

I am writing this article in the week in which the Western Church has traditionally remembered the account in Matthew's Gospel of the Magi (or 'wise men') coming to worship the infant Jesus. Even in our increasingly secular Western society many people are still familiar with the story of the coming of the wise men, not least through their appearance on Christmas cards and in nativity plays in which they are depicted by children wearing cardboard crowns and cloaks made out of old curtains.

However, what most people, including most Christians, do not realise is that Matthew's account of the coming of the wise men (Matthew 2:1-12) and his linked account of King Herod's attempt to kill the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:13-23) are concerned with the political power of God and the corresponding limitation of human political power.

The adjective 'political' refers to things which have to do with the exercise of government. Thus, a political party is a group of people who share a particular set of convictions about how government should be exercised, while a political platform is a statement about how government will be exercised, and a political correspondent is someone who reports on how government is exercised.

According to the Bible, although government is exercised by human beings, the one who exercises supreme governmental authority is God himself. He is the king over the whole world (indeed over the whole universe) and there are no limits to the exercise of his governing power.

This is the point that is made, for instance, by the Psalmist in Psalm (97:1-5):

"The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are round about him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him, and burns up his adversaries round about. His lightnings lighten the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth."

The imagery used in these verses emphasises the power of God's exercise of government. In Hebrew thought, mountains are paramount symbols of strength and durability and yet they 'melt like wax' before the power exercised by God. However, these verses also tell us that God's exercise of governing power is not arbitrary. God reigns with 'righteousness and justice' or, in other words, God acts in power to ensure that things are as they should be.

If we ask how God does this, the message that the Bible gives us is that the way that God acts to ensure that things are as they should be in the face of human sin and the activity of evil supernatural powers opposed to God, is by coming in person as a king descended from the Israelite King David to rule over the world and set humanity and the whole created order to rights. This is what is promised, for example, in Isaiah 9:2-7 where the coming king's descent from David is expressed by saying that he comes from the 'stump of Jesse' (Jesse being King David's father):

"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

"He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins.

"The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The sucking child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."

In the verse following this prediction, Isaiah then further goes on to say that, "In that day the root of Jesse shall stand as an ensign to the nations; him shall the nations seek, and his dwelling will be glorious" (Isaiah 11:10). In other words, God's divine glory will be revealed in the person of the promised king and people from all nations will come to seek him out.

Matthew's account of the coming of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12 is concerned with the first beginning of the fulfilment of the promises made in Isaiah.

In Matthew chapter 1 Matthew sets out Jesus' descent from the line of David and explains that he will be 'Emmanuel'  God with us, meaning not simply that God will be on our side, but that in Jesus God himself will be personally present.

In chapter 2 Matthew then describes how Magi from the East, guided by a star, come to seek out Jesus as the first fulfilment of the promise made in Isaiah 11:10: "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him" (Matthew 2:1-2).

Just in case we have missed the point, Matthew then goes on to describe how Jesus' birth in Bethlehem fulfils the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that God promised that the king, 'Christ', would come from Bethlehem, the hometown of David (Matthew 2:3-6).

He then further describes how when the Magi came to Bethlehem and found the infant Jesus, they not only offered him gifts but "fell down and worshipped him" (Matthew 2:11). As theologian Richard Hays notes, by recording their worship Matthew is reiterating the point that Jesus is not only a human king, but the divine king, "nothing less than the embodied presence of Israel's God, the one to whom alone worship is due".

By contrast to the actions of the Magi in seeking out Jesus and worshipping him, Matthew also recounts the fear of, and hostility towards, Jesus exercised by Herod, the Roman appointed king of Judea. Like the Magi, Herod seeks to discover the place where Jesus has been born and is now living , but only so that he can kill him (Matthew 2:3-18). The point is that Herod can only see kingship as a zero-sum game. Either Herod is king of the Jews or Jesus is. They cannot both be king and so Jesus has to die.

However, as Matthew goes on to record, although Herod exercises his political power by attempting to kill Jesus by means of slaughtering all the children two or under in the Bethlehem area, what Christian tradition has come to call the 'massacre of the innocents' (Matthew 2:16-18), he fails to achieve his goal. Just as Pharaoh in the Old Testament story of the Exodus failed to kill the infant Moses, so Herod, the new Pharaoh, fails to kill Jesus.

Jesus' father Joseph is warned of Herod's intention by God in a dream and takes Jesus and his mother Mary to live in safety in Egypt until Herod himself dies (Matthew 2:13-15, 19-20). All that Herod's malice manages to achieve is the fulfilment of the prophecy of Hosea 11:1, "Out of Egypt have I called my son" (Matthew 2:15).

What lessons should we draw from all this?

First, that contrary to what may seem to be the case, political authority in this world is not ultimately exercised by those with human political power, such as the British Prime Minister or the Presidents of the United States, Russia and China, or the Supreme Leader of Iran.

Political authority ultimately belongs to God, and as he promised he would, he exercises this authority through Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Son of David, born in Bethlehem, who will rule over this world until it comes to an end and he "delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power", that is, all forces that exist in opposition to the just and righteous purposes of God (1 Corinthians 15:24).

Secondly, that since this is the case, the wise thing for all human beings in all nations to do is recognise that Jesus possesses 'all authority in heaven and earth' and to follow the good example of the Magi by coming to Jesus, worshipping him as God, getting baptised and living in obedience to his commandments (Matthew 28:18-20).

Acting in this way does not involve rebellion against earthly rulers, rather it means living in subjection to them as those who are God's servants called to punish evil and reward goodness (Romans 13:1-7). However, it also involves recognising that earthly rulers only have penultimate authority and that when they command things that are contrary to Jesus' commandments, the right thing to do is to refuse to obey them and bear the consequences: "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

Thirdly, because Jesus has ultimate divine authority, human political rulers need to heed the warning issued to them Psalm 2, a Psalm which is a prediction of the coming rule of Jesus as God's chosen king:

"Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling kiss his feet. lest he be angry, and you perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled" (Psalm 2:10-11).

Like Herod, those humans with political power, whether kings, presidents, prime ministers, or those with some other form of governmental authority, can rebel against God. God has allowed them the freedom to do this. However, if they do, while they may cause great harm as Herod did, they cannot ultimately derail God's good purposes (contrary to Herod's plans, Jesus lived while Herod died) and even if they escape judgement for their misdeeds in this world, they will have to answer to God for them at the last judgement.

As the Psalmist indicates, the wise thing for rulers to do is therefore to acknowledge God's authority and act in obedience to his will, and the calling of Christians who do not possess political power is to remind rulers of this fact.
As firefighters gain more control over what have become the most destructive wildfires in U.S. history in a matter of days, the scale of the destruction and losses is becoming clearer.

Despite the cacophony of a world stage that includes two wars and political turmoil abroad, and a change of U.S. leadership in days, the news has been dominated by the fires that raged around Los Angeles and will cost billions of dollarsdestroying 10,000 homes and forcing nearly 200,000 evacuations.

There are almost too many stories to read and too much information out there, so weve compiled a rundown of the important news and information to know about the fires.

Total Losses

Estimates for total losses from the fires rose nearly threefold in a day.

AccuWeather on Thursday updated and increased its preliminary estimate of the total damage and economic loss to between $135 billion and $150 billion. AccuWeather on Wednesday had issued a preliminary estimate for the total damage and economic loss that ranged from $52 to $57 billion.

These fast-moving, wind-driven infernos have created one of the costliest wildfire disasters in modern U.S. history, AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter stated. Hurricane-force winds sent flames ripping through neighborhoods filled with multi-million-dollar homes. The devastation left behind is heartbreaking and the economic toll is staggering.

AccuWeather said the estimate for total damage and economic loss may be revised upward, perhaps even substantially.

Insured Losses

Insured loss estimates currently ranged from $8 to $20 billion into late Thursday, but that was when the number of homes believed to have been lost in the fires so far were in the low thousands.

Reports are now that more than 10,000 homes have been lost in the fires. J.P. Morgan doubled its forecast of insured losses to more than $20 billion, while Wells Fargo also expects similar insured losses. Wells Fargo said the total economic hit from the disaster could be well above $60 billion, Reuters is reporting.

Modelers like Karen Clark & Company and CoreLogic are expected to produce estimated losses soon, so well have that news when it arrives.

Reinsurance

Re/Insurance losses from the wildfires are expected to be significant but manageable, according to S&P Global Ratings.

S&P issued preliminary estimates ranging from $10 billion to $15 billion. The firm said wildfire losses could rapidly deplete the catastrophe budgets of U.S. primary insurers, leading to earnings pressure later in the year.

Although expected losses are steep, we believe many of our rated insurers have the capital resilience to absorb them, after strong results in the first nine months of 2024 (and likely for the year), S&P stated.

Fires

There were six quick-growing fires threatening properties and people around the area at one point. Heres a CalFire has a rundown on the fires:

The biggest fire is Palisades Fire north of Los Angeles. It has grown to cover nearly 20,437 acres. It is 8% contained.

The Eaton Fire in Altadena has burned more than 13,690 acres and is 3% contained.

The Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties is 1,000 acres and its 35% contained. The Hurst Fire north of San Fernando has burned 771 acres and is 37% contained. The Lidia Fire in the Canyons near Acton is 395 acres and it is 75% contained.

The Sunset Fire, which broke out Wednesday evening in Hollywood Hills, triggering evacuation orders and threatening local landmarks, grew to 50 acres before being fully contained on Thursday evening.

Weather

Hurricane-force winds drove the fires to grow too quickly to contain. Wind conditions in the region known as the Santa Ana winds produced wind speeds of more than 80 mph.

Critical fire weather conditions continued across Southern California in the morning on Friday, while winds were expected to begin to taper off in the afternoon and into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

An NWS outlook calls for northeast winds of around 5 mph turning to south-southwest winds in the afternoon. North-northeast winds from 5-10 mph are expected on Sunday, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Dave Houk, a senior forecaster and Western U.S. expert for AccuWeather, said to expect rounds of winds, dry fuels and low relative humidity will continue to keep the risk of new fire starts and rapid spread, while also causing unfavorable for battling the ongoing fires.

He said that following some easing on Sunday night, the winds will pick up out of the northeast quickly on Monday with more of an easterly component possible for the offshore winds.

The winds will be strongest in Ventura and northern L.A. counties, and what look to be 40 mph to 60 mph gusts at times on Monday through Tuesday, which may not start to ease until Wednesday morning, according to Houk.

Southern California Edison

Southern California Edison is getting notices from insurers to preserve evidence related to the Eaton Fire. Fire agencies havent pointed the utilitys connection to the fire, but the utility is often connected to wildfires.

SCE and a growing number of utilities have been found liable for a number of fires and have lost numerous costly lawsuits as a result, so they are resorting to the extreme measure of preemptively cutting electricity during dangerous fire conditions.

The group, a unit of U.S. utility Edison International, said its filing to regulators was triggered by online publications that seemingly suggest the groups equipment may have been associated with the fires ignition.

To date, no fire agency has suggested that SCEs electric facilities were involved in the ignition or requested the removal and retention of any SCE equipment, the company stated.

Glitch

An emergency alert that when out to millions of residents L.A. residents, including those not directly impacted by the fires, caused a stir.

They received the notification reading:

An EVACUATION WARNING has been issued in your area. Remain vigilant of any threats and be ready to evacuate. Gather loved ones, pets, and supplies. Continue to monitor local weather, news, and the webpage alertla.org for more information.

Phones alarms were triggered in communities like Long Beach, Newport Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes and Torrance.

That message was quickly retracted with another alert.

Kevin McGowan, head of the L.A. Office of Emergency Management, apologized for the false alarm during a news conference, and said they were not sent by an individual.

He also asked people not to disable the alert messages on their phones.

Moratorium

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a one-year moratorium on insurance non-renewals and cancellations.

The order shields those within the perimeters or adjoining ZIP Codes of the Palisades and Eaton fires regardless of whether they suffered a loss.

Lara issues moratoriums regularly after destructive wildfires. His last moratorium was to preserve residential insurance coverage for more than 200,000 policyholders affected by the Mountain Fire, which destroyed 243 structures.

Top photo: The Palisades Fire started in the Los Angeles area on Jan 7, 2025. Source: CalFire.
January 10, 2025: Back in the 1990s the U.S. and Chinese navies both experimented with using TRAM, or Transportable Re-Arming Mechanism for reloading the Vertical Launch System or VLS cells that are now the standard on U.S. warships.

Back in the early 1980s American warships began using VLS cells to carry the many different types of missiles which ships used for attacking other ships, defeating air attacks, and bombarding land targets. Since 1982, nearly 12,000 VLS cells have been installed in 200 American and foreign warships. The most common VLS user is the American Burke class destroyer, with 90 VLS cells. There are currently 74 Burkes in service and by the 2030s there should be over 90 of them. At that point there will be over 8,000 VLS cells in all those Burkes.

The first ships to get VLS also received a strikedown crane so the cells could be reloaded at sea. By the 1990s new types of missiles were too heavy for the strikedown crane and it wasn't practical to install a larger and more powerful crane. Moreover, there were few opportunities for reloading the missile cells at sea anyway and the strikedown crane was omitted in new ships. This provided space for 3-6 more missile cells. Another problem was that going to a port to reload VLS cells meant a whip was unavailable for several weeks.

After 2010, it became obvious that navy missiles capable of intercepting ballistic missiles were now more essential because Iranian and North Korean anti-ship ballistic missiles became a growing threat. This meant ships had to fire more missiles for missile defense as well as other tasks like anti-aircraft, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land bombardment. It became increasingly likely that a ship would run out of some types of missiles.

That meant ships had to get replacement missiles during cruises for their empty VLS cells. The problem was that most of the missiles were too heavy and unwieldy to be loaded while the ship was at sea. This eventually led to TRAM, which works because of its articulated crane that can keep a replacement missile canister stable enough. Tests found that the stability remained even with winds up to 50 kilometers an hour and waves up to 3.2 meters high. TRAM has worked in tests and by 2025 but TRAM was tested at sea in various sea conditions and found to work well enough to be installed on ships that needed it.

In the 1990s China had also developed a system similar to TRAM but decided they didnt need it because they were developing ground-based anti-ship ballistic missiles that could fire at American warships far out to sea. China had a satellite constellation over the Pacific that tracked all ship movements 24/7. China expects to spot and destroy most of the U.S. Navy warships in the Western Pacific before they can get anywhere close to China. The Americans expect to use their SM3 anti-missile system against incoming Chinese anti-ship missiles. Most American navy ships are armed with SM3, which has also shot down space satellites. SM3 is launched from VLS cells and is one of the several kinds of missiles that TRAM will reload at sea.

In 2024 the U.S. Navy used dozens of SM3s to take down Iranian missiles fired at Israel. A similar number of SM3s were used against Iran-backed Yemen Houthi rebels firing missiles at ships in the Red Sea. Over 700 SM3s have been produced so far and the manufacturer has resumed production to replace missiles used and to build up a reserve. The navy also has a program to extend the use life of SM3s while also upgrading them. Missiles have a fixed shelf life and after ten to 20 years the missiles must be refurbished or scrapped. Currently the navy plans to refurbish SM3s into the 2030s.

Meanwhile the army is transferring some Patriot Missile systems to the navy where they are used on ships to augment the SM3. The Patriot PAC-3 missile has shot down missiles, including the hypersonic ones China is introducing in an effort to get past the SM3 interceptors.

China has intelligence ships that monitor American missile tests in the Pacific where Kwajalein Island has long been the center of missile testing. China knows what the American missiles can do and is constantly developing countermeasures. The U.S. has an advantage in that their SM3 and Patriot missiles have lots of combat experience. Chinese troops havent been in combat since 1979, when they fought combat experienced Vietnamese troops in a brief border war. The Chinese lost.
January 10, 2025: Palestinians are outraged at the Israeli practice of using body parts from dead Palestinian gunmen for treating Israeli soldiers and civilians as well as Palestinians. The most obvious organ used is skin which is used for replacing skin loss due to fire, explosion or other types of incidents that remove or badly damaged skin. Despite Palestinian protests at using the skin of dead Palestinians, Israeli hospitals continue to collect it, mainly for Palestinian and Israeli civilian victims of skin injuries.

Damaged skin is a major problem among soldiers everywhere. Twenty years ago the American military took inadvertent advantage of those fears by introducing Active Defense System or ADS technology. ADS is a microwave transmitter that is directed at a hostile crowd to scatter it. The microwave energy creates a burning sensation on the skin of its victims, causing them to want to leave the area, or at least distract them. ADS has a range of about 500 meters. ADS is carried on a hummer, along with a machine-gun for those who are not put off by intense skin pain. ADS was never employed as designed though one unit sent to Iraq in 2010 but never used at all.

ADS has been in development for over a decade, and the marines were ready to take delivery of some of the systems before September 11, 2001. But there were always delays. First there were demands to make sure ADS would not cause permanent damage or kill people. The trouble with non-lethal weapons is that, under the right conditions, these devices, including tear gas, can cause serious injuries, or even kill people. There is no such thing as a non-lethal weapon, only less lethal weapons. This makes commanders reluctant to use these weapons, knowing that eventually people will die, and the troops will be lambasted for misusing non-lethal weapons.

ADS has been ready to go for years, but not enough commanders and senior officials were willing to sign off on it. There were some accidents while testing ADS that led to severe burns. This happened a few times when some of the volunteer testers got more exposure to the ADS microwaves than they were supposed and needed skin grafts to repair the damage. The military could have taken advantage of this but when people in Congress heard about it, further use of ADS was cancelled. Like poison gas and biological weapons, some items are too gruesome to consider using. ADS ended up in the gruesome category and was gone for good.

Meanwhile, soldiers still had battlefield skin problems. Fifteen years ago soldiers fighting in the deserts of Iraq and southern Afghanistan endured lots of burns, abrasions, insect bites and scratches. While the medics could treat these minor injuries, the troops preferred to obtain their own cures. But none of the available ointments seemed to do the job well. Then the wife of a soldier developed a new skin balm which she called Combat Ready Balm. Commercially this was a profitable item. That made it possible to send thousands of 59 ml jars of Combat Ready Balm to military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers and marines bought a lot more at $25 a jar because, as most of them pointed out, it worked. The balm was even useful during Afghan Winters, when dry skin replaced insect bites.
Business: CAE provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, the Oceania, Africa and the rest of the Americas. It operates through two segments: Civil Aviation, and Defense and Security. The Civil Aviation segment offers training solutions for flight, cabin, maintenance and ground personnel in commercial, business and helicopter aviation. It also provides a range of flight simulation training devices and ab initio pilot training and crew sourcing services, as well as aircraft flight operations solutions. The Defense and Security segment operates as a training and simulation provider that delivers platform-independent solutions to enable and enhance force readiness and security for defense forces, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), government agencies and public safety organizations.

Activist Commentary: Browning West is an independent investment partnership based in Los Angeles, California and founded in 2019. The partnership employs a concentrated (five to 10 investments), long-term and fundamental approach to investing. It focuses primarily on investments in North America and Western Europe. The firm does not use activism in all of its portfolio positions, but when it does, it's almost always focused on leadership at the board and CEO level. Browning West wants to make sure that it has confidence in the people who are making the decisions with its capital and assure that management's interests are aligned with shareholders.

CAE Inc. is a Canadian multinational company specializing in flight training and simulation technologies. The company operates through two segments: Civil Aviation and Defense and Security. Civil Aviation provides comprehensive training solutions for personnel in commercial, business and helicopter aviation, as well as manufacturing flight simulation training devices. Defense and Security provides similar solutions, but to defense forces, government agencies and other related end markets. CAE is the market leader in both manufacturing highly valuable flight simulators and operating training facilities for flight safety. The company also sells its valuable technology to customers who conduct their own independent training of flight personnel.

CAE maintains an enviable position within an attractive and growing industry. It is the largest player in its market and at least double the size of its next largest competitor, aptly named FlightSafety International, a business which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway. Any business with Warren Buffett's stamp of approval is certainly an indication of a favorable mix of growth and value. It is hard to think of another industry where the growth rate is so certain. Annual global flight miles typically grow in the mid-single digits and there is a tremendous long-term opportunity for growth. As flight volumes continue to grow, that means more aircraft, more pilots, more personnel, and, of course, more simulators and more training.

Still, CAE has underperformed in the past five years, delivering a return of -8.75% versus a nearly 101.78% return for the five years prior. When the company reported its FY24 results in March 2024, it missed analysts' full-year expectations for revenue by about 5% and EPS by 4%. In addition, the company reported an operating loss of $185 million in Canadian dollars after putting up C$466 million the year prior. A hefty portion of the loss came from a C$568 million non-cash impairment of Defense and Security goodwill and C$90.3 million in unfavorable contract profit adjustments due to accelerated risk recognition on certain legacy contracts. On Nov. 12, 2024, CAE announced that its longtime president and CEO Marc Parent would resign from his post at the company's next annual meeting in August 2025 as a part of CAE's ongoing succession plan.

This is where things get very interesting for an activist investor: a market leader in a secularly growing industry where the activist could potentially be in the room to name the next CEO. And this is the type of shareholder activism that Browning West focuses on: leadership changes. Accordingly, Browning West LP sent an open letter to the board of CAE. In a succinct letter, the firm speaks highly of CAE's strong market position, points out the company's recent prolonged period of underperformance, but affirmed its conviction in CAE's ability to grow earnings per share and free cash flow per share well exceeding current market expectations. However, Browning West has requested that the board engage with it regarding the recruitment of CAE's next CEO, believing that the board must avoid a hasty CEO search process and instead work to recruit a proven CEO with a verifiable track record of value creation. Browning West and its principals have an admirable history of assisting in CEO succession at its portfolio companies. In May 2024, Browning West reconstituted the entire board of Gildan Activewear over the board's decision to remove that company's long-time CEO and co-founder Glenn Chamandy. Since the reinstatement of Chamandy as CEO about eight months ago, Gildan's shares have appreciated nearly 30%. In addition, Browning West co-founder and CIO Usman Nabi, gained extensive experience from his time at H Partners conducting CEO searches. Between H Partners and Browning West, he has served on and/or led nomination and CEO search committees at both Tempur Sealy and Six Flags. H Partners generated a return of 242% over the course of its 13D at Tempur Sealy versus 99% for the Russell 2000 and a return of 399% over the course of its live 13D at Six Flags versus 285.71% for the Russell 2000.

Given that Browning West even had to issue this public letter, we can infer that perhaps CAE's board has not been overly receptive or made itself profoundly available for inbound communication requests from Browning West to participate in the search process. Browning West does not frequently get confrontational, but when it does, it's very good at doing so. The firm picks battles that it can win. In early 2024, Browning West requisitioned a special meeting at Gildan Activewear which resulted in the resignation of that company's entire board and the appointment of their eight-member slate (which included Browning West co-founder Peter Lee). Previously, at H Partners, Usman Nabi was able to reconstitute the board at Tempur Sealy and replace the CEO with nothing more than a withhold vote campaign, an unprecedented move in activism at the time. Browning West has also engaged with companies where the firm was invited on to the board such as Six Flags and Domino's. We would advise CAE's board to look at this as an opportunity as opposed to an attack. If the board decides to fight, it could ignore Browning West while commencing and consummating its CEO succession plan without any input from the activist investor before the company's director nomination window opens next summer. But CAE's board would be doing that at its own peril. Browning West is a long-term investor that does not opportunistically look for activism but finds a handful of companies it wants to own for the long term, and the firm will do whatever is necessary to ensure that its capital is in the hands of the right stewards. CAE has a choice: It can embrace Browning West and the firm's experience in CEO succession like other companies successfully have. Alternatively, the company can fight the investor, as other companies have done so unsuccessfully, and potentially face Gildan part deux.

Ken Squire is the founder and president of 13D Monitor, an institutional research service on shareholder activism, and the founder and portfolio manager of the 13D Activist Fund, a mutual fund that invests in a portfolio of activist 13D investments.
A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that the Justice Department can release a report on President-elect Donald Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss but kept in place a judge's order requiring a three-day delay to allow for further appeals.

The ruling means Trump can ask the Supreme Court to block the release of the report written by special counsel Jack Smith.

A spokesperson for Trump did not say whether the president-elect would appeal Thursday's ruling but instead attacked Smith in a statement.

Trump was dealt another legal blow Thursday when the Supreme Court voted 5-4 to clear the way for sentencing in his New York hush money case to move forward Friday.

Trump was indicted in 2023  and again in 2024  on four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, leading to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The case was dismissed following his election because of a long-standing Justice Department policy that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted.

Trump, who has promised to pardon an untold number of Jan. 6 defendants once he takes office again, had pleaded not guilty.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a letter to Congress on Wednesday that he planned to release the election interference-related volume of Smith's report publicly if U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon's order blocking the release of the report was overruled. The appeals court Thursday kept intact Cannon's order requiring a brief delay before its release.

Garland has said he won't release volume two of the report, drafted by Smith and focused on Trump's classified documents case, while cases against co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira are still pending.

In his statement Thursday night, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said, "It is time for Joe Biden and Merrick Garland to do the right thing and put a final stop to the political weaponization of our Justice system."

Trump, who has frequently criticized the special counsel, said in an interview in October before he was elected that he would "fire him within two seconds" upon his re-election. NBC News reported in November that Smith and his team plan to step down before Trump takes office on Jan. 20.
Chinese vice premier stresses efforts in expanding consumption

Xinhua) 10:44, January 11, 2025

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends and addresses a meeting on promoting the expansion of consumption in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Friday urged intensifying efforts to expand consumption and focus on expanding domestic demand.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a meeting on promoting the expansion of consumption.

The vice premier called for increased efforts in expanding the range of the consumer goods trade-in program while accelerating the integrated development of domestic and foreign trade.

High-quality development of service consumption should be further advanced, he said, calling for proactively expanding the opening up of the service sector, improving the quality of service supply and promoting diversified consumption scenarios.

He added that the cultivation and construction of international consumption center cities should be deepened to create an internationalized consumer environment.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liang Jun)
January 11, 2025: The war in Ukraine has cost the Russian military over a million soldiers dead, disabled or fled the country. Several million more military age men have left the country or gone into hiding while still in Russia. There are labor shortages everywhere. Employers often cooperate with their military age employees when the police or military recovery teams come looking for men to mobilize into the army. Russian men know that military service is a virtual death sentence. If you have the money, you can bribe your way into a non-combat job. The Russian economy is a mess and few families can afford bribes.

In desperation the government is seeking to mobilize over 100,000 men in prisons. The convicts are granted pardons, freed and join the military. If they desert, the pardon is revoked and warrants are issued for the arrest of the reluctant and faithless soldiers. Popular attitudes towards the use of pardons to get criminals to serve in the military are horrifying to parents of men with no criminal record. The pardoned criminals are seen as unreliable and dangerous to their fellow soldiers

For the military the situation is desperate, as the number of men willing to fight continues to dwindle. This is not a new problem, in 2023 there was growing opposition to conscription and voluntary enlistment. This has led to lowering of standards of those mobilized into the military. The standards could only be lowered so far before the number of partially fit men now subject to conscription or mobilization into the military reaches the point where the unfit outnumber the fit and the medical expenses for the partially fit men becomes more than Russia can afford. Normally, men with HIV, Covid19, poor vision, diabetes, cancer and susceptibility to strokes were not taken into the military. Then they were and that meant more medical expenses for the military and problems finding useful work for the partially fit in the armed forces.

Many healthy Russian military age men have found ways to avoid military service, including obtaining false documents about their medical condition, bribes to conscription or mobilization authorities or simply illegally leaving the country. With partially fit men now eligible, the bribes and illegal migration will continue as will popular opposition by families of men being taken into the military. This widespread opposition is something the government cannot ignore indefinitely.

Meanwhile the government continued making large cash payments to non-criminal men who would join. That appealed to men from rural areas, where incomes were lower. In the cities and urban areas employees received higher pay and men there were opposed to trading their comfortable lives for life in the military.

Initially the government insisted that there was no war for these men to be sent into. Ukraine was described as a pacification of a region that was once part of Russia. That excuse lost its credibility as the number of Russians killed or disabled in Ukraine approached 300,000. Taking partially fit men is not only more expensive in terms of medical costs, but it means more families of partially fit men will openly oppose these changes. Even if most of the partially fit men are not sent into combat, non-combat military jobs can be strenuous and many partially fit recruits will not be able to handle it. The government has a hard time justifying this and, as more of the partially fit escalate to totally unfit while in the military, their families will grow angrier at the government. This cannot be ignored because Russia ceased being a dictatorship in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. The new, somewhat democratic, Russian government learned to pay more attention to public opinion. This resulted in long demanded changes to conscription and the conditions of military service. Conscripts now serve only one year and the new laws prohibit them from being sent to fight in a foreign war.

Russia then proclaimed that Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine were not involved in a war but a necessary effort to fight NATO aggression. This explanation was not popular but tolerated. That has changed as more Russian soldiers died in Ukraine. The invasion failed while losses in weapons and manpower were larger than expected and continue to get worse. Dealing with that problem by taking partially fit men into the military is seen as a desperate measure that will only increase Russian losses in personnel and money spent on death benefits for the families of soldiers allegedly killed as well as a growing increase in medical costs for wounded or disabled soldiers. Taking the partially fit made this worse. Russian popular opposition to the war and the government are also increasing, something that Russian politicians are forced to deal with and having a difficult time handling.
There is a bunch of stocks that are well positioned for upside in 2025, according to Bank of America. The firm said that companies like Amazon are just too attractive to ignore right now. CNBC Pro combed through Bank of America research to find buy-rated stocks to own in January and beyond. In addition to the e-commerce juggernaut, the names include Henry Schein, Crocs, Chewy and Wells Fargo. Crocs Shares of the shoe company are up more than 4% over the past year, and they have plenty more room to run, according to analyst Christopher Nardone. In a note to clients earlier this week, the analyst said he sees a margin growth inflection on the horizon. "We expect margins will sequentially improve starting in 2Q and more so in 2H as CROX begins to lap the outsized HD [Hey Dude] investments," Nardone wrote. Crocs completed its acquisition of casual footwear brand Hey Dude in 2022. The analyst said investors are also not giving enough credit to Crocs' international strategy. "We expect key growth markets in '25 will be India, China, and Western Europe," he said. Nardone lowered his price target on shares to $144 per share from $147, but he said the risk/reward is extremely compelling and investors should pounce. "We think the stock is simply too cheap given our expectations for EPS to grow by 10% in F26," Nardone said. Amazon The e-commerce giant is firing on all cylinders. Analyst Justin Post named the company a top idea in 2025, and he said shares are going higher. "We see potential for acceleration in Cloud revenue growth, further Retail margin improvement, and expect a strong ramp for Prime Video advertising in 2025," Post wrote. The analyst thinks Amazon has the chops to withstand tightening consumer spending, plus any tariffs put in place by the incoming Trump administration. In particular, Post said Amazon has a slew of tools it can use to reduce the tariff impact, including "shifting exposure to lower-priced countries, increasing US-based 1P [first party] supply and Chinese vendors absorbing some costs...." Artificial intelligence will also play a big role, with "new AI automation in fulfilment and AI shopping capabilities for consumers," Post said. Shares of the company are up 42% over the past 12 months. Chewy Analyst Curtis Nagle said the online pet supplies retailer is a top pick. Chewy has robust earnings potential, and investors are overlooking it, he said. "Combined with a shift to higher gross margin sales, Chewy should see significant earnings leverage on its at-scale expense base that should, in turn, drive [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization] growth," Nagle wrote. The analyst also said Chewy is gaining share online, and that it's making the right investments to grow the business in using private label brands, pet health and more robust advertising. Chewy shares are up 82% over the past year with further upside potential, the firm said. "The pet industry appears to have bottomed with pet adoptions stabilizing and spending improving, which, coupled with share gains, should drive accelerating top-line trends at Chewy," Nagle said. Crocs "Risk/reward is attractive at 9x P/E.  We think the stock is simply too cheap given our expectations for EPS to grow by 10% in F26.  We expect margins will sequentially improve starting in 2Q and more so in 2H as CROX begins to lap the outsized HD [HeyDude] investments.  We expect key growth markets in '25 will be India, China, and Western Europe." Henry Schein "A best-in-class dental asset positioned to win long term.  We think HSIC stands out as a best-of-breed dental asset strategically positioned to compound EPS at healthy rates, which the company accomplished during the entire decade before COVID. The company is anniversarying last year's cybersecurity incident, which should improve headline numbers, as incremental share losses look manageable." Wells Fargo "Top pick among our 40+ bank coverage universe. We consider Wells Fargo (WFC) as our top pick across our 40+ bank coverage universe. In addition to a franchise that is well geared towards benefiting from rebounding customer activity (investment banking, lending), we see significant scope for self-help in terms of revenue growth, efficiency improvement, and capital return." Chewy "The pet industry appears to have bottomed with pet adoptions stabilizing & spending improving, which, coupled with share gains, should drive accelerating top-line trends at CHWY. Combined with a shift to higher gross margin sales, CHWY should see significant earnings leverage on its at-scale expense base that should, in turn, drive EBITDA growth." Amazon "New AI automation in fulfilment & AI shopping capabilities for consumers.  We see potential for acceleration in Cloud revenue growth further Retail margin improvement & expect a strong ramp for Prime Video advertising in 2025.  Higher prices would likely impact volumes, but we see levers AMZN could pull to mitigate the impact including shifting exposure to lower-priced countries, increasing US-based 1P supply and Chinese vendors absorbing some costs given high competition on the 3P platform."
President Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the first time in his term the president has bestowed that honor, the White House announced on Saturday.

"The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis is unlike any who came before," the White House wrote in a statement. "Above all, he is the People's Pope  a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world."

The White House also said Biden spoke with the Pope this morning to tell him about the award.

The two also "discussed efforts to advance peace around the world, including Pope Francis' work to alleviate suffering for vulnerable communities," the White House said.

In a tweet, Biden also wrote, "Pope Francis, your humility and your grace are beyond words, and your love for all is unparalleled."

The award comes after Biden was forced to cancel a trip to the Vatican this weekend to stay back and monitor the devastating wildfires in California.

The two last met in June, when Biden attended the G-7 Leaders' Summit in Apulia, Italy. At the time, the two spoke about the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

In a statement at the time, the Vatican said, "The leaders emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and a hostage deal to get the hostages home and address the critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza. President Biden thanked Pope Francis for the Vatican's work to address the humanitarian impacts of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, including his efforts to help return kidnapped Ukrainian children to their families."

Not only is this the first Presidential Medal of Freedom that Biden has awarded with distinction, but it's the first Medal of Freedom awarded with distinction since President Barack Obama awarded one to then-Vice President Biden.

Biden is the second Roman Catholic to be elected president. President John F. Kennedy, the nation's 35th president, was the first.
In this article META Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

Jakub Porzycki | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Mark Zuckerberg's announcement this week that Meta would pivot its moderation policies to allow more "free expression" was widely viewed as the company's latest effort to appease President-elect Donald Trump. More than any of its Silicon Valley peers, Meta has taken numerous public steps to make amends with Trump since his election victory in November. That follows a highly contentious four years between the two during Trump's first term in office, which ended with Facebook  similar to other social media companies  banning Trump from its platform. As recently as March, Trump was using his preferred nickname of "Zuckerschmuck" when talking about Meta's CEO and declaring that Facebook was an "enemy of the people." With Meta now positioning itself to be a key player in artificial intelligence, Zuckerberg recognizes the need for White House support as his company builds data centers and pursues policies that will allow it to fulfill its lofty ambitions, according to people familiar with the company's plans who asked not to be named because they weren't authorized to speak on the matter. "Even though Facebook is as powerful as it is, it still had to bend the knee to Trump," said Brian Boland, a former Facebook vice president, who left the company in 2020. Meta declined to comment for this article. In Tuesday's announcement, Zuckerberg said Meta will end third-party fact-checking, remove restrictions on topics such as immigration and gender identity and bring political content back to users' feeds. Zuckerberg pitched the sweeping policy changes as key to stabilizing Meta's content-moderation apparatus, which he said had "reached a point where it's just too many mistakes and too much censorship." The policy change was the latest strategic shift Meta has taken to buddy up with Trump and Republicans since Election Day. A day earlier, Meta announced that UFC CEO Dana White, a longtime Trump friend, is joining the company's board. And last week, Meta announced that it was replacing Nick Clegg, its president of global affairs, with Joel Kaplan, who had been the company's policy vice president. Clegg previously had a career in British politics with the Liberal Democrats party, including as a deputy prime minister, while Kaplan was a White House deputy chief of staff under former President George W. Bush. Kaplan, who joined Meta in 2011 when it was still known as Facebook, has longstanding ties to the Republican Party and once worked as a law clerk for the late conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. In December, Kaplan posted photos on Facebook of himself with Vice President-elect JD Vance and Trump during their visit to the New York Stock Exchange.

Joel Kaplan, Facebook's vice president of global policy, on April 17, 2018. Niall Carson | PA Images | Getty Images

Many Meta employees criticized the policy change internally, with some saying the company is absolving itself of its responsibility to create a safe platform. Current and former employees also expressed concern that marginalized communities could face more online abuse due to the new policy, which is set to take effect over the coming weeks. Despite the backlash from employees, people familiar with the company's thinking said Meta is more willing to make these kinds of moves after laying off 21,000 employees, or nearly a quarter of its workforce, in 2022 and 2023. Those cuts affected much of Meta's civic integrity and trust and safety teams. The civic integrity group was the closest thing the company had to a white-collar union, with members willing to push back against certain policy decisions, former employees said. Since the job cuts, Zuckerberg faces less friction when making broad policy changes, the people said. Zuckerberg's overtures to Trump began in the months leading up to the election. Following the first assassination attempt on Trump in July, Zuckerberg called the photo of Trump raising his fist with blood running down his face "one of the most badass things I've ever seen in my life." A month later, Zuckerberg penned a letter to the House Judiciary Committee alleging that the Biden administration had pressured Meta's teams to censor certain Covid-19 content. "I believe the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it," he wrote. After Trump's presidential victory, Zuckerberg joined several other technology executives who visited the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Meta also donated $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund. On Friday, Meta revealed to its workforce in a memo obtained by CNBC that it intends to shutter several internal programs related to diversity and inclusion in its hiring process, representing another Trump-friendly move. The previous day, some details of the company's new relaxed content-moderation guidelines were published by the news site The Intercept, showing the kind of offensive rhetoric that Meta's new policy would now allow, including statements such as "Migrants are no better than vomit" and "I bet Jorge's the one who stole my backpack after track practice today. Immigrants are all thieves."

Recalibrating for Trump

Zuckerberg, who has been dragged to Washington eight times to testify before congressional committees during the last two administrations, wants to be perceived as someone who can work with Trump and the Republican Party, people familiar with the matter said. Though Meta's content-policy updates caught many of its employees and fact-checking partners by surprise, a small group of executives were formulating the plans in the aftermath of the U.S. election results. By New Year's Day, leadership began planning the public announcements of its policy change, the people said. Meta typically undergoes major "recalibrations" after prominent U.S. elections, said Katie Harbath, a former Facebook policy director and CEO of tech consulting firm Anchor Change. When the country undergoes a change in power, Meta adjusts its policies to best suit its business and reputational needs based on the political landscape, Harbath said. "In 2028, they'll recalibrate again," she said. After the 2016 election and Trump's first victory, for example, Zuckerberg toured the U.S. to meet people in states he hadn't previously visited. He published a 6,000-word manifesto emphasizing the need for Facebook to build more community. The social media company faced harsh criticism about fake news and Russian election interference on its platforms after the 2016 election. Following the 2020 election, during the heart of the pandemic, Meta took a harder stand on Covid-19 content, with a policy executive saying in 2021 that the "amount of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation that violates our policies is too much by our standards." Those efforts may have appeased the Biden administration, but it drew the ire of Republicans. Meta is once again reacting to the moment, Harbath said. "There wasn't a business risk here in Silicon Valley to be more right-leaning," Harbath said. While Trump has offered few specific policy proposals for his second administration, Meta has plenty at stake. The White House could create more relaxed AI regulations compared with those in the European Union, where Meta says harsh restrictions have resulted in the company not releasing some of its more advanced AI technologies. Meta, like other tech giants, also needs more massive data centers and cutting-edge computer chips to help train and run their advanced AI models. "There's a business benefit to having Republicans win, because they are traditionally less regulatory," Harbath said.

Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg reacts as he testifies during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on online child sexual exploitation at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 31, 2024. Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters

Meta isn't alone in trying to cozy up to Trump. But the extreme measures the company is taking reflects a particular level of animus expressed by Trump over the years. Trump has accused Meta of censorship and has expressed resentment over the company's two-year suspension of his Facebook and Instagram accounts following the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. In July 2024, Trump posted on Truth Social that he intended to "pursue Election Fraudsters at levels never seen before, and they will be sent to prison for long periods of time," adding "ZUCKERBUCKS, be careful!" Trump reiterated that statement in his book, "Save America," writing that Zuckerberg plotted against him during the 2020 election and that the Meta CEO would "spend the rest of his life in prison" if it happened again. Meta spends $14 million annually on providing personal security for Zuckerberg and his family, according to the company's 2024 proxy statement. As part of that security, the company analyzes any threats or perceived threats against its CEO, according to a person familiar with the matter. Those threats are cataloged, analyzed and dissected by Meta's multitude of security teams. After Trump's comments, Meta's security teams analyzed how Trump could weaponize the Justice Department and the country's intelligence agencies against Zuckerberg and what it would cost the company to defend its CEO against a sitting president, said the person, who asked not to be named because of confidentiality. Meta's efforts to appease the incoming president bring their own risks. After Zuckerberg announced the new speech policy Tuesday, Boland, the former executive, was among a number of users who took to Meta's Threads service to tell their followers that they were quitting Facebook. "Last post before deleting," Boland wrote in his post. Before the post could be seen by any of his Threads followers, Meta's content moderation system had taken it down, citing cybersecurity reasons. Boland told CNBC in an interview that he couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. "It's deeply ironic," Boland said.  CNBC's Salvador Rodriguez contributed to this report. WATCH: Meta is returning to free speech tradition, says Facebook's former chief privacy officer Chris Kelly
Special counsel Jack Smith, who is overseeing the prosecution of former President Donald Trump in two federal cases, was the target of an attempted swatting at his Maryland residence on Christmas Day.

Special Counsel Jack Smith resigned Friday from the Department of Justice as President-elect Donald Trump and others continued efforts to block the release of Smith's final report on his criminal investigations of the Republican.

Smith, who was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022, left his post 10 days before Trump's inauguration.

His departure was expected, as Smith indicated he would leave before Trump took office, and because the president-elect planned to fire the special counsel if he did not resign.

But the timing of it was only disclosed Saturday, in a brief footnote of a DOJ court filing to U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon of Florida, who was appointed to the bench by Trump.

"The Special Counsel completed his work and submitted his final confidential report on January 7, 2025, and separated from the Department on January 10," the filing reads.

DOJ officials urged Cannon not to extend an order she issued last week, which is temporarily blocking the agency from releasing Smith's investigation into Trump's interference in the 2020 election results.

Trump's former co-defendants in another criminal case asked Cannon to extend her order, and are trying to keep Garland from releasing a portion of Smith's report to members of Congress.

The DOJ filed an emergency motion late Friday asking a federal appeals court to reverse the order, which would allow for the swift release of Smith's report.

Smith had filed two criminal cases against Trump.

One, in federal court in Washington, D.C., charged with crimes related to his attempt to overturn his loss in the 2020 election to President Joe Biden.

In the other case, which Cannon presided over, Trump was charged with retaining classified government records at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida after leaving the White House in January 2017, and with his efforts to prevent officials from recovering those documents

Also charged in that case were Trump's valet, Walt Nauta, and Mar-a-Lago worker Carlos De Oliveira, who were accused of helping Trump try to hide the documents from officials.

Cannon last year dismissed the Mar-a-Lago documents case against Trump after ruling that Smith's appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional.

Smith appealed that dismissal. But the DOJ ended up dismissing both criminal cases against Trump after he won November's election because of an agency policy again prosecuting a sitting president.

However, the DOJ is appealing the dismissal of the charges against Nauta and De Oliveira.

The DOJ has said that it will not release the section of Smith's report dealing with the Mar-a-Lago case while it appeals the dismissal of the case against those two other men, and while any subsequent case is pending.

 CNBC's Dan Mangan contributed to this report.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine speaks at the press conference during the European Council Meeting on December 19, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium.

Ukraine has captured two injured North Korean soldiers from the battlefield in Russia's Kursk region and transferred them to Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday.

"Two soldiers, though wounded, survived and were transported to Kyiv, where they are now communicating with the Security Service of Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote on X, alongside a series of photos of the prisoners.

It is the first time Ukraine has said it has detained North Korean troops since Pyongyang deployed an estimated 11,000 soldiers to support Russia late last year, according to the U.S. and its allies. Neither Russia nor North Korea have publicly acknowledged the troop deployment.

"As with all prisoners of war, these two North Korean soldiers are receiving the necessary medical assistance," Zelenskyy said, noting that their capture "was not an easy task," adding the claim that Russian and North Korean soldiers "usually execute their wounded to erase any evidence of North Korea's involvement in the war against Ukraine."

One of the images posted by Zelenskyy showed a man with both arms bandaged and a striped sweater pulled over his shoulders. Another man is pictured with swollen lips and a bandage wrapped around his head.

Two other images showed the cover and inside pages of a Russian document.

Ukraine's military warned in December that Russia was trying to "conceal the presence of North Korean military personnel by issuing them false documents."

It said military cards for North Koreans killed in the conflicts were "missing all the stamps and photographs," and that the signatures on the documents are in Korean, which "indicates the real origin of these soldiers."

In October, South Korean intelligence services said that North Korean special forces soldiers received Russian military uniforms and Russian-made weapons, as well as fake identification documents to make it look as if they come from Russia's Far East, where people can resemble North Koreans.

Zelensky said that he had instructed Ukraine's security service to allow journalists access to the prisoners.

"The world needs to know the truth about what is happening," he said.

Zelenskyy said last week that 4,000 North Korean soldiers have died or been wounded in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have launched a cross-border incursion since August.

The same month, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said some North Korean soldiers had taken their own lives rather than surrender to Ukrainian forces.

These suicides, he said, were "likely out of fear of reprisal against their families in North Korea in the event that they're captured."
British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves listens during the 11th China-UK Economic And Financial Dialogue on January 11, 2025 in Beijing, China.

British finance minister Rachel Reeves said on Saturday that she would take action to ensure that the government meets its fiscal rules announced in October's budget.

"Those fiscal rules that I set out in the budget in October are non-negotiable and we will take actions to ensure that we meet those fiscal rules," Reeves told reporters during a trip to Beijing.

Asked if she would use a budget update on March 26 to help rebuild the government's headroom over those rules, Reeves said: "I committed just to have one budget a year and that budget will be in the autumn."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently made his podcast debut on the popular People series hosted by Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha. The episode, released on January 10, showcased a blend of serious discussions and light-hearted moments, one of which revolved around the viral Melodi memes featuring PM Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.Towards the end of the podcast, Kamath brought up the memes in a humorous context, saying, Sir, I must admit that pizza, which comes from Italy, is my favourite food. People frequently comment on how well-versed you are in Italy. Do you have anything to say about it? Kamath further added, Havent you seen these memes?In response, Prime Minister Modi chuckled and said, Nahi, vo toh chalta rehta hai. Main usmein apna time kharab nahi karta. Brushing off the online buzz, he continued, Whatever is served in any nation, Im not a foodie. I eat with joy.Reflecting on leadership and encouraging change in politicsApart from the light-hearted exchange, the podcast offered a deep dive into PM Modis journey and governance philosophy. Reflecting on his tenure as Indias leader, the Prime Minister shared how he navigated challenging situations, including the tragic Godhra train fire, by maintaining emotional composure and focusing on solutions.I try to distance myself from emotions to manage tough circumstances and overcome anxieties, he said.PM Modi also used the platform to encourage more decent individuals to enter politics. He emphasised that such individuals should view politics as a platform for service rather than ambition, urging them to join with a purpose to drive meaningful change.
January 11, 2025: The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine failed as a military effort but was successful at creating many new opportunities for corruption. This included Russians of all types. At the high end, senior officials at the Defense ministry were outrageously corrupt and did little to hide it. These men were safe in the knowledge that if any of them were prosecuted, they could bribe their way out and still have a lot of money left.

The current round of corruption scandals began in mid-2024 with the arrest of a Russian deputy defense minister. Then the head of the ministrys personnel directorate was hauled into court. Within weeks more arrests were made. All those detained faced charges of corruption, which were usually denied. The arrests started shortly before President Vladimir Putin began his fifth term on May 7. 2024 as a longtime ally, longtime Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, was demoted.

This immediately raised questions about whether Putin was reasserting control over the Defense Ministry amid the war in Ukraine, whether a turf battle had broken out between the military and the security services, or whether some other scenario was playing out in Moscow. To many this seemed to be a return to the Russian government long described as a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.

Corruption scandals are not new and officials and top officials have been accused of profiting from their positions for decades. Corruption in Russia is used to encourage some officials, while prosecutions punish those who do not collaborate. Corruption is used to encourage officials to remain loyal to Vladimir Putin or one of Putins associates.

Then there is the blackmail technique. Putin prefers officials with embarrassing secrets. When selecting key officials in his government Putin selects the ones most vulnerable to blackmail. Putin wants subordinates who have a secret they want kept secret. The Russian government constantly searches for such secrets so it can threaten to publicize them if the officials do not do as they are told. This hidden secret policy and tolerance for corruption are the key elements in running the current Russian government.

Since 2022 the Ukraine War has led to much larger defense spending that has increased opportunities for graft. In 2021 the Russian defense budget was 2.7 percent of GDP but in 2024 it was six percent. Over the next few years the government plans to spend 30 percent of the government budget on the military.

Earlier in 2024 the first official arrested for corruption was a former Deputy Defense Minister who presided over military-related construction projects that had high priority, access to lots of money and few financial controls. One of the projects was the reconstruction of the devastated Ukrainian port city of Mariupol. The Ukrainians held out for a long time and the Russians had to fight hard to capture a city of ruins and unusable factories and port facilities.

The recent arrests are not described as part of an anti-corruption campaign but rather ongoing activities throughout the Russian government. Thats another way of admitting that corruption was everywhere and ongoing as an essential element of making the government work.

Key officials make little effort to hide their new wealth. They do this through ostentatious displays ranging from hundred million dollar yachts to new wrist watches that cost several times their official annual salaries. These displays of stolen wealth by senior government and military officials and their family members were so extensive and obvious that it enraged Russians who were suffering economically because of the cost of the war.

There were more personal costs because nearly a million Russian soldiers have been killed, disabled or disappeared in Ukraine since early 2022, and their families and friends blame the Russian government because it was Russia that invaded Ukraine, not the other way around. During World War II, the last time Russia was invaded, there was little corruption in part because 13 percent of Russians died in that war. Most of them were killed by the Germans but many were killed by the Russian government in order to maintain loyalty.

After 1941 prompt obedience to orders was a matter of life or death for Russian soldiers and civilians because military officers and NKVD secret police personnel could kill any Russian displaying reluctance or refusal to carry out orders. The desperate situation during World War II limited opportunities for corruption. The war in Ukraine is different but as many corrupt officials are discovering, not different enough to keep them out of prison or an early grave.

The recent arrests, prosecutions and imprisonment of senior officials who were corrupt, or too obviously corrupt, has sent a message to all senior officials in jobs giving them access to the swollen defense budget that is now 6.7 percent of GDP. Before the invasion it was 2.7 percent. Putin thought the invasion would quickly overthrow the Ukrainian government. That did not happen and the costs of that war are more than Russia can afford. This is nothing new, it was decades of spending 15 percent of GDP on defense, and tolerating a lot of corruption by senior officials, that caused the Soviet Union to collapse in 1991. Many Russian economists and bankers believe another economic collapse, similar to what destroyed the Soviet Union, is possible unless the increased defense spending is restrained along with the growing corruption.
Back in 2008, Tina Fey went on an epic Weekend Update rant about people who call Hillary Clinton a bitch. Let me say something about that: She is, Fey snarled. And so am I. And so is this one (Amy Poehler). You know what? Bitches get stuff done. Thats why Catholic schools use nuns as teachers and not priests. Those nuns are mean old clams, and they sleep on cots and theyre allowed to hit you. And at the end of the school year, you hated those bitches. But you knew the capital of Vermont.

Play

With a cry of Bitch is the new black! Fey let the world know she wasnt afraid of what people thought of her. As head writer at Saturday Night Live, her main job was getting stuff done, not winning popularity contests. But that perspective sometimes meant she was on the ugly end of harsh words from her SNL coworkers.

Did you confront a staffer at Saturday Night Live after they called you a c***? Howard Stern asked Fey in 2015. Thats the worst thing you can call a woman, I think.

Don't Miss

Fey confirmed that the incident did indeed happen, though she was understandably reluctant to name names  at least at first. You know, weve since made up, she explained.

Tina, Howard implored. Who had the nerve to call you a c***? You were the head writer on Saturday Night Live and someone had the nerve to call you a c***?

Advertisement

Yeah, and I love him so much, Fey sighed.

Hey, you had a fight, Stern reasoned. Stuff happens.

And with that, Fey spilled the beans. It was Colin Quinn.

What happened to provoke Quinns outburst? The reason isnt clear to Fey. She was trying to help the comic with a show he was working on. I think his anxiety about the writing of the show spilled over because it was very random, she revealed. I was like, What?

Quinn left an angry message for Fey that included the slur. He left evidence! exclaimed Stern.

Advertisement

Usually if someone calls you that, youre like, I know what I did, Fey laughed. But this time, she was baffled at what shed done to provoke such a harsh voicemail.

Advertisement

By the time Fey made her Stern appearance, she had no hard feelings. When Stern noted Quinn wasnt in her new movie, Fey reminded him that shed asked Quinn to be on 30 Rock three times. He turned us down every time, and then I saw him on Girls and I was like, Hes dead to me!

But alls well that ends well. We reconnected at the SNL 40 (anniversary party), Fey assured Stern. Were good.
It was recently announced that A Complete Unknown star Timothee Chalamet will host the January 25th episode of Saturday Night Live  but he will only be the second-best Bob Dylan impressionist in Studio 8H that night.

Weirdly, Chalamet wont just be hosting, he will also be the shows musical guest. While Chalamet isnt a professional musician, he did do his own singing and guitar-playing in the Dylan biopic, suggesting that he may be performing on SNL as Dylan.

Don't Miss

Hell probably just sing Like a Rolling Stone or something, but he could also honor SNL history by belting out some of Dylans born-again Christian tunes.

Interestingly enough, Chalamets booking shares a number of parallels with an episode from the shows distant past  and hopefully this one wont be quite so disastrous.

Advertisement

While its not unusual for music stars to pull double-duty as both host and musical guest, its less common for non-professional musicians to cover both jobs. In March 1979, Gary Busey hosted the show, and although he wasnt the official musical guest, in the closing moments of the show, he did take the stage and perform a song.

Like Chalamet, Busey had just received a lot of critical acclaim for his work in a high-profile rock star biopic: Busey played Buddy Holly in the aptly-named The Buddy Holly Story. When Chalamet hosts in a few weeks, he will, in all likelihood, have been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actor category. Similarly, Busey was nominated for playing Holly (he ultimately lost to Jon Voight for the Vietnam War drama Coming Home).

Oddly enough, when Busey sang on SNL, he was backed by two musicians with connections to Dylans electric period: Rick Danko, a founding member of The Band, previously The Hawks, who first backed Dylan on his first electric tour in 1966; and Paul Butterfield, who played at the legendary Newport Folk Festival on the same day that Dylan famously went electric (playing with several members of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band).

Advertisement

Advertisement

And its been argued that the festivals condescending attitude toward Butterfields band is what inspired Dylan to pivot to an electric set, as seen in the climax of A Complete Unknown.

But Buseys time at SNL was far from smooth. According to Saturday Night: A Backstage History of Saturday Night Live, Busey was living the rock and roll life with a vengeance at the time, so much so that Lorne Michaels had to assign a staff member to keep an eye on him, which wasnt easy. At one point she had to get a key to Buseys hotel room and drag him to the studio for rehearsal. And on the Friday before the show, she had to enlist a security guard to look for him after he disappeared.

Advertisement

Worse, John Belushi reportedly had a little trick that he sometimes played on vulnerable hosts, taking them drinking for several nights so that theyd be nursing a three-day hangover during the show (Belushi, on the other hand, would refresh himself with a steambath and a massage).

After falling prey to Belushis influences, and his own not-so-great impulses, Busey disappeared yet again on Saturday night. He was nowhere to be found at 11:28 p.m., just two minutes before the show was scheduled to air. Jane Curtin said that he went out for a pizza.

Busey finally showed up, just in time for the first sketch, claiming that he had merely left for a Coke. As OneSNLaDay.com pointed out, Busey appeared to be sweating and out of breath at the start of the cold open.

NBC/onesnladay.com

Were guessing that Chalamet likely wont bail on the show to get a soda.
Theres a head of steam building up for a four-day working week, backed by various progressive pressure groups and think-tanks, Leftish local councils, much of the Labour Party and, naturally, public-sector trade unions, enjoying a new lease of life under an indulgent Labour government.

Working one day less a week and enjoying a three-day weekend, it must be admitted, does have its attractions. But its important to realise what is being demanded.

Were not talking about less pay for less work, a pro rata four days pay for four days work. Nor are we being asked to compress, for the same money, the current hours we work in five days into four, moving from the standard five-day 40-hour week to a four-day 40-hour week. No. The goal is a four-day, 32-hour working week without  and this is the crucial fact  any loss of pay.

At a time when Britains fundamental economic weakness is low productivity, which is impeding economic growth and undermining living standards, it is not immediately clear to me how paying people the same to do eight hours less work a week does anything to tackle that problem.

Indeed, the evidence suggests (especially from the public sector) that, coupled with the lingering post-pandemic fashion for working from home, a shorter working week for the same dosh is likely to make it worse.

Let us start by recognising that UK productivity growth is poor compared to other wealthy market economies. Our performance is in the bottom half of the OECD club of rich countries, well below America, Germany and even France  and just a bit ahead of Spain and Italy.

From 2010 to 2022, the annual average growth in UK GDP per hour worked was just 0.5 per cent, with little uptick  as far as we can discern  in the past two years.

This lacklustre growth is the main reason living standards have largely stagnated during the past decade and a half.

Demands that Sir Keir Starmer's party bring in a four-day week, or version thereof, are now rampant in the public sector, Andrew Neil writes

The problem is particularly acute, as you might have guessed, in the public sector, where far from increasing at a snails pace, its declining fast.

Doug McWilliams, principal author of The Growth Commission, a non-partisan group of international economists, calculates that, by the start of last year, public sector productivity was down almost 7 per cent compared with pre-pandemic 2019  and has continued to fall.

Its a long-running problem. During the Blair-Brown years (1997-2010), as public spending was ramped up, public-sector productivity drifted down.

During the subsequent Tory years, under the spur of so-called austerity, public sector productivity started to improve but, naturally, it collapsed during the pandemic  and has never recovered. Not only is it still below pre-pandemic levels, its below where it was in 1997.

The growth in private sector productivity, which has hardly been stellar but has been positive, has been substantially offset by the decline in public sector productivity. It is not entirely irrelevant to point out that whereas only 12 per cent of the private sector is unionised, the equivalent figure in the public sector is 50 per cent.

Those pushing the same-pay-for-less-work agenda point to all manner of studies purporting to show how Britains productivity problem would be miraculously solved by a 32-hour week. They are largely unconvincing, involving small samples and interested parties gathering their own data and marking their own homework.

South Cambridgeshire District Council, for example, deemed its four-day week a success. It claimed the workforce was happier and less stressed and that there had been no reduction in services.

But if you were working only four days a week but being paid for five, youd probably be happier and less stressed, too. Youd feel even better on a three-day week for five days pay. Moreover if it really was true that the level of services was unscathed it makes you wonder how bad their productivity was when they were working five days.

Angela Rayner's Employment Rights Bill is set to redefine the relationship between bosses and workers

It only emerged later that one in six council staff on a four-day week had taken a second paid job on their paid day off. So much for being burnt out on a five-day week.

As one councillor remarked, its nuttier than a squirrels brunch.

Nor is it possible to be sure that the quality of services provided remains intact for the simple reason that the district council does so little. Roads, social services and schools are all the work of the county council. Even bin collection is shared with the higher authority.

Interestingly, residents were not asked for their views on services under a four-day week regime. But then the district councils chief executive already has a lot on her plate: shes been busy with a doctorate on the four-day week while tending to her day job.

Demands for a four-day week, or versions thereof, are now rampant in the public sector. Some schools are already closing for the weekend at 1.30pm on Friday afternoons.

Teaching unions are pushing for a four-day week or at least a nine-day fortnight, citing teachers wellbeing, lack of work/life balance, high turnover, 50-hour working weeks and, the ubiquitous catch-all of our age, mental health issues.

Parents are more worried about the extra childcare costs if their kids are at school only four days a week and how pupils will cope with demanding curricula if they spend less time in classroom. As always, its the poorer pupils who will suffer most from such an innovation. The predictable answer of the education blob? Dumb down the curriculum.

The demand for a four-day week goes hand-in-hand with working from home, which has proved surprisingly prevalent even as the pandemic fades from memory. Those contemplating a four-day week are thinking they need spend only two or three of these days in the office.

I understand the attractions of reducing long, uncomfortable and expensive commutes to and from work. But, for young people in particular, I fear they are trading short-term gain for long-term loss.

For the bright and ambitious I dont see how they can hope to be noticed by those who hold their careers in their hands if theyre stuck in front of their laptops in their bedrooms. When I joined The Economist magazine back in the days when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, I found myself, just down from university, working alongside giants of journalism.

I learned everything from them. They mentored me, we mixed not just at work but at play  alright, the pub, which was often when I picked up the best tips. Some even concluded that I was not wholly useless.

Promotion followed to Belfast (when The Troubles were a huge international story), the House of Commons (political correspondent) and America (White House correspondent). I honestly dont see how any of that could have happened if Id been sequestered in my west London bedsit.

A recent survey of 250 employers by Reed Group, a recruitment agency, found that 75 per cent of employers admitted that promotion was less likely for those working from home. There was an in-person premium when it came to pay and progression. The more young workers were in the workplace full-time, the more likely they were to get on.

The demand for a four-day week and the fashion for working from home threatens to deny such opportunities to a new generation of the best and the brightest. The sad thing is they might not even realise it until it is too late.

Of course, I understand the need for more flexible working practices, that bright brain-workers expect the freedom to work as they wish and that long hours are not the only measure of somebodys worth to a company.

I recognised all that during the 20 years I was chairman of the The Spectator magazine, during which productivity soared and labour turnover was minuscule.

But we are now creating a workshy culture in which we want to be paid the same or more for doing less, in which we expect world-class cradle-to-the-grave health and welfare services plus state of the art infrastructure without putting in the hard graft needed to generate the wealth to pay for them.

It is a culture based on folly and built on fantasy. It is one I fear our Labour Government is only too keen to foster. If so, it will be the ruin of us.
This was the week when the myriad shortcomings of this callow, self-deluded Labour Government were cruelly and dangerously exposed.

In opposition Keir Starmer pretended to have the answer to all societys ills. Indeed, he may even have convinced himself it was true. Get rid of the Tories, he told us, and everything will be better.

Six months in power have proved he was selling a land of make-believe. In almost every corner of society, at almost every level, he and his ministers are making matters worse.

When New Labour came to power in 1997, Tony Blair was surrounded by politicians of substance. The Mail may not have wholeheartedly agreed with their agenda, but Gordon Brown, Jack Straw, Robin Cook, Margaret Beckett and others had paid their dues and earned widespread respect.

Todays crop are political featherweights by comparison and are already showing themselves to be embarrassingly ill-equipped to govern.

We have a Foreign Secretary who thinks Syria and Libya are next door to each other; an Education Secretary who puts the interests of teaching unions above those of children; and a Home Secretary who, despite her bluster, is utterly clueless about how to stop the boats.

Ed Milibands mad rush to Net-Zero risks power cuts and soaring energy prices (Britain avoided a blackout on Wednesday only by bringing in electricity from Denmark at huge cost).

And then theres Rachel Reeves  truly the featherweights featherweight. Its one thing to put an inexperienced minister in charge of paper clips, quite another to make them custodian of the nations finances.

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband arrives in Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting in London

Keir Starmer welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron to Chequers country retreat near Ellesborough on January 9

No wonder she felt the need to doctor her CV to make it look as if she might know what she was doing. She clearly doesnt.

Her disastrous Budget fleeced everyone from pensioners to farmers, increased taxes by a staggering 41billion, brought cries of pain from business and is choking growth.

Its no coincidence that the pound is tumbling and borrowing costs spiralling.

Yet rather than rolling up her sleeves and tackling her problems head-on, she has scuttled off to China, where shes sucking up to a brutal Communist dictatorship. When the going got tough, the Chancellor got going  5,000 miles away!

The real blame for this omnishambles, of course, rests with Sir Keir. He put these hapless ministers in place. Their flaws are his flaws, their failings his failings.

His own petulant refusal on Monday to allow a national inquiry into the systematic sexual abuse of young girls in Oldham and elsewhere set the tin-eared tone for the week.

By saying those who sought justice for the thousands of deeply damaged victims were amplifying the far-Right, he showed himself to both callous and desperately out of touch.

Rachel Reeves poses outside 11 Downing Street ahead of presenting her budget to parliament

His failure to move Tulip Siddiq from her job as City minister while she is being investigated by an anti-corruption commission in Bangladesh over claims of embezzlement is another error of judgment.

Meanwhile, the NHS is deep in crisis (again), the surrender of the Chagos Islands is an ongoing diplomatic fiasco and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is doing her best to crush innovation and excellence in our schools.

If they can do this much damage in six months, what state will Britain be in four years hence? Kemi Badenoch must spend that time rebuilding the Conservative Party and making it fit to govern. As for all incoming Tory administrations, clearing up Labours mess will be no easy task.
Downing Street chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, having a shrewd idea of his boss's character, arranged for the Prime Minister to deliver his speech at a Hull firm that makes disinfectant and condoms. Off a nearby corridor laboratory researchers were doing clever things with phials of Dettol and snap-twang Durexes. Antiseptic and greased latex: that's the nasal knight for you. Some 30 workers, obediently lanyarded, were corralled into a room with squashy chairs and a round table. Some were told to stand behind Sir Keir while he said 'a few words'. The words lasted an hour. Mr McSweeney's efforts to make Sir Keir a dynamic orator still have some way to go. Long before the end of the event there was a palpable foot-weariness in the room.
This week, the Kingdom of Eswatini witnessed devastating floods that have left many families displaced and without shelter.

The tragic events are not isolated but rather part of a broader and escalating pattern of extreme weather events fuelled by climate change. The Government of Eswatini, along with the global community, must recognise this disaster as a clarion call for urgent action and investment in climate change mitigation, prevention and education.

The increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and hurricanes is one of the most vivid manifestations of climate change. This long-term shift from the weather pattern results from a warming planet, driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Therefore, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) underscores the need for all countries, especially vulnerable ones, to prepare and adapt to these impacts.

Climate change policy

The Swaziland (Eswatini) National Climate Change Policy aims to reduce the countrys carbon footprint and build resilience to climate change.

The policy includes strategies for adaptation, mitigation and public awareness. The objectives of this policy are to provide enabling policy framework for effective implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. It also seeks to enhance climate-resilient and inclusive low-carbon green growth investments, promote public education, information and awareness on climate change and provide mechanisms for coordination and building of partnerships in addressing climate change.



Globally, we are witnessing significant climatic shifts that have economic, environmental, and social implications. The global economy is being stretched by the costs associated with disaster response and recovery, economic disruptions from agricultural losses, and the strain on infrastructure. I must emphasise that the economic repercussions of climate change are profound. They include decreased agricultural output, increased health costs, displacement and destruction of infrastructure. I pray such catastrophe does not affect the land of honey and milk - Eswatini.

My prayer is founded on an analysis by the World Bank, which has estimated that, without significant action, climate change could push over 100 million people into poverty by 2030. I have observed that countries across the world are experiencing these effects, although the contributions to global emissions vary. The United States, under President Donald Trump, notably withdrew from the Paris Agreement, indicating a rollback in climate action commitments.

The first tenure of Trump as president of the United States began on January 20, 2017 and ended on January 20, 2021. His second tenure after a four-year break begins on January 20, 2025. Trumps stance on climate change shifted with the change in administration in 2021, as USA rejoined the agreement under President Joe Biden, highlighting the global need for consistent and forward-thinking policies. The largest greenhouse gas emitters include China, the United States, India and European Union countries.

While these economies have made some commitments to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy, progress is staggered. The European Union is generally favoured for its comprehensive climate policies, while China and India have pledged significant emission cuts as part of the Paris Agreement, despite their ongoing reliance on coal. These countries have not done much to compensate the least developed nations that are suffering from the impact of climate change.

Climate resilience

The situation in Eswatini demands immediate action not only in terms of humanitarian aid and housing for those affected but also in allocating substantial budgets towards climate resilience. I am happy that the Eswatini Government Programme of Action seeks to address the issue of climate change. Government has proposed for a budget of E60 billion for climate change mitigation and other related actions.

According to the Eswatini National Climate Change Policy, direct funding through the annual national budgets will remain inadequate.

However, under the UNFCCC, developed countries are obligated to provide financial support to developing countries like Eswatini to support adaptation and mitigation actions. In this regard, several climate finance mechanisms have been established under the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol. These include the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Adaptation Fund. In addition to the funds under the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol, other climate finance mechanisms exist such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

It is mentioned in the countrys policy that the World Bank and through other multilateral, bilateral and private sector sources, including carbon market education on climate change impacts and adaptive strategies should be prioritised to empower communities to respond effectively. Globally, I want to mention that we must bolster our commitment to reducing emissions, transitioning to sustainable energy sources, and investing in technology and infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events.

Individual actions such as reducing carbon footprints, supporting sustainable practices and advocating for policy changes are essential.

The unfortunate disaster that we have witnessed this week in the country is a solemn reminder that without comprehensive and coordinated action on climate change, the world will face increasingly severe catastrophes. In a nutshell, countries under the UN framework must incorporate climate change into their action programmes, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for all.

PR is part of politics

In todays dynamic political landscape, the role of publicity has evolved into a powerful tool for politicians to reach their constituents. Public relations (PR) initiatives are often met with criticism and sceptism yet they remain an essential component of political strategy. These manoeuvres, while at times theatrical, are gateways to effective communication and public engagement. Some social media users, mainly members of the progressives have been criticising Deputy Prime Minister(DPM) Thuli Dladla for performing a PR stunt by building homes for the underprivileged families. What do people want? What quality of a brain would criticise such a useful societal programme?

Let us say it is a PR function, what is wrong with it? Dladla must continue to exemplify how strategic PR campaigns not only capture attention, but also address pressing societal needs, such as housing for the underprivileged. At its core, publicity attracts public and media attention. In politics, PR initiatives are indispensable, especially during campaign seasons.

They serve as a megaphone, amplifying political messages that might otherwise be lost in the cacophony of modern-day media. More than mere spectacle, they symbolise the accessible nature of politics, encouraging public dialogue and interaction. Politicians who master the art of the PR find themselves in an advantageous position to influence public opinion and votes. Once an individual steps into the political arena, survival often hinges on the ability to effectively campaign and execute strategic PR initiatives.

These strategies are woven into the fabric of modern governance, allowing public figures to spotlight their policies and commitments intensely. Critics often describe the construction of houses for underprivileged emaSwati by the DPM a publicity stunt. However, such interpretations overlook the deeper impact of these initiatives.

Dladla, like all politicians, understands the primary goal of attracting public attention as a way to showcase government priorities and spur community involvement. Her efforts demonstrate how well-orchestrated PR initiatives can translate into tangible benefits for the populace. Building homes for the poor reflects a vital government functionrestoring social order and combating inequality.

Addressing these deeply ingrained issues requires more than rhetoric. It demands visible action. By providing shelter to disadvantaged citizens, Dladla and her government help dismantle the barriers keeping many in poverty. Initiatives like hers echo successful models seen in countries such as Brazils Minha Casa, Minha Vida programmes and South Africas Reconstruction and Development Programme, both of which have extensively addressed housing crises and inequality.



The importance of constructing homes for the underprivileged cannot be overstated. Secure housing is foundational to improving quality of life, offering stability that enables families to pursue education, employment and better health outcomes. It serves as a pivot for social reform, reducing crime, bolstering economies, and fostering community growth. Countries worldwide have leveraged housing initiatives to address inequality. As stated above, in Brazil, government programmes emphasised affordable housing as a tool for socio-economic transformation.



Governmental responsibility

Similarly, South Africa made significant strides post-apartheid by focusing on housing as part of its broader social policy. These examples offer compelling evidence for why housing for the poor must remain a priority. Given the success of these international models, the efforts by the office of the DPM deserve commendation. Dladlas approach not only highlights the governments commitment to its citizens, but also sets a precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges.

While such initiatives can be powerful, it is crucial that they are underpinned by rigorous policy frameworks and government support. I want to emphasise this point that building homes for the poor is inherently a governmental responsibility. Long-term success requires thorough research to identify communities most in need and a robust budgetary commitment, both of which demand parliamentary approval. Parliaments role is vital in ensuring that these initiatives are not ad-hoc but part of an integrated strategy to combat poverty.

Government institutions must work collaboratively, alongside NGOs, to maximise impact. It is godly to recognise non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that play a crucial role in complementing government efforts. In Eswatini, organisations such as the Philani Maswati Charity Organisation, Scalisa Foundation and Prince Sicalo Foundation have been instrumental in constructing homes for the underprivileged.

Their dedication and hard work amplify government efforts, ensuring that housing initiatives are comprehensive and far-reaching. These NGOs have laid vital groundwork, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. Their experience and networks provide invaluable support to government initiatives, creating a synergistic effect that increases efficiency and outreach. The commendable work of these organisations deserves recognition and continued support. In conclusion, the intersection of politics and publicity is a complex yet necessary component of modern governance.

By strategically combining PR with purposeful action, politicians can promote social change, drawing attention to issues that demand collective resolve. Societies that embrace and understand the role of publicity in politics can harness this as a force for good, channelling attention and resources toward meaningful reform. We must celebrate and support these initiatives.
Look up. You might imagine that, under a British sky in January, a good old umbrella will keep you safe from the worst that the clouds above can throw at you.

But the stormclouds forming over the UK are more dangerous than anything weve seen in our lifetime. And if bombs, drones, missiles or rockets begin to fall out of the sky, we have very little to protect us.

The same is true of attack by sea, on the land, and by modern electronic methods. We have allowed our defences to drop to perilous levels.

Despite what most people think, for instance, London has no Iron Dome to fend off aerial attack. Britain is living with a false sense of security, fostered by the efficiency with which Israel  aided by its British and US allies  has been able to swat away Iranian missile salvoes.

A Russian test-firing of a ballistic missile last year

Such anti-missile defences as we possess rely on the skill and rapid reactions of a small cadre of RAF Typhoon fighter pilots and the exceptional Sea Viper ordnance mounted on Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers such as HMS Daring.

Our few jets and nimble ships cannot be everywhere at once, and the ammunition each one carries is limited.

It would be physically impossible for them to fend off a sustained bombardment. Our skies are not safe, and nor is any of us in Britain today.

I know you dont want to believe me. The prospect of war is too awful to contemplate. It cant possibly happen, can it? Not in a country where we can walk into any supermarket and buy blueberries in January.

Life in Britain, for the most part, is safe and civilised. By the standards of many other parts of the world, we are blessed, privileged, even pampered. We look at the horrors in Ukraine and the Middle East, and thank God that has not been our fate.

But the appalling truth is that we are already embroiled in a one-sided war, under constant threat and sometimes open attack from the demented regime of Vladimir Putins Kremlin. We think we are not yet at war with Russia, but Russia is at war with us and the whole of Western Europe.

And it is not only Russia. China, North Korea and Iran also wish harm on us, and though they are unlikely to embark on a naked attack against Britain, they can use any number of terrorist proxy groups in North Africa and the Middle East to strike at us.

Yet making the public aware of the pressing dangers is proving almost impossible, because quite understandably no one wants to hear it. The blueberries are still on the shelves, after all.

It is imperative for the government to take action and force Britain to see the threats. Its not enough for security experts to issue warnings on television, or even for newspapers to publish urgent editorials. We need to permeate the public consciousness. I believe the most effective way is to establish a Ministry for Civil Defence, charged with training millions of people in how to respond to an attack.

The first priority is information  right now, for instance, most people have no idea of what to do in the event of a cyber-attack that knocks out the internet or the mobile phone network.

The next step is to build up national resilience. We saw during Covid how quick people were to panic, with supermarkets emptied of lavatory paper and other supplies. Every home ought to have a back-up supply of food and toiletries as standard.

Britain has much to be proud of, in the way communities responded to the pandemic. Streets and tower blocks set up support groups, sharing skills and looking after each other. We need that mindset now.

Britains military reserves have been chronically underfunded and allowed to ebb for decades

During Covid, and also following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the British stepped up. People donated their time to make sure neighbours were safe, and their spare rooms to ensure refugees had a warm bed.

If people understood how grave the threat is today, I have no doubt they would step up again. Everyone has a role to play. We need volunteer medics, drivers, artisans, nurses, carers  all sorts of skills to see us through an emergency.

And we need soldiers. Britains military reserves have been chronically underfunded and allowed to ebb for decades, though as a former Honorary Colonel of a squadron of the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry, I know better than most how dedicated and well-trained these units are.

Every part of the British Army has been hollowed out. Recruitment to take it back to full strength, even with all the funding required, would be a slow job.

A Ministry of Civil Defence could restore our reserves with schemes to train armies of the willing.

Theres nothing outlandish about that  Sweden and Finland, which are far more awake to the threat of war than we are, have the capability to mobilise tens of thousands of part-time soldiers within 24 hours.

The Left will sneer at the very idea. But our enemies look at us now, and see we are soft. Were not just unwilling to fight: were not capable.

Even if we could recruit 20,000 young men and women as volunteer soldiers, theyd have no weapons or ammunition. Theyd have no place to go, no barracks, no command structure  nothing.

Meanwhile, our communications networks are being hacked. Our social media is flooded with disinformation and poison, stirring up savage division. Our free elections are targeted. Our undersea cables are cut, our military bases buzzed by drones, our infrastructure sabotaged.

Assassinations have been carried out on British soil. Financial and media companies are regularly blacked out. Bombs have been placed on cargo flights.

How long can this go on before people recognise the crisis that is coming to the boil? The answer is  not much longer, because every expert I talk to warns the undeclared war of sabotage and intimidation will soon erupt into overwhelming violence.

And Britain is completely unprepared. My admiration for the men and women of Britains armed forces is boundless  but they are pitifully ill-equipped.

Successive governments have allowed our defence spending to dwindle to less than half of what it was at the end of the Cold War.

We gratefully accepted the peace dividend with the fall of the Berlin Wall and ploughed the savings into public services and welfare. But that sense of relief quickly turned to complacency.

I have seen the atrophy of our defences both as a soldier and as a politician.

In 1967, aged 19, I was commissioned into the British Army on the Rhine, stationed with the 11th Hussars in northern Germany. Like many thousands of Daily Mail readers who have also served, I was charged with defending Western Europe from attack across the Iron Curtain.

That army numbered more than 50,000 soldiers. Back then, we were spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence.

Russia is at war with us and the whole of Western Europe. Pictured: A Russian test bomb

I fought my first election in 1979 and served as Minister of State for the Armed Forces under John Major from 1994 to 1997, and then as Shadow Defence Secretary from 2003-2005. Never during my time in the Commons and later the House of Lords have I seen the world as dangerous as it is now.

Yet we now spend approximately 2.33 per cent of GDP on defence, a figure that falls to around 1.5 per cent when the cost of our nuclear deterrent is set to one side.

Our Trident warheads and nuclear submarines are a crucial element of Britains defences. We dare not do without them.

But we must also recognise that their purpose is wholly as a deterrent, to prevent Russia or some other nuclear power from holding us to ransom.

Nukes are of little use in deflecting other kinds of attack, even an outrage such as the sinking of a ship or the downing of a jet. To protect against that, we need more ships and more jets.

The parallels with the 1930s, when my grandfather Winston Churchill was a lone voice sounding the alarm, are too vivid to be ignored. I hasten to emphasise that I am not my grandfather  I dont have his vision, his eloquence, his charisma or his energy.

Thats part of Britains problem today, because there are no leaders remotely comparable to Winston. Our Parliament is crammed with political pygmies, obsessed with infighting and Net Zero.

As long as our leaders fail to take the international threat seriously, the general public never will. I worry that it is going to take a major catastrophe before Parliament and the public wake up to the dangers we face.

If we continue to ignore the darkening skies, the thunderstorm will break. When it does, it will be ordinary people who bear the brunt of an attack. In the worst-case scenario, that could be a barrage of hypersonic medium-range Oreshnik missiles, launched from the Kapustin Yar testing range in the Astrakhan region, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and travelling at 11 times the speed of sound.

Unlike cruise missiles, these follow a trajectory that takes them to the edge of space. Some types then release a glider that skims the edge of the atmosphere, making twists and turns to evade interception as it plunges towards its target.

Loaded with thermobaric warheads, each equivalent to more than 40 tons of TNT, these detonate in mid-air, sending a shockwave of furnace-like heat that obliterates everything in a wide radius.

One hitting the centre of Manchester, Glasgow or Birmingham would kill tens of thousands of people. The consequences of a direct hit on a nuclear power station are incalculable.

Without a comprehensive anti-missile system  not only

the Iron Dome, which blocks short-range rockets and mortar shells, but defences such as the Israeli Arrow, which takes out ballistic missiles  we are essentially helpless.

You might believe that even Putin is not insane enough to unleash such an attack, and I hope youre right. But without doubt he and other dictators, such as the Ayatollah in Tehran, are intent on using other subtler forms of warfare that will wreak havoc.

The most obvious of these is to disrupt our food supply chains. This can be done from thousands of miles away, by blocking waterways such as the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal. It can also be done by piracy, attacking container ships on the high seas.

Defending against all these threats at once is beyond any nation. We must prioritise our defence spending according to the greatest threats  and the wolf nearest the sleigh is clearly Russia.

By that, I mean it is to the European front and Nato that we need to make our greatest contribution. Sending our aircraft carrier around the Far East is of course a formidable signal to friend and foe, but the Pacific is not our immediate theatre of war. The most dangerous waters are closer to home.

Those seas make us vulnerable, but for a thousand years Britain has relied on them to repel attack. We are an island, and this has saved us many times, from Napoleon, from Hitler and from the Armada.

But it wont save us this time. Our island status cant protect us against missiles, terrorism or cyber-attacks.

We need to do much more. A Ministry of Civil Defence is the quickest and surest means to organise it. The Prime Minister must act now to make it happen.
Decoding dating etiquette is notoriously difficult - especially figuring out what the appropriate move is after a first date that's not quite the right connection.

While some singles appreciate a text after a first date saying it wasn't a love match, others find it wildly offensive and would rather both parties ghost.

To find out if it's more polite to silently part ways or send a first date break up text, FEMAIL reached out to etiquette experts and a matchmaker who weighed in.

Etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts told DailyMail.com, 'When Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw's boyfriend Jack Berger broke up with her on a post-it note after being in a "relationship," that was inexcusable.'

'But after one date, it's more like it was nice to meet you. No break-up necessary, simply no interest,' Lisa, who goes by the Golden Rules Gal on Instagram, revealed.

'If it feels like neither party is interested and no discussion of a second date, it's appropriate to simply part ways without a text,' Lisa explained. 'Sometimes silence communicates mutual disinterest better than words.'

Lisa, who's based in San Francisco, said that when it comes to ending things, 'timing matters.'

'No matter how much interaction you've had, if there isn't a connection and no plans are discussed, things will naturally fizzle,' Lisa said. 'But if there are tentative plans or future dates, it's courteous to send a text.'

Decoding dating etiquette is notoriously difficult - especially figuring out what the appropriate move is after a first date gone wrong (stock image)

Etiquette expert Thomas P. Farley, also known as Mister Manners, told DailyMail.com that unless an individual 'follows up expressing interest in an another get-together,' the second person should simply 'not initiate further contact'

'Ghosting after clear interest or effort isn't kind,' Lisa continued.

Etiquette expert Thomas P. Farley, also known as Mister Manners agreed with Lisa, telling DailyMail.com, 'If the person who was taken out has already expressed remarks of gratitude at the end of the evening, there is no etiquette rule dictating a next-day text proclaiming there will be no next date.'

'After one date... no break-up necessary,' etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts revealed

Mister Manners explained that unless an individual 'follows up expressing interest in an another get-together,' the second person should simply 'not initiate further contact.'

'Far better to let sleeping dogs lie and simply ghost one another than for well-intentioned politeness to create awkwardness,' Mister Manners declared.

He explained the only reason to send a text is if concrete plans have been made for a second date - and not just both parties saying, 'We should do this again sometime,' which he said 'so often really means, "I have nothing better to say but I'm totally fine if we never see each other again."'

The expert said it's better to send a direct text after one to three dates if 'the more-interested or eager party is not absorbing the lack of connection.'

Mister Manners advised keeping the text short and simple with a compliment and remaining transparent without getting too specific.

'All in all, I think it is better to let a budding romance simply fizzle out - as long as both parties appear to be taking that route,' Thomas summed it up.

'All in all, I think it is better to let a budding romance simply fizzle out - as long as both parties appear to be taking that route,' Thomas summed it up (stock image)

Dani Bergman, who starred on Netflix's Jewish Matchmaking, tells her clients, 'If you had a great first date and wanted to see that person again, would you prefer them ghost you or send you a respectful message?'

Dani Bergman, who starred on Netflix's Jewish Matchmaking, tells her clients, 'If you had a great first date and wanted to see that person again, would you prefer them ghost you or send you a respectful message?'

'Respectful, direct messages are the way to go,' Dani, who runs matchmaking events, told DailyMail.com.

'Tell them that you don't feel the connection and no hard feelings - this simple interaction may lead you in another direction. They could have a friend that's a better fit!'

Dani tells her clients to send texts that are simple, and to the point, giving them a script that says, 'Hi, I really appreciate you taking me out tonight - it was a great time! I wanted to share that I'm dating more intentionally right now and this is not the connection I'm looking for. I wish you the best and hope to see you around!'

However, she does explain that some clients find it a bit unnecessary - but she thinks it means there are no loose ends.
Dear Bel,

Im 35 and met my ex-husband at school. We married at 22, having many things in common: similar backgrounds, sense of humour, common goals in life. We barely rowed. In many ways it was idyllic.

But I felt he was no longer treating me as a person he wanted to make love to. The sex was perfunctory and he wanted the lights off. He had also gradually stopped taking care of himself  he could go for days without a shave or shower.

A man at work made a play for me. We were friends and he took me completely by surprise. It turned out hed fancied me for many months  and we had an eight-month affair.

Naturally the affair only made the gulf between my husband and I even greater. So I got a new job, ended the affair and concentrated on trying to get our marriage back on track. We had counselling with Relate... but four years after our wedding day, I made the decision that we would separate.

I loved him as I would love a brother. He said he still loved me in exactly the same way as always. I was under no illusions when I left him  I knew men like him are rare and that I would be hard-pushed to find another as decent.

I left him with everything  the house and everything in it  because I felt so guilty about leaving him. I know he was hurting desperately.

Two years later I met someone else and had a beautiful little boy. That relationship  never steady  broke down when my son was a few months old and Ive brought him up alone. My ex re-married and now has two children, both younger than mine.

I was happy for him. Six months ago I bumped into him  the first time for six years. We chatted about what we were doing work-wise, and then got on to the subject of our kids. It turns out his family still lives in our old house and his friend has told me all the furniture we chose together is still there. So strange.

Six months later, Im thinking about him constantly and beating myself up for leaving him. I was happily single until I bumped into him again; now I find myself craving the security he offered me.

As I expected, since leaving him I have not found a man who equals him. I feel such a fool. I was so immature I didnt realise how good it was.

I feel like I am grieving for my marriage, nearly nine years after it ended. I cannot understand why I am now feeling like this, and why the thought of it keeps reducing me to tears. What is going on in this stupid head of mine?

MAGGIE

Bel Mooney replies: It isnt really very hard to understand whats going on in that sad (not stupid!) head. You are mourning the loss of the man who may well prove to have been the love of your life  that is, unless you, with so many years still before you, meet somebody else one day.

Who knows what will happen? For the present, I completely understand your feelings, and know how common it is hopelessly to hanker after a fantasy of past happiness. Its a part of the human condition.

You and your ex were teenage sweethearts, and your uncut letter reveals how his very religious parents would never have permitted you to live together. Hence the impetus to marry. It occurs to me that your husbands problems with sex may well have their origins in that upbringing.

Your longer letter also tells how you tried to remedy the situation and seduce him  to no avail. You ceased to fancy him. In many ways, the office affair was almost inevitable, although I doubt youd have initiated it. Sadly, even though you tried, your young marriage was doomed.

Now you are ashamed about the affair and bitterly sorry that you ended the marriage after only four years. Oh, I know the regrets that drift around the bed at 4am, when you wonder how life would have been so different if you hadnt done that and he hadnt acted like that.

How tortuous it is, especially since its impossible to know how you both might have changed in time anyway.

He might have met somebody else; you might have had the baby you dreamed of at the time... But as all of us know, such speculations are as just pointless as they are cruelly tormenting.

Here is a famous quatrain from the great Persian poem Rubaiyat Of Omar Khayyam: The Moving Finger writes; and having writ, / Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit / Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, / Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.

In other words, fate dictates what will happen to us, and no matter how clever, good or regretful we are, nothing can change that script. Had you not bumped into your ex you would have been fine, and believe me, you will be fine again. This will pass. Whatever you do, you must avoid any meeting with the ex you left and do nothing to disturb his family life.

Disillusioned with men, you have found great joy in being a mother to the little boy who is so precious. If that marriage hadnt ended HE wouldnt be in your life. Think about it.

Can I correct grandchilds grammar?

Dear Bel,

I am 77  the same generation as you! I went to the local infants and junior school, took the 11+ and went to the local grammar school. I did not receive a privileged education, but it was a good one. In the juniors, English lessons consisted of spelling, punctuation, pronunciation, dictation, comprehension and more.

My precious five-year-old granddaughter is now in Year 1 and seems to be doing well at school. My worry is that shes picking up the sloppy speech of today. I cringe when I hear her say could/should/would/might OF, instead of HAVE. Bad English seems to be everywhere.

I dont drive any more and use the bus. When youre waiting, you often start chatting with others and I couldnt believe my ears when a man, in his 50s, told me he catched the bus.

I worry that in this world of written communication, there are a huge amount of what used to be called schoolboy howlers, but it seems its all becoming normal. Its fine to have a language you speak with friends and family. But its important to know proper speech as well, for when employment looms.

Am I worrying unnecessarily? I dont want to upset my daughter, who is doing the most wonderful job in bringing up her daughter. Do I correct my granddaughter if she says should of and (say) catched instead of caught? And all the other horrors we are subjected to nowadays?

JENNY

Bel replies: This is certainly an issue very close to my heart, but I know it must be handled with care. Yes, Im old school on grammar  yet realise that we walk a tightrope slung between twin pillars of understanding.

By that I mean: we understand that were quite right to get mad and sad at the slackening of the standards we still hold dear  but at the same time we must also understand that we cannot allow such feelings to overcome common sense and affection.

Common sense should tell us that times do change and its pointless to fight that process. Affection should remind us that its not very loving to pick up a five-year-old child continuously on her habits of speech.

So you see, there is no simple answer to your question.

I really do sympathise with your frustration. For a very long time I have been astonished at the poor level of English teaching in schools, as well as the way literature seems to be taught within the universities.

Rules of grammar seemed to be laid aside as if unimportant, and you do wonder if future generations will even be able to write books.

As long ago as the 1980s you were dismissed by progressives if you raised such concerns; even luminaries like Melvyn Bragg would shrug and come out with bromides like Languages change all the time.

Whats done is done; theres no going back, Im afraid. Children will inevitably copy the speech of their peers, but in the ideal world they will adapt that speech according to circumstances, thus consciously being more articulate when faced with a boss or older person.

I see no harm in reminding them of that  although not at five! We have two 12- year-old grandchildren who intersperse phrases irrelevantly with the word like, but while it irritates me I say nothing. It doesnt seem worth it.

Should of is a different matter. I would correct them  wondering why the hell their teachers failed.

Im sure your daughter speaks clearly to her daughter, and this is one thing we can teach by example: clarity of thought expressed in clear words.

Five-year-olds can use endearing words and expressions which we dont want to correct because they are so sweet.

But if you make a point of using good words as she get older and challenging her by choosing long ones, you may be pleasantly surprised what she copies.

But please dont become too anxious. Chat, play games, show interest in everything she does  and laugh. Thats the way forward.

And finally... Dress for the day to lighten up your life

One morning, staying with us for four days, my 12-year-old granddaughter asked, Do you wear something different every day?

Yes, I replied, I try to.

Why?

Quote of the Week Youve got to get up every morning, with a smile on your face, And show the world all the love in your heart, Then people gonna treat you better Youre gonna find, yes you will, that youre beautiful, as you feel. From Beautiful by Carole King, on her 1971 album, Tapestry. Advertisement

Because I like to make an effort even though Im not going anywhere. It cheers me up!

I explained that I always choose bright colours (never, ever beige, and very little black) and jewellery, just to go downstairs and sit at my desk to write this column. That, friends, is how much I value you!

Of course, theres a serious point here. Ive never been able to understand why people slob around in pyjamas all day  even silk ones. Did such sloppy habits start during loathsome lockdown, or were they always there?

In my Fifties and early Sixties childhood, I rarely saw my parents in their dressing gowns outside the bedroom and bathroom; it just wasnt done.

Mind you, those were the times when working people wore decent clothes to go out at the weekend. After all, if you wore a boiler suit or overall all week you wanted to dress up. My roots are in that culture, and Im proud of them.

So... ringing the changes, wearing zingy colours, choosing pleasant clothes (which might be old favourites) to welcome each fresh day: this is the way I get through January  and the rest of the year.

I also wear some make-up, because I like it; a while back one of my lovely readers, who lives alone, told me that she just has to face the day by putting on her lippy.

Whats all this about? Self-esteem, youd call it  and I admit I do like the LOreal advertising slogan, Because youre worth it.

Just hold that thought  and try changing that grungy sweater today.

Bel answers readers questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. Names are changed to protect identities. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.
Cressida Bonas stopped by a children's charity clothes store in London this morning after the model confirmed she's expecting again.

Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend was seen on Saturday for the first time since announcing she is pregnant with her second child, after Cressida, 35, headed to the Notting Hill-based Fara Kids for a spot of shopping.

She was accompanied by her two-year-old son Wilbur and Cressida pushed his stroller while sipping on a hot drink from a takeaway cup as she walked through the west London neighbourhood.

Dressed for a chilly morning in London, Cressida wore a thick, black coat over a cream turtleneck sweater and charcoal-grey jeans.

Looking fresh-faced and radiant, Cressida opted for a no-makeup look while accessorising with a pair of slate blue fingerless gloves and a beanie worn over her blonde locks.

Her visit to the charity shop comes days after Cressida confirmed she and husband Harry Wentworth-Stanley are expecting their second child together.

Writing in The Spectator, Cressida shared she she used a frozen embryo after having 'conceived through IVF the first time' while noting how her second pregnancy was different from the first.

The actress, 35, who married the property investor in 2020, wrote: 'It is incredible that a tiny cluster of frozen cells, already a life, can survive, suspended in time for years.

Cressida Bomas, 35, was spotted visiting Fara Children store - a children's charity clothes shop in west London neighbourhood Notting Hill on Saturday

She was accompanied by her two-year-old son Wilbur, who Cressida shares with her property investor husband Harry Wentworth-Stanley

Cressida also revealed that this has been a more difficult pregnancy, noting: 'I've been battling morning sickness.

'I've never had it before, and now feel like I've been swaying on a boat for months.'

As their family grows, Cressida continued, she and Harry are now seeking a bigger home.

'Our flat is on the market and we are house hunting,' she explained, adding the couple's pet dachshund, Budgie, 'is bound to be unimpressed' by the house move.

'Not only are we uprooting her territory, but there's a new family member on the way and she can sense it.'

In 2022, Cressida described how she felt as though 'my body was failing me' after facing difficulties in conceiving, and when a specialist told the couple 'there was nothing fundamentally wrong'.

Writing in The Sunday Times, she said: 'I spent time and money on reflexology, nutritionists, acupuncture and psychicsEven a German healer who speaks to angels. I heard nothing, not a squeak.

'My mind was on a constant worry loop and my obsession with getting pregnant became overwhelming, No matter how many Mystic Megs I saw or expensive supplements I took, nothing was working, and I felt as if my body was failing me.'

Dressed for a chilly morning in London, Cressida wore a thick, black coat over a cream turtleneck sweater and charcoal-grey jeans.

Cressida admitted to 'avoiding' loved one's children's parties due to feeling out of place around her friends who had kids, amid the struggle to have her own.

She went on to say that IVF firstly 'frightened' her due to having no 'power' over the final outcome.

Sadly, Cressida's struggle to get pregnant is far from the only challenge she has faced in recent years.

On July 22, 2024, the actress's half-sister, Pandora Cooper-Key, passed away at the age of 51 from cancer.

The mother-of-two was first diagnosed with the disease 24 years ago and had spent the past two decades battling different types of cancer.

Ten days after Pandora's passing, her family announced that she had died after the discovery of an inoperable brain tumour.

Cressida played a key role in a memorial service for Pandora that took place on Friday, September 19, 2024, paying an emotional tribute to her 'darling sister'.

'My heart is forever tied to yours,' the actress said of her ceramicist sister.

Cressida Bonas (pictured), 35, an ex-girlfriend of Prince Harry is pregnant with her second child

Cressida and property investor husband Harry Wentworth-Stanley had their first child, Wilbur, two, through IVF. The actress revealed that they had another embryo stored away in a freezer

Cressida was joined at St Luke's church in Chelsea, west London, by Pandora's friends including Queen Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles, and her nephew Sir Ben Elliot.

Wearing a pastel-coloured trouser suit, Cressida read a moving 'letter to Pandora' that she composed after her death.

The sisters' mother, Lady Mary-Gaye Curzon, paid tribute, saying: 'Nobody on Earth who ever met Pandora could help falling in love with her.'

In an interview with MailOnline just months before her untimely death, Pandora said her family had already planned her funeral 'thousands of times'.

She was told that she had an inoperable brain tumour at the end of 2023.

The artist endured repeated rounds of immunotherapy in the hope she would recover, but was told this was not an option after her latest news.

A notice in The Times, announcing her death, called her a 'beloved daughter', 'adored mother', 'much-loved sister' and 'devoted aunt'.

Sarcoma UK, a charity she supported, said on a fundraising page: 'She was a beautiful spirit and an inspiration to so many.'

Pandora Cooper-Key (left) and Cressida Bonas (right) pictured hugging each other at Wimbledon in 2016

Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Director of Communications at Sarcoma UK, added: 'Her openness about her journey helped raise crucial awareness about sarcoma and the challenges faced by patients.

'Pandora's legacy extends far beyond her fundraising efforts; she touched countless lives with her warmth and resilience.

'On behalf of everyone at Sarcoma UK, I extend our deepest condolences to Pandora's family, including her mother, Lady Mary, her sister, Cressida Bonas, her two sons, and all who loved her.

'We are immensely grateful for the difference Pandora made to our organisation and to others affected by sarcoma.

'We at Sarcoma UK will honour her by continuing our mission with renewed determination. Pandora's kindness, courage, and indomitable spirit will forever remain in our hearts.'

Pandora continued to work for Vivienne Westwood as a handbag designer for a decade after her diagnosis, before leaving to have her first child.

Only five weeks after giving birth, she was told the devastating news that she had sarcoma in her left eye and sinus area.

Sarcomas are malignant tumours which are so rare that a GP can expect to see only one or two in an entire career.

There are approximately 4,630 soft tissue sarcomas and 670 bone sarcomas diagnosed each year in the UK.

She was given just ten months to live as doctors feared her condition had worsened, after she had an operation to remove the affected tear duct. It was later discovered that her scans had been misinterpreted, and she was in the clear.

But this was soon followed by the awful news that Pandora had another tumour in her cheek, which was successfully removed, and also one at the back of her nose.

In 2016, she went through a stage of having several seizures, which would sometimes lead to her becoming unconscious for a week.

But even as she battled the disease, just two years ago Pandora started a ceramics business, Curzon Blue, after she fell in love with glassware at Portobello Market.

The name has a heartfelt meaning behind it, along with a touching nod to her mother.

'It's called Curzon Blue because my mother's maiden name is Curzon and her fourth husband made a cocktail called Curzon blue,' she said at the time.

'It's really delicious and it will knock you off your perch in a heartbeat. It just felt like a really nice thing to do to incorporate my two amazing backgrounds.'

Throughout her battle with various tumours, and despite feeling weak, Pandora continued working on her business and shared her love of glassware both on her website and her Instagram.

Until the end of her life, she would still travel to the markets in search of glass for her business, saying it brought a sense of relief to her health battle.

Pandora is survived by her two sons, who she had with TV producer Matthew Mervyn-Jones before they separated.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain bid farewell to their daughter Princess Leonor as she embarked on a six-month sailing trip that will take her across the United States.

Felipe, 56, and Letizia, 52, watched proudly as the 19-year-old took part in a departure ceremony before setting sail from Cadiz onboard the Juan Sebastian Elcano for a navy training cruise.

The future queen looked solemn as she joined her fellow students, all aspiring officers of the Spanish Navy, for the procession before the three-masted sailing ship left the port in Cadiz.

Meanwhile, her parents smiled and waved goodbye, while King Felipe documented the milestone by snapping photographs of Leonor.

The young royal is undertaking a navy training cruise, sailing through two oceans, and visiting 10 ports and eight countries in America, according to La Vanguardia.

She is following in the footsteps of her father, Felipe, and her grandfather, King Juan Carlos, who also carried out a similar trip.

Leonor - who began three years of military training in 2023 - looked just the part in her navy uniform.

She styled her brunette tresses in a sleek low bun, allowing her sailing hat to sit comfortably, and added a pair of white gloves.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain bid farewell to daughter Princess Leonor as she embarked on a six-month navy training cruise on Saturday

The future queen, 19, smiled at onlookers as she joined her fellow students on the deck of the Juan Sebastian Elcano ship

The royal wore little makeup for the occasion, revealing her naturally glowing complexion.

Meanwhile, Letizia looked effortlessly chic in dark blue pantsuit, which she paired with a white shirt that tied into an elegant bow at the neck.

The mother-of-two finished her look with a gold headband that peeked through her brunette tresses, as well as black heeled loafers.

Spain's king Felipe wore his own navy uniform for the occasion, as the royal couple gushed over their daughter while waving at the crowds of onlookers that gathered in the port city.

At one point, Felipe sweetly wrapped his arm around Letizia's waist, while surrounded by cheering locals, as they watched Leonor embark on a new chapter.

Pictures from the ceremony showed their daughter walking in step with her fellow students as she boarded the ship before the navy hopefuls assembled on the deck, laughing and chatting with each other.

In the run-up to what promises to be a great maritime adventure, Leonor attended the annual Pascua Militar military event at the Royal Palace in Madrid with her parents.

Letizia put on a dazzling display in a beautiful burgundy frock and stylish black fur coat - while Felipe and Leonor sported full military regalia alongside.

Felipe and Letizia seeing Leonor off as she set sail from Cadiz

The royal couple looked every bit Leonor's proud parents at the departure ceremony

At one point, Felipe sweetly wrapped his arm around Letizia's waist, while surrounded by cheering locals, as they watched Leonor embark on a new chapter.

Princess Leonor in conversation with one of her fellow students

Pictures from the ceremony showed Leonor walking in step with her fellow students as she boarded the ship before the navy hopefuls assembled on the deck

The Spanish princess smiling and waving at her parents, who came to see Leonor off

The mother-of-two appeared in good spirits as she walked alongside her teenage daughter, beaming with pride as prepared to mark the annual military event, which is a National Holiday in Spain.

The Queen of Spain sported a full length red and burgundy gown and a pair of kitten heels in the same shade.

Shielding from the cold blast, Letizia snuggled up in a stylish black fur coat, pulling the fashionable number up to her chin.

The Spanish royal wore a full glam makeup look with a flawless base, bronze accentuated cheeks and a full rouged lip.

Letizia looked as though she had just stepped straight off the red carpet - with her glossy brunette tresses blow-dried to perfection.

Accessorising the ensemble, the former journalist donned a set of classic pearls around her neck - doubling up with a matching set of drop earrings.

Elsewhere Felipe, 56, looked smart in full military regalia, sporting a khaki suit, red waistband - representing the highest military rank - and pink and white striped sash.

The king has served in the military for almost three decades until he acceded to the throne in 2014.

Letizia, 52, pictured leaving the Spanish Navy training ship Juan Sebastian

Felipe documented the milestone moment by snapping photographs of Leonor on his phone, as Letizia watched on

Princess Leonor looking solemn during the military procession

Throughout his long military career King Felipe was promoted multiple times, achieving the status of lieutenant colonel in the Army, frigate captain in the Navy, and lieutenant colonel in the Air Force in 2009.

On becoming King on June 19, 2014 when his father abdicated, King Felipe was made Commander-In-Chief of the entire military.

Joining her parents, 19-year-old Princess Leonor - who began three years of military training in 2023 - looked just the part in a navy blue uniform.

The young royal sported soft but glamorous makeup with a shimmer eyeshadow, flawless based and lightly bronze dusted cheeks.

Leonor started at the Naval Military Academy of Marin in the summer of 2023 and has since been promoted to the rank of Cadet Ensign and awarded the Grand Cross of Military Merit by her father.

On Monday morning, the family arrived for the Pascua Militar, which takes place on 6 January every year at the Royal Palace in Madrid.

The event began with the New Years Military Parade outside the Royal Palace and after the National Anthem and a 21 gun salute, King Felipe reviewed the Royal Guard.

During the ceremony, the King of Spain welcomes a number of official guests including the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of defence the Chiefs of Staff of all branches, the Grand Masters of the Royal and Military Orders of San Fernando and San Hermenegildo, the Civil Guard chiefs and Spanish Veterans Brotherhood.

Letizia looked effortlessly chic in dark blue pantsuit, which she paired with a white shirt that tied into an elegant bow at the neck

The mother-of-two finished her look with a gold headband that peeked through her brunette tresses, as well as black heeled loafers.

Princess Leonor offered a salute during the military ceremony

After troops have been reviewed by the king in the courtyard of the Royal Palace, officials will head to he Throne Room of the Royal Palace where a number of military personnel will be rewarded for their service.

While centered around a main event in Madrid, the military event iscelebrated across Spain in its different military headquarters.

The outing is the Spanish royal's first public appearance since the start of the New Year, with the two having embraced a busy schedule in the run up to Christmas.

The king and queen were seen attending an inauguration ceremony for a new hospital just before Christmas, both leaning into festive tones for the event.

The mother-of-two appeared to lean into Christmas tones as she sported a scarlet suit with a satin cream shirt.

She accessorised with sophisticated suede shoes and a matching taupe handbag.

Letizia wore her chestnut tresses down in a styled blowout, and opted for glam make-up with a bold lipstick and bronze eyeshadow.

The royal couple showed their support for Cuenca University Hospital, which will have new technology, more beds and operating theatres as well as a wider range of services.

Photos showed the smiling pair posing for photos as they chatted with other attendees.
Selling Sunset star Mary Fitzgerald Bonnet has slammed American Airlines after she claimed she was bumped from her business class seat and forced to sit in economy because the airline had overbooked the flight.

The reality star, 44, took to her Instagram Stories on Saturday to vent about the situation.

She claimed that she was 'never again' flying with the airline after she was moved to the back of the plane despite paying to sit in business class.

'Seriously AA oversold business and I have to go to economy even though I paid for business,' she scathed alongside a short clip taken from the plane.

'Never again,' she added, tagging the airline.

The video showed her sitting in her new seat as other passengers around her boarded.

DailyMail.com has reached out to American Airlines for comment.

Selling Sunset revolves around the Oppenheim Group, a high-end real estate brokerage firm in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas that's led by the firm's president and founder, Jason Oppenheim.

Selling Sunset star Mary Fitzgerald Bonnet has slammed American Airlines after she claimed she was bumped from her business class seat and forced to sit in economy

Mary serves as both a real estate agent and vice president at The Oppenheim Group has been starring on the Netflix reality series since its debut in 2019 for the past eight seasons.

The reality star, 44, took to her Instagram Stories on Saturday to vent about the situation, and she claimed that she was 'never again' flying with the airline

The real estate mogul released a memoir about her time in the show, entitled Selling Sunshine: Surviving Teenage Motherhood, Thriving In Luxury Real Estate, and Finally Finding My Voice, last year.

In the book, Mary detailed a devastating sexual assault that she endured more than a decade ago.

She said she was assaulted over a Memorial Day weekend after accepting an invite from a friend of Selling Sunset co-star Amanza Smith, long before they worked together at the Oppenheim Group.

A man she calls Joe invited her to his apartment in Los Angeles, where another friend she knew better was going to join them and they they'd all go meet up with a larger group of friends.

But when she arrived at Joe's, it was only the two of them and he gave her a glass with 'bright blue liquid' in it, claiming it was a vodka cocktail which caused her to pass out rapidly, before being assaulted.

'When I woke up, I was on Joes bed, with my arms pinned against his mattress, and my pants around my ankles,' she wrote. 'He was on top of me and inside of me.'

Mary said she ran out of the apartment 'bawling and shaking' and went into 'total survival mode.'

'Seriously AA oversold business and I have to go to economy even though I paid for business,' she scathed alongside a short clip. 'Never again,' she added, tagging the airline

Mary serves as both a real estate agent and vice president at The Oppenheim Group has been starring on the Netflix reality series since its debut in 2019 for the past eight seasons

'The repercussions of that night still haunt me,' she added. 'I never go to peoples houses that I dont know. I wont be alone with any man that I havent been friends with for at least five years or whos 100 percent gay, so I know Im safe.'

She told DailyMail.com while discussing the tome that the lasting repercussions had impacted her sex-life with her husband, Romain Bonnet.

'I just never opened up,' she explained. 'But, you can't protect yourself if you don't tell people, because the trauma can hit so fast, and you can try to avoid certain things.

'Even with sex with Romain, sometimes I feel so bad because he's the most loving, patient, handsome man and sometimes if I don't it's coming and he touches me I pull away, and I just shudder.'

She added: 'He's like, babe, that "hurts my feelings" and I was like, it's not you. It's not you at all and so that's when I started doing EMDR [eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy] because I don't ever want to make him feel that way, but it's just a reaction I don't have. It's involuntary.

'I think the more we can empower women to watch, protect themselves and watch out for certain situations and obviously not blame themselves because these predatory men are the ones doing this.

'It can go either way as a woman can do it too. I think we just need to be more open and vocal about it and try to help in any way we can.'

Mary and Romain tied the knot in 2018 during a very low-key wedding, and went on to throw a lavish wedding two years later that was taped for the show.
Lauren Jeffries was only 20 years old when she started experiencing 'strange' symptoms neither she nor her doctor could explain.

The young woman suffered through months of 'sharp, stabbing' pelvic pain that crashed over her in waves, endless itchiness in her private parts, a feeling she 'constantly' needed to go to the toilet.

Not only did her GP fail to give her a diagnosis, he told her she might have an STD and suggested getting pregnant to 'solve' all her problems.

Speaking to FEMAIL, the now 31-year-old reflects on the arduous journey she went through trying to figure out what was wrong with her.

'I thought I had a urinary tract infection (UTI) so I went to my GP for medication - but the pain only got worse,' she said. 'I went back several times and kept getting misdiagnosed.'

Lauren felt like her doctor was throwing diagnoses at a wall and hoping one would stick - from suggestions she had an unplanned pregnancy to sexually-transmitted diseases.

'I felt so dismissed and misunderstood - I don't know why he thought I had an STD. I had no symptoms for it, just lots of pain and fatigue,' she said.

'When I finally got diagnosed with endometriosis a year later, my doctor told me I should consider getting pregnant because he said it would help with my pain.'

That bizarre piece of advice is a common myth about endometriosis that has no scientific foundation.

Lauren Jeffries was only 20-years-old when she started experiencing 'strange' symptoms neither she nor her doctor could explain

The young woman suffered through months of 'sharp, stabbing' pelvic pain that crashed over her in waves, endless itchiness in her private parts, and felt like she 'constantly' needed to go to the toilet

Lauren said she was only 21 and still at university when her doctor suggested getting pregnant.

'I'd seen this doctor my whole life and only just realised he didn't really care about me or what was going on.

'I was working part-time and lived with my parents - I was in no position to have a baby. It's such a crazy thing to say.

'We got into an argument about it because I told him it was a myth, but he doubled down.'

She was stunned by how uneducated her own doctor was about the disease, which can lead to life-threatening complications.

'It's like he was clutching at straws,' she said.

He put her through a dozen random tests over six months - including an 'intrusive' and 'horrible' endoscopy, which involves a camera being inserted into the body.

Endometriosis, which affects one in ten women, develops when tissue that lines the womb grows in other parts of the body.

Lauren said she was only 21 and still at university when her doctor suggested getting pregnant

It can cause bleeding, inflammation and, if left untreated, can lead to infertility.

While there are drugs which can reduce the debilitating symptoms, patients cannot get pregnant while taking them.

Patients with endometriosis wait, on average, more than eight years from the onset of symptoms to receive a diagnosis.

Lauren said that her pain was akin to a 'sharp, stabbing' sensation that made her 'double over' until it passed.

'Other times, I'd feel a throbbing pain - or just something aching that never went away,' she said.

When her GP still couldn't figure out what was wrong, he gave her a referral for a gynaecologist.

'My doctor may as well have just said: 'Oh, this is too hard for us. We obviously don't know what's going on so we're giving up',' Lauren said.

When Lauren went to the gynaecologist, she immediately suggested the young woman might have tissue growing on her bladder and booked her in for exploratory surgery a few months later.

Lauren said that her pain was akin to a 'sharp, stabbing' sensation that made her 'double over' until it passed

'My symptoms got worse before the surgery - I was bleeding all the time and I was extremely fatigued.

'My friends and family also told me I just looked very unwell.

'It was mentally taxing knowing that there was nothing I could do. But I was lucky I went to a private hospital - many women who go through the public healthcare system wait years.'

Lauren said that her pain was often so bad that all she could do was curl up into a ball.

'I felt so frustrated because I missed out on so much. It was unfair. I kept thinking - 'Why is this happening to me? Why do I have to deal with this when no one else does? Why am I different?'

'I missed out on lots of social events and spending time with my friends because I couldn't leave my room. I felt segregated from other people.'

Lauren hoped that her symptoms would go away after the surgery - but that was not the case.

Doctors removed endometrial tissue from Lauren's bladder, bowel, and uterus.

Lauren hoped that her symptoms would go away after the surgery - but that was not the case

Lauren was worried the pain would 'last forever' - but her doctor later started her on 'life-changing' medication

'I was still in pain everyday after the operation. I was confused, my mum was confused, nothing made sense.

'The symptoms weren't as bad as before surgery, but the pelvic pain persisted.'

She was worried the pain would 'last forever' - but her doctor later started her on 'life-changing' medication.

Two years after her surgery, Lauren was prescribed Visanne - a medication that shrinks endometrial tissue and reduces associated symptoms such as pelvic pain and painful monthly bleeding.

'Visanne changed my life. I lived in pain every day for a long time, but this medicine gave me my life back,' Lauren said.

'I feel like one of the lucky ones. My life has completely turned around. My hope is that other women might now also be able to live a normal life.'

Lauren shared that while she isn't sure if she wants to have children, she worried about the disease being a barrier to her starting a family.

'It's a difficult conversation I've had with previous partners.

'I'm 31 now, and in the back of my mind I'm always thinking about if it's too late, if I won't be able to carry a child.'

Around 1million Australian women are living with endometriosis.

The condition causes 40,000 hospital admissions each year, and leaves hundreds of thousands of other women regularly reeling in pain.
A man who underwent a liver transplant to save his life died less than a year later from cancer he caught from his donor.

The unnamed patient, 41, from California, had a chronic liver disease and received a transplant from a deceased donor in 2001 who was later found out to have lung cancer that had gone undetected.

The recipient died from the same lung cancer as his first donor a year later, despite surgeons giving him a second emergency transplant to try and rid him of the disease.

Doctors involved in the case, wrote in their report: 'Clearly, tumor cells had escaped the confines of the transplanted liver within one week after transplantation and gained access to the general circulation.'

They added that the situation is the 'first case in the literature of donor cancer transmission' despite removing the original organ and having the recipient undergo a second transplant.

And the case is one of only a handful in the US where cancer has been transferred between organ donors and recipients.

Doctors believe tiny cancer cells too small to be detected by scans migrated from the donor's lungs to his liver, which would explain why his organ was declared cancer-free and safe to transplant.

The 41-year-old man underwent a second liver transplant after the donor of his first one was found to have lung cancer (stock photo)

Your browser does not support iframes.

The patient originally needed a liver transplant because he developed hepatitis B cirrhosis - a chronic liver condition that causes scar tissue to replace healthy tissue in the liver and diminishes function.

The donor was a 63-year-old man who had died from a stroke but had no history of cancer. Lab tests performed prior to transplantation found there were no signs of cancer in the donor's liver or lungs and chest.

However, when an autopsy was performed on the donor the day after surgery, a tumor was discovered on his lungs.

He was posthumously diagnosed with metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinoma - lung cancer that had spread to the area of his chest between the lungs.

The autopsy findings prompted doctors to relist the patient for another liver, which he received seven days later.

He recovered from the surgery successfully.

For weeks after the second surgery, the patient continued to do well, but because of the donor's cancer, he underwent a CT scan 10 months after the transplant, which showed no signs of cancer in his chest, abdomen or pelvis.

However, six weeks after the scan, the recipient developed abdominal pain, vomiting and a feeling of fullness.

Blood tests, fluid analysis and body scans revealed metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinoma - the same type of cancer as his first donor.

And the immunosuppressant drugs the patient was given to prevent organ rejection likely fueled the cancer, allowing it to more easily grow and spread - making it even deadlier.

Chemotherapy was prescribed and planned to begin a few weeks later, but a month after his diagnosis, the man developed fluid build up and a blood clot in his legs.

He was admitted to the hospital for treatment but died within 24 hours.

Sample B shows tumor cells in the donor's right lung and square C shows features in the recipient's tumor cells, which have 'features similar to donor tumor cells'

Analysis of the donors' and the recipient's cancers 'corroborates that the first donor was the source of the malignancy.'

Doctors wrote in the case report published in the journal Liver Transplantation that an analysis of the tumor cells from both donors and the recipient 'showed striking similarities to the pulmonary adenocarcinoma of donor 1.

The recipient's tumor cells had 'identical' features to donor 1's lung tumor.

Further testing revealed the cancer 'originated from donor 1, not donor 2 or the recipient himself.'

Cases of 'transplanted' cancer are extremely rare and there are no statistics on the subject - only a handful of sporadic cases have been documented in medical literature.

A 2013 review of these cases published in the Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, states there is no estimation of risk for transmitting cancer from donor to recipient and there is limited data on the subject.

Report authors wrote: 'The incidence of any cancer transmission is so low that sporadic case reports are the main source of information.'

An earlier review from 1993 that looked at data from the 1970s also found there were only 'sporadic' reports of cancer being transmitted through organ donation.

The 2013 review added: 'The low frequency and very variable stage of cancers mean that definitive risk calculations are impossible.'

However, the authors continued, the data is 'highly likely to underestimate the true incidence.'

Using the limited data available, authors of the 2013 report found cancers known to have been transmitted from donor to recipient on at least one occasion include, breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and renal cancer.
More than one million days of teaching have been lost to mental health sick days over the past two years, the Daily Mail can reveal.

In the last academic year, the figure stood at 535,970 days, representing around 20 per cent of all health-related absences.

Some 487,986 days were lost to mental health sick days in 2022/23, analysis of council data by the TaxPayers' Alliance found.

It comes amid concerns that schools are being gripped by a 'sick note' culture that is disrupting the education of children, particularly those from the most disadvantaged communities.

The data revealed almost 20,000 teachers called in sick for at least one day last year citing mental health challenges.

Just over 18,500 did so in 2022/23. Last year, teachers absent due to mental ill-health were off for an average of 26 days.

The data revealed almost 14,000 teachers called in sick every single day, equating to around 2.5million teaching days lost to illness.

In the last two years almost five million teaching days were lost due to ill-health.

More than one million days of teaching have been lost to mental health sick days over the past two years. Picture: Stock image

Some 487,986 days were lost to mental health sick days in 2022/23, analysis of council data by the TaxPayers' Alliance found. Picture: Stock image

Leeds had the highest number of teachers taking sickness leave for mental health reasons with 2,525 teachers taking time off across the last two academic years, costing more than 53,618 teaching days. This accounts for 5 per cent of the total figure across Britain.

Hertfordshire County Council saw 1,492 teachers take at least one sick day for their mental health.

Full-time teachers have an average of 32 days more holiday each year than office employees, meaning their absences represent a higher proportion of work missed.

Professor Len Shackleton, editorial and research fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: 'The increase in time taken off work year after year reflects a decline in resilience and a willingness to exploit permissive work environments.

'It serves pupils badly, and adds to costs as supply teachers have to be drafted in.'

A Department for Education spokesman said: 'Wherever possible, this government wants teachers at the front of classrooms.

'The Education Staff Wellbeing Charter was developed in partnership with the sector and mental health experts to improve staff wellbeing.

'The government is committed to working with teachers as partners in the push for better, so we can break down barriers to opportunity for every child.'

The Department for Education does not record the reasons for teacher absences.
Ministers are under pressure to reform fertility laws after The Mail on Sunday revealed hundreds of couples trying to have a baby were left devastated by a fertility clinics sudden closure.

MPs have demanded action following the scandal around Apricity Fertility, which was not covered by fertility regulation.

One couple, in the middle of IVF treatment, told the MoS they were in freefall and blind panic about the closure. One woman who was freezing her eggs with Apricity at an agreed price was told she would need to pay thousands of pounds more to continue treatment.

Apricity was not regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), because it managed appointments and treatment through an app.

MPs have demanded urgent action following the scandal around Apricity Fertility, which was not covered by existing fertility regulation (file photo)

Conservative MP Dame Caroline Dinenage, who as health minister looked into trying to update fertility regulation, has written to health ministers to push for stronger regulations

Tory MP and former heath minister Dame Caroline Dinenage said: This is a classic case of regulation not keeping pace with modern life. We urgently need the Government to look at how companies like this are regulated. She has written to health ministers to push for stronger regulations.

Peter Thompson, HFEA CEO, also said the Government needed to update regulation to cover clinics like Apricity. He told Times Radio: Effectively, were working with the law which is 30 years old.

A spokesman for Apricity said it faced sudden and irreversible financial difficulties in December when planned investment from a new investor was withdrawn.

A Department of Health spokesman said: We are currently considering advice from the HFEA about priorities for law reform covering their regulatory powers.
MBABANE  The Good Shepherd Nursing College lecturer, who allegedly stole E2.3 million from government, says she reported the monthly deposits into her account to former Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini.

Sithembile Gabsile Mhlanga (47) of Matsetsa, in the Lubombo Region, stated that the money was paid as her salary into her account despite her resignation from government in July 2013. She claimed that, apart from the former prime minister, she reported the matter to the Attorney Generals Office and officials in the Treasury Department. She said she intends to repay the money, but disputes that it amounts to the E2 304 329.50 that reflects in her charge sheet.Mhlanga informed the High Court that calculations of the actual amount she is said to have stolen are ongoing, and she estimates it to be slightly over E1 million.

This is contained in her application for bail, which was heard by Judge Zonke Magagula yesterday. The Crown did not oppose the application, and her bail amount was fixed at E100 000. She was ordered to pay E20 000 in cash and the balance in the form of surety. Mhlanga is a former civil servant. She was employed by government as a nurse and was stationed at Mangweni Clinic in northern Hhohho until July 2013, when she resigned, reportedly on constructive dismissal and due to her delicate health condition. She alleged to have been subjected to unfavourable conditions and victimised for taking government to court when she was to be transferred unfairly and maliciously.

She is currently employed as a lecturer at Good Shepherd Catholic Nursing College. In her bail papers, Mhlanga informed the court that during her time as a civil servant, she was earning E19 800 per month, and her net salary was in the region of E11 000. Her deductions included pay-as-you-earn, which is fixed at 33 per cent. She said after she had tendered her resignation letter in June 2013, she was paid a salary for August 2013. Mhlanga submitted that she took it upon herself to report and enquire with the Treasury Department about the payment of the August 2013 salary, even though she had stopped working for government the previous month.

She alleged that the Treasury Department officials told her that they would inform her by way of a letter detailing a bank account in which she was supposed to deposit the money paid as her August 2013 salary. However, she said the bank account number was never provided to her.

It is my humble submission that the salary continued to be paid into my bank account despite my protests, and I did what a reasonable person could do under the circumstances, which was to keep on informing government officials about the irregular salary payment, including the Ministry of Health under secretary, the late Prime Minister Dlamini, and the Office of the Attorney General, said Mhlanga.

The under secretary for the Ministry of Health and the late prime minister promised that they would address the matter and provide a bank account for me to deposit the salary payment. I waited for more than two years without using the money in my bank account, but no bank account was provided to me.

Ministry

She said she approached the Attorney Generals (AG) Office after the office was instructed by the Ministry of Health under secretary to recover the money on behalf of government since it was clear that there was gross negligence on the part of the Treasury Department. Mhlanga said she then confided in the AGs Office that she ended up using the money. However, she stated that she had a back-up plan of repaying the money with her pension, which she has not yet claimed since the calculation of the money she has to repay is ongoing.

She said the notion that she has to repay the sum of E2 304,329.50 was based on her gross salary, whereas she is supposed to pay back the amount appearing in her net salary, which is the amount that she eventually used, and she estimated it to be slightly above E1 million. She submitted that the AGs Office would have deposed to a confirmatory affidavit about its mandate from the Ministry of Health, its advice about her pension as repayment and that the matter is currently under negotiation as there was alleged gross negligence on the part of the Treasury Department officials.

It is, therefore, my humble submission that I was still waiting for the correct figure from the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Treasury Department to arrive at a correct figure, so that I can write a letter to the Pension Fund to use my pension as payment for the irregular salaries that were paid into my bank account after I had resigned. I could even supplement it with my current salary, which is in the region of E33 162.50 per month, she submitted.

Mhlanga, who is charged with theft, argued that the other element of the offense of theft, which is overpayment, will not be successfully established by the Crown in that even though it will claim that the payment of her salary was as a result of a computer error, she reported to the relevant authorities the continued payment of her salary even after she left her government job. She said she is innocent of the offense. Meanwhile, Mhlanga is facing disciplinary proceedings at her current job, where three charges were preferred against her.

The hearing was supposed to take place yesterday. In the first charge, the lecturer is accused of breaching the institutions code of ethics and conduct.

This charge relates to a social media post which allegedly included ill-treatment of students by using derogatory language and/or remarks towards students during her lectures. This offense was allegedly committed in October 2024.

In the second charge, Mhlanga is accused of insubordination. It is alleged that on October 29, 2024, acting as a lecturer of Good Shepherd Nursing College, she reportedly refused to carry out an instruction to set the first-semester exam, which instruction was given by her supervisor, the deputy principal of the college. In the last charge, Mhlanga is accused of committing an act of sabotage.




Skin

I am a tweakment scaredy cat, terrified that Botox will leave me blind (there is no evidence this could happen, Im just a drama queen with an overactive imagination) and that fillers will make me look lopsided.

So anything injectable is not for me  or so I thought.

Then I heard of Profhilo, a treatment that uses high concentrations of natural hyaluronic acid (HA) to improve skin tone.

Beauty industry friends assured me it is an entry-level treatment that leaves you looking like a firmer, fresher version of yourself rather than overly done.

At his London clinic in Marylebone, Dr Joney de Souza is jolly and chatty as he jabs my face in ten different places, symmetrically so that the HA is evenly distributed.

Straight after, my face is dotted with red marks where the needle went in but within 12 hours they have vanished.

Over the following fortnight my tired, grey complexion becomes more radiant.

Its subtle  the overall effect is one of a good nights sleep, rather than having found yourself trapped in a wind tunnel.

Ill definitely be back for a refresh once it starts to wear off in six months (from 450, drjoneydesouza.com).

Face

I once believed that the only way to even out my skin tone was to cover my face with heavy foundation, but with age my choice of make-up has lightened up.

In Australia last year I discovered Luk Beautifood Instant Glow Skin Tint (32, lukbeautifood.com), a gamechanger for me as it has just the right amount of shimmer to give you a natural sheen.

I love it so much I now have it shipped from Australia, but if youre not in the market for that, then Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint (49, hourglasscosmetics.co.uk) is an excellent but pricey option.

A small amount goes a long way, though, so it lasts. Beauty Pie Super Luminous Tinted Skin Glow Serum (20, beautypie.com) is easily as good, and has a more palatable price tag for its members.

Eyes

My eyelids are more hooded, dark circles are more pronounced and heavy eyeshadow makes me look like a Barbara Cartland tribute act.

Subtle is the way forward for my middle-aged eye make-up  a light sweep of Elf No Budge Shadow Stick in Rose Gold (6, elfcosmetics.co.uk) along the edge of my upper lashes and a single coat of mascara is enough.

If I want to perk up my eyes, I use Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival patches (58, charlottetilbury.com).

I was highly skeptical of their efficacy before trying, but in ten minutes my under-eye area is tightened and brightened. Although rather expensive, they come in pots of 60 so it works out at under two quid a pop.

Body

Until a couple of years ago I was lazy about body care  then my 50th birthday gifts appeared to be shin-dandruff and a crepey cleavage.

A daily dollop of Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion (9.49, boots.com) is now part of my morning ritual. Its not greasy and seeing the skin-smoothing effects inspires me to keep using it diligently.

Hair

For my thinning hair I have started taking Glowwa Hair Food supplements (34.99 for 60 capsules, glowwa.com) on the recommendation of my brilliant hairdresser Sarah Howard (@sarahhowardhair).

Although its early days I am already noticing that Im shedding less in the shower.
Ive just dropped off Andrea, my Irish friend, at Darlington station. How different it is having a girlfriend to stay, as opposed to a man.

She arranged for a Sainsburys delivery of Bollinger and dark chocolate. She gave me a huge Diptyque Baies candle in black glass, engraved with my initials and Xmas 2024. It was in a purple Liberty bag. I miss Liberty! I miss the Wild at Heart florist at the entrance. All we get in Yorkshire is factory-farmed tulips.

When we went for dinner, we would wrestle over whod pay the bill. She loved my house, saying, Its like a stately home! The high ceilings! She knew the names of the designers of my furniture:

Is that an Eero Saarinen table? Eames chair? She appreciated the curated books I placed by her bedside: Pillow Thoughts by Courtney Peppernell; The Year of the Hare by Arto Paasilinna; The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark; and The Cat Inside by William S Burroughs.

When I took her to the Vivienne Westwood exhibition at The Bowes Museum, she wore a Westwood Anglomania 1993 plaid coat in homage, and actually looked at the clothes, read the notes, rather than do what a man would do, which is shuffle impatiently and ask where the cafe is. We got the giggles.

When I drove to a gastro pub, The Bay Horse in Hurworth, the sat-nav lady made me go round a green along a muddy path, round and round. We were like Edina and Patsy in a Peugeot trying to find a chateau in France: Get the map, get the map. Spain. Lets just drive back to the airport, Pats, or well never find it.

Over dinner at Middleton Lodge*, I told her Im not sure if Lover Boy is joining me for my Christmas work do. You need to text him, she said from the safe haven of a happy marriage to a man whos making crumble on her return home to Belfast. Say that if hes not coming, you want to make other arrangements. Meet a friend for dinner.

I told her that its so weird that you can have sex in all sorts of different locations and yet are too fearful to send a text. Im not really bothered either way. If he comes to the party and we later have sex, I will be on edge, performing like a seal. If he isnt coming (and he should have let me know without prompting), then I get a cosy night in a hotel on my own, having ordered pyramid chickpea samosas from Masala Zone. Im wondering if his texts have tailed off as his wife/girlfriend/ex/the police have been monitoring his phone.

So, being brave, on Friday evening, I send this: Hi Handsome. Can you still make a drink on Monday evening? You dont have to come to my party. Be lovely to see you if briefly. xxxx

What is the worst he can do? Not reply. Say, hell no. Have me arrested for stalking, as though we inhabit an episode of Baby Reindeer? Its better to know, after all, so I can plan my underwear. Also tell the Daily Mail paparazzo, poised to snap us, that hes got the evening off. OMG. He has just replied: Sounds good. Where?

I tell him: At Soho House about 7pm? Then I have to go to my party at some point, so do not distract me. Xx

OK. Where is the party?

Just round the corner.

So I will wait at the hotel until you return?

Yes, but only if you feel so inclined.

I will. Looking forwards. I cant wait.

What do we all think? Its almost as if he doesnt want to be seen with me

I get to Soho House and discover Ive been upgraded to the Jacobean Suite. I have my own 10ft Christmas tree, sofas, super-king bed, a copper bath. Im so excited. A text. From him. Liz. As much as Id like to join you I really am not very well. I am drained. Sorry to let you down.

I tell him its fine, then cant resist sending him photos of the suite, with its view of Soho. I get dressed up and walk to my party. Im standing in tall shoes when I get this: Shall I come over? I can be there at 9.30.

*Im no longer barred due to Gracie doing a squirty poo in a linen napkin. There must have been a regime change.

Jones Moans... What Liz loathes this week

Skin cream bottles that dont unscrew, so you cant reach the dregs.

Websites that, under Contact us, hide the phone number.

People who email me without a number as their signature.
The end of the month isn't just an opportunity to wave goodbye to the January blues  or meet the deadline for filing tax returns and paying any due tax.

Bar a few days either side, it's also a crucial date for shareholders in seven stock market-listed investment trusts that US hedge fund manager Saba Capital Management has its beady eye on.

Unless these trust investors want their money to be run in the future by Saba  and for the life of me I can't see why any sane investor would want such an outcome  they need to vote against the proposals put forward by this corporate opportunist.

By building sizeable stakes in these trusts over the past year, Saba has manoeuvred itself into a position where it can call for an overhaul of their boards. And this is exactly what it has done.

As a result, shareholders in each of the seven are being asked to vote on booting out the existing directors  and appointing in their place two Saba representatives.

The results will then be revealed at 'requisitioned' meetings, starting with the smaller companies' investment trust Herald a week on Wednesday and ending with Edinburgh Worldwide (managed by Baillie Gifford) early next month.

Facts and figures: Unless these trust investors want their money to be run in the future by Saba, they need to vote against the proposals put forward by this corporate opportunist

Sandwiched in between will be votes at Baillie Gifford US Growth and Baillie Gifford Keystone Positive Growth (both February 3); CQS Natural Resources Growth & Income and Henderson Opportunities (both a day later); and European Smaller Companies on February 5.

The votes are part of a pincer movement by Saba. If it gets its people on the boards, it will then seek to remove the incumbent investment managers and smash the trusts together to create one amorphous fund.

Indeed, if Saba is successful, it could then try the same manoeuvre with other trusts it has accumulated stakes in.

Investment trusts are far from perfect and have been through some self-inflicted crises  most recently the split-capital trust crisis of the 1990s.

Yet, as James Budden, head of global marketing at Ballie Gifford, reminded me a few days ago, the investment-trust industry is a super illustration of financial Darwinism in action.

Around since the 1860s, the industry has evolved. Trusts that no longer fulfilled a purpose have been wound up or taken over, while funds exploring new investment themes (for example, infrastructure or energy) have been launched.

They also continue to back businesses large and small, both here in the UK and overseas  listed companies and sometimes unquoteds.

Importantly, corporate governance has improved, with trust boards far more prepared to jettison underperforming investment managers than they were ten years ago. Annual charges on some of the bigger trusts have also been tickled down to the benefit of shareholders.

If Saba gets its way, we will lose funds that add to the rich cornucopia of the investment-trust industry  funds that in some instances have provided shareholders with outstanding long-term returns.

For example, Herald, a 1.2 billion global smaller-companies trust, has been managed by Katie Potts of Herald Investment Management since its launch nearly 31 years ago. To say she  and her team  have done a sterling job is an understatement.

Potts has generated a share price return for investors since launch in excess of 2,800 per cent.

To put this figure into some form of perspective, the Russell 2000 Technology Index (small cap) and the Deutsche Numis Smaller Companies plus AIM Index have delivered respective returns of 792 and 620 per cent. Potts lives and breathes smaller companies  especially quoted technology, media, and telecoms stocks.

She provides investors with the opportunity to make money from a skill set that few in the City  let alone Saba  possess.

The trusts under attack are battling back. Budden says Ballie Gifford is adopting a 'multi-pronged' approach  writing directly to shareholders of the three trusts it manages to warn them of the big bad investment wolf waiting on the doorstep.

It is also using social media and adverts to spread its message.

But at the end of the day, the future of the seven is in the hands of shareholders. Never has shareholder engagement been more critical. If you are among them, you have two choices. You can watch from the sidelines and see whether Saba gets its way. An approach which I do not advise, especially if you are content with how your money is being managed.

Saba only needs a majority of voting shareholders to support its resolutions to achieve its aim.

Alternatively, you can demonstrate shareholder enfranchisement by casting your vote against every resolution put forward by Saba. A vote for long-term investment opportunity over corporate opportunism.

The Association of Investment Companies has put together some useful information on how to vote  https://www.theaic.co.uk/how-to-vote-your-shares.

Careful driver punished by app for careful drivers

A massive thank-you to readers who contacted me over the festive period to tell me of their car insurance woes  and in some cases their joys.

In the next couple of weeks, I will be reporting in full on their tribulations and successes in dealing with sky-high renewal notices.

But as a juicy taster, I would like to tell you about the recent experience of Catherine Ferrell, 75, a retired medical research administrator from Dunmow, Essex.

Catherine drives a four-year-old Audi Q3  and does a modest 6,000 miles a year. Since January 2022, she has been insured with Aviva.

Six months into her cover for 2023, she was asked whether she would like to add the MyAviva app to her phone. This would monitor her driving and potentially lower her premiums. Being a cautious driver, she jumped at the chance.

'I could see every journey I made,' says Catherine, 'with the app scoring me on five aspects  cornering, braking, speeding, any mobile phone usage, and acceleration.

'By the end of 2023, I was regularly getting scores in the 90s out of 100.'

Top marks, top price: Catherine Ferrell and her MyAviva app

When Catherine's renewal premium for 2024 came in at nearly 369  23 per cent higher than the year before  she thought it might have been lower if she had used the app for the full year. So, she decided to stick with it. She wished she hadn't.

Despite averaging 96 across all five scores for 2024, her renewal premium for 2025 came in at a whopping 537  an increase of some 46 per cent. The only way she could contact Aviva to ask whether her excellent driving had

actually been taken into account was via a bot. As is the way with bots, it didn't understand her query.

Frustrated, she found alternative cover with RIAS for just over 383  a four per cent increase on what she paid a year ago.

Catherine says: 'In theory, MyAviva is a great idea, and I like that it's available to older drivers. We can demonstrate that we are roadworthy and fit to be behind a wheel.

'But there has to be a quid pro quo in the form of a lower premium for good driving.'

To put a 46 per cent increase into perspective, the consultant Pearson Ham says motor premiums fell at the end of last year by an annual 16 per cent.

As Jim Royle of BBC's The Royle Family might say: 'MyAviva? My a**e!'
Fund manager James Salter believes it is a good time to be an 'off-piste' investor  someone who does not follow the herd.

Like many investment experts, he is concerned that the US stock market is currently priced 'to perfection'  fully valued  and could come crashing down if President-elect Donald Trump's measures to stimulate the US economy don't work their magic.

Salter, who founded boutique investment house Zennor Asset Management in 2020, says: 'You could argue that the big US tech companies represent a special situation because of their involvement in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

'But the investment risks are significant, especially if the positive economic growth story that Trump is telling us about fails to materialise, leading to a wider global economic slowdown. All stock markets would then suffer.'

Although Salter accepts the two funds he and co-founder David Mitchinson run  Zennor Japan and Zennor Japan Equity Income  would not escape any such correction in global equity prices, he believes their eclectic composition would make them more resilient than many other investment funds.

'I'm a big believer in US investor Warren Buffett,' he says. 'Preserving our investors' capital is crucial, so I never forget Buffett's two rules for successful investing. Rule one: don't lose money. And if you ask about the second rule: don't forget the first.'

Both funds are underpinned by these two 'rules', but Japan Equity Income is the more conservative.

Its modus operandi is very much based on identifying off-radar Japanese companies which have massive amounts of cash sitting on their balance sheets  and then gently persuading them to use some of that cash to either pay dividends to shareholders or buy back shares.

'I call it off-piste investing,' says Salter, 'and it's a provider of steady investor returns.'

The performance numbers prove this. Since its launch in spring 2023, Japan Equity Income has generated total investor returns of 19 per cent  better than the average Japanese fund over the same period of 17 per cent.

Fishing for minnow cash-rich Japanese companies is not something most Japanese fund managers are prepared to do. But Salter and Mitchinson, with 60 years between them of running Japanese funds, thrive on it.

'Between us, we go out at least six times a year to Japan to visit companies,' says Salter.

'We also have advisers both here in the UK and Japan searching out ideas  and we do a lot of screening of Japanese stocks to identify potential winners.'

Japan Equity Income, a 125 million fund, is invested in 42 stocks. Castings and civil engineering company Kurimoto, a top 10 holding, is typical of the businesses that the managers seek out  cash-rich with little coverage from market analysts.

'We've been to see the management a couple of times,' says Salter, 'and we hold virtual meetings with them on a regular basis.

Slowly, but surely, we've encouraged the company to shrink its balance sheet. You could say it is a boring business in slow growth mode, but it's providing us with a dividend equivalent to 5 per cent a year  and the prospect of more to come.'

Zennor has about 800 million in assets under its belt and has no desire to widen its investment focus outside of Japan. 'If we ran other investment strategies,' says Salter, 'we would end up as a jack of all trades, but master of none.'

The fund is on most investing platforms and its annual charges total 0.92 per cent.
A tech firm that employs Princess Beatrice was forced into bankruptcy proceedings at the back end of last year, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Afiniti, which was founded in 2005 and provides artificial intelligence software to call centres, filed for bankruptcy in the US two months ago as the firm struggled under a mountain of debt. Papers show that the company had 472 million in liabilities.

Key lenders were forced to step in to support the company and the debt was successfully restructured last month. But the news is an embarrassment for the princess just before she attends the World Economic Forum in Davos alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The difficulties at Afiniti also put the spotlight on Prince Harry's best pal Tom 'Skippy' Inskip, who is president at the company.

Eton-educated Inskip joined the firm in 2013 and also sits on the board.

High profile former employees include ex-Prime Minister Lord Cameron, who resigned from the company's advisory board in 2021, and former BP boss Lord Browne.

Royal appointment: Princess Beatrice is employed as vice president of strategy at Afiniti

At Davos, the Princess will talk on a panel exploring how private capital can be used to tackle climate change. She is employed as vice president of strategy and partnerships at Afiniti, where she also has an ambassadorial role promoting women in business.

In November, Princess Beatrice spoke about artificial intelligence at an energy conference in Abu Dhabi, where she said that the UK's contribution to the artificial intelligence revolution was 'great talent, great individuals'.

It followed her trip to Saudi Arabia for the Future Investment Initiative the previous month.

The bankruptcy proceedings are the latest in a string of controversies for the firm, which just two years ago was tipped for a blockbuster flotation on the New York Stock Exchange.

That would have given Princess Beatrice and Inskip a considerable payday, as they are understood to own minority stakes in the business.

But the plans were scrapped when, in 2022, Afiniti's founder and chief executive Zia Chishti quit after a former employee, Tatiana Spottiswoode, accused him of grooming her and then beating her during sex.
A defence engineering consultancy run by two best friends who served together in the RAF plans to float in London this month.

RC Fornax wants to raise at least 5 million, valuing the business at 25 million, sources say.

The flotation will be a boost for the junior AIM market, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, but has been hit by changes to inheritance tax rules in Labour's Budget.

The company was founded in 2020 by chief executive Paul Reeves, 41, and executive director Dan Clark, 40. 'Dan and I are in lockstep,' said Reeves. 'We are best friends and always will be until the day we die.'

Between them they have more than 24 years' service in the Armed Forces.

The company works with top tier defence firms to manage projects more efficiently.

High-flyers: RC Fornax founders Paul Reeves, left, and Dan Clark in front of the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle

Its revenues were 6.5 million last year. It hopes to tap in to the growth in defence spending amid rising global tensions.

The founders also have an eye on the goal set by the Ministry of Defence of directing a quarter of procurement spending to small and medium-sized businesses. Reeves hopes to form consortia with other small and mid-size firms to bid for MoD contracts.

He says the duo never considered a listing in the US, which is often touted as a more lucrative venue for floats.

'I have always and will always be passionate about my country. It's just not a question,' he said, adding that he and Clark ruled out selling to private equity because they wish to keep control.

The proceeds of the fund raising will be used for development, including an AI tool to help with project management.

Early backers of the company include Reeves' 70-year-old mother, Jane Cartwright. 'She sold the family home in Filey, North Yorkshire, to support us,' Reeves says.

'It was our grandparents' house where we went on holiday  so there were lots of childhood memories.

'I told her not to sell it, but you can't stop a mum helping her kids.'
There aren't too many business leaders who have a good word to say about the Government's controversial tax-and-spend Budget. Jo Gretton is one exception.

The boss of technology firm Telent, which employs 2,500 people, says the increase to National Insurance contributions 'will be a drag' but Chancellor Rachel Reeves' commitment to boost infrastructure investment and improve public service efficiency 'should be a boon'.

The reason she gives the Budget at least one cheer is because most of Telent's business is with big, taxpayer-funded organisations such as Network Rail, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Transport for London.

So the Chancellor's pledge to spend more on 'fixing the foundations' of the economy is music to her ears.

Born out of the ashes of the collapsed Marconi electronics empire, Telent specialises in critical national infrastructure.

'The technology enhancements we deliver can massively improve productivity,' says Gretton, 'and ultimately benefit the public.'

Telent may not be a household name but what it does affects all our lives.

'We estimate that everybody in the UK [indirectly] touches a Telent technology 15 times a day in terms of what we provide,' Gretton explains. 'That might be a traffic light, digital advertising on London Underground or customer information display signs.'

Green light: Under Jo Gretton, Telent wants to get more out of existing roads and railways

Gretton practised as a barrister before joining Marconi in 2000  just as the company, once part of the GEC conglomerate, went on a disastrous acquisition spree that saddled the previously cash-rich firm with 4 billion of debt.

The bulk of Marconi was sold to Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson six years later.

The rump  mostly made up of a 4.5 billion pension fund  was renamed Telent and Gretton joined its management team.

Gretton, who describes the experience as 'a roller-coaster', rose through the ranks to become chief executive in 2020  shortly after the pension fund was bought by an insurer. Telent is in rude financial health, having trebled profits to 20 million in the year to March 2024 on sales of 462 million, down slightly from 476 million the previous year. The outlook is good, too, with a 'strong' order book worth more than 400 million.

Telent is now owned by JC Flowers, the US investment company best known for backing financial services companies such as One Savings Bank.

Gretton says JC Flowers will look to exit Telent 'at some stage'.

'They assure me I'm their best non-core asset  I might be their only non-core asset,' she says of her company.

But she rules out a stock market listing 'given our size and scale'.

She also declines to comment on a recent Sky News report that said that Telent was up for sale with a price tag in excess of 300 million.

Among potential buyers is outsourcer Amey, which is part-owned by private equity group Buckthorn, where former Chancellor of the Exchequer Lord Hammond is a partner.

Any deal would have to be reviewed by the Government on national security grounds given Telent's importance to critical infrastructure.

One of Telent's biggest contracts is providing the communications network for National Highways, including 'everything on the side of motorways' such as emergency telephones, radar detection and CCTV.

When roadworks are set up, Telent comes in, bypasses civil contractors' existing cables and lays its own.

'When you drive and see the purple pipes, that's got out fibre network in it,' Gretton proudly notes.

Telent has also been drafted in to supply the technology for new refuge areas on so-called 'smart' motorways to address existing 'safety concerns', she adds.

Like Telent's other contracts, the aim is to improve efficiency and productivity  in this case easing congestion and smoothing traffic flows.

'If we're not going to build new roads or railways, can we get more use out of what we already have?' she asks.

To do that 'you've got to have your network in place, whether that's fixed or wireless,' Gretton continues.

'Having all this data means you can control, monitor, report and improve,' she says, but it is no use 'if you can't see the wood for the trees'.

Which brings us to the big issue of the day: artificial intelligence, or AI, the revolutionary technology that promises to transform our everyday lives.

Gretton says it's still early days and lists a number of constraints on AI's uptake.

These include power supply  the data centres used to train AI language models are hugely energy-intensive  and AI's own capability and reliability.

'One of the instructions you have to give AI is 'don't hallucinate',' Gretton reveals.

'It will go off to any source data it's been instructed to search and wants to find you an answer. If it can't, it will create something for you but it won't necessarily tell you that's what it has done,' she says.

Telent already uses AI algorithms to detect rockfall patterns that act as early warning systems for landslides on railway lines along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, and in Scotland.

As for the future, she sees AI gradually improving productivity by saving human labour.

'It could mean having more trains going through a particular piece of track more quickly,' she predicts.

Gretton worries about some aspects of AI, such as deepfakes, fraud and what she calls 'bad actors'.

But perhaps her biggest concern is cyber security, where demand for Telent's services 'is already growing rapidly'.

'Everything we do has to have a cyber security wrap around it,' Gretton adds.

US President-elect Donald Trump has promised to end the war in Ukraine on his first day back in the White House this month.

Russia's cyber hackers are mainly focused on harming Kyiv, but Gretton fears Moscow will redeploy their efforts to attack the West if a peace deal is done.

'We have to be prepared,' she warns.
You have to feel for Rachel Reeves. After establishing a solid reputation in opposition, things havent gone to plan as Chancellor so far.

Her Autumn Budget led to widespread criticism over tax rises on employment and extra costs for businesses, while questions abound over whether her plans will deliver the growth Labour promised voters.

Now, a slow burn rise in the UKs borrowing costs has led to gilt yields surpassing the levels seen after Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwartengs ill-fated mini-Budget.

That's unfortunate for a Labour party that has spend the past couple of years citing a gilt yield spike as evidence of Liz Truss crashing the economy and Tory mortgage penalties.

Your browser does not support iframes.

But is Britains current predicament Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmers fault or do they just find themselves caught out by an unfortunate set of circumstances? Or is it a bit of both?

Where did things start to go wrong? Was it the Budget, or was it the claimed 22billion black hole and months of miserabilism? And what are gilts and why do yields even matter?

On this This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert dig into whats gone wrong with Britains finances and what it means for people.

Plus, in better news Lee looks at the jobs that delivered the biggest pay rises last year and why.

Simon explains whats going on with the US hedge fund staging a raid on seven investment trusts  and why investors should make sure they vote.

And finally, Lee catches up with Dave Fishwick as the new Bank of Dave film is released.
The bullying of Kelaia Turner was so bad that, at one point, even her glamorous teacher allegedly joined in  driving the schoolgirl closer to taking her own life.

That's a claim at the heart of a shocking lawsuit against Olivia Grace Bennett and her colleagues at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School in Greenville, South Carolina.

Kelaia, then 12, faced merciless bullying from five classmates, who called her 'roach,' and 'a man' and physically attacked her, the suit alleges.

Rather than stopping the bullies, Bennett, 26, was allegedly 'complicit,' pointing at the abused student as her classmates jeered.

In 2023, the tormented girl tried to kill herself  a failed attempt that left her with brain damage and requiring round-the-clock care.

Her devastated mom, Ty Turner, and other family members are suing the school district, Bennet, and seven other educators for failing to answer their frantic calls for help.

'They used to teach us, 'Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me',' the mom told WYF44.

'Unfortunately, words do hurt.'

Seeing suicide as her only way out, Kelaia Turner hanged herself at home in March 2023, but was left with brain damage

Her glamorous teacher Olivia Grace Bennett even joined in with the bullies, a lawsuit claims

The school denies the allegations and is fighting the case. A spokesman for Greenville County Schools told DailyMail.com that teachers addressed all bullying at the school.

Bennett, of Spartanburg County, still works at the school, but did not answer our request for comment.

Kelaia, now 14, was a promising student who enjoyed learning the piano and playing at recitals.

She endured more than a year of physical and verbal abuse at the hands of classmates at the school of some 1,000 students, the suit says.

The lawsuit, filed at the US District Court for South Carolina last summer, says the taunting began in 2021, when Kelaia began wearing her natural braided hair to school.

Students called her 'roach' and other insults.

Her teacher, Bennett, a self-described 'movie nerd and Disney fanatic,' allegedly joined in with the bullies.

Court papers describe a December 17, 2021, incident when 'fellow students were calling her a man and roach in Olivia Bennett's class.'

South Carolina schoolgirl Kelaia Turner was 12 when the bullying started

Now her mom Ty Turner seeks justice from a school she says failed to stop her daughter's bullying-related suicide attempt, which left her with brain damage

Olivia Grace Bennett, 26, describes herself as a 'movie nerd and Disney fanatic'

'Ms. Bennett was complicit in the bullying and said nothing to the other students to stop it,' the filings adds.

'One student asked, "Where's the roach?", and Ms. Bennett pointed to' Kelaia, the suit alleges.

Tensions escalated in 2022 when Kelaia got into a fight with another student, and educators decided to suspend her but not the bully, the complaint claims.

The tormentors went on to pour water on Kelaia's clothes and then threw them in the trash, the lawsuit alleges.

Seeing suicide as her only way out, Kelaia attempted to take her own life at home in March 2023.

She was dead for eight minutes before paramedics could revive her.

Ty has described the agonizing moment she discovered her daughter's limp body.

'She was cool to the touch, blood was coming out of her nose,' she said.

'She had fully committed to what it was that she was attempting to do, and she was gone for eight whole minutes.'

Kelaia was left in a coma for weeks and had suffered severe brain damage that's left her incapacitated.

While Kelaia was comatose, one of the bullies in April 2023 made their way inside the ICU and snapped photos of the intubated girl, according to the filing.

They posted the pictures on social media and spread rumors online about her injuries, adds the 24-page document.

The girl's parents say they repeatedly complained about the bullying to school officials.

Ty alerted them repeatedly by email, phone and in person visits, but says they failed to act.

They were 'grossly negligent and reckless' of Kelaia's well-being, says the suit.

Ty says accuses the district of failing her daughter and allowing the bullying to go unrestrained for a year and a half.

The family seeks a jury trial and damages from the district and faculty members.

Kelaia's teacher, Olivia Bennett, was 'complicit' in the bullying, court papers allege

Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School in Greenville, South Carolina, has some 1,000 students

On her school webpage, Bennett says she wants to prepare her students for the future

The money will cover her medical bills, psychiatric expenses, special education, parents' lost wages while taking care of her, life care expenses, disability care, and other costs.

The school says it has a tough anti-bullying policy and that it will fight the case.

We 'investigated and addressed each of the reported incidents in accordance with policy and law,' spokesman Tim Waller told DailyMail.com.

'No parent concerns or reports of bullying were ignored, and all were directly addressed with the student's mother.'

He added that 'while we do not agree with the allegations, our hearts go out to Kelaia Tecora Turner, her mother, and their family.'

Doctors have told Ty that her daughter will never be able to speak or move again.

But the mom, a devout Christian, is hopeful of divine intervention.

An online fundraiser has netted more than $141,000 to help the struggling family care for her at home.

'So much has grown from opening up about an instance no parent wishes to experience,' Ty posted recently.

'We are beyond GRATEFUL for your support!'

Ty has set up an anti-bullying organization in Kelaia's honor, called Keeping Accountability, Uniting Students, Educating.

On the Gofundme.com page, donors have posted about their own experiences with school bullying.

Some two dozen US kids who take their own lives each year after classroom bullying, according to data from the United Educators Association.

Those scary numbers come amid a youth mental health crisis driven in part by peer pressure and round-the-clock social media.

Kelaia was a promising student who enjoyed playing the piano at public recitals

The 14-year-old is back at home now, but her family must provide round-the-clock care

The US Department of Education warns that about a quarter of students are bullied regularly.

The Megan Meier Foundation, a Missouri-based nonprofit, says kids who've been bullied or cyber-bullied are twice as likely to try to end their lives as others.

Still, teachers and police officers who've investigated cases of bullying say it's hard to address.

Parents and victims frequently request action against offenders  but often the reported behavior does not meet the criteria for sanctions or prosecution.

Some experts also question the link between bullying and suicide.

Brenda Carrillo, director of student services at Santa Clara Unified School District, in California, says it's a 'complex issue.'

'The idea of conflating suicide and bullying is a dangerous idea,' says Carrillo.

Parents of bullied school kids increasingly launch wrongful deaths lawsuits against schools and teachers for failing to act.

They often do this after police end their probes without charging any alleged bullies, but the lawsuits have a patchy record of success.

An Arizona judge last summer kicked out a complaint against Chandler Unified School District, which had been brought by one of the parents of a student who died by suicide in 2022.

The suit alleged the freshman was bullied and harassed, but that the school did not do enough to stop it. The district denied the allegations.
A global risk consultant has warned that humanity should tighten its seatbelts for a very bumpy ride in 2025.

In his closely-watched annual forecast, Ian Bremmer on Monday predicted a 'uniquely dangerous' time for the planet, akin to the tense 1930s and the start of the Cold War.

This he attributes to Russia's imperial ambitions, the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence (AI), Donald Trump's return to the White House and his revived trade war with China.

Bremmer's top worry is what he calls the 'G-Zero world'  where no single power, or group of nations, such as a US-led West, has an agreed roadmap for peace and security.

'People everywhere are facing heightened geopolitical instability driven by a lack of global leadership,' says the founder and president of Eurasia Group.

'We are heading back to the law of the jungle, where the strongest do what they can, while the weakest are condemned to suffer what they must.'

His annual list came out as Russia touted military gains in eastern Ukraine, and as the US Congress met to certify Trump's 2024 election win, ahead of his inauguration on January 20.

Bremmer, a straight talking consultant from Boston who advises global executives and policymakers, releases his list of 10 main threats to global peace and security each January.

China's President Xi Jinping and US president-elect Donald Trump will be running the show again in 2025

Ukrainian fighters in Donbas defend themselves from neighboring Russia, which expert Ian Bremmer says will cause more chaos in 2025

At the start of 2024, he ranked the US election as the biggest danger, saying political rifts in the top economic and military power made the country less able to lead on global crises.

This year, he said the absence of world leadership has become a chronic problem that leaves humanity more likely to stumble into a devastating conflict.

'We've lived with this lack of international leadership for nearly a decade now, but in 2025, the problem will get much worse,' says his report.

'Expect new and expanding power vacuums, emboldened rogue actors, and a heightened risk of dangerous accidents, miscalculations and conflict.'

Bremmer does not fault Trump directly, and praises the Republican for gains in his first term as president from 2017 to 2021.

They included better terms for North American trade, improved ties between Israel and Arab nations and nudging Europeans to spend more on their defense.

But he warns that Trump's second term poses new challenges and threats.

Backed by majorities in Congress and the Supreme Court, Trump could achieve his plans of purging Washington, including the Justice Department and FBI, of perceived enemies, and in doing so permanently hurt those institutions, says Bremmer.

A revived trade war between China, the US and other nations could roil the global econony

Ian Bremmer, founder and president of Eurasia Group, predicts a 'uniquely dangerous' period for the planet

Meanwhile, Trump's stated economics roadmap and trade tariffs could roil the US and global economies, and worsen already-strained relations with China, says the expert.

He also warns that AI is experiencing 'relentless' and fast-paced growth without any effective checks on whether the emerging technology is safe.

But the starkest danger is Russia, he adds, which is making gains in Ukraine and carrying out stealth attacks on European infrastructure.

Moscow 'will do more than any other country to subvert the global order in 2025,' says Bremmer, along with his group's chairman Cliff Kupchan.

The report was released as Russia's defense ministry said its forces had captured the town of Kurakhove, some 20 miles south of Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian logistics hub towards which Russian forces have been advancing for months.

Moscow is continuing to fend off a new Ukrainian offensive inside the Kursk region of western Russia, as both sides try to improve their positions before potentially returning to the negotiating table.

Other security experts have raised similar concerns to Bremmer.

The annual forecast from RANE on Monday also warned of Washington's coming trade war, difficulties in cutting any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, and spiraling conflict in the Middle East.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attend a state reception in Pyongyang, North Korea June 19, 2024

Artifical intelligence is seeing 'relentless' and fast-paced growth without any effective checks on whether it's safe

'Israel will engage in wars of attrition in Gaza and Lebanon, where ceasefires are unlikely to end the conflicts, while its progressive annexation of territories in the West Bank will likely result in a violent uprising,' says the group.

Late last year, DailyMail.com spoke with prominent security analysts with a gloomy prognosis for world peace.

National security expert Mark Toth and former US intelligence officer Col. Jonathan Sweet, say World War III is no longer a distant possibility - it has already begun.

They say it's just happening in ways more subtle than Western societies experienced at the start of the 20th century's global conflicts.

Instead, they're hybrid threats, covert battles and ideological jockeying in the digital arena.

'This third global conflagration doesn't look or feel like what Hollywood envisioned,' said Toth and Sweet.

'No mushroom clouds or apocalyptic wastelands. Rather, it is war by a thousand cuts, conducted across multi-regional and multi-domain battlefields.'
MALINDZA  While the perception is that the influx of asylum seekers at Malindza Refugee and Reception Centre consists of Mozambican nationals, that is not the case.

By the end of business on Thursday, there were 1 071 registered asylum seekers at the centre. Estate Manager Bongekile Mamba informed Deputy Prime Minister Thulsile Dladla yesterday morning that the majority of the asylum seekers were from countries such as Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She stated that the Malindza Refugee and Reception Centre is now home to 323 families, of which a meagre fewer than 15 were Mozambican natives. Mamba mentioned that these asylum seekers from Rwanda and Burundi were previously based in violence-stricken Mozambique.

Highlighted

She highlighted to the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) that 50 per cent did not wish to return to Mozambique, while 25 per cent were uncertain, and the remaining 25 per cent were willing to return as soon as the political violence subsided. These families had businesses in Mozambique that were unfortunately destroyed during the violence. The nearest place away from the violence and pain was Eswatini, she said.

Dladla encouraged the centre to offer counselling for the asylum seekers, as she personally felt optimistic that the situation in Mozambique would calm down. What is happening in Mozambique is painful, especially after so much economic transformation. It is better that it is not war, as war displaces people permanently. We have great hope that the situation will normalise after January 15, the DPM said.

Before the onset of the Mozambique uprising, there were only 137 asylum seekers at the Malindza Refugee and Reception Centre. Meanwhile, Mozambiques main opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, returned from self-exile on Thursday, claiming to have won a disputed October election that sparked months of protests against the long-ruling party FRELIMO and a violent crackdown by security forces.

As Mondlane stepped off a plane, security forces fired tear gas at hundreds of his supporters who had gathered near Mavalane International Airport in the capital, Maputo, to welcome him home. I want to fight within this country, and I will, until the very end, keep fighting for this country, Mondlane told reporters at the airport. Im not willing to accept election results if they are the same as those announced up until now. allegations

Mondlane left the country in October, following an election clouded by allegations of rigging against the ruling FRELIMO party, which has been in power since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

Protests erupted after FRELIMO was declared the winner of the October 9 election. International rights groups report that at least 100 people have been killed by security forces, while some local groups put the death toll at more than 200. Mondlane had called for people to protest the results.

The opposition leader, aged 50, has stated that he left Mozambique fearing for his life after two senior members of his opposition party were killed in their car by unknown gunmen in a late-night shooting in Maputo, following the election. One of the men killed was Mondlanes lawyer and advisor, and their party described the killings as political assassinations.

On Thursday, police also blocked roads leading to the airport after Mondlane announced on social media earlier this week that he would return to the southern African country. Tear gas drifted over the airport and surrounding roads, and a helicopter hovered overhead. Mondlane expressed his willingness to enter into negotiations with FRELIMO to end months of unrest, which has disrupted the country of 33 million and at times brought it to a standstill.
Wildlife lovers across the globe flock to zoos annually to catch a glimpse of their favourite animals in a safe and protected environment... but for some, this hasn't been the case.

Feral instincts remain present in a number of these caged beasts, where even the glass screening and metal fencing can not contain their primal urges.

While some incidents have taken place in the privacy of the animal's enclosure, several beasts have unleashed their fury in front of horrified children outside of their protective barriers as they bring their victims to the brink of death.

From dragging visitors into their lairs to pouncing out from their enclosures, a number of innocent zoo-goers have fallen prey to furious tigers, bears, and rhinos.

In one case, a man in Thailand was mauled by a tormented bear as it pulled him into its cage and began gnawing off chunks of his flesh.

And eight years ago, a Chinese woman was snatched by a ravenous tiger after stepping out of her car at a safari park near the Great Wall of China.

Parents, children, and the elderly, have been left haunted beyond imagination following their run-ins with seemingly tamed zoo creatures.

But it appears even the popular children's attraction carries its own deadly dangers, with tales of brutal surprise attacks from caged animals springing up all over the globe.

Just two months ago, a man in Thailand was mauled by a tormented bear as it pulled him into its cage and began gnawing off chunks of his flesh

Husband mauled to death by tiger in front of wife and child

In 2017, a young Chinese man was killed by a tiger in front of his horrified wife and child after getting dragged into its zoo enclosure.

The incident occurred at the Youngor Wildlife Park in the city of Ningbo, about 125 miles south of Shanghai.

An onlooker took footage of the tiger dragging the man under some trees and sinking its teeth into his neck as two other big cats lurked behind.

Zoo visitors raised the alarm soon after he was attacked by the predator but it took zoo staff about an hour to grapple the man from the tiger's firm grip, according to reports fro the time.

The tigers were eventually driven away by firecrackers and a water cannon, said a report in the Beijing Youth Daily, which added that the man was rushed to hospital but later died.

One tiger in the enclosure was shot dead by local forestry bureau staff.

A horrified witness said the tiger wouldn't allow the man escape: 'I saw the tiger mauling the person, whose face was covered with blood. Every time he sat up, the tiger pushed him down again.'

The reports said it was not clear how or why the man, whose wife and child had come to the park with him, had gotten into the tiger enclosure.

The man tries to sit up as the tiger sinks its teeth into upper body and he is floored by the beast as another tiger lurks behind

The man is dragged under some trees in the tiger enclosure by the ferocious animal

Zoo visitors raised the alarm soon after he was attacked by the predator but it took zoo staff about an hour to grapple the man from the tiger's firm grip

Visitors and security staff were unable to help the man and could only watch as the tiger bit and mauled him

Enraged hippo attacks zookeeper in its enclosure

In June 2023, a furious hippo started charging at its zookeeper after he tried to break up its fight with another territorial bull in their enclosure.

Heart-stopping footage shows the man - who had entered the enclosure to feed the animal - scrambling out of the pen in a desperate bid to avoid a fatal attack at the Changsha Ecological Zoo in China's Hunan province.

Amid the rush to run for his life, the zoo keeper slips over on the wet concrete surface entrance with the hippo ready to launch what could have been a devastating assault.

With the furious hippo baring its huge teeth in a threatening display, the man uses his arms and feet to prevent the hungry animal from closing in on him.

The hippo momentarily left its keeper alone as it continued to feed on greens but as the man stood back up, it charged at him again just as he was leaving the enclosure. This time, he was able to run to safety.

It was understood the zoo keeper had entered the enclosure to feed the animal before two hippos began attacking each other.

Footage shows the territorial bulls going at each other before the zoo keeper flies out of the pen.

The zoo keeper had tried to break up the fight by distracting one of the hippos - but was sent running when they turned their fury on him.

Astonishingly, the zookeeper escaped unharmed following the horror clash on Sunday, September 24.

This is the horrifying moment a hippo started baring its huge teeth as it closes in on its zoo keeper

The video shows the man trying to scramble out of the pen but he slips over and the hippo starts going for him

The zoo keeper uses his hands and feet to try and get the hippo to leave him alone as it feeds on greens

Man dragged around enclosure between a bear's jaws like a rag doll

In November 2009, a 25-year-old man jumped in to a bear enclosure at Switzerland's 20million Bern Bear Park.

Prowling around in its enclosure, the 40st brown bear quickly pounced, grabbing the man and dragging him across the enclosure like a rag doll.

Standing on its hind legs as it attacked, the towering predator clamped its jaws around the man's shoulders with the helpless victim no match for the beast's strength.

Astonishing images showed the man bleeding from the head, arms and left hand as he was tossed this way and that - all while emergency services scrambled into action.

But in a twist of fate, it was the bear that ended up fighting for its life - shot by police in order to save the man's life.

He on the other hand, miraculously survived the ordeal, suffering non life-threatening injuries.

Dramatic photographs show the moment that Finn, the four-year-old European brown bear, realised he had an uninvited guest in the enclosure.

The bear quickly pounced on the man and used his paws to hold him tightly to the ground.

In another photo, one of the bear's front limbs can be seen wrapped around the man's torso as he also held him in its jaws.

Briton Sam Brookes, who was visiting the park with his girlfriend when the attack happened, said: 'I looked in after I heard people screaming.

'The bear was standing over him and throwing him back and forth.

'Some yelled, 'Get stones' to throw at the bear. I think most people had an awful shock. I can still see it when I close my eyes.'

The man, who had mental health issues, had been waiting on the wall above the enclosure for around 10 minutes before he jumped around 13ft down into the pit.

The unnamed 25-year-old man pictured in the jaws of the bear at the zoo in Bern

The terrifying attack unfolded at Bern Bear Park in Switzerland on a Saturday afternoon in November 2009

The bear pinned the man that had jumped into his enclosure to the ground in November 2009

The man was quickly pounced on the bear and used its paws to hold him tightly to the ground

The man is seen lying on the floor of the enclosure during the bear attack

Dramatic photographs taken by a visitor captured the moment the brown bear realised he had an uninvited guest in his enclosure

Finn, lying tranquillised under medical observation in his enclosure in Bern

Panda traps keeper in its cage before pinning her down and attacking

In September last year, a panda launched a terrifying attack on a female zookeeper after trapping her inside its cage at a Chinese zoo.

The panda, named Ding Ding, in footage can be seen chasing the keeper, before pinning her down and biting her.

The attack took place at Chongqing Zoo in the city of the same name in south-western China just after 9am on September 19.

The shocking clip first shows the keeper trying to escape the enclosure but the panda throws its weight behind the door, forcing her to run back inside.

The panda then runs after the zookeeper who tries to keep the animal at bay by putting her hands on its shoulders.

But the panda surges forward, and eventually swipes her off her feet and pounces on top of her.

It appears to be biting the terrified keeper on the arm as she tries to push it away.

She eventually managed to run for the door while the panda was distracted.

The attack shocked visitors at the zoo who could be heard screaming as it unfolded.

Chongqing Zoo has since promised to put safety measures in place to ensure a similar incident does not happen again.

A zoo spokesman said the keeper's condition was not serious but did not elaborate.

Ding Ding, round one! Panda attacks female zookeeper after trapping her inside its cage

The video first shows the keeper trying to get out of the enclosure but the panda throws its weight behind the door, forcing her to run back inside

The panda appears to be biting the terrified keeper on the arm as she tries to push it away

Man strips naked and jumps into lion pen to be mauled by two beasts

A 20-year-old man broke into a lion enclosure in a Chilean zoo in 2016 and stripped naked before jumping into the middle, horrifying other witnesses.

Once the man, named Franco Luis Ferrada Roman was inside, two lions pounced on him and began to 'play' with his body as other zookeepers attempted to intervene.

The two African lions were shot dead in order to save the man's life as there were no fast-acting tranquilisers available at the time, the zoo director said.

Roman was dashed to hospital for treatment and was said to be in grave condition after suffering several injuries to his head and pelvic area.

According to reports at the time, a suicide note was discovered in the pocket of the young man.

The note reportedly made allusions to the apocalypse as being a reason for his attempt to take his life.

One witness, Cynthia Vasquez, told Chilean radio station Bio Bio that the security personnel at the zoo were slow to react and that the animals did not attack the man as soon as he entered the enclosure.

'He entered the enclosure from above and the lions started to play with him, and then after they attacked him,' she said.

She also said the man was 'shouting things about Jesus'.

She criticised the actions of the security personal, saying 'first they threw water, evacuated the people and only later did they fire shots'.

A 20-year-old man took off his clothes and broke into a lion enclosure at Santiago zoo Saturday, where he was mauled by lions

Zoo keepers killed two lions to save the man, who was gravely injured in the incident

A suicide note was reported to have been found in his clothing

Two 'Kung Fu Pandas' maul animal tamer in front of horrified guests

A double-act of pandas attacked a zookeeper in front of screaming onlookers at Chongqing Zoo, China, in April last year.

Footage of the ordeal shows the pandas running towards the zookeeper as she appears with snacks, with one of them biting her ankles before another knocks her to the ground.

Both animals climb over the terrified zookeeper and quickly bury her underneath them as they paw at her head.

The helpless worker rolls from side to side, hoping to get the massive pandas off, but only one of them runs away, while the other holds onto her and gnaws at her midriff in front of hundreds of screaming visitors.

When she finally manages to get up, the zookeeper has a rip in her shirt as well as scratch marks on her shoulder.

A colleague ran out to help the stricken woman, but he was quickly chased by the animal himself.

The clip ends with both workers scrambling to safety in the enclosure as the panda, apparently a juvenile, gives chase.

According to reports, the zookeeper only sustained minor injuries in the attack.

The pandas paw at the zookeeper's head and appear to nibble at her neck, arms and legs

But only one of the panas runs away, while the other holds onto her and gnaws at her midriff in front of hundreds screaming visitors

The terrified woman was buried underneath the two giant pandas who were gnawing at her

According to reports, the zookeeper only sustained minor injuries in the attack

Crocodile clamps jaws around zookeeper's head

Horrific footage from 2017 captured the moment a crocodile bit a zookeeper's head before viciously thrashing him from side to side while he screamed in agony.

The video shows a man performing at one of Thailand's famed crocodile shows for a small group of people on the tourist island of Ko Samui.

In the video, the zookeeper kneels before a crocodile which is lying in wait with its jaw wide open.

The crocodile remains perfectly still as the zookeeper performs his routine with two wooden sticks for the audience.

During the routine he waves the stick around the crocodile's open mouth and momentarily pokes it inside.

The daredevil decides to raise the stakes by placing the sticks to one side and shoving his entire head inside the motionless crocodile's mouth.

He holds his position for ten seconds before the crocodile suddenly snaps down on his head and violently thrashes him around.

The man lets out a horrifying scream as the audience watches in shock.

He is left on the ground reeling from his injuries as the crocodile slides back into the water.

Footage shows the moment a crocodile bit a zookeeper's head before viciously thrashing him from side to side while he screamed in agony

The man places his head inside the crocodile before it suddenly snaps down on his head and violently thrashes him around

The crocodile violently thrashes the man from side to side while he screams in agony

Woman eaten alive and another gravely injured by tiger at safari park

A woman was eaten alive and another seriously injured after they jumped out of a car in a tiger enclosure at a Chinese safari park in July 2016.

Dramatic video footage captures the middle-aged woman flouting the warnings by getting out of the car, and she was killed instantly after she followed the younger woman out of the car at the Badaling Wildlife World, near the Great Wall of China.

Both had ignored repeated warnings to stay inside the vehicle, according to local media.

Sohu reported at the time that the family - one older woman, a younger woman, a child and a man - were in the park, just over an hour north-west of Beijing.

The younger woman and the man were understood to have had an argument, at which point she stormed out of the car, reported Chinese media.

The older woman then followed her out - and was instantly attacked by the Siberian tiger.

The man is also understood to have tried to rescue his family members, while the child stayed in the car.

The 6,000 acre park, which allows people to either drive themselves or join a tour, tells people not to leave their vehicles at any point.

The family were eventually rescued by Badaling's staff, but there was nothing that could be done for the older woman.

The younger woman was seriously injured, an official confirmed.

The woman gets out of the car and walks around to the other side after having a fight with a man inside the vehicle

As she remonstrates further, a huge tiger is ready to pounce behind her at the Badaling Wildlife World

The woman is dragged tot he floor where she is mauled by the big cat, sustaining serious injuries

But an older woman is mauled to death after she runs out of the car to help the woman

Angry rhino flips a car at a German safari park

A rhinoceros at the German safari Serengeti Park launched a violent attack on an animal keeper in her car in 2019.

A visitor to the park was left stunned when they watched and filmed the encounter, which saw the 30-year-old rhino bull, named Kusini, slam its horns and body into the vehicle before rolling it over three times.

The zookeeper had been driving the small hatchback painted with black and white stripes through the park and emerged mostly unscathed from the attack.

It was unclear what enraged the wild animal, who had been living in the park for 18 months at the time and was still acclimating to its new surroundings.

The 30-year-old rhino flipped a car three times in 2019

Whale scalps instructor at SeaWorld in front of holidaymakers

In one of the most shocking cases, whale instructor Dawn Brancheau was hauled underwater and thrashed around during a performance at SeaWolrd in Orlando in February 2010.

The 40-year-old was grabbed by her long ponytail by killer whale Tilikum before he swung her into is mouth in front of horrified onlookers.

Staff at the popular Florida attraction desperately attempted to tame the orca as guests were ushered out of the arena, but Brancheau had died by the time her body was retrieved.

An autopsy revealed she died of blunt force trauma to the head, neck and torso, with part of her scalp 'forcibly torn from the head'.

Dawn Brancheau was filmed feeding the killer whales just moments before she was attacked and killed

The killer whale approached Dawn Brancheau during a performance, but just seconds later she was dragged underneath the water

An autopsy report showed that Mrs Brancheau died from 'multiple traumatic injuries and drowning'

Killer whales swim in tanks at the SeaWorld park in Orlando, Florida. The 'Believe' show plays up to three times a day in a stadium that can hold more than 5,000 people.

Temple visitor has chunk of armpit torn out by bear

Niaphum Promratee, 36, had been with four friends when he visited a temple that houses boars and a bear in rural Phetchabun province, Thailand.

The man had been leaning against a wall that was surrounding the enclosure while dangling bowls of rice on ropes to the creature.

Horrifying footage captured the moment Promratee was dragged in to the enclosure when the bear, named Bing, stood up on its legs and pulled him towards the ground.

The ferocious beast managed to knock the man unconscious before biting a chunk from his armpit.

His friends hit the bear with poles and threw cold water at it, to no avail.

The enraged animal continued to bite and scratch Promratee for almost a minute before it started dragging him across the dusty enclosure.

One of Naiphum's group ran into the enclosure and battered the bear in its cage with a pole while friends focused on a rescue.

Emergency services arrived just after 11am local time and rushed the bloodied man to hospital, where he spent time recovering.

Naiphum's visit to a Thai monastery took a turn for the worse when Bing the bear attacked

Naiphum was pulled down into the enclosure and mauled by the 250kg predator

As he lay bleeding, Naiphum's group tried to scare the bear off with a large metal pole

Naiphum is quickly helped away from the scene after the group distracted Bing the bear

His friends tried to beat off the bear with a pole before diving into to rescue him

Woman gnawed on by raging polar bear at a Berlin zoo

In Spring 2009, the buzz of excitement at Berlin Zoo was abruptly interrupted by cries of panic and a loud splash as something dropped into the moat within the polar bear enclosure.

To the shock of onlookers that was the sound of a 32-year-old woman who was now inside the exhibit and swimming towards the polar bears.

It was feeding time and the bears drew huge crowds as eager spectators gathered around the enclosure to catch a glimpse of the arctic beasts.

However - so dangerous are the predators - that even zookeepers don't enter the paddock during this time.

But one woman scaled the three foot perimeter wall and jumped into the icy water below.

While most of the bears were too distracted by their meal one of the bears did spot the enclosure's visitor and made its way towards her before lunging in the woman's direction.

Incredible photographs captured the bear as it pounced on the woman, biting the back of her neck, with the pain of the predator's bite visible on her contorted face.

Witnesses, including families with small children, were shocked to see what was unfolding in front of their eyes with many believing they were about to see a person mauled to death.

Thankfully before a tragedy could occur the woman started a frantic rush to escape the enclosure.

At a steep wall separating the bears from the viewing public she was met by zoo keepers who desperately flung life rings towards the woman while others threw meat and prodded the bears to leave the woman alone.

Visitors fun day out at the zoo would soon take a nightmarish turn after a woman scaled the three foot perimeter wall and jumped into the icy water below and swimming towards the bears

Incredible photographs captured the bear as it pounced on the woman, biting the back of her neck, with the pain of the predator's bite visible on her contorted face

As the woman tries to escape her predicament one of the bear's pulls her back into the water

At a steep wall separating the bears from the viewing public she was met by zoo keepers who desperately flung life rings towards the woman while others threw meat and prodded the bears to leave the woman alone
It has all the hallmarks of a Liam Neeson action film.

An innocent teenage daughter vanishing into thin air. A vengeful father, frustrated with police, taking matters into his own hands.

And a Hollywood ending that every parent dreams of - the daughter was found alive, traumatized but safe, holed up in a small boat in an icy marina on Long Island.

Now, Frank Gervasi is telling the DailyMail.com of the moment he reunited with his daughter Emmarae, 14, nearly a month after she vanished from their home.

Emmarae has disappeared barefoot and without a cell phone in the rain after going to retrieve something from her father's car.

It had been a normal school night. Before going outside, Emmarae had asked her dad what he was making for dinner.

What followed was an agonizing month for Frank and his wife, who instantly knew something was amiss.

Surveillance video of the night Emmarae went missing captured her being taken in a dark car and disappearing into the night. A day later, she was spotted knocking on a motel door before she vanished for a second time.

Emmarae had been missing since December 9 and disappeared without wearing a coat or shoes

Frank Gervasi, Emmarae's father, took matters into his own hands to find her

The case wasn't treated seriously at first by police. Emmarae, who'd previously run away, had been in trouble with the law herself.

It wasn't until January 3 when Frank received an anonymous tip that his daughter was on a boat in Whitecap Marina, near a fish market just 13 miles from his home.

Gervasi shared the tip with police then promptly jumped in his pickup truck headed to the boatyard to rescue his daughter.

'I didn't want to wait for the police because I didn't want to lose my daughter. I busted onto the boat...kicked the door in... and she was there.'

'The information I was given was very specific and very accurate,' Gervasi told Daily Mail.com. 'They told my daughter was with very dangerous men who could possibly still be on the boat.'

He shared the chilling ordeal that 'there were rumors that they were going to move the boat down south soon.'

'They could have left the state easily, and no one would have been able to trace it through the waterway,' he said.

An emotional Gervasi said it was 'pure elation... joy, happiness' after 26 agonizing days of hell not knowing if she was dead or alive.

Pictured: The ship Buckheit alleged held Emmarae captive in

Pictured: Alleged kidnapper Francis Buckhiet

'We had five minutes of clarity before the police showed up. I was able to hug and kiss her and talk to her, and that's pretty much how it went.'

Much remains unknown about exactly what happened to her.

Police arrested Francis Buckhiet, 64, at the scene on charges of kidnapping. He recalled his daughter asking her, 'Dad, how did you find me? How did you know I was here?'

He said if Buckheit was on the boat when he got there, he said 'this would be a very different situation.'

According to a criminal complaint, the 64-year-old Buckheit of East Islip abducted Emmarae and had been keeping her on his boat.

He is now charged with first degree kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child, among other charges.

Emmarae is seen being held by her father, Frank, in a photo from when she was younger

Pictured: Liam Neeson in his starring role in the hit 2008 movie Taken

Emmarae Gervasi, 14, vanished without a trace on December 9 from her home in East Patchogue on Long Island. She was found on Friday in a boat in Islip, Long Island

Pictured: Cops investigate Whitecap Marina

Buckheit denies the charges. He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance this week.

The indictment - though sealed - will be unsealed in next week's arraignment in relation to the most recent charges.

Though Gervasi was unable to share too much due to the investigation, he told DailyMail.com that Buckheit is not the only one involved.

'I know she's safe, and I know she's recovering. To me, that is inner peace.'

The case is being handled by the Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney office and will be presented to a grand jury.
Donald Trump faces one more legal hurdle before he enters the White House  after a jailed pedophile launched a bizarre lawsuit accusing the President-Elect of making 'triggering' racist comments.

Child porn pervert Anthony Sharp claimed he suffered emotional trauma after listening to Trump warn about immigrants 'stealing black jobs' in an August 2024 speech.

Sharp, who is black, claims the 'inflammatory, racist' remark was especially hurtful to the descendants of slaves.

The 58-year-old sex offender wants up to $30,000 in damages, according to the wacky suit, which he typed up in a prison cell in Soledad, California where he is serving 25 years to life.

It was mailed to the Palm Beach County courthouse in Trump's home state of Florida and the incoming President was served with the paperwork on December 2.

'What Trump said on national TV was downright racist as this particular defendant has a well-known history of making such comments,' wrote Sharp, who was convicted of possessing child porn in 2016.

'Immigrants are stealing black jobs, just to make that statement alone is racist as well as slanderous to me and my family, because what is a black job?

'Well let me tell you what a black job is, really from a black point of view a black job is considered picking cotton  peanuts etc. for their slave masters.'

A Trump employee in Mar-a-Lago was served a bizarre lawsuit on behalf of the incoming president from a convicted pedophile - classified by California as a 'sexually violent predator'

Child porn pervert Anthony Sharp, 58, claimed he suffered emotional trauma after listening to Trump warn about immigrants 'stealing black jobs' in an August 2024 speech

Sharp appeared to have taken issue with Trump's repeated references to 'black jobs' coming under threat in campaign speeches and during last June's presidential debate with Joe Biden.

'Coming from the border are millions and millions of people who happen to be taking black jobs,' Trump told a gathering of the National Association of Black Journalists.

'They're taking the employment from black people.'

His terminology provoked push-back from leading black figures, including superstar gymnast Simone Biles who tweeted: 'I love my black job.'

Michelle Obama told the Democratic National Convention: 'Who's going to tell [Trump] that the job he's currently seeking might be one of those black jobs?'

Sharp has a criminal record dating back to 1988 that includes a charge of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.

Classified by the State of California as a 'sexually violent predator', he was denied parole this year and won't be eligible again until September 2027.

His rambling two-page complaint also attacked Trump over his much-criticized November 2022 dinner with white supremacist agitator Nick Fuentes.

Sharp appeared to have taken issue with Trump's repeated references to 'black jobs' coming under threat in campaign speeches and during last June's presidential debate with Joe Biden

The bizarre lawsuit was mailed to the Palm Beach County courthouse in Trump's home state of Florida from his jail cell in Soledad, California - Trump's employee was served on December 2

Sharp, who is black, claims the 'inflammatory, racist' remark was especially hurtful to the descendants of slaves

Sharp said he suffered emotional damage from listening to Trump's comments and said 'harmful statements that hurts my family, that's where I draw the line'

The Trump campaign later distanced itself from Fuentes, insisting Trump had no idea who the far-right commentator was when he attended Mar-a-Lago as a guest of Kanye West.

'That makes you racist and a liar,' declared Sharp.

He adds: 'I want to note I have nothing against Mr. Trump but when he starts talking racist or making harmful statements that hurts my family, that's where I draw the line.'

Court records obtained by DailyMail.com indicate that deputies from the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office visited Mar-a-Lago to serve the paperwork which was handed over to a Trump employee.

It is not clear how the President Elect intends to respond and thus far his legal team have not lodged any sort of response to the suit, which was filed on October 28.

The development comes after Trump was given an unconditional discharge on Friday for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to 'hush money' payments to Stormy Daniels.

His lawyers had argued that sentencing so close to the January 20 inauguration would disrupt the transition process but Judge Juan Merchan knocked back their attempt to postpone.

Trump was given a conditional discharge by Judge Juan Merchan on Friday after being found guilty of 34 counts in relation to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels

Special Counsel Jack Smith was blocked by federal judge Aileen Cannon from releasing a report detailing Trump's alleged hoarding of classified documents and supposed attempts to overturn the 2020 election

Merchan had already indicated that he would not send Trump to prison, and the Supreme Court decided on a 5-4 votte to allow the proceedings to go ahead.

But Trump will still be the first convicted felon to be sworn in as US President.

On Tuesday, Judge Aileen Cannon blocked Special Counsel Jack Smith from releasing a report detailing Trump's alleged hoarding of classified documents and supposed attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

Both prosecutions were dropped after he trounced Kamala Harris in November's general election and Trump's lawyers wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland to complain that making the material public now would be a 'lawless political stunt.'
Simon says kill the story

When the Australian Financial Review publishes its Power List each year, it asks those who make the cut to pose in all manner of ridiculous get-ups.

We can't reproduce the images for copyright reasons, but suffice to say the results usually disempower the dignity of participants in the most ironic of ways given the nature of the list they are being added to.

Some flatly refuse to cooperate, and they are the list members worthy of applause. True power usually doesn't involve playing the role of court jester for a photographer.

Last year's power list included climate change campaigner, and son of Australia's first billionaire, Simon Holmes a Court.

He was added to the list for the first time for the influence he has over the gaggle of teal independents whose electoral success owed no small amount of thanks to the money Holmes a Court fundraised and injected into their campaigns at the 2022 election.

Presumably his financial support will be just as important at this year's election.

The narrative about him making the list published in the AFR included attempts by Holmes a Court to get himself removed from it.

A teal MP (Allegra Spender) and a former staffer of a teal MP (Jim Middleton who worked for Zoe Daniel but now works directly for Holmes a Court's Climate 200 fundraising not-for-profit) both contacted the AFR in a bid to have him taken off the list.

Climate change campaigner Simon Holmes a Court (pictured) initially made attempts to have his name removed from the AFR's Power List before agreeing to take part in the feature

Their arm twisting didn't work. In the end, Holmes a Court even participated in the pictorial.

Of course, his ability to convince others in the teal movement to do his bidding and contact the AFR was real-life evidence that Holmes a Court did (and still does) wield power behind the scenes, as much as he likes to downplay it.

Once the story was published, teals were up in arms at their behind-the-scenes efforts to influence the media being outed publicly.

That's because the images of these virtuous non-major party political types depend on their integrity and transparency being paramount.

Zoe Daniel said the call made by her former staffer was done 'out of concern that the paper planned to imply on its Power List that Simon Holmes a Court holds a position of male power over the female community independents on the crossbench'.

I'm not sure the AFR saw it in such gendered terms, but I guess that's exactly the power he holds, if one chooses to see this issue through such a prism.

If Holmes a Court was behind requests to get his name removed from the Power List, which Daily Mail Australia has confirmed he indeed was, then according to Daniel the man himself was the one concerned about the optics of male power over female MPs.

Before cooperating with the pictorial anyway.

Teal MP Allegra Spender (left) and a former staffer of another teal MP, Zoe Daniel (right), both contacted the AFR requesting he be taken off the list. Daily Mail Australia understands Holmes a Court was behind requests to get his name removed from the Power List

Frankly, I'm not surprised teals were so quick to do his bidding. Climate 200 donates millions of dollars to teal campaigns, which can be the difference between winning and losing. It employs others within the teal movement, giving them a means of earning a living.

In the case of Daniel, Climate 200 donated a whopping $710,000 to her 2022 campaign. Not exactly small beer!

While Holmes a Court is no Clive Palmer when it comes to throwing his money around, his financial support is central to the success of the teal movement.

And he's not what you might call a silent investor.

I believe Holmes a Court's interests in the movement derive from his ideological belief in climate action, not the fact he has financial investments in renewables.

Some might think it's a chicken-or-egg debate, but in my view his investments reflect his passion, not the other way around.

Either way, to deny Holmes a Court's influence over the teal movement is silly. To try and peddle influence to avoid it being outed is downright stupid. To get caught when doing so is perhaps a sign the movement has a ways to go before it's refined into the sort of smooth political operation that can embed itself in the body politic.

If that can happen, Holmes a Court really will deserve his place amongst the powerful in Australian politics. And he can happily pose for another pictorial.

Missing politics yet, Julie?

The knives appear to be out for the now-retired longest serving deputy leader of the Liberal Party, Julie Bishop.

These days the former foreign minister is the Chancellor of the Australian National University, which is facing all manner of institutional challenges.

So much so that the union is calling for her to be sacked. And Ms Bishop thought getting out of politics would end such shenanigans!

The ANU Union is calling for the university's chancellor (and former foreign minister) Julie Bishop to be sacked. Ms Bishop is seen with Jackie O at last year's Australian Fashion Week

Oscar Wilde once said the fights at universities are so vicious because the stakes are so low, and as Chancellor, Ms Bishop doesn't even draw a salary for the headache she's putting up with trying to deal with ANU's many problems.

One is insolvency. ANU has a $250million black hole it needs to fill. That means job cuts, which Bishop has already authorised, and the union is understandably upset about that.

Ms Bishop has two years left of her seven-year term as chair of the board

But to be fair what else can an institution do to cut costs when the majority of its expenditure goes on staff salaries?

The wheels often turn slowly at large institutions like ANU, so maybe Ms Bishop will get to the end of her seven-year term as chair of the board before the heat is really turned up.

She only has two years left to survive! If she leaves early, boy she'll miss the lost income that goes with it!

Ms Bishop must be seeing red now that the union has her in its sights. Remember those iconic scarlet shoes she wore to stand out from the blokes while still in politics?

When Tony Abbott became PM she was the only woman in his cabinet.

In contrast ANU has 11 women on its 15 member board, known as the University Council, so she's not outnumbered in the way she once was.

But reports are suggesting she doesn't have the full support of those around her at ANU, even if a coup seems far less likely than what happens in Parliament House.
A recently discovered 'hook-headed' parasite is brutally killing off a nearly endangered species on a picturesque island off the coast of California.

The Pachysentis canicola parasite was first discovered on Santa Barbara Countys San Miguel Island after researchers found native animals dead or severely emaciated in 2012.

The deadly parasite lives inside its host's intestines, eroding and inflaming the hosts insides until its removal or the animals death.

The nightmare creature now threatens a fleeting population of native island foxes, which were only recently delisted from the US Endangered Species Act in 2016.

With the help of researchers, the San Miguel Island fox made a slow but successful recovery following a steep population decline in the early 2000s.

Despite the US Fish and Wildlife Service removing predators and other invasive species from the 9,325-acre island, researchers have again noted a steep decline in the fox population.

And there are clear, disturbing signs of what is to blame.

A large number of foxes that scientists necropsied or monitored after Pachysentis canicola's discovery carried the parasite and displayed poor body condition and low weight.

Such discoveries have 'raised alarms about this new parasite,' Oscar Alejandro Aleuy, a biology professor at Florida Atlantic University, told The Wildlife Society.

A recently discovered 'hook-headed' creature is brutally killing a nearly endangered species on a picturesque island off the coast of California. Pictured: A close-up of the head of the Pachysentis canicola parasite, showing the hooks

The hook-headed Pachysentis canicola parasite was first discovered on Santa Barbara Countys San Miguel Island (pictured) after researchers found native animals dead or severely emaciated in 2012

The deadly parasite, which lives inside its host's intestines, eroding and inflaming the hosts insides until its removal or the animals death, now threatens a fleeting population of native island foxes only recently delisted from the US Endangered Species Act. Pictured: The San Miguel Island fox, scientifically known as Urocyon littoralis littoralis

Researchers also attribute the decline to a 'severe drought' that may have exacerbated the damage caused by the parasites.

'It's like the perfect storm,' Alejandro Aleuy said. 'You have an island full of foxes, a severe drought and this new pathogenic parasite showing up. That might have caused the foxes to decline dramatically.'

'It's very hard to disentangle the environment and the parasite from the population of foxes. These are all underlying mechanisms that we need to research more in detail.'

Aleuy suspects that researchers may have accidentally imported infected animals during the foxes' captive breeding program.

However, a small possibility exists that the harmful parasite had always been on the island but remained undetected until recently.

'We cant be 100 percent certain its invasive, but its very likely,' Alejandro Aleuy said.

So far, Pachysentis canicola has only been found on San Miguel Island and has yet to 'jump' to any of the fox's subspecies on the other Channel Islands - including the Santa Catalina Island fox which remains listed on the US Endangered Species Act.

Researchers, including Alejandro Aleuy, believe there are intermediate parasite hosts, but they have not yet identified what that species may be.

'Such knowledge will be important for understanding how the parasite completes its life cycle on the islands,' he said.

Alejandro Aleuy also claimed that the native fox species may have previously reached its 'carrying capacity' on the island, which may have aided in its population decline.

'The problem is that we dont really know the carrying capacity of the island,' he said.

A large number of foxes that scientists necropsied or monitored after Pachysentis canicola's 2012 discovery carried the parasite and displayed poor body condition and low weight. Pictured: The total amount of adult parasites found inside a heavily infected fox

Researchers also attribute the decline to a 'severe drought' that may have exacerbated the damage caused by the parasites. Pictured: The Salinas River flowing in winter at San Miguel Island

Researchers plan to continue monitoring and further researching the life cycle of the nearly endangered animals, hopefully helping wildlife managers to figure out what is going on with more certainty.

The shocking discovery comes just days after a fly that lays flesh-eating larvae was detected in Mexico and could threaten humans and wildlife in Texas.

The Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife has since issued an urgent warning to its Southern residents to keep an eye out for the New World Screwworm, whose Latin name, hominivorax, means 'man-eater.'

On November 22, a cow was found with the larvae at an inspection checkpoint in Chiapas, near the Mexico-Guatemala border.

'As a protective measure, animal health officials ask those along the southern Texas border to monitor wildlife, livestock and pets for clinical signs of [the insect] and immediately report potential cases,' the TPWD said in a statement.

The screwworm has been 'progressively' migrating northward, according to the agency, and it primarily infects livestock.

It can, however, affect humans and wildlife, including deer and birds, TPWD said.

The parasite hasn't been seen in the US since 1966 after extensive federal and state sterilization process managed to eradicate the fly from the States.

Experts are worried it could have a devastating effect on the US economy if it were to reach the US.

'It can have a huge impact, certainly an economic impact, because it decreases the health and wellness of our livestock,' Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Jennifer Koziol told Drovers.

'Were thinking about loss of animal use, and certainly thinking about our wildlife populations that could be decimated by this disease.'

The Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife has issued an urgent warning to its Southern residents to keep an eye out for the flesh-eating New World Screwworm, whose Latin name, hominivorax, means 'man-eater'

A map showing where the screwworm currently is and how deep into the United States it is expected to penetrate by 2055

The screwworm begins its reign of terror with a female fly laying eggs into an open wound or orifices. These eggs then hatch into dangerous larvae that burrow into wounds like screws

The screwworm begins its reign of terror when the female fly lays her eggs into an open wound or orifices.

The female flies are drawn to the open wounds and orifices by the odors they emit. They can be as small as a tick bite, a nasal or eye opening, a navel of a newborn or genitalia, the TPWD said.

These eggs then hatch into dangerous larvae that burrow into the wound like screws, according to the agency.

Female flies can lay up to 200 to 300 eggs at once and up to 3,000 in her lifetime, according to KHOU 11. Infestations can also be visible on the skin.

Infections can be deadly and are often serious. The New York Times reported in 1977 that one infection could 'kill a fully grown steer in 10 days.'

The government organization recommends covering all open wounds, especially if traveling in affected areas, such as Central or South America. It also recommended wearing insect repellant while hunting, hiking or bird watching.
The wildfires engulfing Los Angeles have put an uncomfortable spotlight on two of its richest residents  Stewart and Lynda Resnick  agriculture tycoons whose farms guzzle a vital and scarce resource: water.

So far, the Resnicks' Beverly Hills mansion, and the Picasso artworks that adorn its walls, have been spared the nearby Palisades and Eaton fires, even as their celebrity neighbors' homes go up in smoke.

But they cannot so easily escape criticism for their agriculture empire, which sucks up more water than whole cities, even as LA firefighters cannot get a drop of the stuff out of the hydrants that line its streets.

Critics say these so-called 'Beverly Hills farmers,' and their ties to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and other politicians, may be among the reasons that California is battling such an environmental apocalypse.

'The Resnicks are powerful and their control of so much water is ridiculous,' filmmaker Yasha Levine, co-director of the forthcoming documentary Pistachio Wars, told DailyMail.com.

'How can one family own more water than the entire city of Los Angeles, almost 4 million people, uses in one year?'

Levine said the wildfires, chronic regional droughts and other environmental problems were part of the 'larger political-technological machine that both LA and the Resnicks are plugged into.'

With their $13 billion fortune, the Resnicks are California's richest farming family, with some 185,000 acres of land and a stake in the Kern Water Bank, a nearly 20,000-acre reservoir of water surplus in the San Joaquin Valley.

Stewart and Lynda Resnice, respectively 87 and 81, are worth $13 billion after controlling California farmland and water resources. Pictured here in their art-adorned Beverly Hills mansion

The LA couple's farming business and water consumption has come under scrutiny as the city is ripped apart by apocalyptic wildfires

The octogenarian couple's sprawling Wonderful Company business empire includes Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice, Wonderful Pistachios, Fiji Water, Halos mandarins, and Teleflora, the flower-delivery service.

They've reportedly donated $1.9 billion to academic institutions, climate change initiatives, cultural organizations and programs in California's Central Valley. A whole pavilion of the LA County Museum of Art bears their name.

Despite their charity work, the Resnicks are repeatedly slammed for the massive amount of water sucked up by their farms, and their ability to win over politicians and control ever more of the scarce and precious resource.

A 2016 investigation by Mother Jones found that the Resnicks' agricultural businesses consumed more water in some years than was used by the residents of Los Angeles and the entire San Francisco Bay Area combined.

That report claimed their business was built by controlling water supplies, by cleverly maneuvering the backroom politics of California's byzantine water rules and getting chummy with the politicians who run the Golden State.

These include six-figure donations over the years to state governors, from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Jerry Brown. In 2021, they stumped up $250,000 to a campaign to stop Newsom from being kicked out of office.

In the 1990s, the Resnicks reportedly bought up tens of thousands of acres of almond, pistachio, and citrus groves for bargain prices in and around Kern County, in the San Joaquin Valley.

Back then, California was building new water infrastructure with taxpayer money, to divert rivers and store water to supply the farms and cities in drought-prone areas during seasons when the rain didn't fall.

The Resnicks secured long-term contracts, including a majority stake in the Kern Water Bank, a 32-square-mile recharge basin that stores up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water, according to Forbes. At times, the bank sells water back to the state.

Yearslong lawsuits have failed to nix the water deals that benefit them, and the Resnicks appear to have enough support among state politicians to weather the criticism about their farming practices.

The fires have spotlighted ties between the Resnicks and California Gov Gavin Newsom

The Resnicks own more than 185,000 acres of farmland across California, including almosd groves, like the ones in this picture from Firebaugh

The Resnicks have for years battled criticism about the vast sums of water used to irrigate their crops, like this almond orchard irrigation system

Stewart and Lynda Resnick attend annual gala at one of the museums they fund

Last year, Newsom praised the Resnicks for cutting a savvy deal at an opportune moment.

'These are the rules of the road and the rules that we set up, and they play by them,' Newsom told The New York Times.

'If we're going to point fingers, we also have to reflect as policymakers about the system we created.'

Spokespeople for the Wonderful Company have in the past defended the Resnicks from allegations of guzzling up water and making it harder and more expensive for others to access the supplies they need.

In 2021, a spokesperson told Forbes that 'we do not believe we have enough purchasing power to impact water prices.'

But the company did not answer the DailyMail.com's requests for comment.

Like the Resnicks themselves, many of the company's staffers live or work in LA, and their lives have been upended by the multiple blazes tearing the city apart.

As of Friday morning, the wildfires had killed at least 10 people and devoured nearly 10,000 structures, as the dry desert winds that fanned their devastating flames showed some signs of abating.

The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city's western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena are the most destructive in LA history, consuming 53 square miles and turning whole neighborhoods to ash.

The fires were made possible by exceptionally dry conditions and a prolonged drought across Southern California.

Firefighters tackling the blazes have repeatedly been hampered by low water pressure and fire hydrants that have gone dry, exposing vulnerabilities in water supply systems not built for wildfires on this scale.

This has raised troubling questions about the management of California water supplies, and the influence of the Resnicks and other billionaire farmers who are enmeshed in state politics.

The couple's Wonderful Pistachios are known by the catchy 'Get Crackin' ad campaign

The couple acquired a majority stake in the Kern Water Bank, one of California's most important water storage resources

The Resnicks are big philanthropists and have their name on the redesigned Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, California

Lauren Steiner, an activist and YouTuber, dubs the Resnicks 'the Koch Bros. of California water' and has held rallies outside their 25,000-square-foot mansion to protest their growing control over state supplies.

'I fear that neoliberal Newsom, who needs their campaign contributions to run for president, will not challenge their domination and control of California's water,' Steiner told DailyMail.com.

For Levine, the fires showcase how the 'terraforming-aqueduct system' that California built this past century gave rise to the disaster unfolding across America's second-biggest city.

'Everyone who lives in LA  from the celebs to the TikTok influencers to the pistachio oligarchs to their guy who works in the kitchen  are tied to it,' Levine told DailyMail.com.

'They're able to live in LA because this terraforming-aqueduct system exists. Without the water it provides, the city would still be a sleepy little town, not the sprawling metropolis that it is today.'
Celebrities and business tycoons have been criticised for taking over a small village in Cornwall with bizarre luxury homes, one which resembles a shipping container and another where the roof looks like a giant waterslide.

The stunning Cornish seaside village of Magwan Porth has become a magnet for high-end real estate.

The village has earned the nickname Hollywood-on-Sea after a string of A-list celebrities snapped up properties - further pricing out the few remaining year-round residents.

Two lavish modern homes - one owned by Oscar winner Cate Blanchett and her husband, playwright Andrew Upton, the other by Innocent smoothie co-founders Richard Reed and Jon Wright - have come under recent criticism.

According to planning documents submitted to Cornwall Council, Reed and Wright plan to share the property which will be used as a holiday residence.

The neighbouring properties are currently under construction after far more modest homes were bought for seven-figure sums, only to be razed to the ground.

Last lat year Cate was accused by a neighbour of ruining family holidays with construction noise from her five-bed eco home.

Karen Burgess, a holiday let owner, argued there had been a total disregard over the noise which was costing her holiday let business money.

In a letter to Cornwall Council she added: The losses are more than 60,000 last year and still we are having to advertise  as a property [affected] by building noise.

A-list actress Cate Blanchett's clifftop house is nearing completion at Wamgan Porth

The bizarre home, which looks like a shipping container is reportedly costing 5million

Cate Blanchett and her husband Andrew Upton bought the former cottage in December 2020

Innocent smoothie co-founders Richard Reed and Jon Wright have built a house in the small village

We thought the [work on the property] was finally over and now there is a new application for groundworks.

This work should not be permitted during the holiday season. Never before in the bay have we ever experienced such a blatant disregard for the people who flock here for their holidays and residents enjoyment of the area during the holiday season.

Representatives for Cate Blanchett denied the claims, blaming mistaken identity, but proposals for a new parking area and access to the property were later withdrawn.

Recently the village was chosen as the backdrop for ITVs hit drama Playing Nice.

The intense four-part drama - starring James Norton - which concluded this week, is filmed in several locations in the county including Mawgan Porths sprawling beach.

Reed and fellow Cambridge graduate Wright earned a 320million fortune when they sold Innocent to Coca Cola in 2013.

When MailOnline visited this week, construction work on both properties appeared to be ongoing with diggers and earth-moving equipment still on site.

Actress Imogen Stubbs, Fifty Shades of Grey actor Jamie Dornan, and Hollywood actors Stanley Tucci and Jason Momoa are all said to have bought properties locally.

David Beckham and Kate Winslet have also been spotted on the beach.

The two properties overlook the beach where the nickname Hollywood-on-Sea has been coined due to the influx of actors

Construction work on both properties appeared to be ongoing with diggers and earth-moving equipment still on site

And with a number of flights daily between Newquay airport and Heathrow and designated landing areas for helicopters - international travel is easier than ever for the rich and famous travelling from afar to their Cornish bolthole.

NHS worker Kim Emmett, who has lived in the village since 1987, said demand for the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities had got so out of hand her mum has had people walk by her house and offer 2 million for it.

Kim, 51, said: It has always been a popular holiday destination as its between Newquay and Padstow and near a National Trust hotspot. It's become more and more popular every year. The locals have sold up here and the properties have been taken down and theres modern complex, cube-shaped, Californian-style buildings instead of your 1930s bungalows.

There's a lot of posh cubed modern buildings. Those properties are now going for over a million. You cant buy a property here for under one million. Not one local can afford to buy anything here.

Another upshot of the vast expanse of second homes is that in winter Mawgan Porth becomes a ghost town.

A local said this week: Ive barely seen another soul walking around, it would be spooky if we werent so used to it.

In summer you can barely move for people, it does bring the year-rounders closer together and theres a nice little community and we support local businesses as much as we can but having such a stark difference is not ideal.

The bizarre house with the waterslide roof sits atop the cliff edge overlooking the beach

Cate was accused by a neighbour of ruining family holidays with construction noise from her five-bed eco home

Former military medic Emma Keelan, 45, who now works as a dog walker lived in Mawgan Porth for almost 20 years but was forced out of the village and into temporary accommodation during Covid when her landlord decided to turn the rental property into a holiday let.

She said: Its unbelievable how all these celebrities and wealthy people behave. How much is enough? Theyve bought the houses for crazy amounts of money but they just want more and more.

If they get permission for this what next? Normal people already cant afford to live here any more, look how it is in the winter, its a ghost town.

When I first moved here in 2002 there was livestock grazing the fields on that clifftop, now theres just big houses that are empty for most of the year.

Im sorry but I get so emotional about this.

Another resident who has lived in Mawgan Porth for 18 years but didnt want to be named said: The whole situation with that road is a mess. Its the lorries coming up and down, its a never ending building site.

Its pretty grim to be honest. In the time Ive been here its changed 100%. Its not on really, especially when she doesnt live here year round.

None of them live here full-time but its a non-stop building site, its not really fair to the people that do.

Residents of the village have become increasingly frustrated by the constant building work

Cate does support the community, her and her family go to the surf school and theyre actually really sound people.

But how much more do you need? She got permission for what she got but now wants more.

Its grim but I cant see this situation ever stopping in our lifetime.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of it, there is little sign of the Mawgan Porth construction boom slowing any time soon. This week two other traditional properties in the village were listed for sale for 4million and 2.3million - complete with planning permission for a five-bedroom replacement.
Lawmakers are furiously pushing back on a last-minute alcohol proposal by the Biden administration just before Donald Trump's inauguration.

In the waning days of Joe Biden's administration, the chief medical doctor of the country is advising that cancer warning labels be added to alcohol containers.

'Im releasing a Surgeon Generals Advisory on the causal link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk,' Murthy said in a statement earlier this month.

'Alcohol is the 3rd leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., contributing to about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths each year,' it continued.

The official statement from his office says the advisory includes 'updating the existing Surgeon Generals health warning label on alcohol-containing beverages.'

Currently, alcohol containers are mandated only to put warning labels that explain the risks to pregnant women. Murthy's new proposal would mean that alcohol companies would need to update their containers with additional signage.

When DailyMail.com pressed lawmakers this week about the Biden administration's new label advisory many agreed alcohol poses many problems, but they were skeptical the new branding would work.

'This is it has been an incredibly destructive administration for four years, and they're demonstrating in their last month or last three weeks that they're going to firebomb everything on the way out the door,' Wyoming Republican Rep. Harriet Hageman said of the proposal.

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new advisory that alcohol consumption can increase cancer risk, and he has called for a new and updated health warning label on alcoholic beverages

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy speaks during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing

Republican Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman said the new labels are the latest attempt of the Biden administration to 'firebomb everything' before Trump takes office

'It's just another example of the overreach associated with this administration, where they think they should control every aspect of our lives.'

'I'd like to see every one of them go back to school and actually learn something about our Constitution, our government, is that by and for the people, they're not the bosses,' Hageman continued.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer of Kentucky, a state famous for its bourbon production, demanded the Biden administration release details behind the new advisory's creation.

'The Surgeon Generals advisory on alcohol consumption politicizes science to achieve a predetermined outcome,' Comer said.

'Bidens Department of Health and Human Services must release all documents and communications related to the development of this advisory so that the American people can see how this politicized recommendation was created.'

He claimed Murthy's suggestion 'cherry-picks data' from a study that does not come to the same conclusion as the surgeon general.

Biden and Murthy, however, cannot enact the advisory without the help of Congress.

The law requiring the current cancer warning advising against pregnant women consuming alcohol was passed by Congress in 1988. It is the only alcohol cancer warning label law on the books.

Beer at a grocery store in New York City

Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy and Selena Gomez attend Rare Beauty's 3rd Annual Mental Health Summit at on May 01, 2024 in New York City

Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, did not seem against the new label when asked by DailyMail.com.

'I think alcohol is one of the leading causes of death globally, isn't it?' he responded.

According to a World Health Organization report from this year, alcohol and drugs were involved in roughly one out of 20 deaths in 2019.

Though other studies show that a bit of beer or wine each day may even be beneficial to your health.

One Democrat, Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, agreed that there needs to be more effective education among consumers as to the dangers posed by alcohol, though he seemed unconvinced new labels would be the answer.

'There need to be more robust and effective steps to inform the American public about the dangers of alcohol in terms of cancer,' he told DailyMail.com.

'I know from my experience with tobacco the efficacy of labels depends on what the labels are,' he continued. 'Right now, cigarettes have warnings, but those warnings were largely ineffective because of how they were put on the packages.'

Blumenthal added he would want to know more about what Murthy has in mind before getting on board.
President-elect Donald Trump doubled down on his push for the United States to annex Canada this week and make it the 51st state.

'I called him Governor Trudeau because they should be the 51st state really. It would make a great state,' Trump said before a room full of Republican governors on Thursday of the outgoing Canadian prime minister.

Trump, 78, has been trolling Trudeau and Canadians for weeks with talk of U.S. expansion to the north.

Trudeau has said point-blank it 'will not ever happen' and warned it is a distraction from the president-elect's tariff threat which would cause prices to soar.

Democrats have also blasted Trump's expansionist talk as an effort to divert focus from his controversial Cabinet nominations and agenda.

But when it comes to representation, expanding the U.S. to 51 states with inclusion of Canada is also not politically advantageous for Trump or Republicans going forward.

Trump repeated his argument that Canada should be the 51st U.S. state in a room full of Republican governors on Thursday

And it comes as the GOP has pushed for years to block other potential admittance into the union because of what it would mean for their numbers in Congress.

Canada is a country of roughly forty million people broken down into ten provinces and three territories.

If it were to become one massive state as Trump has been calling for, it would become the most populous state alongside California.

It would also be the largest state in terms of land mass as Canada is larger then the entire U.S. including all 50 states combined.

What would Canada becoming a state mean for Congress?

If Canada were hypothetically to become a single massive U.S. state, it would mean a dramatic shift in the make-up of Congress and not one that benefits Republicans.

Canada as the 51st state would be entitled to two senators. While the country has people with political leanings across the spectrum, as a whole it's a socialized more liberal-leaning one.

Even if its senators were not actual members in the Democratic party, they would be more than likely to caucus with Democrats.

With such a tightly divided Senate (Republicans regained a 53 to 47 seat majority in January after Democrats held the majority since 2019), adding two Canada senators would make it harder for Republicans to retain control with 53 seats to Democrats' 49 seats.

It's even more complicated in the House.

Currently, there are 435 voting House member divided among the fifty states representing roughly 750,000 constituents each.

The total population each member represents would shift dramatically with the inclusion of Canada as would the number of representatives from each state should the U.S. stick with 435 total voting House members.

That maximum number was set with the Permanent Apportionment Act in 1929.

If it were to remain at 435, Canada would receive a number of seats somewhere between California which currently has 52 and Texas which has 38 thanks to 2020 census data. With the shift, dozens of states would also lose seats.

Exactly how many of seats would be blue versus red with the change is challenging to determine due to redistrict. But like with the Senate, Canada would presumably send more left-leaning members to Congress, threatening House Republicans' already fragile majority.

Your browser does not support iframes.

In another scenario, Congress could hypothetically also pass a new law completely changing congressional apportionment and raise the number of representatives, but that would not change Canada's overall makeup as a blue state.

Trump's talk of adding Canada as the 51st state comes as Republicans have long vehemently opposed adding Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia as states even as people in both are already U.S. citizens.

Advocates for the U.S. territory and nation's Capitol gaining statehood have argued both pay taxes have populations greater than multiple states already. But Republicans have pushed back on the move because it would benefit Democrats in Congress.

'I think this is one of those things that is a hair-brained idea that was just thrown out,' said Casey Burgat, from George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management, of the Canadian statehood talk.

He said Trump's comments have forced some in the GOP to try and defend it despite it being 'probably not even wanted by either side.'

What would it mean for the Electoral College?

The the battle for the White House has in recent elections all come down to just seven swing states as the U.S. elects presidents using the Electoral College with electoral votes based on the results in each state.

Add Canada to the mix and Democrats head into every election with an even greater advantage on the path to the White House.

A poll of Canadians in October before the U.S. presidential election found the vast majority of them would have voted for Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump in November.

64 percent of Canadians said they would vote for the vice president if they could vote in the election, according to the Leger survey. Just 21 percent said they would vote for Trump, making it a safe assumption Canada would be in the blue column.

Add another massive blue state with a large congressional delegation to the U.S. and it would dramatically complicate the GOP path to victory.

That's because the distribution of electoral votes per state is allocated based on the census. The number of votes are equal to a state's congressional delegations.

For example, Pennsylvania in the 2024 election had 19 electoral votes with its 17 congressional districts and two senators.

Currently, California has the most electoral votes at 54 while the second most populous state Texas has the second most electoral votes with 40.

Currently there are 538 electoral votes, so a presidential nominee needs to reach a majority of 270 to win.

Trump won the 2024 election with 312 electoral votes to Harris' 226 with a sweep of all battleground states.

If Canada received 45 House seats and two senators, that would mean 47 electoral votes locked for Democrats while other states lose representation and therefore electoral votes.

Would Canada ever even choose to become a state?

While the mechanics of how Canada becoming a state would impact representation is one reality the U.S. would have to grapple with, whether Canadians would even consider joining the U.S. is another altogether.

Trump has suggested Canadians want to join the U.S., but Canadians have rejected the idea.

A Leger survey conducted December 6 to 9 found 82 percent of Canadians said they would not like their country to become a U.S. state while just 13 percent said they would.

That includes majorities across all of Canada's main political parties.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaking in Washington, DC on January 9 where he reiterated Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state is 'never going to happen'

Trudeau bashed Trump's claim that Canadians want to join the U.S. on Thursday.

'Canadians define themselves a whole bunch of different ways, but one of the ways that we all use as shorthand is "we're Canadian because we're not American,"' Trudeau said in remarks during a visit to Washington, DC.

'That is not going to change,' he added.

His comments come as Trudeau prepares to leave office and his Liberal Party seeks a new prime minister.

His party, which is more aligned with Democrats, has been in power for nearly a decade, but it's facing a leadership crisis while the more GOP-aligned Conservative Party appears more likely to win a majority in an election this year.

However, the Liberal Party's current unpopularity does not necessarily mean Canadians have ideologically become more conservative or right wing or pro-Republican Party, explained professor Wendell Adjetey from McGill University.

He said they simply want a new leader and party to address Canada's economic challenges.
The full extent of the UK's paedophile Asian grooming gangs shame is laid bare by a shocking MailOnline investigation today.

For more than two decades depraved gangs of mostly Pakistani men preyed on vulnerable children and teenage girls across the UK with impunity while those in power struggled to get to grips with the crisis.

In what has now exploded into an international scandal, billionaire tech tycoon Elon Musk sparked a transatlantic war-of-words with Keir Starmer - with his government voting against a Tory demand to hold a full new inquiry.

Now, for the first time, MailOnline is publishing an interactive map which illustrates in the fullest detail to date the extent to which the grooming and rape culture spread across the towns of England.

Our unique digital map reveals the 41 towns in England where children and young women were targeted by the perverted gangs, around 76 gangs in total, taking in all corners of the country, from Plymouth in the south west and Ramsgate in south east, to Barrow in the north west and Newcastle in the north east.

And our research has found that of the 396 known groomers to be convicted and jailed over the last two decades, at least 155 have now been quietly released and are back on our streets - many living back in the very towns they previously prowled for victims.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Our revelation this week that the ringleader of the notorious Rochdale grooming gang Qari Abdul Rauf is back in the Greater Manchester town - almost a decade after being released from jail - caused outrage.

Instead of being deported to Pakistan as a judge recommended, Rauf is walking around Rochdale 'like he owns the place'.

But we have further learned that Rauf is far from alone in having returned to the scene of his sickening crimes.

Some released more recently have been banned from returning to their old haunts.

These included Banaras Hussain, a member of the Rotherham gang whose victims included campaigner Sammy Woodward. He was released in December after serving just nine years of his 19-year sentence - but on condition that he doesn't enter the Yorkshire town.

Rochdale grooming gang leader Qari Abdul Rauf is out of jail and hasn't been deported

But shockingly many released previously have had no such restrictions - meaning their victims might easily see them around their own homes.

Among other serial abusers that MailOnline has established are living back in the very towns they prowled for victims are:

Azeem Subhani - part of a Halifax grooming gang which subjected Cassie Pike (who later waived her right to anonymity) to 50 attacks which started when she was just 13. Subhani, now 33, was released back on to the streets of the West Yorkshire town after serving half of his nine-year sentence. He has moved back to his family's corner plot home in the Pellon area of the town, where he runs a home-based internet retail business. He was seen on Friday returning from prayers at a local mosque.

Kabeer Hassan, the youngest member of the notorious Rochdale grooming gang, is back living with his mother in the town. Now 37, he was convicted of raping a girl at a takeaway where he worked. Neighbours at his family home in Oldham, Greater Manchester, insist he is a 'changed man'. If he has changed his lifestyle he hasn't changed career - he now works 'at a different takeaway'.

Mohammed Liaqat, the ringleader of a gang which groomed and abused teenage girls in Derby was described by the judge who jailed him for 11 years as 'evil'. Many of his gang's young victims were plied with alcohol or drugs before being raped in cars, rented houses or hotels across the Midlands. Liaqat is now back at his family home in the city.

For victims, and indeed the wider public, the release of dangerous criminals back into their communities can be extremely traumatising.

And even when they are banned from returning to their old haunts, there is little if any enforcement to stop them.

Taxi driver rapist Asghar Bostan, 53, served four-and-a-half years of a nine-year term handed down in 2018, after being convicted of two rapes of a girl under 16 between 2000 and 2002.

The victim had been assured by prosecutors in 2018 that his conditions after release included not moving back to Rotherham - but later saw him just a mile from her home, leading him to be recalled to a Category B prison for breaching the terms of his release.

Wherever you stand on the need for an inquiry and who is to blame, there has never been an easier way to comprehend what happened and where than our map.

This is the grim story of what happened in each of these haunted towns.

1. Aylesbury - Buckinghamshire:

In 2015, a grooming gang of six men were jailed for a total of 82 years for grooming and raping vulnerable girls who were forced into sex for the price of a 'McDonald's, a milkshake and a cinema ticket'.

The monster paedophile ring operated between 2006 and 2012 included multiple rapes of a child under 13, child prostitution and administering a substance to 'stupefy' a girl in order to engage in sexual activity.

On September 7 2015, the vile group were finally brought to justice. Vikram Singh, Asif Hussain, Arshad Jani, Mohammed Imran, Akbari Khan and Taimoor Khan were jailed for between three years and 19-and-a-half years.

The years of abuse made one victim - referred to only as Child A - feel as though she had been 'robbed of her teenage years'.

By the time the vulnerable girl was 16, she had been abused by just under 70 men, having initially caught the eye of stall holders in Aylesbury market, taxi and bus drivers.

The relentless abuse made her feel 'worthlessness' as she battled depression and alcohol addiction. She told the court at the time: 'I feel my teenage years were taken away from me.'

Most of the men from the group are likely to be free from jail now, if they were released half-way through their sentence - as is the case for around 90 per cent of criminals sent to jail.

Clockwise from top left: Vikram Singh, Akbari Khan, Asif Hussain, Mohammed Imran, Taimoor Khan and Arshad Jani

2. Banbury - Oxfordshire:

Across the border in Banbury, Oxfordshire, more young girls were being abused by a similar grooming gang.

A gang of six men lured in vulnerable victims - girls aged between 13 and 16 - over social media and targeting underage parties before sexually abusing them.

One victim told Oxford Crown Court back in 2015 that the parties would be a 'place where girls would go and the boys would choose their targets'.

The abuse was carried out between 2009 and 2014 with the gang being dragged into court in 2015.

There the group was found guilty of a string of sexual offences, including convictions of rape, sexual assault and sex with a child.

Ahmed Hassan-Sule, Mohamed Saleh, Said Saleh, Takudzwa Hova, Kagiso Manase and Zsolt Szalontai were jailed on April 20 2015.

The men, who were between the ages of 18 and 26, were handed sentences ranging between three and nine years, meaning the majority are most likely now out of jail.

More recently, however, Banbury was targeted by another grooming gang.

Schoolgirls were plied with drink, drugs and cash in the early 2000s.

Samuel Osei-Bempong's victim, who became pregnant after being attacked by the leader of the gang, said she felt as 'just a bit of meat to the men'.

Finally being brought to justice on October 6 2023, the now father-of-three was handed 10 years in jail after being convicted of two counts of rape, and cleared of molesting another girl.

His co-defendant Bashiru Umar was arrested after flying from his native Nigeria to New York and was jailed for three years after being found guilty of indecently assaulting a third victim.

Clockwise from top left: Ahmed Hassan-Sule, Kagiso Manase, Takudzwa Hova, Mohamed Saleh, Said Saleh, and Zsolt Szaltoni

Bashiru Umar (left) and Samuel Osei-Bempong (right) plied schoolgirls with drink, drugs and cash in the early 2000s

3. Birkenhead - Merseyside:

Merseyside brothers Ilvarasan Rajenthiram and Vinothan Rajenthiram used their family's corner shop in Birkenhead, Walton and Garston to target underage girls between 2010 and 2016.

Nine girls, mostly aged between 14 and 16, were targeted as they visited shops in the Wirral. The depraved pair would offer the youngsters free drinks and sweets to gain friendships with the schoolgirls before later abusing them.

On May 15 2017, Ilvarasan Rajenthiram was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to 18-and-a-half years in jail, plus an extended licence of four years.

He had been found guilty of 15 counts of sexual activity with a child, three counts of sexual assault and two counts of perverting the course of justice.

His older brother Vinothan Rajenthiram was jailed for 14 years, plus an extended licence of four years, after he was convicted of four counts of sexual assault, one rape, four counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of perverting the course of justice.

The brothers, from Sri Lanka, had denied all the allegations throughout their trial.

Ilvarasan (left) and Vinothan Rajenthiram groomed young girls at convenience stores

4. Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria and Leeds, West Yorkshire:

In a more recent case of justice, a trio of brothers have been found guilty in carrying out a number of child sex offences in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and Leeds between 1996 and 2010.

The depraved Miah brothers carried out assaults on little girls as young as six or seven.

The abuse lasted several years.

Eldest brother Shaha Joman Miah was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault, four counts of indecency with a child, three counts of sexual activity with a child, five counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, nine counts of rape of a child, six counts of sexual assault of a child, and five counts of sexual activity with a child.

Middle brother Shaha Amran Miah was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault, seven counts ofIndecency with a child, one court of rape of a child, one count of kidnapping, two counts of Intimidation and one count of Sexual Assault.

Youngest brother Shaha Alman Miah was found guilty of three counts of sexual activity with a child.

The wicked trio are due to be sentenced next month on February 21 2025 at Preston Crown Court.

Shaha Amran Miah, Shaha Joman Miah and Shaha Alman Miah carried out assaults on little girls as young as six or seven

5. Birmingham, West Midlands:

Back in November 2014, a group of six men were banned by a High Court from having any contact with children after they were found to be grooming a young girl.

The Asian grooming gang were caught 'red-handed' luring a vulnerable 17-year-old, who was in care, into cars and hotel rooms. The grooming took place between

In what sparked a furious backlash, the men's identity was initially kept secret as West Midlands Police claimed that naming them could breach their human rights.

The men were banned from approaching the girl again until she turned 18 and banned from any contact with girls under-18 that they did not already know.

A lawyer for West Midlands Police said the men  some of whom had criminal records, one for a sex offence  could be attacked by vigilantes.

However, a judge later ruled this was 'nonsense' and that 'it was the men's 'own reprehensible conduct which has put them into this position'.

The men's names - Mohammed Anjam, 31, Omar Ahmed, 27, Naseem Khan, 29, Mohammed Javed, 34, Alam Shah, 37, and Sajid Hussein, 40 - were made public on November 19 2014.

From left to right: Naseem Khan, Mohammed Javed and Allam Shah were convicted alongside Mohammed Anjam, Omar Ahmed, and Sajid Hussein

6. Bradford - West Yorkshire

A victim of nine-strong grooming gang in Bradford, West Yorkshire, was left feeling as though she was 'nothing but a toy to play with' after the paedophiles piled her with drink and raped her when she was just 14-years-old.

On February 27 2019, the depraved group of men were jailed for a total of 132 years for grooming and abusing their teenage victims, both of whom were being cared for in a children's home.

One of the victims said it was a case of 'clear, determined and insidious grooming'. The other victim spoke of how she had suffered with PTSD, self-harm and suicide attempts as a result of the abuse.

Basharat Khaliq, Saeed Akhtar, Naveed Akhtar, Parvaze Ahmed, Izar Hussain, Zeeshan Ali, Kieran Harris, Fahim Iqbal and Mohammed Usman were all given sentences ranging from seven years to 20 years.

From left: Basharat Khaliq, Saeed Akhtar, Naveed Akhtar, Parvaze Ahmed, Zeeshan Ali, Fahim Iqbal, Izar Hussain, Mohammed Usman and Kieran Harris

7. Brierfield - Lancashire

On April 26 2013, Mohammed Imran Amjad, was jailed for four years and three months after pleading guilty of sexual activity with a child and three counts of child abduction in 2009 and 2010.

His victim was a young girl, just 13-years-old when she was first abducted and abused.

A few months later, the predator's brother Furqan Amjad was sentenced to 15 months in jail for perverting the course of justice after bombarding his brother's victim with 350 texts in a bid to silence her.

In September that year, Qasim Hussain, was also jailed for four years for perverting the course of justice after trying to cajole the girl into sending a retraction letter to the courts.

Mohammed Imran Amjad (left) Furqan Amjad (middle) and Qasim Hussain (right)

8. Bristol City - Bristol

Young girls in care also became the targets in Bristol where the five victims between the ages 13 and 17, two of whom were sisters, were abused by a Somali prostitution ring.

The abuse, which took place throughout 2011, at one point saw two gang members check into a Premier Inn hotel before going on to rape a 13-year-old schoolgirl three times.

Some of the girls were groomed so badly that they believed the sexual abuse they received was a normal part of a loving relationships.

They were groomed to believe that having sex with their boyfriend's friends was part of their 'culture and tradition'.

The victims, described as 'vulnerable' due to their age and circumstances, were paid as little as 30 or given drugs, alcohol and gifts to perform sex acts on older men.

Abuse of one girl, which lasted a horrific five months, only ended when police entered a property after social workers raised concerns about the teenager.

There she was found crying in a cupboard under the kitchen sink wearing only her underwear, the court was told at the time.

A total of 13 men were convicted of charges including rape, sexual activity with a child, facilitating child prostitution, trafficking, paying for the sexual services of a child and drug offences.

Mustapha Farah, Liban Abdi, Arafat Osman, Abdulahi Aden, Mustafa Deira, Idleh Osman, Sakariah Sheik, Jusuf Abdirizak, Abdirashid Abdulahi, Omar Jumale and Mohamed Dahir were all handed jail terms between two and 13 years.

9. Burton-on-Trent - Stafford

More recently, a grooming gang of seven men in Burton-on-Trent in Stafford were handed a jail term totaling 51 years.

The men were found guilty of offences including rape, child abduction and various sexual offences, after three, vulnerable thirteen-year-old girls were abused.

The gang carried out the sickening abuse between May and September 2018, before being arrested in December 2019.

David Korosi, Maxim Hanko, Adrian Rihard Demeter, Renato Daniel Nyari, Dominik Beri, Jeno Pierre Maka and Mate Maka were all handed sentences between three and 14 years on July 28 2022.

Top left to right: Adrian Rihard Demeter, David Korosi, Dominik Beri. Bottom left to right: Jeno Maka, Mate Maka, Maxim Hanko, Renato Daniel Nyari

10. Bury - Greater Manchester

Brothers Muhammad and Hashim Hussain were jailed on May 17 2021 for grooming and abusing vulnerable teenage girls following a police probe into child exploitation in Bury.

Muhammad was sentenced to six years and two months in prison after a jury found him guilty of raping a 14-year-old girl and sexually assaulting another girl, also aged 14.

Meanwhile, Hashim was sentenced to four years behind bars after he filmed a group of men engaging in sexual activity with two other girls, aged 16 and 17, on two separate occasions.

One of the victim's said that the brothers' had 'ruined her life' and that she still has nightmares about it.

'It took away my childhood,' she said. 'After what happened, I went off the rails. It affected everything.'

Muhammad Hussain was jailed on May 17 2021 for grooming and abusing teenage girls

Brother Hashim Hussain was jailed for four years after he filmed a group of men engaging in sexual activity with two other girls, aged 16 and 17, on two separate occasions

11. Calerdale - West Yorkshire

In November of last year, a staggering 20 men were finally named publicly after being jailed in 2021 for the rape and abuse of four young girls between the ages of 12 and 16 in Calerdale, West Yorkshire.

The abuse by the depraved Asian grooming gang took place between 2001 and 2010, with police enquiries beginning when it came to light when one of the girls was being repeatedly abused.

Until November 2024, the names of the sick individuals had not been disclosed due to reporting restrictions.

Their names are: Mohammed Akhtar, Malik Quadeer, Amir Shaban, Mohammed Ziareb. Imran Raja Yasin, Kamran Amin, Saquab Hussain, Haroon Sadiq, Shafiq Ali Rafiq, Sarfraz Rabnawaz, Shahzad Nowaz, Nadeem Nassir, Sajid Adalat, Sohail Zaffer, Shazad Nazir, Nadeem Adalat, Asad Mahmood, Mohammed Rizwan Iqbal, Vaseem Adalat and Craig Mitchell.

The men were given a combined jail time of 219 years, with the sentences ranging from 22 years to three years and six months.

Many of the men will still be in jail, but some will have been released. Meanwhile Mohammed Akhtar, who was found guilty of rape and was sentenced to 11 years, died while serving his sentence.

Top row from left: Mohammed Akhtar, Mohammed Ziareb, Malik Quadeer, Imran Raja Yasin, Craig Mitchell and Haroon Sadiq; Centre row from left: Amir Shaban, Asad Mahmood, Sajid Adalat, Kamran Amin, Vaseem Adalat, Mohammed Rizwan Iqbal. Bottom row from left: Shahzad Nowaz, Shazad Nazir, Shafiq Ali Rafiq, Sarfraz Rabnawaz, Saquab Hussain, Nadeem Nassir

Nadeem Adalat was found guilty of rape and sentenced to 14 years, which was increased to a total of 16 years after appeal

12. Carlisle - Cumbria

Married father-of-four Azad Miah was jailed for 15 years after hounding girls as young as 12 for sex while running a brothel.

Miah, who ran a takeaway shop in Carlisle, groomed the girls, targeting victims from poor backgrounds and another who was a heroin addict.

On May 14 2012 Miah was sentenced to nine years for four counts of paying for the sexual services of a child between 2006 and 2009, one year for keeping a brothel between 2005 and 2011 and five years for five counts of inciting child prostitution.

Concluding his trial, the judge said Miah could have been brought to justice earlier if the complaints of witnesses, including a 12-year-old girl, had been taken seriously when first raised.

Married father-of-four Azad Miah was jailed for 15 years after hounding girls as young as 12 for sex while running a brothel

13. Chelmsford - Essex

In Chelmsford, Essex, a 14-year-old girl was groomed by an Iranian sex gang, who operated out of a pizza takeaway shop before later abusing her in a dirty room above the shop.

Mohammad Rostami lured the girl into believing she was his girlfriend when she was aged just 13 or 14.

The young girl was given cocaine, which she later became addicted to, before entering a relationship with Rostami.

He then later pimped her out, making her have sex with much older men in return for drugs or money.

Ringleader Rostami was given a 21-year sentence on January 12 2017 after being found guilty of one count of causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child aged under 18, two counts of sexual activity with a child aged under 16 and three counts of supplying cocaine, cannabis and mephedrone.

His gang members - Mehdi Zare, Amin Kaveh, Asadollah Zare, Ebrahim Zare - were also jailed later that year for sentences ranging between two and 10 years.

Some of their charges included, sexual activity with a child, sexual assault and supply Class A or Class B drugs.

Mohammad Rostami was the ringleader of an Iranian sex gang

Gang member Mehdi Zare was also jailed for grooming a young girl for sex

Amin Kaveh (left) was jailed for 10 years for child sex offences. Asadollah Zare (right) received four years for drugs offences

14. Chesham - Buckinghamshire

For eight months between December 2011 and July 2012, a fourteen-year-old girl in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, was repeatedly abused by a grooming gang.

The teenager was often plied with alcohol before being made to perform sex acts on or have full sex on the group of four men, on one occasion being blackmailed into having sex.

Ringleader Nazakat Mahmood was jailed for 13 and a half years after being found guilty on June 30 2014 of even counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

His gang members and co-conspirators Ghulfaraz Nawaz, Harron Rauf and Omar Sharif, were handed sentences between five and a half to eight years.

Their convictions included sexual activity with a child and assault by beating.

Ringleader Nazakat Mahmood was jailed after a fourteen-year-old girl in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, was repeatedly abused by a grooming gang

Gang members and co-conspirators Ghulfaraz Nawaz and Harron Rauf were handed sentences between five-and-a-half to eight years

Omar Sharif was another member of the grooming gang who was handed a jail sentence

15. Coventry - West Midlands

In one grooming gang case in Coventry, the despicable group of five men used social media, in particular Facebook, to target their child victims.

The vile crew targeted a number of girls, striking between 2015 and 2016.

The men, who were described as 'desciable rats' by one girl's uncle, targetted young, vulnerable individuals, some of whom were in care.

In some cases, the abusers took the young girls to secluded areas of Coventry before givingh them drugs or alochol to abuse them or traffic them for sex.

In one harrowing case, a girl was knocked out by one of the men. When she eventually came round, she woke up to find them watching a video of her being raped while she was unconscious.

Waqaar Khan, Marcus Woolcock, Kadeem Bourne, Keenan Kelly, and Zahid Chaudhary, were convicted of 18 offences at Warwick Crown Court on January 26 2017.

The convictions included rape, sexual abuse and sex trafficking with the jail terms ranging from two years and six months to 14 years and six months.

Waqaar Khan, Kadeem Bourne, Kenan Kelly, Marcus Woolcock and Zahid Chaudhary

16. Derby - Derbyshire

Two different grooming gangs have roamed throughout Derby in the last 15 years.

In the first case, 26 young girls were targetted in a shocking case of abuse - with some victims being as young as 13.

Similarly echoing other grooming cases, the girls were plied with alcohol or drugs. They were then taken to hotels across the West Midlands where they would be abused.

The men would repeatedly call and text the girls, sometimes picking them up in 'flashy cars' or offering them cigarettes.

Throughout the court case at Leicester Crown Court, one victim described being sexaully assaulted by eight men at once.

In 2010, Mohammed Liaqat, Abid Saddique, Mohammed Imran Rehman, Ashley Kumar, Naweed Liaqat and Farooq Ahmed were all sentenced for their involvement in the grooming.

Their jail terms ranged from 18 months to 11 years with their disgusting actions leading to various convictions including rape, sexual assault and causing a young person under the age of 18 to be involved in pornography.

In a second chilling case in Derby, which took place between 2009 and 2010, eight men were found guilty after preying on young girls between the ages of 13 and 15.

The girls were picked up from care homes or the street by men who were aged between 35 and 60.

The disgusting men slept with the girls in exchange for as little as 5, cigarettes, drugs, mobile phones and treats - including a child's toy and rides on a farmer's tractor.

The men - Anthony Lambert, Stefan Godfrey, John Shaw, Ijaz Ahmed, Mark Adaoui, Colin Simpson, David Shardlow and Ian Yeoman - were jailed for a total of 42 years on September 25 2012.

Their sentences ranged from four to six years, with the majority of the convictions centring around paying under aged girls for sex.

The men, if not sentenced for further crimes, will all have been released from jail now.

Ian Yeoman, David Shardlow, Mark Adaoui, Ijaz Ahmed, Anthony Lambert and John Shaw

17. Halifax - West Yorkshire

A gang of 15 men from Halifax, West Yorkshire, abused two young girls between 2009 and 2011.

Most of the abuse centred around one victim who was just 13-years-old when it began. The youngster had an uneasy family life when the grooming began.

She is said to have been 'used like a sex toy' by the gang over the two-year period of abuse.

The abuse later led her to become addicted to drugs and alcohol before eventually being taken into care after the attacks stopped in 2011.

The other victim was sexually assaulted in her car.

Following three separate trials, all fifteen men were sentenced on June 17 2016. The shortest sentence was 15 months whilst the longest was 25 years following what was described as a 'long and complex' police probe.

The names of those in the 15-strong gang are: Hedar Ali, Haider Ali, Khalid Zaman, Mohammed Ramzan, Tahir Mahmood, Taukeer Butt, Haaris Ahmed, Amaar Ali Ditta, Azeem Subhani, Talib Saddiq, Sikander Malik, Mohammed Ali Ahmed, Mansoor Akhtar, Sikander Ishaq and Fasil Mahmood.

Their crimes included rape, trafficking for sexual exploitation, sexual activity with a child, sexual assault and supplying Class B drugs.

In 2019, six members of the gang tried to appeal their convictions but this was thrown out by a judge who said the victim's ordeal 'transcends the imagination of most people'.

A gang of 15 men from Halifax, West Yorkshire, abused two young girls between 2009 and 2011

18. Huddersfield - West Yorkshire

In 2018, twenty men, of mainly Pakistani origin, were all found guilty as part of a Huddersfield grooming gang that raped and abused girls, some of who were as young as 11.

The campaign of abuse last seven years between 2004 and 2011 in which time the men plied 15 victims with drink and drugs before abusing them.

On October 19 2018, the men were convicted of more than 120 offences against 15 girls.

The men held such a powerful grip on some of the girls that one cracked her head after deciding to jump from a first floor balcony after being ordered to meet them.

She later told police: 'Every time I went out something bad happened. I risked my life every time. I was a mess.'

Another one of the girl's was only able to escape the abuse when her family's home burnt down and they were forced to move.

'It was the best thing I ever did, and that's bad saying that burning your house down is the best thing you ever did,' she later said.

The ringleader, Amere Singh Dhaliwal, 35, was jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years, while the other gang members were handed sentences between five and 18 years.

The other gang members names were: Irfan Ahmed, Zahid Hassan, Mohammed Kammer, Mohammed Rizwan Aslam, Abdul Rehman, Raj Singh Barsran, Nahman Mohammed, Mansoor Akhtar, Wiqas Mahmud, Nasarat Hussain, Sajid Hussain, Mohammed Irfraz, Faisal Nadeem, Mohammed Azeem, Manzoor Hassan, Mohammed Akram, Niaz Ahmed, Asif Bashir and Mohammed Imran Ibrar.

They were all given various different charges. Some included rape, trafficking for sexual exploitation, supplying Class A drugs and inciting child prostituion.

Three years later, on July 16 2021, a trio of sex offenders Banaras Hussain, Talish Ahmed, and Mohammed Akram were finally brought to justice after abusing a girl when she was just 12-years-old between 1995 and 1998.

Throughout the campaign of abuse, the girl, who was targetted while wearing her school uniform, was raped in her at a playground and in her own bedroom.

Hussain, who was 19 and married when he groomed the girl, was sentenced to 18 years for two offences of rape against a female aged under 16.

Ahmed was handed 10 years for the rape of a female aged under 16 and Akram, also 19 and in a relationship at the time, was handed a 13-year sentence for two offences of rape and one offence of indecent assault.

Ringleader Amere Singh Dhaliwal, (second row, left) was jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years. The other members were Irfan Ahmed, Zahid Hassan, Mohammed Kammer, Mohammed Rizwan Aslam, Abdul Rehman, Raj Singh Barsran, Nahman Mohammed, Mansoor Akhtar, Wiqas Mahmud, Nasarat Hussain, Sajid Hussain, Mohammed Irfraz, Faisal Nadeem, Mohammed Azeem, Manzoor Hassan, Mohammed Akram, Niaz Ahmed, Asif Bashir and Mohammed Imran Ibrar

Talish Ahmed was brought to justice after abusing a girl when she was just 12-years-old between 1995 and 1998

Banaras Hussain and Mohammed Akram were also jailed for abusing the 12-year-old girl

19. Ilford and Barking - Essex

A trio were jailed for running an east London prostitute ring after preying on at least six teenage girls .

On September 12 2013, Naeem Ahmed, Nabeel Ahmed, and Hassan Raza, were locked up for a total of 24 years for carrying out the abuse.

On one occasion, the men took turns in abusing an 18-year-old after they plied her with drinks.

On another, a victim claimed she was held down and raped by two of the men after she agreed to work as a prostitute for Naeem. He later told the girl his 'love for her would grow' if she slept with other men for cash.

Naeem, the ringleader and self-styled 'pimp', was arrested after police investigated concerns about suspected abuse of two girls under the care of Essex County Council.

He was handed eight years. Ahmed was given eight years and Raza was locked up for two years. It means the trio will all be out of jail now if not convicted for other crimes.

Naeem Ahmed and Nabeel Ahmed were jailed for running an east London prostitute ring

Hassan Raza was also jailed for his part in preying on at least six teenage girls

20. Ipswich - Suffolk

In April 2013, another trio of men, also from east London, were jailed after they abducted a 13-year-old girl and used her as a sex slave.

The victim - who is said to have had a troubled family life at home - was driven to a house in Ipswich where she was kept and abused for four days, leaving the girl traumatised.

Mohammed Sheikh, Hamza Ali, and Suran Uddin, were convicted of various sex offences and trafficking.

Uddin was jailed for 15 years, Sheikh for eight years and Ali for five years.

Hamza Ali, Suran Uddin and Mohammed Sheikh abducted and used a teenager as a sex slave

21. Keighley - West Yorkshire

In Keighley, West Yorkshire, a shocking case of abuse took place when a single, female victim was abused by a grooming gang of 12.

The teenager was attacked repeatedly over 13 months between 2011 and 2012, being raped and forced to have sex with men in various public locations - including an underground car park and a grave yard.

The girl had been preyed on because of her vulnerability and 'chaotic existance' which saw her reported missing to the police 70 times over two years.

The dozen vile men were handed jail sentences lasting up to 20 years for various offences, most commonly rape, but also sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

The gang's names included:

Top from left: Yasser Kabir, Faisal Khan, Israr Ali, Sufyan Ziarab. Second row: Tauqeer Hussain, Khalid Raja Mahmood, Saqib Younis, Hussain Sardar. Bottom row: Bilal Ziarab, Nasir Khan, Mohammed Akram and Zain Ali

22. Kirklees and Dewsbury - West Yorkshire

In April 2024, another West Yorkshire grooming gang were brought to justice.

Following the horrendous abuse of eight young girls between 1999 and 2012, 24 men were finally jailed last year for their involvement in the ordeal.

West Yorkshire Police said the victims were treated as 'defenceless commodities to be abused and traded at whim'.

The names were finally released after a reporting restriction was lifted.

Zafar Qayum was given the longest sentence of up to 30 years in jail after being found guilty of six counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault and three counts of aiding and abetting rape

The other men were handed sentences ranging between four and a half and 24 years.

The other gang members names were: Khurum Raziq, Nasar Hussain, Ansar Qayum, Mohammed Jabbar Qayum, Mohammed Imran Zada, Michael Birkenshaw, Amran Mehrban, Sarkaut Yasen, Mohammed Saleem Nasir, Irfan Khan, Omar Farooq Hussain, Sarfraz Hussain Riaz, Zafar Iqbal, Nasar Iqbal, Mohammed Chothia, Bilal Patel, Asif Ali, Mohammed Tauseef Hanif, Ali Shah, Moshin Nadat, Safraz Miraf, Mohammed Nazam Nasser and Amir Ali Hussain.

Following the horrendous abuse of eight young girls between 1999 and 2012, 24 men were finally jailed last year for their involvement in the ordeal

23. Leicester - Leicestershire

In Leicester, a grooming gang of six men were thrown behind bars after they offered to pay a vulnerable 16-year-old girl money for sex.

The victim, who was abused and 'used as a sexual commodity' in 2012 in Leicester, was left with internal injuries as a result of the abuse.

The vulnerable teen had been drinking, smoking cannabis and self-harming and was needing to make money after her parents threatened to throw her out of the house.

As a result, she started allowing boys at college to pay for sex before she met the men from Leicester, meeting the first man at a Dilwai festival.

On August 30 2013, Aabidali Mubarak Ali, Rakib Iacub, Wajid Usman, Hamza Imtiazali, Bharat Modhwadia and Chandresh Mistry were all jailed.

Their sentences lasted between eight months and five years. Their charges included paying for sexual services of a child, facilitating child prostitution and inciting child pornography.

24. Middlesbrough - North Yorkshire

Victims in Middlesborough were left 'scarred' after being treated as 'objects for sexual pleasure' by a trio of child abusers.

Taxi driver Shakil Munir, Ateeq Latif, and pizza shop worker Sakib Ahmed groomed teenage girls by offering them takeaway food, free lifts and even drugs.

On February 13 2014 at Teesside Crown Court, Munir and Ahmed were both jailed for eight years and Latif was sentenced to three years in a young offenders' institution. It means all men should have been released from jail by now.

Shakil Munir,Sakib Ahmed and Ateeq Latif groomed teenage girls by offering them takeaway food, free lifts and even drugs

25. Newcastle - Tyne and Wear

Throughout 2011 to 2014 in Newcastle, 20 young girls became targets of an 18-strong grooming gang.

The victims, all from vulnerable backgrounds and some as young as 14-years-old, were often plied with drugs and alcohol before being abused.

Eighteen people - 17 men and one woman - were convicted and handed jail sentences, with more than 100 charges eventually being brought.

Those prosecuted were from the Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Indian, Iraqi, Iranian and Turkish communities in Newcastle and mainly British-born.

Charges included rape, conspiracy to incite prostitution, beating, trafficking to the UK for sexual exploitation and supplying drugs.

Top from left: Eisa Mousavi, Mohammed Ali, Nashir Uddin, Monjur Choudhury, Taherul Alam, Habibur Rahim, Badrul Hussain, Carolann Gallon, Saiful Islam, AbdulHamid Minoyee, Prabhat Nelli, Abdul Sabe, Jahangir Zaman, Nadeem Aslam, Mohammed Azram, Yassar Hussain, Redwan Siddquee and Mohibur Rahman

26. Nottingham - Nottinghamshire

Between February 2017 and January 2019, three young girls were groomed and sexually abused by a trio of men.

Mohammed Saeed Ahmed admitted engaging in sexual communication with a child, causing or inciting a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity and sexual activity with a girl under 16.

Then on March 29 2021, he was jailed for three years and given a restraining order against the girls.

Similarly Waqas Akhtar was found guilty of sexual activity with a girl under 16, penetrative sexual activity with a girl under 16, two counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child, and meeting a girl under 16 years of age following grooming.

He was jailed for seven years and six months.

A third man, Hamza Shazad, was handed a 16 month sentence suspended for 18 months after admitting to three counts of making indecent images of children, three counts of distributing indecent images of a child and another charge of possessing extreme pornographic images.

One of the victims described the ordeal as the 'worst time' of her life, feeling 'utterly betrayed' by Ahmed.

It left the young woman with anxiety and depression and affected her relationship with other people.

Waqas Akhtar and Mohammed Saeed Ahmed

27. Oxford - Oxfordshire

In the city of Oxford, there have been a number of grooming gangs that have been convicted for various child sexual offences over the last decade with the first convictions being brought in 2013.

On June 27 2013, two pairs of brother from a sadistic sex ring were jailed for life.

The abuse of six girls, aged between 11 and 15, lasted between 2004 and 2012. During that time the girls would be plied with alcohol and drugs.

They were then forced to perform sex acts on the men. Some were beaten and burned.

The five men - two of east African origin and five of Pakistani origin - were sentenced between 12 and 20 years, with one sentenced to life. Their charges included child rape and trafficking.

The names of the first gang uncovered in the city were: Kamar Jamil, Akhtar Dogar, Anjum Dogar, Assad Hussain and Mohammed Karrar.

Over the next decade more grooming gangs were uncovered in Oxford, seeing a further 16 men sentenced in June 2014, March 2015, June 2018 and February 2020, for similarly outrageous crimes.

Mostly recently in February 2020 a trio of men - named Naim Khan, Mohammed Nazir, and Raheem Ahmed - were put behind bars for using a girl as a 'sexual commodity' when she was 13 to 15, between the years of 1999 to 2001.

A serious case review launched by the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children's Partnership 373 children, including 50 boys, could have been groomed and sexually exploited in the area.

The report accused Thames Valley Police of not believing youngsters when they complained.

Mohammed Karrar, 38, and his brother Bassam Karrar, 34, and another set of brothers, Akhtar Dogar, 32, and Anjum Dogar, 31, were convicted alongside Kamar Jamil, 27, Assad Hussain, 32, and Zeeshan Ahmed, 28

Naim Khan, Mohammed Nazir and Raheem Ahmed

28. Peterborough - Cambridgeshire

As with Oxford, Peterborough in Cambridgeshire has also seen multiple court cases regarding grooming taking place over the last decade.

The biggest gang in Peterborough were slammed behind bars on February 20 2014 after a group of five men were found guilty of assaulting five teenage girls.

The men in the initial gang were called: Hassan Abdulla, Zdeno Mirga, Renato Balog, Jan Kandrac and Yasir Ali.

They were handed sentences between 12 and 20 years for offences which included rape, sexual assault and inciting a child to participate in sexual activity.

Between 2014 and 2015, four more men in Peterborough were also charged with similar offences. These men were: Daaim Ashraf, Mohammed Abbas, Mohammed Khubaib, Zdeno Mirga and Renato Balog.

Zdeno Mirga and Hassan Abdulla

Jan Kandrac and Renato Balog

Yasir Ali and Daaim Ashraf

29. Plymouth - Devon

In September 2024, a grooming gang of three men were jailed after they targeted and abused three teenage girls in Plymouth.

After a five-week trial at Plymouth crown court, a jury convicted three men of rape and sexual assault on four vulnerable teenage girls at drink and drug-fueled parties in the city held between February 2017 and December 2017.

Abalzaq Salih, 31, a Kuwaiti citizen living in Plymouth, was the party organiser. He was convicted of two rapes on girls under 16 at a party a few days before Christmas in 2017. He was jailed for 19 years.

Saif Kahya, 32, from Liverpool, who is now a father of two, was found guilty of raping a girl in 2017 and was jailed for 12 years.

Anthony Anantharajah, 35, from London, was found guilty of rape of a girl aged 16 or over in February 2017. He was jailed for 13 years.

Anthony Anantharajah, Saif Kahya and Abalzaq Salih

30. Preston - Lancashire

In March 2020, two drug gang members were sent to jail for raping two vulnerable school - one of which woke up to find herself 'being used like a rag doll'.

Ben Thompson and Mark Anderson were both found guilty of rape and given 20 year sentences.

The vile men gave one of the victims, then 15, vodka, wine and drugs, before they told her she had been 'given things' so she had to pay them back.

In turn she was raped by Anderson and then Thompson. But the brave young victim managed to fight the second man off by biting his genitals.

Anderson also raped a second teenager who had passed out from using drugs. The abuse was watched by other people who 'saw and found it amusing', a court heard.

31. Ramsgate - Kent

A 16-year-old girl who stopped and asked a group of men for directions in Ramsgate, Kent, when she got lost on a night out and became separated from her friends.

Tragically, the girl was then raped by three men and a teenage boy. She was later found crying by two people returning from a night out.

Rafiullah Hamidy, Shershah Muslimyar, Tamin Rahmani, and the 17-year-old, all denied rape but were found guilty and sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on September 8 2017.

The men were each handed 14 years.

Shershah Muslimyar, Rafiullah Hamidy and Tamin Rahmani were jailed for 14 years each

32. Rochdale and Oldham - Greater Manchester

Rochdale and Oldham in Greater Manchester have been the epicentre of some of the most well-known grooming gang cases in the last two decades.

The first Asian grooming gang of nine men were sent to jail in May 2012 after exploiting girls as young as 13 for 19 years.

Liverpool Crown Court heard at the time that the girls were plied with drugs and alcohol and 'passed around for sex'.

All those convicted were found guilty of conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with girls under the age of 16, with convictions also being brought against some for rape and trafficking.

The men involved in the pivotal first grooming gang convictions in Rochdale and Oldham were ringleader Shabir Ahmed, Kabeer Hassan, Abdul Aziz, Abdul Rauf, Adil Khan, Mohammed Sajid, Mohammed Amin, Hamid Safi, Abdul Qayyum

Khan even fathered a child of one of the 13-year-old victims.

Since then at least 38 men have been sent to jail between 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2023 for horrific crimes involving young girls.

The first probe was launched by the Home Affairs Select Committee and looked into grooming gangs in Rochdale.

It concluded that there had been a failure by police, social workers and Crown Proseuction Service (CPS) to protect children.

In 2022, following Telford's inquiry into grooming gangs, Oldham Council also made its first bid to the Government to launch an inquiry into sexual abuse in the town. It was rejected by the Conservatives at the time.

A few months later, Greater Manchester's individual inquiry into abuse in the town found that both the police and council had failed to protect children as well as cover up their failings.

Two years later, after the Labour Government takes control, Oldham Council once again asks for a Government-led inquiry, but Safeguarding Minister Ms Phillips rejects it.

From top row, left: Abdul Rauf, Hamid Safi, Mohammed Sajid and Abdul Aziz; (bottom row) Abdul Qayyum, Adil Khan, Mohammed Amin and Kabeer Hassan

33. Rotherham - South Yorkshire

Grooming gangs in Rotherham have similarly gathered a lot of attention over the years for the vast number of convictions made in the area.

The first five men were sentenced in November 2010 for depraved sex attacks against girls - some as young as 12-years-old.

The girl's were groomed to believe they were in relationships with the men who would force them to have sex in cars and parks across Rotherham.

The despicable gang of five - Razwan Razaq, Umar Razaq, Zafran Ramzan, Mohsin Khan and Adil Hussain - were handed sentences lasting between four and 11 years.

Most of the charges revolved around having sexual activity with a child. Ramzan was found guilty of raping a child under the age of 16.

Over the next decade almost 50 men - and at least two women - were convicted for similar grooming charges.

Just last year, in September 2024, seven men from Rotherham were jailed for sex offences involving children in the early 2000s.

Mohammed Amar, Mohammed Siyab, Yasser Ajaibe, Mohammed Zameer Sadiq, Abid Saddiq, Tahir Yassin, Ramin Bari and Neil King were put behind bars.

They exploited two victims who were just aged 11 and 15 when the abuse began. Both girls were in care at the time.

The men were handed varying jail terms from five years to 24 years - some being charged with the most serious of grooming crimes, including rape and indecent assault.

The grooming was so widespread in Rotherham that an inquiry was launched in 2014.

The investigation led by Professor Jay and launched by the local council, found that 1,400 children were sexually abused between 1997 and 2013 by predominantly British-Pakistani men.

Razwan Razaq was jailed for or depraved sex attacks against girls

Umar Razaq and Mohsin Khan were among the gang of five who were imprisoned

Adil Hussain and Zafran Ramzan were members of the gang which groomed girls to believe they were in relationships and force them to have sex in cars and parks across Rotherham

34. Sheffield - South Yorkshire

In Sheffield, an evil gang of four men were jailed for a combination of 70 years in jail after sexually exploiting and raping a girl.

Four of the gang, Jasim Mohammed, 37, Nzar Anwar, 40, Kawan Ahmed, 31, and Shangar Ibrahimi, 30, who were said to have treated the vulnerable youngster as 'a piece of meat', were all found guilty by a jury of raping the youngster between 2010 and 2012.

A fifth defendant - Saba Mohammed, 41, - was also jailed for perverting the course of justice.

The victim, who had already suffered abuse as a child prior to 2010, said the abuse continues to have a 'devastating' impact on her life.

In March 2020, the men were jailed from four years to 25 years for various convictions including rape and perverting the court of justice.

Jasim Mohammed, Kawan Ahmed and Nzar Anwar

Saba Mohammed was jailed for perverting the course of justice, while Shangar Ibrahim was found guilty of rape

35. Skipton - North Yorkshire

In Skipton, a trio were jailed for a total of 18 years after they groomed a 14-year-old girl by plying her with drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.

On July 17 2009, Mohammed Zackriya, 21 was jailed for eight years for oral rape and five offences of sexual activity with a child.

Father-of-five Mohammed Shabir was jailed for five years for three offences of having sex with the girl at a takeaway restaurant in the town.

Mohammed Taj was jailed for five years for three offences of having sex with the girl in his car.

Mohammed Zackriya, 21, was jailed for eight years for oral rape and five offences of sexual activity with a child

Mohammed Taj and Mohammed Shabir were jailed for grooming a 14-year-old girl

36. Stockport - Greater Manchester

Two vulnerable girls in Stockport, then aged between 14 and 16, were abused by a trio of groomers between 2008 and 2011.

The abuse case came to light after social workers found the girls were not at their homes and police later uncovered a 'complex web of grooming behaviour'.

The victims, who later said the men were 'disgusting people - horrible, horrible men,' had been taken to hotels and private addresses, before being given alcohol and drugs. They were then abused.

On October 28 2013, the men were sentenced for their crimes.

Shamin Uddin was handed 19 years after being found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape and one count of sexual activity with a child.

Giash Uddin was given six years for sexual activity with a child and Robert Jackson was handed 12 years for rape.

Shamin Uddin was handed 19 years after being found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape and one count of sexual activity with a child

Giash Uddin was given six years for sexual activity with a child, while Robert Jackson was handed 12 years for rape

37. Stoke-on-Trent-Staffordshire

In July 2023, five men from Stoke-on-Trent were jailed for more than 65 years after they exploited two vulnerable children between 2019 and 2020.

The two victims were coerced and exploited by the group and as a result were arrested multiple times for drug offences - eventually telling officers about what had been happening.

As a result Umar Rafi, Usman Rafi, Muazzam Naseer, Haroon Hussain, Mohammed Hassain Shabir, Paul Malcolm Harnett, Lee Comley were placed in jail for a variety of offences, including exploitation of a child, forced and compulsory labour, and conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Umar Rafi, Mohammed Hassain Shabir and Usman Rafi

Muazzam Naseer, Haroon Hussain and Paul Malcolm Harnett

38. Telford - Shropshire

As with Rochdale, Rotherham, Oxford and Oldham, Telford has been one of the most discussed cities when it comes to the epidemic of grooming gangs across the UK.

At least three separate groups of men have been convicted after grooming vulnerable victims since 2012.

On October 5 2012, two Telford brothers were sent to jail for 18 and 14 years after they were found to have sexually abused, trafficked, prostituted or tried to prostitute Telford girls between 2008 and 2009.

Youngest brother Ahdel Ali, was found guilty of one charge of rape, 11 charges of sexual activity with a child, three charges of controlling child prostitution, one of inciting child prostitution, an allegation of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and meeting a child after grooming.

He was given the longer sentence.

Eldest brother, Mubarek Ali was convicted of four charges of controlling child prostitution, two of trafficking in the UK for sexual exploitation and a charge of causing child prostitution.

Over the next decade convictions were brought against at least 10 men in Telford for similar crimes in 2017 and 2019.

An inquiry was later held into the Telford grooming gangs and its findings released in 2022 found that at least 1,000 girls had been abused in the town.

Ahdel Ali and Mubarek Ali trafficked girls for sex

39. Tower Hamlets - Greater London

Just last month, in December 2024, two people in Tower Hamlets, Greater London were jailed following an investigation into payments for child sexual abuse.

Ferdous Ahmad and a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty after a two-week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 30 September.

Ahmad was convicted of two counts of sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child, two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The woman was convicted of two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Ahmad was sentenced to 12 years in prison and issued with a Sexual harm Prevention Order and Restraining Order. The woman was sentenced to five years in prison.

Ferdous Ahmad and a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty after a two-week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court

40. Wendover - Buckinghamshire

Schoolgirls in Wendover, Aylesbury and High Wycombe were targeted by an Asian grooming gang from 2001.

The trio preyed on a schoolgirl, plying her with alcohol and drugs, including cannabis and heroin, before abusing her.

Harrowingly, as a result of the abuse she suffered as a teenager, the now grown-up woman told the court in an impact statement she suffers from depression and an alcohol addiction - which caused her to lose her children.

Mohammad Aslam was jailed for 20 years after being found of two counts of conspiracy to rape a girl under the age of 16, four counts of raping a girl under the age of 16, and one count conspiracy to indecently assault a girl under the age of 16.

Berkley John was found two counts of conspiracy to rape a girl under the age of 16; two counts of raping a girl under the age of 16 and one count of conspiracy to indecently assault a girl under the age of 16. He was handed 15 and a half years in jail.

Saeed Ahmed was given 18 months in jail after allowing his premises to be used for unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl aged between 13 and 15, and procuring a female under the age of 21 to have unlawful sexual intercourse with a third person

Mohammad Aslam, Berkley John (top right) and Saeed Ahmed preyed on a schoolgirl, plying her with alcohol and drugs, including cannabis and heroin, before abusing her

41. Yeovil - Somerset

Back in 2010, in Yeovil, Somerset, six young girls, aged 14 and 15, were groomed by two men.

Ahmet Kurtyemez and Mehmet Citak, were sentenced to 20 years and 12 years respectively on November 2 2016 and Bristol Crown Court.

According to the detective in charge of the case, the two men 'systematically abused these young children over a number of years - slowly eroding their confidence and making them think these crimes were acceptable'.

As a result, Citak was convicted of two counts of rape and seven counts of sexual assault.

Meanwhile Kurtyemez was found guilty of six counts of sexual assault.
NGWEMPISI  Peace has been disrupted in a Velezizweni community, but it is not because of burglars, loud music or gangsters; it is due to an invasion of flies.

In the once-quiet neighbourhood of Ludvondvolo, Veleziweni residents, including the elderly and young alike have been forced to spend most of the day outside their houses. This is said to be due to an invasion flies which are everywhere in the community. The flies are said to be mainly inside the house, making it difficult for them to enjoy some peace and quiet.

The invasion is said to have started several weeks ago, with reports of swarms of houseflies infiltrating homes and overwhelming residents. Initially dismissed as a temporary issue, the situation quickly escalated, leading to widespread discomfort and frustration among homeowners. With kitchens and living areas are becoming breeding grounds for these pests, families are struggling to cope with the incessant buzzing and the health risks associated with fly infestations. The residents are blaming the presence of chicken manure at a nearby poultry farm which they allege is where the flies originate. The poultry farm is known to this publication, but because the is no proof that it is the one solely responsible for the flies, it will not be published for now.

Manure

The residents said the chicken manure is acting as a fertile ground for the houseflies which breed at this time of the year. Phumile Vilakati, a long-time resident of Ludvondvolo, expressed her despair: I never thought I would be forced to live outside my own home. The flies have taken over every corner and I cant even enjoy a meal without them swarming around me. She revealed that she had tried various methods to combat the infestation, including fly catchers, a type of sticky paper which when rolled out traps flies which get stuck when they fly into it.

Vilakati said even insect killer sprays have become useless, such that a can finishes quickly with almost no effect on the flies. The fly invasion is said to be affecting a significant number of households in the area, with at least 14 homeowners reporting similar issues. The residents have taken the matter further by holding community meetings, to share their experiences and seeking advice on how to manage the situation.

Sorted

They also revealed that they reported the matter to the Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA) in hope that the issue could be sorted. Lucky Nkumane, another homeowner, shared his experience: Even with my doors closed, the flies find a way in. I feel like Im living in a nightmare. Ive been buying fly traps every day, yet they keep multiplying. Nkumane also showed the Eswatini News reporter around the kitchen which was infested with flies. Some of the flies had been trapped, while some were freely flying around the kitchen and other rooms.

Changed

Charlie Sukati, a resident who has also been affected by the infestation said: Weve reported the matter to the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), but so far, nothing has changed. He said initially when the residents reported the matter to EEA, there was a change, as there was a decline they observed.

He said there numbers reduced, but that the situation appears to be back with the infestations in full effect.On Wednesday, the residents also protested outside the premises of the farm, but police are said to have been called on them. Yesterday, the residents as well as other authorities held a meeting over the same issue.
Please don't call Martin Gaunt a have-a-go hero or a vigilante. He absolutely hates that. It is not who he is, it's not who he wants to be.

The mild-mannered shopkeeper is not looking for trouble and he doesn't want to be seen as some kind of folk saviour.

As he pads around his Happy Piranha gift shop in Truro, his gilet zipped up against the winter chill, Martin says that the last thing he intended was to find himself featured in newspapers or on TV news bulletins, though he has been on both recently.

He is simply a high street trader who got so fed up with the ferocious amount of shoplifting at his premises  and the lack of action from the police  that he decided to do something about it himself.

For the past two years, Martin has been carrying out citizen's arrests in a bid to deter offenders from targeting his store. With the help of his 33-year-old twin sons Sam and Joshua and occasionally their younger brother Isaac, 26  all of whom work alongside him in the family business  he estimates they have carried out more than 50 citizen's arrests of putative Piranha thieves.

The Gaunts defy criminals by 'super-politely' approaching them once they have left the shop, sharing their suspicions that they have stolen goods in their possession, while Martin informs them that, using his powers of arrest under Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, he has the right to detain them until the police arrive.

Of course, it doesn't always go well. The police don't always turn up for a start.

And when they do, Martin is sometimes made to feel that he is the one committing the crime. 'They can be more worried about upsetting and offending the shoplifters than actually dealing with the situation and helping me,' he said. And yes, there has been violence.

For the past two years, Martin Gaunt has been carrying out citizen's arrests in a bid to deter offenders from targeting his store

When the police turn up, Martin is sometimes made to feel that he is the one committing the crime

He is just one of the millions of British shopkeepers who are battling a national epidemic of shoplifting

'I'm 62 years old. I don't want to be rolling around on the cobbles at my age, but it has happened,' says Martin. He has been punched in the ribs a few times and suffered bruising to his back, while he and his sons have been threatened with broken bottles.

Yet when push comes to shove and fists are raised, he is pragmatic to the end. 'I can take a punch to the face but I will cover the vitals with my hands, because I don't want to go down,' he says, wincing as we walk past a display stand laden with soft toys.

The Happy Piranha is a cheerful shop, selling collectibles and homemade candles, boiled sweets in glass jars, greetings cards, nautical-themed pottery for the tourists and a large collection of Japanese anime characters. It should be a place of good cheer and twinkling trinkets, but like so many retail outlets today, it has become a battle zone instead.

For Martin Gaunt is just one of the millions of British shopkeepers who are battling a national epidemic of shoplifting. Offending is currently at a 20-year high with an average increase in customer theft of 25 per cent in Scotland and 29 per cent in England and Wales, while here in Devon and Cornwall, the local rise is a staggering 37 per cent year on year. 'I don't understand why we're allowing it to happen, because it feeds into bigger, nastier crimes,' says Gaunt.

He believes that shoplifting is not a minor crime but a significant contributor to societal issues, including the influx of drug dealers into city centres and a rise in anti-social behaviour. 'And in my case, it's not about someone nicking a 20 teddy bear from me, it is a much bigger issue than that.'

It is his experience that the majority of thefts are committed by people with alcohol or drug addictions.

'They steal stuff from us that they don't need or want. This is not about poverty  we don't sell anything that anybody needs to live. They take from us because they want to sell it on for cash to buy booze or drugs. Usually drugs.'

In Truro and elsewhere, most shoplifting is done by repeat offenders who are emboldened by their success, encouraged by the lack of punishment and fuelled by a misplaced sense of entitlement.

Martin believes that shoplifting is not a minor crime but a significant contributor to societal issues

'They seem to think there is no consequence, no cost, no price. There's even a belief nowadays that shoplifting is no longer a crime. So what I have done is taken a stance,' he says. 'Look, I'm not about chopping hands off, but I have tried to show it is a crime and there is a consequence.'

His tactics have been a success. Since he began his citizen's arrests, incidences of shoplifting at the Happy Piranha have gone down nearly 90 per cent. However, that doesn't mean thieves aren't going elsewhere to steal. Shoplifting costs Truro over 1million every year and brings undesirable elements into the city centre, including drug dealers and organised crime.

Until he took action himself, Gaunt estimates that shoplifting was costing his business nearly 10 per cent of its annual 750,000 turnover. Margins at the Happy Piranha are tight; the business doesn't always make a profit. He believes that if he had let it carry on and done nothing, he would have gone bust. And he feels aggrieved that despite everything, the local police would certainly prefer that he did nothing.

'They regard me as a nuisance, a pain in the arse. But I'm at a point in my life where I have given up wanting to be rich and famous, and I just want life to be fair and reasonable. I've had a gutful of it. I really have. I don't care how many times the police tell me to shut up and go away, I want something done.'

He showed me a long and tortuous email correspondence with a local police inspector in which the two men debate (that's a super polite way of putting it) issues such as whether or not 'low-level shoplifting'  goods worth under 200  is indictable and therefore within citizen's arrest rules. The inspector thought not. Martin went all the way to the Home Office seeking clarification on this matter  the Neighbourhood Crime Unit confirmed it was indictable  but even now the inspector still insists it is 'a grey area'. That's not the only Kafkaesque situation Martin Gaunt's crusade against shoplifting has encountered.

The police tell retailers to dial 999 if they see a crime being committed, but when they do so they are told to call 101 if the perpetrator has fled. 'You can be hanging on the line for an hour,' recalls Martin.

Sometimes the police refuse to search the suspects, sometimes it goes the other way. When a chief inspector visited the Happy Piranha in 2023, the store was robbed while he was there. 'It was comic book, it really was,' recalls Martin.

When the officer searched the shoplifter he found a significant amount of cash, unboxed prescription drugs, knuckle dusters and the fact that he was out on probation for robbery. Which all feeds into Martin's theory that shoplifting is all part of a bigger picture and that more police engagement would improve the quality of life in British towns.

The Gaunts defy criminals by 'super-politely' approaching them once they have left the shop

A 2024 report found that Norfolk was the best-performing police force for catching and prosecuting shoplifters  a crime that has risen exponentially during the cost-of-living crisis  while the county's rates of burglary, car thefts and criminal damage have also plummeted.

This has been achieved by a back-to-basics approach by the local police chief and a robust policy of catching and fining shoplifters. 'It works, because if they don't pay the fines they can be prosecuted,' says Martin. 'At least it is some form of deterrent.' Meanwhile, a spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said they are committed to working with retailers and ensuring that criminals face justice.

Happy Piranha is situated at Pydar Street, a curving pedestrianised thoroughfare lined with listed buildings and handsome Georgian architecture. Once upon a time the street was lined with the fine homes of merchants and sea captains, now it features the usual modern cityscape: a TK Maxx, a branch of the malodorous Lush, a New Look outlet crammed with polyester dresses.

The Gaunt business comprises three outlets: the gift shop itself, a cafe used by community groups with tables outside where they sell ice creams in summer and a plant shop called Green Geeks.

Gaunt employs eight staff, a mixture of full and part-time workers. In his office in the stockroom upstairs, six security cameras silently patrol the premises and the street outside, alongside the computer where Martin studies the intricacies of retail law and doggedly puts forward his case.

He has met the Police Commissioner of Devon and Cornwall, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper ('she's got a good understanding') and assorted local police officers in the pursuit of justice. He is a thoughtful, articulate and reasonable man.

He doesn't expect the cops to thunder down Pydar Street mob-handed every time some kid steals a gobstopper from him, he doesn't want everyone locked up in prison. Yet, like many shopkeepers, he is frustrated by the slowness of the police responses and what he sees as their general lack of interest in retail crime.

In addition, he feels there are inadequate follow-up investigations and a lack of deterrents. In the UK last year, less than a fifth of recorded shoplifting offences resulted in a charge or summons, let alone a prosecution. This has left many shopkeepers in despair.

'The problem is shoplifting has become a symptom of the breakdown we've been experiencing in society. It provides a fishing rod that feeds the worst in society.'

What he would like to see is better community engagement, consistent low-level enforcement, and reform within the police force to address these issues effectively. In the meantime, even as a tax-paying, law-abiding citizen, he is on his own.

'I know there is an element of danger involved in what I do, but there is also danger involved in doing nothing,' says Martin Gaunt. 'What am I supposed to do? Just give up and go home?'

The Gaunts of Truro have laid down the gauntlet. And for now, giving up and going home is not an option.
Few people outside the town of Rochdale would recognise Abdul Rauf if they saw him. But for those in the know in this Greater Manchester town, the sight of the 55-year-old paedophile, a key figure in one of the UKs most notorious child grooming gangs, is an utter outrage which strikes at their hearts.

By rights this abusive monster should have been deported to his native Pakistan years ago but today, thanks largely to bureaucratic red tape and taxpayer-funded legal filibustering, hes out of jail and back at home in his red-brick semi with his wife, five children and grandchildren  free to come and go as he pleases.

Its almost as if the callous, vicious and violent crimes he and his wicked associates inflicted on 47 girls as young as 12 between 2005 and 2008 simply never happened.

Scratch the surface, however, and as one of those children, now a grown woman, has told the Mail: For all of us, its been a life sentence. It never stops. We have to live through it each and every day of our lives.

Rauf himself was convicted in 2012 of trafficking a teenage girl and conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child after driving one 15-year-old victim to different locations where he and some of his monstrous cronies had sex with her up to 20 times.

The men, mainly British Pakistanis, often plied the girls with drink and drugs and passed them around for sex but police initially failed to investigate amid fears of being accused of racism.

Their victims live in fear of bumping into the perpetrators, most of whom served just a fraction of their sentences before being released and returning to Rochdale.

Former taxi driver Rauf, as we shall see, is one of three child sex abusers who should have been deported to Pakistan but have so far outfoxed the Home Office and managed to dig in their heels and stay, leaving their victims in fear of running into them around town.

Former taxi driver Abdul Rauf is one of three child sex abusers who should have been deported to Pakistan but have so far outfoxed the Home Office

Rauf was convicted in 2012 of trafficking a teenage girl and conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child

Mohammed Sajid was found guilty of conspiracy, trafficking, one count of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child

How scary is that? says another former child survivor, now in her 20s, to turn a corner and see a man who treated you like a piece of meat when you were just a kid?

In a week which has seen the subject of Britains child grooming gangs return to the spotlight at Westminster, those still caught up in this never-ending nightmare  both victims and those who are still fighting on their behalf  have spoken to the Mail of their ongoing struggle for justice and their determination to eradicate these vile gangs once and for all. Their shared ordeals, their pleas for those in power to stamp out the evil still lurking in their communities once and for all, are a thousand times more powerful than the squabble over whether or not there should be a full, Government-led public inquiry into the issue of grooming gangs across Britain.

The row started last week after Labours safeguarding minister Jess Phillips rejected calls for a Government inquiry into historic grooming gangs in Oldham, another town, just seven miles from Rochdale, plagued by the problem, with Ms Phillips arguing that the council should lead a local inquiry instead.

Sir Keir Starmer argued this week that a new probe would only delay action being taken and blocked an attempt on Wednesday by the Conservatives to force the Government to set up a national inquiry, by ordering his Labour MPs to vote against it.

Tech billionaire and Trump supporter Elon Musk has also waded into the affray, accusing the Prime Minister of being complicit in the rape of Britain for failing to tackle the problem during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions between 2008 and 2013.

Among a series of inflammatory posts on X, the social media site he owns, outspoken Musk even called for Sir Keir to be jailed.

On the streets of Rochdale, one of a handful of towns to be plagued by child sex exploitation rings including Rotherham, Oldham, Telford, Huddersfield, Oxford and Bristol, such political hurly burly is almost meaningless.

Survivors, campaigners and locals alike are more concerned that those apparently brought to justice have been able to return to the community and carry on their lives as if nothing happened.

Hamid Safi was found guilty of conspiracy and trafficking

Taxi driver Abdul Aziz, known as 'The Master' was found guilty of conspiracy and trafficking for sexual exploitation

Abdul Qayyum, known as 'Tiger', was found guilty of conspiracy

I still have flashbacks to what happened to me  the indignities and the beatings I went through, said one of the abused girls who spoke to the Mail. Everywhere there are reminders, the takeaways, the flats I was taken to, the places theyd park up so they could maul me or intimidate me.

Campaigner Maggie Oliver, a former Greater Manchester Police detective who exposed her own forces poor handling of the Rochdale child sex abuse ring, has revealed that another victim, who had to have a termination after being raped, came face to face in the aisle of Asda in Rochdale with the man who violated her and fled the store in hysterics.

She hadnt even been told that her assailant was out of prison.

According to his furious neighbours who cannot understand how he has not been kicked out of the country, Abdul Rauf  once a religious studies teacher at a mosque in Rochdale  walks around like he owns the place.

After getting out of prison in November 2014, less than three years into a six-year sentence, he was even able to get a job for takeaway delivery app Foodhub. Stripped of his British citizenship, he was told he would be deported to Pakistan in 2015.

Immigration tribunal judges twice rejected his appeals in 2020 and 2022 and said there was a very strong public interest argument for removing him.

But with the help of his lawyers and funded by thousands of pounds worth of legal aid, Rauf argued that deportation would leave him stateless because he had renounced his Pakistani citizenship and would strip him of his right to family life as set out in the Human Rights Act.

Two other members of the gang pulled the same stunt as Rauf, renouncing their Pakistani citizenship before being stripped of their UK citizenship. Their legal battle to stay is so far said to have cost more than 2 million in taxpayer-funded legal aid. It is believed the main reason they are still in this country is that Pakistan refuses to have them back.

Kabeer Hassan was found guilty of conspiracy and rape

Adil Khan renounced his Pakistani nationality days before the Court of Appeal ruled he could be stripped of his UK citizenship

Adil Khan, 54, is the child rapist who bumped into one of his victims in Rochdales Asda. Like Rauf, he renounced his Pakistani nationality just days before the Court of Appeal ruled he could be stripped of his UK citizenship, deliberately making himself stateless. Shamelessly, he claimed he needed to remain in Rochdale to be a role model to his son.

Also avoiding being sent back to Pakistan despite being stripped of UK citizenship is 51-year-old Abdul Aziz, who took his 15-year-old victim to flats in Rochdale where she was plied with vodka and drugs and coerced into sex with gangs of men in return for payment to him.

A fourth gang member earmarked for deportation is 47-year-old Mohammed Sajid, who was jailed for 12 years in 2012 and was due for release late last year.

The gangs twisted ringleader, 71-year-old Shabir Ahmed, who is still in prison, is also fighting deportation. Sentenced in 2012 to 22 years for rape, sexual assault, trafficking and conspiracy to engage in sexual activity, in theory he could remain in prison until around 2034.

But the founder of Rochdale-based Parents Against Grooming, Billy Howarth, told the Mail this week that one of Ahmeds victims has been notified that he will be released in early 2026 and sent a map by Greater Manchesters Sex Offender Management Unit showing a no-go area of Rochdale which Ahmed, who was once employed as a welfare officer by Oldham Council, must not enter.

For her it feels like a prison, said father-of-two Mr Howarth. Its the only place she can safely be without seeing him. But its not so much about keeping him out. She feels like shes being kept in.

He added that for years he had been emailing the Home Office asking why other gang members had not been deported, without getting any answers.

They should have gone years ago, he says. Theyre walking around and theres no restrictions on where they can go.

Shabir Ahmed was the ringleader of a Rochdale child sex grooming gang who cited human rights laws to appeal against deportation

Mohammed Amin was jailed for five years

The Home Office will not say why the men have not been deported, stating only that they do not comment on individual cases.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has previously argued that justice will finally be seen to be fully served only once these deportations are complete and only then will the community be able to heal.

To date, only one of the nine convicted is thought to have been deported. Hamid Safi, an illegal immigrant who arrived in the UK after hiding underneath a lorry, is believed to have been sent back to his native Afghanistan.

The other members of the gang still said to be in the area are the youngest of the group, 38-year-old Kabeer Hassan, 57-year-old Mohammed Amin and 57-year-old Abdul Qayyum.

While the Rochdale nine were among the most high profile of the grooming gang prosecutions, there were scores of other cases.

Dozens of men have since been jailed for historic cases involving the sexual exploitation and abuse of young girls, including 42 last year in Huddersfield. The men, said a spokesman for West Yorkshire Police, regarded their victims as objects to be used and then trivially discarded. In

2023, Rishi Sunaks government set up a Grooming Gangs Taskforce with qualified officers from all 43 police forces in England and Wales and data analysts.

By May last year, 550 suspects nationwide had been arrested and 4,000 victims identified.

Rochdale is now bracing itself for yet another trial, due to start this Monday at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, which will see 11 men tried for historic grooming offences. The 103 charges against them relate to incidents involving teenage girls between 2000 and 2006.

Two further trials will follow this year, involving at least another 17 men from the town accused of child sexual exploitation.

In the meantime, the debate around whether or not there is a need for an overarching Government-led inquiry into the scandal continues to rage.

Several public inquiries have already examined the UKs grooming gang scandal and published their findings, not least the Jay Report, published in 2014 at the end of an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.

Written by Professor Alexis Jay, it criticised Rotherham Council for failing to protect vulnerable child victims and said it had not addressed the scale of grooming prior to 2014.

Professor Jay wrote in her report: By far the majority of perpetrators were described as Asian by victims, yet throughout the entire period, councillors did not engage directly with the Pakistani-heritage community to discuss how best they could jointly address the issue.

She later chaired the seven-year Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, which in October 2022 published 19 reports on 15 investigations covering a wide range of institutions with the aim of better protecting children in the future.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4 this week, Professor Jay said: Weve had enough of inquiries, consultations and discussions  especially the victims and survivors whove had the courage to come forward. She said that people should get on with implementing her reforms and locally people need to step up to the mark and do the things that have been recommended.

Campaigner Maggie Oliver, who now runs a foundation helping survivors of abuse, says: In order to get to the truth of why we have a problem with this particular kind of crime, we have to listen to the voices of victims, allow them to freely share their experiences and have open conversations as a country, and that includes members of the British Pakistani community. Im not interesting in demonising one section of our society. I want to understand why we have this problem that repeatedly destroys childrens lives.

One key change she believes must be introduced to get a grip on the problem is the recording of ethnicity of both victim and perpetrator when a sexual crime is committed. If somebody says that this crime is not still going on, theyre not being truthful.

She added: Im not interested in political point scoring. What we have, again this week, are all the officials, most of them have probably never even spoken to a victim, daring to speak on their behalf.

Billy Howarth said he supports a new national inquiry but says that there needs to be a local one as well, free from the influence of implicated institutions or political figures, to hold those in authority to account.

The Rochdale scandal was dramatised in the BBCs Bafta-winning Three Girls.

One of the real girls, now in her 30s, whose story was used for the script, said to the Mail: We were told they would be kicked out of the country. Knowing that had been done would have been a huge help for all of us trying to rebuild our lives. But instead we are still haunted by the paedophiles who raped and trafficked us.

What messages does that send to the grooming gangs?

Time and time again, amid expansive inquiries into failures on the part of police and local authorities to tackle the problem, those who survived these terrible crimes inflicted on them as children have been promised justice and change.

How can it be then that, close to two decades on, this national scandal has yet to be resolved?
On the estate in Luton where Skylar Dalziel grew up, neighbours assumed the 22-year-old had shut herself away to look after her disabled father.

But in reality, the reclusive carer was busy building her own music industry by stealing online from the world's biggest stars and selling on their unreleased tracks.

Pictured for the first time, Dalziel targeted more than 100 artists, from Taylor Swift to Adele and Coldplay. For more than two years she hacked into online cloud storage accounts linked to the artists to steal more than 290,000 tracks before they had been released.

The jobless benefits claimant sold new Adele tracks for 1,650 a time, songs by Canadian rapper Drake for 2,000, and Coldplay hits for 400. Astonishingly, she had managed to hack into cloud accounts at top record labels, including Universal Music Group, Atlantic, Sony Music Group and Warner Records.

Police traced profits of at least 42,000 made between April 2021 and January 2023, but they believe this is just a fraction of the money taken by a global hacking group who taught her the tricks.

When officers swooped on Dalziel's 220,000 terraced home they found a spreadsheet in her bedroom listing sales on the dark web that suggested she was only keeping a third of the money, with the remainder going to associates taking Bitcoin payments from fans.

They used a cryptocurrency tumbler  an online money laundering service that obscures the trail by mixing potentially identifiable or 'tainted' crypto with others.

Dalziel was only found out after she contacted her music idol Taylor Upsahl on Instagram.

Skylar Dalziel, 22, targeted more than 100 artists, from Taylor Swift to Adele and Coldplay

The jobless benefits claimant sold new Adele tracks for 1,650 a time, songs by Canadian rapper Drake for 2,000, and Coldplay hits for 400

Taylor Swift performs onstage during her tour in Vancouver on December 4

She told the US indie pop star she had 'discovered' 40 of her tracks for sale online in an attempt to befriend her. Dalziel was issued a cease-and-desist notice from Sony Music before the international music industry body started a probe.

The case was eventually referred to the City of London's Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, which identified the hacker as Dalziel  a registered carer with ADHD who left school with no qualifications.

Yesterday Detective Constable Daryl Fryatt, who led the case, said Dalziel's 'creepy' superfan message to Ms Upsahl was her downfall as it enabled officers to trace her through social media accounts in which she posted pictures of her tattoo, which said: 'Thriving.'

He said: 'She has looked at these artists, who their family are and where they live, associates, open-source research working out who is best to hack, targeting files on sound engineers for email logins, some of it was guess work.

Chris Martin performs as the Coldplay headline the Pyramid stage during day four of Glastonbury Festival 2024

Dalziel was spared jail by a judge at Luton Crown Court (pictured) who handed her a 21-month sentence suspended for 24 months

'This organised crime group taught her to do it, groomed her, giving her the skills to be useful to them. She had a very turbulent upbringing, did not go to university, she has taught herself her own IT skills. She was a recluse staying at home as a carer for her dad.'

Dalziel pleaded guilty to nine copyright offences and four computer misuse offences in October.

Last week she was spared jail by a judge at Luton Crown Court who handed her a 21-month sentence suspended for 24 months and ordered her to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.

Investigators in the US are now hoping the prosecution will lead them to the global hacking group who successfully targeted the world's best-known musicians.
Killer nurse Lucy Letby was on duty for all but one of 13 baby deaths in one year at the hospital where she worked, documents leaked to the Mail have revealed.

The former neonatal nurse was convicted of murdering seven babies, who died between June 2015 and June 2016 at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

But the Mail has learned of six more baby deaths  four girls and two boys  over the same period of time at the hospital, with Letby on duty or recently finishing a shift when five of them died.

Those doubting Letby's convictions, including senior Tory MP David Davis, have repeatedly claimed she was not present for most of the other deaths.

This week the MP told Parliament Letby was blamed by doctors on a 'gut feeling' because she was working 'on each occasion an infant died'.

'The doctors' gut feeling was based on a coincidence: she was on shift for a number of deaths, although, and this is important, far from all of them,' he said.

He also called for a retrial, saying Letby's convictions were based on 'flawed' evidence and that she had been the victim of a 'clear miscarriage of justice.'

But the Mail has seen a document, created in 2016 by Letby's then-boss, neonatal manager Eirian Powell, appearing to prove Sir David's claims wrong.

Killer nurse Lucy Letby was on duty for all but one of 13 baby deaths in one year at the hospital where she worked, documents leaked to the Mail have revealed

Supporters of ex-nurse Lucy Letby demonstrate outside the High Court in London during her appeal hearing

The former neonatal nurse was convicted of murdering seven babies, who died between June 2015 and June 2016 at the Countess of Chester Hospital

Letby was on duty or had been on shift less than a couple of hours before five of the six other babies died, according to the document.

Contrary to what Sir David told MPs, she was on shift or had only just clocked off when a total of 12 out of the 13 babies died.

According to the prosecution's expert medical witness, Dr Dewi Evans, who reviewed all 13 deaths, there was a plausible medical explanation, including infection and congenital abnormalities, for why some of the other six babies died.

Cheshire Police is still investigating Letby and detectives have vowed to look into the cases of all 4,000 babies she treated at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women's Hospital, where she did training placements.

Only last month police confirmed they visited Letby in prison to ask her about more alleged murders.

A source with knowledge of the case told the Mail: 'Of course David Davis is entitled to his own opinion. But some of what he is saying is simply incorrect. He needs to check his facts. On Wednesday he essentially used parliamentary privilege to spread misinformation and it should be called out.'

Letby, 35, was also convicted of attempting to murder seven other babies, one of whom she attacked twice, after a ten-month trial at Manchester Crown Court in August 2023.

She was handed 15 whole-life terms, meaning she has no prospect of parole.

Tory MP David Davis (pictured) has repeatedly claimed Letby was not present for most of the other deaths

A sign outside the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester where Letby worked

Letby, formerly of Hereford, has appealed twice, but both applications were rejected.

Her barrister, Mark McDonald, announced shortly before Christmas he had evidence Dr Evans had 'changed his mind' on how several of the babies in the trial were killed. Mr McDonald said that, as a consequence, he would be immediately applying to the Court of Appeal, urging it to revisit their decision and look again at Letby's case.

The Criminal Appeals Office told the Mail that 'no application has been received'.

Dr Evans denied that he had changed his mind: 'Mark McDonald's observation regarding my evidence is unsubstantiated, unfounded [and] inaccurate.'

When contacted by the Mail, Sir David responded: 'Go and talk to the professional statisticians who have been through it all. Do not come to me.'
The Archbishop of Canterbury may no longer be the de-facto head of the global Anglican faith in a series of 'post-colonial' reforms.

Under the proposals, the spiritual head of the world's 85million Anglicans would rotate among bishops and archbishops from across the globe.

If the plans are accepted it would mean that the Archbishop of Canterbury would not automatically be the most senior figure in the Anglican Communion for the first time since its formation in 1867.

The report states that changing the role of the spiritual head of the world's Anglicans would 'fit with the identity and ideals of the Anglican Communion in a post-colonial era'.

It adds that the proposals would 'diversify the face' of the Anglican Communion as 'the leadership of the Communion should look like the Communion'.

There are 42 Anglican provinces across the world, from the United States to New Zealand.

Tens of millions of Anglicans live in Africa, with the largest number in Nigeria.

The proposals come amid a crisis in the CofE after former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby was forced to resign in 'shame' following a damning report into a prolific child abuser John Smyth associated with the Church of England.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby prepares to lay down his pastoral staff on the altar at the chapel in Lambeth Palace on January 6

However, the plans predate this and relate to bitter divisions over same-sex relationships and female Archbishops, with traditionally conservative Anglican churches in countries including Uganda and Bangladesh opposing more progressive changes.

The plans, from the Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order (IASCUFO) and titled the Nairobi-Cairo Proposals, also suggest changes will free up the Archbishop of Canterbury to focus on 'pastoral' duties.

The report notes: 'Ceding the expectation that the Archbishop of Canterbury convenes and presides at all meetings of the Communion will enable the personal and pastoral aspects of the archbishop's ministry to be given and received, and fits with the identity and ideals of the Anglican Communion in a post-colonial era.'

The proposals will not be considered until the next meeting of the communion's most important body, the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), in the summer of 2026.

However they are likely to pass, according to The Times.

Under the proposals, the spiritual head of the world's 85million Anglicans would rotate among bishops and archbishops from across the globe. Pictured: Canterbury Cathedral

The Right Rev Graham Tomlin, the retired Bishop of Kensington who is chairman of IASCUFO, told the newspaper: 'We're proposing supporting the role of the ABC by adding another face to the leadership of the Communion, which can also represent the Communion ecumenically and in other ways - and not always a British bishop.'

It comes after Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, who temporarily assumed Dr Welby's duties when he stepped down on January 6, admitted that the Church may need to rethink the role of Archbishop of Canterbury.

Mr Cottrell warned that the responsibilities of the job may need to be shared more widely in future following the 'unprecedented crisis' within the Church following the Makin Review.

Dr Welby was also asked in 2023 if the Archbishop of Canterbury's role as de facto head of the communion was likely to change, answering: 'I think it probably will.'

He added: 'We are in a post-imperial era and it is essential that the Church acts and looks post-imperial.'

The process to appoint the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury has already begun and a successor to Dr Welby is expected to be announced in the autumn.
A bitter civil war has broken out between the UKs leading Special Forces units over the Afghan war crimes inquiry.

Tensions are mounting amid extraordinary claims that the investigation into the activities of the Special Air Service (SAS) came about as a result of professional jealousy by members of the Special Boat Service (SBS).

The SAS is currently at the centre of a High Court inquiry into allegations that its troops executed as many as 80 Taliban suspects in custody between 2010 and 2013.

As court papers released this week revealed, the probe was initially triggered by officers in the rival SBS.

Their murder claims led to a military police investigation and the present inquiry led by Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, the outcome of which has huge implications for elite military units.

It is understood that relations became strained after it was decided that the SAS would replace the SBS as the leading Special Forces unit in Afghanistan.

The SAS transferred to the country from Iraq to refresh anti-Taliban operations.

There is anger in SAS circles at the part played by SBS personnel in prompting the court proceedings.

Tensions are mounting amid extraordinary claims that the investigation into the activities of the Special Air Service (SAS) came about as a result of professional jealousy by members of the Special Boat Service (SBS). Picture: stock image

The SAS is currently at the centre of a High Court inquiry into allegations that its troops executed as many as 80 Taliban suspects in custody between 2010 and 2013. Picture: stock image

Decorated SAS veteran James Deegan, who won a Military Cross on secret operations with the regiment, launched a furious rant on Instagram, where he accused SBS officers who reported their concerns about SAS activities of being motivated by envy and wanting revenge.

Mr Deegan, who spent 17 years in the SAS, served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He has been described as one of the most experienced soldiers in the Special Forces.

Addressing his followers on the social media platform, he said: I know exactly what is [going] on with the SAS and the investigation.

'I am not making any comment, but what I will say is it was professional jealousy from another organisation that was effectively not up to task.

He also accused those who have given evidence to the High Court of peddling supposition, casual stories and bar-room bulls***.

The fall-out has raised questions over the relationship between the units moving forward.

It could also have implications for national security, as the SAS and SBS are required to train and fight alongside each other.

Last night, former military intelligence commander Phil Ingram said: What we are hearing is symptomatic of a difficult relationship between the SAS and SBS and, clearly, a real leadership issue under the director of Special Forces at the time.

The fall-out has raised questions over the relationship between the units moving forward. Picture: stock image

Military expert Andrew Fox, of the Henry Jackson Society think-tank, added: It is dangerous when this rivalry between the SAS and the SBS crosses into a grudge. It will take strong leadership to overcome the inevitable frictions that will come from this.

Should the judge find the evidence before the court credible, the inquiry could trigger a fresh criminal investigation into SAS extra-judicial killings.

If found to have executed Taliban suspects while in custody, SAS troops could face murder charges. Any commanders who may have prevented these activities from being investigated could face charges for perverting the course of justice.

The Mail has also learned that the SAS and the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF)  the umbrella organisation which includes the SAS and the SBS  both face a major overhaul. While insiders say any tightening of restrictions around operations would kill off [the] Special Forces, changes being considered include subjecting UKSF units to parliamentary oversight for the first time.

This would require Special Forces officers to give evidence about their activities to a highly vetted group of MPs.

Special Forces chiefs are understood to be fighting to prevent such a move.
Washing your hair regularly is an essential part of any typical grooming regime.

But a third of women over the age of 65 only get the shampoo out once a week, according to a study.

Experts have warned that a clean scalp is essential for healthy hair - especially for older women with thinning locks.

And we should all be shampooing for a full 60 seconds to ensure a deep clean, they said.

The poll, carried out on behalf of haircare brand Philip Kingsley, asked more than 2,000 women in the UK over the age of 18 about their hair-washing habits.

Overall, 21 per cent said they wash their hair once a week.

However this rose to a third in women aged 65 and over, suggesting knowledge of scalp health may be less common in the older generation.

Anabel Kingsley, brand president and lead consultant at Philip Kingsley, said: 'There are no pros to not washing your hair. I advocate daily hair washing.

A third of women over the age of 65 only get the shampoo out once a week, according to a study. Picture: Stock image

Experts have warned that a clean scalp is essential for healthy hair - especially for older women with thinning locks. Picture: Stock image

'You wouldn't leave more than three days between washing your face, and you likely wouldn't wear the same outfit more than a few times before washing it.

'Apply the same thinking to your hair and scalp.'

While the data did not reveal why older women wash their hair less frequently, it could be that they have less active social lives and are less likely to be going to work than the younger generations.

Other potential factors is that they believe incorrect myths such as washing your hair too often can make it greasy.

The survey also revealed that two-thirds of women spend less than 10 on their shampoo, and only half said they use a shampoo specific to their hair texture.

Ms Kingsley said women only need a 50p-sized amount of product, but it should be massaged into the hair and scalp for a full minute.

Ms Kingsley said women only need a 50p-sized amount of product, but it should be massaged into the hair and scalp for a full minute. Picture: Stock image

She advised that women should use shampoo designed their hair type - for example one that is moisture balancing, or for an itchy scalp, or to help provide density.

The correct way to wash hair is to wet the hair fully, use a targeted shampoo, clean the scalp thoroughly and then repeat this step, she said.

Then, a person should rinse with water before applying a conditioner to the ends before rinsing again.

Further poll results revealed the most popular days for washing hair include Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Ed Miliband's 'obsession' with wind and solar power leaves Britain at risk of blackouts, a former energy secretary warned last night as UK gas reserves fell to 'concerningly low' levels.

With temperatures below zero once more this weekend, the boss of Centrica, the owner of British Gas, revealed the country has less than a week's worth of gas in store.

The stark warning comes only a few days after the UK came 'unsettlingly close' to rolling power cuts on the 'tightest day the GB electricity market has seen since 2011'.

On Wednesday, the UK's National Energy System Operator issued an alert for electricity providers to bolster output.

It warned there was an insufficient buffer to keep the country powered, and experts later said the power market came 'within 580MW of demand control or a blackout'.

The national grid struggled with a lack of wind power, no solar power during the night and interconnector outages.

To make up for the shortfall, grid operators had to spend up to 50 times the normal cost of electricity to keep gas power plants running. Energy Secretary Mr Miliband is pushing forward 'ambitious' plans to reach 95 per cent clean energy in the UK by 2030.

Last night Claire Coutinho, who was energy secretary in the previous government and now shadows Mr Miliband, criticised Labour's net-zero crusades.

Ed Miliband's 'obsession' with wind and solar power leaves Britain at risk of blackouts, a former energy secretary warned last night

There are fears Britain's gas supply could run out in a matter of days following the recent icy weather (pictured is a person clearing snow in Bowes, Durham, on Friday)

Your browser does not support iframes.

Pictured are the liquid natural gas storage tanks at the National Grid site on the Isle of Grain in Kent

She said: 'Ed Miliband's obsession with wind and solar, far from giving us energy security, will leave us out of pocket, dependent on foreign imports, and at risk of blackouts.

'As I said last year, we need to build more gas power plants and nuclear, so we can have cheap, reliable energy.'

On Thursday, stocks at UK gas storage sites were 26 per cent lower than the same period last year  leaving them about half full.

Gas inventory levels have come under pressure from the cold weather conditions and the end of Russian gas pipeline supplies through Ukraine at the end of last month.

Natural gas accounted for just over 55 per cent of power in the UK yesterday, according to National Grid data, with renewables meeting about 10 per cent of the country's needs.

The UK has among the smallest amount of gas storage of any major European countries, with capacity to hold enough gas for 12 average days or 7.5 peak winter days.

Germany has enough for 89 days, France has 103 days and the Netherlands 123 days.

Heavy snow has covered much of the UK in recent days. Pictured is Saddleworth's High Street

Labour wants to debarbonise the power grid by 2030, although Sir Keir Starmer (who met with Emmanuel Macron last night) recently diluted the pledge to at least 95 per cent 'clean' power

Hardy wild swimmers in Avon Lagoon in West Lothian, take the plunge in freezing waters on Friday morning - after smashing their way through the ice, first

Energy generation from major fossil fuel power stations fell to just over a quarter of the total last year, while other renewables, including solar, increased along with electricity imports.

A No10 spokesman said yesterday: 'We are confident we will have a sufficient gas supply and electricity capacity to meet demand this winter, due to our diverse and resilient energy system.'

Reports the UK has been on the verge of an energy blackout are 'not true', they added.
Police launch manhunt in New South Wales and Victoria for driver

A multi-state manhunt is underway after a four-year-old boy was struck by a car in regional NSW before the driver allegedly fled the scene.

The four-year-old boy was left in a critical condition after being hit by a car at 7am Friday outside his home on Dick Road in Lavington, a suburb of Albury near the Victorian border.

Paramedics rushed to the scene and treated the boy for a head injury before sending him to Albury Hospital in a critical condition.

He has since been airlifted from Albury to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne for further treatment.

Police want to speak to the driver of a white Holden Commodore ute which was seen in the area around the time of the incident.

The car has black rims and was last seen heading south towards the Hume Highway.

A white ute (pictured) was seen in the area around the time the child was hit and police believe the driver could assist with their inquiries

Albury sits within kilometres of the Victorian border and police are unsure which state the driver may have allegedly fled to.

A major search has thus been launched in both states as police try and locate the drive of the responsible vehicle.

Police have established a crime scene on Dick Road and are appealing to anyone who might have more information about what happened.

Anyone with dashcam footage or CCTV from the area has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.
Elon Musk tonight aimed more ridicule at the British state after it emerged Home Office security officials are monitoring his social media posts.

Officials are looking at the output of the worlds richest man on X, the platform he owns, to assess whether his posts could pose a security risk.

The decision is understood to have been prompted by his recent criticism of safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, which she subsequently said was endangering her.

And the South African-born Tesla co-founders breathless recent commentary on the grooming gangs scandal showed no sign of abating.

Today, Mr Musk wrote with typical brevity and a lack of further explanation: The fox is guarding the henhouse.

He was responding to an unsubstantiated claim that Matt Jukes, Britains head of counter-terror policing and borough commander in Rotherham at the height of the grooming scandal there, was investigating his tweets.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed Mr Jukes is not monitoring Musks tweets.

A source said the Home Office Homeland Security Group, which focuses on the highest harm risks to the homeland, is reportedly involved.

Elon Musk last night aimed more ridicule at the British state after it emerged Home Office security officials are monitoring his social media posts

The decision is understood to have been prompted by his recent criticism of safeguarding minister Jess Phillips (pictured), which she subsequently said was endangering her

The Prime Ministers spokesman said: I would firmly steer you away from reports suggesting that his comments are being investigated by a counter-extremism unit.

A Home Office spokesman added: While we cant comment on operational matters, we routinely use open-source monitoring to be informed of what is being shared online.

Mr Musk today retweeted condemnation of the pathetic Home Office by Rupert Lowe, the recently elected Reform MP who Mr Musk has tipped to replace Nigel Farage as leader of the nascent organisation.

Mr Lowe wrote: I have asked the Home Office how many of Musks posts have been investigated, for what reason, by how many officers and at what cost to the taxpayer?

They will spy on Musks online activity, but no inquiry into thousands of foreign rapists. Pathetic.

The Government has repeatedly rejected demands for a new national inquiry specifically into grooming gang, including a request from Oldham Council for a Whitehall-led probe into child sexual abuse in the north west town.

The Prime Ministers spokesman said: I would firmly steer you away from reports suggesting that his comments are being investigated by a counter-extremism unit.

The subject was touched upon by the wider Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, whose findings were published after years of hearings in October 2022, but were overshadowed when Liz Truss announced her resignation as Prime Minister the same day.

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey today condemned Mr Musk for his recent commentary on British life, saying: When the richest man in the world owns a platform that he distorts to promote his views and prevents other people speaking, he isnt a champion of free speech, he is an opponent of free speech.
MANZINI  Normally, black is associated with funerals in the kingdom, but at the memorial service of the late Bishop Dr Nash Shongwe, white was the theme of the day.

This was the scene yesterday during the memorial service of the founder of Divine Healing Ministries, which was held at the Divine Healing Church in Manzini,where at least 2 000 people gathered to remember a man who was described as a husband, father, grandfather and believer.

The all-white casket, transported by a hearse from Dups Funeral Services was followed by several vehicles, while led by a police escort to control traffic.

In addition to being a bishop, Shongwe was also a member of Liqoqo and for this he was praised by Prophet Robert Kasaro, for representing the church in the corridors of power. Mourners began to arrive as early as 9am while the casket carrying the body of the late bishop arrived around 11am. As the doors of the hearse that was carrying the casket opened, it was the colour that caught everyones attention. His wife, as well as some of the children and grandchildren also wore white outfits.

Noteworthy, some of the mourners also arrived wearing white while the majority appeared to maintain the black colour. As the memorial proceeded, Apostle Madudu Mabuza who was one of the programme directors, praised the late bishop for the role he played in his Christian life. The funeral was characterised by music and dance and speeches to remember Shongwe, mostly for his sense of humour. He was praised as someone who always used humour even when he preached even a serious sermon.

Notably, though some of the relatives were spotted crying uncontrollably, particularly while the casket was entering the church, the service was mostly characterised by a celebration of his life. In fact, most speakers said they were celebrating the life of a giant of faith. Speakers arrived not only from around the country but also from neighbouring South Africa (SA). Bishop ND Nhlapo, who said he had known Shongwe for over 20 years was one of the preachers who arrived to share his experience with Shongwe.
In a scene that could have been plucked from a disaster movie, there is one home that appears to be standing alone, untouched, amidst a sea of smoldering ruins.

The $9 million Malibu mansion belongs to David Steiner, a retired waste-management mogul from Texas and a married father-of-three.

As the Los Angeles wildfires consumed everything in their path, leaving neighborhoods in ashes, incredibly Steiner's three-story home remained, defiantly intact.

The gleaming white of the building appeared to stand out against the backdrop of destruction. But the survival of Steiner's 4,200-square-foot, four-bedroom home is no accident, he believes.

The property was designed to withstand earthquakes and features ultra-sturdy construction, including stucco and stone walls, a fireproof roof, and pilings driven 50 feet into bedrock to withstand the pounding surf below.

'To be totally honest with you, I never in a million years thought a wildfire would jump to the Pacific Coast Highway and start a fire,' Steiner told The New York Post on Friday.

'I thought, 'If we ever have an earthquake, this would be the last thing to go.' I honestly didn't think that if we had a fire, this would be the last thing to go. The architecture is pretty nice. But the stucco and fireproof roof are real nice.'

But the fireproof design appears to have proved its worth turning into a fortress against flames.

One home appears to be standing alone, untouched, amidst a sea of smoldering ruins in the Palisades fire in Malibu, California

The $9 million Malibu mansion belongs to David Steiner, a retired waste-management mogul from Texas and a married father of three

Steiner's home seemed to emerge as the improbable lone survivor along the ravaged coastline

Realizing his home survived the inferno against the odds came as a complete shock.

'It's a miracle - miracles never cease,' the 64-year-old said.

Steiner thought his property would have succumbed to the flames like so many others after being told about the potential destruction to his ocean front property on Tuesday.

He received a video from a local contractor who had been monitoring the encroaching Palisades Fire.

The footage showed flames licking at the edges of Steiner's vacant home with the inferno having already consumed neighboring multimillion-dollar houses.

'[The contractor] was watching the news reports and saw my neighbor's house going down and told me, 'It looks like your house is going, too,' Steiner recalled.

The video painted a grim picture: thick smoke, roaring flames, and devastation everywhere.

'It looked like nothing could have possibly survived that, and I thought we had lost the house,' he admitted.

The three-storey home appears almost pristine following thing the fires the devastated everything around it

In this aerial view taken from a helicopter, burned homes are seen during the Palisades fire in the Malibu area of Los Angeles county, California

The home appears to be one of the few left standing while all around it appears smouldering

But remarkably, Steiner's home seemed to emerge as the improbable lone survivor.

'People started contacting me, saying, "Your house is all over the news,"' Steiner said.

Photos began flooding in, showing the striking white structure still standing tall, surrounded by charred debris.

'I started getting pictures and realized we had made it through,' he said.

Despite the miraculous survival of his property, Steiner is quick to downplay his good fortune.

'It wasn't a happy time,' he said of watching the inferno unfold. 'But I can replace it. It's not a person.'

Steiner said he has received an outpouring of support from friends and acquaintance during the ordeal, with many expressing sorrow for what they thought was a total loss.

Steiner appeared humble that his home has survived, particularly as it is not the retired executive's main property and there were no valuable family mementos present

From the air the devastation is total save for a few homes that escaped the flames

Swaths of the Malibu coastline lie in ruins, with smoke blanketing the sky and an acrid smell pervading almost every building

'I was getting texts from people saying, 'We're praying for you. It's so horrible,' he said.

But his response was one of humility: 'I said, "Don't pray for me - what I lost is material goods."  I lost a property, but others lost their homes.'

Steiner explained that the Malibu house, while significant, is not his main family home.

He purchased the home many years ago when two of his sons were in the area for school and the family no longer regularly use the place.

'I didn't have my family's mementos there,' he noted, adding, 'My heart truly goes out to those who lost everything.

'My wife sent me something this morning that said, "Last house standing," he shared, 'and it brought a pretty big smile to my face at a pretty bad time,' he said.

Fires raging in the Los Angeles area reduced some 10,000 structures to ash and rubble, killed at least 10, displaced thousands of others and spread over an area larger than the size of San Francisco.

Fires raging in the LA s area reduced some 10,000 structures to ash and rubble, killed at least 10, displaced thousands of others and spread over an area larger than the size of San Francisco

A view of burnt structures at Topanga Beach during Palisades wildfire in Topanga, Los Angeles

Beachfront structures have been burned so badly nothing remains except their steel frames

The devastation of the Eaton Fire is shown in a neighborhood in Altadena on Friday

Kenneth Snowden, left, surveys the damage to his fire-ravaged property with his brother Ronnie following the Eaton fire

Cars are left charred inside a dealership in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Friday

The blazes started on Tuesday, powered by gusts from the Santa Ana winds which slowed on Thursday, though forecasters warn they could pick back up later this weekend.

Los Angeles city and county officials said on Friday that the blazes ravaging the Palisades were 8 percent contained while the fire burning in Altadena was just 3 percent contained.

The death toll still isn't entirely clear, but officials have said at least 10 have died, including two in the Palisades Fire along the coast and five in the Eaton Fire more inland.

Still unclear as well is the financial impact from the damage, though an estimate from AccuWeather, a private firm that provides weather data, estimated the toll to be about $135 billion to $150 billion. Government officials haven't given a damage estimate yet.

More than 5,300 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the hilly coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.

Dozens of blocks were flattened to smoldering rubble, with only the outlines of homes and their chimneys left.

Among those whose homes were destroyed were a number of celebrities including Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal.
Mandy Moore's pregnant sister-in-law broke down in tears during a TV interview where she discussed losing her home in the California wildfires.

Kit Goldsmith appeared on CNN with her husband Griffin and spoke of her agony over losing their property, just weeks before she is due to give birth to their first child.

The couple are among the tens of thousands of people who have been displaced by the Eaton Fire and other blazes raging in Los Angeles over the last few days.

'We are, like everyone in our community in truly unbelievable circumstances,' Goldsmith said. 'I don't think we have had enough time to process what we're all being confronted with.

'The idea of trying to figure out where we're going to be for the next month, where we're going to have this baby is all really hard to process.'

The couple aren't even able to take refuge at Moore's Altadena home as it was also razed in the blaze.

The actress subsequently shared a fundraiser for the expectant parents which has since raised more than $178,000.

Goldsmith explained that worse than losing her home has been the loss of community.

Mandy Moore's pregnant sister-in-law broke down in tears during a TV interview where she discussed losing her home in the California wildfires

Kit Goldsmith appeared on CNN with her husband Griffin and spoke of her agony over losing their property, just weeks before she is due to give birth to their first child

'We had so many friends and a massive support group there that I was really planning to lean on,' Goldsmith added, before collapsing into sobs.

'Losing them is almost harder than losing our home because I know we're all going to be scattered from each other.'

The GoFundMe states that the couple 'lost absolutely everything' after the fires tore through their home in Altadena.

This includes their new nursery and drummer Griffin's instruments and recording equipment.

Moore faced a backlash after she publicized their fundraiser including from DailyMail columnist Maureen Callahan, as well as fans questioning if she would use any of her estimated $14 million net worth to help out.

Many people left negative comments following her call for help, with many asking why the star couldn't just 'get them a new house.'

'You cant help them? You're millionaires????' read one comment.

But many stood with Moore amid the criticism, with her fans saying the comments were cruel and lacked sympathy for a tragic event.

Mandy Moore, who also lost her Altadena home, was hit with a backlash after she posted a fundraiser for her family which has since raked in more than $178,000 of donations

The Goldsmith's home is pictured above before it was destroyed by the fires

One fan wrote: 'I find it incredibly cruel that in the wake of extreme tragedy & loss that there are so many hateful & hurtful comments here.

'If you dont want to donate to this family then dont but I hope you donate to other organizations in need because there are so many. Please try to lead with empathy.'

The This is Us actress did not hold back when replying to those asking about her contribution.

'People questioning whether were helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic,' Moore snapped.

'Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this go fund me and Im sharing because people have asked how they can help them. We just lost most of our life in a fire too. Kindly F OFF. No one is forcing you to do anything.'

At least 10 people were killed and thousands of structures were burned as fierce wildfires raged in the Los Angeles area, officials said.

Fast-moving flames blazed through homes and businesses as residents fled smoke-filled canyons and picturesque neighborhoods that are home to many celebrities.

Many of the towering fires that began Tuesday were fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, which gusted to more than 70 mph in some spots.

Many people left negative comments following Moore's call for help, with many asking why the star couldn't just 'get them a new house'

At least 10 people were killed and thousands of structures were burned as fierce wildfires raged in the Los Angeles area

The winds dropped Thursday, but the National Weather Service warned that even the reduced gusts could still spread fire rapidly.

The exact death toll remained unclear, but it was expected to rise as crews begin to search the rubble.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said California has deployed more than 1,400 firefighting personnel to battle the blazes. Oregon, Washington, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona dispatched teams to assist.

AccuWeather, a private company that provides data on weather and its impact, increased its estimate of the damage and economic loss to $135 billion to $150 billion. Government officials have not yet released any damage estimates.
Veteran broadcaster Soni Dimond from Pennsylvania has been mourned by her local news station after she died suddenly at the age of 67.

The self-described 'Queenager' went into cardiac arrest on December 27, and died on Thursday at Lancaster General Hospital, having never recovered.

Dimond was a part-time presenter on local news station ABC 27 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she hosted the Vibrant Living lifestyle segment.

Colleagues at the TV station presented tributes to her on-air after news of her death, paying tribute to her 45 years in media.

'Soni will long be remembered for the energy and glamor she brought every time she stepped into the ABC27 studio,' the station said.

Amy Kehm, who hosted Good Day PA, the show that included Dimond's segment, teared up as she spoke of her admiration for her fellow presenter.

Veteran broadcaster Soni Dimond has been mourned by her local news station after her sudden death aged 67

Dimond was a part-time presenter on local news station ABC 27 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she hosted the Vibrant Living lifestyle segment

'This was her idea to host a segment called 'Vibrant Living' because that's how she was living - vibrantly,' she said.

'I'm a better person for meeting Soni and there's a reason she had the last name that she did because we all want to shine bright like a Soni Dimond.'

Former colleague, now WBAL anchor, Robert Lang added:'Soni Dimond was an absolute treasure, a wonderful PR professional and classy lady. Loved working alongside her in Harrisburg.'

Dimond attended Cedar Cliff High School and Gettysburg College and began her career as an intern in 1978, when the station was known as WTPA-TV 27.

She was hired as the stations first weekend news anchor a year later, and was also its first female anchor.

During the week she filed reports for for WGAL-TV8 and presented a segment called Consumer Corner.

Dimond left journalism later in the 1980s and worked for AFSCME in Washington, DC and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Dimond attended Cedar Cliff High School and Gettysburg College and began her career as an intern in 1978, when the station was known as WTPA-TV 27

When she returned to ABC 27 in 2018, she pitched Vibrant Living as a segment about about seniors and how they were enjoying life - as she was

Dimond was known as a style queen who brought glamour to the newsroom

She then started her PR firm Soni Dimond Media in 1995, for which she was named among the Best 50 Women in Business in Pennsylvania Award in 2003.

When she returned to broadcasting and ABC 27 in 2018, she pitched Vibrant Living as a segment about about seniors and how they were enjoying life - just as she was.

Dimond was survived by her niece Elena Lomicky, son-in-law Joe, grandson Emerson, and her husband of 28 years, Kevin Martorana.

Her funeral is on January 17 at Wiedeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, on Harrisburg Street in Oberlin, Pennsylvania.
A federal judge found former Donald Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court Friday for the second time in a week after he called her 'bloodthirsty' in an online rant.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell of Washington, D.C. warned him he could be sent to jail if he doesn't stop spreading lies about two former Georgia election workers who won a $148 defamation judgement against him.

'It is outrageous and shameful that Mr. Giuliani dares to suggest that he is the one who is being treated unfairly,' the judge said in court Friday.

Howell found the former New York City mayor violated court orders barring him from defaming Wandrea 'Shaye' Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman. The judge ordered him to review trial testimony and other materials from the case, and warned him that future violations could land him behind bars. It comes as Giuliani has continued to try to hawk his signature coffee to make cash while failing to comply with an order to fork over his classic Mercedes and other items as payment to the defamed election workers.

That came after he attacked Judge Howell over January 6 and called her biased.

'Judge Beryl Howell, the Obama appointee who is so bloodthirsty that she is very disappointed with the sentences of the more than 1,000 J-6 defendants (more convicted of misdemeanors than felonies) is making us wait all day for her inevitable highly prejudiced, usual, biased decision,' Giuliani wrote.

'Like Judge Liman in N.Y., whose detailed opinion was reached and written before I finished my last 3 hours of testimony, this decision was already obvious from her earlier opinion and her overall pathological hatred of all things Trump. The hearing is a hypocritical waste of time and a disgusting example of Biden lawfare. Howell and Liman, if they were not so biased, would recuse themselves. Soon I will reveal my real feelings about this systemic destruction of our American system of justice.'

Moss and Freeman sued Giuliani for defamation for falsely accusing them of committing election fraud in connection with the 2020 election. His lies upended their lives with racist threats and harassment.

Giuliani smiled and chuckled as the judge explained why she was holding him in contempt of court. Howell, who was nominated to the bench by President Barack Obama, said it is 'outrageous and shameful' for Giuliani to suggest that he is the one who has been treated unfairly in this case.

Rudy Giuliani, right, arrives at federal court in Washington, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

'This takes real chutzpah, Mr. Giuliani,' she said.

Shortly before the hearing began, Giuliani slammed the judge in the social media post, calling her 'bloodthirsty' and biased against him and the proceeding a 'hypocritical waste of time.'

'I dont care what she did. She is a completely farcical judge,' Giuliani said outside the courtroom. 'She didnt consider a damn thing I said. She wrote it beforehand.'

Its the latest legal setback for Giuliani, who is also facing criminal charges and lost his law license in D.C. and New York after pursuing false claims that Trump made about his 2020 election loss.

Giuliani briefly testified during Friday's hearing, only to authenticate records about his personal finances.

The judge didn't fine Giuliani for his most recent defamatory comments about the case, but she said would impose daily fines of $200 if he doesn't certify within 10 days that he has complied with her order to review trial testimony and other case-related material.

A jury sided with the mother and daughter in December 2023 and awarded them $75 million in punitive damages plus roughly $73 million in other damages.

Giuliani attacked Judge Beryl Howell in an online post before she held him in contempt

'Mr. Giuliani started lying about Plaintiffs in December of 2020, and refused to stop after repeatedly being told that his election-rigging conspiracy theory about Plaintiffs was baseless, malicious, and dangerous,' the plaintiffs' lawyers wrote.

Giuliani's attorneys argued that the plaintiffs haven't presented 'clear and convincing' evidence that he violated a court order in the defamation case in comments that he made on November podcasts about alleged ballot counting irregularities in Georgia.

'Giuliani acted with the good faith belief that his comments did not violate the (judgment) and he should not be subject to contempt sanctions,' his lawyers wrote.

On Monday in New York, Judge Lewis Liman found Giuliani in contempt of court for related claims that he failed to turn over evidence to help the judge decide whether he can keep a Palm Beach, Florida, condominium.

Giuliani, who testified in Limans Manhattan courtroom Jan. 3, said he didn't turn over everything because he believed the requests were overly broad, inappropriate or even a 'trap' set by plaintiffs' lawyers.

Giuliani, 80, had tried to get out of appearing in person Friday, telling the judge he gets death threats and has been told to be careful about traveling. But he withdrew his request to appear virtually after the judge ordered him to explain whether he has traveled from his Florida home within the last month.

On the witness stand at the defamation trial, Moss and Freeman described fearing for their lives after becoming the target of a false conspiracy theory that Giuliani and other Republicans spread as they tried to keep Trump in power after he lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden. Moss told jurors she tried to change her appearance, seldom leaves her home and suffers from panic attacks.

Giuliani has pleaded not guilty to nine felony charges in the Arizona case alleging he spread false claims of election fraud there after the 2020 election.

He was separately charged in Georgia along with Trump and other allies of the former president accused of trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The future of the Georgia case is unclear after an appeals court said Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office could not continue to prosecute it because of an 'appearance of impropriety' created by a romantic relationship she had with a special prosecutor she hired to lead the case.
As a newly elected MP, Sir Keir Starmer chose an unusual destination for his first overseas jolly. Instead of visiting one of the UKs major allies such as the United States, Germany or France, the rookie Parliamentarian decided in February 2016 to jump on a long-haul flight to Bangladesh.

There, he spent a week visiting the cities of Dhaka and Sylhet, where photos showed him  looking a touch younger and thinner than today  walking in a designer suit through impoverished slums.

As we chatted in our (very) broken Bangla with those living in the slum, we were struck by their spirit and resilience, wrote Sir Keir, in a dispatch for his local paper. Running water and decent homes may be in short supply, but compassion and humanity overflow.

The trip, valued at 1,200, culminated in a visit to the wood-panelled HQ of the countrys autocratic female prime minister, Sheikh Hasina Wazed.

Here, Starmer presented his smiling host with a signed picture of the Houses of Parliament. Some might call that an underwhelming gift. But this meeting would turn out to be the start of a mutually beneficial relationship between Sir Keir and the Bangladeshi leader.

A few months later, members of the UK branch of Hasinas party, the Awami League, attended a fundraising dinner in his Holborn and St Pancras constituency. Then, at the 2019 election, Hasinas British footsoldiers turned out in big numbers to help him canvass local voters.

Starmer cemented his friendship with the Bangladeshi premier in September 2022, when she visited the UK to attend the Queens funeral, with a face-to-face encounter at the luxury hotel Claridges in Londons Mayfair.

It was a pleasure to meet, he said later. Under a Labour government, we will continue to strengthen our ties with international allies like Bangladesh.

Anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq is thought to be one of Sir Keir Starmer's few close personal friends in politics and their families have reportedly holidayed together

Starmer presents Siddiq's aunt former Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina Wazed with a signed picture of the Houses of Parliament

Following this photo-op, the UK arm of the Awami League was prevailed upon to campaign for Sir Keir at last summers General Election. That of course resulted in Starmer entering No 10, at which point Hasina issued public congratulations in a letter that wished him the very best of health, happiness and success and waxed lyrical about the Awami Leagues enduring friendship with the Labour Party and its iconic leaders.

All very chummy. Yet to those in the know, Sir Keirs links to Bangladesh, or at least its PM, have long been considered a dangerous miscalculation.

The reason? The small matter of Hasinas character. Despite talking a good game on socialism, she has been accused for years of presiding over a despotic and corrupt regime which rigged elections, jailed critics and murdered political opponents.

During her period in government, which began in 2008, around 600 rivals were forcibly disappeared according to a report to the United Nations. That appeared to sit extremely awkwardly with both the UK and Labours supposed commitment to human rights.

By the time of Starmers election, matters were rapidly coming to a head. Back in Bangladesh, students critical of Hasina had been staging street protests since 2022. Last July police were instructed to launch a crackdown. That resulted in the death of four demonstrators, sparking further protests that led to dozens and then hundreds more deaths.

Come early August, the country was in meltdown. On the first Sunday of the month, the uprising saw Hasina forced from power. She fled on a helicopter before angry crowds stormed the prime ministerial palace.

So far, so messy. And the series of events has since left Sir Keir with two headaches.

One is diplomatic: the UK must now attempt to cosy up with Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel peace laureate leading Bangladeshs interim government in advance of forthcoming elections. Its unclear whether the relationship will be tainted by Starmers long-standing friendship with the countrys freshly-deposed autocrat.

The rental flat in Kings Cross, given to Siddiq, 42, by a businessman close to her aunt named Abdul Motalif back in 2004

The other problem is both personal and political: for the downfall of Hasina has sparked an explosive scandal which threatens the career of one of Starmers closest allies: the Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq.

At its centre is a pressing fact: Siddiq, who was elected as an MP in the same 2015 cohort as Starmer (and represents the neighbouring constituency of Hampstead and Highgate), happens to be the niece of the ousted Bangladeshi autocrat.

This places her at the heart of a corruption inquiry that was recently announced by the countrys incoming government.

It revolves around allegations that millions and perhaps billions of pounds have been unlawfully funnelled out of Bangladesh via bribes and kickbacks to Hasina and various relatives.

Particular questions, in this context revolve around a string of valuable London properties that have been given or lent to Tulip Siddiq and her immediate family, in highly unusual circumstances, by wealthy Bangladeshi supporters of the Awami League.

The most curious is a rental flat in Kings Cross, which was given to Siddiq, 42, by a businessman close to her aunt named Abdul Motalif back in 2004. Its now worth around 700,000.

For reasons that are unclear, Siddiq has gone to extraordinary lengths to keep this transaction secret since she entered the Commons. Indeed, when rumours about it first circulated, back in May 2022, she managed to keep details out of the Press by falsely telling a reporter the flat had been a gift from her parents.

Siddiq (pictured) spoke of how Starmer had been a good friend through thick and thin on the day he was elected Labour leader

The allegations you have set out are inaccurate and highly damaging, read an email from the future ministers Parliamentary account to the Mail on Sunday, which had asked her about Motalifs gift. Tulip will not hesitate to take legal action if they are included in any article you intend to publish.

Her legal threat succeeded in keeping the whole thing under wraps until last week, when details were finally reported by the Financial Times. At this point, Siddiq made a bizarre statement denying she had brazenly lied. Her spokesman said: Tulips previous understanding of how she gained ownership of the property has changed. Quite the euphemism.

And thats not all. For it has also recently emerged that the 2million house in Finchley, north London, where she has lived since July 2022 with her management consultant husband Christian St John Percy and their two young children, turns out to belong to one Abdul Karim, a member of the Awami Leagues UK executive.

Last year, Mr Karim was granted special status as a Commercially Important Person by Hasina, which allowed him access to state events, first-class travel domestically and letters of introduction abroad signed by Bangladeshs foreign mission.

After Siddiq moved into the house in Finchley, Karim was appointed vice-chairman of a bank in Bangladesh.

A source told the Mail on Sunday that Karim had no experience in the banking sector and that calls had been made from the Bangladeshi PMs office to lobby for his appointment.

Siddiq referred herself this week to the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards, Sir Laurie Magnus

Reporters have been unable to establish whether Siddiq and her husband are paying market rent for the property, which would usually fetch around 5,000 a month, but the arrangement has allowed them since 2022 to rent out a second flat in north London, where they had previously lived.

Siddiq failed to declare income from that property to the Parliamentary authorities for more than a year, until reporters began sniffing around the arrangement.

The revelations dont end there. For questions are also being asked about a third property in Hampstead where Siddiq lived in the 2010s. Its owned by her sister Azmina, who once worked for Tony Blair, but it was apparently given to her by Moin Ghani, a Bangladeshi lawyer who has represented Hasinas government.

As for Siddiqs mother (and Hasinas sister), Rehana, she lives in a property in Golders Green, north London, which is owned through an offshore trust by Shayan Rahman, the son of a billionaire politician and adviser to Hasina. Rehana previously occupied a nearby property owned by Kazi Zafarullah, a member of the Awami Leagues executive committee.

Its a highly unorthodox arrangement. And a very bad look for Siddiq, given that her ministerial role includes overseeing efforts to tackle corruption in the City of London. At the banks she is responsible for regulating, compliance departments take a very dim view about accepting valuable gifts from politically connected foreigners, especially when they hail from Third World territories such as Bangladesh.

For Starmer, this ongoing controversy hits particularly close to home. Tulip is thought to be one of his few close personal friends in politics and their families have reportedly holidayed together.

Indeed, on the day in 2020 when Starmer was elected Labour leader, Siddiq spoke of how he had been a good friend through thick and thin.

The PM had described her as my good friend and colleague when he joined her on campaign trail for local elections in 2018.

The duo have chums in common, too. As recently as December 5, Starmer was filmed at a black tie event in London chatting to one Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, the Awami Leagues UK general secretary. On Instagram, Chowdhury said the pair had discussed the current situation in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile in Dhaka, the government agency responsible for money-laundering and corruption this week ordered all 61 banks in the country to hand over details of any accounts Siddiq holds with them. Siddiq has denied wrongdoing and claims not to have any overseas bank accounts.

Nonetheless, she referred herself this week to the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards, Sir Laurie Magnus.

He is expected to investigate her unorthodox property arrangements, and whether she has lied about them.

In truth, questions about Siddiqs ties to Bangladesh have been doing the rounds since 2013, when she decided to seek the Labour nomination in the former constituency of Oscar-winning actress Glenda Jackson.

Days after she announced her candidacy, an email was sent to colleagues in Camden, where she was a councillor, claiming that her family was involved in corruption in Bangladesh.

It contained a photograph taken earlier that year in Moscow, which showed Siddiq and her aunt posing for a photograph with Vladimir Putin, following negotiations over a billion-dollar arms deal.

Siddiq claimed the whole thing was part of a smear campaign by Hasinas UK-based opponents, and reported the email to the police. However, its unclear what laws she felt had been broken  the photo of her with Putin was perfectly genuine  and no arrests were ever made.

She explained the photo by telling an interviewer that during an innocent social call to Russia to meet her aunt (Moscow is a quicker flight than Dhaka) shed been invited to the Kremlin and been briefly coerced by Putin into posing for a picture, saying: It was two seconds, but I can see why people might take it out of context.

A couple of years later, Siddiq claimed to have used the occasion to challenge Putin about gay rights: You have the man in front of you, why wouldnt you ask for his stance on the treatment of LGBT people in Russia? she told an interviewer.

He avoided the question. But I can tell my grandchildren I did it.

The hoo-ha did nothing to stop Siddiq gaining the Labour nomination, securing the support of an astonishing array of North Londons celebrity elite.

She was endorsed by everyone from writers Melvyn Bragg, Zadie Smith, Alan Bennett and Bonnie Greer to actors Emma Thompson, Greg Wise, Alan Davies and Richard Wilson, and comedian Eddie Izzard.

Londons Evening Standard went so far as to tell its readers that the glamorous parliamentary hopeful had already been tipped as a future PM.

When Siddiq won the seat in the May 2015 General Election, Hasina travelled to London, where she was pictured kissing her nieces forehead at an Awami League reception at the Sheraton on Park Lane.

The next day, the Bangladeshi PM attended Parliament to proudly watch her maiden speech.

Siddiq was endorsed by figures including Melvyn Bragg, Zadie Smith, Alan Bennett and Bonnie Greer to actors Emma Thompson, Greg Wise, Alan Davies and Richard Wilson, and comedian Eddie Izzard

Despite the show of support, Siddiq was by this stage taking unusual steps to distance herself  in the public eye, at least  from the Awami League.

She updated her personal website to delete references to her former job as a spokesperson for the party (shed even been listed as one of Bangladeshs official representatives at the UN General Assembly in 2011), and took down a blog in which shed described working for her aunt during the countrys 2008 elections.

The Awami League have won the elections by a landslide! Sheikh Hasina is the Prime Minister elect! I am ecstatic! reads one of the deleted posts. Ive been on the campaign trail with Sheikh Hasina all day.

The vexed question of her closeness to Sheikh Hasina came spectacularly to a head in 2017, when Siddiq became heavily involved in a high-profile campaign to free her constituent Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British citizen who had been jailed in Iran on trumped-up charges of spying.

Channel 4 News had been approached by lawyers and family members of another figure who had been unfairly jailed by a foreign regime  this time in Bangladesh  a British-trained lawyer named Ahmad Bin Quasem.

Quasem, the son of a prominent opposition Bangladeshi politician, had been imprisoned by the regime a year earlier. His supporters in Britain had repeatedly asked Siddiq to use her connections to secure his release, but shed failed even to return their calls.

Channel 4 then approached the MP to ask why  at a time when she was going vigorously into bat for Zaghari-Ratcliffe in Iran  she was refusing to help the poor chap unfairly locked up in Bangladesh.

Siddiqs response was extraordinary: she called the police, claiming that Channel 4s reporter Alex Thomson had committed a racially aggravated common assault.

The complaint was investigated. But Britain is not Bangladesh, where politicians seem able to throw discourteous journalists into the slammer, so the whole thing was, rightly, dropped.

Siddiq was also caught on tape making a sinister remark to Daisy Ayliffe, a female Channel 4 News producer working on the story, who was heavily pregnant. Thanks Daisy for coming. Hope you have a great birth because child labour is hard, she said, before filing formal complaints to Ofcom and the stations bosses.

Fortunately, what actually happened was recorded, recalled Ayliffe this week. If not, she could have cost me my job.

Quasems family was not so lucky. On the day Channel 4s piece about Tulip was broadcast, Sheikh Hasinas armed police raided their home in Dhaka and warned his terrified wife to remain low.

Siddiq's aunt Sheikh Hasina shakes hands with Russian president Vladimir Putin in January 2013

Siddiq later apologised for her unpleasant remark to Ayliffe, but denied being responsible for the police raid on Quasem.

Since Keir Starmer then made the glamorous MP his anti-corruption minister, and continued to break bread with her autocratic aunt, he must have assumed shed done nothing wrong. Today, five long years later, Tulip Siddiqs links to Bangladesh are once again in the spotlight.

According to yesterdays newspapers, No 10 officials are already drawing up a shortlist of Labour MPs to replace the dictators niece as our anti-corruption minister.

The big question now is whether Sir Keir is ruthless enough to sack his best friend in politics.
The Princess of Wales will grant royal warrants for the first time ever as she embarks on her gradual return from illness.

Kate, who turned 43 on Thursday, can now bestow the honour on any favoured company whose goods are sold to the royal household.

The news comes as the Princess has been making a steady return to public duties after abdominal surgery and chemotherapy and now hopes to 'recognise British skills and industry' with the award.

It marks a first for anyone holding the Princess of Wales title since the days of Mary of Teck as the privilege was not extended to Princess Diana when she married Charles.

There is not yet any known timeline for when the warrant granting is set to begin but it is 'hoped' this will be announced shortly.

A source added of Kate: 'She's keen to recognise British skills and industry.'

Royal warrants are issued for up to five years and allow companies to become members of the Royal Warrants Holders Association meaning they can use royal arms in association with their work.

Changes brought in by the King when he was Prince of Wales mean suppliers now need to prove they have a sustainability policy.

The Princess of Wales and the founder of one of her favourite brands, Holland Cooper, have both been spotted in the label's designs - pictured here the pair in a Fair Isle knit

King Charles and Queen Camilla - pictured together at the launch of the Coronation Food Project in Didcot, Oxfordshire last month - have issued new Royal Warrants to favoured firms

Queen Camilla's list of royal warrants last month included her hairdresser, Jo Hansford and the official supplier of Tabasco hot sauce, among other companies.

The options open to Kate are far-reaching as they range from businesses that supply technology equipment to designer fashion brands she associates with like Alexander McQueen, Catherine Walker, Jenny Packham or handbag designer Strathberry.

Holland Cooper, who designed the Fairisle knit jumper Kate wore when presenting CBeebies Bedtime Stories in 2022 is also a contender.

Almost 400 companies were included in the December batch of Royal Warrants issued by the King and Queen after the latter had previously granted them for the first time in May that year, deciding to award one to Fortnum & Mason.

Being granted a Royal Warrant is considered a huge advantage for British firms both in the UK and abroad.

Given the Princess of Wales increased public spending by roughly 1billion in the year after her wedding to William in 2011, it seems likely the official royal seal of approval could do wonders for any British company formally associated.

Nicola Pink, founder of the PR and marketing firm We Are Pink, said: 'We've seen the Princess of Wales have a huge impact on brands, often referred to as "the Kate effect". What makes it so powerful is that it has always felt genuine  she chooses brands she truly likes or wants to support.'

British jewellery designer Catherine Zoraida, whose earrings have been worn by the princess on numerous occasions, said the Kate effect on her company had been crazy.

British jewellery designer Catherine Zoraida (pictured), whose earrings have been worn by the princess on numerous occasions, said the Kate effect on her company had been crazy

She said: 'Its something like a 500 per cent lift in sales whenever she is seen in a pair of earrings. Theyre not just one-hit wonders, either. She looks after them well and whenever she re-wears them there is another uplift.'

Royal warrants date back to medieval times but were formalised in the 15th century by Lord Chamberlain who, as head of the royal household, formally appointed tradespeople with a Royal Warrant of Appointment.

The decision as to which members of the family can grant warrants remains that of the reigning monarch.

Last year the Danish royal family was criticised by companies in the country when it announced plans to scrap its warrant system.

In June this year, Charles was urged to revoke the warrants of Cadbury and Marmite-owner Unilever because of their links to Russia.

Ahead of Charles' official birthday on June 15, Ukrainian campaigners urged the monarch to strip companies that continue to operate under Vladimir Putin's regujme of their awards.

B4Ukraine highlighted brands such as Bacardi, Nestle, Unilever and Mondelez, Cadbury's parent company, noting their 'prolonged presence and financial support of these companies in Russia only serves to prolong the brutal war'.

Nestle, Unilever and Mondelez were not given royal warrants in this latest round of awards but they continue to hold warrants given by the late Queen as of June.

Kate wears a brown Alexander McQueen coat for a visit to Southport Community Centre. In her first official royal engagement, Kate opted to layer her coat over a burgundy polka dot dress from high street label Whistles which was previously worn in 2018

McIlhenny, the official supplier of Tabasco sauce, was also allowed to keep its royal warrant in December

A 45cm-tall chocolate crown was produced at Cadbury World in Birmingham ahead of King Charles's coronation in April last year

In February, Charles said: 'I continue to be greatly encouraged that the United Kingdom and our allies remain at the forefront of international efforts to support Ukraine at this time of such great suffering and need. My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers.'

In a statement to The Telegraph, a spokesperson for Mondelez said: 'Cadbury is deeply proud to have been granted its first royal warrant in 1854 and has been a holder of a royal warrant from Her Late Majesty The Queen since 1955.'

A representative for Nestle highlighted a 2022 statement which noted a 'drastically reduced our portfolio in Russia'.

At the time, Unilever and Bacardi did not return the newspaper's request for comment.
A mother was found stuffed into a fridge and dumped in a New Jersey forest, five months after her boyfriend fled to Mexico.

Laura Hughes, 50, was found on December 22 in Belleplain State Forest in Cape May in southern New Jersey, but her remains were not identified until Thursday.

Hughes' body was wrapped in a sleeping bag, tied with blue ratchet straps, and covered with carpet, along with a green yoga mat.

She left behind two daughters, Jase, 18, and Iridessa, 13, who lived with their father elsewhere in in the state.

Hughes' boyfriend, Christopher Blevins, 45, allegedly dumped her body in the park on July 24, then fled across the southern border at Brownsville, Texas, on August 2.

Blevins was recorded crossing into Mexico in the same green Dodge Ram as he was allegedly seen hauling a 'refrigerator-shaped object' on two days in late July.

'It was established that the green pickup was solely operated by Blevins,' court documents alleged.

Blevins later surrendered to police in Mexico City on August 27 and was interviewed about why he was in Mexico - though it was not clear why.

Laura Hughes, 50, was found on December 22 in Belleplain State Forest in Cape May, New Jersey, allegedly dumped there by her boyfriend Christopher Blevins, 45 (pictured together)

Hughes (right) left behind two daughters, Jase, 18, and Iridessa, 13

He allegedly told police he 'panicked' and fled after a 'violent incident' in Runnemede, New Jersey, where he lived.

He then said he may have 'killed someone in a bar fight'.

Blevins was released and Hughes was not found for another four months, with his connection to her death unknown to police.

But he quickly became a suspect after a passerby stumbled upon the fridge in the forest and looked inside.

A search of his apartment found blue straps, a gun, and other evidence tying him to the dumping of Hughes' body.

He was charged with disturbing and desecrating human remains and hindering apprehension, but so far he appears to be still on the run with police still searching for him.

Hughes' cause of death is also still being investigated by homicide detectives, and no murder charges have been announced.

Local man John Tyrrell found her body and led police to it, but was arrested and charged with obstruction after he refused to hand over his phone.

Hughes' body was wrapped in a sleeping bag, tied with blue ratchet straps, and covered with carpet, along with a yoga mat

Hughes' cause of death is still being investigated by homicide detectives, and no murder charges have been laid

Hughes and her ex-husband Cornel Alston with their eldest child about 17 years ago

New Jersey State Police shared images of Hughes' two tattoos and a mock-up graphic of them on a woman's back as they tried to identify the body.

The tattoos were a koi fish tattoo on the upper right portion of her back (shoulder blade area) and a rose tattoo on her left ribs, extending from her chest to her hip.

Police also posted photos of her necklace - a metal disc with a star indented into it - and the yoga mat with a distinctive green pattern.

Three days later, on New Year's Day, her ex-husband Cornel Alston shared news of her death on Facebook, after a friend recognized the tattoos and necklace and told police.

'As many of y'all brought in the New Year with good vibes and celebrations, I had to inform my children this woman missing is their mother and change their life (sic) forever,' he wrote.

'The senseless act rob (sic) my children of their mother.'

Hughes hadn't seen her children much as she was living in Danville, Virginia, and Alston was in White Plains, New York.

Then in early 2023 he moved to New Jersey and Hughes saw a chance to be closer to her children.

New Jersey State Police shared images of Hughes' two tattoos and a mock-up graphic of them on a woman's back as they tried to identify the body

Police also posted photos of her necklace - a metal disc with a star indented into it - and the yoga mat with a distinctive green pattern

Hughes and Blevins lived with Alston for about nine months until the couple moved to Runnymede in October 2023.

'She wanted to be near her kids. But things were difficult with her boyfriend. She was unhappy and planning to leave him,' Alston told the Daily Voice.

'It was like she was his mom - he struggled with drugs and alcohol.'

Court documents stated the couple had a history of domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Alston said he last heard from Hughes in July when she left him a voicemail, and claimed he saw her in August at a child support hearing in Camden.

This was despite police alleging Hughes was dead before the end of July, her body moved on July 24, and Blevins in Mexico by August 2.
Council areas where British-Pakistani men raped young white girls have endorsed an Islamophobia definition which labels the phrase 'Asian grooming gangs' racist.

Oxford, Newcastle, Manchester and Calderdale are local authorities backing a report that critics believe will silence whistle-blowers raising the alarm about child abuse.

This report says that using the term 'Asian grooming gangs' is a repetition of 'age-old stereotypes and tropes about Islam' of 'sexual profligacy and paedophilia, or Islam and violence'.

This, the report concludes, 'heighten[s] the vulnerability of Muslims to hate crimes', the Times reports.

Labour has adopted this definition and the report, produced by the all-party parliamentary group for British Muslims, which is co-chaired by the health secretary, Wes Streeting.

It comes as new unreleased data suggests Pakistanis are up to four times more likely to be responsible for child sex grooming offences reported to police than the general population

Figures from all 43 police forces in England and Wales show that 13,7 per cent of child sexual exploitation offences reported in the first nine months of last year involved people from Pakistan, the Telegraph reports.

The year before, they accounted for 6.9 per cent of the grooming crimes reported to the police.

Manchester City Council, pictured, is one of the stories backing the report

Oxford City Council also backed the report who branded the term 'Asian gang' as racist

Calderdale City Council is also among the list of local authorities

Newcastle is also one of the local authorities backing a report that critics believe will silence whistle-blowers raising the alarm about child abuse.

The data shows this is proportionately two to four times higher than the general population where Pakistanis make up for 2.7 per cent, data from the 2021 census shows.

The figures were revealed by the team running the first national police project to track and analyse 'group-based' child sexual abuse cases which includes the ethnic backgrounds of offenders.

The police launched the 'Hydrant Programme' in response to criticism from the 2022 Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, led by Alexis Jay, which highlighted a 'widespread failure' to gather reliable data on offenders, victims, and crimes.

The government is considering adopting an official definition of anti-Muslim discrimination for nationwide use, but critics argue it could function as a 'blasphemy law'.

This comes amid the ongoing row after Elon Musk, right, accused the Prime Minister, left of being 'complicit' in the failure to protect victims and prosecute abusers while Starmer the director of public prosecutions

This comes amid the ongoing row after Elon Musk accused the Prime Minister of being 'complicit' in the failure to protect victims and prosecute abusers while Starmer the director of public prosecutions.

The PM hit back at the tech billionaire, saying his record shows he took on the issue head-on

This came after safeguarding minister Jess Phillips rejected calls from Oldham Council for a government inquiry into historical grooming gangs in the town, with Ms Phillips saying the council should lead an inquiry instead.

Earlier this week grooming gang victims spoke out to demand a public inquiry and tougher sentences for abusers amid a social media war waged against Sir Keir Starmer by Elon Musk.

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.

This came after safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, pictured rejected calls from Oldham Council for a government inquiry into historical grooming gangs in the town

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.'

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'.

As previously reported, child groomers will get tougher prison sentences as part of a crackdown on the 'most vile and horrific of crimes', Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced this week.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Ms Cooper said the Government would legislate to make grooming an 'aggravating factor' when offenders are sentenced.

'The punishment must fit the terrible crime,' she told MPs, as she outlined a series of measures to tackle child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Ms Cooper addressed MPs amid a furious row over the issue, which returned to the spotlight after Labour came under pressure to establish a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham.
A Florida police officer has resigned after he crashed into a civilian's vehicle because he was watching porn while at the wheel, according to an official report.

Lake County Sheriff's Deputy Tristan Macomber initially lied about the cause of the November 6 smash and stated it was because his brakes locked up.

But bodycam footage obtained by TMZ which shows the crash reveals that there was more to the story.

When investigators reviewed the video, they saw that Macomber was holding his phone at the time of the collision.

Under questioning he claimed that he was scrolling through text messages.

'I was able to observe in the top right of the screen that D/S Macomber was holding what appears to be a cell phone in his right hand,' an investigator wrote in the report.

Amid further questioning Macomber admitted that he had been using his device to access explicit content, per the report.

The video shows Macomber cruising in his patrol car when all of a sudden he turn the wheel rapidly before there is an impact and the airbag deploys.

Florida police officer Tristan Macomber has resigned after he crashed into a civilian's vehicle because he was watching porn at the wheel, according to an official report

Lake County Sheriff's Deputy Tristan Macomber initially lied about the cause of the November 6 smash and stated that his brakes locked up

A subsequent review of his bodycam footage and an investigation led to Macomber admitting he was watching porn at the time of the crash

Sirens can be heard blaring as he composes himself and lets out a big groan.

'Son of a b***h,' he fumes as he steps out of the vehicle and throws his phone onto the drivers' seat.

'Gosh darn it. Yep that f**king sucked,' he sighs as he gathers himself, telling a concern eyewitness that he is 'good'.

He then approaches the car he hit, which had stopped to let a school bus pass.

'Hello ma'am, are you okay? I'm so sorry,' Macomber says to the driver who tells him she is fine. 'My brakes locked up, you good?' he adds.

Macomber violated several policies for lying about the incident, using his phone inappropriately and not wearing a seatbelt during the crash.

Investigators said Macomber initially told them he was conversing with a group chat.

The crash was so violent that Macomber's airbag deployed. He initially stated that his brakes had locked

However, after investigators reviewed his bodycam footage Macomber was forced to confess he was viewing porn at the time of the collision

However they reviewed the footage and clearly saw images on the phone at the time.

Macomber then said these had been sent within the group chat, but an examination revealed no such pictures or memes were present.

Macomber had been with Lake County Sheriff's Office since 2021.

He resigned his position as he was facing termination, NBC reports.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley is clinging onto her job by a thread sources say, after she hugged staff goodbye and entered a meeting with the mayor.

A source initially told DailyMail.com on Friday afternoon that the fire chief was fired, but the Mayors office told ABC7 Crowley still had her job. The office's official statement to the outlet said the pair 'met', without any reference to whether Crowley remained in her position.

The Mayor and Chief met. The priority remains fighting these fires and protecting Angelenos, the statement said.

But ABC7 reporter Josh Haskell added on social media site X that the Mayors office had officially denied the claims that Crowley had been fired.

When Crowley returned from the meeting, she told her office staff that she was not fired yet, the source said on Friday evening.

She was going into the meeting, telling everybody goodbye, because she was told the whole purpose of the meeting was to fire her, a source close to Crowley's office said.

When she was summoned into the meeting, it was with the direct purpose to fire her.

Whatever happened in that meeting, minds got changed.

Either Bass realized it would be suicide to fire her, and came to her senses, or Crowley talked her out of it.

She came back in the office briefly, told her staff Im not fired yet and went into a meeting with all her chiefs.

Shes still in that meeting with the fire chiefs right now.

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley is clinging onto her job by a thread sources say, after she hugged staff goodbye and entered a meeting with the mayor, hours after giving a frank interview to Fox LA

Crowley acknowledged to a reporter that the city, and by extension, Mayor Karen Bass, pictured, failed its residents during the wildfires

Late on Friday evening, LAFD confirmed the meeting between Crowley and Bass in a statement to DailyMail.com - but added that the fire chief was not dismissed.

On Friday, January 10th, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley of the Los Angeles City Fire Department met with Mayor Karen Bass, the statement said. Their foremost priorities continue to be fighting the current wildfires and safeguarding Angelenos.

It is important to note that the Fire Chief was not dismissed and is in full command of the LAFD.

Their meeting came after Crowley lashed out against the Mayor's cuts to her department, in an interview with a local Fox TV station around 12pm Friday.

'My message is the fire department needs to be properly funded,' the Chief said. 'It's not.'

'Did they fail you?' Fox LA's Gigi Graciette asked. 'Yes,' Crowley replied.

The Fire Department (LAFD) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A second source close to Bass' office told DailyMail.com that they were aware Crowley 'was called to the office' this afternoon, but did not know the outcome of the Mayor and Chief's meeting.

A retired senior LAFD official told DailyMail.com that he was shocked by Crowley's comments in her TV interview.

'In my entire career, a fire chief has never thrown a mayor under the bus. It's unbelievable, for her to go on the offensive like that,' he said.

He added that amid fury over alleged failures in preparedness and in tackling the fires that leveled neighborhoods in Los Angeles this week, the city leaders are fearing for their positions and are starting to turn on each other.

'It was a brilliant move on her part. One of them's going to get taken out. Either they're going to go after the Mayor or the Fire Chief,' the ex-LAFD top brass said. 'Saying 'She defunded me, I didn't have the money' is a brilliant move.'

Tensions were already at boiling point between Bass and Crowley, even before the disastrous fires broke out on Tuesday.

The Mayor pushed through budget cuts of $17.6 million through a recent council vote, prompting Crowley to write her a memo on December 4 warning the slash 'severely limited the department's capacity to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale emergencies, including wildfires.'

And DailyMail.com exclusively revealed a second LAFD memo written this Monday, the day before the Palisades Fire began, outlining a further $49 million of cut allegedly demanded by Bass.

In shocking statements to Fox LA on Friday, Crowley said she had not been informed that the Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Palisades had been empty and offline for weeks with scheduled maintenance by LA Department of Water and Power (DWP).

On Friday DailyMail.com revealed LAFD insiders were blaming DWP CEO Janisse Quinones for scheduling repairs to the reservoir's cover during brushfire season, and for failing to repair a large number hydrants which they said had been broken for years, including in the Palisades.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass tour the downtown business district of Pacific Palisades

Kristin Crowley became chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department in January 2022

Cars are left charred inside a dealership in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Friday

Crowley also appeared to point the finger at DWP for running out of water to provide firefighters battling the blaze this week.

'We weren't aware,' she said, referring to the empty reservoir. 'I don't know how the water gets to the hydrants. Please defer that to DWP.

'It's my job to stand up and say, justifiably, exactly what the fire department needs,' the chief added.

'When a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect there's going to be water. We don't control the water supply. We're there to protect lives and property.

She said her firefighters 'did absolutely everything they could do to rescue and save people's lives and property.'

In an extraordinary public airing of grievances, Crowley acknowledged to a reporter with KTTV that the city, and by extension, Mayor Bass, failed its residents during the wildfires.

When pushed several times if the city had failed, Crowley's response was unflinching: 'Yes.'

The stark admission sent shockwaves through the city, as Crowley detailed the dire state of her department.

Years of budget cuts, she said, had left the LAFD grappling with crippling staffing shortages, outdated equipment, and insufficient resource - issues she claimed had been repeatedly brought to the city's attention.

Flames and smoke from the Palisades Fire surround a home in the community of Topanga

The Palisades Fire burns a structure in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, pictured on Wednesday

A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire as it burns a structure in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Tuesday

'Since day one, we've identified huge gaps in regard to our service delivery and our ability of our firefighters' boots on the ground to do their jobs,' Crowley said.

'This is my third budget as we're going into 2025-2026, and what I can tell you is we are still understaffed, we're still under-resourced, and we're still underfunded.'

Crowley painted a grim picture of the department's daily operations, revealing that firefighters are handling more than 1,500 calls and transporting 650 patients every day under normal conditions. The wildfires have only exacerbated these challenges.

'We are screaming to be properly funded to make sure that our firefighters can do their jobs so that we can serve the community,' Crowley said.

'This isn't a new problem. It's been a problem for years. And it's time for it to be fixed.'

Despite her repeated warnings and detailed memos outlining the department's needs, the city slashed the LAFD's budget by over $17 million in recent years.

The result, Crowley said, was predictable: slower response times and a diminished capacity to combat the growing frequency and intensity of fires.

'Any budget cut is going to impact our ability to provide service,' she explained. 'If there's a budget cut, we had to pull from somewhere else. What does that mean? That doesn't get done or that there are delays.'

Firefighters are seen tackling one of the many blazes in the area

Firefighters try to douse the flames as a building is consumed by flames from devastating wildfires in the Pacific Palisades area of California

The devastation of the Eaton Fire is shown in a neighborhood Friday in Altadena, California

Kenneth Snowden, left, surveys the damage to his fire-ravaged property with his brother Ronnie in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire on Friday in Altadena, California

Crowley's criticism extends beyond the immediate crisis, pointing to a systemic failure to scale the fire department's capabilities alongside the city's explosive growth.

'We know we need 62 new fire stations. We need to double the size of our firefighters,' she said. 'The growth of this city since 1960 has doubled, and we have less fire stations.'

The fire chief called out city officials for ignoring 'real data' that supports the fire department's repeated requests for increased funding.

'When you talk about sounding the alarm and asking and requesting budgets that are easily justifiable based off of the data, real data shows what the fire department needs to serve this beautiful city and the beautiful community that we swore that we would. That's what that is about.'

Crowley's remarks were not just a critique but also a heartfelt plea for immediate and sustained action.

Emphasizing the non-political nature of her role, she said, 'None of us on the fire department are politicians. We're public servants first. We took an oath to serve the public before ourselves and even before our families.

'What our people need to do their jobs is to make sure that we can save lives and that we can protect property to the greatest capacity,' Crowley said. 'But we need to be funded appropriately. And that's where my head is at.'

Bass has yet to respond to Crowley's blistering criticism, but the fallout is already apparent.

Accusations of negligence and failure to prioritize public safety have added fuel to mounting dissatisfaction among residents, many of whom are reeling from the devastation caused by the wildfires.

For Mayor Karen Bass, this week's horror show was compounded by every chief executive's worst nightmare. She was halfway around the globe, on a trip to Ghana as part of a presidential delegation.

As her city faced its greatest crisis in decades, the first-term mayor confronted a critical test of her leadership two years after taking office. After rushing home to help manage the city's response, she pushed back against a loud chorus of critics from near and far.

'LA has to be strong, united,' Bass said at a press conference Thursday evening. 'We will reject those who seek to divide us and seek to misinform.'

Bass eventually made it back to Los Angeles by military transport, but only after a more than 24-hour absence, during which critics assailed her for not being better prepared.

More than 5,000 homes burned as fire hydrants ran dry because water demand was so high it drained the city's reserve tanks.

Garrett Yost gathers water from a pool while surveying his neighbors' fire-ravaged properties in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of LA on Friday

The devastation of the Palisades Fire is seen in the early morning in the Pacific Palisades

Governor Gavin Newsom ordered an investigation on Friday into the city's Department of Water and Power over the loss of water pressure. An online petition demanding Bass' resignation garnered 33,000 signatures.

'We have got a mayor that is out of the country, and we have got a city that is burning,' said Rick Caruso, a developer who ran against Bass in the 2022 mayoral race, on local television Tuesday night, adding that two of his children's houses were destroyed. 'It looks like were in a third-world country here.'

Elon Musk called the mayor 'utterly incompetent' in a post on his social media site X, leading a charge of conservatives slamming Bass for a cut to the city fire department's budget in July - even though it was later boosted with additional money and officials say it now has more funding than last year.

Some conservatives also claimed that the shortcomings of the response were connected to a focus on diversity at the agency.

A low-key, longtime legislator and coalition-builder, Bass, a 71-year-old Democrat, is now caught between the fires threatening her city and the white-hot spotlight trained on an executive struggling to get a spiraling natural disaster under control.

'She will be defined by this crisis,' said Fernando Guerra, founder of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola-Marymount University. 'She needs to be very proactive, not for the sake of her political career but for the sake of the city.'

The devastation from the Palisades Fire is seen from the air in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of LA

Firefighters hose down the burning remains of a structure in Altadena, California

Victoria Bower looks at the remains of her home in Altadena, California. Multiple wildfires continue to burn across thousands of acres in Southern California

Collin Brown of SoCalGas helps extinguish flames from the Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California

President Joe Biden, right, listens as Vice President Kamala Harris, left, speaks during a briefing from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, on screen top right, Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Deanne Criswell, on screen top left, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, on screen at bottom, regarding the federal response to the spread of wildfires in the Los Angeles area on Friday in the Oval Office at the White House

One of the worst blazes has raced through communities entirely outside city limits, showing how dry brush, steep hillsides, high winds and dense neighborhoods can be a lethal combination regardless of the local response.

Experts for decades have warned about the risks of building and living in hillside neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades, the wealthy Los Angeles neighborhood that was largely incinerated in one of the blazes. Los Angeles County officials have not been targeted with such intense criticism.

Bass became more forceful after a series of initial stumbles after returning from Ghana, where she was part of an official White ouse delegation to the inauguration of that country's president.

Bass was silent while intercepted on camera by a reporter at the airport, asking why she'd been gone and if she had regrets. At an earlier press conference, she read haltingly from prepared remarks, directing people to 'url' to find information online.

The mayor left for Africa on January 4, a day after the National Weather Service issued a fire weather watch for Los Angeles, flagging 'critical fire conditions.'

The day after she left, those watches were upgraded to warnings and on Monday the service warned that a 'particularly dangerous situation' was taking shape.

On Thursday Bass said it was too soon to respond to the critics.

'When the fires are out, we will do a deep dive,' she said. 'We will look at what worked, we will look at what didn't work, and we will let you know. Until then, my focus is on the TV screens behind you that are showing devastation that has continued. Thank you. Answered it in the morning, answered it now, won't answer it again.'

National Democrats, including President Joe Biden, began to rally around Bass on Friday.

'I know you're getting a bad rap,' the president said to the mayor during an Oval Office meeting with Bass appearing virtually.

'This is complicated stuff, and you're going to have a lot of demagogues out there trying to take advantage of it.'

Michael Trujillo, a Los Angeles Democratic strategist, dismissed the immediate criticism of Bass. 'The test isn't whether she was here for the fire or not,' he said. 'The test is going to be rebuilding.'

The pressure will be immense. Pacific Palisades and the adjoining community of Malibu, which is outside city limits but also suffered severe damage, is home to some of the wealthiest people on the planet, Trujillo noted. They will have no patience for a slow reconstruction, he said.

'This is basically her entire mayoral legacy,' Trujillo said.

Remnants of homes destroyed by the Palisades wildfire remain in Malibu, California

Wildland firefighters in a hotshot crew from near Klamath, Oregon search the ruins of houses in a neighborhood where many homes were destroyed by the Eaton Fire on January 10

More than 7,000 structures were damaged or destroy when powerful Santa Ana winds spread the fire across more than 10,000 acres and far into the city in less than 24 hours

A view of the remains of homes destroyed by the Palisades wildfire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California

He dismissed arguments over changes to the fire department budget that he characterized as minor.

Fire Chief Kristin Crowley wrote a memo last month pleading for more funds and complaining a separate $7 million reduction in overtime funds could hamper response to fires.

But since the blazes erupted she's stressed that the catastrophic nature of the event would have led to significant damage regardless of the budget.

Trujillo said: 'I don't care if the fire department had an extra $500 million, I don't think it would have changed what happened.'

For decades, scientists have warned that the Los Angeles area is due for catastrophic devastation from wildfires. Blazes are part of life in Southern California, but few have ever ripped into the heart of the city like this.

Guerra, who has been active in Los Angeles civic life since the 1980s, said the city is actually lucky.

'Given what happened, I think that local government has been incredibly responsive,' Guerra said. 'LA from 20 years ago would not have been able to manage this.'
A defiant Nigel Farage has claimed that the 12 Reform councillors who have given notice of their intention to resign were part of a 'rogue branch' in a fiery Newsnight exchange.

The 12 councilors - who hold two district council seats, nine town council seats and five parish council seats - are all from Derbyshire and include Alex Stephenson, who came second in Amber Valley during the general election.

The group alleged that the party was being run in an 'increasingly autocratic manner' and accused Farage of 'disloyalty' to long-term members, as well as saying that Reform has 'lost its sense of direction'.

Earlier this week, Farage lashed out at US politicians for supporting the 'thuggish' Tommy Robinson as he tried to mend his relationship with Elon Musk.

Mr Musk on Sunday called for Mr Farage to be replaced as Reform leader, saying he is 'not up to the job', after he refused to follow the X owner and Donald Trump aide in calling for Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - to be freed.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Farage claimed that the councillors were put forward by a 'rogue branch' of the party and none had passed their vetting stages.

It was also found that Stevenson, the Derbyshire group's leader, was suspended as a member of the party pending an internal investigation in December.

'We had a rogue branch putting people up and I think you'll find, in many cases, there will have to be by-elections because they were not legitimately put forward,' Farage told the news organisation.

Nigel Farage has claimed that the 12 Reform councillors who have resigned from the party were part of a 'rogue branch'

Farage reacts during an interview ahead of his speech at a conference, in Esher on January 10

Mr Musk on Sunday called for Mr Farage to be replaced as Reform leader, after he refused to follow the X owner and Donald Trump aide in calling for Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - to be freed

'Apparently one of them shared a Tommy Robinson post a few years ago. We have got no issue with that.'

He went on to say that the councillor in question, who he did not name, was a 'good bloke'.

In a statement first shared by the Guardian, the group said: 'We believe that the current party management is either incompetent or malevolent and we have lost all confidence in the leadership and its structures.'

Zia Yusuf, chairman of Reform UK, also tweeted in response: 'The leader of this group of "councillors" was suspended weeks ago by Reform for: 1) nominating candidates that failed vetting. 2) fraudulently nominating candidates with an invalid DNO certificate.

'As a result of (2), several of these 'councillors' are illegitimate and new elections must be held.

'Reform stands for the highest standards in public life, and those who commit fraud will always be expelled.'

American multi-billionaire Musk has spent the past week fixated on UK politics, specifically over British Asian sex abuse gangs in northern towns.

Speaking to LBC radio on January 7, Mr Farage said that while he wanted to 'mend fences' with Musk at Trump's inauguration later this month, supporting Robinson was not going to happen.

'Many of my American friends have seen one side of the Robinson story. He says he is in prison for exposing the grooming gangs and they go "oh my goodness me, this is dreadful, he is a political prisoner",' he said.

Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage speaks at a conference in Esher on January 10

The Reform UK leader criticised rightwing Americans who believe the incarcerated former EDL leader is a 'political prisoner' and said he was trying to 'educate' them.

'The fact is he has been in prison many times over the years - three times for contempt of court - and once he almost brought down a trial at which gang rapists were ultimately convicted.

'I am on a campaign in America at the moment to educate people as to just who Tommy Robinson really is.'

Asked if the government agreed with Mr Farage the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'It is absolutely the case that, as the PM said, those who are cheerleading Tommy Robinson are not interested in delivering justice for victims.

'It is important that people know that he went to prison for nearly collapsing a grooming case, so people who are cheerleading his cause are acting actively against delivering for the victims that the PM is interested in delivering for.'

Speaking during the phone-in, the Reform leader said he would be in the United States 'for a good sort of four or five days' for Donald Trump's inauguration as president.

'I have no desire to go to war with Elon Musk and I'm not going to, and I haven't done. I'm a huge admirer of him, I think he's an heroic figure,' Mr Farage said.

Asked whether losing his support would weaken Reform UK, he added: 'Not having Elon's support would damage us with that younger generation because he kind of makes us look cool, so I'm being frank about that and I am confident that whatever has been said, we can mend. I really think we can.'

He added: 'It's not crucial. I mean look, if I was to embrace, as it looks like I was being urged to do, the sort of violent thuggish people like (Tommy) Robinson, that would do our party immense harm, and probably rightly so.

Robinson is serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court over social media messages about a teenage migrant, which began in October

Asked whether losing his support would weaken Reform UK, he added: 'Not having Elon's support would damage us with that younger generation because he kind of makes us look cool, so I'm being frank about that and I am confident that whatever has been said, we can mend. I really think we can.'

'So the fact that I've stood up on a point of principle, even if in the short term its to my detriment, in the long run may even work in our favour.

'Of course I want his support, of course I will talk to him in America in a few days' time, of course I want to mend any broken fences that might exist. I'm sure we can do it.'

The Reform leader also said Musk's description of Home Office minister Jess Phillips as a 'rape genocide apologist' did not go 'beyond the line'.

The Reform UK leader said he did not 'concur' with the description.

But asked if he would address Mr Musk's comments about Ms Phillips when he met the billionaire, Mr Farage said: 'If he was inciting violence, then that would be going beyond the line at which free speech is acceptable.

'It's very, very strong language and it offends many, but then free speech should be able to offend many.'

Suggesting the language was chosen because Americans are 'horrified' by reports of child sexual exploitation in the UK, he added: 'You may find it offensive, I don't think it goes beyond the line.'
Oscar-winning Aussie director and actor Mel Gibson has reflected on how it felt to learn that he had lost almost everything when his $23.5million mansion burnt to the ground during the LA fires.

Gibson, 69, discovered his house had been consumed by fire while recording an episode on Joe Rogan's podcast on Friday and has since opened up to Fox host Laura Ingraham about the tragedy.

'These are things and they may or may not be replaceable but we're still here and I just kind of look at it in a weird kind of a way like a purification,' he told Fox News.

After learning that his house was about to be destroyed the actor said he rushed back to the Malibu mansion with his son to grab whatever they could before it all turned to ash.

He said the pair only escaped with their passports and a few other important documents while his artworks and books, some of which were from the 16th century and priceless, were destroyed in the flames.

'It reminds me of the old cattle barrons clearing people off the land. I don't know... it just seemed a little convenient that there was no water,' he said.

'The wind conditions and the fact that there were people ready, willing and able to start fires. And are they commissioned to do so or are they just acting on their own volition?'

At least 10 people have been killed as catastrophic fires rage through Los Angeles for a fourth straight day as police carry out a series of looting and arson arrests.

Mel Gibson, 69, has reflected on what it felt like to lose everything in the LA fires that ripped through Malibu on Friday

The actor was able to recover his family's passports and other important documents but everything else went up in flames (pictured, the remains of Gibson's $14.5m mansion)

Gibson said he felt at peace with losing his possessions but that he felt terrible for his neighbours who also had their homes burn down at the same time

Pictured are the charred remains of Mel Gibson's home in Malibu

As of Friday, over 10,000 structures have been burned down, with a total of 29,053 acres of land scorched in one of Los Angeles' most horrific disasters to date.

There are growing questions, including from Gibson himself, about why LA and California officials failed to prepare for the disaster when they had ample warning of encroaching wind.

Gibson said he knew his house was a goner after he was warned it was in the direct path of the fire but that it was still shocking to see the wreckage left behind.

'By and large everything is gone. When I went up there there yesterday it looked like Dresden after Bomber Harris got through with it. There's nothing left,' he said.

Gibson was referring to February, 1945, when British war planes destroyed the German city of Dresden over five hours in a bombing campaign towards the end of WWII.

'My son grabbed like three things and took off and those are okay, stuff like passports and a couple of papers... [but] its tragic, it makes you really sad,' he said.

'There's actually neighbours that I have and I was looking at them and I felt worse for them than I did for myself.

'I look at it as a strange mixture of sadness and almost kind of an elation in a sense. I just count my blessings... it is what it is I guess.'

His home and many of its surrounding structures were razed by the fire which claimed more than 10,000 other structures this week.

He had appeared for a three-hour sit-down with Rogan as the fires encroached upon his house but Gibson said he did not mind as the podcaster 'can put you at ease fairly well, so I was doing okay and I knew that my family was safe'.

Gibson had sat down for an appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast at the time his house was on fire

Pictured is Gibson's home before it was burnt down

The actor had lived at the property in Malibu for 14 years

Gibson also shared disturbing visions when he appeared on the The Joe Rogan Experience.

The actor-turned-filmmaker warned the controversial podcaster that society was heading toward a 'collapse' while discussing the fires that have devastated several neighborhoods around Greater Los Angeles and left other celebrities without homes.

'All those earmarks, the precursors of a collapse, theyre present in our time. It doesnt take long,' he said.

He also included plenty of criticism for California Governor Gavin Newsom for failing to 'take care of the forest and maintain the forest,' though the current fires all started in urban environments.

The actor said: 'I think Newsom said ''I'm gonna take care of the forest and maintain the forest and do all that kinda stuff'' - he didn't do anything.'

Rogan chimed in that he believes that the California Governor had put tax dollars toward supporting the homeless population instead of fire prevention.

The Passion Of The Christ director agreed with the host before joking: 'I think all our tax dollars probably went to Gavin's hair gel.'

Gibson and Rogan heavily criticised California Governor Gavin Newsom for his response to the fires

Apocalyptic fires tore through the ritzy enclave of Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, rapidly spreading to surrounding suburbs as a windstorm carried embers and debris in all directions.

Residents fled and then waited with bated breath to learn more about their homes, as news began trickling out that entire streets had been wiped off the map, firefighters were running out of water, and resources were being diverted to fight the fire on multiple fronts.

This came as Newsom was left fumbling for a response after he was chased down by a distraught Los Angeles mom demanding answers over the wildfires ravaging the city.

The California Governor apologized and claimed to be trying to reach the president on the phone when he was accosted by the emotional woman on Thursday.

It came as large swathes of the city remained engulfed by the flames which have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.

Governor Newsom has been copping it from all angles as of late and was cornered by a grieving mother who pressed him on how the fires had become so devastating

Newsom was unable to provide a concrete response about the recovery effort during the grilling, which lasted almost two, excruciating minutes.

On Thursday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tried to deflect criticism that fire hydrants rans dry by insisting they were filled, but simply were not designed to cope with a disaster of this scale.

Her comments came as the fires continued to burn for the third consecutive day, with the Pacific Palisades blaze becoming the most devastating in the county's history.

Almost 180,000 people are under evacuation orders, with hundreds of thousands still without power.
An off-duty police detective from Chicago has been found dead with a gunshot wound to the head in his home.

The 59-year-old man was found dead about midday on Friday inside the house on the 3900 block of West 104th Street in Mount Greenwood, Chicago.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office was yet to perform an autopsy to confirm the cause of death, and had not released his name.

Superintendent Larry Snelling announced his death in a message to officers, saying the detective worked out of Area 2 Division, which covers most of the South Side.

An off-duty Chicago police detective has been found dead with a gunshot wound to the head in his home

'I ask that you keep his family, loved ones and all those who worked alongside him in your thoughts as they process his unfathomable loss,' he wrote.

'Grief can weigh heavy on us as we try to understand the loss of a fellow CPD member.'

Snelling urged officers to make use of CPD's Employee Assistance Program and Chaplains Ministry if they needed it.

Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline, if you are in suicidal crisis or emotional distress
Weary Los Angeles locals have finally learned when they can return to their homes to inspect the damage caused by the city's worst fires in history.

Officials will begin reopening fire-ravaged neighborhoods to residents as of Thursday, after a red flag weather warning gripping Los Angeles for the next 72 hours eases.

It comes as burglars dressed as firefighters are among the thieves arrested as lawlessness in the city spirals during curfews and mandatory evacuation orders.

Looting is now running rampant as the flames continue to destroy homes across the City of Angels. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said the burglars claimed to be associated with a fire station, but a check with the department weeded them out.

Our live coverage has now ended but for a recap see below
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have made a surprise appearance at a food bank as they comforted victims and first responders amid the ongoing fires in LA.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been handing out food parcels to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Centre in Los Angeles, which is being used as an evacuation centre, on Friday.

The couple were spotted hugging Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which is distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency crews in the wake of the wildfires.

Meghan, who was dressed in a light blue shirt and blue baseball cap, and Harry, who donned a black baseball cap and black polo shirt, also took time to speak with the Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo.

The couple were keen to provide any support they could, according to the Mayor, saying they were 'great people' with 'great personalities'.

'They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl and people were very happy to see them,' the Mayor added.

The interaction was broadcast live on FOX LA, with news anchor Susan Hirasuna later being slammed online for describing Meghan as 'Princess Markle'. She also received criticism for saying Meghan was 'hanging out with the commoners'.

It comes after the couple opened the doors to their $29million mansion in Montecito, which is around 90 miles from LA, to their friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate the ongoing wildfires.

Meghan Markle was spotted comforting victims and first responders at an evacuation centre, on Friday amid the ongoing fires in LA

Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which is distributing meals to victims of the LA fires, was also seen meeting Meghan and Harry

Meghan Markle speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, center, and Doug Goodwin, who's home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle speak with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo

Speaking to FOX LA, Mayor Gordo said: 'They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as they can be and really they just want to be supportive.'

He added that the couple visited some of the burnt out houses in Pasadena and Altadena and spoke to those who had lost their homes.

'They took the time to meet the people who were affected and spend time. They are just very caring people who are very concerned for their friends and neighbours,' the Mayor said.

Ms Hirasuna then asked: 'I saw Meghan Markle stoop down and take the lid off of a plastic bin. Do they want to really get down and dirty?'

Mayor Gordo replied saying the couple 'were not here for publicity, they came out here to work'.

He said Harry and Meghan made an earlier appearance at the centre on the same day, during which they were 'anonymously' serving food to victims who were unable to recognise the pair with their masks on.

'We went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view firsthand some of the impacted area and then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and their neighbors,' the Mayor added.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California's First Partner, was also pictured speaking to the couple along with Chef Andres.

Meghan Markle, who was described as Princess Markle by a FOX LA anchor, was seen consoling victims of the wildfires at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday

Meghan is seen consolling Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, as they made an appearance at the Pasadena Convention Centre on Friday

Prince Harry was also spotted speaking to the Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo, who described the couple as 'great people' with 'great personalities'

Fox anchor Susan Hirasuna (pictured) was slammed online for describing Meghan as 'Princess Markle'

Earlier in the broadcast, Ms Hirasuna described Meghan as 'Princess Meghan', which led to some disgruntled viewers to criticise her reporting.

Many took to social media to point out her mistake, clarifying that Meghan is the Duchess of Sussex, rather than a Princess.

One person YouTube saying: 'Dear Ma'am, Markel is not a princess. She is a duchess and not allowed to use the title. Just FYI.'

Another commenter added: 'AGAIN SHES NOT A PRINCESS!!!', while a third wrote: 'Stop calling her Princess, that's not her title!'

Elsewhere on Instagram, users described the coverage as cringe, after Ms Hirasuna also said the couple was 'hanging out with the commoners'.

One person wrote: 'Absolute cringeworthy - the newscaster. Princess. Commoners. Geez.'

Another person added: 'I imagine Harry & Meghan are very moved by the deviation (sic) so close to home. The commentators coverage of this is extremely cringe.'

A third person also criticised Ms Hirasuna for making the 'rude remark'.

Prince Harry and Meghan live in this $29million mansion in Montecito, California (file photo)

Chef Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, visits a temporary shelter for the victims of the Southern California wildfires at the Pasadena Convention Center

Chef Andres, who was among those who spoke to Harry and Meghan, at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday

People affected by wildfires wait in line for food and aid at the Pasadena Convention Center

A Starbucks worker delivers coffee to a first responder outside a temporary shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center

Social Border Grill delivers fresh fruit as part of World Central Kitchen at a temporary shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center

Harry and Meghan have urged other Los Angeles residents to open up their homes for victims in a statement on their website, Sussex.com, as the wildfires continued to level celebrities' homes, leaving nothing but ash and rubble.

The couple urged: 'If a friend, loved one or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do.

'And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.'

'Please consider donating clothing, children's toys and clothing, and other essentials,' they said, noting the American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.

Harry and Meghan have already done so, according to The Telegraph, and are working with their staff from the Archewell Foundation to identify the most effective ways to support the community.

Donations have also been made to relief efforts through their foundation, which is also looking for opportunities to volunteer.

Thousands of firefighters have been attempting to contain the wind-driven fires in California which have so far killed 11 people, ravaged communities, and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their properties.

Blustery winds continue to whip across Los Angeles and could still ignite new fires, though they appear to have mellowed somewhat from their highs on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Flames from the Eaton fire in Altadena engulf a home as the huge blaze moves through the area

Flames engulf a structure as the Eaton Fire burns in Pasadena on January 7

Firefighters work to extinguish flames at a McDonald's in Pasadena on January 7

The ruins of many homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire are seen on January 10

Since the fire broke out in Pacific Palisades, new fires have started further east in Altadena, which forced major evacuations in nearby Pasadena on Tuesday night.

More fires broke out in the Hollywood hills on Wednesday, threatening heavily populated parts of Hollywood.

Stars including Adam Brody and Leighton Meester whose home was destroyed, along with Anna Faris' mansion.

John Goodman and Anthony Hopkins were left with nothing but rubble after their homes burned, and Billy Crystal and Eugene Levy also lost their houses.

Actor James Woods shared video of the approaching flames shortly before he evacuated ahead of the destruction of his house.

The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag saw their home destroyed in the wildfire, and Spencer was pictured looking somberly at the approaching flames before his family was forced to flee.

The Eaton Fire, which broke out just north of Pasedena, has been one of the most devastating, having claimed the lives of six people and burning more than 7,000 structures.
An Aussie fashion editor has described the 'unbelievable pain' of discovering her new family home was destroyed in the LA fires.

Sacha Strebe, her husband Troy and her son Neon lost everything when their house in Altadena, in the city's north-west, was reduced to rubble on Thursday morning.

All of their belongings were consumed in the blaze, including clothes and furniture.

Ms Strebe, who is originally from Cairns, Far North Queensland, uploaded a heartbreaking post to Instagram on Thursday following the destruction of her home.

'We woke up to the devastating news that our beloved home had burned down, along with our entire street, and all of Altadena,' she wrote.

'This has been the most debilitating day of my life. Im in shock, crying comes in waves, grief, deep despair, and unbelievable pain.'

Ms Strebe, who is the editorial director of lifestyle brand EyeSwoon, founded by interior designer Athena Calderone, said her family is safe.

She explained she drove to Arizona with her husband and son to stay with her husband's family before they returned to their home the next day.

Ms Strebe and her husband Troy spent two years building their dream home before moving into the property in June 2023

The family lost everything when their house in Altadena, in the city's north-west, was reduced to rubble on Thursday morning

Ms Strebe uploaded a video on Friday to show the extent of the destruction.

The clip showed the structure completely burned and flattened to the ground with parts of the damaged property scattered across the charred ground.

Small flames were seen burning from underneath the remains of the property.

'Our house. Its gone. I keep having flashbacks of our memories in this place,' Ms Strebe wrote.

'They feel so crystal clear, like Im just in a nightmare and Im going to wake up soon in my bed.

'But I wont ever wake up in this beautiful house again. I have moments of clarity and focus, then Im crying uncontrollably with an ache in my heart and unbearable pain for what weve lost but also the collective loss of our Altadena community.

'Every single business is gone. So many houses flattened.'

The family had only moved into the dream home in June 2023 after two years building it.

Ms Strebe is the editorial director of lifestyle brand EyeSwoon, founded by interior designer Athena Calderone

Before that they spent eight years renting a place in Silver Lake. Ms Strebe has been living in LA for more than a decade.

A close friend, Elizabeth Cruz Trujillo, set up a GoFundeMe page in an effort to provide much-needed financial support to the family and to help them find temporary accommodation.

'Theyve poured their heart and soul into building this new family home over the last two years,' Ms Trujillo wrote.

'Moving to this mountain home brought their family an ease and a deep sense of peace. It was their sanctuary and safe space.

'We humbly ask you to join us in our support of the Strebe family during this difficult time as they rebuild their lives in their beloved city.'

At least 11 people have been killed, including Aussie man Rory Callum Sykes, as catastrophic fires rage through Los Angeles into a fifth day and police carry out a series of looting and arson arrests.

As of Saturday, over 10,000 structures have been burned down, with a total of 29,053 acres of land scorched in one of Los Angeles' most horrific disasters to date.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has shared his fear that the vilification of Britain's Muslim community in response to grooming gangs has the potential to spark a UK version of the horrendous 2019 New Zealand mosque massacre.

Warning that both the British public and politicians should refrain from singling out 'entire communities' and 'tarring them with the same brush', the Labour politician also said he had 'no difficulties or qualms' in calling out the crimes of sexual abuse gangs in the UK.

Speaking to the Guardian, the Ilford North MP raised the potential consequences of 'irresponsible and coarse public discourse', referencing New Zealand's worst ever mass shooting which saw far-right extremist Brenton Tarrant shoot dead 51 people and injure a further 89 in 2019.

This atrocity took place across two mosques in the south island city of Christchurch, with Tarrant livestreaming his despicable acts online.

Investigations found white supremacist symbols inscribed on his weapons and ammunition, with one clip of bullets having 'For Rotherham' scrawled upon it - an apparent a reference to the child sex scandal uncovered in the English town.

There has been widespread outcry in recent weeks regarding Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's handling of the cases into grooming gangs during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions.

In the House of Commons, Conservatives accused Labour MPs of having 'turned a blind eye to justice' for victims of grooming gangs after their amendment to the Government's child protection Bill calling for another national inquiry was rejected.

Singling out Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, Mr Streeting said: 'If Kemi Badenoch is in any doubt whatsoever... look on the other side of the world, in Christchurch, New Zealand, where someone walked into a mosque and killed innocent Muslims stone cold dead'.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has shared his fears over the vilification of Britain's Muslim community in response to grooming gangs

Brenton Tarrant shot dead 51 people and injured 89 more when he attacked two Christchurch mosques in 2019

Investigations found white supremacist symbols inscribed on Tarrant's weapons and ammunition, with one clip of bullets having 'For Rotherham' scrawled upon it

The campaign against the Prime Minister has been primarily led online by X owner Elon Musk, with Mr Streeting admitting that the tech billionaire's increased involvement in political affairs around the globe highlights the increasing significance of technology such as social media in democracies.

'We've got to make sure that technology is harnessed for the common good, and we've got to make sure that it's governed by democratic principles.

'There is going to be a big global battle over this over the course of this century, as to whether it's democracy or tyranny that triumphs in this space', Mr Streeting said.

Musk has over the last number of weeks accused the Prime Minister of being 'complicit in the rape of Britain' over his record as a former Director of Public Prosecutions, and called safeguarding minister Jess Phillips a 'witch' and a 'rape genocide apologist'.

Mr Starmer has defended his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions though and claims he tackled child sexual abuse charges 'head-on'.

The Health Secretary's comments come the same week that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage demanded a probe into 'what extent were gangs of Pakistani men raping young white girls'.

Moreover, the Clacton MP yesterday announced that should the Government fail in launching a fresh inquiry into grooming gangs, that he himself would establish his own next month.

However, Richard Fewkes, the director of the NPCC's Hydrant programme targeting child sexual abuse, said there is no 'significant issue' with 'any particular ethnicity or setting'.

There has been widespread outcry in recent weeks regarding Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer 's handling of the cases into grooming gangs during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions

Elon Musk has over the last number of weeks accused the Prime Minister of being 'complicit in the rape of Britain' over his record as a former Director of Public Prosecutions

Nigel Farage yesterday announced that should the Government fail in launching a fresh inquiry into grooming gangs, that he himself would establish his own next month

New figures from the police database show that, where ethnicity data was available, 85% of 'group-based' child abusers were white in the first three quarters of 2024.

The same data for the whole of 2023 showed 83% of offenders were white.

'(The data) reflects what you would expect to see across the country in terms of ethnicity,' Mr Fewkes said.

'Offences where grooming gangs are involved are predominantly white.

'There is not a significant issue here with any particular ethnicity or setting'.
One of the illegally-released lynx captured in the Highlands has died, those caring for the animals have said.

The big cat was one of a second pair to be captured near the the Dell of Killiehuntly on Friday, a day after the first incident nearby.

Conservationists now believe that the four animals came from the same litter from their behaviour and that they could have been released at the same time, despite the first pair being captured the previous day.

The lynx were baited into humane traps before being taken to the Highland Wildlife Park.

Dr Helen Senn, head of conservation at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) said: 'After extensive efforts to capture these animals safely and humanely, we were very sad to discover that one of them has died overnight.

'We do not yet know the circumstances behind its death but will be carrying out a post-mortem (examination) to try to establish what happened.

'Whatever the case, this unfortunate development just serves to further demonstrate the folly of abandoning these amazing animals in the wild, with no preparation or real concern for their welfare.

'We can only imagine the stress that all four of the recovered lynx must have experienced after being thrust into an entirely new and extremely harsh environment to fend for themselves.'

A CCTV screenshot of the second pair of lynx, pictured early on Friday morning

The lynx were baited into humane traps before being taken to the Highland Wildlife Park

Police are searching for answers after the four animals, who were on the loose in the Cairngorms National Park, were captured in the area in recent days, amid speculation 'rogue rewilding' could be to blame for their release.

The surviving lynx from the latest pair is now being taken to Edinburgh Zoo to join the others for a period of quarantine.

Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life which is a member of the Lynx to Scotland partnership, said: 'We await the post mortem results, but the tragic death of one of these beautiful, charismatic animals shows why illegal animal abandonment like this is so irresponsible and wrong.

'We hope the other three lynx are safe and well following the superb efforts of experts in trapping them so rapidly.

'This sorry saga is a reminder why an official future reintroduction of lynx to the Highlands must be properly managed with habitat assessments, public consultation, and a government licence.

'This would be a huge win for Scotland in the fight against extinction, and allow it to join other European nations in benefiting from the return of these stunning, shy animals which are a vital missing part of our ecosystems.'

Experts from the RZSS confirmed the second pair of 'deliberately abandoned' lynx had been captured at 6.30pm on Friday, just hours after another pair were safely caught in baited traps in the same area.

They were caught on a wildlife camera left out from the previous night and were seen tentatively inspecting one of the unbaited traps left 'on the off chance there were more' as they struggled through the thick blanket of snow in the early hours.

Experts from the RZSS confirmed the second pair of 'deliberately abandoned' lynx had been captured at 6.30pm on Friday

The first pair of were spotted on Wednesday afternoon around two miles from a wildlife park in the Drumguish area, near to Kingussie

One of the two lynx, which were successfully captured in the Cairngorms National Park earlier this week

On Saturday, The Scotsman reported that some conservationists believe a 'frustrated activist' who wants to see the lynx returned to Scotland may be responsible for the release.

David Field, chief executive of RZSS, said the lynx is 'wonderfully full of character' as an animal but should still be considered as a wild cat.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Sadly there are rogue rewilders out there who bypass all the established international best practice and bypass all professional organisations which are discussing lynx coming back to Scotland.

'They are impatient and then proceed in a way which is this rebellious rogue rewilding. That's really sad and that's a real, real risk.'

He stressed it could also simply be the abandonment of animals which someone no longer wished to look after.

The first pair, named the Killiehuntly Two, were caught on Thursday after trail cameras were set up near baited traps and the RSZZ remains of the opinion 'that they definitely wouldn't survive in such harsh conditions'.

They are now in the care of specialist staff at Edinburgh Zoo, where they will remain in quarantine for the next month.

It was originally believed that they had escaped from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Highland Wildlife Park, which does have lynx.

David Field, chief executive of RZSS, said the lynx is 'wonderfully full of character' as an animal but should still be considered as a wild cat

Staff at the Highland Wildlife Park inspect one of the captured Lynx before it is transferred to Edinburgh Zoo

There have been calls for lynx to be returned to the Scottish countryside in a rewilding trial

But both police and the park confirmed on Wednesday night that they were not from the attraction and instead are thought to have been set loose illegally.

The latest pair will also be transported south to be assessed for their health and wellbeing.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority said it was treating the sighting of the wild cats as a 'suspected illegal release'.

The RZSS has said the captured lynx are tame and are used to humans.

Lynx, which can be roughly the size of a labrador, are usually shy and solitary creatures and attacks on humans are virtually unheard of.

Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands Edward Mountain said the second capture of lynx 'would suggest a concerted approach to illegally reintroduce lynx'.

He said: 'These animals cannot magically appear, and the authorities should be tackling this wildlife crime with an absolute focus of finding out who is responsible.'

RSZZ claimed the illegal release of the animals was 'reckless ' as they were 'quite tame' and 'habituated to humans' so would have been unable to fend for themselves.

Enquiries are going on now to establish where the animals did in fact originate from

But Highland Council, and nearby Moray and Aberdeenshire councils, confirmed no licences for lynx under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act have been issued. All 13 other councils which responded also confirmed there were no licences issued to keep the animals.

Experts estimate the first pair were released 'no more than 24 hours' before their capture and say if the second pair are part of the same group they may have been released around the same time.

While they do not believe there are any more lynx that have been released, the RSZZ source said: 'We can never rule it out'.

Police Scotland Inspector Craig Johnstone said officers were working with specially trained personnel to capture the animals 'safely and humanely' and that enquiries were continuing 'to establish the full circumstances of both sightings'

Lynx became extinct in the UK around 1,000 years ago and there are now calls for them to be reintroduced into the wild.

Police Scotland said inquiries into how the lynx ended up in the area are continuing, and officers and wildlife experts will continue to examine the area where the animals were found.

Earlier this week Peter Cairns, director of one of the charities involved, condemned the illegal release.

He added: 'The Lynx to Scotland project is working to secure the return of lynx to the Scottish Highlands, but irresponsible and illegal releases such as this are simply counter-productive.'

One of the two Lynx, which were successfully captured in the Cairngorms National Park on Thursday, exploring their new home

The first pair, named the Killiehuntly Two, were caught on Thursday after trail cameras were set up near baited trapsear to Kingussie

NatureScot, which is responsible for the management and conservations of wild animals in Scotland, described the illegal release as 'completely unacceptable'.

A spokesman said: 'Reintroduction projects are often complex and need careful consideration and planning to ensure national and international best practice guidelines are met.

'Any proposed lynx reintroduction would require a significant amount of consultation, as well as evidence to assess the risks and benefits associated.'

There have been calls for lynx to be returned to the Scottish countryside in a rewilding trial - a move opposed by farming groups including NFU Scotland.

The case for reintroducing lynx to Scotland was discussed in the Scottish Parliament for the first time in 2023.

In 2021 a group of charities launched a consultation on assessing people's views about the potential of reintroducing Eurasian lynx to Scotland.

The predator could help control booming numbers of roe deer, supporters of the plan have argued.

The Labrador-sized Eurasian lynx was once native to Scotland but was driven to extinction some 500-1000 years ago through hunting and habitat loss.

It has since been reintroduced back in several parts of Europe, including in areas used for farming, hunting, forestry and tourism.
One of the captured lynx illegally released into the Highlands has died it was revealed yesterday.

It was one of a second pair of the animals captured within a week after police reports they had been seen in the countryside at Dell of Killiehuntly near Kingussie.

The news of the death came as speculation grew over rogue rewilders possibly being behind the illegal release.

TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham said the actions of the individual or individuals behind the illegal release go against everything people who are serious about reintroduction are trying to do.

These animals need to be strictly monitored, scientifically controlled and, in the case of the lynx, it needs to be done in close consultation with the communities involved.

This goes against everything we are trying to do. We are all disappointed this has happened.

Mr Packham said that he can understand the frustration many who want reintroduction feel about the barriers that exist to such moves in the UK but added that is no excuse for releasing the animals illegally.

He added: Im really cross about it; it does not serve our purposes.

Two more lynx were captured in the Highlands

One of the two lynx, which were successfully captured in the Cairngorms National Park earlier this week

Police are searching for answers after the second pair of lynx were captured on Friday in humane traps, a day after the first incident nearby.

Dr Helen Senn, head of conservation at the Royal Zoological Society Scotland RZSS, said: After extensive efforts to capture these animals safely and humanely, we were very sad to discover that one of them has died overnight. We do not yet know the circumstances behind its death but will be carrying out a postmortem to try to establish what happened.

This unfortunate development serves to further demonstrate the folly of abandoning these amazing animals in the wild, with no preparation or real concern for their welfare.

We can only imagine the stress that all four of the recovered lynx must have experienced after being thrust into an entirely new and extremely harsh environment to fend for themselves.

All four lynx, who are shy, solitary animals in the wild and not dangerous to humans, appeared tame and showed little sign of being able to survive on their own.

David Barclay, ex-situ conservation manager for the RZSS who led the hunt for the lynx, was furious about their illegal release in deep snow in temperatures below -5C.

Were not sure of the motive behind whoever released these animals but they were released on the coldest night of the year. It appears from their behaviour that these are certainly captive animals, very habituated to people and not in any way ready for this. Its abhorrent what has happened here and against all international good practice.

While rewilding campaigners have long wanted to bring lynx back to Scotland with the Cairngorms and Argyll previously identified as possible locations, there is no suggestion they are responsible for this weeks release. Lynx to Scotland, a three-charity partnership working to restore lynx to the Scottish Highlands, insisted illegal releases only harmed their cause.

Wildlife expert, Chris Packham, has raised concerns about how the animals were released

Dr Helen Senn, head of conservation for RZSS based at the Highland Wildlife Park



Peter Cairns, Executive Director of Scotland: The Big Picture, said: Irresponsible and illegal releases such as this are simply counter-productive.

Steve Micklewright, Chief Executive of Trees for Life which is also member of the partnership, said: The tragic death of one of these beautiful, charismatic animals shows why illegal animal abandonment is so irresponsible and wrong. This sorry saga is a reminder why an official future reintroduction of lynx to the Highlands must be properly managed.

RZSS conservationists were unable to rule out the possibility more lynx have been released.

Were continuing to monitor the release site. Its important for us to keep that possibility open but at the moment we have no indication there are any additional animals out there, said Dr Senn.

We wholeheartedly condemn this kind of action because its extremely compromising to the welfare of animals. The situation were in illustrates that very clearly. Good reintroduction should be done with community consultation and scientific groundwork for both the benefit of ecology and the welfare of animals.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: We continue to ask people not to travel to the area. Further enquiries will remain ongoing in the woods, involving officers and specialist animal experts.

Investigators believe the four lynx could have been released at the same time, with the second pair escaping initial detection by the RSZZs network of wildlife cameras.

By their behaviour, we believe they are all from the same litter or at least related. All four are of a similar age and are young Eurasian lynx, said Mr Barclay.

The search was carried out by RZSS experts, the local community, landowners, farmers, Cairngorm rangers, and Police Scotland.

Id like to say a massive thank you to the local community who have been amazing, rallying around at short notice and supporting the team through extremely challenging conditions, added Dr Senn.

The surviving lynx was taken to the Highland Wildlife Park before being moved to Edinburgh Zoo to quarantine for 30 days where it will join the first pair.
Los Angeles has now been struck by a fire tornado as the Palisades blaze continues to spread across LA county.

The disaster has already claimed the lives of at least 11 people and destroyed more than 10,000 structures.

On Friday night, LA county was still battling at least six major fires.

Recently-released footage now shows how a fire tornado has formed as flames edge closer into the city's San Fernando Valley.

A fire tornado is a rare phenomenon that occurs when a fire and turbulent winds create a spinning column of fire, ash and smoke.

They are likely to occur during a wild fire due to intense heat rising quickly.

The video shows the fire tornado swirling as flames spread toward Mulholland Drive in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Los Angeles has now been struck by a fire tornado as the Palisades blaze continues to spread across LA county

A fire tornado is a rare phenomenon that occurs when a fire and turbulent winds create a spinning column of fire, ash and smoke

It comes as a new evacuation was put in place last night for several more LA residents as the Palisades Fire spread east and reached the glitzy of Brentwood.

LA County spokesman Jesus Ruiz said the latest blaze was a 'significant development' as firefighters rushed to stop the inferno from spreading further.

The fires have claimed the lives of at least 11 people and have burned more than 37,000 acres of land so far, with hellish flames destroying 12,000 structures and displacing tens of thousands of residents.

President Joe Biden last night warned that the death toll was likely to rise.

According to state authority Cal Fire, there are at least six fires currently burning, with the Palisades fire being the largest.

LA County Public Health issued a public health order, stating that the fires had 'severely degraded air quality...posing immediate and long-term risks to public health'.

People have been advised to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, use air conditioners to recirculate and filter the air, and to wear a mask if going outdoors.

Since the flames erupted in and around the city, scores of residents have today returned to their still smouldering neighbourhoods even as the threat of new fires persisted.

Footage shows the fire tornado swirling as flames spread toward Mulholland Drive in the Santa Monica Mountains

Firefighters mop up hot spots near the major communications towers on Mount Wilson, as the Eaton Fire continues to burn on January 9, 2025 near Altadena, California

Firefighters work to extinguish flames at a McDonald's in Pasadena on January 7

The ruins of many homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire are seen on January 10

Flames from the Eaton fire in Altadena engulf a home as the huge blaze moves through the area

Local residents give away food, clothing, personal items and water to assist anyone affected by the Eaton Fire yesterday

A County Firefighters assess spot fires from the Kenneth Fire Kenneth Fire in West Hills

A view of the burned auditorium at the Eliot Arts Magnet Academy that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on January 10, 2025 in Altadena, California

A firefighting aircraft drops the fire retardant Phos-Chek near homes during the Palisades Fire

For some, it was a first look at the staggering reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the gargantuan challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.

Calmer winds enabled firefighters to start gaining some control of the biggest blazes in metropolitan LA on Friday, before gusty weather returns over the weekend to an area that has not seen rain for more than eight months.

The government has not yet released figures on the cost of the damage, but private firms have estimated it will climb into the tens of billions.

The scale of the devastation has prompted locals to demand answers from officials, amid reports that fire hydrants in some of the worst hit areas ran dry.

Some of Hollywood's biggest names have seen their beloved homes razed in the devastating wildfires that have swept through LA this week.

Anthony Hopkins, Miles Teller and Anna Faris are just a few of the many stars whose stunning mansions have been reduced to ash and rubble.

The Kardashians have also all evacuated their Hidden Hills and Calabasas mansions as the apocalyptic Kenneth Fire threatened to rip through the desirable neighbourhoods.

It also comes amid reports that a British-born former child actor was tragically killed in the devastating LA fires.

Rory Callum Skye, 32, was left trapped inside a self-contained cottage in Malibu after it went up in flames, The Sun reported.

Skye's death was confirmed by his mother Shelley, who explained how she tried to put out the sparks that had landed on the roof of the 17-acre property.

Pope Francis today prayed for victims and rescuers trying to contain the California wildfires, the Vatican said.

His Holiness Pope Francis assures you and the community affected by this tragedy of his spiritual closeness,' said a statement sent on the pope's behalf to the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Jose H. Gomez.

Expressing 'heartfelt condolences for those who mourn their loss,' Francis also offered prayers 'for the relief efforts of emergency services personnel' and imparted 'his blessing to all as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord.'

Los Angeles is home to the largest Catholic community in the United States, according to the LA Catholics website.